A lady who gave birth at the Princess Christian Maternity Hospital in Freetown commonly called ‘Cottage’ was referred to the Legal Aid Board by Health Workers after it became apparent she had no where to go upon her discharge. The Board referred her to one of its partners, the Don Bosco Fambul in Freetown where she was provided accommodation and support.
June 2020: A lady came to the Legal Aid Board Office to ask for help to stop her husband from throwing her out of their matrimonial home which is a family property. The husband who had abandoned the home agreed to put everything on hold until the matter is heard by the Board.
The lady called from Adonkia Police Station in the West End of Freetown on Saturday, 20 June 2020 to say her husband has thrown her out of their matrimonial home. The ADR Adjudicator, Alghassimu Sesay had to work overtime to see how the police could help. The homeless lady came to the office on Monday, 22 June 2020. Even though Alternative Dispute Resolution(ADR)/Mediation has been suspended because of the COVID-19, The Executive Director decided to convene a special session on the matter.
The matter was heard on 25 June 2020 and a settlement was reached. A maintenance account was opened at the Rokel Commercial Bank outlet in the Legal Aid Board Head Office. The husband should pay five hundred thousand leones (Le500,000) into the account effective June 2020. This does not include medical, schooling for their child and provision. In addition, he should rent a flat for the wife by the end of the month.
June 2020: A lady was referred to the Legal Aid Board by the Sierra Rutile Company for clearance (or advice if you like) before they could consider her request. She came to the office in Freetown on Friday, 26 June 2020 to seek the Board’s assistance in the matter.
She had taken her brother’s death certificate to the company leaving behind the deceased wife and child. She was therefore referred to the Legal Aid Board for clearance before they will consider her request. She has been referred to the Legal Aid Counsel for the South, Sei Kabbah Coomber.
Did I hear you say, the Legal Aid Board likes meddling in matters outside its mandate? Well, when people have confidence in your organization in delivering the goods, they throw everything at you.