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Office of the Governor
Executive Office Building, Third Floor, Utulei
Pago Pago, American Samoa, 96799
PHONE: 684-633-4116
FAX: 684-633-2269
For Immediate Release NOVEMBER 15, 2001
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR REVIEWS RAINMAKER HOTEL
PURCHASE PROPOSAL FROM CHINA TEAM LTD.
Lieutenant
Governor Togiola Tulafono recently met with representatives of China Team PTE
Ltd. of Singapore regarding their proposal to purchase the Rainmaker Hotel.
In
his letter of November 4 to Mr. Tan Pia Law of China Team, the Lieutenant
Governor made the following observations:
·
In Togiola’s first
meeting with Mr. Joseph Wee of China Team (CT), on August 29, 2002, it was
emphasized that the Team’s principals were to be identified. Their resumés
were required to reflect “experience in the hospitality industry”
specifically the “identity and experience of the team of hotel property
development specialists” referred to in the proposal. Thus far, only the
Curriculum Vitae of the proposed general manager has been provided.
·
In the same meeting, the
Lieutenant Governor asked “that the source of funding for the acquisition and
development must be identified to include verified financial statements of China
Team and other relevant individuals and entities. The proposal contains no such
information.”
·
Plans to staff the hotel
with an expatriate work force were mentioned several times in the proposal.
Togiola asked CT to provide greater detail on this issue, including “the
number of workers, plans for housing, and the particular skills which make their
presence necessary.” He reminded China Team that “it is not the Governor’s
policy to allow an extensive expatriate work force in the Territory. This
venture will not be permitted to serve as an employment agency for aliens.”
·
With regard to renovation
and future development of the hotel, the Lieutenant Governor asked China Team to
provide the following:
·
A clarification of
intentions regarding the Census 2000 Training Center, keeping in mind that it is
not within the boundaries of the hotel lease.
·
Provide conceptual
drawings of the proposed food court.
·
Provide conceptual
drawings of refurbishment plans for the East Wing and Harbor View Wing.
·
Provide conceptual
drawings for the proposed 4-5 story hotel.
In conclusion, Togiola informed Mr. Tan
that he would “look forward to receipt of the requested information and
possible negotiations regarding the offer.”