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\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI \par AT SUVA \par CIVIL JURISDICTION}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609\charrsid10840609 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10840609 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609\charrsid10840609 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10840609 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 ACTION NO. HBC}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609\charrsid10840609 0 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 205D OF 2003S}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609\charrsid10840609 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10840609 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609\charrsid10840609 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10840609 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 BETWEEN:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609\charrsid10840609 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10840609 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609\charrsid10840609 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10840609 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 JOSAIA CAMA}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 of Namakula Village, \par Lami, Fiji, unemployed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 PLAINTIFF}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609\charrsid10840609 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10840609 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609\charrsid10840609 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10840609 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 AND:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10840609 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10840609 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 CKP FISHING COMPANY LIMITED \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 a duly incorporated company having \par its registered office at Suva, Fiji.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 DEFENDANT}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10840609 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 Counsel for the Plaintiff:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609\charrsid10840609 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 G. O\rquote Driscoll, O\rquote Driscoll & Shivam \par Counsel for the Defendant:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609\charrsid10840609 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 V. Maharaj, Maharaj Chandra & Assoc. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609\charrsid10840609 \par Date of Decision}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609\charrsid10840609 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 24 February, 2004 \par Time of Decision:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609\charrsid10840609 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 9.30 a.m.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609\charrsid10840609 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10840609 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 DECISION \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10840609 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 \par On 24 May 2003 the Plaintiff filed an ex-parte Motion seeking leave of the Court to enlarge the time limit of 3 years as provided under the Limitation Act (Cap 35), to allow him to file his Writ against the Defendant.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 The Court on 30 May ordered that the proceedings be made inter parte and the documents duly served on the Defendant on 4 June 2003.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 Leave was granted to the Defendant to file affidavit in reply on 13 June and the Plaintiff responded on 29 July.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 Submissions were subsequently filed by the parties. \par \par The facts of the case are as follows. The Plaintiff was employed aboard a fishing vessel }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 \'93Oryong 332\'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 belonging to or under the authority of the Defendant.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 Part of his duties included working in the freezer of the boat moving and/or packing and storage of fish on the high seas, before reaching port.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 On 14 December 1999, while working in the freezer of the boat, the Plaintiff suffered thermal injuries (commonly known as frost bites) to all his fingers.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 According to the Plaintiff, no suitable equipment such as insulated or thermal glov es were provided by the Defendant during his work in the freezer.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 Subsequently, the Plaintiff was examined on 20 December 2003 at the hospital.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 Medical examination revealed the Plaintiff suffering from extensive frost bite injuries to all his fingers and on 27 December, the two phalanges on each of his eight fingers were amputated.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 The Plaintiff was 21 years old at the time of the accident.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 At the very least the loss of two phalanges of all eight fingers would place the Plaintiff at 64 percentage of incapacity. \par \par In March/April 2000, a Notice was filed under the Workmen\rquote s Compensation Act (Cap 94) with the Ministry of Labour.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 Since then, according to his supporting affidavit, the Plaintiff had not received any progress report from the Ministry.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 He added, that it was only in May 2003 that, upon the assistance of the Legal Aid Commission office, he sought the advise of his solicitors, who have now filed the present action. \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9861694 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid9861694 The Application of the Limitation Act (Cap 35) \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10840609 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 \par Section 4(1)(d)(I) of the Limitation Act (the Act) states that actions for damages for negligence nuisance}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 or breach of duty, including damages in respect of personal injuries shall not be brought after the expiration of three years from the date on which the cause of action accrued.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 Both parties agree that in this case, the cause of action accrued when the accident occurred on 14 December 1999, resulting in the Plaintiff\rquote s injuries.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 Equally the parties agree that the time of action by the Plaintiff ended on 14 December 2002.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 \par There exists nevertheless, situations where a Court may exercise its discretion in favour of the Plaintiff outside the legal time frame under s.4(1). \par \par The principles governing the exercise of the Court\rquote s discretion, if at all, in granting leave for the Plaintiff to bring an application after the expiration of three years, was examined in details, by the Fiji Court of Appeal in }{ \fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 Surya Deo Sharma}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid9861694 v. }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 Jovesa Sabolalev }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 & Or}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 . (1999) Vol. 45 FLR 204, and followed by Shameem J. in }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 Hasina Bibi}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid9861694 v. }{ \fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 Atish Narayan & Or}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 . CA 636 of 1998.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 The Court, after discussing the inter-relationship of the relevant provisions of the Act and specifically sections 16, 17, 19 and 20, held that before a Court can exercise its jurisdiction to grant leave, it must first be satisfied that the requirements of se ction 16(3) and as well as the three (3) elements required under section 17(3) are met. \par \par Section 16(1) and (3) the Act provide as follows: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri720\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid10840609 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 \'9316 - (1)}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{ \b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 The provision of subsection (1) of section 4 shall not afford any defence to an action to which this sectio n applies, insofar as the action relates to any cause of action in respect of which \endash \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri720\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin0\itap0\pararsid9861694 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid9861694 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (a)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li2160\ri720\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls9\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls9\adjustright\rin720\lin2160\itap0\pararsid10840609 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 the Court has, whether before or after the}{ \b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 commencement of the action, granted leave for the purpose of this action; and \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri720\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin0\itap0\pararsid9861694 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid9861694 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri720\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin1440\itap0\pararsid9861694 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 (b)}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{ \b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 \tab the requirements of subsection (3) are fulfilled. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri720\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin0\itap0\pararsid9861694 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid9861694 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri720\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid10840609 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 (2)}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{ \b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 \tab \'85. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri720\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin0\itap0\pararsid9861694 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid9861694 \par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri720\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin1440\itap0\pararsid9861694 \b\i\f170\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 { \f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 (3) \tab The requirements of this subsection shall be fulfilled in relation to a cause of action if it proved that the material facts relating to that cause of action were or included facts of a decisive character which were at all times outs ide the knowledge (actual or constructive)}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 of the Plaintiff until a date which \endash }{ \b0\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri720\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin0\itap0\pararsid10840609 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 \par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li2160\ri-7\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin-7\lin2160\itap0\pararsid9861694 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694 (a)}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 \tab either was after the end of the three-year period}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694 }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 relating to that cause of action or was not earlier}{ \b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694 }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 than twelve months before the end of that period;}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694 }{ \b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 and \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri720\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin0\itap0\pararsid9861694 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid9861694 \par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li2160\ri720\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin2160\itap0\pararsid9861694 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694 (b)}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 \tab in either case, was a date not earlier than twelve}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 months before the date on which the action was}{ \b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 brought.\'94}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri720\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin1440\itap0\pararsid9861694 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 (emphasis added) \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri720\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin0\itap0\pararsid10840609 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 Section 17 deals with the application for leave.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 Subsection (3) states: \par \par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri720\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin1440\itap0\pararsid9861694 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 \'93(3)\tab Where such an application is made after the commencement of a relevant action, the Court may grant leave in respect of any cause of action to which the application relates if, on evidence adduced by or on behalf of the Plaintiff, it appears to the Court that, if the like evidence were adduced in that action, that e vidence would, in the absence of any evidence to the contrary, be sufficient - \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri720\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin0\itap0\pararsid9861694 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid9861694 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (a)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li2160\ri720\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls16\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls16\adjustright\rin720\lin2160\itap0\pararsid10840609 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 to establish that cause of action, apart from any defence under subsection (1) of section 4; and \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri720\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin0\itap0\pararsid9861694 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid9861694 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (b)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li2160\ri720\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls16\pnrnot0\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls16\adjustright\rin720\lin2160\itap0\pararsid10840609 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 to fulfil the requirements of subsection (3) of section 16 in relation to that cause of action,}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri720\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin0\itap0\pararsid9861694 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid9861694 \par }\pard\plain \s18\ql \li1440\ri720\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin1440\itap0\pararsid10840609 \b\i\f170\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 and it also appears to the Court that, until after the commencement of that action, it was outside the knowledge (actual or constructive) of the Plaintiff that the matters constituting the cause of action has occurred on such a date as, a part from the last preceding section, to afford a defence under subsection (1) of section 4.\'94 \par }\pard \s18\ql \li0\ri720\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin0\itap0\pararsid9861694 {\b0\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid9861694 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10840609 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 What essentially section 16(3) says is that the Plaintiff must show that \endash \par \par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (i)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls17\pnrnot0\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls17\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid10840609 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 the material facts relating to the cause of action; including \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9861694 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 \par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (ii)\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls17\pnrnot0\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls17\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid10840609 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 facts of a decisive character,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9861694 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10840609 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 were outside his actual or constructive knowledge until after the three year period or not earlier than 12 months before it. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10840609 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 \par What constitutes }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 \'93material facts relating to a cause of action\'94 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 is defin}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694 e}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 d in section 19 of the Act and the meaning of }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 \'94 facts of a decisive character\'94 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 is detailed under section 20. \par \par For the Plaintiff to succeed he must show that he was not aware until after the 3 year period had expired, the full extent of his injuries and that such injuries was the direct result of neglig ence and/or breach of duty of the Defendant and that the negligence and breach of duty was actionable.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 But even if he was, the question then becomes whether the Plaintiff was afforded the opportunity to obtain advise of competent persons (defined under sec tion 22 of the Act) that would have given him, as a reasonable person, a chance to properly assess his prospect of success in the bringing of the action. \par \par In addition the Plaintiff\rquote s application has to meet the 3 requirements under section 17(3), namely th at evidence establishing the cause of action is established, that the requirements of section 16(3) have been fulfilled, and finally that when he commenced his action on 26 May 2003, he was not aware that his cause of action had accrued more than 3 years ago. \par \par The Plaintiff, in his affidavit, says that following the accident of 14 December 1999 and his subsequent hospitalisation resulting in the loss of his fingers, a Notice in accordance with section 14 of the Workmen\rquote s Compensation Act, was filed with the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Labour by the employer/defendant.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 The Notice was dated 13 April 2000.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 It was filed late.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 The requirement of section 14 is that the Notice be given not later than fourteen days after the accident.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 The consequence for failure to comply is set out at S.14(3), but more important, insofar as the limitation of time for application under the Act, is the provision of section 13(b) of the same. \par \par The Notice under section 14 of the Workmen\rquote s Compensation Act, does not necessarily impute knowledge to the Plaintiff that is essential for the purpose of section 17(3) of the Limitation Act.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 } {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 The report of the injury to the Chief Executive}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 is made by the employer, the Defendant in this case, not the Plaintiff.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 It cannot even be pres umed, given the education level and background of the Plaintiff, that he was deemed to have constructive knowledge of any cause of action, after he became aware of the filing of the Notice by his employer. \par \par The position is different somewhat upon the application by the Ministry of Labour on behalf of the Plaintiff for compensation.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 Civil Action No. 5 of 2001 instituted in the Magistrate\rquote s Court by the Ministry of Labour represented}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 the Plaintiff \rquote s application for compensation for injuries he sustained in the accident, the subject of the employer\rquote s Notice to the Chief Executive under section 14.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 In this instance, the Plaintiff would have been aware of the action being taken by the Ministry of Labour, including the Magistrate\rquote s Court proceedings, on his behalf.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 The specific details required to be filed into Court by the Ministry as set out in the First Schedule of the Act, could not have been done without the personal knowledge and participation of the Plaintiff.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 There can be little doubt that the Plaintiff had at this time of the filing of his Claim, the knowledge that the accident constituted a cause of action against the Defendant. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 Whether however, the Plaintiff was in a position to appreciate that there was a time limit set by law in which he was to prosecute his claim seems to this Court very doubtful indeed.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 He had understood only that the matter was in the hands of the Ministry of Labour.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 It could be said that he relied completely on the Ministry\rquote s officials advise and action.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 That his claim in the Magistrate\rquote s Court failed to proceed for non-availability of witnesses is not something within his competence or control.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 Regrettably the fact that the Plaintiff may not have known the existence of the law limiting time to prosecute, does not change the combined effects of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694 sections 16 and 17 of the Act.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 \par \par The Plaintiff\rquote s claim in Civil Action No. 5 of 2001, was struck out on 6}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 December 2001.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 However, according to the Plaintiff\rquote s evidence no information of the progress or otherwise of the case had been conveyed to him by the official of the Ministry.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 Certainly the Ministry of Labour should have informed him of the fate of the Magistrates \rquote Court action.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 At the very least, the Plaintiff should have had the opportunity to pursue other options that were then available to him. \par \par I share the concern raised by Shameem J in }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 Hasina Bibi}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid9861694 v. }{ \fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 Atish Narayan}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 (supra) on the unjust and seemingly harsh effects the provisions of sections 16(3) and 17(3) of the Limitation Act, have on the lives of ordinary citizens who are economically disadvantaged and/or are illiterate.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 Ready access to competent and appropriate advise means invariably, having the financial means to secure it.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 The Fiji Court of Appeal in }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 Surya Deo Sharma}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 case, has already pleaded with the authorities to make simple the }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 \'93convoluted\'94}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 provisions of sections 16 and 17.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 This together with the special circumstances referred to by Shameem J, and again patently obvious from the facts of this case, would go a long way to helping the disadvantaged and as well as giving justice to all. \par \par At the end the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694 Plaintiff finds himself in an }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 invidious position, of being denied the right to legitimately seek appropriate redress by a conspiracy of legal inexactness coupled with the Ministry of Labour\rquote s inadequacy.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 There however, still does not appear to be any reason why the Plaintiff should not pursue his Claim under the Workmen\rquote s Compensation Act to the Chief Executive of the Ministry of Labour, for reasons I have explained above. \par \par The application is dismissed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 I award costs of $200.00 to the Defendant.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9861694 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid9861694 F. Jitoko \par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid9861694 JUDGE}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609\charrsid9861694 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10840609 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9861694\charrsid10840609 At Suva \par 24 February, 2004}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10840609 \par }}