Well, this is discouraging.

what do you call a lawyer who cried wolf?

Watch out Samoa! These are signs of bad times that will soon reach our country when the police enforces the law with intimidation against its own citizens. However, I doubt it that the policemen acted as described above because the "aganuu male faaaloalo" is still highly maintained in Samoa. Even police officers depend on our customs and cultures to do their job with ease. Our policemen are armed with the "faaaloalo male aganuu Samoa". I can't imagine the Samoa policemen or any Samoans for that matter showing up to the lawyers house and disrespectfully ordered her to come outside of the house as described in the article.

Perhaps the visiting lawyer need to be reminded that swearing or "using insulting words" ( in English or Samoan) in public is a no-no in her culture which I think is the smoking gun for this situation.

With all due respect to all Samoans who were either born overseas or have resided there for God knows how long...I think its about time you have to realise that Samoa is no longer the Samoa you know when you people left...we have developed a lot and we are much more educated compare to 20 or 30 years ago....maybe not to the extent or level of development in NZ and Australia...but we're not vales...you don't expect to live your life in NZ or Australia, get influenced by the lilfestyle there then think you can just come back and push us around...am sure Police in NZ will not hesitate a single breath throwing you two in a cell for what you allegedly did in Samoa, am sure they don't care if you're a lawyer or what not. Being rude to staff members of MJSC....this is so typical...you know if you guys are willing to help us that's totally fine...if not hey we're doing just fine without you...we have our ups and downs but hey who doesn't...give us the respect we deserve...living overseas doesn't make you people more supreme than us here living in Samoa...if I have insulted someone then I apologise but this attitude by some if not most overseas Samoans has to stop....
Thanks Newsline and keep up the good work..
God Bless
Mataio

Sometimes people think of themselves smarter than others and then go on to do whatever they wanted even breaking the civil law. This would properly happen when you are in a kind of high positional level. The fact is that they were not that smart as they think they are. They went to Samoa with their high expectations that they would underestimate any situations coming their way even insulting and threatening other people. Sorry ladies, e le valea foi la tagata Samoa, aua le maua loa le mataga ona taumafai laia e sola. Please show some respect to other samoan and be humble because that is a real smarter person.

Nixon? lol

Here's comes another USA-Samoa Citizens haters. The lawyers being talked about here are from NZ. The county that Samoa adopted their customs and the major reason for RHD changed. We USA-Samoa we're never considered along with our aiga in American Samoa for your policy, so don't try to blame US for Samoa failed policy. It seems like whenever something goes wrong with Samoa, USA are always to blame. Don't look any further, check out your own backyard!

Talofa sau, I appreciate your responses to my comment... But the problem here is I do not understand your point. Yes , I already know those Layers are from NZ but they are bloody samoan. I was not talking about RHD or pointing fingers to the US for Samoan policies. I am not blame anyone for anything my friend as you thoughts I am. Please try to understand what people are really saying before you open your dirty mouth. One more thing to tell you I am not from your American Samoa. Have a nice day.

I guess i was only responding to your comments according to the title of your comments. I thought maybe you were directing your comments about Samoa US citizens coming to Samoa and think we know more than the locals. As a Samoan living in US, i take pride about being a Samoan living in US and i never think that i'm better than my Samoan counterpart. If i had offended you anyway, don't take it to heart. It was just a misunderstanding! Manuia le aso!

Yes i totally second the motion, even though she is a lawyer from NEW ZEALAND (as i am located in Aotearoa myself) is still does not give her the right to speak such language to anyone let alone the people that are only doing their job. I hope and pray that the case pulls through because justice should be served! "e leai se isi e sili atu i tulafono"

I realize its hard to adhere to laws that are unfamiliar to us when we are a guest in another country. But their laws are THEIR laws and you have to abide by them. Regardless of what she may or may not have said, you have to be respectful of Samoa's laws. I think the outcome of this situation is very important to the future of Samoa's judicial system. We shall see.

please do not make samoa out as a bad place it is still the most wounderful place as it has always been throughout the past decades. The police does not arrest anyone without fault against the law. As you all may have recalled Tuilaepa clearly stated that noone is greater than the law! no lawyer from nz or anywhere else can come and get there own way in samoa. People are smarter than what you think and as reliable sources have told me the whole story. She is to get what she deserves! once again justice must be served! but do not point our homeland out as being something bad!! she is at her own fault for such actions against the law.

The Police should know what the hell they're doing first before thinking they can go onto someone's property without a search warrant, without a uniform, without marked cars, and asking to take someone away for questioning. They broke their own procedures and their own laws by not following the procedures under those laws. In Sapolu's case, the procedure under the Narcotics Act was not followed. That is the reason for her defence of her property.

You might not like these lawyers from NZ, but they were born in Samoa, educated in Samoa, and spend a hell of a lot of money investing in Samoa. They are also lawyers who are admitted to the Samoa's Law Society, so they are SAMOANS in every sense of the word. They have properties in Samoa that they have every right to stand and protect. The rights against false arrest are inherent and fundamental rights under the Constitution of Samoa.

People are just supporting the Police because they hate these "fiapokos" from NZ. If NZ and NZders are such bad places and bad people, how come 40,000 of you people registered for the immigration ballot to come to NZ? How come so many of you scholarship students who are educated in NZ never stay in Samoa to SERVE YOUR COUNTRY. Those "fiapokos" from NZ invest just as much money in Samoa, help out just as many Samoans in NZ and Samoa as those people hating on them from Samoa.

Growing up, Ive always split my summer vacations between Pago and Apia. After starting High School, my visits were few but always missed. As an adult, Im able to pick up my ability to visit on a yearly basis, which I enjoy so very much. Ive never had a problem with the law enforcement or even petty arguments with locals. Everyone is so very friendly and respectful. I hope this works out for all involved.

Sole, please step off your soap box. "You people?" "YOUR CONUNTRY" together with the false dichotomy of the "fiapokos" as the reason 40,000 of "us people" wanted to come "over there"... tut tut

I would scold you for parroting like an idiot but my therapist said i should be kind to idiots this month.

Here are the facts that you should process.
1. Those two lawyers had charges brought onto them.
2. Two lawyers allege police misconduct.
Instead of addressing the charges against them on their merits, they started this sideshow of police being unprofessional, untrained and indecent, claims which might be true, but irrelevant to fact 1.

"Us people" here 'serving our country' adhere to facts to base our opinions on, and the fact of the matter sole, is that 'your' two lawyers have got a case to answer to.

*pounds gavel

oh pliz lawyerz ..wel no one is above the law AYE NOt ALL LAWYERS .......wel strait to the point seek counselling is the best wei e le valea foi tagata Samoa talk abwt the white and the blue collar crime...........its a shame for these two ;awyers who have the intention to cause considerable damage to Samoa's reputation ...rememba that our govt strives to respect the rights of eevry Samoan and such respect equally applies to you........wel zori people ...were trying to promote iur standard but too bas the fiapopoko ones trying to undermine our cultural and spiritual values thank you tofa soifua

to these lawyers that have caused so much damage to their own people let only disgracing there own country's name should go back and settle the case. You said you want your people to investigate the case why is that? do you think so low of samoan people that they do not know what they are doing! and saying that your daughter was there and will give evidence of what happened! lets say your daughter's word against all the staff that were present! do not twist the story around. Go back and save from all the trouble and most importantly just own up to your mistake and maybe you will get the chance of being free.
GOOD LUCK

GC, I think you take issue with these lawyers going to the media.

Ah well, tough biscuits mate, they have a right to speak freely to the media. Swearing at a Public Official / Disorderly Conduct are minor summary charges; not an indictable matter where a jury is involved. So they can shout from the rooftops for all I care. That right is available to them under the Constitution of Samoa.

The "fiapoko" claim is a valid one. I took it directly from a letter to the local rag, the Samoa Observer, which called them fiapoko lawyers from NZ.

It is interesting to note how people were so up in arms about the treatment of Joe Keil, yet swiftly ride to the defence of their own Police and Enforcement officers when similar charges of "unfair" treatment are levelled at them. tut tut

GC, I think you take issue with these lawyers going to the media.

No. Where did I say that? Don't pull a sifa on me 'mate'

Ah well, tough biscuits mate, they have a right to speak freely to the media. Swearing at a Public Official / Disorderly Conduct are minor summary charges; not an indictable matter where a jury is involved. So they can shout from the rooftops for all I care. That right is available to them under the Constitution of Samoa.

You are confusing yourself here... they have a right to swear from the rooftops at a Public official which is a minor chargeable offense protected by the constitution? .... .... . that is me refraining from calling you an idiot again... bless my therapist.

The "fiapoko" claim is a valid one. I took it directly from a letter to the local rag, the Samoa Observer, which called them fiapoko lawyers from NZ.

You used it. You defend it. Don't put your tail between your legs when you get called on it.

It is interesting to note how people were so up in arms about the treatment of Joe Keil, yet swiftly ride to the defence of their own Police and Enforcement officers when similar charges of "unfair" treatment are levelled at them. tut tut

Irrelevant x 2.

Is there a point you are trying to make behind that wall of useless text?

I think Sole is a confused biscuit himself...just so you know Police, in fact anyone can arrest someone if he or she's suspicious of committing a crime...in these cases, there were great suspicion being committed...doesn't matter how minute the crime is...the point is they broke the law end of the story...they deserve to be treated as everyone else who tries and get hold of the law into their own hands...
Sole once again Sole...the tide has changed...I can tell you're one of them "fiapokos" mind you not all overseas Samoans are like that....but it's those "fiapoko" ones that really pisses me off.....
A good day...
God Bless

Some are labeling Ms. Olinda Woodroffe, Ms. Annette Woodroffe and Ms. Iuni Sapolu as "FIAPOKO" because the Woodroffes' spoke freely in whatever attitude they were in and Iuni Sapolu is there to represent her female relative mistreatment claims. These women are:

1. Female
2. Samoan
3. Educated and professionals
4. Samoan women from abroad

Because of their present circumstance in their run in with Samoa law the Woodroofe ladies are alleged as being bullied by an angry mob of police, government workers who feel that they have been violated against because of the tone of voice and speech that was used in their establishment. Then an alleged secret police of burly men who shows up on their property in an unmarked vehicle, un-uniformed, without proper identification and without a warrant…however the police keep saying they were wanted them for questioning…is this how the Police in Samoa call in people for interrogation? Where is the professionalism in this? C’mon!

Please tell me Samoa, that there are not civilians running around the island posing as sworn law enforcement police officers dressed in ie lavalavas, t-shirts, flip flops armed with a pelu? PLEASE TELL ME THIS ISN’T SO! Maybe these alleged phantom secret police posing as officers equipped with witchhunt mentalities and angry mob bullying could work with those Samoa citizens who do not know their rights and are not familiar with Samoa laws but you are dealing with educated people here for goodness sakes practitioners of the law! Talofa e this is embarrassing and is a public outrage! Such antics are preposterous and humiliating for everyone not just Samoa! This situation does deserve a thorough investigation by REAL lawful authorities and not imposters!

Does America have the right to label Keil as a “FIAPOKO” too? NO! Keil was doing his job as Samoa’s dignitary and the TSA, Customs Immigration and Border Patrol were doing theirs! From an American citizen standpoint Mr. Joe Keil is:

1. Samoa’s Government Official
2. U.S. Citizen
3. Male
4. Educated and professional
5. Samoan male from abroad

Keil's issue is for traveling with 2 passorts having been detained, arrested and questioned in Missouri this is a homeland security issue my friends. The TSA is doing their job to provide security and safety towards its citizens. Have we forgotten about 9/11 already? No other country has been faced with being terrorized with 2 commercial airplanes crashing into their skyscraper buildings resulting in 3,000 deaths. Joe Keil will be exonerated no doubt about that. Once he has proven himself, which I am sure he understands that it is normal procedure as with the other traveling public have to do. Post 9/11 it does not matter if you are a foreign dignitary, VIP, celebrity, government official, status or no status, etc. it makes no difference the TSA screeners and Customs Immigration and Border Patrol have to be deligent with their work because they are at the frontlines of our safety and security.

HELPFUL TRAVELING TIPS: Samoa frequent travelers to the U.S. incase you do not know since 9-11, HOMELAND SECURITY is a number one priority here in the U.S. all necessary precautions at any entry point or gateway into the U.S. by air, sea or land will be taken seriously. Billions have been invested to heighten our homeland security efforts. Any slight cause for suspicion be prepared to be detained, inspected and questioned! Samoa, when your dignitaries fly overseas, at every U.S. airport there are authorities that you can contact directly to let them know in advance out of courtesy of your traveling intinerary so you will not have any problems at TSA screening points when you travel outside your borders.

Have a blessed day and weekend everyone!

OH PLIS anoda samoa America are u saying they are educated and professional no they are not how come they portray themselves lyk well qualified lawyers but dey shudn’t act lyk dat e iloa le loia I lana agunuu, tu savali amio faaaloalo ia iloa foi le vatapuia…well dey shud no dat y hold a matai title without knowing how to act towards other people ….oh plis im only 22 but a 100 percent Samaona really symbolizes le “ava fatafata faatamalii” there was an article wriiten by Iuni Sapolu on Samoan Newspapers currently delivered in NZ saying that ‘o tagata oloo nonofo I Samoa o tagat valea uma ?? How come she said dat publicizing the whole world her own feelingz jus only her and thousands of Samoans are trying to promote our country to the high standard plisssssss wake up some samoans living overseas support our country becoz they noe our traditional values are more valuable …….in order to attract more tourists but fai mai le kala samoa e sili le fiapoko I loo le faafiapoko well some lawyers are kuluku sori abwt that coz u cant pint one finger to other normal people especially families the low income earners and the other 4 is pointing straight to your face well im not judging but im jus helping owt to solve this dilemma “ua toe tauleagaina lava ele samoa mao’io’I le tulaga o le atunuu ua uma ona tofi “ kip in the hart coz ele vale makou le kaukua I le akuguu,…plus e iloa lava le loia I lana amio…..forget but the hassle but the Miss Samoa 2005 or 2006 i fink where Iuni’s Daughter file a complaint towars the miss that year oooooh plis from her pwn persepective they all losers well enuf for that jus kip hollering people e lelei le faatupu manatu e faaleleia ai vaega e ao ona toe faaleleia a iai se upu ua sala [e sasi maluaveifale I lou silasila faamolemole those are my opinions to mend this dilemma

tell me again, Samoa is a country based on laws-- you're honor-- the policeman needs to be examined
and while at it, examine the records to their goings and comings from whence to whence

mind you the ladies seem adorable, yet vexed-- cute yet subscribed

get me CSI for a full and through invecting---ooopppsss investigation--

me thinks the chief likes the ladies---

First of all...were any of you there when the police marched in unannounced to the lawyers property...I THINK NOT....so really before anyone starts pointing finger....just check the facts first....for all i know the police could be lying....oh yeah....and whats up witht the name calling..."Fiapokos" my goodness...these people are entitled to their own right....they are educated Samoan people too...thats why they're not backing down...they want to make sure this has to stop.


The Prime Minister wanna talk about laws...geez...why is he changing a lot of laws nowadays...i think he should put his nose where it belongs and concentrates on how expensive pilikaki's and some of the products that Samoan people can't afford to buy....What about the new law that Samoa no longer accept cars with the wheels on the left side....Hmmmmm....This is excactly what China wanted...sorry...they don't build our faleaogas for nothing...there's always a catch....Why do i have a feeling that one of these days China will take over Samoa


Stop covering up for the police...for all i know they could be lying....just because you are a police officer doesn't give you the right to do wuteva u want....manuia le aso

I think it is a given that no one condones bad and rude behavior. Respect is not just a moral value that Samoa upholds it's a human value that all should practice to be respectful towards each other no matter the differences of opinion/views this include educated and not educated, professional and blue collared worker, rich or poor, sick/handicapped and well, etc alike. However, people have the right and will voice their opinions if they feel they have been violated no matter if we share their views or not. If these ladies may have caused a scene in a government building then call security and escort them out! It's as simple as that. If the ladies visit again with the same attitude, ban them if you want if their behavior continues.

Give them a fair warning that their behavior is unacceptable and that such behavior will not be tolerated nor will they be serviced. End of story this proactive move alone will restore law and order. Boom everyone goes home and life goes on.

But the question then becomes why were the police notified to begin with and why were they involved?????
The situation in the very beginning seemed to be very minor and could have be contained and resolved then but it seems that further action was taken by someone's direction why?

Can you imagine how busy and overcrowded the jails and/or police station/headquarters would be filled with people who are being detained for questioning on the account of them being disrespectful and had attitude problems? My gosh that would be alot of people especially when one can be easily offended! I'm sorry but this seems to be extreme was of money and time for alot of people involved when real offenses and crimes should be sought after and solved!

Picture this also the common talk in the villages come Sunday services now becomes...SCENARIO: A church elder asks... Pili where is your Mama? Pili replies, Oh the police took her away because she called a government official an evil, fat, ugly, stupid and lazy bastard! So Daddy says that he, news media reporters and his village including his burly friends are going to the station with a ifoga to see if Mama can be released and come home now.

Hi Shantia,

I understand what you are saying as far as respect relative to our way of life as living and being a Samoan.

But in all fairness Shantia, if in anyway you felt that you and your family's rights were being voilated how pleasant and respectful would you be? How would you feel if you went to those government authorities for help to file a complaint but instead were being met with difficulty, unhelpful advice and obstacles? Where would your level of respect be or how calm and pleasant can you bewhen your patience and demeanor is being tested at a moment when you are trying so desperately to help your loved ones in need????

Please go on and tell us how proper acting you would be under the most strenuous of circumstances. Not so easy huh when you really imagine yourself in being in that situation under those kinds of circumstances. It's not such a good feeling now is it?

there r 2 sides of a story, lawyers vs cops in this case. unlike the latter, the former has been very vocal thru the media and latter had only responded a few times... avoiding the media is usually interpreted as conceding but as there is a legal case in pipeline.....I wouldnt buy into it. Im just wondering WHY they run away and not staying here to prove their innocence... and settle things for once and for all.... especially when they have been referring to some locals "stupid" and the media frenzy they have created with "their versions of the story". Please dont give me that hilarious excuse " worrying about their safety". Its talk thru one's hat...

PS: remember watching the X-Files.... the truth is out there!!!

GC, your fact one is this: "the lawyers had charges brought onto them". What the hell does this mean? Do you yourself know what this means? What does "brought onto them" mean???

Let us address the facts:

1. Police wanted to QUESTION Woodroffe. When you want to question someone, it doesn't mean that charges have been laid against them. QUESTIONING is QUESTIONING. The person who Police want to question does not have to come and face questioning if they don't want to. No charges have been laid, so clearly they are under no obligation to go anywhere.

2. GC, you said that the lawyers started this whole "sideshow" instead of addressing the charges on their merits. Well, GC let me educate your poor deluded soul on exactly what merits these charges were:

a) Police came onto Sapolu's property without identification, without uniform, without marked cars (initially).
b) She demanded to see a search warrant. They said they didn't have one. She then told them to get off her property. An argument then ensued. It was exascerbated by the presence of the pulenuu who has had a long-running land dispute with the Sapolu family.

That is what Sapolu told the media. How is that not addressing the merits of the charge??? If the Police don't have a clear and legitimate right to be on a property, their continuing presence on the property remains illegal and the owner of the property has every right to tell them to get off it. The issue for her, I guess, is this: whether the words she used amounted to the charges laid against her. If so, is there a defence? What Sapolu is perhaps saying in the media is that there a context to these charges and there is a possible defence arising out of it in relation to these charges.

GC, how is what she has said (and what you call a "sideshow") NOT ADDRESSING THE MERITS OF THE CHARGES LAID AGAINST HER?

Private property rights equal broken laws by Policia of the Peoples Republic of Samoa
Suppresion of Free Speech, Tresspassing, Illegal Search, Impersonating an Officer.
Cops looking stupid everyday.. But again, that's not so new! is'nt it.