Ribat: Cater for poor too

By ADRIAN MATHIAS
LEGAL services should serve not only the rich but also poor people in PNG, Catholic archbishop John Ribat says.
He told lawyers, judges and members of the legal fraternity during the opening of the 2013 legal year in Port Moresby yesterday that the legal system was about justice.
And when administered well, it is a good expression of a society where human dignity, integrity and freedom are respected and promoted, he said.
“When it is not well administered, it is an expression of a lawless society and the atmosphere of lawlessness promotes it.
“The legal system should provide protection to all citizens especially the vulnerable, the children and the poor,” Ribat said.
The archbishop, who was the main celebrant during service at St Mary’s Cathedral, said the success of the work of the lawyers and judicial services depended very much on their commitment, their faith, their love for God and people of this nation.
He said unless the legal system functioned well, it was difficult to work for the common good.
“You can find in the Word of God, the light and guidance to help you fulfill your work with diligence and honesty,” Ribat said.
He told lawyers that the future of all citizens depended on their hard and honest work.
“Your work is among the many good works that is there for the good of our nation to build our country,” he said.