Samoa appoints first Pasifika woman Supreme Court judge
His Highness Tui Atua extended his well wishes at Tuaefu yesterday where he administered the swearing in of the former District Court Judge as a Supreme Court Justice.
The ceremony was well attended by Justice Tuatagaloa’s family, colleagues and friends.
Present also were her fellow Judges as well as the Chief Justice, His Honour Patu Tiava’asue Falefatu Sapolu.
Ms Tuatagaloa became the first woman District Court judge in Samoa’s judicial history. And with her swearing in yesterday, she has also become the first woman to be inaugurated permanently in the Supreme Court.
His Highness Tui Atua congratulated Justice Tuatagaloa. He reminded her that Samoa is not a government or a Court but a family. He encouraged her to be brave and always rely on God for guidance.
His Honour Patu also congratulated and welcomed Justice Tuatagaloa to the Supreme Court.
In response, Justice Tuatagaloa said she was humbled and honoured by her appointment.
She acknowledged the Head of State, her fellow judges, families and friends for believing in her. She also vowed to do her best to serve Samoa.
A special inauguration sitting of the Supreme Court has been scheduled for a later date.
She also had a distinguished career as a lawyer before her appointment as a Judge in 2013.