…And So What
By Mohamed Konneh
Kate Krontiris, Principal of Studio Culture and wife of Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, has been appointed to Co-chair the Miatta Civic Centre Advisory Council as the iconic Miatta Conference Centre. Her appointment is geared towards the center’s transformation into the new Miatta Civic Centre.
Her appointment has drawn series of debates with some people viewing it differently. Kate is the wife of Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister and by extension she is a Sierra Leonean by marriage.
Does she has the expertise, should have been the focus rather than the negativity been portrayed.
The world can’t stop talking about foreign nationals making a mark across the globe. It’s a topic that spurs political debates and sensationalized headlines, creates conflict and opportunity, and affects the world over.
Unfortunately, the focus on Kate is mostly negative, and generalizations and stereotypes abound.
It is time for a reality check. Like most citizens be it in America, England, Ghana and here in Sierra Leone are a product of immigrants. And whether you trace it back one, two, three, or more generations, you’re probably the product of immigrants too.
In fact, a lot of development wouldn’t have existed or happened, if it wasn’t for other foreign nationals contributing in their own little ways.
Books never written, movies never produced, clothes never made, technology never invented, baskets never dunked… without immigrants. And in Kate Krontis Case she is not an immigrant but a legitimate wife of Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh.
Why pick on her?
There are a number of other Sierra Leoneans in the council with diverse expertise who can make the Miatta civic center better.
Kate according to her appointment 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.
“Today marks the launch of the new Miatta Civic Centre transformation process a project I’m deeply honored to help lead,” Kate Krontiris said after she was appointed.
“Together, we’re beginning the work of reimagining this landmark transforming a piece of national history into a thriving hub of cultural, civic, creative, and digital life.”
What is now required is the support needed for the team of advisors to have this hub for civic and creative activities.
