Four new judges for the Land and Titles Court will be sworn in by the Chief Justice, His Honour Patu Tiava’asue Falefatu Sapolu, on Wednesday next week.
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Among the new judges is a woman, Fiu Mesepi Sialaoa.
The other judges appointed by the Judiciary Services Commission chaired by His Honour Patu are Masoe Tovia Tufuga, Nanai Pologa Ioane and Tauiliili Sekuini Solomona Auelua.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration, Masinalupe Tusipa Masinalupe, said the swearing-in ceremony was scheduled for Friday (yesterday).
But that did not happen.
According to Masinalupe, it was postponed until Wednesday next week so the Minister of Justice and Courts Administration, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, and others can attend.
More than 50 people applied for the new judge positions and 18 were interviewed.
The C.E.O said the appointments were approved by Cabinet.
He explained: “The new judges will replace three judges that have left the office”.
One of the judges is Fa’amatuainu Saivega, who passed away this year.
The other two judges, Fonoivasa Lolesio Ah Ching and Maiava Nafatali.
They have retired.
Masinalupe said there are currently 16 judges in the L.T.C and more are needed.
In explaining the procedures of L.T.C., Masinalupe said when a Court sits it requires at least three judges, an assessor and a Deputy President.
“It’s not the same as the Supreme Court and the other Court,” said the C.E.O. “L.T.C. requires more judges to sit in one case and with the other judges retiring and passed away we need new ones.”
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