20 Jun 2003

American Samoa government imposes immediate hiring freeze

4:03 am on 20 June 2003

The American Samoan government has imposed an immediate hiring freeze because of a shortfall in revenue.

The governor, Togiola Tulafono, issued a statement, saying the administration will experience a significant and serious shortfall this fiscal year.

The drop is due to lower tax collections and the government's failure to implement proposed increases in excise taxes.

The freeze applies to both career service and contract employees.