3 Jun 2004

American Samoa SSIC to seek legal opinion on double dipping by retirees

3:39 pm on 3 June 2004

The Senate Select Investigative Committee in American Samoa plans to seek a legal opinion on "double-dipping" practices by local retirees.

The plans follow concerns that some retirees are receiving retirement benefits while still in paid work.

A Committee member says it plans to ask the court on the legality of the issue, which involves a number of current government employees including some cabinet members.

Several lawmakers believe double dipping is illegal but the practice has not halted.

The issue has attracted a lot of public criticism, with calls on the Fono to investigate.