By: Nicholas Bass
Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow has disclosed that plans are underway to establish a Commercial Court Division, which is part of the objectives of the strategic plans of the judiciary of The Gambia.
He made these revelations to journalists at the opening of a three-day capacity-building workshop on Commercial Courts held at Ocean Bay Beach Hotel, Bakau.
Chief Justice Jallow stated that they believe the establishment of commercial courts in the country will help to provide greater focus on those particular areas with a greater focus, expedition, speed, and resolution of those cases.
He emphasized that the commercial cases are very important, adding that the commercial court division will be established to promote and retain investors’ confidence.
According to the Chief Justice, investors look for several things when they want to go into any country, stressing that investors want to be sure that the laws are fair and relevant and that the judiciary works well in resolving disputes quickly and fairly.
”Having a commercial division of judges who are specialized in that field helps in all those matters. We expect that once we set up the division, the commercial cases will move much more quickly. That’s good for business, is good for the economy, and what is good for the economy at the end of the day is good for the country as a whole,” CJ Jallow said.
He further stated that there are experienced judges in place who have specialized in commercial law, adding that within a couple of months, the commercial division will be established by the order of the office of the Chief Justice.
Mr. Justice Robin Knowles of Global Forum of the World’s Commercial Courts said that the establishment of a commercial court division would make a lot of difference to small and large businesses in The Gambia, noting that such will also make a lot of difference to the views of international investments and trade about their dealings with The Gambia.
”Across the board, the establishment of a commercial division can increase confidence and certainty, and that is what can make the economy work well. If the economy works well, it can be to the benefit of everyone in the community”, Justice Knowles said.