2 Feb 2006

Job losses at American Samoa canneries may hit Samoa

9:23 am on 2 February 2006

Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin says American Samoa will not be the only country that will be affected if Star Kist Samoa and Samoa Packing were to close down.

Faleomavaega told the American Samoa Tribune that 70 per cent of the 5,000 employees of both canneries are from Samoa and losing their jobs will also have an impact on Samoa's economy.

The congressman said extending the tax credits offered by a federal tax code extended is his top priority and he is doing everything he can to make sure the canneries will continue to operate.

He said the canneries if they don't get it, then financially they may not be able to remain in the territory.

The congressman said that 80 per cent of American Samoa's economy is directly tied to the canneries.

Samoa also benefits from selling its tuna catches to the canneries.