Sierra Leone yesterday marked the end of the first phase of the “transformation process” and the beginning of a new era after a communiqué dubbed “the people’s manifesto” was adopted by acclamation at the end of the two days Conference on Development and Transformation.
Giving his ten minute closing courtesies, Vice President Alhaji Samuel Sam Sumana said that this is a historic event and a very significant moment which the president decided that our nation should come together to deliberate on the issues that will take our country forward restoring the dignity of this nation.
The Vice President said “I think such a gathering should be devoid of ethnicity, regionalism, and should bring together the people of a nation that can bring together the resources and patriotism and map out a road map for the development of country.”
Adding that “the idea of the president to have this conference for the transformation of our nation, a nation that is comprised of fine people, endowed with natural resources and rich history so that we can have our country once more restructured in the right direction.”
Vice President Sumana thanked the participants some of whom he said were volunteers because they have helped to “put our efforts together for the economic emancipation of our country.” He urged that “We should bring together the people, resources, – although the discovery of these resources came in very late. Now is the time we should come together as a people as a nation.”
He went on to state that “for far too long a nation endowed with natural resources and was admired for its high standard of education in the coast of Africa but this has been going down the drain.”
Sounding optimistic the Vice President who appeared not to have a prepared speech before him, said he “believe(s) a rebirth has come, beginning with the period of 72 hours, in order to put our resources and ideas together and map the way forward as a conference for Sierra Leoneans no matter the religion and tribe.”
On the declaration the Vice President maintained “we have come up with ideas and suggestions in the form of declaration, putting them together making sure that we use these ideas without hypocrisy but with true patriotism making sure that what we have put here today what can be used as a guiding factor in other to transform our country as a better nation.”
He disclosed that knowing the premium the President has on the people of the country they are going to make sure the recommendations can be actualized “Some of them can be actualized in a short term, some medium and some long term.”
He said “we are aware that the realization of these resources came very late but now is the time for us as a people and nation, we have to know that the realization does not supersede us any longer.”
The Chief of Staff Keifala Marrah said that this night underscores the essence of the conference as we have been able to celebrate the country’s 50 years and this is the communiqué for the people.
By Betty Milton
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