Memorializing two founding fathers of Sierra Leone

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Sir Milton Margai was first immortalized in 1964 on the ½ cent coin shortly after his death on April 28, one day after celebrating the 3^rd anniversary of the country’s independence. Fifty-five years later, on 22 May 2019, he was once again immortalized in paint on the walls outside the National Museum, under the towering Cotton Tree, in the hub of Freetown. The Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, unveiled the artistic portraits of Sir Milton Margai and Dr. M.C.F. Easmon with the Chair of the Monuments and Relics Commission and benefactor, Gary Schulze, a former Peace Corp volunteer.

As the green, white and blue banners fluttered in the afternoon breeze, the Mayor of Freetown said, “When visitors and tourists come, they will wander the streets and see the history of our country in painted portraits on these walls. The history and heroes of our country need to be remembered and honoured and these portraits help bring our history into focus.”

The artist, Alusine Bangura, said, “I’m a portrait specialist, among many artistic talents, and these portraits are important to preserve our heritage and culture.” He described his creative process as “more than a photograph”. The portraits of Sir Margai and Dr. Easmon are his fifth and sixth portrait in the series of national, historic portraits that can be seen along Pademba Road and at the Big Market.

Charlie Haffner, of the Monuments and Relics Commission, said, “The culture and history of Sierra Leone is incredibly rich and varied. These founding fathers, painted here, are symbolic of the greatness from whence we’ve come and provide a model for where we want to be.”

The portraits are colourful renditions of rare black and white photographs and appear alongside plaques that pay tribute to the notable characters.

Milton Augustus Margai was born on 7 December 1895, in the Moyamba District, and studied in Bonthe and later at the Albert Academy in Freetown. In 1921, he obtained his B.A. degree from Fourah Bay College, as the first Protectorate man to graduate. He then went to Britain where he obtained an M.A. degree and studied medicine at King's College, Durham, graduating in 1926 as the first Protectorate many to qualify as a medical doctor.

In1950, Margai retired from government medical service and became an active member of the Protectorate Educational Progressive Union (PEPU) which later merged with the Sierra Leone Organisation Society (SOS) to form the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) of which he became the first national chairman.

In 1961, Margai oversaw Sierra Leone's transition to independence. Dr. Margai was the founder of the first Protectorate newspaper (the Sierra Leone Observer), Sierra Leone's first Chief Minister and then first Prime Minister. He died in office aged 68, and was succeeded as prime minister by his brother, Albert.

Margai was Prime Minister on the eve of Sierra Leone’s Independence in 1961 and famously said, “…The aim will certainly be to make our country a land worth living in, a land worth serving; but this can only be done by wholehearted service and hard work now… I ask you to deal fairly and honestly with your fellow men, to discourage lawlessness, and to strive actively for peace, friendship and unity in our country.

“…We are now in complete control of our destiny and for the formulation of our external as well as our internal policies. I wish you all to be assured that we in Sierra Leone will stand for the freedom and prosperity of men everywhere.”

Gary Schulze, an honourary Paramount Chief and recipient of a national medal, commissioned the paintings and worked closely with Bangura, the artist. He said, “These men are historic and we should always remember them as heroes. These portraits are gifts to the people of Sierra Leone.”

Dr. McCormack Charles Farrell Easmon was born in Ghana to a prominent Krio doctor. He came to Sierra Leone and attended the CMS Grammar School in Freetown. He attended Epsom College in Surrey and, after graduating in 1907, was awarded scholarships to study medicine at the Medical School of St. Mary’s Hospital in London. He qualified in medicine and surgery in 1912, and the following year passed the examination of the London School of Tropical Medicine.

M.C.F. Easmon retired from the medical field in 1945, and at the age of fifty-five, Easmon embarked on an entirely new career.

In 1947, he became the first chairman of the Monuments and Relics Commission, and presided over the official declaration of many national historic sites. He spearheaded the founding of the Sierra Leone Museum in 1957 and became its first curator, working untiringly to acquire worthy exhibits for the museum and to set up attractive displays. He also hosted a popular radio programme called “Sierra Leone in Retrospect”. In 1954, Easmon was awarded the Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.). Dr. M.C.F. Easmon fell ill and died while on holiday in England in 1969.

(L-R) Charlie Haffner, Chair, Monuments and Relics Commission, Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr and benefactor, Gary Schulze, former Peace Corp volunteer (1960s)

Renowned artist and former prison guard, Alusine Bangura

Mayor Aki-Sawyerr cutting the ribbon to unveil portrait

Portrait of Dr. MCF Easmon

Ballanta Academy of Music announces mini-auditorium project

 It used to be a garage, scattered with auto parts, building materials and extraneous academy detritus. But, in the minds of Principal Kitty Fadlu-Deen, Julius Spencer and Tani Pratt, among countless others, the garage space will soon become a mini-auditorium for performing arts, music and theatre.

On Thursday 8 November 2018, Ballanta Music Academy, on Liverpool Street in central Freetown, launched their mini-auditorium project to turn a dirty, open garage into a state-of-the-art, 150-seat, concert hall. Against a whitewashed wall, the Ballanta signature band, “Groovy Colours” welcomed guests and provided the backdrop for the launch reception.

Tani Pratt, Chair of the Ballanta Academy Board of Directors, said, “This Academy and our future auditorium will nourish the youth and create a home for music and arts.”

“We will turn this space into a performance space that will attract music lovers and concert-goers of all ages,” said Kitty Fadlu-Deen, the Principal of the Academy. “This space will fill a hole in the arts and music environment in Freetown. We’ll be able to host concerts – big and small – and it will be affordable for all groups.”

The auditorium space was designed by Jarret-Yaskey, Garber and Associates (jyga Architects) and will feature a raised wooden stage, 150 seats on two tiers, changing rooms, washrooms, and box office space. The entire project is expected to cost $60,000 USD.

The imaginative design was unveiled by Julius Spencer, a Ballanta Academy Development Committee Member. He said, “The Chinese Embassy, whom we are grateful to, has kick-started our fund-raising and we have started the renovations.” The Chinese Embassy donated $10,000 USD to the mini-auditorium and has pledged to support Ballanta with musical equipment in the future. A representative of the Chinese Embassy said this project was out of passion and a commitment to the youth of the country.

Julius Spencer added, “We know the importance of arts in a society and an individual. Our creativity exists despite our education system, which does not nurture imagination or creativity or arts.” He continued, “Ballanta has been educating and entertaining people in the performing arts for years and a mini-auditorium is our next contribution to the growth of the arts in Sierra Leone.”

“The government will realize that the creative arts can open a vast employment opportunity for young people… in music, film, dance, theatre and other arts,” Spencer noted. “We have lost our creative instinct and become imitators. But, Sierra Leoneans, young and old, are thirsty for good quality entertainment. At this venue, they will be entertained and educated… to the ultimate benefit of the country,” Spencer said.

To turn a garage space into a concert hall will not take a miracle… just hard work, commitment and a bit of money. Kitty Fadlu-Deen said the Academy has started fund raising and hopes to raise enough money to finish the project by March 2019. “We will be soliciting donations for the mini-auditorium from corporations and individuals. It’s a very important and significant effort and we hope more people get involved.”

Ballanta Academy of Music is at 27 Liverpool Street in Freetown. They can be reached at 232 30632671 or ballanta.info@gmail.com.

8/11/18

US citizen missing for 100 days in Sierra Leone – Massah Kaikai

Massah Kaikai has not been seen or heard from for 100 days. She went missing sometime between 4 – 8 August 2018. Massah’s mother, Ayodeji Babalola (nee Ademu-John), her sisters in the U.S., her father, Ansumana Jaia Kaikai, her business colleagues and friends have been trying frantically to find Massah. The investigative trail has uncovered twists and turns but Massah is yet to be found. 

Ayo, Massah’s mother, said, “This is a very serious security and safety issue for Sierra Leone. A young woman, diligently giving back to her country and promoting development, suddenly cannot be located. And, no efficient efforts are being made after three months… The safety and security of all individuals coming into to Sierra Leone for work, tourism, development, investment and other matters should be a top priority.”

Massah Kaikai (left) with international partners

Massah is a 40-year old American citizen born of Sierra Leonean parents. She lived on Lower Pipeline Road, off Wilkinson Road and had a training workshop on a family property on Manfred Lane, off Kissy Road in the east of Freetown.

Kaikai returned to Sierra Leone in 2014 to work on development projects with women, the disabled community and children. She set up a small business and made connections with giant American retailers, local NGOs, government ministries such as Tourism, Foreign Affairs, Trade and funders.

The Chief Immigration Officer, Andrew Jaia Kaikai, said there was no record of Massah leaving Sierra Leone on any flight or across any overland border. Interpol has been notified and airports and borders around the world are keeping an eye out for her passport, which is also missing along with all her identification.

Massah’s mother, Ayo Babalola, arrived in Freetown from New York on 9 September 2018 to personally initiate a missing person’s file with the Sierra Leone Police and launch her own search. She said, “Nothing was being done to find Massah. Her father hadn’t contacted the Police. Her friends or sisters hadn’t heard anything. I had no word so I had to come myself. I just want her back, safe and sound.”

The Regional Security Officers of the U.S. Embassy in Sierra Leone are aware of the situation and are working with local police. Two U.S. Embassy officers have visited ASP Lebbie, the officer in charge of the investigation at the CID, on several occasions. The Security Officers could not comment on the ongoing investigation but U.S. Ambassador, Maria E. Brewer is aware of Massah’s disappearance. After three weeks, she indicated, “We have been encouraging Sierra Leone’s police to follow up on all available information and keenly await an outcome from their investigation.” The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the U.S. and West Africa have been notified and are monitoring the ongoing search and investigation.

The Police investigation is very slowly progressing but is stalled by a lack of capacity, inefficiency and a seeming lack of will, according to Massah’s mother. Ayo attends the CID almost everyday to encourage the Police. She said, “There is a major gender issue as I try to navigate and encourage the investigation, as a mother and a woman, I am not respected or my concerns are not addressed equitably because I am not a man.” Ayo complained to R.P.G. Roberts, Deputy Head of CID and Legal Adviser to the Sierra Leone Police, who promptly called a meeting of all involved. He instructed investigators to show more respect and to put more efforts into actions to find Massah. The second officer in charge of the investigation has since requested a transfer off the case. The Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Priscilla Schwartz, is in receipt of documents and letters but is yet to respond.

One suspect, Ibrahim Mansaray, Massah’s driver, is currently in custody and has been questioned by the Inspector General of Police, ASP Memunu Jalloh, who knows Massah personally, and the Head of CID. The suspect has provided very little information as to Massah’s disappearance but was in possession of Massah’s IPhone when he was arrested. After 45 days, the Cyber Crime Unit of CID has finally retrieved scant information from Massah’s phone but it has not proved useful in tracking Massah’s movements or whereabouts. The legal team at Orange, the telecom provider, will not comment and have not been helpful in providing information to the investigation.

Mansaray also looted Massah’s apartment of furniture, clothing and kitchen items before returning the keys to the landlords, Neneh and Samuel Carlton-Carew. According to the landlords, Massah was a quiet, good tenant. The apartment was paid for until the end of December 2018.

Massah’s father, Ansumana Jaia KaiKai, is the former SLPP Member of Parliament from Pujehun District, and former Deputy Minority Leader of Parliament. He and Massah were not on good terms and are estranged. Ansumana Jaia Kaikai has refused comment but has not been overly helpful in the search for his daughter, according to Massah’s mother. Ansumana Kaikai left the country for two weeks just after Massah’s mother arrived in Freetown and had not notified the Police nor filed a missing person’s report even though Massah had been missing for almost a month. According to the Police, Ansumana Jaia Kaikai made a brief statement to officers at CID.

At one point, according to a friend of Massah’s, Ansumana Kaikai said he sent a private search party to Bo and Pujehun to investigate his daughter’s disappearance. He said he held prayers in his home area and Massah would be returned on a specific date, which has long since past. Interestingly, Massah’s driver, Mansaray, used to work for the former MP, who also provided a vehicle to Massah for a short period of time.

Prior to Massah’s disappearance, Massah was recommended to President Bio by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Peter Bayuku Konteh, for an appointment as Executive Chair of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (SMEDA) based on her professional qualifications and previous successful projects with American Apparel retailer and the United States Embassy. Massah met Minister Konteh when he was Minister of Tourism and Massah was working on a project with Brussels Air. The Minister said he last spoke to Massah sometime in June. He added, Massah was also having meetings with the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samura Kamara and the current minister, Alie Kabba. The SMEDA position is yet to be filled and no one has been called to the Parliamentary Committee of Appointments or Parliament for approval.

Interestingly, Edward Sesay, who also works at the Ministry of Trade, said he used to see Massah around the Ministry offices and became a friend. He helped Massah find her apartment almost three years ago. He also recommended Ann Marie Turay, whom he knew as a neighbour and friend, as a housekeeper to Massah. Turay worked for Massah up until the time of Massah’s disappearance. She has been questioned by the Police but provided very little information that could lead to Massah’s return. She remains a person of interest in the investigation. Apparently, with Massah’s permission, Ann Marie moved into Massah’s late grandfather’s family home on Manfred Lane on 3 August 2018, around the time Massah disappeared.

“With respect and never-ending love and admiration for my daughter, Massah Kaikai, I will leave no stone unturned, knock on every door… do all I can to see Massah Kaikai in front of me, safe and sound.” Ayodeji Babalola (nee Ademu-John).

The family property on Manfred Lane is a large farm with several buildings. It belonged to Ayo’s father’s family and after his death was divided between nine siblings including Ayo. The property has been greatly reduced in size by encroachers but remains a valuable piece of real estate in the heart of Freetown. Massah was given Letters of Accreditation over the property through her mother, Ayo, and was trying to develop sections of the land. Ansumana Jaia Kaikai was also named in the Accreditation document.

Gladys Quee, a lawyer and former girlfriend of Ansumana Jaia Kaikai, was advising Massah about removing her father’s name from the Accreditation document, including other land matters.

Ayo, Massah’s mother, met with the First Lady, Fatima Bio, on Friday 19 October 2018, who took immediate action and called her husband, the President, during the meeting. Fatima Bio explained the situation briefly to the President who was to “make some calls and take action”. Vice-President Juldeh Jalloh is also aware of the situation.

SD/3/11/18

Missing woman - American in Sierra Leone

Massah is missing… last seen in early August

Massah Kaikai went missing sometime between 4 – 8 August 2018, and has not been seen or heard from since. Prior to her disappearance, Massah was in touch with her mother and two sisters in the US every other day. Massah also had friends with whom she kept in constant contact. But, neither family nor friends have heard from her in more than six weeks. 

Kaikai returned to Sierra Leone in 2014 to work on development projects with women, the disabled community and children. She set up a small business and made connections with local NGOs and funders. “She is a confident, world traveller who’s independent, smart and caring,” said her mother Ayodeji Babalola (nee Ademu-John).

Massah is a 40-year old American citizen born of Sierra Leonean parents. She lived on Lower Pipeline Road, off Wilkinson Road and had a workshop on Manfred Lane, off Kissy Road in the east of Freetown. The Sierra Leone Immigration Department said there was no record of Massah leaving Sierra Leone on any flight or across any overland border.

Massah’s mother said, “I missed a call from her on 7 August 2018 and when I returned the call, her phone was off. I used to text her and send her messages on WhatsApp but I haven’t heard anything from her. This is not like her.” Ayo arrived in Sierra Leone from New York on 9 September 2018 to personally take up the search and investigation into her daughter’s disappearance.

Massah’s father is Ansu Kaikai, former SLPP Member of Parliament from Pujehun and former Deputy Minority Leader of Parliament. Massah and her father are not on good terms and are estranged. In fact, Ansu complained that Massah had blocked his phone number on her iPhone. He left the country very shortly after Ayo arrived and did not file a missing person’s report prior to leaving the country.

Ayo reported her missing daughter to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) upon her arrival. She contacted ASP O.C. Lebbie, who interviewed her and has begun an investigation. The Head of CID is involved and overseeing the police efforts.

The CID have arrested Massah’s boyfriend, Ibrahim Mansaray, a driver, and are holding him in custody for further questioning. Mansaray was found in possession of Massah’s iPhone and had cleaned out her apartment. He sold many of the household belongings and Police have tracked several items. Massah’s landlord said Mansaray returned the keys to her apartment, three months before the lease was to expire, and told the landlord that Massah had traveled and was not returning.

Gladys Quee, a family acquaintance, said she met Massah on 8 August 2018 at Bliss Restaurant and gave her some money for a job Massah had done. Quee may have been the last person to be with Massah before her disappearance.

Annmarie worked for Massah a couple of days a week as a house-helper and cook. She said she hasn’t seen Massah since early August. Interestingly, Annmarie moved into Massah’s family home on Manfred Lane on 3 August 2018, just around the time Massah disappeared.

The Regional Security Officers of the U.S. Embassy in Sierra Leone are aware of the situation and are currently investigating the missing woman. Two U.S. Embassy officers have visited ASP Lebbie and officers at the CID on several occasions. The Security Officers could not comment on the ongoing investigation.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the U.S. and West Africa have been notified and are monitoring the ongoing search and investigation. Massah’s sister in New York notified the FBI and Ayo, who used to work at the United Nations, has notified the Secretary General of the UN.

The Sierra Leone Representative to the UN, Francis Mustapha Kaikai, is also aware of Massah’s disappearance. Before Ayo came to Sierra Leone, the mission told her “we are working on it.” And, the mission in New York suggested to her “… not to travel to Sierra Leone just yet.”

But Ayo traveled to Sierra Leone and has been diligently investigating and assembling information on Massah’s disappearance. “We are calling on everyone and anyone to try to find my daughter,” said Massah’s mother, Ayo. “I’m contacting everyone I know who might be able to help,” she said.

Ayo sent three e-mail letters to State House in Freetown and met once with Keketoma Sandy, the Presidential Secretary, who said he “would work on it and tell the President”, about the missing woman. Sandy has since not returned Ayo’s e-mails and will not answer her calls. “I’m sure nothing was done,” said Ayo. “But, I want the government to be aware and I want the President to be aware,” she added.

24/9/18