By Francis Kamara
On Friday 28th January, 2022, car dealers in Sierra Leone officially launched the Motor Vehicle Dealers Union – Sierra Leone, at the YWCA New Hall in Freetown.
In his welcome address, the president of the Motor Vehicle Dealers Union, Moses Kanu (alias Lord Mo) acknowledged the presence of all dignitaries that graced the occasion. He affirmed that it is a blessing for him to have been chosen to be the head of the Motor Vehicle Dealers Union, as there are more than two thousand car dealers all over the country who are members of the Union and are more than competent to lead. He went on to say that he values the trust that his colleagues have in him and he is ready to work with the car dealers team with all his might and strength. Moses Kanu added that this is a dream come true not only for him, but also his compatriots who have been working very hard to see that this dream is actualize. He went on to say that the motive behind their decision to form a Union, is to protect the well-being of every member, as well as promote the interest of its members.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation, Rex Bonapha, mentioned that it is a very important and historic day in the lives of all Car dealers in the country. He recalled that a cross section of members within the Union met him few months ago with the idea of forming a Motor Vehicle Dealers Union, as an official one is yet to be made public. He went on to say that the move is a brilliant one, as it will help to promote a peaceful business atmosphere. Rex Bonapha urged all members of the Motor Vehicle Dealers Union to comport themselves and act within the orbits of the law. He added that the formation of this union has been long overdue, as so many unions have been in operation for a very long time and so it’s highly necessary for the Motor Vehicle Dealers to also have a governing body. He acknowledged that it is a huge milestone for the union, as they have finally, publicly given an identity to their organization, as they have been operating in isolation for far too long. He affirmed that the ministry of transport and Aviation is ready to render its support to the union at all times. He urged the Motor Vehicle Dealers Union to always carry out their dealers and complaints with respect as that will create a good partnership between the two institutions. He urged the leaders and decision makers to be accountable, and represent the rest of the Union with dignity, honesty and transparency – as many organization have collapsed due to bad leadership. He advised leaders to work with the constitution provided and not to overstay in power. He went on to say that elected leaders should make positive use of the time given to them and create a landmark that will create an impact in the lives of it members that will go a long way. He ended by formally launching the Motor Vehicle Dealers Union Sierra Leone.
The Deputy Minister of Political and Public Affairs, Amara Kallon, acknowledged that the ministry of Political and Public Affairs is responsible for creating an environment where institutions like the Motor Vehicle Dealers Union can have a governing body. He added that Car dealers in Sierra Leone have created lots of job opportunities for youths in the country, instead of to sit and wait for the government. He thanked the Motor Vehicle Dealers Union for their great contribution in terms of Social status in the country, as they are responsible for all the exotic cars roaming around in the streets of Sierra Leone. He went on to say that members of the Union, and the Motor Vehicle Dealers Union as a whole have a great role to play in society.
Speaking on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, the Director of Traffic Management (Road Safety), said the event is a memorable one, and he is happy to be part of history. He urged members of the Motor Vehicle Dealers Union to abide by the rules and regulations provided by the Sierra Leone constitution so that they won’t have conflict with the law. He urged them to read the 2007 Road Traffic Acts as it will help guide the Union and its members. He added that as the motto of the Motor Vehicle Dealers Union is; “trust, unity and progress, he urged them to put it into practice and live by example. He advised them to be watchful and very of impersonators as they are the major problem the authorities are trying to deal with at the moment.
The Director of Transport at SLRSA, said in his statement that the Union has been in existence for over twenty years. He added that to him the union is like family and he is ready to work with them to bring positive change. He added that he is very happy for the official launching of the Motor Vehicle Dealers Union and urged both parties to adhere to the rules and regulations, as lots of complaints will likely to turn into problems. He went on to say that the SLRSA and the Motor Vehicle Dealers Union should collaborate and work as a team and also help the city of Freetown to be free of traffic. He also urged them to read the Acts provided by the government – for them to know their rights and the approach they should use in times of settling disputes. He affirmed that he is ready to work with the Motor Vehicle Dealers Union and embrace them as one family.
The Head of the Criminal Investigation Department – Mr. Roberts, said the event is a dream come true as it is one he has been hoping for. He urged all car dealers and owners of car centers to register their companies to avoid further embarrassment. He also called on the Motor Vehicle Dealers Union to sensitize and educate the public about the values of the organization and what it stands for. He affirmed that in order for any organization to succeed, its members must be disciplined and transparency must lead.
The Vice-President of the Motor Vehicle Dealers Union, Alhaji, said that the Union is ready to stand firm with car dealers in Sierra Leone and help make positive change in the institution. He went on to say that different committees have been setup to look into the welfare of members within the Union. He added that the Union has elected regional chairman in Bo, Kenema and Makeni to serve as governing body on behalf of the Motor Vehicle Dealers Union in Sierra Leone. He debunked the statement being made by some Sierra Leoneans about car dealers being criminals. He affirmed that car dealers in the Union are sober minded as well as educated. He mentioned that there’s no room for bad business within their organization, and they will persecute any individual found wanting of impersonation.
Credit: Owl Newspaper
