Qelemumu produces two new lawyers

Semi Qamese, 23 from Qelemumu in Macuata achieved a major milestone following his admission as a new legal practitioner in Suva on Friday.

A good fraction of his early years at university was familiarizing himself with the new urban environment.

Mr Qamese attended the Immaculate Conception College in Bua.

He is not the first person from his village to study law, though he did not realise this at first.

During his second year at university, Mr Qamese while sitting around the grog bowl with classmates and introducing themselves, he was surprised to learn that another student in his class was also from his village.

When the classmate mentioned where he was from, he turned to him in surprise and said: “Wait-I’m from there too.”

It was later confirmed that the two were related, the classmate was his uncle which is Josua Matanaicake (in picture).

“As relatives we vowed to be first lawyers from our village – so today (yesterday) there are two of us, marking an important milestone,” he said.

“Our achievement is not only personal but significant for people back home, as it could help improve access to legal knowledge and justice for those in rural areas.”

Mr Qamese hopes his journey will inspire other young people in Fiji, especially those from rural communities, to pursue their dreams.

He encourages youths to face challenges with determination, maintain a positive attitude and remain strong in faith while working towards their goals with.

Maternal links to Nawaido, Solevu in Bua, Mr Qamese said the moment was both exciting and nerve-wracking as he prepares to begin his professional journey.

He said completing his studies was made possible through faith and the constant support of his family, who encouraged him through prayers, guidance and motivation.

However, the path to becoming a lawyer was not without challenges. Growing up in a rural area, he said one of the biggest hurdles was adjusting to life in Suva when he moved there to study. The change from village life to the busy urban environment was difficult at the start.

Despite the challenges, he remained focused on his goal and successfully completed his studies.