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45 NCTVA Staff Receive COVID-19 Prevention Training from GIZ

Cross section of participants at the training

By Edward Vamboi

Forty-five (45) staff of the National Council for Technical Vocational and other Academic Awards (NCTVA) on Thursday 9th April 2020 received training, with support from the European Union (EU), from the German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GIZ, the implementing partner). The training was based on the preventive measures of the global corona virus pandemic or COVID-19 and took place at the NCTVA headquarters on A. J. Momoh Street, Tower Hill in Freetown.

Lectures during the training were based on the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines with practical demonstrations.The lead facilitator, Ms. Maryam Darwich, Managing Director of Afriqia HR Solutions gave a background about the 2019 corona virus which she enlightened is a new virus that can make people sick, that the signs and symptoms include fever, tiredness and cough, that sickness from the corona virus can range from not too serious to very serious and even death underscoring that for most people the sickness is not too serious.

The lead facilitator continued that the corona virus can spread from person to person and advised participants to always crosscheck information about the pandemic with the Ministry of Health and Sanitation and the World Health Organization (WHO).

On the preventive measures of the corona virus, she highlighted regular hand washing with soap and clean water, use of hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol-based) when there is no water, no touching of eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, that one should cough or sneeze into his/her upper arm or sleeve, avoid close contact with any person who is coughing, sneezing or having a fever, avoid hand shaking by using other non-contact ways of greeting, avoid physical contact, keep a safe distance from others at public gatherings as well as to regularly disinfect surfaces with alcohol-based disinfectant or detergent.

She further appealed to always call 117 when people experience signs and symptoms like fever, tiredness and cough, ensure that they tell  health workers if they know someone who has travelled to another country in the last 14 days stressing that getting early treatment will help one’s family, friends and community from getting the sickness and reiterated that getting early treatment can protect and save lives.

Ms. Maryam Darwich also discussed the latest global COVID-19 statistics, warned against prank calls and the new prevention guidelines recently announced by Government to stem the transmission chain.

Highlights of the interactive training were when each participant was asked to explain his/her expectation at the end of the training to which some responded that they would cascade the training to their families and communities, that they are now more aware about COVID-19, that they would strictly abide by the preventive measures.

Distribution of soap and leaflets on the corona virus with sources of reference like the World Health Organization (WHO) to participants climaxed the well-attended training that was divided into three batches of 15 participants each.

GIZ is dedicated to building a future worth building around the world. GIZ has been working in Sierra Leone since 1963 with more than 100 national and international personnel now working in projects implemented together with its Sierra Leone partners funded by the German Government. GIZ is currently based and implementing projects in Freetown, Koinadugu, Kono and Kailahun Districts and through its partners in many other Districts within Sierra Leone.

SLAJ Strongly Condemns State Sanctioned Brutality of Journalists

By Foday Moriba Conteh

On the 10th April 2020, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) accused the Government of presiding over State sanctioned brutality against journalists and called for an end to it. SLAJ said that it is concerned about the inhumane treatment of two colleague journalists and called for the security forces to call their personnel to order.

One of the incidents involved a journalist, Fayia Amara Fayia, who was allegedly beaten by personnel of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces and the National Police. The alleged incident which occurred in the eastern Kenema District was reportedly sanctioned by the Head of the Kenema District Council (KDC).

According to eye-witnesses, the incident happened in the full view of the Commanding Officer of the RSLAF 2nd Battalion in Kenema, Major Kamanda and the Kenema District Council Chairman, Mohamed ‘O’Level’ Sesay, who all seemed to support the action of the military personnel.

After his beating, Fayia was taken to the Kenema Police Station. Journalists in the township trooped to the Police station and demanded their colleague be taken to hospital as he was in a very bad shape. Fayia was then admitted at the Kenema Government Hospital in handcuffs. At the hospital, he was instantly put on a wheelchair as a result of the injuries he sustained.

On Saturday, 4th April, 2020, Fayia was whisked off to the Kenema Police Station on the pretext of only to obtain statement from him, but was held in custody afterwards. He spent the entire national lockdown under detention despite his deteriorating health condition.

On Wednesday, 8th April, 2020 the Police charged Fayia with three counts of disorderly behavior and obstruction of security services.

On Thursday, 9th April, 2020, Fayia appeared at the Kenema Magistrate Court No. 1, where he reportedly collapsed. He was subsequently granted bail in the sum of Le30 million plus two sureties; and the matter adjourned to 15th April, 2020.

In another incident, report from SLAJ Regional Executive North say Police at the Mena Police Station, five of them, mob beat journalist Stanley Sahr Jimmy, Station Manager of Wusum Radio 88.5FM in Makeni on Sunday, 5th April, 2020 at about 10:45pm. The journalist reportedly went to the police station to report an alleged break-in into his radio station. While making his report, an argument reportedly erupted between him and some of the Police Officers which allegedly resulted to his beating. He was forcefully dispossessed of his phones.

Jimmy reportedly sustained injuries to his lower abdomen, mouth and left eye. A medical report has been tendered to the CDIID while he is responding to treatment.

The umbrella body ,SLAJ, vehemently condemned the actions of the RSLAF and SLP personnel and urged both the Chief of Defence Staff (RSLAF) and Inspector General of Police to seriously look into the matter and ensure the alleged culprits are brought to book.

“This kind of attitude by our security forces is uncalled for and is worrying. Our security forces seem to have no other means of dealing with journalists other than physically assaulting them. It seems as if a key element of their training is how to beat journalists. The list of police/military assault on journalists is long. I say to security officials, if you want to fight go start a war with Liberia or Guinea; leave journalists to do their work. We are not punching bags. It’s a shame that our security forces seem to have no clue about the role of the media in our democracy. This has to stop! Enough is enough!” vehemently said SLAJ President, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla.

SLAJ has said it is closely monitoring the situation and will ensure that the journalist gets a fair trial in court, gets proper medical attention and will not rest until the alleged culprits face justice.

SLAJ, through its Regional Executive East, is making a formal complaint to the Police against Major Fofana and Co, and the Kenema District Council Chairman.

Meanwhile, SLAJ continues to call on journalists across the country to abide by the measures put in place by the authorities to combat COVID-19 and to be very cautious and self-protective during this crisis period.

 

In Sierra Leone… Does The Law Permit Beating Of Journalists?

Press

By Amin Kef Sesay

UNESCO celebrates World Press Freedom Day every year on 3rd May during which the Guillermo Cano Prize is attributed to honor the work of an individual or an organization defending or promoting freedom of expression, without which we can hardly talk about transparency and accountability in Government.

UNESCO developed the Journalists Safety Indicators (JSI) to “pinpoint significant matters that show or impact upon the safety of journalists and the issue of impunity”. These indicators map the key features that can help assess safety of journalists and determine whether adequate follow-up is given to crimes committed against them.

The safety of journalists and their role in promoting inclusive and sustainable societies has been recognized by the United Nations in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Goal 16 outlines the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective and inclusive institutions at all levels.

In this vein, His Excellency President Bio should be mindful that the human rights record of his New Direction Government, which is tied to aid and other forms of international assistance, is not sullied by frequent reports of beating, harassment and imprisonment of journalists in the performance of their duty of holding Government officials accountable in the spirit of transparency. As such, there is call on his Government to guarantee the safety of journalists whilst performing their duties and to be courageous enough to allow the law to take its course when the rights of journalists are violated by members and agents of Government.

From the beating of two female journalists by presidential bodyguards at the National Stadium, to the brutal beating of Fayia Amara in Kenema very recently by alleged State security personnel, it is time to break the cycle of violence, oppression and intimidation of journalists if democracy, which means Government of the people, by the people, for the people, is to take firm hold in our governance culture. Fundamental to this is the safety and freedom of journalists to do their work without fear of harm.

Safety of journalists is the ability for journalists and media professionals to receive; produce and share information without facing physical or moral threats.

Notoriously, during the RUF war, journalists faced violence and intimidation for exercising their fundamental right to freedom of expression. In a democracy, freedom of expression which is central to the work of the journalist must be guaranteed and protected by the State at all cost, not violated or tampered with.

What is appalling is that recently, there seems to be a growing trend of impunity for crimes against journalists.

Its root cause has to be attributed to lack of political will to pursue investigations, in addition to inadequate legal frameworks, a weak judicial system, lack of resources allocated to law enforcement, negligence, and corruption.

Meanwhile, there are several international legal instruments that the Government must respect that support the creation of an enabling environment for the safety of journalists. These include the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; the Geneva Conventions; the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; the United Nations Commission on Human Rights Resolution 2005/81; the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1738 (2006).

Contributing To The Fight Against Coronavirus… Sierra Leone Brewery Donates Hygiene Items To Wellington & Calaba Town Communities

By Amin Kef Sesay

In keeping with its desire to see a healthy Sierra Leone and as partner in development with the Government, Sierra Leone’s leading producer of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL) donated a consignment of hygiene items to the Members of Parliament of Constituency 114 and 115, and Councillors for Wards 404, 405 and 406, at a ceremony held at the company’s compound, at the Wellington Industrial Estate on Friday 10th April 2020.

Present at the ceremony were; Laurent Bukasa, Managing Director SLBL, Albert Ojo Collier, Corporate Relations Manager SLBL, Deputy Mayor of Freetown, Osman Koroma, Hon. Alpha Amadu Bah, MP of Constituency 115, Foday Kamara representing Hon. Unpha Koroma MP of Constituency 114, Councilor Luckyn Mordings Mansaray and Councillor Mohamed Tholley.

Addressing his audience, Laurent Bukasa re-echoed the words of the World Health Organization’s Director General that the Coronavirus, now termed COVID-19, has ravaged the whole world with some very few exceptions, stressing that the virus is at the country’s doorstep, as there are now cases recorded by the Emergency Operations Centre of Sierra Leone.

He however stated that in all preventive and containment protocols issued by the WHO and the Government of Sierra Leone, as well as all other affected nations around the world, is the maintenance of hygiene procedures, which include hand washing, social distancing etc.

In this regard, SLBL have thought it fit to provide the communities in their immediate neighborhood (Wellington and Calaba Town) with hygiene items to help foster compliance with these health protocols stipulated by the Government and ensure the safety of their fellow humans.

He told the MPs and Councillors that in compliance with the directives of the Government to maintain social distancing and avoid gathering, the company decided to deliver the various items to the representatives of the people, who will eventually ensure that the necessary action is taken to get community residents to use the items for their safety.

Laurent Bukasa stressed that citizens should strive to ensure that COVID-19 does not pass through them by observing all hygiene protocols.

“Go out there and tell the people that ‘COVID-19 / CORONAVIRUS WILL NOT PASS THROUGH ME’ and let us all keep our communities safe and free from the deadly pandemic,” he said.

He further maintained that SLBL will continue to partner with the Government to ensure that the virus is kicked out of the country. This action, which he described as a modest donation is part of their Corporate Social Responsibility, saying it is desirous to see a healthy Sierra Leone, reminding them that SLBL is always ready to support the country in development and in crisis.

“We once again stress that as we continue to be partners for growth and development in the country, we will always remain relevant to our corporate social responsibility strategy to support our local communities in their development as well as in times of crisis and need,” Laurent Bukasa maintained.

Receiving the donation on behalf of his Constituency, Hon. Alpha Amadu Bah, expressed appreciation for the gesture and assured the Management of SLBL that the communities will utilize the items in every location within the Constituencies to create the right signal and enforce improved hygiene conditions.

In his closing remarks, Albert Ojo Collier, the Corporate Affairs Manager and Company Secretary of SLBL said that the hygiene items presented, which included Milla Handwashing Machines, veronica buckets, disposable hand towels /tissue paper, Cartoons of Handwashing Soap and Containers of Sanitizers with 70% alcohol, should be distributed to the communities and deployed to assist in the fight.

He further informed all that due to the present situation and restrictions, SLBL has strengthened the take home and home delivery supply chains and hope that individuals will still enjoy SLBL products in a safe way.

Sierra Leone Brewery Limited planted its roots in the field of manufacturing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to consumers over 58 years ago. It has continuously expanded its product range through innovation to meet customer satisfaction at all levels, thereby not only establishing a contractual relationship with its stakeholders but building relationships that are lasting and rewarding to the country and contributing positively to the growth of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

With marked investment in equipment and human resource development, their products have been certified and approved according to local and international standards. With a variety of products like Star Beer, Mutzig Premium Beer, Guinness Foreign Extra Stout, Salone beer, Trenk Energy Drink and Maltina Non-Alcoholic, as well as the marketing of Heineken Beer, Strong Bow Cider, Fayrouz malt and none alcoholic drink, Royal Club and Climax Energy Drink, SLBL caters for all consumers.

‘STAY HOME, STAY SAFE. SLBL CARES’

Guaranty Trust Bank Donates 350 Million Leones to Covid-19 Fund

By Amn Kef Sesay

As part of their support towards the fight against the coronavirus in the country, Guaranty Trust Bank Limited has on Thursday 9th April, 2020 donated the sum of Three Hundred and Fifty Million Leones (Le 350,000,000) and other Personal Protective Equipment to the Government of Sierra Leone through the Covid-19 Fund. The donation took place at the Forecourt of the Emergency Operation Centre at Cockerill in Freetown.

Present at the ceremony were Head of National COVID-19 Response Team, (Rtd) Brig Gen. Hassan Kellie Conteh, Deputy Mayor of Freetown, Osman Koroma, Board Chairman of the Bank, Dr. George Taylor-Lewis, Managing Director/CEO, GTB, Ade Adebiyi, Pressmen, and Staff of GTB and EOC.

Presenting the donation on behalf of GTB, Managing Director/CEO, Ade Adebiyi disclosed that it no secret that the country needs a lot of resources in order to fight the Coronavirus pandemic. He revealed that they were extremely humbled as a Bank to donate the sum of Three Hundred and Fifty Million Leones (Le 350,000,000) and other Personal Protective Equipment which include 1000 Hand Sanitizers, 25 Pedal Tanks, Tissues etc. to the Government and People of Sierra Leone to support the strides the Government is taking within the preventive measures to curtail the spread of the Coronavirus COVID 19 in the country.

On his part, Board Chairman of the Bank, Dr. George Taylor-Lewis disclosed that as an answerable Bank they thought it fit to make this donation on behalf of their institution with the strong belief that such could be helpful towards the fight against the coronavirus.

He said that Social Distancing, Hand washing are very key towards curtailing the spread of this virus. In that regard they are not only donating cash but 25 Pedal Tanks which will be put in various locations for people to observe regular hand washing.

Receiving the donation on behalf of the Government, Head of National COVID-19 Response Team, (Rtd) Brig Gen. Hassan Kellie Conteh, registered his profound thanks and appreciation to the Management of the Guaranty Trust Bank for their kind gesture and support in the fight against Coronavirus COVID – 19 in the country.

He noted that the donated money would be used for its intended purpose while assuring Government’s commitment to the prevention and spread of the Coronavirus COVID – 19 in Sierra Leone. He said they have been lobbying to have such a support, adding that as it is now every Cent counts in the fight.

He said that this is a crucial time not only for Sierra Leone but the world as a whole. He urged them to join the fight against the spread and also used their platform in order to raise the awareness in order for the targeted beneficiaries to curtail the spread of the virus in the country.

He admonished citizens to adhere to all the preventive measures put out by the Government of Sierra Leone and its health partners, lamenting that with these donations coming if citizens could not adhere to the preventive measures much progress will not be achieved in the fight

NP-SL Continues to Assuage the Petroleum Needs of its Numerous & Esteemed Customers

By Amin Kef Sesay

The National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) has been copiously hailed by many in and out of the country for its pro-active stance in importing and marketing various high grade and qualitative petroleum products. Since its establishment, the company has been at the forefront for timely and professionally making all necessary arrangements with its partners in and out of the country to ensure that these products that the company markets are always available and easily accessible at its different sales points or Filling Stations.

The company is notably specialized in marketing petrol, diesel, gas and lubricants, one of which is Castrol Oil, which is widely used for vehicles and other machineries.

Considering the importance of petroleum products to human existence, it is but very significant to have a dependable and reliable company that champions their importation and marketing. It is in doing so that the NP-SL exactly fits in, as it is on record, that the company is highly committed to live up to the expectations of its numerous esteemed customers.

In reality, one major attribute that NP-SL possesses and which it has meticulously nurtured over the years is its stance with regards maximizing customer care. As far as the Shareholders and Management of the company are concerned, the company exists because of its customers and so everything must be done to give them the best in return for their money’s worth. It is against such a backdrop that the company decided to procure state of the art calibrated pumping machines which are highly capable of churning out the specified amount of petroleum product, be it petrol or diesel and at the same time display the quantity as well as the price.

When this medium undertook a study to gauge the perceptions of various individuals with regards how they view the various aspects of the company’s operations, one thing that came out glaringly was that most praised the petroleum business entity for its transparent way of transacting businesses, with nearly all those that were engaged, agreeing that they always feel satisfied that they are deriving value for money.

“I had the wrong perception that the pump attendants at one particular Filling Station always cheat me. However, I later got a rethink when on a particular occasion I carefully studied and observed how the calibrated machine is working. What was discovered was really amazing as the machine worked precisely as to how it was instructed to do. Indeed, I was really impressed,” George Wilson, a successful entrepreneur gleefully intimated.

A Development Consultant, Abdul Rahman Deen, expressed the view that NP-SL is one of the few successful indigenous companies that pays premium on honoring the country’s Local Content Policy. This policy intends to give preference to indigenes when it comes to employment opportunities except in rare occasions when the expertise could not be available in-country. This stance, on the part of the company, has been extolled with many saying such is contributing somehow towards poverty reduction. Besides, what was understood was that the conditions of service are good for workers and some members of staff have benefitted from various forms of training that have contributed greatly to improve their competencies and outputs.

In terms of effective implementation of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), NP-SL is really on top of situation. The company has supported many worthy causes, in some cases complementing the efforts of Government, in fostering development programmes. Just recently, NP-SL made available to the Government and People of Sierra Leone, one billion Leones as its support to help prevent the spread of the deadly coronavirus and to help contain it. This was indeed no mean gesture considering the seriousness of the health pandemic, especially as the country is said to have reported seven (7) cases and the negative economic dislocations it is creating around the world. Such a gesture has been described as very timely with calls for other corporate institutions to give, in their own little ways, their support to Government underscoring that no support should be considered too small.

Still within its CSR portfolio, the petroleum marketing company financed the construction of a water facility for the National Fire Force, Kissy Branch. The state of the art water facility, powered by a kva generator it also donated,  is capable of pumping a considerable amount of water into fire engines ,a move that is currently assisting the Force greatly in its fire extinguishing operations  and knowing how unfriendly fire disasters could be, the offer has been considered as a big boost to the NFF.

To again give its customers the best device for cooking purposes, the shareholders and Management thought it fit to introduce NP Gas which is manufactured in different cylinder sizes and powered by gas which is marketed by the company. According to a thorough investigation mounted by this medium it was uncovered that NP Gas is environmentally friendly, very portable and safe for domestic use. They could be secured at the company’s different Filling Stations right across the country.

Along the same line of giving their customers utmost satisfaction and make life somehow comfortable for them, the company also introduced NP Smart Card which is also a memory chip that could be used to purchase fuel. As long as the card is loaded with money, a customer could easily procure the amount of fuel required. It is indeed a latest way of transacting business, preventing a customer from the hassle of having to rush to the bank to withdraw funds especially on weekends just for the purpose of securing fuel to last over the weekend. This has been described as the most convenient way of purchasing fuel as it saves time and is very secure.

It can be stated with all amount of certainty that NP-SL is one of the few indigenous companies that have successfully opened branches in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia and all of these branches are doing extremely well within the same ambit of its modus operandi. In all these countries the company is timely paying huge taxes to the Governments and such is putting those political entities at vantage positions to fund certain development projects.

NP-SL Ltd is indeed a result-oriented company that continues to satisfy the petroleum needs of many. Besides, it is immensely contributing to the socio-economic development of individuals and the country as a whole. It is a company that is synonymous with 1st For Customer Care. Indeed the petroleum marketing company continues to assuage the petroleum needs of its numerous and esteemed customers.

Lands Minster’s Dilates on His Observation of the Lockdown 

By Fatmata Jengbe

The Minister of Lands, Hon. Dr Dennis Sandy, has explained to this Press on the 8th April  2020 his sterling observation on the 3 days lockdown in which citizens all over the country were required by law to stay three days at home as a way to contain the spread of the Corona plague that has taken root all over the world taking many lives in almost every country.

Dr. Sandy who operates on the mantra of “positive aggression”, said that from his observation citizens all over the country are consciously aware of the seriousness of the Coronavirus and they therefore adhered to the strict rules of the lockdown by staying home all the three days without them engaging in any business activity.

Dr. Sandy highly commended the security sector for its resilience in enforcing the rules of the lockdown which prohibits the movements of citizens except for those that are permitted to for various reasons including those in the Health Sector and Contact Tracers who have major roles to play during the lockdown.

Dr. Sandy observes that many areas in the City of Freetown faced challenges with water which though highly needed during this Corona era, happens to be  in short supply.

Dr Sandy commended the people of Sierra Leone whom he said are law abiding. Positive aggression, Dr Sandy said in conclusion, always yields good fruits. Meanwhile Day 3 of the General lockdown saw the Minister of Water Resources, Mr P K Lansana joining Dr Sandy in his observation trips.

Since water supply was an issue during the first two days of the 3 days lockdown, the joint trip was just necessary as the two Ministers were able to quell some incidents over water that could have flared up into something else.

Together the two Ministers succeeded in making sure that water got where it was needed most.

Africell Presents 20 & 350 KaiOs Phones to SLAJ & EOC Respectively

By Amin Kef Sesay

Africell Family presented 20 KaiOs phones, on the 7th of April 2020, to the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and Independent Radio Network, in support of their Corona Update Radio Show.

Africell SL Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Mr. Joe Abass Bangura, made the presentation via phone, while the Media Relations Manager, Mr. John Konteh, was on set to make the presentations.

The President of SLAJ, Mr. Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, and Madam Asmaa James, the Station Manager for Radio Democracy extended their gratitude in receiving the donation. They further acknowledged Africell’s role as a trusted partner that always steps in with much-needed support, at the right time

The phones, which came with complimentary Voice and Data packages which will help augment and ramp up the coordination and response on the SLAJ/IRN Corona Update Show.

Earlier on the 3rd April 2020, the Africell, led by its Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Mr. Joe Abass Bangura and the Media Manager, Mr. John Konteh, donated to the Government of Sierra Leone through the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) 350 KaiOs Smartphones with Close User Group (CUG) SIM Cards.

The Interim National Coordinator for the Sierra Leone #COVID19 Response, Brigadier (Retired) Kellie Hassan Conteh and the Deputy Minister of Information and Communication, Mamadi Gobeh Kamara, were both present to receive the donation. They each expressed their profound gratitude for their speedy and efficient response to their calls for assistance in these trying Coronavirus times.

Mr. Bangura reiterated Africell SL’s commitment to the people of Sierra Leone in joining them in the fight against COVID-19. He also implored everyone to adhere to all the safety practices. The Africell team also made a stop at Constituency 128 and donated packs of Veronica Buckets and cartons of hand-washing soaps to the Member of Parliament for the constituents in the community.

It is on record that Africell always a trusted partner in boosting the health sector and in promoting nation-building.

Energy Minister Puts Smiles on the Faces of Citizens 

Alhaji Kanja Sesay, Minister of Energy

By Edward Vamboi

Most people welcomed the 3 days lockdown as pronounced by HE President Julius Maada Bio who had to take this action to keep citizens and non-citizens alike within the boundaries of this country, locked down for 3 days, so that Health Workers could be given the freehand to track down those who are suspected of coming into contact with those who are already infected with the Corona virus or COVID-D, but what they never wanted was to spend those three days and three nights without light.

There was a fear before the lockdown came into effect past Sunday if at all the Energy Ministry was not to deliver on his promise of constant and stable light during that three days period, for many reasons.

First, the boredom of spending three good days at home without moving an inch, could be unbearable without light and second there was great fear that robbers may go on the rampage if there was no light during the 3 days lockdown.

This Press went to an area at Kissy in the East End of Freetown called Moeba which lies up the hills at Kissy and where there is a high population of deprived people.

A lady who spoke to this Press made it short when she was asked about the light during the three days of the lockdown. “E day wop,” was her curt reply meaning that there was a lot of light running 24 hours a day and throughout the lockdown period.

Indeed “e day wop” and courtesy of the Minister of Energy, Hon Kanja Sesay, who, since he assumed that office, has been making His Excellency President Bio, proud. Mr Sesay did keep to his promise to lighten up the City not only for lockdowns but also for normal days.

Mr. Sesay who has been coming up with a lot of innovations to make the City of Freetown bright again unlike the olden days, did put smiles on the faces of citizens by making the lockdown a very sweet thing with Nigerian movies being watched in most homes and with children laughing all the way and mummies and daddies making the best of those days.

Mr Sesay has been rated in the past among the topmost Ministers on the Integrity Score Card.

 

To Combat the Deadly Coronavirus…     Chinese Ambassador Calls for Solidarity & Cooperation

Chinese Ambassador Hu Zhangliang

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone Hu Zhangliang has said that solidarity, cooperation and honesty are very vital to end the coronavirus pandemic around the world. He said when the virus occurred in China they were quick to work with WHO and European countries that were concern as they provided timely and critical moral and material support to help China fight the epidemic.

Ambassador Hu said that now that the virus is in Sierra Leone solidarity and cooperation between the countries that have been helping Sierra Leone in the past must come together and work with the Ministry of Health to combat the spread.

“I am happy that China had already taken steps to prepare Sierra Leone and the infectious and disease control department at the 34 military hospital has been very important in the testing and isolating of virus victims. This is what is needed to win this battle. We all must come together and share notes and experience and where necessary give support to the vulnerable countries and get this virus of their backs.”

The Ambassador averred that they are monitoring the situation and already the Chinese medical teams on the ground have started working and others have prepared very well in the event that the cases will increase.

He said he had a fruitful discussion with the Minister of Health during the handing over ceremony of the support from Jack Ma and said if the need arise, China will send more equipment to make sure that the country does not allow the virus to overwhelm them.

“The best way to treat this virus is to prevent it and the decision taken by the Government to lockdown the country for three days is commendable. All we want to see is for citizens to adhere to the instructions passed to them by the health officials by washing of hands frequently, social distancing and always make sure that when somebody complains of sickness, he or she is taken to the hospital. It is better to prevent the virus than to treat it.”

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said weeks ago that no country should assume it will not get cases. He stressed that the virus does not respect borders or ideologies, does not distinguish between races or ethnicities, and has no regard for a country’s level of development.

The WHO boss’s statement has now come to pass as all the major economies have been hit very hard.

The Ambassador said that now that most countries have come to realize that the virus is not about system of Government, human right or how big is your economy, it is now evident that all the countries are now working together with the WHO to eliminate the virus. “Today China is in over 90 countries including United States, Italy, England, Germany, Iran and counting, working with them to combat the deadly virus. The experience of the Chinese is being shared around as they all work together to make sure that they win the battle. China has not relented as they have been providing medical assistance as well as human resources, but they did not stop there, as they are online with their counterparts’ doctors across the world sharing experience and also using their technology to treat patients.”

He said the solidarity and cooperation these past weeks have been great and more has to be done as countries should continue to share their experiences and knowledge on how to prevent and protect the larger majority from infected by the virus.

The Ambassador noted that the cases in Africa are gradually rising and they must work together to break the chain.

“One important lesson we have learnt from the COVID-19 crisis, is that it teaches the world that more international cooperation, not less, is badly needed in tackling such a global public health crisis since no single nation can deal with it alone. That is especially true amid a rise of protectionism and unilateralism in the past years.”

 

 

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