Late Justice Catherine Davani was a role model, says NCD Governor Powes Parkop.
He made this comment after hearing of the passing of the judge last Friday.
The country’s first female judge passed away in Australia while seeking medical treatment.
“So sad to hear this news (because) the late Judge and her family had contributed immensely to our country. In law, in academia, in sports, especially football and in a lot of community activities,” Parkop said.
“She was an outstanding lawyer, a resolute and very fair judge and also a great footballer representing PNG in women’s soccer.”
The body of the late Justice Davani is yet to be repatriated into the country.
Justice Davani was the first female Papua New Guinean judge appointed to the bench in 2001.
Sir Salamo Injia, on behalf of the Judiciary, offered their condolence to her honour’s husband, John Davani, her children, relatives and friends, in a statement yesterday.
Born in Wau, Morobe Province, on June 3, 1960, the late judge was from Dorom village, Rigo district, and Goilala district, in the Central Province.
She is survived by her husband, John Arthur Davani, who is from Northern Province, and four sons.
She practiced as a lawyer since Nov 1984. She started her career with the Public Solicitors office from Nov 1984 to Jan 1987, before she went on a study break in Sydney, Australia, for two years.
From Jan 1989-July 1990, she worked with Namaliu and Co. Lawyers before she joined Gadens Ridgeway Lawyers in Jan 1991.
She made senior associate in Shepherds Lawyers in March 1994 before moving on to Blake Dawson Lawyers in Feb 2000, also as a senior associate.
(The Late Justice Catherine Davani)