10 Dec 2014

Faleomavaega thanks and farewells colleagues

7:15 pm on 10 December 2014

American Samoa's outgoing United States congressman, Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin, has delivered his farewell speech in the House of Representatives, thanking both his Democrat and Republican colleagues.

After 13 consecutive terms, Faleomavaega, a Democrat, was unseated last month by Aumua Amata.

Having grown up in a small village in the territory and having graduated from an Hawaii high school, Faleomavaega says he never expected that the people of American Samoa would choose him to represent them for so long.

"I go forward Mr Speaker knowing that the best is yet to come and hoping I will be remembered for trying my best. For the times that I fell short I ask for forgiveness. And to each of my colleagues and to you Mr Speaker I extend my kindest and highest regard."

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