Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and president of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA), Peter Maynard, met recently to discuss promoting good governance practices and bolstering the CLA-Fiji connection.
Speaking to this newspaper, Mr Maynard said the meeting was an opportunity to speak with the PM about the advancements in the rule of law in Fiji.
“I am very honoured to meet with the Prime Minister, who was very generous with his time,” Mr Maynard said.
“We discussed that the developments are positive, regarding the rule of law. “Fiji is going through a very interesting phase one to be praised is an appreciation of the rule of law
. “It’s important for people to be able to express their views, lawyers to be able to speak to government ministers, government to speak to lawyers, in good governance.”
He said the rule of law was not only of interest to students but was relevant across various contexts where diverse perspectives were valued in reaching consensus, a fundamental aspect of good governance.
“We also spoke about the constitutions and the development of constitutions from its own local roots, very important.
“But it’s not just something for Fiji, it’s throughout the Commonwealth we find similar trends, people developing constitutions.”
Mr Maynard said he extended the invitation to Mr Rabuka to attend the Borneo Rainforest Law Conference in Malaysia from February 26 to February 28.
Law Society president, William Wylie Clarke said he was grateful to have hosted Mr Maynard’s visit to the country and looked forward to extending the relationship between the CLA and the Society.
“I spoke with Mr Clarke about the need for more Fijian representation in the CLA and the training of Fijian lawyers.”
Mr Maynard was in Australia before arriving in the country on Monday. He plans to visit the Solomon Islands after leaving Fiji.
