By Martha Taumata Faavae
The Lands and Titles Court newly sworn-in Deputy President, Faimalomatumua Mathew Lemisio, is humbled by God’s calling on him.
Faimalomatumua was officially sworn in today inside Court Chambers in a special sitting of the President and Judges of the Lands and Titles Court.
“ All callings are from God and I give thanks and praise for being called to serve our country,” the new Deputy President solemnly accepted after his swearing in this morning.
Faimalomatumua made the transition from his former responsibilities as Electoral Commissioner, which he resigned to become the second highest sitting member on the LTC bench.
Also sworn in today were new Assistant President Leaupepe Fatupula and judge Taueva Lelevaga Fa’afouina Mupo.
Families of all the new judges packed the chambers for the swearing in.
Noticeably absent from the large crowd was the staff of the Ministry of Justice who were normally in past occasions responsible for running the event.
The absence added to the lingering controversy that led to a reported directive from the Minister of Justice for the office staff not to attend the swearing in.
A full story on the controversy and the swearing will be covered in the Newsline Samoa special Xmas issue on Sunday.