Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09FREETOWN122
2009-03-31 17:27:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Freetown
Cable title:
AMBASSADOR PERRY VISITS KONO WITH UN DELEGATION
VZCZCXRO5323 RR RUEHMA RUEHPA DE RUEHFN #0122 0901727 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 311727Z MAR 09 FM AMEMBASSY FREETOWN TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 2558 INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS FREETOWN 000122
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR AF/FO, AF/EPS
DEPT PLEASE PASS USAID
E.O.12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL EAID SCUL SL
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR PERRY VISITS KONO WITH UN DELEGATION
UNCLAS FREETOWN 000122
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR AF/FO, AF/EPS
DEPT PLEASE PASS USAID
E.O.12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL EAID SCUL SL
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR PERRY VISITS KONO WITH UN DELEGATION
1. Summary: On March 18, Ambassador Perry joined a UN-led delegation
on a one day tour of Koidu City and its environs in the Kono
District of Eastern Sierra Leone. The group met with local leaders
and observed several ongoing development projects to evaluate the
region's future needs. The delegation was made up of key members
within the Diplomatic Corps, Donor Community and members of
government. Their presence renewed hope within the Kono community by
pledging their commitment to ensuring that the district regains its
past glory as an important business center. End Summary.
2. On March 18th, Ambassador Perry joined a UN-led delegation on a
one day tour of Koidu City and its environs in the Kono District of
Eastern Sierra Leone. The Deputy Minister for Local Government, the
Minister of State from the Vice President's office, the District
Chairman, the Koidu City Mayor, and the Paramount Chief comprised
the host country's interlocutors. The group began the day by
examining a German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) project focused on
resettling youth from urban mining areas to their villages of
origin. With the international community's assistance, promoting
migration back into rural areas has recently become a central theme
of the Koroma administration. The delegation then moved to a meeting
with local authorities, dignitaries and traditional leaders where
they discussed the city's developmental constraints. The Chairman
of the Kono District highlighted the need for better roads as they
would facilitate the construction of water and sanitation systems,
schools, hospitals, irrigation channels and other needed
infrastructure.
3. Ambassador Perry also had the opportunity to meet with the Ngaiya
market women in the Nimikoro Chiefdom. The women appealed for
assistance in refurbishing their market buildings and for vehicles
to transport goods from rural areas to cities like Koidu and Makeni.
(Note: USAID has provided assistance to markets and cooperatives in
the past. End note). Ambassador Perry expressed appreciation for the
enthusiasm exhibited by the women and promised to work with her
diplomatic colleagues on the appropriate action. The USG is
presently assisting 14,000 farmers in the Eastern Region through the
USD 13 million PAGE (agricultural/environment) programs.
4. Comment: The local leaders called upon Ambassadors and the
UN/ERSG to make statements, which focused primarily on the need for
unity across party lines to ensure further progress in the country.
We expect requests for special self-help funds to further develop
the grassroots cooperatives. End Comment.
PERRY
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR AF/FO, AF/EPS
DEPT PLEASE PASS USAID
E.O.12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL EAID SCUL SL
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR PERRY VISITS KONO WITH UN DELEGATION
1. Summary: On March 18, Ambassador Perry joined a UN-led delegation
on a one day tour of Koidu City and its environs in the Kono
District of Eastern Sierra Leone. The group met with local leaders
and observed several ongoing development projects to evaluate the
region's future needs. The delegation was made up of key members
within the Diplomatic Corps, Donor Community and members of
government. Their presence renewed hope within the Kono community by
pledging their commitment to ensuring that the district regains its
past glory as an important business center. End Summary.
2. On March 18th, Ambassador Perry joined a UN-led delegation on a
one day tour of Koidu City and its environs in the Kono District of
Eastern Sierra Leone. The Deputy Minister for Local Government, the
Minister of State from the Vice President's office, the District
Chairman, the Koidu City Mayor, and the Paramount Chief comprised
the host country's interlocutors. The group began the day by
examining a German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) project focused on
resettling youth from urban mining areas to their villages of
origin. With the international community's assistance, promoting
migration back into rural areas has recently become a central theme
of the Koroma administration. The delegation then moved to a meeting
with local authorities, dignitaries and traditional leaders where
they discussed the city's developmental constraints. The Chairman
of the Kono District highlighted the need for better roads as they
would facilitate the construction of water and sanitation systems,
schools, hospitals, irrigation channels and other needed
infrastructure.
3. Ambassador Perry also had the opportunity to meet with the Ngaiya
market women in the Nimikoro Chiefdom. The women appealed for
assistance in refurbishing their market buildings and for vehicles
to transport goods from rural areas to cities like Koidu and Makeni.
(Note: USAID has provided assistance to markets and cooperatives in
the past. End note). Ambassador Perry expressed appreciation for the
enthusiasm exhibited by the women and promised to work with her
diplomatic colleagues on the appropriate action. The USG is
presently assisting 14,000 farmers in the Eastern Region through the
USD 13 million PAGE (agricultural/environment) programs.
4. Comment: The local leaders called upon Ambassadors and the
UN/ERSG to make statements, which focused primarily on the need for
unity across party lines to ensure further progress in the country.
We expect requests for special self-help funds to further develop
the grassroots cooperatives. End Comment.
PERRY