Image: Mark Pupaka, the new Chief Magistrate (on the left) standing next to Alfred Manase, Minister for Justice and Attorney General.
By Meriba Tulo – EMTV News, Port Moresby
Attorney General Alfred Manase, this morning announced the country’s new Chief Magistrate in the presence of several senior magistrates and member of the Department of Justice and Attorney General.
Chief Magistrate Pupaka takes over from Nerrie Eliakim, whose contract has expired.
According to Attorney General Manase, there are high expectations for the incoming Chief Magistrate – especially in regards to speeding up the process of dealing with cases at the district court levels.
Pupaka has had close to 30 years’ experience in the legal profession, having been appointed to the National Court Bar in 1992, and working his way up the magisterial system to the position of Principal Magistrate at the time of his appointment.
According to Chief Magistrate Pupaka, he will be looking to carry on from reforms started by the former Chief Magistrate – with a specific emphasis on improving access to simple, efficient magisterial systems throughout the country.
