The National Court sitting for Central Province has commenced at Kwikila national courthouse.
A parade by members of the Royal PNG Constabulary and the Correctional Service was held this morning to mark the commencement of the legal year opening for the province.
A dedication service was also held to commit the legal year to God.
Central Province administrative judge Panuel Mogish encouraged all in the province to work together to dispense justice in the rural areas and to make Central a model province in the delivery of justice.
He said working in partnership is the way forward.
In 2010, the Central National Court had 150 cases pending and to date, that figure has drastically decreased to only nine outstanding matters, which will be dealt with over the next two weeks.
But Justice Mogish said despite the figure decreasing, Police must still perform to bring in those accusers wanted on bench warrants.
He said the lack of resources remains the Criminal Investigation Department’s biggest challenge.
"The CID must have their own vehicle to go out and execute bench warrants," the judge said.
He also appealed to those on bench warrants to turn up at court and see him.
(Justice Mogish inspecting the parade today at the Kwikila courthouse, Central Province)