The passing away yesterday morning of former Albert Academy principal Max Bailor has sent shock waves through hundreds of thousands of Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad.
But the greatest shock has evidently been experienced by past and present Albert Academy students beginning with this newspaper, two of whose editors (Gibril Koroma and Abayomi Charles Roberts) are alumni of the school(photo).
Pa Bailor, as he is fondly known to the thousands of students that have passed through his hands and to many Sierra Leoneans, was a man of high integrity and discipline who ran one of the best schools in Africa, a school where students from everywhere in Sierra Leone and the rest of the world studied in an atmosphere of peace and brotherhood and made life time friendships.
One of the hallmarks of the Bailor administration at the Albert Academy was that he took a personal interest in the welfare and progress of each and every student and would spare no expense to recruit the best teachers in Sierra Leone and other parts of the world especially Ghana, Nigeria and India.Peace Corps volunteers from the United States also regularly taught at the school.
After his retirement as AA principal, Pa Bailor also served the country as chairman of the National Electoral Commission.
On the passing away of Pa Bailor, Jesmed Suma, president of the Washington DC chapter of the Albert Academy Alumni Association has this to say:
Fellow Alumni,
I know must of us are being consumed by our grief for the loss of an icon, a giant, a great man, a man who has and shall always symbolize our Alma mater, Albert Academy. I am in touch with the family and shall soon give updates on funeral arrangements.
Mean while mourners can pin a black ribbon to their dress or shirt below their small alumni metal badge to symbolize our state of mind. If you need a pin please call the AA phone line 301-637-8052 or call Mr. Thorlley 301-792-2911 or myself 240-432-9095 we shall send you a piece.
Please be informed that our annual Christmas/New Year party is cancelled for this year. I need not explain why. Note that we are still going on with the Conference call scheduled for this Saturday. See the numbers below.
Fellow Alumni,
It is with deep sorrow and sadness that I call for an emergency Conference call meeting this Saturday at 7:00 of all Academicians to discuss the passing of a great Alumnus. Conference No 1641-985-1000 Code 22222
The passing of a man who played a significant role in our lives as an educationist and a disciplinarian. He sharpened our intellect and molded our character. He lives on in our memories as a loving and caring teacher.
Max A Bailor, May your Soul Rest In Peace. May your good deeds and kind words continue to protect and serve your children,grand children and generations yet to come.
Banjana, please accept my deep condolences, the same goes to the rest of your siblings, Plummer, Buffy and others. As we feel deep sadness for his loss, let us remember he lived a life worth celebrating. A life we will always be proud of.
Thank you Fellow Alumni. Please take the time to call in.
Jesmed F Suma. (Esse Quam Videri)
President.
AAAA Wash.DC
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