A total of $300,000 tālā has been returned to Samoa’s Treasury coffers after the return of the official delegation to the opening of American Samoa‘s new Maota Fono.
The announcement was made during Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt’s press conference on Wednesday.
Close to 70 police officers, cabinet ministers, associate ministers, and other officials travelled here as part of the official entourage.
The Samoa Observer reports that the Prime Minister confirmed that about $250,000 tālā from Treasury was used to finance the delegation’s transport and provide the official fa’aoso and customary gifts and supplies, including the police band and other logistics.
He said they returned with $300,000 tala, and that money has been put back into the Treasury.
Laauli said that the contributions from the cultural presentations and ceremonial obligations were shared among cabinet members, the Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) political party, and members of the travelling delegation.
He said cabinet ministers also contributed “personal” funds in addition to government allocations.
The PM also released a breakdown of funds donated to various organizations and community groups—such as the Mapuifagalele Home of the Aged, Carmelite Sisters, and Samoa Victims Support Group—from the funds received from American Samoa, totaling $31,000.
He added that some funds, which were not disclosed in his press conference, were given to members of the delegation, including the police band.
Laauli said funds were also allocated for Opposition Leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and former PM Fiame Naomi Mataafa.
