The swearing in was presided over by Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow.
The new magistrates were: Thomas Fuad Touray, Musa F. Fonfana, Essa Sarr, Ismaila Dibba and David Gomez.
Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow described the swearing in as a step to strengthen the capacity of the subordinate courts as the first pyramid of the judiciary and also the very important link in the chain of judiciary.
He disclosed that further appointments will be done for other magistrates’ courts to reduce the workload.
“Do not compromise your independence, honesty and integrity and discharge your duties competently. Attend cases diligently, don’t not adjourn cases unnecessarily,” he advised.
He further described the work as challenging and complex.
“There is nothing better to do than to wipe the tears of faces of those who have been suppressed and those who seek the truth and you give them justice and the truth,” he said, while expressing optimism the new magistrates would deliver as expected.
Thomas Fuad Touray, a newly sworn-in magistrate, on behalf of colleagues, said they recognised the scale of their duties in impartial justice dispensation without prejudice.
“We have been briefed on the eight strategic goals of the judiciary of the Gambia; strategic plan 2022 to 2025; and we are wholeheartedly dedicated to assisting the judicial administration in accomplishing those objectives,” Touray assured.
Omar M.M. Njie, who spoke on behalf of the judges, reminded the new magistrates of their role in the dispensation of justice as a key factor, which he said cannot be over emphasised.
He implored and advised them to take up their functions seriously and dispense justice in a timely and appropriate manner.
