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Sale of SALCAB to a Foreign Company Will Compromise State Security

By Amin Kef Sesay

According to reliable sources within the corridors of State House there are suspicions that the Government of Sierra Leone is on the verge of selling the Sierra Leone Cable Limited (SALCAB) to a foreign company.

It was further understood that the new company will have the responsibility of managing the country’s terrestrial network based on plans already put in place by the Ministry of Information and Communications.

It will interest readers to know that SALCAB is a wholly Government owned Optical Fibre infrastructure company which was incorporated as a limited liability company in 2012 operating as a sale bandwidth and other related value added services provider to the ICT industry generally aiming to make Broadband Internet affordable for all Government, individual households,small,medium and large businesses, educational institutions, the health sector, hospitality industry, Non-Governmental Organizations etc.

SALCAB is the ACE Submarine Cable Landing Party in this country responsible for the operation and commercialization of wholesale International Services on the ACE Submarine Cable as well as providing National Wholesale Services via terrestrial fibre network.

While submarine communications cables are used to connect countries and continents to the Internet, terrestrial fibre optic cables are used to extend this connectivity to landlocked countries or urban centers within a country with submarine cable access.

What is said to be clear at the moment is that certain legislators considered to be heavyweights in this country are seriously opposed to the unbundling plan that the Government wants to roll out. Engaging one of them, he intimated that such a move could be compared to someone who wants to commit suicide. He furthered that if Government treads on that path then it will be tantamount to compromising the country’s sovereignty and security; in short it will be suicidal to the economy.

There is a school of thought that has convincingly argued that one of the reasons why Government sometimes decide to unbundle certain institutions is simply because those institutions have become more of liabilities than assets. In other words, these institutions, which are expected to be generating revenue are most times in deficits, always yearning for Government bail outs. A reference was made to the one time National Power Authority (NPA) which, because it became a liability, Government decided to bring in the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) and Electricity Generating and Transmission Company (EGTC).

If indeed this is the case with SALCAB then there must be something seriously amiss. From what was understood, SALCAB Management is owed about Le39 Billion for operating and managing the E-governance network which is hosting and providing bandwidth capacity for all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). Lamentably, these MDAs have reneged to pay SALCAB what they owe and such obviously is impinging on the institution’s strength to operate as its mandate dictates.

A Social Commentator commented that, if this is the situation, then the Government must find ways and means to offset that debt but to take the decision to unbundle SALCAB as an alternative to solve the issue is considered not to be the best option.

From an investigation this medium conducted, it was mooted that initially the Minister of Information and Communications, Mohamed Rado Swaray, was not supportive of the idea but later became a turncoat and is now pushing hard  for such to transpire.

If what this medium was told is anything to go by then it appears that the situation has reached a point where even the current Chairman of SALCAB, Sorie Fofana, is not comfortable with the idea and as such has communicated to President Bio through a letter sent to him stating obvious reasons why such should not come to pass.

Another matter that was divulged to this Press has to do with the recruitment a private company, Niche Technologies as a technology partner of the Ministry of Information and Communications. It has been rumoured that the company is owned by a very good friend of the Minister of Information and Communications.

Niche Technologies, it is alleged, has benefited from the award of several contracts offered by the Ministry of Information and Communications through the sole sourcing method of procurement.

Morie Momoh, who happens to be the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Communications is said to have doubts as to how the contracts were awarded in the Ministry immediately when he was transferred to that institution nearly three months ago.

How several contracts were awarded by the Ministry of Information and Communications is being probed into.

Easy Accessibility to NP-SL Petroleum Products is Always Assured

By Amin Kef Sesay

In this country there is no one company that has monopoly over the sale of petroleum products as there are various players within the landscape. However, indisputably the one that stands out tall is the National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) which has mastered the trade so well to such an extent that, over the years, its customer base has increased astronomically.

When we talk of the timeliness in the importation of petroleum products then the company has been rated as doing extremely well in that direction. The pro-active way in which the company operates has been very impressive especially when we take into consideration easy accessibility to petroleum products. The company has always maintained that posture year in and out except when there could be certain unforeseen anomalies beyond the reach of the company that would affect the supply chain.

One thing that is remarkable about the company is that it always endeavors to market its petroleum products as reasonably as possible even when the profit margins are low. The main focus of its Shareholders and Management team is to diligently serve humanity in the most qualitative manner.

Prioritizing customer care is considered very paramount out of the strong conviction that the company will be nowhere without its cherished customers.

Against such a backdrop, the company has a customer care unit that primarily interface with members of the public. Concerns and recommendations channelled through it are raised in certain management meetings, discussed and the way forward mapped out.

Regarding their customers as very important individuals, NP-SL Ltd always ensures that to give them optimal satisfaction, value must be derived from their monies spent. It was thinking along that line that prompted the shareholders of the company to replace their old fashioned pumping machines to calibrated pumping machines of high standard which transparently pump the requisite quantity of petrol or diesel demanded for. Confidence is now high among its customers that they are getting exactly what they are paying for.

Still within the domain of 1st for Customer Care, the company is always in position to enter into payment plans with its reliable and dependable customers including Ministries, Departments and Agencies for fuel and lubricant supplies as long as all the necessary modalities have been put in place. When cognizance is taken of the fact that some of these institutions receive intermittent budgetary allocations then such an arrangement is very significant. Its significance in real terms borders on functional continuity of those institutions as they will be assured of supplies of petroleum products in as much as they keep honouring their obligations.

In this country today, for one to see a successful business entity that is owned mainly by Sierra Leoneans and having a maximum number of indigenes as members of staff is like trying to find a lost needle on the beach, although there are some that could be identified.

For NP-SL Ltd this has been a big achievement as the company is strongly adhering to the country’s Local Content Policy. Making use of local brains has been identified as one of the conduits through which developing countries like Sierra Leone could attain economic empowerment. Correspondingly, if there is a continuation of the colonial mentality that it is only by importing foreign ideas and skills that we will get there then such could be a very sad mistake.

By providing job opportunities for hitherto jobless Sierra Leoneans, NP-SL Ltd continues to help in alleviating poverty by putting monies into pockets which could be utilized to take care of responsibilities.

For those who have not tried NP Gas for the first time it is now time to give it a try. Designed in sizable varying cylinders and sold at various NP Filling Stations, this cooking device has been rated as one of the best that is on offer for sale. NP Gas is safe, user friendly and portable. Trying it will spur you to recommend it to others.

NP Smart Card is now in vogue and is one of the latest technological devices used to purchase petroleum products. Using it has attendant advantages as evident in procuring fuel at any time of the day even during times when monies could not be accessed from banks. It is secured, easy to use and very quick. It is now trending.

To crystallize proposed projects into tangible realities on the ground, Government needs the requisite financial resources to effectively do so and one sure way is from the collection of taxes which is the mandate of the National Revenue Authority (NRA).  NP is indeed one of the big time tax payers in the country and it is very compliant in that direction.

From all indications, it is crystal clear that NP-SL Ltd is here to stay in order to give the best and contribute tremendously to the socio-economic development of the country. Indeed the company is passionate and committed towards attaining those objectives. It assures customers of easy accessibility to all their products

Parliament Concludes Final Debate of Presidential Speech

Parliament of Sierra Leone

By Fatmata Jengbe

On Monday 6th July 2020 Parliament concluded the debate on the President’s speech which was graciously delivered by His Excellency the President, Brigadier Retired Dr. Julius Maada Bio on the 28th May 2020; occasioning the State Opening of the Third Session of the Fifth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone.

Continuing the debate on the motion, the Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Alusine Kanneh commended President Bio for his studious and relentless fight against COVID-19, and decried the former regime for downplaying the fight against Ebola. He went on to say, the fight against COVID-19 is well coordinated and inclusive. “President Bio has done better than the previous leader,” he emphasized. He disclosed to the House that, his town, Tonkia, is currently enjoying solar electricity in light of the New Direction manifesto by fulfilling its promise in the area of energy.  He said the current Government under the watch of President Bio has allowed the Judiciary to be independent by dispensing justice using the lens of impartiality and fairness. Concluding, he said the Government has done remarkably well to improve the economy of the country.

Hon. Dr. Ibrahim B. Kamara noted the efforts of health workers and referred to the bridges constructed by the past regime during the fight against Ebola as the very structures the current regime is using to fight against COVID-19. He went on to say, that the COVID-19 response is very disappointing in the provision of food to certain quarantine homes. Speaking on the impacts of COVID-19, he called on Government to judiciously use the funds that have been provided by international financing institutions to reduce its impacts on the economy and the people of Sierra Leone. Submitting on how the APC Government managed the economy, he asked the current Government to invest more in agriculture for the development of the country’s economy.

Hon. Dominic Tshombe described the speech as “a citizen oriented document”, which is geared towards the fight against poverty, corruption and indiscipline. He informed that the Government has evenly replaced and recruited over seven thousand teachers from 2018 to date.  He also said that several schools have been approved under the New Direction Manifesto. He strongly condemned the past regime for trivializing issues relative to the education of the nation.  Speaking on the introduction and implementation of the free quality education scheme, he praised Government for increasing school enrolments and massive recruitment of teachers. The economy, he said, started to progress steadily but was hit badly by the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic, adding in spite of that all the sectors are doing well in order to avoid austerity. He also spoke on the minimum wage, pension, employment, salary increment, water supply, and early childhood development relating to the supply of books to schools, payment of fees, technical and vocational institutions and other deliverables. He commended the President for the robust fight against corruption.

Hon. Dr. Mark Mahmoud Kalokoh blamed the current regime for the low ranking of the country in the global hunger index. On energy, he recalled how the past Government transformed the energy sector by using functional strategies.  Speaking on democratic tenets, he decried Government for using Regent Chiefs instead of substantive holders in many chiefdoms, arrest and detention, prolong vacancy of a parliamentary seat, missing biometric machines, and called on the Speaker to ensure a special investigation is carried out to prevent rigging or other form of electoral fraud. In the area of corruption, he decried SLPP for several alleged corrupt malpractices including embezzlement and destruction of election materials.

Hon. Festus Mohamed Lansana thanked President Bio for creating an enabling environment for the development of the country. He said that the revenue mobilization initiatives of the current Government outweigh that of the previous Government. “Revenue has increased by 2.0 Trillion Leones” accounting for an increase of 60%. Revenue GDP ratio has also increased rapidly with the support of the political will, and he decried the past government for executive orders and indiscriminate duty waivers. The appointment of a Duty Commissioner General, recruitment of additional staff, the effective and efficient use of technology in revenue collection, are major factors responsible for an increase in revenue generation for the development of the country.

On his part, Abdul Kargbo called on Government to ensure that they deliver on their promises in order to avoid mentioning same projects yearly in every State Opening of Parliament. “I have no hope in this document because what was said in the previous Speech has not been accomplished,” he informed.  He also decried the Government for selective justice relative to the punishment of past Government officials, leaving the current ones who have committed similar crimes.

The President of the Parliamentary Female Caucus, Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay commended all MPs for extending thanks to President Bio, adding the President has done very good job for the benefit of the people of Sierra Leone. She used the opportunity to thank the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources and the Minister of Tourism for their outstanding performances, saying President Bio deserves more accolades for appointing women of substance into high offices of State. She expressed serious disappointment on perpetrators of rape and gender-based violence which she described as threats to the existence, survival and development of women, children and girls in the country.

Hon. Rose Marie Bangura asked Government to redouble its efforts in all sectors that will improve the lives of the citizenry and criticized the Government’s bad decision of allowing pregnant girls to sit in same classrooms with minors. She appealed to Government to evenly distribute ambulances to all the chiefdoms, as well as fixing the roads across the country.

Hon. Sama Sandy said Extractive Mining and Agriculture are the backbone of the economy in light of job creation, development, revenue mobilization and food security, and called on Government to invest more in these sectors. He commended Government for proposing friendly laws aimed at improving the mining sector. He thanked donors for supporting Government in the agricultural sector in order to actualize food security and food self-sufficiency. He also called on the Government on behalf of faith-based organizations to ease the restriction on congregational prayers.

Hon. Alu Conteh thanked President Bio for rebranding local football in the country, and decried the Government for concentrating only on the improvement football and left other sporting disciplines to struggle for existence. He also expressed serious concerns in areas of accessing per diems and other facilities for players and officials promoting sports in the country.

Hon. Yusuf Mackery thanked President Bio and his Government for rebranding the image of the country by attracting support from donor partners amid COVID-19. He added that several improvements have been made in many areas including sanitation, hygiene and the peripheral health units.

Thanking the President, the Opposition Whip, Hon. Hassan Sesay said they believe in continuity and the legacies left by the past Government in the fight against Ebola, adding that they are helping the current Government in the fight against COVID-19. He said as an opposition, they would continue to acknowledge and praise late President Kabbah for the creation of NASSIT. He criticized the Government for the massive sacking of people who are Sierra Leoneans, recruitment without salaries, and termination of mining licenses causing high unemployment rate in the country. “Too much talk with less action will not take us anywhere,” he concluded.

Leader of NGC, Hon. Dr. Kandeh Yumkella while thanking President Bio said it is incumbent on all and sundry to put the Speech into context with COVID-19 relative to the potential impacts the pandemic has on the current and post-economy recovery in the country.

He commended the international community for the huge support to the country since the outbreak. Dr. Yumkella used the platform to call for national unity, peaceful coexistence, election, and judicial reforms in light of development and inclusive politics. “No development will come if the political tensions are high,” he concluded. He spoke on the need for MPs to support Government by coming up with Private Member’s Bill such as the transitional bill he is working on for sanity after every transition in the country.

Leader of C4C, Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina while thanking the President called for a total overhaul and advancement of the review of 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone in order to have peace and security in the country, whilst referencing the Rwanda Model of inclusive governance. Speaking on the attainment of peace and development, he said it was prudent for the authorities to ensure that they stop the idea of winners take all, saying APC and SLPP are practicing divisive and regional politics amid high political tension. He commended the Government for improving budgetary allocation to education, review of mining and local government laws for the development of the country.

Leader of Opposition, Hon. Chernor R.M Bah extended thanks to President Bio and assured that they will continue to give support to Government where necessary. He expressed disappointment in the President’s speech writers and contributors for the inconsistencies in the documents. He used the occasion to inform ruling MPs that they did several improvements when they were in governance citing revenue mobilization and infrastructural development. He asked the Government to work in collaboration to improve on environmental protection and afforestation especially in Freetown and other parts of the country. “Environment, Lands, Agriculture and other Ministries must work in synergy to protect the environment,” he remarked.

He commended the current Minister of Agriculture for his proactive steps and called on the Government to institute diversification for economic development. He decried the current Government for blaming the past Government for the introduction of austerity measures and criticized Government for fiscal discipline by “sacking 5 and employing 10”.He commended President Bio for continuing the implementation of the social safety net project dealing with direct cash transfers, adding it was introduced by the immediate past Government.

Concluding the debate, the Acting Leader of Government Business, Hon Bashiru Silikie commended all the MPs for their brilliant contributions to the debate and vehemently called on Parliament to ensure that they take their oversight role as priority in order to help Government to deliver. “If Government is to succeed, this Parliament must work,” he stressed.

Indicting the Government on the MCC benchmark, the Acting Leader said the Government passed several indicators including civil liberty, rule of law, corruption, and good governance; adding if they all support Government the overall goal of sustainable development will be achieved by 2023. For education, Hon. Silikie said the system needs special rebranding for quality that is relative to job creation and the development of the middle level manpower through the strengthening of technical and vocational institutions that have been created at district levels.

He informed that President Bio had received the highest criticisms from the media but his Government is doing well for the Press in light of supporting the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) with subvention, creating employment for journalists, and plans are being put in place to repeal Part 5 of the criminal libel law, citing a proposal to build an ultra-modern office for SLAJ. On the energy sector, he said as they were not going to quick-fix electricity but are bent on ensuring sustainable electricity supplies different from the previous Government.

In the fight against corruption, he decried the APC for being synonymous with the aforesaid activities, whilst decrying the former ACC boss and his Deputy of the immediate past regime to have served as Defense lawyers for alleged corrupt officials in the just concluded Commissions of Inquiry.  “My Government will continue to fight corruption without the fear of being blackmailed,” he stated whilst assuring that they will provide sustainable development for all the sectors across the country.

The debate on the motion of thanks to President Bio was carried and lasted for three days pursuant to the House’s rules of procedures.

Antonio Rudiger Boosts FQE Initiative with 1Billion Leones

Chelsea F.C. Footballer, Antonio Rudiger

By Amin Kef Sesay

The Ministry of Basic and Senior Education (MBSSE) disclosed, in a Press Release dated 7th July, 2020, that Chelsea F.C. defender, Antonio Rudiger, has supported the Free Quality School Education Programme in Sierra Leone with the sum of one Billion Leones (Le 1,000,000,000) as part of his support towards complementing the efforts of Government in rolling out the initiative.

It could be recalled that in January 2020, Rudiger made a pledge to the people of Sierra Leone during a bilateral engagement with His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio at the sidelines of the UK-Africa Investment Summit in London. During that discussion, the Chelsea F.C. Footballer, Antonio Rudiger, assured the President of his support.

“Sierra Leone is my home. I’m not the talking type of a person, I am about action. We are here to support your vision and agenda, especially on education,” he assured.

The Ministry informed all that the gift in honor of that commitment he made will be used to support the Free Quality School Education programme of the Government, adding that they will work with local stakeholders to use the aforementioned gift for the development of physical structures linked to science and technical education and learning in Sierra Leone.

The Minister expressed profound gratitude, on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone, to Rudiger and reassured the public of their unflinching commitment to provide all learners in Sierra Leone an equal opportunity to access quality education; one that enables them to contribute to the national and global economy, participate in public life and fulfil their potentials.

Asmaa James Launches GIRLS+ to Address Gender Related Issues

Asmaa Kamara James

By Amin Kef Sesay

During the launch of the GIRLS PLUS+ on the 6th July 2020, popular electronic media journalist, who is the Station Manager of the widely listened to Society for Radio Democracy on Frequency Modulation (FM) 98.1, also a Gender Activist, Asmaa Kamara James, delivered a touching keynote address aimed at targeting the whole nation.

She commenced by stating that in recent times, violations of women and child rights have been worrisome, with gender-based violence, inherent structural and cultural issues of representation facing women and girls.

According to her that was what led to the formation of The ASMAA JAMES FOUNDATION (AJF).

“The AJF promotes teenage sexual reproductive health and rights, with the objective of raising awareness, mobilizing women and girls to advocate and influence policies of gender-based violence, sexual reproductive health and highlight the growing incidence of rape and find possible care for victims in Sierra Leone,” she disclosed adding that as their movement became stronger when they realised that they cannot succeed if they do not include men/boys in the fight against abuse of our girls and women folk.

Asmaa said their experience over the years is that having boys and girls in the same room changes the conversation entirely: with girls mostly shy to contribute and boys taking the advantage to dominate in conversations.

The fearless activist expressed the view that such a familiar scene has ignited action adding that they cannot have that scenario as the status quo but we must create an equal platform that provides access to rights and education for every boy and girl in Sierra Leone.

She said that they are launching Girls Plus to help change that.

The go getter and charismatic media guru, in a brief synopsis, revealed how Girls Plus (Girls+) is a non-profit organization driven by community level interventions aimed at providing reproductive health education and services to adolescent boys and girls in Sierra Leone. She intimated how it will deliver programmes to help mitigate risks and incidences of sexual abuse and violence against adolescents in Sierra Leone.

“We will also primarily provide a platform for engagement of boys and girls on key sexual reproductive health issues to bridge communication gaps and break stereotypes,” she averred.

Asmaa said the AJ Foundation will be the major fundraising platform to support projects and activities of Girls+.

“I want to thank my husband, Ambrose, for believing in my ideas and for all his support. I would like to thank my boys, Mukeh and Muvaah, for pushing and challenging me to be not only a girl advocate, but also a boy advocate,” she expressed appreciation.

She also thanked her numerous partners, mentors and supporters, the small team of dedicated members for making Girls+ a reality. The rights activist also acknowledged the Board of Directors for accepting their role and challenge ending up with these appealing words, “When you see Girls+, please give your support”.

Ministry of Environment Incorporates Interrelated Agencies

Professor Foday M Jaward, the Minister of the Environment

By Mohamed Massaquoi

The Government under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio has gazetted the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Forestry Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Metrological Department, formally of the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, the National Protected Area Authority (NPAA)   to start operating under the Ministry of the Environment. This latest move is considered to be part of the strategy to harmonize activities of Government agencies for effective service delivery.

Professor Foday M Jaward, the Minister of the Environment disclosed this transformation during a regional consultative meeting for the review of environmental regulations and policies in Sierra Leone.

During meetings held in Port Loko, Makeni, Bo and Kenema, stakeholders from various institutions including Paramount Chiefs, District and City Council Chairpersons and environmentalists, extensively discussed the EPA, NPAA and Forestry Acts respectively.

The objective of bringing all the interrelated institutions together for concerted engagements is to ensure proper coordination for effective service delivery.

The Minister of Environment in his address stated that over the years, successive Governments have not treated environmental issues deservingly, maintaining that with the establishment of the Environment Ministry by President Julius Maada Bio,  more commitments have been made by Government and other agencies to change the situation.
He noted that now is the moment that the Government has placed premium on environmental issues considering them as significant in the development of the country. He told them that President Bio strongly believes in addressing the needs of the people in all sectors.

Held at Port Loko, the national consultative conference on environmental regulations enabled residents and local authorities to fully participate and share their views in the process.

Dilating on the transformation of the environmental division which started as a small outfit at the Ministry of Transport, Minister Jaward expressed his personal satisfaction with the current expansion and thanked everyone for their participation in the process.
He informed how they intend to plant five million trees across the country and encouraged those present to participate in the process by filling in and forwarding the application documents in order to get onboard.

Representing UNDP at the conference, Andrew Katta said  Sierra Leone is endowed with a variety of natural resources including lowland rainforest, mountain forest, freshwater, swamps, coastal and marine ecosystems. He however went on to lament the irrational use of the environment and our natural resources which he said has, over the years, resulted in environmental degradation leading to flooding, windstorm, landslides, erosion and wildfire,  causing disasters around the country.
Andrew Katta said cutting down of trees in catchment areas have resulted in water shortages particularly in the Western Area which hosts 1.5 million people.

He concluded by expressing the active desire on the part of the UNDP to strengthen its  partnership with  the Ministry of Environment and to ensure that their set goals are achieved for the overall benefit of the Sierra Leonean people.

As the fight against COVID-19 intensifies… Diaspora Focus Extends Coronavirus Sensitization to Malama, Kamayama & Lumley Community

By Foday Moriba Conteh

It has been acknowledged by medical practitioners and those assigned the task of putting together workable strategies in the fight against the spread of the coronavirus that community transmission must be targeted and curtailed in the fight in order to defeat the virus. It is against such a backdrop that we have seen efforts been made to reach out to community residents with the objective of sensitizing them on what are required of them just to avoid contracting the virus.

Within the context of complementing the efforts of the Government to reach out to communities with preventive messages, one of Sierra Leone’s most proactive organizations, Diaspora Focus, on Saturday 4th July 2020, embarked on a sensitization drive to raise awareness about the mode of transmission  and prevention of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) at Malama, Kamayama, Mayimbo, Sheriff Drive,  Upper Regent Road-Lumley, Pentagon Communities etc. in the Western Area Urban District. The organization also donated Personal Protective Equipment worth millions of Leones, viz: 25 Veronica buckets, 25 waste buckets, 3 cartons of soaps and 1,500 facemasks to residents of those communities.

In his welcome address, Councilor for Ward 444, Abdul Karim Turay, expressed gratitude and appreciation to Diaspora Focus for its intension to engage in such a massive sensitization exercise within the targeted communities saying the coronavirus preventive materials that will be donated will help them immensely in curtailing the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

He said the fight against COVID-19 in the country needs collaboration and massive sensitization on the do’s and don’ts in order to instill the importance about adherence to the preventive measures and to do exactly what is medically required of individuals  suspected of having contracted the virus.

Councilor Idrissa Kamara, who served as Chairman of the program, before the donations commenced, applauded Diaspora Focus for their kind gesture which he described as a timely intervention and a move in the right direction at this crucial moment when efforts are mounted to continue the fight.

He warmly extolled the CEO and International Director of Diaspora Focus, Dr. Emmanuel J. M. Stafford and his team for personally joining the fight, adding that this is not the first time the organization has been undertaking such a gesture in their communities, furthering that during the outbreak of the Ebola disease in 2014, Diaspora Focus also supported them with Personal Protective Equipment, which he said, contributed tremendously in the fight against Ebola, expressing hope that with the items donated to them such will help in curtailing the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

On his part, the CEO and International Director of Diaspora Focus, Dr. Emmanuel J. M. Stafford appealed with the people to endure the suffering and hard time brought on them and the entire world by the Coronavirus, adding that even his organization is going through difficult times to even purchase the Personal Protective Equipment donated to them as compared to the ones they bought for the Waterloo community and its environs. He added that regardless of all these challenges they are committed to ensure that they continue massive sensitization and donation of these PPEs to people.

He encouraged all to observe the necessary personal hygiene messages that have been explained to them and to adhere to the directives of the Government. He also admonished them to follow the process of hand washing demonstrated to them as such will help to keep them alive and protect them from contracting the coronavirus.

He stated that schools are now opened for examination classes, other measures have been relaxed and colleges will soon reopen for exams but said that doesn’t mean that Corona is over which means they should adhere to all the preventive measures, adding that the world is still battling to produce a vaccine for Corona but it will take months or years before a vaccine will be approved.

In his keynote address, Rev. Dr. Momodu Conteh also expressed delight for the inspirational and encouraging messages from Diaspora Focus relating to the consequences of contracting the coronavirus and the importance of taking ownership of the fight. He urged residents to make good use of the messages, adding that if everyone protects him or herself from the virus, Sierra Leone will be protected, the world will be protected and Corona will be defeated.

He admonished the people to continue to abide by the do’s and don’ts of the World Health Organization (WHO) admonishing residents to continue to wash their hands frequently, maintain social distancing, observe coughing ethics and wearing face masks in order to curtail the spread of the coronavirus in the country  in order to break the chain of transmission.

Other members present including Community Heads/Representatives traditional and religious leaders, Bike (Okada) and tricycle (Keke) riders, Police Partnership Board, Lumley Market Association, Malama Health Center, Youths and Women’s organizations etc. expressed similar sentiments.

The items were distributed amongst the various stakeholders amidst strict adherence to all Coronavirus protocols.

Rokel Commercial Bank Celebrates 1st Anniversary of Tree Planting Site

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of their commitment to support afforestation in the country, the Rokel Commercial Bank in partnership with Keeping Hope Alive has on Monday 6th July, 2020 celebrated the first Anniversary of their Tree Planting Site. The event took place at the Tree Planting Site at Petefu Village, in Masiaka, Koya Chiefdom, Port Loko District.

In his address, the Minister of Environment, Prof. Foday Moriba Jaward, disclosed that the issue of the environment is at the heart of the New Direction Government underscoring that it is why the President, Julius  Maada Bio out of his wisdom created the Ministry of Environment in order to overseer issues relating to the environment in the country.

He extended appreciation to the Rokel Commercial Bank and Keeping Hope Alive for the initiative which ,he described, as a move in the right direction in protecting the environment. He called on other institutions to emulate what the Bank and Keeping Hope Alive undertook.

The Minister noted that issues of the environment were not taken seriously in the past maintaining that it is not the first time that these issues have emerged, referencing 2008 when the Environment Protection Agency(EPA) came into being in order to remedy those very issues relating to the environment.

He stated that during his tenure at EPA he was able to work with partners to create an Environment Court in order to enforce laws that have to do with the protection of the environment, noting that there are lots of laws on the environment but said the implementation of those laws is problematic.

Prof. Foday Moriba Jaward said the Ministry on the 5th June, 2020, during the World Environment Day, launched a National Tree Planting Project revealing how they have so far planted over 2000 trees at Motormeh, Regent Village, further disclosing that they intend to plant more tress in order to support afforestation. He urged all to engage in tree planting so as to protect the environment.

On her part, Executive Director of Keeping Hope Alive, Neneh Tunis expressed thanks and appreciation to Rokel Commercial Bank for the partnership, adding that she felt good to celebrate their 1st anniversary of their tree planting site. She said that shows their passion and commitment to support, protect the environment for the good of all as human beings depend on the environment for resources that could be used domestically such as food, water, shelter ete.but lamented that although we depend on the environment for our livelihoods yet we still play negative roles in degrading and depleting the environment.

She highlighted that all the negative things we do  to the environment have resulted in dire consequences such as climate change, mudslides, flooding, etc. adding that these are sufficient evidence that there is  need to stop these negative activities and for Sierra Leone to engage in afforestation.

Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank, Dr. Ekundayo Walton Gilpin said that the issue of the environment is a very serious one that needs collectiveness, adding that as a Bank they thought it fit to undertake the Project with the strong conviction that it will contribute towards protecting the environment.

He said they are very determined as a Bank to sustain the project, as they believe in ‘Keeping Hope Alive’ who are their key partner in implementing it.

Dr. Ekundayo Walton Gilpin disclosed that the Bank is also going to undertake massive education on the protection of the environment as deforestation and the dumping of garbage in drainages continue to be on the increase on a daily basis which he said if actions are not taken will contribute  to impact negatively on the environment.

He also called on all Sierra Leoneans to treat environmental issues with seriousness in order to protect the environment for generations to come.

Director of Forestry at the Ministry of Agriculture, Kate M.B Karemo-Garnett, also commended the two institutions for their tireless efforts in supporting afforestation in the country. She noted that the forest is very essential with regards food production, providing water saying it plays a great role towards the environment, adding that due to deforestation there has been climate change, flooding etc. Against that backdrop, she called on Sierra Leoneans to stop deforestation and engage in afforestation maintaining how that will help to protect the environment.

She said afforestation is very key in protecting the environment as recent studies have proven that deforestation is a major cause responsible for climate change, landslide, flooding etc.

Kate asserted that Sierra Leone, as a nation, must take action in order to protect the environment and promote bio-diversification, adding that the Ministry of Agriculture as part of their vision has the mandate to properly manage forests which she said will benefit the country in so many ways.

Director General of SLCS Reveals Findings On Prison Riot

By Foday Moriba Conteh

At the conference room of the Ministry of Information and Communications in Youyi Building in Freetown, during a press conference held on Tuesday 7th July 2020, the Director General of the Sierra Leone Correctional Services, Joseph Lamboi, gave a detailed account of what transpired during the 29th April 2020 prison riot, which culminated in the death of some inmates and an officer.

The DG gave a brief background to the situation at the central Correctional Facility on Pademba Road. He disclosed that the facility was originally meant to house only 324 prisoners, but today it has 1,400 inmates. The facility, he furthered, houses all sorts of inmates for various offences, those of low risk to those of high risk.

Speaking on the purpose of the meeting, which is to update the media on their findings, he said that the population in the facility on 29th April 2020 was 1,300 ,400% of its original capacity. Staff of the SLCS is understrength by 40% and moves to recruit more staff was hampered by covid19.

With the record of the facility’s index case of COVID-19, tough measures were put in place to ensure it is curbed, and with the closure of all court cases, even the Tuck Shop was closed.

He stated that the riot started at about 7.30 am on 29th April and lasted till 11am. During this period some core criminals damaged workshop doors and set stores, hospital, officers’ room and other buildings on fire. Using iron implements from the workshop they opened all the cells, letting out the others. They then held some prison officers hostage. During their investigation, it was gleaned that rival clique gangs in the facility attacked each other, whilst pelting other officers with stones.

OSD Officers manning the building came to calm down the situation and fired tear gas at the ravaging groups, but to no avail. Even fire officers who had come to put out the fire were unable to enter. More security was then beefed up and during the encounter fired shots to put things under control.

DG Lamboi said that some 31 inmates died and post-mortem examination performed by Dr. Owizz Koroma has revealed that 12 inmates died from gunshot whilst 16 died from blunt force wounds believed to be the result of the attacks between rival gangs in the facility. 2 inmates died of illnesses, whilst 21 inmates sustained injuries. He however stressed that on the day of the riot the first twelve deaths were recorded from gunshot wounds, whilst the other deaths were results of injuries inflicted by the rival gang against each other. 32 correctional officers sustained injuries, but have been treated and have recovered and are working.

On the identification of the corpses at the Mortuary, the DG said that 6 of them have been identified by their relatives and have been handed over to them for burial. 24 are still at the mortuary awaiting identification by family members and their subsequent burial. He further stated that some relatives have indicated that they will not collect the corpses of their family members and in the event no one come to claim them, they will all be given a fitting burial by the government.

Moving forward, Director Lamboi stated that the Government has acquired a land in Songo (88hectres) to relocate the facility from Pademba Road. Survey has been done and the owners have given consent and permission for the use of the said land. They will be setting up a riot command post and the installation of CCTV Cameras and other security arrangements for the facility.

In his brief statement, the Minister of Internal Affairs, David Panda Noah, expressed appreciation to all members of the press for honouring the invitation and said as partners in development, he is happy to ensure transparency in the discharge of his functions and as the SLCS is within his purview, he wants the public to know what really transpired, so as to dispel all wild rumours. He further reiterated Government’s support to provide security for the inmates as well as the officers and re-echoed the government’s plans to install CCTV Cameras in the facility.

The meeting was moderated by the Minister of Information, Abdul Rahman Swarray and question and answer session moderated by Deputy Minister of Information, Mamadi Gobeh Kamara.

TRIBUTE Momoh Konte: A Towering Personality that Touched Many Lives Gone Too Soon

By Amin Kef Sesay

I was left in a state of total disbelief and shock when, on Sunday afternoon, the 5th July 2020, I received a phone call, breaking the dreadful news of the death of Momoh Konte, commonly known as CEO or Chairman, as it was unfolded that he died alongside two other strong personalities, Saio Marah and Nfagie Alakuma Conteh in a gruesome vehicular road accident on their way to Freetown from his home town of Kabala in the Koinadugu District.

From where I was sitting at home, silently weeping, I started having vivid reflections and recollections on my mind of someone whom have impressed me a lot and have great respect for. For the rest of the day and up to this moment of putting this piece together I am in a sombre mood; deep down in my heart I know a “Cotton Tree” has fallen. The country has, indeed, lost a true son of the soil.

I came to know the now late Momoh Konte years back when I was introduced to him. We had a warm handshake, chatted a little on various issues and since then the friendship we forged became very tight. By then he was the Chairman of the country’s telecommunications regulator, the National Telecommunications Commission (NATCOM) and indeed he was such a busy man. However, from time to time we will chat over phone, he will draw my attention to news items that he had interest in. I vividly recall, on certain occasions when I would call him to tell him of something negative that has been written against NATCOM or his very personality, stating my willingness to react in order to set the record straight.

“As far as I know it is nothing to worry about as there are no facts in all what have been said,” he will just brush it aside. At other times he will give the go ahead but that is after persuading him that an end must be put to such erroneous articles or telling him that people will believe in the baseless allegations on the basis of “silence means consent”. He will patiently explained the whole incident or situation to give me the facts and true situation, believing that he is guiding me. CEO will never forget to call and say Thanks for any effort made on his behalf; such was the grateful personality he was. But as far as I know the late man he just too believed in making as many friends as possible rather than hurting people; not the vindictive type of person.

Momoh Konte was the “Journalists’ Friend”, maybe as I later presumed because he likes reading a lot. He had the knack of striking good relationships with members of the Fourth Estate and whenever he thinks it is relevant he will extend assistances to ensure that practicing journalists keep flouting amidst the rising tide of economic hardship. But equally so he loved being surrounded by these his friends to discuss national issues, mainly politics, well because he was interested in it as well as football.

One thing I would always remember this great man for is his desire to help the less privileged in society. This, he manifested on many occasions, as I was made to understand. He financially supported the educational pursuits of many young boys and girls and provided various forms of humanitarian supports that positively impacted lives. This was one man whose love for his people of Koinadugu District cannot be matched. Nearly in every two weeks he will travel to meet his people. As the “Journalists’ Friend” whenever he wanted to commission most of the development projects that he personally funded, including the construction of school buildings, the ultra-modern clock tower, donations all in Koinadugu District, he would invite a battery of journalists to witness or grace those occasions.

We, journalists, fondly look forward to such trips because they were always full of fun and the receptions given were per excellence. This generous personality, who has now gone like a candle in the wind, never put on airs; we ate, on various occasions from the same plate and cracked jokes together without any form of ‘barrier’.  He was just an easy going personality.

Momoh Kemoh Konte was the APC Chairman of the Koinadugu District up to his demise. He did a lot in the name of the party, brought succour to many lives, families and individuals not necessarily members of the APC party, residents of Koinadugu district but people from different backgrounds and stations in life.

He was President and Chief Executive Officer of Transtech International, a global business management, information technology and economic consulting firm headquartered in Sierra Leone, with offices in, Liberia, Ghana, Gambia and the Ivory Coast. In addition to managing his consulting practice, he served as Chairman and Commissioner of the National Telecommunication Commission (NATCOM) of Sierra Leone.

He made tremendous contributions to the development of West Africa in various sectors including but not limited to information technology, education, philanthropy, corporate governance, ICT consultancy, civil society, democratic governance and tolerance and development of entrepreneurship.

The late man was a Ph.D. candidate in Leadership and Public Management, Walden University –Minnesota, USA, Certificate holder in Investment Banking and Stock Leadership, Penn Jersey Executive Session Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA and he also attained a B.A in Economics at Howard University in Washington, DC, and a Master’s in Economics from the University of Toledo, Ohio.

He had tremendous experience in a multiplicity of interrelated disciplines in the fields of Economics, Business Administration, and Information Technology.

As a towering personality and contributor to  national development , Momoh Konte’s effort were profoundly noted for his monumental leadership in the fight against Ebola, especially in the Northern part of Sierra Leone; creation of employment for youth empowerment and personal contribution, and support for young people furthering their education both in and out of Sierra Leone.

Today, ‘our’ Father, Uncle, Big Brother and Mentor is no more as the cold hands of death has clutched him from us. We will miss this Great Personality for too long as the vacuum that he has left in the absence of his presence and in our minds will not be easy to fill. We take solace that he is in the bosom of the Almighty.

You have gone but would never be forgotten . Sleep well, CEO, Chairman and Rest in Perfect Peace. Adieu!!!

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