Poumele Pete Poumele Galea’i sworn in as Senator for Manu’a Dist. 1

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The seat for Manu’a District #1 in the Senate, which was left vacant after the passing of Senator Tauiliili Paopao Lauifi in July, has been filled after the swearing-in last Friday of Poumele Pete Poumele Galea’i.

Before the ceremony, Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean asked Senate Rules Committee member Senator Togiola T.A. Tulafono if their committee had reviewed Poumele’s nomination.

Togiola answered that they have received the certification letter from the Office of Samoan Affairs officially confirming Poumele’s selection by the chiefs and orators of Faleasao, Ta’u and Fitiuta to serve as senator, and they unanimously agree that the candidate for the Manu’a #1 District senatorial seat had fulfilled all the requirements for the post.

President Tuaolo then invited Poumele to the front of the chamber where he was officially sworn in by Associate Judge Mamea Sala Jr. with his granddaughter Gaioioilemua’ilemataolelaisaua Mataniufeagaimaleata Galea’i holding the Bible.

In an exclusive interview with Samoa News, Senator Poumele thanked the chiefs and orators of his district for the great honor they have bestowed on him by selecting him to be their representative in the Senate.

 “It is indeed a great honor to be made a member of this important part of our government,” Senator Poumele stated. “It is especially special to me because it was also bestowed upon my father.”

The new senator was referring to his father, the late Senator Galea’i Peni Poumele also of Manua #1 District who was re-appointed and served for five consecutive terms. He was Senate president for six years. He was later appointed Secretary of Samoan Affairs and ultimately, elected Lieutenant Governor by the voting populace, a position he held at the time of his death in 1992.

The new Manu’a senator told Samoa News that the last time he went to Manu’a was during the Manu’a Flag Day celebrations in July this year and stated that he will do his best to improve the quality of life for his constituents.

Senator Poumele enters the Legislature after many years of service as an educator and later as head of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (VocRehab).

After graduating from Aviation High School in California, he attended El Camino Jr. College, then received a football scholarship to Boise State University. He then attended University of Hawaii, Manoa 1971-1975 where he obtained his Bachelor’s degree, and his Masters Degree in 1985.

From 1979 to 1986 he worked for the American Samoa Government as a High School Counselor, then in 1986, he was appointed Executive Director of the Office of VocRehab, a position he held until he was selected to the Senate.

Senator Poumele lives in Tafuna with his wife Claire, who is also a longtime educator and has served as a director of the Education Department and Port Administration. They have four daughters and 16 grandchildren.

 Taimalelagi Mrs. Poumele told Samoa News that she decided to give the honor of holding the Bible in the swearing-in ceremony to her granddaughter because her name is from Manu’a.

 “I have been bestowed the Matai title of Taimalelagi from Savaii, so I thought it would be more fitting to have my granddaughter Gaioioilemua’ilemataolelaisaua Mataniufeagaimaleata Galea’i do the honor of holding the Bible in her grandfather’s swearing-in ceremony,” said Taimalelagi Mrs. Claire Poumele. “She is named after her paternal great grandmother.

Senator Poumele Pete Poumele Galea’i will begin his senatorial career today when the Legislature’s joint hearings on the government’s proposed budget continue.

Newly sworn-in Senator Poumele Pete Poumele Galea’i (fourth from left) posed with his faletua Taimalelagi Mrs. Claire Poumele for a group photo with Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean (fourth from right), Fono members and relatives of the new senator, last week Friday. He spoke of being proud to follow in the footsteps of his father, the late Senator Galea’i Peni Poumele, who served for five consecutive terms as Manu’a’s District #1 selected senator.  [photo: Asi A. F’asau]