My name is Rev. Mary Newman, I was born and raised right here in Congo Town, and my family has deep roots in this community. This place has been home for my entire life.
The land that was leased to the church is very important for our community. It's not just a piece of land; it's where we received our education, where our children and grandchildren attended school, and where our Muslim neighbors gather for Eid prayers and community activities. The thought of losing it fills us with pain, especially when we're in urgent need of a secondary school, something neighboring communities already have.
The presence of the church has limited our community's access to this space. While the church serves as a place of worship, its activities don't always align with the diverse needs of our community. It's crucial to remember that our community comprises both Muslims and Christians.
The role of the Freetown City Council (FCC) in this land lease, is an undue advantage against our community. The decision was made without involving our community in any meaningful dialogue or seeking our consent.
When we trace the history of this land, it was originally acquired for the benefit of our community, specifically for the construction of a school. If someone else wishes to lease it, they should engage with us and get our consent through open and respectful dialogue.
Our community's demographic is currently predominantly composed of young people, followed by women, with fewer elders like myself. Despite this, it would have been appropriate for the FCC to consult with us and consider our voices in this matter.
I want to emphasize the extensive efforts our community has made, including meetings, visits to the FCC, and written appeals, to voice our concerns. Regrettably, our calls have not been attended to, primarily because of the support the FCC receives from the former councilor, who seems to be pursuing personal interests.
This interview and blog were originally published in October 2022.
