By Ibrahim S. Bangura
The Ballanta Academy of Music and Performing Arts, on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at the Logie Wright Auditorium at the Academy, has opened the book of condolence for late Paramount Chief (PC) Komrabai Peter Penfold to honor his contributions to Sierra Leone.
Peter Penfold, who died of cancer on Sunday, October 1, 2023 at 79, was a retired diplomat, former British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone and board member of Ballanta. In 1997 to 2000, as a British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, he was closely identified with the country’s attempts to embrace democracy and achieve stability and lasting peace. His experiences brought him into face-to-face negotiations with rebels and local and international humanitarian and emergency agencies. In recognition of his efforts, he was appointed a Paramount Chief in Sierra Leone and made a Freeman of the city of Freetown.
The opening of the book of condolence was attended by H.E. Lisa Chesney, the British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone; Sheka Mansaray, the former adviser to the late Alhaji Ahmed Tejan Kabba, former president of Sierra Leone; Dr. Abdulai Dumbuya, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dorothy Springer Trust; Dr. Adonis Abboud; Dr. Sama Banya; Mr. Albert Sandy, former headteacher of the Milton Margai School for the Blind; Mr. Salieu Turay, head teacher of the Milton Margai School for the Blind; staff of the Ballanta Academy of Music and Performing Arts, amongst others.
In her statements, Dr. Kitty Fadlu-Deen, co-founder of the academy, said that the deceased became a family friend ever since he donated books to the Music Department in then Milton Margai Teachers College, adding that when Ballanta was established, he was equally supportive to the academy. She said, “Over the years, late PC Komrabai would attend events organized by Ballanta. In December 2022, he was guest of honour at our Christmas Concert, where he sang his own composition, ‘My First West African Home’ with the Milton Margai School for the Blind, his favorite Choir”.
She explained that late PC Penfold was known as Uncle Peter to the Milton Margai School for the Blind, and they would instantly recognize his voice and joyfully approach him to touch and hug him.
According to her, to help the choir, the late PC Penfold organized two successful tours to the United Kingdom, raising funds for them whilst thoroughly enjoying himself, often going on stage to join the choir in singing his favorite songs. “He was a very simple, humble and loving soul,” she said.
Dr. Fadlu-Deen furthered that the late PC Penfold was also a champion of People with Disabilities (PWDs) who used to work with the Dorothy Springer Trust and the Freetown Cheshire Home.
She stated that his desire to contribute in many ways to their struggles in Sierra Leone led him to write two children’s books with Barbara Davidson, another great friend of the Blind School. “The books were about two disabled children, one visually impaired, the other hearing impaired,” according to Dr. Fadlu-Deen.
She said that when the late PC stoically broke the news to his friends that he had cancer and didn’t have long to live, he prepared them for the inevitable. “With the cancer ravaging his body causing him pain that only heavy doses of medication could alleviate; how he was still able to drive to meet Alhaji Jaward, his good friend at the airport when he paid him a visit recently; how he was still able to answer our phone calls even with a raspy voice; I will never know. It shows how amazingly courageous he was, to the very end. He showed us not only how to live, but also how to die. We will no longer hear his cheerful voice. We will no longer see the sincerity in his eyes when he talks about his concerns that Sierra Leone must find ways to be a peaceful nation. He was more patriotic than many people. He has undoubtedly left his mark. My deep sympathies go to my dear friend his wife Celia and his family in England,” remarked Dr. Fadlu-Deen.
“The Ballanta family thanks God for Peter’s friendship and for the unwavering support he used to give us over the years. May his precious and unique soul rest in perfect peace; may the angels never cease to embrace him in their hearts.”
At the end, Dr. Julius Spencer, chairman of the board of BAMPA, invited all to the Memorial Service at St. Augustine’s Church, Hill Station, on Thursday, October 26,at 2.30 pm. The book will remain open at the academy on 27 Liverpool Street until the day of the Memorial Service.