18 May 2004

American Samoan Senate select committee continues corruption hearings this week

10:43 am on 18 May 2004

American Samoa's Senate select committee is to continue with three hearings this week into alleged mis-spending by government officials and colleagues.

The first will focus on the selling of a ship for less than it's estimated worth.

The second will follow up on spending at the public golf course, and then, three senators will appear before the committee.

Our correspondent, Fili Sagapolutele, says the three are Misalefua Hudson, Tulifua Tini Lam Yuen and Tuaolo Manaia Fruean, over sole sourcing of projects.

Fili says the hearings may be held up by the attorney general, Fiti Sunia, calling into question the power of the committee to subpoena officials.

"It all depends on how far or where the AG will come in, to intervene in any of these hearings, especially where government officials are scheduled to testify."

The attorney general and the senate select committee are waiting to hear the outcome of a court case over the powers of the SSC.