Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Senior Samoa Supreme Court Justice, Vui Clarence Nelson is calling on the Samoa Government to appoint a task force to assist with the drug problem in the country, following the footsteps of the American Samoa Government.
“Great move by American Samoa Government. Every country needs all the help they can get to tackle the growing drug problem.
“As a Judge, I am tired of being the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff, by the time it gets to us, it’s usually too late,” said Justice Vui in an interview with Radio Polynesia.
Last week the American Samoa Government appointed a 20-member council to coordinate efforts to fight drug use through education, enforcement, and treatment.
The Comprehensive Substance Abuse Council was established via executive order earlier this month, whereas the Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga said their territory’s battle against drugs threatens culture, island, and children and they are firm and call upon this council to do the good work needed to save lives and reduce the terrible effects of illegal drugs on families and villages.
“For decades the disease of substance abuse, specifically methamphetamines, has impacted our territory; however, we must remain vigilant and tactful in our approach to finding a solution to its devastation.”
Justice Vui who has been a Judge for over 20 years says, relevant authorities such as the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration and the Ministry of Police and Prisons should “concentrate on prevention measures”.
“Young men should also be helped to find alternative sources to earn income, rather than what is happening.”
He said it is time to address the drug problem in Samoa.
A graduate of St Joseph College, Justice Nelson is the first Pacific Island Judge to be appointed to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child.
Justice Nelson was instrumental in seeing the passing of the Sex Offender Registry Act in 2018. He was also vocal against the move by the government to re-introduce corporal punishment after it was abolished in 2013.
In February Police conducted four separate drug raids in Samoa where methamphetamine was discovered.
