The Chairperson of the Sierra Leone Legal Aid Board (LAB), Justice Adeliza Showers on Thursday disclosed during the official launching of the board that the organization is in desperate need of financial support.
The Chair said the board which aims to provide legal service in the country is an independent non-profit making organisation. She stated the board’s priority is to serve the legal interest of low income Sierra Leoneans to provide legal representation, legal information and education to the poor and marginalised.
She said therefore that the need for the board to provide a strong an efficient legal aid scheme cannot be over emphasised.
“With all of these”, she continued, “We cannot outweigh financial considerations”. She went on to say that even though the government has the duty to provide the financial support to enable the board to perform it duties, it cannot do it alone, it needs the assistant of local and international partners in the funding of it programmes. in this regard, she called on local as well as international donor agencies to assist the board in fulfilling its mandate, adding that it is of paramount importance that the board be given adequate financial resources as it embarks on the enormous task.
Commenting on the work of the board, the Acting Chief Justice (CJ), Justice Valecius Thomas said that the role of the Board is very vital in efforts to improve justice system in the country. He however said that the country should not always be looking out for support but it should rather be those who can afford should strive to do so locally.
As he pledged to do his part to make sure the Board achieves its objectives, he called on all to help finance the board and further holds it accountable. He also encouraged the board to use the funds appropriately, being that they have the public sacred trust.
By Edna Smalle
November 23, 2015
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