For the first time, Justices of the Peace (JPs) will be stationed in Kabara, Vanuabalavu and Qarani, Gau. Two new JPs will also service the Lau Group and one additional JP has been appointed to serve in Levuka, Ovalau.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum stressed this was part of the importance of ensuring equitable access to JP services.

The new JPs were sworn in yesterday in Suva by Chief Justice Anthony Gates.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said: “The free services provided by Justices of the Peace form a critical component of Government’s work in providing equal access to essential services for every Fijian, regardless of location or socioeconomic status.

“These 100 new appointments will dramatically increase the number of Fijians who have immediate access to those services, and we look forward to the enormous impact these JPs will have on their respective communities.”

JPs provide public services, free of charge, to all members of the public. Services offerings include the administering of oaths for affidavits, witnessing documents, assisting members of the public in completing forms under various laws and approving search warrants.

Fiji now has 351 active JPs serving throughout the country..

Source: DEPTFO News

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