The Parliament of Sierra Leone on Sunday, 27th April 2025, solemnly mourned the passing of Mrs. Alari Francess Shaw, a former Confidential Secretary in the Office of the Clerk of Parliament, by opening and signing a Book of Condolence during her lying-in-state ceremony at the State Hall of Parliament, Tower Hill, Freetown.

Mrs. Shaw, who passed away at the age of 64, served Parliament diligently for an extraordinary thirty-nine years, from 1986 until her death in 2025. Her distinguished career and unwavering dedication earned her a rare honour: she became the first staff member in the history of Sierra Leone’s Parliament to be accorded a civic funeral rite.

Speaking on the declaration of purpose, the Director of Parliamentary and Public Relations, Mr. Sheku Lamin Turay, described Mrs. Shaw as a hardworking, dedicated, and committed individual who played a critical role in ensuring the effective delivery of Parliament’s mandate. Turay emphasized her profound impact on the institution and recounted her remarkable journey as a symbol of excellence in public service.

In a moving tribute, the Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew S. Nyuma, remembered Mrs. Shaw as a true mother figure, highlighting her compassion and personal concern for those around her. He revealed that her commitment was so deeply valued that he and his colleagues once recommended her to be honoured as a Justice of the Peace (JP) in recognition of her selfless service to Parliament and the nation. Hon. Nyuma encouraged the family to remain united and accept Parliament’s heartfelt condolences.

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The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, also paid tribute, describing Mrs. Shaw as “irreplaceable.” He praised her reliability, particularly noting her expertise as a librarian and researcher, able to produce crucial documents swiftly and efficiently. In a historic moment of respect, Hon. Conteh invoked Standing Order 42 to confer a posthumous honorary title of “Honourable” on Mrs. Alari Francess Shaw for her distinguished service to Parliament.

Further tributes highlighted Mrs. Shaw’s personal impact on her colleagues. Mr. Sheku Lamin Turay emotionally recounted how Mrs. Shaw safeguarded his offer letter when he applied to Parliament, ensuring he received it despite his delayed collection. Mrs. Nancy Onana Jalloh, Director of the Parliamentary Commission’s Secretariat Office, also shared how the deceased’s wisdom and timely intervention once helped her resolve a professional dispute, shaping her own path within the institution.

The lying-in-state ceremony concluded with mourners filing past the open casket, laying wreaths, and signing the Book of Condolence in honour of a woman whose life and service left an indelible mark on Sierra Leone’s Parliament.

Mrs. Alari Francess Shaw’s legacy, built on almost four decades of unwavering service, continues to inspire those she worked with — a true embodiment of dedication, kindness, and public service.