BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

CHIEF Justice Sir Albert Palmer has acknowledged the work of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force in their ongoing support to the courts and Judiciary in 2021.

Sir Albert said RSIPF worked long hours in difficult and trying circumstances with limited resources in the enforcement and maintenance of the rule of law.

“I thank the Commissioner of Police Mostyn Mangau and the ranks and file of the RSIPF for their ongoing support to the work of the courts and the Judiciary in 2021 and in striving to keep the peace and maintain law and order for the people of Solomon Islands. 

“They need the community support in their policing duties and responsibilities,” Sir Albert said.

Attorney General John Muria Jnr also shared similar sentiments in thanking the Royal Solomon Islands Police, for their continued hard work in their support to the delivery of Justice and to the Justice System.

Mr Muria also acknowledged the hardworking frontliners who selfishly worked tirelessly to ensure that community transmission of COVID-19 is contained.

“May God Bless you for your dedicated and committed service to your people of Solomon Islands. May God Bless your families as well as they support and stand by you as you discharge your duties,” Muria added.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

ATTORNEY General John Muria Jnr has called on the Bar Association to continue discharge their legal duties without fear no favour, despite the onset of COVID-19 Community transmission in the country.

Speaking at the opening of 2022 legal year, Mr Muria said when discharging their duty, they must ensure they protect themselves first before discharging their duties.

“You are required to put your mask on first before helping others.

“I also reiterate your Lordship’s call to have all Courts and Counsels involved in the development and implementation of electronic court system. This includes finalising protocols for e-filing, e-hearings etc.

“By using these technological tools, we will be able to minimise movements, limit interaction and in turn assist in the containment of COVID-19 community transmission”, Muria said.

He said the number of Government Legal Offices have been assisted by DFAT in the donation of video conferencing equipment.

“Now is the time to make full use of these gifts from the people and Government of Australia.

“However, to aid in its implementation, it is incumbent upon each Counsel both private and government, to familiarise themselves with the available virtual platforms so as to assist the Courts in implementing its e-courts policy.

He also highlighted that Iumi Tugeda Against COVID-19, and so the saying goes. The Government, in light of Community Transmission is once again re-directing its policy.

“This will be reflected in the 2022 Annual budget. There will be changes, we however, must learn to adapt,” he added

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE 2022 legal opened on Monday, with Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer thanking churches for continuing to uphold the work of the courts in their prayers and for the support and encouragement given to the judiciary.

“As we commence the opening of our legal year, let us pause to give thanks to God Almighty for his faithfulness and goodness in safely leading us through the tumultuous waters of 2021 to the safe harbours of 2022. 

“We have not travelled this way before and so it is important to commit our way to the Lord, for He is the Way, and ask him to lead us safely through the unchartered waters of 2022, to make the pathway of justice, plain and clear to follow, and to bring us safely through to complete this year successfully,” Sir Albert highlighted.

Sir Albert stressed that 2021 has not been an easy year in the delivery of justice and like other Government agencies, financial issues continue to be a pressing challenge in keeping up with the scheduled work plans and outputs for the year. 

The ongoing negative effects of Covid-19 continues to impact the capacity of the courts to sit timely and conduct hearings and sittings as scheduled, apart from maintaining basic registry and court services.

Sir Albert highlighted the challenges faced by the courts and also thank donor partners for their continuous support to the judiciary and courts.

“We are extremely grateful to the Australian government for its unwavering support through Australia’s Solomon Islands Justice Program. 

“After the court announced the cancellation of all remaining circuits and CLAC sittings for the year, Australia generously stepped in to offer financial support. 

“With an injection of an additional $460,000 the Court was able to deliver 13 sitting weeks of circuits in Seghe, Munda, Noro, Taro, Kulitanai, Buala, Kia, Malu’u, Atori, Afio, Tulagi, Yandina and Marau, and the November sittings of the Customary Land Appeal Court proceeded in Western, Malaita, Guadalcanal and Makira Provinces. 

“We express our sincere thanks and appreciation to the Australian government for this vital, timely and much-welcome support.

“Finally, as we put our shoulders to the wheel again this year, let us all strive together to keep the courts’ doors open for those seeking justice through the courts,” Sir Albert said.

“This is not going to be an easy year for us but with God’s grace, strength and blessings we will do our best to serve our people and make justice available within our means, Sir Albert said.

He also highlighted that due to the current health crisis, court doors will be managed strictly to ensure that the health and wellbeing of all is at the forefront, while continuing to deliver justice this year.  More and more hearings will seek to be done by remote means to ease the risk of the spread of the virus to others. 

“We ask for your patience, understanding and cooperation as we seek to strive together to deliver justice in the midst of a health crisis,” Sir Albert added.