It was a double celebration for Susan Leitupo yesterday.

It was her 50th birthday and she was also commissioned as a Justice of Peace.

“My involvement in community work and serving the people inspired me to become a JP because where I live people do not have access to a JP.”

Ms Leitupo was among  143 Justices of Peace, 57 of whom are District Officers. Meanwhile, 12 are Commissioners of Oath. The event was at the Grand Pacific Hotel, Suva.

Another woman who was sworn in as a Justice of Peace, was Minal Ariyan, who is also the president of Early Childhood Education.

She said that her passion and hobby was to serve the community which became more evident yesterday.

Ms Ariyan credited her late husband who was also a JP and her parents for instilling compassion and voluntary help in local communities.

Filimone Seru Waqa, a 52-year-old Warrant Officer Class 1, was said to be the only soldier to be sworn in as a JP this year.

His wife, Reama, said: “We need military officers in this area because it goes in our role to serve people and the experience we have gained while serving in other countries can help us in assisting the local communities.”

Mr Waqa believes it is important that when military officers retire, they become JPs because it goes in line with their duty to serve.

Gates reminds them of role

Chief Justice Anthony Gates, who officiated the event said: “JPs and Commissioners act gratuitously and receive no salary or fees for their work.

“JPs and Commissioners are supposed to record their work that they have carried out as well.”

He also warned JPs and Commissioners to keep their political agenda and work separate.

“Your role at times is quasi-judicial such as the grant of a search warrant or the taking of evidence in the form of an affidavit.

“But you should remember to assist all of those who come for your service irrespective of political differences,” Mr Gates said.  Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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