The Governor of American Samoa, Lolo Matalasi Moliga, has strongly defended the $250,000 tala plus donated to the Samoa Rugby Union last week in the face of public criticism. 

The significant donation made by the American Samoa Government drew criticism from members of the public in the past week. 

But in a letter sent to government officials including directors and district Governors on Monday Lolo said: 

“Whatever your personal irritations or annoyance consequential to our commitment to help might have been, I am thankful and pleased that your transcended these personal vexations for the good of our administration and the image of our government.

“As leaders we look at the bigger picture and we eye the future to determine actions we must take. 

"The donations and monetary contribution we made reflect our investments in the future prosperity of our territory and the sustainability of our quality of life improvement campaign."

Last week, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr Sailele Malielegaoi, in his capacity as the Chairman of the S.R.U., led a delegation to Tutuila and received more than $350,000 from the S.R.U.’s “Ua Le Ma Le Mativa” (poverty knows no shame) telethon-radiothon on Friday.

The American Samoa Government was the highest donor with a contribution of $260,000. 

In his letter, Lolo said he has no “misgivings as well about the criticisms generated by our community, but we as leaders must do the necessary to ensure that our plans and strategies for the development of our territory are advanced".

“Notwithstanding, Lieutenant Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga and I are grateful and indebted to you for your continued support and commitment to forge the successful implementation of plans dedicated to improve the lives of our people," the Governor said. 

The Governor also noted his gratitude and gratefulness for a public display of solidarity and the “selfless monetary donations which deeply impacted Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and his delegation who were seeking our financial help to finance Manu Samoa’s participation in the World Rugby games."