MONROVIA – Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay has announced the introduction of an annual performance-based award for magistrates and judges within the Judiciary Branch of Government.
“In fact, I have come to let you know that all judges and magistrates will now be evaluated on performance. We will annually honor the best-performing judges and magistrates in our court system,” Chief Justice Gbeisay declared.
Speaking at the formal opening of the June Term A.D. 2026 of the Sixth Judicial Circuit, Civil Law Court for Montserrado County on Monday, June 15, the Chief Justice explained that the award will be based on several key factors.
The Sixth Judicial Circuit Civil Law Court of Montserrado County is obligated to open its quarterly sessions on the third Monday of March, June, September and December each year.
These include the speed at which cases are handled, accuracy of decision-making, integrity, punctuality, courtroom management and the rate at which a judge’s opinions are confirmed or reversed by the Supreme Court.
Other considerations will include discipline, accountability, dress code, and the number of disciplinary cases filed against a judge. Chief Justice Gbeisay rallied all justice actors to uphold their responsibility to ensure that Liberia is properly governed.
“We are the hope, and if we are given a piece of a job to do, we must do it to the best of our ability and with integrity,” he emphasized.
Reflecting on his 28 years of service in the judiciary, he urged judges and magistrates to examine themselves and remain cautious in how they render justice.
He stressed that under his leadership, the judiciary will remain disciplined until the end of his tenure. “If you are a magistrate or judge who comes here to enrich yourself but not to serve justice, you will be disciplined,” he warned.
The Chief Justice also welcomed His Honor Judge J. Kennedy Peabody, Resident Circuit Judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit, Civil Law Court for Montserrado County, back to the judiciary after serving a Supreme Court-imposed punishment.
“I like to say welcome back to the Judiciary, and it is my prayer that we will all continue to serve with dignity,” he added
