15 Jun 2011

American Samoan Congressman hopes Veterans Association can stay put

1:39 pm on 15 June 2011

American Samoa's Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin is hopeful that Governor Togiola Tulafono will allow the Veterans Association of American Samoa to remain at their premises in Tafuna.

The congressman, a Vietnam War veteran ,says it's not right for the governor to force the veterans to relocate.

The governor wants the VA to move to build on another government property at Lions Park.

But the veterans say they have a valid lease which doesn;t expire until 2017.

Faleomavaega says the veterans have worked hard to develop and build the facilities there now.

"It as built by donated labour and donated lumber, all the things that were brought in, they they also had to do their own fundraising too to build this magificient facility."

American Samoa's Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin.

Last month, the government offered to allow the lAssociation to remain at its premises while negotiations continue between it and the Association.