Samoa High Commission building in Tafuna heading toward ground breaking

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Samoa’s Consul General’s plan to build a High Commission residency and headquarters on the land Samoa has in Tafuna is moving along.

Fata Brian Kaio in an interview with Samoa News confirmed they have received their “land use permit” issued by the Department of Public Works.

 “This is the latest on the project that we intend to complete next year,” said Fata. “At the moment we are working with the American Samoa Power Authority and other Departments on small issues before we proceed with the ground breaking.

 “The drawings have been completed as well and we are looking at a building that will last up to 50 years and therefore we are not rushing this project. If you look at the other High Commission buildings overseas it’s solid and concrete and will be up for a long time,” he said.

The parcel in question is part of the land exchange between the two Samoas that was initiated about 10 years ago — during the Togiola Administration — through a memorandum of understanding for use of the lands; and the language of the MOU was revamped in 2014 during the Lolo Administration.

American Samoa’s land in Apia is located at Vailima. He said having a chancellery for Samoa on island is a symbol of close ties and Samoa’s commitment to the relationship with American Samoa.

Fata said the recent Atoa o Samoa Talks is evidence of the two government’s working together for the betterment of the people.

“We have received the green light from the Government but just minor issues that needs to be sorted before we can proceed with the bidding process.”

He also used the opportunity to reiterate the purpose of their office is to help Samoa citizens in the territory.

“Our main mandate is to provide the service for our people here and in Samoa.”

Asked about an update of the entry permit, Fata said if all goes well, the entry permits between the two countries will be a thing of the past.

“Eliminating the entry permits is one of the priorities between the two countries, as this is a major complaint on both ends.”

One of the mandates for the Consul General’s office is to approve permits for American Samoans traveling to Apia, This permit only applies to US Nationals, but not US citizens. It was put in place under the HRPP Government after American Samoa increased the permit fees for Samoa citizens to travel to Pago Pago over 10 years ago.

Fata said this is one of the pieces of red tape between the two countries and after the recent Atoa o Samoa Talks he’s optimistic this will be dealt with sooner rather than later.

Adding that both governments are new and therefore, the fresh new mindsets on-board will definitely pave the way forward and of course benefit the traveling population on both ends.

“This would make it easier for the residents of both countries to travel freely, do business, shopping, and take a vacation between the islands.

“The key factor of these bilateral talks is for the benefit of the people of Samoa and American Samoa and again a win-win situation,” said Fata.

Adding that with the next Atoa o Samoa talks in September, the public can expect changes, after all, Samoans are practically family.”