By Amin Kef (Ranger)
President Julius Maada Bio spent Christmas Day in Bonthe Island where he joined the Catholic faithful for the Holy Mass and used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to the sustainable development of island communities, particularly Bonthe, while also calling on Sierra Leoneans to embrace unity, compassion, and shared responsibility for national progress.
The President worshipped alongside priests, parishioners, traditional authorities, local government officials, and residents at the Catholic Church on Bonthe Island, continuing a Christmas tradition he has maintained over the years. Church leaders described his presence as a powerful demonstration of humility, faith, and solidarity with ordinary citizens, especially those living in geographically isolated areas.
In welcoming remarks delivered on behalf of the parish, church authorities congratulated President Bio on his growing international and regional leadership roles and offered prayers for divine wisdom, strength, and protection over him and his family. They also expressed appreciation to Fatima Maada Bio for supporting the renovation of the parish house, a historic structure more than a century old that has now been rehabilitated into a modern and functional facility for clergy and church administration.
The parish address further highlighted what it described as tangible development gains in Bonthe District under the current administration. Particular emphasis was placed on progress in education and healthcare, including the implementation of the Free Quality School Education Programme, the deployment of digital learning tools such as tablets to support literacy, upgrades to hospital infrastructure, and continued investment in the Free Health Care Initiative for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and young children.
Community representatives also acknowledged improvements in security on the island, noting that increased military and security presence has enhanced safety and confidence among residents. At the same time, they raised concerns about unresolved challenges facing the district, including shortages of healthcare personnel, limited internet connectivity, delays in fully operationalising the township electrification project, and the urgent need to complete strategic infrastructure such as the long-awaited Gbongboma–Bonthe Bridge.
Responding during his engagement with the congregation, President Bio acknowledged the concerns raised and reiterated his administration’s commitment to inclusive development. He noted that while government resources are constrained, national development must be pursued progressively and equitably.
“Development is a process. We may not address every challenge at once, but we remain committed to moving steadily and deliberately to improve lives,” the President stated.
He stressed that the completion of the Gbongboma–Bonthe Bridge remains a national priority, describing it as essential to the island’s economic survival, improved access to markets and services, and long-term integration into the national economy.
Following the church service, President Bio joined local authorities for a civic ceremony during which a major street—formerly known as Heddle Road—was officially renamed Julius Maada Bio Road. The Mayor of Bonthe, His Worship Mohamed Robinson, explained that the decision was endorsed by the Bonthe City Council and community stakeholders in recognition of the President’s development interventions and sustained engagement with the island.
President Bio accepted the honour with humility, describing it as a collective recognition of partnership between government and the people of Bonthe. He said the gesture served as a reminder of the shared responsibility to preserve development gains and work together for the district’s future.
Beyond his engagements on Bonthe Island, President Bio also addressed the nation in his annual Christmas Day broadcast, using the festive platform to reflect on the state of the nation and to outline values needed to advance Sierra Leone’s development agenda. The nationwide message, transmitted on radio and television throughout the day, blended the spiritual meaning of Christmas with a call for national unity and resilience.
In his address, the President extended warm Christmas greetings to Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad, reminding citizens that the season symbolizes reflection, compassion, and collective renewal.
“As we celebrate the birth of Christ, we are reminded of the values that hold us together as a people—love, empathy, and unity of purpose,” he said.
President Bio acknowledged the economic pressures facing households, including global inflationary trends and domestic structural challenges, but emphasized that these difficulties can be overcome through solidarity and shared sacrifice. He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening economic resilience, expanding opportunities for young people, and improving the delivery of essential public services.
The President paid special tribute to frontline workers—healthcare professionals, teachers, farmers, security personnel, and civil servants—describing them as the backbone of national stability and progress. He also commended the contributions of Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora, whose remittances, expertise, and international engagement continue to support national development.
A central theme of the broadcast was social cohesion. President Bio urged citizens to reject division and intolerance, especially in a period characterized by heightened political debate, and instead embrace mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
“Our strength as a nation lies not in our differences, but in our ability to live together in harmony as Sierra Leoneans,” he emphasized.
As he concluded his Christmas message, President Bio called on families and communities to support the vulnerable, promote peace, and approach the New Year with renewed hope and determination. He encouraged citizens to anchor their actions in integrity, compassion, and a shared commitment to nation-building.
President Bio’s Christmas Day engagements—both on Bonthe Island and through his national address—once again underscored his administration’s focus on inclusive development, community engagement, and the enduring importance of unity as Sierra Leone charts its path toward sustainable growth and social transformation.
