Lemanu meets virtually with OIA Asst Sec nominee; provides briefing

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga met via zoom this week with the U.S.  Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia, Carmen G. Cantor, who was recently nominated to serve as the Assistant Secretary of Insular and International Affairs at the Department of the Interior

Gov Lemanu highlighted three major issues American Samoa is facing that is also common in other Insular Areas. “The needs of our Territory are very much similar to Puerto Rico and other islands. You have an understanding of Climate Change and the issues we face considering our remote locations,” Governor Lemanu stated. He continued, “Another challenge is Health Care. American Samoa citizens travel abroad to seek medical care because it cannot be provided locally. We have one hospital, and are currently planning to build another with the hopes to provide the sufficient services our people need so they do not have to leave the island.”

The third issue discussed — which threatens the Pacific Island Region was China.  “We are concerned with China’s influence in the Pacific, this includes non-US island nations. Chinese companies have established strong diplomatic, trade and investment ties in some of our neighboring islands; the economic impact this may have in the Pacific region is a concern we should address.”

After earlier congratulating her on the nomination, in his closing statement, Lemanu invited her to visit American Samoa following her Senate Hearing for confirmation.

In response Ambassador Cantor remarked,  “Thank you, Governor Lemanu, for your support. All the issues you have mentioned are a part of my agenda. I am honored and I commit to working with all of you,”

BACKGROUND

The Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs and the Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) carry out the Secretary’s responsibilities for U.S.-affiliated insular areas, which includes the territories of American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Additionally, OIA administers and oversees federal assistance to three freely associated states: the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau.