By Yankuba Jallow
51 Lawyers were yesterday called to the Bar in an occasion graced by Senior Barristers at the High Court premises in Banjul. The Event was chaired by Barrister Jallow whilst the President was represented by the Minister of Women’s Affairs Fatoumata Tambajang Jallow.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Chief Justice, Hassan B. Jallow challenged them to strive hard as the profession is a life time profession starting centuries ago. He urged them to read law daily to discharge their roles as required.
He added that amongst the quality of a good lawyer is to be honest, inspire and uphold dignity in society. He also urged them to be helpful to the less privileged to achieve justice as well as discharge their roles in accordance with the legal ethics.
The Attorney General Abubacarr Tambedou said to become a lawyer calls for sacrifice and respect and obedience to senior lawyers. “To attain our desired goals we need public sacrifice and we must be ready for the change” he lamented. He urged them to follow the laid down principles of senior lawyers and he took the opportunity to hail the Gambia Bar Association on the firm stance they took in asking the former leader to relinquish power and to accept the verdict of the people.
The Guest Speaker Antouman A.B. Gaye who is said to have started service in the Bar since November 29, 1974 in London, England said the most important attitude of a Lawyer is courage, dedication and credibility. He urged them to join and support the activities of the Bar Association. According to him the GBA is ready to work with the government to work towards administering justice and the rule of law.
He cited many scenarios where legal practitioners were subjected to harassments specifically detentions without trial and imprisonment. He encouraged the new lawyers to adhere to the ethics of professionalism for the proper administration of justice and the rule of law.
Mariatou J. Newlands the outstanding student of the batch in her remarks on the vote of thanks urged her colleagues to be guided by knowledge, vision and confidence. She also thanked the school administration, lecturers and her family for the immense support they rendered to her during the course of her studies.
The Best students were given awards in the respective courses they performed the best: Legal Drafting and Conveyance Muhammed B. Sowe, Professional Conduct, Office Management and Solicitor Accounts Mariama Njie Kaira, Law of Evidence Mariatou J. Newlands, Company Law and Commercial Practices Muhammed B. Sowe, English and Legislative Drafting Sulayman Jallow, Civil Procedure Saffiatou Bayo, Gambia Legal System Mariatou J. Newlands, Criminal Procedure Abdou Aziz Saho and Advocacy Skills which has 6 students namely Aji Rohey Bah, Isatou Dabo, Magigain Gorre Njie, Mariama Njie Kaira, Mariatou J. Newlands and Muhammed B. Sowe whilst Muhammed B. Sowe was awarded the most outstanding student of the year.
