The new President of the Land and Titles Court, Fepuleai Letufuga Atilla Ropati, was officially sworn in yesterday by the Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi. 

And having taken his oath at the Samoa Convention Center at the Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi building, Fepulea’i is now ready to take on his responsibility in his new role.   

More than a hundred, government officials together with friends and families of Fepulea'i from Savai’i were there to witness occassion. 

The brief ceremony was led by Pastor Samoa Unoi of Peace Chapel in a prayer joined by the choir from the Legislative Assembly staff and the Land and Titles Court workers.

The Chief Justice, His Honour Patu Tiava’asue Falefatu Sapolu and other Judges were also there. Fepuleai was thankful for the appointment. 

“I thank God for the appointment,” he said. “I think the hymn says it better when it said that it is up to God and whatever appointment he gives and calls us upon.”

The President is a former employee of Samoa Shipping Corporation. 

He had also worked with the Petaia Law Chambers for three years and had previously worked in the Land and Titles Court for 12 years.

As he walks out of the Legislative Assmebly, Fepuleai believes that his experience with the Office is of great benefit to him and his new role. 

“Knowing the law is a big help (in new role) because reading it is not the same as sitting there and listening to Members of Parliament discussing the legislations.”

Fepulea'i is the former Clerk of the Legislative Assembly. 

Having served the office for eight years as the Clerk he was later recommended and appointed as the new President. He takes over from his predecessor, Le Tagaloa Tuala Kerslake. 

Asked about his view on the Commission of Inquiry into the Land and Titles Court judges, Fepuleai said he could not comment on it. 

Fepulea'i hails from the villages of Saleaula and Iva Savai’i. 

He is 48-years-old and married to Neta Ropati.