Samoa's former head of state has publicly voiced his concerns about the alienation of customary lands.
Former Head of State, His Highness Le Afioga a le Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Ta'isi Efi Photo: RNZ Pacific / Sela Jane Hopgood
During a speech, Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi said that as result of the Land Titles Registration Act 2008, which was passed during his tenure, customary lands were being alienated due to ambiguity in the law.
While reminding people about their inherited connection to the land, Tui Atua said the wording of the constitution was ambiguous and left room for exploitation.
He also shared his fear about the demise of customary lands and questioned what had happened to the love shown by ancestors to preserve what makes Samoans unique as a people.
The Sasina land case and the village signing a 100-year lease with an overseas investor was mentioned as Tui Atua said he was worried about the path Samoa was now on.
But he said he was optimistic Samoa would find a better way forward.