By Vicky Baunke in Goroka
Resident National Court Judge Justice John Richie Bernaud Kaumi has reinforced the need for accountability within Papua New Guinea’s justice system after repeated prosecutor absences has disrupted court proceedings in Goroka.
Justice Kaumi summoned senior representatives of the Office of the Public Prosecutor (PPO) to appear before the National Court on Friday following a series of failures by prosecutors to attend scheduled court matters.
Appearing before the court was Acting Public Prosecutor Helen Vagivaro Rolaokona, who travelled to Goroka to personally respond to concerns raised by the court.
Justice Kaumi made it clear that his concerns were not directed at any individual officer but at ensuring that prosecution services were delivered efficiently and consistently to the people of Eastern Highlands Province.
He told the court that repeated absences by prosecutors had become a concern and that the people of the province deserved an explanation for delays affecting court proceedings.
“In my four years serving here, this is the first time I have seen the Acting Public Prosecutor appear in person,” Justice Kaumi said.
“The purpose of this is not personal. What this is about is the hundreds of thousands of people of Eastern Highlands Province who rely on the justice system to function effectively and without unnecessary delays,” he said.
Responding before the court, Ms Rolaokona apologised on behalf of the Office of the Public Prosecutor and acknowledged challenges affecting prosecution services in Goroka.
She said internal administrative issues, the illness of the Prosecutor-in-Charge and misunderstandings regarding court appearances had contributed to the disruptions.
Ms Rolaokona accepted responsibility on behalf of management and assured the court that steps were being taken to address the issues affecting prosecution coverage in Goroka.
“I must admit that there are internal administrative issues affecting the efficient delivery of prosecution services to the people of Eastern Highlands Province,” Ms Rolaokona told the court.
Justice Kaumi accepted the explanation provided but reiterated that the issue was one of public accountability and the efficient administration of justice.
The court was informed that measures are now being implemented by the Office of the Public Prosecutor to improve prosecution services and minimise future disruptions to court proceedings in Goroka.
By Vicky Baunke in Goroka
RESIDENT National Court Judge Justice John Richie Bernaud Kaumi has reinforced the need for accountability within Papua New Guinea’s justice system after repeated prosecutor absences has disrupted court proceedings in Goroka.
Justice Kaumi summoned senior representatives of the Office of the Public Prosecutor (PPO) to appear before the National Court on Friday following a series of failures by prosecutors to attend scheduled court matters.
Appearing before the court was Acting Public Prosecutor Helen Vagivaro Rolaokona, who travelled to Goroka to personally respond to concerns raised by the court.
Justice Kaumi made it clear that his concerns were not directed at any individual officer but at ensuring that prosecution services were delivered efficiently and consistently to the people of Eastern Highlands Province.
He told the court that repeated absences by prosecutors had become a concern and that the people of the province deserved an explanation for delays affecting court proceedings.
“In my four years serving here, this is the first time I have seen the Acting Public Prosecutor appear in person,” Justice Kaumi said.
“The purpose of this is not personal. What this is about is the hundreds of thousands of people of Eastern Highlands Province who rely on the justice system to function effectively and without unnecessary delays.”
Responding before the court, Ms Rolaokona apologised on behalf of the Office of the Public Prosecutor and acknowledged challenges affecting prosecution services in Goroka.
She said internal administrative issues, the illness of the Prosecutor-in-Charge and misunderstandings regarding court appearances had contributed to the disruptions.
Ms Rolaokona accepted responsibility on behalf of management and assured the court that steps were being taken to address the issues affecting prosecution coverage in Goroka.
“I must admit that there are internal administrative issues affecting the efficient delivery of prosecution services to the people of Eastern Highlands Province,” Ms Rolaokona told the court.
Justice Kaumi accepted the explanation provided but reiterated that the issue was one of public accountability and the efficient administration of justice.
The court was informed that measures are now being implemented by the Office of the Public Prosecutor to improve prosecution services and minimise future disruptions to court proceedings in Goroka.
