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Whilst A Lot Has Been Done By Bio’s Govt… The Real Challenge Remains Economic Growth

By Amin Kef Sesay

For poor countries but resource rich countries like Sierra Leone, economic growth is the most powerful instrument for reducing poverty and improving the quality of life for all.

Only rapid, sustained economic growth has the power to generate virtuous circles of prosperity and opportunity. From what we see in countries like Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania whose GDPs have passed USD1,500 per head, there is overwhelming evidence that rapid and sustained economic growth in the productive sectors is critical to making faster progress towards achieving of the SGDs – especially that having to do with halving the proportion of people living on less than $2 (Le20,000) a day.

The argument for embarking on a strong growth and creation of employment opportunities is compelling in any way we look at it. Strong economic growth advances human development, which, in turn, promotes economic growth.

It first and foremost improves incentives for parents to invest in their children’s education by sending them to school. This leads to the emergence of a strong and growing youth population that can make meaningful contributions to theirs and society’s continued growth and development.

However, most importantly, the extent to which economic growth reduces poverty depends on the degree to which the poor participate in the growth process and share in its proceeds. Thus economists talk of growth that does not benefit people.

What we see in most developing countries is that a few – the ruling classes, the educated, the elites, the business classes – own more than 70 percent of the wealth and assets whilst the majority wallow in abject poverty. As such; the pace and pattern of growth relate very much in reducing poverty.

The challenge for policy makers is to combine growth-promoting policies with policies that allow the poor to participate fully in the opportunities unleashed and so contribute to that growth.

Thus, a successful strategy of poverty reduction must have at its core measures to promote rapid and sustained economic growth through targeted public-private job creation investments; as well as targeted public works programs and projects that target the youthful unemployed.

Environmentally, with so much deforestation and destruction of the natural landscape going on by slash and burn farmers, miners, home builders and loggers, future economic growth will also need to be environmentally sustainable. Improved management of water and other natural resources is required.

With the proper institutions, growth and environmental sustainability may be seen as complements, not substitutes. The Government’s national tree planting initiative that would employ over 7, 000 youths is a good step in that direction. This can be extended to various agricultural activities in the quest for food security.

New technologies offer not only ‘catch-up’ potential but also ‘leapfrogging’ possibilities. New science offers better prospects across both productive and service sectors.

On the social front, Government should with its international development partners continue to spend heavily on health and education, which have a major impact on poor people’s ability to take part in growth opportunities.

Critically, more and better research on the drivers of growth will be needed to improve policy. But ultimately the biggest determinants of growth in a country will be its leadership, policies and institutions. This includes policies to make the labor market work better, removing  gender inequalities and increase financial inclusion for especially our women who depend on business to empower themselves to be able to take care of their children.

DHL Express Awarded as One of the Best Workplaces in the World

By Theresa Kef Sesay

DHL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider, has been recognised as the second best place to work in the world. The company ranked in the top 5 as one of the best workplaces in the world.

In its 2020 employer ranking Great Place to Work and FORTUNE recognised the extensive investments and implementations of various initiatives to create a positive, motivating and appreciative working atmosphere in more than 220 countries and territories.

Every year, Great Place to Work, a global people analytics and consulting firm, assesses the work experience of employees through their certification program.

In 2020, more than 10,000 organisations participated in the survey process, representing the voices of 10.2 million employees in 92 countries.

“The pandemic has tested frontline companies like DHL Express like never before and we’re proud that our employees have risen to the challenge. Despite the pandemic still affecting our lives, and the safety of our employees remaining a top priority, they insist on being part of the solution to support communities and bolster global trade,” John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express said.

“This spirit is the result of our culture of recognition and is a key driver for our outstanding employee satisfaction. I’m very proud of our initiatives that foster the compassion, courage, and commitment of our teams. People are at the heart of our company. That was true for the time before COVID, it is true now, and will be true in the future.”

DHL Express ranked number two on the list of World’s Best Workplaces 2020, improving from its position of fourth best workplace in the world in 2019. DHL Express saw itself on 42 national best workplaces lists, with an additional 17 countries achieving certification status.

Great Place to Work’s CEO, Michael Bush said DHL delivered to millions of customers every day in 2020 during the most difficult circumstances faced by society since World War 2.

“Their people wore masks and drove, walked, flew, hiked, bicycled, and whatever it took to safely deliver what customers needed in every corner of the globe. Millions of lives depended on DHL and their great people kept the earth safely spinning,” he said.

“These logistical first responders are fuelled by a high-trust “for all” culture. These are passion-fuelled people led by purpose-driven leaders who serve their people so they can serve their customers.”

NEC Declares Dates for Paramount Chieftaincy Elections &Re- Run Election in Constituency 110

Chairman and Chief Electoral Commissioner of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), Mohamed Kenewui Konneh

By Amin Kef Sesay

In a Press Release issued by the National Electoral Commission (NEC) on the 20th October 2020 it was stated that in exercise of the powers conferred upon it by Sections 33 and 72 of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, 1991(ActNo.6ofl991); and pursuant to Sections 2, 10, and 28 of the Paramount Chieftaincy Act, 2009 (Act No. 10 of 2009); the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD) in collaboration with the National Electoral Commission (NEC)  publish the dates for the conduct of Paramount Chieftaincy elections in the all affected chiefdoms.

It was stated that NEC has developed Corona Virus 2019 (COVID-19) prevention guideline that has been approved by the National COVID-19 Response Centre (NACOVERC) for the conduct of electoral activities nationwide.

Further stated was that the MLGRD and NEC have jointly revised existing guidelines for the conduct of Paramount Chieftaincy elections in line with provisions of the paramount Chieftaincy Act, 2009 (Act No. 10 of 2009).

It stated that qualifications and disqualifications of Paramount Chieftaincy elections are found in Sections 8 and 9 of the Paramount Chieftaincy Act, 2009 (Act No. 10 o12009).

That dates for the Revision of Councillor’s List, Declaration of rights and polling for the conduct of the remaining Paramount Chieftaincy vacancies will be published in due course.

Bo, Lugbu is on the 28th Nov. 2020, Pujehun, Kpanga 25th Nov. 2020, Barri 3rd Dec.2020, Moyamba, Ribbi 18th Dec. 2020

Kambia, Munu Thalla lst Dec. 2020, Gbinle 25th Nov. 2020, Bramaia 27th Nov. 2020  , Karene, Sanda Magbolontor 6th Nov. 2020, Mafonda Makerembay 9th Nov. 2020, Romende, 3rd Dec. 2020

Koinadugu, Tamiso 28th Nov. 2020, Neini 25th Nov. 2020

Falaba, Neya 27th Nov. 2020.

According to the Release, these dates are subject to the completion of the Revision of Councillor’s List and Declaration of Rights which are under the purview of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD).

In another revelation the National Electoral Commission (NEC) makes the following proclamation: That Saturday,12th December, 2020 has been declared as the day for the conduct of Parliamentary re-run election in Constituency 110 in the Western Area Rural District; bye elections in Constituency 078 and Ward 287 in Bo District, Ward 348 in Moyamba District and Ward 226 in Karene District.

It also stated that the Commission has developed Corona Virus 2019 (COVID-19) prevention guideline that has been approved by the National COVID-19 Response Centre (NACOVERC) for the conduct of electoral activities nationwide.

NEC said  nominations of candidates for the said Parliamentary and Local Council bye election shall take place from 9th – 10th, Nov, 2020 at the respective NEC District Offices in Bo, Moyamba and Kerene Districts. Constituency 110 re-run election will not go through candidate’s nomination exercises.

It was pointed out that the deadline for Political Parties to submit the list of their endorsed candidates for the bye-elections to the National Electoral Commission (NEC) is 5th November, 2020; as per Sections 61 and 62 of the Public Elections Act, 2012 (Act No. 4 of 2012).

That in accordance with Statutory lnstrument No. 13 of 2012, the candidates, nomination fee for the said Parliamentary bye election is TEN MILLION LEONES (Le.10, 000,000.00) and Local Council bye election is ONE MILLION LEONES (1,000,000.00) per candidate, payable to the respective District Returning Officers in Bo, Moyamba and Karene Districts.

It continued that  qualifications and disqualifications for Member of Parliament are found in Sections 75 and 76 of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, 1991 (Act No. 6 of 1991) and qualifications and disqualifications of Councillors are found in Section 6 of the aforementioned Local Government Act, 2OO4; and any other relevant legislation.

NEC stated that other details for the Nomination of candidates, conduct of the parliamentary re- run election and other Parliamentary and Local Council bye elections shall be published by the National Electoral Commission in due course.

 

Stats-SL to Commence Population & Housing Census in April 2021

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of its mandate to coordinate, collect, compile, analyse and disseminate high quality and objective official data that will be used to assist informed decision making in the country, Statistics Sierra Leone with support from Government and partners has revealed that the Mid-Term Population and Housing Census slated to be held on the 4th December, 2020 has been rescheduled to be held on the 19th April, 2021. This disclosure was made during a press conference held on Tuesday 20th October, 2020 at Statistics Sierra Leone Head Office at Tower Hill in Freetown.

Speaking during the briefing, Statistician General & CEO Chief Census Officer, Prof Osman A. Sankoh, said that on 21st July 2020, His Excellency the President Rtd. Brigadier Dr. Julius Maada Bio proclaimed the Mid-Term Population and Housing Census to be conducted by Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats St) with the enumeration to commence on December 4, 2020.

The Statistician General furthered by revealing how Stats SL has been making progress on many fronts in the preparations towards the proclaimed date but, however, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the planned support from external institutions, the following areas of their preparations have been affected: the Movement of high level technical personnel (international consultants) and the procurement of digital materials required for the census.

He on behalf of Stats SL informed that due to the above unavoidable circumstances, Stats SL is constrained to make adjustments to the timelines for critical activities, including the date of commencement of actual enumeration.

Prof Osman A. Sankoh revealed that the Mid-Term Population and Housing Census slated to be held on the 4th December, 2020 has been rescheduled for 19th April, 2021, adding that the President has consented to launch the Mid-Term Population and Housing Census formally on the 4th December, 2020.

The Statistician General assured all that Stats SL remains committed to making the Mid-Term and Housing Census a very inclusive and transparent process so that it can produce credible data and that Stats SL will be updating the public on all developments as they continue to serve the interest of the people of Sierra Leone.

On his part, Deputy Statistician General Stats-SL, Andrew Bob Johnny, commenting on World Statistics Day celebration 2020 for which Sierra Leone yesterday 20th October, 2020 joined the world with the Theme “Connecting the world with Data We Can Trust” said the World Statistics Day coincided with three Global events namely: – The 75th Anniversary of the United Nations, the mid- point in the 2020 World Population & Housing Round of Censuses & the Virtual UN World Data Forum 2020.

Andrew Bob Johnny disclosed that the celebration is a global collaborative endeavor, organized under the guidance of the United Nations Statistical Commission for which he wished to inform all that Stats SL Statistician General and CEO is the current Rapporteur.

He said National Statistics Offices like ours in Sierra Leone will celebrated the day with a theme that emphasizes the importance of Trust Authoritative data Innovation and the public good in national statistical systems.

The  Deputy Statistician General Stats-SL stated that  their Agenda at Stats SL will focus on the theme highlighting the role of Statisticians, Data scientists, Politicians; Experts from the Business sector and Civil Society- in the production of official statistics in achieving the SDGs and in responding to the Global Pandemic.

He said to mark the occasion, they at Stats SL will coordinate activities at National Level and show case how their work has responded to the Data revolution and the demand for innovative solutions to meet the data demands of sustainable development.

Chairman, Stats Council, Moses Williams said that Stats SL was established in 1964 as an institution that was mandated to coordinate, collect, compile, analyse and disseminate high quality and objective official statistics in order to help the country plan properly, ensure equitable distribution of resources and foster economic and social development.

He added that since then they have been working tirelessly in achieving their mandate as an institution, adding that as a Council their mandate is to assist the institution on its operations which he said, they have been doing.

Moses Williams maintained that the role of the media is very key in the popularization of the need for the Mid-Term Population and Housing Census scheduled to be held on the 19th April, 2021.

New Apostolic Church South Germany Donates to the poor and Needy

By Theresa Kef Sesay

As it is normally said the strong must help the weak meaning that individuals or organizations which are better placed in society must care for the less privileged. It was against this backdrop that the Jorg Wolf Foundation (JWF) through the New Apostolic Church Mission Aid (NACMA) has concluded a nationwide distribution of food items, non-food items and hygiene products to the aged, sick, disabled, disadvantaged people, orphans and street children to the tune of € 10,000 equivalent.

Jorg Wolf is one of the Church Retired District Elders that is giving back to poor people from the profit he is making out of his business in Stuttgart, Germany

This move was  to help alleviate the suffering amongst poor people who can’t afford to fed or fend for themselves during this COVID 19 Pandemic and to also complement  the efforts of the Government to fight against hunger and poverty in remote and hard-to reach- areas in the country.

The donation, which is a yearly project of the JWF, covered hard- to- reach communities in the Western Rural District headed by Apostle Braima Saffa, Bombali District headed by Apostle Sanpha, Kenema and Bo Districts also headed by Apostle Albert Garber and Kailahun District by Apostle Thaimu respectively.

In the Western Area Rural District at the Forest Compound, No 2 Village   where the donation started, there was a chilling moment of joy when  a 64- year old disable   woman, Yeabu  Turay, fell on the  ground showering praises on the Church for thinking about them during this crisis time when her daily survival depends on street begging.

“I am happy to be one of the beneficiaries,” she exclaimed further explaining that begging, which is her main source of livelihood, is not paying much for her due to the COVID-19 crisis.

With tears filled in her eyes, she said, this was one of the biggest donations I she has   ever received with items that she can cook and also take care of her personal hygiene.

In the Bombali District, at the Binkolo Disable and the Makeni Amputee Camps similar presentations were made to disable persons who were extremely happy to receive such huge donations of food and non -food items which, according to them, will help them with their daily living.

In Kono District, at the Gbendema Disable Camp beneficiaries hailed that the donation came at the right time when they have run out of food stuffs.

In Kailahun District, at the Segbwema Disable Community, the donating team was graciously welcomed for reaching   out to them in the far Eastern part of the country. The beneficiaries danced and sang cultural songs as a sign of appreciation to JW Foundation.

In Kenema District,  at the Kenema School for the Blind, Deaf and Dumb  and also  in Bo District at the Albert Kakua  School for the Deaf similar items of food and non -food items were presented.

In Masiaka town it was not only a donation but also a handing over of a hand- pump dug well costing €3,000 that were presented to the community to ease the stress of residents to walk miles to fetch clean water.

During the official handing over ceremony, the Town Chief, Pa Mansaray, appreciated the JW Foundation for the water well stating that with the construction of the hand –pump dug well such will relieve their children from waking up early in the morning hours to fetch water from streams and rivers.

During the presentation ceremonies nationwide, representatives of  the New Apostle Church,  Joseph Ngegbai and Abubakarr Mansaray noted that the Church is not only limited to preaching the gospel but also helping poor people as Jesus Christ was also feeding the poor and needy.

They said that similar donations were also done in Liberia, Guinea and Ivory Coast.

The donations and handing over ceremonies were witnessed by Apostles and Bishops of the Church and also the Regional Supervisor for Liberia, Guinea and Ivory Coast, Samuel A. Cole.

WFP Calls for Global Action to Improve & Distribute Food Supply

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has on the 16th October, 2020 called for global action to improve the systems that produce and distribute the food we eat, so that people can better withstand shocks including the COVID-19 pandemic and avoid alarming surges in the level of hunger around the globe.

It furthered that in many countries, the socio-economic effects of the pandemic – particularly loss of earnings and remittances   – are heightening existing threats linked to conflict and climate change.

The number of acutely hungry people in the world, it continued, could increase by more than 100 million this year, according to WFP estimate and for particularly fragile countries a slide towards famine is a real risk.

WFP said the need for concerted action to improve agricultural production while enhancing global supply chains and ending food waste is captured in this year’s World Food Day theme: “Grow, Nourish, Sustain Together”.

The organization pointed out that the three Rome-based agencies – WFP, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN (FAO) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) – are calling for sustainable investment in food systems to achieve healthy diets for all.

It sys without massive improvements in the food supply chain many fragile nations are set to become increasingly vulnerable to financial volatility and climate shocks.

“The world produces enough food for everyone so it’s a problem not of scarcity but of access to nutritious and affordable food,” said WFP Executive Director David Beasley. “Smallholder farmers in developing nations need support so they can grow crops in a more sustainable way, then store and transport their produce to markets, and ultimately improve their own livelihoods. When food makes its way from the farm right along the supply chain and onto people’s plates in a way that’s effective and fair, then everyone benefits.”

It was maintained that as the largest humanitarian organization in the world fighting hunger, WFP has unparalleled experience in buying and distributing food.

Every year, according to WFP, the organization increases the amount of food it procures locally from smallholder farmers, providing training in post-harvest storage and in how to access markets.

It stated that the aim is to build dynamic food systems which contribute to community-based agricultural growth and the strengthening of national economies.

WFP added that no one Government or organisation can achieve these goals alone as more than ever there is a need for global solidarity to help all people and especially the most vulnerable to confront the crises facing the planet – multiple conflicts, climate change and COVID-19.

In October, primary schools in Sierra Leone reopened after six months of school closure due to the COVID19 prevention measures. WFP stated how it has resumed its support to the national school feeding programme targeting 330,000 children in 11 districts.

To mark the World Food Day in Sierra Leone, WFP visited one of the schools in Kambia district to witness children eating school meal. WFP will also celebrate its #FoodHeroes, the smallholder farmers from whom food for school meals is sourced through the Home-Grown School Feeding (HGSF) approach.

“I am pleased to see children back to school and enjoying school meals,” said Officer-in-Charge and Deputy Country Director, Yasuhiro Tsumura. “School feeding provides effective safety net particularly for poor and vulnerable households affected by the worst food insecurity in the decade in Sierra Leone; it also fosters a sense of normalcy to children and their family after the long months of restrictive measures including school closure.”

Since March 2020, WFP has been supporting Sierra Leone’s national COVID19 response through food assistance to quarantined people and the most food insecure people affected by COVID19.-, and also supporting transportation of medical items and infrastructures for COVID19 containment facilities.

Similarly, WFP is working with smallholder farmers to double their productivity and incomes through mechanization and irrigation schemes, as well as supporting sustainable food production and resilient agricultural practices by promoting food diversification.

Furthermore, WFP recognizes that stopping food waste is vital to improving food systems That’s WFP’s #StopTheWaste 2020 campaign highlights simple steps which everyone can take to prevent the huge amounts of food which are wasted each day.

Political Tension Compromises Greatly Salone’s Ability to Fully Qualify for MCC Compact

Chief Executive Officer of the American Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), Sean Cairncross

By Amin Kef Sesay

The Chief Executive Officer of the American Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), Sean Cairncross visited Sierra Leone past on Friday 16th October, 2020 to discuss progress made on the threshold program which seeks to improve the financial viability of water and electricity sectors in the country.

Entering the MCC Compact program during the last Government which qualified the country to benefit from a four years water viability grant of USD44.4 million, if Sierra Leone can pass the remaining ten MCC Compact scorecard indicators, the country direly in need of funding for development, would get a very hefty development assistance package from the USA worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

This depends on the Selection Criteria and Methodology Report which determines the Eligibility of Candidate Countries for Millennium Challenge Account Assistance. The MCC Board looks at three legislatively-mandated factors in its evaluation of any candidate country for compact eligibility:

(1) Policy performance;

(2) The opportunity to reduce poverty and generate economic growth; and

(3) The availability of MCC funds

The 20 indicators for eligibility fall under the categories of:

  • Encouraging economic freedom
  • Investing in people, and
  • Ruling justly

To pass the indicators on the scorecard, the country must perform above the median among its income group ,except in the cases of inflation, political rights, civil liberties, and immunization rates (for LMICs only), where threshold scores have been established. In particular, the Board considers whether the country:

  • Passed at least 10 of the 20 indicators, with at least one in each category
  • Passed either the “Political Rights” or “Civil Liberties” indicator, and
  • Passed the “Control of Corruption” indicator

While satisfaction of all three aspects means a country is termed to have “passed” the scorecard, the Board also considers whether the country performed “substantially worse” in any one policy category than it does on the scorecard overall.

Appendix C describes all 20 indicators, their definitions, what is required to “pass,” their source, and their relationship to the legislative criteria.

The mandatory passing of either the “Political Rights” or “Civil Liberties” indicators is called the “Democratic Rights” “hard hurdle” on the scorecard, while the mandatory passing of the “Control of Corruption” indicator is called the “Control of Corruption” “hard hurdle.” Not passing either “hard hurdle” results in not passing the scorecard overall, regardless of whether at least 10 of the 20 other indicators are passed.

Democratic Rights “hard hurdle:” This hurdle sets a minimum bar for democratic rights below which the Board will not consider a country for eligibility.

Requiring that a country pass either the Political Rights or Civil Liberties indicator creates a democratic incentive for countries, recognizes the importance democracy plays in driving poverty-reducing economic growth, and holds MCC accountable to working with the best governed, poorest countries.

When a candidate country is only passing one of the two indicators comprising the hurdle (instead of both), the Board will also look closely at why it is not passing the other indicator to understand what the score implies for the broader democratic environment and trajectory of the country.

With political tension in the country high since the 2018 presidential and parliamentary elections, and rampant reports by the main opposition political party of harassment, intimidation, bullying and injustice against them by the ruling party and the judiciary, this places a big question mark on Sierra Leone’s ability to meet the critical political and democratic rights criteria.

ACC Reaffirms Stance to Investigate Persons of Interest

By Amin Kef Sesay

Director of Public Education and Outreach, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Patrick Sandy on Thursday 15th October 2020 stated that the Commission would investigate former President Ernest Bai Koroma and all persons of interest named in the Commissions of Inquiry and would not compromise revealing that if Sierra Leone passes the Transparency International scorecard it stands to win $400 million from the American Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) to undertake development programs.

The Deputy Director revealed that Cluster 4 of the National Development Plan underscores that corruption and illegal financial flows are threats to the country that must be eliminated observing that there is increased corruption and illegal financial flows in the country for which the ACC has aligned its programs to address them intimating that the Commission on 8th April 2019 signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Financial Intelligence Unit and other institutions to help combat corruption.

He made the statement at the weekly Press Conference organized by the Ministry of Information and Communications at its 8th floor conference room, Youyi Building in Freetown.

He  also highlighted that the ACC has made massive improvements in various ratings like Transparency International in the fight against corruption disclosing that the Commission jumped 10 places upwards from 129-119, above the average for Sub-Saharan Africa of 33 and disclosed that the American Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) control of corruption scorecard and other corruption perception surveys conducted by the British Department for International Development (DFID), Center for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL) and the Institute of Governance Reform stating that corruption has reduced from 70-30 % .

He also affirmed that ACC has prioritized its Assets Declaration regime and increased penalties and a special court with 5 dedicated judges, recovered Le22 billion from corrupt officials, 2 vehicles, a two-storey building in Koidu City, Kono District and is planning on its next step to interview Ex-President Ernest Bai Koroma and other persons of interest named in the Commissions of Inquiry.

A question and answer session climaxed the Press Conference.

‘Education is Better than FGM’… Says Chief Sowei

By Alfred Rogers

 Jeneba Alfred, Chief of Soweis at Sahn Village in Niawalenga Chiefdom, Bo District has encouraged school going children in the Chiefdom not to go through Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) but to focus on their education in order to meaningfully contribute to the development of the nation.

She made that statement at the celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child by the Women Against Violence and Exploitation in Society (WAVES) Sierra Leone with support from Action Medeor.

The celebration, which attracted children from different schools including stakeholders in Niawalenga Chiefdom, took place at the Seventh Day Adventist Primary School at Nengbema Village on Friday, 16th October 2020.

The Chief of Soweis said, “I want the children to know that Education is better than FGM. Education takes you to oversee countries but cultural practices like FGM will not take you there. Our chiefdom is underdeveloped and it is through the education of our children that this chiefdom can be developed.’’

Momoh Lukullay, the Program Manager of WAVES, said that Action Medeor is a German based medical organization that has supported a project titled ‘Ending Female Genital Mutilation of Adolescent Girls in Bo District Through Capacity Building, Community Dialogue and Girl’s Empowerment”. He furthered that WAVES-SL was supported to celebrate this year’s International Day of the Girl Child with the International theme: “My voice, Our equal future”.

‘’WAVES-SL is promoting rights to access to health, thus the reason it was supported by Action Medeor to Campaign to end FGM which has disastrous health consequences,” Mr. Lukulay said.

The Project Officer of WAVES-SL, Laura Miatta Lahai said, “Girls face several challenges that militate  against their potentials to advance themselves and are hence subjected to so many rights abuses and violations including Sexual Penetration ,Early Marriage, Sexually Harassment, Discrimination and Exclusion from decision making.” She added, “as a human rights based organization WAVES has a mandate to ensuring a safe and enabling environment for women and girls, especially in the face of human rights abuses and violations they face.”

Madam Lahai went on to state that, “every year October 11, the International Day of the Girl Child is celebrated. Human rights based organizations including WAVES work with the girls to raise their voices and stand for their rights, pointing out that ‘’their engagement with the girls focuses on amplifying the voice of the girl child which she described as a tool for shaping their future.’’

She said their interventions in the community came to a halt because of the outbreak of COVID-19, but their intervention has been impressive with huge positive impacts communities by training mentors to work with children to become productive citizens of the chiefdom and that plans are underway to teach the children on advocacy.

The representative from the Head of Schools in Niawalenga, Moses M. Blackie said that the school authorities have committed themselves to giving their unflinching cooperation and support towards the implementation of the project, adding that the impact of WAVES intervention will help the chiefdom to have educated women as the chiefdom lacks educated women.

A representative from the religious leaders at Niawalenga Chiefdom, Pastor Samuel Yorkie said they will preach against FGM during their religious gatherings and encouraged the children to treat their academic work with the seriousness it deserves.

Earlier, the Town Chief of Nengbema Village, Henry Lansana commended WAVES-SL for extending the celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child in his community and pledged their commitment of giving support to WAVES for a successful implementation of the project.

The Head of WAVES-SL Community Based Action Team or COMBAT Women at the aforementioned community Madam Agness Yorkie, who delivered the keynote address, said that their Chiefdom has been behind for far too long but with the intervention of WAVES  tremendous change has been brought in their chiefdom especially in the area of Gender equality, reduction in Sexual and Gender Base Violence among others.

She said the COMBAT women is a group that stands for the promotion and protection of the rights of the women and girls, adding that they are working with the mentors trained by WAVES to ensure that they put an end to sexual harassment, teenage pregnancy stating how they will always tell the children to report any act of sexual abuse and violation of their rights in their communities.

Martha Robin, a pupil of Seventh Day Adventist Primary School, while moving the vote of thanks said that early marriage contributes to school drop out rates and FGM leads to death, assuring that they will not be involved in such traditional harmful practices and therefore thanked WAVES-SL for celebrating the International Day of the Girl child in order to raise their voices on issues that are not good for them.

NASSIT’s Reassessment Necessitates Payment of Pension Arrears to Beneficiary

By Theresa Kef Sesay

Momoh Conteh, a retired Police Officer was on the 15th October, 2020 paid the sum of Five Million Five Hundred and Ninety Thousand Leones (Le5, 590,000) as pension arrears for a period of Thirty-One (31) months in his home village of Madiff in the Safroko Limba Chiefdom, Bombali District Chiefdom, Bombali District.

It could be recalled that in 2017, Government requested the verification of all Government Pensioners administered by the Scheme, with instructions to stop the payment of pension to any pensioner that failed to verify. Momoh Conteh was one of those pensioners that did not verify and as a result, had his pension stopped in February 2018.

On Tuesday 13th October, 2020, Madam Mbalu Sesay, a family member of Pa Momoh Conteh came in contact with him, and brought the information to the attention of the Director General of NASSIT. Being a man who is profoundly passionate about the welfare of pensioners, the Director General, Mohamed Fuaad Daboh, immediately instructed for the reassessment of Pa Conteh’s pension status and to immediately effect payment.

Administering the payment to the retired Police officer, the Regional Manager, North, Albert Samba Kanu, told the community in Madiff village that NASSIT is committed to the payment of pensions to its esteemed customers and could go to any part of the country to keep to that promise.

He informed the pensioner that in January 2019, President Julius Maada Bio, in his bid to alleviate the deplorable conditions of Government pensioners, increased the pension amount to a minimum of Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Leones (Le250,000).

Pa Momoh Conteh, who used to receive a meagre sum of Thirty-Three Thousand Leones (Le33,000.00), benefited from that increment. He assured Pa Conteh that every month commencing this October, NASSIT would send a pension team to Madiff Village to pay him.

Receiving his pension, Pa Momoh Conteh, who was overwhelmed with joy, said he never expected that the day would come in the remaining years of his life when he would receive such money. He expressed appreciation to His Excellency the President for the increment and the Director General of NASSIT and team for the stewardship.

The Village Chief, Pa Kabie Mansaray expressed profound appreciation to the Trust for paying Pa Momoh Conteh who diligently served the nation. The money, he said, would go a long way to improving Pa Momoh Conteh’s living condition. He prayed that the Trust will continue to do more for pensioners.

“I am overwhelmed with happiness; I was not sure Pa Momoh will ever receive his pension. Thank you NASSIT,” he concluded.

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