Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he has responded to Mr. Dennis Lutu’s recent Letter to the Editor titled “No Respect” dated May 19, 2005 and published by Samoa News. 

            In his response, the Congressman stated:

            Dear Editor:

I write this letter in response to Mr. Dennis Lutu’s recent Letter to the Editor titled “No Respect” dated 19 May 2005.

Contrary to Mr. Lutu’s allegations, I have the highest regard for his father, the late President of the Senate, High Chief Lutu Tenari Fuimaono.  I also have the highest regard for my relative, the late and former President of the Senate, Paramount Chief Letuli Toloa.  At no time have I ever made comments to reflect negatively on any of our previous Senate Presidents and I am very disappointed that Mr. Lutu has misinterpreted my comments.

To be clear, when I commended this Senate for being proactive, I was making reference to the high volume of bills that have been introduced in the Senate especially during the first 45 days of the Fono session which began in January of this year.  Also, there have been several issues and probes initiated by this Senate as a part of its responsibility as a co-equal branch of government. 

Again, the above activities have been initiated by this Senate within the first five months of this year.  This is what I meant by referring to the Senate leadership and its members as being proactive and I do not think commending this Senate for its efforts is disrespectful to the accomplishments or memories of any past Senate President all of whom I hold in the highest regard.

                                                Sincerely,

                                                ENI F.H. FALEOMAVAEGA

Member of Congress

“At this time, I extend to Mr. Dennis Lutu my very best wishes and I trust that with the publication of this letter his concerns are now resolved,” the Congressman concluded.