The following press release was sent by American Samoa Governor Togiola T. A. Tulafono in response to Congresswoman Laura Richardson's relief efforts in response to September 29's tsunami, which has devestated American Samoa and Samoa.

PRESS RELEASE

Utulei, American Samoa

STATEMENT

Acknowledging the donations and assistance from Congresswoman Laura Richardson and her constituents, Governor Togiola Tulafono offered this statement:

“I wish to announce that Congresswoman Laura Richardson of the State of California contacted me today to express her condolences and sympathy for the families who lost their relatives in the recent tsunami, and pledge her support for the people of American Samoa as she organizes the collection of aid and donations from her constituents and friends to provide immediate relief to the survivors of the earthquake and tsunami in American Samoa. I especially appreciate her initiative in making commercial arrangements for shipping the donations from the west coast as we are not in a position to pay for any such shipments.

It is heartwarming to know that Congresswoman Richardson is working side by side with Samoan communities throughout California to provide assistance for their families on island and are keeping us in their thoughts and prayers. I thank Congresswoman Richardson and all those who are helping put these things together to ship to American Samoa for their generosity and kindness.”