HE PRESIDENT RT. WILIAME KATONIVERE'S SPEECH AT THE JUDICIAL OFFICERS WORKSHOP DINNER 2024

Your Lordship, Acting Chief Justice, Justice Salesi Temo,
Esteemed Judges and Magistrates,
Esteemed Members of the Judiciary,
Ladies and Gentlemen and
Members of the media
 
Bula Vinaka, Namaste, and Good Evening to you all.
 
It is indeed my pleasure to be part of this Workshop Dinner hosted especially for members of the Judiciary.
 
I am certain that the comforts of the Crowne Plaza Resort will set the tone for productive discussions, as well as ease your approach to networking with your colleagues.
 
I am certain you will agree that this has been an eventful year on all levels, as individuals and as members of the Judiciary as a whole.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen, before I proceed, this evening’s dinner event is an exceptional one for me.
 
You are all aware that according to the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji, 2013, I as the Head of State am your appointing officer on the advice of the Judicial Services Commission, and you come up to the State House to be Sworn -in to Office before you commence with official duties. It has always been an honour for me personally to meet and converse with you during such times.
 
As you may now know, this is my final term in office, and as Head of State for the three-year tenure, I have closely witnessed developments within the Judiciary sector.

It is, therefore, my privilege to speak to you this evening as you converge to collectively share the developments within your space, as well as strengthen your professional connections, moving forward.
 
Throughout my term as Head of State, having attended events on invitation to numerous engagements, I note the importance of reflection.
 
The Judiciary being an important arm of Government, it is vital that we periodically reflect on our journey, both achievements and challenges.
 
Reflection allows us to critically assess the decisions and actions we have taken, giving us the opportunity to reinforce our way forward.
 
It ensures that the decisions and pathways we eventually take are fortified with insight and firm intention as we continue to serve our communities and the nation at large.
 
It is also an opportune time to reflect on your roles as defenders of the rule of law. As Judicial Officers, you are, in fact, stewards of public trust, a herculean responsibility you mechanically inherit as part of your profession.
 
Your work as Judicial Officers must be guided by the principles of integrity and dignity. In a profession that is heavily guided by law, it is your responsibility to uphold the rule of law and to ensure access to justice for all citizens.
 
Impartiality, fairness, and efficiency of the judiciary are, as you are all aware, the cornerstone of a democratic society.
 
I reiterate the Vision Statement of the Judiciary, which is maintaining an independent and impartial judicial system for the nation. May I add, your commitment to accountability, which is an essential element to that pledge.
 
In imparting your roles as officers of the judiciary, I urge you to be mindful of the assessments you make, and that they reflect the urgency for transparent decision-making.
 
Maintaining checks and balances are, therefore, critical to ensure adherence to the rule of law and to safeguard the essence of a fair and just judicial system.
 
I urge you to strengthen collaboration with your international partners and regional stakeholders.
 
Leveraging your available resources, whether in the area of expertise, technological advancements in online management processes, research and analysis, or continuous training, can only advance your standards, as individuals, and as an organization.
 
With a shared goal of an efficient judicial system, engagements with your partners can provide the opportunities to refine your best practices.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen, I acknowledge the breadth of expertise in the room this evening. As a fraternity of judiciary professionals, I urge you all to learn from each other, share the lessons, and implement the learnings with the integrity that your profession is known for.
 
I extend my humble appreciation to the organizing committee of this year’s Judiciary Officers Workshop for allowing me the opportunity to address you all today.
 
May you all have a pleasant evening ahead and I wish you all the best in your respective fields in your service to the nation. 
 
I believe we will always meet again in other spheres of work as I conclude my term in office but allow me this time, on behalf of my family to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a blessed year ahead.
 
Vinaka Vakalevu, Dhanyavaad, and Thank You. May God bless you all and May God bless Fiji.