William E. Ward, a 4-Star General in the United States of America Army and Commander of the United States Africa Command, has presented a Certificate of Appreciation to the management of the prestigious Country Lodge Complex situated at Hill Station in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
The certificate reads: "Certificate of Appreciation presented to Country Lodge Hotel Sierra Leone for the superb hospitality you provided to the United States Africa Command staff during our stay. Your efforts were responsible for our thoroughly enjoyable stay as you have truly created a superb living environment with a pleasant atmosphere. Your efforts will help ensure a lasting friendship between the United States Africa Command and Sierra Leone".
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| The Certificate of Appreciation |
The certificate was signed by no less a person than 4-Star General William E. Ward himself, who also personally presented it to the management of Country Lodge Complex.
A piece of paradise
The certificate, coming from such a high-profiled Black American General whose reputation in the United States Army has earned him laurels and admiration worldwide, has been referred to by many as a pointer to the fact that Country Lodge Complex is truly the best hotel in the country.
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| 4-Star General William E. Ward poses with Country Lodge’s John Shallop |
Owned by Jamel Shallop, one of Sierra Leone’s most successful indigenous businessmen, Country Lodge Complex, which is certified by the National Tourist Board as a ‘First Class’ hotel, operates in an international standard with a total of 50 ‘hard-to-find’ bedrooms. The hotel opened to the public in 2005, and has since become a household name. John Shallop, the General Manager of Country Lodge refers to there as "a piece of paradise". Indeed, the certificate of appreciation from an American 4-Star General, lends credence to this fact.
What the guests say
It is frequented by scores of guests from across the world, and all those who have lodged there have only one thing to say – "the place is incredible".
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| A partial view of Country Lodge Complex |
British born Tony Steward, who has thrice lodged at Country Lodge, said "One can hardly believe that such a magnificent place that matches international standards exists in a war tone country like Sierra Leone". He calls it a substantial investment that was driven by the spirit of patriotism.
Country Lodge Complex operates on a 24-hour electricity with free WIFI internet service and 24-hour solar-powered hot water. The kitchen is run by professional staff with specialty in continental, Chinese and Lebanese cuisine. The Executive Chef is a South African who has worked in 5-Star hotels in Johannesburg, Nigeria and several European countries.
Unique facilities
The hotel which is located in a quiet and secured environment overlooking a wide stretch of attractive sites such as the Lumley and Goderich general area and the Atlantic Sea, has a variety of leisure facilities. Among these facilities are two swimming pools, a well equipped gym and a tennis court. Another unique facility available is boot camp. In terms of entertainment, Country Lodge Complex has a well managed bar with a chunk of assorted drinks - imported and locally produced. In a bid to thoroughly entertain guests, the management of Country Lodge is currently working on modalities to introduce what will soon be known as the ‘Sierra Swing Dance’. Among the facilitators of this novelty is a British national. Country Lodge also provides outside catering services. Among the high-profiled personalities Country Lodge has catered for is Tony Blair, the former Prime Minister of Great Britain. Country Lodge also has superb conference facilities and has hosted a number of high profile charitable events such as the breast cancer campaign. The location of the hotel makes possible a good view of the sea and sunset during the relaxing evening hours.
Staff welfare and performance
"The Management of Country Lodge owes the success of this place to our excellent and dedicated staff", says General Manager Mr. John Shallop.
Country Lodge has a total of 160 employees, 99.9% of them being Sierra Leoneans from a range of working ages and experience. Apart from the fact that they are treated humanely by management, the staff also get their salaries paid in time in addition to other allowances like transportation, medical and so on. They also get fed on a daily basis, once on duty. The smooth relationship that exits between management and staff has encouraged the setting up of a labour union to address issues of dispute when they do arise. "The performance of our staff is superb because we create the atmosphere for them to give their best", Mr. John Shallop proudly said.
Quality of Guests
Because of the strategic location of Country Lodge, it has, and continues to attract scores of distinguished personalities and guests from around the world. Notable among them is Salma Hayeck, a famous actress, Gibril Wilson, a famous American footballer, Desmond Eliot, a famous Nigerian movie star, Genevieve Nnaji, a famous Nigerian actress, Lead Counsel for Charles Taylor, Courtenay Griffiths, the world’s best basketball player and a number of Hollywood stars including Brake and Lace. Country Lodge was the home of the former German Ambassador to Sierra Leone for a whole calendar year. Former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, is among the eminent personalities that have visited the gym at Country Lodge. Plans are currently underway to embark on a massive extension and by the time that ends, Country Lodge will transform into a giant edifice with a total of 100 bedrooms – all meeting international standards. For more information, the public is encouraged to visit www.countrylodgesl.com.
Corporate commitment
Country Lodge has demonstrated commitment to making its presence felt in the Hill Station community and Sierra Leone as a whole by undertaking an unprecedented road maintenance costing millions of Leones. Until Country Lodge offered to do the road leading to its current location, the road which hosts scores of important personalities and official government residences was almost impassable.
Belated Eid-ul-Fitri greetings
The Management and Staff of Country Lodge, wish the government and people of Sierra Leone, especially the Muslim community, guests and corporate entities operating in Sierra Leone, belated Eid-ul-Fitri greetings.
Corrigendum
Investigations have shown clearly that because of the tremendous achievements of the unassuming owner of Country Lodge Sierra Leone, envious people are bent on casting a shadow over his hard earned reputation. One such ploy had to do with a false report that Mr. Jamel Shallop was involved in a shady contract deal at the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Food Security. Investigations have proved that Mr. Jamel had absolutely no hand in the awarding of the contract and that the company, DAVIDA Enterprises, which was granted the said contract, is neither owned by Mr. Shallop, nor has he a stake in it. Mr. Jamel Shallop was simply a victim of an envious ploy aimed at bringing him down. His resilience to move on undistracted is however the reason for his being unbeatable.
© Copyright by Awareness Times
Newspaper in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
