By Alusine S. Kargbo (ASK in Istanbul)
Ambassador Mohamed Kai-Samba, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Turkey, on Friday 4th June, 2021, donated food items worth thousands of United States dollars to Sierra Leoneans in that country.
Speaking during the engagement with the SLCT, Ambassador Kai-Samba stated that the embassy cares for all Sierra Leoneans, and this is the reason for the distribution of food stuffs to the community. He encouraged Sierra Leoneans to engage in trade and other tech-voc skills training, stressing that the embassy is there to help with scholarships for those who are ready to learn. The Ambassador encouraged those engaged in business to handle it with seriousness and become team leaders. “The embassy is always busy working behind the scenes, that’s why the immigration is now processing Sierra Leonean documents faster than before; even on Sundays, the Embassy is working, “ Ambassador Kai-Samba stated. The diplomat is working assiduously to complement the President’s agenda by empowering the youths, more especially the women.
Deputy Ambassador Paul A.S Mina, in his opening remarks, said they were at the event to present what he referred to as small donation to the community, as they understand the challenges people are going through globally as a result of COVID-19 pandemic.
“The embassy is concern for the welfare of Sierra Leoneans,” he assured, and advised them to avoid crossing water to enter Greece to Europe. He further stated that the embassy is ready to provide scholarships to those who are ready to learn, adding that it is sad to hear that a Sierra Leonean has lost his or her life in his or her bid to enter Europe. “His Excellency President Bio cares for all Sierra Leoneans. He does not feel good when he hears that a Sierra Leonean has lost his or her life. He encourages each and everyone to love each other, as they are sent there to represent the President, and they are always there to ensure that their safety is paramount.
Head of chancery, Lamin Khan, in his statement said that people should not joke with the ID card the embassy is going to issue out to all Sierra Leoneans, as it carries the contact of the embassy, and in cases of interrogation by the police, they should produce it for confirmation. He furthered that the ID is not a resident permit, but a form of identity for all Sierra Leoneans living in the host country. He explained that the embassy has also prepared ETC for Sierra Leoneans to be able to travel back home.
Mr. Wurie Head of Chancery in Kuwait, while making his submission, stated that he was among the first people sent to Turkey to do a survey for the opening of the Embassy in that country, and expressed happiness and pride that it is now operational. “We are the ambassadors and Mr. Kai-Samba is the President, representing His Excellency, President Bio,” he added and thanked the President, executive and the elders for the great work they have been doing on behalf of the embassy.
In another development, the ambassador, deputy and his team paid a courtesy call on Hon. Aloysious Bockarie Ansumana, who is seeking medical treatment in Turkey.
President of the Sierra Leonean community in Turkey thanked the ambassador and his team for being there for them in terms of medical assistance, and the immigration issues they are facing. He also thanked the Embassy and the Elders’ Council for holding a successful meeting with them in Istanbul, recalling that in that meeting, the Ambassador handed over food items to be distributed to SLCT members in Istanbul.
Chairlady of the Sierra Leone community (SLCT), Mabinty Turay, thanked the Ambassador and his team for the donation, and pleaded to the embassy for the provision of documents.
Dr. Muctarr, a medical doctor working for the Turkish government, on behalf of the Elders’ Council, thanked the ambassador, his deputy and the team for the great concern they have for Sierra Leoneans and prayed for their safe return home.