P.M. inspires P.N.G. lawyer

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 29 August 2016, 12:00AM

A Papua New Guinea lawyer, Raka Raula described Samoa as the most beautiful place in the Pacific.

As a person who wanted to create a new life for herself, Ms Raula didn’t think twice when she was given the opportunity to work for the Samoa Law Reform Commission for three years. 

However, it was not only the country and the beautiful scenery of Samoa that persuaded Raula to come to Samoa, but who she was inspired by. 

Ms Raula said she had watched a presentation made by the Prime Minister of Samoa, Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegoi and she was curious about the place. 

“I was inspired by the Prime Minister’s speech regarding economic policies for the country and it made me want to learn more about it, its people and its culture,” she said.

And when she learned about the position at the Samoa Law Reform Commission, Raula said she didn’t hesitate but hoped that she would have the chance to come to Samoa to learn about the unique way of living as well as the work she would do. 

Raula started in her new position as an Executive Legal Officer for the Commission in October last year.

And on Tuesday, she officially became a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Samoa. 

Chief Justice Patu Tiava’asue Falefatu Sapolu congratulated the newly admitted lawyer and reminded her that bas a lawyer she should be intelligent and be of good character.

“Being admitted today to the Samoan Bar is a breakthrough and I feel complete in that area of my life,” said Raula. 

“The admission to me creates the opportunity to connect with other esteemed members of the Samoan Bar, and it also transforms and contributes to how I perform my role at the Samoa Law Reform Commission.” 

Raula said she is extremely blessed and privileged to have her admission ceremony before the Honorable Chief Justice of Samoa, His Honor Patu Tiava’asue Falefatu Sapolu. 

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank especially the C.E.O. of the Samoa Law Reform, Commissioner Leota Theresa Potoi and the Management and staff of S.L.R.C. for seeing my potential and recruiting me to practice as a lawyer and to contribute to the development of Samoa.” 

She was a former Principal Legal Officer in the International Law Division of the State Solicitor’s Office, the Department of Justice and Attorney General in Papua New Guinea. 

She has previously worked as a Senior Legal Officer with the Constitutional and Law Reform Commission in P.N.G. 

Raula is from the Central Province in Papua New Guinea. She holds a Masters in Law and Development from the University of Melbourne, Australia and has a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from the University of Papua New Guinea.

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 29 August 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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