Two prominent judges have been welcomed into Fiji’s judiciary. Justice Lee James Burney and Justice Gus Andree Wiltens were sworn in yesterday at a ceremony held at the State House in Suva. Justice Burney has been appointed as Puisne Judge of the High Court, while Justice Wiltens will serve as Justice of Appeal on the Court of Appeal.
The oath-taking ceremony was led by the President of Fiji, His Excellency Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, and attended by Acting Chief Justice His Lordship Justice Salesi Temo, Solicitor General Ropate Green, and Chief Registrar Tomasi Bainivalu.
Prior to his appointment, Justice Burney worked as Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions from 2014, where he was involved in numerous appellate-level legal proceedings in both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. His background also includes serving as a Staff Officer with the Army Legal Services from 2005 to 2013, advising military commanders on various legal and disciplinary matters. He provided critical legal advice regarding UK combat forces in Iraq and Afghanistan during military operations.
Justice Wiltens brings nearly 50 years of legal experience from his work across New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Vanuatu, and the Pacific region. His expertise encompasses litigation, fraud prosecution, and fostering development within the legal profession. As a District Court Judge in Manukau, he conducted over 200 jury trials, led court renovations, and organized educational seminars. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Law from Auckland University and a Master’s Degree in Law from the University of Hong Kong. From 2018 to 2022, he served as a Supreme Court Judge in Port Vila before returning to New Zealand as an Acting Warranted District Court Judge in Auckland.