American Samoa state

"It was a very fruitful meeting," said Amata. "The Governor and I were discussing matters related to the Pacific, American Samoa and the United States' engagement with the area. It is the second high-profile American Samoa guest in recent month, which shows how responsive and committed the new government is to the territory.... a welcome change," the congresswoman added.

"I would like to thank Secretary Tillerson and his staff for their interest in American Samoa and our population. He was very merciful and really seemed to appreciate what we want to do for the American Samoaans, who so much loved this nation," Amata said. After the Foreign Secretary session, Congresswoman Amata held a conference with the second Pacific Commander of the evening, USN Admiral Harry B. Harris Jr.

The congresswoman mentioned several problems with the commander during the rally, among them the opportunity to resume the MAC's flight to and from American Samoa. "Mr. Harris is a good man who has shown his appreciation for the American Samoa tribe and our allegiance and our ministry to the United States.

Understanding the need for MAC flight, he reassured me that he would work with me to see if we could get them back to the island," Amata said. "Those missions would be a great help when it comes to getting our staff in need of urgent health care to clinics that can do it.

I' ll keep doing everything in my power to get the planes back and make sure our staff get health services when they need them most," congressman concludes.