As of this morning, close to 700 people had signed a petition calling for the establishment of an office of the Federal Bureau of Investigations in the territory. It’s being spearheaded by Nuuuli resident Feo Lagafuaina.
She states, “With meth, corruption, waste, and abuse plaguing our government and our island we need a solution. American Samoa is the only U.S. territory without an FBI office. That has left us vulnerable. We must have a permanent FBI presence to ensure protection and safety.”
Lagafuaina said in an interview with KHJ News, the presence of an FBI Office in the territory can help combat drug trafficking, cybercrime and protect the territory ‘s security from the growing Chinese presence in neighboring islands.
“The FBI possesses specialized resources and investigative tools that can be instrumental in solving complex cases,” she pointed out. “Having a local office can expedite the response time and availability of these resources, aiding investigations and potentially leading to more successful outcomes. DPS would benefit directly from the presence of the FBI.”
Lagafuaina began circulating her petition on change.org and on Facebook over the weekend. She said it’s directed to people who have experienced injustice and those who are tired of the corruption.
“I believe most of our people on island and off island accept that corruption exists. A very few have spoken out against it while many have remained silent because they are afraid of the backlash,” she said. “That’s why we need to be encouraging to whistleblowers and those who speak up for justice and change. We have to empower our people to speak up against corruption and wrongdoing now, otherwise our children will grow up in an unsafe corrupted environment.”
The FBI did open a satellite office at the Pago Plaza in 2006, but closed it in 2012 because of budget constraints.
Lagafuaina said the petition isn’t going to guarantee the FBI will open an office here. But adds, “I can guarantee you that we will do the work needed to ensure our voices will be heard by the FBI, its oversight committee and Congress.”
She said, “Let’s stay encouraged, pray for a positive outcome and, most importantly, let’s pray for our Leaders and the people of American Samoa.”
Here’s the link to Lagafuaina’s petition:
