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.

On Thursday, July 1, 2010, a large number of Sierra Leoneans in Winnipeg came together to joyously celebrate the 143^rd birthday of Canada, one of the countries in the world that supports, promotes and upholds the values of multiculturalism. The outdoor event was organized by the Sierra Leone Nationals Association of Manitoba (SALNAM). The occasion, which has become a tradition for SALNAM and the entire Sierra Leonean community to join other Canadians to celebrate, was held at the Kildonan Park in the city of Winnipeg.

The day’s activities of celebration reflected a display of core Canadian values of appreciation and pride in the Country’s cultural, ethnic, linguistic and geographic diversity. Gifts such as Canadian flags and logos were liberally distributed to participants, to emphasize the importance of the historic celebration and to underscore the importance and the value of Canadian citizenship.

On Saturday, June 26^th, 2010, the Improving Access Project in collaboration with the African Communities of Manitoba Inc (ACOMI) held a community leaders forum and health promotion session vis-a-vis Infectious Disease Awareness Day, at the Canad Inns Polo Park. The forum discussed health issues relevant to the needs of newcomers, particularly Africans, to assist them acquire firsthand knowledge on how to reduce the incidence and prevalence of infectious diseases in our communities, with the goal of sensitizing  a community that promotes culturally safe, and viable health-enhancing behaviours. 

The Improving Access Project, funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada, has been working with newcomer communities to engage newcomers in various types of health promotion and knowledge exchange sessions to address myths, misconceptions, and demystifying issues to decrease newcomers’ vulnerability of acquiring blood-borne infections in Canada. The program embraces diversity and ensures that knowledge transfer sessions and health-enhancing information are communicated in a culturally appropriate way.

 AN INTERVIEW WITH ABU BAKARR KAMARA, SALNAM SECRETARY GENERAL

Question:  You have been in this position since October, 2009 after a hotly contested campaign for this very senior position which you handily won in the election which followed the campaign. As the secretary General of this organization, your role in SALNAM’s leadership and management is very pivotal for both the short and long term success of the organization. You can agree with me that there is more to your job description than taking notes or writing minutes at meetings. I hope I am correct in my assessment of the very important role you are playing in a thirty year old organization. Apart from SALNAM’s president, you are the next “go to” leader in the organization’s hierarchy. Please elaborate on the other duties outside of your normal job description that occupy your time from time to time.

Answer: Right Randolph, I have been in this senior position since October, 2009 and I would like to use this interview as an opportunity to, once again, thank all those who voted for me. And I can definitely agree with you that there are other duties I have been forced to accept as part of my obligation to make SALNAM succeed in its delivery of acceptable programs and services for the benefit of its members: They include sharing my input in writing a proposal for the resource centre funding, helping in the development of strategies and planning for programs of this organization. I also play a useful role in reporting the various activities of SALNAM using different communication channels.

At about 2 pm on Tuesday June 1st, 2010, the city of Winnipeg, for the first time, gave a grant in the sum of $27,289.50 to the Sierra Leone Nationals Association of Manitoba (SALNAM), to help the community obtain and operate a Resource Centre. The grant covers the cost of rent for the first two years. SALNAM hopes to utilize the proposed Resource Centre as a vehicle for holistic community development initiatives.Winnipeg’s mayor, Mr. Sam Katz, had a short meeting, in his office, with SALNAM’s President, Mr. Allieu Sesay, the Vice President, Mr. Ken-Abu Kamara, and Secretary General, Mr. Abu Bakarr Kamara, when on behalf of the City of Winnipeg; he (the mayor) presented the cheque to SALNAM’s president.

MAYOR KATZ JOINS SALNAM PRESIDENT TO HOIST SIERRA LEONE’S NATIONAL FLAG

Tuesday, April 27th 2010 which marks the 49th Anniversary of Sierra Leone’s political Independence will be marked in the books of the Sierra Leone Community of Manitoba as a watershed moment. Dozens of Sierra Leoneans from all spheres of life gathered to witness the hoisting of Sierra Leone’s national flag in front of the City Hall in the city of Winnipeg.