Village Court officials in the Rabaul District of East New Britain province are currently attending a five-day training workshop designed to upskill them in carrying out their responsibilities effectively, with the goal of strengthening peace and good order across local communities.

The training commenced at the District Education Resource Centre at the Kurakakaul District Headquarters, bringing together 44 participants representing the four Local Level Governments (LLGs): Rabaul Urban, Balanataman, Kabiu, and Watom LLG.

The cohort comprises village magistrates, land mediators, village court clerks, peace officers, and other key local court officials.

Conducted by the Village Courts and Land Mediation Secretariat of the Department of Justice and Attorney General (DJAG), the core program covers four main modules: Introduction to the Village Court System, Village Court Processes and Procedures, Communication and Mediation Skills, and Ethical Leadership & Decision Making.

Facilitators will also cover critical legal frameworks, including Interim Protection Orders (IPO) and Protection Orders (PO) under the Family Protection Act, the Lukautim Pikinini Act, and standard procedures for data collection, processing, and reporting.

Speaking at the official opening, Bernard Tiula, Advisor for the Division of Village Court and Land Mediation, emphasized the strategic importance of the workshop.

He noted that the training is an integral part of the Division’s appointment and revocation process, particularly since most participants are newly appointed officials who require proper grounding for their roles.

He added that with East New Britain facing its own law-and-order challenges, the workshop equips frontline officials to handle community disputes more effectively.

Meanwhile, Sedrick Ringwaku, Public Liaison Officer for Morobe Province under DJAG and one of the principal facilitators, underscored the foundational role these officials play within the justice system.

“The village court is the heartbeat of the Rule of Law in Papua New Guinea,” Mr. Ringwaku stated, highlighting the direct impact of local governance on national stability.

Welcoming the delegation to the district, Deputy District Administrator John Matava expressed appreciation to the Provincial Administration, the Division of Village Court & Land Mediation, and DJAG for their collaborative partnership.

He urged participants to fully commit to the week’s program, encouraging them to view the village court system not as an avenue for punishment, but as a mechanism for correction, reconciliation, and restoring peace.

Sequential proceedings will conclude on Friday, November 13th, featuring an official swearing-in ceremony for the newly trained village court officials.