President Jammeh Dwells on Judiciary’s Challenges, Objectives

The President of the Republic of The Gambia, Dr, Alhagie Yahya Jammeh, yesterday declared open the 2007/2008 legal year at the law courts building in Banjul. Delivering his statement on the occasion, President Jammeh reaffirmed the significance of the judicial sector, stating that its mission- to advance the course of justice and the rule of law by ensuring free, fair and speedy dispensation of justice by an independent judiciary and an efficient justice delivery system with highly trained and committed staff that will command the support and confidence of the people- is a noble one.

He however warned that this mission could never be accomplished unless all in the legal profession work purposefully together in total unison and in partnership with government and other stakeholders. “It is indeed crucial, in the attainment of our development aspirations that we have in place an effective vision and strategy that ensure access to justice, uphold the rule of law and guarantee human rights,” he said.

He revealed that his government has adopted the legal sector strategy 2007-2011 as an integral part of The Gambia Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) to drive the sector’s vision, adding that “the main focus of the sector strategy is on the people, on values, on reforms, on quality services and public relations.”

“Recognising the importance of the legal profession to the socio-economic development of a nation was the driving force that spurred my government to establish the law school at the University of The Gambia with a view to meeting the human resource needs of the sector,” he stated.

“This institution will facilitate the evolution and enrichment of adequate local jurisprudence and ensure legal intellectual growth,” he added.

“Another very significant government agenda is our drive to indigenise the bench by 2011.”

In conclusion President Jammeh called on the members of the legal fraternity and all other stakeholders to renew their commitment and rededicate themselves by redoubling their efforts towards the development of the legal sector.

For his part, Abdou Kareem Savage, Chief Justice of The Gambia, indicated that the legal year is a period of stocktaking and reflection as to what their achievements are and where they need to progress. “It is the high-water-mark of activities that are planned for the legal year.”

The Chief Justice used the occasion to call on the members of the bar to be ready to sacrifice by taking up appointments with the government. He noted that members of the bar should not de-spirit by the remuneration package but be driven by the urge to help the nation.

Other speakers included Mrs. Marie Saine Firdaus, Attorney General and Secretary of State for Justice, and Amie Bensouda, the President of the Gambia Bar Association.

The occasion was graced by the Hon. Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Fatoumata Jahumpa-Ceesay, judges, magistrates, members of the Cadi Courts, Chiefs, private and public lawyers and members of the National Assembly.