Judges hail work of late Justice Lenalia

By DAPHNE WANI
Deputy Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika has described the late Justice Salatiel Lenalia as a humble giant who has left a great legacy within the judiciary in Papua New Guinea.
Sir Gibbs in his tribute to Justice Lenalia said he was a very humble servant of the people, a faithful servant to God and a very devoted person to his family.
The late Lenalia is from Letet village in Central New Ireland. He died at the Pacific International hospital on Aug 15 in Port Moresby.
He was the resident judge of Kokopo in East New Britain and also a senior
judge of the National and Supreme courts.
He served for 47 years in the public service.
He started off as a clerk in the Department of Works then moved to the PNG Defence Force, the Magisterial Services and was later appointed a judge. He has served also in Vanuatu.
Sir Gibbs said Justice Lenalia has contributed a lot to the country and to the people of Central New Ireland as well.
“We thank the people of Central New Ireland for giving your son to change lives and to share his service with the rest of us with the legacy that he has left,” Sir Gibbs said.
Justice Ambeng Kandakasi also acknowledged in his tribute that the late judge has left behind a challenge to the judiciary because of the legacy he has set.
Justice Kandakasi said that the younger generation should look upon the legacy of Justice Lenalia to build on from as he was a person of great integrity.
He also acknowledged the late Justice Lenalia’s family who has been his core strength for his successes in the judiciary.
Justice Lenalia’s body will be flown today to Kokopo and then to Kavieng on Sunday.