By Amin Kef Sesay
The Dean of the Consular Corps, Dr. Adonis Abboud and the Honorary Consuls of South Africa and Romania on the 23rd July 2021 paid a farewell visit to Ambassador Tom Vens, whose tenure of service in Sierra Leone recently came to an end.
According to Dr. Adonis Abboud, who led the visiting team, as per tradition, they do offer departing envoys souvenirs furthering how this time around they decided to offer Ambassador Vens hand-made country clothes woven by Sierra Leonean women in the provinces.
Ambassador Vens, in his response, expressed profound delight and gratitude for the gesture and promised to continue his support for Sierra Leone even though he will be 4000 miles away in Brussels.
“Thank you very much Dean and colleagues for this very fine gesture which is a wonderful souvenir that will keep me warm,” the outgone Ambassador showed appreciation.
Earlier, on the 16th July 2021 at State House Ambassador Tom Vens called on President Dr Julius Maada Bio to bid farewell after the end of his tour of duty in the country.
He said he was gratified that the President could leave his busy schedule to meet with him, adding that after four years’ service in the country he was saddened to announce the end of his tour of duty in the country. He added that he was proud to serve Sierra Leone, citing some of the fond memories he would not easily forget.
“We have achieved many good things together. As I leave, I hope my successor will be given the same platform to perform his duty. Thank you very much, Your Excellency,” Ambassador Vens noted.
President Julius Maada Bio in his brief statement said: “Thank you very much Tom. I have enjoyed working with you and the European Union. Your passion to serve us went beyond your line of duty”.
He further stated that the cooperation between the EU and Sierra Leone is huge and that he is determined to strengthen and deepen it.
“On behalf of the Government, the people and my humble self, I want to extend our gratitude to you for the extra mile you went to serve our country. We hope to work in close collaboration with your successor to consolidate our shared values,” President Bio concluded.
