“Justice has prevailed.”
That was Afu Faumuina Tutuila’s reaction when she spoke to the Samoa Observer.
Afu is the woman who took her village of Tanugamanono to Court on behalf of her family following their banishment, the destruction of their properties including the burning down of their homes.
Last month, the Court of Appeal dismissed the village’s appeal against paying damages of more than $800,000 for threatening to burn the family alive.
“I give glory and thanks to God because he is the door to justice that has resulted in today [day of ruling],” she said. Afu says the journey has been long and winding, resulting in many sleepless days and nights.
Throughout the time, Afu’s faith in God kept their family going. Yesterday, she thanked her parents, friends and her husband for being there to provide support.
Afu also acknowledged her in-laws, her brother Reverend Fereti Tutuila for providing spiritual guidance to calm her mind during such a testing period in her life. She is also thankful to the many in Samoa that provided support including her family, friends and acquaintances for their many prayers.
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“Thank you to the judges that presided over our case that was before the court. I am at peace now that everything has been cleared as there have been many questions raised in relation to the matter.”
Afu was represented in court by lawyer, Luatuanu’u Tole’afoa Solomona.
She believes it was “God’s love that shone the light of knowledge on the matter for justice to prevail”.
“God has shown his justice and this has made our family happy.”
The decision stems from a legal action that materialised in 2010.
She said although it took a long time and that there were many challenges including those that tried to cloud the circumstances of the court case “God has responded in goodness”.
“What’s important is that people understand that this family [although it seems as if we are against the village and church], this is not the truth.
We are fighting for our rights and arguing for what’s just because there was no reason for this family to be penalised.” Afu claims they never did anything wrong.
And as time and the court has confirmed, they have always been right.
“A lot of time has been wasted and much has been lost but we have not wronged [anyone] as it has been confirmed [in court].”
What happened was “committing wrong to cover up what was unjust”.
The Court has ruled for the village leaders to pay $863,710 to Afu and her family.
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