By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
In a landmark decision, the Parliamentary Committee on Appointment has unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Willette PRO James as the new Chairperson of the Board of Trustees at the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC). Following a rigorous interview process on Thursday, May 30th, 2024, at committee room 1, members of the committee expressed unwavering confidence in Dr. James’s ability to revolutionize SLBC.
Chairman of the Committee on Appointment, Hon. Mathew Nyuma, lauded Dr. James’s exhaustive and impressive curriculum vitae, noting the rarity of encountering a woman with such remarkable academic achievements. He emphasized that Dr. James’s extensive background in communications exemplifies her commitment to serving in her professional domain and underscored the appointment as a testament to the ongoing pursuit of gender parity based on merit.
Hon. Aaron Aron, Opposition Deputy Leader 2 and committee member, echoed the sentiment of Dr. James’s qualifications, acknowledging the strategic presentation of her credentials. He emphasized that the President’s decision in appointing Dr. James was prudent, expressing confidence in her capacity to address the challenges facing SLBC and urging her to leverage available opportunities to reduce reliance on government subsidies.
Similarly, Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay highlighted Dr. James’s remarkable achievements, drawing attention to the gender representation within SLBC’s leadership and urging proactive measures to promote gender equality. She encouraged Dr. James to utilize her expertise in revitalizing SLBC and enhancing its reputation as a media platform.
However, Deputy Majority Leader and Government Business representative, Hon. Bashiru Silike, raised concerns regarding SLBC’s past challenges, including allegations of corruption and poor management. He reminded Dr. James of the responsibility to address these issues head-on, urging her to utilize her mandate effectively to transform SLBC into a leading media entity.
In response to the committee’s endorsement, Dr. Willette PRO James expressed gratitude for the opportunity and affirmed her commitment to reshaping SLBC. She pledged to work diligently to address the corporation’s challenges and elevate its standing within the media landscape.
Dr. James’s appointment signals a new chapter for SLBC, with expectations high for her transformative leadership and strategic vision to propel the corporation forward.
