NaCOVERC and SLAJ bring Big Idea of this Week, 16th – 22nd August, 2020, with the theme “Getting Tested Helps Stop the Spread of COVID-19”. Indeed, this is a timely and wise admonition that we all must take very serious. Results can only be determined when tests are conducted. Within this ambit, it is really tough for some people to venture into what could best be described as the unknown.
But as they say “You never try, you never know” which is why we must be bold enough to get tested at this crucial moment when the coronavirus is still evasive. It is only when we do medical tests that we will know our status. Knowing our status would provide the roadmap as to the next step we must embark on medically.
Getting tested to know if you have the coronavirus helps stop it from spreading to your loved ones and people in your community who could get very sick. By getting tested, you are saving lives.
If you test positive for coronavirus but do not have any signs and symptoms, there are two options: stay home but in an area away from others you are living with, or go to a community care center.
A health worker will talk to you and decide on the best option for you. In a community care center, a health worker checks you every day and gives you any care you may need. You will receive meals, counseling, and can talk on the phone with family and friends.
You can carry personal possessions to the center and take them home with you when you leave.
After a week in the center, you will be tested again. Once you test negative for the virus two times at least 24 hours apart, you will be cleared to go home. People returning home from a community care center or treatment center should be warmly welcomed back by their family and neighbors.
For more information on this topic, visit coronafet.link/BigldeaWeek8
For more information on the GoSL COVID-19 response, please visit: https://mic.gov.sl/https://dhse.gov.sl/
#CoronaFetNaWeAllFet
It is strongly incontestable that the leading petroleum company in the country, the National Petroleum- Sierra Leone Limited is widely known as 1st for Customer Care. This is indisputable when cognizance is taken of how Management is very keen in optimizing customer satisfaction in its service delivery drives.
Members of staff of the company are very mindful of the fact that it is the customer that comes first and therefore needs the utmost attention always ensuring that transactions are conducted under a congenial atmosphere that result into a win-win situation. For this brilliant and managerial initiative the company has been making positive headways positioning itself to stand tall among other business entities in this part of the world.
With a capable and result-oriented team , working collaboratively and assiduously, where even the cleaner is regarded as highly relevant there is bound to be positive outcomes and the company has mastered this by ensuring that synergy is enhanced.
One admirable quality that NP-SL Ltd possesses is working tirelessly and effectively using its contacts with oil producing countries in order to ensure that there is timely purchase and delivery of petroleum products to avoid shortages.
It goes without saying that fuel, for example, could be a political commodity in the sense that fluctuation in its price would make a Government likeable or unpopular. When the price goes up then people blame the Government for that but if it goes down it is kudos for the political administration.
Its timely importation of petroleum products has earned NP high commendations from various quarters simply because it helps to cushion unrest and other forms of disadvantageous effects one of which is increase in transport fares, increase in the prices of certain commodities. The pro-activeness of the company invariably has a direct impact on poverty reduction in variable ways.
Some who may not be aware of the fact that NP-SL Ltd is wholly owned by Sierra Leoneans vis-à-vis the visibility of the company and how it is remarkably striving could find it hard to believe that it a truly indigenous company.
However, that remains the plain truth when it is learnt that it was Sierra Leonean 35 workers formerly working for British Petroleum (BP) who pulled together their end of service benefits to purchase shares which were used to establish NP, which today is a success story of an indigenous company, having branches in various parts of the country and in other four West African countries namely Liberia, Guinea, Ivory Coast and The Gambia. The company’s operations right across the spectrum is contributing towards revenue generation and job creation for many.
With gas as one its marketable products it was thought wise to be producing gas cookers, popularly known as NP Gas, which could be access at their different filling stations. According to investigation conducted NP Gas is cooking-friendly, safe and long lasting. It is going at an affordable price and many are going for it.
When reference is made to Local Content, which by law is a Policy, then NP-SL Ltd stands tall within that realm as nearly all its members of staff are Sierra Leoneans thereby making use of local talents everywhere they are operating. The Local Content Policy is indeed an engine of growth and NP is making full use of it.
To make the purchase of fuel very timely and easier the company introduced the use of NP Smart Card. Holders of this card can use it to purchase fuel, petrol and diesel, without exchanging physical cash. As long as the card is credited with money it can be used at any of its Filling Station to buy any quantity of fuel within the confines of the amount of money contained in the card. When debited it can be credited again and the greatest advantage is that it enables the card holder to properly budget for the amount of money to be utilized for the purchase of fuel over time. Besides, it provides security for the card holder as it makes it possible not to walk around with large amounts of money.
In terms of rolling out its Corporate Social Responsibility NP-SL has been doing so earnestly and diligently by complementing Government development interventions and supporting worthy causes which are geared towards improving the standards of living of the vast majority of the citizenry.
Without any iota of doubt NP-SL Ltd is contributing in diverse ways to the socio-economic development of the country.
Today, 21stAugust 2020 marks the closing date for the submission of all application forms. From what was gathered by this medium more forms have been submitted from interested individuals in and out of the country, with some pleading for an extension of the date. It against this backdrop that the organizers have decided to extend the deadline for the submissions of Housemate Salone 2 Application Forms to August 31st 2020.
Stand a chance to WIN a whopping 250 Million Leones plus a round trip to Dubai. Get your forms TODAY and fill in all the relevant information.
Payments for forms can be made through #AfriMoney on 088201020 to secure application forms at the price of one hundred and fifty thousand Leones (Le 150,000), fill them and submit such before the close of official working hours today.
Payment for the application forms could be done through Afrimoney and transaction IDs will be issued to purchasers which they will then use to access the forms. The telephone number to access application forms is 088 201020 (Afrimoney number) and a ‘fast track’ for those in the diaspora 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.
And 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.
After the closing date what is next?
In the first week of September audition for successful applicants will commence and will go on till the 21st September 2020 when it will close and 40 finalists will be chosen who will then battle for the final 20. The final 20 will go into the House on the 14th October 2020.
Expectant viewers in and out of the country will get the taste of the pudding when the audition commences as the participants will have to convince the panel of judges that indeed they have all what it takes to qualify in order to enter the House.
One major requirement is for all those applicants that have been shortlisted to do their videos and send them to the judges on line stating who they are and where they are coming from.
Interviews will be conducted online and could take the form of responding to questions posed by the judges and physically demonstrating talents that the participants had said they possess. It is up to the judges to use their expertise to determine the best out of the forty (40) that will go through audition in order to finally get the twenty (20) that must enter the House.
The Reality TV Show is slated in such a way that at the end of the competition the ultimate winner will bag the whooping sum of two hundred and fifty million Leones (Le250M) and a round trip to Dubai.
Housemates Salone will be broadcast live on AYV television, Chanel 34, on a twenty four hours until the end of the show. The Africell number through which members of the public could vote for their favourite Housemates will be announced in due course. It is the number of votes that a particular Housemate pulls which will determine his or her position throughout the competition. However, for each day a particular Housemate spends in the House will earn him or her One hundred thousand Leones (Le100, 000).
The main objective for the organizers to again come up with Season 2 of the Reality TV Show is geared towards enhancing Youth Empowerment.
Some people may be having reservations as to whether it is apt to stage the show amidst the coronavirus. To allay such a fear, the organizers have put all the necessary modalities in place to ensure that all the Housemates to enter the House are coronavirus free, that precautionary measures are observed and the House is kept safe.
As the expectations are running high, the organizers are methodologically and meticulously putting finishing touches to once again avail viewers a lively, tantalizing and thought-provoking Reality TV Show that will leave in its wake a lot of gossips and tongues wagging with various analyses as to how it all went.
State power and national interest are the major inducements why states aspire for supremacy in global politics. While foreign policy plays a major role in defining the bilateral foreign relations between nations, state leadership equally contribute in cementing or breaking the foundations of foreign relationships.
The present tension between the U.S. and China bilateral relations has its origins dating back to 1949 when the People’s Republic of China was established under the leadership of Chairman Mao Zedong who defeated the Nationalist government of Chiang Kai-Shek. Historical records shows that Taiwan and Tibet has always been and continue to be part of China but the U.S. has always opposed and continues to oppose the government of the People’s Republic of China by supporting Taiwan and Tibet against the Chinese government to date. During the Japanese invasion of China in World War II, the U.S. supported Chiang Kai-Shek’s exile government in Taipei setting the pace for a limited U.S. – China foreign relations for several decades.
This limited foreign relations between the U.S. and China continued in 1950 during the Korean War outbreak which also saw the U.S. together with the UN backing South Korea against North Korea while China supported North Korea and the conflict only came to a halt through the armistice peace agreement in 1953.
The year 1971 witnessed the beginning of a new U.S. – China relations when China invited the U.S. Ping-Pong Team together with journalists to first visit China marking the beginning of an era of Chinese diplomacy with the U.S. Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger. China later gained a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council supported by many African governments. Several other diplomatic efforts have been made by both countries in maintaining global peace and security.
The One China Policy has been sighted severally as the key focus of the Chinese government in terms of foreign relations and the U.S. President Jimmy Carter and the Chinese Premier Deng Xiaoping played major roles in fostering improved U.S. – China relations. The U.S. President Bill Clinton’s foreign policy, ‘Constructive Engagement’ also saw calm returning again among the two nations towards an improved relation until 1996.
The U.S. – China Trade Relations Act of 2000 also brought in new hope in bilateral relationship between the two countries and it paved the way for China to join the World Trade Organization in 2001. This led to a steady increase in trade gains between the two countries from $ 5 billion to $ 231 billion surpassing Mexico after Canada in 2006.
The year 2010 saw China becoming the second largest economy surpassing Japan with 1.33 trillion slightly above Japan’s 1.28 trillion in 2010. The U.S. trade deficit with China also rose from 273.1 billion to 295.5 billion in 2011.
President Xi Jinping’s focus on rejuvenating China and the establishment of a new type of great power relations fostered a new model of foreign relations between the U.S. and China during the Sunny-lands Summit in 2013, USA.
The present growing tensions between the U.S and China indicates that the two countries have gone through thick and thorns but records show that the U.S. has most times been on the offensive while China has always tried to maintain a balance in terms of its peaceful global rise and economic fortification.
Claims over China’s role in the South-China Sea has left the U.S. with the motive of triggering conflict even when China has repeated stated that their presence and on-going constructions are mainly for civilian purposes.
The 25 percent increase on Chinese goods by the Trump administration has been viewed by Chinese authorities as ‘‘trade bullying’ cautioning that it might cause global market unrest. The further arrest of the Huawei Chief Financial Executive Meng Wanzhou by Canadian authorities on allegations of violations of trade sanctions against Iran in December 2018 with the U.S. asking for her extradition have also escalated the existing tensions between the two countries.
On November 27th 2019, President Trump’s signing of the Bill, the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democratic Act supporting the Hong Kong protesters came amid growing tensions. China opposes the move, imposes sanctions on some U.S. based organizations and suspends the U.S. Warship visits to Hong Kong. Beijing also passes the new National Security Law while U.S. ends Hong Kong’s special status with the U.S.
The coronavirus pandemic which took the whole world by surprise has also been used by the U.S. to mimic China with President Trump referring to the virus as Chinese virus, blaming the WHO as being biased towards China while China claims the virus was brought to China by a U.S. official. This deteriorating situation has led to the expulsion of journalists from the two countries with China expelling 13 U.S. Journalists working for the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post while the U.S. also reduced the number of Chinese Journalists from 160 to 100 from five state media run outlets termed as foreign mission outlets.
The recent closure of the two countries consulates starting with the U.S. closure of the Chinese Consulate in Houston on the grounds that it is the hub of Chinese espionage and intellectual property theft and Beijing’s retaliation by closing the U.S Consulate in Chengdu on similar grounds shows the level of deterioration in the foreign relations between the two countries. It is now clear that the long standing relations between the U.S. and China have been crippled and things have started falling apart. The paradox what most critics could not conceive is the fact that mighty U.S. is now crying for global help in a wrestle with little China after it had triggered the first shot. The foreseeable cold war between the U.S. and China that has already begun appears that someone is already loosing and now calling for global rescue, but who is at fault remains the biggest question unanswered.
Representative of the Indian Community, Harish Agnani, Deputy Minister of Defence, Rtd. Col Murana Massaquoi, Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. General Sullay Sesay, Joint Forces Command, Major Gen. Peter Lavahum, Case Management Pillar Lead-COVID-19 Response & Commanding Officer JMU, Colonel Dr. Stephen Sevalie and senior officers of the RSLAF
By Amin Kef Sesay
As part of their continuous support towards the fight against the COVID-19 in the country, the Indian Community has on Wednesday 19th August, 2020, handed over a newly refurbished Accident & Emergency Department to the 34 Military Hospital during a ceremony that was held at the Hospital’s Conference Hall at Wilberforce in Freetown.
Representative of the Indian Community, Harish Agnani
Present at the ceremony were the Representative of the Indian Community, Harish Agnani, Deputy Minister of Defence, Rtd. Col Murana Massaquoi, Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. General Sullay Sesay, Joint Forces Command, Major Gen. Peter Lavahum, Case Management Pillar Lead-COVID-19 Response & Commanding Officer JMU, Colonel Dr. Stephen Sevalie and senior officers of the RSLAF.
Delivering a statement on behalf of the Minister of Defence, Rtd. Col Murrana Massaquoi, who happens to be his Deputy, on behalf of His Excellency the President, Julius Maada Bio, Government and People of the Republic Sierra Leone, expressed heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the Indian Community in Sierra Leone for such an invaluable contribution to the country’s health infrastructure.
He said when COVID-19 struck, Sierra Leone like all other countries across the globe was taken by surprise by the invincible enemy, which he said, continues to devastate the human race and that unlike other crisis before it, the global pandemic ruffled and continues to challenge the country’s well-wishers and international partners whose supports have been critical to the country’s fight against adversity, adding that initially, the outbreak shook all and even the inspirational Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency the President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio who made a passionate call for solidarity in the fight against COVID-19 in Sierra Leone.
Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. General Sullay Sesay
He said at NaCOVERC, they were compelled to take the toughest decisions based on the existing circumstances aimed at not only defeating the virus but also efficiently protecting a health sector that was seriously challenged prior to the pandemic.
Rtd. Col Murana Massaquoi furthered that when the Minister of Defence heard about the renovation of the Accident and Emergency Department at the 34 Military facility, he knew the call for solidarity by His Excellency the President has been solidly answered by the Indian Community in Sierra Leone pointing out that such an assistance can only come from a sincere partner also furthering that he is particularly thrilled by the venture as infrastructural improvement is key on the RSLAF’s agenda also expressing optimism that the facility will surely help to improve on the existing infrastructure at the hospital.
He stated that the refurbished structure assures serving personnel and the entire public that RSLAF and in particular 34 Military Hospital is primed to continue provision of health services as it is in line with the Commander in Chief’s vision to see the health system strengthened.
He also extended appreciation to the Commanding Officer, Joint Medical Unit (RSLAF), Colonel (Dr.) Stephen Sevalie, for his enthusiasm and continued devotion to duty and wished whole heartedly the officers, men and women of the Unit for their selfless services to the nation.
On his part, the representative of the Indian Community, Harish Agnani applauded the COVID-19 Response Team for their tremendous work in fighting to curtail the spread of COVID-19 in the country.
Harish Agnani, Deputy Minister of Defence, Rtd. Col Murana Massaquoi
He said the Indian Community has been in Sierra Leone for over 125 years and there are families who own businesses and properties in the country also pointing out that many of the Indians residing in the country hold Sierra Leonean citizenship status which means they have taken Sierra Leone as their home.
“The reason for the establishment of the Indian Community is as a result of the warm reception we continue to receive from the local community,” he maintained for which he said he wants to extend thanks and appreciation to the People of Sierra Leone.
Harish Agnani said, over the years, they have been supportive to various causes across the country through their charitable activities, adding that in times of crisis they always come together and render support jointly.
He said since the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country things have changed but applauded the Government for its timely intervention and the preventive measures instituted by the Ministry of Health and Sanitation which makes the country more proactive in combating the pandemic in the country.
Harish Agnani noted that when COVID-19 struck, Sierra Leone the Indian Community decided to complement the efforts of the Government in the fight against the virus.
He said the Indian Community partnered with the Lebanese Community to donate essential food items to the Government of Sierra Leone through the COVID-19 Response Team, adding that the Indian Community also donated an Information Technology equipment worth millions of Leones to the Government of Sierra Leone through the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).
Representative of the Indian Community
He further revealed that the Indian Community handed over food items and Personal Protection Equipment to members of staff of the Fourah Bay College Isolation Centre etc.
He said they spent over 600 Million Leones for the refurbishment of the Accident & Emergency Department to the 34 Military Hospital which he described as one of the biggest donations they have done in recent times.
He extended thanks and appreciation to members of the Indian Community who contributed towards the project.
Earlier on, delivering a welcome address, the Case Management Pillar Lead COVID-19 Response, who also doubles as Commanding Officer JMU, Colonel Dr. Stephen Sevalie, expressed appreciation to the Indian Community for the Refurbished Accident & Emergency Department at the facility which he described as a timely intervention by the Indian Community.
He said the Refurbished Accident & Emergency Department has changed the facility from a three bed facility which was operational to 15 bed operational facility, adding that this is not the first time the Indian Community has supported them. He recalled that in 2017 when there was a gruesome road incident at the facility the Indian Community came to their aid and provided support to the facility and the family members of the victims.
With increased gross domestic productivity and a focus on improved export capacity, ours will continue to be a beggar economy. So says Central Bank Governor, Professor Kelfala Kallon.
In that direction, the country still faces a myriad of challenges that hold back its potential, especially efforts aimed at improving business environment and alleviating poverty to ensure sustainable economic growth.
Supportive policies and infrastructure that promote entrepreneurship and trade will play a critical role in helping the country rise from the ‘ashes’ to achieve the renaissance dreams proclaimed by President Bio.
Infrastructures, including transport, power and information and communication technologies (ICTs) facilities, are instrumental in supporting growth in the global economy. That’s the reason why we must prioritize infrastructure development to ensure sustainable economic growth.
“The only way we can increase its production and strengthen its economy is by investing heavily in infrastructure development to support the production and ease access to markets and encourage intra-regional trade.
Therefore, Government must invest more in the energy, ICT and transport sectors because these are enablers of trade and development.
Without enough power, the country’s production capacity will be affected, condemning the continent to rely on European and Chinese imports.
Transport and ICT sector are essential to ensure access to markets by farmers and the industrial sector.
The SME sector is the backbone of Africa’s economies, employing the majority of the continent’s youth and supporting millions of households.
With the majority of the country’s enterprises falling in the category of small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs), experts call on Government to put in place policies and regulations that propel them further and help make them sustainable.
The World Bank attributed more than half of impressive growth recorded in Africa to infrastructure development on the continent because it offered many countries the required stimulus for growth.
According to AU statistics, improving infrastructures, like roads, energy and ICTs, can add up to 2 per cent to GDP growth rate per year and also increase productivity by 40 per cent.
Putting in place right infrastructure is key driver for socio-economic development. Improving transport networks and access to reliable energy and ICTs will reduce the cost of operations and ensure efficient production and service delivery.
For instance, development of an efficient regional railway transport system would cut the cost of export/import by almost half and reduce the transit significantly. This would open up new opportunities for export and increase regional trade.
The challenge of poor infrastructure and cumbersome border policies must be addressed for intra-country and intra-region trade to flourish.
In addition, access to affordable and efficient energy for local industry is essential to grow the sector which is still almost dormant.
Lack of efficient infrastructure facilities and skilled human resource has led to high costs of investment, while private investments remain low compared to the expectations of developing countries.
As a result, development and operation costs remain high.
To address these issues, Government must put in place an investor-supportive investment policy as well as create an enabling environment, as well as promote public-private partnerships, especially for key projects and export-oriented investments.
In addition, in building the country’s much needed critical human capital, technical and vocational education must been given priority to bridge the skills gap in the industrial and other sectors.
Government must also encourage local content development at all levels, including human resources, local materials, local partnership or sub-contracting.
Despite the deadly global Covid-19 pandemic, one of Sierra Leone’s trusted investors, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Seawright Mining Company, Dr. Alfred Seawright, has commenced work for the first modern West Africa Fish Farming at Njala University, Moyamba District, South of Sierra Leone.
As part of their goodwill gesture to Sierra Leone, Seawright Mining Company made a commitment to modernize Njala University Aquaculture.
Sometimes back, Seawright Mining Company took staff of their company, Parliamentarians, Permanent Secretaries, the media, Head of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management Department at Njala University, his Deputy and students to Ghana, Nigeria and China to under study those countries Aquaculture system in order to get the best type of system for Sierra Leone.
After those visits, the team chose the Chinese Model which is now being implemented in the country.
Dr. Alfred Seawright, made his commitment during the inauguration of the Sierra Leone Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Society and launching of the Sierra Leone Aquaculture and Fisheries Journal at the Ministry of Local Government conference room, Youyi Building, Freetown in 2019.
“We will support you 100% and will make sure that all the items you need, reach you,” he assured.
Njala University will be the first institution to benefit from the modern system from Seawright Mining Company and it will be the first modern Aquaculture system the company will introduce in the country, Dr. Seawright stated.
He emphasized that after capacitating Njala University, there are other communities where the company is operating that will benefit. These are Nimiyama Chiefdom in Kono District and Gorama Mende in Kenema District. He noted that Njala University will take the lead as technical expert to those communities.
“The system we are putting together is 100% guaranteed as it will be able to generate 40 tons of fish every six (6) months, and we will do that full time,” he confirmed.
He pointed out that they want to make sure that the university makes money out of hatcheries and also standardize what they are doing.
He stated that people need to showcase what they are doing and promised that the Company is ready to do anything that will make the project work.
“My position is that, I want to make sure that we have everything we need, all what we are buying is not for us, we are not making anything out of it; it is going to be for the communities and for the people,” he reaffirmed.
He maintained that part of their vision is creating employment for young people and that at the same time they want to ensure transparency in everything they are doing by putting proper system in place.
He mentioned that solar facility will be installed for the system to have constant electricity that will keep it going.
Head of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management Department, Njala University Dr. Mathew Pundeh described the intervention of Seawright Mining Company through Dr. Seawright as timely and noted that he felt great as the Head of Department to see the commencement of the project.
He disclosed that the current phase of the project is the most import part, adding that if the engineer gets it right from the foundation, it will be easy for the Chinese Team to do the final work.
He added that they are going to come up with strategies to maintain the facility after the Company’s would have completed the project the University noting that it will serve as a teaching facility for all levels.
“This is a long term impact project; the facility will stay as long as Njala University continues to be in existent,” he stated.
Seawright Mining Company Engineer, Ibrahim Suma disclosed that the construction would last for 6 weeks.
He added that the other two communities which the Company is operating are under similar construction but Njala is taking the lead as they will teach others.
Recirculating Aquaculture Systems will come from China through Zhongshan Water Aquaculture Equipment Technology Limited who is one of the producers of the system in China.
Mamadi Gobeh Kamara, Deputy Information Minister, has urged stakeholders in Kenema District to embrace the Medium-Term National Development Plan as a roadmap towards the transformation of the district.
She made that statement during a one-day stakeholders’ engagement on the Medium-Term National Development Plan organised by the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MOPED) at Albsertson Hotel conference room in Kenema on 14th August 2020.
It will be recalled that the Sierra Leone Medium Term National Development Plan 2019 -2023 with the theme ‘Education for Development’ aims to promote a new direction for improving People’s Lives through Education, Inclusive Growth, and Building a Resilient Economy.
Madam Gobeh Kamara said that the popularisation of the Medium-Term National Development Plan is very important because it gives stakeholders the opportunity to choose the development priorities of Kenema district.
She said that development is people centred and therefore it’s imperative that the beneficiaries of these developments are involved in all processes. She encouraged the women of Kenema district to participate fully in the implementation, coordination and monitoring of the development plan for effective and efficient delivery of projects.
Madam Mamadi Gobeh Kamara also highlighted key successes of the Ministry of Information and Communications which includes:
Engaging mobile companies to increase mobile penetration to underserved communities across the country.
Decentralisation and roll out of the National Fibre Optic backbone project to increase access to ICT services.
Repeal of the Criminal Libel law which gives journalists the enabling environment to practice their profession without fear or favour.
Rebooting of the Sierra Leone News to provide journalism that helps each Sierra Leonean better understand how their country is governed, and take actions that challenge, unite, and inspire positive change.
Engaging communities through television, radio stations and stakeholder meetings to inform and engage Sierra Leoneans on Government development strides.
The supply of digital terrestrial multimedia broadcast platforms and promotion of e-governance amongst others.
She pledged the Ministry’s support to the people of Kenema for the effective implementation of the development plan.
Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice Alhaji Momo-Jah Stevens
By Fatmata Jengbe
On 17th August 2020, the newly appointed Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice Alhaji Momo-Jah Stevens, at the newly established sexual offences Court in Freetown, sentenced one Alpha Fofanah to ten years imprisonment for sexually penetrating a 14-year-old pupil.
According to the statement of offence, the convict was accused of sexually penetrating a 14-year-old Massah Kanneh (not real name), a school pupil contrary to Section 19 of the Sexual Offences Act of 2012 as amended by Section 4 of the Sexual Offences Act, 2019 Act No. 8 of 2019.
The particulars of offence stated that on an unknown date, between 7th May and 10th May, 2020 in Freetown, the accused Alpha Fofanah engaged in an act of Sexual Penetration with a Child.
According to the medical report, the hymen was completely ruptured with offensive yellowish discharge from the vagina.
During the trial, the convict made confessional statement and the former witness who is a female Police Officer produced and tendered in evidence the said confessional statement. The convict did not deny, but affirmed that the victim was her lover, a 14-year-old-pupil. The law forbids any relationship with a minor, below 18years of age.
In his judgement, Justice Momo-Jah Stevens said, “In accordance with Section 6 (ii) of the Sexual Offences Amendment Act No. 8 of 2019 and the accused being twenty one years of age, he be sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.”
The Judge said that the time already spent on remand be included in the counting.
In a similar development, Justice Komba Kamanda sentenced Saidu Bangura to 10years imprisonment for sexually penetrating an-8-year-old child. The Medical Report states that the convict inserted his penis into the victim’s vagina and eventually ejaculated. The child thereafter started walking with legs apart.
Abdulai Kamara also sexually penetrated a 11year old child in May, 2018 in the East End of Freetown after her mother travelled out of the country and left her (the Child) to stay with her Aunt. The medical certificate revealed that the hymen was completely ruptured and there was scanty yellowish discharge from the vagina. The convict (Abdulai) was sentenced to 8 years imprisonment.
Musa Sheka Jabatie was also sentenced to 14 years imprisonment by Justice Komba Kamanda for sexually penetrating a child in Freetown. The 7 years old victim was in an acute pain after being brutally penetrated by the convict, a 21-year-old.
Dr. John K. Yambasu, who up to his death, was the United Methodist Church Resident Bishop in Sierra Leone
By Amin Kef Sesay
Sierra Leoneans in and out of the country are mourning the gruesome death of one of the country’s most illustrious religious personalities, Dr. John K. Yambasu, who dedicated the greater part of his life in ministering the word of God to humanity.
The late Bishop was reported dead on Sunday morning, 16th August 2020, in a gruesome road accident outside the capital city of Freetown, to be precise closer to Orogu Bridge, Jui.
Dr. John K. Yambasu, who up to his death, was the United Methodist Church Resident Bishop in Sierra Leone. He was also the President of the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone (CCSL) which immediately after he was pronounced dead disseminated the message far and wide and expressed heartfelt condolences to his wife, Mrs. Millicent Yambasu, the children, the rest of the family and the Clergy, officers and members of the United Methodist Church in Sierra Leone. They also prayed that the Lord grant them consolation and peace further stating that may the soul of Bishop Yambasu rest in perfect peace with his Lord and Savior that he served so well.
Bishop Yambasu was said to be on his way to Mile 91 to attend the funeral service of one of his pastors – the Late Reverend Edward Kamara who was to be buried on that same day.
It is not clear whether anyone else was involved in the gruesome road accident or what may have caused the vehicle to leave the road and crashed on the side of a hill.
“He was on his way to attend a funeral service for Rev. Edward Kamara in Yonibana in the north of the country,” according to Phileas Jusu, the Director of Communications for the Sierra Leone Annual Conference.
“Our hearts are broken, and we’re devastated by this sudden departure of Bishop Yambasu. This is a great blow to the people called United Methodists! It is our hope and prayers that God will comfort the family in particular and The United Methodist family at large! May his soul rest in perfect peace,” said Bishop Samuel Quire of the Liberia Episcopal Area.
Bishop Yambasu was instrumental in bringing together a diverse group of representatives from United Methodist advocacy groups with contrasting views and bishops from around the world to collaborate on a proposed agreement for the separation of The United Methodist Church.
The agreement, the Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation, was achieved on December 17, 2019, and announced early this year and will be considered at the next General Conference of the church set for 2021.
Bishop Yambasu was also President of the Africa College of Bishops of The United Methodist Church.
Born in Southern Sierra Leone, Bishop Yambasu studied at United Methodist mission schools. He was ordained a deacon in 1987 and an elder in 1990. He served churches in Moyamba and Freetown until he began to focus on Christian Education and Youth Ministry.
A graduate of Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, Bishop Yambasu taught in many schools, including the denomination’s Harford School for Girls in Moyamba. He also was the Sierra Leone Conference’s Director for Christian Education and Youth Ministries and founded the Child Rescue Centre in Sierra Leone, serving as its Executive Director until he became a Regional Missionary in 2000.
He was elected a Bishop of The United Methodist Church in 2008 and installed in 2009.
Bishop Yambasu is survived by his wife, Millicent, and their five children – Rebecca, Adima, John, Emmanuel and Elizabeth.
Details of funeral arrangements will be announced later.
