Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Lemanu & La'apui gubernatorial campaign kicked-off strongly on Saturday, July 20, 2024, with more than 3,000 supporters turning up at Tafuna, next to the Veterans Memorial Stadium to show their support.

Campaign Committee Chairman Malemo Tausaga greeted the gathering as a parade procession of village and district committees with their colorful uniforms made their way past the invited guests which included leaders and members of the Fono, local government secretary, district governors and staff, the local business community, friends and relatives of the candidates for re-election.

Bishop Kolio Etuale Tumanuvao of the Catholic Diocese of Samoa Pago Pago conducted the opening service with hymns sung by the Youth for Lemanu & La'apui Choir.

This was followed by special remarks from gubernatorial candidate for re-election Lemanu P.S. Mauga who reminded the audience of their campaign slogan, "E Lavatia le Alofa" — "Love Endures all Things" — taken from 1 Corinthians Chapter 13: Verse 7, "Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."

Lemanu said, ”We began this campaign in 2021, with emphasis on prioritizing the welfare and unity of our families, because families are the building blocks of unified communities, churches and the nation as a whole.

"That is the foundation on which American Samoa is built upon and the values of unity, love and mutual respect not only strengthen families, but also foster a sense of belonging and harmony which binds us closer together as Samoans."

He recalled the problems brought about by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic which kept residents apart from their loved ones who were stranded off-island, because of the travel bans and closure of all ports of entry.

He said that efforts to bring relatives from off-island had been carried out despite the many challenges and two weeks after informing the public of their repatriation plan, the first flight arrived at the airport in Tafuna on February 1st, 2021.

Lemanu recounted that one of the prominent and respected members of the community who was on that first flight was Rev. Elder Kereti Faiai, who was instrumental in calming the emotional passengers by offering spiritual advice and urging them to have faith in God that He will guide them home safely.

"I mention his name so that you will remember him in your prayers as he is currently admitted at the hospital in Faga'alu for treatment of health complications," he revealed. "I remember vividly the emotionally charged reunions of relatives who had been apart for several months, some for nearly a year due to the pandemic."

He pointed out that the heartwarming reunion was the result of decision-making done with love, as the campaign slogan states, "Love Endures all Things."

Lemanu also elaborated on the minimum wage raise for government employees to help them deal with the rising cost of living and to better take care of their families. He pointed out that it was a just reward for those government employees who had served for many years without a pay raise.

He also touched on environmental and infrastructural improvements to ensure safety when traveling to Manu'a, Aunu'u and Olohega (Swains Island).

He went on to acknowledge with thanks, the assistance of the Fono in passing appropriation legislation so that various projects could be completed for the benefit of all residents.

With regards to American Samoa's relations with the Independent State of Samoa and the region, he commented on the close collaborations with Samoa through the annual Atoa-o-Samoa Talks to improve communications, waiving of travel requirements for short term visits to the Territory and vice versa, and cooperation between the two governments to boost food security.

Lemanu also commented on American Samoa's efforts to raise its status in the Pacific Island Forum from Observer to Associate Membership, to eventually achieving full membership so that its voice can be heard in discussions of issues that impact countries and territories in the Pacific region.

He added that the federal government has shown support for American Samoa's regional aspirations through the State Department.

However, he stressed that they remain committed to upholding American Samoa's special relationship with the US government, to honor the vision of our forefathers for a better future for generations to come.

"When we were elected to office four years ago, we declared that we would serve the people of American Samoa to the best of our abilities, and we have done so with well wishes from many supporters," Lemanu stated. "However the truth is, no matter how financially secure and well versed a leader is in politics, if he doesn't have love, it is a leadership without purpose.

"As the good Book says, 'If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.'

“American Samoa, La'apui and his good lady Marian together with my wife Ella and I, are ready to continue to serve you for the next four years, with your blessing. Love endures all things. Thank you."

Gubernatorial candidate for re-election Lemanu P. S. Mauga and First Lady Ella Mauga during the Lemanu La'apui 2024 campaign kick-off last Saturday at Tafuna. [courtesy photo]

The gathering responded with resounding applause as Lemanu concluded his remarks.

Entertainment followed from the Manu'atele campaign committee and an inspirational testimony by the Youth Representative, Ms. Fausaga Ve'ave'a Taufete'e, the daughter of the late Fa'aagi and Judy Taufete'e of Leone and Nu'uuli.

Fausaga elaborated on the importance of the youth and their contributions in society and declared that without them, all the accomplishments of the administration in the past four years would not have been possible.

"Our youth wields the most power in any field," she stated. "They possess the ability to make impactful changes in our churches, villages, communities and in our homes. Our most important investment is our youth, because they are the promise of tomorrow.

"Your voice is just as valuable as the person with a title. So I urge you to use your voice where it counts. Especially in the upcoming elections because this allows you to be heard on a bigger platform, and on the issues that matter the most to you. There is so much power in your voice and how you choose to use it.

"So use it wisely. Use your voice as a source of hope, to protest injustice and to hold your leaders accountable. Before I end, I would like to share a message that a loved one once told me. 'With everything you do and in all the things you do, do it as an act of love and with humility. Remember, love endures all things."

This was followed by more entertainment provided by the Laulii Village and the Eastern District campaign committees who invited Mrs. Marian McGuire-Ale, whose mother, Helen McGuire is from Laulii, to perform the siva in their Taualuga.

Incumbent Lt. Governor and candidate for re-election La'apui E.V. Ale then addressed the gathering and stated that Lemanu had already delivered their official remarks, but he just wanted to extend his heartfelt thanks to all who had taken the time to attend the event, time he said, that could have been spent with their families and loved ones.

Gubernatorial candidate for re-election La'apui E.V. Ale and his good lady Marian McGuire-Ale during the Lemanu La'apui 2024 campaign kick-off last Saturday at Tafuna. [photo: Asi A. Fa'asau]

"Your presence this morning weighs heavily on my mind," he revealed. "Because of your love and respect for Governor Lemanu and this insignificant person standing before you. My heart is overwhelmed with love because of your unwavering support and loyalty.

"I am truly humbled for the honor you have given to me and Lemanu. We greatly appreciate and are humbled by your selection of us. The past four years has been the greatest accomplishment and the greatest experience of my professional life. To be able to serve the people of American Samoa in this capacity.

"I still remember four years ago when I stood before you and requested your support. I will never forget the support you gave through your vote which gave us the opportunity to serve as your elected governor and lieutenant governor. I will remember it for as long as I live, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

"But we are here again to ask for your support so that we can continue to do the work that you had sent us to do in 2021.

“Lemanu is the leader that I choose. I choose him because he is a fearless leader. I choose him because he has a heart full of love for the people of American Samoa, and that is why I'm so proud to be his running mate again in 2024."