MY VISION FOR SIERRA LEONE
BY PAUL JAMES- ALLEN
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- MY DESCRIPTION OF THE KIND OF SOCIETY I WOULD LIKE TO LIVE IN
I would like to live in a Sierra that is free of corruption injustice; a Sierra Leone that offers some kind of opportunity for all, however small; a Sierra Leone that makes meaningful and equitable use of it natural resources.
I would like to live in an open society where access to information could be seen as seen as the bedrock of our democracy; therefore information is given out when it is requested from whosoever.
I would like to live in a Sierra Leone where there is a greater degree of independence, and less dependence on international hand-outs and aid.
- MY SUGGESTIONS AS TO HOW TO MAKE SIERRA A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE IN
1. Decentralize the machinery of government so that ordinary people can see and understand decision-making processes that affect them.
2. Concentrate on agricultural production, putting to good use the many fertile fields of our provinces.
3. Develop the touristic potential of our country and mane Sierra Leone a place that everyone wants to visit.
4. Create a more welcoming environment for the Lebanese community to live in, especially so that they could feel a sense of belonging and would not have to be so worried about taking their resources out of the country.
- SET OUT THE CONTRIBUTOR’S HOPES AND ASPIRATIONS FOR SIERRA LEONE
My hope and aspiration for Sierra Leone is that the society I have described on the first page can became a reality for my country and not just a vision.
- MY DESCRIPTION OF WHERE I WOULD LIKE TO SEE SIERRA LEONE IN 5 OR 10 YEARS
1. In the next five to ten years I would like to see Sierra Leone get rid from our political scene those same old recycled politicians who have occupied the seats of national power since independence.
If any of them were able to off any new ideas then we would not have been where we cam from and where we still are. New, energetic, progressive leaders should be our priority in the next five to ten years.
2. I would like see my fellow Sierra Leone and who have gone abroad running to come back home rather than running away to seek asylum or stay as illegal immigrants in other parts of the world.
3. I would like to see any Sierra Leonean Justas happy to stay in Pujehun or Koinadugu or Kailahun and getting the same social amenities as he she would get in Freetown.
4. I would like to see our mineral industries centralized under a National Mining company and similarly the re-establishment of a produce development and marketing board to inject some impetus into the agricultural sector.
ON MY REBIRTH
By Paul James-Allen
On my rebirth
I will bounce from the earth
As though I have never suffered death
I will crush that which killed me
But
Forgive those that made that which took me to my grave
And remember what they did to me for life
And remind my offspring to keep a stick behind their doors to stop another
In the new years to come
We would strive to live side-by-side in our rebirth
Jumping in the glowing sun, seeing the seas from the hill tops from behind the palm trees
Saying “Kunafo burma” – Never again.
- CAN I PROVIDE ANYTHING CREATIVE THAT INSPIRES PEACE AND UNITY – AND PRIDE IN BEING SIERRA LEONE?
It is probably not all that creative, but the fact that there is only one Sierra Leone should inspire a high degree of peace and unity in our nation; my pride in being a Sierra Leonean is because I will not be proud of any other country.
Maybe we should take inspiration from and pride in figures like shengbay Pieh (Joseph Cinque) of the Armistad Revolt.
I am especially of our enormous will courage in the face or our plight in this World.
This is my vision for Sierra Leone
Submitted to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Paul James-Allen -- 28th October 2003