Residents of Nasinu will now have easier access when lodging their small claims after the launch of the Small Claims Tribunal at the Nasinu Magistrates Court in Valelevu today.
Speaking at the launch, Chief Justice Anthony Gates said the Small Claims Tribunal in Nasinu will ensure that people do not travel to Nausori or Suva to get access to these services.
The Small Claims Tribunal provides a quick, informal and cost-effective method for deciding claims up to $5000.
Justice Gates has called on people to lodge a claim only when they are ready.
He added that the purpose of the Small Claims Tribunal is to ensure referees deal with small claim matters in an efficient and swift manner.
“We want the claimants to come to some arrangement and quick solutions as we do not want matters to drag on for years. I’ve urged referees to dismiss claims if people are not ready and tell them to come back and re-file when they are. This will avoid wastage of time,” Justice Gates said.
Justice Gates highlighted that the first process in resolving claims is through mediation so that issues are sorted instantly.
Justice Gates said claimants must decide what they really want from the claims filed.
“A good thing about mediation is that if you are able to resolve the matter there and then, there is much less scarring and wounding of your relationship with the other side,” he added.
“We want good relationships in the community and that will be much more profitable for everybody,” Justice Gates said.
He said procedures of the Small Claims Tribunal are simple because no lawyers are allowed to argue claims.
Justice Gates said with the increased demand for judicial services, future plans include building a substantial court in Nasinu as well as establishing a High Court in the area.
There are Small Claims Tribunals in Suva, Navua, Nausori, Korovou, Rakiraki, Tavua, Ba, Nadi, Sigatoka, Savusavu, Taveuni and Levuka.
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