13 May 2010

American Samoa told of cuts in federal funds

3:20 pm on 13 May 2010

The Fono in American Samoa has been told to expect less federal assistance.

The Department of Interior Director of Insular Affairs, Nikolao Pula, has appeared in the Fono to present the first sets of estimates of the gross domestic product for American Samoa to lawmakers.

He says approaches for assistance for the territory have gone all the way to the White House.

"We have not been successful in getting something to help the territory. These times are really tough. And we somehow have to come together and make some tough decisions."

Nikolao Pula says American Samoans should not lose hope and can use the opportunity to look at the tough situation and figure out what can be done.