Spectacular weekend in Lowell, Massachusetts –Sierra Leonean community celebrates Sierra Leone’s 50th Independence Anniversary in grand style
Sierra Leoneans in Lowell, Massachusetts joined the world over on Saturday April, 30th, 2011 to celebrate Sierra Leone’s Golden Jubilee with a flag raising ceremony. Sierra Leoneans and the City of Lowell started celebrating Sierra Leone’s Independence as far back to the nineties. The green, white and blue Sierra Leone flag was raised on a flag pole in front of the Lowell City Hall building by the Sierra Leone Community Youths and it will be flying there for a week.
Sierra Leone is a country once referred to as the “Athens of Africa” because of its promotion of Western style education as Athens did to the rest of Europe. In 1808 Britain made the capital, Freetown a Crown Colony and missionaries, teachers and Colonial Administrators came to Sierra Leone throughout the nineteenth century. In 1827 Fourah Bay College was founded, the first modern University in Sub-Saharan Africa thus making our country the educational beacon to the rest of West Africa. A lot of Gambians, Nigerians and Ghanians came to Sierra Leone to study. English is the official language in Sierra Leone but most of the population speaks other local tribal languages.
Sierra Leone is a small country in terms of area and population located on the West Coast of Africa, bordered with Guinea in the North and Liberia in the South. It is very rich in minerals and mineral resources and it is also endowed with agricultural vast land. The rebel war in the nineties caused a lot of damage to the country, Sierra Leone used to be one of the leading exporters of diamonds are used for gems and diamonds in industries.
Sierra Leone has a democratically elected government. In recent time, Sierra Leone is one the first country to unseat an incumbent government in an election with no bloodshed, an election declared as free and fair by the International Community. The Government is headed by an elected President that serves five years term. The All Peoples Congress is the ruling party in Government and Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma is the President of Sierra Leone.
This year’s Lowell Community event was celebrated in grand style, the women were dressed in their traditional African attires, three pieces suits, “the Lapas, dresses and the head ties” and the men also dressed in their traditional three pieces suits, “the gowns, lapels and the pants.” It was a joyful event were Sierra Leoneans socialized beyond tribal, political and religious boundaries.
Sierra Leone like other African countries has rooted traditional and customs that are very unique to the country. Children are forbidden to use foul language in the presence of elders. A lot of respect is given to not only to old people but also to people in higher authorities. Respect is given to individuals in higher authorities regardless of age. Age and authority are highly regarded in the Sierra Leone culture.
Reading this year’s Proclamation deputizing the Mayor of the City of Lowell, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, His Honor Mayor James L. Milinazzo, City Councilor, Mrs. Rita Mercier reminded Sierra Leoneans and the community of Lowell that fifty years ago, after about a century of Colonial Rule, Sierra Leone gained her Independence from Great Britain, thus liberating a nation of talented people from the yoke of foreign occupation, domination and exploitation; thereby providing a climate for self rule and a move towards nationalism.
Mrs. Rita Mercier also recalled how unfortunately the country quickly slid into tribalism, nepotism, gross mismanagement and corruption, thus unleashing a succession of economic, social and political malaise that culminated into a brutal rebel war that lasted almost ten years.
The Councilor also told Sierra Leoneans that the historic City of Lowell opened its’ arms to them as they search for safety, security, prosperity and remember those who died in defense of our new found peace will find a better future, unity, development among nations.
Mrs. Rita Mercier on behalf the Mayor of the City of Lowell, proclaimed Saturday April 30th, 2011 as “Sierra Leone Day” and urged all citizens to join in the celebration.
Earlier, this year’s welcome address for the ceremony was delivered by Dr. George Bowah Tucker, a long time resident of Lowell and the guest speaker was Dr. David Jordan. The American and Sierra Leone National anthems were sang and the vote of thanks was given by another “mover and shaker” in the Sierra Leone Community in Lowell, Mrs. Mariama Kaikai.
The City Councilor, Mrs. Rita Mercier was introduced by Mrs. Rosaline Willie-Bonglo. There was also a hunting performance and later a reception was held at the Mercier Center in Lowell.
The Master of Ceremonies for this year’s event was Mr. Augustine Kanja and Muslim and Christian prayers were offered by Alhaji Botie Kamara and Mrs. Agnes Kamara respectively.
The Sierra Leone 50th Independence Anniversary Celebrations continued with a fund raising dance at the Acadia Club in Dracut, Massachusetts.
Sallieu H. Conteh, New England, USA
Stay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!
© 2011, https:. All rights reserved.
