Sua presentations to Fono members at legislators’ funerals questioned

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The added burden to families of Fono members who have passed away, by acknowledging the presence of members of the Legislature during funerals, through sua presentations, fine mats and monetary gifts, was brought up by Senator Malaepule Saite Moliga in Thursday’s Senate session.

Malaepule stated that he had noticed during the funeral service for Senator Tauiliili Lauifi Paopao Tauiliili on Tuesday at Governor H. Rex Lee Auditorium, members from both chambers of the Fono were there and every member received an envelope with a monetary gift.

Acting Governor Talauega E.V. Ale and Governor Lemanu P. S. Mauga (who was not present) also received envelopes with monetary gifts.

He suggested that when a member of the Senate passes away, only the Speaker of the House of Representatives should join the Senate president and senators at the funeral service on behalf of the Legislature.

Likewise, when a member of the House of Representatives passes away, only the Senate president should join the Speaker and House members at the funeral service on behalf of the Fono.

 “I don’t know if the current practice is included in our Senate Rules and Regulations,” Senator Malaepule stated. “But I would like to remind members of the Senate that we should be making things easier for the bereaved families. More importantly, we should be mindful that we protect the integrity of the Fono.”

Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean replied that Malaepule and Olo were high talking chiefs and should advise House members on such issues.

Tuaolo also explained the role of the Fono during funeral services of its members.

 “We are there to show our respect for our colleague who has been called home by God, extend our deep condolences to the spouse, children and family of our colleague, and to acknowledge with thanks his or her service to our country. We are not the Paolo (in-laws),” the Senate president clarified referring to the traditional “si’i” or traditional gift presentation of fine mats and money by the extended family of the spouse of the deceased.

Tuaolo stated that the orator who had spoken on behalf of the Fono during “si’i” presentations at Senator Tauiliili’s funeral had gifted money, which was not his as ‘lafo’ or monetary gifts to certain matai of the late senator’s family, when it was government money earmarked for the funeral.

 “What if you had ended up exceeding the earmarked amount because of your ‘lafo’ giving?” Tuaolo asked. “Where would you have gotten the money to cover that? It’s government money! Everything should have been straight forward. All the orator should have said after the usual traditional salutations was, ‘This is the Fono’s si’i, which consists of a large fine mat and $20,000 dollars.’ Finished.”