3 Apr 2018

A member of Samoa's Council of Deputies dies

3:29 pm on 3 April 2018

Samoa is making preparations for a state funeral for one of the country's two deputy heads of state, Tuiloma Pule Lameko, who died on Monday at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital.

Tuiloma Pula Lameko [on the left] being sworn in as a deputy head of state alongisde Le Mamea Ropati

Tuiloma Pula Lameko [on the left] being sworn in as a deputy head of state alongisde Le Mamea Ropati Photo: RNZI/Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia

The 83 year old was one of Samoa's longest serving politicians and public servants, having entered parliament in 1979.

He was appointed a deputy by Parliament in January 2016 along with former MP, Le Mamea Ropati Mualia.

Tuiloma was a cabinet minister in the government of Tofilau Eti Alesana and that of the current prime minister Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi.

He is also a former president of the Samoa Rugby Union.