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Pago residents recount the tsunami
Thursday October 1, 2009
By Tina Mata'afa
tina@samoanews.com

The tsunami experience in Pago Pago village Tuesday is one of death, sadness, chaos and destruction. Just yesterday, rescue efforts found the body of a seven-year-old girl in the water, offshore, a source told Samoa News.

The seven-year-old went missing Tuesday as children were on their way to school and parents were getting ready to go to work.

American Samoa's death toll now stands at 31.

A mother of two from Pago Pago says when the earthquake struck a little before 7 a.m., she and her husband were getting ready to go to work.

"The earthquake hit...we were just getting ready to go to work...and there was an aftershock," Ola Fuatagavi Foster told Samoa News.

From her home, that lies 100 feet above sea level, above the Pago CCCAS chapel, there is a broad view of the Pago Bay area, she explained.

"We just happened to look out...and the ocean...how water looks when it boils...how it bubbles up, that's how it looked like around the bay area behind Pago Way Service Station. At that moment, I called out to my husband we called our two kids and ran out of the house....we could hear people crying out, wailing, coming from below...we could see the water rise and cover the whole bottom."

Samoa News learned of an account of two men, in a double cab pick up truck who were on their way to work, heading westward, when the waves rushed inland. The two men were in front of the Catholic Church in Pago Pago.

The water, according to one of the men, rose as high as the tips of the concrete eagles that front Mauga's guest house, and lifted and carried the truck. The current pulled the car up to the home of Fiasili Haleck, westward, and when the water receded, it carried the car outward toward the Pago Park Soccer Stadium.

Fortunately for the men, the car stayed upright. After the water abated, the car would not start but the men were happy to be alive.

Other vehicles, cars, trucks, buses, were washed into irrigation ditches, turned upside down and riddled from being tossed about during the event, car wrecks are a common sight in the area today.

Tuesday a tow truck had to be pulled out of a ditch, while several small aiga buses lay on their sides in the ditch near Pago Plaza.

All yesterday, neighbors and relatives joined Pago families and government workers with the American Samoa Power Authority and Department of Public Works to clean up the wreckage of vehicles and homes that line the roadways and driveways in the village.

Aumua Amata, who was at her family home in Pago, said on Tuesday morning her house (at Coconut Point Nuuuli Village) shook for a long time.

"Something felt very wrong and when I looked at the ocean, the swells were coming in fast up over my stone wall and towards the house. Thank God the tsunami hit the tip of the airport because that served as a buffer," said Amata. "I had to move fast because my property has about 200 yards of ocean front so the waves hit all of it at the same time. There was very little warning, I freaked out with fear, bolted out of the house and headed for the hills like everyone else."

In seeing the ruins of Pago village afterward, Amata notes "utter devastation is everywhere..."

"I cried at what I saw," she said. "Boats that were out on the ocean are now on the mountainside and cars were...swept out. My family's house now has the neighbor's house sitting in our front yard and there is a pickup truck in the mango tree."

For a young Pago mother, who spoke to Samoa News Tuesday afternoon outside the LBJ hospital morgue, where families from around Tutuila island crowded to receive the painful news of dead loved ones - the loss of a beloved aunt stands out most.

Red-eyed and weary the young mother said: "My aunty." She shook her head, looked away and cried, "at Seagull." Seagull was one of the many stores along the Pago Pago shoreline, leveled by the tsunami waves that hit the village which is still out of power.

But in the Samoan culture, and especially in the proud village of Pago Pago, American Samoa's capital - amid the destruction, in the wake of looting and death - it is the good hearts in others that is helping to heal wounds, mend broken hearts and dry the tears caused by loved ones lost.

In Hawaii, more than two dozen church leaders, government workers, private business people, military personnel, and representatives of Hawaiian Civic Clubs are planning a prayer service and relief efforts for victims in American Samoa and Samoa, according to a statement from Ikaika Communications in the Aloha State.

"We want to bring the Samoan community in Hawaii together, as well as welcome non-Samoans who want to pray with us, to a special prayer service for the victims," said Afimutasi Gus Hannemann, an organizer with the community group. "'God is first in all we do' is a saying for Samoans, so we pray to Him first, then we begin the process of helping with relief efforts wherever we can."

The non-denominational prayer service is set for tonight at 7 p.m. at the Lighthouse Outreach Center in Waipahu on Leokane Street.

Amata says: "I've talked to the Flying Doctors of America to see if they can come down. People are reaching out to help from all over."

"We need help in many different ways and [sovereign] Samoa needs a lot of help as well. Everyone is working as a team and that's a good thing. When FEMA starts to arrive...that will be a big boost and people will eventually get relief."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Aumua Amata
684-258-8376

September 23, 2009

Amata asks for assurances on job availability

Following her successful drive to encourage soon-to-be-unemployed COS cannery workers to apply for military construction jobs on Guam, Aumua Amata today asked Congressman Faleomavaega Eni to make sure workers who are Nationals or permanent resident aliens are not inadvertently placed in the foreign labor pool because American Samoa is outside the U.S. immigration system.

"One of the provisions of the Defense Authorization Act of 2010 being considered by Congress right now," said Amata, "would put a ceiling on the number of hours per month that could worked by holders of certain visas. The intent of that provision is to ensure that 70% of the work goes to Americans and, as I understand, green card holders. I just want to be certain that the bill makes clear that U.S. nationals are given eligibility equal to that of U.S. citizens and that workers here who are permanent resident aliens be treated no differently that stateside green card holders for the purpose of seeking Guam military construction-related jobs."

Amata said she was reminded of the headache American Samoa faced when it was only discovered after the fact that the law establishing the Transportation Security Administration reserved all airport screener jobs for U.S. citizens. "When a lot of our people who are U.S. nationals applied for jobs," said Amata, "they were turned away because the law did not state that U.S. nationals were the same as U.S. citizens for the purpose of these jobs."

"Fortunately, Congress amended the TSA law," said Amata, "but I would hate to see that happen again just because someone wasn't paying close attention as they put the finishing touches on the bill and then have to correct it later only to find all the jobs already have been filled."

Amata explained that the provision of the bill defining hiring eligibility is controversial. Because it is in the House version but not the Senate version, the final language will have to be negotiated. Hawaii Rep. Neil Abercrombie is the author of the section but Hawaii Sen. Dan Inouye opposes it.

"If that section of the bill is dropped, we should be fine," concluded Amata. "However, if it gets amended, we have to be sure our workers� options are preserved."

NOTE: The following letters were send by Amata on this subject.

Aumua Amata
Post Office Box 1178
Pago Pago, AS 96799
684-699-9609
aumua.amata@gmail.com

September 23, 2009

The Honorable Faleomavaega Eni
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Faleomavaega:

There are attached letters I have written to Senator Inouye, Congressman Abercrombie and Delegate Bordallo concerning the 2010 Defense Authorization Act currently being considered by a House-Senate Conference Committee. As you know, one of the provisions of the bill, authored by Mr. Abercrombie, requires that 70% of the Guam jobs in the bill be reserved for U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens.

I am concerned that we not have a repeat of the situation we faced with airport screeners, which required an amendment to the law to make U.S. nationals eligible for those positions. The bill should make clear that U.S. nationals are eligible for any jobs available to U.S. citizens. Moreover, because so many COS workers are permanent resident aliens here but outside the U.S. immigration system, they, too, could have difficulty securing work on Guam if they were not treated the same as stateside green card holders.

Therefore I have asked Senator Inouye, Mr. Abercrombie and Mrs. Bordallo to urge the conferees to make certain that any provisions of the bill defining worker eligibility for Guam jobs treat U.S. nationals the same as U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens in American Samoa the same as permanent resident alien green card holders in the states. It is obvious from other parts of section 2834 of the House Bill that workers in the other territories are to be given an opportunity to apply for Guam jobs. We just need to be certain our workers do not get caught in a technicality because we are outside ICE jurisdiction.

We all hope that a way will be found to retain our workers right here at home but I feel they ought to be given an opportunity to work on Guam if they have the ability to meet the skill requirements and not be excluded because of a citizenship provision. I am certain you concur and hope you will ask the conferees consider this request.

Sincerely,

Aumua Amata

Aumua Amata Coleman
Post Office Box 1178
Pago Pago, AS 96799
684-699-9609
aumua.amata@gmail.com

September 23, 2009

The Honorable Neil Abercrombie
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Mr. Abercrombie:

As you know, next week Chicken of the Sea will close its tuna cannery in American Samoa, throwing over 2,000 people out of work. Although our government has announced plans to purchase the cannery and reopen it within 60 days, there are many hurdles to overcome and long term prospects for the tuna industry in the territory remain uncertain. While the government considers measures for the broader economic future of our islands, I am concentrating on trying to help those workers who will be struggling just to feed their families after September 30.

Because the military is undergoing a massive build up on Guam, I have undertaken a private initiative to try to match members of our workforce with skills needed for the construction work there. However, I am concerned that the 2010 Defense Authorization Act currently being considered by a House-Senate Conference Committee may inadvertently preclude our workers from seeking job opportunities on Guam.

Periodically over the years laws written to be applicable to U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens unintentionally overlook the fact that most of our people are U.S. nationals and permanent resident aliens outside the U.S. immigration system. When TSA was established, for example, the position of airport screener was reserved only for U.S. citizens. After I pointed out that nationals also should be eligible, the law was amended.

You have authored a provision of the bill that requires 70% of the workers hired for the Guam construction projects be U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens. I respectfully ask any provisions of the bill defining worker eligibility treat U.S. nationals, some of whom are your own constituents, the same as U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens in American Samoa the same as permanent resident alien green card holders in the states.

Sincerely,

Aumua Amata Coleman

cc: Del. Faleomavaega

Aumua Amata
Post Office Box 1178
Pago Pago, AS 96799
684-699-9609
aumua.amata@gmail.com

September 23, 2009

The Honorable Madeleine Z. Bordallo
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Mrs. Bordallo:

A provision of the bill requires 70% of the workers hired for the Guam construction projects be U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens. Because you are following this bill so closely, I respectfully ask any provisions of the bill defining worker eligibility for Guam jobs treat U.S. nationals the same as U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens in American Samoa the same as permanent resident alien green card holders in the states.

Sincerely,

Aumua Amata Coleman

cc: Del. Faleomavaega

Aumua Amata Coleman
Post Office Box 1178
Pago Pago, AS 96799
684-699-9609
aumua.amata@gmail.com

September 23, 2009

The Honorable Daniel K. Inouye
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator Inouye:

Periodically over the years laws written to be applicable to U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens unintentionally overlook the fact that most of our people are U.S. nationals and permanent resident aliens outside the U.S. immigration system. When TSA was established, for example, the position of airport screener was reserved only for U.S. citizens. When I pointed out that nationals also should be eligible, the law was amended.

While not taking a position on the prevailing wage and foreign hire cap issues over which you have expressed concern to Chairman Levin, I do request that you ask the Conference Committee to be certain that any provisions of the bill that define eligibility of workers treat U.S. nationals the same as U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens in American Samoa the same as permanent resident alien green card holders in the states.

Sincerely,

Aumua Amata Coleman

cc: Del. Faleomavaega

Aumua Amata calls PPI a parallel course to alternative employment

Tuesday September 22, 2009
By Samoa News Staff
news.newsroom@samoaelco.com

Since Friday, when Amata began handing out employment applications for Professional Personnel International (PPI), the Texas-based firm in charge of hiring employees for the military build-up in Guam, about 2,000 applications have been handed out, she said. PPI is looking for 10,000 workers for the military build-up.

More than 100 workers laid off from COS departed the island for their home country of Samoa last week with the next group set to leave tomorrow via the MV Lady Naomi.

A COS management official personally thanked Amata for what she is doing for the employees of COS Samoa Packing as she is helping people to feed their families in these tough economic times. Answering inquiries from several men, Amata said these jobs are open to US Nationals, US citizens and citizens of sovereign Samoa, who comprise a majority of the workforce.

In a statement issued Monday afternoon, Amata commented on the governor's initiative to purchase COS Samoa Packing:

"Although I have philosophical misgivings about Government trying to run a business, if ASG purchasing COS Samoa Packing were the only way we can save so many jobs and keep our economy afloat, then I applaud the governor's initiative.

"At the same time, until the purchase is final and COS Samoa Packing workers have been notified they will be able to retain their jobs here, I believe it is prudent for us to continue on a parallel course to find alternative employment on Guam for COS/SP workers who otherwise are not able to find work on island.

"Accordingly, I will continue to keep the Guam Jobs tent open across from the COS Samoa Packing cannery until all workers who want to submit a job application have done so and then will move the tent around the island to make it convenient for others to apply."

Amata went on to say that If this initiative is to succeed, it would need to be done in partnership with the workers, the Government and the Congressional office. "Compiling the job applications is the first step but it is the easiest step," she said. Amata called for the Congressional office to make certain that the language in the armed services bill currently being considered by a House-Senate conference committee contains language that ensures that U.S. Nationals are eligible for the Guam jobs.

"In the past, on occasion Congress has passed laws that specifically restrict certain jobs to U.S. citizens. For example, a few years ago Congress passed a law requiring that TSA airport screeners be U.S. citizens, totally forgetting that many of our people were excluded from applying because they were U.S. nationals. Fortunately the law was amended to include nationals but it is a lot easier if the original bill recognizes U.S. nationals should be as eligible as U.S. citizens.

"Similarly, there is a provision in the House version of this bill that requires that 70% of the workers hired be either U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens (so-called green card holders). Because we have our separate immigration system, it is essential the provision makes it clear that permanent resident aliens here in American Samoa, who are not green card holders, should be treated as if they were green card holders for the purpose of being eligible for the Guam jobs.

"As a private citizen, I have taken this initiative as far as I can alone. I have touched base with ASG and the Delegate�s office. Now it is up to ASG and Congress to do their parts. Hopefully, the Governor's proposal will mean we will not need to send anyone to Guam but I believe it is important that our workers have this choice available to them," Amata told Samoa News.

/s/ AUMUA AMATA

Aumua Amata: Flying Doctors of America looking for South Pacific hub
September 1, 2009
By Fili Sagapolutele fili@samoanews.com

Pago Pago. A U.S. based charitable organization, Flying Doctors of America, (or FDoA) is considering a mission to American Samoa next year as a result of an initiative launched by Aumua Amata, a veteran advocate of health issues.

FDoA is also looking for a South Pacific hub for its operations and both Amata and LBJ Medical Center jumped at this great opportunity, hoping to convince the group to set up in American Samoa, especially with the fiber optic cable available here.

LBJ chief executive officer Patricia Tindall said over the weekend as a result of an initiative launched by Aumua Amata, FDoA is considering a mission to American Samoa next year.

FDoA photo

Early last week, Tindall reached a tentative agreement with Dr. Allan Gathercoal, the FDoA president "to assemble a medical and dental team to perform badly needed services in the Territory over a period of one or two weeks next summer".

"We are deeply indebted to Amata for steering the Flying Doctors our way," said Tindall. "I understand that originally they were looking at more remote places to visit, but when Amata learned that FDoA also was seeking a regional base of operations, she (Amata) persuaded Dr. Gathercoal to bring a mission here and to consider American Samoa for its South Pacific home."

Responding to Samoa News inquiries, Amata said yesterday both "Dr. Allan Gathercoal and I are former Congressional staffers and this initiative is the result of a contact I made with him last year."

"There is an old saying that 'a rising tide lifts all boats'. Now that our fiber optic cable is up and running, I jumped at the chance to convince the Flying Doctors that American Samoa has the potential to serve as their Pacific headquarters. With the right equipment hooked into the cable, we can become a regional referral hospital and our own people will get the benefits from the improvement of services that would come about as a result," said Amata.

"If FDoA were to base itself at LBJ, the doctors could take missions to more remote parts of the region from here and refer patients back to LBJ who cannot be treated at home," she pointed out.

"Too often, good ideas get lost due to lack of follow through, but not so this time. I want to thank Patti Tindall for her quick and enthusiastic positive response to this initiative. Without her foresight and leadership, this opportunity would have been lost," Amata added.

According to an LBJ statement, Gathercoal has committed to a three-week site inspection of American Samoa beginning early February, 2010. At that time, he will talk with ASG officials and medical personnel looking at housing and office options, and evaluate hospital facilities and equipment.

Gathercoal will visit Tutuila and Manu'a and inspect the territory's dispensaries as well. Then, in consultation with the medical community, he also will determine what specialties to include in the first team. Thereafter, it will take four to five months to assemble the team and complete all necessary logistical and travel arrangements, said Tindall.

"Amata persuaded me that, with its central geographical location in the region, good air facilities and the availability of modern telecommunications services, her islands were worth a serious look," said Gathercoal in a statement. "Whether or not we open a regional office here, it is quite possible we will want to bring annual missions here because the Pacific is a part of the world where we have yet to work."

"Between now and Dr. Gathercoal's visit, we want to do all that we can to present to him our case as to why American Samoa should become the regional headquarters for Flying Doctors of America," said Tindall.

The Atlanta-based FDoA's mission is to provide medical assistance and hope to as many of the needy as they are able to reach. The organization has flown medical and dental teams to wherever the need takes them throughout the world.

Under the leadership of its founder and president, Dr. Gathercoal, FDoA brings together physicians, dentists, nurses, chiropractors, other health professionals and non-medical support volunteers to care for people who otherwise would never receive professional medical care, according to FDoA website.

Over 9,000 American and Canadian medical doctors and 1500 dentists are affiliated with this group. The organization operates under the "Mother Teresa principle," focusing on people who live in conditions that are difficult for most stateside Americans to imagine.

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