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Unexpected closure of ASG departments, agencies or offices

Gov. Lemanu P.S. Mauga
reporters@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Gov. Lemanu P.S. Mauga has taken those directors to task for their decision to close down their departments during what would have been otherwise normal business hours.

“The unexpected closure of departments, agencies or offices outside of planned or declared holidays creates a disruption in public services we provide and has a direct impact on our community who rely on us.”

In the memorandum, dated Jan. 3, 2024, the governor emphasized that “this should not occur except under emergency conditions.” He pointed out that “if there are activities that a department needs to undertake that effects the staffing of the department, Directors should determine the best way to streamline its provision of services during that time in order to be able to continue operations and undertake the additional activities.”

Gov. Lemanu admonished these directors saying, “Ample holiday time is provided to employees…” He noted that “Directors should schedule appropriately through the holiday season in order to be open for business during business hours.”

The governor does not identify which ASG departments, agencies or offices were closed during normal business hours.

In his memo regarding holiday hours, the governor asked directors where possible to place non-essential employees on a 50% staffing pattern from Dec. 21, 2023 through Jan. 3, 2024.