Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — There are reports out of the governor’s office that Governor Lemanu P. S. Mauga has held off on his nomination of Dr Victor Terenuku Tofaeono to the hospital board.

As reported earlier, Dr Tofaeono was nominated by Lemanu to replace Dr Malouamaua Tuiolosega on the hospital board.

This was confirmed in Lemanu’s letter to the Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean, dated March 6, 2023.

However this week, reports from the governor’s office indicate that the decision has been rescinded, after the Governor’s Office personnel allegedly wrote to the Senate President asking him “to hold off” on Tofaeono’s nomination.

Samoa News made efforts to get comments from Dr Tofaeono, but were unsuccessful.

In early March, Lemanu wrote in his nomination letter that since graduating from Boston University, Dr. Tofaeono’s professional life ha been dedicated to serving the people of American Samoa.

 “Upon completing his work at the City of Hope, he returned to American Samoa to work at Lyndon B. Johnson Tropical Medical Center (LBJTMC) first as the Chief of Surgen' from 1972-1978, and then additionally as Chief of Staff from 1977-1978.

 “Under his tenure the hospital increased the number and complexity of surgical procedures.

 “He rejoined LBJTMC as Chief of Surgery, Assistant Medical Director through 2008, and later Chief Medical Officer until his retirement in 2010.

“His medical expertise will make him an outstanding member of this Board.”

Lemanu urged the Senators to review and confirm the nomination of Dr. Tofaeono to the American Samoa Medical Center Board of Directors.

Some comments on samoanews.com pertaining to the nomination, questioned Dr. Tofaeono’s suitability for the position.