#Headlines

Judiciary receives vital support from USAID

Aug 23, 2024, 11:31 AM

The Hon. Justice Hassan B. Jallow, Chief Justice yesterday welcomed a significant contribution from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI).

This contribution, which is out to advance digitalisation and judicial efficiency, includes 12 state-of-the-art computers, copies of the draft Revised Rules of the High Court, and copies of the draft Training Manual for the Induction of Judges at the Judiciary Training Institute. The presentation was led by a team of four, headed by Ms. Ya Amie Touray.

This generous support from USAID through ABA is a continuation of their ongoing commitment to the implementation of the Judiciary's Strategic Plan. A central objective of this plan is to digitalise the judiciary's operations, reform its rules of procedure, and improve the capacity of the Judicial Training Institute thereby enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of justice in The Gambia.

Over the years, ABA has been instrumental in this digital transformation, most notably through their support in developing a comprehensive electronic Case Management System, which is currently in its pilot phase. Additionally, they have facilitated the creation of a training manual for the induction of judges and spearheaded the revision of the High Court Rules through a consultancy project with AB and Co Consultants.

These forward-thinking initiatives are expected to streamline case proceedings, enable the online payment of court fees, and support the local induction and continuous training of judges, all of which are crucial steps towards a more efficient and modern judiciary.

In his remarks, the Hon. Chief Justice expressed his profound gratitude to the American Bar Association, acknowledging their unwavering support as pivotal to the realization of the Judiciary's Strategic Plan. He hailed the ABA as a steadfast partner in the journey towards a digitalised and efficient judicial system.

This partnership underscores a shared commitment to strengthening the rule of law and improving access to justice for all Gambians.

Source: Office of the Chief Justice, Banjul, 22 August 2024