2 Feb 2016

Resistance to American Samoa politicians' pay hike

8:29 am on 2 February 2016

A community group, United Citizens of American Samoa, plans a peaceful demonstration against lawmakers' plans to grant themselves large pay hikes.

The Senate is due to review the bill which proposes to almost double the legislators' salaries.

A spokesperson for the group, Lori Pouesi, said they would gather outside the Fono this week.

"We don't agree with this wage hike that the Fono wants, especially as we are going through tough times economically and budgetary struggles within our government. We are trying to bring awareness that we are no longer going to stand for the corruption that is going on."

Lori Pouesi said she hoped that the Governor would vote against the bill, should the Senate approve it.

American Samoa's House of Representatives chamber during the vote on the bill to increase salaries.

American Samoa's House of Representatives chamber during the vote on the bill to increase salaries. Photo: Supplied