Parade opens legal year in EHP

The 2010 legal year for Eastern Highlands province officially opened in Goroka yesterday.
The event began at the Goroka court house with a parade for Goroka resident National Court judge, Justice Joe Yagi, put up by members of the Correctional Services and the police A lengthy procession started at the court house and went through Goroka town and ended at Seigu United church where a church service was held to mark the formal opening of the legal year.
Eastern Highlands provincial police commander, Chief Supt Augustine Wampe, Bihute jail commander, Supt Francis Gahuye, acting senior Goroka District Court magistrate ,Frank Manue, and members of the
legal fraternity led the march.
Davis Steven, who was the guest speaker at the gathering, stressed the importance of the judiciary system
in Papua New Guinea that was put together by the forefathers of this nation some three decades ago.
Mr Steven said when the constitutional planners were putting the laws together, they had
a dream to see a robust and vibrant justice system for the country.
He also said the judiciary and church had very important roles to play in society and added that members of the legal fraternity should always be reminded that they have to be accountable not only to the courts and society, but also to one another.
Mr Steven applauded the moving church service, saying such services should be held all the time to get them out of the traditional court benches and comfort of their offices to rejuvenate.
He also thanked members of the disciplinary forces that were present for their support.