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Bollore Unveils Two Tractors Costing Over Le1Billion

By Amin Kef Sesay

The Bollore Freetown Terminal has on Wednesday, 26 August, 2020 unveiled two state of the art terminal tractors (Terbergs) costing a little over one billion Leones in a bid to aid ongoing activities at the Terminal.

Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the company, Gassimu S. Fofana, intimated this medium that the unveiling of the two terminal tractors is based on the company’s commitment to make the Freetown Port more competitive and among other things meet all required international standards.

The PRO added that the two tractors would be an addition to the 6.3 billion Leones equipment that was unveiled by the company in June last year for the same purpose.

“Before we took over, ships used to spend weeks at the Port but with the new equipment and completion of the new berth, productivity and turnaround time has been reduced drastically where we see ships most of the time taking 48hrs to load and offload,” he further informed.

He explained further that the new equipments were cleared and all charges paid for to the country’s revenue collectors. “The company is not only a respecter of all it agreements with the Government but also remains committed to making positive contributions to nation building,” he maintained.

Freetown Terminal is a subsidiary of Bollore Transport and Logistics. In 2010, the company was granted rights to operate the container terminal and the Government of Sierra Leone happens to be a 20% equity owner of the company.  Since they started operations ten years ago, the company has undertaken refurbishment of the Port including but not limited to the construction of a new berth and installment of new equipment for better operations at the Terminal.

Big Idea of the Week:  Collectively Coronavirus Could be Crushed

SLAJ and NACOVERC Big Idea of the week

By Amin Kef Sesay

Big Idea of this week, 23rd – 29th August 2020 “Strong Communities Succeed” is a witty assertion because it resonates with solidarity among residents in various communities with the main objective to experience tangible results that will positively impact on residents. By encouraging each other to do the right things, putting ideas together much could be achieved with regards problem solving.

It has been widely accepted that in trying to break the chain of transmission of the coronavirus, then unity is of essence.

Anybody can get coronavirus – our family members, friends, neighbors, schoolmates, and coworkers. It can even happen to you! We are all at risk of getting the virus. Let us show thanks and appreciation for our health workers, who have bravely stepped up to care for patients with a virus that was unknown to us all a year ago.

Let us show care and kindness for those who have had the virus. The virus can act differently for each person and can have long-lasting effects. Let us encourage them as they manage each day. Let us show our appreciation and support for our neighbors in quarantine.

They are sacrificing a lot to protect the safety and health of their loved ones and community members. We can show others we care by calling and checking on them, dropping off food or other items they may need if they are sick or in quarantine and cannot go out, and showing them kindness. Corona fet na we all fet!

Anybody can get coronavirus – women, men, girls, and boys. It does not matter if you are young, old, disabled, able-bodied, rich, poor, Muslim, Christian, black or white. We are all at risk of getting the virus. We should show care and support for those who get the virus, the same way we would want to be cared for and supported.

Some of the ways we can care and support others includes calling and checking on them, dropping off food for them or other items they may need if they are sick or in quarantine and cannot go out, and encouraging them and showing them kindness. It is not only people who get the virus who can be stigmatized.

Their family members, caregivers, friends and communities can also be stigmatized and treated differently. Stigma doesn’t just hurt the person its directed toward, but it can also create challenges for response efforts. When others see how someone is treated differently due to stigma, it can drive them away from quarantining, getting tested or going into a treatment or community care center.

Nearly every country in the world had coronavirus cases. Coronavirus is still spreading in most countries. We all need to do our part to protect ourselves and others by wearing face masks and keeping a safe distance of at least one meter. Let us show thanks and appreciation for our health workers – who have bravely stepped up to care for patients with a virus that was unknown to all of us a year ago and who continued the important, everyday care to our communities during this time.

Let us show care and kindness for those who have had the virus or are close to someone who has had the virus. They are normal people like you and me. The virus can act differently for each person and the effects can be long-lasting. Showing care and kindness for one another will encourage those who are dealing with the virus.

Let us show our appreciation and support for our neighbors in quarantine. They are sacrificing a lot to protect the safety and health of their loved ones and community members. Someone who has finished quarantine is not considered a risk for spreading coronavirus to others and they should not be pointing fingers at that person.

Let us treat others the way we want to be treated – with love and kindness. Communities that care for and support one another are stronger communities.

 NP-SL Takes Local Content Policy to the Highest Level

National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited, NP (SL-Ltd).

By Amin Kef Sesay

The National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) is on record for enhancing the country’s Local Content Policy, taking it to the highest level. Since the formation of the company years back, by some Sierra Leoneans, it was made a laid down policy that in terms of employment, indigenes should be given preference as opposed to employing foreigners. From that time up to this moment the company has not renege in rolling that out and it is one achievement which has earned NP-SL the widespread respect that it is basking in.

This policy runs through as a thread in all the countries within the sub-region where the company has vibrant functioning branches, namely Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia. In all these countries, emphasis is placed on employing indigenes.

The biggest advantage of rolling out such a development-oriented policy is that it complements the efforts of the Government with regards providing employment for the citizenry.

Besides, by offering jobs to competent and qualified Sierra Leoneans such creates an opportunity for the beneficiaries to move up the social ladder, drastically reducing poverty to a large extent.

Steadfastness in optimal service delivery has made the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL-Ltd) one of the most outstanding and vibrant companies that is steadily operating, in thick and thin, in this country. Such largely emanates from the dogged determination on the part of 35 former employees of the then British Petroleum company, which decided to fold up its operations and sold shares, which these workers bought out of their end of service benefits and used as seed capital to commence the running of the now renowned NP-SL –Ltd.

Setting up the company was just one accomplished feat, but taking it from that level to where it is today, speaks volumes of the selflessness on the part of the shareholders, who were all Sierra Leoneans, to see the company grow and succeed, up to an appreciable stage that they were yearning for. It is this selflessness on the part of the shareholders which eclipsed personal aggrandizement, misappropriation of funds and insincerity to such an extent that the resultant effect culminated into an overall success story.

At this material point in time the company has bagged a whole lot of recognition for its outstanding performances in the line of marketing qualitative petroleum products. It stands to be contested that NP-SL Ltd is the number one oil marketing company in this country, which is equal to none, as it continues to break new frontiers in its expansionist drive.

When the name NP is called, what immediately comes to mind is First for Customer Care and this is not a mere masquerading in borrowed robes, but rather a true accomplishment of what the company fervently believes in and is striving towards actualizing. To the shareholders and Management of the company, providing utmost satisfaction in through service delivery to its esteemed as well as numerous customers is just as important as importing petroleum products into the country. Keen consideration is given to marketing high grade products that customers utilize for the effective performances of vehicles and other gadgets.

Besides, the company ensured that its calibrated pumping machines used in Filling Stations are modern and standardized in order to give customers their monies’ worth. These machines are very transparent, as they display the number of litres pumped and the corresponding prices. Besides, customers concerns and suggestions are taken into consideration when policies are formulated and Management decisions arrived at, which makes it possible for various shades of opinions and inputs to be factored into how the company tailors its operations.

With the avowed aim of making their customers feel at home, NP-SL-Ltd has made the procurement of petroleum products very simple by introducing the use of NP Smart Card. NP Smart Card has unique embedded security features which cannot be easily faked by unscrupulous persons and the Card could be top-up to contain a considerable amount of money which a particular customer could use for purchasing purposes, with amounts deducted depending on the quantum of the products so far demanded. Indeed, it is a latest technological device and is becoming very trending.

For effective cooking purposes the company also has on offer for sale NP Gas, a device found in different cylinder shapes, that could be accessed at all the company’s Filling Stations as well as authorized dealers at affordable prices. Environmentally and medically certified as user friendly, NP Gas is presently going like hot cakes and there are energized workers in all the stations that readily offer tips or guidance as to how to optimally make use of this wonderful gadget. As a matter of fact a particular user can easily gain access to gas for refilling purpose.

NP-SL Ltd has, over the years, in its drive to roll out the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility complementing Government’s efforts to enhance improved standards of living. One way in which the company recently demonstrated it Corporate Social Responsibility was by donating a whooping sum of One Billion Leones to the Government of Sierra Leone to scale up the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

To have branches in different parts of the country and going further to have a presence felt within the West African sub-region tells of how the company is determined to grow. We now have NP in Liberia, Guinea, Ivory Coast and The Gambia and the vibrant functioning of  all those branches is a true testimony of how successful its shareholders and Management want to see customers enjoying qualitative petroleum products. The company is providing job opportunities in those countries and at the same time paying taxes, which form components of generated revenues that are used by the respective Governments to undertake the implementation of various development programmes and projects.

NP-SL is moving on the right trajectory and deserves all the necessary support it requires to move from one height to another. The company is poised to continue creating meaningful impacts and consciously moving towards the direction of always setting the pace for others to follow.

Housemates Salone To Empower More Sierra Leonean Youths  

Housemates Salone Season 2

By Amin Kef Sesay

Housemates Salone Season 2 continues to win the hearts and minds of many, including Sierra Leoneans in and out of the country. As a matter of fact, this medium has been inundated with a lot of enquiries through phone calls, whatsapp messages, some bordering on whether in actual fact the Show will indeed materialize while others seek information as to how they could come on board the program.

We have assured them and will continue to do so anytime by affirming that indeed Housemates Salone Season 2 is going to be real and will definitely take place as planned. Relating to those seeking information, all must be rest assured that this medium will continue to reliably avail all and sundry the information they want to know about the upcoming Realty TV Show.

At this material moment, application forms are on sale for a price of One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Leones (Le150, 000) and sales will continue up to the 31st August 2020.

Application forms could be secured by simply going to #AfricellSL or #AYVMediaEmpire offices across the country.

They can also be secured via online at www.africell.sl or www.ayvnews.com from the comfort of wherever you are, in or out of Sierra Leone. Payments for forms can be made through #AfriMoney on 088201020.

The star prize that is up for grabs is Two Hundred and Fifty Million Leones (Le 250M) plus a round trip to Dubai. “Indeed, quite a mouth- watering prize that must be dashed for,” opined an interested applicant from New York in the United States of America.

A ‘fast track’ for those in the diaspora, in terms of application, is available on line. Interested persons can apply on line through Africell and AYV websites; do their videos and send them to the judges on line. Interviews will be conducted online.

Also, for the benefit of those in the diaspora who may want to participate in the show they may contact the following: www.africell.sl or www.ayvnews.com.

One major requirement is for all applicants to do their two minutes videos and send them to the judges on line stating who they are, where they are coming from and the talents they possess.

Next in line after 31st August 2020, will be an audition which will commence early September this year and will go on until the 21st September 2020. During the audition 40 finalists will be chosen who will then battle for the final 20 through another form of audition. The final 20 competent applicants, who successfully go through the audition, will enter the House on the 14th October 2020.

The Show is slated in such a way that when the Housemates enter the  House on the 14th October 2020 the more votes a particular Housemate secures from viewers, in and out of the country, will determine how long he or she will stay in the House.

It must be noted that the Africell number through which members of the public could vote for their favourite Housemates will be announced in due course.

 Interestingly, during a particular stage of the Show, based on the percentage of votes scored by a particular Housemate will also determine if he or she will be evicted from the House. Evictions will continue until the ultimate winner emerges. But one good thing is that for each day a Housemate resides in the House, he or she is entitled to One Hundred Thousand Leones (Le100, 000).

All the episodes of the Show will be broadcast live, on a 24 hours basis, on AYV Television Channel 34.

Many have intimated this medium that they are eagerly awaiting the commencement of the Show and whenever time permits they will swiftly switch on to AYV TV Channel 34, stay glued in order not to miss out on the fun that the show will definitely exude.

Besides providing entertainment for viewers, the organizers of this Reality TV Show are keen on promoting Youth Empowerment.

When the Housemates are in the House they will be taken through certain mental and physical exercises that will shape their characters, they will learn  new skills, improve on existing ones, will be emotionally tested, afforded the opportunity to solve human problems and a host of other things.

Furthermore, the Housemates will benefit from widespread exposure as the Show will be watched near and far. Talents will be spotted and vistas of opportunities could be opened as some of the Housemates would be earmarked to become Brand Ambassadors, movie artists, models etc.

Some people may be having reservations as to whether it is apt to stage the show when we have the coronavirus in our midst. To allay such a fear, the organizers have put all the necessary modalities in place to ensure that all the Housemates that will be entering the House are coronavirus free, that precautionary measures are observed and the House is kept safe.

This medium will continue to welcome, entertain your enquiries and is always ready to provide you with cogent and up to date information relating to Housemates Salone in order for you to be abreast with every latest development.

You are indeed assured of a very entertaining Reality TV Show that will definitely continue to linger in the minds of many for quite a long period of time. Make a date with Housemates Salone Season 2, the Last Standing Couple with the theme, “Quarantine Housemates”.

GIABA’s 33rd Plenary Meeting Continues

Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA)

By Abibatu Dora Kamara, GIABA Media Coordinator

The Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) is holding by videoconference, the 33rd Plenary Meeting of its Technical Commission, from 24 to 28 August, 2020.

Slated twice a year, the plenary meetings aim to discuss the progress made by Member States (MS) in the implementation of measures to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism (ML/TF).

They promote discussions between technical experts from Member States on threats and challenges linked to ML/TF. These meetings make it possible to address the relevant issues requiring a concerted approach and the harmonization of effective implementation of AML/CFT measures. Finally, as a platform for sharing experiences, plenary sessions provide opportunities for partnerships between experts, representatives of Member States, technical partners and observers in the framework of AML/CFT.

During the preliminary meetings of this videoconference, the focus will be set, among other things, on the review of Mutual Evaluation Processes and Procedures, and updating of the calendar of mutual evaluations of GIABA Member States. The follow-up reports of the 1st Round of mutual evaluations of the Comoros, Sao Tome and Principe, and Liberia will also be examined.

As a reminder, the Mutual Evaluation and Follow-up Processes and Procedures are intended to assess the implementation and effectiveness of laws, regulations and other measures within the framework of the international AML/CFT requirements. They make it possible to check whether all the necessary measures have been fully and effectively implemented. They also aim to help Member States fill in the gaps identified in their AML / CFT system in order to ensure compliance and effectiveness with international standards.

The meetings also include preliminary meetings of the Working Group on Risks, Trends and Methods (RTMG), and the Regional Forum of Financial Intelligence Units (FIU). Finally, other major items such as the presentation of the Director General’s activity report, governance, and the celebration of GIABA’s 20th anniversary, are on the agenda of this videoconference of the meeting.

Prior to the commencement of the meeting, addressing  Journalists during a virtual press conference, GIABA’s Director General, Kimelabalou ABA, noted that, “I am happy to report that GIABA has continued to strive and achieve its mandate despite all the challenges associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic. We have devised new means of delivering technical assistance to member States and stakeholders”.

He further stated that under this pandemic GIABA held very key and important programmes which include:

1.Virtual Review/Validation Workshop for a research work that considered Strengthening Capacity for Effective Supervision of Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) in West Africa.

  1. Virtual National Workshop on Enhancing AML/CFT Compliance by DNFBPs (Dealers in Precious metals and Stones), Sierra Leone.

3.Virtual Regional Workshop on the Implementation of Beneficial Ownership Information Requirements and

4.Two  Regional meetings with Stakeholders/National Correspondents and Heads of Financial Intelligence Units on programme planning and redirection of efforts to achieve results and ensure that the pandemic did not result in creating gaps in our AML/CFT efforts in the region.

Amb. Lans Gberie Becomes President of the 7th Conference of States Parties

Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Switzerland and Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other International Organisations, Dr. Lansana Gberie

By Mohamed Sheriff

As the President Julius Maada Bio continues to rebrand the country’s image globally with smart brains, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Switzerland and Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other International Organisations, Dr. Lansana Gberie, has been elected by his colleagues as President of the Seventh Conference of States Parties to the Arms Trade Treaty (CSP7).

Dr. Gberie was nominated to steer the ATT, which has a total of 110 States Parties and 31 States that have signed but not yet ratified the Treaty, by Nigeria on 12 August, and was strongly supported by Namibia. His nomination did not come as a surprise to many considering his astute leadership and his contribution to academia.

Ambassador Gberie replaces Argentinian Ambassador Federico Villegas, President of the Sixth Conference of States Parties to the ATT, who delivered his closing statement of the Conference on 20 August. Ambassador Gberie’s mandate lasts for one year.

The ATT is an international treaty that regulates the international trade in conventional arms and seeks to prevent and eradicate illicit trade and diversion of conventional arms by establishing international standards governing arms transfers.

Sierra Leone ratified the Arms Trade Treaty on 12 August 2014, the 43rd UN Member State and 4th African Country to do so. In 2017, Sierra Leone began the process of identifying gaps in its legislation relating to arms, including stockpile management and oversight, to bring it in conformity with the ATT, the world’s leading disarmament treaty. The ATT has provided significant funding through its Voluntary Trust Fund towards this process.

Ambassador Gberie’s colleagues believe in supporting him for the position for his background in monitoring illicit weapons movement in West Africa for the United Nations which makes him uniquely suited for the position.

He was in December 2012 appointed by the United Nations Secretary General as a member, later Coordinator, of the UN Security Council’s Panel of Experts monitoring the arms embargo then in place on Liberia. Dr. Gberie served in that capacity for three years.

Brussels Airlines GM Gives Assurance

General Manager of SN Brussels Airlines (LUFTHANSA GROUP) in Sierra Leone, Estelle Van Eeckhout

By Amin Kef Sesay

The General Manager of SN Brussels Airlines (LUFTHANSA GROUP) in Sierra Leone, Estelle Van Eeckhout, on Monday 24 August 2020 cleared the air on an issue relating to the delay of some luggage owned by passengers who travelled from London to Sierra Leone on the 14 of August 2020.

She initially intimated that passengers who have complaints against the company should ensure that the information is not only factual but matches the reality to ensure that the company speedily looks into those complaints and address them.

On Friday 21st August 2020 a local newspaper reported that some customers who travelled from London to Freetown allegedly did not receive their luggage on arrival and that those individuals claimed that they did not receive the required attention from Management of the airlines.

Estelle Van Eeckhout stated that what happened is unfortunate assuring that her team has all the skills and courage to look for the luggage of customers, that they always look after customers and that if customers are not satisfied Management is always available to discuss with them in order to reach a common ground.

She further appealed to customers to report to Management, via their  Customer Service Section, either online, in person or through the company’s website reiterating that SN Brussels is a business entity that would always satisfy its customers and appealed to passengers who want to log complaints against the company to have all the correct information like the flight number, final destination, seat number and other details underscoring that they must be very specific ,confessing that the company is not perfect.

According to Estelle Van Eeckhout, only one flight is operating from Freetown to London per week and that plans are underway to increase to two flights by September this year maintaining that such would reduce the delay for passengers to receive their luggage on arrival intimating that some passengers travel with two or four luggage.

She highlighted that that with more than 200 passengers on board a flight baggage delay or loss cannot be ruled out but guaranteed that in such cases the company takes care of customers and traces their luggage.

Estelle said luggage delay has never been part of Brussels airlines over the years and that the company is known for its good customer care but with the corona virus now ravaging the globe most flights are experiencing the same as a result of limited flights.

She assured travellers that Brussels Airlines will continue to maintain its good standards and ensure that customers’ satisfaction is highly prioritized.

GM Eleckout finally revealed that Brussels Airlines  always stands by Sierra Leone which is why they are the first commercial flight to operate in Sierra Leone when the ban on air travelling was lifted further assuring of their commitment to continue to stand by Sierra Leone at all times.

Lands Ministry To Go Digital

Minister of Lands, Dr. Denis Sandy

By Amin Kef Sesay

A three day retreat that was organized by the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning ended on Saturday in Bo, Southern Sierra Leone.

The theme for this year’s event was:  “Consolidating the Achievements Made So Far by the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning under the Bio-led New Direction Administration.”

This theme was stoutly deliberated upon by officials of the Ministry who worked on developing further strategies to consolidate the huge gains made so far.

The first day of the Ministry’s Annual Retreat looked at the Administrative Division headed by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Israel Jigba, who outlined achievements made so far under the leadership of Dr. Denis Sandy.

In his welcome address, Mr. Jigba started by appreciating staff of the Ministry as well as all auxiliary staff for attending what he referred to as a  very important retreat.

“As a Ministry, we gave an update to His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio on our achievements, successes and challenges before coming to this Retreat,” the PS noted.

Mr. Jigba called on members of staff to deliberate on the work of the various departments in the Ministry as recommended by the Chief Organizer, the Hon. Minister of Lands, Dr. Denis Sandy.

The PS called on Departmental Heads to frankly discuss issues relating to their work within the Ministry and proffer tangible solutions to any ongoing challenges.

The Minister, who doubled as Chairman of the program, Dr. Denis Sandy, outlined his Ministry’s achievements, successes and progress made so far with the support of his Deputy Rex Bhonapha.

Dr. Sandy, in his brief statement at the Sidami Hall in Bo said, they were celebrating their achievements because of collective effort by all including his team of Surveyors, Country Planners, Land Guards, the Media and Seasoned Administrators within the Ministry.

He called on Staff to implement all that would be agreed upon during the Retreat in Bo.

Director of Housing and Country Planning, Augustine Kai Banya, appreciated the various Units under his Department and asked them to continue the good work for the development of the country.

Acting Head of Building, Madam Mariama Tutu Vandi, lauded the successes and gains her Unit has made so far under the Leadership of Dr. Sandy.

She said her Unit has collected over Nine Hundred Million Leones so far from building permits as required by Law.

Madam Tutu Vandi ended by calling on Sierra Leoneans to cooperate with her Unit for their permits, noting that her door is always open to accommodate good and law-abiding citizens.

The presentations ended with a speech by the Directorate of Lands and Survey. This Department is currently headed by a Young and Vibrant Expert, Mr. Tamba Dauda, who talked about the positive developments made so far in connection with the challenges around the issue of State Lands.

He also gave updates on the number of citizens who have acquired State Lands, the number of acres of Lands reclaimed and how much his Department has generated for Government through Freehold and Leasehold.

Director Dauda assured all and sundry of the effectiveness of the dispute mechanism within his Department. He called on Sierra Leoneans to do proper documentation for State Lands already acquired.

The Minister, Dr. Denis Sandy appreciated the efforts of his hard working and dedicated staff across the country and urged them to be ready for the task that lies ahead of them. The Minister also applauded the entire team for the commendable successes within his two years in office.

The Deputy Minister, Rex Bhonapha, in his address to staff of the Ministry, admonished them to be more focused and united towards the work of the Ministry.

Hon. Rex Bhonapha told the gathering that because of the unity that exists between himself and the Minister, he was given the task to organize this all important retreat, which ended successfully.

Minister Sandy ended by speaking to the media on the three days activities in Bo:

“Our successful two years in office shows that we have worked for the people of this country”

“This Retreat brought together all staff working for the Ministry of Lands across the Country”

“We have provided Lands to many Sierra Leoneans and reclaimed many lands illegally obtained by some people”

“We have emphasized on country planning at the new site within the country and also focused on development control with regards the blocking of access roads in order to mitigate flooding and save lives and properties”

“We want to move from paper documentation to digitalization of Land Title Registration, a system that would frown at duplicating documents for land grabbers in the country.

Some of the resolutions are as follows:

That the Ministry is now going to focus on Land reclamation; Land allocation and distribution; access road clearing; planning of cities like York, Number 2, Morgegba, Grafton etc.

The Ministry will also focus on development control which is in President Julius Maada Bio’s New Direction Agenda for the Ministry of Lands Housing and Country planning.

Whiles observing the appropriate COVID-19 guidelines, the humble and kindhearted Minister also engaged his Staff and Auxiliaries in Scrabble, Drought and Ludo games at the end of the occasion in Bo. This shows a character of humility and inclusiveness.

HRCSL Discusses Functions, Challenges, Review of Legislation & UPR with AG & Minister of Justice

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) has on Friday 21st August 2020 paid a working visit by engaging the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Anthony Brewah at his office on the functions of HRCSL, challenges faced, review of legislation and the Universal Periodic Review (UPR).

Patricia Narsu Ndanema, Chairperson of the HRCSL congratulated the AG and gave a brief background to the establishment of the HRCSL and also threw light on some of its functions.

Dilating on some of the functions one of which is to advise Government on the review of existing Legislation, the Chairperson stated that the Commission is mandated by its Act to give advice to Government on any law that will affect the enjoyment of the human rights of all in Sierra Leone. She also spoke about the function to investigate and inquire into complaints and also to produce a report of the Annual State of Human Rights in Sierra Leone.

Mrs. Ndanema continued by stating that since the HRCSL was directly under the Office of the Attorney General, it saw it fit to engage his office from time to time.

She went on to inform the Minister of the shadow report to be prepared by the Commission for the Universal Periodic Review. To inform that report, she disclosed of a   planning Conference for stakeholders to examine recommendations proffered by countries during the previous UPR on Sierra Leone in 2016.

The Chairperson used the opportunity to highlight some of the challenges of HRCSL which included lack of vehicles, office space, staffing, liabilities and the disparity between the budget ceiling given by the Ministry of Finance to that of the actual subvention given.

The Chairperson noted the plan by the Commission to review its Act as it is limited to complaints against Government officials.

Acknowledging the efforts by the AG’s office, the Director of Finance of HRCSL, Mr. Paul Moriba stated that the Ministry has been very helpful especially with matters involving the Ministry of Finance and the Commission’s entitlements.

Speaking on HRCSL’s function to review existing legislation, the Vice Chairperson, Victor I. Lansana, mentioned that they recommended the repeal of the Criminal and Seditious Libel provisions in the  1965 Public Order Act,  participated in the Sexual Offences Act, the Criminal Procedures Act, Disability Act and have called to look into the present status of the reviewed 1991 Constitution.

He also asked that the Commission be included in the drafting of any Bill that has to do with human rights.

Reacting to the issues raised, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice stated that there were serious misconceptions about the Human Rights Commission to all MDAs. He said HRCSL was seen as a watch dog instead of being part of the governance system. He commented that the HRCSL does not only look at the activities of Government but also those of the private sector.  He assured the Commission of his support whenever his office was contacted.

The Minister stated that work was in progress on the Criminal Procedures Act of 1965 and the review of the 1991 Constitution is also presently on his desk.

He concluded by asking that the commission formally writes his office highlighting the challenges and also make sure to inform his office whenever they have issues regarding other MDAs.

Tourism Ministry Proceeds with Social Safety Net to Makeni & Port Loko

By Amin Kef Sesay

Following the successful launch of the Tourism Safety Net Support scheme in the East and Southern regions, the Hon. Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Dr. Memunatu B. Pratt and team safely arrived in Makeni – the Northern Region District Headquarter town, on the 23rd August 2020, to continue the launching with the cash disbursement to employees in the Tourism and Hospitality Sector at the Wusum Hotel Conference Hall.

Deputy Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, William I. K. Robinson  noted that the safety net support scheme is to support employees in respect of easing the Covid-19 impact on the sector.

Paramount Chief Bai Shebora Kasangna II welcomed the program in his region describing it as a laudable and timely initiative which will not only benefit the beneficiaries but also their family members and other relatives.

A representative from the Makeni City Council on behalf of Her Worshipful the Mayor conveyed a welcome message to the Hon. Minister and her Team for the development strides made so far adding that the people of the Municipality are ready to work with her Ministry at all times.

Deputy A.I.G. North Mr. Lansana Momorie Koroma expressed appreciation for the Safety Net Support and assured all of a very good safety and security measures that is in place for the region and ended by thanking the Government for such a venture in easing the impact of the present pandemic on the lives of employees in the Tourism and Hospitality Sector.

The representative of the Hotel and Tourism Association (HTA) Northern Region, Annie Bangura extended appreciation to Government citing that this has never happened in the history of Sierra Leone and appealed for consideration on behalf of employees whose Management failed to submit employees list as requested by this Ministry.

The Director of Tourism, Mr. Mohamed Jalloh stated that Sierra Leone is naturally blessed in terms of tourism potentials adding that there is huge economic impact within the sector, that is why the Government has identified it as a key sector in diversifying the country’s economy.

The Resident Minister North, Abu Abu  Koroma  embraced the gesture and thanked the President  for such an initiative and also  noted the essence of involving Local Authorities as custodians of natural assets in the Tourism Sector. He admonished all that the support is for all regions.

The keynote address from the Hon. Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu B. Pratt climaxed the event by describing the day as a divine day and that is why her Team decided to pay beneficiaries even on Sunday. She asked all to sing the National Pledge to show nationalism and emphasizing that this is not the time for politics but time for national development and service delivery.

The Ministry of Tourism then proceeded with the Social Safety Cash Transfer (SSNCT) to Port Loko District on the 24th August 2020.

The Director of Tourism, Mohamed Jalloh, gave a detailed explanation about the essence of Tourism to the people of North-West. He dilated on how Tourism and Hospitality can  change the face of the country and Port Loko in particular further admonishing them to place relevance on the things that will attract investment and increased tourism perspectives within the region at all times.

The Hon. Minister of Tourism in her keynote address stated that peace for development is a core, that everyone must be committed to adding how posterity will judge us based on our actions towards our beloved Sierra Leone.

She said they were in the district to bail out workers within the Tourism and Hospitality sectors which were badly hit by the outbreak of the coronavirus.

The Minister informed the beneficiaries that what they are doing was made possible by the determination of President Bio and his Government who thought it fit that workers in those sectors are financial bailed out because those sectors are not currently properly functioning as a result of COVID-19.

She concluded by calling on all tourism players and actors to take registration and payment of taxes very serious stating that the monies they will be paying them are partly generated from those avenues.

Payment of monies to the amount of One Million Eight Hundred Leones (Le1,800,000) to each of the eligible workers climaxed the occasion.

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