13 Feb 2006

American Samoa governor rejects calls to sell government purchased plane

7:41 am on 13 February 2006

American Samoa's Governor Togiola Tulafono says he has no intention of returning or selling the Islander aircraft that the government purchased last year.

A resolution before the Senate recommends that the aircraft be returned to its original owners or be sold to stop

more government money from being spent to maintain and operate the plane.

But Governor Togiola Tulafono says the plane will be used for travel to Manu'a, marine surveillance and protection of the territory's borders.

Togiola said returning the aircraft would result in a bigger loss for the government.

He said it made better sense to make use of the aircraft than to return it.