The APC Washington DC Metropolitan Chapter Executive under the dynamic leadership of Mrs. Yabom Thaslim Sesay-Koroma paid a courtesy call on the Ambassador of Sierra Leone to the United States of America , His Excellency Bockarie K. Stevens on Saturday, March 12, 2011 to introduce the new executive  and update him with the activities of the chapter .The meeting was held in an atmosphere of openness  and frank exchanges of ideas and ways to promote the chapter’s activities in the interest of peace and unity.

In her opening remarks, the President of the APC Washington DC Metropolitan Chapter, Mrs.Yabom Thaslim Sesay-Koroma expressed sincere appreciation to H.E. Ambassador Bockarie K. Stevens for accepting the request of the executive to meet with him to introduce the executive and update him also with the activities of the chapter since the last elections held in September, 2010. She informed the Ambassador of the surge in the membership of the chapter, the interest of many Sierra Leoneans to become members of the chapter, and the important role the youths are playing to promote and be actively involved in the activities of the chapter. She also informed the Ambassador about increase in the finances of the chapter, the commitment of members to pay their dues, which has increased our membership dues in the months of January and February respectively, total money and balance at hand since the executive came into office. She informed the ambassador of the successful outcome of the inauguration ceremony of the executive in December, 2010. These developments that have been taking place are really unprecedented in the history of the chapter. She affirmed and reiterated the resolve of the executive to keep up with this momentum thereby maintaining the integrity and credibility of the leadership and the executive, while transparency and accountability is the yardstick of measuring the work of the executive. The President then introduced all members of the executive who were present at the meeting.

The Vice President of the Chapter, Alhaji Alhaji Dumbuya reported to the Ambassador the plan of activities of the chapter for 2011 which included fund-raising events, membership drives, fund raising trip to Atlantic City, leadership and conflict resolution workshops, other activities planned by the different committees and the youth wing of the chapter.

The Youth Director Mr.Mohamed Kamarainba in his remarks, elaborated on the Project “Feed the Youths”: to be held in Freetown during the 50^th Anniversary Celebrations in April 2011. The youth wing and the executive have been working seriously on this project which has drawn huge support from our membership. The aim is to raise the sum of $25,000 to implement this viable project in Freetown. A container worth of food items and drinks is expected to be shipped to Freetown in the next couple of days.

Other speakers at the meeting included Prof. S. Michael Dillo Sesay, Secretary General of the APC Washington DC Metropolitan Chapter who also highlighted on the activities of the chapter and the determination of the entire executive to promote the ideals of the party and move the chapter to an unprecedented level.

In his remarks, His Excellency Ambassador Bockarie K Stevens welcomed the new executive of the APC Washington DC Metropolitan Chapter to the Embassy and expressed his satisfaction with the work of the executive, which is being felt and recognized as evidenced by the tangible results achieved within this shortest period of time since it was elected to office. He thanked the President of the Chapter Mrs. Yabom Thaslim Sesay-Koroma and the executive for their hard work, dedication and commitment to the chapter and the party. He lauded the achievements of the executive, especially in the area of membership and in the area of financial transparency and accountability.

The Ambassador reiterated the achievements of the party under the indomitable leadership of our President His Excellency Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma in transforming the socio-economic development of Sierra Leone. He emphasized the importance of unity and peace for the interest of the chapter and the party as we prepare for 2012 that is just around the corner. He reminded all that we should not be complacent because of the achievements of the party and government in the past three years of governance. He appealed to all party stalwarts and supporters to be more vigilant and steadfast to thwart the insidious efforts of the opposition in desperation to regain power at the next election. He called on all to continue the good work for the chapter and the party to ensure victory in the next coming presidential, parliamentary and local elections.

Ambassador Bockarie Stevens wholehearted and unreservedly congratulated the executive under the leadership of Mrs. Yabom Sesay-Koroma in accordance with the decision of the leadership of the party which officially recognized Mrs. Yabom Sesay-Koroma as the legitimate president of the APC Washington DC Metropolitan Chapter. He appealed to the leadership of the chapter to work ardently and fervently towards reconciliation and peace with all other members of the chapter especially members of the other group of the chapter who had had contentions in the past elections of the chapter. He emphasized on the issue of an inclusive administration as outlined in the letter sent from the Secretariat of the party in Freetown which is intended to foster peace and reconciliation in the interest of the chapter and the party.

Mrs. Yabom Sesay-Koroma informed the Ambassador of the efforts exerted by her executive and personally to forge unity, peace and reconciliation with the Bero’s Group, but which proved to be futile. It was however decided that the process of seeking peace and reconciliation should continue for the common good of the chapter and the party. Officials present at the meeting decided that the Ambassador makes the necessary arrangements for a peace and reconciliation meeting with members of the Bero’s Group as a way to move forward in the interest of the chapter and the party.

Other members who spoke at the meeting included Mr. Mohamed Lamin Fofanah, political adviser, Pastor Bobson Bangura, acting organizing secretary, Mrs. Mariatu Florence Bangura, assistant women’s leader, Pa Brima Kargbo, acting financial secretary, Ms. Rachel Mariatu Bundor, treasurer, Mr. Mohamed Kamarainba, youth director.

By Michael Dillo Sesay, APC WDCMC, Secretary General