Swains voters have, again, selected Su’a Alexander Jennings to be their House representative for the next two years.
More than 50 people of Swains island descent gathered at the Election Office yesterday, to select their faipule in the presence of Chief Election Officer, Dr. Uiagalelei Lealofi and attorney, Faoa Aitofele Sunia.
Jennings, who has held the seat for 18 years, talked about the proposed constitutional amendment that would give the Swains Representative voting power in the House.
He lamented that the people of Swains have not had a voice in the local government and has been neglected for the past 60 plus years. But, he said, “miraculously” progress has been made with the constitutional convention approving a proposed change — which would give Swains the right to vote. 
Jennings told the meeting that Swains has been ignored because it doesn’t have a vote in the Fono.
According to the faipule, out of $1.4 billion that American Samoa received from various federal sources including the CARES Act, ARPA, infrastructure funding and COVID money, Swains qualified for only $3,400.
He urged that if all Swains islanders stand together, the amendment to give Swains voting power would be approved.
Jennings, then, asked for the support of those attending the meeting so he can complete his efforts for Swains.
When nominations were called, the only name that was put forward was Jennings’.
Two others, who said they wanted to nominate themselves, also agreed that Jennings was the best representative for Swains.
Elders present at the meeting, including former Swains faipule, Wallace Jennings, thanked the faipule for his tireless efforts and for continuing to knock on shut doors on behalf of Swains.
