By Edward Vamboi
The Legal Aid Board on 26 March 2020 disclosed that four of its clients, comprising three adult women and a child mother, have benefited from the charity Don Bosco Fambul in Freetown.The women were referred to the Don Bosco by the Board following their release after benefiting from the Presidential Pardon.
The child mother who hails from Pujehun, Elizabeth gave birth at the Princess Christian Maternity Hospital (PCMH) commonly called Cottage. With no home to return to in Freetown after her discharged, she had to stay in the hospital compound until the authorities became aware of her plight and referred her to the Legal Aid Board. The Board in turn referred her to Don Bosco as part of the partnership between the two
The three adult women received two million two hundred and thirty Leones (USD 230) to start their businesses while the child mother received resettlement packaged after she was reunited with her father who travelled from Pujehun to witness the event. This, notwithstanding, Elizabeth will continue to be in a Girl Shelter in the short term.
Speaking at the ceremony in the Conference Hall of the Don Bosco Fambul on Fort Street in Freetown, the Executive Director of the Legal Aid Board, Ms. Fatmata Claire Carlton-Hanciles applauded the partnership with Don Bosco describing it as productive.
Ms. Carlton-Hanciles said the Board has referred quite a number of child clients (vulnerable juveniles released by the court and children who are prone to committing crimes) for psychosocial support, skills training, shelter, clothing and medical. “The relationship is mutual,” she was quick to stress. “The Board in turn provides legal assistance to juvenile matters referred to it by Don Bosco.”
She also pointed out that there is a lot of pressure on the Board from the public for solution to problems which do not fall under the remit of the Board. “This is why the strength of the Board has been in the partnerships we forge with governmental and non-governmental organizations.”
She noted that Elizabeth is a serious concern to the Board because nobody knows the whereabouts of the child’s father. Also, Elizabeth is not sure who the father of the one month old child is.
In his statement, the Director of Don Bosco, Father Jorge Mario Crusafulli said nobody is bad by nature. He added that there are good men and women with big potentials in both the Male and Female Correctional Centres. He said being sent to a Correctional Centre does not in any way mean the end of one’s life as there is still life after Correctional Centre.
He said Don Bosco is providing support to children in conflict with the law to help them not to go back to crime. He added that money is given to some to start small businesses while others are provided support to go back to school. Also, rent is paid for those who cannot afford it.
Father Crusafulli added that the Bon Bosco believes in empowering their beneficiaries to become self-reliant. “When we give material things to people it will not make them become self-reliant but when we give people skills and money to do business that will dignify them,” he said. “We do not want people to depend on Don Bosco and the LAB for the rest of their lives.” He concluded by assuring Ms. Carlton-Hanciles that they have put measures in place against the Coronavirus.
Earlier, Don Bosco’s Legal Assistant, Curtis Johnson recalled that few months back they received some referrals from the Board. He noted that those that were about to benefit from the cash to start business and resettlement package were part of those referred by the Board.
He described the partnership between the two institutions as excellent noting that lawyers from the Board have been providing legal representation to juveniles in the court. He added that Don Bosco feeds 250 inmates at the Pademba Road Correctional Center. It also provides medical to some.
In another development, the Legal Aid Board secured the release of Morray a former Crane Operator with one of the Labour companies in Cline Town on 23 March 2020 from the court. Morray was charged with Wounding with Intent and had been standing trial at High Court No. 2 at Ross Road presided over by the Honourable Justice Emmanuella Harding.
Morray had been remanded at the Pademba Road Correctional Center for thirteen months since his first court appearance at the Freetown Magistrate Court No. 2 at Ross Road.
Morray, who looks sick and pale informed the Board during pre-discharge briefing prior to his return home and mainstream society that he will not be returning home at Mammy Yoko Street to reunite with his family for mow. He revealed that he will be traveling to Lungi in the Kafu Bullom Chiefdom to seek traditional medical care.
“As you can see, I cannot afford to go to my residence on Mammy Yoko Street in Freetown,” he said. “I will call my wife to inform her about my release.” He added that his current health condition will not permit him to reunite with his wife and child.
He thanked the Board for securing his release. However, he still maintains his innocence, even though he regrets what transpired between him and his friend, Saidu Kamara which resulted in his arrest and his being charged to court.
The Executive Director of the Board, Ms. Fatmata Claire Carlton-Hanciles admonished Morray to ensure he is not held hostage by what he has gone through, instead he should stay away from crime and focus on rebuilding his life. He added that the Board has been constrained to provide legal representation to those who reoffend because there are thousands of indigent accused persons on the waiting list around the country who should be served first.
The Board, also, had on the 25 March 2020 secured bail for one Emmanuel who was charged with Robbery with Aggravation. He had been standing trial at the Freetown High Court presided over by Honourable Justice John Bosco.
Emmanuel had been remand at the Pademba Road Correctional Center since 2010. He was granted bail based on a habeas corpus application by Legal Aid Manager, Ms. Cecilia Tucker. His case was adjourned to Wednesday 29 April 2020.
