Shout Climate Change Africa (SCCA) in collaboration with the Sierra Leone government Ministry of the Environmenton Tuesday 6th July, 2021 presented farewell appreciation plaque tothe outgoing European Union Ambassador to Sierra Leone Tom Vens.
Presenting the plaque, the Minister of Environment Professor Foday Moriba Jaward expressed his sincere gratitude to Tom Vens for the remarkable efforts he did for the country, especially within the environment sector.He continued that under the leadership of Ambassador Tom Vens Sierra Leone has benefited a lot of support from EU, to combat climate change and sustainable management of environment.This according to him they will continue to remember him for the good leadership he provided for which he is recognized as a climate change champion.The plaque indicates how much they appreciate tremendous efforts EU has done in environment sector during the tenure of Tom Vens. He wished the Amb. well for his future engagements on behalf of President Bio in consideration of H.E passion towards environment thereby making The Environment Ministry to stand alone – first in the history of Sierra Leone.
Receiving the plaque Ambassador Tom Vens noted that his name and picture is on the plaque but the appreciation goes to the team he has been working with to combat climate change related issues and sustainable management of the environment. He noted that environmental issues and climate change are very challenging but there is a need for collaboration to address it,adding that environmental issues and climate change should be a concern for everyone as no matter who you are and where you are we all need conducive environment “addressing environmental challenges some people will be hurt but at the end we all will enjoy the environment” he said .Therefore, government and partners need to be brave when addressing environmental challenges. He ended by expressing his sincere gratitude to Shout Climate Change Africa and the Ministry of Environment for presenting the plaque to him, he promised that the partnership will continue.
Similar words were also expressed by the Founder/CEO of Shout Climate Change Africa (SCCA) Finnex John Asibor saying Ambassador Tom Vens arrived in Sierra Leone as a boss but he is leaving as a brother. Noting Sierra Leone will be looking for his kind replacement as a man that was very receptive to everyone when it comes to environmental issues and climate change. He did everything humanely possible to ensure sustainable management of the environment and climate change, this according to him is the kind of person that we need in Sierra Leone.
