The Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration (M.C.J.A.), Moliei Simi Vaai, is not aware of any advertisement for the position of the nation’s Chief Justice during the 10 months the position was vacant. 

Last month, Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Dr. Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, announced that Satiu Simativa Perese, a New Zealand-based Samoan lawyer, was set to become Samoa’s Chief Justice. 

During the announcement, the Prime Minister noted there were five applicants from which the Cabinet had chosen. 

“There were five applicants to choose from; two locals, men and women including the one we have appointed [...] the Honorable Satiu Simativa Perese,” Prime Minister Tuilaepa said.

But the C.E.O. for M.J.C.A., who is also the Secretary and Spokesperson for the Judicial Service Commission, said she was unaware of any advertisement of the Chief Justice position. 

The previous Chief Justice, Patu Tiava’asue Falefatu Sapolu, officially concluded his term in office last April after 26 years on the bench. 

Supreme Court Justice, Vui Clarence Nelson, took over as the Acting Chief Justice. 

The Samoa Observer queried Mrs Vaai, whether there was any advertisement for the Chief Justice position and whether it had been advertised locally or overseas. 

“I’m not aware of an advertisement,” said Mrs. Vaai who added that “expressions of interest could have been submitted even without a formal advertisement.”