Sixteen Commissioners for Oaths and twenty Justices of the Peace were reminded to carry out their duties with honesty and diligence during the swearing-in ceremony this morning.
Speaking to the Commissioners for Oaths and JPs from various parts of Fiji, Chief Justice Anthony Gates urged them to bring humility and a spirit of public service to their task.
“You may not charge for your services as a Commissioner for Oaths or Justice of the Peace. Being a Commissioner or a JP is not just a title to use and feel important at weddings, school or church meetings, festivals or sports associations. It is not a rank or status in society. You have been selected in order that you may serve those around you, in towns or rural areas,” Justice Gates said.
“Be careful that you do not become one of those who is always chasing people away, or one who is seen to charge high rates for office or photocopying charges- when in effect you are making a business of performing Commissioners or JPs duties.
“If there are charges for secretarial or photocopying services, these must be quite separate from your duties as a public officer, as commissioner or JP. The public know their rights in these matters, and you do not want to spoil your reputation in this regard,” he added.
They were also reminded to maintain records of their work and to perform their duties with neutrality and impartiality.
“In legal circles, we call your position a quasi-judicial office. This means you must conduct yourself in your duties with neutrality and impartiality and avoid being in conflict with other matters or associations in which you are involved,” Justice Gates emphasised.
Meanwhile, Mrs Salesh Lata Chand (46) of Waiqele, Labasa, who was sworn in as a Commissioner for Oaths, said she enjoys working with the public.
“I have been serving the public for the past nine years and I enjoy assisting needy people. Mostly, I assist people in filling up forms or legal documentations. On average, I assist 15-20 people on a daily basis,” Mrs Chand said.
A General Guidelines booklet is also now available for the JPs and Commissioners to assist them in carrying out their duties efficiently.
-ENDS-