The American Samoan Governor says teaching in the Samoan language would be more of a hurdle than an educational tool in schools.
Governor Togiola Tulafono has vetoed a bill which would have made both Samoan and English the languages of instruction in local schools.
Our correspondent in Pago Pago Monica Miller reports.
"He said that it would take twice as long for teachers to instruct in English and Samoan. Because you know you have to be bilingual and you have to do one, the lesson, in English - and then the other in Samoan. The other thing he pointed out was a few of the teachers are palagi or from the United States or from other countries and they do not have any understanding or knowledge or be able to use the Samoan language and he felt this was going to be a disadvantage for them."
Our correspondent in American Samoa, Monica Miller
