January 2021
Small Biz development: Hooking up with the digital economy
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — “We are planning to promote small business development in the territory; fostering partnerships — both public and private; looking at new investments and develo
Samoa raises alert level after positive COVID-19 test for returning sailor
Apia, SAMOA — Samoa raised its alert level of COVID-19 on Thursday after finding a patient suspected to be potentially infected with the virus.
Homeland Security nominee points out siren system is currently not working
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — During his confirmation hearing yesterday as director of the local Homeland Security Department (ASDHS), Samana Semo Ve’ave’a informed senators that the outdoor
Senate and House confirmation for Admin Services director complete
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Afalava Eliki Afalava is now officially the director of the Department of Administrative Services, following his endorsement by the Senate yesterday in a 15-1 v
Senators receive update on new Fono building project — and lack of offices
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — “Right now the timeline from the contractor is August 2022” to complete the construction of the new two-story Fono building, says Senate legal counsel, Mitzie J
Tech savvy bus driver charged with criminal fraud
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A bus driver accused of using false information to apply for a commercial permit renewal was arrested by police and later charged by the government.
Faipule ask DOC nominee if HUD funding can be used to purchase fire trucks
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Following a one-hour confirmation hearing in the House yesterday morning for Acting Director of the Department of Commerce (DOC), Petti Tagipo Matila, represent
30-year-old man convicted of burglarizing a home is going to jail
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Vaega Togia who has been in custody since his arrest in January 2020, unable to post bond, appeared in High Court last week for sentencing.
Faipule question DOC nominee about infrastructure and drainage
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Nominee to head the Department of Commerce, Petti Tagipo Matila told house members yesterday during her confirmation hearing where she was confirmed 17-0, that




![Homeland Security acting director, Samana Semo Ve’ave’a poses for a Samoa News photo after his Senate confirmation hearing yesterday morning. He was later confirmed by the Senate and is awaiting confirmation at the House. [photo: FS] Samana Semo Ve’ave’a](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/samana_5550.jpg?itok=5aF3CKNb)
![Afalava Eliki Afalava — seen in this Samoa News photo yesterday in the Senate chamber. [photo: FS] Afalava Eliki Afalava](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/afalava_n_senate.jpg?itok=6zO3_xGG)
![Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean (left), accompanied by Senate legal counsel Mitzie Jessop-Ta’ase, directed senators’ attention to a poster of pictures — to the far right — of the proposed offices of lawmakers during a Senate meeting on Tuesday discussing the current new Fono building project. [photo: FS] Senate President Tuaolo Manaia and legal counsel Mitzie Jessop-Ta’ase with drawings of proposed fono offices](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/senate_offices.jpg?itok=ZNvfbYS3)

![Acting Director for the Department of Commerce, Petti Tagipo Matila during her confirmation hearing before the House Commerce & Economic Committee yesterday morning. [photo by AF] Petti Tagipo Matila](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/doc_director_0540.jpg?itok=j-yhMLIZ)
![American Samoa High Court building [SN file photo] American Samoa High Court building](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/high_court_105.jpg?itok=66t7gqnE)
![Vehicles trying to pass over a pool of water between the Pago Pago Catholic Church and the Department of Youth, Women Affairs (DYWA) yesterday morning. Flooding of the territory’s roads has become a familiar occurrence whenever it rains, causing traffic to backup and drivers to complain. [photo by AF] Vehicles trying to pass over a pool of water near Fatuoaiga](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/water_pool_in_pago_0467.jpg?itok=Tyg7eYsQ)