The effervescent Shaista Shameem is a force to be reckoned with.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Fiji and Dean of Justice Devendra Pathik School of Law, describes herself as an open book.
“What you see is what you get,” Professor Shameem said.
“I say what I mean, and think what I say.”
A lawyer by profession, she was the former director of the Fiji Human Rights Commission, a post she held from 2007 to 2009.
A graduate of the University of the South Pacific, she holds a doctorate in sociology from the University of Waikato, and a Masters in Law from the University of Auckland.
She also holds a Doctorate in Juridical Science.
Professor Shameem was involved in the constitutional case of Chandrika Prasad v the State which reinstated the 1997 Constitution following the coup d’état of 2000 led by George Speight.
Where in Fiji would you take friends?
Levuka.
It is an interesting and beautiful vintage town with the friendliest people.
But it is in need of tender loving care.
It is where my father first worked when he initially arrived in Fiji in the 1930s, from Lahore, as a young man for a new life.
The Old Capital of Levuka on Ovalau.
What is your favourite spot for a coffee or pie?
BemaCino, the University of Fiji Enlightenment CoffeeHouse.
It has the best Planet coffee lovingly ground by Adrien at Korotogo Planet Cafe.
What is your favourite backyard spot?
Garden of Eden, Saweni.
It is peaceful and idyllic.
Just like the real thing.
What is one place in Fiji on your bucket list?
Labasa.
I have never been there, and everyone from Labasa tells me I am missing out.
Labasa Town, Vanua Levu.
Feedback: frederica.elbourne@fijisun.com.fj