Chief Justice concern political division may delay Judiciary’s work

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, Samoa – 25 January 2025 – His Honour the Chief Justice, Satiu Simativa Perese has expressed his concern that the current political division may have an impact and delay the judiciary’s workplan already laid down for 2025.

His Honour was speaking at the prayer service last Friday to officially start the Ministry of Justice Courts & Administration work for the year.

He said for the year 2025, the Judiciary expected to appoint new judges to the Supreme and District Court after the Judicial Commission has conducted their part before passing it on to Parliament for endorsement of the Act to appoint judges.

There is also the plan to appoint a judge for the Court of Appeal.

His Honour said one of the issues that they hoped to be implemented this year is the merge of the Supreme and the Lands and Titles Court, so they come under one court as it was before the changes passed by parliament in December 2020.

“With respect we will await Parliament’s decision,” he said.

The Lands & Titles, Judicature and Constitution Bills have gone through their second readings and are currently before the Parliamentary Committee and were expected to be tabled during Parliament’s current sitting.

The Minister of Justice Matamua Vasati Pulufana said the Bills will be discussed but maybe not sooner than expected.

The prayer service last Friday to officially start the Ministry of Justice Courts & Administration work for the year.

CJ encourages staff
The prayer service was well attended by the Judiciary, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa, Minister of Justice, lawyers, the Ministry of Police Executive and MJCA staff.

His Honour commended the staff for their services and encourage them to continue the good work.

He noted the heavy load of cases set down for the court this year and the commitment by the Judiciary to serving Samoa.

He also noted that the work of the Judges is not confined to Samoa as they are being called to attend and speak at international conferences on various issues.

His Honour, Justice Leiataua and Judge Talasa Atoa Saaga are invited to speak at a conference in New Zealand next month and Judge Saaga will lead Samoa’s judiciary delegation to New Zealand in March.

“We pray for our journey this year and that we serve with honesty,” he said.