FIVE prominent lawyers have been appointed as Judges to the National and Supreme Courts recently at the Waigani Court House in Port Moresby.
These five judges, in order of their seniority by the dates of their appointments are Justice Leka Nama Nablu, Justice Robert Lee Lindsay, Justice William Neil, Justice Terence Harold Foulds and Justice Jeffery Leonard Shepherd.
Presiding over the ceremonial sitting in welcoming the five new judges was Deputy Chief Justice, Gibbs Salika as the Chief Justice Salamo Injia was attending funeral service for late Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio.
The Court room was not filled to capacity but the ceremonial sitting proceeded on a high note with families, friends, National Judiciary Services staff, Media and spouses of the newly appointed judges witnessing the occasion.
In welcoming the five new judges as members of the National Judiciary, Alfred Manase, one of the senior lawyers and a Council member of the Papua New Guinea Law Society, said the demands placed upon each of them by the home grown constitution would be at times very trying and difficult.
“As you would have now realised, the demands placed upon each of you by the home grown constitution, and its people will be at times very trying and difficult. Dispensing justice in accordance with law in PNG is no easy task but one that requires commitment,” he said.
Manase encouraged them to serve this nation with honesty.
“As you join the current judges of the Court, place your trust, confidence and have faith in the grace of our Lord God Almighty and serve the National and Supreme Courts in this nation with honesty and integrity,” he said.
Manase said Justices Nablu, Lindsay, Neill and Shepherd need not reminding of the constitutional mandate or duties as they have been performing and serving this country tirelessly over the years as lawyers but welcomed Justice Foulds.
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