AYV News, January 24, 2025
Her Excellency Norma Sanchez Aguila, the Cuban Ambassador to Sierra Leone, has paid a courtesy visit to the Mayor of Freetown, Her Worship Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, at her office in City Hall.
Their meeting centered on exploring potential areas of collaboration, including health, sports, support for Persons with Disabilities, water, and sanitation. Both leaders emphasized the strong historical ties of cooperation between Cuba and Sierra Leone, underscoring their commitment to deepening this partnership.
Ambassador Aguila reaffirmed Cuba’s dedication to supporting Sierra Leone’s development, particularly in areas where Cuba has expertise, such as healthcare and sports. She highlighted Cuba’s willingness to share its knowledge and resources to foster progress. Mayor Aki-Sawyerr expressed her gratitude for Cuba’s longstanding support and pledged to strengthen the partnership further, ensuring that the identified areas of collaboration yield tangible benefits for the people of Freetown.
Later in the day, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr held a separate meeting with Sierra Leonean-born former professional footballer Rodney Strasser, who is the CEO of the Rodney Strasser Foundation. Their discussion focused on integrating sports into the education system to promote holistic development among young people.
They explored plans to establish sporting facilities in primary schools across Freetown and its environs, aiming to create opportunities for young talents to thrive while encouraging a culture of physical activity and teamwork.
The mayor has consistently demonstrated her commitment to Freetown’s development, spearheading various initiatives to improve the city’s infrastructure and quality of life. One such project is the anticipated implementation of a cable car system, which is expected to ease transportation challenges and enhance connectivity within the city.
The project, which is set to commence soon, reflects the mayor’s innovative approach to tackling urban mobility issues.
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr has been working tirelessly to transform Freetown into a more sustainable, inclusive, and progressive city. Her leadership continues to attract local and international partnerships, reinforcing the city’s development agenda.
By fostering collaborations with key stakeholders such as Ambassador Aguila and Rodney Strasser, the mayor is ensuring that Freetown’s growth is inclusive, innovative, and people-centered.
These strategic partnerships and initiatives align with the mayor’s broader vision of a resilient and prosperous Freetown, providing residents with improved services and opportunities for a better quality of life. As these plans take shape, the city remains hopeful for a future marked by stronger collaboration, community engagement, and transformative development.
