August 5, 2016 By Victoria Saffa
Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) yesterday opened a Book of Condolence for their late colleague, Manjia Parkinson, who until her death was Deputy Station Manager of the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation in Bo.
The solemn ceremony was hosted at the Harry Yansaneh Memorial Hall, headquarters of Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) in Freetown.
The late Ms. Parkinson, who died on 24 July, 2016 was a founding member and first WIMSAL regional chairperson east.
In her statement, President of WIMSAL, Tiana Alpha, on behalf of the executive and membership, tendered her deepest appreciation to sympathisers who made time to attend the solemn event.
‘’We are gathered here to mourn the passing away of a dear sister, friend and colleague, Manjia Parkinson. The deceased was not a stranger to WIMSAL,” she said.
Quoting Brahma Kumaris, she said “Your specialty influences others, so use it the best way you can.”
“That was what exactly our late Colleague did during her lifetime, working as a journalist, her passion, dedication and commitment to duty, humility, generous friendly character, and good interpersonal skill, unique style of reporting on human right stories made her won the hearts of many,” Ms Alpha said in her eulogy.
She said Manjia spent most of her adult life working for the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation in the eastern and southern regions and the Western Area, graduating from a reporter to a producer and Deputy Station Manager.
She said Manjia was very instrumental during the formation of WIMSAL and that her contribution to advocating for the rights of women and girls earned her greatest admiration and respect.
“Manjia was loved by the young and old, rich and poor. I believe that death is inevitable. I believe that we are all strangers passing through this earthly life,” she said.
“WIMSAL Will Miss Manjia; the journalism fraternity will miss Manjia, friends will miss Manjia. On behalf of the executive and membership, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. Memories of Manjia Parkinson will continue to linger on. May the soul of the faithful departed, rest in peace,” she said.
WIMSAL’s pioneering president, Maraima Sesay, who works for the BBC Media Action, stated that the late Ms Parkinson was referred to as ‘iron lady’, adding that she was very hardworking during her tenure as the first chairperson of WIMSAL eastern region. Ms Sesay said her late colleague was very accommodating and ready to work at all times.
She also made mention of other WIMSAL members who had passed away, including Isata Lebbie and Kadjiatu Savage.
Elder sibling of the late ace broadcaster, Mr. Dan Parkinson, who works at the Ministry of Information and Communications, said the bereaved family appreciated WIMSAL’s gesture, adding that they hope the relationship would continue as his sister was “a candle in their family.”
Speaking on behalf of President of SLAJ Kevin Lewis, Secretary General Ahmed Nasralla described the death of Manjia as a great loss to journalism in the country, adding that she was a fine, hardworking and dedicated journalist.
He said her exemplary performance in the field earned her great respect among her colleagues and the nation at large.