Sex offenders registry

Police Commissioner Auapa'au Logoitino Filipo said the registry protected women and children.

In March, Supreme Court Justice, Vui Clarence Nelson, expressed concerns over "serious sex offenders being repatriated to Samoa as returnees without any information".

He said this presented a danger to residents and that the sex offender registry should also ensure proper monitoring of such people.

Photo file  Caption: Samoa Police 

The Samoa Observer paper reported the legislation was inspired by Supreme Court Justice Vui Clarence Nelson five years ago when he appealed to the government to establish a register.

He said the law was essential for the protection of women and children in Samoa.

Justice Vui credited the former Attorney General Aumua Ming Leung Wai for progressing things and also commended the Law Reform Commission for leading extensive public consultations.

He said he hopes the police assign the law the importance it deserved.