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Jovilisi V. Suveinakama is the Principal of Suveinakama Legal and also serves as a Consultant at Toganivalu Legal and holds the prestigious positions of Founder and Director at Blackwater Consultants in Suva, Fiji. His legal career is underpinned by qualifications allowing him to practice in New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, and Tokelau. Notably, he commenced his professional journey at Howards Law in 2001, where he excelled as an Associate at one of Fiji's premier law firms. Suveinakama's distinction as a promising indigenous commercial lawyer was acknowledged through the award of the M.S Lin Scholarship to New Delhi, India, in 2003.
Venturing abroad, Suveinakama amassed nearly a decade of invaluable international experience, serving the Tokelau Government and New Zealand's administering authority.
In 2008, he ascended to the role of General Manager, Apia/National (GM), assuming a pivotal position as the chief strategic and policy advisor for the Tokelau National Public Service. His guidance was instrumental in crafting the Tokelau National Strategic Plan 2010-2015 (TNSP). Through strategic negotiations, Suveinakama spearheaded Tokelau Officials TNSP’s discussions with foreign governments, notably New Zealand, yielding remarkable growth. The Tokelau National Gross Income (TNGI) surged from NZ$15 million (2010/2011) to nearly NZ$40 million (2015/2016). His adept counsel extended to the Trust Fund Board of Trustees, entrusted with substantial funds totaling NZ$80 million in 2015/2016.
Regionally, Suveinakama’s participation in the Council of Regional Organizations in the Pacific (CROP) reflects his engagement and representation across various regional inter-governmental agencies. He further enriched his understanding through multiple attendances at the United Nations Decolonization Committee sessions in New York.
Returning to Fiji, Suveinakama’s impact continues to be profound. In 2019, his distinction and capabilities led to his appointment as the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Local Government. Though he declined the role, this marked a pivotal moment in highlighting his reputation as a sought-after authority in legal and governmental spheres. He later transitioned to his role as a Legal Consultant at Toganivalu Legal. Concurrently, he founded Blackwater Consultants & Investments Pte Ltd. His advisory portfolio encompasses significant projects and diverse domains, including complex government negotiations, project financing, trust fund management, international treaties, resource extraction licenses, corporate governance, and strategic planning.
Beyond his legal prowess, Suveinakama’s influence extends to his position on the Board of the iTaukei Trust Fund, a government entity managing substantial funds of up to FJ$250 million. His consultative role spans landowning units and the Fiji Chapter of the World Indigenous Business Network, underscoring his multifaceted expertise. Suveinakama’s unique vantage point, cultivated through community, national, regional, and international involvements, fortifies his role as a legal practitioner and development consultant. His ability to navigate diverse landscapes positions him to deliver impactful legal solutions effectively.
