His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio recently commended the departing executive members of the Sierra Leone Bar Association for their outstanding leadership and commitment to the development of the country.
The executives gave the President an update on their major accomplishments during their tenure when they were invited to his office. The President complimented the association on their successful term and expressed his gratitude for their support. He emphasised in particular their work on several training courses, one of which was a ground-breaking advocacy course taught by UK judges. As a result of this training, several judges and experienced solicitors are now qualified to instruct local solicitors in advocacy techniques, raising the standard of the legal profession in Sierra Leone as a whole.
The Democrats Project for Boys was one of the Bar Association’s noteworthy interventions, according to its president Eddinia Michaela Swallow Esq. The association started this project to give boys in trouble with the law free legal aid, fair hearings, quick trials, skills training, and psychosocial counselling because they saw how little support there was for boys who made mistakes. With a start-up in June 2023, the project has helped boys at Dems get a 90 per cent acquittal and discharge rate, giving them a second shot and a chance at rehabilitation. President Bio praised the association for its noteworthy efforts in assisting these boys, highlighting the fact that their intervention has prevented deaths and preserved the futures of intelligent young people who might have gone astray.
He recognised the significance of treating juvenile offenders differently from adults in the legal system, emphasising the needless suffering and anxiety that results from treating them like adults. The President gave the Bar Association his word that he would always support their efforts to protect the law and guarantee justice for all. In addition to thanking them for their leadership and services, he promised to support their successor as well.
In closing, President Bio acknowledged the important role the Bar Association plays in Sierra Leone as well as abroad. He praised their commitment and group leadership, which have gained them the members’ respect and confidence. To keep young boys out of trouble and to ensure that they have a better future for both themselves and the country, the President asked society to take notice of these boys who conflict with the law.
