Dear Editor,

Recent debates in the American Samoa Senate have raised questions about 400 acres of land at Togitogiga, reportedly linked to proposals for cattle farming and development. Senators have asked where the lease is, what agreements exist, and how such arrangements were made. In Samoa, the FAST government has said there is no lease, yet the matter remains unclear. As a matai of Falealili, I wish to humbly share a perspective on this issue, since the land in question, though owned by the Government of Samoa through the Ministry of Lands and Surveys, falls within the boundaries of our district.

The Land and Its Place

The Togitogiga lands lie at the boundary of Atua, Tuamasaga, and Falealili. This location makes them significant, not only because they are government property, but also because they are part of the traditional and cultural landscape of Falealili. Any decision concerning these lands should therefore respect both the Government’s authority and the district’s voice.

Promises and Silence

When the FAST party came into power in 2021, it promised to return government lands to districts and villages. That commitment raised hopes in many communities, including ours. To date, those promises remain unfulfilled. Now, the name of Falealili is being mentioned often in relation to the 400 acres, yet our people have not been consulted. Out of respect, we have remained silent, but silence does not mean consent.

Call for Transparency

We welcome partnership with our brothers and sisters in American Samoa if it is done in the right way — with openness, fairness, and accountability. Any future development of the Togitogiga lands should involve proper consultation with the paramount chiefs and matai of Falealili, whose faalupega and heritage are tied to these lands.   I also encourage my district of Falealili to reactivate our land committees, which in past years provided valuable oversight on land matters. Reviving these committees would allow us to respond as a united district, to review issues such as the Togitogiga lands, and to ensure our collective voice is heard.

Way Forward

As Samoa prepares for the general election on 29 August 2025, I respectfully urge the incoming government to review this matter and direct the Land Commission to investigate. Clarity is needed on what agreements have been made, who benefits, and whether due process has been followed. Falealili will continue to honour the Government’s ownership of these lands, but we also have a duty to safeguard the dignity and interests of our district. Development must serve the nation as a whole, not just a few. With humility, I appeal to our leaders: let transparency, respect, and fairness guide decisions about the Togitogiga lands.

Patea Loli Malo Setefano

Matai of Sapunaoa, Falealili