TRIBUTE TO MY CLOSE FRIEND AND BROTHER, HERBERT M’CLEOD.
I woke up to the extremely sad message from Selina on Friday morning 20th May. The fact that the name of my close friend and brother Herbert is now associated with the great beyond was a real bolt from the blue. I first met Herbert when he led a government team in discussions with Sierra Rutile relating to renegotiation of the company’s mining agreement with the country. The issue struck a chord with both of us. We shared a common vision of how to ensure a win-win situation for our country and investors extracting our mineral wealth. Extractionof Sierra Leone’s mineral wealth by investors without benefit to the country was anathema to Herbert and you caught that fever as soon as you started talking to him. One particular company branded Herbert as a nemesis and Herbert was glad to wear that badge with pride in service to Sierra Leone. Over the past decade, I had multiple insightful debates with Herbert on suitable policies and corresponding legislation that the government should enact to ensure that Sierra Leone benefits from its mineral wealth. Herbert played a pivotal role in renegotiation of Sierra Leone’s mining agreements in recent years. However, there is still a long way to go. We collaborated on many of his consultancy projects related to this topic. We had great debates on the African Mining Vision, and he articulated his points with conviction and great passion. Herbert was a true patriot and man of integrity that only wanted the very best for Sierra Leone. Herbert fought very hard to keep the torch ofequity and justice burning for Sierra Leone to derive maximum benefit from its mineral wealth. I will try my best to honour his memory by continuing to make my own contribution and also inspire others to never let that torch go out. We inspired each other and I will surely miss him. Herbert is indeed a great lossnot only to his family but to our country. Herbert was also my neighbour at Lower Pipeline, Off Wilkinson Road in Freetown. The joy and laughter from our many social evenings will ring in my ears forever. Those memories will remain truly indelible. I extend my heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences to Selina and the entire family. I pray that God will strengthen them to cope with this sad loss. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace and light perpetual shine on him.
Sahr Wonday
Maryland, USA
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