By: Nicholas Bass
The Chief Justice, Hassan B. Jallow, on Wednesday presided over the swearing-in ceremony of three first class magistrates and one justice of peace at the Banjul High Court premises.
Magistrates Abubacarr Fofana, Binta Soweand Michelle Mendy were inducted into the Office of First Class Magistrate while Kemo Kanteh has been sworn-in as justice of peace for Bansang Upper in the Upper Fulladu West of Central River Region.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony, the Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow, started by congratulating the newly-appointed first class magistrates and the justice of peace for their new appointments,statingthat all were selected into the elevated positions following a rigorous process of examination and evaluation that confirmed that they were all deserving and qualified for their respective appointment.
Addressing the first class magistrates, the Chief Justice said that being a magistrate is a difficult task for one must make serious decisions which, he went on, is part of the legal profession. He stressed that they should not rest on their laurels and that they should keep reading the law in order to perform their tasks competently.
”It is important that you are diligent at your work as well because the workload will be heavy. It is and it will continue to be heavy. You will have many,manycases to deal with,” Chief Justice Jallow noted.
He pointed out that punctuality, diligence and attendance are very important for magistrates,addingthat magistrates should try to avoid delay in hearings and determination of cases that are before them.
”As they say, justice delayed is justice denied and justice is the sweetest when it is freshest, ”stated the chief justice.
He emphasized that the earlier magistrates hear and determine a case, the better for the magistrates and the parties involved together with the whole system of governance and the rule of law in the country, stressing that all should be honest in the execution of their duties for honesty and integrity are the most important characteristics of the judiciary. He explained that honesty and integrity will “earn you respect from litigants and the community”.
Magistrates Fofana, Sowe and Mendy together withjustice of peace Kanteh all vowed to be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Republic of The Gambia in their respective position without fear or favour, affection, or ill-will according to the Constitution and Laws of The Gambia.
Magistrate Mendy, on behalf of her fellow judicial officers, assured the Chief Justice, senior judges and invitees present that with a solid foundation in law, they will be committed to justice and dedicated to upholding the rule of law,stating that they will ensure that due process is followed as they pledged to make well-informed decisions based on the law and the ”evidence presented in court”.
”We pledge to uphold the General Orders and Financial Instructions of the Gambia Government as well as the regulations set forth by the Judicial Service Commission,” Magistrate Mendy said.
