Bar and Legal Aid discuss access to justice

The Secretary General of the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA), Mr. Julian Cole has called on the Sierra Leone Legal Board to assist with finding a solution to issues of bail processing and approval.  Cole noted that those charged with approving bail do impose their own conditions and this is imposing obstacles in securing bail for accused persons.

Cole registered the concern when the new executive of the Bar Association met with the management of the Legal Aid Board on Tuesday, July 26. Cole lauded the Legal Aid Board for the significant progress in promoting access to justice and the commitment shown by its lawyers in handling a lot of cases in court.

The President of the Association, Ms. Rhoda Souffian Kargbo Nuni said her Association will build on the partnership between the two institutions. ‘If you need any assistance from us, please let us know,’ she said. ‘When the Board succeeds, the profession can take some of the credit.’

Ms. Nuni lauded the Board for employing members of the Association. She said the Association will do all within its power to ensure those contracted to handle legal aid cases do deliver on the terms of the contract. In addition, the Association will be ready to take part in the training of paralegals.

The Executive Director the Legal Aid Board, Ms. Fatmata Claire Carlton-Hanciles lauded the partnership with the Association. She informed the new Executive that another set of lawyers from the Association will be contracted to service legal aid  cases.

Ms. Carlton-Hanciles briefed the Association on efforts at expanding access to justice with the opening of offices upcountry and recruitment of six lawyers. She said the Board has secured funds from the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) for the recruitment of 35 Paralegals who will be deployed across the country to provide legal advice and monitor local courts and the police.

She said the Board is putting together a training manual for Paralegals. ‘We will need you to be part of the training team,’ Ms. Carlton-Hanciles said.  ‘The Board is working with the Judiciary to set-up the Judicial and Legal Service Training institute.’

She lauded lawyers of the Law Officers Department for issuing indictments to those who have been on remand for a long time.

Ms. Carlton-Hanciles said the Legal Aid Guide will be gazette after it has been finalized by the Board and its partners. ‘We will be organizing a workshop by the first week of August to finalize the Guide’ she said.

She also spoke on a key mandate of the Board which involves accrediting all legal aid providers in the country. She hinted that the Board will be embarking on the exercise after completing ongoing consultations. She said renewal will be done on a regular basis to be determined by the Board.

Speaking on some of the challenges facing access to justice, Ms. Carlton-Hanciles said accused persons are handcuffed while making the long sea journey from Bonthe to Matru Jong where the Magistrate Court sits.