New President of the Land and Titles Court to be sworn in tomorrow

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 01 NOVEMBER 2022: The new President of the Lands and Titles Court, Lesatele Rapi Vaai will be sworn in tomorrow by the Head of State.

The Minister of Justice & Courts Administration, Matamua Vasati Pulufana confirmed that Lesatele Rapi Vaai’s appointment was endorsed by the Member of the Council of Deputies, Le Mamea Ropati last week.

Lesatele is no stranger to Land and Titles Court matters, as he and the late Chief Justice, Patu Tiava’asue Falefatu Sapolu had taken turns to preside over the LTC matters in the past.

Lesatale served as a private lawyer for many years before his appointment as a Judge of the Magistrate Court which later became  the District Court in 1996.

He was a Supreme Court Judge until his retirement in 2017 then took up an appointment with the Republic of Nauru’s Judiciary.

He was reappointed as a Judge of Samoa’s Supreme Court to assist with the election petitions cases prior and after the general election of 2021.

Lesatele Rapi Vaai takes over from Fepuleai Atila Ropati whose term has been terminated by the Government as the President and LTC Judges appointments were all revoked when the new Lands and Titles Act 2020 came into effect in March 2022. (See other story and Court decision). https://talamua.com/2022/11/01/court-dismisses-outgoing-ltc-presidents-application-for-declaratory-orders/

In a public announcement last night, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa said, “As a senior Samoan matai together with his vast experience in the workings of the Courts including the Lands and Titles Court, he will bring wise leadership to the Presidency of the Lands & Titles Court.

“I wish to acknowledge his honour Fepulea’i Atila Ropati who is the outgoing President of the Lands & Titles Court for his service in this important Court on matters Samoan.

“The work of the Lands & Titles Court is central to the protection and preservation of Samoa’s customs and traditions.

“We wish his honour Lesātele Rapi Va’ai God’s blessings on his appointment,” said the Prime Minister.