The swearing in this morning of 15 Justice of Peace (JPs) and Commissioners of Oath represents a critical development for the legal fraternity in the country and accessibility to legal services.
Today’s ceremony saw not only an increase in female JPs and Commissioners of Oath but also the very first JP to be based in Rotuma island.
Fiji’s Attorney General and Minister for Justice Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum said the swearing in of this fifteen officers and their integrity towards their role would be vital in national building.
“The appointment of JP’s is critical for the maintaining of law and the person must be of good character and the persons nominated are of good character,” the Attorney General said.
“Their work will contribute to a better Fiji in particular for those that need help in interpreting laws and other functions.”
The Chief Justice Anthony Gates who presided during the ceremony echoed the comments made by the Attorney General and reminded the JP’s and the Commissioners on the importance of their work.
“If you wish to remain a JP or a Commissioner and not have your appointment revoked, you must take your role seriously and give your best to the public,” Justice Gates said.
“JP’s and Commissioners do not receive any salary or fees for their work so you must not ask for money for the work that you perform.
“Act in good faith and avoid conflict of interest, act fairly, honestly, rightly and Fiji’s public will have much for which to thank you.
The total number of JP’s around the country now stands at 307