Our Story: A Journey of Vision, Unity, and Dedication

  The story of the Pacific Islands Judicial Officers Association (PIJOA) is one of vision, unity, and determination. What began as scattered conversations among judges across the Pacific Islands slowly grew into a shared dream—a dream of creating a platform that would strengthen collegial bonds, uphold the highest standards of judicial independence, and champion stronger judiciaries throughout the region. Against a backdrop of diverse cultures, vast ocean distances, and varied traditions, a small yet passionate group of judicial officers united with a common purpose: to forge an association that would amplify the collective voice of Pacific Island judicial officers, nurture professional growth, and ensure that justice remains accessible, fair, and independent for all the peoples of the Pacific Islands. PIJOA is not just an association—it is a testament to the enduring spirit of collaboration, resilience, and leadership that binds the Pacific judicial community together.

Discussions regarding the establishment of an association for judicial officers in the Pacific region had taken place intermittently over the years. These conversations took a decisive turn in October 2023, when Deputy Chief Justice Ambeng Kandakasi of Papua New Guinea reached out to several judicial colleagues across the region to explore the possibility of forming a formal association. What began as a series of email exchanges soon led to the formation of a preliminary working group, led by Deputy Chief Justice Kandakasi. The initial members of the group included Justice Collin Makail from Papua New Guinea, Justice Vui Clarence Nelson and Justice Darryl Clarke from Samoa, and Justice Rangajeeva Wimalasena from Nauru. Within a few weeks, Acting Chief Justice Petunia Tupou of Tonga was also invited to join, followed by the inclusion of Justices Iova Geita and Derek Wood from Papua New Guinea.

The second virtual meeting of the working group occurred on 20 February 2024, chaired again by Deputy Chief Justice Kandakasi and attended by Justices Iova Geita, Rangajeeva Wimalasena, and Derek Wood, with apologies from Justices Petunia Tupou, Vui Nelson, and Daryl Clarke.

The meeting focused heavily on finalizing the association’s draft Rules. Members considered the comments received, notably from Justice Wood, and discussed several key governance matters, including the structure of leadership positions, administrative arrangements, and membership fees. Members agreed that initial key positions would remain with Papua New Guinea due to logistical practicality, with administrative support provided through the appointment of an Executive Director from PNG’s judicial staff, who would also serve as the Public Officer. Further discussions determined that the Vice President’s role would rotate among jurisdictions, with potential succession to the Presidency in future terms. Members agreed that the draft Rules would be finalized soon, with Justice Wood undertaking to review and revise the draft in consultation with Justice Kandakasi and Justice Wimalasena.

The group reviewed and approved a culturally resonant logo design submitted by Justice Wimalasena, subject to endorsement from absent members. Additionally, plans began for incorporating PIJOA in Papua New Guinea, coordinated by Justice Wood.

Recognizing the importance of regional representation and gender balance, members agreed to invite additional judges across the Pacific to the working group. The next meeting was scheduled for 22 March 2024, aiming to finalize the Rules and move toward incorporation. 

The first in-person gathering of PIJOA took place on 21 August 2024, during a symbolic dinner cruise hosted in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. This memorable event, organized by Deputy Chief Justice Kandakasi in conjunction with the Asia Pacific Mediation Forum, marked the official launch of PIJOA. It was attended by several working group members, a large number of judges from Papua New Guinea, and a few judges from other jurisdictions who joined to witness this historic moment. The occasion served both as a celebration of the association's formation and as an opportunity to finalize key appointments.

Deputy Chief Justice Kandakasi opened the gathering by reflecting on the journey that led to the establishment of PIJOA, highlighting its significance in uniting judicial officers, supporting their well-being, and advancing judicial independence, integrity, and excellence across the Pacific. Justice Rangajeeva Wimalasena also addressed the gathering, outlining the objectives of the association as per the Rules adopted by the working group and acknowledging the dedicated efforts of the working group members who laid the foundation for PIJOA. He formally proposed the nominations of Deputy Chief Justice Kandakasi as President and Justice Vui Clarence Nelson as Secretary, both of which were unanimously endorsed by those present. Subsequently, Justice Nerrie Eliakim of PNG nominated Justice Teresa Berrigan of PNG as Vice President, a nomination that was also unanimously accepted. It was further proposed and agreed to appoint Ms. Olivia Paru as the first Executive Director of PIJOA.

In addition, it was resolved that the existing working group members would form the inaugural Executive Council. Accordingly, Justice Rangajeeva Wimalasena, Justice Leiataualesa Daryl Clarke, and Justice Derek Wood were appointed as Executive Council members. Justice Petunia Tupou (Tonga), Justice Kathleen Salii (Palau), Justice Witten Phillippo (Marshall Islands), and Justice Iova Geita (Papua New Guinea), who were not present at the meeting, were proposed for appointment to the Executive Council, subject to their confirmation.

The newly appointed President, Deputy Chief Justice Kandakasi, addressed the gathering and emphasized the need to appoint additional Executive Council members to ensure broad representation from across the Pacific Islands. He informed attendees that PIJOA would be formally incorporated in the coming days, in accordance with the association's Rules, followed by a membership enrolment drive.

Justice Vui Clarence Nelson, as the newly appointed Secretary, also addressed the gathering and expressed his gratitude to the working group members and all attendees for their participation and support in the successful launch of PIJOA. The boat cruise, hosted by Deputy Chief Justice Kandakasi, was a memorable event that not only marked the first in-person meeting of the association but also celebrated the official launch of PIJOA. 

Over the following days, additional key decisions were finalized via email, including a proposal by Justice Nelson to appoint Justice Derek Wood as Treasurer, which was unanimously agreed upon by the Executive Council. It was also agreed to publish a PIJOA newsletter, with Justice Daryl Clarke appointed as its inaugural editor, entrusted with the responsibility for its publication. The Executive Council further agreed to actively reach out to jurisdictions not yet represented on the Council to appoint additional members, ensuring broader regional representation within PIJOA.