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Community News Briefs

Following a Business Forum presented by the Business Ambassadors of ASCC (BAOA) last week, guest speaker HTC Iulogologo J. Pereira, Special Assistant to the Governor (left) is pictured with ASCC Business instructors Lam Yuen Lam Yuen Jr. and Ioapo Taua’i.  [photo: J. Kneubuhl]
compiled by Samoa News staff

“ONE THOUSAND ROPES” DEBUTS TONIGHT —

The film, “One Thousand Ropes”, is set to debut tonight at the Fatu-O-Aiga Hall, in Tafuna, Thursday, Oct. 26, with another showing for Friday, Oct. 27, 7 p.m.

From the writer and director of The Orator - O Le Tulafale – Tusi Tamasese, “One Thousand Ropes” is a story of a father reconnecting with his daughter, set in Wellington, New Zealand. It stars Samoan award winning actor Uelese Petaia, Frankie Adams, Beulah Koale, Ene Petaia, and Sima Urale.

The film is in the Samoan language, with English subtitles.

The movie is proudly presented by Talofa Airways with Up Media in support of Catholic Social Services, with all proceeds going to Catholic Social Services. Other sponsors of the event include 93KHJ and V103, the Tafuna Airport Inn, and the Pago Print Shop.

Tickets are $10. Contact numbers for more info are: 258-4197 or 258-5800.

ASCC-BAOA HOSTS TALK BY ASG ECONOMIST

In an effort to better inform students at the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) of the economic situation in the Territory, especially with regards to employment prospects, the student organization Business Ambassadors of ASCC (BAOA) hosted a Business Forum last week at the College, with Special Assistant to the Governor HTC Iulogologo Joseph Pereira as the special guest speaker.

The event went by the theme “Certainty & Uncertainty – Jobs and Economic Prospects for American Samoa.”

“In order for students to decide what to study, it helps if they have some awareness of what kind of jobs might be available in the future,” said BAOA President Samtara Atisanoe. “…As a professional economist who is extensively involved with government planning, HTC Iulogologo had many valuable insights to share with us.”

Speaking before an audience that included ASCC President Dr. Rosevonne Makaiwi Pato, Vice President Dr. Lena Galea’i-Scanlan, BAOA members and other Business students and friends, Iulogologo’s talk covered a wide range of subject matter, and he did not mince words when describing the economic challenges faced by the Territory.

“Everything he spoke about was important,” reflected Atisanoe. “He touched on subjects like the rise in our unemployment rate to 14.3% and also the possibility of the canneries having to close down in the next 10 years and the impact this would have on businesses associated with the fishing industry.

“But he also expressed his view that there are always jobs to be found in American Samoa for those who have the right skills, and especially encouraged us to think about careers in accounting, technology, and other professions that will always be in demand no matter what direction the economy goes in,” she said.

BAOA hopes to hold a similar Business Forum every semester, but their next community project, said Atisanoe, will be a parent/student Fiafia Night in early November to inform parents about the content and curriculum of Business courses and the many activities associated with the Business program.

In addition to President Atisanoe, the BAOA officers are Vice President Miracle Matamu, Secretary Sherwood Auva’a and Treasurer Faleu Peseta.

(SOURCE: JAMES KNEUBUHL, ASCC PRESS OFFICER)

AMATA FOCUSES ON TELEHEALTH AND ACCESS NEEDS

Washington, D.C. – Tuesday, October 25, 2017 — Congresswoman Aumua Amata focused attention on the healthcare needs of American Samoan veterans in a hearing of the Committee on Veterans Affairs to examine draft legislation of nine bills that propose a variety of upgrades and reforms at the VA.

“I’m encouraged that this legislative work is taking steps in the right direction,” said Aumua Amata. “I appreciate Secretary Shulkin’s commitment and candor, along with his response that although there are no easy answers, progress must continue to be made on these efforts to expand the reach of services. My colleagues on this Committee, Chairman Roe, and Secretary Shulkin are determined to improve access for our veterans, and I’d like to thank each of them for their leadership and dedication.”

Specifically, the legislation under consideration would seek to improve the Veterans Choice Program, expand VA authority to enter agreements at the state level to provide nursing home care, strengthen graduate medical education residency positions and broaden community care options through the Veteran Coordinates Access and Rewarding Experiences (CARE) Act.

The hearing included testimony from Dr. David Shulkin, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, followed by representatives of the Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW), along with Statements for the Record contributed by more than 20 health and veterans organizations.

“I see these legislative proposals as incremental progress toward better care in remote areas, changes that can serve as a good foundation for more work toward the readily accessible care we need in American Samoa,” continued Congresswoman Amata. “Improving access through tele-health, and encouraging more medical specialists remains a priority, so that our veterans have lower costs and better choices.”

(Source: Congresswoman Amata Aumua Office — Washington D.C.)