Newest LBJ board member demands meeting as “pertinent issues” need to be addressed

Pago Pago, AMERIAN SAMOA — Representative Faimealelei Anthony Allen, a member of the hospital board is “demanding” the LBJ hospital board meet as there are “pertinent issues that require an explanation.”

In an interview with Samoa News, Faimealelei who was recently reappointed to the American Samoa Medical Authority Board of Directors says the board was supposed to meet on June 22, 2022.

“When I called in to inquire about it, I’m told that it has been postponed. I have been left out of the loop since my appointment back in April.

“I have not received any minutes for the previous meetings,” said the faipule.

Faimealelei was removed by the hospital board two years ago, however in April he was reappointed via an April 11, 2022 memorandum, signed by Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga. He was to fill the vacancy as a result of the resignation of Moefa’auo Bill Emmesley from the board of directors, when he was made Chief Executive Officer of the hospital.

Lemanu said the appointment is “effective immediately and continues until the conclusion of the session of the Legislature unless he is confirmed by the Senate.”

Samoa News made efforts to get comments which were not forthcoming from the CEO of the hospital, Moefa’auo via his Secretary Penina Steffany through email.

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 that Board can 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 will result in an invalid appointment, he believes.

These are our questions sent to the CEO’s Secretary to pass on to the CEO for comments.

“Talofa Penina, 

“Following up on previous email, please can you relay my other questions to the CEO of the hospital. 

“Board member Faimealelei Anthony Allen is calling for the hospital board to meet noting the Board was supposed to meet today, but it has been postponed.

“Any comments on why the board has not met? 

“He also cited concerns that one of the mandates for the board is to appoint, CEO, CFO and CMO. However a committee was appointed to oversee the process of the hiring of the CFO, which was recently announced. 

“Does the board have the authority to appoint a Committee to oversee the hiring process of a CFO? 

“If so, can you outline where in the bylaws of the Board of Directors they can do that? 

“Please feel free to address any issues you know is relevant.”