Judges of the Lands and Titles Court will undergo professional development in an initiative spearheaded by the Acting Chief Justice, Vui Clarence Nelson and the Ministry of Justice and Court Administration (M.J.C.A.).

The C.E.O. of the M.J.C.A., Moliei Simi Vaai, confirmed the judge-focused training in a statement issued in response to questions from the Samoa Observer. 

“This is part of a five-year strategic training plan developed after a sponsored, situational and training needs survey carried out in November 2019 [following], a request by the Acting Chief Justice to the Judicial Pacific Participation Fund for professional assistance," she said.

The training will run for five days from January 8-14 and is for all Land and Titles Court Judges. 

“This is the first time such training is held locally and the intensive program is tailored specially for professional development of [the L.T.C.] lay judges," she said.

The programme is funded by the Pacific Judicial Strengthening Initiative (P.J.S.I.) and will be facilitated by former Judge Tagaloa Enoka Puni, and co-coordinated by the President of the Land and Titles Court, Fepuleai Attila Ropati, Acting Chief Justice Vui Clarence Nelson and Senior District Judge, Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma. 

The P.J.S.I. looks to address the needs of 14 Pacific Island nations' courts, relating to expanding access to justice and the courts; building competent provision of substantive justice outcomes; and increasing efficient delivery of procedural justice services.

The initiative is funded by the New Zealand Government from June 2016 to June 2021.

Between September and December last year a total of 10 judges for the L.T.C. were sworn into office.