The National Commission for Persons with Disability presents SLUDI’s new executive to the minister of social welfare, Melrose Karminty.

It could be recalled that on the 2nd of June this year an election was conducted which saw a new executive into existence. Officially presenting the new executive members to the minister, the chairperson started off by emphasizing that the election was free and fair, adding that the new executive had been democratically elected. Dr. Konneh said that the new executive had already paid a courtesy call on him, but said that it was significant for the minister to give her blessings, since he was unqualified to do so.

He said that what had happened over these periods, from the signing of the communiqué between sludi and their counterparts, to the election, is evident of the interest this government places in seeing that disability issues take center stage in the development agenda. Dr. Konneh congratulated them and assured them that his commission was open at all times to work in their interests. He promised them that the commission would do all they could to ensure that their desires, wants and needs within their capacity are met.

He encouraged them to reach out to every member of the union and bring them onboard as the election was over, adding that it was now time for development.

Speaking on behalf of his executive members, the newly elected president of SLUDI Joseph Alieu thanked the government of Sierra Leone and the Minister of Social Welfare for making it possible for them to hold a free, fair and transparent election. Mr. Alieu said that for the first time they had an election that was national, involving credible independent election management bodies.

He underscored the point that now was the time for them to come together and work in the interest of all disabled people since the election was over. He said that the people had spoken through the ballot box, and they wanted the new executive to represent them well. Mr. Alieu said that the assignment is so big that they cannot do it alone, calling on the minister and the ministry to create an open-door policy for them to succeed. He said that they do not just want to be passive but active players championing the cause of disability issues and assured that they are determined to work with the government, the ministry, stakeholders, and other partners to achieve their desired goal.

He also spoke about the need to review the disability Act of 2011 to address key issues. He called on all aggrieved members to come onboard and support the development pathway. He also made a passionate plea to the minister to provide an office space where they can easily access it as well as lead them to key partners. He said that they now want to be the drivers to address policy issues bordering on disability. He ended by applauding the Honorable Minister of Social Welfare for her efforts in bringing them together, emphasizing that they are determined for a change.

In her remarks, the Minister Mrs. Melrose Karminty congratulated that newly elected executive members as well as appreciating them for the gender balance.

She said that she was grateful to several people that had been part of this journey, adding that she came in very determined to support the ministry, persons with disabilities and Sierra Leone as a nation to succeed.

She equally congratulated the Chairperson of the National Commission for Persons with Disability for the commitment and hard work shown during these tough periods. She said that close to a year now that she had served as the minister, what she had done was to understand her mandate and the people she leads, thereby making her succeed together with her leadership team and professional staff in the ministry. The honorable minister said that they have no option or excuse but to deliver to the people of Sierra Leone, including persons with disabilities.