To date, there are nine bodies requiring autopsies at the public mortuary.
Families are questioning the delay in “sourcing” a forensic pathologist from overseas for post mortem procedures.
Three months ago, District Court Judge and Coroner, Alalatoa Rosella Papalii sent a memorandum, reminding the Attorney General Su’a Hellene Wallwork and the Ministry of Health, Leausa Dr Take Naseri of earlier orders issued nine months ago on the bodies at the morgue requiring post-mortems.
In her last correspondence, obtained by Radio Polynesia, dated 15 February 2022 Judge Papalii reminded the Coroner’s orders issued nine months ago.
“By memorandum dated 30 August 2021 you were reminded of the Coroner’s orders related to three bodies requiring post mortals held in the public mortuary. “You were also asked that the sourcing of a pathologist be prioritised as a matter of urgency so the orders of the Court could be complied with.”
Judge Papalii stated the memo was followed by a letter from the Chief Justice on the same issue.
“I have not received any further update regarding this important issue since October 2021. But I am aware that to date the Court orders have not been copied with,” said Papalii.
Adding there are nine bodies at the morgue including one a decomposed body of a male 14-year-old infant of Moamoa.
“However, his identity and cause of death are questionable.”
Judge Papalii cited section 16 subsection 6 of the Coroner’s Act the post mortem should be conducted immediately if any delay would or may limit the ability of the pathologist to determine the cause of death, if it is the body of an infant, referring to the 14-year-old.
“It is an understatement to say that the delay in conducting post mortems in a timely manner is a recurring problem. But it will continue if a full-time pathologist is not sourced as a matter of priority and urgency.”
The Judge then reminded the Attorney General and the MOH of the statutory powers and functions of the Coroners Act 2017 and proceeded to cite comments by Justice Vui Clarence Nelson: “This is therefore not only an order of the Court but also order made pursuant to laws passed by the duly elected representatives of the people sitting as Parliamentarians. It is in effect an order of Parliament. It is not a matter to be complied with at the leisure or inconvenience of Government officials.”
Judge Papalii then ordered for post mortem to be conducted within 30 days of the memorandum. It is now May and bodies are piling at the local mortuary.
This week, a mother made a public appeal for the Ministry of Police and Prisons to release her daughter’s body for burial.
Makerita Lefao told Radio Polynesia, they have been patient but where does the line draw.
“It is not our fault there is no forensic pathologist on Island to conduct the autopsy ordered by the Coroner, her body is deteriorating and I cannot sit idle when that is happening.”
Adding that her daughter’s body is giving a foul smell and she cannot stand the sight of her daughter lying in the morgue.
Mrs Lefao told Radio Polynesia, that their family has been to the Ministry of Police and Prison for assistance on many occasions to release her daughter’s body for burial, but are given the same response, that they cannot help.
“Each time we have visited her in the morgue, her body has changed significantly and it is deteriorating and giving a foul smell, said Mrs Lefao while fighting her emotions her back.
