MINISTER FOR COMMERCE, TRADE, TOURISM & TRANSPORT HON. FAIYAZ KOYA'S SPEECH AT THE OPENING COCKTAIL OF SLS LEGAL

Managing Partner of SLS Legal, Ms Susan Serukai and Partners Ms Shirley Tivao and Ms Lavenia Bogitini,
Family and Friends,
Invited Guests,
 
Bula vinaka and a very good evening to you all.
 
I’m delighted to be here today to officially launch “Shirley Lavenia Susan Legal” – or SLS Legal in short.
 
Let me begin by acknowledging Shirley, Lavenia and Susan – three ambitious young women – for choosing such a noble profession – taking on the endeavor of providing Fijians with equal access to justice.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Law and faith in justice are fundamental pillars on which a democratic society and communities thrive.
 
This is why the Fijian Government remains committed to providing every Fijian greater and equal access to justice and legal support as embedded in our constitution. 
 
In every respect, democracy is the centerpiece of our society – and over the years we have provided Fijians better access to justice – by investing in improving our legal and judicial infrastructure, laws and processes.
 
As a lawyer myself, I am probably expected to tell you how to grow or what to change in your practice. But you as leaders of your own practice, I can only guide you as I have every confidence that you are well on your way to building a successful law firm and career.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Lawyers have an obligation towards society, to demonstrate competence and honesty in everything they do. Whilst young law graduates have a range of opportunities to choose, the journey of these three ambitious women as entrepreneurs signifies that they have broken barriers in society where young women may not have been given the support that they deserve, to make a name in the legal fraternity.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today, they join the league of the many powerful, passionate and strong women who are taking risks and defying odds in making their own mark in the world.
 
I am told, two of the Partners, Ms Susan Serukai and Ms Shirley Tivao were raised by single parents who had to assume the role of a mother and a father – but now share twice the celebration and pride of seeing their daughters become successful entrepreneurs and professionals.
 
As a parent myself, that feeling is immeasurable, so thank you -- Mr Paulo Serukai, Ms Emily Tivao, and Mr Samuela Bogitini and Ms Sera Tukana for nurturing women who are making a tangible change in society.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Close to its mission, SLS Legal aspires to place high priority on family values alongside fulfilling their oath to their profession and service to the community – a real commitment indeed.
 
In my experience, the key to succeeding in this industry rests on empathy, ethics, respect – respect for your peers, above all -- being fair and just. This will enable you to promote an inclusive culture succeeding as a firm in providing the highest quality of service. 

Coming back to today’s event, I wish Shirley, Lavenia and Susan of SLS Legal all the best and success in your demanding legislative work.
 
I now have the great pleasure in declaring SLS Legal open.
 
Vinaka vakalevu. Thank you.