The event was graced Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow, Speaker Mariam Jack-Denton of the National Assembly, Cabinet Ministers, security chiefs and diplomats, Judges and legal practitioners.
President Adama Barrow expressed delight and elation in presiding over the event.
“Since the year 2019, the world has been battling a pandemic that continues to affect the socio-economic fabric of society, including judicial systems; however, this has not stopped our Judiciary from dispensing justice as required by law,” Mr. Barrow said at the opening event.
“Bearing in mind that the rule of law is the bedrock of society, my government continues to support the country’s Judiciary to sustain a healthy and stable democracy. We maintain that the Judiciary must remain resolute, independent, and strong enough to facilitate good governance and the rule of law.”
The President said it is on such occasions that heroes of The Gambia Judicial System, who continue to work courageously to ensure justice and law, should be celebrated.
“Together, we have successfully laid solid foundations in the areas of good governance, respect for human rights, the rule of law and women empowerment, which we now need to develop and extend.”
The official opening of the Legal Year in its current format was, according to Salieu Taal, Gambia Bar Association President, came into being in the aftermath of the 1981 attempted coup by Kukoi Samba Sanyang to depose former President Jawara.
Mr. Taal urged stakeholders to use this official opening ceremony be taken to review the difficulties challenges and achievements of the judicial sector and identify ways forward to achieve the objective of rule of law and enhancing access to justice in an effective and efficient manner.
He congratulated President Adama Barrow on his second mandate and congratulated all the other contestants as well.
Other speakers included the Attorney General and Minsiter of Justice, Hassan B. Jallow, who commended the Judiciary for the fast-track and timely intervention to ensure the realisation of the judicial strategic plan.
