By Alieu Amara Suwu
Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) on Tuesday 10th October 2023 commenced a two-day training for a cross- section of parliamentary staff on post legislative scrutiny.
The training was well-attended by parliamentary staff at the Parliament New Administrative Building, Towel Hill Freetown.
Madam Finda Fraser, the Director General of Parliament, said the occasion is part of their testament as a corporate institution, stating categorically that they are the backbone of their democracy. She informed that, during the training, much is expected to be delivered in light of the legislative process and other related governance knowledge including integrity, and impartiality amongst others. She expressed confidence that staff members would acquire knowledge and implement the laws in the future.
Rev. Alusine Diamond Suma, Country Manager of Westminster Foundation for Democracy, said as clerks of committees and legislative staff in parliament, they should hold a unique position at the heart of the legislative process. “You are the guardians of parliamentary procedure, the keepers of the parliamentary record, and the trusted advisors to our legislators. Your role is not merely administrative; it is the very backbone of our democratic systems”, he asserted.
He said that in May 2023, WFD through the support of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office supported three staff of Parliament to join others in undertaking an advanced course on Innovations in Post Legislative Scrutiny with the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, University of London.
“I will proudly note that there are only six Sierra Leoneans who have such credentials; four of whom are staff of Parliament,” he said.
Mohamed Jalloh, Director for Center and Parliamentary Studies, in his welcome address, thanked the Foundation the training. Director Jalloh said the training assesses laws passed by the Parliament of Sierra Leone and their significant to the development of the State. He encouraged all to take the training seriously and shared knowledge on it important
Franklin De Vrieze Head of Practice Accountability at Westminster Foundation for Democracy said legislative process is a cornerstone of any thriving democracy. He also noted thatlaws are crafted, debated, and enacted for the betterment of their nations and their citizens. He said the efficiency and effectiveness of the process hinge greatly on their collective competence and dedication. He said the legislative process is the corner stone of laws of development. He encouraged all to actively participate in the training process. He called on those that are trained in PLS, to share the knowledge of acquired by their training. He assured the continued support of the Parliament of Sierra Leone.
Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times Week end Newspaper on Friday 13th October, 2023 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
