Sierra Leoneans in Germany discuss 50th Independence celebrations

In his drive to complement government’s commitment to involve the masses in decision making, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany, HE Jongopie S. Stevens, last weekend assembled his compatriots at his embassy’s residence in Berlin, Germany, to discuss and formulate ideas on how to commemorate the country’s 50^th Independence Anniversary.

The occasion was attended by Sierra Leoneans from all walks of life across Germany, including the Chairman and Secretary General of the Sierra Leone Peoples Party, Germany branch.

First Secretary to Ambassador Stevens, Mr. Aiah E. Mbawa, welcomed participants and expressed appreciation for the mammoth attendance.

Addressing his audience, Ambassador Stevens informed them that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss Sierra Leone’s 50^th Independence Anniversary, which will take place on April 27, 2011 and to provide alternatives on how to show case the country, after the decade long civil war that crumbled both the economy and infrastructure.

“Sierra Leone is going to be 50 years on April 27, 2011,” he disclosed, and reiterated April 27, 1961, when Sierra Leone attained Independence from her British Colonial Administrators. He believed that Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad should be involved in identifying programmes with sound ideas on how to celebrate the Independence Anniversary in an effort to market the country’s potentials to the outside world.

“His Excellency President Ernest Bai Koroma has appointed the 50 year Anniversary Committee, charged with the responsibility of organizing the year-long celebration in 2011, to mark our Golden Jubilee,” he stated.

The Ambassador disclosed the theme of the country’s 50 years of Independence Anniversary celebration, which he read from a letter he received from State House.

“According to a letter I received from State House, the theme of the celebration is Sierra Leone 50 years forward, celebrating a new Sierra Leone.” It further states that “Over the span of one year, Sierra Leoneans and friends of Sierra Leone will reflect on the past, celebrate our accomplishments and redefine a vision for our future through a variety of social, cultural, artistic, religious, educational, environmental and ceremonial events, and legacy projects. The Anniversary provides opportunity to rebrand and show-case the touristic and investment potentials of the country to the rest of the world.”

He encouraged participants to brainstorm and called for the setting up of a committee that would coordinate among various Sierra Leonean groups in Germany, in providing ideas and suggestions for the celebration of the anniversary “We have already received some suggestions from certain groups which we are going to give to the appointed committee to start its function,” Ambassador Stevens affirmed.

In his remarks, the newly appointed Head of Chancery, Mr. Alhassan K. Kondeh emphasized the seriousness at which Sierra Leoneans in Germany treat both the Embassy and the country as a whole. He further urged them to continue with determined efforts to accelerate the process and help rebuild the country. “Since I took up office three months ago, I have been impressed with the Sierra Leonean Committee in Germany. And I want to see more impression especially on working together with us to ensure that the 50 year Anniversary celebration would be a success,” Mr. Kondeh pleaded.

His predecessor, Ms. Crispina F.S Wright, said “The anniversary is going to be celebrated in a big way and we thought it fit to invite you all and make suggestions on how we are going to celebrate this important occasion.” She pleaded to all to work hard and come up with decisions at the very earliest opportunity as according to her, “Time is on the essence and we shall work together harmoniously to show-case Sierra Leone.”

Participants including the SLPP executives made several responses and fruitful deliberations, which later saw the setting up of a committee involving representatives from all groups across Germany.

Most participants including Sierra Leonean medical doctors and other professionals from various disciplines in Germany described the meeting as “A giant move by the Ambassador and his abled lieutenants that clearly illustrates the seriousness, determination and commitment of his government to the people they doughtily represent.”

A fair well party for the outgoing Head of Chancery Ms. Wright, climaxed the occasion.

Umaru S. Jah – Berlin, Germany

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