Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — In a memo released last week to the media by the Governor’s Office, an announcement of “AS Teaming Up with CCCAS for Walk and Wave Against Drugs” was publicized. The memo in turn has caused a rumble of discontent in the community, heard through Facebook posts, with responses in particular to a post from Mrs. Theresa Auva’a of Malaeloa, calling out the walk and wave for drug awareness — when instead villages need resources to directly combat the problem, at the village level. “We are begging you. Save your children,” she exhorts Fathers of our island.

Mrs. Auva’a’s post begins with “How ironic is it that as I am reading this post the ‘walk for awareness’ in the town area the souls affected by these drugs are walking on the road in front of my house waving at me in my village.

“How much more awareness do we need?”

She states instead that “in the words of your own Governor’s drug control office — ‘Ku’u Loa’ (Stop Now).

“Ua makua’i fau lala’i ga mau Waves fai so’o (There’s just so many Waves, done too many times).

“Instead help the village aumagas with incentives and funding to patrol and secure their villages.

“Help the different church youth groups with incentives and funding to keep the youth occupied both physically and spiritually.

“Help the Village communities fund playgrounds and sporting areas (Volleyball courts, Basketball courts, etc.) to keep the youth physically and mentally active.

“They say it takes a village to raise a child.

“It might also take the village to save a child. Help the villages!”

She points out that the government sadly uses most of the resources for salaries instead of for actual incentives.

“From someone whose home and family lands have been violated by these lost souls, trust me,” Mrs. Auva’a states, “we are aware there is a problem.”

She continues, “what we need now is a solution not more awareness;” and pleads to “help us save the lost souls by getting rid of the suppliers who are bringing in the drugs.

“Once you solve that problem we won’t need to keep raising awareness about the drug problem because the problem will cease to exist.

“It’s time e ‘ku’u loa’ le kakou faakagafaavalvalea ae fai le mea sa'o. Target the drug dealers not the users…”

She implores “Tama o le Atunu’u” — Fathers of our island — “we are begging you. Save your children.”

Comments on Mrs. Auva’a’s post agree with her sentiments and speak of being tired of the government’s same old approach — busting users and not the dealers.

The Governor’s memo dated July 18, 2024, is addressed to the Secretary of Samoan Affairs, CEOs, Presidents and Executive Directors of Authorities, Directors, Agency and Office Heads, and states it is from Governor of American Samoa.

It points out that “drug abuse stands as one of the greatest threats to our territory and our people” and that “some of the most impactful efforts to combat this growing problem come from our churches.”

The governor indicates that he “recently received an invitation from the Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa (CCCAS) to join in their ‘Walk and Wave Against Drugs’ on Friday, July 19.”

Gov. Lemanu P.S. Mauga said that according to the invitation/ letter from CCCAS General Secretary Rev. Nafatali Falealii and Rev. Elder Afalupetoa Uta'i, Coordinator of the CCCAS Elder's Committee, “this event coincides with the 35th General Assembly of the CCCAS currently underway in American Samoa.”

He said that the church expects “more than 2,000 church members to participate, not only from American Samoa, but from Hawaii, the United States, New Zealand, and Australia.

“With this much support from the local and international communities, ti behooves ASG to team up to make this event as impactful in our local community as possible.

“We should all stand together against a problem that is ravaging families and communities both local and across the globe.”

Gov. Lemanu states, “Let us represent ASG and our united stand against drugs.

“As this is an ASG function, no campaign attire, please.

“Let us show that ASG stands united with our community and church leaders against drug abuse.

“Together we can all make a difference in the fight against drugs.

BACKGROUND

Notable, Samoa News points out that the Territory does not have a Drug Abuse Center where addicts can be treated for substance abuse — drugs as well as alcohol. A groundbreaking for such a center took place last year, in the Tafuna government housing area, but there has been no update as to the status of said center.

And currently the Territory does not have Juvenile Detention Center either. It was closed by the Health Department due to health issues from possible lack of maintenance — rat and termite infestations, water leaks, etc. — and it was dismantled recently. When it will be replaced, is not known.