AFRICA’S QUEEN DIAMBI – HONOURS PIONEER FERRY OPERATOR

South West of England environmentalist, novelist, and Pioneer Ferry Operator Chris Marrow – is receiving the highest honorific decoration from the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Queen Diambi Kabatusuila on Monday in Exeter.

Her Royal Highness Queen Diambi of the Bakwa Lunta people of Kasai in the (DRC) is on a day visit to Exeter University to meet regional business leaders and academics to discuss environmental issues and pollution in the world’s oceans, and hold the first-ever investiture in the UK of the Order of the Leopard honouring Somerset businessman Mr Marrow.

Chris Marrow is the first European to be awarded the Knight of the Order of the Leopard of the Bakwa Luntu of Kasai, in special recognition for his service to Africa and the African people.

Mr Marrow, who has written a fast-paced novel based on his experiences in the Mozambique civil war entitled ‘The Hoe and the Gun’ which has been praised by Queen Diambi and American novelist and travel writer Paul Theroux.  

“It is an amazing honour to be awarded this title and took me by complete surprise,” said Mr Marrow.

“Queen Diambi will undertake my investiture on Monday at Exeter University.”

“I have been working with Her Majesty, who is a traditional leader and works tirelessly for her people, travelling globally from a base in the United States.”

“The Democratic Republic of Congo has suffered enormously from colonial interference and Queen Diambi wants to represent her country and people with a different kind of voice.”

“Her Majesty is the Queen of the Bakwa Luntu, who are part of the Luba People of Kasai, and one of the largest ethnic groups in Africa.”

“She is also Queen to the Bantu people of Brazil, who are descended from slaves transported from Africa.” 

“It is a great honour for the region that Her Majesty is visiting and showing support for the multinational team here that is working with local businesses, colleges and universities,” he said.

“I have worked in Africa for many years and through the South West Business Council, we are holding a conference to talk about clearing away the obscene amount of plastic from the River Congo and the world’s oceans,” he said.

“We are also working to stop invasive species from entering rivers from visiting ships – and establishing electric ferries as a means of transport up and down the River Congo.”  

Queen Diambi will undertake the investiture of Mr Marrow after a highly prestigious meeting hosted by Exeter University and organised by the South West Business Council.

Tim Jones, chairman of the South West Business Council, commented: “We are greatly honoured to host a visit from Queen Diambi.”

The investiture of Chris Marrow will take place at the Upper Lounge, Reed Hall at 1 pm, on Monday 25th October 2021. 

Media Contact: Kevin Kelway, Dorcas Media, Tel 07453 745458  kevin@dorcasmedia.com  www.dorcasmedia.com