Overseas Judge to hear former AG’s lawsuit against Prime Minister

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA – 12 June 2024 – The longstanding matter between the former Attorney General, Savalenoa Mareva Betham-Annandale and Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa has been scheduled to be heard later this month by an overseas judge.

According to the court registrar, the hearing delay was due to the unavailability of an overseas judge to preside over the matter which is now set for hearing on the 24/25 June 2024.

Savalenoa is suing the Prime Minister for $650,000 claiming she was unlawfully dismissed in September 2021.

Prior to her dismissal, she was suspended from office in August 2021.

The case has been mentioned several times since her dismissal and Justice Leiataualesā Daryl Clarke ordered a final adjournment of the matter in February 2023.

A similar longstanding matter between the former President of the Lands and Titles Court, Fepuleai Atila Ropati against the Prime Minster was finally heard two weeks ago by an overseas judge.

The decision is reserved.