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.
Attendance and Representation:
Although no formal invitation was extended to the Public Solicitors Office in Isangel, we were informed by other departments under the Ministry of Justice about the event. Due to pre-existing appointments and court listings on 28, 29, and 30 August, it was not feasible to attend the event in full capacity. Consequently, a quick arrangement was made between Mr. Harrison Rantes and Regi Melsul Temankill. It was agreed that Mr. Rantes would attend to all appointments and court proceedings, while Mr. Temankill would represent the Public Solicitors Office at the PSC event.
Event Summary:
Day 1: Wednesday, 28 August 2024
The PSC event commenced at Lamenu Stadium in Tanna. Due to a scheduled magistrate court plea day, the Public Solicitors Office could not attend the event on this date. Court proceedings were carried out as planned.
Day 2: Thursday, 29 August 2024
On this day, Mr. Regi Melsul Temankill attended the PSC event and represented the Public Solicitors Office. Despite a limited turnout at the Public Solicitors Booth, Mr. Temankill successfully engaged with a group of students. The focus of the awareness session was on the functions of the Public Solicitors Office, coupled with career talks aimed at educating students about potential career paths within the legal field.
Day 3: Friday, 30 August 2024
The final day of the event saw increased attendance at the Public Solicitors Booth, with a notable presence of students and community members. The key messages communicated were the functions of the Public Solicitors Office and career advice for students.
Figure 1.2. This picture shows awareness and career talk held on the PSC final date.
In addition to the booth activities, Mr. Temankill provided a legal awareness presentation to the general public on stage. The session covered the following topics:
- Wills and Probate: An explanation on how to create a will and apply for letters of administration in cases where an individual has died intestate.
Figure 1.3. This picture shows awareness about the Wills and Probate at Lamenu Stadium, Tanna.
After lunch, two case scenarios were dramatized to illustrate court procedures:
- Case Scenario 1: This scenario depicted a criminal case leading to a prosecution's application for remand. It included a bail application that was subsequently refused by the court.
- Case Scenario 2: This scenario outlined the plea process, culminating in a custodial sentence being handed down by the court.
Figure 1.4. This picture was taken during a public awareness on how court proceed with criminal cases.
Conclusion:
The Public Service Day 2024 provided valuable opportunities for the Public Solicitors Office to engage with the community, despite the constraints faced due to ongoing court commitments. The event effectively highlighted the role of the Public Solicitors Office and offered insights into legal processes and career opportunities within the legal field.