Fishing and economic issues that matter to American Samoa photo & caption
Congresswoman Amata pictured Thursday with business leader Joe Hamby and William Gibbons-Fly, Executive Director of the American Tunaboat Association, who have expertise in the fishing and economic







![“Congratulations to Johnson Ailima for doing a great job first with his win in American Samoa, then representing our islands in the nationwide competition in D.C.,” said Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata. The competition was held in the nation’s capital this week. Ailima, a senior at Fa'asao Marist High School, is American Samoa’s Poetry Out Loud champion, and represented the territory in Washington, D.C., where he participated in a full slate of related activities in the Capitol. [courtesy photo] Johnson Ailima with others](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/img_1836.jpeg?itok=tj47SYX-)

![The Interior Department reaffirmed its commitment to continued collaboration with American Samoa through OIA and other federal partners, emphasizing efforts to listen, learn and ensure that local communities share in the benefits of federal initiatives. [courtesy photo] DOI reaffirmed its commitment](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/doi_-_american_samoa_flag_day_-13.jpg?itok=k0eJpPrR)
![Mavis Rivers is a pivotal figure in the recognition of American Samoa — as “the Pacific’s’ birthplace of Jazz”, which is part of the celebration of this year’s UNESCO International Jazz Day — April 30, 2026 — “Jazz Across Oceans”. See elsewhere in today’s issue the schedule for this evening’s local UNESCO International Jazz Day performances at local venues. [courtesy graphic] MAVIS RIVERS](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/mavis.jpg?itok=C1Ke5BmY)