18 May 2010

American Samoa's Port Administration suspends local company

10:19 am on 18 May 2010

The American Samoa Department of Port Administration has suspended the consulting services of a company used for the training and licensing of local residents to be vessel captains.

Wally Thompson, owner of Marine Consulting Service, confirms he has received a letter from Port Administration director Matagi McMoore saying his company's services are no longer required for the government's MV Sili until further notice.

Mr Thompson, who's held a vessel captain license for the last 30 years, says no explanation has been given and he's surprised with the letter.

It is also believed that Port security personnel have been asked not to allow Mr Thompson or any of his staff on the main dock.

Marine Consulting Service's contract includes consulting, training, licensing and preparing government personnel to gain captain licensing to take over the government owned MV Sili, which remains along the dock side as repairs are being made.