Insatiable appetite for control

Since 1962, the development of Samoa as an independent country has remained a beacon in the Pacific and the world of how to maintain peace, political stability and respect for the rule of law. While we have not been problem free, we have done reasonably well by following Samoa’s founding document, the Constitution, which embodies the wisdom and dreams of our forebears for Samoans.

Today, there is reason to be concerned that such wisdom, foresight and vision in our Constitution is being shunned and ignored. We are talking about the Constitution Amendment Bill 2020 and The Judicature Bill 2020 before Parliament that would amend the Constitution to make the Land and

Titles Court an entirely autonomous body and branch of government insulated from review by the Supreme Court. Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr Sa’ilele Malielagaoi has repeatedly stated that the bill is in response to complaints from members of the public about the delays in LTC decisions.

A letter co-signed by the nation’s judges has expressed dismay at the plans and the ‘‘haste’’ with which the bill was introduced. They warned that the proposal is ‘‘dangerously’’ ill-considered given its potential far-reaching effects on the courts. We applaud the judges and everyone else who found the courage to speak up. While the Government has done a lot of good, the changes it proposes will ‘‘destroy the concept of the rule of law’’.