17 Aug 2010

American Samoa lawmakers face scrutiny over spending

1:26 pm on 17 August 2010

The Togiola administration in American Samoa is likely to face tough questioning from lawmakers when the budget is debated next month.

Revenues in the US territory have declined with the closure of one cannery and the remaining plant cutting back on staff.

The administration has been accused of spending money it does not have and government audits for a number of years have questioned the financial processes.

Our correspondent in Pago Pago, Monica Miller, says there is discussion over what can be done to ensure proper accountability:

"There is some talk among lawmakers here who say it is about time that they invoke the anti-deficiency law, which requires that the executive branch cannot spend more money than it has."

Our correspondent in American Samoa, Monica Miller,