Talofa lava to members of the American Samoa Government Employees Retirement Fund,
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once reminded us, “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”
Throughout his life’s work, Dr. King also warned that the greatest tragedy is not injustice itself, but the silence of good people in the face of it. These words speak not to anger, but to conscience.
I write today in my personal capacity, as someone who has for many years written publicly about retirement security, governance, and the long-term wellbeing of ASGERF members.
On January 10, the ASGERF Members Association (AMA) held its first general membership meeting, with close to 50 retirees, active members, and beneficiaries in attendance. That meeting marked an important milestone. It showed that members care deeply about the Fund and are willing to come together peacefully and constructively to learn, to listen, and to participate.
Recent public reporting shows that unpaid contributions owed to the Retirement Fund have continued to grow, now exceeding $21 million. These figures understandably raise concern among members who depend on the Fund for long-term retirement security.
At the same time, the Fund’s annual board meeting—one of the few opportunities each year for members to hear directly from service providers and leadership—continues to be held off-island, making meaningful member attendance difficult.
I mention these facts not to accuse, but to explain why organized participation matters. When decisions and discussions affecting the Fund take place far from the membership, the importance of informed, collective engagement becomes even clearer.
The formation of AMA provides a lawful, constructive forum for members to stay informed, ask questions, learn together, and engage respectfully on matters that affect their retirement security. As AMA moves forward, it is important—both for its credibility and for its independence—that it develops its own voice, tone, and leadership.
Consistent with the intent from the very beginning of this effort, I am stepping back from any advisory or leadership role in AMA. I will remain a member, but in a passive capacity. Future communications about AMA’s activities, positions, and priorities should, and will, come directly from AMA’s elected leadership.
Joining AMA is voluntary. So is attending its meetings. But participation is one of the ways members ensure that their voices are present and heard.
This is not about personalities or politics. It is about stewardship, continuity, and responsibility to one another.
Dr. King also gave us this enduring assurance: “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”
That arc bends only when people of goodwill choose to participate, organize, and speak with care and purpose.
Fa‘afetai for your service, your time, and your continued care for the future we share.
With respect,
Fuiavailili Keniseli Lafaele
