Thank-you for your support to help restore Freetown / Sierra Leone to its former greatness, when Freetown was the pride of Sierra Leone. *** The key to KDY's success is your support. FUNDRAISING APPEAL Please consider generously donating once, monthly or yearly to KDY. Your help in continuing our mission is crutially important if KDY is to succeed. Cassandra L. Garber, J.P. PRESIDENT Donation Methods N.B. Donations are tax-deductible in the United States. You can donate via mail to KRIO DISENDANT YUNION (KDY) at the following address: C/o Mrs Cassandra L. Garber, J.P., PRESIDENT, 20 Collegiate School Road, (Off Wilkinson Road) Freetown, Sierra Leone, West Africa. Tel: 00-232-30-309243 Please make cheques payable to 'Krio Disendant Yunion'. $$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$ A KRIO HERITAGE FUND has been opened to cover scholarships and other help to depressed and / or displaced Kith and Kin, folks living in the villages of the Peninsular in particular who are experiencing dire need. $$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$ The "exclusive" 2007 K*D*Y* CALENDAR is now available from members or e-mail krioDY@hotmail.com. HURRY, supplies are limited. KDY meets regularly every LAST SUNDAY of each month at 3.30pm at 8 Syke Street, Freetown (except during the months of July and August). Contact: 00-232-303-09243 EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Mrs Cassandra Garber (Editor in Chief) Ms Irene Wilson Dr Boie Roberts Dr Faux-During Mr Sam Macaulay Mr Jimmy During (Co-opted) $$$$$$$$$$$$ 1787 - 2007 We are looking forward with hope to a significant year, 2007, when we will be looking back at the 220th anniversary of the founding of Freetown and We are looking forward with hope to a significant year, 2007, when we will be looking back at the 220th anniversary of the founding of Freetown and the 200th Anniversary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act passed by the British Parliament on 25 March 1807. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abolitionism $$$$$$$$$$$$ Do you support us? We pray for those affected by the atrocities in Sierra Leone and other places around the world. For those who are injured, maimed, traumatised dying and dead: we pray God's peace. For the rescue workers police and fire officers, paramedics, and hospital staff: we pray God's strength. For the fellow-travellers stopping to comfort, soothe and tend the wounds: we pray God's blessing. For those who are dispirited, angry, despairing and grieving: we pray God's comfort. For the leaders who are called to speak for and to nation or communities: we pray God's wisdom. For those who turn to violence to achieve their ends: we pray God's forgiveness. For our sisters and brothers of all faiths and of none: we pray God's blessing. For ourselves numbed, fearful, morbidly fascinated or guiltily relieved: we pray God's light in our lives. As we hold before God those who suffer, we give thanks for every sign of the resilience of the human spirit and the determination not to be cowed by cowards. We pray that all people may learn to live in peace and with mutual respect. May we not cease in our striving for justice and for an end to poverty, preventable disease and the destruction of the environment. May our eyes be fixed on Jesus, who bears and takes away the sin of the world, and in whom nothing can separate us from the love of God. Amen. George T. O. Robinson 20 May 1922- 7 February 2006 As President of the Krio Disendants Yunion (KDY) and on behalf of the members, I offer heartfelt condolences to Rosalind, Raymond, Wayne and the entire Robinson family on the loss of our brother, George T.O. Robinson. George will be remembered as a "Proper Creole" uncompromising and patriotic Sierra Leonean who helped resurrect the vision of the Settlers Union of Sierra Leone Creoles. He was founder member of the Krio Disendants Yunion (KDY) launched on 26 August 1989. May his soul rest in peace. Cassandra L. Garber, J.P. PRESIDENT |
K*D*Y* SOME BRIEF NOTES ON THE KRIOS OF SIERRA LEONE Background points to provide basic information for late 20th and early 21st centuries descendants. 1. The constituents that evolved into the KRIO by the middle of the 19th century - a. The Black Poor - the original settlers of the Province of freedom (1787). b. The Nova Scotians from Canada - freed slaves that had helped the British fight the American War of Independence. They restarted the Colony in 1792. c. The Maroons from Jamaica (1800). d. The Liberated Africans 1808 - 1860. Rescued slaves from all over the sub-region including some from tribes in the provinces of Sierra Leone. The Yorubas were the largest single ethnic group among the liberated Africans hence the culture of the Krios was profoundly influenced by the Yoruba culture. That is why today there are the Christian Krio and the Muslim Krio (the Marabout) descendants. 2. The Krios underscored the aims of the Philanthropists of the 18th century, William Wilberforce, Granville Sharp, James Mansfield and others, who helped to guide this small group of blacks (Africans) to European civilization, who would then go on to spread that civilization throughout Africa. This was done through the diaspora of the Krio who went to places out of Sierra Leone (e.g. Gambia, Gold Coast (now Ghana), Nigeria, Fernandi - Po, etc.) and established institutions and implanted Victorian values on the people. This brought about a cosmopolitanism that was a distinct feature in the history of the Krios. 3. The Krio can be seen as a Diaspora. The roots of their society came from the returnees from Europe and the Americas and from the coastal tide of slaves from all over the sub-region who were being taken across the seas to the 'New World'. 4. In this diasporic constituents efforts are now being made to renew links between the Krios in Sierra I Leone and the blacks in Nova Scotia and Jamaica. 5. The place of the Krios in the modern setting in Sierra Leone. While they believe that the are Sierra Leoneans and that Sierra Leone is their country, they still experience some discrimination. It is also strongly alleged among the indigeneous people that the Krios were the beneficiaries of the British since they had many "positions" during the colonial period. Therefore, the current perception is that they have had their days. As a consequence of this thinking, the Krios find themselves marginalised and are subjected to subtle discrimination. The reality is that the Krios did not get the 'goodies' under the British. At times the relationship with the British got so intense that it flared up in dramatic ways as in 1919) and 1926. 6. What needs to be done now. a. the villages, the homes of many Krios, have deteriorated and are desolate - a situation that the rebel incursions of 1997 and 1999 made more complex. Krios should demonstrate a determination to rebuild the villages once more. b. the government should harness all the potentials of the peoples of Sierra Leone to work for the development of the nation as a united country. Many Krios will he keen to have this happen. By Cassandra Garber, President, Krio Disendants Yunion, Sierra Leone. September 2000 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ KRIO DISENDANTS DONATE US$1,000 TO KATRINA VICTIMS The "Krio Disendant Yunion" (KDY) of Sierra Leone made a donation of $1,000 to the New Orleans hurricane Katrina victims. The President of the union Mrs Cassandra Garber made the presentation to the American Ambassador, Thomas Hull on 26 October 2005 at the American Embassy, Walpole Street, Freetown. This gesture is unique considering that Sierra Leone is a donor driven economy and every sector in the country, government or private are looking for aid and the consideration of making donations has not been the nom. The Ambassador stated that he is very pleased about the donation. He noted that many people in the country have expressed sympathy but the "Krio Disendants" is the only organisation that has showed their sympathy in a practical ay. The President of KDY said that they belong to a minority group called Krios. She related that their ancestors laid the foundation of the settlement of the "Province of Freedom" over two centuries ago. She continued that the homogeneity of the Krio ethnic group has been shaken over the recent thirty years. Circumstances, social and political have provoked a steady brain drain into the Diaspora. The President went on "but no matter where we find ourselves our inbred respect for high moral values is never dented." Mrs Garber also stated, "in spite of our paucity in number, we still hold very strong loyalty to the ancestral beginnings. We were greatly touched by the scenes of untold sufferings of the African-Americans whose communities in New Orleans were devastated by Hurricane Katrina in August 2005." Mrs Garber announced that the Krios of Sierra Leone want "to reinforce the link between the two groups and as a token of this ancestral bond wish to make this small contribution towards the rehabilitation fund." ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ FLASHBACK TO HISTORIC POLITICAL STEP This group photograph taken in 1957 is testimony of a great milestone in the political development of Sierra Leone. Apart from it's importance to the Beoku-Betts and Betts family in that their outstanding progeny was installed as the Speaker of the Maiden House of Representatives, and to the Margai families that Dr. Milton Margai was appointed the first Prime Minister of the country, the general citizenry of today needs to be reminded of the historic significance to the country. Following the recommendations of the Keith Lucas Commission the Colonial government put into effect new Statutory Instruments which changed the title of the legislature from the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL to the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. This was therefore a tremendous achievement for Sierra Leone being an important step towards self-government. The membership was fixed at 57 with a SPEAKER who replaced the Vice President of the Legislative Council. The electoral provisions were not the same for the Colony as the Protectorate. The Colony qualifications for voting as determined by the Keith Lucas Commission were based on an income of £60 (sixty pounds) per annum or residence of a property with a value of £2 (two pounds). The franchise was given to men and women alike. In the Protectorate there had never been any franchise to vote. This was now granted to the ordinary man and woman with this criteria. Men and women of over 21 years liable to pay tax could vote. Women had to be over 21 years and be literate or must have paid tax. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE 2007 The year 2007 is a special year for all descendents of the Black Poor, the Nova Scotians, the Maroons and the Liberated peoples for it commemorates a very significant development that affected for good the political history as well as the economic and social lives of the great power of that era - Britain as well as of the future great power of the world the U.S.A. On February 10 11807, the bill for the Abolition of the Slave Trade spear headed by William Wilberforce was passed in th4e House of Commons of the British Parliament. It went through the House of Lords in the following month, in March 1807. Also Jefferson the President of the United States signed into law a bill outlawing the importation of slaves into the United States. The ripples of the change which started by decisions taken on either side of the Atlantic Ocean 200 years ago have spread far beyond human understanding. The chain after effects are inexorably tied up with our own political growth and other subsequent life patterns. In Britain and in the U.S.A where commemorating historic events of past periods is traditional as well as ion Freetown the bells will ring, great speeches will be made by V.I.P's to mark hopefully in a spectacular way the Bicentenary of this significant development. Much has not been done in our country to immortalize the memory of the many activists through whose efforts the British Parliament was prevailed upon to take the legal stand to sop an inhumane trade. Thanks to the hindsight of the administration of the Prince of Wales Secondary School, Kingtom founded 118 years later, the memory of the philanthropists, William Wilberforce, Lord Mansfield, Granville Sharp and Zachary Macauley are kept alive. The names of other players in the arena like Gustavus Vassa, Thomas Peters, John and Thomas Clarkson have been left unsung. We the present generations being benefactors of their relentless struggles should seize the opportunity of this year's celebration programme to put right this oversight. By coincidence the 2007 also marks the 320 anniversary of the landing of the 1st group of Settlers i.e. "The Black Poor" who roamed the streets of London during the 1770's and 1780's. The Yunion is relying on the maximum in-put of its members both in Freetown and overseas who are activists in the Branches to make the celebrations very spectacular depicting much of Krio culture. A review of the Yunion's programme for the year just past shows encouraging progress. We has a successful thanksgiving service on the 2nd Sunday in May at the Jordan W.A. M. Church, Murray Town at which the sermon was delivered Rev Victor Thorpe one of the our members. Much more encouraging to report on is that the Yunion was able to award 12 scholarships at the secondary level. The successful awards are from the S.L. Grammar School; the M.G.H.S.; the F.S.S.G. and the Wallace Johnson Memorial School. The sponsors of these awards are members of the Yunion presently domiciled overseas. We commend their practical application of the Yunion's motto. "L wi p wi sf" and we thank the Worshipful Mayor of Freetown Mr Winstanley Johnson for gracing the ceremony and performing the duty. Our overseas Branches in the U.S.A. have been similarly active. The Krio Heritage Society, New York Metropolitan on Sunday 16th July held a Thanksgiving Service at St Edmunds' Episcopal Bronx. New York at which Rev. George Harding former Dean of St. George's Cathedral, Freetown preached the sermon The service was followed by an impromptu Reunion of descendants. The Branch plans to donate the proceeds fro this service to the Building Fund in Freetown. The Rokel River Organisation of Maryland, D.C. Location organized a public meeting on the 6th August 2006 at which an address on the topic "The Plight of the Krios" was given by the president of the Freetown Branch. The general reaction to the issues raised and discussed was encouraging resulting in a resolution to open a Development Fund. A few payments were made there and then followed by pledges. A spectacular feature to record is the launching in August 2006 of a new Branch in Atlanta Georgia. The geographical location of Atlanta offers advantages apart from the obvious fact of there being a good number of eligible members resident in the area, the Branch will be able to enlarge its membership from the neighbouring states of South Carolina, Florida, Alabama and Tenessee. Readers will notice the focus in this issue on some personalities of the Krio Diaspora along the Sub-region particularly Nigeria. We cannot help but acclaim with much pride the outstanding performance of those of our ancestors who by force of circumstances caused either through Civil Service postings by the Colonial powers or drawn by the urge to explore greener pastures found themselves in different areas of Africa in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They made their homes there became pioneers giving their optimum performance to the development of the country. Names like Herbert Macauley, (aka Father of the Nation) Bishop James Johnson (aka Holy Johnson) Justice John Idowu Taylor (aka The Upright Judge) etc and many more have left indelible footprints to posterity. Their parents and or grandparents according to genealogical r4ecords were known Settlers. They made significant impact on the political, administrative, judicial, economic and educational systems of Nigeria. Through the outreach programme of both the Anglican and Wesleyan mission Krio personalities were in the vanguard. Badagry is famous today as the town where Christianity was first preached in 1842. In September 1842 Rev Thomas Birch Freeman was sent by the Wesleyan Mission to mann the mission there. Also in 1842 in Badagry, Henry Towns and of the Anglican Mission arrived in Badagy and moved to Abeokuta, mission was opened there. Several hundred immigrants from Freetown settled there. They built churches, mission houses and schools. National recognition of the invaluable contributions of the individual contributions of these Krio offsprings to the prestigious position this "GIANT OF AFRICA" holds today among the present World Powers stares everyone residents and visitors alike in the face for streets have been named after these pioneers some streets being in the significant and upper class locality of Victoria Island, Surulere etc of Lagos as well as in Abeokuta. The outstanding achievements of our ancestors should serve as a yardstick for us haunting us to feel guilty for by our current lethargic attitude we have betrayed their trust. An esteemed American Statesman who was a Mayor of a prestigious town in Pennsylvania it is understood repeatedly stressed that the best legacy one can give to one's children is "a good honorable name" Members of the KDY .we can justifiably claim that the most enviable legacy handed down by our ancestors over the two centuries. Plus has been "a good honorable name." Members of the KDY, we can justifiably claim that the most enviable legacy handed down by our ancestors over the two centuries plus has been "a good honorable name". This is the legacy we have a sacred responsibility to upheld and perpetuate. As we celebrate 220 years of the breaking ground of the Province of Freetown now know as the Western Area we have to rethink our attitude in a bid to address more effectively the challenges of living in post rebel war Sierra Leone and in the 21st Century global setting. Thanks to Christian thinking and teachings across both the old world and the new world, the older order of the notorious Atlantic Triangle Trade has passed away. Amazing grace has found us all and we can all see. As we celebrate the Bicentenary the focus in the three apex of the triangle. Britain, West African particularly here in Sierra Leone and the United States should not be in concentrate on the glamour of ceremonies but on working at tangible useful project for humanity. We the descendants of those illustrious pioneers are urged to condition our services to humanity to be of such sound quality and posterity will assess our legacy to be effective bridges linking the different countries and the different peoples of our country May the Good Lord bless our endeavours. Cassandra Garber, JP. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^ My Vision of a New Sierra Leone Please allow me to dream and share the dream with all who love Sierra Leone. In my dream, I see all the roads paved, from the motorways down to the small villages. I see all the towns and villages with street lighting and the streets clearly named. I see houses in these villages well constructed with proper drainage, electricity and water. I see most of the villagers watching national TV with Isha Sessay presenting the National News. I then switch to local news and hear that Kabala eleven will be playing a home match aginst Brookfields Warriors for a place in the quarter finals for the Presidents Nations Cup right here on Saturday. I see myself, an old grey man, in one of the nations inter city coaches going at a steady 60 mph from Kabala to the Capital, Freetown. The ride is smooth and the scenery beautifully tropical. Did I not just see monkeys playing in the trees? Must have been dreaming. I must have fallen asleep because now we are on a three lane road with a lot of traffic. We come to traffic lights and stop. The shop to my left is an electronics shop with the doors closed; air conditioned shop I suppose. The sign board says they deal in all sorts of TV's from 60 inch plasma TV's down to the regular 14 inch ones etc. The lights have changed to green and we start to move on. We are now at the Cotton Tree Interchange and the coach veers left following the sign to Brookfields Coach Terminal. Just then a chap behind me asks out loud in Krio "Bo do yah, we don pass Wellington?" We all burst out laughing. An old lady replies "How bah, na bus sweet! you so? Boh Boh, we don pass Wellington long tem. You get for take taxi go back." We arrive at the Coach Station and I take a blue taxi home. Blue taxi because I know the chap owns the business, he is a very good friend of mine. "Boh Boh belleh" is playing on the radio. I get to beautiful Madungo Town and home. Tom, my black Labrador is there to greet me with his tail wagging so furiously I am afraid it might snap off. After my shower I ask my Darling to get me some supper, jollof rice. I hear a deafening blast and wake up instantly. The taxi had just had a blow out right there at the junction of Aberdeen Ferry and Wilkinson Road and in front of a stinking garbage mountain. Please let me dream for only in my dream can Sierra Leone be like that or am I wrong? The Dreaming Sierra Leonean Kobina Hunter WITHOUT VISION THE PEOPLE PERISH The influx to the West by Africans has increased many times since The Slave Trade, especially since independence from colonial rule. This is because the West is perceived as offering a much better life compared to our countries, with job opportunities, medical facilities, and adequate food, housing, clothing, transportation etc. all more available. But the prosperity of the West did not come about by magic. No; the West became prosperous because many of its people had vision a dream of what their countries and lives should be. The other day I described my dream of a New Sierra Leone which ended when I woke up to the Sierra Leone of today. I ask my self, "What have we achieved since independence in 1961, a period of almost FORTY FIVE YEARS? Did our politicians since independence have no dream for us as a nation? Did they only dream of their own children becoming successful? Or is the Sierra Leone of today what they dreamt of, with the brightest and best of her young people determined to escape to the West and remain there and our country deteriorating?" Surely not! It is said that "Every country has the government (and country) it deserves". We deserve much more; certainly not twenty years of very little to no electricity. Now that we are preparing for elections in 2007, I think this is the most appropriate time for each of us to get involved and examine and question our politicians. Do they have a dream for the country? If so, what is their dream? And are they capable of making that dream come true? It is very sad indeed to hear some Sierra Leoneans say, 'Lef we wit we poh.' These are the Sierra Leoneans who have no dream for the country, or who think dreams are futile. They do not believe that it is possible to have a bridge to Lungi, for instance. Or that with our natural wealth as a nation, everyone should be able to enjoy electricity, water in our homes, nourishing food on the table, good medical services etc. Only when the people have a dream for the country and choose a government that reflects their dream will there be no more toleration of corruption or incompetence, laziness or greed. We would then be on the way to having a Sierra Leone we will all be proud of with no desire to want to go to the US or Europe and stay there indefinitely Kobina Hunter - January 2006 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ THIS IS SO GOOD AND SPOT ON BROTHER. THANK YOU FOR SUCH PLAIN AND INFORMED SPEAKING. YOUR "DREAM" IS SHARED BY KDY. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ |
THE KRIO DESCENDANTS YUNION (KDY) LE WI EP WISEF |
This page was last updated
on: July 27, 2007
Thank-you for your support to help restore Freetown / Sierra Leone to its former greatness, when Freetown was the pride of Sierra Leone. *** The key to KDY's success is your support. FUNDRAISING APPEAL Please consider generously donating once, monthly or yearly to KDY. Your help in continuing our mission is crutially important if KDY is to succeed. Cassandra L. Garber, J.P. PRESIDENT Donation Methods N.B. Donations are tax-deductible in the United States. You can donate via mail to KRIO DISENDANT YUNION (KDY) at the following address: C/o Mrs Cassandra L. Garber, J.P., PRESIDENT, 20 Collegiate School Road, (Off Wilkinson Road) Freetown, Sierra Leone, West Africa. Tel: 00-232-30-309243 Please make cheques payable to 'Krio Disendant Yunion'. $$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$ A KRIO HERITAGE FUND has been opened to cover scholarships and other help to depressed and / or displaced Kith and Kin, folks living in the villages of the Peninsular in particular who are experiencing dire need. $$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$ The "exclusive" 2007 K*D*Y* CALENDAR is now available from members or e-mail krioDY@hotmail.com. HURRY, supplies are limited. KDY meets regularly every LAST SUNDAY of each month at 3.30pm at 8 Syke Street, Freetown (except during the months of July and August). Contact: 00-232-303-09243 EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Mrs Cassandra Garber (Editor in Chief) Ms Irene Wilson Dr Boie Roberts Dr Faux-During Mr Sam Macaulay Mr Jimmy During (Co-opted) $$$$$$$$$$$$ 1787 - 2007 We are looking forward with hope to a significant year, 2007, when we will be looking back at the 220th anniversary of the founding of Freetown and We are looking forward with hope to a significant year, 2007, when we will be looking back at the 220th anniversary of the founding of Freetown and the 200th Anniversary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act passed by the British Parliament on 25 March 1807. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abolitionism $$$$$$$$$$$$ Do you support us? We pray for those affected by the atrocities in Sierra Leone and other places around the world. For those who are injured, maimed, traumatised dying and dead: we pray God's peace. For the rescue workers police and fire officers, paramedics, and hospital staff: we pray God's strength. For the fellow-travellers stopping to comfort, soothe and tend the wounds: we pray God's blessing. For those who are dispirited, angry, despairing and grieving: we pray God's comfort. For the leaders who are called to speak for and to nation or communities: we pray God's wisdom. For those who turn to violence to achieve their ends: we pray God's forgiveness. For our sisters and brothers of all faiths and of none: we pray God's blessing. For ourselves numbed, fearful, morbidly fascinated or guiltily relieved: we pray God's light in our lives. As we hold before God those who suffer, we give thanks for every sign of the resilience of the human spirit and the determination not to be cowed by cowards. We pray that all people may learn to live in peace and with mutual respect. May we not cease in our striving for justice and for an end to poverty, preventable disease and the destruction of the environment. May our eyes be fixed on Jesus, who bears and takes away the sin of the world, and in whom nothing can separate us from the love of God. Amen. George T. O. Robinson 20 May 1922- 7 February 2006 As President of the Krio Disendants Yunion (KDY) and on behalf of the members, I offer heartfelt condolences to Rosalind, Raymond, Wayne and the entire Robinson family on the loss of our brother, George T.O. Robinson. George will be remembered as a "Proper Creole" uncompromising and patriotic Sierra Leonean who helped resurrect the vision of the Settlers Union of Sierra Leone Creoles. He was founder member of the Krio Disendants Yunion (KDY) launched on 26 August 1989. May his soul rest in peace. Cassandra L. Garber, J.P. PRESIDENT |