In celebrating their 232nd Anniversary over the weekend, June Carter Perry Ambassador of the United States of America has pledged his country’s continued support to Sierra Leone’s Democratic process. Speaking at the independence celebration at the Embassy Chancery Southridge, Hill Station, Ambassador Perry noted that democracy is one of the principles of America’s identity therefore they were very happy to share that principle with the country.
Since their 231st Independence Anniversary she went on, Sierra Leone has conducted a truly model elections befitting Africa nations and the world as a whole. She added “although other segments of society here and elsewhere contributed to that success, the credit for the peacefulness and fairness of those elections lies with the citizens of Sierra Leone. To secure future success in the country, the people of this country must guard their democracy with zeal letting no individual or groups threaten it.” Speaking about gender as a fundamental element the Ambassador disclosed that her country promotes such equality in the country together with the government and other women organizations like the 50/50 who are committed to women’s voter education thereby educating them to serve as role models for young women of today.” The Ambassador further pledged the US commitment in partnering with the government to help the democratic process succeed at the local and international level saying “I commit to you that the
United States will continue to support democracy after elections since it is important that the newly (elected) officials understand fully their responsibilities and how to navigate the process of governing.” To ensure that the people enjoy stability and to learn the lessons of the ten year war Ambassador Carter Perry maintained it is important that those who bear the greatest responsibility of the war be brought to justice and they [USA] are supporters of the Special Court which has made tremendous progress towards its goals as the Court starts winding down. On the issue of education the US Ambassador spoke about the Ambassador’s Girl Scholarship Programme which enables children to get support through their entire education adding that they are working to increase the numbers of boys as well as girls in the programme. The Ambassador averred “as we celebrate America’s independence, we are proud to share our core values with the people of Sierra Leone. I anticipate our continued cooperation and partnership
in the areas of security and health and I’m optimistic that the people of the Sierra Leone may look forward to a future bright with hope and promise.” The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Vandi Minah in his statement said that, the government is appreciative of the support they have received from the USA. On the regional security the deputy minister said that they were working to develop the people in the Mano River Union and that they are looking forward to the role the Ivory Coast will be playing in the union.
He maintained that the government recognized the Special Court which serves as an instrument to bring to justice those who committed greatest atrocities during the war.
By Betty Milton
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