Lawsuit filed against business owned by Minister's family

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 17 October 2018, 12:00AM

A family has filed a civil lawsuit against Myna’s Super-Mart and Bakery which is owned by the family of the Minister of Works Transport and Infrastructure, Papali’i Niko Lee Hang.

The lawsuit also includes the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (M.N.R.E).

Komisi and Sala Lupe Chan Mow, who live next to the new supermarket, are alleging that Myna’s and M.N.R.E. violated provisions of the Planning and Urban Management Agency (P.U.M.A.) law. 

The lawsuit is in relation to the location of the new Myna’s Supa-mart in Vailima, which opened for business two weeks ago.

The Office of the Attorney General is representing the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment with lawyers Mauga Precious Chang appearing on behalf of Myna’s and Sala Josephine Stowers for the Chan Mow family. 

The matter was called for mention yesterday in the Supreme Court before Chief Justice, His Honour, Patu Tiava’asu’e Falefatu Sapolu. 

When the proceedings began, Sala Josephine informed the Court that they are filing amendments to their claim, and subsequently sought an adjournment to file and serve the parties with the amended claim.  

The Chief Justice granted the lawyer’s application for an adjournment and asked that the amended claim is filed and serve on the parties by October 29, 2018.  

Speaking to Samoa Observer outside the courtroom, Sala Josephine clarified that they had initially sought the Court’s approval to file an injunction to stop the supermarket’s opening. 

However, the application is moot and therefore the need to amend their claim. 

“We are suing them for something else and it has to do with numerous issues, they are not in compliance with P.U.M.A. laws and that is our claim,” she alleged.

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 17 October 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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