Sanniquellie City, Nimba County — Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay Sr., a native of Nimba County, on Monday, August 10 officially inaugurated the Nimba County Labour Court, calling the new court a major step toward delivering faster and fairer remedies for workplace disputes.
By Franklin Doloquee
Speaking before members of the Supreme Court, retired judges, bar leaders, county officials, ministry representatives, lawyers, family members and other citizens, Chief Justice Gbeisay said the court’s creation fulfills a long-standing promise to bring justice closer to ordinary Liberians.
“It is a special honor to return to my county of origin, not just for a visit, but to witness the fulfillment of one of my dreams and promises that justice must come and come closer to our people,” he said.
The chief justice noted that until now workers and employers often had to seek redress in overcrowded courts in the capital, which caused delays in resolving labour disputes.
With collaboration between the executive, the Legislature and the judiciary, officials succeeded in establishing a dedicated labour court in Nimba.
“Our population and development deserve and justify this labour court. This is not a favour,” he stated, urging local legal practitioners to help develop the body of jurisprudence the new court will generate.
He also asked government agencies and community stakeholders to support the court’s operations. The court is expected to serve thousands of employees and employers across the county, including workers at major plantations and in growing urban centers recognized under Liberia’s Local Government Act.
Chief Justice Gbeisay pointed out that the new forum will provide a credible, speedy legal remedy for labour disputes “without fear or favour.”
Officials from the Liberia National Bar Association, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Labour and other ministries attended the launch.
Court administrators said the Nimba County Labour Court will begin hearing cases immediately; details about jurisdiction, filing procedures and schedules will be released by the county judiciary in the coming days.
At his swearing-in, newly appointed Labour Court Judge Cllr. Tarlo Wehyee , who previously served in the 8th Judicial Circuit Court for Nimba County pledged to uphold the law impartially and thanked mentors, colleagues and government officials for their support.
Addressing the court and guests, Judge Wehyee thanked President Joseph Boakai and the judiciary for the trust placed in him and paid tribute to senior lawyers and magistrates who mentored him, calling them the “pillars of justice” whose guidance shaped his approach to the law.
“I did not come with a prepared speech because the responsibility conferred on me today carries experiences and lessons that words alone cannot capture,” he said.
The judge emphasized the role of labour law in protecting human rights and livelihoods and pledged to apply the law fairly in disputes between employers and employees.
“I assure you that I will dispense justice without fear or favour,” he added, noting he will consult widely with colleagues and senior lawyers on difficult matters to ensure sound decisions.
He thanked judiciary staff and the broader legal community for their collaboration and asked for continued cooperation, saying effective adjudication is a collective responsibility.
He expressed humility, readiness to serve and reliance on his faith for guidance.
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