Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Energy signed a public-private partnership (PPP) agreement with Winch Energy to construct 24 mini solar plants that will supply power to over 24000 residents in the country.
The company aims to make these operational by June 2019 and over 6,000 people are set to benefit from the direct connection to the mini-grids in the first phase of the project. Before the signing of the contract for its development in Sierra Leone, Winch Energy had already started installing 12 power plants in small towns and villages.
“We believe that electricity and related services are transforming communities, contributing to the development of local businesses and increasing wealth and prosperity. We are committed to making substantial investments in Sierra Leone and we plan to win more customers and communities in the coming months, with the help of our local team,” said Nicholas Wrigley, Chairman and CEO of Winch Energy.
Mini solar plant project
Mr Nicholas pointed out that electricity to the health centres will be prioritized to ensure they have the services they need to provide adequate health services to the local populations, especially in the event of any future health emergencies.
The Government of Sierra Leone is also combining this initiative with the Rural Renewable Energy Project (RREP), which aims to provide up to 5 MW in rural communities through small grid-connected solar power plants, with PPPs.
RREP is supported by the English government through grants, and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). This project (RREP) is expected to impact a total of 70 communities not yet served by the national power grid.
Upon completion the 24 small power plants will produce a total energy capacity of 1.2 MW. The project will benefit the target communities through additional business services, which will increase income within the locality and offer a better serviced trading centre to the surrounding local population. The project will also encourage productive uses of electricity and larger industrial loads such as milling and welding.
Winch Energy to construct 24 mini solar plants In Salone
CARE’s Report On Sexual Violence Emergency
What is the situation in Sierra Leone?
On February 14th, 2019, President Julius Maada Bio declared sexual violence a national emergency, vowing that sex with minors would be punishable by Life Imprisonment. However, the situation is highly political as, according to the national constitution, the President would need at least two thirds of the votes of the parliament to declare an emergency, which he did not. The opposition party, which has the majority seats in parliament, protested against the decision.
In Sierra Leone, the judiciary system is not strong enough and most rape cases do not make it to prosecution, and when they do, the sentencing is much too lenient. For example, one man raped an 11-year-old, and subsequently was only given a sentence of two weeks. Moreover, almost half the women in the country are reported to face sexual or physical violence during their lifetime, and 90 percent of females aged 15 to 49 have been victims of genital mutilation, according to United Nations data.
What is CARE doing?
In Sierra Leone, CARE supports a youth-led network to end female genital mutilation, and is a partner with several organizations that combat gender-based violence. A big chunk of CARE’s work in the West African nation is focused on improving sexual and reproductive health for women by supporting the national health system through providing medical supplies and modern contraceptive methods, as well as providing training to health service providers, in order to promote quality services. CARE also works with communities to change harmful social norms that prevent women and girls from accessing their sexual and reproductive health rights. CARE places a special emphasis on strengthening women’s access to and awareness of their sexual and reproductive health rights and HIV and AIDS prevention within communities, increasing the availability of quality information and sexual and reproductive health services, taking into account the different gender needs and sensitivities, while in parallel, working with stakeholders and communities to strengthen mechanisms that will improve sexual and reproductive health services and facilities to adolescent girls and vulnerable women. CARE’s sexual and reproductive health program is present in about 30 per cent of the communities in Sierra Leone, prioritizing implementation in districts with a high HIV burden and high rates of teenage pregnancy.
John Sorieba kanu Gay Man Escapes From Police Custody In Hospital
By Abdulrahman Kamara
According to reports from the Northern town of Makeni, a young man, believed to be Gay and going by the name of John Sorieba kanu, is reported to have escaped from the hands of police whilst being admitted at the Makeni government hospital.
According to our source, the young gay man was caught in sexual act with a fellow male at the residence of his uncle in Makeni, and through the alarm raised by the step mother, who caught them, the young man is said to have been mercilessly beaten by youths and other residents in the community and later taken to the police.
During our investigation, the police confirmed that the suspect was brought in a semi-conscious state, and had to be rushed to the hospital on the advice of their boss. It was also disclosed that two police officers were stationed at the hospital to guard him.
According to Hospital sources, the patient was brought into the facility by the police and two were left by his bedside to ensure that he does not escape. It was also disclosed that during his stay at the facility, his every move was monitored by the police, even when he goes to the toilet or bathroom. They further stated that over the days, as trust between the patient and the police officers grew, he was allowed to go to the bathroom or toilet without escort.
It was further revealed that on one occasion, whilst the patient went to the bathroom, he is alleged to have escaped through a window in the bathroom and made good his escape, a situation they knew later after an alarm was raised by the two police guards at the hospital.
Speaking to residents in the area, it was disclosed that John Skanu had lost both parents and siblings during the Ebola scourge and had to be relocated from his village of Magaingba to Makeni Town to live with his Uncle, Papanie kanu. It was further disclosed that Papanie kanu is the brother of his late father, and that he took both John and his Step Mother, Adama Sesay, his father’s second wife, who was lucky to survive the Ebola, into his home at 10 Lower John Street, Makeni.
According to the residents, John Sorieba kanu was caught red-handed having sex with one James Brown on 9th March 2019, someone that he was frequently seen with and believed to be mere friends. They said that the Step Mother had accidentally bumped into the room to collect her phone which was on charge, when she met both men naked, having sex. She is said to have raised an alarm and family members and residents in the area ran into the house. John’s partner, James Brown, is said to have escaped through a window in the room, leaving John at the mercy of the crowd who had thronged into the room.
Other sources say that John was mercilessly beaten and went unconscious, and was only taken to the police where he is said to have regained consciousness.
According to a close confidant of John, he is of the opinion that John may have escaped due to the statement of the Officer in Charge at the police station, who when John was being taken to the hospital said that he will be returned to face the law and will spend his entire life in prison, as the offence committed is either the death penalty or life imprisonment, if the Judge so decides.
Family sources say that the police have on several occasions, since the escape of John Sorieba kanu from their custody, visited and raided the area in search of him, and had warned residents not to harbour him.
In Sierra Leone, Homosexuality and LGB are forbidden by the state as well as by both religious faiths in the country, and people caught in the act are sentenced to death or life imprisonment, that is if they survive the wrath of the communities where they live.
Residents in the country see such acts as sacrilegious and satanic and should be eradicated from society. Thus, the suspects are often left in the hands of communities, who often ensure that they disappear. In the event the police come in the suspects are charged to Court, where they are given the capital punishment.
As we go to press, the whereabouts of John Sorieba kanu is yet unknown and a bounty has been put on his head for his capture.
Alpha Jalloh threatened to be killed for practicing gay
By Karifa Kello Thoronka
A young Sierra Leonean by the name of Alpha Jalloh of 27yrs has been threatened to be kill by his families and some youths in their community for being involved in gay practiced in the Country. Being gay in Sierra Leone is a crime and could be punishable by law. It is also a shame to the family especially coming from a religious background like Alpha.
Speaking with Habib Conteh the Uncle of Alpha Jalloh he said he has been seeing Alpha with some friends on several occasions whom he mostly suspected of being gay due to their attributes, he further noted that he thought their friendship was just normal friendship, not till when Alpha’s elder brother by the name of Mohamed Jalloh explained the event which he saw through peeping from the window sometimes in February 2019, where Alpha and his gay partner were making love and screaming inside a bed room in a house in the next street away from their family house.
Upon hearing this sad news by Sulaiman Jalloh the father of Alpha Jalloh who was in a meeting with community elders planning good things for the Mosque had heart attack as he was suffering from hypertension, as a result of the shameful things Alpha brought to the family. He was quickly rushed to 34 military hospital where he was admitted, Sulaiman Jalloh give up the ghost as a result of the sad news he got about Alpha his son being gay which result to heart attack and leads to his death, Mohamed narrated to press men. ‘Since then serious intimidation and discrimination has been placed on Alpha by families and the Community youths, he says.
Narrating what happens when his brother saw him through the window, his Uncle Habib Conteh says that Some family members and youths rushed into the room and grab Alpha, and he was mercilessly beaten up and also threatened to killed him, he revealed by saying that when the Police intervene they failed to protect Alpha noting that he is engaging in bad practice in the Country. The police promised him of going to jail, and later dragged him to the station. Whiles the youths and the family members also threatened him to be killed whenever they set eyes on him.
His Uncle Habib Conteh mentioned that Alpha Jalloh was taken to the police station and he was detained for about three days, after he was reported to have escaped from police detention.
Main while Alpha Jalloh’s family has vowed to disowned him as a result of his behaviour. Till press time police are still searching for Alpha Jalloh in Sierra Leone
Progress Report Presented to LAB By Approve School Bureau
The Approve School Community Advisory Bureau (CAB), one of the satellite offices of the Legal Aid Board in the Western Area on March 11 2019 presented a progress report to the management of the Legal Aid Board in Freetown.
A volunteer with the Bureau, Mohamed Kekura Turay stated that they have mediated 159 civil matters from November 2017 to January 2019. This includes debts, family disputes, child maintenance, wife maintenance, landlord and tenant and community level disputes. He noted that some of the matters have been referred to the Bureau by the Police.
In addition, they have recovered Le24,500,000 (twenty-four million, five hundred thousand Leones) in debts settlement and payment towards child and wife maintenance.
Mr. Turay outlined the challenges facing the Bureau as follows: lack of allowance for volunteers, office stationery, ID Cards and petty cash to deliver invitation letters for mediation.
The Executive Director of the Legal Aid Board, Ms. Fatmata Claire Carlton-Hanciles drew attention to the allegations that have made against the Bureaus. “Some of these allege improprieties were reported to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice and the Chair of the Legal Aid Board,” she said. “Honesty should be the guiding principle in the discharge of your responsibilities.”
She said the Board should be given time to convince the Government to provide support to the Bureaus. She added the Board will continue to provide some stationery to the Bureau. Also, the Board will be buying a machine for the printing of ID cards.
On a final note, she said that the Board will be having quarterly meetings with the Bureaus for updates and exchange of ideas.
More Boost for Caritas to Save More Babies
Caritas Freetown, a non-governmental organization has called for more support for them to save the lives of more babies after a successful surgery of four babies.
The organization convened a press conference on Thursday 7 March at the St. Edwards Secondary School, Kingtom to give first-hand information on the success stories of some of the kids they have been raising funds for.
It was disclosed that Master Carlos, Baby Mariama, Baby Marian and Baby Mustapha have successfully gone through the surgery as a result of funds raised by well-wishers.
Ishmael Alfred Charles, Programs Manager, Caritas Freetown & HIRF Lead Campaigner for sick babies thanked all those who in diverse ways donated, campaigned and prayed for those babies
“We are not able to tag everyone, but we are very appreciative of all your little efforts.”
He continued to say despite their successful stories more babies are on their list for support.
Currently Caritas Freetown has more than five babies in their list that they are raising funds for. Badamase Samura 3 years old suffering from Brain Tumor $16,000 is needed for his operation, Aminata Marrah 16 years old left Orbit Tung & $26,000 is needed for her surgery, Mustapha Tunis 13 years old need $25,000 for his surgery and Jeremiah Koroma age 3 need $ 8,000 for his Anus surgery among others.
He said no child should die because their parents are poor.
Ishmael Alfred Charles called on the Government to help support the establishment of National Children Emergency Fund which will mainly support children in such cases.
“It is very important for us to have a mechanism in place,” he noted.
He disclosed that for the Baby Marian surgery they owed the hospital in India $3,500 but they asked for the baby to return home after a successful surgery because they didn’t want the bill to add.
Adama Jalloh mother of Baby Marian described that day as a remarkable day for her. Adama was unable to donate for her daughter which caused more burdens on the organization which had to buy another ticket for Adama’s cousin.
“I want to thank God for all those who supported us. I am appealing to all to continue their support.”
If we donate more we can help to save the lives of more babies,
Entertainment Concert Rocks Limkokwing University
The Limkokwing University teamed up with Emmanuel Rogers aka Artical 4yoh for an entertainment concert.
The Department of Sound and Music (DSM)entertainment concert in African Style ended in a grand style with the theme “If you believe it do it”.
The concert which took place past Thursday at the University auditorium showcased God’s given talents through music.
The concert was witnessed by top Sierra Leonean artists and music directors.
Emmanuel Rogers aka Artical 4yoh, gave a brief talk on how to rebrand the entertainment industry.
His six points were: 1. Proper Research. 2. Love the industry and what we are doing. 3. Full finance support from the government. 4. Enforcement of the copyright law that was passed in Parliament. 5. The need of them getting Ministry of entertainment and 6. They need the attention of the people by attending shows and buying their music.
Limkokwing University Sierra Leone Head of Faculty of Sound and Music, Lesly Tshekedi, pointed out that the faculty of Sound and Music Technology wants to bring a new taste in Sierra Leone entertainment industry for musicians not to only focus on music but the technology aspect as well.
He spoke about the campus multi-purpose recording studio for the students.
He disclosed that the 43 students who are ready for internship were divided into 10 groups and each group should produce one album comprising of 10 songs.
He explained that some of the students are artists but they only have background about singing while the University produces music using software.
“This kind of program is not offering in other universities in the country. I am happy that the outcome of the songs is very good,” he added.
He went on to say they also teach students how to organize event, promote and manage event as most of their work are practical base and as such, the student do lots of practice.
“Some are very good in song writing, producing and sound engineering. Our program are integrated”
The students performed some of the best songs they have produced as a group and some of those songs are played in and out of the country currently.
Ibrahim S.M. Bangura, a final year student of DSM and one of the event planners said they want to change the narrative of Sierra Leoneans who feel that nothing good is in the entertainment industry.
“There is more in entertainment. Some say if you go for such course you are not going for a better course, people rather preferred Law, Medicine among others, even though some of them are not call for such but because their parents want them to do such courses they go for them. We want to educate them to know the essence of doing such a course,” he maintained.
He spoke on how Sound and Music can generate income for themselves and the country GDP.
He mentioned countries like the United States and Nigeria where entertainers have created huge impact on their countries; GDP.
“We want our sisters and brothers to learn from that and do the same for our country. From the theme, we are encouraging all to practice what they have learnt and what they have passion for.”
The students performed different types of music ranging from Reggae , Hip Pop, R&B, African and Local Sierra Leonean songs.
Christopher Alim Conteh, Chairman of the Sierra Leone Musicians Union spoke about piracy which he said is still a big challenge.
He encouraged the students not to be discouraged because they must earn their living from their talents.
“Don’t be discouraged, build up the faith, talent is the greatest thing God gave to man. Music is not just joy it is a career and that career goes along with the very passion,” he concluded.
LAB receives a Pat on The Back from Council of Imams
The leadership of United Council of Imams has expressed gratitude to the Legal Aid Board for resolving the dispute between its members and the Traditional Poro society in Kenema District. The meeting was held in the head office of the Legal Aid Board on Thursday, March 7.
The representatives of the Council at the meeting comprise fourteen Imams from the Western Area, the Regional Chairlady of the West Zone Haja Isha Kamara and the Regional Chairlady for Tombo Haja Kadiatu Kamara. The Imams in attendance include the President, Dr. Mohamed Habib Sheriff, Secretary General, Sheik Ibrahim Mans Kanu and the Director of Communication/Public Affairs, Sheik Ibrahim Kolleya Kamara.
The dispute came about because of alleged critical comments made against the Society by the Imams which the members of the society did not take kindly to. The ensuing dispute led the Government to suspend initiation into the traditional society following displacement of Imams, while others were either attacked or forcefully conscripted into the Traditional Poro Society.
The Board had to intervene in the dispute in January 2019 following a request from the Council. Reverend Bob Kandeh one of the Board’s Adjudicator with the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Department who also happens to be a senior member of the Poro Society was sent to the affected Chiefdoms – Kandu Lekpeyama and Giema Dama – in Kenema District where he held series of meetings between the two parties in Gaama village until a peaceful resolution was reached.
Based on the findings from the mediation, the Board called on the Council to take steps to address the frosty relationship between their members who also happen to belong to the Poro Society.
The Executive Director of the Legal Aid Board, Ms. Fatmata Claire Carlton-Hanciles, said alleged critical comments from these people may have inflamed tensions between the two groups. “There is also the thorny issue of Imams who have denounced their membership of the society which is also a source of tension between the two,” she said.
Based on a request from the President of the Council, Dr. Mohamed Habib Sheriff the Board has agreed to train members of the Council as Paralegals. This will be done in all the regions in the country.
HIV Positives Now 61,000 – Alhaji Dr. Momodu Sesay stated
In a staggering revelation the Director General of National HIV/AIDS Secretariat, Alhaji Dr. Momodu Sesay stated that more than 61, 000 people are HIV positive in Sierra Leone. This, he added is according to their 2013 Prevalence Demographical Health Survey which noted that more than 28, 000 people are currently receiving HIV/AIDS therapy.
He made this disclosure during a partnership forum of Religious Leaders and Development Partners for Sustainable Religious Response to HIV/AIDS.
The process of developing a strategic plan to support the HIV/AIDS response in the country started two years ago in terms of prevention, treatment services and eradicating stigma and discrimination of people affected by the disease.
The religious leaders agreed to inform their respective followings about how they can channel or address issues around the crisis of stigma and discrimination which is one of the main problems affecting people affected.
Giving the keynote address, Minister of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs, Baindu Dassama said HIV/AIDS is a crisis that needs huge spiritual, social, economic and political attention, adding that increasingly, it is a problem of all ages.
“Overcoming AIDS and the stigma that fuels the spread of HIV is one of the most serious challenges of our time,” Madam Dassama said, adding that it requires courage, commitment and leadership at all levels especially among religious leaders who can use the trust and authority they have in their communities to change the course of this pandemic and all other emerging issues.
Dassama said they can reach their goal through partnership with citizens, communities, and countries to reflect the sustainable development agenda of the country.
According to the Director General of National HIV/AIDS Secretariat, Alhaji Dr. Momodu Sesay they have work to do in scaling-up their services in terms of universal access to 1,308 facilities in the country.
According to him, the limited number of health facilities is a major challenge but that they are hoping to build more.
Pres. Bio Prioritizes Human Capital Development at Harvard Law School
In the United States of America,His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio has wooed academics and students at Harvard Law School during a forum on Sierra Leone organised by the Centre for African Studies, Harvard University.
Delivering his keynote address, a confident President Bio said that he has prioritised human capital development because that is the foundation for sustainable development.
In his usual unique description of human capital development, he told his audience about the three components of human capital development which include education, food security and healthcare. In addition to the free quality education, he also highlighted measures he has undertaken for food security and accessible healthcare.
President Bio also said that he was in Harvard University to seek partnership and collaboration through experience sharing, knowledge sharing and learning. Discussing the cost of his flagship programme, free quality education, he also said that “ignorance is more expensive than education”.
President Bio used the forum discussion which coincided with International Women’s Day to higlight some of his policies which have been targeted towards the protection and empowerment of women and girls in Sierra Leone. In the area of education, he spoke about grants-in aid for female students pursing sciences in tertiary institutions. A passionate President Bio also explained about the state of emergency on rape and sexual violence as part of series of measures to protect girls and women.
President Bio also highlighted his achievements in revenue mobilisation and control of expenditure to demonstrate his efficient economic management of the State. He spoke of his war against corruption and the commissions of inquiry to ensure democratic accountability to the people.
During the dialogue forum there were also expert presentations by academics in the following areas: Dr. Paul Farmer presented on Healthcare Infrastructure and Healthcare Delivery; Professor Fernando Reimers presented on K-12 Education for a Global World; Professor Margaret McMillan presented on Economic Development in Sub-saharan Africa and Professor Raymond Atuguba presented on Law and Governance in Sierra Leone.
Earlier, President Bio held discussion with the Harvard University President, Larry Bacow and senior academics of the University wherein a partnership between Harvard University and Sierra Leone was discussed.
Later in the evening, President Bio was also hosted to an investors dinner where the Presidential Adviser on Economic and Financial Policy, Mr. Joe Demby, presented the Sierra Leone Investment Ecosystem Strategy and the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Mrs Nabeela Tunis presented on investors’ experience in Sierra Leone. During the investors’ dinner, President Bio also assured investors of his commitment to improve the investment climate in Sierra Leone and invited them that Sierra Leone is open for business.