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    Report on Legal Awareness Event at Imlao Village

    Date: October 7, 2024
    Prepared by : Mr. Regi Melsul Temankill

    Picture of Legal awareness taken during Tafea Day Celebration at Imlao village, Tanna, on October 07, 2024.

    Report on Legal Awareness Program at Kwataparen Adventist Secondary School

    Date: 18 September 2024
    Location: Kwataparen Adventist Secondary School, Tanna
    Attendees: Correctional Officer Team, Public Solicitor’s Officer, Students and Staff of Kwataparen Adventist Secondary School

    On 18 September 2024, Kwataparen Adventist Secondary School organized a legal awareness program as part of its school activities. The event featured the participation of three Correctional Officer from Isangel, who invited a Public Solicitor’s Officer to contribute to the discussions.

    South Tanna Magistrate Court Tour Report

    Tour Dates: 09 – 13 September 2024
    Location: South Tanna

    Public Service Day 2024 Report

    Event Overview:

    Public Service Day was scheduled to take place from 28-30 August 2024 in Tanna. The event featured booths organized around three primary pillars: social, environmental, and economic. Departments under the Ministry of Justice were categorized under the social pillar.

    Legal Awareness Session at College de Lowanatom School: Empowering Students with Legal Knowledge

    Introduction:

    On 29th February 2024, the Office of the Public Solicitors of Vanuatu undertook a significant initiative by providing legal awareness to students at Lowanatom Francophone School in South West Tanna. This endeavour, prompted by a request from the school administration, aimed to equip students, particularly year 13 Arts students, with foundational knowledge about the legal system in Vanuatu. The following report outlines the objectives, activities, and outcomes of this enlightening session.

    Background:

    The initiative stemmed from a proactive request made by the school administration to the Office of Public Solicitors at Isangel Station, Tanna. Recognizing the importance of legal education in academic and personal development, the school sought assistance to enrich the learning experiences of its students.

    Objectives:

    The primary objective of the legal awareness session was to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the Vanuatu legal system. Specifically, the session aimed to elucidate various aspects, including the types of tribunals existing in Vanuatu, the roles of judges, magistrates, and clerks, as well as the functions of law enforcement agencies such as the Police, prosecutors, correctional services, and lawyers.

    Collaboration and Preparation:

    Upon receiving the request from the school administration on 25 February 2024, the Office of Public Solicitors took proactive steps to organize the awareness session. Recognizing the importance of a holistic approach, arrangements were made to involve the Office of Public Prosecution in the initiative. The collaboration was met with a positive response from the Office of Public Prosecution, underscoring the commitment of both agencies to community engagement and legal education.

    Awareness Session:

    The awareness session commenced with a comprehensive presentation covering the predetermined topics. Facilitators from the Office of Public Solicitors and the Office of Public Prosecution took turns to elucidate key concepts, providing students with a nuanced understanding of the legal landscape in Vanuatu. The session was structured to encourage active participation, with opportunities for students and teachers to pose questions and engage in discussions.

    Key Topics Covered:

    Types of Tribunals: Facilitators outlined the different types of tribunals operating in Vanuatu, elucidating their respective jurisdictions and functions.

    Roles of Judicial Personnel: Students gained insight into the roles and responsibilities of judges, magistrates, and clerks within the judicial system, emphasizing the importance of impartiality and integrity.

    Functions of Law Enforcement Agencies: The session shed light on the crucial roles played by law enforcement agencies such as the Police, prosecutors, and correctional services in upholding law and order.

    Role of Lawyers: Facilitators highlighted the multifaceted role of lawyers in the legal system, emphasizing their role as advocates for justice and defenders of legal rights.

    Interactive Session:

    Following the presentations, an interactive Q&A session ensued, allowing students and teachers to seek clarification on various aspects of the legal system. The session facilitated meaningful dialogue and enabled participants to deepen their understanding through real-time engagement with legal experts.

    Conclusion:

    The legal awareness session at Lowanatom Francophone School stands as a testament to the commitment of the Office of Public Solicitors and the Office of Public Prosecution to promote legal literacy and empower future generations. By equipping students with foundational knowledge about the legal system, the initiative aims to foster a culture of legal awareness and civic responsibility. Moving forward, sustained efforts must be made to expand such initiatives and ensure widespread access to legal education across Vanuatu.

     

    Pictures during legal awareness

    Career Day Report at Quataparen Junior Secondary School

    On April 30, 2024, Quataparen Junior Secondary School hosted a career day at its premises, aiming to enlighten students about various career paths. The organizing committee drafted an invitation letter urging government officials, including representatives from the Office of Public Solicitors and Public Prosecution, to attend and share insights with the students.

    Image 1.1: Government Official attended Quataparen Junior Secondary School Career talk day.

    Despite initial constraints due to the Supreme Court session at Isangel Courthouse, Mr. Regi Melsul Temankill and Mrs. Florence Sewen, representing the Public Solicitors Office and Office of Public Prosecution respectively, demonstrated commendable commitment by rearranging their schedules. Arriving at Quataparen School around 12:15 PM, they were warmly welcomed, and the proceedings commenced post a brief lunch.

    The presentation unfolded with Mr. Temankill introducing the session, followed by a structured discourse divided into two segments. Mrs. Sewen elaborated on the educational journey to become a lawyer, while Mr. Temankill elucidated the fundamental duties inherent to the legal profession. Engaging questions from both students and teachers ensued, and the lawyers adeptly addressed each query, fostering a conducive learning environment.

    Image 1.2: Students attending the career talk.

    Post the enlightening session, participants reconvened at the church, where the organizing committee expressed gratitude to all government officials for their invaluable contribution. The event culminated with a sense of accomplishment and enriched understanding among the attendees.

    In conclusion, the career day at Quataparen Junior Secondary School served as a platform for students to gain firsthand insights into the legal profession. The dedication exhibited by Mr. Temankill and Mrs. Sewen, despite logistical challenges, underscored the significance of such initiatives in nurturing the aspirations of young minds. Moving forward, endeavors to organize similar events should be encouraged to empower students in making informed career choices.

    Official Report on Legal Awareness Program in North West Tanna: 17-24 July 2024

    Day 1: Friday, 19 July 2024

    On Friday, 19 July 2024, a legal awareness team under the Ministry of Justice, including the Public Solicitors Office, travelled from West Tanna to North Tanna to conduct a legal awareness program for the people of North West Tanna. The awareness program was scheduled for one week, from 17 July 2024 to 24 July 2024.

    In loving memory of the late Public Solicitor, Mr. Jacob Kausiama

    Late Public Solicitor Jacob Kausiama is from Tanna/Pentecost. He was born on the 27 September 1979. He pursued his study and graduated with a Law Degree.

    Late Jacob Kausiama  was recruited to the Public Solicitor's Office in 2004 as legal officer and promoted to a senior legal Officer. He continued his career and later on 18 August 2010 He became the third Public Solicitor after the outgoing Public Solicitor Mr Hillary Toa.

    He served the office of Public Solicitor for 20 years and his dream is to establish the Public Solicitor Office in each province of Vanuatu. He is a humble person with a lot of integrity.

    On the early morning 23 April 2024, he left his wife Lenah Kausiama, his son Junior Jacob Ashword and his daughter Shenayde Jacob with a very sad news. PSO Staffs and friends will always cherish every moment of his life they spend together.

    REST IN PEACE.      

    Notis blonq Klosem Ofis

    Toksave i kam long Ofis blong Pablik Solisita blong talemaot long evri Dipatmen mo Ministri mo of narafala ejensi se Ofis hemi provaedem mo lukluk nomo long of ejen kes. Ofis ino tekem eni niu kes iet.

    Bai Ofis blong Pablik Solisita i kambak mo provaedem nomol seves bakeken long Mande 13 Mei 2024.

    Radio Program – Law Segment 2023 & 2024

    Tune in to our upcoming law segment as we delve into crucial legal matters starting on February 16th, 2024, with an in-depth discussion on probate and the administration of deceased properties. Learn how to acquire letters of administration, eligibility criteria, challenging applications, and more, followed by insights on will-making procedures on February 23rd. Then, on March 1st, will unravel the intricacies of family maintenance orders and obligations. The following weeks will cover adoption processes, child custody battles, and the complexities of drug offenses, offering invaluable legal expertise and advice from our seasoned experts.