The High Court has denied Unaisi Nawalowalo Cabenatabua access to two pivotal bank accounts of the Suva Branch of the Nai Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei Trust Board. Cabenatabua claims her legitimate election as President in July last year was undermined by the Board’s alleged financial mismanagement. Seeking a court injunction, she aimed to freeze an ANZ and a BSP account while the legal dispute unfolded. She was, however, dismissed from her position following a special general meeting held in April of this year.
Justice Dane Tuiqereqere of the High Court stated that granting such an injunction would impair the Trust Board’s operations, notably their fundraising efforts. Additionally, Cabenatabua did not provide a guarantee to cover potential damages should her legal claims prove unsuccessful. Consequently, the temporary injunction on the ANZ account was lifted, with cost determinations to follow the case.
This judgment parallels other legal disputes concerning leadership and governance within community organizations, such as the case involving former president Unaisi Cabenatabua of the Kadavu Soqosoqo Vakamarama. Similar cases highlight the complexities of transition and control over trust accounts in times of leadership change. Legal precedents indicate that courts often balance asset protection needs against maintaining organizational functionality.
These legal proceedings underscore ongoing tensions in Fiji regarding governance and accountability within community-based organizations. Such cases bring attention to the importance of transparent leadership transitions and can lead to reforms that set precedence for handling similar disputes. Despite the disputes, these judicial decisions illustrate a commitment to due process and accountability, paving the way for clearer governance standards in community structures. As these issues continue to unfold, they offer potential lessons for strengthening leadership practices within Fiji’s local communities, ultimately promoting organizational integrity and transparency.