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Economy

Information and comments on the economy

Learn More About Our Not So Esteemed Congressman

Posted Wed, 12/30/2009 - 08:56 by John

I must admit that I am more than a little tired of Eni’s attacks on my person. His attempts to discredit me are not working. In fact, this is all backfiring on him. He is looking like a very poor politician, nothing more. 

Eni Continues to Use Fish Cleaners as Political Pawns

Posted Sun, 12/20/2009 - 09:32 by John

Washington, D.C. -- FALEOMAVAEGA WILL NOT REMAIN SILENT ABOUT SAMOAN FISH CLEANERS

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he will not remain silent about things that matter. He will continue to speak up and defend Samoan fish cleaners despite the personal attacks being launched against him by Mr. John Newton.

“Recently, Samoa News published offensive remarks made by Mr. Newton which disparaged and demeaned our Samoan fish cleaners for the work they do,” Faleomavaega said. “When I came to the defense of our Samoan workers, Mr. Newton accused me of being a racist. But I do not think it is racist to stand up for Samoans. I do not think it is racist to defend our fish cleaners.”

Let Us Aspire to Do Better

Posted Fri, 12/11/2009 - 13:43 by John
I am saddened Congressman Faleomavaega obscured the thrust of my essay and instead launched a personal attack on me. He knows that “Mommy I Want to Be a Fish Cleaner” was merely a metaphor for lack of career choices that in no way disparaged that noble work. Saying I “demean our fish cleaners, and imply this is all Samoans are good for and nothing more,” frankly strikes me as race-baiting if not racist. He is the one guilty of demeaning fish cleaners and using them as pawns to gain political points. I resent it and so should they.
 

Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) members are calling for tighter controls

Posted Tue, 12/08/2009 - 08:16 by John

(BASED ON PRESS RELEASE)—Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) members are calling for tighter controls on fishing at the 6th Regular Session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) meeting which opened this week.

Pacific Island countries are the owners of the last remaining healthy tuna stocks in the world and manage a marine area of 30 million square kilometres, supported with technical support and services from the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA).

Eni Still Doesn’t Get It

Posted Sun, 11/29/2009 - 21:41 by John

Well, Mr. Congressman, you have certainly outdone yourself this time. I am pleased that you came out and responded to my commentary but rather dismayed that you took so much of the taxpayers’ time to attack me. The only thing I ask is that you go back and reread my editorial so that you can respond more accurately. Either that or accept my statement that you are a master at obfuscation.

I am disappointed you would turn my commentary into an argument about fish cleaners and imply they do demeaning work. What I am criticizing is the system that has allowed us to rely on their toil for so many years. And, Mr. Congressman, you are right at the pinnacle of those who have thrived on the plight of those disadvantaged people.

Eni Got Mad

Posted Wed, 11/25/2009 - 08:52 by John

Faleomavaega responds to John Newton’s editorial in Samoa News

(Based on Press Release) Washington, D.C. —Congressman Faleomavaega Eni announced today his response to John Newton’s Guest Editorial entitled: “Mommy, I Want to be a Fish Cleaner” published in Samoa News on Saturday, November 7, 2009.

Paradise for some

Posted Thu, 11/05/2009 - 07:48 by John

I just want the world to see what our politicians fail to show you.  Here are a few of the hundreds of pictures I have showing the sub-standard living conditions of a large segment of our population.  This sub-culture on our little island is created by the need for cheap labor.  I think we better re-visit the term "inalienable rights" and see if it fits here.  This island is paradise for some, but at what expense?

FALEOMAVAEGA RESPONDS TO STARKIST’S THREATS REGARDING MINIMUM WAGE

Posted Thu, 06/25/2009 - 21:54 by John

This is something I hadn't seen before.  It clearly demonstrates how out of touch with the economy our Congressman is.  Of course we all want higher wages but not at the expense of our entire economy.  Basically, a low wage is better than no wage at all.  The Congressman should have used a little diplomacy and not the bitter language of this letter.  On this site is an excellent response from Carlos Sanchez.  We want to hear from more of you.

 May 11, 2007
Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he has responded to Del Monte’s threats to place production on hold, return to loin usage or move StarKist elsewhere. Del Monte owns StarKist and, on May 1, 2007, Del Monte’s Vice President, Nils Lommerin, wrote to Faleomavaega and threatened action in response to minimum wage legislation pending before Congress. Mr. Lommerin copied his letter to Governor Togiola and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

Regional Hub Port

Posted Thu, 06/25/2009 - 15:00 by John

The South Pacific Island Countries are looking at the feasibility of developing a regional hub port. There is apparently a study currently underway by the South Pacific Communities. When I saw a brief article on this subject it reminded me of some conversations on a similar subject I had in Hawaii in the late 70s. It also brought to mind that American Samoa has the best port in the South Pacific, we are centrally located and we might very well have tons of empty port space as the canneries pull out. So, what better place to use as a regional hub?

Technology Park

Posted Thu, 06/25/2009 - 14:26 by John

I made a suggestion concerning the Stumulus Program back in April 2009.  The suggestion was to use money from the Stimulus to fund the building of a High-Tech Park where new technology skills could be learned and used.  I have since prepared a comprehensive business plan for the project. 

Quite simply, the objectives of the AS-TechPark will be:

1. To provide a campus where people can develop their skills, where small companies can start operations at a reasonable rental rate and where larger technology based companies can be housed.
2. To provide a marketable resource to help the territory sell "doing business in American Samoa" to overseas companies interested in locating here.
3. To provide support services to all students and businesses in the park.