Prosecutorial reform and judicial innovation must be supported by robust legislative frameworks and transparent governance.
Acknowledging the important relationship between Parliament and the Prosecution Service in Fiji’s legal system, Speaker of Parliament Filimoni Jitoko said this collaboration ensures that justice was not only delivered in courtrooms but upheld in the institutions that shape the national conscience.
“I believe we all agree that the mandate before us is unmistakable, to re-imagine prosecution not as a contest of convictions, but as a principled pursuit of justice for every Fijian,” he said while opening the ODPP’s Annual Convention in Nadi yesterday.
“This means shifting from a win-at-all-costs mentality to a justice-first ethos.
“One that prioritises fairness, healing and accountability.”
He said central to this transformation was the integration of progressive legislation to lead.
“Legislation such as the Child Justice Act 2024, which calls for a trauma-informed, rehabilitative, and victim-centred approach, especially for vulnerable witnesses whose voices must be protected, not re-traumatised.
“Other other initiatives that are all embracing for our people, traumatised by national disasters, coups and political upheavals of the last 40 years, must come to the fore.
“Complementary to these initiatives, is the sharpening of prosecutorial expertise in emerging domains such as cybercrime, serious fraud, and money laundering.”
The former high court judge said today’s criminal networks operate across borders, demanding prosecutors to trace digital footprints and decode complex financial webs.
“But this vision cannot thrive on operational will alone.
“It requires the bold legislative stewardship of Parliament.
“When prosecutors uphold justice and Parliament shapes its ethical and legal framework, a vital and lasting partnership is formed, one that strengthens the foundations of a fair and accountable legal system.”
The theme of the convention “Redefining Prosecution in the Modern Courtroom”.
