AYV News, April 9, 2026
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis, has called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to advance Sierra Leone’s tourism sector during the National Coastal Unity Boat Race.
The event, held on the 4th and 5th of April 2026 at Chapter One Beach Front, Aberdeen, brought together 16 coastal communities including King Jimmy, Susan’s Bay, Kroo Bay, Government Wharf, River No. 2, Tombo Wharf, Tambacula Wharf, Kissy Ferry Terminal, Godrich, Congo Town, Moa Wharf, Murray Town, Banana Water, Lakka Wharf, Magazine Wharf, and Levuma Wharf. The competition served as a vibrant platform for unity, cultural expression, creativity, inclusivity, and community pride.
Organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs in collaboration with the GEED Foundation and partners, the event attracted large crowds of supporters who came out in groups, singing, dancing, and cheering on their respective communities.
At the end of the competition, Kissy Ferry Terminal emerged as the winner, receiving a cash prize of NLe50,000 along with other rewards. Susan’s Bay secured the first runner-up position with NLe40,000, while Moa Wharf placed second runner-up, earning NLe30,000.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, the Public Relations Officer of Kissy Ferry Terminal Wharf, Mohamed Gatewa, expressed gratitude to Dr. EkundayoWalton Gilpin and the Minister of Tourism Mrs. Nabeela Tunis for recognizing and including coastal communities. He noted that such initiatives are meaningful, especially for communities that often face deprivation.
In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the GEED Foundation, Dr. Ekundayo Walton Gilpin, emphasized that the primary objective of the National Coastal Unity Boat Race is to showcase Sierra Leone’s unique cultural assets to the world while fostering unity among coastal communities and the nation at large. He highlighted that the event also sheds light on the resilience and creativity of coastal people despite challenges such as limited access to finance, healthcare, and clean water.
Address participants, Minister Tunis underscored the importance of collaboration in driving tourism development. She noted that the Coastal Unity Boat Race forms part of broader national efforts to promote tourism and aligns perfectly with Sierra Leone’s 65th Independence celebrations. According to her, the event highlights the country’s rich cultural identity and coastal beauty.
The Minister further expressed appreciation to the GEED Foundation, particularly Dr. Gilpin, for their partnership and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to positioning Sierra Leone as a leading tourism destination despite existing challenges.
As part of the celebrations, awards were also presented for the most creative community flags. Tombo Wharf won the Best Creative Flag with a prize of NLe10,000, followed by Kroo Bay with NLe8,000, while Aberdeen secured third place with NLe6,000.
The event was climaxed by thrilling performances from the Sierra Leone Acrobatic Association, the National Dance Troupe, Star Zee, and other entertainers, alongside the presentation of certificates, prizes, and trophies to the winners.
Importantly, the National Coastal Unity Boat Race forms part of the Ministry’s 2026 campaign, themed the “Year of Culture and Creativity,” which seeks to harness and promote Sierra Leone’s rich cultural heritage as a driver for tourism development and national unity.
