50th Independence Anniversary Celebrations
In 2011, Sierra Leone will be celebrating its 50th Independence Anniversary. At the national level, His Excellency the President, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma has appointed a national committee to organize year-long celebrations in 2011 to mark our Golden Jubilee with the theme “ Sierra Leone 50 years forward” – “celebrating a new Sierra Leone.” At the Diaspora level, similar committees are being formed all over the world to mark the occasion.
In Washington, the Embassy has taken the lead in setting up a non-partisan committee to organize the year-long celebrations in North America.
The Golden Jubilee Anniversary to mark the event of 50 years ago on April 27th, 1961 when we asserted our rights as a nation to shape our destiny is an important milestone in the history of our country. It offers us a moment to step back and reflect on our trials and tribulations over the years; an opportunity to also celebrate our achievements through a variety of activities reflecting our social, cultural, artistic, religious, environmental and ceremonial events. Indeed, it is a moment to rebrand and showcase the touristic and investment potential of the country to the rest of the world.
For decades, the Diaspora has been a partner in the country’s development. Through remittances and other forms of assistance in kind, the Diaspora has been a strong pillar in the sustenance of our people, particularly during and after the dark days of the rebel war. Indeed, its participation in the 2007 Presidential and Parliamentary General Elections has contributed, in large measure, to its elevation to the status of the 5th province of Sierra Leone.
Whilst it is inevitable that every state or city will be having its own local version of events, at the same time we believe that distance and other logistical problems cannot and should not be a barrier to one’s meaningful participation at the continental level.
To this end we call upon all Sierra Leonean Community Organizations in all states and at all levels, desirous of participating to take the first step and register with the Embassy, proffer suggestions and be partners in this historic occasion.
Please find hereunder the relevant contact email addresses and telephone numbers, and we kindly request that your response be made as soon as possible as time is not on our side.
Ambassador Bockari Stevens email: he@embassyofsierraleone.net Tel: 202 939 9261 Ext 111
DCM Amb Ibrahim S. Conteh email: dcm@embassyofsierraleone.net Tel: 202 939 9261 Ext 142
Minister Counsellor Ms. Rasie B. Kargbo email: hoc@embassyofsierraleone.net Tel: 202 939 9261 Ext 113
Mr. Sheku Mesali Official email: fsec@embassyofsierraleone.net Tel: 202 939 9261 Ext 115 Personal email: smesali@yahoo.com Tel: 202 459 7667
Mr. Saspo I. Sankoh Official email: fsec2@embassyofsierraleone.net Tel: 202 939 9261 Ext 141 Personal email: saspous@gmail.com Tel: 202 758 7397
Ms. Elizabeth Foray Official email: information@embassyofsierraleone.net Tel: 202 939 9261 Ext 143 Personal email: lizforay@email.com Tel: 646 387 2354
Mr. David Vandy email: dee4vee@yahoo.com Tel: 703 499 2892
Committee email: sierraleone50@gmail.com Tel: 641 715- 3900 Ext 440804#
Embassy fax: 202 483 1793
Elizabeth M. S. Foray, Information Attaché, Embassy of Sierra Leone to The United States
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