Several Samoan matai, including a former cabinet minister, have been ordered to pay compensation to a family whose property was destroyed as a result of a village council decision.
The matai of Tanugamanono have been ordered to pay 350,000 US dollars to the family of Faumuina Tutuila who won a legal action against the village which had banished the family and destroyed their house and vehicles five years ago.
On Friday the court ordered the compensation is to be paid in monthly instalments from October with six months jail for all the matai if the payments are not made.
A family representative, Afu Faumuina, says the family members are looking forward to being able to restart their lives.
Afu Faumuina Tutuila and family Photo: RNZI / Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
