The glamour for the Sierra Leone Bar Association is waving high. Since the declaration of this election, legal pundits have come from all places to interest in the available positions. The substantive, Charlie Israel Williams has shown interest for the position of Public Relations Officer. This man has mentored even your mentors. Yes, he has lectured your lecturers. To say the very least, let us read his preparedness for this political battle.

Fellow Members of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, I come before you as Charlie Israel Williams, a man driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence in the legal profession and a fervent commitment to our shared values of justice and integrity.

My journey began in the vibrant city of Kenema, where I embarked on an academic pilgrimage that has seen me acquire certifications spanning a diverse array of disciplines, including social development, accounting & finance, public sector management, business administration, and law.

In addition to my academic achievements, I am proud as a devoted husband and father of three. My family is not only my source of strength but also my inspiration to strive for greatness in all that I do.

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of serving in various leadership capacities, both locally and internationally. From leading initiatives at two constituent colleges of the University of Sierra Leone to spearheading projects with the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students and the S o A Youth Leadership, I have consistently demonstrated my ability to lead with vision, passion, and integrity.

My tenure as President of the Law Society at Fourah Bay College during the 2016/2017 academic year was a defining moment in my career, where I had the opportunity to champion the interests of my fellow students and advocate for positive change within our institution.

As a private legal practitioner, I have been a prominent figure in the media landscape of Sierra Leone, using my platform to advocate for justice and civic education. My experience engaging with print and electronic media has reinforced my belief in the power of communication to drive positive change and shape public opinion.

Today, I am reaching out to all of you to declare my candidacy for the position of Public Relations Officer of the Sierra Leone Bar Association. I am motivated by a deep-seated desire to ensure that our Association remains a strong and influential voice for justice and fairness in our society.

Over the years, I have witnessed with great concern the decline in the significance of our Association, as political interference and a lack of focus on our core mandates have weakened our impact and undermined our purpose. I am not against political partisanship per se, but I firmly believe that such affiliations should never compromise our professionalism or dilute our commitment to our members and the broader public.

As your Public Relations Officer, I will be unwavering in my dedication to reinvigorating our association and reasserting its significance in our society. I will work tirelessly to ensure that our voice is heard loud and clear, both within our profession and beyond. I will advocate for the interests of our members, uphold the values of our profession, and strengthen our partnerships both locally and internationally.

I ask for your support in the upcoming elections. Together, we can build a stronger, more effective Bar Association—one that truly represents the interests of its members and the values of justice and fairness. I am ready to be the face and voice of the Bar. I am ready to be your voice at this critical juncture in our history, and I pledge to pave the way for successive holders of this sensitive office.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Let us work together to ensure that justice prevails. CHARLIE ISRAEL WILLIAMS ESQ: Cert. Soc. Dev’t., BSc. (Hons) Fin. Serv.; BSc. (Hons) PSM; LLB, BL, MBA.

 Credit: FORUM NEWS SIERRA LEONE