4 Jan 2013

American Samoa inauguration today

7:06 am on 4 January 2013

The inauguration of American Samoa's new leaders, Lolo Matalasi Moliga and Lemanu Peleti Mauga will take place at Fagatogo malae today.

The ceremony is slated to begin at 11am with Reverend Elder Faataape Lavata'i of the Christian Congregational Church of American Samoa in Ta'u Manu'a leading the blessing.

Church leaders of several other denominations will also take part.

Chief Justice Michael Kruse will administer the oaths.

Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga will then address the territory for the first time as governor of American Samoa after he is sworn in.

Samoa's Head of State Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi and his wife are already in the Territory for the ceremony.

Samoa's Prime Minster Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi will also be attending.

The US Charge D'Affairs in Apia will be there representing the US Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa.

The Department of Interior will be represented by the local field Representative.