Samoa AG

The Samoa Observer reported that Lemalu Hermann Retzlaff's sudden resignation was confirmed by the Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi on Thursday afternoon.

Lemalu tendered his resignation at a meeting with the Prime Minister earlier in the day which reportedly came as a shock to many.

Commenting on the resignation Tuilaepa said there were opportunities in New Zealand for Lemalu to advance his knowledge as a lawyer.

Lemalu has been the country's attorney-general for the last four years with his first three year term having just been extended last year.

Lemalu Hermann Retzlaff was expected to visit last month but the trip was called off in light of Samoa's deadly measles epidemic.

It has meant Hans Dalton's family will continue to wait for a meeting with the Samoan government over the 38-year-old's death.

Boxing Day this year marks seven years since Mr Dalton's body was found half-submerged in a water drum in Samoa's Tafa'igata Prison.

For many whānau around the country, Christmas is a time of joy and peace where people gather to share kai and koha.

New Zealand AG told Retzlaff that links and an ongoing willingness to assist Samoa is not only important but something he feels personally attached to.

 "Whatever can be done to assist Samoa, we are committed,” said New Zealand AG. 

He has links with senior counsel at the local bar in Apia and has in the past appeared in Court in Apia. 

Samoa AG was then referred to meetings with the Parliamentary Counsels drafting team of New Zealand as well as the Law Commission of New Zealand. 

A lawyer from the Attorney General’s Office, Lupematasila Iliganoa Atoa, during her summary at the District Court, is reported to have said Samoa will not tolerate criminals who come to take advantage of the vulnerability of a small country.

The Samoa Observer said the court was told the Chinese used ATM skimming devices and counterfeit cards to steal the money from the Bank South Pacific.

The lawyer was reported as urging the court to apply a hefty sentence as a deterrent.