The new president of the Bar Association of Sao Tome and Principe (OASTP), Germán Costa, elected this Friday, said that he will work to strengthen the organization’s institutions in order to defend class and the rule of law.
The list, led by a lawyer and graduate of the University of Luciada of Sao Tome and Principe, won the internal elections with 24 votes to 15 for his opponent Mikes João.
“First, our greatest concern must be class unity. If we are not united, we will not be able to do much either,” the new OASTP president told Luse.
According to Germán Costa, another goal of his team will be institutional strengthening, considering that “a strengthened order is beneficial for lawyers and citizens, and emphasizing that the mission of lawyers” is nothing less than ensuring respect and protection of constitutional norms. fundamental rights of citizens are secured.”
“A strong order will also benefit the state of Sao Tome itself, which is a democratic state governed by the rule of law,” he added.
Germán Costa stated that the OASTP will inform public and private organizations about the rights of lawyers, stressing that “when institutions are not aware of these prerogatives, they take positions that jeopardize the practice of law,” a situation he said is occurring “ into the very embodiment of justice” in Sao Tome and Principe and around the world.
“A lawyer must fully realize his profession, he must feel free and feel that he is acting effectively, protecting the interests of citizens,” he emphasized.
The lawyer also stated that training “is one of the priorities” of his team, and to this end he will take advantage of partners “with the extensive experience, capabilities, skills and evidence already provided, without neglecting external resources”, in terms of partnership with colleagues of the Portuguese Bar Association language (UALP).
“We want to continue to invest in legal training generally, we want to redefine the legal apprenticeship model, we want more professionals to join the bar, but we want to put good, well-trained professionals at the service of citizens. “, said German Costa.
On the other hand, he said he would work with the government to streamline payments for informal defense services so that lawyers can continue to provide access to justice to the most disadvantaged citizens.
“This is the responsibility of the state, we will continue to carry out this work with great responsibility,” he said, emphasizing that “non-payment of official fees constitutes, in essence, a denial of justice.”
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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