The Opening of the new Semi–Permanent Court House at the Honiara Magistrates Court is an achievement for the Magistrate Courts in meeting the demand for access to justice under the National Judiciary and the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs as a whole.
The New Semi-permanent Court House was officially opened by the Chief Justice, Sir Albert Palmer on Monday the 18th of July 2022 after its inception in 2021.
In his opening remarks, the Chief Justice acknowledge the Government for providing funding for the construction of the semi-permanent courthouse. With the new addition, Magistrates now have an additional court room to hear cases. The semi-permanent court house can also be used for other purposes such as meetings and conferences.
The Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs, Dr Paul Mae in his remarks thanked the National Government for its support towards the National Judiciary. It is a reflection of the government’s commitment to the justice sector. He acknowledge the Government for budget allocation of SBD$5 Million Dollars to the National Judiciary in the 2021 Development Budget.
The Permanent Secretary also acknowledge the Chief Justice and the National Judiciary in allocating part of its Development Budget allocation towards the construction of the Semi-Permanent court-house. He also acknowledged the challenges face during the construction stage.
Dr Mae thanked the Chief Magistrate, Ms Emma Garo and her team of magistrates and staff for their patience and tolerance, in allowing construction work to continue despite the occasions disturbance is cause to their work.
Dr Mae assured the people of Solomon Islands that despite the difficulties the country is going through, the Ministry of Justice and legal Affairs will remain committed to making sure our courts system have the infrastructure required for the disposal of our justice services to the Solomon Islands public.
“I encourage the Magistrate Court Staff to take good care of this building and make sure that it serves its rightful purpose,” Dr. Mae said.
The semi-permanent courthouse is fully funded by the Government through the Development Budget allocation to the National Judiciary. It is constructed by Exodus Trade Development Ltd, a locally owned construction company.
Construction work took a bit longer due to interruption from the November riots in late 2021 and the covid-19 community outbreak in Honiara in early 2022.
This Semi – Permanent Court House will also be used for other purposes when the need arises.
Source: Press Release