Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Pula & Pulu administration is beginning to take shape with letters of termination being sent out as new employees replace them, as well as political appointees for department directors and heads begin to make their way to the Fono for confirmation.

The first three nominees submitted to the Fono for confirmation are the  Commissioner of Public Safety, Director of the Department of Youth and Women Affairs, and Director of the Department of Public Works, with the hearings beginning this week.

In the meantime, termination letters are reported to have been delivered to at least 70 ASG employees. Samoa News was unable to confirm if all the 70 employees are with the Governor’s Office.

A copy of one of the letters terminating employment of a local government employee is making its round on social media with the comment: “ua report le kagaka uu degree I le kagaka uu GED” (now a degree holder is reporting to a GED holder) in bold letters with a laughing emoji plastered along the bottom of it.

Dated January 28, 2025, the letter is signed by the Governor’s Chief of Staff Taito Ali’itasi Afuola — Mauga, with an effective date of January 28, 2025.

It says in part that “the collective decision has been made due to the recent employment of new administrative officials whose responsibilities will encompass the duties currently assigned to you.

“Please note that effective immediately you are excused from work attendance and you will be on leave with full pay for the next two weeks as you transition your of your role [sic]. During this time, I kindly ask that you return all government property that was provided to you for work.”

The termination letter concludes, “In an effort to further improve our administration’s efforts, I strongly encourage you to seek open employment opportunities by reaching out to the Department of Human Resources.” The Chief of Staff then goes on to thank them for their service to the people of American Samoa and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.

It’s unknown at this point if all the vacated positions will be filled as seems to be indicated by the termination letter — the reason the terminations were initiated.

Samoa News should point out that Governor Pulaalii N. Pula, in a memorandum dated Jan 9, 2025, announced Critical Cost Containment Measures by the government until its analysis of the government’s finances is completed.

Gov. Pulaali’i stated that “effective immediately” the following cost containment measures are implemented until further analysis of the government’s finances is completed.

The measures include a hiring freeze, with approval required for hiring of employees “paid for by the General Fund” from the Governor; a 10% Spending Cut Across-the-Board directed to decrease spending of general fund dollars of the ASG Budget for FY 2025…”