Africell Boosts NACOVERC with Le1Bn to Combat COVID-19

June 18, 2020

By Amin Kef Sesay

With the strong passion to always stand by the side of the Government and People of Sierra Leone during crisis periods Africell Mobile Company, on Wednesday 17th June 2020 donated One billion Leones to the Government through National COVID-19 Response Centre (NACOVERC).

The cheque was handed over to the Minister of Information and Communications, Mohamed Rado Swarray, to support Government in the fight against COVID19.

Chief Executive Officer of Africell, Shadi Gerjawi, expressed sympathy to all those affected by COVID-19 and continued by lauding the resilience of Sierra Leoneans in trying to cope with their lives during these trying times. The CEO commended all health workers whom he congratulated for the diverse ways with regards how they are working assiduously to save lives in the midst of the crisis.

He made reference to the previous donations that were made to the Ministry, highlighting the e-learning service they are providing to the University of Sierra Leone, and the various sensitization programmes on their social media platforms including the massive sensitization Afri Radio is sending out to the general public about COVID-19.

“It was in furtherance of our commitment that we decided to donate Le1Bn towards the fight against COVID-19 to assist the Government in its effort to break the chain of transmission,” Gerjawi stated.

He mentioned that as a leading mobile phone company in the country, they are very much concerned since the outbreak of the virus maintaining how they have been supporting Government to control and win the fight.

He disclosed how they have donated medical supplies, like PPEs, hand sanitizers, face masks, boots, food and non-food items in addition to using their network to send messages to their subscribers to protect themselves. He said all precautionary messages prepared by the Ministry of Health and Sanitation are being cascaded to their subscribers.

The Africell CEO assured the Government that his company is committed to Sierra Leone and will do everything under their power to give support to end the virus.
In his statement, the Minister of Information and Communications, Mohamed Rahman Swarray expressed gratification that Africell has come in to make the giant donation noting how the support will go a long way to break the chain of transmission.

“We have been calling on you all to support Government and you have always come on board. This is not the first time and will not be the last time,” the Minister applauded and appealed. He promised that the donation will be used judiciously for its intended purpose.
NACOVERC Chief of Staff, Solomon Caulker also commended Africell for the donation stressing that it will indeed go a long way to win the fight.

Orange-SL Supports NACOVERC with Le1Billlion to Combat COVID-19

June 18, 2020

By Fatmata Jengbe

Orange Sierra Leone (SL), on Wednesday 17^th June, 2020, donated the sum of Le1, 000, 000,000 (One Billion Leones) to the Sierra Leone Government through the National COVID-19 Response Centre (NACOVERC) during an event that took place at the Ministry of Information and Communications Conference Room at Youyi Building in Freetown.

Speaking during the donation event, the Chief Executive Officer of Orange SL telecommunications company, Aminata Kane Ndiaye, commended the National COVID-19 Emergency Response Center (NACOVERC) for what she described as its tireless efforts in scaling up the fight against COVID-19, stating that the donation the company is dishing out is considered special further disclosing how they believe such will greatly support the fight against the spread and ultimate defeat of COVID-19 in the country.

Chief Executive Officer, Orange SL, Aminata Kane

She disclosed further that funds that have been donated so far by the company were and are meant for coronavirus awareness sensitization in the country especially in the provinces which, according to her , are contributions made with the avowed objective of curtailing the spread of the virus, also pointing out that since the country recorded its first index case, Orange-SL has been working in close and direct partnership with the Government to map out and strategize as well as implement measures directed towards how to combat the newly emerged enemy that has ravaged nations around the globe.

She assured Government that they will continue to support the campaign against COVID-19 until such a time when the virus would be defeated and the country returns back to normalcy.

Orange-SL CEO revealed how the company has made it possible for most of their subscribers to have access to the internet so that they can learn more about the COVID-19 preventive measures maintaining that they will continue to fight until the virus is defeated.

Chief of Staff of the NACOVERC, Solomon Caulker, expressed gratitude and appreciation to Orange-SL for the kind gesture which he referred to as the biggest financial intervention from the telecoms sector in the country.

He disclosed that they are extremely happy for what was donated saying such will help to make it possible for all districts in Sierra Leone to benefit especially as the funds are meant for coronavirus awareness sensitization in the country more so in the provinces

Solomon Caulker also stated that one of the most important elements needed in the fight against the virus is comprehensive and effective public information dissemination and public education in order to ensure that members of the public adhere and practice all the recommended health protocols also underscoring how public education campaigns on COVID-19 will be intensified with the aim of countering negative messaging and myths about the virus, which he asserted are more prevalent in the provinces.

On his part, the Minister of Information and Communications, Mohamed Rado Swarray commended Orange-SL for the kind gesture describing it as a timely intervention towards the fight against COVID-19 in the country.

He averred that the donation from Orange-SL ,geared towards implementing campaigns against COVID-19, is a true manifestation of the trust and confidence that the telecoms company reposes in the leadership of the ‘New Direction’ Government.

The Minister suggested that more attention should be paid to the provinces during this crucial moment in order to win the fight against the virus also affirming that Orange-SL has always been very supportive since the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country. He recalled that the partnership between Government and the telecoms company to scale up the fight commenced immediately after the outbreak of COVID-19 when Government approached relevant stakeholders and development partners for assistance and Orange SL responded appropriately.

He appealed to the telecoms company not to shut its doors, but to continue to be on the side of Government until the virus is kicked out of Sierra Leone.

The European Union and Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) Launch Radio/Television Programme to Fight Fake News/Disinformation on Covid-19

June 17, 2020

JOINT PRESS RELEASE

The EUROPEAN UNION and SIERRA LEONE ASSOCIATION OF JOURNALISTS (SLAJ) LAUNCH RADIO/TELEVISION PROGRAMME TO FIGHT FAKE NEWS/DISINFORMATION ON COVID-19

Freetown, Sierra Leone – 18 June 2020: The European Union and the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) will today kick-start a nationwide radio and television programme specifically aimed at addressing fake news and misinformation around COVID-19 circulating on social media and messaging platforms.

The radio and TV show will be broadcast twice weekly on Wednesdays at 2pm and Saturdays at 12pm through the Independent Radio Network (IRN) and will also be live streamed on the main TV stations and EU/SLAJ/IRN Facebook platforms.

The EU considers this strategic partnership with SLAJ/IRN more important than ever to support the crucial role the media plays in providing the public with accurate and factual information during the current COVID-19 crisis and to increase social media literacy and responsible communication amongst the public. The programme will further support the National Response Plan pillar for communication and social mobilisation by relaying official COVID-19 updates, guidelines and practical advice to the audience.

Following the signature, EU Ambassador to Sierra Leone Tom Vens said: “Disinformation and fake news in times of the coronavirus can kill. In today’s technology-driven world, we have a duty to protect our citizens by making them aware of false information. To fight disinformation, we need to mobilise all relevant players and support independent fact checkers and media. Through this dedicated radio and television programme and partnership with SLAJ, the EU once again reaffirms its commitment to supporting the Government and People of Sierra Leone in the fight against COVID-19.”

President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla said: “Fake news and misinformation are a clear and present danger not only to the fight against COVID-19 but also to the peace and security of the nation. The European Union is therefore concretely contributing to the general good of the country by supporting SLAJ to fight against fake news and for this we wholeheartedly commend them.”

Some of the concrete actions that will be implemented by SLAJ through the programme are: to identify, fact check and debunk main false narratives on COVID-19; to involve a large spectrum of stakeholders and opinion makers in the debate: journalists, government officials, political parties, medical practitioners, civil society, youth representatives, bloggers, opinion makers and multipliers active on social media; to seek the active involvement of and feedback from the public; to disseminate myth busters, infographics and educational videos on social media; to run a “Fake News not in My Name” campaign through the voice of several social media ambassadors.

Follow us live: https://www.facebook.com/EUinSierraLeone/, https://www.facebook.com/slaj.sierraleone , https://twitter.com/SLAJ Salone , http://www.facebook.com/IRNSierraLeone

Send your questions/comments to: +232 77812839 / +232 80044851

#EUStandsWithSalone #TeamEurope

Defeating COVID-19 with Solidarity and Cooperation

June 17, 2020

–Keynote Speech by H.E. Xi Jinping President of the People’s Republic of China At the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit On Solidarity Against COVID-19

Beijing, 17 June 2020

Your Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa,
Your Excellency President Macky Sall,
Your Excellencies Heads of State and Government,
Your Excellency Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission,
Your Excellency António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations,
Your Excellency Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization,

At such a critical moment in the global fight against COVID-19, we are gathered together in this Extraordinary China-Africa Summit. Friends old and new are connected via video link to discuss our joint response to COVID-19 and to renew the fraternity between China and Africa. I thank President Ramaphosa and President Sall for joining me in initiating the Summit, and I appreciate the participation of all colleagues present. I also want to send my regards to other African leaders who are not able to be with us today.

The sudden onslaught of COVID-19 has taken a heavy toll on countries around the world, with the loss of several hundred thousand precious lives. Here, I suggest that we observe a moment of silence for those who have tragically passed away due to COVID-19 and express our condolences to their families.

– In the face of COVID-19, China and Africa have withstood the test of a severe challenge. The Chinese people have put up a fierce fight and made enormous sacrifice to bring the situation in China under control. Still, we remain mindful of the risk of a resurgence. In the same spirit, governments and peoples in Africa have put up a united front and, under the effective coordination by the African Union, have taken strong measures to effectively slow the spread of the virus. These are indeed hard-won results.

– In the face of COVID-19, China and Africa have offered mutual support and fought shoulder to shoulder with each other. China shall always remember the invaluable support Africa gave us at the height of our battle with the coronavirus. In return, when Africa was struck by the virus, China was the first to rush in with assistance and has since stood firm with the African people.

– In the face of COVID-19, China and Africa have enhanced solidarity and strengthened friendship and mutual trust. Let me reaffirm China’s commitment to its longstanding friendship with Africa. No matter how the international landscape may evolve, China shall never waver in its determination to pursue greater solidarity and cooperation with Africa.

Colleagues,

COVID-19 is still affecting many parts of the world. Both China and Africa face the formidable task of combating the virus while stabilizing the economy and protecting people’s livelihoods. We must always put our people and their lives front and center. We must mobilize necessary resources, stick together in collaboration, and do whatever it takes to protect people’s lives and health and minimize the fallout of COVID-19.

First, we must stay committed to fighting COVID-19 together. China will continue to do whatever it can to support Africa’s response to COVID-19. China will lose no time in following through on the measures I announced at the opening of the World Health Assembly, and continue to help African countries by providing supplies, sending expert teams, and facilitating Africa’s procurement of medical supplies in China. China will start ahead of schedule the construction of the Africa CDC headquarters this year. China will work with Africa to fully deliver the health care initiative adopted at the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and speed up the construction of China-Africa Friendship Hospitals and the cooperation between paired-up Chinese and African hospitals. Together, we will build a China-Africa community of health for all. We pledge that once the development and deployment of COVID-19 vaccine is completed in China, African countries will be among the first to benefit.

Second, we must stay committed to enhancing China-Africa cooperation. To cushion the impact of COVID-19, it is important to strengthen Belt and Road cooperation and accelerate the follow-ups to the FOCAC Beijing Summit. Greater priority needs to be given to cooperation on public health, economic reopening, and people’s livelihood.

Within the FOCAC framework, China will cancel the debt of relevant African countries in the form of interest-free government loans that are due to mature by the end of 2020. For those African countries that are hardest hit by the coronavirus and are under heavy financial stress, China will work with the global community to give them greater support, by such means as further extending the period of debt suspension, to help them tide over the current difficulty. We encourage Chinese financial institutions to respond to the G20’s Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) and to hold friendly consultations with African countries according to market principles to work out arrangements for commercial loans with sovereign guarantees. China will work with other members of the G20 to implement the DSSI and, on that basis, urge the G20 to extend debt service suspension still further for countries concerned, including those in Africa.

China hopes that the international community, especially developed countries and multilateral financial institutions, will act more forcefully on debt relief and suspension for Africa. China will work with the UN, WHO and other partners to assist Africa’s response to COVID-19, and do it in a way that respects the will of Africa.

To help Africa achieve sustainable development is what matters in the long run. China supports Africa in its effort to develop the African Continental Free Trade Area and to enhance connectivity and strengthen industrial and supply chains. China will explore broader cooperation with Africa in such new business forms as digital economy, smart city, clean energy, and 5G to boost Africa’s development and revitalization.

Third, we must stay committed to upholding multilateralism. In the face of COVID-19, solidarity and cooperation is our most powerful weapon. China will work with Africa to uphold the UN-centered global governance system and support WHO in making greater contribution to the global COVID-19 response. We oppose politicization and stigmatization of COVID-19, and we oppose racial discrimination and ideological bias. We stand firm for equity and justice in the world.

Fourth, we must stay committed to taking China-Africa friendship forward. The world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century. Given the new opportunities and challenges we face, closer cooperation between China and Africa is needed, more than ever. On my part, I will stay in close touch with all of you, my colleagues, to consolidate our friendship and mutual trust, support each other on issues involving our respective core interests, and advance the fundamental interests of China and Africa and, for that matter, of all developing countries. This way, we will be able to take the China-Africa comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership to a greater height.

Colleagues,

At the FOCAC Beijing Summit, we agreed to work together to build an even stronger China-Africa community with a shared future. Today’s Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity against COVID-19 is our concrete step to deliver the commitment we made at the Beijing Summit and to do our part in the international cooperation against COVID-19. I am convinced that humanity will ultimately defeat the virus, and that the Chinese and African people are poised to embrace better days ahead.

Thank you.

Youths Can help to End Covid19 in Sierra Leone: A Case Study of YARDOSL

June 17, 2020

By Ahmid C Jalloh, Executive Director. YARDOSL

Introduction:

COVID-19 has disrupted millions of people’s livelihoods, with greater disproportionate impact on poor households and most particularly on young people. This is an opportunity to take bolder steps to contain this health crisis and secure proper access to livelihood especially to the most vulnerable populations.

To achieve this, our response to COVID-19 is strengthened and youth’s rights are not been left out. These rights include right to access to accurate information and knowledge about preventive measures of the pandemic, and access to preventive resources such as veronica buckets, soaps and facemasks. As a youth empowerment agency, young people are at the core of our work. That’s why during this trying time, we have developed this project to give educational support about COVID-19 as well as provide support for handwashing and face-masking to those who cannot afford it.

Problem Statement/Need Assessment:

Statistics from our baseline study shows that youths living in marginalized communities are the most vulnerable in times of the health crisis. In a random nationwide survey, only 1 out of the 10 communities studied have a proper washing system at the time and of the 200 young people interviewed, only 10 have facemasks.

Despite Government’s effort in instituting laws to enforce handwashing and use of facemasks, most people (especially young people in marginalized communities) don’t adhere to the public health protocols at all. This is mostly as a result of two things: most lack the economic power in acquiring the facemasks and handwash system in an already struggling economy, and the other is, people’s perception of COVID-19 and use of facemasks in the first place. This has a direct impact on the reported increasing number of new infected cases across the country.

To help address the problems highlighted above, YARDOSL through 80 volunteers have developed a grassroot youth-led COVID-19 response project called End COVID-19 in Sierra Leone Project on April 2^nd, 2020. The organization has used its youthful and dedicated membership of local young leaders to raise awareness on COVID-19 and change people’s perception about the virus through house-to-house campaigns, radio discussion programs, social media engagements etc.

Also, the organization has already donated locally made reusable facemasks to 500 deprived youths and 200 locally made handwash systems to selected marginalized communities across the country. The campaign has targeted slum communities where public health is most at risk, educating and sensitizing young people about COVID-19 and its preventive measures. The campaign has also targeted market places, bike rider’s parks and Attaya bases where young people can be easily found.

What makes the campaign even better more impactful is the incorporation of sensitization against the recent surge in violence across the country, calling on all young people to deviate from violence of any sort, to allow us as a Nation to quickly overcome COVID-19. We have also been able to raise awareness on gender-based violence by educating young women to always report to 116 even during lockdowns.

Challenges:

Despite our continued efforts in helping end COVID-19 in Sierra Leone through increasing public awareness and change of perceptions, and donation of preventive resources such as facemasks and locally made handwash systems, we are encountering numerous challenges. YARDOSL has had its challenge in training, coordinating and keeping the 80 volunteers working on motivation, but nonetheless the organization has been able to let the young leaders understand and appreciate the importance of their involvement in the fight against COVID-19.

Through donations from well-wishers, the organization has also been able to donate the facemasks and handwash systems targeting underserved communities. However, the extra effort and uncertainty in raising these funds have had a negative impact on the project by derailing its activity plan on most occasions.

The Way Forward:

The project is an ongoing project until Sierra Leone is declared COVID-19 free by WHO. However, to make the activity plan easier, the project is classed as phase 1 (starts in April and ends in December 2020). By the end of 2020, the project will be directly implemented in 250 selected communities across all regions in Sierra Leone with an estimated number of 2,500 households covered and over 15,000 people served.

Radio discussion programmes and Social Media engagements is set to reach out to over 20,000 people. The beneficiaries shall be classed as all Sierra Leoneans benefiting from the project donations or sensitizations in one way or the other, especially young people in underserved communities. The project is looking forward to donate 15,000 locally made reusable facemasks and 500 handwash systems.

Any Thing Else:

First of all, we want Government and development partners to acknowledge youth leadership and participation in the fight against COVID-19 in Sierra Leone. This is because: ‘’Young people have the know-how, passion and energy needed to create positive change in their communities. In the COVID-19 fight, youths must be considered as partners so they can assist in the mobilization and engagement of other young people. They can be very instrumental in pushing for attitude and perception change through the peer-to-peer learning process.’’

‘No Child Left Behind Initiative’ Doles Food Items to Wellington & Children’s Redemption Orphanage Homes

June 17, 2020

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In commemorating the Day of the Africa Child and as part of their support to less privileged children in the country, the “No Child Left Behind Initiative” has on Tuesday 16^th June, 2020 embarked on a Coronavirus sensitization drive and donation of food items which includes Bags of Rice, Maggi, Bags of Onions, Gallons of cooking Oil, Pepper, etc. and facial masks to the Wellington Orphanage Home & Children’s Redemption Orphanage Home, Masantigie Village at Waterloo Western Rural District.

Handing over the items, Secretary General of No Child Left Behind Initiative, Martha Mani disclosed that the Day of the African Child is celebrated on June 16 every year since 1991, when it was first initiated by the Organization of African Unity (OAU) to honor those who participated in the Soweto Uprising in 1976.

She said that over the past years children have been celebrating the day in a grand style but said due to the outbreak of the coronavirus in the country children are not opportune to celebrate it this year, adding that since the No Child Left Behind Initiative is an organization that has been working for the development and welfare of children in the country its members thought it fit to under taken the aforementioned donation to the Wellington & Children’s Redemption Orphanage Homes at Waterloo in the Western Rural District.

Martha Mani noted that food is very key to the lives of the kids stating how their organization has been supporting the Government National School Feeding Initiative but due to the presence of COVID-19 they decided to donate the food items in order to support the children with the strong belief that the donated items will help them greatly at this crucial moment.

She stated that at a time like this when the coronavirus is ravaging the country the welfare of children should be considered as very important, adding that handing washing, social distancing and the use of facial masks are very important towards curtailing the spread of the virus in the country. In that regard they also used the opportunity to educate the children on hand washing and the use of face masks.

She also noted that their organization has also undertaken similar donations in the provinces as a way of supporting residents there as well.

She expressed gratitude to Mrs. Jennifer Adeshola Thomason, who happens to be the pioneer of these organizations saying she has been working tremendously in order to support less privileged children across the country.

Receiving the items, Managing Director of the Wellington Orphanage Home Waterloo, Mohamed Kewulay Conteh expressed appreciation to the No Child Left behind Initiative and Madam Jennifer Adeshola Thomason for the gesture describing it as a timely intervention.

He assured them that the items will be used for the intended purpose by ensuring that they reach the right beneficiaries, adding that the children used to commemorate June 16 in a grand style but expressed the belief that with the stated donation by the organization such has brought happiness to the lives of these children.

One of the beneficiaries, Fatmata Kanu of the Wellington Orphanage Home expressed appreciation to No Child Left Behind Initiative for the gesture which she said they were in need of underscoring that food is very important to them as children.

She also called on other humanitarian organizations and individuals to follow the footsteps of No Child Left Behind Initiative during crucial moments like this.

On his part, the Manager of the Children’s Redemption Orphanage Home ,Masantigie Village, Pastor Abraham Wright on behalf of the orphanage expressed gratitude to the organization for the donation, adding that the orphanage has been in existence since 2007 and since then they have been supporting orphan children.

He further pointed out that currently the Home is housing 33 children and also supporting other children at other homes, stating that feeding has been a big challenge for them as a Home but said with support from organizations, including No Child Left Behind Initiative, they have been able to sustain the Home.

CKS Staff and Administration Receive Food & Non Food Items from Old Boys

June 17, 2020

By Foday Moriba Conteh

On Saturday 13th June 2020 the Christ the King College Old Boys Association (COBA) donated Eighty five bags of rice (85), Eighty five (85) gallons of cooking oil and Seventy five (75) face masks to the teaching and support staff of their beloved college of the South in a bid to combat the spread of the coronavirus in that part of the country.

Additionally and in their unwavering desire to improve the learning environment and capacity of the institution, the old boys donated Seventeen (17) Desk Top computers to the Principals, staff and students of the college to boost the ICT Department.

As tradition requires, the Old boys also paid homage to one of their best friends and the oldest student of the college, the Crocodile , provision was made to feed him for a period of six months.

The presentation, which drew attendance from Staff, students, COBA members, the Press and the general public was convened at the College campus in Bo.

This gesture was resourced by contributions from Cobians from North America, UK and Ireland and the National membership coordinated by the dynamic leadership of the current National Executive.

Speaking at the occasion, the National President of COBA, Kwame Yankson informed his audience that the teacher feeding project was borne out of the desire of COBA members to pay back to an institution which contributed to their personal development and growth.

The Teacher Feeding Project was undertaken to cushion the burden on teachers and support staff amidst the economic hardship created by the corona virus pandemic.

The National President craved the indulgence of the teachers to accept the token from COBA as a “widow’s mite” and to give their best in training the students of the institution. He assured them that COBA would strive to support the institution at all times citing the construction of ten classroom blocks for the Junior Secondary School, plans at hand to renovate the assembly hall and the boarding home including a host of other projects to make the institution the best among equals.

“We are determined to making CKC great again,” he concluded.

Delivering her vote of thanks, the Principal of the Junior Secondary School, Mrs Michelle Michaels expressed their gratitude to COBA for the thoughtfulness at such trying times. She said the donation was more than a ‘widows mite’ and assured COBA that the computers will be used for their intended purposes and promised the Old Boys of their continued endeavour to lift the banner of the college above others.

She called on Cobians to remain united for the good of their college and the development of their country.

The occasion was climaxed by the distribution of the rice, vegetable oil and face masks amongst the staff.

Discussions Held by Legal Aid Board & Partners to Support Victims of Sexual Violence

June 17, 2020

By Fatmata Jengbe

Last week Tuesday the Legal Aid Board held discussions with a team from the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs (MoGCA) comprising Consultant, Battu Jambawai and the National Coordinator Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) Response, Ramatu Kargbo on how to strengthen response mechanisms in the fight against SGBV.

The discussion took place at the Board’s head office at 27 Wilberforce Street in Freetown and was centered on working together to provide support to victims of SGBV through the deployment of the Board’s paralegals in each of the One-Stop Shop Centers. It was agreed that such would also involve capacity building for the Family Support Unit (FSU) of the Sierra Leone Police in handling SGBV Victims. The meeting came about following a request by the MoGCA for the Board to support its 18 one-stop centres it will be creating around the country. The centers will have a free SGBV hotline.

In her statement, the Executive Director of the Board, Ms. Fatmata Claire Carlton-Hanciles described the engagement as timely and needful. She recalled having a meeting with the Chief Justice, Honourable Justice Desmond Babatude Edwards where issues bordering on children in contact with the law in the midst of COVID-19 were discussed. She averred that currently, there are about 33 juveniles in detention facilities across the country and added that in the area of gender which was the main focus of her guests, the Board in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Police’s FSU and other partners have also launched a campaign against domestic violence as the country continues to witness an increase in abuses as it grapples with COVID-19 pandemic.

Ms. Carlton-Hanciles stated that “SGBV cases are serious issues”, adding that any partnership with the Board on this is welcomed. She averred that the Board’s role in these matters henceforth will be that of amicus-curiae, meaning holding the balance or being a friend of the court.

She intimated the gender officials on some of the challenges in prosecuting criminal matters of such nature, noting that having a one-stop centre is good but challenging in having all the professionals under one roof at all times, especially paralegals and medical doctors. She averred that the Board has limited number of paralegals and so will be constrained to deploy two each for two days a week in each of the 18 centres across the country.

She preferred the referral of cases to the Board where necessary, adding that mapping of resources in terms of Police Doctor, Pathologist, Legal Aid Counsel will enhance effective and timely investigations of SGBV matters. Ms. Carlton-Hanciles also urged the Gender Ministry to engage the Director of Public Prosecutions in order to shorten the time in proffering legal advice on SGBV matters. She concluded by requesting for a memorandum of understanding so as to spell out the parameters of the Board’s activities in the centres. She however asked them to make it flexible for her staff.

Responding, Madam Jambawai thanked the Executive Director and team, adding that she has already channeled some of the Board’s concerns to the Gender Minister which includes the difficulty in having two of its paralegals deployed in each centre for two days a week.

She averred that one of the problems the Ministry is faced with is that of inadequate personnel upcountry, adding that what they actually wanted from the Board is to provide guidance and direction to police officers investigating SGBV matters so that statements obtained and evidence adduced will be accurately packaged for prosecution.

She concluded that the Ministry will still welcome the idea of paralegals visiting the centres as and when needed to provide assistance to the investigations.

Donor Confidence Built by Pres. Bio is Paying Dividends

June 17, 2020

His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio

By Bampia James Bundu

Restoration of the country’s lost glory was part of the campaign promises of President Julius Maada Bio to the people of Sierra Leone prior to his election as President in March 2018. However, there is no gainsaying that under the previous administration of erstwhile President Ernest Bai Koroma, the country’s ranking in many development spheres plummeted, and its international status battered.

The last two weeks have been hugely productive for Sierra Leone in general and President Bio in particular. Over the said period, the European Union and International Monetary Fund disbursed $10m and $143m respectively to Sierra Leone as budgetary support, help to fight COVID-19 and augment other development programs of the Government.

These are gestures indicative of the confidence President Julius Maada Bio has rebuilt in donors after the country’s international image had nose-dived under the previous administration which saw the World Bank suspend the country from the Extended Credit Facility program.

Then the icing on the cake came when the Global Peace Index was released last week and ranked Sierra Leone the 4th most peaceful country in Africa and the 46th in the world of many nations.

The Global Peace Index ranking of Sierra Leone as the 4th most peaceful country in the world strengthens the belief that under the New Direction of President Julius Maada Bio Sierra Leone is on another trajectory. In the middle of an intense campaign by the main opposition All Peoples Congress party to smear the country’s image under the New Direction and gloat over a poor ranking, the Government has defied the odds and putting the country on the map for all the pleasant reasons – from corruption perception index to global peace ranking.

It also negates the spineless propaganda of the opposition that President Bio will reverse the gains of the past, especially after the restoration of peace. On the contrary President Bio has continued to fly the flag of the country high and gradually taking it to the pinnacle of success, in an unprecedented manner.

World leaders have continued to admire the shrewd and astute leadership of President Julius Maada Bio and the country continues to benefit from it.

With the latest GPR very positive for the country, and the Government looking for credible investors to help in its development agenda, the country will soon be the cynosure of attraction.

Guma Plants 2,700 Tress at FBC Botanical Garden

June 17, 2020

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Guma Valley Water Company, in collaboration with the Fourah Bay College Administration and the QATAR Foundation (a Community Based Organization at Leicester Road), has ended a two-day tree planting exercise at the Fourah Bay College Botanical Garden during which over 2700 tree seedlings ranging from economic, herbal and forest trees were planted.

Speaking before the tree planting exercise started on Saturday 13th June 2020, the Production Manager at Guma Valley Water Company, Mr. Mohamed Koroma said the Botanical Garden host the Bambara Spring which is source of the White Water Weir from which Guma supplies water to thousands of citizens residing at the Upper Reaches of Mountain Cut, Mount Aureol up to Will Street at Upper Kissy Road.

He said Guma is funding the tree planting exercise because the Company needs sufficient raw water to treat and supply to people and the amount of raw water from the Bambara Spring has been dwindling due to the deforestation that is ongoing at the Botanical Garden to the extent that it is now affecting Guma’s operation.

The Estate Officer at Fourah Bay College, Mr. Wilfred Momoh said they are pleased to partner with Guma to reforest the Botanical Garden and that is the reason why Fourah Bay College members of staff from the Estate, Garden and Grounds as well as the Biology Department are participating in the tree planting exercise. He said they would ensure that the tree seedlings are effectively monitored until they become full grown trees.

The Chairman of the QATAR Foundation, Mr. Ibrahim Mansaray said they decided to partner with Guma because they are concerned with the deforestation that has been ongoing at the Fourah Bay College Botanical Garden as it is their source of water supply for drinking and other uses. The Chairman also pledged his organization’s support to protect the seedlings until they are fully grown.

The tree planting exercise, it is hoped, will help in water conservation, reduce soil erosion and flooding; which usually reduces raw water quality and makes it very expensive to treat for human consumption.