Dr. Walter J. Vermeulen is a Samoan / Belgian surgeon, farmer and environmentalist.
[1] A change of government at the 1976 election resulted in an employment dispute and legal action for wrongful dismissal, resulting in the landmark decision in Vermeulen v. A-G & Others.
[2] After he left the Health Department he became involved in environmentalism, first as Executive Director of O Le Siosiomaga Society, Inc., and then as Executive Director of Matuaileoo Environment Trust Inc. (METI).
[3] On 13 February 2018 he was bestowed with the Knights Cross of the Order of Leopold in recognition for his work in medical and community development.
[4] This bestowal was made by his Excellency Marc Mullie the Belgian Ambassador to Samoa.