Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Lt. Governor Talauega E. V. Ale and the American Samoa delegation to the Pacific Community (SPC) extended a warm welcome to American Samoa students from Pacific Theological College, Fiji National University, and Pacific Regional Seminary, strengthening ties within the Pacific educational community.
The gathering, hosted by the delegation, provided a platform for students to exchange perspectives, share experiences, and deepen their understanding of the connections and traditions that characterize the Pacific region, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and cooperation in addressing shared concerns.
The Lt. Governor commended the students for their dedication to academic pursuits and encouraged them to become ambassadors of goodwill, advocating for positive change within their respective communities.
The American Samoa delegation's initiative to host students from Pacific educational institutions underscores its commitment to nurturing future leaders and promoting cross-cultural understanding within the Pacific region.
American Samoa’s mission of uniting the Blue Pacific family under the Pacific Islands Forum, reflects not only a desire for harmonious coexistence but also fosters an environment of mutual respect, understanding, and collaboration, and paves the way for a more equitable and prosperous future for all Pacific island nations.
“When we heed the call to unite as one Pacific family, bound by a common purpose and shared destiny, we honor the legacy of our ancestors and lay the foundation for a brighter, more interconnected future for generations to come,” a government press release said.
AMALGAMATED TELECOM HOLDING TEAM
Earlier the American Samoa delegation took advantage of being in Fiji and met with the Amalgamated Telecom Holding (ATH) team.
Discussions centered around improving internet connectivity and resilience in the Pacific region, with emphasis placed on proactively addressing needs before they become an issue. Lt Governor Talauega E.V. Ale commended ATH’s commitment to advancing telecommunications infrastructure and connectivity in the Pacific.
Earlier in the day, the delegation participated in a range of meetings aimed at fostering regional cooperation, and providing more transparency when engaging with key stakeholders.
A meeting with the Deputy Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), Mr. Esala Nayasi, aimed at advancing American Samoa's application for Associate Membership into the Pacific Islands Forum, with the intention of becoming full members in the future.
Held at the PIFS headquarters in Suva, the meeting provided an opportunity for the delegation to reiterate the merits of American Samoa and to secure key insights into the application processes.
Highlighting the significance of American Samoa's application, Lt. Gov. Talauega underscored the territory's commitment to ensuring due process and compliance with the established criteria for membership consideration.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both parties reaffirming their commitment to ongoing dialogue and collaboration. As part of the PIF’s application process, an on-the-ground visit to American Samoa is forthcoming that would allow for a thorough review of American Samoa's application for the upcoming PIF meeting scheduled to take place in August.
The Lt. Governor extended gratitude to Deputy Secretary General Nayasi and the PIFS team for their assistance and guidance, expressing optimism for the future of American Samoa's engagement within the region.
The American Samoa Delegation includes:
Chief of Staff Loa Tuimavave T. Laupola, Office of the Governor
Director Lefega Faamao Asalele, ASEPA
Director Taotasi Archie Soliai, DMWR
Dr. Elisapeta Lauvao, Department of Public Health
CEO Wallon Young, ASPA
Tapaau Dr. Dan Aga, AS Political Matters
Deputy Chief Legal Counsel Terry VanEaton, Office of the Governor
Comments
Sorted by BestComments are powered by Disqus. By commenting, you agree to their privacy policy.
Powered by Disqus