Sierra Leone Telegraph: 30 August 2015
Over 200 people witnessed the launch of Andrew Keili’s new book at the New Kona Lodge on Friday 28th August, 2015. Andrew Keili is one of the hot favourites in the forthcoming 2018 presidential election in Sierra Leone.
Members of Parliament, heads of business houses, diplomats, senior SLPP stalwarts, representatives of various professional bodies and the Chamber of Commerce, senior clergy of the Anglican Church and the country’s Ombudsman – Justice Edmund Cowan who wrote the Foreword to the book, were all present at the event in Freetown.
The book “Ponder my thoughts on the social, economic and the political scene in Sierra Leone – an anthology of weekly thoughts (vol.1)” is published by the Sierra Leone writers Series (SLWS).
The impressive event was chaired by Mr. Ransford Wright – Chairman of the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) and National Coordinator of the Independent Radio Network (IRN).
Mr. Keili explained to his audience how he select his topics carefully, with due consideration to currency, national importance and social relevance.
He said that his experiences over the last thirty seven years of working mainly in the private sector and sometimes in the public sector in Sierra Leone, vast experience in the business sector and policy issues and record of work in professional and social organisations as well as his religious background and services to the Anglican Church are all reflected in his writings.
The book was reviewed by Dr. Julius Spencer, who affirmed that Andrew Keili (Photo) has tremendous literary skill, which he laces with humour and satire.
Andrew Keili’s criticisms are always transparently constructive, and are drawn from his wide-ranging experience in both the private and public sectors, said Dr Spencer, who added that “the book is a “must read.”
Mr. Winstanley Bankole Johnson the former Mayor of Freetown and Ms. Nancy Banya – who lives in the UK, spoke about FOCEM – the Foundation for Children of Ebola affected Medical workers.
FOCEM caters for the educational needs of those children. Profits from the sale of the book will be donated to FOCEM, of which Mr. Keili is co-coordinator.
The book was launched by Bishop Thomas Wilson, who is the Anglican Bishop of Freetown and Makeni. Bishop Wilson praised the contribution made by Mr Keili to literature, as well as in pointing out the ills of society and proffering advice and solutions to the country’s problems.
He described Mr Keili as “an ardent Anglican who is a Lay Reader, my warden at St. Augustine’s Church, Chairman of the Development, Estate and Enterprise Board of the Church and a member of the Standing Committee, the cabinet of the Church”.
The vote of thanks was given by Mrs. Helen Keili, a doyen of the education sector in Sierra Leone, who is proprietor of Modern Elementary and Modern High School.
One of Andrew Keili’s political supporters said: “I am not in the least surprised the programme was such a success. It indicates Andrew Keili’s high profile and respect in various circles in Sierra Leone as a leader and opinion shaper. That he held such an event at a venue owned by another potential SLPP aspirant – Ernest Ndomahina, attests to his decent and reconciling qualities. Whilst his colleagues are busy organising rallies and counter rallies – marred with violence, Andrew Keili continues to rally where it matters most. Thank God for our leader.”
The Andrew Keili – 2018 Team, says that their leader – Andrew Keili, will continue to make a difference in the lives of Sierra Leoneans, where it matters most.
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