10 Sep 2009

Former American Samoa judge becomes agriculture director

3:30 pm on 10 September 2009

The American Samoa governor Togiola Tulafono has appointed a former high court judge, Lefiti Atiulagi Pese, as director for the Department of Agriculture.

The nomination is subject to legislative approval.

Togiola said Lefiti served 18 years with the America Samoa Government and was most recently an Associate Judge in the High Court.

His tenure as judge follows a decorated 17-year career service in the U.S. Navy.

Togiola said he has the utmost confidence in the abilities of Lefiti to carry out the duties of the director.

Lefiti replaces director-nominee Aoomalo Manupo Turituri, who was twice rejected this year by the Fono.