*MINISTER OF POLITICAL AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICIALLY OPENS THE WESTERN REGION OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR DEMOCRACY IN JUI*
*By Bockarie Kukuku Musa*
The Dynamic Minister of Political and Public Affairs, *Hon. Nanette Thomas* on Tuesday 4th October 2016 has officially opened the *Western Region office of the National Commission for Democracy in Jui*.
In her remarks during the unveiling and dedication ceremony, the energetic Minister of Political and Public Affairs described the occasion as a step in the right direction, and emphasized that the opening of the Western Region Office in Jui would not only help to propagate the philosophy of the commission but also will attract more members in that part of the country in order to enlightened them on a peaceful, democratic and just society for everyone. She reaffirmed her commitment as the Minister of Political and Public Affairs on behalf of the Government and the people of this great country and encourages everyone to participate actively towards the advancement of the collective goals and objectives of the National Commission for Democracy and for the benefits of our beloved country, Sierra Leone.
*EXTRACTS FROM STATEMENT BY HON NANETTE THOMAS, MINISTER OF POLITICAL AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS DURING THE OPENING OF THE WESTERN REGION OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR DEMOCRACY ON THE 4th OCTOBER 2016*
Mr. Chairman, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen
Today marks another milestone in the democratic journey of our beloved country, Sierra Leone. I regard this occasion not only as a victory for NCD, but also a celebration of one of the pillars of the Agenda for Prosperity of H.E. the President — symbolizing a beginning and a continuity — signifying renewal, as well as positive contribution to the promotion of Citizenship, Nationalism, Patriotism and Social Cohesion in Sierra Leone.
Mr. Chairman, allow me to congratulate *Dr. Abubakarr Kargbo* under whose leadership has made this possible, and *Madam Georgett De Mark* who laid the foundation before the end of her ten years’ service to the Commission. I am confident that under your able Chairmanship at NCD, the cause of our collective contribution to our democracy through civic education, as enshrined in your statutory mandate would be further strengthened, despite the general resource constraints. I assure you of my full support and cooperation.
The 4th October 2016, is a date to which the citizens of the Western Region of Sierra Leone are greeting a new development. Words cannot adequately express my joy and pride of being the Minister of Political and Public Affairs privileged to cut the curtain to the new office of the National Commission for Democracy.
It is a unique privilege, which I shall always remember, and it gives me strength and courage, as a woman leader in government dedicated to the service of the people from the most remote part of the country to Freetown. This is a wonderful day, and it is all the more wonderful because we have awaited it with increasing impatience, compelled to watch one of our important democratic institution expanding its function to the service of the nation. This is the beauty of decentralization agenda of our Government. This also shows that, NCD is strengthening its position in the promotion of the principles of democratic governance, which is also a clear vision of H.E. the President, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma.
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen, the conventional wisdom and expectation is that the emergence and decentralisation of democratic institution, as NCD has done will help to strengthen the country’s democratic prospect. This is the practical reality and legacy of our government. The intention is that this will provide citizen the opportunity and access to services from these governance institutions.
I do not want to sound self-congratulatory in the face of our common challenge. This is because our nation need more civic and political education than ever before in the history of our country. The recent youth cliques and gang violence seems to explain that we are still facing a continuum between war and peace in the post conflict period. This has justified my claim that we all need to think deeper to ask ourselves:
1. What are the rights and responsibilities of the citizens of Sierra Leone?
2. What is our definition of 'common purpose, 'common good' or even 'public good'?
3. How much value do we, as a nation put on the individual human life?
4. Who does Sierra Leone in reality belong to?
5. What are the weight or the influence or even the sustainability and mandate of our civil society structures expected to complement government efforts?
6. What have we changed for the better since the end of the eleven years civil war, and what lessons have we learnt from it?
I would not like to bore you with too many details but just find civic responses to these questions. As a Minister, on behalf of H.E. the President, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma I want to encourage every citizen of Sierra Leone to be civic minded in a manner that will contributes to raising public awareness on the value of democracy, and the threats to our democracy.
Ladies and Gentlemen, notwithstanding the achievements of NCD and our government, our democratic interests are still threatened, I repeat with respect to youth violence. And there is still more work to be done by all of us to optimise our achievements. I must implore NCD to collaborate with similar sister's institutions to increase its civic education function.
Mr. Chairman, for the people of Western Urban and Rural, let the news go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the Western Region office is being relocated to 11 Jui Junction. This simply means that a new office is being borne with a renew spirit to serve citizens of this district and region. Let everyone know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we are all prepared to contribute to civic education in order to assure the survival and the success of our democracy.
I want to offer a special pledge — to convert our good words into good deeds. Help the western Region Office realise the purpose for which it is being relocated to Jui. Some might be thinking it is a new-born child, in some cases, you might be right to say so; and that you might not be expecting much from a new new-born child. You might be wrong, I will assure you that this child is already been well brought up, already been well nurtured by its mother, Madame Georgette Demark, the Former Commissioner for the Western Region, who laid the foundation before the expiration of her ten years’ service to the Commission, at 9th Floor West Wing Youyi, the Headquarter; through the leadership of Dr. Abubakarr Kargbo. And I want to assure you that the Western Region Office is well prepared to serve you.
Mr Chairman, ladies and Gentlemen, i wish to conclude my statement by reaffirming my commitment as the Minister of Political and Public Affairs on behalf of the Government and the people of this great country want to encourage everyone to participate actively towards the advancement of our collective goals and objectives for the benefits of our beloved country, Sierra Leone. It is our strong belief that this office will continue to promote and defend the common cause of promoting and strengthening our democracy.
I thank you.
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