Love Beareth All

In 2021, we embarked on a transformative journey. Hand-in-hand with the people of American Samoa, we built upon the foundation laid by our predecessors and were prepared to challenge the status quo and forge new paths. Some of the circumstances we had to face head-on were unheard of by previous administrations, including but not limited to our work amid an unprecedented global pandemic that required us to make hard and often unpopular decisions, as we navigated our way back to a sense of normalcy.

The socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 at the Territorial and global levels were unchartered, but we stayed the course. Despite the realities of climate change as evidenced by the King tides, flooding, and other natural disasters, as well as new and unexpected events like the volcanic activity near the Manu’a islands that put our people at risk, we did not give up. The decisive actions we took based on relevant information and resources available at the time were to ensure that families, villages, and properties were protected during those extraordinary, unpredictable, and compounded challenges. Even with new barriers posed by war and a myriad of other issues with resounding impacts on our Territory, by His Grace, we endured.

We are deeply grateful for the people's trust and support throughout our first term. We come before you now to reiterate our unwavering commitment and dedication to serving the people of American Samoa. Our people-centered approach prioritizes raising the standard of living for the people of American Samoa by increasing access to improved services, facilities, infrastructure, education, and economic opportunities.

We remain committed to serving the people of American Samoa to the best of our God-given abilities, to doing more for our people through authentic leadership, standing firm in the face of adversity, drawing strength from our faith, and making personal sacrifices for the good of our communities. We lead from a place of profound understanding and personal experience, having navigated through the trials and tribulations from 2021 to today. We recognize and acknowledge that the journey is not always a smooth one. In hindsight, there are some instances where there may have been a better choice. As leaders, we accept our shortcomings as humans but we also own the decisions made based on the reliable information and resources available at the time. We will internalize lessons learned and use them to improve outcomes moving forward. To date, our journey is a testament to the power of love – leading from a place of empathy and kindness, while genuinely caring for the well-being of American Samoa.

There is evidence across the Territory of positive changes that have been accomplished during this first term. We are thankful for the faith and encouragement that our people have placed in us these last four years. We are challenged by the critics to do more and be better. And, that is exactly what we intend to do if you stand by us for four more years through your vote.

We pledge to not turn away when our people seek solutions for the challenges they face every day. We will remain unafraid of recognizing shortcomings, without abandoning the compassion and love we have for our people. We will never take the privilege of self-governance for granted and will relentlessly safeguard it as an essential pillar of democracy. Some initiatives have yet to be completed and there is so much more work to be done for the people of American Samoa. With your vote, Lemanu and La’apui (Team L&L) are committed to seeing it through.

Our campaign theme is inspired by I Corinthians 13:7, "Love never gives up, never loses faith, it is always hopeful and endures through every circumstance." Our love for the people of American Samoa remains strong, even in the most challenging of times. Regardless of what we must endure, we do so gladly in service to our people. This is our priority. This is why we are willing to face difficult situations for the sake of our people rather than seeking relief and comfort through escape. Through transformational and servant leadership, we will endure whatever challenges we encounter through the Lord's guidance along with faith, hope, and patience in service to the people of American Samoa: Love Beareth All – E Lavātia le Alofa.