Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Calling all parents and guardians! Ensure your child's heart is strong and healthy with FREE screenings by the BYU RHD Team, happening in schools from May 3-16. Early detection is key, so don't miss out on this invaluable opportunity.

The American Samoa Department of Health and the Department of Education are conducting THE RHD screenings for students aged 5-18. Parents can opt out if they choose. Together, let's keep our kids' hearts beating strong!

For more information, contact 633-4008, 633-7733, or 2-1-9.

ADVANCING GENDER EQUALITY

On April 30, 2024, Salaseini Tupou, Program Coordinator for Pacific Women Lead, met with Lt. Governor La’apui Talauega E. V. Ale to discuss the objectives of her visit. Salaseini is in American Samoa to foster collaboration with the Department of Youth and Women's Affairs (DYWA) in advancing gender equality initiatives. Throughout her visit, Salaseini will interact with various departments, including the Department of Resources, Office of Procurement, Property Management, Office of Budget and Planning, and the Department of Treasury, to ensure adherence to the South Pacific Commission (SPC) compliance standards.

The expected outcomes of this visit include establishing an agreed-upon work plan for gender equality technical assistance between SPC and American Samoa, as well as finalizing the Gender Equality application under the Pacific Women Lead Direct Grant, which is accessible to SPC member countries and territories. The grant offers up to $300,000 AUD to be utilized by December 2025.

NURSES MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

In honor of our nurses, the week of May 6 - 12 is designated as National Nurses Week in the territory, with the theme, "Nurses Make the Difference."  In a release from the Department of Public Health, Director Motusa Nua extended his heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all the nurses in the territory.  “Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to the people of American Samoa. To honor National Nurses Week, all community health centers, except the Tafuna Health Center will close at 12 noon on Monday May 6. Normal working hours will resume Tuesday, May 7.

WHAT’S THAT SIREN SOUND?

The Department of Homeland Security will be conducting a siren test for all sirens today, Friday, May 3, at 12 noon.  Please do not be alarmed — This is only a TEST.

FLOOD WATCH

A Flood Watch is in effect for all islands of American Samoa through Friday.

Satellite imagery, as of 9 AM on Thursday, shows heavy rainfall with thunderstorms to the east/northeast of the territory. These thunderstorms, which may produce heavy rainfall and gusty winds in locally heavy rainfall, may lead to flash flooding especially in low lying areas and landslides are possible.

For more information, please go to: www.weather.gov/ppg/

SMALL BUSINESS CREDIT INITIATIVE

The Department of Commerce is working towards a June launch of the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) 2.0 program. To help answer questions regarding the program, DOC will initiate an outreach program inclusive of the release of FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions), workshops, media releases, interviews and other informational resources.

The SSBCI provides funding to states, territories, and eligible municipalities to expand existing or to create new state small business investment programs, including state capital access programs, collateral support programs, loan participation programs, loan guarantee programs, and venture capital programs.

 Please visit our DOC SSBCI page at the link below and follow for more information or email SSBCI@doc.as.gov for more info.

FIRST ROUND PICKS

Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata sent congratulations to three excellent athletes of Samoan and Polynesian heritage drafted in the first round of the NFL draft. “You make the Samoan people proud, along with Pacific Islanders everywhere, and it’s good to see the wonderful things your college coaches say about you.

“Our Samoan way serves our people well for generations, and that’s a credit to your parents and mentors. Thank you to Taliese Fuaga, Laiatu Latu, and Troy Fautanu for representing us well on the national stage. God bless your careers, and we’re excited to continue to watch you play!”