Peseta appeals Court decision

By Joyetter Luamanu 29 November 2017, 12:00AM

The Associate Minister of Cabinet and Prime Minister, Peseta Vaifou Tevaga, is appealing the decision by the Supreme Court to dismiss his civil claim against another Human Rights Protection Party colleague and former business associates.

Peseta confirmed his appeal during a press conference in his office at the government building yesterday where he was highly critical of the Court’s decision.

On Tuesday, Supreme Court Justice Tafaoimalo Leilani Tuala-Warren dismissed a civil claim brought by Peseta against former Cabinet Minister, La’aulilemalietoa Polataivao Schmidt and others, in relation to an ongoing dispute about a nonu company. 

A separate criminal hearing between the same parties is pending, also in the Supreme Court. 

In the meantime, Peseta said he is not happy about the decision.

“My lawyer will come over next week, and then we will file the appropriate documents to appeal the decision,” he said.

Peseta was critical of Justice Tafaoimalo saying she should not have handled his case.  

Attempts to get a comment from Justice Tafaoimalo yesterday were not successful.

In the lawsuit, Peseta took legal action against Apulu, Schwalger, La’aulilemalietoa and Maota Samoa Convention Complex Limited, Local Partners and Associates Limited and Aldan Civil Engineering Construction Company Limited. 

According to the Court ruling, Peseta had accused them of breaching the director’s duties.

He accused them of preventing him from any participation in the decisions or activities of the L.P.A. and entering L.P.A. premises. 

He accused La’auli of taking and having in his possession property of the plaintiff, including nonu juice and vehicles.

Peseta also accused his former business associates of breaching their contract by putting secured land at risk and for the conversion of vehicles that belonged to L.P.A. to another company known as Maota o Samoa. 

The decision handed down by Justice Tafaoimalo, where she gives her reasons, is printed on pages 10, 11 and 14. It will be continued tomorrow.

By Joyetter Luamanu 29 November 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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