By JOE GURINA
THE numerical strength of Judges in the judiciary services has been increased after three Supreme and National Court Judges were officially sworn in at the Government House today.
Justice Jacinta Joan Murray has renewed her second term, Justice Paulius Dowa was made a substantive Judge for a 10 year term after serving as acting Judge for 12 months last year.
Justice Elizabeth Saulep was appointed acting Judge for 12 months.
Justice Les Gavera Nanua was appointed Chairman of the Salary Remuneration Committee apart from the swearing of Judges.
Justice Sir Gibbs Salika said in a media conference, the judiciary needed more Judges to deal with cases in the country.
He said the appointment of Justice Dowa has the sealing of Judges to 45 including the Chief Justice and the Deputy Chief Justice.
Justice Sir Gibbs said the Judicial and Legal Service Commission in October last year considered a submission from the judiciary for increase of the Judges from the current sealing to 60.
He said the submission has to seek cabinet for endorsement through Justice Minister to present before the cabinet for approval.
However, Justice Salika said the plan to have 60 judges will not be appointed at once.
“Incrementally, we will appoint Judges depending on the work load and depending on the demand right through-out the country.
“We might move the increase of the Judges from 45 at current to another extra two or three, so there are sufficient Judges to deal with cases in the country,’’ he said.
