THE Solomon Islands Law Reform Commission (SILRC) on Wednesday took delivery of eight brand-new computers to aid its crucial work in reviewing the country’s laws and making reform recommendations to the national government for consideration.
The computers were handed over to the Law Reform Commission Chairman Philip Kanairara by the Australian High Commission’s Counsellor for Governance and Stability, Ms Nicole Smith in Office of the Law Reform Commission at the Kalala House in Honiara.
The computers were donated by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through its A2J (Access to Justice) Program partnership, which continues to provide essential support to Solomon Islands Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs (MJLA).
MJLA Permanent Secretary George Hoa’au and officials from the Law Reform Commission were all present at the brief handing over ceremony.
In his remarks, SILRC Chairman Mr Kanairara said, “On behalf of the Commission, I would like to thank the Government and People of Australia for this support and the A2J (Access to Justice) program for hearing our request and responding to it positively.
“This morning, we are witnessing the positive outcome of that request under the partnership that we have and so we thank you so much on behalf of the Law Reform Commission.
“Our desire to have computers are fulfilled with the provision of this assistance. The last time we had computers in our office was in 2018. Due to funding unavailability, we had no computers and have been using our own computers to do our work.
“So last year, when we had a workshop at the Heritage Park Hotel, we were asked about what we need and we thought it was time that we tell them of our problem of lack of computers.
“So, we thank very much for hearing our request.”
Turning to his staff, Mr Kanairara said, “Please make good and maximum use of these computers to carry out our duties efficiently.
“Our work involves research, consultation with members and then we use those consultation papers to raise awareness about the laws that are under review and at the same time, we get feedbacks from the communities or the audiences that participate in our meetings.
“After that we come back to the office and work on law reform reports that we give to the government for consideration.”
Permanent Secretary Hoa’au, in his remarks, hailed the A2J partnership for providing these necessary tools to aid the important work of SILRC.
He also hailed the SILRC staff as highly trained and capable officials who are committed to carrying out their responsibilities, adding that the donated tools will greatly enhance their work output.
Ms Smith, in turn, thanked Mr Kanairara and Mr Hoa’au for their kind sentiments.
She said the partnership that the Australia has with MJLA is enduring and one through which the Australian Government provides crucial support to Solomon Islands Law and Justice Sector.
Ms Smith acknowledged, “that a strong justice system underpins Solomon Islands’ stability and development, this is why Australia is proud to be Solomon Islands number one partner in the justice sector.
She also acknowledged the essential role that SILRC plays in the justice system.
“We are particularly pleased that this equipment will help SILRC continue its important work, ensuring that laws are accessible to all, and that they are in keeping with the changing needs of the Solomon Islands people.
“We are here to provide assistance in addressing the priorities in this sector and you are the experts in your field. But we can listen, learn and hear your priorities,” Ms Smith said.
By DELI-SHARON OSO
Solomon Star, Honiara
