Sheka Tarawallie, Deputy Minister of Information and communications, who also is the Co-Government Spokesman, has made progress in Government’s stride to seek a resolution to the case of the 29 adopted Sierra Leonean children who were taken to the USA through the Help A Need Child International (HANCI) organization.
The Minister noted that he has made some progress in establishing initial contacts with those involved. He said he was able to talk to an intermediary who represented the American families that adopted the children. He noted their concern and promised to report to the Attorney General who is eager for the matter to be resolved.
The Minister affirmed his government’s determination to follow and implement the law irrespective of individuals and their status in society. He said due to the investigations conducted HANCI has been suspended to carry out their activities. He expressed Government’s wish to also simultaneously follow the spirit of the law, which is to enhance good relationships and peace among citizens; which is the reason why they are embarking on the humanitarian road, taking into consideration the traumatic circumstances under which the children were adopted and the good intentions of the families in the USA.
The Minister stated that the children are well and doing fine and from his meeting with the intermediary, the families in the USA are willing to let the children establish contacts with their original families in Sierra Leone. He highlighted the mistakes done in the processing of the adoption of the children on the side of officials of HANCI during that period, whilst maintaining that management at the institution has changed presently with new people as leaders. He acknowledged the fact that HANCI has been helping many children across the country and who would suffer if the organization ceases to operate: ”The suspension of HANCI is in place but it is not permanent as we recognize the good work the organization has been doing over the years, apart from the unfortunate aspect of the adoptions”
