The Chief Justice, Anthony Gates this morning opened two new court rooms and a refurbished High Court Room No.1 at the Suva High Court.
Justice Gates said more rooms will now be available to accommodate litigants, their counsel, friends, witnesses, the press and members of the public who might wish to observe the court proceedings.
He said two needs have fuelled this development.
“First there has been the growth in litigation- both civil and criminal which has created a pressing need for more courtrooms. Second, because of the need and desire to sit in an open court, in a courtroom to which the public have access and not in a judge’s private chambers,” the CJ said.
Chief Justice Gates also announced that there will be four Justices of Appeal attending for the Court of Appeal sittings commencing on 31st August, 2010.
He said overseas Justices of Appeal will also assist them with the second sittings of the Supreme Court in October.
CJ Gates also welcomed to the Court of Appeal bench Mr William Marsh as the new resident Justice of Appeal, who recently assumed duties.
He also thanked the Sri Lankan judiciary for their support to the Fiji judiciary.
“The stabilization of the judiciary has been achieved with a great deal of assistance from the Sri Lankan judiciary and from the AG’s chambers in Colombo.”
Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum takes the box during he opening ceremony of the new court room at Government buildings in Suva.
CJ Gates also highlighted that over the next few months, it is intended that Expressions of Interest will be sought from the members of the Fiji Bar.
“Advertisements will be placed in the local newspapers. This will allow local members of the Bar to express interest in taking up judicial office and allow a process by which names may be recommended to the President for appointment,” the Chief Justice said.
Chief Justice Gates also highlighted that the work on the two new court rooms, Room 5 and 6, was completed in two months due to excellent cooperation between the Department, the contractor and the PWD.
Two other works that the judicial department hopes to pursue are the renovations of existing court premises at the Government Buildings and to carry out the substantial extensions to the Lautoka High Court.
Meanwhile, the Attorney General, Mr Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said the works being carried out in the judicial department creates a judicial system that is transparent and eventually members of the public and media will access court proceedings.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said government has increased funding to Legal Aid to allow people in our society seek justice.
He assured the department that Government will support the judiciary to ensure that the independence of the judiciary is maintained.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum also highlighted that this project is a collaboration between the private sector and the PSC.