November 10, 2021
The Rokel Commercial Bank has become the first financial institution in Sierra Leone to provide significant support to victims and families affected by the November 6th inferno that left at least 97 people dead and over 100 hospitalized near the Wellington Industrial Estate in Freetown.
The Bank’s management, led by Managing Director, Walton Ekundayo Gilpin earlier today handed over medical supplies worth millions of Leones to the Ministry of Health and the Management of the country’s main referral hospital, Connaught. The support includes medical items delivered on two separate occasions at the Connaught Hospital as well as food items provided to bereaved families at the Old Wharf Community where most victims of the fire incident reside.
At the Connaught Hospital, the donated medical items were received by the Deputy Minister of Health, Amara Jambai who thanked the Rokel Commercial Bank and appealed for more donations from other institutions. “This is the time for us to come together to help our compatriots as Government alone cannot do it”,Dr Jambai Indicated.
Connaught Hospital Medical Superintendent, Dr. Kabbah said the magnitude of response from Institutions like Rokel Commercial Bank has given hope to ordinary Sierra Leoneans and medical practitioners that they have not been forsaken.
At the Old Wharf Community, the mood was somber as the area Chief and Community people converged to receive food items including rice, onions, cooking oil and water. “Since we lost our relatives in that disaster, this is the first bank that has come to support us as families of victims who lost loved ones and we are very grateful for that…” remarked Chief Pa Alimamy Kargbo who also assured the Bank that every single item donated will reach victims and their families.
Managing Director of ROKEL Commercial Bank, Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin was almost in tears when he averred; ” We are here to commiserate with you as a bank that operates in your neighborhood…we are here in solidarity with you our neighbors. This tragedy can only to strengthen our resolve to remain our brother’s keeper”
As it emerged, a considerable number of Old Wharf residents are customers of the Rokel Commercial Bank. The gesture was therefore deemed appropriate and timely as it has further solicited and cemented the good will from a community deep in mourning.