The new National and Supreme Court complex in Waigani, Port Moresby city was officially opened today by the Governor General of Papua New Guinea, marking a milestone moment and a turn of the pages of judicial history as the country marks 50 years of independence. Officiating at the opening ceremony was Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika who said the new facility is a major investment in the administration of justice in PNG. “We are proud to know that it was made possible through national funding, reflecting our country’s determination to strengthen its own institutions,” said the Chief Justice. “At a cost of K655 million, the Waigani national and supreme court is a statement of confidence in the judiciary and its constitutional law.” The new complex fully funded by PNG Government, houses fifteen (15) modern courtrooms, thirty- one (31) judges’ chambers, designed to support the expending judicial bench. It also boasts a fully equipped data center to support digital records and e- justice initiatives, enhance court registries, court reporting and IT infrastructure, and spaces for some national sub judicial services to operate efficiently. “This complex is future focused,” stressed the Chief Justice. “It will help the judiciary embrace digital transformation, increase operational capacity and respond to growing demand for judicial services in the National Capital District and in the whole of Papua New Guinea.” Justice Sir Gibbs Salika also took the time to thank those responsible for the initiative to build the complex, which began with the O’Neill government and eventually, the Marape- Rosso government completing it. He also acknowledged the work of the old chief justices, justices and judges who have been monumental in the judicial services in PNG. “We honour those who have come before us.” Meanwhile, the old courthouse complex was opened back on the 27th of February 1974 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The courthouse complex was opened in the middle of the savannah grassland with nothing there except for a few wallabies. That was way before the National Parliament house was built along with other infrastructures in the Waigani area. And from that time onwards, things have improved so much. Chief Justice Salika said this is the people’s courthouse and it is here that people seeking judicial services or justice, will find it. Meanwhile, Governor General Sir Bob Dadae said this is a moment of profound, historical and national significance. “As we open these doors today, we open a new chapter in the legal and judicial life of our nation. And we also reaffirm the solemn promise made decades ago – that this Court shall always remain an impartial court, a guardian of the rights of the individual, and a pillar of justice for all.” The opening was witnessed by Justices, Judges and their families, former chief justices as well and Ministers and Members of Parliament.