Othello works with African village

Learning from city to develop

OTHELLO - A representative from the village of Wulensi in Ghana, Africa, signed a treaty with the City of Othello to create a sister city relationship between the two entities.

Through the agreement, the village of Wulensi will learn about irrigation, economics and development from the City of Othello and form a friendship, Mayor Shannon McKay said.

Wulensi representative and Chief Executive Officer of Liberty International Centre (LIFE) Dr. Kwesi Osei-Bonsu recalled a song entitled "It Started with a Kiss" as he spoke to Othello representatives.

"I am delighted to say that the relationship between the people of Wuensli and Othello hasn't started with a kiss, but rather a stronger determination and willingness to foster understanding and cooperations between these two communities on opposite sides of the globe," he said.

Osei-Bonsu said communication, news and information are important to the village.

"As globalization sweeps across the world, the people of Wulensi are very determined that they will join other communities in other parts of the world to build international relationships, mutual trust and contribute their quota to the world community," he said.

Osei-Bonsu said he is interested in learning how Othello went from being a desert land to being a thriving city. He said his village is similar to the beginnings of Othello. The village area is flat terrain and lacks a significant water source. Learning about irrigation and farming will be a prime focus of the partnership.

"We only become a human being through other humans, through your relations to other humans," he said. "We are all one human race. Therefore we need to live and work together, build bridges of dialogue and communication amongst national and international communities, focused on promoting peace."

During the sister city treaty signing ceremony, Osei-Bonsu presented the city council with gifts including a few special items for McKay.

He presented the mayor with a wooden throne, a traditional robe and several other items symbolic of the unity.