Speaker of Parliament, Filimone Jitoko has expressed strong support for a proposal to establish a unified regional court system for the Pacific, calling it a “blueprint” for justice that reflects the region’s unique legal and cultural identity.
Jitoko highlighted the proposal during Session 10: One South Pacific; One Regional Court at the Fiji Law Society Convention and the 2nd Pasefika Lawyers Collective Conference.
The Speaker endorsed the concept presented by Justice Gerard Winter of Fiji’s Appeal Court, describing it as a practical and principled pathway toward a more just and integrated Pacific.
Jitoko emphasised that the proposed court would not erase national differences but would instead embrace the region’s diversity through mutual respect and shared jurisdiction.
He says the idea of a Pacific Court is about creating a system that understands the customs, languages and legal traditions of the people.
Jitoko believes the proposal deserves full consideration and support, as it aligns with the region’s commitment to good governance and the rule of law.
The Speaker further says that we should not wait for a crisis.
He further noted that the aspiration for a common body of regional law is not new, having been discussed in Pacific dialogues since the 1970s, but progress has often lacked a central driving force.
The Speaker says instead, we have relied on external agencies.
Jitoko also explained that Justice Winter’s proposal includes a permanent regional court registry, a panel of judges appointed by consensus, and jurisdiction over transnational legal matters.
The Speaker adds that let us build a regional court that speaks with the voice of the Pacific, for the Pacific.
