President Barrow Swears-in Two Female Judges

Following the recommendation of the Judiciary Service Commission, His Excellency the President of the Republic of The Gambia, Mr. Adama Barrow, acting on the powers vested in him under section 138 (2) of the constitution of the Republic of The Gambia appointed Justice Zainab Jawara Alami and Justice Sainabou Wadda Cisse as High Court Judges.  

Meanwhile the swearing ceremony of the female judges took place at the President’s Office in Fajara on June 1, 2017.

It could be recalled that on the 15^th May 2017, President Barrow presided over swearing of six judges of whom two were women.

President Barrow said in the past, the bench has been predominantly occupied by men. He said he delighted to note that the number of women joining the bench is now on the increase, this underscores the significant roles the women are playing in all sectors of the economy especially in the judiciary.

He calls on the appointees to honestly contribute their quota to the advancement and the strengthening of the country’s system necessary to build its lost image, this is critical for the judiciary to regain public confidence which is na important benchmark for attracting investment for both locally and globally.

He said the private and public sector investment including foreign direct investments is the foundation for rapid socio economic development for any nation.

He stress that he inherited a broken economy and weak institutions which affected the capacity of the government to efficiently deliver services to the public including the dispensation.

He said: “I feel encouraged and hopeful whenever I welcome highly skilled and dedicated Gambians like you willing to take up position of responsibility in government. This serves my slogan “Gambia is back”.

Assan B Jallow said five Gambian citizens are currently appointed to the highest level of country’s Judiciary sector.

Abubacar Tambedou, Justice Minister, said the swearing in of two new female judges is also part of the reforms which include ensuring the country’s justice system is man by Gambians.

Mr. Tambedou said the legal reform is a gradual process, as some of the reforms have not yet started because the judiciary is still at the initial planning stages.

“Imaging if asked an engineer to build you a bridge, how long it will take for them to design before they even start to implement”

He pointed out that they (judiciary) have inherited a broken system and it is going to take time to make sure they (judiciary) put in place a mechanism that will be sustainable and last as institutions are meant to last forever.

Minister Tambedou noted the judiciary has embarked on the legal reform as the swearing in of two new female judges is part of the reforms and are gradually achieving them.

He underscore that the installation of the Barrow lead government is a new start for the country and every action that the new government is taken is also a new start in those respective areas.

He reiterates that certainly the appointment of the two new female judges and those before them is as well a new start for the country’s judiciary system which they (Judiciary) welcome ‘the new start’.

He pointed out that whiles the judiciary recognize the need to ensure that Gambians are appointed to the bench in the country, there is also the need in making sure there are quality appointments and will take the time necessary to make sure the judiciary appointed competent people with integrity and people who will make difference and not just about the laws but also about the people who are entrusted with applying those laws.

Zainab Jawara Alami, said the high is composed of five female judges and one male judges which she said is an important step in making sure women are empowered meaning all and sundry take part in all sectors of the government

Jawara Alami said: “We are very honor to be given the opportunity to serve our country; the process of ‘Gambianisation’ of the judiciary itself is a very significant move and it should build confidence in the public sector who should realize that with the Gambianisation process going on, the judiciary is going on the right footing and hopefully as time goes on public sector confidence will be restored”