Mrs. Chief Minister —Kate Krontiris has officially been appointed Co-Chair of the Miatta Civic Centre Advisory Council, a government position

Sierra Leone Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh and wife—Kate Krontiris

Kate Krontiris, Principal of Studio Culture and Co-Founder of Telem Uncommon Sounds, and wife of Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, has been appointed co-chair of the new Miatta Civic Centre Advisory Council, which was formerly known as the Miatta Conference Center.

Government sources confirmed that the co-chair position offers a cool $10,000 a month salary —the buzz.

She will co-lead the council alongside Mariama Anthony-Williams, joining a team of advisors tasked with guiding the redevelopment of the landmark into a hub for civic, cultural, and creative activities, according to the government website.

‘The Council will provide strategic advice, champion the project nationally and internationally, and help mobilize resources and partnerships to ensure the Miatta Civic Centre becomes a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable space.’

'Today marks the beginning of the Miatta Civic Centre transformation project, which I am honored to lead,' Krontiris stated.

The appointment, although positive, is generating a flurry of responses on social media.

One Facebook user commented, 'Salone all man for taste the brown envelope na by family now d power don leff.'

Another was even explicit. Bio's government focuses on national development. 🤣🤣. So, it appears Mrs. Chief Minister has landed the prestigious gig of teaching Sierra Leoneans to rediscover frying plantains. Yes folks. The new 'Slave Mistress' will be teaching Sierra Leoneans how to preserve their culture, and it's with a cool $10,000 a month salary.

‘Salone sweet 😁😁😁👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾’

Although there were some congratulatory messages in the mix.

2025 Krio Descendants Union (KDU) Global Family Reunion

Thursday, August 28, 2025 — Monday, September 1, 2025

In videos and photos: 'Wan Wik Celebration'

Note: To enlarge the video view, use the pinch gesture or tap the blue circle on the video player.

The KDU Symposium on Saturday at the Crown Plaza Hotel

The great 'Sina' at the KDU Symposium. 2025 Krio Descendants Union (KDU) Global Family Reunion. Note: To enlarge the video view, use the pinch gesture or tap the blue circle on the video player.

KDU Global Family Reunion Dinner & Dance— Saturday

Note: To enlarge the video view, use the pinch gesture or tap the blue circle on the video player.

KDU Global Family Reunion Thanksgiving Service- Sunday, August 31, 2025

Note: To enlarge the video view, use the pinch gesture or tap the blue circle on the video player.

The Gooding Family

KDU Global Family Reunion Spirit of Washington Brunch Cruise- Monday, September 1, 2025

Note: To enlarge the video view, use the pinch gesture or tap the blue circle on the video player.

‘LEH WI GEDA WI SEF’

KDU Maryland Member

---

Most Read from YAME Digital: SIERRA LEONE

Where the Heart Is

…The Krio of Sierra Leone

READ

---

A side note: The ‘Awujor’ event, scheduled for Saturday from 12:30 PM to 5:30 PM, was unexpectedly shut down by park authorities around 2:30 PM due to an oversized crowd, estimated to be over a thousand attendees. While that was disappointing, the Dinner & Dance later that evening turned out to be an incredible experience! It truly made up for the earlier setback, leaving everyone buzzing with excitement! The big night ended up being the perfect celebration😄

Theo Edwards for YAME Digital

---

---

RELATED

“Cassandra Garber discusses the topic of Krio Descendants.”

— Source: CGTN

Every year on 31st August, the world comes together through the UN International Day for People of African Descent to honour the shared heritage, diverse culture, and influence of Africans and the global African diaspora. This day also serves as an opportunity to raise international awareness about the challenges of systemic racism, discrimination, and exclusion faced by individuals of African descent worldwide.

Note: To enlarge the video view, use the pinch gesture or tap the blue circle on the video player.

---

“Krio Descendants Union (KDU) Maryland held a Thanksgiving Reception on Sunday, September 28, 2025, in Takoma Park, Maryland, as part of ongoing KDU events connected to the KDU Global Family Reunion. The community engagement celebrates faith, unity, and Krio culture.”

— Source: UPDATED: Sunday, September 28, 2025 | Takoma Park, Maryland

Note: To enlarge the video view, use the pinch gesture or tap the blue circle on the video player.

---

Lan Fɔ Rid Ɛn Rayt Krio, by Esme James

Wi fɔ prawd fɔ sabi rid di langwej we Papa Gɔd gi wi.

de na Amazɔn

Education & Teaching

This book provides a set of lessons that describe the Krio alphabet and highlight key differences between it and the letters and usage of the English alphabet. It is a beginner's guide to reading and writing in Krio for speakers who are fluent in both Krio and English.

Also, na Amazɔn— ‘Krio Nansi Stori Dɛm: A collection of short stories in Krio and English’

Klik fɔ bay na Amazɔn

Illegal Demolition of the Krio Descendants Union (KDU) Proposed Museum—

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

MURRAY TOWN: The 'Krio Ose' is a cultural and community center dedicated to the Krio people. On the morning of Friday, July 11, 2025, the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) was accused of demolishing the construction site of the Krio Ose without providing any legal notice.

Melbourne Garber, a structural engineer and member of the Krio Descendants Union, expressed his outrage over the incident, stating that the demolition was conducted without any legal notice or court order.

---

Most Read from YAME Digital:

Who Were the Krios of Sierra Leone?

The Krio Descendants Union KDU mission

Liberated slaves from the Caribbean, American slaves who had escaped to Canada, and emancipated slaves residing in Britain formed the first resettlement group.

READ

---

Garber described the demolition as an act of lawlessness, pointing out that the construction had cost the KDU over Le 600 million (Old Leones). He criticized the military's actions, stating, "They recklessly demolished the site during ungodly hours, like thieves in the night."

A representative of the KDU confirmed that the Union possesses all legal documentation related to the land lease, which the Freetown City Council issued. He described the situation as both disappointing and troubling, noting that attempts by the Building Committee and other members to resolve the issue had not been successful. “There seems to be a sense that this matter may be more political than it appears,” he remarked, urging members to stay united as the Union works towards a resolution.

The Demolition of the “Krio Ose,” Is It Tit for Tat? Let us begin by taking a mental journey back in history.

As a child growing up in Freetown, I learned that there is a particular ethnic group known for their inability to forgive or let go of grudges. They tend to hold onto resentments and pass them down through generations, making them seem quite vindictive.

They never forgive.

Most of the inhabitants at the Murray Town barracks are from that ethnic group, and they have lived there for about three generations.

As a result of overpopulation in the barracks, adult children were asked to leave. Those affected were evicted from the barracks and moved next door, where they squatted on land owned by the Sierra Leone Grammar School, which they referred to as the "Krio School." They built makeshift structures on the land and intimidated the schoolchildren, preventing them from attending classes.

There were many skirmishes between the students and the military officers. At one point, the Sierra Leone Grammar School had to close for a couple of weeks.

The school authorities, along with members of the old boys' association, rallied together, as their school song states, and sought justice in the high court. It was a long and arduous journey, but in the end, justice prevailed.

A court order was issued for the demolition of structures on the Sierra Leone Grammar School land, destroying numerous buildings. Many of these buildings were built by military officers whose children currently hold positions of authority in the government, including General Tuluva and Captain Jalloh, among others. These individuals were in their early to mid-teens when these events occurred in the 1990s.

The Krios sought a location to create a museum that would showcase their culture and traditions.

The Krios sought a location to create a museum that would showcase their culture and traditions, train young Krio children about their heritage, and preserve it.

After exploring all avenues, the mayor of Freetown came to their rescue and gave them a leasehold of land from the Sir Samuel Lewis estates at Murray Town. Little did they know that these remnants from the Grammar school saga are still around.

These individuals joined the military following in their father's footsteps, carrying grudges and claiming ownership of the land. Despite holding dialogues to resolve the issue, they did not yield.

It is alleged that they trespassed on the building site at Sir Samuel Lewis Road in Murray Town in the early hours of Friday, July 11, 2025, and demolished the structure that had been built, valued at about seven hundred million leones.

Why have the Krios been an easy target?

Why have the Krios been an easy target? Is it because they are law-abiding and scared of violence perpetrated against them? The court of law, which we once believed in, is now a charade.

Where do we go now? We have been chased from all our villages and towns to the brink of extinction.

Today’s Front Page by a Krio Descendant | Share

The Krio Descendants Union

Where the Heart Is

…The Krio of Sierra Leone

The Krio of Sierra Leone has a long and storied history. In the late 18th century led by stalwarts such as William Wilberforce, the abolitionist movement in Britain was it's moral and political Apex. Ruling on a court brief, Lord Chief Justice Mansfield stated any slave who reached British soil would be regarded as free men. Abolitionists buoyed by their legal victory moved on to the next phase, the voluntary repatriation of ex-slaves to Africa.

The British Navy played a pivotal role in stemming the flow of human cargo on the high seas. Liberated slaves from the Caribbean, American slaves who had escaped to Canada and emancipated slaves residing in Britain formed the first resettlement group. Many were educated, skilled laborer and artisans. In 1787 girded with supplies and faith, 411 prodigal souls landed at Kruman’s Bay on Sierra Leone’s Atlantic coast.

Captain Thompson negotiated a land grant from King Tom a local Temne chief. The first settlement known as Granville Town had its share of problems and many settlers died from disease and hardship through subsequent generations, colonialism and civil war the Krio legacy and culture have endured.

The Krio today are spread throughout the world, the impetus for leaving being the pursuit of economic and educational opportunities, however, no matter the distance. The need to forge connections and help the less fortunate back home remains strong.

Alumni of Sierra Leone’s most famous schools such as, Annie Walsh, Prince of Wales and the Grammar School host charitable events. Proceeds raised fund scholarships, computers and educational supplies.

The Krio Descendants Union KDU mission is much broader in scope. With chapters in Europe and North America, the KDU seeks to provide not only educational resources but also materials that make a difference in the lives of everyday citizens... Through private and corporate donors much-needed foodstuffs, medical supplies, and clothing. Dedicated KDU volunteers are imbued with a sense of “giving back” and love for their ancestral homeland. Charity galas provide social interaction also political forums. These exchanges foster ideas on how to improve the lot of Sierra Leoneans. It is impossible to understate the social component that the KDU engenders. At its many worldwide functions relatives and old friends have the chance to renew familial and cultural bonds.

Within their core KDU members are selfless individuals dedicated and unified by one vision, keeping the Krio culture alive and improving the lives of all Sierra Leoneans. Groups like the Krio Descendants Union foster an unflappable sense of optimism that fuels hope for better days ahead.

RELATED

London's Fashion Alphabet Temporary Display: the Krios of Sierra Leone

“The Most Influential Community in Sierra Leone: The Krio People.”

— Joshoid /UPDATED:

The Krio People, also known as the Sierra Leone Creoles, are descendants of African Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, and Africans who were rescued by anti-slavery patrols from the West Africa Squadron of the British Royal Navy.

Today, the Krio people number over 100,000 people and make up about 1.2 percent of the Sierra Leonean population.

The Krio People, along with the Americo-Liberians are regarded as the only recognized ethnic group of African American, Liberated African, and Afro-Caribbean descent in West Africa.

The first to find a colony in Sierra Leone were 411 African American and Afro-Caribbean settlers who arrived in the year 1787. These settlers partly consisted of African Americans who had joined British forces during the American Revolutionary War and were promised freedom from enslavement.

These settlers arrived in successive waves to the Western area of Sierra Leone and, in the year 1792, the city of Freetown was founded by Nova Scotian Settlers.

The Nova Scotian Settlers were formerly enslaved African Americans who joined British forces during the American Revolutionary War. After the British lost the American War of Independence, they kept their promise to the former slaves and resettled them mainly in Nova Scotia, Canada.

In later years, many of these African Americans migrated to Sierra Leone and usually referred to themselves as ‘Nova Scotians.’

The next arrivals were Jamaican Maroons, who were descendants of Africans who freed themselves from slavery in the Colony of Jamaica and established communities of free black people in the island's mountainous interior. Around 600 were deported by British authorities in Jamaica and were resettled in Sierra Leone.

Later on, many Afro-Caribbean immigrants from Barbados, the Bahamas, and Bermuda migrated to Sierra Leone and settled in settlements across the Freetown peninsula throughout the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

The last major group of immigrants to Sierra Leone was the Liberated Africans or ‘Recaptives.’ They originated mainly from many West African ethnic groups, particularly the Yoruba People, the Akan People, the Ibo People, and the Fulani people.

---

“KDU, London | Annual Thanksgiving Service”

— St Mark's Church, 337 Kennington Park Road, London SE11 4PW | Sunday 4 August 2024

---

“Una day sell den krio ose dem.”

— Sierra Leone Cultural Extinction

Phone number: +232 78 800200

---

“Annual Thanksgiving Service | September 29, 2024, 2 PM | Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church | 7410 New Hampshire Avenue Takoma Park, MD 20912.”

— Krio Descendant Union (KDU) Maryland

Website: Krio Descendant Union (KDU) Maryland

Idris Elba Arrived In His Father´s Native Sierra Leone For The First Time

Elba’s visit to Sierra Leone had been long-awaited

By Theo Edwards

A native of Sierra Leone, Idris Elba, arrived in Freetown for the first time. Elba was born and raised in London; his mother, Eve, is from Ghana and his father, Winston, from Sierra Leone, where he has expressed interest in investing in eco-tourism.

Idris Elba arrived in Sierra Leone on Wednesday, December 18, 2019, where he is due to receive Sierra Leone citizenship and celebrate Christmas with the President, Julius Maada Bio, according to government sources.  Elba planned to visit Sherbro Island renowned for its pristine tropical beaches. The country hopes to revitalize its tourism industry. And, with Mr. Idris Elba as the country's Brand Ambassador, he brings with it new life and vitality.

A native of Sierra Leone, Idris Elba, arrived in Freetown for the first time. Elba was born and raised in London; his mother, Eve, is from Ghana and his father, Winston, from Sierra Leone, where he has expressed interest in investing in eco-tourism. Mr. Elba’s visit to Sierra Leone had been long-awaited.

During a meeting at the State Lodge on Hill Station, President Bio said that Mr. Elba’s visit to Sierra Leone had been long-awaited, saying that he could feel his burning desire to come back home to be welcomed by his country people. He said that the country had gone through a lot with a scarred image, which needed a conscientious effort from everyone to change that perception and create a new narrative.

Idrissa Akuna Elba OBE is an actor, writer, producer, musician, DJ, rapper, and singer. Nickname DJ Big Driis (Idris) was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II in the 2016 New Year Honors for his services to drama. He is best known for his roles in Marvel franchise films such as "Thor" and "The Avengers." Others include Stringer Bell in the HBO series The Wire, DCI John Luther in the BBC One series Luther, and Nelson Mandela in the biographical film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. In 2018 was named People magazine sexiest man alive.

Friday 20 December 2019, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio issued the British Hollywood actor, and musician, Idris Elba, with a Sierra Leonean Diplomatic Passport and pronounced him a Brand Ambassador for the small resource-rich West African nation.

Friday 20 December 2019, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio issued the British Hollywood actor, and musician, Idris Elba, with a Sierra Leonean Diplomatic Passport and pronounced him a Brand Ambassador for the small resource-rich West African nation.

Receiving the passport, Idris Elba said that he was honored and thankful for the opportunity to become a citizen of his father’s country, noting that it was an honor for his family. He said he always wanted to come to Sierra Leone, adding, his career afforded him and his family the ability to rebrand the country.

RELATED