American Samoa Governor Togiola Tulafono says American Samoa still wants to be removed from the UN decolonisation list.
The governor told the UN Decolonisation Committee that American Samoa stands upon the cusp of a process which may result in sweeping changes to its political landscape.
He says it is time that a more definitive work plan is put in place to forge a more collaborative approach between the American Samoa and its protector, the United States of America, for moving forward on issues of political status, local autonomy, self governance, and economic development.
Togiola made known his concern with the rise in the federalisation that has adversely affected American Samoa's political and economic growth.
He pointed to the struggle with regards to minimum wages; restrictions on grants and aid, the threat of federalisation of immigration and customs as well as a host of other restrictions that are affecting the territory.
He says these are happening without the territory's choice or voice.
