Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Governor Pulaalii N. Pula, in a memorandum dated Jan 9, 2025, has announced Critical Cost Containment Measures by the government until its analysis of the government’s finances is completed.

According to the memo, research conducted by Pula & Pula’s Transition Team and Governor’s Office staff “has confirmed that ASG has fallen far behind in meeting its financial obligations.

“The situation is getting worse with each payroll period.”

Gov. Pulaali’i states that “effective immediately” the following cost containment measures are implemented until further analysis of the government’s finances is completed.

The measures include a hiring freeze, with approval required for hiring of employees “paid for by the General Fund” from the Governor; a 10% Spending Cut Across-the-Board directed to decrease spending of general fund dollars of the ASG Budget for FY 2025 — and “spending reductions must begin today.”

Other measures are: overtime must be pre-approved by leaders of departments, agencies or offices; reduce energy use — “ASG currently owes ASPA a significant power bill”; purchase order or contract required for payments of services and/ or merchandise; and, non-essential travel is to be cancelled or rescheduled, unless approved by the Governor.

The memo notes that semi-autonomous agencies and authorities are exempt from the measures, as “separate actions will be take to address the efficiency of operations at these entities.”

It concludes that “as a clearer picture of the government’s financial status” is obtained adjustments to these measures will be made accordingly.

The Pula & Pulu administration also continues to announce its appointment of those it wants to head departments, agencies and commissions.

The latest round of appointments, dated Jan 7 and Jan 9, 2025, announce Faiivae Alexander Godinet as Secretary of Samoan Affairs and Peter Fuiamaono as Insurance Commissioner, respectively.