He said SLCU is the leading platform organization of Sierra Leoneans in Netherlands and mainland Europe adding that the Organization last year signed an MoU with ODA and they have been working accordingly in that direction .
The Minister of Political and Public Affairs, Madam Nanette Thomas thanked the chairman and the Dutch Professor for their continued collaboration with the Office of Diaspora Affairs which she said is under her supervision as the Minister of Political and Public Affairs.
She furthered that the contribution of SLCU towards the development of Sierra Leone has been second to none especially during the Ebola Outbreak.
Madam Nanette recalled that SLCU played a pivotal role in the fight against the Ebola Virus by importing medical equipments to aid the fight against the dreadful virus that claims lives.
The Minister also said that SLCU have been very instrumental in liaising between the Sierra Leone government and the Dutch Government in terms of business opportunities and partnership.
The Chairman SLCU, Abubakarr Bangura reiterated his organization’s contribution to the development of the country including the construction of a vocational-agro-business institute in Lungi to train ambitious youths to start their own business.
He pointed out that he has been personally instrumental in advocating to the Dutch government for Sierra Leone to be included on the Temporary Return of Qualified Nationals (TRQN) project Phase four and the Diaspora Migration Policy.
Mr. Bangura appealed to the Ministry to ensure that the country have Diaspora Policy which can maximize and leverage Diaspora contribution towards the development of the nation.
The head of Africa Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) , Professor Gbla, said his organization is an initiative to encourage and promote conformity in relation to political, economic and corporate governance , codes and standards, amongst African countries and the objectives in socio-economic development within the new Partnership for Africa’s Development.
“As a country emerging from war we really need Diaspora contribution”, Professor Gbla emphasized.
The Deputy Minister of Political and Public Affairs, Akhmed Femi Mansaray expressed thanks and appreciation to SLCU Chairman, Abubakarr Bangura and team for visiting the Ministry. He assured the visitors that there is a friendly environment for any Sierra Leonean in the Diaspora who may wish to return and make his or her contribution to the growth of the country.
Sierra Leone Central Union (SLCU) is an umbrella organization of fourteen registered Sierra Leonean organizations in the Netherlands.
Their vision is to unite and promote peace, unity and cooperation among all registered Sierra Leonean organizations in the Netherlands. The organization also supports the integration of Sierra Leoneans in the Netherlands within the framework of the Dutch government policy and stimulates their active participation towards the development of Sierra Leone.
