There are currently 682 active Justices of the Peace in Fiji, with Government acknowledging that several maritime and interior areas still need greater access to JP services.
The figures were tabled in Parliament today by Minister for Justice and Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga in response to a written question from MP Sakiusa Tubuna.
According to the response, the Central/Eastern Division has the largest number of JPs with 339, followed by the Western Division with 271 and the Northern Division with 72.
Of the total, 33 JPs are located in the Maritime Region, including 10 in Lomaiviti, nine in Lau, six in Taveuni, five in Kadavu and one each in Beqa, Vatulele and Yasawa.
However, Government acknowledged there were still areas where JP numbers were limited or additional appointments were needed.
These include Yasawa, Yacata, Cikobia, Kadavu, Yanuca and Rotuma, as well as interior areas in Namosi, Naitasiri, Ba, Navosa, Macuata, Cakaudrove and Bua.
“The distribution of JPs highlights the need to continue strengthening access to JP services, particularly in remote, maritime and interior communities,” the parliamentary response stated.
JPs receive a $100 monthly allowance, subject to submitting monthly reports and providing services to a minimum quota of 50 customers per month where applicable.
A total of $477,100 was paid in JP allowances during the 2025–2026 financial year, while $600,000 has been allocated for the current financial year.
The Government is also preparing to appoint another 30 JPs.
Processing of applications for the next round of appointments began this month, with 30 applicants expected to be appointed.
From the current financial year, new JP appointments will be limited to 30 applicants annually, with appointments primarily targeted at areas where a need for additional JP services has been identified.
