Faimealelei Allen unanimously approved to serve on Medical Authority board

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Faipule Faimealelei Anthony Allen was unanimously approved to serve on the American Samoa Medical Authority Board of Directors by Senators this week in a vote of 11 yays.

During the hearing, which was headed by vice chair of the hospital board, Tuiagamoa Tavai there were no questions posed to Faimealelei, however the Senators who regard themselves as “fathers of territory” advised him to carry out his duties as a director — with utmost honesty.

Tuiagamoa also commended Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga for appointing Faimealelei who previously served on the LBJ board and has vast knowledge of healthcare matters. He is certain that Faimealelei is ready to serve as a board director.

Faimealelei thanked the Senators for their faith and trust in him.

Adding that he will not be scared to do what is right as a board director as he has the backing of the Legislature.

A retired veteran, Faimealelei served in the LBJ board under the previous administration. In his recommendation letter to the Fono on the nomination of Faimealelei; Governor Lemanu says following appointment of Moefa’auo Bill Emmsley from the American Samoa Medical Center Board of Directors as CEO, there is a vacancy seat.

The term for Faimealelei is for two years and is to expire on April 10, 2026.

“I believe that Representative Allen’s years of experience public administration will be an asset to the Board of Directors.

“I urge you and your colleagues to review and confirm the nomination of the Honorable Representative Faimealelei Anthony Allen to the American Samoa Medical Center Board of Directors,” the governor wrote.

Last month Faimealelei demanded the LBJ hospital board meet as there are “pertinent issues that require an explanation.”

As reported earlier, he was complaining that he was excluded by the board from its meetings, at that time.

According to Faimealelei, one of the mandates for the Board is the appointment of the hospital’s top positions, the CEO, Chief Financial Officer and the Chief Medical Officer.

 “However, I was shocked when I learned the Board had appointed a committee to oversee the hiring process for the CFO. Under whose authority can that Board do that and if they are delegating their mandates, what are they doing?” asked Faimealelei.

He hopes the move is not “illegal” in any case, as it would result in an invalid appointment, he believes.