A senior matai of Gataivai who was an Assistant President of the Land and Titles Court has taken his final bow wrapping up 47 years of service to Samoa. 

The contribution of the Assistant President of the L.T.C., Judge Tiatia Faleupolu Tevita was commended and acknowledged by the Ministry of Justice Courts and Administration (M.J.C.A.) on Friday. 

A special sitting convened at the L.T.C. courtroom joined by the Minister of M.J.C.A., Matamua Vasati Pulufana, Associate Minister of Justice, Judges of the Supreme Court and District Court, President of L.T.C., Lesatele Rapi Vaai and L.T.C. Judges as well as staff that hosted the farewell.

Another senior Judge, Mulipola Iosefo Mulipola spoke during the special sitting to acknowledge the contribution of Tiatia to the bench. 

Mulipola thanked Tiatia for sharing his wisdom during the many years they have worked in the judiciary. 

Humbled by his calling that led to joining the judiciary, Tiatia told guests at the special sitting that he was not special but it was God that made everything possible and glory is owed to him. 

The 71-year-old had worked for 37 years at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (M.A.F.) and was the Assistant Chief Executive Officer for Livestock from 1996 to 2010 before he joined the L.T.C. in 2014. 

He still remembers being interviewed by former Chief Justice Patu Tiavaasue Sapolu and being asked what the connection was between his work at the livestock and the new role he was applying for. 

Tiatia said Patu had given him many challenges and he was probably satisfied with his answer to that question and that led to him joining the judiciary. 

From the village of Gataivai in Savaii and currently residing at his freehold land in Fagalii-uta, the retiring Assistant President stressed the importance of having an independent judiciary. 

He was elevated to the Assistant President position in the last four years and understands how crucial it is for every judge to be well-prepared before they preside over matters.

Tiatia said people can tell when judges are not prepared and it is reflected during the proceedings. 

In an interview with the media, the senior judge said we are judged in everything we do and He is a God of justice who judges us and we must do his will. 

Tiatia said doing the right thing must start from the judge and that means they must be independent and remain neutral, and their work cannot be done out of love. 

He explained this is not love based on worldly things but love for God by doing the right thing and what is just. 

Married to Lusi Feauina Uelese – Tevita, a registered nurse from Sataua, the father of six and grandfather of 17 is ready to take some time off from work to spend time with his family.  

Now that he has called it a day the retired judge plans to go back to his family in Gataivai and strongly believes that when another door closes another one will open for him.