ROALAKONA TAKES OFFICE AS THE FIRST WOMAN TO HEAD THE PUBLIC PROSECUTOR

By Benjamin KOITAKA

National Capital District

THE Judicial and Legal Services Commission has made a bold move, setting the pace and record straight by appointing an aspiring woman leader in the public service space to head one of the important law and order sectors in the country, which comes under the Department of Justice and Attorney General.

Ms. Helen Vagivaro Roalakona formally resumes her new role, starting today as the Acting Public Prosecutor, where she will be in the position for the next 12-months, until a permanent appointment is being made.

Ms. Roalakona is not new to her job and position as she previously held the post as deputy Public Prosecutor and administrator to the Special Projects under former boss Pondros Kaluwin. Minister for Justice and Attorney General Pila Niningi has formally welcomed her to her new job and signed the instruments, simplifying a new beginning in her career and role at the department.

Minister Niningi lauded Ms Roalakona for accepting the role and the new challenge, adding that this is appointment is to empower women folks and encourage gender equality in all aspects of life.

“We have many applicants, applied for this job, from within the department and from the office of Public Prosecutor and outside,” Mr. Ninigi said before signing the formalities.

“But Ms Roalakona was outstanding over the past years and being in that space for long and knows well.
“So, she will now be the Acting Public Prosecutor and we are ready to give all the support to her.”

Ms. Roalakona thanked the Department and minister Niningi including the past Public Prosecutors for entrusting in her.

Despite challenges, she is determined to bring changes to the organisation and changes the face of the sector under her leadership.

Meanwhile, Minister Niningi also announced few new appointment of state law officers in judges and Solicitor general.

The Minister announced that George Akia is now the Solicitor General and will serve for the next five-years.
He also revealed the appointment of three foreign judges for the next three-years includes justice Rangajeeva Wimalasena (Sri Lanka national), Justice Mohammed Khan (Fiji) and Justice Graham Ellis (Australia).

Mr Niningi further added that national judge, Justice Pauline Bre is appointed for 10-year term while two re-appointments include Justice Hitelai Polume Kiele and Justice Kenneth Frank.
While, extension of retirement age of senior provincial magistrate for National Capital District Billy Pidu, Minister Niningi added.