MONROVIA – As a fulfillment of his promise to the people of Nimba County and the Judiciary, Chief Justice His Honor Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay Sr. expressed happiness over the level of commitment from the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary as Nimba County seated its first Labour Court Judge.
On Monday, August 10, Chief Justice Gbeisay was filled with happiness at the August term opening of the 8th Judicial Circuit Court of Nimba County.
Speaking during the seating ceremony of its first Labour Court Judge of Nimba County, the Chief Justice said, “I am seated before you today with a heart of pride-as Chief Justice of the Republic of Liberia and as a son of Nimba County. It is a special honor to return to my county of origin, not just to visit, but to witness the fulfillment of my dream and promise; that justice must be brought closer to the people.”
The Chief Justice pointed out that, for many years, workers and employers in Nimba County have suffered serious setbacks in labor disputes, and for this reason most of them end up not getting justice because of a crowded docket at the court.
Recognizing the efforts of all hands-on deck, he stated, “With the support of the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary, we have succeeded in establishing the Nimba County Labour Court, the first of its kind outside Montserrado County. Of course, this is obvious because Nimba County, by our population and development, is justified and certainly entitled to a labour court.”
“This is why upon my taking over of the judiciary, I made it my duty to encourage the legislature to ensure that the labor court is established to give justice to thousands of employees and the employer engaged with Arcelor Mittal Liberia, hundreds of employees and employers at Cocopa Rubber plantation and score of employees and employers at the various business entities in Gompa, Sanniquellie, Tappita, Bahn and Karnplay Cities all of whom are growing cities recognized by the newly established Local Government Act of the Republic of Liberia.”
The Chief Justice also encouraged the employees of Nimba to use the court wisely and responsively while urging the employers to respect the laws and the rights of their employees.
“A fair workplace is a productive workplace. To the members of Nimba Bar Association, help build the jurisprudence of labor law in our country. To my judiciary family, support this court with your resources and your expertise.”
To the newly seated Judge, he intimated, “Your honor, Tarlo Wehye, the eyes of the people of Nimba are on you; you are not just a judge, you are a pioneer. You will be called to balance the law with compassion, efficiency with due process and the interest of the employees with the needs of the employer. I charge you to be impartial and knowledgeable of the Labor laws of our land and to be swift, but perhaps most importantly, I charge you to be a judge of integrity and a judge without fear of anyone but the law. Justice in labour matters; delay is a family that goes hungry.”
Reminding the new Judge, he stated, “The establishment of a labour court in Nimba County is proof that decentralization of justice is possible and development can reach every county, and our current government has the political will to bring access to justice throughout the length and breadth of this county.”
In his conclusion, he added, “Finally ,
Your Honor, on behalf of the Supreme Court of Liberia, I welcome you to the bench of honor. May God guide you; may the lord strengthen you and may the employers and employees of Nimba County find justice in your courtroom.”
