Twenty-plus participants turn out waving signs at TALOFAPASS protest

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Yesterday’s peaceful protest seeking to eliminate and terminate the ASG’s TALOFAPASS websystem “was a success,” declared Tanya Ma’o-Aab, who organized the event with Feo Lagafuaina, with some 20-plus participants who showed up with placards waiving to motorists along the main road in Utulei.

“In fact, any protest against TALOFAPASS will be considered a success because TALOFAPASS is no longer a system that is dependable, user friendly, or trustworthy,” she said after the event responding to Samoa News request for comments on behalf of herself and Lagafuaina. “The fact is that it is a failed 7 million dollar system.”

“So to see people stand together, be a part of a petition that is circulating, and to speak up about the distress of TALOFAPASS will be a success story for Feo and I,” said Ma’o-Aab, who along with Lagafuaina thanked “those who took time to stand with us in the early morning to show a united front that we want the TALOFAPASS eliminated, all aspects of it.”

She also extended a “big fa'amalo and fa'afetai to our elders who came out strong to support”,  as well as Rep. Gene Pan’s mother from Lauli'i and chief Pulu Ae Ae Jr.

One of the organizers of yesterday’s “Protest the TALOFAPASS” rally — Feo Lagafuaina (far right) and two participants — who called to dismantle and eliminate ASG’s TALOFAPASS websystem that screens entry into American Samoa. The protest was held along the main road in Utulei. [photo: FS]

“Also fa'afetai to our families and youth members who showed up before heading to register for classes at ASCC. It was great to have the young and old together [yesterday] morning,” she said.

Among the placards and large signs waved yesterday, includes those with the phrases: “TALOFAPASS is a Disgrace”; “Eliminate TALOFAPASS”, “Remove TALOFAPASS”, “TALOFAPASS is Useless”; and “Stop TALOFAPASS”.

Chief Pulu of Pago Pago stopped by at the rally and also took a photo with some of the participants. Asked for reaction to Pulu showing up at the protest, Ma’o-Aab said, “Thank you Mr. Ae! WE were so thankful to see one of our leaders physically come and stand with us.”

“Honestly, we were expecting a few more of our leaders out there as the TALOFAPASS has been a hot topic of discussion for a few faipules to speak on,” said Ma’o-Aab. “Yet, we are thankful for all the support and prayers whether it be virtually or physically.”

“Mr. Ae's presence was something that Feo and I were very honored to have. I believe that Mr. Ae's generation still holds strong to the ‘power of the people’ and that’s what gives us faith that there are still honest leaders, with integrity and compassion for the common people of American Samoa. He was very enthusiastic and passionate about eliminating TALOFAPASS. Fa'afetai lava Mr. Ae,” she said.

Samoa News wasn’t able to immediately reach Pulu — who heads the local office of Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata — at press time for comments on his visit to the protest, although two phone messages were left with his office for call backs. Samoa News understands that Pulu was there as a private citizen, a military veteran and a resident of American Samoa.

Pulu did speak about TALOFAPASS during the welcoming Ava Ceremony on July 27 for the start of the 2Samoa Talks, at Suigaula o le Atuvasa. When given the opportunity to speak, Pulu asked the governor to discontinue TALOFAPASS saying that it has become a burden for travelers entering the territory.

Asked about the reactions from participants who showed up for yesterday’s protest, Ma’o-Aab responded that, “the common ground — for all who were present — was our deep seated aversion of TALOFAPASS. WE have spoken up. We are asking our government leaders to consider the emotional distress, financial burden, and also the new COVID-19 guidelines” from the U.S Center for disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“Remove ALL COVID Mandates! Remove TALOFAPASS! Do the right for the people of American Samoa,” she declared.

In conclusion, she said, “I am curious to know how this mess will all end. The $7 million used to purchase this failed system came from COVID funding. How will this look during an Audit by the Federal Government? If you can't justify to the public, how will you justify to the Federal Government?”

“We are voters. We will remember this in the near future, like in 2024,” she added.