A high profiled Sierra Leonean, Administrator, Banker, Educationist, Diplomat and Philanthropist residing in North Carolina, Mr. Lawrence Wright Taylor has been appointed as Sierra Leone’s Honorary Consul for North and South Carolina respectively in the United States of America.
Consul Lawrence Wright Taylor is a current business executive officer and Administrator who had not only lived for decades in North Carolina, but has served in various capacities including – Chief executive officer, Consultant, and Administrator and Philanthropist in more than ten States in the United States of America.
L- Ambassador Bockari Kortu Stevens and Honorary Consul Lawrence Wright Taylor.JPG
Presenting his letter of appointment, Diplomatic Identity Card and a package consisting the Sierra Leone Constitution, Vienna Convention of 1963,Roles and Responsibilities of a Honorary Consul and other relative information relating to his work, Ambassador Bockari Kortu Stevens admonished Honorary Consul Lawrence Wright Taylor to seek the interest of Sierra Leoneans in North Carolina and South Carolina.
“We have our people in North and South Carolina: especially South Carolina where our people were taken to during, and later settled after the Trans – Atlantic Slave trade. We have our Gula GeeChee people in the Carolina’s, they are very important to Sierra Leone.
R- Amb Stevens 2nd r Honorary Consul Lawrence Wright Taylor Mrs. Isatu Sillah Minister Counselor and Deputy Chief of Mission Alhajie Ibrahim S.Conteh immediately after the eremony.JPG
“They are very much interested in Sierra Leone and had made a trip by sea to Sierra Leone. “We are in contact with them, and it is expected that you will draw them closer” Said Ambassador Stevens. Adding, “After the presentation of your application, the Embassy submitted it to our Home Office where the shortlisted of candidates was done. At the same time, we did a lot of behind the scenes background Check and due diligence: and you were proven to have a good record.” It is now left with you to show yourself.
Honorary Consul Lawrence Wright Taylor, “You are required to submit a quarterly report on your official activities as required to showcase your accomplishments.” This is in tandem with the policy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation headed by Dr. Matthew Samura Kamara as directed by President Ernest Bai Koroma.”
According to him, “President Ernest Bai Koroma is running a scientific system of Government: we must show proof of our actions. “Even us as Ambassadors and Heads of Chancery’s are not exempted- we write reports for the consumption of our government.
Earlier, Ambassador Alhajie Ibrahim S. Conteh gave a brief history of the emergence of Honorary Consuls and Consul General stretching back to 1643.
He emphasized the importance of Consul Lawrence Wright Taylor’s appointment and encouraged him to use his expertise to make Sierra Leone a beneficiary of the available goods of North and South Carolina.
Ambassador Ahajie Ibrahim S. Conteh expressed optimism that Consul Lawrence Wright Taylo r’s religious and academic back ground coupled with an appropriate office space, he has no doubt of his performance. He has to prove himself.
In her remarks, Ms. Isatu Sillah , Minister Counselor and Head of Chancery said, “ the conduct of due diligence has proven the newly appointed Consul has an appropriate office space: with his academic qualifications, soberness and religious background, I have no doubt of his capability to handle the office efficiently.
Responding, Consul Lawrence Wright Taylor thanked God for giving him the opportunity and also thanked President Ernest Bai Koroma, Dr. Matthew Samura Kamara Minister Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bockari Stevens and his staff for according him the privileged to serve his Country.
His Excellency Ambassador Stevens, “I take this appointment very seriously.” He promised to use his available resources to enhance his job, and produce results.
I am a Preacher’s son: I will follow the rules and by the grace of God, make a difference in the execution of my duties.
Son of late Reverend Taylor of Wesleyan Parish in Makeni and Pendembu – Gowahun, Consul Lawrence Wright Taylor holds several academic and professional degrees, Certificates and diplomas including Bachelor of Public Administration and International Affairs from the Indiana Wesleyan University Indiana..
Consul Lawrence Wright Taylor also holds a Masters Degree in International negotiations and diplomacy from the University of Pittsburg.
Embassy of Sierra Leone to the United States
