Chief Justice Anthony Gates has branded the travel bans placed on Fiji by the Australian and New Zealand Governments as "Policies of Hostility."
Justice Gates said these Policies were formulated following the 2006 coup and the abrogation of the Constitution in April of this year and one of the Policies is to impose travel ban to
Government ministers, military officials, senior civil servants, directors of statutory bodies along with Judges and Magistrates.
Referring to the case where the medical visa application of Family Court Judge, Anjala Wati and her 22 month old son was first rejected by the New Zealand Immigration, Justice Gates said her Visa was only granted after the matter was highlighted in the media.
Justice Gates adds that the though the visa was granted, the character of Judge Wati was questioned and further restrictions placed on her while being in New Zealand.
Meanwhile, Justice Gates confirms receiving a letter last Tuesday from New Zealand Deputy High Commissioner, Todd Cleaver which states that New Zealand's travel ban policy now includes those individuals who are subsequently appointed to the Judiciary.
The Chief Justice also reveals that the same stance has been adopted by Australia after receiving correspondence from Acting Australia High Commissioner, Sara Roberts last Wednesday.
This comes as new appointments to the Judiciary from Sri Lanka who are expected to arrive tomorrow, were not allowed to transit through Australia to take up their new roles in Fiji.
According to Justice Gates what Australia and New Zealand need to understand is that a Judiciary must exist and that all judiciary appointments are made by the President and not by the Fiji Government.
Travel bans are policies of hostility-Gates
Related Stories
COMPOL urges Lagalaga Sanatan students to value discipline and education
Students of Lagalaga Sanatan Primary School in Labasa have been reminded of the importance of education, discipline and obedience by the Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu. Tudravu spoke to the students during
Heavy Rain Alert remains for Viti Levu, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups
A Heavy Rain Alert remains in force for the Eastern half of Viti Levu from Serua, Namosi through Navua, Suva, Nausori, Tailevu, Naitasiri, Ra, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Taveuni, Kadavu, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups and near
Warning letter written to Prof. Narsey – Acting AG
Acting Attorney General Siromi Turaga says a strong warning letter has been written to Electoral Reform Commissioner Professor Wadan Narsey after he came out publicly with the Electoral Reform Commission report recommen
3 Fijian men from KVT gang in Sydney denied bail for AUD$12.5M drugs case
Three Fijians who are alleged to be associated with a gang supplying drugs in Sydney have been refused bail by the court. 28-year-old Eparama Nevale, 28-year-old William Ravoka, and 24-year-old George Sukanaivalu,
Proposed ‘People First’ submits application for registration
The Proposed ‘People First’ has submitted its application for registration to the Registrar of Political Parties, Ana Mataiciwa. Mataiciwa confirms that the FEO is now preparing to publish the party’s applica
Visitor arrivals on track for record year while sugar output drops
Visitor arrivals have recovered following a decline in the first quarter and based on current trends, Fiji is on track to achieve a third consecutive year of record visitor arrivals in 2025. While speaking on the p