It’s normal work at the Lands & Titles Court – Minister clarifies

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 21 JANUARY 2022: It is normal work at the Lands and Titles Court according to the Minister of Justice & Courts Administration, Matamua Vasati Pulufana.

Speaking to the media after Parliament yesterday, she said reports from some media outlets that the Land & Titles Court work has stopped until an investigation into the different versions of the Land & Titles Acts and Constitution are resolved, are incorrect.

“That is not correct because the Land and Titles Court is continuing with their daily work as of today,” said Matamua.

She said that was the direction where the original decision was heading during the discussion of the matter.  However, it was later decided to leave it until the investigation was completed.

“No decision was made to halt all LTC matters,” she said.

On Tuesday, the Speaker announced that he had received a copy of the Report of Legislative Office investigation into the matter and will be discussed after Parliament passes the Supplementary Estimates.

The Minister hopes that the sooner the report is discussed, the sooner a solution is found.

According to the Speaker, the issue of the differing versions of the Bills passed by Parliament and those given to be signed by the Head of State, were brought to his attention by the Attorney General last December.

He also said that there seem to be different versions sold and made available to the public and the legislations that are available on parliament’s website.

Public Uncertainty
As the anomalies and uncertainty unfolds, one matai has written to the Minister expressing his distrust of the Land and Titles Court in handling any more matters under the current circumstances. He asked for all matters to be withheld until these are resolved.

Some have called on the Government to amend the Act again as they are losing their family treasures – measina through the existing changes in the Act.

The Minister however said whilst the Land and Titles Court is continuing with their daily work, there is still no communication between the Court and her office.

When the Minister first met with the Judges and staff of the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration after the new Government took office last August, the President of the Lands and Titles Court and some of the Judges boycotted the ceremony.

Four weeks ago, the President proceeded to swear in the Deputy President, Vice President and another new judge despite a legal opinion given the Minister that advised against the swearing in ceremony.

According to the Minister of Justice, “Given the legal position outlined by the Attorney General, the conduct of the ‘swearing in’ which is against the law, raises serious doubts that those involved should continue to hold office where they see to act against the laws, so blatantly and deliberately responsible.”

The Minister Matamua Vasati Pulufana was not briefed of the appointment and the Komisi moved forward with the process and signed off the appointments.

Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa clarified the lapses in the Land & Titles Court Act of provisions or guidelines to appoint or terminate a judge.

“What concerns the Minister of Justice the most is the lack of provisions in the Act to guide such appointments,” said Fiamē.