H
Welcome
ere I am putting the final touches on this tenth issue of the calabash magazine, now called African Calabash. The journey has not been smooth but thanks and praises to Almighty God for making everything possible through His divine intervention for making the publishing of this issue possible.
African Calabash has completed another milestone, 2013 was an interesting and blessed year for the company. We were able to launch the first of its kind, African Calabash Unsung Heroes Awards (ACUHA), in the United Kingdom. This prestigious and elegant event attracted guests from many different backgrounds. Many thanks to all African Calabash supporters, may all your heart’s desire be granted, and a very special thank you to all our sponsors, UK associates and Fanta Salon. To have a real taste of this event continue reading about it in the celebration page.
Bankie Jones
Editor-in-Chief
We continue to meet and write exclusively about Sierra Leone and her friends in the Diaspora in a different lifestyle. Africa Calabash has repositioned itself in the market to fill a gap within our community. By this I mean our children are faced with a future where they cannot have good and valuable mentors. They have no one who they can look up to or use as a role model. Our treasures have somewhat been hidden. It is biblically written you cannot hide a lighted candle under a bushel. Have you noticed that our brilliant achievers, successful African men and women, are hardly mentioned in the media? Are they not good enough role models, are they shying away from the media or have they been side-lined? We have been bombarded by negative news of black kids killing themselves, a black man having just robbed a bank and all the ills of
Where you can buy
African
society. These are in the minority but we have allowed them to outshine the hard work and successes of our communities. African Calabash will be featuring the best of our time. In this issue we have exclusively interviewed Princess Gloria Williams of the West African Methodist Connexion and Nanette Johnson-Reid of Annie Walsh Memorial School. Read about these fine women in our culture pages. We have also featured a young brilliant gentleman, ex-president of the All Works of Life (AWOL) United Kingdom Junior Parker. Read more about him in the champion’s page. We are using this platform to empower our brothers, sisters and readers to maintain a lifestyle of class and prestige. We have been campaigning on family values and decent union of Man and Woman to create a brighter future as was ordained by God. Read about some wonderful wedding ceremonies in the celebration page. I would not be doing justice to this issue without commenting on the extraordinary impact that Madiba Mandela had on world politics. He went from a prisoner to president, as Joseph in the bible went from the house of Potiphar to prison and finally to a king. The act of forgiving continues to ring in our ears. Joseph’s brothers thought they had finished with him but where they stopped was the commencement of God. He said you meant evil for me but God turned it to good. Mandela had forgiven those who imprisoned him for twenty seven years of his life. That kind of forgiving is beautiful, twenty seven years of his life wasted while he was unfairly locked away yet he still came to terms with it and forgave those who did that to him. What a man! Bishop TD Jakes said un-forgiving is a curse and if you practice it then you can practise magic. Read about this great icon in our international page.
Swazi Augusta Enterprise Ltd - Choumert Road, Peckham Kadmos Enterprise Ltd - East Street, Walworth Road Mother Nature - Barking Road, Canning Town Kroo Town Road Supermarket - Choumert Road, Peckham Sierra Leone Store - Brixton Market, Brixton Duty Free - Lungi Airport, Freetown, Sierra Leone Choithram Supermarket - Freetown, Sierra Leone Online Amazon Calabash magazine website - www.calabashmagazine.org.uk
AFRICAN
3
To subscribe to Calabash, please complete this form and return with payment to: 10 Warple mews, off Warple Way, Acton, London W3 0RF Four issues including postage and package £18.00 | Two issues including postage and package £10.00
AFRICAN
Name Mailing Address
Post code
VISA
Telephone
MASTERCARD
SWITCH
Card No.
Email address Back copy issue number(s) No. copies required.
Expiry date:
Issue no (switch cards only)
Signature
Date
If you would like to advertise or showcase your event in Calabash magazine, call 07508070272 or email us at bankolejones@calabashmagazine.co.uk
6
AFRICAN
DELTA
GREAT
MOTIVATION the publication afloat, as we would not like to see its demise.
We are however faced with some financial constraint, which is not only affecting us alone but every other business establishment globally. And if this very informative publication should continue to appear on the newsstand, the support of its many admirers will be highly appreciated. If all our supporters could buy a copy each of the magazine and encourage their friends to do the same, that will go a long way to keeping it in circulation.
I
must first of all apologise for the long delay in publishing the Calabash magazine which I have no doubt , many of our readers and clients noted.
I also thank them for their concern, not only in the magazine but also the welfare of staff members some of whom have not been too well for a number of months, which somehow slowed us down a bit. It is also gratifying to know that many people have taken much interest in the publication which has motivated us to carry on and we will endeavour to keep
In one of our earlier editions, it was stated that there will be a time when people living in this part of the world will be rushing back to their various countries in search of jobs. This has become a reality. An investigation carried out by Calabash has discovered that a good number of Sierra Leoneans and other nationals have gone home in search of jobs. Even graduates from universities are forced to find jobs in food chain establishments such as Macdonalds and Burger Kings. Others had to go to the Middle East or the far East in search of jobs.
Although other countries are also in the same economic predicament, a lot of our malaise and woes are due to wrong attitudes to life. To name a few, mismanagement, selfishness, nepotism, and so on. Sierra Leone has been relatively peaceful for more than a decade and is progressing under President Ernest Bai Koroma especially in road construction which is commendable. There are other important areas such as education, health, electricity, water supply and agriculture that also need to be addressed urgently. Land grabbing is another burning issue. There are some Sierra Leoneans abroad who own vast lands in the country who would like return home and with the knowledge and resources gained abroad, launch agro-based industries.But such plots of land have been forcefully taken from them. The Government must look into this and make sure such lands are returned to their rightful owners. President Ernest Bai Koroma is in his final term in office and one cannot gain say the fact that there has been some progress in the country. We know that 2017 in political terms is not that too far away. It is time for all to think positively of our beloved Sierra Leone.
FIVE GOOD REASONS TO ADVERTISE IN African CALABASH MAGAZINE...
1 2
AFRICAN CALABASH is the solution to grassroot marketing. Advertising in MAGAZINE guarantees that your company will reach the Sierra Leonean in the Diaspora and in Sierra Leone markets directly. AFRICAN CALABASH changes the perception of how Sierra Leoneans are seen by staying true to our culture,
style, lifestyle and focusing our editorial on the core aspects of Sierra Leone and her people in the Homeland and in the Diaspora.
3
AFRICAN CALABASH gives you the ability to hit five major markets Business, Education, Culture, Sports and Social -- with just one advertisement.
4 5
AFRICAN CALABASH features a larger format (10� x 13�) than most other magazines, so your ad is bigger. AFRICAN CALABASH has a longer street life, longer-lasting retention value, more competitive rates and reaches a larger audience than many other advertising avenues available.
For all your adverts, promotion campaigns and events showcasing contact: (Sierra Leone) Reginald Kargbo | Ragik Design - 079066008 (United Kingdom) Bankie - 07508070272/07939963139, info@calabashmagazine.org.uk
African Calabash Media publisher of the African Calabash. We photograph, showcase and publish: We Write: Promotional and Advertorial article and profile AFRICAN
7
BUSINESS MINING local development and reduce poverty. WAMIS is determined to remove barriers by harmonizing mining codes relating to tariffs and taxes at regional level in order to protect the mining industry, These problems have affected the whole region. Guinea has suffered from slow iron ore deposits development because of seriously needed infrastructure, while Sierra Leone wishes to tackle disparities and imbalances between nations, protect investors and engage the community in dialogue about mining projects, through cooperation among countries. Mali could also produce more iron ore with better power sources and railways. Key industry speakers included Sierra Leonean’s Minister of Mines and mineral Resources Hon Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray; Mali’s Minister of Mines Hon Dr Amadou Baba SY; Nigeria’s Minister of Mines and Steel Development Hon Musa Mohammed Sada; Liberia’s Deputy Minister of Operations in the Ministry of Mines, Lands and Energy Hon Sam G Russ; Senegal’s Ministry of Mines and Energy Secretary general Mamadou Diop; Sierra Leone’s Director General National Minerals Agency Sahr Wonday, and Russia’s Head of Strategy and Business Development, Sevetstal Resources, Kirill Kozenyashev.
10 AFRICAN
BUSINESS MINING
Say the name “Adonis Abboud “ to a Sierra Leonean and they immediately think of DSTV, Trans National SL, Honorary Consul, philanthropist, Rotary Club and the list could go on and on. The fact is that Adonis Abboud is a recognizable name in Sierra Leone. An example of what integration should be and could be. But for many people all they know him for is his tireless acts of giving to the less priviledged in our midst. It is no wonder that he has been presented with many awards by different organizations in recognition of his contribution in different spheres of Sierra Leonean life. Despite being a household name, very little is known about the man himself and what makes him tick. Meet him in this interview with Hannah Foullah.
Calabash talks with:
AFRICAN
11
CULTURE
have made a small contribution from which I must have benefitted and which gave me the opportunities which have enabled me to be the person I am. How do you see Sierra Leone in the next 10 years and where do you see yourself in the future of S/Leone? I have never given up on Sierra Leone and never will. It is a country which has the potential to come good and it will one day. Once we appreciate that with improvements to transportation and basic facilities, tourism can play a very significant role in the country’s revenue and identity. The governement has a difficult task to achieve this but it is not just what the governemt can do - as individuals, we should take pride in our country and do what little we can to raise its profie in the international community. I will continue to do my part, especially with my involvement in a couple of NGOs who are dong great work in Siera Leone, especially in the Provinces. Education is a key factor in Sierra Leone’s development. What is your opinion about the current education status in your home land? In the last few years education has been brought to the forefront and a lot is being done now to enhance the provision and delivery of teaching and learning. The stakeholders of the education system have come together and I believe they are now singing from the same hymn sheet. It is important that those who are in the position to make life-changing difference
22 AFRICAN
to the lives of our children from primary to secondary schools and the lives of our young people in colleges and universities, do not short-change them in their learning experiences. Your Alumni Association now has a new President. What advise can you give her in her role? I would say “be youself and act in the best intrest of the Association and our beloved Alma mata, to enable us, the members, to do and give the best of what we can offer” What do you think of, when the word “achievement” is mentioned? It is important that one is able to achieve one’s goal or target set but it is also important for one not to overstreatch oneself. Being able to achieve gives one a sense of pride and worth. That is why as Alumni of the Annie Walsh we should try to encourage [in any way we can] the young Girls who are now going through their school years. As one of the elders in the UK Sierra Leonean community, what sort of advice will you give to the typical Sierra Leonean family which is going through a tough time due the current global economic climate? I would say – “try to live within your means and prioritise your spending. If there are things you can do without, do so until such time when you can afford them. It is also important to get your children to
understand why they have to do without. Most importantly try not to compete with your neighbours or friends. What is your advice to the Sierra Leone youth in the Diaspora and in the motherland? Especially those Sierra Leonean youths who were born here? Get involved in Sierra Leonean associations/ organsiations and see how you can support projects/events and make a contribution to our beloved country – we must not give up on the Motherland! To those youths living in Sierra Leone, I would say get involved in youth projects and start making your contribution to a brighter future as you are going to be the leaders of tomorrow. Who inspired you when you were young and who do you consider your role model? My teachers and most of all, the best Principal of all times at the AWMS – Dr Lati Hyde-Forster, who I have always seen as a strong role-model. She rose through the ‘glass ceiling’ and went on to inspire and support so many young ones in their pursuit for excellence. Additionally, till each one of them passed away, my Parents and God Parents inspired me and kept the fire in me going till I was able to achieve my goals. May their souls continue to rest in peace.
CULTURE
E
mpowering the people for Service is the motto which identifies the West African Methodist Connexion in Freetown, Sierra Leone and beyond. The West African Methodist Connexion (UK) Fellowship was established just over 5 years ago to advance the work of the Connexion in Sierra Leone and the U.K through education and social work projects, and to establish international networks.
On the WAMC’s 5th anniversary, African Calabash interviews a woman of substance and value
Mrs Princess Gloria Williams, Ex-president of West African Methodist Connexion United Kingdom Good afternoon Mrs Williams, why was WAMC set up? Rev. D M Speck, on taking up the position as General Superintendent of the West African Methodist (W.A.M) Connexion, thought it was necessary and worthwhile to use the expertise of all WAM members residing in the diaspora to promote the interests of the Connexion. In view of that, at the 72nd Annual Assembly held in 2006 at Bethesda WAM church, the Rev. Humphrey Jartu Gilpin was appointed External Relations and Development Officer and also Ambassador Plenipotentiary for the WAM Connexion at International Forums. Rev Dr. Jartu Gilpin within his brief then got together a group of WAMC members residing in London and started the Fellowship with himself as Chairman. The inaugural meeting of the
Fellowship took place on Sunday 20 August 2006 at his home. There were fourteen foundation members at that meeting. Unfortunately, the group lost momentum shortly afterwards and was discontinued. Eight months later, on Sunday 25 March, 2007, the group reconvened and were joined by several others at a meeting at Bilt Mansions, Deptford Bridge. Who were the founding fathers or mothers of your organisation: The Founding fathers of the WAM Connexion (U.K) Fellowship were The Rev. D.M. Speck and Rev. Dr Jartu Gilpin. Where do you see the organisation in the next few years. I would hope that membership would increase and that the aspirations of
the founding Fathers would not be lost among the many manifestations of Christian identity both in the UK and in Sierra Leone. I would also hope that in realising, understanding and appreciative of the efforts of Africans to form the Connexion, and its struggle to build institutions of learning and spirituality, people would be persuaded to give their full support irrespective of denomination. What sort of influence is your organisation playing on your membership life. Members continue to maintain links with their local churches in Sierra Leone. Some give personal financial and material support where circumstances allow. We continue to start and end our meetings with prayers and give support to members who hold positions
AFRICAN
23