The judiciary is getting on with the job.

Speaking at the DPP's Conference at the Shangri La Fijian Resort and Spa in Sigatoka yesterday, High Court Judge Justice Thomas Hickie said Fiji has gone through crisis in 1987, 2000 and 2006 and in all occasions the judiciary had carried out its duties well.

Justice Hickie said in 1987 although the entire judiciary resigned and a new judiciary was appointed unlawfully, those appointed never forgot their judicial oath and maintained its independence.

He added the same can be said for the 2000 crisis whereby independence of the judiciary was maintained even when the judiciary split between those in favour of abrogating the Constitution and those against.

He added the same can be said for the judiciary after the events of 2006.

Justice Hickie went on to say that this is the time when Fiji needs friends and men and women who are willing to work and not criticise.

He said it needs men and women prepared to step forward and work hard.

Justice Hickie said it’s not about drinking pina coladas by the poolside of some resort.

He said it is very easy to come and being a judge in the good times when the judiciary is the flavour of the month for the diplomatic community and the NGO set.

Justice Hickie said apparently it was invitations and functions nearly every other week pre December 2006.

He said since December 2006, it had been a blackout.
 
Justice Hickie then said and I quote "Guess what”. We couldn't care less as we are not here for the parties" end of quote.

He said the courts cannot take the stand of some NGOs and various overseas bodies who have taken a political position and maintained that the courts must remain independent of political conflicts and controversies.

The DPP's conference ended yesterday.