(Standing from Left to Right: Ms Linda B, Mrs Tofor, Ms Kara & Mr John Eta)

On the 6th May 2025 the staffs from the Office of the Public Solicitor in Port Vila went to Ulei Junior Secondary School to do our first ever 2025 Legal Awareness. It was a half day awareness. (Morning Hours). The team that was present at that time were Senior Solicitor Ms Linda Bakokoto, Solicitor Ms Cecile Dehinevanua Tofor, Ms Hilkka Kara Filing & Asset Officer and Mr John Eta Driver/ Messenger.

The awareness started out by a warm welcome speech from the School Principal, Madame Makin Vania. She acknowledged that on behalf of the school they so privileged to have our team to be present with them, to give awareness to the Students and Teachers present. There was a total number of 385 students and 15 staffs, including teacher and ancillary staff present at that time.

Ms Hilkka briefly outlined a short history about the Office of the Public Solicitor. Naming all the offices that are currently operating in other parts of Vanuatu. Followed by Ms Cecile talking about some criminal offences that are recurring around our communities. She clearly explained how about this offence can occur and what are the charges that can be imposed to an offender. She covered some parts of offences which were outlined at the Penal Code, such as Intentional homicide, Theft, assault, damage to property and trespass.

(Ms Linda & Mrs Tofor giving out awareness to the students and staffs)

The School Principal invited us to short break, with refreshments prepared for us. Later on, that morning Ms Linda elaborates on some serious criminal offences such as Sexual intercourse without consent on both Minor victims and adults, Cannabis Cultivation, possession, Sale & Distribution.

We had a nice lunch with all the students

Team was not able to make awareness on Civil Matters because we do not have enough time.

We depart the Premises at around 2pm and arrive safely at Port Vila at 4pm

SUGGESTIONS

It will be better if Our Office will have its own Portable Speaker with Mics to be used in other remote areas.