THE country’s legal fraternity yesterday celebrated the opening of the 2025 Legal year at the High Court premises after having had an ‘eventful’ 2024 Legal Year.
The event started off with the mounting of a Guard of Honour by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) in front of the High Court. The Guard of Honour was as usual inspected by the Chief Justice, Sir Albert Palmer in the accompaniment of the RSIPF Commissioner Mostyn Mangau.
In his address, Sir Albert expressed heartfelt gratitude to God for His unwavering love and mercy as he and members of legal fraternity took time to reflect on an eventful 2024 Legal Year.
“We step into 2025 filled with hope, excitement and the promise of new opportunities and challenges.
“As we begin our journey through this New Year, let us look to Him for wisdom and insight, guiding us in our noble duties to uphold the rule of law and deliver justice for all.
“Every New Year, it is essential to dedicate ourselves to God and commit our paths to Him, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.”
“Let us entrust our endeavours to Him, seeking His guidance as we navigate the uncharted waters of 2025, steadfastly striving to make the pathway of justice clear and accessible to everyone, knowing that we have not passed this way before, but that with Him at the helm of our Justice Boat, we will land safely at the close of the year to celebrate His wonderful goodness and provisions,” Sir Albert said.
Sir Albert also thanked the Commissioner of Police Mostyn Mangau and all the RSIPF Executive Members and members of the disciplined force for their dedication to uphold the rule of law and maintain peace in the country throughout 2024.
“Their commitment, often in the face of challenging circumstances and limited resources, is crucial and they greatly benefit from the community’s support in their noble responsibilities.
“I thank Mr Mangau for granting me the privilege of inspecting a Guard of Honour this morning and wish the ranks and file of the RSIPF all the best in their untiring policing duties throughout the country and in upholding the rule of law, peace and stability,” he said.
The Chief Justice also thanked the Attorney General John Muria Jr and the incoming President of the Solomon Islands Bar Association (SIBA), Peter Teddy.
He also thanked the outgoing SIBA President Lazarus Kwaiga and his executive members for their unwavering support and for the advice they provided during their tenure in office and wished them well as they continue with their normal duties in pursuing the course of justice.
Sir Albert also expressed gratitude to donor partners, particularly the Government and People of Australia through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), for their ongoing support of the national judiciary.
He also thanked the New Zealand Government for its continued support in funding an expatriate Judicial Officer Justice Howard Lawry, who has been significantly aided the Solomon Islands High Court in managing both criminals and civil cases last year and who will continue in this role until the middle of this year.
Sir Albert also thanked all judges, magistrates, court staff and the entire judiciary team for their tireless effort and sacrifices behind the scene.
He also took the opportunity to congratulate the Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs (MJLA), Clezy Rore for his reappointment to the role.
The Chief Justice also thanked the Permanent Secretary of MJLA, George Hoa’au for his inclusive leadership and steadfast commitment to ensure their voices are both heard and valued.
“With his extensive knowledge and experience, spanning both regional and international spheres, he has been a true champion for the national judiciary.
“We deeply appreciate his dedication and look forward to collaborating with him to breathe new life into significant Justice Sector projects that have remained stagnant for over a decade,” Sir Albert said.
“As we embark on a new legal term, it’s essential to acknowledge the critical role that those of us serving in the Judiciary, the legal sector and the profession will play in shaping the future of our nation.
“As we face the challenges of this year, let us remain focused on upholding justice and the rule of law.
“I urge everyone to join forces in our pursuit of justice, using the courts as a platform for seeking redress. Through faith and perseverance, we will strive to make justice accessible to all, guided by the principles of equality, fairness, and compassion,” he added.
The event was attended by the Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Jimson Tanagada, Archbishop of the Church of Melanesia, the Most Reverend Leonard Dawea, Lord Mayor of Honiara City Eddie Siapu, Director of Public Prosecutions, Andrew Kelesi, Chairman of Law Reform Commission, Philip Kanairara, Registrar General Rodney Manebosa, Chairman of the Leadership Code Commission, Steven Belakame, Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mactus Forau and Secretary to Cabinet, Neqo Sisiolo.
By AGNES MENANOPO
Solomon Star, Honiara
