The Sierra Leone Government Hails the Leading International NGOs

Posted in News, Charity by Admin on January 23rd, 2007

The Government of Sierra Leone is very much appreciative of the efforts of two of the leading international NGOs in Sierra Leone; namely World Vision and Action Aid. This Governmental appreciation was expressed by the Honourable Vice President Solomon Ekuma Berewa on the 18th January 2007 at Mattru Jong in Bonthe District.

Earlier, the National Director of World Vision Sierra Leone, Mr. Myles Harrison commended the farmers for successfully completing their field course. He disclosed that the World Vision supported farmers to ensure that farming was rejuvenated in Sierra Leone. Mr. Harrison highly commended VP Solomon Berewa for his relentless efforts at ensuring that there is progress in the country.

Speaking in response, VP Berewa described World Vision and Action Aid as “good friends” of Sierra Leone highlighting the fact that during the war years, there were many NGO organizations in Sierra Leone but now that the war is over, many of these have folded and left Sierra Leoneans on their own to rebuild their lives.

“It is only a very few like World Vision and Action Aid who are still continuing their good work in the country through assistance with the redevelopment of Sierra Leone and the provision of training opportunities like this Farmer’s Field School.” VP Berewa said.

VP Berewa described Sierra Leone as one of the richest countries in West Africa but sadly he pointed out that those years of mismanagement during the APC plus a brutal civil war had dropped the country’s socio-economic status to dire levels.

According to the Vice President, the easiest way for Sierra Leone to rise again was through Agriculture which he said would ensure Food Security and Food Security, he pointed out meant full stomachs and that full stomachs were more likely to think of development than hungry stomachs which only produced anger.

“If everybody engaged in some form of agriculture, poverty will disappear in Sierra Leone and our economy will boom once again.” the VP stated.

The Vice President ended by assuring the SLPP-led Government will continue to give relentless support to World Vision & Action Aid especially over the next five years which years he said were going to be “better for Sierra Leone” because “the solid foundation of peace, security and stability had been completed by President Tejan Kabbah” and it was now time for “Berewa to rebuild Sierra Leone upon that solid foundation”.

Berewa advised the people of Bonthe not to make the “mistake” of handing their votes to those who would “destroy the solid foundation Tejan Kabbah had built for Sierra Leone” adding that, “of all the people trying to convince you, only Berewa can now make your life better”.

Speaking also was the Chairman Bonthe District Council Mr. Joe N Benya, who commended the Government for the provision of free tools and tractors to the farmers of Bonthe.

For his part, the Representative of the Paramount Chiefs, PC A.B. Sheriff of Tong Chiefdom, expressed appreciation to World Vision and described the Farmer’s Field School as a bridge that brought increased understanding of modern farming to Bonthe Farmers.

He commended Agriculture Minister Dr. Sama Mondeh for his role in ensuring the success of the Field School. The Chief said that the SLPP has not only brought back development to Sierra Leone but has also brought back freedom of speech. He stated that the massive crowd that jubilantly welcomed Solomon Berewa to Bonthe was therefore a sign of appreciation for the SLPP.

Whilst in Bonthe, the VP also commissioned several projects such as a brand new school built by NaCSA in the district and a ferry installed by the Sierra Leone Roads Authority.