BY ROMINAH FAKA

High Court have welcomed Justice Augustine Sylver Aulanga and the Justice Michael Collin Pitakaka as Puisne judges.

Speaking in the welcoming ceremony on Friday last week, Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer thanked them sincerely for accepting the offer of appointment “not only to further their career development in the high office of a judge, but also as contribution and service to this beloved country”.

Palmer in his remarks said the number of cases annually filed is between 500-600 and so the need for more judges is an ongoing concern.

“So, with the addition of these two new judges, the capacity and responsiveness will be enhanced,” he said.
“Remember the role of a judge is not merely to interpret the law but to uphold the very principles of justice and fairness. Your decisions will have a profound impact on the lives of individuals and the integrity of our legal system. So, approach each case with open mind and a deep sense of responsibility.

“Embrace the importance of empathy in your deliberations. Understand the human stories behind the cases as it will guide you towards decisions that reflect not only the letter of the law but also its spirit. Justice must be accessible and compassionate, and tempered with mercy.

“Always remain committed to continuous learning. Law is ever-evolving and staying abreast of new development, both in legislation and societal values will enhance the ability to render informed judgments. Engage with your colleagues, participate in seminars, and seek mentorship, never underestimate the value of collaboration and shared wisdom. Be assured that your brother judges and sister judge are always available to provide a helpful advice or guidance in decision making and judgment, or in any other issue that you have be confronted with,” Palmer said.

Palmer urged the two new judges to maintain integrity and independence in all their dealings.

“The judiciary is the cornerstone of our democracy, and your role is crucial in safeguarding its principles. Let your judgment be guided by the law and your conscience, free from external pressures or influences. Always remember to maintain your objectivity and impartiality in the hearing process and decisions that you two make.

“We look forward to working closely with you two as you contribute towards developing the jurisprudence of a small emerging nation, striving to preserve peace and stability, and to help build a fairer and just society for the people of Solomon Islands.”

BY NED GAGAHE

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has called on the Office of the Attorney General to embrace innovation to address the challenges posed by modern technology and climate change.

He made the call at the opening of the Inaugural Attorney- General’s Conference of Parties 2024 at Mendana Hotel, yesterday.

The event is the first of its kind to be hosted by the Attorney General Chambers from 16 – 18 September 2024.

Prime Minister Manele also pointed out that embracing new technologies and approaches will strengthen the Office’s ability to respond to the dynamic landscape of legal and environmental challenges.

The Prime Minister stated that the Attorney General’s Chambers is essential in advising the government on legal strategies for managing environmental risks, including the development of environmental protection laws and participation in international agreements to meet our global obligations.

He stated that the rise of the digital age has brought about new legal challenges, particularly in areas like cybersecurity and data protection.

Manele said the Attorney- General’s Chambers must navigate these issues to ensure that our laws protect against cyber threats while promoting digital innovation.

He reminded the Attorney General’s duties as the guardianship of the Constitution and rule of law.

“It is the Attorney General’s responsibility to ensure that the government’s actions comply with constitutional principles and that citizens’ fundamental rights are protected,” Manele stated

“The Chambers also ensures that legal services are delivered efficiently across the public sector, working with Government Ministries and Provincial Governments to improve governance and public administration.

“As the nation continues to grow, the role of the Attorney General remains vital in shaping our legal landscape.

Prime Minister Manele stated the conference reflects the Chamber’s commitment to fostering dialogue, building partnerships, and creating a more just and equitable legal system.

The Inaugural Attorney- General’s Conference of Parties 2024 is a three days conference of legal stakeholders and partners, amongst other important deliveries, the desired outcome is to ensure legal services are delivered effectively for the good of our citizens.

The primary objective of the conference is to deepen participants understanding of the crucial role the Attorney- General Chambers plays in government.

It also encourages dialogue and coordination between the Chambers and other government bodies, improving the effectiveness of public service delivery.

Another objective is to explore how the Attorney- General’s Chambers can adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of modern governance.

Prime Minister Manele wrapped up by stating, “Let this conference be a foundation for enacting policies and reforms that will enhance our institutions, support our people, and uphold the rule of law across our esteemed nation.”

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

The Solomon Islands Chinese Women Association hosted the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival fair at Chung Wah School on Sunday, Sept 15^th.

Attendees of the program included Minister for Education Tozen Leokana, Minister of Culture and Tourism Choylin Yim Douglas, Charge d’Affaires of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Embassy in Honiara, Mr. Ding Yonghua, and other officials from the PRC Embassy.

Also present were chairperson and members of the Chung Wah School Board, the school’s principal, teachers, students and their parents.

In his speech, the education minister, Leokana said the festival is much-cherished by the Chinese around the world.

“Traditionally, it is a time where farmers celebrate the abundance of the summer’s harvest, and where families gather to admire the moon”,

The minister said he is delighted to join the Chinese community in Honiara to celebrate the fair.

“I am also heartened that many Solomon Islanders, indigenous and naturalised Solomon Islanders including teachers and students of Chung Wah and their parents and friends have come in numbers to celebrate the festival as a time for family reunions”

Leokana said he was told that in the Chinese culture, the festival is attended by young and old generations who come together on balmy nights to savor both traditional and the latest mooncake creations.

Mr Ding Yonghua, the Charge d’Affaires of the Peoples Republic of China Embassy also delivered his remarks at the occasion.

He expressed that the Chinese in Solomon Islands celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival in which they yearn for reunion and harmony for their families and their country.

“Let us celebrate together, appreciate the profound heritage of Chinese culture feel the warmth of home and express our deep love for our motherland”.

The program also included performances from the students.

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

It is important that organizations like the Chinese Association and the PRC Embassy continue to promote traditional values that emphasize family ties during this Mid-Autumn Festival fair. These efforts help to forge and strengthen our society as we move forward together.

The remark was made by Minister for Education,Tozen Leokana at the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival Fair at Chung Wah School on Sunday, Sept 15^th.

Leokana highlighted the essence of family ties as one of the things that can be learnt from the Mid-Autumn Festival fair.

“In my perspective, we need to acknowledge and learn about the traditional values that emphasize family ties. Because by doing this, our efforts will contribute toward strengthening the fabrics of our society and country as we move forward together,”

The minister pointed out that there are important lessons that can be learnt from the fair.

He said by observing the fair where people and families come together we can maintain our social structure where family members continue to support one another as we are perceived to be doing.

“We need to learn from the essence of the fair in order to teach family faithfulness in our young generation, boys and girls who are not only learning their respective traditional values, but also who are exposed to different cultures including cultural norms and influences that create cultures of the youth that our old generation despise”,

Leokana expressed that the young generation of the country can also learn from the Chinese cultural values such as those associated with the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival Fair.

“One of the key reasons for celebrating the fair is to showcase the support for one another in the community. For example, Chinese families support each other in their lives that is children supporting their parents emotionally and financially in old age”,

He added that the fair also reinforces family relationships in terms of how time is spent in which time is allocated for family, unity and reflection.

“Moreover, the Fair reinforces family relationships in terms of a time for family, unity, and reflection. As you will sense during the event, as you mingle with people this evening, the enduring appeal of this festival lies in its ability to connect people with their cultural perspective and heritage while also adapting to contemporary life here in Honiara and abroad”.

The program was attended by Minister for Culture and Tourism, Choylin Yim Douglas, Mr Ding Yonghua, the Charge d’Affaires of the Peoples Republic of China Embassy in Honiara, officials from the PRC Embassy as well as representatives, teachers, and parents of students of Chungu Wah School.