President of the Lands and Titles Court, Lesatele Rapi Vaai was sworn into office this morning by the Head of State, Le Afioga Le Aomamalu ole Malo, Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II.
In attendance were Masiofo Leinafo Faamausili; Deputy Council Members; Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, the Chief Justice, his Honour Satiu Simativa Perese, Judges of the Supreme and District Court; Speaker of the House Li’o Papalii Taeu Masipa’u, Cabinet Ministers, government officials and families.
The service was led by Reverend Vavatau Taufao, the Secretary General of the CCCS.
Lesatele thanked the Head of State and Prime Minister for their confidence in his ability to carry out the duties of the President of the LTC.
He said in 1996 the Late Head of State Malietoa Tanumafili II signed off on the warrant for his appointment to the Supreme Court.
Citing that no one is perfect, but acknowledged that leaning on God’s wisdom will guide him in making the right decisions.
According to Lesatele, he assisted the former Chief Justice in the handling Supreme Court and LTC cases and over the years, he has garnered more than 20 years of experience in handling of LTC matters. In 2017 he retired and then moved to Nauru where he served on their Judicial bench and return to Samoa where was once again appointed to the bench.
Lesatele said the Lands and Titles Court plays a significant role in dealing with daily matters pertaining to Samoan treasurers (Measin a Samoa) such as lands and chiefly titles.
He also used the opportunity to zero in on controversial bills pertaining to Lands and Titles Acts, saying that they were “ill-conceived and badly drafted”.
Adding that in 1981 the Lands and Titles Act was approved in Parliament and it’s 39 since these Acts were amended including amendments to the Constitution.
According to Lesatele these laws have created chaos for the Country and led to the halting of services of the LTC in efforts to iron out the issues that were born from the amendments to the LTC Acts.
He said the LTC Acts led judges of the Supreme Court to sign a submission letter voicing their concerns and objection to the bills which tampered with the independence of the Judiciary.
His Honours then commended Prime Minister Fiame and her Cabinet for taking necessary actions to correct the LTC Acts.
He also acknowledged the service of the former President of the LTC Letufuga Atilla Ropati.
