By Mustapha Momoh
The Sierra Leone Diamond and Gold Brokers Association (SLDGBA) has elected Mr. Sheku Jabbie as its new chairman following elections held on Saturday, September 21st, 2024.
The election saw Mr. Jabbie run unopposed for the top position, prompting the association’s electoral body to introduce an additional ballot option to represent the organization for members who did not wish to support his candidacy.
In the final tally, Mr. Jabbie received 32 valid votes, while the organization's box garnered 2 votes, with 6 votes declared void, bringing the total number of voters to 40. The outgoing Chairman, Mr. Bashiru Kabba, expressed commitment to upholding democratic principles by calling for elections and emphasizing the importance of unity within the association.
“I believe in democracy, which is why I called for these elections. I assure the Chairman-elect of my unflinching support, as we work towards the progress of this association,” Kabba stated.
He called on all members to pledge full support to the new leadership for the betterment of the organization. In his address, Mr. Sheku Jabbie appointed Mr. David Chris Nze (Hassan) as his Vice Chairman and pledged to work closely with the membership to tackle key issues within the sector.
“We will collaborate with the government and relevant agencies in the mineral sector, and we are committed to establishing systems to root out fraudsters posing in the diamond and gold industry,” Mr. Jabbie said. Vice Chairman Mr. David Chris Nze (Hassan), in his vote of thanks, expressed gratitude to those who supported the new leadership. He pledged his full support to ensure a successful tenure and revealed plans to form partnerships both locally and internationally.
“Our goal is to connect with global bodies in the industry and enhance the standing of the association,”
Mr. Nze added. Mr. Nze brings over two decades of experience to his role, not only as a leading figure in the industry but also as an educator. He is the founder of the 1st Diamond Institute in Sierra Leone and West Africa. He serves as the Principal and Chief Executive Officer of the Diamond Centre College in Sierra Leone, one of the few institutions in the subregion specializing in rough diamond evaluation. The college has significantly contributed to the country's human capital development, producing 31 graduates, including both Sierra Leonean and international students.
The new leadership vows to strengthen the association's role in promoting ethical practices and enhancing Sierra Leone's presence in the global diamond and gold industry.
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