Supreme, national courts judges reappointed
THREE Judges of the National and Supreme courts have been reappointed and took their oaths before Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae in a swearing-in ceremony at the Government House on Monday.
Judges Peter Toliken and Lawrence Kangwia were appointed for 10 years each and Judge Iova Geita for three years.
The appointments were made by the Judicial Legal Service Commission (JLSC) during its meeting on May 5. Justice Toliken is the resident judge for the Mt Hagen National Court.
Justice Geita is one of the two residents judges for the Madang National Court and Justice Kangwia is based in the National Court in Waigani, Port Moresby.
The three judges took their oaths in the presence of Deputy Chief Justice Ambeng Kandakasi, Judges Panuel Mogish, Elenas Batari, Jacinta Murray, Laura Wawun-Kuvi, Nerrie Eliakim, Chief Magistrate Paul Pupaka, acting Solicitor-General E’ava Geita and families of the judges.
On May 5, JLSC chairman and Justice Minister and Attorney-General Pila Niningi announced the extension of terms of six judges and two acting judges from the National and Supreme courts.
He said the JLSC had appreciated the judges’ services and had extended their terms to continue.
The following appointments of judges of the National and Supreme Courts of Papua New Guinea are:
- JUSTICE Sir Kina Bona for two years;
- JUSTICE Teresa Berrigan for 10 years;
- JUSTICE Lawrence Kangwia for 10years;
- JUSTICE Peter Chanel Toliken for 10 years;
- JUSTICE Iova Gieta for three years, and
- JUSTICE Derek Hartshorn for three years.
Niningi said the appointment of acting Judges Pauline Bre and Anthony Kupmain of the National and Supreme courts were extended for 12 months.