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Lawyers Demand Release of Sylvia Blyden & Others

By Foday Moriba Conteh

A legal advocacy organization that defends the rights of vulnerable groups, promotes respect for the rule of law, due process and constitutionality in Sierra Leone, Christian Lawyers Centre (hereinafter referred to as LEGAL LINK) is demanding the release of Dr. Sylvia Blyden, Mrs Palo Conteh, Hussain Muckson and others held in custody by the Sierra Leone Police.

In a letter dated 17th May 2020 and addressed to the Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, who doubles as Chairman of the Police Council, LEGAL LINK wrote that it is seeking the Vice President’s direct intervention into this matter.

It stated that the Police Council, by virtue of Section 158 of the 1991 Constitution is charged with the responsibility of ensuring the efficient and effective administration of the Sierra Leone Police.

By section 157 (3) of the 1991 constitution also, the Police Council  has the power to dismiss, reduce in rank and / or exercise disciplinary control over the top management of the Sierra Leone police.

In line with these above constitutional provisions, the mammoth of influence that your institution wields over the Sierra Leone police in terms of discipline and ensuring compliance to the rule of law and constitutionality cannot be underestimated.

The letter stated that ‘it is vital to therefore bring to your urgent attention that several appeals which have been made by civil  society organisations to the leadership and Management of the Sierra Leone Police regarding the above subject have not yielded any fruits.’

It added that when it comes to arrests and detention of suspects by the police, the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone provides clear and precise timelines that must guide such arrests and detention, such as:

Section 17 sub section (2) and (3) of the 1991 constitution which provides thus:

2) “Any person who—

(a) is arrested or detained shall be informed in writing or in a language that he understands at the time of his arrest, and in any event not later than twenty-four hours, of the facts and grounds for his arrest or detention;

(b) is arrested or detained shall be informed immediately at the time of his arrest of his right of access to a legal practitioner or any person of his choice, and shall be permitted at his own expense to instruct without delay a legal practitioner of his own choice and to communicate with him confidentially.

(3) Any person who is arrested or detained in such a case as is mentioned in paragraph (e) or (f) of subsection (1) and who is not released shall be brought before a court of law—

(a) within ten days from the date of arrest in cases of capital offences, offences carrying life imprisonment and economic and environmental offences; and

(b) within seventy-two hours of his arrest in case of other offences; and if any person arrested or detained in such a case as is mentioned in the said paragraph (f) is not tried within the periods specified in paragraph (a) or (b) of this section, as the case may be, then without prejudice to any further proceedings which may be brought against him he shall be released either unconditionally or upon reasonable conditions, including in particular, such conditions as are reasonably necessary to ensure that he appears at a later date for trial or proceedings preliminary to trial.”

According to the letter, ‘from a cursory look at the actions of the Sierra Leone Police especially in the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic, it is apparent that grave violations of fundamental human rights have been occasioned by them in the handling of the aforementioned suspects beginning from their arrests right on to their detention at the Criminal Investigations Department.

For example, Dr Sylvia Blyden and Mrs Palo Conteh have both been in detention for about two weeks now without being charged to court or granted police bail.

There are also reports of allegations of inhuman and degrading treatments, poor sanitary conditions, denial of food and water, unclear charges and limited access to legal representation meted out to suspects by the Sierra Leone police.

If these allegations are true, then they certainly will constitute a violation of the fundamental human rights of suspects as guaranteed not only under section 17 (2) and (3) of our 1991 constitution but also under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women, the Mandela Rules, the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, the Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of Women in Africa and the Luanda Guidelines to which Sierra Leone is a party.

As a body that wields so much power and influence over the Sierra Leone police, it is our hope that you will exert your influence in a positive way regarding this matter and particularly ensure that the fundamental human rights of suspects currently detained at the Criminal Investigations Department are not only protected and respected by the Sierra Leone police but also the national and International frameworks that guarantees them.

The letter maintained that ‘under International Law, it is the state that has the obligation to protect, respect, fulfil and promote fundamental human rights.

‘We therefore call on your oversight institution to counsel and/or advise the top Management of the Sierra Leone Police to ensure  that all suspects currently in detention at the Criminal Investigations Department are put on bail pending further investigations or court charges as required by Section 17(3) of the 1991 constitution of Sierra Leone.

The letter which was signed by Rashid Dumbuya Esq., Executive Director, Christian Lawyers Centre (LEGAL LINK) and copied to several authorities further stated that ‘without prejudice or any gainsaying to the Constitutional mandate of the Sierra Leone Police, it is our candid view that in such a volatile COVID 19 environment like Sierra Leone, the need for decongestion of detention and or correctional facilities cannot be over-emphasized.’

 

NP-SL Gets Appraisal from Renowned Economist

By Amin Kef Sesay 

“Instead of depending on the importation of certain consumable items and foreign expatriates, it is very significant and cost effective to make use of what we have at hand to produce goods and services,” Andrew Soluku, a renowned international Economist averred, adding that for NP-SL Ltd to make it a laid down policy and put into practice employment offers exclusively for Sierra Leoneans is a very laudable and no mean feat.

It should be noted that the National Petroleum –Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) has been regarded as a well-positioned institution with the realm of being a very pro-active institution that is always poised to pragmatically put concrete arrangements in place to ensure that the populace in this country gain access to qualitative petroleum products ranging from petrol, diesel, gas to lubricants, including the ever highly demanded Castrol lubricant oil that has been rated to be very good for the efficient lubrication of various engines.

NP-SL is indeed poised to give its numerous customers its qualitative products and the company has in its employ, a workforce as well as distributors that market its various petroleum products. As far as it has been established, this laid down policy that the company is implementing to the letter, is complementing the efforts of the Government to strengthen development.

Today, it is now non-existent for individuals to complain that when they are in the process of procuring petroleum products, pump attendants cheat them in terms of not getting their money’s worth. The simple reason is because the Shareholders and Management of the company were indeed very business savvy to procure modern calibrated pumping machines which were installed at their various selling points and are very capable of churning out the exact quantity of what is demanded and the price to be paid. In this regard the company has bagged the covetous commendation of, “1st For Customer Care”.

During a random countrywide survey conducted over a period of time targeting a large percentage of customers of the National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd), with the objective of sounding their views on the operations of the NP-SL Ltd, the methodology utilized bordered on asking random questions in order to get their candid views.

When quizzed on how they view the way and manner the company treats its numerous customers across the country, most of the respondents reacted by stating that the Shareholders and Management of  the company are doing extremely well in the area of effective service delivery and giving utmost satisfaction to customers.

Abdul Aziz Koroma, a renowned Social Commentator, maintained that when it comes to customer care, NP-SL Ltd is second to none within the business landscape of this country.

“From what I have so far learnt, in order to conduct sales in a very transparent manner and to give customers their money’s worth, the Shareholders of the company decided to procure and install modern calibrated pumping machines at their various Filling Stations that are capable to pump the exact quantity of fuel, at the same time display the price and quantity,” he pointed out, adding that to even think that the pump attendants are cheating customers could only be a mere figment of one’s imagination, as anything like that is farfetched.

A Development Specialist of long standing intimated that for the country’s economy to grow sustainably, it is but important to deepen local content further, arguing that it is only when we make meaningful use of both our human and natural resources that development could transpire.

The economist quoted in the opening of this article further underscored that by offering jobs to Sierra Leoneans is a way of empowering the citizenry to take care of daily responsibilities and live improved standards of life.

“I really doff my hat to the Shareholders of the company for actualizing such a high sense of patriotism,” he expressed admiration.

A vast majority of those interviewed revealed that they are using NP Gas for cooking purpose, maintaining that it is very efficient and environmentally friendly. The NP Gas that they referred to is a cooking device which is manufactured in different cylinder sizes and sold at affordable prices at the company’s Filling Stations. “I discovered that this device is very fast in terms of performance and is now going like hot cakes, as many are now going for it, especially when the gas that is used to refill it could be easily secured at various Filling Stations ,” Memunatu Forna, a business woman selling cooking utensils on Sani Abacha Street informed.

With regards the use of NP Smart Card, it is one that is now in vogue. Some personalities who are using it said they find it very useful and a convenient way of purchasing petroleum products. They added that they always ensure their NP Smart Cards are credited to be used to purchase fuel, be it petrol or diesel. “Sometimes I don’t have to go through the hassle of going to the Bank on a busy Friday afternoon to withdraw cash just for the purpose of purchasing fuel that will last throughout the weekend. I do procure petrol by using my Smart Card and it is working perfectly well,” Musa Kalokoh, an Engineer told one of our reporters.

Momodu Fofana stated that the company is really growing beyond expectation. “For NP-SL Ltd. to successfully establish branches in neighboring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia is indeed no mean feat, especially when cognizance is taken of the fact that these branches are operating vibrantly,” he pointed out.

From what was so far gathered throughout the conducted random survey, it can be safely concluded that NP-SL Ltd is indeed a living testimony of a successful and thriving business entity that is contributing significantly to the socio-economic development of the nation and worthy of emulation.

It is therefore not unreasonable to suggest that NP-SL Ltd. is an icon of indigenous business worthy of emulation.

Recovered COVID-19 Patient Warns Against Stigmatisation

By Amin Kef Sesay – Ranger

After recovering from COVID-19, a Sierra Leonean health worker, Dalanda Bah expresses concern over the stigmatisation of the disease and its attendant negative impact on patients who often runaway from quarantined homes. She warned people who take that decision to rethink their actions as they have the potential to spread the virus to their communities and families.

Reliving her experience, Dalanda said “I was Covid-19 positive. By the Mercy of Allah, I have recovered. Yes I had all the symptoms but did not need a ventilator. Yes it was devastating. I still feel uncomfortable sometimes, but Alhamdu lillaah I am good.”

She disclosed that declaring her status in public is her own way of eliminating the stigma/shame/ and the “worry about what people will think of me” issue. She advised people in Sierra Leone who are hiding from the public because they do not want to be labelled or that they may be laughed at, or worst, that they do not want to be isolated or quarantined, so they runaway, that such actions are very irresponsible. They have the propensity to spread the virus to their families and loved ones, neighbours and the country.

She called on them to do their country and loved ones a favour and quarantine. “Remember that BEFORE you began to notice the symptoms, you have already contaminated other people. So to ensure that you do not continue to spread the virus, you must stay quarantined,” she said.

She admonished those who are fearful of quarantine that the 14 days quarantine is supposed to be from the day they begin to feel the symptoms or as soon as they realize that they were exposed. This is more accurate in order to make sure that when someone is declared free, he has fully recovered before mingling with others. She reminded the public that “everybody is a potential carrier of the virus, so keep more than 6 feet away and stay in your homes”.

It should be borne in mind that there is no cure for Covid-19 except staying away from people. Also, there is no medical research right now that says that those who have had the virus will not get recontaminated. It is therefore important that people should cover their noses and mouths, wash their hands thoroughly, disinfect their phones, keys and hand bags and as soon as they enter their homes, take off their shoes outside.

 

With Haemodialysis … Sierra Leone’s Only Dialysis Center Caters For All

By Amin Kef Sesay – Ranger

Shifaa and Dialysis Center (S&DC) is a privately owned and operated and the only dialysis centre in Sierra Leone that is taking care of all kidney patients that come to the clinic. It is located at 8 Campbell Street in Freetown and has been in operation for almost 3 years now. The centre has fully certified, trained and specialized staffs in Dialysis (a nephrologist, nutritionist, dialysis nurses and dialysis technicians). During these trying times, the centre has continued to work diligently, following rigorous trainings to ensure the safe treatments of their patients.

According to Dalanda Bah, Manager and Director of Administration of Shifaa and Dialysis Center, they have experiences in taking patients from abroad while they visit Sierra Leone on vacation. They can make all the necessary dialysis arrangements for patients while they travel, adding that patients who have insurance abroad may have their insurers pay for all their treatments in Sierra Leone and would coordinate with them if necessary.

“We are proud to say that our centre is fully equipped to treat at least 12 clients a day! Our machines and water systems are ‘brand new’ and the best of their kind”, Dalanda said.

Shifaa and Dialysis Centre (S&DC) caters for all, both rich and poor. It prides itself in education, quality dialysis treatment and counselling, enhancing the basics of life and facilitating the overall well-being of the dialysis clients. In achieving this, it is their plan to facilitate workshops and organize free health screenings onsite. Currently, they offer the following service: Haemodialysis for Acute and Chronic patients.

In addition, they also provide counselling and education to all clients and their family members. S&DC is expected to accommodate at least twelve (12) haemodialysis patients within its daily schedule and they work from Monday to Saturday. Dalanda Bah further disclosed that in the centre is a Sierra Leonean doctor, Dr. Komrabai Kanu, who examines patients regularly and plays a supervisory role over the team of doctors in accordance with the laws of Sierra Leone concerning medical practitioners working in the country.

Dalanda further explained that any time a patient comes to the clinic, whether the patient is a regular client or not, they are treated as if the visit is the first. Weight of the patient is taken and all other organs checked, before a prescription is made for further treatment and the quantity of water to be reduced from the patient. Also the centre cautions the cook of the patient on the type of food he/she should be eating.

Patients in need of dialysis treatment in Sierra Leone are the latest on the receiving end of the coronavirus pandemic. In a country whose public healthcare system is without a functional dialysis machine. The setting up of this centre is as a result of Dalanda Bah’s desire to look after her sick dad, who needed dialysis treatment. She is a US-based Sierra Leonean nurse Assistant. Since then the centre has come to provide dialysis services to Sierra Leoneans and it is the only place that provides the service in the country. It has been supervised by Guinean nephrologists since its inception.

Presently, he is in self-isolation and cannot now practice, having arrived from a country with a high number of Covid19 cases. He will have to wait. But the patients cannot wait. With some of them needing to dialyze three times a week, some have started developing complications because of the long days since the closure of the centre. To address the plight of their clients, efforts are now underway to improve the facility.

A Liberian, who has travelled from one country to another every week in search of treatment, today uses the services of S&DC. The management say that it is stories like these that motivate them to conquer all obstacles…on a daily basis.

In his statement after being treated by S&DC, the Liberian explains his ordeal; “My name is O. G. K, I am 50 years old and I work with the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) as Senior Ethics Officer. I started doing dialysis in April 2019 at the Korlebu Teaching Hospital in Ghana and later the same month I came to Freetown in Sierra Leone to continue the dialysis at Shifaa and Dialysis Center. Since that time up to today, I have been doing dialysis at this centre. This centre has benefited me immensely because Sierra Leone is close to my country Liberia, which enabled me to travel regularly for dialysis treatments. I like this centre most, because of the care the medical treatments I received from them. I have no hesitation to recommend the Shifaa and Dialysis Center to anybody who would be in need of dialysis treatments.”

It was disclosed that S&DC is on the verge of expanding its facility to accommodate more patients in response to the growing demand from the public. “We are currently on construction work to expand the small clinic that we have in order to meet the high demand of patients who are in dire need of dialysis,” they stated.

Shifaa and Dialysis Centre is opened between the hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Monday through Saturday. On Sundays and after hours, they are open for emergencies only and patients are asked to contact the Director Of Administration, Dalanda Bah, any day and time for all questions on  WhatsApp: +1347 400 6288, Salone number: +232 79225639, Email: Shifaadialysiscenter@gmail.com, website: shifaadialysiscenter.com

Shifaa Dialysis Centre is calling on all Sierra Leoneans on Dialysis to come and visit their facility. “Have you left Salone for many years and could not come back because of no reliable dialysis? Then your time to come home and feel like it’s abroad is NOW!” Shifaa provides the best quality treatments from well-known professional staff and an amazing environment. Now all Sierra Leoneans on Dialysis can come home and visit their homes and families without any worry of a reliable dialysis centre they could visit.

Orange-SL Doles IFtar to Muslims across Sierra Leone

By Edward Vamboi

As part of the company’s yearly Ramadan IFtar donation, Orange-SL, one of the country’s leading telecommunication service providers, on Monday 18th May, 2020, donated food items which included bags of rice, gallons of oil, bags of sugar, onions, milk, tomato etc., worth millions of Leones to the Masjid Ilmo Zikri at Hill Station and Houda Ashobi Corner Masjid at Black Hall Road in Freetown respectively.

In his address, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Orange-SL, Desmond Spaine disclosed that Orange-SL as an institution, feels privileged to fulfill one of the essential pillars in the Muslim faith, which is giving to the needy, adding that Ramadan Iftar is a culture of Orange-SL and that it has created a lot of impact in the lives of Sierra Leonean Muslims during the month of Ramadan.

He said that through the Ramadan Iftar, the company has also been distributing food items to the handicapped and the blind across the country, but maintained that because of the COVID-19 they have decided to limit the donation to mosques across the country, starting in Freetown, and that the donation will be extended nationwide.

He said that Ramadan is a time of sharing, charity, love and harmony and a time to pray for Allah’s intervention into all crisis like the one the country is going through, adding that the donation is part of Orange-SL’s corporate social responsibility. He noted that the choice of that mosque is its proximity to their office and the fact that most of the staff go there for prayers, especially the Friday congregational prayers.

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 mask, in order to curtail the spread of the coronavirus in the country.

He further disclosed that the company’s donations will not stop at the Ilmo Zikri & Houda Ashobi Corner Masjid, but will be extended to different communities and patron mosques across the country.

Regional Business Manager, Western Area, Achmed Mansaray, noted that the Ramadan Iftar donation is a clear display that Orange-SL cares for its customers and the nation as whole.

He said they are very humbled to present the food items to them and encouraged Sierra Leoneans to continue to use Orange SL, adding that they are committed to work with the Government of Sierra Leone and health practitioners to combat covid-19 in the country and is hopeful that everything will return to normalcy and businesses will begin to flourish.

Receiving the items on behalf of the Jamaat, Chief Imam, Masjid Ilmo Zikri, Chernor Mohamed Jalloh, expressed appreciation to Orange SL for the kind donation, describing it as important and timely, considering the current trying times in the country. He further stated that this is not the first Ramadan Iftar that the mobile operator has donated to the mosque.

Imam Jalloh also warned all those present to protect their lives by adhering to COVID-19 precautionary measures, noting that the act of protection is a command from Allah.

In another development Orange-SL also extended the Ramadan Iftar donation to Kono and Karene Districts, where they donated consignments of assorted food items to Masjid Iman in Koaquima Community, Koidu, Kono and two Central mosques in Kamakwie, Karene District, as part of the Company’s yearly Ramadan gesture to various communities and patron mosques across the country. On Tuesday 19th May 2020, it donated to the Masjid Abdullah, commonly called Blue mosque at Waterloo and the Shabro mosque at Goderich

Bishop Paganelli appeals For Calm

Bishop Paganelli

By Amin Kef Sesay

From civil war to Ebola, Bishop Paganelli says Sierra Leoneans have suffered enough. This week, the Bishop made a passionate plea for peace amidst fears of the coronavirus.

On the Feast day of Our Lady of Fatima, the Apostolic Administrator of Makeni Diocese in Sierra Leone, Bishop Natale Paganelli, has made a passionate appeal to Sierra Leoneans to stay the course of peace, avoid tribal divisions and embrace dialogue.

On the occasion of the Solemnity of Our Lady of Fatima, Patroness of the Diocese of Makeni, Bishop Natale Paganelli, a Xaverian Missionary, who is the Titular Bishop of Gadiaufala and Apostolic Administrator of Makeni in Sierra Leone, made a passionate appeal pleading with Sierra Leoneans to embrace lasting peace.

Speaking in the  Makeni Cathedral dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima, Bishop Paganelli announced that due to COVID-19 only a few representatives were physically present during the Mass. He thanked the local Radio Maria for carrying the Eucharistic celebration live,
thus enabling the faithful in the diocese to follow the event from their homes.

“This year, only a few of us are here. But we represent the whole Diocese. All the Diocese of Makeni is spiritually present in this Cathedral. They are praying with us.” He continued, “This is a special occasion to pray to Mary, our Mother to protect our diocese, our beloved country and the whole world from this deadly virus,” said Bishop Paganelli.

“Only five years ago, we experienced the tragedy of the Ebola virus. As a country, we were able to defeat the virus. But the price was very high. Thousands of our brothers and sisters lost their lives. The country ended up with a severe financial crisis that is still conditioning the lives of many Sierra Leoneans to the present day.

This time, the pandemic is more dangerous. The coronavirus is an enemy which we do not know where it is hiding. We are full of fear,” said Bishop Paganelli.

Sadly, the Bishop observed that the atmosphere of fear was resulting in tensions and violence in the country. He appealed for peace and an immediate end to hate messages circulating on social media.

“Unfortunately, the coronavirus has not only brought fear, poverty and death, but has also reinforced divisions in the country,” said the Apostolic Administrator of Makeni Diocese.

The Bishop called on the government to speedily investigate recent riots. At least fourteen people were reported killed while others were injured in a prison riot in Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown. Some blamed it on prisoners attempting to escape from the prison when word went round that a newly arrived prisoner had contracted COVID-19.

Others pointed to heightened political tensions in the country due to the arrest of members of the main opposition party, including a former Minister of Defence and of Internal Affairs. They were being held at the same prison.

Bishop Paganelli further said Sierra Leoneans had suffered enough and did not want another conflict fuelled by those who thrive on chaos and division.

“Our history has been blighted by tribalism, revenge, and civil war while the poor and the vulnerable bear the brunt of our madness. I condemn anyone, any institution, political parties that are inciting and advocating chaos and mayhem. I condemn arbitrary arrests and detentions without the due process of law. The rule of law should prevail at all times. I appeal to political parties not to fan the flames of tribalism, regionalism, revenge and division but implore them to act responsibly in promoting the common good.

I call upon all people of goodwill to engage in responsible dialogue regarding matters of state, security and the welfare of all Sierra Leoneans. If we want to build a solid nation, we have to seek the common good through justice and peace. There is not any other way. Look for justice and peace! We are brothers and sisters, children of the same God. I encourage you as your pastor in faith to bring hope, life and justice in our communities,” pleaded Bishop Paganelli, adding that every life is sacred and must be respected and protected.

Bishop Paganelli also prayed that Mary, Our Lady of Fatima, would
bless and intercede for all Sierra Leoneans.

Donating PPEs, Milla Hand washing Machines Etc… SeDEP Boosts Karene District Covid-19 Response Team

Sella Development for Education and Progress (SeDEP) donated items

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of their support towards the fight against the coronavirus in the country, the Sella Development for Education and Progress (SeDEP) with support from Fomel Industry and National Industrialization Centre (FINIC) on Friday 15th May, 2020 donated Personal Protective Equipment worth millions of Leones to the Government of Sierra Leone through the Karene District Covid-19 Response Team, which includes 4 Milla Hand washing machines with accessories (2,000 Liters each), Bags of Soap, Hand Sanitizers etc. at a ceremony held at the Kamakwie Community Centre in Karene District.

Presenting the items on behalf of the organization, Chairman of the Sella Development for Education and Progress (SeDEP) Kamakwie Chapter, Joseph Bangura, applauded the Karene District Covid-19 Response Team for their tireless effort, adding that Karene District still remains one of the districts in the country that has not recorded a single case, even though neighbouring Falaba and Koinadugu Districts have recorded positive cases of covid-19.

He said that as a responsible organization they thought it fit to make this donation on behalf of the President of the Organization, Abdul A. Bah and the entire membership and that they are doing so with the strong belief that such could be helpful, especially at this decisive moment.

Bangura stated that the gesture is a clear manifestation that SeDEP cares for the people of Karene District and the nation as a whole, pointing out that they are ready to make all sacrifices in order to contribute to the socio-economic development of the nation.

He also admonished all to strictly practice what the Government, through the Ministry of Health and Sanitation and other stakeholders have put together in terms of the protective measures in the fight against the virus.

Receiving the items, District Medical Officer Karene District, Theresa Dawoh, expressed appreciation to the Sella Development for Education and Progress (SeDEP) for the donation, which she described as a timely intervention in the fight against covid-19 in the District. She noted that Karene District still remains one of the Districts that has not recorded any covid-19 positive case, adding that the fight against covid-19 in the country needs collective effort among citizens and also called on all to adhere to all the preventive measures like Hand Washing, social distancing and the use of face masks, which are very key in order to curtail the spread of the coronavirus.

Representative of the Ministry of Social Welfare in Karene District, Joseph Turay, also applauded the effort of SeDEP for the gesture, adding that if not for the intervention for SeDEP, Milla Hand washing machines with accessories would not have reached Karene District. He said that they are working tremendously to ensure that Karene District did not record any positive case, but said this will only be achieved when all hands are on deck, and he encouraged all to adhere to all the preventive measures.

As SLMA ED Suspension continues… Citizens Calls for Pres. Bio’s Intervention

President Julius Maada Bio

By Amin Kef Sesay

There is an uproar at the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration that has spilled over into the public discourse with regards the tenancy of the current Executive Director, Phillip Sondai that many people believe deserve the urgent attention of his Excellency the President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, who has the ultimate prerogative as head of state to hire and fire senior public administrative officials.

SLMA came to the fore when the Minister of Transport and Aviation, Kabineh Kallon recently unilaterally, without consultation with the SLMA Board, suspended indefinitely Phillip Sondai.

The opinion of many people on the matter is that, whilst the minister is the political head of any ministry, when it comes to administration, it is the Human Resources Management Office that should take administrative disciplinary action against public officials.

The matter seems to have reached a stalemate, with the Chairman of the SLMA board maintaining that the minister alone cannot take disciplinary action against Phillip Sondai.

Generally, it is understood that before any disciplinary action is taken against a public official, an inquiry should be set up. In the normal instance, a memo is sent to the erring officer asking him/her to explain his conduct.

Clearly, in the case of Phillip Sondai, the minister acted ultra vires of the public service code of conduct.

According to Administrative principles, the suspension or termination of a public official is a serious disciplinary action that should be carefully considered. As such, a minister or an employer must conduct formal inquiry before taking any disciplinary action.

In the case of Phillip Sondai, it is alleged that the minister charged him with insubordination and poor performance.

In which case, administratively, it was proper that the minister inform Phillip Sondai in an official letter about his misconduct and conduct an inquiry before deciding whether to dismiss him or to take other forms of disciplinary action.

A general guide to taking disciplinary action against a public official includes:

  • The officer being told of the alleged misconduct; In the case of a delegated officer, this should be done through the Permanent Secretary of the ministry
  • He/she should be given the opportunity to present his/her case
  • The person hearing the enquiry should not be in a position that may suggest bias

Only when an independent inquiry has been conducted, and in the case of Phillip Sondai, the report forwarded to the SLMA Board for approval, can the minister be said to have the right to order his suspension.

Thus, whilst Minister Kabineh Kallon has stoutly refused to give his own side of the story, the public is of the opinion that Minister Kallon is in violation of the rights of Phillip Sondai, and therefore, the matter should be of interest to His Excellency President Bio who hired Phillip Sondai and the Parliamentary Appointments Committee who approved his appointment.

From a thorough and in-depth investigation conducted by this medium, what came out glaringly from facts so far gathered was that there is currently a disturbing impasse at the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA), a parastatal which is under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Transport and Aviation. From what this medium learnt, the tense impasse emanated from the unilateral decision by the Minister of the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, Kabineh Kallon, to indefinitely suspend the Executive Director of the institution, Ken Philip Sondai, who was duly appointed by President Julius Maada Bio and approved by Parliament.

In terms of good practice, individuals are appointed to occupy certain key positions based on their qualifications, experience and competencies to perform and execute assigned tasks.

Since appointed as Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA), Philip Sondai, from what most of his colleagues divulged, has admirably proven his mettle to the commendation of many. It was further understood that he has so far excellently injected certain sound initiatives into that institution to such an extent that SLMA has been vibrantly functioning in standardized ways.

Surprisingly, it came as a big surprise to learn that the current Minister of Transport and Aviation, Kabineh Kallon, allegedly single-handedly took upon himself to indefinitely suspend Philip Sondai for no justifiable reason, save only the purported allegation of him committing insubordination and displaying poor management style.

As this intriguing drama keeps unfolding, another interesting episode emerged in which the Board Chairman of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration, Alhaji Umaru Dumbuya, wrote a letter addressed to all the Directors and Staff of that institution informing them that by the powers vested in him, Mr. Ken Philip Sondai is still the substantive Executive Director of SLMA, furthering that if there will be future changes then he, as Board Chairman, will duly inform them.

From what was also understood, the stance of the SLMA Board Chairman is dictated by the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration Act of 2000 Part 11 Section 4. The Act (Section 4:1) clearly states, “The Governing Body of the Administration shall be a Board which shall, subject to this Act, have the control and supervision of the Administration.”

Engaging a senior Civil Servant, who has been in public service for over twenty years, he succinctly stated that even though the Ministry of Transport and Aviation is the supervisory institution under which the SLMA falls, the fact still remains that the constituted Board has its own mandate, powers and the Minister cannot just ride roughshod by taking unilateral decisions that could likely be influenced by personal vendetta.

“I am not insinuating that the Minister may have any ulterior motive but the crux of the matter is that laid down procedures were not followed in ordering the indefinite suspension of the Executive Director,” he dilated further, adding that since Philip Sondai was appointed by President Bio, it should be the sole prerogative of the First Gentleman to either suspend or relieve him from that position and not the Minister.

He continued to argue that even if Philip Sondai may have acted untowardly, there should have been other disciplinary measures that could have been instituted against him rather than suspending him indefinitely.

When this medium tried on several instances to get the reaction or side of Minister Kabineh Kallon on the said issue, for proper clarification, he refused to respond to our calls and text messages. An excerpt of one of the text messages sent to the Minister reads:

“Good afternoon Sir. I am the Publisher of The Calabash Newspaper. We are investigating the indefinite suspension of the Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration, Ken Philip Sondai. From what I learnt, his suspension is illegal in the sense that it runs contrary to SLMA Act 2000 (Part 11 Section 4), which gives the Board of that institution the mandate to hire and fire personnel. I thought it fit to contact you in order to get your view or reaction to the aforementioned subject matter. I shall be grateful if you could assist in that direction. Thanks.”

As the situation now stands, it is not really certain what the future holds. However, what is clear is that it is presently a precarious situation which needs free and fair mediation.

It must be noted that the object for which the Administration was established is to regulate and develop improved standards of performance, practice and safety in the shipping industry in Sierra Leone, including the coastal and inland water transport system, and in the maritime environment.

The other functions of SLMA include, but not limited to ensure the safety of navigation in the territorial sea; to fulfil flag state and port state responsibilities in an effective manner, having regard to the relevant international maritime conventions, codes and other instruments.
It also has the power to deal with maritime search and rescue matters, including the coordination of the search and rescue operations of the Armed Forces of Sierra Leone, the Ports Authority, and the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources.

Also, to regulate shipping in inland waterways, including the safety of Navigation therein, as well as to investigate any incident of maritime casualty and taking such action thereon as may be appropriate.

 

NATCOM Clears The Air

By Amin Kef Sesay

Following allegations of blocking of calls from Qcell to other networks, in which the regulatory body NATCOM was implicated, a Press Release was issued by the regulator further clearing the air and explaining the reason for the blocking of Qcell calls. See release below:

 READ PRESS RELEASE BELOW

The attention of the National Telecommunications Commission (NATCOM) has been drawn to a press release from QCELL relating to blocking of calls to and from their network.

Two weeks ago, calls to and from QCELL network were blocked, and when that was brought to our attention, we intervened and resolved the issue. It is NATCOM’s role to maintain stability and fair market play in the sector.

The public should be aware that due to the FINANCE ACT, 2020 in which a Cap of Le 650 was put, NATCOM put a floor of Le 590, which was agreed upon by all MNOs, NRA and the Ministry of Finance.

QCELL, however, has not been fully compliant with the dictates of the floor price, even after several correspondences and meetings.

QCELL wrote a letter to the Commission on the 10th March 2020, indicating that they had fully implemented the dictates of the floor price across board. The Commission however found out that QCELL has still not complied.

After several correspondences and meetings between and among MNOs, NRA, and NATCOM, QCELL still has issues with full compliance with the FLOOR PRICE.

Pursuant to sections 52, 53, 54, and 55 of the telecommunications act 2006 as amended, the Commission will bring the parties together to have this amicably resolved.

As a Commission, we are working round the clock to ensure and enhance customer satisfaction in the telecommunications sector.

 

Catholic Relief Services Celebrates Community Day

Catholic Relief Services in Sierra Leone

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a release issued by the Catholic Relief Services in Sierra Leone, it was disclosed that May is a very important month for the organisation across the globe. It marks the celebration of their Community Day, when they take time to reflect on their relationships with the people and institutions of Sierra Leone.

During this month, time is taken to express appreciation to citizens for welcoming the organisation into their communities, from Freetown to Falaba and beyond. The release states that the work of the organisation is only possible because of the strong working partnerships with the Sierra Leonean government, church communities, school committees, health clinics, Caritas and civil society organizations, and men, women and children across the country.

“We truly are all working together to raise up this beautiful country we all call home, and it is the pleasure and privilege of Catholic Relief Services to help every Sierra Leonean reach their full human potential. This Community Day is especially important as we face COVID-19.

Now more than ever we need to reflect on how Salone is one community, and that ending the pandemic will take the collaborative action of all Sierra Leoneans, and people across the world. Catholic Relief Services thanks the people of Sierra Leone for the tireless collaboration which has enabled us to achieve so much Together BIKƆS WI ƆL NA WAN FAMBUL!” the release ends.

 

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