Ministry of Labour Rules Against SIB in Wrongful Dismissal Case

The Ministry of Labour has issued a decisive ruling against Sapelle International Bank (SIB), finding the institution guilty of wrongfully dismissing its former Risk Manager, Madam Miatta Sonii Jarry, in December 2024. In a default judgment handed down recently, the court concluded that Madam Jarry was terminated not on the basis of professional misconduct, but rather as a result of malice, discrimination, and institutional prejudice exercised by senior management of the bank. The ruling follows months of investigation and legal proceedings initiated after Jarry filed a formal complaint. The court found that Madam Jarry, a veteran financial professional and former official of the Central Bank of Liberia, had come under sustained internal pressure after she uncovered and reported unauthorized loan approvals and unethical practices that violated the bank’s internal policies. Her insistence on upholding professional and ethical standards reportedly made her a target of retaliation. The court also confirmed that Madam Jarry was penalized for her religious beliefs. Despite having a prior agreement in place with SIB to observe the Seventh-day Sabbath, the court noted that her right to religious accommodation was ignored, with the bank repeatedly attempting to compel her to work on her day of worship. Furthermore, she was unjustly suspended without cause, denied her entitled annual leave, and subjected to persistent threats from senior officials actions which the court deemed discriminatory and unlawful. “The court finds that Madam Miatta Sonii Jarry was a victim of wrongful dismissal, carried out with prejudice, retaliation, and religious discrimination,” the ruling stated. “Her integrity in the face of internal pressure is commendable and reflects the highest standards of professionalism.” In its remarks, the court described Madam Jarry as an "Integrity Icon," recognizing her unwavering commitment to transparency and ethical conduct, even at great personal cost. The Ministry of Labour Court’s ruling has been welcomed by workers’ rights advocates and civil society groups as a significant step toward accountability in the banking sector. The court has ordered Sapelle International Bank to provide appropriate remedies, including compensation and damages for the unlawful dismissal. Efforts to contact the management of Sapelle International Bank for comment have so far proven unsuccessful. Madam Jarry has expressed gratitude to the court for ensuring justice was served, stating, “This victory is not just for me, but for every professional who dares to stand for truth, fairness, and integrity in the workplace.”