Ba to host Court of Appeal for first time

For the first time, Fiji’s Court of Appeal will sit in Ba, marking a major step in bringing justice closer to ordinary citizens outside Suva.

The decision was announced following the Justice Summit, reinforcing the judiciary’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion under the new justice reform roadmap.

Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga said the President of the Court of Appeal had confirmed that the sittings — which will continue until November 14 — are part of efforts to decentralise court services as facilities outside Suva become available.

Chief Justice Salesi Temo welcomed the move, describing it as a “progressive step in making the judiciary more accessible and inclusive.”

“Justice must be timely, accessible and sensitive ensuring no Fijian, whether in urban centers or remote islands, is left behind,” he said.

The Ministry of Justice will also establish a Law and Justice Advisory Council to oversee implementation, launch a digital performance dashboard to track progress, and partner with communities to promote legal awareness.

Mr Turaga said these initiatives reflected Fiji’s renewed drive to rebuild trust in its justice system.

“We are moving from coping to thriving,” Mr Turaga said.

“This is about making justice human again and ensuring that every Fijian feels respected, protected and heard.”

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