The territory takes a pause to pay respects and bid farewell to former Governor Lolo Letalu Matalasi Moliga in a state funeral this afternoon.
Held at the Ua Taunuu Church at Kananafou at 1pm., the service will be led by the Chairman of the Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa, Rev Elder Fa’aetete Saifoloi.
A Senate Concurrent Resolution honoring the life and service of the former governor to the government and territory, will be read and presented during the service.
The resolution describes the former Governor as a devoted public servant, educator, legislator, administrator and traditional leader whose life reflected an unwavering commitment to the people of American Samoa.
He began his public service career as a teacher at Manu’a High School, then became Principal of Laulii Elementary, Vice Principal of Samoana High School and secondary administrator in the Department of Education. He was also a Chief Procurement Officer, Director of Program Planning and Budget, member of the House of Representatives, President of the Senate and President of the Development Bank of American Samoa before being elected as Governor of American Samoa for two terms from 2013 to 2021.
In the outbreak of Covid-19 in early 2020, “Governor Lolo made one of the most agonizing decisions of his tenure”, which was to close the territory’s borders in order to keep Covid out.
The Fono resolution lists many significant achievements that the late Governor spearheaded successfully for the territory, including increased Medicaid funding, the establishment of the Territorial Bank of American Samoa, the Hawaiki Submarine Cable project, expanded scholarship opportunities, including the LBJ scholarship program to the Fiji School of Medicine and construction of new school buildings and gymnasiums. Governor Lolo is also credited for negotiating a consent decree which resulted in StarKist paying $2.6 million out of a total settlement of $6.5 million for violations of the American Samoa Environmental Quality Act.
He also established the Office of Political Status, Constitutional Review and Federal Relations. “Although the 2022 Constitutional Convention took place shortly after he left office, much of the groundwork and momentum for constitutional modernization had been fostered during his administration,” says the measure.
Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean is to deliver remarks on behalf of the Fono.
First Lady Cynthia Malala Moliga is on the program to present a eulogy and Governor Pula’ali’i Nikolao Pula will also pay tribute to the former Governor.
Hymns for the state service will be provided by students of the Kananafou Theological Seminary, the Pago Pago Catholic Parish Choir and the Amerika Samoa Choir.
All three branches of government will be in attendance along with church leaders and members of the business community.
Samoa Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt will also be attending. Yesterday Governor Pulaalii issued a memo for early release of ASG employees today in observance of the celebration of life of the former Governor. All employees who are not required to perform essential services shall be excused from work beginning at 11 am. All government offices will be closed and normal operations will be suspended at 1 am and resume at normal business hours Wednesday. However the Department of Education is exempted to ensure school instruction days are met.
