ASG commits $50,000 for Give Light Initiative

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa Government is joining with local non-profits to assist low-income individuals and families impacked by COVID-19 restrictions.

In a letter dated April 4, 2022, Gov Lemanu Peleti Mauga announced an award of $50,000 to the Give Light Initiative, under the CARES Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program.

The Give Light Initiative is organized by four local nonprofit organizations, Rotaract Club of Pago Pago, Esther Generation, The Christopher James Ledoux Foeletini Foundation, and the Agency for Better Living Endeavors (ABLE), all with a common goal to assist low-income individuals and families who have been impacted by the COVID-19 restrictions in American Samoa. The Give Light Initiative provides $50 credit for electricity from ASPA or cash power to eligible individuals and households.

This award will be administered through the Department of Commerce. “DOC Director Petti Matila and her staff will work closely with you all to ensure these funds are utilized in accordance with CARES CSBG program guidelines,” stated Governor Lemanu.  Funds will be paid directly to the American Samoa Power Authority to provide additional credit (for both electricity and water) for recipients of the Give Light initiative.

 “Lieutenant Governor Talauega and I wish to express our sincere appreciation to your respective non-profit organizations for spearheading the Give Light assistance, and we welcome this opportunity for ASG to partner with the Give Light group.

 “We commend your leadership and commitment to stand together during these hard times to help our low-income population. We are truly grateful for your continued service for the betterment of American Samoa,” the governor said.