Parliament Summoned Rainbow Paint HR Manager Over Alleged Disrespect During Oversight Visit

Tensions rose in Sierra Leone’s Parliament after the Trade and Industry Committee summoned the Human Resource Manager of Rainbow Paint and Chemical (SL) Limited over allegations of “disrespectful and contemptuous behavior” during an official oversight visit to the company’s Wellington factory.

The committee, chaired by Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay, accused the HR Manager of failing to extend basic courtesies to Members of Parliament (MPs), including the provision of seating arrangements, and of addressing lawmakers in an “inappropriate and confrontational” manner.

During a committee session, Hon. Sesay questioned why the parliamentary team was treated with what she described as “disregard,” citing comments reportedly made by the HR Manager during the visit.

“When I asked you for chairs for MPs, you replied that people were already seated on them. Did you not receive our notification letter about this visit?” Hon. Sesay asked.

In her defense, the HR Manager explained that Rainbow Paint lacked adequate facilities to host a large delegation. She stated that the few available chairs at the factory were already in use by staff and added that she only received the committee’s notification letter around 11:00 a.m. on the same day of the visit, about four hours before the MPs arrived leaving little time to make arrangements.

However, this explanation did not satisfy the lawmakers. Hon. Tamba Simeon Johnny criticized the HR Manager’s tone and body language, accusing her of showing contempt for the committee.

“I cannot sit here and watch this lady disrespect our chairperson and this committee. I move that we summon this company to Parliament,” Hon. Johnny declared.

Following deliberations, the committee resolved to summon Rainbow Paint SL to appear before Parliament on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, to address the allegations.

Observers, including Awoko Newspaper, reported that upon arrival at the Wellington factory, the MPs were kept waiting for about five minutes before the HR Manager entered and went directly to her office, reportedly appearing displeased.

The committee is expected to determine whether the HR Manager’s conduct amounts to contempt of Parliament, a finding that could have implications for Rainbow Paint’s relationship with the legislative body.