Today I want to speak plainly about an issue that continues to slow us down as a nation: poor time management.
As a creative writing coach and someone who cares about national development, I feel responsible to point this out. I will keep it brief because you already know where I stand.
My concern is simple. We do not respect stated time or schedules in Sierra Leone.
A programme is advertised to start at 11am with so much publicity. But when 11am comes, nothing is happening. The hall is empty. People are still waiting. Eventually it starts at 1pm or later.
Yesterday was a clear example. I had the Logos Academy programme on my mind. I prepared my notes and arrived by 12pm. But there was no sign of any event. When I asked, I was told it would start at 1pm.
What hurts me more is the effect on young people. The mentees I invited came early and prepared. But because there were no proper arrangements, they had to leave to attend to other things.
Think about the young people who spent money on transportation from far places like Waterloo and Bo Road. They came with respect and expectation, only to sit and wait with discouragement.
And on this same 31st July, there was another event where I was also scheduled to speak. I called to confirm my participation as promised by the CEO. Again, I was told the event had not started.
I have never attended an official event in Sierra Leone that started at the exact time stated. Never.
I have served as keynote speaker in The Gambia, Banjul, Ghana, Accra, and other countries. The difference is clear. There, time is respected. Here, 10am means anytime. No wonder our progress is slow.
What hurts me more is the effect on young people. The mentees I invited came early and prepared. But because there were no proper arrangements, they had to leave to attend to other things. Time is money. Time is valuable.
In succinct diction, I commend Madam Marie Sankoh, a finalist in the Economics Department at Fourah Bay College, FBC. She has always supported my work and was present today. But even she could not wait indefinitely.
We keep talking about growth and development. But growth is built on discipline, and discipline starts with time. Until we treat time as important, we will keep going in circles. I call on us to embrace the Earnest Bai Koroma principle: Attitudinal Change. Let us learn that punctuality is respect. A schedule is a commitment. When we waste people’s time, we waste their lives.
Sierra Leone can do better. And it starts with us showing up on time.
Bishop Sahr Isaac Peterson is a Students Advocate, Creative Writing Coach an a “100 Most Influential Youth Leaders” Award Nominee, West Africa, Sierra Leone
