Dialysis Machines for Sierra Leone: An Urgent plea for assistance - Friday 12 June 2009.
By Arolyn Ibrahim Koroma, Acting Deputy Publicity Secretary,
Washington, DC, APC Chapter.
When Sierra Leoneans set aside their political differences and come together to promote an agenda for the common good of the nation, there is no challenge that we cannot overcome, and we can get awesome results. When we look back at history, this is exactly what the founding fathers of our Republic notably, Sir Milton Margai, Sir Albert Margai, President Siaka Probyn Stevens and their colleagues had in mind. They believe in” ONE Country, One People”. If the present political theater players share in our founders’ belief in Unity, we will achieve more, but divided, the easier we will be able to ruin our cherished Republic.
If the above were practiced our nation could have been the strongest, most peaceful and most advanced in the Sub-Saharan region. I have no doubt in my mind that it is under this premise that brought the present day forward thinking SLPP and PMDC political parties into this unique collaborative Dialysis machines shipping expense venture. Did the collaboration effort achieve its goal? Absolutely. The effort in successfully reaching out to other organizations was quite significant. If the gesture is continued it will help political parties, charitable religious organizations and individuals to transcend their antagonistic past. But did the event go as smoothly as planned? Absolutely not, because many factors came into play including, but not limited to the Memorial Day weekend, which usually offers many free alternative dance parties.
But as the Vice President of the APC Washington DC, Metropolitan Chapter Mr. Michael S. Sesay quoted the famous Chinese saying, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step”,APC N/A has achieved that goal. This is the first fund raising Dance for the dialysis machines. There are many more events to follow. He thanked the attendees and praised the Dialysis Machines Dance committee, including its Chairman Mr. Mohammed Lamin Fofana and Mrs. Kadie Kargbo for their relentless effort in securing the dialysis machines and making the event a successful one.
The combined efforts of every Sierra Leonean involved in this venture shall not go in vain. Currently there are no operational dialysis machines in Sierra Leone hospitals. Thanks to our present forward thinking and visionary leadership both at home and North America who saw a daunting need for these life saving medical machines and tried to fill that need, by acquiring them. Patients with kidney problems have to travel abroad for treatment if they can afford financing the trip. Sierra Leoneans in the Diaspora who are kidney patients are afraid to travel and visit their homeland. Kidney disease does not discriminate. Every breathing human is fair game to the dreaded illness.
Many speakers including the fiery SLPP spokesman, Mr. Saidu Bangura echoed identical beliefs as he succinctly put it: ‘If we all work in the interest of Sierra Leone and set politics aside, we can achieve a lot’.
There were several other speakers including Acting Chairman of APC. North America, Mr. Leslie Allen, the National Secretary General Mr. Abdul Kamara (Chief), Dr. Bankole Gibson, Ms. Abie Bangali Mansaray and Mr. Foday Morris from the Bay Area, California.
Mr. Mesali, Counselor, who represented the embassy as Sierra Leone ambassador His Excellency Mr. Bockari Stevens, was conducting official business in Canada and his deputy, His Excellency Alhaji Ibrahim Conteh was engaged in official duties as well. The master of ceremony and public speaker, Dr. Alusine Sahid Jah, who by chance became the keynote speaker and the Fundraising pledges guru, Ms. Abibatu Daramy mesmerized the audience by hammering away the importance of the fundraising event. They pleaded to Sierra Leoneans to liberally donate to this important Dialysis expense campaign, to help our brothers and sisters with kidney disease problems at home.
The more than three (US$ 3.5) million dollars life saving machines are yet to be shipped to Sierra Leone to be operational and save lives.
Donors’ names will be placed in a plaque/list that permanently stays with the machines in all the 12 Districts. For further information please, contact:
Mr. Mohammed Lamin Fofana, 517 237 2358.
Mrs. Kadie Kargbo,703 999-9005 and
Rtd. Col. Idrisa Kamara, President, Washington Metropolitan Chapter at 703 855-1455.
Kudos, Sierra Leoneans in the Diaspora.
http://www.thepatrioticvanguard.com/article.php3?id_article=4242
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