The Office of the Public Prosecutor (OPP) bid farewell to Public Prosecutor Mr. Josaia Naigulevu last Friday as his nearly decade-long tenure came to an end.
Mr. Naigulevu, who took up the position in August 2015, has had his contract extended every two years, culminating in a distinguished career marked by numerous achievements.
Chief Justice (CJ) Vincent Lunabek expressed profound sadness on behalf of the judicial community in Vanuatu, highlighting Mr. Naigulevu’s significant contributions.
“It is with great sadness that we say farewell to Mr. Naigulevu, but with great pride that we celebrate the contributions and achievements he has made to the legal and intellectual life of the Office of the Public Prosecutor and Vanuatu as a country,” he said.
CJ Lunabek praised Mr. Naigulevu for transforming the OPP into a modern office, enhancing its functions, and impacting the criminal justice system.
He acknowledged Mr. Naigulevu’s prosecution of key cases involving human trafficking and money laundering, as well as his efforts in professionalising the prosecution office by developing various manuals and guidelines, including the Victim Support Manual, Vanuatu Survival of Victim Charter, Prosecution Code, Domestic Violence Protection Handbook, and the Code of Ethics.
Additional achievements under Mr. Naigulevu’s leadership include establishing the Victim Support Centre, Anti-Corruption Authority, Digital Forensics Trial Directory, Anti-Corruption Database, and internal modernisation of the OPP. His tenure also saw structured engagement with other agencies, law reforms, and efforts that helped Vanuatu exit the Grey List.
The CJ conveyed gratitude on behalf of the Vanuatu Judiciary, thanking Mr. Naigulevu for his tireless efforts and significant contributions to the criminal justice system.
Mr. Russel Nari, the First Political Advisor of the Minister of Justice and Community Service (MoJCS), spoke on behalf of Minister John Amos, commending Mr. Naigulevu’s vision of excellence, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law.
“Over the past nine years, he has realised his vision and elevated the standard of prosecution in the Republic of Vanuatu,” Mr. Russel said, echoing the sentiments of CJ Lunabek regarding the OPP’s achievements under Mr. Naigulevu’s leadership.
During his farewell, Mr. Naigulevu expressed his privilege in serving the people of Vanuatu and working alongside dedicated prosecutors. “I have particularly enjoyed working with and mentoring young prosecutors,” he added.
As Mr. Naigulevu steps down, Mr. Simcha Blessing has been appointed Acting Public Prosecutor, effective August 4, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the OPP.