By: Precious Miracle Kargbo (Intern)
During the commissioning and handing over ceremony of the newly constructed warrant officers and Sergeant mess, the Guest of Honor Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh said Government remain committed in supporting and transforming the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF).
This memorable event occurred at the Wilberforce Barracks, hockey pitch Freetown yesterday 9th October, 2023.
The Director General of the Ministry of Defense, M.D.K Daboh expressed delights and humbly welcomed everyone to the newly constructed home of the senior rank and file officers. DG Daboh went on that the ramshackle and neglected structure of the RSLAF which has been for ages are no more because in its place they have constructed the most elegant structures for senior officers in the sub Region.
He confirmed that since the commissioning of the Mayong officers Mess the President made a commitment to create this ultra-modern facility for the RSLAF and after some months they were able to secure the contract on 7th April, 2022 and after several months of construction and supervision of the RLSF engineering regiments, all major works were declared completed in July 2023.
The Vice President, Dr Mohammed Juldeh Jalloh delivered a resounding speech after welcoming and recognizing all dignitaries present, Deputy Minister of Defense, Chief of Defense Staff and senior officers from different departments of the RSLAF.
Dr Jalloh narrates that he is present only to celebrate the achievement of the RSLAF and the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone for the construction of the warrant and sergeant mess that was promised by His Excellency, as this action will only demonstrate the commitment of the government to the affairs of the RSLAF. He appreciated the Chief of Defense and the entire RSLAF 1st brigade who did very well in the francophone countries, Dr Juldeh asserts that government is also working to make sure that it provides an ultra-modern canteen for Soldiers and to also improve the social life of officers.
Furthermore, VP Jalloh highlights that since His Excellency President Maada Bio took over government in 2018 there has been numerous improvement in all sectors of the country namely, education, energy, agriculture, health, production and mobility of the RSLAF. He recalthe government made promise of transforming the hockey pitch to a modern parade ground that will befits the status of the RSLAF and the construction of the roads leading to different barracks and officers mess in the country, all just to ensure that the Presidents human capital development goal is achieved. Dr Juldeh ended by thanking the RSLAF for maintaining peace and stability and for the successful conduct of officers in the Multi-tier elections.
Addressing and expressing appreciation for the newly constructed warrant officers and Sergeant Mess, Chief of Defense Staff, Lt Gen P.K Lavahun expressed his gratitude and satisfaction for the newly constructed building that will rebrand the status of the military as proclaimed by the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces for the senior enlisted leaders in the RSLAF.
He intimated that the Nco’s and the warrant officers are the true backbone of every military and the commissioning of the newly constructed building is a testament of governments recognition.
“The Mess as military tradition demand is the home of officers, warrants officers and Nco’s where socialization, interaction and discipline are taught to military personnel for the enhancement of professional development of the force” CDS said.
He continues that the contribution of the building is in line with his vision of the RSLAF and that as senior executive members of the army they will continue to engage the President and other developmental partners for support like the construction of a Military Academy and a canteen to be built at the Wilberforce barracks for the majority of operating officers.
CDS ordered all senior officers to ensure the proper use of the Mess which has a lot of facilities including entertainment halls, as they are to be treated as properties that are owned back home by every military officer.
Expressing honor and appreciation, Warrant Officer Class 1, Tholley M, expressed gratitude to God and His Excellency Brigadier Julius Maada Bio, the Chief of Defense, contractors and all others for working behind the scene in providing an ultra-modern facility for all ‘men on the ground’.
He furthers appreciated the Vice President presence in the handing over ceremony and for the magnificent building which they have constructed for them that cannot be compared to any other country in the West Africa sub region.
