As Liberia’s New Chief Justice Gbeisay Grace The Occasion, With Recommitment To Upholding The Rule Of Law
The Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA) is holding a retreat in the port city of Buchanan to come up with strategy on strengthening the rule of law in Liberia, as Garmah Never Lomo reports.
In an introductory speech at the start of the occasion today, Thursday, August 21, 2025, LNBA’s President, Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah said, the retreat marks an important milestone in the journey of our Bar Association.
It is a moment of reflection, planning, and reaffirmation of our collective commitment to strengthening the rule of law, defending the independence of the legal profession, and ensuring that justice remains accessible to all Liberians, he said.
According to Cllr. Varmah, Over the next few days, we will engage in critical discussions and deliberations that are intended to chart a clear and purposeful strategic direction for the LNBA over the next three years.
He stated that, among the key issues before the forum are the adoption of a National Welfare Policy for our members, the consideration and approval of a comprehensive three-year Strategic Plan, and the formulation of clear policies to guide both local and foreign travel engagements of the Association.
The LNBA President explained that they are not mere administrative matters; they are fundamental to building an efficient, transparent, and forward-looking Bar Association.
Expressing gratitude to the Bar, he said: “I want to particularly extend heartfelt appreciation to our partners, the UNDP and the OHCHR, for their consistent support to the work of the LNBA and for graciously sponsoring this retreat. Your collaboration underscores the importance of a vibrant, independent, and professional bar in the consolidation of democracy, justice, and peace in Liberia.”.
At the same time, Cllr. Varmah has urged his colleagues to approach their deliberations with candor, vision, and unity of purpose, adding:
“This is not only about setting policies but about defining the legacy of the LNBA at this crucial juncture in our nation’s history. Let us think boldly, act responsibly, and commit ourselves to the values of service, accountability, and professionalism.”
New Chief Justice Gbeisay recommits to upholding the rule of law
For his part, the new Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia, Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay said It was an honor for him to be part of the Bar in his capacity as a Justice for the first time.
As they gather in Buchanan to discuss the future of the legal profession and the challenges as a bigger community, “let’s recommit ourselves to upholding the rule of law in the asset analysis and advancing the interest of our profession in our country.”
“Today’s retreat serves as a campaign for meaningful dialogue, strategic planning, and collective action to strengthen the legal profession in Liberia. I charge you to remain committed to the principle of asset justice we see in this country. This is a country of law and not of men,” the new Chief Justice stated.
Chief Justice Gbeisay also said that the LNBA is an indispensable part of the legal development of this country. “The development of the country rests in the hands of those who are in the bigger profession. We need to take it seriously.”
He added: “It is my prayer that this retreat will be a source session for the LNBA so that we can identify ourselves, know our value, and know who we are in this country. Whether you are a President, whether you are a member of the Legislature, you need to live by the law and we are the custodians of the law so we also need to live by the law.”
”We need to realize that there are some bad apples among us. Lawyers are engaging in what they are not supposed to be engaging in. As I said yesterday, lawyers are creating evidence; lawyers are making sure that cases are not heard. This means that we need to make sure that the ethics of our profession which actually is a profession are upheld. I hope you take that seriously during your deliberation,” Justice Gbeisay lamented.
Speaking further, Justice Gbeisay said, the next thing that catches my mind is: just last year, I was in Zambia representing the African Biocompetition, and they took me to the office of the Zambian Law Society, the same one we call here the Bar Association. And that’s a three-story building owned by the Bar Association. They are leasing the upper part, they are leasing the down part, and they said they are using the central part of the office.
Justice Gbeisay continued: “And they told me that the Liberian National Bar Association is the oldest Bar in Africa. So, when I was walking down that building, coming down, I could not believe that we are sitting down somewhere today, calling our office in life. One of the things that most unsettles in the African tradition is that anyone who doesn’t have a house can never imagine being in a Bar. So, I don’t find it so.”
As the oldest Bar on the African continent, Chief Justice Gbeisay spoke of the need for the LNBA to have its own headquarters that resembles the oldest Bar in Africa, adding that. “we must prioritize that. Something must be done”.
”In my service as Chief Justice, I will cooperate with you in every direction, specifically to see you build a modern headquarters. I will personally put my hand in my pocket to contribute if you can do that. I hope and pray to see you achieve this before I retire.”
“The next thing I have been talking to the President about, which I also want you to consider, is the issue of continuing legal education. Sometimes we go to a Bar convention and we talk about continuing education, and maybe a lecture is going on, but half of the people don’t even stay inside so it’s a waste of time. People come to the court and make the same mistakes or repeat the same things we have already discussed,” Justice Gbeisay noted.
“I have tried it most of the time, and the tension comes from the workload. So, I believe that the Bar and the Bench should sit together and discuss this in detail. My suggestion is to transfer continuing education to the Judicial Institute, so that lawyers going there will have sufficient time to engage in the lecture and build a Chief Center for that,” Liberia’s new Chief Justice emphasized.
He told the gathering that his administration at the Judiciary will do everything the improve the level of professionalism demonstrated by Lawyers in handling court cases.
“In four years’ time, you will see the frustrations we go through. Lawyers come to the court totally unprepared. They spend more time looking for their evidence when they are asked questions. This means something is wrong somewhere.”
The Liberian Chief Justice emphasized that there’s a need to continue education, with specific reference to how you write your brief, how you present your case to the Supreme Court, and how you respond to questions that you expect to counter. You can’t keep bringing your own case and, when the question is posed to you, ask: What is this argument? and say, Give me ten minutes to find it. There is a need to do better.
Justice Gbeisay concluded his remarks by thanking the LNBA for holding the strategy retreat and expressed the hope that from the Buchanan meeting, the Bar will proceed to work in line with the Supreme Court Bench, and with itself.