CESTOS, River Cess – President Joseph N. Boakai officially inaugurated the newly constructed 14th Judiciary Circuit Court Complex in River Cess County on Monday, August 12, 2024. The $1.6 million facility marks a significant milestone in the enhancement of Liberia’s judicial infrastructure.
By Eric Opa Doue, With The Liberian Investigator
The complex will house the 14th Judicial Circuit Court, the Cestos City Magisterial Court, and various specialized courts, including those for Rape, Traffic, Revenue, and Debt cases. Additionally, it includes offices for the County Attorney, Public Defenders, and City Solicitors, as well as accommodations for judges and jurors.
In his address, President Boakai expressed gratitude to the Chief Justice, Associate Justices, and all branches of government for their collaborative efforts in realizing the project. He also thanked the citizens of River Cess for their generosity in providing the land for the new facility.
“The dedication of this complex underscores our commitment to enhancing the quality of justice and improving the overall legal framework in Liberia,” Boakai stated. “The completion of the Judicial Complex represents a significant advancement in Liberia’s legal infrastructure, promising improved access to justice and a stronger rule of law across the nation.”
Court Front View and Court Room Photos by Eric Opa Doue
Justice Minister Cllr. J. Oswald Tweh, Associate Justice Yussif D. Kaba, Senator Wellington Geevon Smith, River Cess County Attorney Martin Tumu, Superintendent Byron Zahnwea, and members of the River Cess Bar Association were among the dignitaries present at the ceremony, which coincided with the opening of the August Term of court.
According to River Cess County’s Resident Circuit Judge, D. Onesimus Banwon, the processes leading to the construction and subsequent dedication of the complex began in September 2019. Banwon noted that the people of River Cess, through the office of the immediate past Superintendent Bismark Karbiah, provided the four acres of land on which the complex is built.
Residence Circuit Judge, D. Onesimus Banwon: Photo by Eric Opa Doue
Traditional Chiefs and Elders, women, youth, religious groups, and numerous other citizens of River Cess were also in attendance, showcasing performances by traditional mask dancers.
For years, the 14th Judiciary Circuit Court was housed in a small building, while the Magisterial Court operated out of a prefabricated container left behind by the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL). The Debt Court was run from the living room of Debt Court Judge Peter Massay.
Current structure hosting the Cestos City Magisterial Court: Photo by Eric Opa Doue
Meanwhile, River Cess County Attorney has raised concerns that “justice is still far from reaching the people of River Cess,” despite the construction and dedication of the 14th Judiciary Circuit Court Complex in the county.
Attorney Tumue acknowledged that while the new complex will provide an improved environment for those working within the justice and judiciary systems, significant logistical gaps remain for law enforcement. He also emphasized the lack of sufficient and adequate manpower in the county.
The County Attorney made these remarks in response to Judge D. Onesimus Banwon’s charge during the formal opening of the August Term of court, following the dedication of the Judiciary Complex.
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