Judiciary farewells judge

By CLARISSA MOI
ATTORNEY-General Dr Eric Kwa hopes that the judiciary does not lose any more members soon as another late judge was honoured in a ceremonial sitting in Port Moresby yesterday.
Members of the judiciary farewelled their late colleague Justice Danajo Koeget in the National Court in Waigani.
“Once again, for the third time this year, I am given the sad duty to address the court in paying our tribute to farewell another serving member of the judiciary,” Kwa said
“As we celebrate the life of our late judge, his honour Justice Koeget, I am also mindful of the festive season that is upon us.
“My prayer is that PNG does not lose any more members of the judiciary soon.”
The other three judges to die this year were Justice Regina Sagu, Justice Nicholas Kiriwom and Justice Jim Wala Tamate.
Dr Kwa said Justice Koeget’s employment history showed a career journey of patience and resilience – characteristics mostly attributed to the old guard of the legal profession.
“And something our younger generation of lawyers must aspire to achieve,” he said.
“In my view, the late Justice Koeget demonstrated resilience and patience despite all the resource constraints.”
Dr Kwa noted that the resident judge of Gulf and Western, Justice Koeget contributed to the delivery of judicial services and promoted accessibility to justice in two of the most challenging provinces which needed the attention of the State.
“He filled a void in the rule of law where not a lot of people would fill adequately. He was truly a champion of justice in Western and Gulf.”
The ceremonial sitting was attended by judges of the National and Supreme Courts, officials of the public prosecutor’s and solicitor’s offices, magistrates, lawyers from the state and private law firms, judiciary staff and family members.