Though the number of magistrates has increased, the issue of office and court room space is a problem that needs to be seriously addressed.
Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer made a call requesting the government to assist them to build a new court complex for the Central Magistrates’ Court in Honiara.
The call was made last week during the swearing in of the five new magistrates in the High Court.
“The issue of office and court room space and availability will need to be addressed seriously in the interim period.
“I wish to take this opportunity to reiterate my call and the need for a new court complex for the Central Magistrates’ Court in Honiara and request the government to assist us have those essential
infrastructures put in place quickly.
“This is the time to plan and build now and not later.
“We must continue to be vigilant and to be proactive in what we seek to do and provide for our people in the delivery of judicial services,” Sir Albert said.
Chief Magistrate Emmanuel Kouhota also supports the Chief Justice’s call for a new Magistrates’ Court complex.
He said, while he is happy with the increased number of magistrates, the problem they will be facing at the Honiara Magistrates’ Court is court room spaces.
He said, there are not enough court rooms to cater for all magistrates to sit and hear cases.
The Central Magistrates’ court in Honiara has only three court rooms.
With the new intake of five new magistrates, the total number of magistrates in Honiara is six including the Chief Magistrate and Deputy Chief Magistrate.
The total number of magistrates in the country which includes magistrates in the provinces is now 12.
Sir Albert said, they will advertise for three more positions, two second class magistrates and one first class magistrate in due course to bring the number up to the total ceiling of 15 under the current structure.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
