Legal fraternity opens year with service

Members of the legal fraternity, law enforcement agencies and disciplinary forces in Port Moresby and Lae today opened the year with a dedication service.

Like any other sector, the agencies gathered to acknowledge the creator through a commissioning service this morning.

Those in Lae gathered at the St Mary’s Cathedral in Top Town while the dedication service for those in NCD was held at the CRC Bethel Tabernacle of Praise at Waigani.

Traffic came to a standstill this morning along the Koura way as members of the legal fraternity, led by the combined disciplinary forces, marched into the church for the service.

Last year those who gathered at the Legal Opening were challenged to deliver the 2017 National General Elections on time in a free and fair manner.

This year, Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia challenged all those from the law enforcement agencies to apply the rule of law to international standards as the country prepares to host visitors for the APEC meet in November.   

He also called on those from the disciplinary force to ensure the APEC meeting is delivered on time.

“You will be called on as members of the disciplinary force to ensure the environment is safe for visiting countries.

“The best of the world is coming in a few months’ time, they will pass judgment on Papua New Guinea, beginning with the rule of law.

“You and I are the front-liners to deliver that mission to ensure that Papua New Guinea applied that rule of law to international standards.”

Sir Salamo also encouraged lawyers to deliver on time as expected and meet expectations by setting personal goals during the year.

“You must get the job done,” he added before they proceeded with the dedication service at Bethel Tabernacle of Praise hall.

Author: 
Sally Pokiton