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Swains island once again returns Rep. Su’a Alexander Eli Jennings, to the local House

Rep. Su’a Alexander Eli Jennings (right) with his wife, after he was selected by Swains islanders for a seventh consecutive two-year term in the local House of Representatives.  [photo: FS]
fili@samoanews.com

The first-unofficial results of the 2016 general election came out over the weekend when Swains islanders agreed, in the presence of Election Office officials, to once again return Rep. Su’a Alexander Eli Jennings, to the local House of Representatives.

And Su’a told his constituents, who are all related to each other, that Swains island is not recognized by American Samoa — referring to Tutuila and Manu’a — under its Constitution.

Swains islanders, “We have no identify — it’s not recognized,” Su’a told the gathering of about 30-plus Swains adult residents, who attended the open meeting last Saturday afternoon at the Election Office in Tafuna, after he was unanimously re-selected as Swains non-voting Delegate.

At the start of the meeting, Chief Election Officer, Uiagalelei Dr. Lealofi Uiagalelei gave brief remarks which included the requirement by him, in accordance with local statute and constitution, to call the meeting for Swains islanders and that the Election Office’s role during the selection process is “observer” — while it’s Swain islanders who are in charge.

As in past election years, the group first appointed an individual, who plays the role of moderator and Zenobia Jennings, who was given the task, called for candidates to be nominated. The first name mentioned was Su’a, and was immediately supported by others, with no other candidate nominated. 

While a participant called for Swains islanders to “vote (palota)” to show full support of Su’a, one of the elders spoke up in support of the incumbent, saying there is no voting involved in the selection process and that Su’a will return to the House.

The selection process went smoothly except for one point at the beginning of the meting when it was a bit tense when Bert Thompson, who voiced his support for Su’a, addressed the meeting, by first giving his family background and his hereditary link to the family owned Swains island, located some 90 miles north of Tutuila.

A Swains islander interrupted Thompson saying they were not there to discuss their heritage and family linkage but to select the next delegate and Su’a’s name has already been nominated. Thompson responded that if the male Swains islander wants his chance to speak okay, but he wanted to address the meeting.

One of the issues raised by Thompson is why there is no established Swains/Tokelau community project. He suggested Swains islanders be more active with programs or other projects — just like the Tongan community.

A handful of other Swains islanders supported Thompson’s suggestion, saying many ethnic groups on island have their own association and groups, which are well established in the territory.

In addressing the meeting, Su’a expressed appreciation to his family for their decision to return him to the House, where the Swains delegate doesn’t have a vote on the House floor, although he can sit and vote in committees. He also thanked the House leadership and his House colleagues for allowing him to chair over the years, House committees and again despite the fact he can’t vote on the House floor just like American Samoa’s non-voting delegate to the US House of Representatives.

He said the important question is why the Swains representative to the House is selected instead of elected and this is an issue that should be considered by Swains. Su’a said in the past 10 years he has thoroughly researched into the American Samoa constitution and any provision of the constitution or local laws dealing with Swains, and found that “there is nothing” in there pertaining to rights of Swains islanders.

He recalled what an off island professor — a graduate of Yale, Princeton and Harvard universities and is a constitutional lawyer — told him, that American Samoa has not fully recognized Swains.

Su’a said in reviewing federal law, there are two unincorporated territories of the US and that is American Samoa (Tutuila, Aunu’u and Manu’a) and Swains island. “So what does that mean? It means Swains is a territory of the United States, it’s not a territory of America Samoa,” he said.

Su’a, who during his speech also used his native language of Tokelau, also said he agrees with the important issue raised by Thompson that Swains islanders should have programs as well as a strong organization on Tutuila just like the ethnic groups — such as Tongns and Filipinos.

After speaking in his native language, Su’a said, “I am so proud of my language. Other people, other ethnic backgrounds have more recognition in American Samoa than people that came from Swains island.”

He said ASG has a budget of around $300 million and only $50,000 is allocated for Swains, which has no representation in the Senate and the Office of Samoan Affairs — which is also considered the traditional local government with District Governors for Eastern, Western and Manu’a districts.

The one-hour meeting concluded with Uiagalelei congratulating Swains islanders for reaching a consensus in a very peaceful manner followed by about ten Swains islanders performing the traditional Tokelau siva.