THE High Court has officially welcomed two new judges and admitted fifteen new lawyers in a ceremonial sitting last Friday.
The two new Judges are Augustine Aulanga and Michael Pitakaka who were already sworn in as judges early this year.
Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer, in his remarks to welcome the two new judges, said their appointment not only reflects their exceptional qualification and commitment to justice but also marks a significant milestone in our judicial system.
“Our High Court stands as the pillar of justice, upholding the rule of law, and safeguarding the rights and liberties of our people,” Sir Albert said.
“The appointment of these esteemed judges reinforces their commitment to maintaining the highest standards of justice and integrity within our legal system,” he added.
“As we extend our warmest congratulations and heartfelt welcome to our new judges, let us also take a moment to reflect on the pivotal role they will play in shaping the future of our judiciary.
“Their dedication to upholding justice and their commitment to the rule of law will inspire confidence and trust within our community.
“I am sure they will also provide much needed support and assistance to the other judges of this court and help ease the burden in the hearing and disposal of civil and criminal cases,” he further added.
Sir Albert said they look forward to the positive impact the two judges will undoubtedly make in their new roles.
Judge Aulanga hails from Feranagono Village in East Fataleka, Malaita Province.
He started his education at Ambe Primary School in East Fataleka and did his secondary education at Siota Secondary School in Central Province and King George Sixth School in Honiara.
He then undertook his four-year law studies at the University of Papua New Guinea in 2004, graduating in 2008 with honors.
He returned and worked six years as a Crown Prosecutor at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) before taking up the post of Principal Magistrate at the Central Magistrate Court in Honiara.
Sir Albert said Judge Aulanga obtained his Master of Laws degree in Dispute Resolution from the University of New South Wales in Australia in 2020 under a prestigious DFAT Scholarship.
“This qualification will place him in a better position to take up Alternative Dispute Resolutions by Mediation when that is eventually rolled out,” Sir Albert said.
He said recently, Judge Aulanga was certified as a provisionally accredited Mediator by the National Mediator Accreditation System (NMAS) standard convened by the ADR Committee of the Supreme and National Courts of Papua New Guinea under the esteemed program of the Pacific Centre for Judicial Excellence in PNG.
“As a Magistrate with the jurisdiction of a Principal Magistrate, he presided over a variety of matters ranging from criminal, civil, domestic violence and coronial enquiries, including sitting as a Clerk in the hearing of the Customary Land Appeal Court.
“From about 2020, he oversaw the Juvenile and Civil Court matters.
“In November 2023, he was appointed as a Commissioner of the High Court for six months before his appointment thereafter as a Puisne Judge.
“He comes to the High Court Bench with a solid background experience in civil and criminal matters and it is indeed a privilege and honor to have him to serve and contribute to the delivery of justice services of the Court,” Sir Albert said.
Judge Pitakaka is from Alugapa Village in Luti, South Choiseul.
He started his education at the South Sea’s Evangelical Church (SSEC) Central Church Kindergarten School. For his Primary Education, he did Grades 1 to 5 at Saint John Primary School in Honiara, Grade 6 at Ringgi Cove Primary School in the Western Province. He did his Secondary Education at King George VI School in Honiara.
Sir Albert said prior to pursuing his studies in law, Judge Pitakaka started off as a Forestry Trainee (Apprentice) at the Kolombangara Forest Products Limited (KFPL) Company in the Western Province and reached the position of a Forestry Assistant Supervisor at the Development and Silviculture Division in Ringi Cove.
From 1993 – 1995, Judge Pitakaka commenced his studies with the University of South Pacific on extension basis, therefore attending Law School at Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.
Sir Albert said after completing his law studies in 1999, Judge Pitakaka commenced work with Pacific Lawyers as an Articled Clerk and in 2002, he was admitted to the Bar of the High Court of Solomon Islands as a Legal Practitioner.
From 2002 to 2007, he worked with the Pacific Lawyers before taking up a Senior Legal Research Officer position, with the Solomon Islands Law Reform Commission from 2007 to 2009.
“Since then, he has been in sole private practice as Michael Pitakaka Law Chamber, until his appointment to the Bench as a Puisne Judge.
“He practiced extensively in both civil and criminal litigation both in the High Court and Court of Appeal, the Magistrate’s Court and other statutory tribunals.
“He also worked in partnership with Senior Counsel and King Counsel from overseas on major commercial litigation in the superior courts and brings with him wealth of Knowledge and experience to the Bench which will be of great benefit to his work as a judge,” Sir Albert said.
Meanwhile, the 15 lawyers who were admitted to practice and took their oaths last Friday are: Sabrina Habu, Harry Virivolomo, Charles Basi Anina, Eddie Gaza, Daniel Ngaguone Onorio, Vincent Junior Nomae, Noelyn Huehane, Gray Dii Moli, Johan Firis Doiwale, Ramo Niuga, Fiuka Martin Orisi, Smith Clement, Lyneth Hou, Robinson Maesugea and Eliphelet Nuba.
Ms Habu is working with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) while Mr Virivolomo and Mr Anina are working in the Attorney General’s Chamber.
From the Public Solicitor’s Office are Mr Gaza, Mr Onorio and Mr Nomae.
Ms Huehana is with Primo Afeau Legal Service, Mr Moli and Mr Doiwale are with Puhimana Lawyers, while Mr Niuga is with Justlaw Attorneys.
Mr Orisi is working with Taifisi Lawyers, Mr Clement is with Tovosia Law Chambers, while Ms Hou and Mr Maesugea are with BETS Legal Service.
Nuba is working with Lappy Hite’s Law Practice.
Report By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
Photo Courtesy of Priscilla Pitakaka.
