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Pioneered by SLAJ… Kroobay & Susan’s Bay Communities Receive 50 bags of rice from Pikin Bizness    

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Residents of Kroo Bay Community were recent recipients of a kind gesture by Pikin Bizness. It all started on the first day of the national three-day lockdown authorized by the Government of Sierra Leone to combat the spread of COVID-19 in the country, when AYV TV reporter Ransford Metzger interviewed the Chief of Kroo Bay live from the community. The Chief lamented that the community lacked hand washing buckets and food.

The President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, was at the AYV TV studios being interviewed by Amadu Lamrana Bah when Ransford’s report came in.

Nasralla was touched by the cry of the Kroo Bay Chief and so after his interview he swiftly moved to the community with his Secretary General, Mohamed Asmieu Bah and donated 15 veronica buckets and bowls through the Chief and the Councilor and appealed to well-meaning individuals and organizations to come to the aid of Kroo Bay and other deprived and vulnerable communities in the country.

Meanwhile, the Chairman Pikin Bizness, Adonis Abboud – who is out of the country- saw the news on AYV TV and on the SLAJ Facebook page and was also inspired. He immediately contacted the SLAJ President and kindly requested him to make a donation of 50 bags of rice on behalf of Pikin Bizness to the Kroo Bay community, specifically for the children. The SLAJ President obliged, but advised that the donation be split into two so that another deprived community called Susan’s Bay would benefit.

On Wednesday 15th April, 2020 the 50 bags of rice were delivered to both communities (25 bags each) through the coordination of the journalist, Ransford.
Presenting the donation on behalf of Pikin Bizness, the SLAJ President reminded the Chiefs about their responsibility to ensure their people obey the measures the Government has put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in their communities and the country as a whole.

Receiving the donation, the Chief of Kroo Bay, Pa Alimamy Kamara, said Mr. Adonis Abboud is no stranger to them as the Pikin Bizness Chairman has always supported the community in various ways. He thanked Mr. Abboud for his continued kind gestures to the community and hailed SLAJ and the AYV Journalist for showing the spotlight on Kroo Bay.

Similarly, the Chief of Susan’s Bay, Pa Alimamy Kamara II, expressed gratitude to Mr. Abboud, SLAJ and the journalist and assured that the donation would be shared fairly to the intended beneficiaries.

“May God bless you all for this donation,” said Chief Alimamy Kamara II. “In relation to our compliance with Coronavirus preventive measures, we are doing our best to ensure our people practice the basic hygiene measures at all times. The only challenge we have is in the aspect of social distancing, which is difficult to comply with giving the nature of our community. But our people are very cooperative.”

The Chairman of Pikin Bizness said this is a period when Sierra Leone needs everybody to play their part, no matter how small.

“The ripple effects of COVID-19 across the world is enormous, so we must all play our part to not only help fight against the disease but also help to cushion the impact it is having on vulnerable communities like Kroo Bay and Susan’s Bay. Our donation is a humble one but if we all give little and little of what we can afford we can make a huge difference in the lives of those who don’t have the ways and means,” said Abboud.

350 Benefit from NaCSA & Stats-SL Training

Amin Kef Sesay

After completing the training of enumerators for the Social Safety Nets Project, the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) and Statistics- Sierra Leone (Stats-SL) have commenced the training of 350 (Three Hundred and Fifty) data collectors on Proxy Means Test Assessment.

It could be recalled that in February 2020, the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone – His Excellency Rtd (Brig.) Dr. Julius Maada Bio launched the Social Safety Nets Additional Finance; a project also known as “Ep Fet Po” as the first Government led Cash transfer program in Sierra Leone instituted in 2014. With NaCSA as the lead implementing agency, the program is funded by the World Bank and the Government of Sierra Leone.

In ensuring that the SSN Additional Finance reach its target (35,000 beneficiary households) in the 16 (sixteen) districts, the National Commission for Social Action, Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL), Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and other stakeholders have developed strategy for Community Validation, Targeting and Enrolment. While NaCSA remains the project implementing agency, ACC provide technical supports on Grievance Redress Mechanisms (GRM) and Stats-SL take lead in Proxy Means Test Assessment. These components are pivotal in targeting the poorest of the poor.

In this respect, Stats-SL hosts NaCSA and other stakeholders to train potential data collectors on the Proxy means test assessment. In addressing the trainees, the Deputy Commissioner-NaCSA; Dr. Sao-Kpato Isata Hannah Max-Kyne elucidated the long standing relationship between NaCSA and Stats-SL. She called on potential data collectors to be meticulous in carrying out their sacred duty in the targeting exercise. “NaCSA depends on Stats-SL for data to inform our programming.

When you are dealing with the poorest of the poor, you don’t want to get it wrong; you have to make sure that the real people get the benefits and in doing such, you have to work with partners. This is one of the reasons why the Commission has worked with Stats-SL for credible data. We all know that data is very political more so when it is linked to development; the politics of data requires honesty and sincerity because one error will deprive the actual beneficiaries and we expect you to carry out this exercise in a very transparent and credible manner,” he re-emphasized.

In his statement, the Deputy Statistician General, Andrew Bob Johnny thanked all Directors and staff from NaCSA and Stats-SL for their collective efforts in ensuring that the SSN AF2 actually targets the poorest of the poor. He defined the proxy means test as “situation where information on household or individual characteristics correlated with welfare levels is used in a formal algorithm to proxy household income, welfare and need.’’ He further called on the trainees to be attentive and take every components of the training seriously; as Stats-SL and NaCSA have competent facilitators who will provide the requisite knowledge on Proxy Means Test and other components of the training.

The session continues with presentation on the Covid-19 preventive measures from the Ministry of Health and Sanitation and SSN project overview. In compliance with Covid-19 national health emergency rules, the trainees were divided into four groups with less than eighty participants per group. Individual trainees and facilitators received mask and were encouraged to follow all safety measures.

In an interview with one of the trainees, Musa Barrie, on behalf of other trainees he expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to the National Commission for Social Action, Stats –SL, ACC and other partners for providing such training. “The training is important to us not only for the targeting exercise but I believe the knowledge will be useful for future purpose. With this I say thank you NaCSA, thank you Stats-SL and thank you ACC,” he concluded.

Legal Aid Board Chair Donates 9 Handwashing Milla Tanks to the SLCS

Honorable Justice Miatta Maria Samba, Chairperson of the Legal Aid Board,

By Edward Vamboi

Honorable Justice Miatta Maria Samba, Chairperson of the Legal Aid Board, who also doubles as Justice of the Appeals Court on 14 April 2020 donated nine locally made hand-washing Milla Tanks to the Sierra Leone Correctional Service (SLCS) as part of efforts at mitigating the spread of the COVID-19.

The ceremony took place at the headquarters of the Sierra Leone Correctional Service at the New England Ville in Freetown. The tanks are operated by pedals with inbuilt soap compartments, bowls for hand washing and bins.

In a short statement at the handing-over ceremony of the nine Milla Tanks to the SLCS, Hon. Justice Samba said she is motivated to do the donation by virtue of the fact that she is Chair of the Board which provides legal assistance to indigents who fall foul of the law and some of whom are serving as inmates in Correctional Centers around the country.  She added that the Board has provided representation to thousands of poor and vulnerable people since its inception.

Justice Samba also noted that the donation is meant to support Government’s efforts in the fight against COVID-19 in the country which she underlined has resulted in the Proclamation of a State of Public Emergency by His Excellency the President. She said the Proclamation demonstrates the importance and seriousness Government attaches to the fight against the pandemic.

She added that the proclamation of the State of Emergency will affect some basic rights such as movement and assembly as provided for in Sections 18 and 26 of the 1991 Constitution. She said people should appreciate this as part of sacrifices in fighting the pandemic.

She underlined the important role of Paralegals during this difficult period in explaining to ordinary people the law relating to the State of Emergency and also providing legal assistance to them.

She said as part of measures also aimed at stemming the spread of the COVID-19, the Board’s paralegals in all corners of the country are also helping to explain these restrictions to ordinary people. She further noted this is crucial because the Board does not want to see a situation where people will be locked-up or put behind bars as a result of the restrictions.

She said the nine water-tanks are to be distributed as follow: one at the SLCS headquarters in Freetown and one each to the Male and Female Correctional Centers in Freetown, Makeni, Bo and Kenema. Justice Samba appreciated the prison authorities for keeping the prisons safe in the midst of the pandemic.

Receiving the tanks, the Director General of the SLCS, Mr. Joseph Lamboi described the donation as timely. He said prior to the donation, the Pademba Road Correction Center has only one small Veronica Rubber Bucket at its entrance.

Mr. Lamboi assured the Chair and the Board that the tanks will be utilized appropriately in ensuring that the correctional centers do not record any case of COVID-19 just as they did with the Ebola scourge.

Justice Samba also donated one hand-washing water-tank each to the Princess Christian Maternity Hospital (PCMH) and Kingharman Road Maternal and Child Health Hospital.  She said as a woman she is delighted to see women in the forefront of the fight against COVID -19 in both hospitals.

The donations were climaxed with demonstrations on how to use the hand washing tanks by both the Chair and the Executive Director of the Board, Ms Fatmata Claire Carlton-Hanciles.

 

Senior Information Technology Officer Indicted by ACC

Francis Ben Keifala

By Amin Kef Sesay

The Anti-Graft  institution on the 15th April, 2020 filed an indictment against Abdul Razak Kabba, Senior Information Technology Officer at the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone and of Wilberforce Guard Room, Wilberforce, Freetown, on sixteen (16) counts of corruption offences bordering on Conflict of Interest, contrary to Section 45(1), Participating in Proceedings of a Public Body, contrary to Section 45(2), and Abuse of Office, Contrary to Section 42(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act No.12 of 2008, as Amended by the Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Act, No.9 of 2019, respectively.

According to the Anti-Corruption Commission, between May, 2017 and November, 2018, Abdul Razak Kabba, in his capacity as Senior Information Technology Officer at the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone, failed to disclose in writing a direct and personal interest in JPS Electronics of No.2 Upper Brook Street, Freetown, a business Enterprise wholly-owned by hi, and contracted the said business entity for several procurement related activities, including, the procurement of electronic items, the networking of the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone Head Office in Freetown, the procurement of two (2) Designing Software for the Registration and Information Departments, the Repairs of existing Electronics equipment in Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone Bo Office; and the replacement of faulty Router attached to the Office of the Registrar of Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone in Freetown.

Similarly, Abdul Razak Kabba,  being the Senior Information Technology Officer at the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone, notwithstanding his personal interest in a procurement contract, unlawfully took part in a decision to be executed by the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone and the West African Health Organization (WAHO), thereby improperly conferring onto himself an advantage, by participating in proceedings in which JPS Electronics was awarded contracts for the supply of equipment, without the said Abdul Razak Kabba, disclosing his personal interest.

Meanwhile, the indictee is expected to appear in the High Court Holden at Freetown on Thursday 23rd April, 2020.

The Commission reassures the general public of its determination to curb graft at all levels in Sierra Leone especially, in the area of procurement, which accounts for over sixty (60) percent of Government expenditure.

Sanusi Savage Becomes First Sierra Leonean IOM Chief of Mission

Former Head of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Office in Sierra Leone, Alhaji Sanusi Tejan Savage

By Alfred Fornah

Former Head of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Office in Sierra Leone, Alhaji Sanusi Tejan Savage, has been the first Sierra Leonean to be recently appointed Chief of Mission in the United Nations- Migration Agency. Before his recent appointment he served in the position as Head of IOM Office in this country for almost ten years.

IOM members of staff in the Country Office in Uganda earlier this month were delighted to welcome Mr. Savage as their new Chief of Mission. In his capacity, the Sierra Leonean appointee will now oversee the operations of IOM Uganda.

He was acclaimed by Sierra Leoneans as well as organizations including the Afro-European Medical and Research Network- (AEMRN) -a Sierra Leonean diaspora led organization based in Geneva.

Also, the West African Youth Network for Peace, Education and Economic Development has showered praises on Mr. Savage for his commitment and support   to youth empowerment. Recently, he was awarded by Diaspora Focus for his pragmatic support to human capital development and his role in leveraging diaspora contribution to national development.

Equipped with 20 years of organizational experience especially on migration related issues and programmes, Alhaji Sanusi Tejan has been Head of IOM Sierra Leone for the better part of the last decade.

As a Sierra Leonean national, he previously led operations at the IOM Office in Liberia between 2003-2004 in the capacities of Operations Liaison Officer, Operations Officer, and Acting Head of Office in 2011. He also served as the team lead in the repatriation of Liberian refugees from Tema Port in Ghana to Free Port in Monrovia in 2004.

Among other critical assignments, Alhaji Sanusi Tejan led the IOM response against the Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone between 2014 and 2016. Before joining the UN – Migration Agency, Alhaji Sanusi Tejan worked at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sierra Leone.

From various sources, Alhaji Sanusi Tejan is described as a good man and a result-oriented leader who strives to facilitate and compliment his staff to ensure they excel in their work. Besides being a seasoned international civil servant, he is also very passionate about football. He is the current Chairman of Ports Authority Football Club.

He serves as Team Manager for the Sierra Leone under 17 Football team (Sierra Stars) from 2001-2003. His effective leadership, among other things, led to the Sierra Stars qualification for the Under 17 Junior World Cup tournament in 2003 in Finland for the first time in the history of Sierra Leone football.

NP-SL: A Towering Petroleum Marketing Entity that Never Rests on its Oars

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

By Amin Kef Sesay

It has been anchored that the No.1 petroleum marketing company that has gained so much recognition in the country and even beyond for its pro-activeness in its transactions is indisputably the National Petroleum –Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd).

Without contesting the undiluted fact, this 100% indigenous company has left its footprint on the sands of time as it continues to bag wide commendations for its timeliness in always ensuring that qualitative petroleum products are imported into the country, distributed to its sales points or Filling Stations across the country in order for its esteemed customers to easily gain access to them.

The company has never renege in doing so save only certain situations where, as a result of unforeseen contingencies, most often beyond its control, there has been some delay. However, in such circumstances measures are quickly rolled out to address them and restore normalcy in the supply chain.

It must be noted that for any petroleum marketing company to maintain such a solid and unshakable posture could only be attributed to prudent business management initiatives. Indeed, it could be said with all amount of certainty that the selflessness and dogged determination on the part of the 35 Sierra Leoneans who established the company have greatly influenced most of the policies that were adopted, effectively implemented which saw the transformation of a small business enterprise to a towering entity.

One of those laid down policies is that which places premium on enhancing or maximizing customer care to create a situation where its customers are always made to feel good and satisfied. The company’s Shareholders and Management are also conscious of the fact that by taking customer care to a higher pedestal such could serve as a leeway to attract other individuals to come onboard its customer platform.

Indeed, it is in that light that a conscious move was made to make the company’s Filling Stations very attractive and welcoming. Built in state of the art fashion, painted with yellow and green paints, these sales points are very spacious to accommodate fleet of vehicles, are very eye catchy and in some of them there are shopping marts where customers could purchase basic items and even relax to socialize. As of now social gathering in those marts has been put on hold as social distancing has been recommended as one of the preventive measures put in place to avoid the spread of the deadly virus.

To promote transparency and win the trust of its numerous customers as well as match up with international standards, it was decided on the part of the company to invest so much in procuring and installing calibrated pumping machines. These have the capacity to pump the exact quantity of fuel in vehicles and containers to the utmost satisfaction of buyers. “I always feel gratified whenever I do purchase petrol at NP Filling Station because I am always satisfied that I am getting my money’s worth,” Haja Mariatu Williams ,a fashion designer divulged to this medium adding that the Managers of the company are doing a fantastic job ,referencing the orderliness of how business transactions are taking place.

One very striking feature which NP-SL has so far exhibited, to the admiration of many, is its strict adherence to the country’s Local Content Policy. Development Economists have recommended that one viable route to be used to boost a country’s economy is to make effective use of indigenous resources, both material and human, as long as they are available. Enhancing local content has its attendant merits one of which is creating employment opportunities and ensuring that monies paid workers are not remitted overseas.

The National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited is one of the few companies in this country that has successfully implemented its internal policy of giving employment preference to Sierra Leoneans. This is indeed very impressive and is helping in major ways to reduce poverty.

If today NP Gas is going at the pace of the Concord, in terms of sales, then this is simply because it has been discovered that it is very fast, efficient and environmental friendly for cooking purposes. Besides, it can be refilled without going through the hassle of having to find gas elsewhere as the company markets gas alongside petrol, diesel and other lubricants. They are manufactured in different cylinder sizes and are easily accessible.

“NP Gas is my kitchen partner and I am finding it very cooperative. It is easy to handle and for me it poses no danger. I am therefore recommending it and for anyone to secure it there will be no regrets,” Fatmata Kulagbanda, living in Moyamba District sincerely suggested.

What is much talked about today, well not in social circles as social distancing is now the norm, is NP Smart Card. As the name suggests the card is so smart to such an extent that as long as it is loaded with money it can be slotted in the calibrated pumping machine and after demanding the amount of petrol or diesel requested for, it churns out the exact amount plus displaying the price. It is trending, secured and convenient to use.

“NP Smart Card works well and since I have been using it I always procure fuel for my car and generator in record time. Using it, there are many benefits one can derive,” AIG Musa Kamara underscored.

The company does not joke with rolling out its Corporate Social Responsibility fully aware that it is incumbent on it as a business entity to give back to society. This is all the more reason why it has been complementing the Government’s development interventions. The Shareholders and Management have always stood by the side of Sierra Leoneans in thick and thin always endeavoring to give succor and deepen development. The good things it had done are so many to catalogue and time plus space could not permit one to narrate all of them. However, the recent one should not go unnoticed and it has to do with availing the Government one Billion Leones to help scale up the fight against the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

“This shows that the company is a responsible business entity,” an official of the Petroleum Regulatory Agency commended.

The company stands tall for having vibrant branches operating in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia where they are operating efficiently, offering jobs and paying taxes to Governments. NP-SL is indeed a force to reckon with and is poised to further make its presence felt and expand its operations.

 

Employers’ Federation & Labour Congress Appeal for Tax Waiver on Custom Duties

Kobi Walker

By Amin Kef  Sesay

In a joint Press Release dated 14th April 2020 and signed by Kobi Walker, Chairman of the Sierra Leone Employers Federation and Jennings Wright President of the Sierra Leone Labour Congress, it was glaringly highlighted that COVID-19 had been declared a global pandemic furthering how its negative impact on the livelihood of all nations cannot be overemphasized.

It added that as umbrella bodies responsible for the welfare and concerns of employers and workers alike, the Sierra Leone Employer’s Federation and the Sierra Leone Labour Congress have held consultative meetings to ascertain how Government, employers and workers can collaborate in minimizing the negative impact of the pandemic on the economy, employers, workers and the society at large.

The two umbrella bodies therefore stated the following for the immediate consideration and action of Government and all related parties: That Government should set up a National Level Committee comprising private sector representatives along with other key stakeholders such as trade unions, academics, scientists and community groups along with related Ministries to deal with the economic and social fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.

They also mentioned that Government must encourage the production of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) locally, ensure the safety and provide incentives for COVID-19 frontline workers.

A recommendation was also made for Mobile Companies to introduce affordable packages to aid communication and reduce physical human interaction in respect of payment of goods and services as well as money transfer.

Another recommendation made was that Government must provide supplementary funds for State Owned Enterprises severely hit by COVID-19 especially in the traveling and tourism sectors.

They stated that the reviewed Minimum Wage of Le600, 000 should be put into effect on 1st July 2020, that employers of struggling businesses may grant temporary leave to workers with an agreed fixed monthly payment until recovery from COVID-19. It was also maintained that Employers should however, in such circumstances pay the Employer as well as Employee NASSIT monthly contributions in full.

“We recommend that Government orders NASSIT and NRA not to impose penalties on defaulters payments and also to waive interest on defaulters during this period,” it continued.

The Sierra Leone Employers’ Federation and Sierra Leone Labour Congress further suggested that Government should engage banks and other financial institutions to suspend the collection of business loans and repayment during this crisis period.

They added how Government must provide tax waiver on custom duties for essential goods, avail foreign currency to facilitate importation of essential goods and services, consider waiving electricity and water charges for consumers for a specified period and discourage face-to-face meetings and replace with video links and teleconferencing.

According to both organizations, the above should be given serious consideration and reviewed regularly to determine expediency. The two bodies ended up by profusely thanking the Government of Sierra Leone for the proactive measures deployed to combat the COVID – 19 virus.

 

Esteemed Customers of SLCB Profusely Commend Management

SLCB MD Fidelis Turay

By Theresa Kef essay

With the corona virus emergency having thrown normal financial and banking activities into disarray, customers of Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB) have hailed the Bank’s Management for its proactive stance to banking needs. Of particular mention is the numerous cashless money transaction cards the Bank has introduced over the past twelve months which customers said have greatly eased the burden of doing their cash transactions locally as well as internationally.

They made special mention of the visa card that was launched at a ceremony held on February 22nd 2020 at the Freetown Golf Club climaxing celebrations of the Bank’s weeklong celebration of its 57th anniversary.

The card’s unique feature is that it can be used on POS devices and more than 20 million ATMs worldwide and also online to buy products and services. The Visa Debit card works like cash, only better. They use funds directly from your Bank account and are accepted worldwide.

They offer quick, secure and convenient access to your money in person, online, overseas and over the phone. In taking financial inclusivity to the grassroots, many SLCB customers have said that the Bank’s community banking kiosks at Goderich, Wilberforce and Jui have been of great help to them.

Meanwhile, to further ease banking activities for their customers, SLCB Management has announced that the Bank will continue to open to customers on the last two Saturday’s in each month countrywide. The Bank will open its doors to customers from 9am to 3pm from Monday to Saturday.

Esteemed Customers of SLCB Profusely Commend Management

By Theresa Kef essay

With the corona virus emergency having thrown normal financial and banking activities into disarray, customers of Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB) have hailed the Bank’s Management for its proactive stance to banking needs. Of particular mention is the numerous cashless money transaction cards the Bank has introduced over the past twelve months which customers said have greatly eased the burden of doing their cash transactions locally as well as internationally.

They made special mention of the visa card that was launched at a ceremony held on February 22nd 2020 at the Freetown Golf Club climaxing celebrations of the Bank’s weeklong celebration of its 57th anniversary.

The card’s unique feature is that it can be used on POS devices and more than 20 million ATMs worldwide and also online to buy products and services.

The Visa Debit card works like cash, only better. They use funds directly from your Bank account and are accepted worldwide. They offer quick, secure and convenient access to your money in person, online, overseas and over the phone.

In taking financial inclusivity to the grassroots, many SLCB customers have said that the Bank’s community banking kiosks at Goderich, Wilberforce and Jui have been of great help to them. Meanwhile, to further ease banking activities for their customers, SLCB Management has announced that the Bank will continue to open to customers on the last two Saturday’s in each month countrywide. The Bank will open its doors to customers from 9am to 3pm from Monday to Saturday.

13 Positive COVID-19 Cases Confirmed 

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As of the 15th April 2020 Sierra Leone’s Coronavirus Status recorded two (2) new case bringing the total number of positive confirmed cases of COVID-19 to 13.

However, so far there has been no critical case on the status of confirmed cases in isolation as all are reported to be in stable condition.
The total cumulative quarantine number is 1,428 and total number of persons currently in quarantine is 661.
So far 767 people have been discharged after completing 14 days in quarantine.
The Ministry of Health and its partners say members of the public are encouraged to call 117 and report if they feel unwell, so they will get the necessary help.

They furthered that pregnant women and lactating mothers are encouraged to take their children to hospital for marklates, Antenatal Care (ANC), safe delivery, malaria testing and treatment, and other regular care assuring how hospitals remain the safest place to go for health checks, treatment and care.
According to them members of the public are further encouraged to adhere to the following initial measures on COVID-19: washing of hands with soap and water frequently, use of hand sanitizers, avoiding crowded areas, using face masks and maintaining social distancing.

It has been reiterated that restrictions to limit movement between districts still remains in force except for the transporters of goods and essential services with authorized PASS issued by the EOC at National and DISEC/PROSEC at Regional or District levels.
Citizens are encouraged to stay home during curfew hours (9pm-6am) which came into effect at midnight Saturday 11th April 2020. The Government says it is pleased with the level of cooperation of citizens in adhering to the measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Official working hours 9am – 4pm for public sector workers remain in force with the exception of private sector workers but they MUST adhere to the COVID-19 preventive measures including the curfew hours (9pm-6am).

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