By: James Kamara-Manneh
It is believed that the Sierra Leone iconic cotton tree situated in the centre of the capital Freetown has existed for over 200 years. Whereas no one can give the exact age of existence of the famous cotton tree; history has it that the tree was part of our ancestral beginning, and its existence came into being in the 17th Century when Greenville Shapre and the Atlantic slaver were deposited as the first batch of ex-slaves known as the Black Poor under the tree (cotton tree).
This historical tree was brought down by heavy storms on the 24th of May 2023 at around 9 pm, marking the end of its existence.
The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has assured the public that relics of the fallen tree will be preserved according to their press release dated 25th May 2023.
The release further called on the citizen to refrain from cutting the logs from the cotton tree, while the government have instructed the Sierra Leone police to secure the logs and snags until they are taken to the National Museum.
Speaking to this medium, a 92 years old man Alex Bosoudu Davies who was born and raised in Freetown felt saddened at the fall of the tree. Pa Davies (Pa means Papa or Father as a sign of respect for age) described the fallen tree as a monumental icon. He said the tree was seen as an asset to them growing up and speaking about Sierra Leone one cannot avoid mentioning the cotton.
“It is unbelievable to be alive to witness the fallen of the cotton tree and this more so why I left my house at my age to witness the reality myself,” 92 yrs-old Davies narrated.
He called on the authority to replant another tree at the same site as a means of remembrance for both old and young.
Whereas as 66 years-old man named George Fury said he saw the cotton tree which has been in existence for many centuries. He mentioned the damage caused by some people toward the trees through various means such as fire, cutting branches and other natural disaster.
He stressed that due to the much damage caused to the tree that has weakened it from top to bottom, said the tree was only waiting for a little pressure to bring it down. He suggested that with lots of ideas coming from the public, he urged the authorities to put something historic and monumental that will serve for centuries to come. He said since Freetown was founded on a slave trade colony, it will be good if they erect something monumental as a sign of abolition of slavery. He further suggested that another futuristic structure can be erected to attract tourists and a means to generate income. He urged the authorities to take the right decision and to be in haste.
The spokesperson, Education and Outreach Manager of the Monument and Relics Commission, Mohamed Farri Kargbo said the commission received the news of the fall of the iconic cotton tree with mixed feelings; which means a lot to Sierra Leoneans- representing a natural monumental and heritage.
Mr Kargbo said the tree holds a huge large mark in the country which represents the emblem of Freetown-Sierra Leone. Even though they are yet to meet, Mr Kargbo will definitely come out with a plan as to what is next in preserving this natural monumental heritage.
With the many suggestions, Kargbo said all will be looked into during the commission’s meeting and whatever decision is arrived at the public will be informed accordingly. He said the tree represents Freedom and Emancipation for the ex-slaves who came to settle in Freetown but sought refuge under the cotton tree.
