The American Samoa Governor Togiola Tulafono says he is very angry, hurt and disappointed with StarKist decision to lay off workers.
Last week, the multi-national cannery announced that up to 800 jobs would be eliminated in the months to come.
Togiola says the company didn't want to tell him in advance despite him asking.
He says his administration had told StarKist that American Samoa stood ready to help the company, but nothing was ever conveyed to him before the cuts were announced.
Togiola says just because StarKist is the largest private employer in the territory, it doesn't mean American Samoa should be on its hands and knees asking for mercy.
