Every Fijian will soon have the opportunity to get their Will made, free of charge at the Government-funded Legal Aid Commission roadshows resuming later this month.

Director Legal Aid Shahin Ali yesterday confirmed to the Fiji Sun that they have back-to-back roadshows planned, taking their services right to the doorsteps of people.

This need for a Will has come to the fore in recent days, especially since highlighted by the Accident Compensation Commission of Fiji (ACCF).

Commission chief executive officer Parvez Akbar highlighted that  many Fijians who have died in accidents did not leave behind a Will.

This in turn delays the payment of compensation but more importantly, in the absence of a Will, there is no way to determine who the victim would have wanted their compensation money to go to.

Taking that on board and the real need for Fijians to develop the culture of having a Will, the Legal Aid Commission is doing what it can to get as many Fijians to have a Will in place.

Mr Ali said: “We started with the roadshows as a way of ensuring that we took our services the various towns and cities around the country where our branches are located.

“I accompany the team in each and every roadshow, so that I am able to meet and interact with members of the public and perhaps even some of our existing clients.

“I am also able to address any concerns and or complaints people might have regarding our service delivery.

During the roadshows, we will draft Wills for any person wishing to have their Wills done. We do not assess their income and or expenses.

“As such, they do not have to qualify for legal aid in order to get their Wills drafted.

We are encouraging all Fijians to have their Wills done and decide for themselves who they want to leave their property and assets to after their death.”

The Legal Aid provided free legal advice to 26725 Fijians last year, an increase of 16 per cent compared to 2017.

Edited by Naisa Koroi