The opening of the legal year is a significant annual event that brings together officials from all arms of government, key members of the consular and diplomatic corps, and legal and justice sector stakeholders, among others.
The occasion often serves as a platform to reflect on justice administration and delivery in The Gambia, evaluating attainment and challenges in the justice sector to chart a path forward. President Adama Barrow took part in the proceeding, which also witnessed a procession of judges, magistrates, cadis and lawyers.
In her deliberation, Neneh M.C. Cham, president of the Gambia Bar Association, underscored that constructive criticisms help identify gaps in the justice sector that need to be addressed.
She said: “The Bar Association often represents public concerns. Constructive criticism helps government identify and address the issues, because this feedback is very essential to guide government, including improving public services, particularly those related to the legal and justice sector.”
She also delved into the GBA’s tireless effort with regard to the TRRC and ensuring that its recommendations come to fruition. She delved into GBA’s legal advocacy and education, adding that their members have travelled far and wide to educate community members across the country on legal issues.
Justice Minister Dawda Jallow stated that the annual event is not merely ceremonial but one that marks “our collective commitment to justice, rule of law and the strong democratic values that underpin our nation”.
While reflecting over the past year, which he described as a combination of both attainments and formidable challenges, he assured of the government's commitment to justice and rule of law, citing a number of achievements before the audience.
Chief Justice Hassan Hassan B. Jallow equally underscored some attainments. However, he raised a number of challenges, such as a backlog of cases in court, which hindered the Judiciary and impeded speedy justice.
President Barrow conveyed gratitude at presiding over the legal year opening, saying it is an annual event that he “looks forward to with keenness in view of the unique position in which justice and the Judiciary system fall in our democracy”.
“The occasion reaffirms once again our commitment to turnning The Gambia into an enviable democratic nation, championing justice, the rule of law and good governance,” he said, congratulating the judiciary on the various strides registered. He thus declared the legal year open.
