Sierra Leone's 43rd Independence Anniversary

On the occasion of the 43rd Independence Day Anniversary of Sierra Leone today 27th April 2004, President Alhaji Dr. Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, travelled by helicopter with Vice President Solomon Berewa and other high-ranking government ministers and officials to Gbangbatoke in the Moyamba District, birthplace of the late Sir Albert Michael Margai, KCMG, second Prime Minister of Sierra Leone from 1964 to 1967, where a graveside service was held in honour of the deceased.

The late Sir Albert Michael Margai will be bestowed with the posthumous honour of GRAND OFFICER OF THE ORDER OF THE REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE, GORSL, at an investiture ceremony in Freetown. Thirty-three other Sierra Leoneans will also be honoured at today's investiture ceremony at State House.

The main theme of the President's message is centered on the attainment of food security by 2007, a pledge he made during his swearing-in ceremony after his re-election as President for a second and final term in May 2002.

Without food security there cannot be true independence, President Kabbah has always emphasized and he continues to call on all Sierra Leoneans and development partners to join hands so that peace and unity will prevail and an atmosphere of stability can be created for true and lasting development to take place.