Afamasaga Dr. Talifa continues to defend his reputation

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The ‘war of words’ isn’t letting up between American Samoa Medical Center Authority Board of Director Afamasaga Dr. Talifa Talifa Jr. and the governor’s office legal counsel Barry Pfundt.

In a letter dated Oct, 23, 2025, Afamasaga Dr. Talifa respectfully disagreed “with both the premise and substance” of Mr. Pfundt’s earlier letter in which he wrote, “Respectfully, the fact remains that you are no longer on the Board of Directors.”

The doctor wrote that at no point was he presented with verifiable evidence or documentation substantiating any of the alleged causes cited under items A through D referenced in the letter. “Your letter's reference to ‘chronic deficiencies,’ ‘excessive payments,’ and ‘interference’ are serious assertions that bear directly on my integrity and professional reputation.”

Additionally, he called for full disclosure of all records, reports, and communications forming the basis of these allegations, including any correspondence, financial records, or audit findings that may have influenced the Governor's decision. In the absence of such documentation, these claims must be considered unsubstantiated and injurious to my reputation, he said in the letter and announced that he is seeking legal counsel.

“I am currently seeking independent legal counsel to evaluate the legality of my removal under the applicable provisions of the American Samoa Code Annotated and any relevant administrative law. Unless and until valid evidence and proper process are provided, I must consider my board appointment as continuing in full force and my removal procedurally invalid.”

Afamasaga Dr. Talifa ended the letter saying, “I have served the people of American Samoa and the ASMCA with transparency, accountability, and good faith” and then called for all communications “be conducted with the highest degree of professionalism and respect for the principles of due process.

 “I look forward to your prompt written response.”

BACKGROUND

The Governor’s Legal Counsel, Chief Legal Counsel Pfundt, had outlined allegations that led to the Governor’s decision to remove Afamasaga from the LBJ hospital board in a dated October 15, 2025.  The letter references Afamasaga's refusal to resign from the hospital board. 

Pfundt stated that the Governor received Dr. Talifa’s memorandum, dated October 9, 2025, concerning his removal for cause from the American Samoa Medical Center Authority Board of Directors.

“Respectfully, the fact remains that you are no longer on the Board of Directors,” stated Pfundt. He urged Afamasaga to retain legal counsel and discuss the potential impact of bringing legal action in this matter. 

“A case challenging your removal may expose you to liability far beyond the loss of your seat on this board.  “Cause includes, but is not limited to:

“A. Chronic and continuing deficiencies identified by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services specific to the Governing Body of ASMCA LBJTMC;

“B. Receiving payment of sums for Board participation far exceeding the statutory limit;

“C. Interference with hiring practices executed by appropriate A.SMCA officials/staft;

“D. Interference with procurements executed by appropriate ASMCA officials/ staff,” stated the letter. 

Pfundt further pointed out that the Governor wished to shield him from the “embarrassment of disclosing specifics,” and that is why these details were left out of the letter removing him from the board.