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Justice Momoh-Jah Stevens in the Spotlight for Upholding Justice

Justice Alhaji Mohamed Momoh-Jah Stevens

By Theresa Kef Sesay

The July 1, 2020 treason trial verdict of Rtd Major Paolo Conteh has generated discussions among Civil Society activists, journalists, politicians from a broader spectrum. Justice could not have a better definition when there is fairness, moral, a scheme or system of law in which every person receives his or her due from the system, including all rights both natural and legal.

Meritorious credits have been paid to the Jurors for the verdict, with little being said about the Presiding Judge now Justice of the Court of Appeal.

Justice Alhaji Mohamed Momoh-Jah Stevens presided over the treason trial of Rtd Major Paolo Conteh and certainly this is not his first treason trial, maybe. Paolo Conteh’s trial took center stage because he’s a member of the main opposition All Peoples Congress Party (APC) charged with treason. In 2019, Justice Stevens delivered verdict on the treason trial of Captain Kamara who was found guilty of treason by a court martial and was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment in absentia, and a RSM was also sentenced to 2 years 6 months, while the third accused was acquitted and discharged. Seemingly Sierra Leoneans have shortly forgotten about this trial.

The lens or focus was placed on Rtd Major Paolo Conteh’s trial for all the wrong doings, overt display of insensitive, strangulated independence, political interference and unnecessary delay in legal proceedings. These negative views held, could be attributed to past treason trials in the country and other judicial matters in the country; 1988/1989 former Vice President Francis Minah faced similar capital offense as was with Rtd Major Paolo Conteh, history tells it all how the Minah treason trial ended.

The President Bio led administration has reposed confidence in the Sierra Leonean populace and the international community that Sierra Leone can enjoy Judicial Independence without third party interference and Paolo’s case present a unique opportunity of how independent our Judiciary is and has evolved. This case gives credence to the view held “presumption of innocence before proven guilty and before a competent court of law”.

Prior to his appointment as Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice Stevens had worked in almost all political districts of Sierra Leone, as Magistrate, Judge and Justice of the Court of Appeal. A key highlights of high profile cases he has presided over are; Emmanuel Sahr Gbeke and Hon. Hariyatu Bangura(002) SLHC 32 (31st May, 2019). The honorable court orders that the 7th March, 2018 General/Parliamentary elections of Hariyatu Bangura of the APC Constituency 116 Western Area is declared null and void in line with Section 78 (1) (a) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone Act Number 6 of 1991 as being a person receiving salary from the Consolidated Fund failed to resign in good faith 12 months before the 7th March, 2018.

Justice Stevens sometimes in March, 2019 convicted and sentenced Mohamed Mansaray and John Sesay to eleven years imprisonment each for robbery; Mansaray and Sesay were before the court on three Counts of Conspiracy, Robbery, and Larceny Contrary to Section 23 (2) of the Larceny Act 1916.

Plato once asserted that “Justice in the Life and Conduct of the State is possible only as first it resides in hearts and souls of the citizens”. This postulation by Plato best describes Justice Stevens. He believes that we are what we repeatedly do and excellence is not just an act but must be a habit. This excellence has been shown in all his years of practice as Magistrate, Judge, and now Justice of the Court of Appeal.

Justice Stevens holds a very sound  LLB Honours Bachelor of Law Degree from Fourah Bay College ,University of Sierra Leone. He was called to the Bar on October 8th, 2004 and first appointed as Magistrate on 1st November, 2005. He spent a decade plus as Magistrate in Bonthe’, Kono, Bo, Pujehun, Kenema and Kailahun, Bombali and Koinadugu. Between January, 2016 and June 2020 he was High Court Judge at Ross Road Judicial district, Southern Region Bo, Pademba Road High Court, appointed Judge Advocate Court Martial, 2019 and High Court Judge, Law Court Building Siaka Stevens Street from March 2019 to 25th June, 2020 and appointed Justice Court of Appeal on the 26th June, 2020.

Justice Stevens has done several courses both nationally and internationally. Rtd Major Paolo Conteh was not found guilty on treason charges by the jurors, but was sentenced to two years imprisonment on Count 3, Possession of Small Arms and Ammunition Act Number 10 of 1963 as (amended). The jurors received a plethora of applause for the verdict but what was however not noticed during the trial or reported by the main stream media was that Rtd Major Paolo Conteh’s case was the first expeditious treason trial and reasonably held in Sierra Leone’s Judicial history, and above all, the Jurors returned a verdict upon summing up of the Judge. The just concluded verdict give credence to Marcus Tullius Cicero who once postulated that; “The Safety of the People shall be the highest law”.

Westminster to Donates to Lungi Airport Advanced Sanitizing Tunnel System

The donated advanced sanitizing tunnel system expected in two weeks’ time

By Amin Kef Sesay

A British-oriented company, Westminster Group, operating the ground handling at the Lungi International Airport, is now putting modalities in place, having purchased a 12,000 Euros advanced sanitizing tunnel system which will be donated to the airport to  ensure that all passengers arriving go through this system with their luggage to prevent them from entering the country with the coronavirus.

It could be recalled that in his address to the nation on the 9th July 2020 President Julius Maada Bio announced that the airport will reopen on the 22nd July 2020.

As a result of the fact that there is lack of flights coming to Sierra Leone the tunnel is expected in the next two weeks at the Lungi airport where it will be installed to start operation.

Musayeroh Barrie, who is the Operations Director of Westminster Group intimated that  the airport is like many other airports that have been closed since the end of March 2020, resulting in challenges for the country and a collapse of revenue for their own business operations in Sierra Leone.

She furthered that because Westminster is ready to start operations, they are proud to state, however, that they have maintained full employment of all their local staff during this challenging time. “Over the past few weeks, a series of consultations have been held with the relevant authorities to discuss what pertinent measures would be needed at the airport for it to resume commercial operations,” she revealed and continued that as a global company they have been working with various airport authorities and other organizations around the world to address the difficult process of getting companies back to work and in particular to enable airports worldwide to safely resume operations.

“Part of our “back to work” initiative has been to provide airports with advanced fever detection and sanitization technologies that can be effectively deployed into airport terminals and infrastructure, and one such initiative is an advanced sanitizing tunnel system, which delivers 360-degree sanitization of people, baggage and trolleys etc. passing through it and we feel that this particular technology would assist the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) in their efforts to reopen the Freetown Airport to international passengers.,” Miss Barrie highlighted further intimating how the Westminster Aviation Security Services Ltd have been working with the Government since 2012 and they consider themselves to be part of the Freetown “family” and  are therefore pleased to support the Ministry of Transport and Government in the provision of one of these advanced tunnels amongst other initiatives they are already undertaking.

The Operations Director said during this period, they kept all staff and even supported them and the community with food during the trying times and they have been making sure that the emergency flights that have been landing in Freetown have been treated well and given all the services available.

She pointed out that the flights will start coming in gradually as many countries are still fighting the virus with high numbers of infected people.

“We believe that so long as the airport is open it will give the business people the opportunity to return and others to come and rest because the cases in the country are not as bad as other areas,” she expressed hope.

Miss Barrie called Sierra Leoneans to continue to stay safe and follow all the instructions laid down by the health officials so that the country can break the chain and end the transmission as soon as possible.

NP’s Expansion to Kailahun District Comes with Many Advantages for Residents

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

By Amin Kef Sesay

The National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) has once again demonstrated its dogged determination and proactive stance in ensuring that residents in every nook and cranny of this country have easy access to the petroleum products that the company is marketing at affordable prices. This became conspicuously evident on the 11th July 2020 when the leading fuel marketing company commissioned a newly constructed Filling Station at Luawa Chiefdom, in the Kailahun District, Eastern Sierra Leone.

The ultra-modern Filling Station is one of the latest developments that have been implemented by a private entity in one of the most historical districts in Sierra Leone courtesy of the development oriented passion and foresight of the petroleum company that many have come to hold in esteem and which for too long became a household name in this nation.

During the auspicious and colourful event that was graced by high profiled personalities and people from all walks of life, but with the observation of social distancing, what came out clearly from the statement of the Chief Executive Officer of NP-SL, Kobi Walker, was that the company has open arms to embrace good initiatives.

The NP boss was making reference to the partnership with Navo Kai Kai, an indigene of Kailahun district and the Proprietor of the Filling Station, whom approached NP-SL with a proposal of constructing a Filling Station, an ambition he crystalized into reality by spending Le1.5 Billion on the project.

It must be noted that the statement made by Kobi Walker clearly indicates the preparedness on the part of the company to always encourage and embrace meaningful local entrepreneurship.

As a matter of fact  it must be anchored at this particular juncture that the auspicious  commissioning of this new ultra-modern Filling Station will definitely bring with it so many attendant benefits not only for residents of Kailahun but even strangers who are visiting the district on different assignments or missions. Indisputably, this new development will ease the burden on motorists, bike and Kekeh riders , owners of boats with outboard engines, Local and International  Non-Governmental Organizations operating over there to secure fuel from nearby towns or within Kenema District.

As it is commonly known whenever certain products are secured in distant places there is the tendency for business people to slightly factor the transportation cost in the sale price, which consumers will have to bear. There is the possibility that with the new station such will drastically minimize as NP tankers will now be transporting fuel to that part of the country on a regular basis.

Another big advantage that will accrue to the district has to do with creating job opportunities, formally and informally. Definitely, there are going to be people that the Navo Kai Kai family will employ directly or formally to work in the capacity as pump attendants and in other positions such as accountants, security guards etc. Whatever way it could be looked at, this will help in alleviating poverty as it will have cascading effects, meaning that family members and friends will be benefitting from those who would be earning salaries.

Vehicle drivers, Kekeh and bike riders are now assured of accessing Castrol Oil which is the No 1 lubricant for the good performance of the engines of their vehicles, Kekehs and bikes and by extension extend their roadworthiness.

Besides, there will be others who will purchase petroleum wholesale from the Filling Station and sell on retail in nearby villages or settlements as a source of income, although NP-SL is seriously frowning on keeping fuel at home as such is highly dangerous, posing the risk of igniting fire disasters.

In as much as there is NP’s presence in Kailahun District that part of the country now stands to benefit from the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Knowing NP-SL as a business entity that never falters in dispensing its CRS there is hope that with time the company will surely implement certain development projects that many will benefit from or will support  worthy causes that will definitely put smiles on the faces of residents.

Indeed, Kailahun District will come to have a feel of the company’s Customer Care touch. It must be underscored that prior to the commissioning of the Kailahun “British NP Filling Station” , the old fuel manual pumping machines were in use. It was alleged by certain people that whenever they bought fuel, petrol or diesel, they noticed shortfalls in the quantity attributing that to the clandestine manipulations of pumping attendants whom they accused of robbing them of deriving value for money.

However, with the commissioning of the new Filling Station that  has automated calibrated pumping machines, it is expected that such will become a thing of the past as these latest machines have the capability of displaying the litres requested for as against the price. The process facilitated by these calibrated pumping machines is very transparent and will instill confidence to all that they are getting value for money.

As was also revealed by Kobi Walker during the commissioning that NP-SL Ltd  within two years paid  Le782 Billion  as taxes to the Government of Sierra Leone it means with the opening of the Kailahun branch the tax base will definitely expand which will make the Government much stronger to undertake various development programmes with domestic revenue generated .

As it was aptly put by the Resident Minister-East, Hon. Andrew Ansu Fartoma, it is now up to residents of Kailahun to see this investment as their own and in that regard they should be watchdogs for NP-SL.

However, it has gone down the annals of the history of this country that the National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited is one business entity that took tangible development to Kailahun District. Indeed, the indomitable company remains relentlessly steadfast to assuage the petroleum needs of citizens and foreigners in an efficient and effective manner.

President Bio Receives Lebanese Special Envoy and Delegation

By Amin Kef Sesay

In the spirit of friendship and collaboration to continue to scale up the fight against the spread of the corona virus and more especially breaking the chain of transmission in the country, the Government of Lebanon has dispatched a team of seven Doctors and Nurses, who arrived in Freetown on the 19th June 2020, to help the Government and People of Sierra Leone in combating the deadly Corona Virus.

Along with the Charge d’ Affairs  of Lebanon in Sierra Leone Mr. Hadi Jaber, the Special Envoy of H.E. President of Lebanon General Michel Aoun, Ing. Dr. Ziad Salloum, delivered a letter of support to His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio, in the presence of Mr. Emad Khouri Acting Chairman of COVID-19 Lebanese Emergency Team and Mr. Tony Chaghoury, the Coordinator of the Medical Delegation.

Mr. Jaber said that the team is a token of solidarity and friendship between the Governments and People of Sierra Leone and Lebanon in fighting the pandemic. He added that the excellent bilateral relationship dates back to decades highlighting that Lebanon is grateful to Sierra Leone, a country that has been hosting the Lebanese Community for more than a century.

President Julius Maada Bio applauded the Lebanese Government for the support and stated that a friend in need is a friend indeed. He also thanked the Lebanese COVID-19 Task Force and its Chairman Mr. Hachem Hachem for their support in the health sector and other areas. H.E. Excellency added that Sierra Leoneans are pleased to receive the medical doctors from Lebanon and that their presence in the country is highly appreciated. He encouraged the Lebanese Medical Experts to earnestly work together with the Sierra Leone Medical team in winning the fight against COVID-19 in the country.

Momoh Konte & Two Others Laid to Rest in Kabala

By Sheriff Mahmud Ismail

Not one but three bright ‘Suns’ have suddenly been eclipsed by the overpowering darkness of death, putting out the lights which illuminated on Koinadugu and Falaba. The discomfiture of such pitch darkness is being felt not just across the two districts of Falaba and Koinadugu. On the 10th July 2020, all along the major villages and towns on the highway between Makeni and Kabala, compatriots line up in mournful final farewell as the exceedingly long (vehicular) cortege passed by.

On arrival with the mortal remains of  Three Fallen Compatriots – Comrades Momoh Konte, Nfagie Alakuma Conteh and Saio Marah – vehicles and motorbikes had to give way to the throngs of mourners as the township of Kabala literally crumbled in a paralysis of grief. The weeping, by people of all ages, sex, religion and political persuasions, is involuntary, incessant, uncontrollable and inconsolable.

The late Saio Marah was a deeply respectful, modest and humble and an upcoming politician. In his late thirties, he was already the APC Deputy Chair for the Northern Region.

Comrade Nfagie Alakuma Conteh, despite his age (in his mid-sixties), was a very amiable gentleman. As APC Northern Region Public Relations Officer, he allowed his two Deputies the free hand to function. Never once did he complain and was always supportive of the Regional Executive decisions. He was a stealth and experienced strategist, always engaging stakeholders in one – on – one dialogues and passing on the challenges and his recommendations through the appropriate channels. He was in constant touch with me, giving updates on happenings in Koinadugu and Falaba and proffering actionable recommendations.

Without doubt, the people of these two districts and the APC have lost three great champions. The most illustrious of them all was Momoh Konte (in his mid-fifties), erstwhile Chairman of the National Telecommunications Commission (NATCOM), and until his death, the main opposition All Peoples Congress (APC) Chairman of Koinadugu district. Momoh Konte bestride the two districts of Falaba and Koinadugu like the proverbial colossus. His philanthropy, compassion and immeasurable love for his people dominate the narrative of the mourners.

From the payment of school, college and university fees for countless of his compatriots from Koinadugu and Falaba; to the building of health centres, primary, secondary schools and a university college (which is near completion); to his unfailing support to mosques and Muslims; to his many other community development projects including community centers, roads, entertainment centers; the good works of Comrade Momoh Konte mean that his sudden passing in that gruesome road accident of 5th July, 2020, has left a gaping vacuum in his family, his community, his APC party and in the lives of so many young people who depended on his largess for their schooling.

It is therefore understandable that the Kabala township is being gripped and immobilized by the pain of unfathomable sorrow. Three illustrious sons taken out in one full swoop!

“How are we supposed to handle this colossal loss; who’s going to continue with the payment of my son’s university fees”, one mourner tearful mumbled.

An abiding honour to the memories of these illustrious compatriots will be the completion and operationalization of the proposed University of Kabala which has been their enduring aspiration for their people.

Director General of SLCAA Engages MTA and MoHS on Safety Measures to Reopen FNA

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Moses Tiffa Baio, Director-General of  the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), has on the 7th July, engaged the Ministry of Transport and Aviation (MTA) and the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS) on the necessary safety and public health measures that have been put in place for the reopening of the Freetown International Airport (FNA).

The goal of the meeting was to discuss and address key emerging issues regarding the reopening of the airport to commercial flight operations.

In his presentation, the SLCAA Director-General revealed that the aviation industry had had series of stakeholder engagements with the National COVID-19 Response Centre (NaCOVERC) and MoHS for the smooth reopening of the airport, observing further that the team resolved in developing air travel process guide which would inform passengers, who intend travelling to Sierra Leone, on public health measures at the airport.

“During the meeting with NaCOVERC, we developed a policy brief with recommendations for the attention of the Presidential Taskforce. We have proposed that COVID-19 testing be conducted at the airport, and NaCOVERC has agreed to provide us with a mobile laboratory. The objective was to have a testing system that would be effective, efficient, and resilient to prevent a probable COVID-19 resurgence. What MoHS should help us with is to provide training for frontline workers, fumigate the airport, review passenger Health Locator Forms and set up the mobile testing system at the airport,” DG said.

He encouraged the team to consider the Rwandan model which basically involved PCR testing before arrival at FNA, and a Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD) test would follow upon arrival, and results produced within 24hrs. While maintaining that all other Health protocols as directed by WHO would be observed, he confirmed that IOM and Africell had agreed to provide walk-through disinfectant channels and cargo disinfection machines at the arrival section of the airport.

Responding to the DG’s presentation, the Deputy Minister of Health and Sanitation 2, Dr. Amara Jambai expressed that collaboration was the key to achieve great results. “The hallmark of this inter-ministerial success is to flawlessly work in close collaboration with all parties involved to ensure activities are properly coordinated. Things are happening very fast and Sierra Leone cannot be isolated to such progress. The airport is the face of Sierra Leone to the outside world so we must ensure that all the necessary measures have been in place to avoid public outcry. We will work with Professor Gevao to ensure the mobile testing system is set up speedily,” he assured.

In his statement, the Minister of Transport and Aviation Hon. Kabineh Kallon informed the gathering on the ECOWAS mandate to reopening  all sub-regional airport to scheduled commercial flight operations. He, however, stated that the goal to reopen the Freetown International Airport could not be achieved without the close collaboration of MTA, the aviation industry, and MoHS. He also informed the gathering that President Bio would pronounce the reopening of the airport when all procedures have been followed. Responding to questions on contact tracing, the Minister said that Africell Mobile Company had offered to provide a mobile application that would trace and track passengers when the need arises.

The Chief Medical Officer, Rev Dr. Timothy Samba advised the team to observe collaboration, consistency, conformity and commitment to achieve a positive result, adding that MoHS should have an office at the airport to coordinate daily activities for prompt compliance. He concluded by noting that the testing system should have some form of quality control and adequate personnel should also be stationed at the airport for effective monitoring and service delivery.

The Director of Health Emergency and Security, Dr. Mohamed Vandi disclosed that they were eager to reopen the airport given the numerous public concerns. He raised concerns on three keys areas: digitalising the Passenger Locator Forms to expedite the process, swabbing before going through Immigration to prevent passengers from escaping the rest of the process, and releasing test results without further delay. He concluded by assuring that Infection, Prevention, and Control (IPCs) for the training of all frontline workers and for disinfection were ready.

NP-SL Commissions Ultra-Modern Filling Station in Kailahun District

By Amin Kef Sesay

The commissioning of the first ultra- modern petrol station in the post-war Kailahun district took place on Saturday 11th July 2020 during a well -attended programme that attracted personalities from various walks of life.

The programme was evident of the leading petroleum marketing company’s, the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited, commitment to make their products and services accessible to all. The aforementioned Filling Station is situated in Luawa Chiefdom in the Kailahun District named after the owner’s nickname, British NP.

In his address, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited, (NP SL-Ltd), Kobi Walker assured residents of Kailahun district that with this new fuel station in the district the issue of fuel shortage will be a thing of the past.

He said since 1952 when the marketing of fuel started in Sierra Leone so many companies have come and gone but NP-SL still remains firm and is doing exceptionally well in the importation and marketing of petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, gas and lubricants of  which the  most widely used is Castrol to its numerous and esteemed customers in different parts of the country.

Kobi Walker disclosed that in two years NP-SL paid 782 Billion Leones as taxes to the Government of Sierra Leone which shows that with the empowerment the company is getting from Sierra Leoneans through the purchase of their products they are also giving back to society through job creation, payment of taxes to  the Government and also empowering other Sierra Leoneans.

He said with this new filling station in their district such will not only make fuel available for them at all times but would provide jobs as well. He thanked the Kai Kai family for believing in the mission and vision of NP-SL which, he said, prompted them to partner with them.

Resident Minister East, Hon. Andrew Ansu Fartoma, expressed appreciation to the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited, (NP-SL Ltd) for the construction of the newly filling station in Kailahun, adding that this has changed the face of the district.

He said such an investment is not only important but timely for the people of Kailahun, furthering that there had been constraints in securing fuel especially in time of crisis and that with the construction of this filling station in the district it will reduce those constraints.

He also encouraged members of the public to see this investment as their own also stating that in that regard they should be watchdogs for NP-SL.

Paramount Chief, Hon. Mohamed Banya, applauded NP-SL for the construction of the filling station, adding that there have been negative issues relating to the accessibility of fuel in the district but said he is with the strong belief that with this new fuel station those will be things of the past.

He thanked the Proprietor Mr. Navo Kaikai and his wife for the brilliant initiative in bringing development to their district.

Proprietor of the British NP-SL Gas Station, Hon. Navo Kaikai extended appreciation to the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited, NP (SL-Ltd) for honouring their partnership.

He disclosed that they spent over 1.7 Billion Leones in the construction of the filling station which she said will serve the people of Kailahun and beyond.

Former Assistant Inspector General of  Police, Morie Lengor Esq, Chairman of the Kailahun District Development (KAIDDA) also delivered a statement profoundly commending the Management of NP-SL Ltd  as well as the Proprietor for what he described as a move in the right direction.

SLAJ Concludes ‘Big Idea of the Week’ in the EU- Corona Fet Na We All Fet

By Amin Kef Sesay

This medium was intimated, within the context of “SLAJ EU- Corona Fet Na We All Fet” that the Week from the 6th – 12th July 2020 marked Big Idea of the Week during which the Association worked with relevant stakeholders to endeavour to keep children safe in schools as schools reopened on the 1st of July 2020 for pupils taking NPSE, BECE and WASSE examinations.

SLAJ admonished the pupils to be leaders in keeping themselves, their schools, families and communities safe and work with their friends to look after the health and well-being of other pupils.

The Association also cautioned teachers to ensure that health measures are fully implemented, to wear cloth masks and ensure pupils wear theirs, to identify sick learners, isolate them and inform the relevant health and school authorities.

As for Parents/caregivers, SLAJ appealed to them to ensure that their children  wear cloth masks when leaving their houses and that the masks must be washed each day. They also advised them that they should not send their children to school if they are sick. SLAJ also stated that the NPSE, BECE and WASSE are international examinations and must be taken at a particular time.

The Association further underscored that it is important for pupils taking those examinations to complete the exams on time stating that there is greater flexibility for other classes and covering contents missed during this period in the next session.

It furthered that the reopening of schools for only pupils taking NPSE, BECE and WASSE allows for more space for pupils and teachers to keep safe distance from each other and learn in a safe environment. SLAJ suggested that certain people must be targeted and interviewed naming the Minister of Education, District Deputy Directors of Education, School Heads ,Head of Parent-Teacher Associations, Teachers ,pupils ,Head of EducAid ,Head of Rising Academy.

It also suggested that pertinent questions for interviews and panel discussions could border around: What are schools doing to protect pupils, teachers, and staff? Now that schools have reopened for a few days, what have you heard or learned from pupils returning to school? What challenges do pupils, teachers, and schools face as the coronavirus continues in Sierra Leone? What are recommendations for addressing these challenges?

It stated that the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) School Operations Guidelines for Examination (NPSE, BECE and WASSCE) Candidates are as follows:

  1. Operational hours for schools are from 8:45am – 2:00pm, 5 days a week.
  2. There will be no two-shift system or afternoon classes. All schools (including those in the afternoon shift before the closure of schools on 31st March 2020) will start at 8:45am and end at 2:00pm. Detailed daily school schedules/timetables will be shared by schools.
  3. Pupils will have one break for 20 minutes, and must remain in their classrooms during the break. Social distancing should be adhered to during this period at all times.
  4. There will be no recess or cafeteria opened to students during the operation of schools.
  5. Parents and guardians are encouraged to provide lunch packs for their children to carry to school. Government will supply take-home dry food rations to pupils in Primary schools during the operational periods of schools.
  6. The Government will provide a one-time transportation for all pupils and teachers needing to return to their locations of schooling and teaching. Details will be made public separately.
  7. The conduct of extra classes after the regular school hours (8:45am – 2:00pm) as stipulated in this release is strongly prohibited.
  8. Pupils and teachers are required to observe all other COVID-19 prevention and control guidelines in schools, and immediately report any sick student or teacher to the National COVID-19 Emergency Response Center by calling 117.
  9. Parents/guardians are encouraged to ensure that their children wash their hands before and after school with soap and water, or with alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and wash their face masks each day after school. Face masks will be provided by the Government to pupils.
  10. Parents are asked to keep their children at home if they have COVID-19-related symptoms and report to 117 immediately. Children with symptoms will be asked to return home.
  11. Any school or teacher who violates these guidelines will face disciplinary measures.

It was further revealed that it is possible for people of any age to be infected with the virus, but so far there are relatively few cases of coronavirus reported among children. Sick pupils, teachers, and other staff are advised  not  to come to school but must stay home and call 117 if they have fever, tiredness, and cough stating that there is currently no available marklate for coronavirus.

SLAJ continued by disclosing that many of the symptoms can be treated and getting early care from a health worker can make the sickness less dangerous. It furthered how there are many research studies going on now to find a marklate to prevent coronavirus and treatments to help those who get it get better fast.

It reminded that scientists and researchers are working hard and as fast as possible, but these things take time for all to be very sure any marklate or treatment is safe for people.

With regards actions for pupils, SLAJ advised them to immediately tell their teachers if they are sick or their friends are sick.

That pupils must work with their friends to look after the health and well-being of each other and other students.

They must share school health and other healthy behaviors with their friends or promote handwashing with soap and water or use of hand sanitizers that are at least 60% alcohol-based, cough and sneeze into their upper arms or sleeves.

To wear cloth face masks when they leave their houses and are around people as well as to wear masks when they use public transportation including bikes, kekehs, taxis, and poda podas.

Always maintain a safe distance of at least three feet or arms-stretched length from others. Limit close face-to-face contacts with others in school and other places, to tell their parents, another family members or caregivers if  they feel sick, and ask to stay home.

They were also advised to make sure to continue learning activities at home and listen to the radio teaching programme.

SLAJ stated that in a situation like this, it is normal to feel sad, worried, confused, scared or angry but they should know that they are not alone and must talk to people they trust, like their parents or teachers so that pupils can help keep themselves and their schools safe and healthy.

They were encouraged to ask questions, educate themselves and get information from reliable sources, be a leader in keeping themselves, their schools, families and communities healthy.

SLAJ also admonished them to share what they have learnt about preventing disease with their families and friends, especially with younger children.

It stated that model good practices such as sneezing or coughing into their elbows and washing their hands, especially for younger family members.

They were told not to stigmatize their peers or tease anyone about being sick; remember that the virus doesn’t follow geographical boundaries, ethnicities, age or ability or gender.

With respect of actions for teachers, SLAJ advised them to implement all COVID-19 prevention and control measures in classrooms and school grounds.

To ensure that the school health measures are fully implemented in accordance with prevailing guidelines from the Government and its partners.

They were told to identify sick learners, isolate them, and inform relevant health authorities including their schools’ safety and emergency contacts.

To call 117 if they suspect that a learner or colleague has symptoms, always prioritize their safety and that of learners. Monitor classroom attendance daily and report absenteeism to the School Management, ensure that all learners are given quality lessons and adequately prepared.  Introduce the concept of social distancing, focus on good health behaviors, such as covering coughs and sneezes with the elbow and washing hands.

Remind pupils that they can model healthy behaviors for their families, encourage pupils to prevent and address stigma, discuss the different reactions they may experience and explain these are normal reactions to an abnormal situation. Encourage them to express and communicate their feelings, incorporate relevant health education into other subjects.

It was noted that science can cover the study of viruses, disease transmission and the importance of marklates. Social studies can focus on the history of pandemics and evolution of policies on public health and safety, media literacy lessons can empower students to be critical thinkers and makers, effective communicators and active citizens.

Outlining actions for Parents/Caregivers ,SLAJ stated that they must ensure that all in their home follow the COVID-19 prevention and control guidelines, ensure that their children wash their hands frequently with soap and water, or uses  hand sanitizers that are at least 60% alcohol-based before, during and after school.

They must ensure that their children wear cloth face masks when leaving their houses for school and those masks must be washed each day, not send their child to school if they are sick.

Encourage their children to read their books and listen to the radio teaching programme, teach and model good hygiene practices for their children, wash their hands with soap and water frequently but if soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizers that are at least 60% alcohol-based.

To cough and sneeze into their elbows and avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth, ensure that safe drinking water is available and toilets or latrines are cleaned and available at home, ensure waste is safely collected, stored and disposed of.

Encourage their children to ask questions and express their feelings with them and their teachers remembering that their children may have different reactions to stress; be patient and understanding. prevent stigma by using facts and reminding students to be considerate of one another and coordinate with the school to receive information and ask how they can support school safety efforts (through parent-teacher committees, etc.).

 

So much rain, still so little harvest

An aerial view of the F.H.A.D.O farm land production

By Amin Kef Sesay

A country’s economic, environmental and social well-being is intricately linked to a healthy, well performing agricultural sector. Thus, increasing investments in the farm economy can deliver high-impact development returns such as increasing rural incomes, boosting food security, making cheap and more nutritious food available to our bustling cities and protecting the environment through innovations such as climate smart agriculture.

Thus, whatever infrastructural development is done, fact of the matter is that, reducing food poverty remains our country’s supreme development challenge, with completely transforming the sector key to achieving a transformational impact on the over 65% of rural dwellers that depend on it for their livelihood in one way or the other.

Data shows that more than 70 percent of the poor live in rural areas and agriculture is their most important economic activity.

Thus, the stage must be set for agriculture to begin to redress the imbalances of the past and assume its proper place as a major agricultural powerhouse for ending poverty. For this transformation to occur, however, many impediments must yet be overcome.

Irrigation and land administration investments are key elements of the transformation and these have particularly high preparation costs. In the case of irrigation, this fact is partly explained by the need to take full advantage of instruments such as Strategic Environmental and Social Assessments when preparing projects to ensure that they are socially and environmentally benign.

Preparation and implementation of investments in land administration are complicated both by concerns over land grabs and by the shortage of professionals working in this field.

The country’s true Green Revolution must begin at the farm level, with producers using modern technologies. This will not happen as long as inputs remain overpriced.

Water resources are, on average, greatly underutilized. Only 2 to 3 percent of renewable water is used. Furthermore, relative to other regions, Sierra Leone has low labor costs, which should encourage the production of labor-intensive farming-related products and services.

Sierra Leone has the resources necessary for a massive expansion of agricultural production, including an abundance of labor, land and untapped water,

Notwithstanding these advantages, since the war ended in 2002, Sierra Leone has been losing its share of the global agricultural market.

As exports have fallen, imports have skyrocketed, as intra-African regional market opportunities were consistently missed time and again. Whilst the “Green Revolution” transformed tropical agriculture in Asia and Latin America in the last 50 years, two main factors are responsible for our agricultural backwardness.

First, little land is actually irrigated.

Second, modern inputs are grossly underutilized with very low use of improved seed and fertilizer use, in spite of considerable efforts by Governments and donors to raise them.

Inadequate use of purchased inputs, along with low private sector investment in general, has been exacerbated by an unfavorable policy environment that has reduced the profitability of investments.

Public investment in the sector remains low in quantity and quality, and much of the policy towards the sector was driven by ineffective state-owned enterprises.

Thus, many opportunities for profitably expanding irrigated areas and increasing the use of modern technology have been identified, and the fact that our farmers are far from the technological frontier means that there is significant potential for catch-up.

Freetown City Council Warns Residents of Flood Risk

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Freetown City Council (FCC) has called on residents, especially those who are living in communities prone to flooding to remain alert as heavy rains have been predicted over the next three days. Residents living in lowlands and flood plains along the coast have been advised to be vigilant especially at night as they have an increased risk of flooding and other environmental disasters.

According to the FCC, individuals must report a disaster or contact the Office of National Security (ONS) on 076 612775.

It was learnt that the FCC, with support from several partners and the central Government, will continue to collaborate with the RSLAF to implement the 2020 Flood Mitigation exercise, as they have done over the last month in 52 communities across Freetown.

According to the FCC, their interventions, clearing of blocked culverts, drainages and silted gutters and waterways help reduce incidences of flooding in certain vulnerable communities. However, they revealed that the current practice of building along waterways and in flood plains in parts of the city leave many residents vulnerable.  It was stated that FCC’s flood mitigation activities cannot effectively address this land use planning challenge.

The FCC assured that the health and well-being of all Freetonians is of paramount concern to them.

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