New Secretary and Principal Legal Advisor sworn-in to office
The new Secretary for the Department of Justice and Legal Services and Principal Legal Advisor, Ms Leontine Ivano, was officially sworn into office yesterday.
Speaking at the swearing in ceremony, Ms Ivano thanked the ABG for giving her the privilege to serve Bougainville in this critical role, describing it as a significant milestone in her career.
“This moment marks a significant milestone in my personal journey as today is the day I finally tick off my ultimate career goal ever since being admitted to practice as a lawyer – where I have aspired of returning home to serve my people in the realization of our dreams as a people, through the work of our government and so I am honoured to take on this critical role,” she said.
She pledged her commitment to the ABG President and the government in the provision of sound legal advice, upholding the rule of law and advancing justice and peace in Bougainville.
ABG President Hon. Ishmael Toroama who witnessed the swearing in ceremony congratulated Ms Ivano, stressing that her appointment comes at a time when Bougainvilleans continue to navigate the legacies of their past while striving to strengthen the institutions that will shape their future.
“I want to congratulate Ms. Leontine Ivano on your appointment, today you assume a role that carries immense responsibility – the future of Bougainville’s justice system and by extension, the stability of our region will depend on the decisions you make, the partnership you forge, and the reforms you lead,” he said.
President Toroama emphasized that Bougainville is a society deeply rooted in communal values, respect for land, and the authority of our elders and traditional leaders, yet like many societies emerging from conflict, Bougainville continues to deal with challenges in law and order, and he called on Secretary Ivano as head of the law and justice sector to take the lead in addressing these issues the Bougainville way.
“As Secretary, you will be responsible for ensuring that out law and justice sector responds to these challenges in ways that reflect Bougainville’s unique cultural context,” he said. This means strengthening the modern policing while also recognizing the vital role played by chiefs, church leaders, women’s groups, youth leaders and community justice structures.
“It is vital that we have a system where the government and the community work side by side to maintain peace and order,” President Toroama challenged.
Key tasks that the Department must undertake through the leadership of the new Secretary include:
- Strengthening the Magisterial Services
- Enhancing access to legal aid and public solicitor services
- Supporting village courts and community-based mediators
- Improving case management and reducing delays
- Expanding legal literacy so that ordinary Bougainvilleans understand their rights
“Our people must feel that justice is not something distant or inaccessible, but something that belongs to them delivered in a way that respects their cultures and their way of life,” President Toroama said.
Other expectations of the government include the drawdown of powers in the law and justice sector such as policing, corrections and legal services, as it is the next step in Bougainville’s political evolution to a sovereign nation.
“As President, I have confidence in your integrity, your experience, and your ability to guide this Department during a transformative period in our history,” he said. “On behalf of the government and the people of Bougainville, I congratulate you and may you serve with wisdom, humility, strength, and deep commitment to the well-being of our people.”
Ms. Ivano’s swearing in ceremony was witnessed by the ABG President Hon. Ishmael Toroama, Chief Secretary Kearnneth Nanei and the staff of the ABG Department of Justice and Legal Services.
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