Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice, His Lordship Ambassador Desmond Babatunde Edwards has strongly warned Judicial staff against corruption and other related offences which he said will undermine sustainable reforms and growth of the institution.
Hon. Justice Edwards was speaking on Tuesday November 10, 2020, at Court No. 1, Law Courts building in Freetown on the occasion of the official commencement of the training for court registrars, baliffs, administrative and other support staff of the Judiciary. The training which catered for 128 staff, is funded by the Judiciary with funds from the Government of Sierra Leone.
According to him, the training is the first in the annals of the Judiciary. He told the trainees that the Judiciary and Legal Training Institute has identified seasoned facilitators with huge span of knowledge on all the courses ranging from the Roles of Registrars in Civil and Criminal Courts; Roles of the Bailiffs, Court Secretaries in both Civil and Criminal proceedings; treatment of vulnerable and special witnesses, Bail and Bond Regulations, Bail/Bond requirements, management of records, Judiciary as an Arm of Government: Relationship with the Bar, Law Office, Sierra Leone Police and the Legal Aid Board, facilities and assets, ethics with particular reference to the code of conduct for support staff and many more to develop their capacity.
Speaking on the adverse effect of corruption, Chief Justice Edwards said some staff members are either just too wicked or not good at their work which is why they mostly renege on their sacred duties to allow files to be missing, allow accused persons to jump bail or sometimes stall some cases from coming up for hearing.
Amb. Justice Edwards vowed to have a new Judiciary that is transparent and accountable to the people. He inspired the trainees to pay great attention because the training will capacitate the weak to be resourceful and productive.
He added that after the training staff members who engage in corrupt activities under the guise of inexperience or lack of training will have no place to hide.
“You either do what is expected of you or face disciplinary action,” he warned.
The training is being headed by the Director of Judiciary and Legal Training Institute, Hon. Justice Eku Roberts with support from Justices Hon. Brown Marke (JSC); Hon. Alusine Sesay (JSC); Hon. Reginald Fynn (JA); Hon. Monfred Sesay (JA); Hon. Musu Damba (JA); Hon. Bintu Alhadi (JA) and Hon. Komba Kamanda (JA).
By Hasbin Shaw
11/11/2020. ISSUE NO: 7949