By Amin Kef Sesay
On the 5th March 2020 the House of Representatives presented a Certificate of Solidarity to the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Hu Zhangliang for the National People’s Congress and the inhabitants of the People’s Republic of China in their fight against the coronavirus.
The National People’s Congress is the highest organ of state power and the National Legislature of the People’s Republic of China.
Presenting the Certificate, the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu said “the Parliament of Sierra Leone does not have material support to give to the people of China in order to defeat the coronavirus, but it has a responsibility as a representative body to express solidarity through the award of a certificate to the Government and People of China”, adding it is the best the Parliament of Sierra Leone could offer at the moment.
“On behalf of myself, Members of Parliament and the Administration of Parliament, we express our solidarity with the National People’s Congress and the People of the People’s Republic of China in their fight against the coronavirus pandemic”. He also said that “during this difficult period, Sierra Leone Parliament stands in full solidarity with China and support China’s efforts to combat COVID-19”.
Receiving the Certificate, the Chinese Ambassador expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to the Speaker of Parliament and the entire membership of the House. “This is a kind gesture demonstrated by the Parliament of Sierra Leone”. He was beaming with gratification when he said “on behalf of the National People’s Congress and People of the People’s Republic of China, I thank you”.
His Excellency, the Ambassador went on to say that the Government and People of China have taken robust measures to contain the coronavirus in light of disease preventions and controls. The Ambassador told the Parliament of Sierra Leone that through a huge sacrifice, they are getting the desired results relative to the containment of the pandemic.
He also said that their Government and People are concerned with the well-being of foreigners including Sierra Leoneans and as of today no Sierra Leonean has contacted the disease. “This difficult time will soon be over and China will emerge stronger and prosperous than before,” he reassured.
He finally assured that the Chinese Government will require all Chinese travelling to Sierra Leone to follow the prevention and control measures being instituted such as tracking or isolation to combat a further spread of the coronavirus.
“I believe that the Chinese People will not face discrimination in Sierra Leone,” he concluded.
