“All Efforts Count In Labor” -Judge Smith Tells Judiciary Staffers By Yassah J. Wright

The assigned circuit court Judge at the Civil Law Court “A,” George W. Smith, Sr, has called on the court’s staffs to remain focused on their job “because no labor is small and underrated.”

Judge Smith’s admonition was contained in his keynote address during the judiciary’s ceremony in observance of International Labor Day held at the Temple of Justice.

The ceremony was under the theme: “No Labor is Small and Every Effort Counts.”

For that basis, Judge Smith praised the dedication of all judicial workers from magistrates to janitors for their contributions to the administration of justice in the country.

He highlighted the global significance of International Labor Day, noting: “it is celebrated in various forms around the world to recognize the work and impact of laborers on economic growth and societal progress.”

Smith, therefore explained that in the Liberian context, the Judiciary is not only a critical pillar of the state, but the foundation that supports both the executive and the legislative branches.

“The judiciary, through justices, judges, and magistrates, administers independent and impartial justice, which is the cornerstone of a peaceful and orderly society necessary for economic investment and national prosperity,” he stated.

However, he noted that the effective functioning of the judiciary depends heavily on the efforts of non-judicial staff, who are the main laborers in the business of dispensing justice.

“All judiciary workers, apart from the justices and judges, are the backbone of the justice system. Their supportive roles uphold the system that ensures national order,” Judge Smith said.

Using the analogy of a triangle, Judge Smith described the Legislature and Executive as the two upright sides, with the Judiciary serving as the base that holds them together. “If the base is weak, the entire triangle collapses,” he said.

Smith also discussed constitutional provisions protecting judicial salaries and encouraged government to extend similar benefits to all judiciary workers.

He referenced a past lawsuit by judges against salary reductions, which he described as a “defense of constitutional rights.”

Also, Judge Smith called for a nationwide environmental cleanup campaign, urging the government and all Liberians to join the fight against plastic waste.

He recommended for every citizen to contribute a small monthly amount to support the cause, estimating that over US$33 million could be raised annually if every Liberian contribute at least US$50 cents to clean the city.  He meanwhile pledged US$20 monthly deduction from his salary. For that, Smith urged government officials, private institutions, and citizens to do the same.

“No labor is small, and every effort count,” he repeatedly informed his audience, comprising mainly of court staffs, adding: “together, we can build a cleaner, healthier and more prosperous nation.”