This book gives a unique "insider's account" of the changes in governance that took place as Sierra Leone progressed from a British Colony with a self selected "legislature" to an Independent Nation with a democratically elected Parliament. It covers the period from 1944, when the authour started his career, to 1967 when a military take-over saw the dissolution of Parliament. In the position of Clerk to the various Legislatures in Sierra Leone the authour accummulated over twenty years of experience as an "insider" in the legislature and an independent witness of change. It is from this vantage position that the book outlines details of the events, processes and most of all the major personalities that shaped political governance in Sierra leone. This book is not the usual historical account of dates and events with arguments over roles and outcomes. Rather it is an insightful and detailed account of the motivation and strategies of the different stake-holders as they battled for change in governance. It outlines the cut-and-thrust of debate in the various legislatures, resulting in the increased democratisation of political governance. The 1944 Legislative Council of 21 members was made up mainly of European Government Officials and members appointed by the Governor.This was later enlarged to include more elected members, becoming a 57-member House of Representatives in 1951, with an elected Speaker. The stalwarts who pressed for change come alive in this book with all their political savvy and their idiosyncrises which made them colourful figures in the process of change. The authour portrays these main characters with empathy and fondness that reflect his role in serving and guiding legislators as well as his friendship cultivated with them over the years. The book comes alive with quotes from key players during critical debates on issues of profound national significance. Through these extensive quotes and the authour's description of the personalities involved the book captures the wit and humour that helped to maintain decorum and mutual respect amongst legislatures at the most trying times. These men (there was only one woman legislator - Madame Ella Koblo-Gullama - throughout this period) were skilled at debates and parliamentary procedures, as they sought independence from Britain. Their task was clearly complicated by tensions and disparities between the "Colony people" and "Protectorate people", due in large part to the British strategy of "divide and rule" in its territories. The book provides us with lively insights into the personalities and contributions of pivotal figures, including 4 Governors, 2 Prime Ministers, 3 Speakers, and some of the most formidable opposition figures. Milton Margai who became the first Prime Minister and his brother Albert Margai who succeeded him; Siaka Stevens who later became the first President of the Republic of Sierra Leone; Otto-During, Bankole Bright and Wallace-Johnson, household names in the history of Sierra Leone; all these names come alive in this book as personalities that changed the course of history in the country. In modern times Sierra Leone has become widely known for a series of military coups and an ugly civil war that caused extensive destruction, loss of life and reversal of the democratic process. This book reminds us of a time when the hottest battles were waged in the chambers of Parliament with weapons of wit, diplomacy, humour and skilled debate. The book suggests there were winners and losers on every issue and debate, but the winners tended to be magnanimous and losers always lived to fight another day. The authour does not seek to pass political judgement on these early legislators, beyond their stated positions and interests. Like a true civil servant S.V. Wright succeeds in a challenging task by painting a neutral portrait of these early political representatives and the key legislative processes they pursued in shaping the future of a natio
About the Author: Samuel Victor Cream Wright had a distinguished career as a civil servant in Sierra Leone. Selected at an early age as one of 6 promising nationals for an Africanisation program, he was channelled into the legislature where he rose to the head position of Clerk of Parliament. In preparation for service he obtained a range of qualifications and attended many training courses in the British Parliamentary system. In providing service and guidance to the many legislators with whom he worked, S.V. Wright also struck up good relations and frienships with them and was fondly known in legislative circles as "S.V." or "Pa Wright" to younger ones. He made important contributions to the work of his friend Professor Christopher Fyfe who wrote the definitive "history of Sierra Leone" and also wrote the foreword to this book. Despite this type of contribution he always felt that history books do not do justice to the early legislators who laid the foundations of governance in Sierra Leone. He was eventually persuaded to draw on his own unique and unrivalled insight and experiences to paint a portrait of these early legislators and the processes leading to good governance in Sierra Leone over a twenty-year period. As someone whose life and career was dedicated to the cause of Parliamentary democracy in Sierra leone, it is fitting that S.V. Wright has written this account that only he could write. Yet he has not tried to write a judgemental account or a strictly historical thesis. Rather he has written a warm and personal portrayal of legislators and their work in Sierra Leone's early legislature. The clear intention of this book is to share the sense of purpose and hope embodied in these legislatures, and the type of disciplined diplomatic processes that kept the authour devoted to the ideals of parliamentary democracy in Sierra Leone. By interspersing this narrative with insights into his own unfolding career and personal life, S.V. Wright also enables readers to appreciate the concerns of this era in which early legislators pursued ideals of good governance. S.V. Wright was born on 5th August 1911 and died on 5th January 2002 at the age of 90 years. After his career in the legislature he served in several high level Commissions of Enquiry probing issues of corruption and accountability. He also served as the Chief Electoral Commissioner in charge of the conduct of national elections following the return to democratic government afte a series of military coups.