President Koroma donates $100,000 to Haiti, sends messages of condolence to UN Secretary General, Haitian and Chinese presidents

President Ernest Bai Koroma has on behalf of the people of Sierra Leone contributed the sum of one hundred thousand United States dollars ($100,000) to the United Nations Haiti Disaster Fund.

Expressing his sincere condolences for the earthquake disaster that befell the nation on January 13^th 2010 to the UN Executive Representative of the Secretary General (ERSG), Michael Schulenberg, on Monday 18^th January 2010 at State House, President Koroma said Sierra Leone is deeply saddened by the disaster, expressing heartfelt sympathies for the UN and the people of Haiti.

Giving the contribution on behalf of the nation, the President said, ‘We must join the world family in showing support, and our government will contribute $100,000 to the fund-raising exercise conducted to help the people of Haiti and the UN.’ He asked that information be provided as to whether any Sierra Leonean serving in Haiti was involved and whether also the country can be of any further help to the UN.

Replying, ERSG Schulenberg said he was touched by the gesture and the emotive words expressed by the President on behalf of the nation. He expressed his appreciation on behalf of the UN Secretary General, whom he said will be informed accordingly. As to whether any Sierra Leonean serving in Haiti was involved, he said he could not for now ascertain but would request New York to provide the information.

Meanwhile, President Koroma has in three separate letters dated 18^th January 2010 sent messages of condolence to the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, Haitian President Rene Preval, and Chinese President Hu Jintao for “the heavy loss of human lives and extensive destruction and damage to property caused by the devastating earthquake in Haiti.”

To the UN Secretary General, President Koroma wrote how deeply saddened he was to learn about “the tragic news that a high number of civilian and uniformed personnel attached to the United Nations Stabilization Office in Haiti had been lost or seriously injured.”

“Your tragedy particularly resonates with Sierra Leoneans, as from first-hand experience, we are keenly aware of the selfless sacrifice and dedication of the United Nations Peacekeepers. Accordingly, on behalf of all Sierra Leoneans, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the United Nations body worldwide, especially those who have lost loved ones, friends and colleagues, or have been injured in this devastating catastrophe. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time of unimaginable grief,” the President wrote, ending with worlds of solace and hope: “Mr. Secretary General, as the entire world grieves with the victims of this tragic disaster, including the United Nations, we can find solace in the stellar role the UN continues to play in coordinating law and order, rescue and humanitarian efforts in the face of extreme grief and sorrow for the organization. The UN has inspired us all with its resolute strength and leadership in responding to this tragic event.”

In his letter to Haitian President Rene Preval, President Koroma, in extending condolences and assurances of prayers to the people of Haiti, stated that, “We are confident that the strong leadership your government has provided in coordinating rescue and relief efforts originating from within and outside Haiti will lead to an effective management of the humanitarian response to the aftermath of the earthquake and prove invaluable in the days ahead as Haiti continues to grieve and recover from the tragedy. As the tragedy continues to unfold, we will steadfastly keep you in our thoughts and prayers.”

Writing to Chinese President Hu Jintao, President Koroma stated how deeply saddened he was when he learnt about “the tragic news that a high level Chinese delegation which was in Port-au-Prince was meeting with representatives of the United Nations at the time the earthquake struck. We in Sierra Leone are acutely aware of the noble work that Chinese representatives around the world carry out, having recently hosted your Honourable Foreign Minister’s delegation to this country, and having benefited enormously from our partnership with you. It is especially painful for us to note that your delegation carrying out similar work in Haiti was hit by such a tragedy.” The President also noted with dismay that Chinese peacekeepers lost their lives in the line of duty in the same tragedy: “It is truly awful to see the lives of these brave individuals cut short as they endeavoured to promote peace and stability thousands of miles from home…Accordingly, on behalf of all Sierra Leoneans, I extend our heartfelt condolences to you and to the people of China…”

Meanwhile, at State House today, President Koroma personally expressed his condolences to the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone Qiu Shaofang, who was led in audience by Foreign minister Zainab Bangura. In response, the Chinese Ambassador expressed gratitude to the “friendly government and people of Sierra Leone.” Notwithstanding the tragedy, the Ambassador said China will continue to work with the United Nations, even as his government has already sent a rescue team together with supplies and financial assistance to Haiti. 

Press Secretariat, State House, Freetown, Sierra Leone

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