THE Solomon Islands Public Solicitors’ Office (PSO) has hosted delegations from the PSO of Papua New Guinea and the Legal Aid Commission of Fiji for a two-day conference on Friday and Saturday last week.

The conference saw the discussion of legal networking initiatives in the region.  

Speaking at a welcome ceremony on Friday evening, Solomon Islands PSO Director George Gray said the gathering recognized the importance of the work and contributions of PSOs.

“We will also acknowledge that there is a continuous need for collaboration, networking and leadership development between parties involved to bear further growth in our role as legal servants of our society. 

“The Solomon Islands PSO has made positive strides in respect to the quality of these services. However, in saying that, I can be the first to say that more still needs to be done,” Mr Gray said. 

Mr Gray said collaboration and networking are vital elements if further growth is to be achieved.

“And it goes without saying, improved collaboration and networking are important ideals to ensure a variety of standards are to be achieved. 

“From stronger ties, relationships and support to a broader insight into different perspectives of the management and deliverance of legal services and justice.” 

Mr Gray added that from capacity-building to raising professional standards to further expand the leadership-capacity and extent of the reach and quality of the PSO and its mandated role of providing legal aid services in the country, it is crucial that these connections and networks be nurtured.

“It is important that we build relationship, learn from the insights, experiences and wisdom. It is important that we develop our resources and technical capacity. 

“It is important for our line of work. It is important to serve our nation with gratitude and humility, high standard of proficiency and professionalism – to ensure quality delivery of services,” Mr Gray added.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Mines Energy and Rural Electrification, Bradley Tovosia said this is the first of its kind and these are wantoks helping each other.

Minister Tovosia said he believes that this will help develop a stronger partnership and make the country strong in terms of the legal services. 

On behalf of Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and the Solomon Islands Government, he welcomed the PSO of PNG and the Legal Aid Commission Fiji to Solomon Islands and also acknowledged the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through the Australian Solomon Islands Partnership in Justice (ASIPJ) for supporting the programme. 

Attendants from PNG PSO and Legal Aid Commission Fiji are as follows:

The PNG PSO delegation includes the Director Leslie Mamu, Deputy Public Solicitor Fredrich Kirriwom, Deputy Public Solicitor Thomas Ilaisa, Deputy Public Solicitor Luke Siminji, Office Manager Tamati Renagi and Principal Legal Aid-Sally Karaut. 

The delegation from the Legal Aid Commission Fiji includes the Director Legal Aid Seremaia Waqainabete and Legal Officer Patricia Mataika. 

By AGNES MENANOPO
Solomon Star, Honiara