By Precious D. Freeman
The president of the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA), Sylvester D. Rennie, underscored the need for equitable budgetary allocation to the Judiciary, highlighting the disparities between funding for the judicial branch compared to the legislative and executive branches.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by the Judiciary due to limited budgetary resources, Cllr. Rennie in a robust response to Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene G. Yuoh’s address at the opening of the October Term of Court remarked, “While all branches of government are considered equal, they are not treated as such when the national budget is distributed.”
He expressed hope for a shift in this perception, urging greater respect for the law and its institutions.
Rennie noted the Chief Justice’s acknowledgment of the budgetary constraints and welcomed the announcement of funding for the construction of a new judicial complex in the Fourth Judicial Circuit, Maryland County, set to begin within 90 days.
He pledged the Bar’s commitment to securing land for additional judicial facilities in various circuits, affirming the LNBA’s dedication to ensuring judicial independence.
“The Bar will mandate its members to ensure that uncontested parcels of land are secured for this purpose,” he affirmed.
He also stressed the importance of modernizing court facilities, stating, “The modernization of court facilities is essential for an effective judicial system.”
Highlighting the integration of technology into the judiciary, Rennie praised efforts to digitize circuits and specialized courts, crediting the African Development Bank for its support in this transformative initiative.
He emphasized that such advancements will enhance judicial operations and improve service delivery.
The LNBA president also expressed gratitude for being included in the committee reviewing ethical standards for lawyers, thanking the Supreme Court for the opportunity.
He commended the Supreme Court’s initiative to visit magisterial courts to assess their operations firsthand, although he pointed out the severe conditions under which these courts operate.
Cllr. Rennie addressed the pressing need for legal representation in magisterial courts, especially following the recall of public defenders, which he argued has led to increased difficulties for defendants.
“Without proper legal representation, access to justice cannot be realized,” he warned, advocating for a reexamination of the decision to withdraw public defenders.
He also raised concerns about unqualified individuals posing as legal representatives in the absence of public defenders, which he argued further undermines the legal rights of citizens in magisterial courts.
In response to Chief Justice Yuoh’s suggestions regarding the appointment of stipendiary and associate magistrates, Rennie endorsed collaboration between the Supreme Court and the LNBA in vetting candidates, emphasizing the importance of appointing qualified individuals to uphold the integrity of the judicial system.
Rennie concluded his address by acknowledging the upcoming elections for the LNBA leadership and thanking various stakeholders, including the executive and legislative branches, international partners, and the media, for their support.
As he prepares to step down as president, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and collaborate with the judiciary in promoting access to justice in Liberia.
He left the audience with a reflective quote: “No one is tall enough to see tomorrow, and no one is rich enough to buy yesterday, but it is by the grace of God that we are alive today.”
As the October Term of Court commences, the LNBA’s response highlights the ongoing need for reforms and collaboration within Liberia’s judicial system, emphasizing the critical role of legal representation and resource allocation in achieving justice for all citizens.
