The Acting Deputy Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), Lavi Rokoika, has emphasized the urgent need to reinstate the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court, which was disbanded in September 2023. During her presentation to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence, Rokoika highlighted that the removal of this specialized division has contributed significantly to the backlog of corruption cases awaiting resolution.
With a growing number of cases delayed until next year due to limited court availability, Rokoika expressed her firm belief that reinstating the Anti-Corruption Division could expedite hearings and improve access to justice. She noted, “If it were up to me, I’d really love that,” underscoring the critical role this division could play in alleviating the current pressure on the judiciary.
Since mid-2025, FICAC has faced considerable difficulty in securing hearing dates, resulting in all cases being pushed to next year. According to Rokoika, “From June or July this year, we couldn’t book a hearing date. The diary of the bench is full.” She appealed to Parliament to act swiftly to reestablish the specialized court, asserting it would enhance the timely delivery of justice concerning corruption trials.
The disbandment of the Anti-Corruption Division last year was part of changes introduced by the High Court (Amendment) Bill 2023. In light of ongoing frustrations with case delays, Rokoika’s calls for reinstatement align with broader discussions on improving the operational efficiency of FICAC and enhancing resources dedicated to tackling corruption.
Recently, FICAC has taken a series of steps to revamp its operations, including appointing a senior legal consultant to help tackle long-pending cases and creating a Special Taskforce aimed at addressing unresolved investigations. These reforms reflect a commitment to modernize FICAC’s approach and bolster public trust in its ability to combat corruption effectively. The recent establishment of new operational efficiencies aims to promote accountability and build public confidence in governance within Fiji.
With these reforms in place and a hopeful outlook for the future, there is potential for a significant positive impact on the speed and efficacy of justice concerning corruption. The combination of internal changes within FICAC, alongside renewed calls for the Anti-Corruption Division’s reinstatement, signifies a collective commitment by various governmental bodies to improve Fiji’s governance landscape and ensure integrity within public institutions.
Leave a comment