By Hasbin Shaw in Freetown, Sierra Leone
The Westminster Foundation for Democracy recently concluded a four-day induction seminar for the newly elected members of parliament. The ceremony took place on Thursday May 17, 2018.
The seminar, which started on May 14, 2018, attracted members of the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Police, visiting Parliamentary expert, former Secretary to the South African Parliament and other stakeholders in the country. The seminar ended on May 17th.
The aim of the seminar was to empower parliamentarians to effectively perform their respective roles and functions.
The seminar enables parliamentarian to know the Parliamentary Glossary, which is a daily guide to help members of parliament to understand the unique complexities and demands of the parliament.
The seminar helps the parliamentarians to understand how parliament and other institutions cooperate towards the development of Sierra Leone.
The seminar saw representatives from different institutions and organizations in and out of the country with the roles of presentations on how they operate and cooperate with the parliament.
In his presentation, the visiting Parliamentary Expert from South Africa, Mr Mohamed Kamal Mansura, talked about the Role and Operation of the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) in Modern Parliament, and also with an experience sharing session with the new parliamentary service commission.
He said that the members of parliament should be visionary leaders and encouraged them to dialogue; embark on consensus, cross-party negotiation and best practices proactive parliament.
The President of 50/50 Group, Dr. Fatou Taqi, said that she want parliament to protect the already established laws that is positive towards women and advised that parliamentarian should not only pass laws and make bills that will favor themselves, but for the people of Sierra Leone and beyond.
The Clerk of Parliament, Hon. Umar Paran Tarawally, commended the commencement of the program and the parliamentarians who steadfastly went through the processes.
He said that he believe the new parliamentarians are well equipped with tools of knowledge and are now prepared for parliament sittings.
