Instead of symbolizing tragedy,Sierra Leone now symbolizes Africa's hope : Tony Blair
Written by Enjoy Sierra Leone Tuesday, 24 November 2009 05:31
18 November 2009 marked a new beginning for Sierra Leone. We hope. Enjoy Sierra Leone was represented at the Sierra Leone Investment Conference at the Queen Elizabeth 11 conference centre. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair told the crowd of investors they should not come to invest because they are sorry for what the country and its people have gone through. “Instead of symbolising Africa’s tragedy” he said “Sierra Leone now symbolises Africa’s hope.”The President discussed his ‘Agenda for change’ and the theme was ‘Its time’ .Well done to SLIEPA for organising such a fantastic event. it was jus right. There were over 300 representatives of different business ventures. Presentations by government officials and in country investors shared their experiences.
Chairman Kandeh Yumkella of UNIDO said said “it is time for Sierra Leone to be the diamond of Africa and not the blood diamond of Africa”.. There were also opening statements from Mr Gareth Thomas MP, UK Minister of State for Development.This was followed by a video presentation – Its time to Invest in Sierra Leone and a welcome address from His Excellency Dr Ernest Bai Koroma. The address was given by retired honourable Tony Blair.
The Trade Minister David Carew dismissed the so called myths about Sierra Leone e.g. the war etc. Finance Minister Samura Kamara, adviser to the President on Business, Oluniyi Robin-Coker, and head of SLIEPA Patrick Caulker all made presentations. The plenary panel had Sheikh Ibrahim Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Jean Claude Gandur Chairman Addax, Thierry Tanoh IFC VP Africa and W.Europe, Lord Cairms Chairman Celtel, Ian Cooling EVP of Global Business development Anadarko.
Tea breaks and networking lunch well organised for business people, leaders and investors to interact. There were ministry and company presentations in 1 Agribusiness 2. Tourism and Fisheries 3. Extractive Industries (mining) and hydrocarbons and 4 Power and Infrastructure facilitated break out sessions
Sierra Leone's Tourism Minister, Hindolo Tyre chaired the tourism breakout session, Cecil Williams (National Tourism board) gave an overview of Sierra Leone and presented the business hospitality opportunity in Sierra Leone., Keith Aki—Sawyer gave an impressive presentation and discussed investment opportunity in MAPE Coastal resort and new Town. Mr Mahmoud Idriss presented investment opportunity in Cape Sierra and more information bout NASSIT in Sierra Leone.
His Royal Highness Prince of Wales also paid a brief visit to the conference centre and a message of support was delivered by a minister from the United Arab Emirates.
There was a (Video) address by George Soros. It could not have gone better. Lets hope this time these promises are delivered.
Sierra Leone is open for business. This time we feel it is real.
November 19 at 5:40pm
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