Shared justice, Rabi’s local wardens and Fiji Police divide duties

Rabi Island is the only place in Fiji with both local police and Fiji Police Force operating together under a unique legal system.

Administrator Iakoba Karutake said this distinctive arrangement stems from regulations under the Banaban Settlement Act.

"Rabi is so unique. There's no other place in Fiji that has a local police," Mr Karutake said.

"Only in Rabi you'll see the Fiji police and the local police."

The local police operate under Rabi Island Council of Leaders and enforce regulations specific to the Banaban community, with court cases conducted entirely in the Banaban language.

"We have our magistrate. Our own magistrate," Mr Karutake said.

Rabi Local Police Office on Rabi Island.

Photo: Kaneta Naimatau

"All the court cases are converse in our language. That is why we have a local police. Because they are the ones that always work on this regulation."

The two police forces work together but handle different types of cases.

"The major cases or the big cases, it's given to the Fiji police," Mr Karutake explained.

"But other cases, minor ones, our local police can handle. In regards with our regulations in place."

Rabi Police Officers during the 80th anniversary of the arrival of the Banabans on Rabi Island.

Photo: Kaneta Naimatau

Local police can charge people under the Banaban Settlement Regulations for minor offences, while serious crimes like murder are handled by Fiji Police Force.

"They work closely, the local police and the Fiji police," he said.

The system allows Rabi to maintain its cultural identity and legal traditions while remaining part of Fiji's broader justice system.

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