Citing the need to resolve ambiguities and anomalies in the proposed legislation, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice has withdrawn the Judicial Officers Remuneration and Other Entitlements Bill, 2024.
The National Assembly’s Standing Order 76 was followed in making the decision, which prevents the bill from moving on to the next phase of legislative review. The Minister claims that the withdrawal will enable changes to be made to address some “mischiefs” in the text that might jeopardize the clarity and intent of the law.
The bill, which was initially presented to lawmakers as a crucial reform endeavor, sought to update the compensation structure for judges. It was created to allay long-standing worries about judges’ low pay, which is often regarded as a barrier to luring seasoned attorneys from private practice to the bench.
In addition to adjusting salaries, the bill aimed to guarantee that judicial appointments attract those who possess the knowledge and moral character required to support judicial independence and the rule of law. In order to bring The Gambia’s judicial compensation levels into line with those of similar jurisdictions, it suggested equivalency with regional benchmarks.
By strengthening retirement provisions and introducing survivor benefits for judges’ spouses and dependents, the legislation also sought to address the risks and demands inherent in judicial service. These measures were meant to acknowledge the personal and professional sacrifices made by members of the judiciary.
Fundamentally, the bill reaffirmed the government’s declared intention to strengthen the judiciary’s independence, efficacy, and integrity. The Justice Ministry is anticipated to return a new version in due course, and its temporary withdrawal marks a pause rather than an end to these efforts.
