After successfully navigating a path ridden with struggles that only a few have experienced, Eparama Uqeuqe Saukalou Musuvanua can now look back and bask in his achievements.
Born and raised in Nasekula Village, Macuata, Mr Musuvanua was instilled with a deep appreciation of justice and the rule of law from a young age.
Not many would say they had a passion for this at a young age. For Mr Musuvanua his journey was different.
His upbringing, coupled with a keen interest in advocating for those who sought fairness and equity, fueled his determination to pursue a career in law.
But the Nasekula man’s educational journey would not have reaped success without dedication, struggles and the pursuit of excellence.
After completing his primary education at Nasekula District School, Labasa, he continued his secondary education at Bucalevu Secondary School, on Taveuni.
He then joined Labasa Sangam College and completed his Year 13 at Nabua Secondary School, Suva where he further honed his analytical and critical thinking skills, abilities that he considered essential when later constructing compelling legal arguments.
It was a no brainer that these influences led him to pursue his legal education at the University of Fiji, where he delved into the intricacies of the legal system and cultivated a profound respect for the power of legal advocacy.
Eparama Musuvanua is admitted to the bar in Palau. Picture: SUPPLIED
“I graduated from the University of Fiji (UniFiji) on the April 22, 2016.
By then I was already enrolled and had commenced studies with my graduate diploma in legal practice at UniFiji and graduated in October 2016,” he said.
“While anticipating bar admission at the High Court of Fiji, I was so fortunate to be offered with a legal officer position at the Legal Aid Commission based in the Suva office.”
He spent two years with the Legal Aid Commission before Lion One Limited, a Fiji-based Canadian Mining Company offered his an in-house legal counsel position for almost five years.
Mr Musuvanua resigned from Lion One Limited when he knew his calling to join the Foreign Investment Board in the Republic of Palau was on the cards. On August 11, 2023, he was admitted to the Bar of Palau which marked another remarkable milestone in his legal career.
“Throughout my academic journey, I had the privilege of engaging in diverse legal internships, which allowed me to witness the transformative impact of legal representation on individuals and communities.
“These experiences further solidified my commitment to upholding justice, safeguard rights, and contributing to the betterment of society through the practice of law.
“I express my gratitude to my late parents who left us few years ago, my three siblings and their respective families, my very supportive relatives from both paternal and maternal sides, my mentors Ms Mereseini Rakuita and Mr Patrick Hickey, my foster mother Mrs Salanieta Burenitu and family, my Palau Fijian community, and friends.”
Mr Musuvanua added that he looked forward to embracing the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead of him as he embarked on a new chapter of his legal career.
