The President Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya A J J Jammeh recently presided over the swearing-in ceremony of four High Court judges at his office in State House.

The newly appointed judges are Ms. Mam Fatima Singhateh, Mr. Edrisa Fafa Mbai, Mr. Bassiru Vassili Porter Mahoney and Mr. Almami Fanding Taal, who all swore to the oaths of secrecy, office and allegiance. According to officials, this is the first time in the history of The Gambia that this number of personnel has been appointed in the Judiciary.

Speaking after the swearing-in ceremony, President Jammeh thanked the newly appointed judges for accepting the challenges which are very difficult but noble. He informed the judges that the judgments they are to make will influence the behavior of people that live in society and laws are here to ensure that we all behave and conform ourselves in such a way that we will live in peace and bring about development. He told them that people behave in such a way that would land them in court; as such behavior may not be in conformity with the laws of the land.

He noted that laws are here to be enforced to make sure there is compliance as well as to ensure that there is peace and stability without which there would be no development.

The Gambian leader reminded the gathering that if Allah the Almighty will have to judge us all then we should accept to judge each other. "Do what is right and fear nobody," he emphasized.

He informed the people that The Gambia is increasingly alarmed by recent spate of violent crimes which are unacceptable. With the frequency of these crimes and offences, President Jammeh urged the newly sworn-in judges to quickly and urgently address these serious cases. He advised the judges to avoid unending adjournments which result in the accumulation of cases. He pointed out that whilst cases are adjourned; more serious cases are being filed up making the work difficult as "justice delayed is justice denied."

He said he gave a warning earlier that all those involved in malpractices in the judiciary or are leaving the courts or office before closing time must stop it immediately; otherwise, anyone caught doing this will end up in the courts.

He noted that the development of this country is the responsibility of all Gambians irrespective of political affiliation. In any case, all of us have a role to play in nation-building.

The Secretary General and head of the Civil Service, Abdoulie Sallah, reminded the newly sworn-in judges about the significance of the oaths they have subscribed to. He noted that the oaths will affect them through their terms of office and even when they are no longer judges. He reiterated that the resources being provided by funding agencies and government through His Excellency President Jammeh, in the form of salaries and capacity-building amongst others, should motivate them to proof to the executive and funding agencies that "you are up to the task. Government's concern is to avoid delay in cases," he noted and hopes that they will continue to work hard to improve on the administration of justice.

The Chief Justice of The Gambia, Justice Emmanuel Akomya Agim commended His Excellency President Jammeh for the speech he made at the 64th United Nations General Assembly. He also commended President Jammeh for the appointment of these judges noting that he has continued to demonstrate his priority for a fair, effective and efficient legal system. This is clear from his objective in his legal sector strategies for 2007-2011 which include: to create a free, fair, speedy legal system, to stimulate a positive change in the attitude of all stakeholders due to provide infrastructure technological and material resources to support the delivery and efficient justice system, to create an enabling environment for good governance to ensure access to justice for the poor and the disadvantaged among others.

Chief Justice Agim revealed that this is the first time in the history of The Gambia that this sign of appointment personnel have been made. This appointment, he said will no doubt help in the realization of his objectives.

Speaking on behalf of the sworn judges, Ms. Mam Fatima Singhateh, thanked His Excellency the President, for the confident he has in appointing them as high court judges. She said being at the bench is not a job that they will take lightly that it is a huge responsibility that has been entrusted on them and this responsibility comes with lot of expectation.

She added that to adjudicate on the live and property of the people is not a taste they should take lightly. "To decide on the freedom or in case of an individual will not be taken lightly and as a result we asked you for your prayers and support in executing their duties," she said. She indicated that as judges they have lot of responsibility and the expectations are high.

By Alhagie Ceesay