American Samoa's Governor Lolo Moliga has urged fiscal restraint amid an uncertain financial climate with the federal government now run by President Donald Trump.
Photo: RNZI / Monica Miller
The governor told department directors to rein in spending amid a warning of a $US16 million deficit at the end of the fiscal year if spending continues at the current pace.
Mr Lolo mentioned that he returned from an overseas trip to find a pile of travel authorisations which were not approved by Lieutenant Governor Lemanu.
The governor thanked him for turning them down, saying now it was not the time for directors to be travelling off island.
He also advised them they should pass the trips to employees while they remain home to run their departments.
The governor also informed them that no overtime would be accepted.