Census Area Manager for the 2020 appointed for American Samoa

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — In preparation for the 2020 American Samoa Census of Population and Housing, Mr. Meleisea Vaitoelau Filiga is appointed as the Census Area Manager (CAM) under the leadership and direction of the Department of Commerce (DOC) Director.

The appointment of the Census Area Manager is effective from July 1, 2019 to January 31, 2021. Meleisea currently serves as Special Assistant on Statistics Programs to the Director of DOC, and has a wealth of experience in census matters from the previous decennial census in 1980, 1990 and 2000.

The 2020 census data product is an integral part of the Territory within the next ten years. Census data not only assists in the determination of future federal funding assistance to American Samoa, but also in territorial planning and data-driven policymaking decisions.

All residents of American Samoa, regardless of their immigration status, are highly encouraged to be cooperative with the Census Area Manager and his team. It will be the responsibility of the DOC Director and its statistics division to facilitate the successful implementation of the 2020 census on island. Thus, support and cooperation from the entire community is key.