News Clippings
![]() |
||
---|---|---|
Governor considers waiver of USMLE for local docs |
Samoa News As of last week Thursday the LBJ Medical Center management has been awaiting a letter from Gov. Togiola Tulafono about granting a 12-month waiver, which would allow non-U.S. Medical License Exam physicians to work at the hospital while these doctors work on taking the USMLE test. Read more Doctors, Governor |
08/17/2011 |
Senate rejects governor's choice to head Department of Health |
Samoa News The Senate yesterday rejected the governor's nomination of Seiuli Elisapeta Ponausuia as director of the Health Department, after the nominee failed to garner a majority vote to get confirmation. Read more DOH, Fono, Governor |
09/14/2011 |
LBJ Medical Center ends FY 2011 $26 Million in the red |
Samoa News Expect little help from ASG LBJ Medical Center lost more than $5 million in funding in fiscal year 2011 due to the failure of the American Samoa Government to provide the hospital's full subsidy during the fiscal year, which ended Sept. 30, 2011, according to LBJ's fourth quarter performance report for FY 2011. Read more Administration, Finances |
11/27/2011 |
EMS Manager told by staff he's suddenly sacked |
Samoa News Technicians with the Emergency Medical Services are still trying to come to terms with the fact that EMS Manager Galumalemana Fuapopo “Popo” Avegalio has been placed on 30 days suspension to be terminated. This has been confirmed by EMS officials who spoke to Samoa News on condition of anonymity. Read more Administration, EMS |
02/08/2012 |
Tofaeono confirmed, Leiataua rejected as LBJ board members |
Samoa News The Senate Thursday confirmed LBJ Medical Center board member Tofaeono Dr. Victor Williams in a unanimous vote of 12-0 but rejected board nominee Leiataua Leuga Turner in a vote of 7-yes and 4-no. One ballot was blank and therefore not counted. Read more Board, Fono, Governor |
08/24/2012 |
LBJ confirms Dr. Saleapaga is no longer employed there |
Samoa News The LBJ Medical Center chief executive officer Mike Gerstenberger has confirmed that Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga is no longer employed by the medical center, while the long time hospital physician says LBJ didn’t want to renew his contract. Read more Administration, Saleapaga |
10/03/2012 |
LBJ confirms Dr. Saleapaga is no longer employed there |
Samoa News The LBJ Medical Center chief executive officer Mike Gerstenberger has confirmed that Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga is no longer employed by the medical center, while the long time hospital physician says LBJ didn’t want to renew his contract. Read more Administration, Saleapaga |
10/03/2012 |
Senate holds closed door hearing on Dr. Saleapaga |
Samoa News Another surprise: veteran LBJ doctor transferred from CMO position The Senate Health/Hospital Committee held an emergency closed door hearing yesterday morning after it was informed by the Senate President’s Office about Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga, who was surprised to learn that he is no longer an employee of the LBJ Medical Center. Read more Fono, Saleapaga |
10/04/2012 |
Leai se iuga Senate i le faaiuga LBJ faasaga ia Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga |
Samoa News A’o le’i tapunia le Tauaofiaga a le Fono Faitulafono i le taeao ananafi, na tasi le faaiuga a le komiti o le LBJ/Soifu Maloloina a le Senate i le maea ai o se latou fonotaga faafuasei ma le Pulesili o le Falema’i a le LBJ, o le a taoto ai pea i le tulaga ua i ai le faaiuga a le LBJ faasaga ia Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga, sei toe taliu mai i fanua le taitaifono o le Komiti Faafoe a le falema’i o loo malaga i fafo. Read more Saleapaga |
10/04/2012 |
Senate holds closed door hearing on Dr. Saleapaga |
Samoa News Another surprise: veteran LBJ doctor transferred from CMO position The Senate Health/Hospital Committee held an emergency closed door hearing yesterday morning after it was informed by the Senate President’s Office about Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga, who was surprised to learn that he is no longer an employee of the LBJ Medical Center. Read more Fono, Saleapaga |
10/04/2012 |
Tatala ofisa Dr. Saleapaga i le Ofisa Soifua Maloloina |
Samoa News Ua sauni le alii foma’i ia Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga e toe faaauau lana tautua sa masani ona ofo atu mo le atunu’u i le vaiaso fou, e pei ona tautua ai ao galue i lalo i le LBJ i Fagaalu. Read more Saleapaga |
10/18/2012 |
Dr. Saleapaga continues to serve territory — through new clinic at DOH |
Samoa News Former LBJ Medical Center physician, Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga is preparing to set up a clinic next week at the Department of Health main office in Fagaalu to serve patients who are still seeking his medical help and especially his Samoan language skills when it comes to medical terms which are easily understood by elderly patients. Read more DOH, Saleapaga |
10/19/2012 |
Hospital’s former business manager voluntarily turns herself in to police |
Samoa News The hospital’s former Business Manager Jennifer Tofaeono recently turned herself in to the police, as she knew there was an outstanding warrant issued by the court several months ago in her name. Read more Administration |
12/26/2012 |
Commentary: People (First) United for Change |
Samoa News Ti’otala Lewis Wolman Twenty-two percent (22%) of American Samoa’s voting age population “united for change” on November 20, to give Governor Lolo Moliga a six-point margin of victory over Faoa Sunia. Read more Opinion |
01/04/2013 |
Rev Emau Amosa acquitted of charges against him |
Samoa News District Court Judge John Ward found former LBJ hospital employee and Congregational Christian Church of Jesus in Samoa Reverend, Emau Amosa not guilty of the public peace disturbance charge brought against him by the government. Read more Administration |
01/05/2013 |
Cost containment measures must begin now says Gov |
Samoa News Bold actions must be taken to take government, the people out of jeopardy Unbudgeted personnel action will be rescinded, unbudgeted positions will be suspended, and a freeze on annual increments and overtime are being imposed. These are some of the “cost containment measures”, Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga put into effect as of last Friday, through a memo. They are meant to last through the current fiscal year, unless amended, based on ASG’s poor financial condition. Read more Governor |
01/07/2013 |
Lolo: “We are servants of the people, privileged to serve" |
Samoa News ASG directors must "model the way" In his first cabinet meeting held last Friday morning, Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga emphasized what he expects from his cabinet members and leaders of each department and agency of the government, according to minutes of the meeting released Friday afternoon by his office. Read more Governor |
01/07/2013 |
Commentaries are intended to start conversations |
Samoa News Ti’otala Lewis Wolman I don’t fully agree with all of the opinions and interpretations expressed (by me) in my commentaries, but that’s okay. My primary motivation in writing a commentary is to provoke conversation about public matters. Being “right” or “wrong” is a secondary motivation. Read more Opinion |
01/08/2013 |
JUST ASKING |
Samoa News We are all aware that the Lolo administration solicited resumes and applications for cabinet posts. Is there any process for interested people to express their interest in serving on a board or commission, etc.? Read more Opinion |
01/11/2013 |
Commentary: A win-win-win-win idea |
Samoa News Ti’otala Lewis Wolman This is a short column, because the idea is so simple. The Fono should pass a “Whistleblower Law” that provides incentives for citizens to alert the authorities regarding waste, fraud and abuse in the American Samoa Government. Read more Opinion |
01/14/2013 |
Gov Lolo plans to reconstitute LBJ board, reduce fees |
Samoa News Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga plans to reconstitute before the end of this week the LBJ Medical Center board of directors and one of the board’s priorities is to reduce the current facility fee. Read more Board, Governor |
01/15/2013 |
Flurry of new appointees for boards and dept heads |
Samoa News LBJ and ASTCA boards, DOC and Parks & Rec departments Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga on Tuesday appointed Tofoitaufa Sandra King-Young as chairperson of the newly reconstituted American Samoa Medical Center (LBJ) board of directors, and named four other new members. Read more Board, Fono, Governor |
01/17/2013 |
Tele suiga fuafua Lolo e faia mo le Falema’i LBJ |
Samoa News E tele suiga ua fuafua le afioga i le kovana sili ia Lolo Matalasi Moliga, e tatau ona faia e le Komiti Faafoe fou a le LBJ i Fagaalu, mo le manuia o le tautua a le falemai i le atunuu. Read more Board, Governor |
01/18/2013 |
Taotasi: Work of the House is the work of the people |
Samoa News Not all faipule given a chance to ask their “one” question Thursday during the House confirmation hearing for ASG Treasurer nominee Falema'o Phil Pili, tensions rose when Ituau Faipule Rep. Taotasi Archie Soliai was given a chance to question the witness but instead, addressed his colleagues first and said that work in the House of Representatives is the work of the people, for the people. Read more Fono |
01/26/2013 |
Fautuaina e Senatoa Pulega LBJ tatala pea Primary Care Clinic |
Samoa News I le faaiuga o le iloiloga i le va o le Komiti o le Soifua Maloloina a le Senate, ma sui o le Pulega o le Falema’i o le LBJ i Fagaalu i le taeao ananafi, ua fautuaina ai e afioga i Senatoa le tatau lea ona faaauau pea le tautua a le Primary Care Clinic, ina ia mafai ai ona foia le fa’afitauli o lo o tula’i mai i le le lava lea o foma’i e tautuaina le atunuu i le tele o aso. Read more Fono, Primary Care, Saleapaga |
01/30/2013 |
Silia miliona e le toe maua pe a toe tuu i lalo pili LBJ |
Samoa News E silia i le $1 miliona le tupe o le a le maua e le Falemai o le LBJ i Fagaalu, pe afai ae faataunuu fuafuaga faataoto a le kovana sili ma le faigamalo i le toe tuu i lalo o le totogi o ana tautua, e pei ona saunoa i ai le afioga i le alii faipule ia Taotasi Archie Soliai i luma o le maota o sui i le vaiaso ua tuana’i. Read more Finances, Fono |
02/04/2013 |
Medical help for Manu'a and insurance for all — topics at Lafaele confirmation |
Samoa News The “Coverage for All American Samoa” insurance project and economic support for the Manu’a islands were some of the issues raised by senators during the confirmation hearing last Wednesday for Keniseli Lafaele, who is now fully confirmed by the Fono as the new Commerce Department director. Read more Fono, Governor |
02/05/2013 |
Retired USArmy CSM Motusa Tuileama To'atolu Nua confirmed by Senate for DoH |
Samoa News Retired U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. (CSM) Motusa Tuileama To’atolu Nua was yesterday confirmed by the Senate in a 14-2 vote as director of the Department of Health. He goes before a House hearing today with a vote expected thereafter by the full membership. Read more DOH, Fono, Governor |
02/07/2013 |
Concern raised over Lolo's mandate to cut LBJ fees |
Samoa News Can the hospital afford to lose $1.5 million in annual revenue? The Lolo and Lemanu administration's mandate for the Board of the LBJ Medical Center, issued last month and noting both short term and long term goals, has sparked concern from Rep. Taotasi Archie Soliai who says he doesn't question the intent of the mandate but he is concerned about the overall effect it will have on LBJ's service to the public. Read more Administration, Fono, Governor |
02/07/2013 |
Fa’amalolo le Pule o le EMS mai lana galuega |
Samoa News O le Aso Lulu na te’a nei na faia ai se faaiuga a le Pulesili o le LBJ ia Michael Gerstenberger, e faamalolo ai le Pulesili o le Vaega a le EMS, le afioga ia Galumalemana Fuapopo Avegalio, ma tuuina atu ai se tusi mai le susuga a Peseta Sa Mavaega, o ia lea o lo o faauluulu i ai le EMS, i le aso ananafi, Fepuari 7, e faailoa atu i ai le tofia o Soloi Lagoo e avea ma Pulesili le tumau o le EMS. Read more Administration, EMS |
02/08/2013 |
“THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY” |
Samoa News Dear Editor: Reading your daily reporting on the Fono confIrmation hearings reminds me of "The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly". The good like ASPA, Police Commissioner, Department of Education, Hospital, and Communications. Read more Fono, Governor, Opinion |
02/08/2013 |
New DOH director sets goals to upgrade services |
Samoa News Retired U.S. Army CSM Motusa Tuileama To’atolu Nua was unanimously confirmed in the House in a 19-0 vote and a passing vote of 14-2 in the Senate, as director of the Department of Health. Read more DOH, Fono |
02/09/2013 |
Lolo steps into EMS chaos; Popo has retained counsel |
Samoa News Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga has stepped into the chaos at the LBJ hospital, regarding the sudden suspension of EMS Manager Galumalemana Fuapopo “Popo” Avegalio last Thursday. The Governor’s Executive Assistant Iulogologo Pereira confirmed with Samoa News that the Governor has sent a letter to LBJ Board Chairperson Sandra King Young and LBJ CEO Mike Gerstenberger recommending the reinstatement of Popo to his position as EMS Manager. Read more Board, EMS, Governor |
02/11/2013 |
Governor asks LBJ board to immediately reinstate Popo |
Samoa News "No justifiable reason for such drastic action" says Lolo “Is this the type of management and leadership model being utilized to run the hospital?” was the question posed by Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga to Sandra King, Chairperson of the LBJ Board in a strongly worded letter sent, regarding the sudden suspension of EMS Manager Galumalemana Fuapopo “Popo” Avegalio last week Thursday. Read more Board, EMS, Governor |
02/12/2013 |
Governor extends moratorium on enforcing USMLE requirement |
Samoa News Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga has extended the moratorium on the enforcement of local law pertaining to the licensing of physicians to work at LBJ Medical Center and the Department of Health, while local officials have identified a U.S. college program to assist with the licensing of non-U.S. certified doctors. Read more Board, Doctors, Governor |
02/12/2013 |
Soliai: Suspend or revoke licenses for physicians in malpractice lawsuits |
Samoa News Sen. Soliai Tuipine Fuimaono has called for the ASG Health Regulatory Board to suspend or revoke the license of any physician who is responsible for a malpractice lawsuit against the American Samoa Government, saying that more oversight is needed by the board to monitor those who are issued a license to practice medicine in the territory. Read more Doctors, Fono |
02/12/2013 |
Talosaga Komiti Faafoe LBJ taoto atu ia i latou mataupu EMS |
Samoa News Ua talosagaina e le Komiti Faafoe a le Falema’i o le LBJ le afioga i le kovana sili ia Lolo Matalasi Moliga, ina ia faaseetuagalu ese lona Sa, ae taoto atu pea le taulimaina o le mataupu a le alii pule o le EMS ia Galumalemana Fuapopo Avegalio, ona o lo o i ai ni isi o faiga faavae ma tulafono e ao ona faamalieina muamua, ao le’i faia sa latou faaiuga e tusa ai o lenei mataupu. Read more Administration, EMS, Governor |
02/15/2013 |
LBJ board appeals to governor in Popo matter |
Samoa News Allow us to proceed with policy The LBJ Board has respectfully asked Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga to step aside and allow the board to proceed with personnel policies and procedures outlined in the hospital’s Human Resources Personnel Policy and Administration Manual, regarding the sudden suspension of EMS Manager Galumalemana Fuapopo “Popo” Avegalio, last week. Read more Board, EMS, Governor |
02/15/2013 |
LBJ admin submits its first quarter performance report |
Samoa News Faced with a drop in revenue, old unpaid debts and a decreasing level of funding from the federal government, LBJ Medical Center has taken steps to address the shortfall. Read more Administration, Fono, Governor, Medicaid - Medicare |
02/20/2013 |
Fa’amautu e Velega ia Lolo lana fa’amavaega mai le LBJ |
Samoa News O se tusi na tuuina atu e le tofa Velega Savali Jr i le alii kovana ia Lolo Matalasi Moliga i le aso 19 o Fepuari, 2014, ua toe fa’amautuina ai lana fa’amavaega mai le avea ma totino o le Komiti Fa’afoe a le LBJ. Read more Board, Governor, Saleapaga |
02/21/2013 |
CEO converts two LBJ directors to career service |
Samoa News After only 4 months into contract A move by the hospital CEO Joseph Davis Fleming to convert the employment status for LBJ Human Resources Director, Komiti Emmsley and HR Assistant Director Dr. Akense Nikolao Mutini from contract employees to career service employees does not sit well with Hospital Board Member Faimealelei Anthony Allen and other employees of the Hospital, who know about the move. Read more Administration |
02/22/2013 |
LBJ implements $20 facility fee for dialysis patients |
Samoa News Fees will not exceed $20 a week, even if visits are more than once a week The LBJ Medical Center is now implementing a facility fee of $20 for dialysis visits that was suppose to have already been in place last July. Read more Administration, Diabetes & Dialysis |
02/25/2013 |
Suspended EMS manager files appeal in LBJ actions |
Samoa News Suspended EMS Manager Galumalemana Fuapopo “Popo” Avegalio has filed an appeal to his sudden suspension and pending termination through his lawyer, Charles Alailima. Last month Popo was suspended while he was meeting with the governor, and was locked out of his office at the time. Read more Administration, EMS, Governor |
02/26/2013 |
Gerstenberger: E le o se si’i fou le $20 mo talavai faamama toto |
Samoa News I se faatalatalanoaga ma le Samoa News i le vaiaso nei, na taua ai e le susuga a Mike Gerstenberger e faapea, o le $20 lea ua amata faamamalu e le falema’i mo tagata e asia le potu faamama toto, e le o se siitaga fou, ae o se vaega o siitaga na pasia e le Falema’i talu mai le tausaga na te’a nei. Read more Administration, Diabetes & Dialysis, Finances |
02/28/2013 |
Fuafua Komiti LBJ faatula’i Faalapotopotoga Saili tupe |
Samoa News Ua i ai se fuafuaga a le Komiti Faafoe o le falema’i a le LBJ e faatula’i se Faalapotopotoga saili tupe (charitable hospital foundation) mo le falema’i, ina ia fesoasoani i tulaga o tupe maua e faatino ai tautua a le falema’i. Read more Board, Donations, Finances |
02/28/2013 |
Lagolago ni isi atunuu fuafuaga faavae se Fa’alapotopotoga Saili tupe LBJ |
Samoa News “O se fuafuaga poto ma ua talafeagai foi i le taimi ua fuafuaina ai,” o ni manatu fa’aalia ai a ni isi o le atunu’u e faatatau i se fuafuaga a le Komiti Faafoe a le LBJ, mo le faatulagaina o se Faalapotopotoga Saili Tupe mo le falemai. |
03/01/2013 |
Taofi Komiti Fa’afoe LBJ si’itaga $20 mo le Potu Faamama Toto |
Samoa News O le fonotaga a le Komiti Faafoe a le Falema’i o le LBJ i le aso Lulu na te’a nei, na faia ai ma le faaiuga ina ia taofi le siitaga e $20 na fuafua mo le Potu Faamama Toto ona o ni isi o mafuaga sa finagalo i ai le komiti. |
03/03/2013 |
Medicaid program high on Lolo’s ‘to-do’ list |
Samoa News Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga is keen on making sure that American Samoa gets every penny it is entitled to under the Medicaid program, through provisions of federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) better known as Obamacare. Read more Governor, Medicaid - Medicare |
03/03/2013 |
Gov Lolo ‘reconsidering’ rescinding 2% wage tax law |
Samoa News "All our existing revenue streams will be assessed carefully…" Blaming federal funding in limbo over the budget sequestration and across-the-board federal budget cuts in affect since March 1, Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga's executive assistant Iulogologo Joseph Pereira said the administration will now be carefully reviewing the local 2% wage tax before deciding its next course of action. Read more Finances, Governor |
03/04/2013 |
Toe taofi le $20 mo le Potu Faamama Toto |
Samoa News O le fonotaga a le Komiti Faafoe a le Falema’i o le LBJ i le Aso Lulu na te’a nei, na faia ai ma le faaiuga ina ia taofi le siitaga e $20 na fuafua mo le Potu Faamama Toto ona o ni isi o mafuaaga sa finagalo i ai le komiti. Read more Board, Diabetes & Dialysis |
03/04/2013 |