The Chief Justice presided over the swearing ceremony of Five Magistrates at the high court complex. The event was attended by members of the judiciary, including the Judge of the High Court, Court of Appeal, Judiciary Secretary, Master of the court, and staff.
The newly appointed magistrates are Thomas Fuad Touray, Musa F. Fofana, Essa Sarr, Ismaila Dibba, and David Gomez. Thomas Fuad Touray, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, expressed their gratitude and deep honor for the opportunity to serve the country in this capacity.
The magistrates conveyed their appreciation to the judiciary, the Judicial Service Commission, and the Government of The Gambia for entrusting them with such an important responsibility.
They recognized the weight of the trust placed upon them and pledged to uphold principles of justice, fairness, and integrity throughout their tenure.
Understanding the profound impact their decisions will have on individuals, families, and communities, the magistrates vowed to approach each case diligently, ensuring that the rule of law prevails and justice is served.
Aligned with The Gambia’s judiciary’s vision, mission, and core values, the magistrates said they are committed to establishing an independent, effective, and efficient justice system.
“We aim to deliver fair, impartial, and timely quality justice with the support of a competent, motivated, and committed staff,”. The magistrates stressed the significance of collaboration and cooperation within the judiciary.
They are promised to foster harmonious working relationships with their colleagues, legal professionals, and stakeholders. Through open dialogue and knowledge sharing, to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the judicial system for the benefit of Gambian citizens.
In conclusion, the magistrates expressed their gratitude for the trust placed in them and they are determined to ensure justice prevails, remaining steadfast in their commitment to upholding the motto, “Let justice be done though the heavens fall.”
Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow addressed the newly appointed magistrates, offering his congratulations and best wishes for their success in their new roles. He thanked the Judicial Service Commission for facilitating these appointments, which aim to strengthen the Subordinate Courts.
The Chief stressed the significance of the Subordinate Courts, emphasizing their pivotal role and heavy workload. He acknowledged the challenges the magistrates will face, including a high volume and complexity of cases. He assured them that their work was honorable and had the potential to bring justice to the oppressed.
The Chief reminded the magistrates of their responsibility to adhere to the code of conduct for legal practitioners and the new code of conduct for judicial officers. He urged them to familiarize themselves with these codes and emphasized important aspects, including maintaining independence, impartiality, continuous improvement of legal knowledge, diligence in handling cases efficiently, and upholding integrity both inside and outside the courtroom.
In closing, the Chief expressed hope that the magistrates would excel in their tenure and potentially rise to higher courts based on their dedication, impartiality, fairness, and integrity. He thanked them for their service and wished them success in their new roles.
