By Martha Taumata Faavae
The first full outing of the FAST Government in public since taking up office took place at the official residence of the Head of State this morning.
The occasion was the swearing in of Su’a Helene Wallwork –Lamb as the interim Attorney General for the next 3 months.
Su’a was sworn-in before His Highness Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aleto’a Sualauvi II and Masiofo Fa’amausili as well as the Member of the Council of Deputies, Le Mamea Ropati.
It is the first time the Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa and her Cabinet have gathered together in an official function attended by both the Head of State and Member of the Council of Deputies.
Family members of the new AG Su’a attended her official swearing including parents Seiuli Paul Wallwork and Su’a Julia Wallwork.
“It is a proud moment for me to have them here today and I would like to offer a prayer of thanks to the Lord for keeping them in good health so we can all enjoy this moment together,” young Su’a acknowledged in typical Samoan fashion.
AG Su’a steps in at a very sensitive time in Samoa’s ongoing political uncertainties but is determined to do her best in the short time she will be in office.
Her abrupt appointment is at the expense of former Attorney General Savalenoa Mareva Betham Annandale whose contract was terminated in a controversial decision by the new Government.
AG Su’a is no stranger to the Office of the Attorney General where she once served before breaking off into private practice.
The Prime Minister Fiame announced her temporary appointment last week.
Her appointment is to allow time for a new permanent selection to head the legal arm of Government.
“I look forward to taking up the many challenges with my office staff in service of the country in the time I am given as Attorney General.”
AG Su’a runs a practice with her husband Travis Lamb at Tufuiopa and was president of the Samoa Law Society before her new appointment.
She has suspended all her private legal commitments for now while on temporary assignment to the public service.