By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a remarkable show of patriotism and commitment to national service, the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) Washington, D.C. Metro Chapter on Saturday, June 7, 2025, held a Donation and Presentation Ceremony at the Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone in Washington, D.C. The event marked a significant upgrade to the Embassy’s interior, thanks to a generous contribution from the SLPP chapter.
The formal proceedings commenced with a call to order by Counsellor Isata L. Bangura, who serves as the Acting Head of Chancery at the Embassy. She welcomed all attendees and expressed gratitude for the generous support from the SLPP Washington, D.C. Metro Chapter.
The ceremony was jointly coordinated by members of the Embassy staff and representatives of the SLPP Washington, D.C. Metro Chapter. The Master of Ceremony for the event was the Chapter’s Secretary-General, William Allieu, who guided the agenda with professionalism and clarity.
Opening remarks were delivered by Sally Benjamin, the SLPP North America (SLPPNA) Regional Vice Chair. She lauded the chapter’s initiative and highlighted the critical role that Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora continue to play in supporting national institutions.
A brief but insightful overview of the SLPP North America organization was presented by Lawrence Sandy, former Chairman of SLPPNA. He chronicled the organization’s growth, mission and longstanding dedication to development efforts in Sierra Leone.
SLPP DC Metro Chapter Chairman, Solomon Palmer, outlined the objectives behind the donation, stating that the initiative stemmed from a December 2024 visit to the Embassy during which he observed deteriorating furnishings. He detailed the donations, which included 24 swivel conference chairs, a 55-inch Samsung Smart TV, 16 window curtains and wall-to-wall carpeting for the conference room.
“These items were not just purchased; they were envisioned to transform the Embassy into a more professional, dignified and welcoming space,” Solomon Palmer said. “We didn’t wait for Government funding or external aid. Each member personally contributed, demonstrating that patriotism starts with action.”
Described as one of the SLPP’s most vibrant diaspora chapters, Solomon Palmer maintained that the Washington, D.C. Metro Chapter is made up of committed Sierra Leoneans striving to foster unity, development and democratic values beyond the nation’s borders.
He emphasized that the Embassy represents Sierra Leone to the international community and must reflect values of pride, order and hospitality. “This donation is not about showcasing our chapter; it is about showing up for our country,” he said. “Though we live far away, our hearts beat for Sierra Leone.”
In a rare display of political unity, the event also saw participation from Abu Bakarr Mohamed Koroma, widely known as Abu Ball Yai, Chairman of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) in the U.S. and Regional Deputy Youth Leader. Abu Bakarr Mohamed Koroma praised the initiative and announced an APC donation of five additional chairs to support the effort.
“This is not about SLPP or APC; it’s about Sierra Leone,” he stated. “The Embassy belongs to all of us. I commend the SLPP chapter for leading by example and thank Ambassador Amara Sowa for his inclusive leadership.”
The keynote address was delivered by Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa, who expressed profound gratitude to the chapter and its supporters. He described the donation as a transformative gesture that would enhance the work environment for Embassy staff and the overall experience of Sierra Leoneans visiting the mission.
“This initiative reflects the very best of our national spirit,” Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa said. “I had been exploring ways to fund renovations when this donation came as a welcome surprise. It speaks volumes about what we can accomplish through unity and civic responsibility.”
The Ambassador also addressed the broader issue of neglect of Sierra Leone’s diplomatic facilities abroad and pledged to prioritize their maintenance and upgrade during his tenure. He announced plans to organize a meeting between President Julius Maada Bio and the APC U.S. leadership during the President’s next visit to Washington, D.C., a step aimed at fostering bipartisan collaboration within the diaspora.
Rachel Horner, the Embassy’s Diaspora Affairs Coordinator, offered a heartfelt vote of thanks, recognizing the contributions of all attendees and encouraging continued civic engagement.
The formal handing over of the donated items marked a significant moment in the ceremony. The event concluded on a high note, leaving a lasting impression of solidarity, patriotism and a shared commitment to national progress. Beyond enhancing the Embassy’s appearance, the gesture served as a powerful reminder to all Sierra Leoneans, both at home and abroad, that collective action and unity are the true pillars of sustainable national development.
