Legislation pending on powers of Samoan chiefs

SAMOA – Public consultations in progress in Samoa this week are looking at the roles and functions of the head chief of Samoa families, known in samoa as sa‘os.

About one hundred leading chiefs and orators are taking part in discussions that question the reasons behind the review of the leading family chiefs’ roles and functions.

CEO of the Law Reform Commission, Leota Theresa Potoi said the initiative was initiated by the Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi goes back to last year.

She says one of the general areas looked into is the governance of the family sa’os’ powers and actions.

The participant questioned whether it is proper to legislate guidelines for the sa‘os’ duties, decisions, actions and functions which are primarily traditional in looking after family assets for family development and keeping family harmony.

CEO of the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration, Papali’i Afele, clarified that there is existing legislation that can be used to remove a sa’o from his role.

These include actions or behavior that embarrasses the family and dishonesty in the performance of the sa’o’s duties as a matai.

After the public consultations, a report to cabinet with recommendations will shape legislation to govern the duties and authority of the sa’os.

Previous cases and complaints from family members have questioned the sa’os’ decisions regarding the distribution of family resources and benefits for general family members from the lease of family lands.

- Talamua