Liberia: Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah Launches Campaign for LNBA Presidency with Vision for Legal Reform and Professional Development

Monrovia – Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah has officially announced his bid to become the next president of the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA).

By Willie N. Tokpah, willie.tokpah@frontpageafricaonline.com

Addressing the media of the Bar during a platform launch on Thursday, November 21, Cllr. Varmah outlined a comprehensive ten-pillar agenda aimed at advancing legal practice, education, and governance within Liberia’s justice sector.

The election will take place during the LNBA’s Annual Convention on November 30, 2024, in Ganta, where members will vote in new officers for a three-year term.

Cllr. Varmah hailed the accomplishments of the outgoing administration, highlighting key legislative interventions that resulted in the passage of critical laws, including the appointment of Additional Relieving Judges for Circuit Courts, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (2014 & 2023), the Domestic Violence Act (2019).

Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Act (2019) and New Standards on Preliminary Examination and Plea-Bargaining Laws.

At the same time, he said ongoing legislative efforts include the Public Health Law, Cybercrimes Act, and the Vehicle and Traffic Law of Liberia.

Cllr. Varmah said that beyond legislative work, the LNBA supported reforms to its constitution, including empowering local county Bar presidents and honoring senior legal practitioners with over 25 years of service.

“The Sylvester Rennie administration also bolstered Liberia’s justice system by partnering with the UNDP to reduce pre-trial detention, launching legal aid clinics, and securing $150,000 to educate stakeholders during the 2023 elections, a project lauded by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court” Cllr. Varmah maintained.

Cllr. Varmah’s campaign platform focuses on legal reform, professional development, and modernizing the Bar’s governance. Key priorities include Welfare and Legal Training, establishing a Provident Fund for lawyers, advocating for uniform pay in government roles, and expanding practical legal training through a dedicated institute.

He also emphasized the need to strengthen Legal Education, by promoting autonomy for the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, fostering international exchange programs, addressing Liberia’s dual legal systems, Recognition, and Professional Growth, Introducing awards for high-performing judges, and facilitating scholarships for young lawyers to gain global exposure, Strengthening ties with Liberia’s three branches of government, issuing policy statements on justice, and ensuring LNBA’s leadership in governance debates.

Cllr. Varmah platform also focused on modernizing Governance and amending the 1907 LNBA Act, digitizing financial systems, and enhancing transparency in dues collection.

He disclosed plans to improve infrastructure Development, by accelerating the completion of the LNBA headquarters and improving member services, creating partnerships with international Bar associations to enhance the global competitiveness of Liberian lawyers, enhancing visibility: Revamping the LNBA website to include comprehensive lawyer profiles, and boosting accessibility and professionalism.

Cllr. Varmah at the same time emphasized his dedication to maintaining the LNBA as the “voice of the voiceless” and a champion for justice in Liberia.

“Together, we can build a stronger, modernized Bar that serves its members and upholds the integrity of our legal system,” he declared.

Meanwhile, the LNBA convention in Ganta is expected to be a key moment, as members deliberate on the future leadership and vision for Liberia’s legal community.

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