Nine ministers of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa, including the Chairman Rev Elder Tauti’aga Senara, appeared in the District Court before Judge Talasa Sa’aga this morning on charges of failing to file income tax returns.
Lead counsel for the defendants, Alex Su’a, asked the court for a continuance so he could take further instruction from his clients.
He also asked the court to waive the bail condition which requires the nine ministers to surrender travel documents, a request which was not opposed by the prosecution. The court granted the waiver.
The initial church attorney, Mrs Leilani Tamati told KHJ News it was felt that a more objective counsel would be good to lead the case and experienced lawyer Alex Su’a was then hired to be the lead counsel.
Mrs Tamati is the wife of an ordained CCCS Minister.
The other defendants are Rev Elder Enefatu Lesa of Tanoalei’a CCCS, Rev Semikueva Fa’atoafe of Moata’a CCCS, Rev Lavilavi Lavilavi of Letogo CCCS, Rev Petaia Leavai of Fagalii CCCS, Rev Amosa Reupena of Vaimoso CCCS, Rev Poasa To’iaivao of Tanugamanono CCCS, Rev Fa’asalafa To’iaivao of Matatufu CCCS and Rev Ioane Petaia of Vaoala CCS.
The next lot of CCCS Ministers charged under the new tax laws requiring them to pay income taxes on donations from church members will appear December 18.
