Monday, August 31, 2009
VP SAM-SUMANA LECTURES ON AFRICA’S FORGOTTEN CONFLICTS AND PROMOTES FIRENDSHIP AND TRADE TIES WITH ITALY
Festus Tarawalie - Rome Correspondent
Sierra Leone’s Vice President Samuel Abu Sam-Sumana and Italy’s Foreign Minister Franco Frattini have pledged to bolster ties between their countries. The two men were speaking during a packed joint press conference on Sunday in the Italian city of Rimini. Earlier discussions between Italian officials and the vice president centred on major bilateral economic aspects, including prospects for an investment promotion and protection agreement for Italian companies operating or planning to operate in Sierra Leone and a donor conference for Sierra Leone before the end of the year.
VP Sam-Sumana is among four African leaders invited to the annual meeting for friendship among peoples, commonly known as the Rinimi Meeting, named after the city on the Adriatic coast of Italy in which it is held around this time each year. The week-long meeting of debate and dialogue on major political and socio-economic issues affecting our world is organised by the Communion and Liberation Movement. This year’s theme is ‘Knowledge is Always an Event’ and according to the organisers some 700,000 people attended the various sessions.
The first roundtable discussion of the encounter on Sunday focused on the challenges facing the African continent. Among the panellists were, VP Sam-Sumana in the place of President Ernest Bai Koroma, Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, National Security Minister of Uganda Amama Mbabazi, Foreign Minister of Tanzania Bernard Kamilius Membe, Italy’s Foreign Minister and Carl Bildt, Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs. He currently holds the rotating presidency of the European Union.
The Vice President delivered a paper on ‘Africa’s Forgotten Conflicts’ in which he outlined some of the continent’s present trouble spots such as Somalia, Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, and northern Uganda. He lamented that most of these conflicts are under reported in the international media. This he said may make conflicts drag on for years and sometimes exploited by unscrupulous arms dealers and others interested in pillaging Africa.
The VP also spoke of some of the terrible things that happen during conflicts such the raping of women, abduction of Children and their use as child soldiers, not to mention the hundreds of thousands and even millions displaced internally or rendered refugees.
He added that conflicts pose a big problem to development and can spread to neighbouring countries if left unchecked, therefore the need for the international community to intervene in a timely manner to nip them in the bud and to provide necessary humanitarian aid.
On a more positive note, H.E. Sam-Sumana, pointed to some of the encouraging signs from Africa as far as conflict resolution is concerned. He gave the example of Sierra Leone, Mozambique, Ivory Coast, Burundi, Liberia, and Rwanda as countries that have made significant progress in consolidating their hard earned peace.
Meanwhile, during the joint press conference with Italy’s Foreign Minister, the VP once again spoke of how Sierra Leone has made big strides following the end of the civil war in 2002 and also highlighted the opportunities the country now offers for investors. However, he citied youth unemployment and the need to revamp the economy as two of the many challenges facing the country in this post-war period.
On the sidelines of the gathering, the Sierra Leone delegation also held several bi-lateral meetings which fell within the context of the Italian government’s special foreign policy focus on Africa. The Italian Foreign Minister visited four African countries including Sierra Leone earlier this year. On his return, his ministry organised a country presentation for each of the four nations he visited. Italy is currently working to promote initiatives aimed at reviving economic/trade relations with Africa.
In the press conference, Minister Frattini reiterated that the continent represents an opportunity for Italy and is a key political player in the world affairs of the 21st century. The minister therefore discussed with the his African quests issues of both bilateral and multilateral cooperation and, among these, reform of the UN Security Council rand the initiative that Italy is poised to launch at the UN General Assembly to ban female genital mutilation worldwide.
Other key speakers at the Rimini Meeting this year are Tony Blair, former British prime minister and Jeb Bush, former governor of the US state of Florida.
The vice president was accompanied at the Rimini Meeting by Minister of Trade and Industry David O. Carew, Minister of Energy and Water Resource Professor Ogunlade Davidson, and the Director of Attitudinal Change Philip Conteh. Others are Mrs Chrispina Wright, the head of Chancery at the Embassy of Sierra Leone in Berlin, Germany, Sierra Leone’s Honorary Consul in Milan, Alessandro Rosso and his assistant Captain Edward Yamba Koroma.
Meanwhile, Italian Trade Enterprise, a company formed in Sierra Leone last year to promote trade and investment ties with Italy is preparing a travel mission of prospective investors to Sierra Leone before the end of the year.
The writer works for Vatican Radio and is also a member of Sierra Leone’s Permanent Representation at the UN offices in Rome (FAO/IFAD/WFP)
Doomed African Diasporan Marriages: Where Did It All Go Wrong?
Guest writer, Edward Tedson Sesay of London, United Kingdom, looks at the issue of relationship breakdown among Africans who migrate to the Western World. In this piece, he discusses the motivations for migrating, the stark realities on arrival in our dream countries, and the lessons to learn if African marriages are to survive the various challenges such as the strange reversal of fortunes and the culture shock in our host countries.
By: Edward Tedson Sesay (London, UK) – Guest Writer
Motivation For Migrating
At independence, many Africans were filled with tremendous hope and optimism. Beside the prospect of freedom and self-rule, many thought that independence would also lead to a significant improvement in their socio-economic circumstances: improved living standards including access to quality education and affordable health care. Unfortunately however, just a few years after independence, the economies of most African countries became characterized by grinding poverty, endemic political corruption, high rates of unemployment and inevitably, untold misery for the populations.
The net result of such economic paralysis and political suffocation is that many Africans including highly skilled professionals have been forced to pack their bags, leave their beloved families and environments to seek socio-economic salvation in the Western World.
Stark Realities
In many families, it is usually the husband who first makes the move to the West. It is no doubt that the struggle begins from the very minute the decision to migrate is made. The family begins to ponder over the million dollar question of “how do you secure the highly valued travel visa?” As the going gets tougher for us in the motherland, our resolve to move to the West becomes stronger, and it is not unusual to hear the desperate African say to his close friends or relatives, “by hook or crook, dead or alive, I will get there.” What will we not do to go to the coveted West? Visit the “juju or medicine man”, fasting, becoming “Born Again” and spending days and nights in the exploitative churches of fake Men of God, gathering all sorts of documents ( forged or real ), selling some of our valuables if we have any, and defrauding others, to name just a few. Then one day, Kothor Sorie comes home to his wife with the broadest smile on his face and signals her to come to the bedroom. In the bedroom, he proudly puts his passport in the hands of his wife and shouts, “Finally, I have got it. “ He means the visa. They both share the joy and they normally would say, “Our problems are over,” “enemy corlay, or “shame pan dem”. But is this the end of their problems, and will their enemies no longer have cause to engage in gossip about their families? In the experience of many, getting the visa and arriving in the West is in fact the opening of a new chapter of difficulties for the family.
On first arriving in the West, everything on sight is a true testimonial that that you have indeed come to a new world: towering mansions, beautiful cars, good roads, 24 hour electricity and pipe borne water supply, good food, telephones, the internet etc. The new arrival will definitely be tempted to think that his problems are indeed over. The reality however is that by the time the new comer begins searching for a job and realizes the kind of jobs that are available for immigrants like himself ( despite his academic qualifications and experience from his home country ), the shock makes him wonder whether by coming to the West, he has not made a monumental mistake. For the new immigrant, this new found land is not without its thorns and thistles. No, not all that glitters is gold.
“D” To The Fifth Power
The new immigrant, through the help and guidance of good friends and relatives, grabs the first job that comes his way. A job indeed that has nothing to do with his qualifications or experience but because he has an obligation to support those he has left behind, ( wife, children and the extended family ) he has no choice but to be prepared to give all that it takes to maintain himself in the job. He begins to send home money that is converted to thousands or millions depending on the African country he hails from. Before long however, he begins to experience “burn out” and frustration as a result of the nature of the job. Optimism gives way to disappointment and in some cases, despair for the only available jobs for him fall under the category of “D” to the fifth power (difficult, draining, dirty, dangerous, demoralising). The new arrival now knows that he has two choices: returning home (which is shameful) or accepting reality in his new home. In many cases, the latter prevails and once the new arrival makes up his mind to settle and carry on with the “D” to the fifth power jobs, his next plan is to bring over his wife by hook or crook. Through hard work and sacrifice, his dream comes true: madam comes to join him in the West.
Culture Shock: Strange Reversal of Fortunes/ Who The Hell Do you Think You Are?
Madam arrives in the dream land and Mister takes his time to map out a plan to help madam settle quickly in order for her to join him in the fight against poverty: helped her get a job in order to lessen the burden of financial obligations that he carries. They say, “two hands make work lighter”. All is well between Kothor Sorie and Madam in the initial period, and Kothor Sorie being loving and hard working, sorted out madam’s immigration papers in a couple of years. Mister soon realises that even though he had been in the country much longer than his wife, her take home pay almost doubles his own. She makes an equal contribution to the running of the home. As if Kothor Sorie has not had enough troubles, he loses his job as a security officer and Madam takes over altogether.
How Are The Mighty Fallen? Trouble Knocks At the Door
For any typical African man, bringing home less pay than the wife is worse than a slap in the face. If worse still he is jobless and brings nothing home, this is disgrace that he can hardly handle. His ego and manly pride are hurt so much that he almost loses the will to live.
In many parts of Africa, male dominance is the rule rather than the exception and the power and control the male has are linked to his productivity and his role as the breadwinner. The man is king: he goes and comes as he pleases, says what he wishes and may run the home without feeling a need to consult with the wife. As a result of this patriarchal order in Africa, the African wife in Africa is content to remain the “yes” person and to dance to the music of the monarch of the home even though she may have her own views. Did I not as a child growing up in my little African village hear my father telling my “mothers”, “listen women, you are here to be seen only and not to be heard? “
In the West, the burden of being the family’s bread winner is equally shared between husband and wife and the society, in more ways than one, instills in couples the concept of a 50/50 marriage. The system ensures that wives know that they have powers that they should not give away in their relationships. When the African woman arrives in the West, she quickly learns about the concepts of Human Rights and Equality. Of course, do they not with keen interest watch the Oprah Winfrey show in the U. S. or The Tricia Show in the UK where equality issues are frequently debated? They quickly learn that the man is the one the police ask to leave the house in marital conflicts that result in physical altercation. Many African women (not all) take advantage of this new found freedom they never imagined existed until coming to the West. In some cases, these rights are over used or abused to pay back for the many years of forced silence they experienced in Africa. In Sierra Leone, when somebody comes across something new and uses that thing again and again, his friends tease him with the saying, “die man fen matches.” African men should thus note that in the West, the new found freedom of our wives is like the box of matches found by the dead man. They have to scratch the matches again and again and again until someone close to them says, “it’s enough”. Whether the African man wants it or not, he should understand why playing second fiddle in a marriage in the West becomes so unattractive to African women. So if one day your one time very obedient wife stands up to you and asks, “who the hell do you think you are?” do not be amazed. You are experiencing that strange reversal of fortunes. The mighty have fallen. David takes the place of Goliath.
Now take a look at these real life stories. The names used are however, fictitious.
The Case of Lamina Poyo
Lamina comes from Northern Sierra Leone and currently lives in Minnesota and has lived in the U. S. for ten years. His wife, Baromi joined him three years after he settled in the U.S. They both have Green Cards. One evening when coming home from work, Lamina stopped at the home of his close friend, Amadu and had a few cans of beer. On arrival home, Baromi was already in bed. Lamina quickly had a shower and jumped on the bed next to Baromi. It was one of those nights that Lamina really needed Baromi. He got closer and started the preamble to what he thought was going to be very good intimacy. Baromi turned towards Lamina and said to him, “Don’t touch me. You’ve been drinking and I can’t stand this smell of alcohol.”
Lamina who was shocked beyond belief, said, “I have only had a few cans of beer. In Sierra Leone, I drank palm wine almost daily and the smell of palm wine is stronger than that of beer. If you coped with the smell of palm wine over the years, why would the smell of beer bother you?” Baromi answered, “if I tolerated a Lamina Poyo in Sierra Leone, must I have a Lamina Poyo here again in America? She concluded, “From now on, no sex when ever you smell of alcohol.”
The case of Kini Brima: Not Under My Roof
Kini Brimah and his wife, Massa live in a town in Kent close to London. They both come from Southern Sierra Leone and both graduated from Njala University. Massa works as a senior in an old people’s home and does shift work. Kini Brimah does a nine till five job and most times feels bored when Massa is at work and he is home alone. Massa has opportunities for doing overtime at work. One day, when her work schedule was only meant to be 8.a.m. till 4.p.m. she came home at 10 pm and told Kini Brimah that she was asked to do over time. Kini Brimah then commented that Massa had not telephoned him to inform him of the extension of her shift and that he also tried to ring Massa but that her phone was switched off.
Massa got angry and said, “You know we have to switch our phones off at work and you know I need the extra money.” Kini Brimah, suspecting foul play, snapped and wanted to show that he is the man of the house. He screamed and said, “This can’t happen under my roof.” Massa smiled and spoke in a very calm but firm voice, “when we lived in Sierra Leone and you paid the rent, it was your roof. This house in Kent was jointly bought by you and me and we pay the mortgage together. So you better check yourself. Whether you want it or not, I need extra money and it will happen under your eyes.” Wow, how are the mighty have fallen?
The case of Chernor and Iyamiday
This couple live in Canada. Chernor grew up in the Fullah Town area of Freetown and Iyamiday is from Central Freetown. They went to Canada through what is called the “Resettlement Programme.” Iyamiday is now complaining that her husband does not love her because he does not shower kisses on her, tell her she loves her or buy her flowers like other men do for their wives. Chernor finds it hard to understand this. As far as he is concerned, loving your wife has nothing to do with buying flowers or saying, “I love you.” What matters is that the bills are paid, the fridge is not empty and we send money home to help our relatives. Then one day, Iyamiday was brought home from work in a car by a male Chernor did not recognize. She also had a bunch of flowers in her hands.
The Case of Kumba and Tamba: The Rod of Correction
Both come from the diamond rich district of Kono in Eastern Sierra Leone and they live in Australia. The couple differs radically in the way their two teenage girls should be brought up. Kumba says these girls were born here and are now aged thirteen and fifteen and should therefore be given some freedom to go in and out. Tamba disagrees with this and insists that the movements of the girls should be strictly monitored for their own safety. The thirteen year old returned home late one evening and Tamba smacked her. Kumba witnessed this and started an argument. Tamba reiterated that if the girl did that again, he would smack her again. Kumba said this was too much and she called the police on her husband and reported the smacking. Tamba was lucky this time around. He only received a caution from the police, but his wife’s action left an indelible mark on the landscape of his African mind.
“Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child, but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him,” says the Bible in proverbs 22:15. In Africa, this Bible passage is religiously adhered to even by the most ungodly. Children are whacked for wrongdoing. In the West, even the most pious ignore this verse, for to beat your child will earn you a long prison term, and on completing your sentence, you are likely to be banned from having anything to do with the children. Tamba will definitely have to think twice next time her daughters behave inappropriately. Are we having an eleventh commandment here? “Thou shalt obey thy wife and thy children.”
Unfortunately for some African men, their women use their financial power over them to replace their male dominance with female imperialism without regard for the male ego. They shatter their men completely. The men then start burning inside and start raging for their rightful position. The result most times is violence to prove their manhood. Okonkwo, the main character in Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart” would do anything to prove that he is not weak. In the story, he slaughtered Ikemefuna, the boy he brought up and loved because “he was afraid of being thought weak.” African men in the Diaspora are sometimes tempted to act like Okonkwo, but while we do get away with beating our wives in our African towns and villages, in the West, you will rot in prison even for raising a finger against your wife. So watch out.
Facts/ Lessons To Learn
Many immigrants have been able to achieve better economic lives in the West, but have also come to realize that settling into a new culture and lifestyle comes with difficulties and one of the most distressing casualties of the immigration experience is the breakdown of hitherto happy marriages. Marriage is doomed.
The African man’s reversal of fortunes in the West is like being used to eating with your right hand your entire life only to wake up one day and find out you must now use your left. Though a hard thing to accept, African women in Africa are generally not bread winners and therefore are obedient. In the West, the African woman is a provider and they are asking us to note and accept that providers cannot live like beggars.
The African men who wish to live peacefully in the West should survey the landscape and begin on the path to real life time adaptation and change with the times and environment and quit sulking about their wives having changed on them. Again, I must emphasize that this is not easy but you do not have a choice.
It is very important that this dramatic affront on the African man’s position as the king of the home in favour of the needs of the wife be carefully handled by both parties. A woman should not cease to be a woman just because she has the wallet in the family. Just because a husband does not buy her flowers does not mean he does not love her. African men are not used to a public display of love: kisses, hugs, flowers and saying “I love you” a million times a day to their spouses. Yet they love their wives and show their love the way they are used to.
A Word For The wise…..
To my African brothers who wish to come and settle in the West with their wives, I will advise that you remember to dump your African crown and sceptre at Lungi Airport if you are coming from Sierra Leone, or at Murtala Mohamed Airport if coming from Nigeria. In the West, we do have Husbandly wives and wifely husbands. Do not wait for your wife to embarrass you with the reminder that, “this is not Kabala or Ibadan.” For those of you that are already here, if you feel your position threatened, work out a sensible compromise with her. Remember never to lift your hand against her no matter how angry she makes you. Sometimes you should go out for a while and spend time with a good friend. You can have a few beers to drown your sorrow, but remember not to drink too much for while some wives will impose sex sanctions for the smell of alcohol, others will dial 999 if in the UK to call in their “closest relatives”- the police. If however you find the experience too much to cope with, do not risk getting into trouble with the law that has no pity for the deposed African king. You know what to do.
The writer, Edward T. Sesay is a proud alumnus of Saint Francis Secondary School, Makeni and Fourah Bay College - University of Sierra Leone
Friday, August 14, 2009
Praise for PV’s Anthony Kamara and Gemina Archer-Davies from Professor Jonathan Peters
Mr. Anthony Kamara:
I’m quite capable of superlatives but I try to be very sparing in using them for writers so that there will be room for heaping more praise for improved results. In the instance of your tribute to Gemina Archer-Davies, I find it impossible to be guarded or to offer faint praise: your homage to this gem of a lady is an exceptionally remarkable tour de force (yes, Gemina, it’s time to begin brushing up on your French) for a remarkably exceptional national treasure. I’m sure that many who read your assessment will be tempted to think that it borders on flattery, but that is what is perhaps the most remarkable quality of your presentation, that it is honest and true. Indeed, as extraordinary as is your writing, it still leaves room for more to be said about Gemina, which I will now offer.
One of the attributes I find very compelling about Gemina in addition to her poise and equipoise, her grace and charm, her hard work, etc., etc. is a quality that must have been with her throughout her career, the ability to take risks. She did that for me in what seems like a small way when she was at the Joint Library and I needed something that a fellow male Sierra Leonean would not help with but that Gemina took the risk in getting for me, a calculated and not a stupid risk, but it is the kind of thing that you have to be able to do to get to the top in what was for long at the Fund a men’s club, read men-other-than-black for a long while, let alone speaking of women and black women at that. Gemina is a trail blazer not only on account of hard work and faith, two extremely important qualities, but because she is smart, savvy and learnt how to play the game.
Gemina, I’ll be looking forward to welcoming you and Eefa in Freetown when you retire from Tunisia, but please don’t wait too long. I know you will be rooting for her and her extensions to Western Area and Sierra Leone as a whole at the ADB but it will be important to make a contribution on home ground itself. To celebrate your extraordinary career at the IMF as you make the transition and hone your wings to fly homeward, let me offer a small token from my 2005 collection (still not published in print), Homecoming: Poems now dedicated to you in the form:
Homing Pigeon
(For Gemina Archer-Davies)
Far, far away from home
Far, far away from my own
In a strange land that I grew to love
Surrounded by people and things
High up on a mountain where
I can look down at the throng below
My Owner released me and, all alone,
Goaded by the yearning for home
I use my inbred instinct
And, flapping my wings of memory,
I begin the solitary journey
Guided by love of hearth and home.
I hear the wind gushing as I fly,
Through clouds and rain I hone my wings
A steady course I take
Light and full of longing I glide
Looking for familiar signs that would
See me safely back to the smells
The touch, the sight of landscape
Homing my path to the point
Of arrival within the circle
That I call home.
Editor’s note: Professor Jonathan Alexander Peters(photo) taught English for many years at university level in the United States before returning home to Sierra Leone recently.
Courtesy of The Patriotic Vanguard
Gemina Archer-Davies: A Real Gem from Sierra Leone!
It is not uncommon to hear people talk about making every effort in our own little way to make a difference in the lives of others. The call is even more imminent during commencement exercises when speaker after speaker ask graduates to give back generously of their God-given talents. They say so because of the belief that it is in giving and caring genuinely about others that together, we make our communities better places for all.
At the University of California where first lady, Michelle Obama, debuted as commencement speaker, she called on members of the graduating class to give back to their communities. “Remember that you are blessed -- remember that in exchange for those blessings you must give something back. You must reach back and pull someone up. You must bend down and let someone else stand on your shoulders so that they can see a brighter future” she emphasized.
As they go about doing whatever little they can, their only hope is to be like the sun that burns brightly, bringing light and warmth to all whom they come in contact with. That brings me to Gemina Archer-Davies, a proud Sierra Leonean and an employee of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, DC.
While she is regarded by many as a truly remarkable woman and a shining example to many, the adage “home is where the heart is” holds true for Gemina. With her infectious smile, poise and elegance, “living in Sierra Leone was really the most exciting part of my life and I still keep many pleasant memories that I hope to enjoy when I retire and finally return home” she proudly tells me. Ask her colleagues at the fund and they will tell you about her passion for her native, Sierra Leone. In her office, she proudly displays the beautiful green, white and blue colours of the Sierra Leonean flag.
An alumna of the Freetown Secondary School for Girls (FSSG), she departed the shores of Freetown at age fifteen spending three years in England and about twelve years in Sierra Leone; first at Bo, her birth place, when her father taught at Bo Government School, then to Magburaka where her father was principal of Magburaka Government (Boys) Secondary School and finally at the Murray Town suburbs of Freetown. While her goals were common to kids her age as she grew up in Murray Town, it was always her desire to do very well in school. She attributes her success to her role models, her parents.
Her late dad, Frederick Magaji Henry, was an educator turned diplomat who went to great lengths to instill discipline and gravitas not only in her but in her siblings and those around her. “Dad was strong yet modest... two attributes which normally do not go together but he was masterful in portraying both” she recalls. Her father was her rock and instilled in her the importance of education, discipline and giving back. Pausing for a few seconds, she answered my question about her mom; “my mother taught me about the importance of making God the anchor in my life, which resulted in my strong faith.” With God on her side, she has been able to confront many of life’s storms. Her late mother, Megan Henry’s constant refrain “I can do anything through Jesus Christ who strengthens me” has found a place in her heart.
As a young 15 year-old girl arriving in the United States for the first time to join her father who was on diplomatic assignment with the Sierra Leone Embassy, her educational desire was to secure a doctorate of philosophy (PhD) in Psychology and become a trained psychologist. “My goal was to return to Sierra Leone, contribute to nation building, give back to my community and introduce the importance of behavioural therapy for which I had a lot of passion” said she when asked why she wanted to pursue psychology. Obviously, it seems God had other plans for her. Today, her educational background includes two Master of Science degrees in Human Resource and Organizational Development and Library and Information Science from American University and the Catholic University of America respectively. She holds a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from George Washington University and an Associate in Liberal Arts from Immaculata College of Washington.
For Gemina, it is important that young people know the importance of education, discipline and giving back because ”God has given each one of us the gift of life and what we make of it, is our gift back to him as our heavenly father” she admonished. It is clear because of her strong and purposeful mindset, she has been able to balance her gift with modesty and humility. A woman of deep and abiding faith, she smiles as she admonishes me and every young person out there to not only find a spiritual base and be strong in faith with God but to also constantly seek to improve ourselves by forming a vision and working hard to achieving it; values which her heroes, her parents, taught her and she still lives by to this day.
In her quest to always find favour with God, she has also had to deal with adversities. Yes! Her faith has been tested several times and she tells me quietly that “adversity hits us from all angles when we least expect it.” One of her struggles was confronting the death of her daughter, Tricia, in 1999; “I was shaken to the core but I believe that there is a reason for everything...perhaps God was testing me and he wanted to see whether I would lament endlessly, or choose to go it alone, or trust in him as my rock,” she explained. As I sat there listening quietly to her and observing her emotions, “I have used my faith to handle adversity and to help others do the same...and that’s what is most meaningful to me” she continued.
Having worked at the IMF for close to thirty-five years, it is clear she joined the fund at a very young age and at a junior or entry level. However, her unparalleled work ethic has not only enabled her to enjoy an exemplary career but one that lead her to join the managerial ranks of the fund. In an organization where the average staff member manages to achieve two or three promotions, Gemina has achieved about ten, her colleagues tell me. Despite all her success, she has continued to make herself accessible, providing support and guidance to all who come in contact with her. She has stayed grounded and connected despite her busy lifestyle as a successful wife, mother and a youthful grandmother of one.
What her colleagues are most proud of are her leadership and communication qualities. An inspiration to all who work with her, she displays a high degree of integrity in everything she does. Her courage and concern for the wellbeing of those around her, as well as her empowering leadership style has enabled her to gain the respect of her superiors, colleagues, and subordinates who also see her as a role model that they can emulate. “Her optimistic approach to everything in life and her firm religious base is one that also stands out about Gemina” a fund employee tells me.
In conveying to me what life has been for her as an African and a woman at the fund, she referred me to her faith which is the common thread that runs in her life. Despite her challenges, she tells me she has enjoyed working at the IMF, which she describes as a wonderful organization in the sense of how effectively business is conducted and how meticulously it is run.
About her incredible success at the fund, she told me “the most important things I learnt to do at a very early stage were to work hard and link up with mentors within the organization. These mentors tell you the unknown, the unspoken, the unseen, which in turn, enable you to effectively follow the rules of engagement.” While she credits much of her success to her mentors, who had a deep understanding of her nationality, race and gender, it is clear her hard work and her unending drive for excellence have set her apart. Of course, her success is a combination of what she calls “the three P’s” i.e. focus on the personal, professional and public aspects of life which have played a major role in helping her become who she is today. Having been able to effectively balance her three P’s as well as her unique ability to balance the written and the unwritten rules at the fund, success has not eluded her.
Personally, the peace and tranquility which she enjoys at home with the support of her family, friends and her spiritual base has accorded her the opportunity to meet what she considers her basic needs, from where she finds enough strength to focus and concentrate on her professional obligations, an area where she has truly excelled. All of this would not have been possible without her strongest support system, her husband, Samuel Archer-Davies, of over thirty-four years.
Asked to describe his wife, he underscored “dignity, elegance, courage, faith-filled and strength” as the words that befit Gemina whose “fortitude, strength and calmness” have enabled him to stand up “amid the ordeals and tensions surrounding the numerous adversities” that he has encountered. For him and family, Gemina always brings the light of hope in life’s darkest moments. “When you get to know her, you will discover that she is “an ordinary person that has been blessed with extraordinary opportunities and experiences” he maintained. They have two daughters, Samantha and Amira.
Her friends and relatives adore her. In fact, I am told by a close friend that, under the auspices of family friends working at IFAD, over forty friends and relatives converged in Rome to celebrate her 50th birthday. Asked why in Rome and not in Maryland, her friend tells me “you have no clue how we admire and respect her. She is an extraordinary person and sometimes, people like her deserve nothing but the best. She is very special in our lives and that was the least we could do for her. We have begun planning for her 55th birthday which we hope to celebrate in Tunisia, God willing.”
In her role as a professional, she has always positioned herself to use the tools afforded her to succeed whether in a formal or informal setting. As a strong believer in sharpening one’s skills, she has constantly immersed herself in learning new things, keeping herself up to date just so she stays relevant with the times. She clearly seems to understand the need to always “Be Prepared.”
Her empowering and team player skills were at play when the fund like many other businesses or organizations had to downsize. Realizing that her division was being looked upon by management and understanding the worries that her team may have, she gathered all and assured them of her desire to do all she could to make sure they all ended up being fine. She was there when they needed her most and she never disappointed them!
Having been the first African female to hold a division chief title in the history of the Fund over the last 33 years, and having held progressively responsible managerial positions in other departments at the IMF, including the Human Resources Department and the Joint World Bank/IMF Library, she has undoubtedly raised the bar for her African colleagues whilst she continues to earn respect and credibility at the Fund. Many who have followed her steady rise are not only proud that she is representing Sierra Leone very well. Some have even compared her to America’s first lady Michelle Obama.
Asked those who made the comparison and one common message runs through: she is source of fascination and very authentic. Like a jewel known to have many facets, Gemina uses all her strength and God-given gifts to bring the best in all that come her way whilst she positively influence all to make the world a beautiful place. Her natural disposition and radiant leadership style and her firmness of purpose cannot be underestimated. Her independence and success are often talked about within the community.
In her public engagements, she is a member of the Mother’s Union, a worldwide Christian organization in seventy-eight countries. She truly believes in the organization’s vision of creating a world where God’s love is shown through loving, respectful and flourishing family relationships. Having being married for over thirty-four years, and having sponsored many marriages, she has used her years of marital experience to become an unpaid marriage counsellor to many couples, young and old. As her daughter gets ready to approach the altar, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, she has a perfect example to follow.
She is a former President of the Sierra Leone Association of University Women (SLAUW-USA Branch) and an active member of the Freetown Secondary School for Girls Ex-Pupil’s Association (Washington Branch). She is Senior Advisor to the World Bank/IMF African Society, Advisor to the Sierra Leone American Business Association (SLABA), and a former member of the IMF Diversity Council.
She is a competent toastmaster. Her colleagues at the fund are not at all surprised. They all speak highly of her excellent communication skills. As one puts it, “you have to see her speak in public. You will not want her to stop talking.” She has earned many awards for her involvement in public and professional organizations in the Washington Metropolitan area.
As she prepares to retire from the fund, she tells me she was looking forward to going back to Sierra Leone especially after President Koroma’s call for all in the Diaspora to return home and contribute to nation building. She was excited at the prospects of using her HR skills and experience in recruiting and training, appraising and developing, negotiating and influencing, management development, business continuity planning, and restructuring and downsizing. However, God had bigger plans for her to serve the entire African continent before she heads home to offer her own contributions. That was why when the African Development Bank (AfDB) offered her the position of Human Resources Divisional Manager she could not turn it down.
As she prepares to move to Tunisia to take up her new appointment, after leaving her current position of Division Chief at the IMF Institute, it is clear she is happy to go but sad to leave; very happy to confront new and exciting adventures, and a bit sad to leave so many wonderful friends behind. However, it is definitely time for her to set sail on the high seas of the African continent beginning in Tunis and ultimately, to her native, Sierra Leone.
In her farewell remarks at the Fund to members of the Sub-Saharan African Group, she delivered the following remarks: “make a conscious effort to work and pray hard, perform well, and most importantly, engage in networking and mentoring; demonstrate that you are smart and be serious, but do not take yourself too seriously as this can stifle creativity and innovativeness; remember to always read between the lines to find the truth; and do not take anything for granted; find ways to always remain relevant; make yourself visible because visibility assignments do not often come our way; learn from mistakes, but avoid repeating the same ones because this environment can be quite unforgiving.”
Hillary Hart once said “If women themselves take the next step to live who they really are, then they can contribute to the changes taking place around us." Without a doubt, Gemina Archer-Davies has made her mark at the IMF and has made Sierra Leone very proud As she takes her skills and experience to the African continent, she will not only represent Sierra Leone well but will contribute to Africa’s continued development by mobilizing human resources for Africa’s economic and social development.
In her own words:
On people who have helped with personal and professional life: Personally, I have been blessed with a very supportive family (a wonderful husband and daughters), together with a strong support system of sisters, in-laws, other extended family, and excellent friends, who have positively and constructively impacted my personal life.
Professionally, I have had many mentors, too numerous to mention in my thirty-four year career, who have played significant roles in providing much needed guidance and coaching towards my career. Most importantly, I have had a strong spiritual anchor, with which I try to balance three facets of my life: the personal, professional, and public in order to use God-given talents to fulfill my own mission.
Defining moment in life: Rick Warren’s book: A purpose driven life, presented me with a teachable moment in terms of discovering my purpose in life and doing something constructive with it. The world is a stage, in which we come and go, but I believe that we all have assignments to do with our time and talents here on earth; we must determine these assignments and do our best to perform them.
What people don’t know: I have a tremendous passion for Sierra Leone and I can’t wait to eventually return home to contribute more so that Sierra Leone can reach her potential. My husband and I have several investments in Freetown; I am finalizing a scholarship fund and we still want to establish a micro-credit scheme for women. All of these illustrate our passion for and confidence in our homeland.
Advice to young people: Ships are safe in the harbour but they were built to sail! Get out of your comfort zone, determine what you want to do with your life; then develop a strategic plan with action steps to achieve your goals; be tenacious and stick to your goals; adjust the plan if you need to, but never give up, and you will see how easy it is to have a fulfilled life. A spiritual base is always the key (mine is my faith and belief in God), but you must always start with a vision. There is a saying that if you do not know where you want to go, any road will take you there.
Professional challenge: I am looking forward to tackling my upcoming position at the African Development Bank which starts in mid-August. I look forward to this wonderful opportunity to polish my French (since I will be relocating to a French-speaking country) and to help people help themselves through my human resources and organizational development work.
What sets you apart from others? My tremendous optimism about life especially in the face of adversity... I refuse to abandon the view of the cup being half full, not empty. Again, this is rooted in my deep faith and belief, that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
What others say:
She has physically, financially, and morally promoted conditions in communities which have resulted in stable family life and the protection of children. She stays united with her fellow Mother’s Union members through prayer, worship and service. She participates in midday prayer which is a wave of prayer that maintains a constant chain of intercessions across the global membership. She has helped several families whose lives have met adversities by providing food, shelter and clothing and has made a difference in the lives of battered women in shelters. Gemina is a great icon that many of us are proud of.
Hilda Macauley – ex-president and current secretary, Mother’s Union USA Province.
Gemina is the sort of person that you will never hesitate to turn to for advice, help or guidance. Personally, she has been an invaluable source of inspiration and motivation. Her charm, poise and her remarkable ability to devote her energy and time to so many people and causes simultaneously always stand out.
Denise Macfoy – Colleague
Gemina is smart and articulate and very helpful in promoting valuable causes. She stands ready to help and does so in a timely manner. She has made Freetown Secondary School for Girls (FSSG) and us proud. Her warm and loving smile shows a genuine interest and acceptance to all who come her way. Above all she is a God –fearing person.
Anne Beckley – President Mother’s Union
She is an inspiration and has the highest degree of integrity. Whatever she says she is, she truly is, that is to say she is the same inside as she claims to be outside and there is no difficulty in sensing that because it is always visible. She manages her fears so well that it ultimately brings out her strengths.
Pearl Acquaah Smith-Mensah – Colleague
Gemina is a very exceptional person with an amazing life story. She is a shining example to many and is kind and generous and makes herself accessible to all who seek her for her wisdom and guidance. She is a well-rounded person.
Ruby Randall – Colleague
She has been of great service to the fund and to her colleagues. Having worked with her in different capacities for almost eighteen years, I can tell you she is a very hardworking individual who can be counted upon to be at her office before the door opens and works through the day and long into the evening. She goes the extra mile in making sure that her work is always of superb quality. She has done this over and again because of her diligence and industrious approach to whatever she does. Her departure from the fund is a big loss but gain to the African Development Bank, for the entire continent of Africa and for all new colleagues that she will be working with.
Alieu Demba – Colleague
Gemina Archer-Davies is a quiet storm and appears to be full of charisma. Who would not want to be her friend, I wonder. The first thing that strikes you about her is a semblance of genuineness and integrity, at least that's how I see her, and it is refreshing to feel like that about someone Sierra Leonean.
Amadu Massally – 2009 Noslina Diamond Award winner
She is faithful, kind, generous, accommodating, patient, authentic, sincere and has a remarkable predisposition. If she ever has a bad day, I don't see it. She radiates a beautiful smile each time we meet and her words are always encouraging and supportive.
In spite of the position she holds vocationally, she is extremely humble and seldom reveals anything about what she does unless someone asks.
She is always searching for ways to enhance her understanding of her faith and explores ways such guidance could enhance the quality of her life. Thus, spiritual growth is one of her highest priorities and values. While many others plateau in their growth, Gemina stretches to new levels spiritually, emotionally and intellectually.
Pastor Dick Stetler – St. Matthews United Methodist Church, Bowie, MD
I have known Gemina Archer-Davies (nee Henry) for most of my life. Our fathers worked together in the Sierra Leone embassy here in the U.S., in the 70s. In fact, she may not remember or even know this, but I remember Gemina in her FSSG uniform in Sierra Leone (our homes were not too far apart) and would sometimes watch her and her friends going to and from school. Even then, as a child, I admired her.
Gemina is, and has always been, someone worthy of respect and emulation. She is not only truly refined, she also is an accomplished professional who is well grounded in WHO SHE IS. As we say in Krio, ee know ehin sef.
With all of her professional and indeed personal accomplishments, I sincerely believe that if asked what she is most proud of, I suspect that Gemina would say her faith in God, her family, and her commitment and involvement in her community. She is one cool cookie!
Suna Nallo – Executive Director – NOSLINA
Courtesy of Anthony Kamara, Acting Deputy Editor and USA Bureau Chief for The Patriotic Vanguard.
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