The Pacific Prosecutors Association (PPA) whose objectives includes promoting and protecting the independence of prosecutors is currently holding its 6th Meeting in Nuku’alofa.
The annual meeting of heads of prosecuting agencies from around the Pacific will deliberate under a theme ‘Pacific Prosecutions and Good Governance: Independence, Accountability and Transparency’.
‘Aminiasi Kefu the Acting Attorney General and Director of Public Prosecutors said the theme is based on good governance because one of the aims of PPA is to promote and protect the independence of prosecutors from improper influences from whatever source, including but not limited to political interference.
Other issues relating to the prosecution of crime in the Pacific will be discussed with a view to developing prosecutorial services around the region. with a technical workshop on prosecuting in the Pacific with expert evidence.
In addition, discussion panels on Pacific prosecutions and good governance, prosecutor welfare and improving relations between prosecutors and police including technical areas such as prosecuting sexual and gender based violence while developing forensic evidence legislation and cybercrime would also be held.
The meeting at the Fa’onelua Convention Centre will be opened by Justice Minister Hon Sione Vuna Fa’otusia with Justice Charles Cato to deliver a keynote address on a Crown Prosecution Service Today; The need for independence, accountability and transparency.