The Fijian Constitution guarantees, no favor is granted to anyone in our courts on the basis of their background, wealth or social status.

This was reaffirmed by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, while opening the Keyasi branch of the Legal Aid Commission and the new Births, Deaths and Marriages Registry in Nadroga yesterday.

Bainimarama says the law, and access to legal services, are the great equalizers in Fijian society.

“The law views each of us equally. That sacred truth forms the very basis of our common and equal citizenry and our shared identity, as one nation and one people. For that reason, we cannot tolerate financial limitations on access to justice. We cannot tolerate marginalization in our justice system. If any Fijian needs representation, they must be able to get it.”

The Prime Minister says expanding access to justice are being made possible by his government’s spending commitment.

The government allocated $10.4m towards the expansion of legal aid in this financial year.

Bainimarama will open another Legal Aid office in Seaqaqa today, and tomorrow he will travel to Taveuni.

Rotuma, Kadavu and Vunidawa will also have Legal Aid branches soon.

The Prime Minister says once work on the Levuka Office is complete, Legal Aid will have 22 branches through-out Fiji.