(UTULEI) – Governor Togiola Tulafono today in his weekly disaster recovery update on his radio program said more temporary disaster workers will be hired.

NATIONAL EMERGENCY GRANT

On his weekly Saturday morning radio program –Mo Lou Silafia-- on KSBS-FM, Governor Togiola said out of 1,309 positions requested through the National Emergency Grant (NEG), as of Friday, December 11, 2009, a total of 689 temporary disaster workers have been hired at 30 work sites that have been certified with 15 work sites are pending certification.

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(UTULEI) – Governor Togiola Tulafono tonight joined in celebration to honor all of the teachers of the year of American Samoa at a Department of Education dinner held at Governor H. Rex Lee Auditorium (Fale Laumei) in Utulei.

Mrs. Merwyden “Jewel” Sulua’i of Matafao Elementary School in Faga’alu was selected Territorial Teacher of the Year 2010, which was chosen from winners of six divisions (Early Childhood Education, Manu’a Tele/Vocational Education, East, Mid-West, West and Central).

First Runner Up was Gingerlei Maga-Uili of Lauli’i Elementary School.

Governor Togiola and First Lady Mary Ann Tulafono took part in the celebration along with Rev. Ned Ripley, pastor of CCCAS Fagatogo, who also serves as Chairman of the Scholarship Board, Education Director Dr. Claire Poumele, and administrators, teachers and school staff.

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(UTULEI) – First Lady Mary Ann Tulafono today welcomed to Mauga o Ali’i the young students of Faga’itua and Pava’ia’i Early Childhood Education (ECE) to launch the tours of Government House for the schools of American Samoa.

First Lady Mary Ann said during the tours of the Territory’s historic mansion, the young visitors had the opportunity to view Government House up close, and it also allowed her to show her appreciation to the people of the American Samoa by offering the arranged tours, starting first with the ECE students.

(UTULEI) – Governor Togiola Tulafono today praised the statement that was presented to the House of Representatives by American Samoa Department of Homeland Security Director Tuala Mike Sala concerning disaster awareness.

Director Tuala testified today before the House Committee on Homeland Security and Governor Togiola said the renewed emphasis on island community outreach was invaluable on September 29th. (Full statement below)

“Spreading the word through education in the schools, villages and the workforce saved many lives, and we should continue to build upon the successes achieved through those efforts,” said Governor Togiola. “Sirens, early alert systems and interoperable communications are critical, but it was the people on the ground that made the biggest difference and impact. And that was achieved with no money at all.”

Governor Togiola said positive progress continues to be made in the Territory’s disaster preparedness efforts and American Samoa will continue these efforts with renewed purpose in the aftermath of the worst natural disaster in Samoan history.

(UTULEI) – Governor Togiola Tulafono today, on his weekly radio program aired on KSBS-FM 92.1, gave a disaster recovery update on electrical power and generator connection, caring for locals, and tents distribution.

Governor Togiola also reported on the outreach program in the villages, FEMA individual assistance, temporary classrooms, the National Emergency Grant, Disaster Unemployment Assistance, briefings by FEMA and ASG on permanent housing options and transportation to Manu’a.

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(UTULEI) – Governor Togiola Tulafono today dedicated the new Department of Education Central Office Building saying that the wisdom, knowledge, learning and experience that will come from the new structure will transcend generations of American Samoa.

“While the structure does not appear significant, it’s not so much about the appearance of the building, but the building itself is the womb that conceives and will grow life,” said Governor Togiola. “This building is still worthy of a structure because it will lead the way in educating our future generations.”

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(UTULEI) – Governor Togiola Tulafono today in a church service to launch National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month at CCCAS Nu’uuli reminded residents of the Territory about the dangers of driving impaired this holiday.
 

“Last year in American Samoa there were 33 related DUI crashes, 9 injuries from DUI crashes, and 163 drivers were arrested for drunk driving,” said Governor Togiola. “Your government, through the Department of Human and Social Services and the Department of Public Safety, in promoting Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month and Over the Limit, Under Arrest campaigns by supporting anti-impaired driving program and policies. As you can tell from those numbers, there is still much work to be done.”
 

(UTULEI) – Governor Togiola Tulafono today announced the Territorial Tsunami Memorial Service will be held on December 16th at Malaeoletalu in Fagatogo, as the prelude to the start of the annual Territorial Christmas Program.

Governor Togiola said the theme of the memorial service is "The Spirit of Survival: Moving On" and is an event to pay tribute and respect to those who died in the disaster.

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(UTULEI) – First Lady Mary Ann Tulafono today invited the spouses of directors of departments and agencies of the American Samoa Government to Mauga o Ali’i to express her gratitude for the continued support of their respective spouses in the work that they do for the government and also to be the first group to receive the official announcement of the formation of the Mauga o Ali’i Government House Historical Society to preserve and maintain “Government House” as a historical residence.

(UTULEI) – Governor Togiola Tulafono was interviewed today by CBS 60 Minutes Correspondent Scott Pelley regarding Samoan NFL players and the influence of football in American Samoa.

In a taped segment at Government House on Mauga o Ali’i, that is scheduled to be aired in early January, Governor Togiola expressed his sincere gratitude to Correspondent Scott Pelley, CBS Sports Producer - Mr. Pete Radovich and film crew for travelling a great distance to see American football played American Samoa style.