UN Ambassador Edwina Swallow inspires Sierra Leoneans during Independence Anniversary program in New Jersey

By Kabs Kanu

Sierra Leone’s Deputy Permanent Representative for Legal Affairs to the United Nations , Ambassador Edwina Swallow , on Saturday May 2nd delivered a strong, positive , powerful and inspiring message in which she renewed hopes for a better and stronger nation under the leadership of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio.

Ambassador Swallow was one of the keynote speakers at a grand ceremony in Franklin Township , Somerset , New Jersey , to commemorate the 65th Independence Anniversary of the Republic of Sierra Leone.

Accompanied by a high – powered delegation from the Permanent Mission of Sierra Leone to the UN in New York, Ambassador Swallow held her audience captive with a fitting message for an auspicious and inclusive occasion that brought together Sierra Leoneans of diverse backgrounds representing political parties, social and cultural organizations , religious bodies and educational institutions to celebrate their country’s Independence Anniversary.

Also present at the occasion were officials from the Franklin Municipal Township , led by the Deputy Mayor, Mr. Alex Kharazi, heads of political parties and civic organizations and other distinguished Sierra Leoneans from different states and friends of Sierra Leone.

Ambassador Swallow, in opening her address , said that it was a pleasure to be in New Jersey , “ a state that reflects the diversity and ambitions of our people , to celebrate the enduring relationship between Sierra Leone and the U. S “ . She noted that as Independence anniversary celebrations continue, “we are commemorating a journey marked by strength, unity and determination to collectively forge ahead “ .

She thanked the umbrella body of the nation’s various organizations in the state, the Sierra Leone Community of New Jersey ( SLCNJ ) “ for bringing us together to celebrate and showcase the freedom and unity our country has enjoyed “ during the past years. She went on to laud the organization : “Indeed, SLCNJ has unified , represented and promoted the welfare of our people, and we thank them “.

Ambassador Swallow assured New Jerseyans and Sierra Leoneans that the government of His Excellency President Maada Bio “ recognizes the positive impact you are creating on the socioeconomic development of the country “ . She highlighted the Sierra Leone community’s efforts and commitments during the Ebola outbreak , the Wellington Fire disaster and the strategic partnerships with Rutgers University , government hospitals and state health authorities on post- Ebola research initiatives , which she said will not be forgotten and were deeply appreciated.

Ambassador Swallow further assured the community that H. E. President Maada Bio “attaches great value to these commitments for the general good of our people” .

She urged Sierra Leoneans : “As we celebrate, let us realize that we have only one Sierra Leone and we must work together as a unified force to make it better and stronger than ever before “.

Ambassador Swallow stressed that “ despite global and national challenges, Sierra Leone continues to make steady progress under the leadership of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio “. She emphasized that “ important reforms have been made that are centred on improving lives and strengthening our future”.

Ambassador Swallow reminded Sierra Leoneans about what President Bio said in his 65th Independence Anniversary message to the nation: According to President Bio , “ We need to build an economy that produces more of what it consumes “ and an economy that proves itself more reliable and create jobs, skills and trades from a position of strength .

She said that the Bio government was thankful to the Sierra Leone community in the U. S . for their contribution and investments back home and encouraged them not to be dissuaded but continue to contribute as this was “the time to invest more. “

Ambassador Swallow’s speech was greeted with resounding applause from attendants who had congregated at the Naaman Williams Park to enjoy float parades, cultural dances and live performances from various artists that marked the Independence Anniversary celebrations in New Jersey.

The delegation from the Mission at the UN included 1-Ambassador Michaela Swallow, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative for Legal Affairs

2 -Minister Plenipotentiary/Head of Chancery, Sulay-Manah Kpukumu

3 Mohamed Massaquoi, Information Attache

4 Suliaman Alafia Massaquoi, Financial Attache

The diplomats were well received and honored by the community . They mixed freely with members of the various political parties and organizations.

The community appreciated their presence as the diplomats became part of the celebrations of the anniversary as well as the spirit of togetherness, inclusivity , political tolerance and the patriotic aspirations of a unified and progressive Sierra Leone, an encouraging spirit that joyfully permeated another memorable day in the country’s metamorphosis from a postwar nation to a country moving forward to re- establish unity, freedom and justice for all.

There were various other enlightening and empowering speeches from other speakers , including Deputy Mayor Kharazi, the interim Chairman of SLCNJ , Mr. Abdul Hardy Gabisi, the chairpersons of the program, Madam Christiana Kenny and Mr. Abdul Growther ; Mr. Hindolo Barnet of SLCNJ ; the keynote speaker for the New Jersey community, Professor Ben Jalloh etc. We will bring you their statements in subsequent issues.