The government of President Ernest Bai Koroma has appointed Hon. Patrick Jackson a former Councilman and Deputy Mayor, City of Rowlett Texas as Honorary Consul to Texas.
The Presentation of a letter of Commission, a diplomatic Identity card from the Department of States by Ambassador Bockari Kortu Stevens took place at the 1701 19 St NW, Embassy of Sierra Leone Chancery in Washington DC on Friday 6th November 2015.
Amb. Stevens described Mr. Jackson as a competent person who successfully went through an interview and other scrutiny with ease, and further challenged him to prove himself.
According to Ambassador Bockari Kortu Stevens, Mr. Jackson will work under the direct supervision of Amb. I.S. Conteh Deputy Chief of Mission and the Minister Counselor Mrs. Isatu Sillah.
Apprising him about some of his duties and responsibilities, Amb. I.S. Conteh congratulated the newly appointed Honorary Consul and said “You will be the official representative of the Embassy, who will also serve as a conduit between the Embassy and Sierra Leoneans in Texas. It is expected that you will expand the interest of Sierra Leone in that part of the United States”
Responding, Honorary Consul Patrick Jackson thanked God Almighty for his blessings, travelling Mercies and Good Health, thanked President Ernest Bai Koroma for his confidence in him and Ambassador Stevens for his recommendation.
He described the occasion as “solemn” and said, “as Honorary Consul, “I am aware that the responsibility of directing the affairs of this great order is never to be taken lightly. “Therefore I am alert to the duty I owe my country, the president his Excellency Dr Ernest Bai Koroma and all Sierra Leoneans in Texas.”
According to him, “Texas is the second largest State in the United States of America: and appointing me to represent Sierra Leone in that State as Honorary Consul inspires me to perform the duties not limited to, enhancing bilateral relations in trade, Economy, Culture and Science between the State of Texas and Sierra Leone.”
He promised to work with the Embassy in Washington DC in trying to help in economic and trade cooperation, coupled with the expansion of business from Sierra Leone.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Mrs. Isatu Sillah Minister Counsellor congratulated the newly appointed Honorary Consul on his new task, and thanked God for an occasion like this.
She expressed optimism about the capabilities of Mr. Jackson and re-echoed his terms of reference. She thanked the family and other relatives of Mr. Jackson who traveled from a distance to witness the ceremony
