15 Aug 2019

Second day of protest in American Samoa over paving of Fagatogo malae

2:26 pm on 15 August 2019

More people in American Samoa joined a second day of protest against the government's paving of a section of Malae o le Talu in Fagatogo yesterday.

American Samoa's Fagatogo Malae

American Samoa's Fagatogo Malae Photo: RNZ Pacific/Monica Miller

About 50 people, mainly women and children, took part in yesterday's demonstration.

The protestors say the paving is desecrating the Fagatogo malae, which they regard as a sacred historic place, not just for their village but all of American Samoa.

The protestors hope to circulate a petition to stop the work at the Fagatogo malae and remove the pavement there.

The Historic Preservation Office has also verified that the malae has been declared an historical landmark.

An attorney is reported to be working with the group on possible legal action.