By Landing Ceesay
The Honourable Chief Justice of The Gambia, Hassan B. Jallow, has called on the newly sworn-in First Class Magistrates to prioritize honesty in their duties.
“For as they say, Justice delayed is justice denied, and justice is sweetest when it is freshest, as they say, the earlier you do your case and finish with it, the better for yourself and for the parties and for the whole system of governance and rule of law in the country, avoid delays in the execution of your duties. Do not be complicit in the constant request by parties and council for adjournments of their cases. Adjournments have to be justified, and if they are not justified, you should proceed with your case.
“So, with knowledge of the law and competence, we believe you have diligence at your work, be at work on time, and do your tasks as you should. But above all, be honest in the execution of your duties. We have every confidence in your integrity, and you should maintain that level of integrity that you have at the moment. Honesty and integrity are the most important characteristics of every judicial officer, every person, but more so of a judicial officer who is called upon to decide disputes between parties and between people. You must do so justly, fairly, honestly and reasonably quickly,” Hon. Chief told the newly sworn-in First Class Magistrates.
The Judiciary of The Gambia held a ceremony on Wednesday at the High Court Complex in Banjul, where three newly appointed First-Class Magistrates were officially sworn in. The Magistrates, Michelle Mendy, Ababacar Fofana, and Binta Sowe, are set to serve in the lower courts.
Additionally, Kemo Kanteh was sworn in as a Justice of the Peace during the event. The ceremony was attended by members of the Supreme Court, the Judicial Council, the Gambia Bar Association, and various judicial officers.
In his address, Hon. Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow acknowledged the challenges faced in adjudicating cases. He urged the newly appointed Magistrates to maintain punctuality and expedite case handling to prevent delays within the judicial system.
The Chief Justice emphasized three key principles for effective adjudication: diligence, honesty, and integrity. He encouraged the new Magistrates to actively seek knowledge of the law, execute their duties diligently, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.”As Magistrates, when it comes to adjudicating cases, is a very difficult and challenging task. We are confident following your appointments and your attachments that you will live up to your respective mandates. It is a very difficult task, as I said. You have to make some very difficult decisions, but that’s part of your job as a judicial officer. What is important in this respect is for you to have a reasonable knowledge of the law, which we are confident you have, and that’s why you have been selected.
“But don’t rest on your laurels, as they say, you have to continue keeping abreast of the law to be able to perform your tasks competently. It is important that you are diligent at your work as well. Because the workload will be heavy, it is and will continue to be heavy. You will have many, many cases to deal with. But punctuality, diligence and attendance to your work are very, very important. Try to avoid delays in the hearing and determination of the cases that are before you,” the Chief Justice said.
The Chief Justice reiterated that by being diligent and prompt in carrying out their responsibilities, the Magistrates will not only gain the respect of the litigants but also of the communities they serve.
Hon. Chief Justice highlighted that the appointment of the Magistrates is a key aspect of the Judiciary’s ongoing initiatives to enhance the justice delivery system in the country.
“Your appointments today and your swearing-in are part of the process in the judiciary for strengthening the capacity of our courts; we are looking forward to the appointment of more local magistrates to make sure that the Subordinate Courts themselves continue to operate efficiently.
“In fact, it is much more efficient. We need more magistrates, especially if they are Gambians, who will stay on within the service, hopefully, until retirement or elevation to the higher bench, when, when they are when they are suitable, if and when they are suitable,” he said.
The Honourable Chief Justice stated that the Judiciary will continue its efforts to recruit more magistrates. He also highlighted several initiatives the Judiciary is undertaking as part of its reform efforts, specifically focusing on enhancing the processes within the High Court.
He confirmed that the rules governing the High Court are currently under revision, with the expectation that a new set of practice and procedure rules will be introduced by January’s legal year, aimed at expediting trial processes.
On behalf of her colleagues, Michelle Mendy expressed their commitment to fulfilling the expectations set before them. She also conveyed her gratitude to the Judicial Service Commission and the Government of The Gambia for the opportunity provided.
“On behalf of my colleagues, I express our profound gratitude as we gather to witness the swearing-in ceremony of myself and my colleagues as First Class Magistrates of the Republic of the Gambia. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the judiciary of the Gambia, the Judicial Service Commission and the government of the Gambia for entrusting us with this significant responsibility, with a solid foundation in law, a commitment to justice and a dedication To uphold the rule of law.
“We are confident that we will ensure that due process is followed. We plan to make well-informed decisions based on the law and evidence presented in the courts. Furthermore, we are committed to making a positive impact in the judiciary by utilizing our motivation, dedication and skills acquired from our experience in private practice. We are eager to contribute significantly to the legal system and uphold the principle of justice,” she stated.
These appointments are part of the Judiciary’s comprehensive reform initiatives designed to enhance the representation of Gambians within the national justice delivery system.
Next week, the Judiciary will officially swear in three High Court Judges, following their appointments, which were approved by the President of The Gambia two weeks ago.