New Ireland Governor Byron Chan hosted Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika and a high-level judicial delegation to dinner in Kavieng ahead of the return of Supreme Court sittings to the province after 30 years.
The dinner, hosted by the New Ireland Provincial Government at Malagan Lodge, on Sunday night brought together senior members of Papua New Guinea’s judiciary, court officials and correctional services personnel ahead of the week-long Supreme Court proceedings.
Sir Gibbs arrived in Kavieng with his wife, Lady Rose Salika, and was received by Governor Chan at the venue.
The delegation includes judges from the National and Supreme Courts, Acting Deputy Chief Justice Penuel Mogish and Correctional Services Commissioner Noel Sarei, along with other judicial and correctional services officials.
The Supreme Court sitting marks a significant milestone for New Ireland, with the last circuit sitting in Kavieng held in 1996.
Governor Chan welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for the judiciary’s presence in the province, describing the return of Supreme Court proceedings as an important occasion for New Ireland’s justice system.
Governor Chan said, “The sitting brings the country’s highest court to the province, providing an opportunity for matters before the court to be heard in Kavieng rather than requiring all participants to travel elsewhere.”
The Governor said his administration is ready to work with the judiciary team.
Chief Justice Sir Gibbs commended the New Ireland Provincial Government and the people of the province for maintaining safe communities, noting the low level of reports of major crimes.
“The return of the Supreme Court to New Ireland after three decades is an important development for the province,” he said.
Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mogish, who is a New Irelander himself, will lead the five-member Supreme Court bench during the Kavieng sitting.
Mogish is recognised as one of the senior members of Papua New Guinea’s judiciary, ranking among the three most senior judges in the National and Supreme Courts.
He also highlighted Sir Gibbs’ long service on the Bench, with international recognition as the longest-serving judge in the Commonwealth of Nations.
“The week-long sitting starts tomorrow after an official opening ceremony today,” Justice Mogish said.
Meanwhile, Monday’s event starts with a parade of police and correctional services personnel through to the court house.
The sitting this week is expected to bring judicial proceedings and senior members of the national justice system to Kavieng, marking the return of Supreme Court business to New Ireland after a 30-year absence.