Friday 22 October 2021 Apia Samoa. Assistant Attorney General and Chief Legislative Drafter, Galumalemana Noumea Loretta Teueli has this week resigned from the Office of the Attorney General to take up other opportunities in the region.
Attorney General Su’a Hellene Wallwork-Lamb says Galumalemana, who has been with the AGs offfice for 15 years, will be sorely missed by her colleagues.
“I am sad to see her leave the office but I am also very excited for her with the new opportunities to further her career;
“Galumalemana has worked in the Office of the Attorney General for over 15 years and has played an important role over that time, to mentor lawyers who have gone through this office”.
Su’a says many of the lawyers mentored by Galumalemana have gone on to take up leadership roles within the Office of the Attorney General.
“Her collegiality, leadership and management skills will be missed by everyone here;
“I am confident that I can also speak for the former AG’s who have had the pleasure of working with Galumalemana in saying that she has served the Government of Samoa faithfully, honestly and with the utmost professionalism”.
Su’a adds that there are currently over 20 vacant positions for lawyers in the AG’s office.
She says the recruitment process is underway and several positions are being advertised, however, the AG says she is concerned there may not be enough lawyers in the market to fill the vacancies at present.
“I hope Government will reconsider, allowing more scholarships for law students again,” said Su’a.
The Attorney General wished Galumalemana Loretta well in her future endeavours as she embarks on a new pathway in her career.
“Galumalemana leaves our Office with our blessings and I do wish her all the success;
“I am also very grateful to Galumalemana for the support she gave me from when I first came in to this role and I will miss her friendship,” said Su’a.
In response to SGN in an email Galumalemana conveyed her thanks and appreciation to the Government of Samoa for the past 15 years of service through the Office of the Attorney General, 8 of which were served as an Assistant Attorney General of the Office of the Attorney General.
“I thank the former Prime Minister Hon. Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi who has been the Minister for our Office in the time I have worked here. I also acknowledge and congratulate the Office’s new Minister, Honourable Prime Minister Hon. Fiame Naomi Matā’afa in making history by becoming the first woman Prime Minister of Samoa.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to have worked for and alongside some of the greatest legal minds that have impacted the history of this country. I acknowledge Taulapapa Brenda Heather-Latu; Tuatagaloa Aumua Ming Leung Wai; Lemalu Hermann P. Retzlaff and Savalenoa Mareva Betham-Annandale, and most recently Su’a Hellene Wallwork, the former Attorneys and current Attorney General whom I have been privileged to serve under; some longer than others. Through their leadership and guidance, I have had access to so many opportunities that have helped shape my understanding, skill and knowledge of the practice of law in Samoa.”
Galumalemana also acknowledged the mentorship of former Parliamentary Counsel, Teleiai Dr. Lalotoa S. Mulitalo; Unasa Leilani Vaa-Tamati; Papalii Malietau Malietoa and Fuimaono Sarona Rimoni-Ponifasio.
