2 Sep 2013

American Samoa making good progress on high risk designation

7:47 am on 2 September 2013

The leader of the United States team monitoring the American Samoa government is pleased with the progress made to avoid high risk designation.

The designation has subjected departments which receive funding from the US to more stringent rules in the drawdown of funds and reporting requirements.

Dr Phil Maestri commended how seriously Governor Lolo Moliga, as well as his cabinet and staff, have taken the issue of high risk.

American Samoa has been under high risk designaton for 10 years now, and Dr Maestri warned it's not out of the woods yet.

"The department of education has made a lot of very positive improvements, the American Samoa government has made some positive improvements. The direction in which everything is moving is very encouraging. It's a little too soon to start talking about coming off high risk. There are a number of things that still need to be done."

Dr Phil Maestri.