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Speech by President Xi Jinping at opening of 73rd World Health Assembly

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Source: Xinhua 


Fighting COVID-19 Through Solidarity and Cooperation Building a Global Community of Health for All

Statement by H.E. Xi Jinping
President of the People’s Republic of China
At Virtual Event of Opening of the 73rd World Health Assembly
Beijing, 18 May 2020

President of the World Health Assembly,
Director General of the World Health Organization,
Dear Delegates,

To begin with, I wish to say that it is of significant importance for this World Health Assembly to be held at such a critical moment as the human race battles this novel coronavirus.

What we are facing is the most serious global public health emergency since the end of World War II. Catching the world by surprise, COVID-19 has hit over 210 countries and regions, affected more than seven billion people around the world and claimed over 300,000 precious lives. I mourn for every life lost and express condolences to the bereaved families.

The history of human civilization is one of fighting diseases and tiding over disasters. The virus does not respect borders. Nor is race or nationality relevant in the face of the disease. Confronted by the ravages of COVID-19, the international community has not flinched.

The people of all countries have tackled the virus head on. Around the world, people have looked out for each other and pulled together as one. With love and compassion, we have forged extraordinary synergy in the fight against COVID-19.

In China, after making painstaking efforts and enormous sacrifice, we have turned the tide on the virus and protected the life and health of our people. All along, we have acted with openness, transparency and responsibility. We have provided information to WHO and relevant countries in a most timely fashion. We have released the genome sequence at the earliest possible time. We have shared control and treatment experience with the world without reservation. We have done everything in our power to support and assist countries in need.

Mr. President,

Even as we meet, the virus is still raging, and more must be done to bring it under control. To this end, I want to make the following proposals:

First, we must do everything we can for COVID-19 control and treatment. This is a most urgent task. We must always put the people first, for nothing in the world is more precious than people’s lives. We need to deploy medical expertise and critical supplies to places where they are needed the most. We need to take strong steps in such key areas as prevention, quarantine, detection, treatment and tracing. We need to move as fast as we can to curb the global spread of the virus and do our best to stem cross-border transmission. We need to step up information sharing, exchange experience and best practice, and pursue international cooperation on testing methods, clinical treatment, and vaccine and medicine research and development. We also need to continue supporting global research by scientists on the source and transmission routes of the virus.

Second, the World Health Organization should lead the global response. Under the leadership of Dr. Tedros, WHO has made a major contribution in leading and advancing the global response to COVID-19. Its good work is applauded by the international community. At this crucial juncture, to support WHO is to support international cooperation and the battle for saving lives as well. China calls on the international community to increase political and financial support for WHO so as to mobilize resources worldwide to defeat the virus.

Third, we must provide greater support for Africa. Developing countries, African countries in particular, have weaker public health systems. Helping them build capacity must be our top priority in COVID-19 response. The world needs to provide more material,
technological and personnel support for African countries. China has sent a tremendous amount of medical supplies and assistance to over 50 African countries and the African Union. Five Chinese medical expert teams have also been sent to the African continent. In total, in the past seven decades, over 200 million people in Africa have received care and treatment from Chinese medical teams. At present, 46 resident Chinese medical teams are in Africa helping with COVID-19 containment efforts locally.

Fourth, we must strengthen global governance in the area of public health. We human beings will eventually prevail over the coronavirus. Yet this may not be the last time a major health emergency comes knocking at our door. In view of the weaknesses and deficiencies exposed by COVID-19, we need to improve the governance system for public health security. We need to respond more quickly to public health emergencies and establish global and regional reserve centers of anti-epidemic supplies. China supports the idea of a comprehensive review of the global response to COVID-19 after it is brought under control to sum up experience and address deficiencies. This work should be based on science and professionalism, led by WHO and conducted in an objective and impartial manner.

Fifth, we must restore economic and social development. While working on an ongoing basis to contain the virus, countries where conditions permit may reopen businesses and schools in an orderly fashion in observance of WHO’s professional recommendations. In the meantime, international macroeconomic policy coordination should be stepped up and the global industrial and supply chains be kept stable and unclogged if we are to restore growth to the world economy.

Sixth, we must strengthen international cooperation. Mankind is a community with a shared future. Solidarity and cooperation is our most powerful weapon for defeating the virus. This is the key lesson the world has learned from fighting HIV/AIDS, Ebola, avian influenza, influenza A (H1N1) and other major epidemics. And solidarity and cooperation is a sure way through which we, the people of the world, can defeat this novel coronavirus.

Mr. President,

China stands for the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind. China takes it as its responsibility to ensure not just the life and health of its own citizens, but also global public health. For the sake of boosting international cooperation against
COVID-19, I would like to announce the following:

— China will provide US$2 billion over two years to help with COVID-19 response and with economic and social development in affected countries, especially developing countries.

— China will work with the UN to set up a global humanitarian response depot and hub in China, ensure the operation of anti-epidemic supply chains and foster “green corridors” for fast-track transportation and customs clearance.

— China will establish a cooperation mechanism for its hospitals to pair up with 30 African hospitals and accelerate the building of the Africa CDC headquarters to help the continent ramp up its disease preparedness and control capacity.

— COVID-19 vaccine development and deployment in China, when available, will be made a global public good. This will be China’s contribution to ensuring vaccine accessibility and affordability in developing countries.

— China will work with other G20 members to implement the Debt Service Suspension Initiative for the poorest countries. China is also ready to work with the international community to bolster support for the hardest-hit countries under the greatest strain of debt service, so that they could tide over the current difficulties.

To conclude, I call on all of us to come together and work as one. Let’s make concerted efforts to protect the life and health of people in all countries. Let’s work together to safeguard planet Earth, our common home. Let’s work together to build a global community of health for all!

I thank you.

Police Arrest 5 SL Mining Expatriates

By Edward Vamboi

Police in Sierra Leone have arrested five expatriate staff of a subsidiary of commodities trader Gerald Group on suspicion of inciting unrest, the company and local authorities said on Sunday.

The staff members of SL Mining, who hail from the United Kingdom, South Africa, India and the United States, have not been formally charged.

The officer who ordered the arrests, Deputy Superintendent Theophilous Koroma, said they were suspected of inciting a riot in the town of Lunsar on April 30, in which two people died. Police said the cause of the riot was not clear, but local media reports said they were sparked by the arrest of a local youth leader.

SL Mining said it had already conducted an internal investigation into the riot, which occurred near the Marampa mines, and found that its staffs were not involved “in any way”. “We are naturally very concerned for the health and safety of our employees who continue to be detained by the police at a time when the country is in a state of emergency due to Covid-19. We strongly object to their arrest and continued detention,” it said.

The arrest came amid a dispute between SL Mining and the Sierra Leonean government over royalty payments at the Marampa iron ore mine that resulted in the government cancelling the company’s mining licence last year.

The International Chamber of Commerce’s emergency arbitration tribunal ruled last year that the export ban should be lifted, but Sierra Leonean authorities refused to do so.

The company estimates that Marampa holds about 1 billion tonnes of iron ore with a potential lifespan of 30 years.

First Doctor Dies Of COVID-19 in Sierra Leone

Late Dr. Samuel B Seisay, a Specialist Surgeon

By Amin Kef Sesay

Dr. Samuel B Seisay, a Specialist Surgeon attached to the Department of Surgery, Connaught Hospital in Freetown, died on Saturday 16th May 2020 of Coronavirus infection. He is the first Doctor to die of COVID-19 in Sierra Leone.

A press release from the Junior Doctors Association of Sierra Leone (JUDASIL) stated “We note with grief and shock the passing of our senior colleague and teacher. Dr. Samuel B. Seisay, who succumbed to the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in the early hours of Saturday 16th May, 2020.

Thoughts of comfort and condolences to the grieving family; with a heavy heart, we pray for the eternal repose of one who was a man of distinguished humanity.”

JUDASIL revealed that “COVID 19 poses a threat to the well-being of the entire population, which is all the more reason we should all come together to fight this disease.”

The Young Doctors called on Government and other stakeholders to innovate some means to contain the spread of this virus.

Panda-Noah Bids SLRSA Farewell

By Theresa Kef Sesay

The erstwhile Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), Mr. Maurice David Panda-Noah, on Monday 18th May 2020, bade farewell to the management and staff of the SLRSA, as he is set to take up his new assignment as the country’s Minister of Internal Affairs.

In his farewell address to the Management, Panda-Noah said he was very pleased with the level of support and corporation he enjoyed from them during his almost 2 years’ service as Executive Director of SLRSA. He noted that he was able to bring tremendous and positive transformation within the Authority because of the overwhelming support from the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of the Authority. “My tenure would not have been successful without your support, and for this reason I want to express my sincere appreciation to you all” he said.

He admonished the management and staff to throw their unwavering and undivided support to his successor, Mr. Ibrahim Sannoh, who has been appointed by His Excellency Julius Maada Bio to steer the mantle of leadership of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority. “I trust Sannoh will deliver,” he said.

Mr. Ibrahim Sannoh, the new Executive Director of SLRSA thanked his predecessor for his relentless and selfless service to nation building and assured that he will continue with the transformative strides in restoring the much needed sanity on our roads.

Mr. Ibrahim Sannoh and Mr. James Baggio Bio were appointed to serve as Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director respectively.

Like APC, Like SLPP

APC/ SLPP

By Barry Whyte, SLPP North America

There was a time when party members referred to the SLPP as the Republican party- the Grand Old Party. I wonder if they still believe that mantra, as they view the shambolic mess that the Republican Party has become under Trump. His supporters don’t care what Trump does or says, being caught in a cultish trance of their leader, come rain or shine.

Most of us spent expended our time, finances and energy towards helping the SLPP to come to power but are now viewed suspiciously by self-absorbed navel gazers who view any critique of the present leadership in Freetown with intolerant rage. We continue to defend our government in other fora; so kindly get the hell outta the way and allow us to criticize and hold them accountable whenever they do the wrong thing that will have an inimical impact on the fortunes of the party for years to come.

I engaged my APC friends during the election campaign. They were cocksure that they were going to win the election, by virtue of them running the government. How they got it all wrong! They had no idea that the international observers/community had other ideas.

Now, distressingly, this government is now thinking and behaving in the same fundamentally flawed way. The same International community that gave Ernest Koroma and the APC an unforgettable slap is watching and waiting for President Bio. This silly idea that you can use brute force to cow the country and run the numbers in an election is not going to work. It will only unleash an unmitigated disaster.

The disrespectful behaviour and arrogance of some of these Ministers and government officials is repugnant and should give us cause for alarm. The nouveau rich Ministers and close friends of the President are disdainful even towards party members who financially contributed, campaigned, and voted for this government: supporters who spent blood and treasury to ensure an SLPP victory.

There have been instances when Ministers and top government officials harassed and disrespect and evil jail innocent citizens, and we are expected to shut up and salute when we know full well that the fortunes of our dear party would be impacted for years down the line. My nephew, for example, was kidnapped and jailed by Minister Dennis Sandi for his land. When he was in prison, he met a contemporary there -an auditor at a certain ministry who had been locked by the Deputy Minister because he did not like the answer the auditor gave him at a meeting. Now, Dennis Sandi and others are using the VP to harass and threaten his own Fulla brothers: Bad and dangerous politics.

Another Deputy Minister whose wife holds two positions in another ministry very recently also disrespected and used all sorts of invectives against a top party elder in the presence of the Minister who said nothing. I can go on and on. President Bio needs to take charge and put a leash on some of these abrasively arrogant cabinet Ministers. Don’t wait until it is two years to the 2023 elections and asks people for you to cajole us with an insincere mantra of us coming together in the interest of the party.

I assure the President that it will be too late by then. The people will be suspicious and will look at this with extreme displeasure. Act now, Mr. President, and stop this madness. We’re not looking good in the eyes of the International community. We are also not looking good in the eyes of the people. What is happening today with the Republican party under Trump is what is happening to the SLPP party under you.

I pause for now.

Barry Whyte

The Senator

 

Comfort My People – SL Donates Food Items to 62 Households

By Fatmata Jengbe

As part of their support to less privileged children in the country, Comfort My People-Sierra Leone, a non-profitable and religious-based charity organization, on Monday 18th May, 2020 donated food Items including rice, cooking oil etc. worth millions of Leones to 62 households within the Tombo Community.

According to a Board Member and Adviser of the Organization, Pastor Peter Joseph Magbinty, Comfort My People Sierra Leone is a non-profitable and religious based organization aimed at alleviating poverty and providing help to the less privileged communities in the country.

He maintained that education is a key pillar in the agenda of the government of Sierra Leone and that it is against this backdrop that Comfort My People Sierra Leone has built a school called ‘Grace Land Academy’, which is a primary school at Tombo Gbankoh and that the school is totally free of cost. This gesture is to complement the efforts of government to enhance free and quality education in the country.

He noted that they identified Tombo community because it is a poor fishing community within the Western Rural District. He added that the organization is dealing with both male and female in different communities and that this is not the first time in undertaking such ventures, adding that they intend to do more as an organization.

He encouraged all to adhere to the preventive measures instituted by the Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Health and Sanitation like hand-washing, social distancing and the use of face masks to curtail the spread of Coronavirus in the country.

He applauded the founder of the organization, Madam Zainabu Lamin Kamara, a Sierra Leonean based in Sweden, for her tremendous effort towards the development of the organization and helping the less privileged in the country as the organization is a non-profit making one.

Kadiatu Kargbo, one of the beneficiaries, applauded ‘Comfort My People Organization’ for the kind gesture, which she described as a timely intervention, as the country is faced with the Coronavirus pandemic which has affected all sectors in society. She assured the organization that they will make good use of the items.

Govt. Launches $156M Quick Action Economic Response Programme

Minister of Finance, Jacob Jusu Saffa

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In order to maintain macro-economic and financial stability and to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 shock on businesses and households the Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Finance and Partners has on Monday 18th May, 2020 launched one hundred and fifty six millions United State dollars $156M for the Quick Action Economic Response Programme. The launch took place at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Finance at George Street in Freetown.

Present at the ceremony were the Minister of Finance, Jacob Jusu Saffa, Bank Governor Prof. Kelfala Kallon, Minister of Trade Dr. Edward Hinga Sandy, National Revenue Authority (NRA) Commissioner General, Dr. Samuel Gibao, Deputy Minister II of Agriculture, Dr. Abdulai Karim, NaCSA Commissioner, Abubakarr Kokofele, Minister of Information and Communication, Mohamed R. Swarray and several others.

Speaking during the launch, Minister of Finance, Jacob Jusu Saffa, said economic Management is on a positive trajectory and that Sierra Leone is on course, noting that had Sierra Leone not been on course the economy would have collapsed, adding that the most recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) review came out very positive, as Sierra Leone passed all of the indicators. He further maintained that the country is going to access substantial grant resources; though it cannot be substantial to take care of everybody and that Sierra Leone will surpass the IMF projected growth rate, noting that the government has done quite a lot to boost the Agricultural sector in order not to miss the planting season.

He maintained that the Quick Action Economic Response Programme (QAERP) is a ‘bread and butter’ component, adding that the NaCSA safety nets which has been giving emergency to persons living with disability nationwide is a part. He assured all that the Government is trying to scale up that. He further disclosed that all the five components of the QAERP are ‘bread and butter’ related.

In his presentation, Chief Economist in the Ministry of Finance, Alimamy Bangura, disclosed that the overall goal of the programme is to maintain macro-economic and financial stability and mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 shock on businesses and households, which he said will be complemented by the dedicated COVID-19 Prevention and Response Health Plan. He noted that since the cumulative impact of the COVID-19 will adversely affect the effective implementation of the country’s Medium Term National Development Plan and the 2020 Budget, the Government of Sierra Leone thought it fit to develop the Quick Action Economic Response Programme (QAERP).

He further disclosed that the main aims of the QAERP includes building and maintaining an adequate stock level of essential commodities at stable prices; providing support to hardest-hit businesses to enable them to continue operations, avert lay-offs of employees and reduce non-performing loans; providing safety nets to vulnerable groups; supporting labor-based public works and providing assistance for the local production and processing of staple food items, adding that the Ministry of Finance with support from the IMF has re-evaluated the country’s macro-economic indicators, as the GDP growth has been revised downwards from a predicated 4.2% to -3.1% and that domestic revenue is expected to fall by 15% and expenditures expected to increase by additional Le1 trillion, stressing that a worsening of the country’s balance of payments position is also expected.

Chief Economist further added that the government has already started rolling out the programme to cushion the impact of the pandemic on people and businesses in the country and that the stipulated amount for QAERP will be largely funded by government, with support from its development partners including IMF, World Bank, ADB among others.

Highlighting the objectives of the programme, he said that the programme comprises of five objectives which are (i) building and maintaining an adequate stock level of essential commodities at stable prices, (ii) providing support to hardest-hit businesses to enable them to continue operations and avert lay-offs of employees, (iii) expand safety nets to vulnerable groups, (iv) Supporting labor-based public works and (v) providing assistance for the local production and processing of stable food items.

Central Bank Governor, Prof. Kelfala Kallon, also spoke about the Central Bank’s intervention in achieving the QAERP, stressing that their intervention in the programme is very pivotal and as a Bank, they are committed to support the private sector to gain access to resources and forex, which they need to operate and import essential commodities.

Other dignitaries present like the Minister of Trade, Dr. Hinga Sandi, the National Revenue Authority (NRA) Commissioner General, Dr. Samuel Gbao, the Deputy Minister ll of Agriculture, Dr Abdulai Karim, NaCSA Commissioner, Abubakarr Kokofele, used the opportunity to discuss the strides made so far towards stabilizing the economy in the country, and assured all of their tireless efforts in ensuring that the Quick Action Economic Response Programme becomes a success.

The Only Viable Political Solution Is Rapid Economic Growth

By Amin Kef Sesay

In a situation when the benefits of whatever little economic progress that is made is not widely shared and social mobility is impaired, it breaks down trust and civility in society and fosters the growth of crime, violence and disenfranchisement.

As such, now and well into the future, without very robust dynamic solutions sought to the overall problem of low economic productivity, widespread unemployment and growing poverty, whatever government we elect would find it hard to inspire trust and confidence in the citizens; especially the youths who increasingly feel left out and uncared for.

With a young population, mostly in their teens, 20s and 30s, and a highly economically stratified economic structure, since the war ended in 2000, the distribution of the benefits of economic development has been highly unequal.

In solving the mounting youth crisis, there is growing pressure on the system to create more dignified employment opportunities to keep the population employed. Yet the economy is beset with low investment, even though there is huge growth possibility in all the departments of agriculture and its allied employment field.

We cannot build a robust economy on the foundations of the old. As such, the revolution of the agriculture, manufacturing and service sectors is integral to a new development reality.

Economic growth that benefits the masses is characterized by growth in living standards as the norm; not the exception as a way of tackling growing inequality and social divisions, ensuring legal recourses and protections against social injustices, guaranteeing of civic freedoms and widespread social mobility.

Thus, the government and its development partners need to craft new and very sensitive policies that incorporate technological advances, disruptions arising from climate shocks, geopolitical fragility and population transitions that will fundamentally transform the work and social landscape.

Government in this regard needs to ensure public systems’ sustainability, effectiveness and efficiency in order to continue to provide protection for large numbers of people – namely the human capital needs of a young and rapidly growing largely low-skilled labour force; tackle the prevalence of informal workers and enterprises that keep many in economic servitude; and institute social protection policies to drag the poor out of penury.

Given the country’s vast natural reserves, one would assume the wealth creation generated from extraction activities could be channelled into welfare initiatives. But the “resource curse”; has meant positive impacts on income but not on poverty reduction, as it benefited the non-poor rather than poor.

Thus, to create an agile and inclusive welfare state with youths the focus, the basic tenets come down to the provision of collective rights within the justice and legal infrastructure, and social protection systems.

When it comes to women’s tenure rights, even legal structures that recognize communal and collective land tenure systems may not be enough if they are not gender-sensitive.

To build such an inclusive and agile welfare state standing on very strong economic legs, policymakers need to look at rights and notions embedded within social relationships in society such as landowner and tenant, men and women, leader and citizen, employer and employee, doctor and patient, etc.

Not only does the importance of government arrangements have to be considered, but also the collective voice of stakeholders in terms of opportunity and accessibility must become an inclusive part of the country’s political make up.

Admitted, it would be difficult and complicated to achieve, but the viability and sustainability of a functional state lie in the valuable ecosystem services that equitable access to resources and opportunities can provide.

It is time we wake up to reality!

 

The Sylvia Blyden Case: The Noose Tightens On The Rights Of The Individual And Due Process!

Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden

By Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, Esq

Today (Monday 18th May 2020) marks 21 days since the arrest and detention of Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden without any charges being preferred to the courts against her person. The Constitution of Sierra Leone, is very clear on the protection of arbitrary arrests and detention of persons suspected to have committed an offence.

This provision is clearly spelt out under Section 17 (3) (a) which states “Any person who is arrested and detained for the purpose of bringing that person before a court or tribunal and who is not released, shall be brought before a court of law within ten days from the date of arrest. This goes for capital offences, offences carrying life imprisonment and economic and environmental offences.

On a similar note, the 1991 constitution  makes provision under sub-section 3(b) for the person to be charged to court  within seventy-two hours of his or her arrest in case of other offences.

In any of the aforementioned instances, charges must have been preferred against Dr. Blyden by now, if she has a case to answer. For the state to continue subjecting her person under detention without charge, is nothing other than a denial of her constitutional rights and due process of law.

It is no legal justification to suggest that, it was common practice during previous regimes. A perpetuation of a wrong doing by an erstwhile regime, does not make it right for the current regime to repeat the same wrong doing.

Impugning the Constitution and due legal process, brings me to asking the question, when does justice come in, to bridge the impunity gap? It is time as a country for us to lift our heads up, and accept the rule of law, as the hall mark of our hard won democracy.

Dr. Blyden, like any other citizen, is entitled to exercise her freedom and individual rights as enshrined in the Constitution. Applying the law discriminately against her by way of  denying her  police bail as well as timely preferment of charges as provided by law, runs contrary to public law and policy.

The point I am making here is not about what Dr. Blyden, may or may not have done, but rather the implementation and enforcement of the rights of the individual. By deliberately ignoring or disregarding her rights as enshrined in the constitution, endangers the peace and security of the State.

I am therefore calling on the Sierra Leone Police to speedily conclude the investigation and, if there are any, the preferment of charges to the courts.

ACC Probes NaCSA Cash Transfer Scam

By Fatmata Jengbe

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) says it has commenced investigations into anomalies and allegations of corruption in the payment of Social Safety Net (SSN) support to vulnerable persons in Bombali Community, Bombali District by the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA).

The ACC says that this alleged corrupt payment was with the collusion of NaCSA staff and was reported by Africa Young Voices (AYV) Television and that the video of testimonies of alleged victims has been in wide circulation on various social media platforms.

According to the ACC, the public should further be informed that the following persons have been arrested and detained in order to assist with the investigations;

1) Brian Smart Kanu, the Northern Regional Coordinator, NaCSA

2) Sheik Borbor Kamara, Bombali District Coordinator, NaCSA

3) Ramatu Obai Sesay, Finance and Admin, NaCSA

4) Mohamed Lansana, Data Analyst, NaCSA

5) Johnette Kanu, ACC District Monitor Bombali

The ACC District Monitor in Bombali has been suspended pending investigations. Her role was to monitor payments and report any anomalies with the process of payment; but she failed to do so, according to the ACC.

Meanwhile, the Commission is reassuring the public of its national commitment to controlling corruption at all levels.

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