Geographically, the world operates on various time zones. The time of the day in Africa is always different from that of Australia and some other countries situated in this geographical area. As a result, it is always difficult for Sierra Leoneans in different parts of the world to celebrate their country’s independence on exactly April 27 of each year, the day and year British colonial rule ended in Sierra Leone.
Sierra Leoneans living in Australia, more particularly in Sydney, had to celebrate their country’s independence for this year on May 8. One major reason for choosing this day was that the real day for the celebration fell on a working day, so there was no alternative but to push the day to a weekend when a good number of Sierra Leoneans and Australian public officials would be able to attend.
In spite of the time-shift, the Sierra Leone independence celebration in Sydney, held at Auburn Park, was a remarkable and never-to-be-forgotten event. According to various observers, the celebration took quite a different turn this year with the exhibition of an over-flow of excitement and fanfare.
The Chairman of the Sierra Leone Community Council (SLCC) in Sydney, Mr. Sonny Edmondson-Cole, a veteran photo-journalist and member of the Association of Sierra Leonean Journalists in Exile (Sydney), in his welcome speech, told the mammoth gathering that the name “Sierra Leone” is no longer a strange name to many people in the world, including Australians. He said in spite of the long and brutal years of conflict that Sierra Leone went through, it is gradually recovering and turning a new page, which he said calls for celebration.
Sonny Cole added that one reason for organizing the Independence Day celebration is to teach our young ones the value of love, peace and patriotism as we emerge from our country’s era characterized by violence and hatred and he called on all to love one another.
Cole informed the crowd that though the programme would be reported in news media, not all the speeches would be printed due to lack of space, but he assured everyone that the happiness and pride of Sierra Leoneans in Australia was not difficult to see with the large and jubilant crowd who have turned out to show love for both their country of origin and their present country, Australia.
Among the dignitaries present who gave speeches about the resilience and the hardworking spirit of Sierra Leoneans were The Honourable Laurie Fergusson, Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Settlement Services and Multicultural Affairs and Member of Parliament for Reid; the Honourable Barbara Perry, State Minister for Local Government, Minister Assisting the Minister of Health (Mental Health), Minister Assisting the Minister of Planning, and Member for Auburn; the Mayor of Auburn City, Mayor Hicham Zraika; Mr. Mark Lack, Community Relations Manager, ACL, and Parramatta Mayor.
The Independent Day speech of the President of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, was read by a member of the Association of Sierra Leonean Journalists in Exile (Sydney), Mr. Abubakar Kenewa Gamanga.
Various Sierra Leonean musical artists like LL Buck, Mosman Leo, B. Rhyme, Flin P., etc. gave renditions of their original recordings to a standing ovation. A group of African Drummers also thrilled the Australian crowd with their dexterity. The Sierra Leone Radio Sydney was represented by DJ Azman, who is the presenter of the radio programmes.
The show that closed the celebration for the day was the cultural Hunting Mask Devil dance which, with its dramatic songs and dance moves, agitated the crowd. Special provision was also made for kids to enjoy themselves with various playground activities. Free food and drinks were served. Certificates were given to various community groups for meritorious services.
There was also an exciting soccer match as part of the Independence Day programme which also drew its own crowd of onlookers. The suitable energetic MC for the occasion was Mr. Edison Yongai, interim Chairman of the Association of Sierra Leonean Journalists in Exile (Sydney) and Director of the Sierra Leone Radio Sydney (SLRS) and the leading Sierra Leone community DJ entertainer, Dadde Bille
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