Kioa Islanders want local court system

Fiji's new Constitution should have a provision which allows an establishment of a local court system on the island of Kioa, the Constitution Commission heard in the weekend.

The Kioa Island Council in its submission proposed the idea to Commission and said the court system would mean administration of justice in a more effective manner.

A Government statement quoted the Council saying: “All judicial matters as to the right of the offenders and disciplinary measures are undertaken as a mandatory sentence, is in compliance with the supreme laws of the land."

“This would be in harmony with the People’s Charter pillar 9 – reducing prison population through measures such as alternative sentencing, community service and restorative justice.”

The Council also called on the state to take ownership of all qoliqoli in  Fiji.

“The state would accommodate the circumstances of all citizens who use this resource and determine an appropriate fee that is fair and applicable to everyone irrespective of ethnic background,” the Council said.

They also called for a review of the Marine Act.

Development of the island was another crucial area discussed during the consultation with the Kioa Council calling for more funding.

“The development funding allocated is insufficient to cater for community projects.  The Island Council has enjoyed financial assistance through the form of subservient funds from the Prime Minister’s office to which we are grateful to. The Council, however, recommends for an inclusion of a fixed annual budget for Kioa under the Government’s annual budgetary considerations.”

By Reginald Chandar