Until a Public Defender is appointed, Governor Lolo Moliga has named Michael White as Interim Public Defender.
The governor said in a memo, it’s important that legal services to the residents of American Samoa are not disrupted due to the resignation of Mr Douglas Fiaui effective July 1st.
Lolo stated although the effective date is July 1st, authority to adminster and discharge the mandated duties and responsibilities of the Office of Public Defender will be assumed by Mr White.
Governor Lolo continued that the Office of the Public Defender plays a vital role in our legal ststem, providing legal services to residents who lack the financial wherewithal to secure private legal representation.
And he declared, “this administration is committed to ensuring that the best legal services are rendered to our people, who might require legal assistance.”
The governor called on directors to accord Mr White the same courtesies and suoport they have given the former Public Defender and asked that the staff of the agency to support the interim appointee.
