Magistrates

He made this statement during the 2023 Legal Year Opening at the Marimari Lutheran Church in Port Moresby this morning.

Justice Gavara Nanu who stepped in to deliver Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika’s speech who was absent reiterated the importance of applying their oath as a guide.  

“In the application of the law, we must do so with honesty and dignity.

“When we lose focus on upholding the rule of law then we will find ourselves in a society where there is break down of rule of law and bribery and corruption will prosper.

The service began with the a march from the Boreboa Primary school gates at North Waigani, down to the PNG Bible Church, just before Morata.

Judges, Magistrates, lawyers and staff of the National Judiciary and Magisterial services took time off this morning to open the year 2019 with a dedication service led by Rev. Moresby Tunge.

But before that, an inspection of the guards was done by Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika. This is also his first as the head of the judiciary.

In delivering his keynote address, he stressed on discipline and having strong work ethics.

The two-day workshop will address short comings in the way the lower judiciary carries out its duty in terms of enforcing human rights.

Speaking at the opening, Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia says the workshop will enable those in enforcement agencies, like the courts, equip themselves with special skills so they perform to the best standard in enforcing human rights.

Payments for service, independent appointment of village court officials and designated areas to carry out court functions are three areas that need improvement in the village court level.

Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia outlined these areas of concerns during his recent visit to Bereina in Central Province, saying they are areas that the government must look into as areas of concerns.

This is because the village courts hear 80 percent of disputes at the village level before it goes to the district courts or the higher courts.