By: Mohamed M. Sesay
At a Memorial Service Held at St. Anthony Parish Church, top dignitaries of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) including its Chairman Dr. Alex Prince Harding, the Country’s Chief Minister Jacob Jusu Saffa, the First Lady Madam Fatima Maada Bio, have all eulogized late Moses Jude Probyn who was fondly called Chairman.
Until his inevitable journey to the True World, Moses Jude Probyn who was popularly known as “Governor” or “Chairman”, was born at the UBC Hospital in Mattru Jong on June 6, 1965. He was the second son of 45 children of David Wilfred Probyn as well as the second son of both 10 children of Madam Mamie Kadiatu Sakamagay Fullah. He was brought up in Mattru Jong, York Island and Freetown.
Moses Jude Probyn attended the R.C. Boys Primary School and thereafter Centennial Secondary School in Mattru Jong up to Fifth Form. He briefly taught at Centennial Secondary School before pursuing further studies at the Milton Margai Teacher’s College and was an active member of the Centennial Old Students Association (CEOSA).
Moses Jude Probyn late thereafter went into business first partnering with the Jaward Family as a car dealer at Goderich Street where he was elected Chairman for the Business community at Goderich and Sackville Streets. He later became a contractor establishing the PSG Construction & General Services Company and was very much effective and efficient in carrying out contracts. He successfully completed several contracts including major DFID, EU and GOSL projects. Besides, he encouraged relatives and friends to develop properties and build their houses in Mattru Jong and its environs.
As “Chairman”, Moses Jude Probyn became successful in business, he started having keen interest in politics, supporting and funding politicians in the Bonthe District. Based on his grassroots nature and popularity across all parties, he was approached by the late Mr. Joseph Benya, whom he funded and supported, to replace him as the Bonthe District Council Chairman. Thus, in 2008 the “Governor” by popular vote became Chairman, Bonthe District Council for four (4) years and later on in 2018 for another four years. He was also elected as SLPP Party Bonthe District Chairman in 2012 and held both positions until his demise.
The late Moses Jude Probyn, who hailed from the Probyn, Williams, Sakamagay and Fullah families in Bonthe District, was married to Mrs. Cecilia Probyn . He had two children; Miss Mosetta Probyn who is in Germany and Hindolo Moses Probyn in Freetown.
Moses was a practicing Catholic and a member of St. Anthony’s Parish Church in Brookfield’s where he got wedded in 2000 and St. Ambrose Parish Church in Mattru Jong where he was baptized and confirmed.
Apart from been a Justice of the Peace (JP), the late Moses Jude Probyn held several positions including; Chairman, Board of Directors, Islamic Call Society (ICS), Schools, Mattru Jong. Chairman, Board of Directors, Agricultural Vocational Secondary School (AVSS), Mattru Jong, and Vice Chairman, Local Council Association of Sierra Leone (LOCASL). The “Chairman” and “Governor” effectively served his party, community, society, country and above all loyalty to his Great Mentor; H E Rtd. Brigadier General Julius Maada Bio. May the departed soul of Chairman Moses Jude Probyn rest in perpetual peace.