The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay Sr. has urged stakeholders to embrace arbitration as a critical third pillar of access to justice in Liberia during the opening of the two-day arbitration training at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia.
Addressing legal practitioners, judicial officers, and other participants at the event organized by the Ministry of Justice, Chief Justice Gbeisay emphasized that Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), and arbitration in particular, is key to delivering justice that is “efficient, affordable, and accessible” to all Liberians.
“Today’s conversation on the need for a holistic arbitration process in Liberia is not merely an academic exercise; it is a call to reimagine how justice can be delivered,” said Chief Justice Gbeisay, who also brought greetings on behalf of the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA).
He noted that Liberia’s justice architecture has traditionally relied on courts as the primary avenue for resolving disputes, complemented by public defense and legal aid programs that help vulnerable populations.
However, Chief Justice Gbeisay asserted that ADR now represents an essential third layer of justice, providing an effective alternative to lengthy court processes.
“A holistic arbitration framework, one that integrates domestic and international best practices, ensures impartiality, and is supported by an enabling legal and institutional environment, will not only ease the burden on our courts but also enhance investor confidence and promote social harmony,” he added.
The Chief Justice expressed the LNBA’s readiness to collaborate with the Ministry of Justice, the Judiciary, and other stakeholders to mainstream arbitration in legal practice, business, and community dispute resolution.
The Ministry of Justice, through its Alternative Dispute Resolution Department and in partnership with the Judicial Institute and Kennedy’s Law Group, is facilitating the two-day training program.
The sessions cover arbitration theory, drafting agreements, ethics for arbitrators, and practical case studies, aiming to build capacity for efficient dispute resolution.
Chief Justice Gbeisay concluded by urging participants to engage fully in the workshop, highlighting the broader goal of building “a justice system that does not only decide cases but resolves conflicts, restores relationships, and reinforces confidence in the rule of law.”
The training represents a significant step toward embedding arbitration within Liberia’s justice system, aligned with ongoing efforts to develop legislative frameworks that support ADR mechanisms.
