Office of the Slppna Chairman

12/19/2025

On the 14th December 2025, the Presidential Adviser on Youth Affairs, who also serves as the dynamic and enthusiastic Chairman of the Sierra Leone People’s Party, received a Special Recognition Award from the Women’s Forum Network during their National Awards Ceremony held in Freetown, Sierra Leone

This defining moment highlighted the significance of Chairman Desmond Pessima’s leadership and his impactful contributions to young women and girls across Sierra Leone, both through his active role in government and his philanthropic commitment via the Pessima Charity Foundation

He remains a focused, committed and highly motivated leader whose mission is centered on alleviating the challenges caused by inequality against women, while continuously creating opportunities through scholarship schemes and other empowerment initiatives aimed at uplifting women and girls

In his remarks, he expressed heartfelt appreciation to the organizers and reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to supporting the empowerment and advancement of women and girls in Sierra Leone

Issued by:
Office of the Chairman, SLPP North America Region
Strategic Communications Unit

10/25/2025

SLPPNA CHAIRMAN DESMOND PESSIMA REPRESENTS NORTH AMERICA REGION IN PARTY AND DISTRICT CHAIRMEN COURTESY VISIT TO THE PRESIDENT.

Regional and district chairmen, led by the National Chairman of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), paid a courtesy visit to His Excellency the President to express their appreciation for his leadership and support in ensuring the successful and seamless conduct of the Party’s 14th National Delegates Conference.

Among the distinguished attendees was the Chairman of the SLPP North America Region, Mr. Desmond Pessima, who proudly represented his region during the visit.
The purpose of the engagement was to reaffirm the collective commitment and determination of the party’s leadership through its regional and district chairmen to work collaboratively with the President and his government in achieving the Big Five Agenda before the end of his tenure.

Chairman Desmond Pessima’s participation further solidified and reaffirmed SLPP North America’s pivotal role within the party’s national leadership and ongoing engagements.

Under his stewardship, SLPPNA continues to stand as one of the most active and influential diaspora communities, providing consistent support and strategic partnership to the party’s mission and national development goals.

The meeting concluded successfully with a lively interactive session and a pictorial moment that captured the spirit of unity, commitment, and shared purpose among the party’s leadership.

Issued by:
Office of the Chairman, SLPP North America Region
Strategic Communications Unit

10/03/2025

From Vision to Action: SLPPNA Executive Celebrated by the National Chairman for Raising Standards of Political Leadership.

On September 27th, the Sierra Leone People’s Party North America (SLPPNA) hosted a grand dual inaugural ball, a momentous occasion widely attended by key national stakeholders of the party. Distinguished guests included the National Chairman of the SLPP and his wife, the country’s Chief Minister, Head of Government Business in Parliament, members of Parliament in Sierra Leone, the President of the Sierra Leone bar association, former campaign leader for SLPP 2018 elections, Head of the ECOWAS Parliament, the National Young Generation Leader and Deputy, Government Ministers, Leader of Government business in Parliament, along with many other dignitaries amongst many.

The newly re-elected Chairman, serving his second term with a whooping 110 Votes following the recent regional convention, was officially inaugurated during the ceremony by the National Chairman, Jimmy Batilo Songa.

In his keynote address, the National Chairman emphasized the importance of unity within the party, while extending his congratulations to Chairman Desmond Pessima of SLPPNA for raising the bar of leadership. He particularly commended him for recognizing and honoring the service of his outgoing executive by presenting them with certificates of achievement.

The evening also featured a successful fundraising session, during which hefty donations were made, and well-crafted gifts were presented by the Chairman and his executive to a select group of individuals in appreciation of their contributions.

The event concluded with the official induction ceremony of the DVC Executive by Chairman Desmond, followed by a vibrant evening of celebration, networking, and camaraderie among party members and supporters.

Issued by:
Office of the Chairman, SLPP North America Region
Strategic Communications Unit

09/23/2025

SLPPNA Chairman Desmond Pessima and Team warmly recieved SLPP National Chairman Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa and entourage at the Newark International Airport.

Newark International Airport became a stage of celebration on Saturday night as the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) National Chairman, Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa, and his wife, Hon. Wuyata Songa, arrived to a rousing 9:00 PM ET reception.

Their landing drew applause from onlookers, admiration from travelers, and curious glances from airport staff as chants and songs filled the terminal.

The welcoming delegation reflected the party’s unity and influence. Present were SLPP North America Chairman Desmond Pessima and his wife Hon. Rachel Pessima of Kambia District, Vice Chairman Sally Benjamin, New York Chapter Chairman Jabati Wai, Former SLPPNA Women’s Leader Aminata Mabondo Amara, Hon. Sia Mahawa Tommy of Kono District, SLPP National Organizing Secretary Alhasan Balogun George, SLPP Bo District Chairman and Deputy Minister Buakai Bindi Hindowa, Bo District Council Chairman Koshe Hindowa, along with representatives from the New York, New Jersey, Delaware Valley, and Washington D.C. Metro Chapters.
Their coordinated presence turned the occasion into what felt more like a political summit than an airport greeting.

As the couple appeared, the crowd erupted into chants of “Chairman Batilo! Chairman Batilo!”, a chorus that electrified the atmosphere and left onlookers visibly moved. “It felt like history walked through those gates,” one traveler remarked.

From Newark, a long motorcade escorted the couple to the residence of SLPPNA Chairman Pessima. There, the mood shifted to solemnity as libations were poured in honor of the party’s founding fathers and mothers symbolically linking past sacrifices to present triumphs and future promise.

For all in attendance, the night was more than a welcome. It was a powerful demonstration of SLPP’s resilience, unity, and its enduring role in shaping Sierra Leone’s political destiny.

09/03/2025

Chairman Desmond Pessima Delivers Keynote Address at The Gentlemen Foundation Event in the U.S

The Chairman of SLPPNA, Desmond Pessima, served as the keynote speaker at the recently held Gentlemen Foundation event. In his inspiring address, Chairman Pessima emphasized the importance of unity, collaboration, and patriotism above all else.

He reminded attendees that while political diversity is a natural part of democracy, our foremost duty is to put Sierra Leone first country over party. Chairman Pessima further highlighted the power of social media as a tool to shape perceptions, urging Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad to project a positive outlook that reflects the nation’s resilience, talent, and potential.

His words left the audience with a renewed sense of responsibility to not only champion progress but also to ensure Sierra Leone’s image remains one of hope, pride, and unity across the globe.

Issued by:
Office of the Chairman, SLPP North America Region
Strategic Communications Unit

05/11/2025

Happy Mother’s Day

With deep reflection on the incredible strength and courage of our mothers, whose tremendous sacrifices are a testament to the nurturing of great men and women in society and the building of nations, I celebrate our selfless and dedicated mothers. Our mothers taught us to be good, strong, resilient and tenacious. Today, let us pay tribute to the countless mothers in Sierra Leone and in the diaspora who have shaped us into the fine individuals we are today.

The world would not have been beautiful and conducive without our mothers’ love, guidance, and sacrifices which have played an integral role in our personal growth and the development of our societies. Today is an opportunity to express our gratitude and appreciation for all that our mothers have done and continue to do for us.

Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing mothers out there!

05/09/2025

The Chairman of the SLPPNA Region Desmond Pessima in his combo responsibility as the Presidential Adviser on Youth Affairs, attended and supported the approval process of the Minister of Youth Affairs Ibrahim Sannoh in Sierra Leone House of Parliament.

Issued by:
Office of the Chairman SLPP North America Region Strategic Communications Unit.

05/09/2025

Today Friday the 9th of May 2025, the Presidential Adviser on Youth Affairs who also doubles as the just re-elected Chairman of the SLPP North America Region Chairman Desmond Pessima, joined President Julius Maada Bio and other Ministers of Government, to Officially Launch and Commission the CTC Mining Company’s Multi-purpose Seaport in Maforki Chiefdom, Portloko District. The Presidential Youth Adviser is very fascinated by this Multi-Million Dollars Investment by CTC Mining Company in Portloko, taking into cognizance of creating job opportunities for youth in Sierra Leone. The CTC’s Maforki Port is not only made to facilitate the export of their extracted Minerals, but would also aid harbor accommodation to other ships importing containers for for business purposes. The CTC’s Maforki Port is anticipated to ease transportation of containers from Portloko to other parts of the provinces with lesser cost.

Issued by:
Office of the Chairman, SLPP North America Region Strategic Communications Unit.

05/07/2025

CHAIRMAN DESMOND PESSIMA CONTINUES HIS THANK YOU TOUR WITH FIRST LADY HON. RACHEL MARIATU SESAY PESSIMA ACROSS THE REGION.

In a continued demonstration of his commitment to unity and active engagement within the Sierra Leone People’s Party North America (SLPPNA) Region, Chairman Desmond Pessima, alongside the region’s First Lady, Hon. Rachel Mariatu Sesay Pessima, continue to preach peace and strengthen the cords that binds SLPP members.

Chairman Pessima’s visit was part of his broader thank-you tour, underscoring his dedication to strengthening bonds among members, addressing grievances, and fostering unity. His journey began with a road trip to New York, where he was warmly received by his enthusiastic supporters, famously known as “The Attackers,” who spared no effort in extending a grand reception.

Beyond the celebration, the Chairman utilized this opportunity to rebuild strained relationships, engage with members, and promote the party’s core value of “One People, One Country.” For Chairman Pessima, this mantra is more than a slogan, it is a way of life.

The successful ceremony, marked by camaraderie and a shared vision, concluded with Chairman Pessima and Hon. Rachel Mariatu Sesay Pessima returning safely to their home in Pennsylvania, further solidifying their unwavering commitment to the SLPPNA region.

Issued by:
Office of the Chairman, SLPP North America Region
Strategic Communications Unit

04/22/2025

*HE IS RISEN*

Members of SLPPNA, on the Feast that celebrates our heart of hope and soul of gratitude, I wish you Happy Easter. During the Feast of Easter, we are encouraged to be bold, to be joyful, to get out of darkness, despair and turn tragedy into triumph. Fellow members of the Fifth Region, when we walk with the eyes of Easter, Christ shows up when He is least expected. The message of Easter constantly resonates with our region. He is Risen. Our region has risen. In moments of doubt, in uncertain circumstances that seem to overwhelm us, Christs appears and heals, liberates and unites. Let us pray that the peace of Easter settles in our hearts; that our relationships are restored and shattered dreams given renewed hope. The Easter message assures us as a region that nothing is impossible. Let us live like the region we are; conquerors. May our region be one with a heart that expects, a mind that is courageous and a hope that does not fade. Amen

04/15/2025

04/15/2025

THE LARGEST SLPP CHAPTER IN NORTH AMERICA EXTENDS A GRAND WELCOME TO THE RE-ELECTED REGIONAL CHAIRMAN AS NEW EXECUTIVES ARE SWORN INTO OFFICE.

On Sunday, April 13, 2025, the re-elected Chairman of the SLPP North America Region, Mr. Desmond Pessima, continued his official Thank You Tour with a visit to the Washington DC Metro Chapter. This marked the chapter’s first official meeting following their recent elections.

During his visit, Chairman Pessima expressed his gratitude to members for their continued trust and support and presided over the swearing-in of the newly elected chapter executives as they officially assumed their duties.

In his address, Chairman Pessima called for unity, reconciliation, and collective purpose within the party. He extended an apology to any members who may have felt overlooked, disrespected, or discouraged during the electoral process, emphasizing that the broader vision and success of the SLPP must remain the priority.

He urged the newly elected executives to serve with integrity, putting the interests of their members first while working towards the party’s long-term goal of retaining power in the 2028 elections. Additionally, he called on members to continue supporting President Bio’s Big 5 Agenda and to avoid internal conflicts or premature debates about the next flagbearer. “When the time comes, whoever the party presents will have the full backing of the North America Region,” Chairman Pessima affirmed, highlighting the strength and success unity has brought to the party in past elections.

In response, the Chairman of the SLPP DC Metro Chapter, Mr. Solomon Melvin Palmer, expressed appreciation for Chairman Pessima’s visit and his consistent support of the region’s largest and most influential chapter. He pledged the unwavering loyalty and collaboration of the DC Metro Chapter to the Regional Chairman’s leadership, stating, “When Washington supports, it’s always an achievable agenda.”

The meeting concluded with a celebratory session in honor of members born in March and April, followed by a photo opportunity and informal interactions between party executives and members.

Issued by:
Office of the Chairman, SLPP North America Region
Strategic Communications Unit