Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has extended his congratulations to Justice Filimone Jitoko on his recent appointment as the new Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Fiji. Rabuka highlighted Jitoko’s distinguished career and extensive experience, which he believes will greatly benefit the position.
A graduate of the University of the South Pacific in 1969, Justice Jitoko furthered his education with a Bachelor of Laws from Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand, and was admitted to the New Zealand Bar in 1978. His impressive journey encompasses significant roles in diplomacy and law. In 1980, he obtained certificates in Multilateral Negotiations in New York and International Diplomacy in Washington, D.C., subsequently serving as Fiji’s Secretary to the Missions in both cities. Upon his return to Fiji, he was appointed Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court from 1985 to 1987.
Justice Jitoko later held the position of Solicitor General for the Fiji Government for six years before serving as Secretary to Cabinet from 1993 to 1996. His distinguished diplomatic career included positions as Fiji’s Ambassador to Israel, Brussels, and Denmark. In 2002, he returned to Fiji to serve as a High Court Judge until 2009, and he contributed to the international judiciary as Chief Justice of the Nauru Supreme Court from 2000 to 2017, also taking on the role of Registrar from 2015 to 2017.
Rabuka expressed confidence that Justice Jitoko’s vast experience will enable him to serve the interests of Fiji exceptionally well in his new role as Speaker of Parliament.
This appointment is seen as a positive development for Fijian governance, reflecting a commitment to leadership through experienced professionals. Justice Jitoko’s background suggests a promising future for legislative proceedings in Fiji, potentially leading to strengthened governance and enhanced parliamentary effectiveness.
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