Taxi stands in Fagatogo served eviction notice after leases expire

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Faipule Malaeoletalu M. Gurr is asking the Department of Commerce to re-consider the eviction notice it served on the Island Taxi Stand in Fagatogo on November 18, 2023.

In a letter to Ms. Petti T. Matila, Director of the Department of Commerce (DOC), dated January 4, 2024, Faipule Gurr says that he understands all taxi stands in Fagatogo on government land have leases that have expired. And points out that “the potential eviction of these taxi businesses, coupled with the absence of alternative locations in the area [Fagatogo], poses a significant inconvenience to our Maoputasi district.”

Mr. Gurr is currently serving his first term as Faipule for Fagatogo District 8 in the House of Representatives.

In his letter to the DOC director, Gurr notes that “taxi services play a crucial role in the daily lives of many of my constituents who [do] not own vehicles.

“They serve as essential means of transportation for various reasons, such as hauling heavy shopping up the mountains, navigating rainy days, commuting to work, securing transportation after regular bus hours, and reaching the airport on flight nights.

“Moreover, since Fagatogo has been without an ATM since 2022, numerous [Fagatogo] residents rely on taxi services to travel to neighboring villages for cash withdrawals.”

The faipule also writes that “tourists arriving via passenger cruise ships also heavily depend on these taxi service[s].”

He pointed out that “given these vital functions, it is of utmost importance to maintain [the] taxi stands in the heart of downtown Fagatogo.”

Faipule Gurr requests that “if the decision to proceed with the eviction is final,” he respectfully requests Ms. Matila’s “assistance in identifying suitable government-owned land in Fagatogo for these taxi stands to operate.

“This will ensure the continuity of their services, allowing them to serve our community without disruption.”

Gurr thanked Matila for her attention to the matter, and appreciates her efforts “in finding a resolution that serves the best interests of our community.”