Teacher shortages, opportunities to train residents of American Samoa through the maritime and aviation programs in Samoa, and a proposal by American Samoa to enhance the tourism industry and attract investors, and the US territory as the gateway to the US market were some of the issues discussed during the meetings between Samoa and American Samoa held in the last two days.
Formerly known as the 2Samoa Talks, the Government of Samoa and American Samoa have agreed to rename it to “Atoa o Samoa Executive Meeting and will occur biannually. The next meeting will be hosted in Samoa in September 2022 during the Teuila Festival.”
In a statement issued In their special remarks during the opening ceremony, both leaders highlighted a new beginning for the two Samoas to move forward independently and collaboratively in their government.
“Although we are two separate governments that hold different political statuses, we are still one people. Atoa o Samoa will allow our delegations to discuss cooperation issues between the two Samoas,” Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga stated in his opening remarks.
“We are facing many hardships; however, there needs to be a collective approach for the resiliency of our people,” added the Governor.
Prime Minister Naomi Mata’afa says this fellowship marks the beginning of new administrations of both Samoas, however, the spirit of the two governments working together towards mutual issues remains the goal.
“The communication has begun to strengthen the relationship of our two Samoa Governments.”
On the final day, Prime Minister Fiame and Governor Lemanu, key issues were discussed as follows: Health, Economy, Education, Information and Communication Technology, Immigration, Agriculture and Fisheries, Finance, Environment, Climate, Weather & Geoscience, Transport between the two Samoas, Public Works matters, and Foreign Affairs and Trade.
“Other issues/matters discussed were cultural preservation of language and literacy and Land Swap Agreement.
“These matters will be on the agenda for the next executive session.
Leaders discussed the need for advancement in healthcare in both regions. The mutual interests are in training opportunities for personnel, TeleHealth, and technological support. The Minister of Health mentioned the Bilateral Health Summit and similar workshops that provide training opportunities for all to attend.
American Samoa proposed a collaboration to enhance the tourism industry and attract investors, especially that AS is the gateway to the US market.”
The two Samoas agreed that both regions need to utilize the E-commerce/digital economy. Both Samoas expressed the demand for skilled workers and specialized professionals.
“Samoa mentioned the advantages of the Labor Mobility Agreement with New Zealand and Australia which provides opportunities for diverse skill-development and jobs for Pacific Island Nations. Samoa also mentioned that they have a Samoa Maritime Academy for programs in Nautical, Marine Engineering, and Fisheries.
A teacher shortage remains a mutual concern for both Samoas and leaders have discussed ways to address this issue, some of which to work collaboratively in sharing resources and proactively participating in skill-building programs.
“Other matters of discussion included opportunities to train residents of American Samoa through the maritime and aviation programs.”
Since the Kingdom of Tonga lost all connections to the outside world as a result of the volcanic eruption, American Samoa has been looking into utilizing the Hawaiki Cable to its full capacity by extending a cable connection through the Pasefika. This will aid in closing the digital divide and building a digital economy.
Majority of the food supply for the two Samoas are imported. Samoa has offered American Samoa an opportunity to connect with the Scientific Research Organization of Samoa (SROS) to create products utilizing local resources.
The two Samoas discussed the importance of improving and solidifying processes of repatriating law violators. Other issues addressed and discussed included types of permits and the Guest Worker program.
Samoa offered assistance in establishing a financial facility (bank) in American Samoa as ANZ exits the territory. This will ensure all efforts of inter-Samoa trade, and expanding banking services in American Samoa.
Climate change remains a priority issue for both Samoas as the effects of it are prominent in the Pacific. Governor Lemanu has established the Governor’s Resilience Office and the American Samoa Resilience Commission to hone in on these issues. Prime Minister Fiame shared that Samoa is looking into renewable energy.
Both leaders have discussed the importance of collaborative efforts to continue resilience efforts.
The two Samoas expressed the need to preserve the Samoan culture and language so that it continues to pass on to generations long after. Samoa encourages American Samoa to participate in the Indigenous People’s Conference. American Samoa recently created the Samoa Language Commission.
There was a conversation over the lack of direct communication between American Samoa Port Administration and Samoa Ministry of Transportation regarding the weekly transport of the passenger ferry of Lady Naomi. There was also a request to reconsider chartering fees to transport goods between both islands.
Discussions for American Samoa to have a seat in regional organizations to voice issues and concerns were raised by Samoa. This would allow for a collective voice in the Pacific region to address mutual issues.
