Law School Professors Decry Salary Arrears By: Yassah J Wright

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The Dean of the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law at the University of Liberia, Dr. Jallah A. Barbu, has described the lack of salary payment and wages of professors at the Institution for more than  a year plus by the Government of Liberia.  Making a brief remark at the opening of the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA) on Friday, December 8, 2023 in Ganta City, Nimba County, Dean Barbu said for approximately one year plus, some professors at the law school have been teaching and impacting knowledge without being paid salaries by the Government and the University.  According to him, despite not being paid, these professors in the midst of such challenges execute their duties with integrity and effectiveness, something he believes they should be extolled and congratulated for. ” Let me inform you that most of our professors at the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law at the University of Liberia have not been paid for more than  a year at the University. Yet, they are making the sacrifices. This is not an easy thing to do and so, I want you all to kindly join me, congratulate and thank them for the job they are doing and the  sacrifices they are making,” Cllr. Barbu noted. Over the weekend, hundreds of lawyers including law professors, students as well as members of the diplomatic community converged in Ganta City, Nimba County, for the celebration of the convention of the LNBA.  The program was held at Jackie Guest House in the county and well attended under the theme: ” Maintaining the Peace Post-election through Adherence to the Rule of Law.”  During the program, Ambassador of Cameroon to Liberia and Doyen of the Diplomatic Corps, Beng’yela Augustine Gang, delivered an inspiring and comprehensive keynote address at the occasion. Furthermore, the Law School Dean disclosed that these professors produce their own sheets and used their offices and everything else to teach and make research.  ” I want to say to them, thank you very much because I know we couldn’t have reach where we are without your sacrifice,” he noted.  At the same time, Dean Barbu expressed excitement and appreciation of being recognized (Law School) and participating in the LNBA activities, while urging the Bar to make itself and presence visible at the Law School.

Outlining achievement under his administration as Dean of the Law School, he stated that the law school continues to excel in strengthening its admissions process, improve academic Programmer and infrastructure developments.  According to him, they remain steadfast in doing what is right at the law school, adding that anyone who is admitted in the law school, nobody will enters without passing the examination.  ” Mr. President, and members of the Bar, I want to inform you that the Law School continues to excell in strengthening admissions process. We improve academic Programs. We have some infrastructure development. We continue to prove to you and to collaborate with the LNBA. But, Mr. President at the same time, we call on you to make the Bar visible at the Law School” Dean Barbu indicated.  At the same time, Mr. Beng’yela A. Gang, Ambassador of Cameroon and Doyen of the Diplomatic Corps delivering his Keynote address on the Topic: “Maintaining the Peace Post-Election Through Adherence to the Rule of Law” said the constant pursuit of other virtues and human needs such as mutual tolerance, civic education, patriotism, inclusive development, health, employment…must accompany the rule of law in any credible endeavor to achieve genuine national peace. Ambassador Gang commended Liberia for the manifestation of wisdom and tolerance that were showcased to the world during the excellently organized and happily concluded 2023 Liberian General and Legislative Elections. He noted that the credibility of Liberian political management and social harmony has climbed quite a few notches up the ladder of contemporary, comparative analysis due to 10 October and 14 November 2023 Elections. “In this unprecedented success, it is clear that the willingness to the “Adherence to the Rule of Law” by diverse stakeholders – both government and the governed – was vital to the recent, acclaimed electoral success,” the Ambassador stated. He praised Liberia’s Supreme Court for the bold and steadfast assurances to all stakeholders of the 2023 General and Legislative Elections. He said, “that was a veritable pacifier even though, the NEC, organizers of the vote, achieved such a unique feat in terms of general transparency that the Supreme Court seems to have been spared an overwhelming load of socially disruptive litigations.” “It is to this same calming reassurances from the Justices of the Court of last resort as well as from the lower jurisdictions that Liberians shall, in this post-election era, turn for prompt dispensation of fair and equitable institutional justice: a promptitude and fairness that, alongside transitional palaver arrangements, ensure true peace,” he added. The Ambassador said he trusts that the present convention helps the LNBA to remain a pro bono watch dog of the democratic and legal evolution of the nation. Associate Justice Yarmie Quiqui Gbeisay in a brief remark on behalf of the Supreme Court of Liberia wished all lawyers a successful deliberation and discussion in the interest of the legal community and the nation at large. Justice Gbeisay admonished lawyers to focus on the discussion and achieve the purpose for which they have assembled in Nimba County bearing in mind that the peace of the country rests in the hands of the legal community. Also Speaking, the President of the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL) Madam Philomena Williams said AFELL is following up on judicial activities of the Supreme Court and is extremely pleased with the Yuoh Bench, particularly in the opinions rendered and rebranding of the Judiciary. Madam Williams said consistent with the Theme: “Maintaining the Peace Post-Election Through Adherence to the Rule of Law,” AFELL shall continue her advocacy to eradicate all forms of violence and speak up against issues that affects women and children without fear or favor and to maintain the peace. The President of AFELL expressed optimism by God’s grace that Liberia will remain peaceful. “We hail herewith applaud the people of Liberia for a peaceful elections,” she added. Cllr. Sylvester Rennie, President of the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA) in remarks said the Bar assembly was a constitutional responsibility consistent with Article 4 Section 11 of the Constitution and Bylaws of the LNBA which states that: “the supreme authority of the Liberia National Bar Association shall be vested in the national convention of the association which shall be once a year.” Cllr. Rennie reported to the assembly that between 2022/2023 the Bar and Carter Center entered into an MOU for a Rule of Law program to provide pro bono legal support to citizens in Bong, Nimba and Lofa counties.  The Liberia National Bar Association president said through the pro bono legal program a total of twenty five (25) pre-trial detainees were released from prison. He reported that the financial balance of the Liberia National Bar Association at the end of this year is over two hundred thousand United States dollars (US$200,000).

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