“LESATELE RAPI VA'AI” Appointed LAND & TITLES Court PRESIDENT
Lesatele Rapi Vaai when he was sworn in as a Judge of the supreme court by the Head of State in 2021.
Photo: Supplied
Lesatele Rapi Vaai will administer an oath as the new President for
the Land & Titles Court. The official swearing in will be conducted by
the Head of State tomorrow Wednesday this week to fulfill the vacant
position that was occupied by Fepuleai Atila Ropati.
The long serving judge had played tremendous parts in the Land &
Titles Court and also the Supreme Court where he managed cases before
and after the elections in the 2020 to 2021 constitutional crisis. A
familiar face by the public as he has served the Jurisdiction of Samoa
for many years.
Lesatele has also served in the Judiciary of Nauru where he was an
expatriate judge in the Supreme Court until his retirement back in
2017. He was appointed as a Supreme Judge here in Samoain 2001. He
also served as the judge in the District Court in 1996.
The Prime Minister Fiame Naomi in her official speech on Monday
evening , announcing the appointment and swearing in of Lesatele Rapi
Vaai as the new President for the Land & Titles Court.
"The appointment of Lesatele Rapi Vaai as the new President , in my
perspective is a much suitable candidate as President" says Prime
Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa
She also highlighted the vitality of this position and the Land &
Titles Court itself in protecting the traditions and the customs of
the Samoan people. She reminds the nation that these appointees will
not be taken lightly because Samoa's heritage is sanctuary.
The Prime Minister has also acknowledged the late President Fepulea'i
Atila Ropati who's appointment finished in late October this year.
She mentioned Fepuleai for his years of hard work and his dedication
through the Legislative up to the Judiciary of Samoa. Prime
Minister Fiame wishes him well on his future endeavours.
Fiame Naomi Mata'afa also wish Lesatele Rapi Vaai the best in his new
duties and the official ceremony.