In a rather symbolic ceremony, at the High Court in Banjul, seven Gambians were sworn-in, formerly calling them into the Gambia Bar Association.

This colourful swearing in ceremony was held in court room No. 1, at the High Court in Banjul, last Friday. The seven new entrants in to the Gambia Bar Association were Pa Harry Jammeh, the Principal Magistrate at the Brikama Magistrates Court; Lamin George, Senior Magistrate at the Banjul Magistrates Court; Ramatoulie Jawara; Anna Njie; Hajom Gaye; Nyima Isatou Jawara; and Ebrima Jah.

This somewhat rare legal ceremony brought together judges, magistrates, 'cadis', relatives of the newly sworn-in, as well as the press. The chief justice (CJ) of The Gambia, Abdou Karim Savage, administered the new entrants to the oath. Chief Justice Savage described the occasion as "historic and great in the history of The Gambia Bar Association."

He indicated that this was the first time that number of Gambians has been called in to the bar "since I assumed the office of Chief Justice. This is an indication of appreciation for the legal profession in the Gambia," he said.

Mr Savage however reminded the new entrants about the need for networking and the spirit of cooperation and collective work at the bar. "You must work within the ambit of the law, work hard and leave the rest to God," he told them. And he added, "have clear conscience at all times and maintain the good name of the Gambia Bar Association. "If you cannot add anything to it," he advised them, "please leave it.

"The work starts today, and you must give respect to clients, parents and colleagues at both the bar and society. You must share knowledge with your colleagues and learn from each other.  The legal profession is a continuous learning." Dr Henry Carol, Solicitor General and Legal Secretary, who deputised for the SoS for Justice, Mari Saine Firdaus, congratulated the lawyers for their hard work and dedication. He urged them to exercise mercy in the course of their work, and to ensure preservation of the good image of the Gambia Bar Association.

Amie Bensouda, president of the Bar, urged the new comers to observe and operate within the code of conduct of the Association.
She described the occasion as historic, expressing optimism that the occasion would address complaints about shortage of legal practitioners in the country.