The Judicial Complaints Board of The Gambia, to which members of the public can direct complaints relating to court cases and the judicial system in the country, was Monday inaugurated at the Office of the Chief Justice in Banjul.

The Board is comprised of the following members: the Chief Justice as the Chairman, the Attorney-General and Secretary of State for Justice, the Secretary of State for the Interior, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director- General of the National Intelligence Agency, the Master of the High Court, and the Judicial Secretary, who is to serve as Secretary to the Board.

At the inaugural meeting the members set up rules of procedure and terms of reference for the Board. All the members expressed enthusiasm and readiness to work hand in hand.

It was even suggested that the board will not only be used as a place for settling complaints but also as a forum for engendering better understanding between different sectors.

"The general public is hereby assured that the Board will deliberate on their complaints in an expeditious manner according to law," a statement from the Office of the Judicial Secretary underscored.

It adds: "The public is also urged to be genuine and prudent in their complaints, as the Board is not set up to witch hunt any one, but to make sure due process prevails."

The meeting was chaired by His Lordship Justice Agim, President of the Gambia Court of Appeal.

It was also made clear that all complaints are to be addressed to the Secretary, Judicial Complaints Board, Office of the Chief Justice, High Court complex, Independence Drive, Banjul.