4 Constitution of the Independent State of Samoa 121. Laws not brought into force before Independence Day 122. Adaptation of existing law 123. Vesting of property 124. Transitional amendments to Constitution Schedules IN THE HOLY NAME OF GOD, THE ALMIGHTY, THE EVER LOVING WHEREAS sovereignty over the Universe belongs to the Omnipresent God alone, and the authority to be exercised by the people of Samoa within the limits prescribed by God’s commandments is a sacred heritage WHEREAS the Leaders of Samoa have declared that Samoa should be an Independent State based on Christian principles and Samoan custom and tradition AND WHEREAS the Constitutional Convention, representing the people of Samoa, has resolved to frame a Constitution for the Independent State of Samoa WHEREIN the State should exercise its powers and authority through the chosen representatives of the people WHEREIN should be secured to all the people their fundamental rights WHEREIN the impartial administration of justice should be fully maintained AND WHEREIN the integrity of Samoa, its independence, and all its rights should be safeguarded NOW THEREFORE, we the people of Samoa in our Constitutional Convention, this 28th day of October 1960, do hereby adopt, enact and give to ourselves this Constitution. Tupua Tamasese, C.B.E Malietoa Tanumafili II, C.B.E Fiame Mataafa Faumuina Mulinu'u II, C.B.E (Fautua) (Fautua) (Prime Minister, M.L.A., Lotofaga)