More services have been taken closer to the people of Keiyasi, Nadroga with Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama today opening a new Legal Aid Office and a new Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Office.
While officiating at the event, Bainimarama says that we still have some people who are seeking legal advice from some lawyers who often dig into people’s pockets and run away with their money.
He also highlighted that people are still not taking advantage of the government’s free Legal Aid services which is being set up to provide advice on issues such as registering of a child, compensation and adoption matters.
Bainimarama also says that under the 2013 constitution every Fijian has the right to access to legal aid services.
The Prime Minister reiterates that every Fijian whose annual income is $15,000 or less has the right to be represented free of charge by a lawyer either in family, criminal or civil courts.
Bainimarama says that this does not mean that people should go on and commit an offence.
He has also assured the people of Keiyasi that they will be getting free services of a lawyer at the new Legal Aid Office every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
The Prime Minister will in the next few days open new Legal Aid offices in Seaqaqa, Taveuni and other places including Rotuma and will see the number of their offices rise to 22 altogether.
Bainimarama says that this achievement is due to government’s commitment of $10.3 million which aims to ensure that all Fijians can get legal services.
