District Court Judge Alalatoa Rosella Papalii Viane has been sworn in as an Acting Judge of the Supreme Court of Samoa. The swearing-in ceremony was held on Wednesday at the residence of the Head of State, Tuimalealiifano Va'aleto'a Sualauvi II, in Vailele.
Her appointment was made under a warrant issued by the Head of State pursuant to Article 69(1) of the Constitution. The warrant appoints Alalatoa to act as a Supreme Court Judge and contains no expressed time limitation. One of the main purposes of her appointment is to handle appeal matters before the Land and Titles Court and the Final Court of Appeal.
Her first case in the role will be heard on Thursday, 11 June 2026, in the matter of Leauvaa v Afega, involving Fata Ututaaloga Ulia and Maulolo Tavita Amosa.
The ceremony was attended by members of the judiciary, including Deputy Chief Justice Leutele Mata Keli Tuatagaloa; Senior Justice Vui Clarence Nelson; President of the Land and Titles Court Lesatele Rapi Vaai; government officials; and family and friends. Reverend Julius Fruean led the service.
In her remarks, Alalatoa said she was humbled by the opportunity and thanked the Head of State and his wife for hosting the occasion. She also acknowledged her colleagues in the judiciary, describing their work as difficult and often lonely. “It is no secret that our work is extremely difficult, with many challenges and problems. It is such a lonely job,” she said.
