Repatriation of Samoa citizens from territory awaits word from PM

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The timeframe for repatriation flights for citizens of Samoa in American Samoa, wanting to return to Apia, depends on the Prime Minister’ Office, which will also provide the list of passengers for repatriation, says ASG Coronavirus Task Force chairman Iulogologo Joseph Pereira.

Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga last week gave the green light for Samoa repatriation flights as well as the resumption of passenger ferry service by the Samoa government own MV Lady Naomi between the two Samoas. (See Samoa News edition Dec. 10th for details)

However, its remains unknown as this point as to when the repatriation flights will start with some local residents asking about the time frame. The repatriation flight approval by the governor also appears to have given some Samoa citizens residing in the territory a chance to return to Apia for the holidays, including a few cannery workers.

“The timeline on the repatriation flights to Samoa is dependent on the Prime Minister's Office as we are awaiting the list of people the Prime Minister wants repatriated,” was the response from Iulogologo this past Saturday when asked over the weekend when repatriation flights will commence.

“The Governor has made it known that those repatriated will not be able to return until the borders are opened,” he said and points out that the list of people for repatriation flights will have to go to the “Attorney General for appropriate clearance before departure.”

Iulogologo said last Friday that the “Governor has also extended the authorization for cargo being transported by air subject to our decontamination protocols” on the flights returning from Samoa.

The task force chairman, again re-emphasized, that the governor’s approval for repatriation flights, also includes that no passengers are to be on the return flights from Samoa.

For the MV Lady Naomi voyages to Pago Pago, it will bring cargo only and no passengers.

The governor had approved resumption of Lady Naomi voyages to American Samoa “to accommodate Samoa's products and for reciprocal cargo to Samoa from families living here during the Christmas holidays given that they — especially most cannery workers — will not be able to travel to Samoa for the holidays,” Iulogologo said last Friday.

KVZK-TV announced last Friday night that two sails for the MV Lady Naomi are set for this month — on Dec. 16th and Dec. 22nd.