Sierra Leone Golden Jubilee celebrations wrap up in mainland Europe
If there was any event that demonstrates the unity and camaraderie among Sierra Leoneans in mainland Europe, especially the BENELUX countries (Belgium, Netherlands, France and Luxembourg), that event was Sierra Leone’s Golden Jubilee. If there was any occasion Sierra Leoneans in mainland Europe celebrated with vigour, pomp and pageantry, that occasion was the Golden Jubilee. (Photo: Ambassador Dr. Christian S. Kargbo receiving colleague Ambassdors and other guests at the reception. He was ably assisted by wife, Mrs Rosemary Kargbo and Head of Chancery, Haja Fatmata Binta Wurie)
The past one or two weeks has seen hundreds of Sierra Leoneans residing in these countries criss-crossing from one city to the other to support each other’s Golden Jubilee celebrations.
Sierra Leoneans listening attentively
On D-Day itself, April 27th, Sierra Leoneans from these BENELUX countries trooped to the Palais des Colonies in Brussels to attend a grand reception hosted by the Sierra Leone Embassy for Sierra Leoneans and members of the diplomatic missions in Brussels.
Sierra Leone born ICJ Judge in The Hague who piloted the show, Justice Koroma
The ceremony, which was piloted by Sierra Leonean-born Judge Koroma of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in Den Haag (The Hague) attracted a galaxy of African, European, American and Asian diplomats as well as hundreds of Sierra Leoneans and non-Sierra Leoneans as well. There was plenty of food and drinks to the satisfaction of all attendees. The presence of Sierra Leonean-born-Europe-based musician, Morlai Bai Kamara with his band backed by DJ Rashid Wurie, whose musical set was continuously pumping out old and new Sierra Leonean sounds, added spice to the entire programme.
In his speech, Ambassador Dr. Christian Kargbo, gave a historic memory lane and paid tribute to those Sierra Leoneans who fought for the freedom of what we are enjoying today. He added that for this reason alone, Sierra Leoneans have the right to celebrate this Golden Jubilee since majority of today’s generation were not privileged to witness that historic event and there will never be another Golden Jubilee.
Sierra Leone cultural dance troupe
Ambassador Kargbo further informed the gathering about the developmental strides the government of President Ernest Bai Koroma is embarking on at present including infrastructural development, Agriculture, health, education, tourism, etc. The Ambassador admonished all Sierra Leoneans to be law abiding and always think of those back home.
Eastern Paddle 'buss' na Holland live
Sierra Leonean born fire-eater performing live on stage
The festivities continued on Friday, April 29th in the city of Enschede in Holland where the Sierra Leonean community showcased the best of Sierra Leone cultural performances. Masked devils ranging from Goboi, Gongoli, Nafallay, Manigbara, Stick-Fire dancer and the famous Eastern Paddle all took turns to hold the spectators spell-bound with their performances.
Dancing time in Antwerp
The Sierra Leonean communities in Antwerp city in Belgium, Roosendaal and Dordrecht cities in Holland wrapped up the celebrations on Saturday with parties and dance. The dance at Antwerp was graced by the Ambassador and the Embassy staff with hundreds of Sierra Leoneans enjoying themselves till the morning hours.
Chernor Ojuku Sesay, Information Attaché, Sierra Leone Embassy, Brussels.
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