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The sudden deaths of former Vice President of SLAJ Esther Kargbo and the CEO of Star TV Philip Neville has caused stress in many Sierra Leoneans lives. The intriguing part of it now is, the shock has also hit the President Julius Maada Bio.
Esther Kanny Kargbo, who was the Station Manager of SLBC Kailahun and the former Vice President of SLAJ and former Chairperson of the SLAJ Credential Committee, and SLAJ Representative at Statistics Sierra Leone died on Monday 26th December, 2022 at Kailahun Government Hospital, Kailahun Town, Eastern Sierra Leone.
On the other deceased, Philip Neville, he was the CEO of Star TV was accidentally killed by an OKADA man (bike rider) at his village while enjoying the festive season.
These two deaths of these prominent Sierra Leonean journalists few days ago has influenced the meeting that was scheduled to be held on Wednesday 4th January, 2023 to be postponed.
The meeting postponement was brought forth by State House through the Directorate of Communications owing to the death of Late Esther Kargbo and Philip Neville. On a recent publication by AYV is was revealed that the Town Hall Meeting was postponed as a mark of respect following the death of two senior journalists in the country.
In a statement issued late on Tuesday before the initial slated date, State House Directorate of Communications disclosed the following:
“The Directorate of Communications regrets to inform the general public that the maiden “President En Di People” Town Hall Meeting between His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio and citizens, which was due to take place in Freetown on 4th January 2023, has been deferred.
“The decision has been taken on compassionate grounds, and in close consultations with government ministries, departments, agencies (MDAs) and media partners across the country, in light of recent sad events in the media community – two senior journalists who sadly passed away.
“The Directorate extends sincere thoughts and sympathy to the bereaved families, friends, loved ones and colleagues in the media who are affected by this.”
The release further states “to ensure national participation, the Directorate of Communications is working closely with various media, civil society, and community partners to identify an appropriate date for this national conversation”
The Directorate of Communications said: “His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio strongly believes that town hall meetings are important for a healthy democracy, and that the President looks forward to engaging citizens from all walks of life.”
