2025-Nov. Spotlight: Clifton Fyle

Introducing Clifton Fyle, a retired Banking executive.

I entered the sixth form at the Sierra Leone Grammar School in 1962 at Murray Town. We were the first students at that location. I can remember my days at the Grammar School where I made many friends that have lasted to this day, especially with seven female students in our class at that time. This was the period of the "Kennedy" era.

My previous school was the MBHS, where I obtained my School Leaving certificate.

Later, I graduated with a B.S. business degree in the USA and an MBA in International business in 1978. During my banking career, I obtained an Advanced diploma in Banking from the American Institute of Banking (AIB).

After a year at FBC, I worked at the Bank of Sierra Leone, gaining some banking experience before proceeding to the USA for further studies. Another three-year experience at a local savings bank in New Jersey gave me a push to the commercial and international banking sphere, entering as an Account Executive at the Bank of America in New York. My concentration was within the bank's international arm, dealing with the movement of funds for corporate clients overseas. I was successful in moving through different levels of management.

International banking widened my experience, and at the same time, it fulfilled my clients' needs and my own desire to concentrate on that specific area of banking, retiring in 2007 as a Vice President after thirty-four years. I also enjoyed travelling to different locations to meet with clients.

My special hobbies include singing with specific groups including my Church Choir, traveling, both locally and internationally. I was also a former Rotary Club Advisory Board member within my local Township Council, a past President of the now defunct MBHSAA in New York and President, the MBHSAA (DMV) Washington.

2025-Oct. Spotlight: Robert Reffell

Introducing Robert O. Reffell, CEO/Founder of Fajih's catering, a renowned catering service in the Washington DC Metropolitan region. Originally from Sierra Leone, Mr. Reffell pursued his education at the Sierra Leone Grammar School before immigrating to the United

States in the early 2000s.

With a solid educational background including a Bachelor's of Arts in Marketing and a Master's of Science in Healthcare Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus, Mr. Reffell currently serves as the Executive Director at Atlas Senior Living. In this role, he adeptly manages the daily operations of one of the largest senior living facilities in Northern Virginia.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Mr. Reffell enjoys watching soccer and cherishing moments with his family, showcasing a well-rounded approach to both work and life.

2025-Sept. Spotlight: Duke Allen

Mr. Duke Allen has a solid background in administration, where he has demonstrated exceptional organizational and analytical skills specifically in problem-solving. He is recognized for his excellent customer service and communication skills, along with effective public and interpersonal relations.

His educational background includes attendance at Sierra Leone Grammar School and obtaining a Certificate from the British Society of Commerce. He pursued higher education in accounting and business administration at the University of Potomac in Washington DC, complemented by various courses in MS Office Integration, Accounting Management, and Operations Management.

Duke currently holds the position of Senior Coordinator in Information Operations at the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Additionally, he serves as the Treasurer for both the Sierra Leone Grammar School Alumni Association of North America (SLGSAANA) and The Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church. His professional goal is to continue helping others in various meaningful ways.