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Bringing the courts closer to Oro people
By JOE KANEKANE
The Oro province's
capital Popondetta was shaken with the staging of the first ever
Courts' Exhibition this week.
The exhibition featuring the different agencies of the law and
justice sector showcased their success, made available
information and the public were able to ask questions.
Oro Province Governor Suckling Tamanabae when officiating at the
exhibition said law and order was one of his government's
priorities. He however urged the people of Oro to make use of
the opportunity as information about the sector was important to
their way of life.
"Can I also remind us all that, we need to include the churches
with the law and justice sector agencies? It is true that we
have our country's laws, but God's laws also need to be
strengthened as well," said Mr Tamanabae.
One of the first to welcome the exhibition was the province's
Provincial Police Commander Hugo Buafe. Into his second year as
PPC, CIP Buafe was amazed at the number of people visiting the
police stall and asking questions.
"It is beneficial to them to ask questions, especially what
policemen are doing. At the station they are fearful when they
walk into the duty counter. But here, they can ask and get an
immediate answer," said Mr Buafe.
Mr Buafe added that the town was tagged with a lot of names
which, he claimed did not reflect the true acumen of the people
there. And, the exhibition he added should inform and educate
people, so that they can better understand how the law and
justice sector operates.
He added that police was just one part of the justice cycle and
the citizenry needed to understand, exactly how each of the
agency performed their roles and responsibilities.
"If the public is better informed, especially their right then
it is easy to seek their assistance. Police are often labeled as
being harsh, but, information sessions like this help people to
appreciate and understand the justice system," said Mr Buafe.
The PNG Magisterial Services District Court Registrar Philip
Clivson said initiatives like the sector are important for the
provinces. Mr Clivson said the sector is ensuring that the
public understands, what they are doing, especially the courts.
He said because of the lack of understanding, the public feared
the courts.
"The courts are a process in the disposition of justice. If the
public is educated then they will know how to enjoy some of the
services provided by the courts," said Mr Clivson.
He added that such exhibitions were also the part of the
Sector's Provincial Engagement Strategy aimed at decentralizing
services to the provinces. He said most of the sector agencies
were Port Moresby based, and the populace doesn't receive the
kinds of services, they deserved. Mr Clivson said the sector is
constantly looking at avenues ensure that the provinces can be
meaningfully engaged in their roles and responsibilities.
He added that the provinces should also endeavor to create
opportunities for the public to enjoy some of the services, but
more importantly utilize some of the services provided by the
sector.
"It is a long term objective. And, exhibitions are crucial
towards ensuring that provinces respond. Without these, no one
will know and that is something we want to avoid. We need the
public to be on side and working with us," said Mr Clivson.
Biru Jail commander Inspector said the exhibition would show the
public some of the sector's achievements. He added that it would
also show them, how the sectoral approach, is making headways
into achieving a Peace, Safe and Secure Society.
He said there were a lot of positive achievements in the
Correctional Service, especially prisoner rehabilitation and he
hoped, the public can appreciate this.
Inspector Biaga also added that the CS was also pleased to
participate together with the other sister agencies, in the
exercise.
"There are achievements in the prisons. There are also positive
developments and we hope the public can appreciate some of these
changes," said Mr Biaga.
The sector's media adviser Joe Kanekane said, exhibitions were
part of it's awareness raising strategy. He said Popondetta was
chosen by the organizers because of literacy level of the
populace.
"It will be easy to educate them and they can read for
themselves, the information available. We hope, they can use
this to change their behavior as well as strengthen their
relations with the sector agencies," said Mr Kanekane.
The sector exhibition has been staged in several provinces;
include the sector's pilot provinces in Bougainville, Goroka and
Port Moresby.
The exhibitions are coordinated by the Courts and funding is
though the Law and Justice Sector Secretariat.
 
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