A record Supreme Court ceremonial sitting was held today to welcome six new judges of the National and Supreme Court.
It was the first time that one sitting was held which saw six new judges welcomed.
A total of 38 judges of the National and Supreme Court, which includes eight expatriate judges, convened at Waigani for the ceremony to welcome the judges who were sworn in since their appointments last year.
President of the PNG Law Society on behalf of its 2000 plus members, Dr Vergil Narokobi welcomed the six on behalf of the practicing lawyers.
He said all as the number of judges increase, so too will public expectation in holding them accountable, reminding the bench that justice delayed is justice denied.
Minister for Justice and Attorney General, Davis Steven and Chief Justice, Sir Salamo Injia and other members of the bench also welcomed the new judges.
It was a proud moment for five local judges; Justice Thomas Anis, Justice Danajo Koeget, Justice Ravunama Auka, Justice Jim Wala Tamate, Justice Daniel Liosi and first African judge to the PNG bench, Justice Oagile Bethuel Key Dingake.
They were reminded of the journey they took to reach the pinnacle of their career in being appointed to the bench.
The new judges were given the opportunity to reply to the welcome addresses.
The new judges bring wealth of experience to the bench from Africa and also locally.
They acknowledged their previous employers, families and friends for their support.
Justice Tamate served most of his years in the Momase region, working in the office of the Public Prosecutor. He was Public Solicitor at the time of his appointment.
Justice Auka was a state prosecutor for over 33 years. He assisted members of the Tribunal with 18 matters.
Justice Anis spent 18 years working in the private sector, after he left the Ombudsman Commission, which was his first employer after Law school.