New judges sworn in
The National, Thursday June 26th, 2014
Four new judges have joined the PNG judiciary, increasing the number of resident judges in provinces to 14.
Justices Lawrence Kangwia, Martin Ipang, Iova Geita and Peter Toliken were formally sworn in by Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio at Government House yesterday.
The new judges took the oath of dedication to the office of the judiciary and dedication of loyalty to the Constitution in front of their families, invited guests and members of the judiciary.
The four new judges were appointed for 10 years, bringing the total of permanent judges in the PNG judiciary to 29.
Kangwia will be the resident judge in Kavieng and Ipang the resident judge in Tari.
Three acting judges Justices Stephen Oli, Kewei Kawi-iu and Regget Marum had their terms extended for another year as well.
Leka Nablu was appointed acting judge for one year.
Permanent judges Justices Berna Collier and John Logan were reappointed to another three-year term.
Present at the swearing in ceremony was Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia and Justice Derek Hartshorn.
The judicial appointments were made by the Judicial and Legal Service Commission, which is chaired by the newly appointed Attorney-General Ano Pala.
The new judicial appointments bring the number of fulltime judges and acting judges in PNG to 33.