Three Lands & Titles Court Judges Terminated

By Lagi Keresoma.

APIA, SAMOA – 03 MARCH 2023: The Lands and Titles Court Commission has terminated the services of three Judges after reviewing the LTC Act 2020.

The Judges are Tuioti Sakaria Taituave, Tuilagi Saipele Esera and Iuga Sefo Fautuaalii.

The Commission’s decision was based on the non-existence of a provision under LTC Act 2020 these judges were appointed in 2021.

That provision existed under the LTC Act 1981 and was revoked when the new LTC Act 2020 was passed in Parliament in December 2020 and came into effect in January 2021.

Tuilagi, Tuioti and Iuga were sworn-in as Judges in April 2021 by then LTC President, Fepulea’i Atila Ropati.

Their appointments were considered illegal and their last day of work is 3 March 2023.

Reapplying for the position
The Minister for Justice & Courts Administration, Matamua Vasati Pulufana told Talamua that before the Commission’s decision was finalised, they sought the advice of the Attorney General.

All three Judges were then given letters of termination and also an option for them to consider.

“I can confirm that there is a chance for them to reapply properly under the current Act for the job,” said Matamua.

The timing of the appointment was unfortunate, but there is a chance that they can do it right second time around, she said.