Governor off-island, no “Delegation of Authority” memo has been issued

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The situation regarding the acting gubernatorial leadership remains uncertain following Governor Pulaaliʻi Nikolao Pula's departure from the territory last week. A general memorandum is usually issued by the sitting governor officially designating who will be Acting Governor — have the authority to act in his stead — in his absence.

Normally, the Lieutenant Governor is designated as ‘Acting’ governor, if he is on island. However, despite several general memoranda issued in December through the Governor’s Office — outlining the “delegation of authority” of leadership for a department to a specific person while the director or Cabinet member is off-island, there is no official communication specifying who assumes the governor's responsibilities, while he is off-island. How long, with specific dates is an integral part of such a memo.

This absence of clarity could lead to confusion regarding decision-making and governance during this period without the governor's presence.

Last week the governor did issue a memo delegating to his Chief of Staff Leonard Seumanutafa the responsibility for all hiring decisions and personnel actions, including promotions, pay adjustments, and transfers. 

He noted that his Chief Of Staff will have his signatory powers for these actions. However, the Governor's approval is still required for hiring decisions and personnel actions involving Cabinet and Deputy Cabinet members.

Samoa News has made multiple attempts to secure official comments regarding the governor's absence from the territory, but has not received any response.

Staff members at the governor's office have confirmed that the governor is currently overseas, having departed last Tuesday.

The circumstances surrounding the trip and its duration remain unclear, leaving many residents curious about the impact of this absence on local governance.