Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Dora Ah Sue from the Office of Protection and Advocacy for the Disabled has been named the ASG 2022 employee of the year.

This was announced on Friday during the 2nd Annual Years of Service celebration for government employees at the Department of Youth Women Affairs gymnasium in Tafuna.

A total of 115 ASG employees from all agencies and departments were part of this monumental event, said the Human Resources Director Lynn Pulou Alaimalo.  

 “The years of service participants have either reached 20,30,40,50 and 60 plus years of service in the American Samoa Government.

 “DHR held this annual event commemorating the services of ASG employees to our government and territory.

 “Aside from presenting plaques and gifts for the Years of Service participants at the dinner, the Department of Human Resources also announced the 2022 ASG Employee of the Year and Longest Serving Employee of the American Samoa Government.”

She told Samoa News the selection of the 2022 ASG Employee of the Year was made by a reviewing panel led by chairwoman Dr. Akenese Nikolao, Komiti Emmsley, Dr. Taitaifono Otineru, Sereima Asifoa Martin Tufono, Lemala Thompson and Renee Togafau.

 On December 14, 2022, the panel deliberated and unanimously selected Ms. Dora Ah Sue for this award after interviews with her and a number of ASG employees from other departments.

"Ah Sue has met the criteria of years of service, and her interview was impressive,” said the director. 

The candidate that was also in contention was Tinousi Jennings, who has served the government for 60 years.

 “Her service and contribution to our healthcare community is beyond our expectations. 

 “What stood out for Ms. Ah Sue was her passion for the protection of the rights and way of life of those individuals who are disabled.

 “She represents and is a model for our new workforce to strive for diversity in any job and to put forth the best effort.

 “Her values and professionalism exuded through her well thought out answers. She exemplifies professionalism, and spoke eloquently about her vision of helping people of need to be normal and accepted in our society.

 “We all need to work together for our own, but for the community at large in bringing up everyone to have good quality in all aspect of life. “That is our purpose - to serve one another,” said the director.

For the longest serving employee, this award went to Mrs. Tinousi Sema Faualo Jennings from the Department of Public Health. Mrs. Jennings began her work career on July 1^, 1959 as a Student Nurse in the Department of Medical Services. Upon completion of necessary requisites to officially becoming a nurse, Jennings trail-blazed up the career ladder as a graduate nurse, licensed practical nurse, local public health nurse, senior nurse, clinic supervisor to where she is now as an Associate Director of Nursing for the Department of Public Health. 

Tinousi Jennings was the recipient of the  Longest Years of Service award at the 2nd Annual ASG Years of Service celebration last week. [photo: DHR Facebook]

 “She is a true example of a Good Samaritan whose passion and dedication accentuates the heart for goodwill and good health for all. 

 “Mrs. Jennings’ multiple licenses and certificates with an exceptional career background since the years of Governor Aspinall, speaks volumes on the captivating time capsule moments and her passion to serve American Samoa during the evolving years of the Naval Administration to now. 

 “We want to express our deepest gratitude to Mrs. Jennings for such a healthy and captivating journey as a public servant.”

The director said that from over 115 participants, 60 participants are from the Department of Education.

“We only have one employee who has reached 60 years of service. 

 “We want to extend our faafetai to all ASG employees for their endless commitment and dedication to public service,” she said.