THE 2021 Legal Year has been officially opened yesterday in a ceremonial sitting at the High Court.
In his remarks on Tuesday, Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer said 2020 has been particularly difficult for the judiciary.
He said this was compounded by the devastating effects of the coronavirus pandemic and its impacts on the national economy and the ability of the country to respond.
“The judiciary has not been exempted and much of our projected activities and operations to have had to be curtailed or scaled-down,” Sir Albert said.
Yesterdays’ event was not the same as the previous ones as it excluded the inspection of a Guard of Honour by the Chief Justice normally mounted by the Royal Solomon Police Force (RSIPF).
Sir Albert explained that legal year opening is a century-old event with historical significance when each year the “doors of justice” are re-opened to mark the start of a new year.
“In Solomon Islands, this is normally preceded with an inspection of a Guard of Honour by the Chief Justice provided by members of the RSIPF, followed by a ceremonial sitting to mark the opening of the legal year.
“As you will have noted, there is a difference and for the first time since I have been on the bench, we have decided to forgo the Guard of Honour and the usual reception after the sitting.” Sir Albert added.
He further added that the numbers attending in the Courtroom have also been reduced and social distancing imposed to comply with health guidelines that have been provided under the State of Public Emergency.
“This is the new normal that we have had to adjust to since last year.
“I hope things will improve and this will not continue for much longer after March 2021, when the State of Public Emergency ends.”
The event was attended by few legal practitioners, Attorney General (AG), representatives from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), members of the diplomatic missions, constitutional office holders and magistrates, judges.
By ASSUMPTA BONGIDANI
Newsroom, Honiara
