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President Julius Maada Bio on Wednesday welcomed the Head of the Grand Lodge of Scotland and members of the District Grand Lodge of Sierra Leone and The Gambia at State House in Freetown.
The visit came ahead of the formal installation of Hon. Justice N.C. Browne-Marke as District Grand Master of the Scottish District of Sierra Leone and The Gambia.
The delegation, which included senior figures from the Scottish Constitution, paid a courtesy call to the President as part of long-standing tradition. According to the lodge’s custom, the incoming Grand Master must visit the Head of State before officially taking up ceremonial duties. Justice Browne-Marke, who will be formally installed on Saturday, led the group and shared brief remarks about the importance of the visit. He also explained that the team would visit Connaught Hospital in Freetown as part of their charitable programme during their time in the country.
The Grand Master Mason of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, Most Worshipful Brother William Ramsey McGhee, thanked President Bio for receiving them warmly. He said it was a pleasure to be in Sierra Leone and mentioned that the visit was not only ceremonial, but also focused on humanitarian outreach. One of the key areas of their support this year includes contributing to the fight against cancer, as part of their charitable mission.
During the meeting, President Bio welcomed the entire delegation on behalf of the government and people of Sierra Leone. He noted the lodge’s long tradition of giving back to communities and spoke of his appreciation for their continued support over the years. He encouraged them to enjoy the country’s hospitality and peaceful atmosphere while carrying out their activities.
The formal installation of Justice Browne-Marke as District Grand Master is set to take place on Saturday. The hospital visit to Connaught, which is expected to focus on health-related charity work, will follow shortly after the ceremony.
The delegation’s visit adds to the series of engagements that underline Sierra Leone’s welcoming environment for international partners and long-time friends involved in community and humanitarian work.
