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ASG opts not to renew contract for DOC project manager

Human Resources Director Sonny Thompson has opted not to renew the contract for Department of Commerce Project Manager, Michael McDonald, who’s under the microscope of the Department of Public Safety after his personal business account received $9,494 two years ago for grant money that was supposedly intended for the Department of Agriculture.

 

McDonald had previously worked as a consultant/ grant writer for the American Samoa Department of Agriculture securing grants through USDA, according to local DOA Deputy Director Peter Gurr, who also said that DOA had received more than $800,000 from the grant which McDonald worked on.

 

Samoa News reported last week that Gurr stated that the transfer of the money from the Treasury to McDonald’s personal account solely rests on the Department of Treasury, saying that someone dropped the ball at Treasury. (read Thursday, Sept. 10, 2015 edition)

 

Commissioner of Public Safety Save Liuato Tuitele also confirmed to Samoa News that an investigation is ongoing into this matter and that they are continuing to interview the DOA Director, who has  only recently returned and other DOA employees along with Treasury employees. Asked for a preliminary on this case, Save said someone at Treasury is lying and they will get to the bottom of this matter.

 

McDonald’s contract was up for renewal on August 31, 2015 however the American Samoa Government opted not to renew his contract for another year with DOC. A correspondence from the HR Director that was leaked to Samoa News served as their formal notice of not renewing his contract for another year.

 

According to the letter “the American Samoa Government will exercise its option not to renew your employment contract as a Program Manager with the Department of Commerce, effective Friday, September 11, 2015 in accordance with Section I of the Political Appointee’s Employment At Will Contract which states “This Agreement may be terminated by either the Governor or the Employee, upon written notice to the other.”

 

The HR Director also informed McDonald that a condition of his employment was to ensure the transfer and submittal of all property rights, documents, discoveries, and data developed related to his position with the ASG to the Department of Commerce.

 

They commended him for his dedication and spirit of public service during his tenure with the DOC as project manager and wished him continued success with his future endeavors.

 

Thompson noted as per local statute, namely ASAC §4.0803 and §4.0807, that McDonald does not have the right of appeal, except in cases of alleged discrimination because of sex, creed, color, or marital status.