Samoa’s First Woman Ombudsman is Sworn in

Samoa’s First Woman Ombudsman, Luamanuvao Katalaina Sapolu-Lussick after she was sworn in this morning.

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 01 APRIL 2021:  The former Head of the Commonwealth Secretariat Legal & Constitutional Affairs, Luamanuvao Katalaina Sapolu-Lussick was sworn in this morning as Samoa’s Ombudsman.

She is the first woman appointed to the position held by long-serving public servant and former diplomat, Maiava Iulai Toma.

Luamanuvao was sworn in today in a brief ceremony at the Legislative Office before Members of Parliament, members of the Executive and the Judiciary.

Luamanuvao is humbled by the trust bestowed upon her to lead the office and she acknowledged the very first Ombudsman, Jack Richardson of Australia followed by Vaovasamanaia Filipo and Maiava Iulai Toma, for paving the way for her.

She also acknowledged the Deputy Ombudsman, Maualaivao Faualo Pepe Seiuli for holding the fort after Maiava’s term was up early this year.

The post is for 6 years and Luamanuvao is looking forward to working together with the staff in continuing the service.

She said she did not think she would be appointed but is grateful to God for the opportunity to serve.

Luamanuvao served in various positions with the Commonwealth Secretariat. She was Head of the Public Sector Governance, Director of the Governance and Peace Directorate, Adviser and Head of the Justice Section, Legal & Constitutional Affairs.

She noted the importance of the Ombudsman office and is eager to ensure the independence of the office in conducting investigations and making decisions without outside influence.

Taking the Oath of Office.

The eligibility criteria for anyone to hold such position is at least 8 years of legal practice and as the first woman Ombudsman, she challenges other women to work hard.

“Work harder and utilize your skills and knowledge wisely as there is no short cut to a high level position,” said Luamanuvao.

She acknowledged the Government and her family for their support and her husband and son who could not attend the ceremony.

The caretaker Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi briefly touched on the history of the Ombudsman’s office which was a Government initiative back in 1989 when the Ombudsman Act was passed.

In 2013 Parliament revisited the Act and reaffirmed the role of the Ombudsman’s office.

High on the Ombudsman Office’s agenda is the human rights initiative and its reports launched last year, paint a bleak picture of the incidences of domestic violence and abuse of women and children. The office is organising public consultations to prepare its 2021 report to the UN on the state of human rights in Samoa.