The Liberian Judiciary has announced a series of measures aimed at strengthening the country’s public defense system, including the provision of 15 vehicles, 35 motorbikes, laptop computers, and salary increases for public defenders across Liberia.
The announcement was made Tuesday, October 20, by Judiciary Court Administrator Cllr. William B. Kollie during an extensive in-house training program organized by the James A.A. Pierre Institute of the Judiciary in Gompa City, Nimba County.
Speaking on behalf of the Judiciary, Cllr. Kollie said the initiative aligns with the vision of
Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay Sr. to enhance the professional capacity and effectiveness of judicial personnel nationwide.
According to him, the Judiciary recognizes the significant challenges confronting public defenders, particularly their difficulty in navigating circuit and magisterial courts across the country to ensure citizens have access to justice.
“The Judiciary is aware of the many challenges facing the public defense program,” Kollie said, emphasizing that the planned logistical support and improved compensation package are intended to strengthen service delivery and improve legal representation for indigent defendants.
He urged participants to take the training seriously, describing it as a critical component of efforts to strengthen the justice system and enhance professional performance among public defenders.
Also addressing the gathering, Cllr. Moses S. Soribah, Executive Director of the James A.A. Pierre Institute, challenged public defenders to approach every case with diligence and professionalism.
He noted that the Supreme Court established the National Public Defenders Office to expand access to legal representation for individuals accused of criminal offenses who cannot afford private counsel.
Soribah encouraged participants to rigorously examine evidence, identify constitutional rights violations where they exist, and pursue lawful remedies to safeguard the rights of their clients.
Meanwhile, Cllr. Bestman D. Juah, National Coordinator and President of the Public Defense Program, expressed gratitude to Chief Justice Gbeisay for supporting the quarterly training initiative, which he said would help improve legal services nationwide.
Juah reminded participants of the importance of their role in defending vulnerable citizens within the justice system.
“Every single file represents a human life, a family, and a story that deserves to be told with dignity and fierce excellence,” he said.
The training is expected to equip public defenders with additional legal knowledge and practical skills while reinforcing the Judiciary’s broader commitment to expanding access to justice throughout Liberia.
