Seven Gambian lawyers were on Monday called to the Bar, after they were admitted to the roll of Barristers and Solicitors of the Supreme Court of The Gambia, at a ceremony held at the High Court complex in Banjul.
This latest batch to join the legal fraternity comprised four females and three males namely, Ellen Shorna Manga, Hawa Joof, Mariam Sowe Davies, Bahoreh Jaiteh, Ebrima Sanneh, Fatou Lili Drammeh and Ebrihima Ceesay, all of whom took the oath of allegiance administered by Amie Jobe the Secretary-General Legal Council.
Speaking on the occasion, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Aja Marie Saine-Firduas, reminded them that this is the just beginning of their long journey to become professional lawyers, adding that the profession comes with challenges and responsibilities.
According to the Justice Minister, the new entrants are expected to familiarise themselves with the procedures and rules of the High Court. She announced that two of them will join the lower courts and the others join the Attorney General's Chambers.
"What we want now is to have Gambian lawyers to study in the Gambia and finish it here without going for outside studies," she said, while urging the senior members of the Bar to help junior ones whenever the need arises.
The Chief Justice of The Gambia, Justice Emmanuel Agim, in his statement said the lawyer's role is a central factor in the administration of law and justice delivery. "As stated by the Canadian Bar Association in its 'Canons of Legal Ethics', the lawyer is more than a mere citizen. He is a minder of justice, an officer of the courts, his client's advocate and a member of an ancient honourable and leaned profession. In these several capacities, it is his duty to protect the interest of the state and serve the courts of justice, maintain the authority and dignity of the courts, be faithful to his clients, candid and courteous in his intercourse with fellows and true to himself.
"As you come into the profession, you must bear in mind the growing role of law and the legal profession in the development of our society. You have a duty to our country to ensure that the law and the institutions of its administration serve not just the interest of your clients but the broader interest of the community.
"You can only discharge this duty, if you remain sensitive to the needs, expectations and aspirations of your people, and if you remain aware and appreciate the general economic, social and cultural challenges facing our community," Chief Justice Agim added.
Amie Bensouda the president of the Gambia Bar Association congratulated the new entrants to the Gambian Bar, while urging them to cherish the name of their profession and consider doing more in the dispensation of justice. She also urged them to be committed and dedicated to the profession.
