THE Supreme Court has returned to New Ireland after 30 years, with Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika officially marking the historic occasion in Kavieng today ahead of a week-long sitting of the country’s highest court.
The milestone was marked by a ceremonial parade involving judicial staff, police and Correctional Services personnel, followed by the unveiling of a commemorative plaque to mark the establishment of the Supreme Court sitting in the province.
Parts of Kavieng town were temporarily closed to traffic as the procession made its way to the court venue, where New Ireland Governor Byron Chan welcomed Sir Gibbs and a high-level judicial delegation.
Governor Chan said the return of Supreme Court proceedings was a significant development for New Ireland and an important step in bringing higher judicial services closer to the people.
“The New Ireland Provincial Government warmly welcomes the Chief Justice and the entire judicial delegation to our province. The return of the Supreme Court to Kavieng after 30 years is a historic milestone for our people and for the administration of justice in New Ireland.
“The rule of law is one of the fundamental pillars on which our nation was built. Having the highest court sit in our province strengthens access to justice and demonstrates the importance of ensuring that judicial services reach people beyond the major centres.”
The last Supreme Court circuit sitting in Kavieng was held in 1996, making the tomorrow’s sitting a significant return for the province’s justice system.
Chief Justice Sir Gibbs said the first sitting would begin the following day, with a five-member bench scheduled to hear cases over one week.
He also indicated that the Supreme Court was expected to return to Kavieng for monthly sittings, with additional sittings possible depending on the number of cases requiring hearings.
“Bringing the Supreme Court to New Ireland provides an opportunity for matters to be heard closer to the people and communities concerned. We intend to conduct regular sittings in Kavieng, with the frequency of additional sittings determined by the number of cases requiring the Court’s attention,” Chief Justice Sir Gibbs said.
The five-member bench will be led by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Penuel Mogish, a senior member of Papua New Guinea’s judiciary who is also from New Ireland.
The return of the higher court is expected to ease some of the logistical and financial pressures faced by Correctional Services, which has previously transported prisoners from New Ireland to Kokopo in East New Britain for court hearings.
Governor Chan said the provincial government recognised the importance of cooperation among the judiciary, police, Correctional Services and provincial authorities in ensuring the effective administration of justice.
“This occasion is not only about the return of a court sitting. It is also about strengthening the institutions that uphold
justice, protect the rights of our people and maintain public confidence in the legal system,” he said.
The ceremonial proceedings brought together senior members of the judiciary and law enforcement agencies to formally mark the return of Supreme Court services to New Ireland.
With the inaugural sitting set to run for a week and regular sittings planned, the occasion marks a new chapter in the delivery of higher judicial services in the province.