Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Director General James Movick thanked the judges from various pacific countries attending the FFA Judicial Conference in Honiara on Monday, assuring their participation will help to develop suitable legislation for sustainable ocean governance.
He thanked the Solomon Islands Government and the country’s Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer for his acceptance to chair the meetings.
He also thanked all the distinguished judges and representatives from across the region for making time for this conference, adding that despite their tight schedule they were able to attend to the conference, which is indeed a pleasure for him to see this commitment and interest from the Judiciary of our FFA members.
“Honourable Judges, we Pacific Islanders have been blessed with stewardship of resources within vast ocean jurisdiction. With that privilege come the responsibilities of ensuring the sustainable conservation and management, as well as protection of such resources. FFA was set up for this exact purpose to assist our members with fulfilling this responsibility,” he asserted.
The FFA boss said the timing of the conference is propitious, as illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing continues to be an ongoing challenge in our region, which undermines all conservation and management efforts and robs our people of important revenue.
“Honourable Chair and Honourable Judges, we fully recognise your lead role in interpreting the law and administering justice according to the law. As we improve on our current technologies and develop new technologies we need to be sure that our legal frameworks to utilize those technologies are update and sound.
“We welcome your discussion from your own expert perspectives on such technologies. Your comments, insights and question will assist us to help our members to develop suitable national legislature and regulations that underpin the successful application of these new tools to successful protection of our sovereign rights and laws,” FFA General Director remarked.
“Wish you a very enjoyable and fruitful meeting,” he finally stated.
The three days meeting ends today.
By AATAI JOHN
