Accredited Mediators of Samoa held the official opening of their new office at the Court House yesterday afternoon.
His Honour, Chief Justice Patu Tiava’asu’e Falefatu Sapolu was the keynote speaker. He also cut the ribbon for the new A.M.S.A. office.
“In January 2013, following the formation of A.M.S.A. as a professional body, the Executive Council of A.M.S.A. approached me and requested an office space within the Court House,” he said.
“I had no hesitation.”
Last year on 4th May 2013 at the first A.M.S.A. retreat at the Samoa Tradition Resort, he referred to that request as a future collaborative effort between A.M.S.A. and its partners, and, he said, as another important step forward in the establishment and development of mediation in Samoa.
“There are purposes for this new office. The first is to facilitate the coordination and referral of civil cases to mediation by A.M.S.A. working together with the court annexed Mediation Unit of the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration.
“The location of this office within the Court House will provide ready and convenient access to a mediator by the parties to a civil case referred by the Court to mediation through the Court –annexed Mediation Unit.
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“The second purpose of this office is to provide a central location for members of the public who wish to refer their disputes directly to mediation for resolution without having to go to Court first.
“The third purpose of this office is to promote mediation in Samoa.
“Securing this office space is one of the many initiatives that A.M.S.A. has come up with to contribute to the ultimate goal of making mediation services readily available and accessible by the general public.
“However, our aim is to move on from here to establish a Mediation Centre in the not too distant future.
“The Mediation Centre will not only be for conducting mediations but also to provide mediation training and to promote mediation in Samoa”, said Patu.
“Now I would like to acknowledge with great appreciation the support provided by Gavin Murray and Lady Buitzon; for the financial assistance provided by the International Finance Corporation (I.F.C.) to A.M.S.A. that has enabled the purchase of furniture and equipment for this new office.
“I would also like to acknowledge with great appreciation the support provided by Maeva Vaai and Antonia Wong of the World Bank Group Office in Samoa for assisting with securing the approvals of I.F.C.’s assistance.
“Last but not least, I would also like to acknowledge with much appreciation the support given by the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration to the establishment of this office.
“To the President, Vice President, and members of A.M.S.A., congratulations on this initiative and I trust you will make good use of this office in furthering the availability of mediation services and in promoting mediation in Samoa.
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