Judge acknowledged for commitment to serving Samoa and the rule of law

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 04 APRIL 2023: Outgoing Supreme Court Justice Tafaoimalo Leilani Tuala Warren has been acknowledged for her work and perseverance in upholding the rule of law.

In a special court siting last Friday to farewell Tuala-Warren, His Honour the Chief Justice Satiu Simativa Perese spoke highly of Justice Warren perseverance and faithfulness in serving the Court, Samoa and the rule of law.

He praised her for presiding over the Constitutional challenges at a very difficult time for the country especially during the unprecedented high profile court cases following the April 2021 general elections and the transition to a new government in power.

His Honour said such a sitting falls outside the normal Supreme Court sittings and is reserved to honour the service of a retired or a resigned Judge.

“It is sad by the fact that a Samoan daughter is leaving the Supreme bench.”

But his Honour noted how Justice Warren’s family sacrificed a lot by letting serve her country while they all reside in New Zealand.

“She is an able colleague and this is not goodbye, but a see you later,” said His Honour.

The Attorney General Su’a Helena Lamb touched on Justice Warren’s achievement in her tenure as a judge for 10 years as a District Court Judges from 2013 to 2016 when she was appointed as the second female Judge of the Supreme Court.

One of her achievements was presiding over the Court of Appeal in 2017, one year after her appointment to the Supreme Court.

She is also hailed the champion who was instrumental in setting up the Family & Violence Court and Youth Court.

“She is a trailblazer who made a difference in the legal justice system,” said Su’a.

“She is a true champion with zero tolerance for violence and regardless of sentences she dished out, wrapped in that sentence is a clear message to the community,” said the Attorney General.

Justice Tafaoimalo Leilani Tuala Warren with mother Aruna and aunt Shamim from Australia at the special court sitting.

The President of the Samoa Law Society, Alex Su’a reflected on their bond and relationship with Justice Warren.

He and Su’a both wished Justice Warren the best in her future endeavours.

In her thank you speech, Justice Tuala Warren acknowledged the Judiciary, Government, Parliament, family, friends and everyone that supported and walked the journey with her.

She made special acknowledgement of the late Chief Justice, Patu Tiavaasue Falefatu Sapolu who appointed her to the bench and also the late Justice Vaepule Vaemoe Vaai.

“To both Chief Justices that I have served since 2013, thank you for the trust you instilled in me to serve on the bench of Samoa. My hope is that my service under your leadership has been of value to Samoa,” said Justice Warren.

She wished Chief Justice Perese all the best in leading the Judiciary into the future.

She acknowledged Supreme Court Senior Justice Vui Clarence Nelson whom she always sought advice from and she congratulated him on being awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Canterbury.

As a close partner of the Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG) she commended Siliniu Lina Chang for her work with the court especially with the establishment of the Family & Family Violence Courts.

“May you long continue to work for those vulnerable in our community,” she said.

She then acknowledged all that came to her last bench sitting in Samoa.