Palau Judiciary Delegation Visits Guma’ Hustisia

The Palau Judiciary delegation and the NMI Judiciary leadership and staff at the Assembly Hall, Guma’ Hustisia. (June 30, 2025)

A delegation from the Republic of Palau Judiciary visited the Northern Mariana Islands Judiciary from June 30 to July 3, 2025, to learn more about court case management systems and court operations. The visit marks a significant step in regional collaboration aimed at improving court efficiency and access to justice across the Western Pacific.

The Palau delegation included Senior Judge G. Midth Bells, Clerk of Courts Allison I. Sengebau, Court Counsel Isabella Anderson, and MIS Programmer Trevor Villanueva, who explored how the NMI Judiciary uses technology to streamline case processing, manage court calendars, and enhance public services. The visit featured presentations, courtroom observations, and hands-on demonstrations of the innovative digital case management tools.

Justice John A. Manglona, Chairperson of the eCourts Executive Committee provided an overview of the NMI Judiciary’s digital transformation efforts. (June 30, 2025)

The NMI Judiciary has undergone a major digital transformation in recent years. It activated its eFiling, eRecording, eSupervision and eCitation portals, allowing judges, attorneys, litigants, law enforcement, and the public to submit documents and citations electronically—making court processes faster, more accessible, and environmentally friendly.

Director of Courts Sonia A. Camacho welcomed the delegation warmly, noting, “This exchange is a valuable opportunity to share best practices and build lasting partnerships. We’re proud to showcase the work our teams have done to modernize court operation.”

“We are impressed by the NMI Judiciary’s commitment to innovation,” said Judge Bells. “Learning from their experience helps us strengthen our own system.”

The delegation sat in on meetings held regularly by the various leadership committees at Guma’ Hustisia, from strategic planning to website development. They also had the opportunity to observe court operations at the U.S. District Court of the Northern Mariana Islands and met with the judges and staff.

The visit is an effort to collaborate on training, technology, and development. Both judiciaries hope the exchange will lead to future joint initiatives that benefit courts and their respective island communities.

Director of Courts Sonia A. Camacho opened the session by highlighting the importance of regional cooperation in advancing court technology. (June 30, 2025)