Plans to expand employment opportunities for Samoans in Samoa to work for StarKist in American Samoa are moving forward following meetings with the Prime Minister and the cabinet this week.

StarKist Samoa General Manager Injoo Ha and his delegation met with Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt on Monday at the Prime Minister’s Office, before holding further discussions with the cabinet on Wednesday morning in the Cabinet Chamber.

In a government statement, "The Government has acknowledged the commitment of StarKist Samoa in working together with Samoa, further boosting their relations."

During the meetings, StarKist outlined plans to work closely with the District Development Offices (Ofisa Fono Faavae) to recruit Samoans from villages and districts interested in employment with the tuna processing company in American Samoa. The company is also progressing with its housing programme for Samoan workers employed at its facilities.

Speaking at a press conference earlier, Laaulialemalietoa said StarKist has been “good for Samoa,” highlighting the benefits of working in American Samoa compared to overseas employment in countries such as New Zealand and Australia.

“The money is good, the exchange rate is better, and the language and the people are the same,” the Prime Minister said, adding that American Samoa’s proximity, a 30-minute flight from Samoa, allows Samoan workers to remain connected to their families.

He also raised concerns about social issues faced by Samoans working further overseas in countries like New Zealand and Australia, citing reports of outings at nightclubs, accidents, imprisonment and deaths, including cases where bodies had to be returned to Samoa. 

The Samoa Observer has previously reported on accidents involving Samoan workers in American Samoa, including the death of a Savai‘i man who was employed at StarKist in Pago Pago.

The Prime Minister welcomed the initiatives and thanked StarKist for its continued commitment to strengthening ties with Samoa.

The delegation also met up with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour, as well as the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development.

The delegation returned to American Samoa on Wednesday. The delegation included Senior Manager Tufuga Faafoi Palepua, Human Resource Manager Laosamoa Poasa, official and interpreter Edmund Kim, and Samoa’s Consul-General to American Samoa Fata Brian Kaio.