Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Due to current COVID restrictions, the territory’s two-day Student Constitutional Convention opened virtually yesterday and will close later today, with the program available live, online.

Gov. Lemanu Peleti Palepoi Sialega Mauga delivered special remarks in Samoan saying that the student conference has been in the planning for some time. He asked delegates to put all issues on the agenda for serious discussion and a final decision.

He noted that the government’s plan started with the Constitutional Review Committee, which convened early in February but postponed its review due to COVID-19 restrictions, and is expected to restart soon.

He informed student delegates that the Review Committee’s work is nearing its end and its from there that the agenda will be set for the 2022 Constitutional Convention where delegates will review and decide the issues to be presented to the voters in the November election.

He said the student convention is part of this planning — as the voices of the young generation are important.

He said all the planning, discussions and actions taken on the Constitution, revolve around the current young generation who will live through it in years to come and therefore the student convention is of great importance.

He cited some of the important questions for the students to take to heart during their discussions — such as what their view and opinion is of what American Samoa should be in 10 and 20 years from now. And what type of life would today’s young generation live in decades from now.

“And that is the importance of the role of students and the young generation, as their voice is needed and needs to be heard,” he said.

He noted that everyone has their opinion — just like the members of the Review Committee — but it’s important that it’s thoroughly discussed and planned.

Following the governor’s remarks, Audrey-Rose Seva'aetasi, the chair of the student convention was introduced and she administered the oath to all delegates.

Local Education Department director Talauega Dr. Samasoni Asaeli delivered special remarks, saying that “I think this is the first time that we have had something like this, of this magnitude in our territory and also for the American Samoa Department of Education.”

“This is exactly what we foresee, that we would like to see, what you learn in the classroom and are able to apply to a real life situation,” he said.

He noted that the governor has already expressed his aspirations, goals and visions for American Samoa in the future.

“You are the future, there’s no doubt about that,” he told the student delegates. “But a future whereby in our democracy it is required of you as a citizen of American Samoa and the United States of America to become involved.”

“And this is a very good example, for you to be involved, be empowered and be part of our government, because as you know our government is a government of, by and for the people,” he pointed out.

“See this as a very good learning experience for you. And I hope you take to heart what you will learn, and when we have our Constitutional Convention in the future, you will have a very good idea of what’s going to happen and what’s going to take place,” he said. “The issues are very important and dear to us and I hope you will be more active, be more involved and let your voice be heard.”

He wished the best to the delegates, chairperson, and participants. “Take something useful out of this experience moving forward and we look forward to you coming back when you go off-island, to come back to serve our territory and our country,” he concluded.

The governor returned, speaking in English, to share his thought about an important issue for the delegates, saying that he signed last week into law, a bill establishing the Samoan Language Commission to provide authoritative guidelines on Samoan language in education, government, and in economic and social life.

A provision of the new law also establishes Samoan and English as the official languages of the territory and as the languages of instruction in all public schools of American Samoa.

The governor shared with the delegates that many elders in the community see that youngsters don’t understand the Samoan language, and he asked the delegates to keep this important issue foremost.

He said students don’t speak enough Samoan at school, with their friends and “I think the Samoan language is not spoken enough at home.”

The governor asked the student convention committee and those involved to let English and Samoan — be part of the discussions.

“Without the Samoan language our identity will be gone as a Samoan, we would no longer exist in terms of our culture and our Samoan ways,” he concluded.

At the conclusion of the speeches, the Office of Political Status, Constitutional Review & Federal Relations executive director Tapa'au Dr. Dan Aga began the orientation for the delegates.

And the issues for discussion presented to the student delegates, were the ones already considered by the Constitutional Review Committee: The House Reapportionment Amendment; The Accountability Amendment; and The Amendment for Women.

The student convention returns this morning with special remarks from Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata followed by the set agenda. And it’s streamed live on AS-DOE’s Facebook page.