The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) held its Inaugural Annual Awards Night on Saturday, 29 November 2025, bringing together staff from across Fiji for an evening dedicated to celebrating service, excellence, and commitment to the Fijian people.

The Awards Night followed two days of Ministry-organised activities, including a Refresher Induction and Standard Operating Procedures Training on Friday, 28 November at Suvavou House, and a Family Sports Day held earlier on Saturday.

In her opening remarks, Permanent Secretary for Justice, Ms. Selina Kuruleca, highlighted that the Awards Night was a celebration of “the heartbeat of the Ministry, its people.” She acknowledged a year of tremendous growth and progress, including strengthened systems, modernised services, expanded outreach, and deeper partnerships.

Ms. Kuruleca credited the Ministry’s recent Commitment to Excellence Award at the Fiji Business Excellence Awards to the collective effort of all staff—frontline officers, registry teams, corporate staff, IT, drivers, messengers, and leaders.

“Excellence is teamwork,” she said. “The success of this Ministry is not built on competition, but on contribution. Every role matters.”

She also expressed gratitude to the Minister and Assistant Minister for their guidance and support in strengthening the justice sector.

Delivering the keynote address, Minister for Justice and Acting Attorney General, Hon. Siromi Turaga, echoed similar sentiments, affirming that the evening served to honour all MOJ staff whether award recipients or not.

“We see you,” he said. “The spirit of teamwork, unity, and purpose that each of you brings is evident in our success.”

The Minister emphasised that the Ministry’s national recognition this year made it fitting to shine the spotlight on the people who made it possible. He commended the Permanent Secretary’s leadership for elevating the Ministry’s work and cultivating a culture of accountability, compassion, and transformation.

“Each of you has shown that excellence is not an event. It is a habit,” he said, expressing confidence that 2026 would be a year of even greater progress.

The night featured the presentation of awards across multiple categories, honouring outstanding performance, leadership, service, resilience, and long-term dedication.

2025 Awards Recipients

*Category 1: Emerging Leader Award
• Esther Kalouniuca – Registrar of Titles

Category 2: Best Department – Customer Service Excellence
• Births, Deaths and Marriages Registry

Category 3: Team of the Year
• Official Receivers Registry

Category 4: Best Performing Division/Unit
• Finance Unit

Category 5: Innovation Champion Award
• Ana Vakacerecere Mataitini – ESU

Category 6: Outstanding Manager Award
• Makereta Sotutu – BDM

Category 7: Community Service & Outreach Award
• Viliame Wavere Kubunameca – BDM

Category 8: Behind-the-Scenes Hero Award
• Emele Kotoiwasawasa – Finance Unit
• Usmani Gani – Driver, Lautoka Office

Category 9: Resilience and Commitment Award
• Setaita Railoa – Nabouwalu Office

Long Service and Dedication Awards

15+ Years
• Naomi Baleilevuka – OR
• Isaia Drivanavulau – Navua
• Lomani Namoro – RoT

20+ Years
• Sereana Ligani – Finance
• Siteri Kaloulevu – BDM
• Usenia Bela – RoT
• Ilisapeci Naivalu – ESU
• Lusia Bakaniceva – Finance
• Viniana Balenaivalu – RoT
• Apenisa Naceuceu – Lautoka
• Anita Devi – Labasa
• Micahel Deve – Labasa
• Tazmeen Nisha – Savusavu
• Miriama Naiduki – RoC
• Viliame Kubunameca – BDM

30+ Years
• Makereta Sotutu – BDM
• Ana Dainiteri – RoT
• Sanaila Nukutaumaki – OR
• Torika Goneca – RoT

The Ministry congratulates all award recipients and acknowledges the dedication of every staff member who continues to serve with integrity, efficiency, and heart.

Vinaka vakalevu to the entire MOJ family for an exceptional year.