Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — In a May 11 general memorandum to cabinet members, Gov. Lemanu P. S Mauga announced the “recess appointment” of Rep. Manumaua Wayne C. Wilson to the Board of the Directors of the ASG owned Development Bank of American Samoa (DBAS).

“He is knowledgeable on the inner-workings of DBAS after serving several terms on the House standing and oversight committee for the bank. His experience and sound judgment will be a valuable addition to the Board,” the governor said of Manumaua.

As the Legislature is not currently in session, the governor explained that this is a “recess appointment, which will expire at the conclusion of the next regular or special session of the Legislature.”

Additionally, the governor has submitted Manumaua’s name to the Senate for confirmation.

Under local law, only the Senate confirms DBAS board members.

Of the 10-member DBAS board, nine of them are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate, according to local laws, which also states that in the event of a vacancy for any reason whatsoever, the Governor may appoint a person to fill the vacancy until the next session of the Legislature.

Additionally, all members serve two-year terms. And the President of DBAS is a nonvoting ex officio member of the board. The President, who is selected by the board’s majority, may not serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Samoa News notes that former faipule Vailiuama Steve Leasiolagi had previously served on the board and was unsuccessful in his November 2022 reelection bid.

From the Senate side, Manu’a Senator, Malaepule Saite Moliga is currently on the DBAS board.