Senators have given their blessings to the director nominee for the Department of Health, Dr. Saipale Fuimaono. Senators voted 16-0 to confirm him on Wednesday. There were no questions asked of the nominee.
Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean said Dr. Fuimaono was a son of their village, Pago Pago, and he was grateful that the Governor has selected him to serve in his cabinet. The Senate leader referenced the words of Senator Muagututi’a Tauoa, that this was the time for the children of American Samoa to take leadership positions and build the government. He said, “As for us our time is near for that journey of no return from this earth.” Tuaolo appealed to senators to approve Dr. Fuimaono’s nomination.
Senator Muagututia added that they should show their love for children of the territory, and give their blessings to Dr. Fuimaono. He said the Department of Health was in good stead, and community health centers are operating well. Muagututi’a moved that the nominee be excused while they vote by a show of hands, not by secret ballot, on his confirmation.
Senator Magalei Logovii, before moving to second Muagututia’s motion to excuse the nominee, told Dr. Fuimaono about a technical assistance grant for the Department of Health which can be used to purchase an ambulance. The same grant could be used to buy a fire truck.
Dr. Fuimaono expressed his gratitude to senators for having confidence in him to lead the Department of health. He said he had come prepared to answer any questions and was at a loss for words to receive the senators blessings.
During the Senate session, senators voted unanimously to confirm Dr. Fuimaono by a vote of 16-0. Dr. Fuimaono faces a confirmation hearing in the House Thursday, February 6.
Dr. Fuimaono has a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery from the Fiji School of Medicine, a Master of Arts in Teaching Biology from Notre Dame De Namur University, Belmont, California and a Bachelor of Science also from Notre Dame De Namur University.
He has worked at the department of health since 2006 holding various positions. Since 2012, he has been the Clinical Director of the Community Health Centers.
