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Community News Briefs

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AMERICAN SAMOA’S EEZ
reporters@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — United States Geological Survey research data estimates 10 billion tons of subsea electric vehicle critical minerals lie on the ocean floor within American Samoa’s Exclusive Economic Zone EEZ.

John Wasko, executive director of the community non profit corporation, American Samoa Economic Development Council, said, “joint US military commands are assessing making American Samoa the Asia Pacific hub for critical mineral receiving and refining.”

ASEDC has signed a memorandum of understanding with impossiblemetals.com, the global leader in environmentally safe critical mineral extraction.

“Critical minerals are essential to US national security.” A “dual purpose” military and commercial installation would assure high paying, high tech jobs in the territory. Hopefully the American Samoa Government will cooperate with the US military and private sector to build a second anchor industry and create local jobs.”

SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

It is that time of the year for parents to assist their children in securing a work experience for the summer. The American Samoa Human Resources Department Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is accepting applicants from the ages 14 - 24. Applications are now being accepted through May 31, 2024.  SYEP begins June 24. Don’t miss this opportunity to develop skills in the working world. For more information, please contact via telephone: (684) 633-4485 and ask to be transferred to our WIOA division. Faafetai, faafetai lava.

CRUISE SHIP CONVENTION

The American Samoa Visitors Bureau (ASVB) was honored to represent our home in this year’s biggest Cruise Ship Convention “Seatrade Cruise Global” in Miami. The Convention began April 8 and ends today, April 11.

“We had the opportunity to meet representatives from Wilhelmensen (Disney Cruises), Ocean Ports & Shipping, Pacific Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Seabourn and Tour Itinerary Managers to maintain our islands as a destination and a future port of call for the cruise liners for the year 2026!” ASVB reported.

AMERICAN SAMOA MILITARY BALL

The 9th Mission Support Command American Samoa Military Ball will be held  Saturday, April 20 at the Gov. H. Rex Lee Auditorium. 1700  hours: Social Hour and photo opportunities followed by the program at 1800 hours.

9h MSC soldiers and guest are free.  Retirees & Veterans $108. RSVP: monica.oliver.mil@army.mil.

FLAG DAY CELEBRATION VIP GUESTS

The 124th American Samoa Flag Day celebrations will be joined by guests and their delegations. Among the distinguished guests confirmed for this year’s celebrations are:

● His Highness Tuimaleali'ifano Vaaeletoa Sualauvi II, Samoa Head of State

● Petelo Alapati Tevite, Ulu-o-Tokelau

● Carmen G. Cantor, Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs

● Noriko Horiuchi, Chargé d’Affaires, U.S. Embassy Apia, Samoa

● Martha Guzman, Regional Administrator, U.S. E.P.A.

● Suzanne Puanani- V.Lum, President of East-West Center

● Dr. Aaron J. Sala, Executive Director for PACFest

● Gretchen Sierra Zorita, Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, The White House

● Michelle Chrisostomo, Official of U.S. Department of Agriculture

● Kalani Kaanaana, Chief Brand Officer, Hawaii Tourism Authority

● Felea'i Tau, Community Relief Liaison, Gov. Josh Green’s Representative- Hawaii

● LTC Colonel Pevey Ryan, USACE Honolulu District Commander, Army Corps

● Caroline Romano, Chief of Staff, Office of International Affairs, Department of Interior

● Captain. Aja Kirksey, Sector Commander, U.S. Coast Guard Sector, Honolulu, Hawaii

● U.S. Marine Corps Band and The Samoa Royal Police