STATEMENT BY H.E. PRESIDENT ADAMA BARROW AT THE SWEARING-IN CEREMONY OF THE THREE NEW SUPERIOR COURT JUSTICES
STATEMENT BY H.E. PRESIDENT ADAMA BARROW AT THE SWEARING-IN CEREMONY OF THE THREE NEW SUPERIOR COURT JUSTICES
STATE HOUSE, BANJUL,
THE GAMBIA
8TH DECEMBER 2022
My Lord, The Chief Justice,
Honourable Cabinet Ministers,
Chief of Staff, Office of The President,
Cabinet Secretary,
Distinguished Ladies And Gentlemen,
Members of The Media,
I am absolutely delighted to preside over another swearing-in ceremony, dedicated to filling three vacant positions in the Judiciary.
As we have just witnessed, Honourable Justice Veronic Wright and Honourable Justice Sainabou Wadda Ceesay have been sworn in as Justices of the Court of Appeal and Honourable Justice Isatou Jallow Sey as Justice of the High Court.
On behalf of the entire nation, I warmly congratulate them on their new positions. Also, I thank them for their devotion to duty and for accepting to remain in the service of the nation. In the same light, I congratulate their families as well.
My Lord, the Chief Justice, has reassured me that, as customary, these Judges went through a rigorous selection process before their recommendation by the Judicial Service Commission for appointment. It is, therefore, by virtue of their hard work, qualifications, competence, and experience that they were recommended to me for their respective appointments to the Superior Courts.
Ladies and Gentlemen, it is fitting to observe that, under the leadership of the Honourable Chief Justice, Hassan B. Jallow, the Judiciary has recorded significant achievements with regard to the administration of justice in the country and enhancing access to justice for all Gambian citizens and residents of the country.
From a broader point of view, the Government will continue to support the Judicial Sector for the realisation of the objectives expressed in their Strategic Plan, 2021-2025.
My government is currently working on a Bill to improve the conditions of service for the Judiciary and make the Sector a model within the region.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
As in other countries, in The Gambia, the Judiciary undoubtedly plays a very important role as a strong pillar of the State in promoting and protecting fundamental human rights, enforcing the penal code, and resolving disputes. Linked to our situation, a well-functioning independent and transparent Judiciary is indispensable for our growing democracy.
As custodians of the Law, or Justices of the Superior Courts, earning public trust and timely dispensation of justice are of paramount importance and should always be uppermost on your minds as you perform your functions.
As we welcome Justices Wright and Jallow Sey for the first time on the bench and the elevation of Justice Wadda Ceesay from the High Court to the Court of Appeal, we can comfortably expect better results from the Sector.
That all three of them are Gambian ladies, compels me to express satisfaction and pride for the huge strides taken to make the Judiciary truly Gambian without compromising on efficiency and ethical considerations.
Within a very short period, we have successfully staffed all the three tiers of our superior Courts; that is, the High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court, with competent and qualified Gambians under the able leadership of a Gambian Chief Justice.
Ladies and gentlemen, it has been my vision and strong conviction, since I assumed leadership of this country, to wean the Judiciary from its heavy dependence on foreign judges to discharge its mandate.
It is always a source of joy and pride, therefore, for me to preside over the swearing of Gambian judges, because I consider it a progressive realisation of my government’s vision.
Notwithstanding the achievements, we must not rest on our laurels, as there is a lot more work to be done. The task is not only a matter of attracting the best but also retaining them efficiently in the service of the nation.
Having said this, I thank the Lord Chief Justice and the Judicial Service Commission for their excellent work and achievements.
I urge that, together with the Legislature, we continue to work for a better and prosperous Gambia for all citizens.
Once again, I congratulate the three Justices and wish them a very successful career in the Judiciary.
May Allah continue to bless The Gambia.
