Sierra Leone Nationals Association Of Manitoba, Canada

AN INTERVIEW WITH ABU BAKARR KAMARA, SALNAM SECRETARY GENERAL

Question: Considering the fact that leadership is everything that determines the failure or the success of an organization such as SALNAM. How would you describe and if possible grade the collective role of SALNAM’s Executive Council in carrying out its constitutional obligations to the people of our community. I am asking this question with the understanding that each executive member’s contribution is a function of his/her level of education, experience in real life situations, prior involvement in community related activities, leadership roles etc. As a result some may be slow of the mark in terms of making positive contributions to organization’s functionality. Similarly after almost eight months, is it possible for you to grade the community’s role in helping SALNAM meets its objectives and goals. Is the community positively engaged and supportive of SALNAM? In your opinion, are the Executive Council members pulling in the same direction for organizational effectiveness? Do you think each Executive Council member understands his/her job description in a manner which makes the collective decision making process easier for everybody on the Council?

Answer: I would first of all like to commend the president, Allieu Sesay, for his role in fostering unity in the community, and for the progressive leadership he is providing to encourage community participation vis-a-vis capacity building. But, honestly, Randolph we still have a long way to go in terms of the collective participation of all members in the Council. People always say organizations such as SALNAM rarely have all its members fully committed; I think we should not allow that notion to hold true especially at the executive level of this organization. The decision making process is one thing and the execution of tasks is another. And again, there is still room for improvement in these areas.

The community has been very supportive and participative in one form or another and on behalf of the Council, I would like to wholeheartedly thank our members for their unwavering support with the understanding, the level of participation depends on a member’s commitment to SALNAM and the community as a whole. I would also like to use this forum to encourage our members to relentlessly continue to participate in the activities of our cherished organization. Whatever little we can do will make a difference and we should not let our inability to do everything all at once, undermine our collective ability to do something. And I also want to remind members that we don’t necessarily have to win elections to make positive or utilitarian contribution to our community by participating in planned community activities. And I digress: And against this background, I would like to commend Moses Shyllon for his unflinching support for SALNAM’s activities as well as Lans Omarr for his role in publishing SALNAM’s and other community activities in his 40acres website.   

Question: People run for political office based on their core values and beliefs. Some run because they want to use their position to make a difference in the lives of people etc. Although SALNAM is not a political organization in the intrinsic sense, yet the essence is the same. What are some of your core values that you would like to promote as a community leader? And what is your understanding of multiculturalism as it impacts on the functioning of SALNAM and other African organizations as community organizations in Manitoba?

Answer: I am an unabashed believer in democratic principles in almost every sphere of life. I am also a very strong believer and supporter of multiculturalism as a program to promoting national cohesion.  I would like to promote unity, freedom and justice and encourage folks to refrain from practices such as tribalism, nepotism and sectionalism; diseases that have plagued Africans to work together in order to realize their full potential, particularly Sierra Leoneans. And believe me Randolph, until we refrain from such practices as a community and as a country, the name Sierra Leone will never be synonymous with development and economic prosperity in the real sense.

Trust, a rare commodity in African politics and leadership, has to be redefined in the sense that we treat politics or community leadership as a mission, not as a business. Being a dedicated community leader and a committed community member also means allowing the interest of your community to supersede your personal interest.

Multiculturalism, by definition, is when people from different cultural, social, religious and economic backgrounds in a given society live together, each respecting the value systems of the other and united by shared laws. The cultural, religious and social diversities have made Canada a great country where people from various backgrounds and beliefs have: the freedom and opportunity to express their views freely in a manner consistent with Canadian system of values. Multiculturalism has created the opportunity for organizations such as SALNAM together with other African community based Associations to operate freely in the service of their respective communities without interference from government. It has also helped organizations to promote and protect their languages and other forms of culture in ways that enhance Canadian identity.

Question: After you have exhausted your productive years hopefully as a successful community builder, perhaps in fifteen or twenty years time, how would you like to be remembered?

Answer: You know what Randolph; I’ll leave that for history to decide; I don’t want to sound too braggy.

 Question:  Now let us talk about the man, Mr. Abu Bakarr Kamara. What makes you tick? What is your hobby? Remember you are a father and a family man. Who is the real Abu Bakarr Kamara? What is important to you as a person and as a father of two beautiful babies?

Answer: I would consider the real Abu Bakarr Kamara to be a compassionate man who also likes to promote peace and unity, no matter what the situation is. I also believe in good governance, public trust in leadership as well as effective and efficient management. I enjoy reading, writing and watching movies that stimulate my thinking faculty.

Being a father and a family man has given me a great sense of purpose. My babies are very important to me and I am fervently praying for God to help me nurture them as they grow into adulthood to become good and responsible citizens of society. They are truly my inspiration. I also love their mom, my loving wife, Kanko Mansaray, a very smart and beautiful woman. I would also like to profoundly thank her for the great work she is doing raising our children in a lovely environment and for being a great source of support. As the saying goes, “behind every successful man, there is a strong woman.” Indeed, Randolph, Kanko Mansaray has demonstrated that quality throughout our relationship and her support is a great resource that allows me to serve my community.

Finally, I would like to remind everyone that the things that unite us as a happy and loving couple far outweigh the irritants that occasionally rear their ugly heads.  As we struggle to build our community, let us promote peace, unity, brotherhood and nationhood and work together as hardworking, united and peaceful people. May God grant us the peace and unity we deserve as Sierra Leoneans and may we succeed as we strive to build capacity.

We, as Sierra Leoneans, also need to be mindful of what we say about others in the presence of other people; for George Washington, father of the united states, once wrote in a list of 110 Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation: The first rule states “Every action done in company ought to be with some sign of respect, to those that are present.” The 22^nd: “show not yourself glad at the misfortune of another though he were your enemy”. 44^th: “when a man does all he can though he succeeds not well blame not him that did it.” 65^th: “Speak not injurious words neither in jest nor earnest; scoff at none although they give occasion.” 73^rd: “Think before you speak pronounce not imperfectly nor bring out your words too hastily but orderly and distinctly.” 89^th: “speak not evil of the absent for it is unjust.”

Honestly, Randolph, some of these rules, if we apply them in our daily lives, will help foster cohesion and an unbreakable bond we as Sierra Leoneans will always live to enjoy. 

Randolph Gorvie conducted the interview.