Minister Richmond meets with President Bio of Sierra Leone

Minister of State with responsibility for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond, today met with President Julius Maada Wonie Bio of Sierra Leone on the first day of his visit to West Africa.

He also met with Minister for Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, and Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Francess Piagie Alghali, to discuss ways to deepen the relationship between Ireland and Sierra Leone, including the planned establishment by Sierra Leone of an Embassy in Ireland.

Minister Richmond also announced funding of €170,000 from Irish Aid to support GOAL’s Waste to Energy project in Freetown and €15,000 to Misean Cara towards building a school hall at St. Joseph’s School, run by missionaries from St. Joseph of Cluny.

While at St. Joseph’s School, Minister Richmond met with 95-year-old Sr. Teresa McKeon, originally from Westmeath, who in February was awarded a Presidential Distinguished Service Award in recognition of her 70 years of service and commitment as an educator to the people of Sierra Leone.

This evening he will meet with other members of the small Irish community in Sierra Leone and officially launch Ireland’s Strategy for Sierra Leone, to be implemented by Ireland’s embassy in Freetown.

Minister Richmond said:

“Ireland has a long history of engagement in Sierra Leone. I was delighted to meet with President Bio, Finance Minister Bangura and Deputy Foreign Minister Alghali to discuss ways to further strengthen relations between our two countries. The work of our missionaries and development agencies in Sierra Leone is clear to see. That commitment to working in partnership with Sierra Leone is recognised and gives us opportunities to build further links in the years ahead. Plans by the Government of Sierra Leone to open an embassy in Ireland are very welcome.

“I am delighted to announce further funding to support the work of GOAL and Misean Cara in Sierra Leone. The Waste to Energy project managed by GOAL has significantly improved sanitation in the city, as well as providing valuable employment for local people. Misean Cara’s support for the St. Joseph’s School has provided education to young people and allowed them imagine better futures. Irish Aid is proud to support both of these projects.

“I was also delighted to meet Sr. Teresa McKeon, who has served the people of Sierra Leone for 70 years. Sr. Teresa is a remarkable woman and her legacy in Sierra Leone can be seen in the generations of people she has taught. Not only has she made an incredible impact in the lives of people in Sierra Leone, Sr. Teresa has been a wonderful ambassador for Ireland since arriving here in 1954.”

Minister Richmond’s visit to Sierra Leone continues on Tuesday when he will visit projects funded by Irish Aid that aim to improve the lives of women and girls. On Wednesday Minister Richmond will travel to Liberia to continue his visit to the region.