Vulnerable Homes Receive Food Items from Markmuday, Jimmy B & Two other Artists

April 8, 2020

Chief Executive Officer of Slim Nation, Nelson Idrissa Kargbo, popularly known as Markmuday, Jimmy B and the other Artist during the donation.

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In their quest to help the less privileged in the country, Sierra Leone’s best R&B Pop Star Artist who also doubles as the Chief Executive Officer of Slim Nation, Nelson Idrissa Kargbo, popularly known as Markmuday in collaboration with the Godfather of Sierra Leone Music, “Jimmy B”, Sierra Leone best Afrobeat Artist, Abdul Razak Kanu popularly known Arkman and Trice has on Monday 6^th April, 2020 donated food items worth millions of Leones to various vulnerable homes within the Freetown Municipality.

The donation came prior to the three day lockdown declared by the Government of Sierra Leone in order to curtail the spread of the coronavirus in the country.

In his address, the Chief Executive Officer of Slim Nation-Markmuday, stated that indeed the virus is very deadly and it is on record that we have reported Six cases furthering how they must collectively join hands in complementing the efforts of the Government in its strides towards scaling up the fight against the virus maintaining how it is only by doing so that the common enemy could be defeated.

He noted that as a true Philanthropist he decided to join the Godfather of Sierra Leone Music, Jimmy B and others to undertake the distribution of these food items to vulnerable homes, underscoring that it a well-timed gesture especially at this crucial moment as the country declared a three-Day Lockdown nationwide stating how they are doing so with the strong belief that such could be helpful especially at this decisive moment.

He admonished them to adhere to all the precautionary measures that the Government and its partners have put in place also underscoring that it is only when strict adherence is maintained that we could stay safe.

He stated that the gesture is a clear manifestation that he and his colleagues care for their Fans and even non-fans and that they are determined to stand by the side of the people of this country during good and bad times.

Receiving the items, beneficiaries in the various targeted communities expressed gratitude and appreciation to Chief Executive Officer of Slim Nation-Markmuday and others for the gesture which they described as not only important but a timely intervention.

It is on record that the Chief Executive Officer of Slim Nation-Markmuday has been engaged in various charitable activities; recently supported the Government Free Quality Education Initiative by donating learning materials to school going pupils and also has been supporting the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Fatima Bio’s ,“Hands off Our Girls Campaign” in the country.

Three-Day Lockdown End With 7 Infected Cases

April 8, 2020

An empty market street in downtown Freetown

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As it was announced by the newly Presidential appointee to Head the National COVID -19 Response Team, (Rtd) Brig Gen. Hassan Kellie Conteh, there will be a three-day nationwide lock down. It commenced on Sunday 5^th April 2020 and ended yesterday the 7^th April 2020. According to him the decision was put in place with the aim of preventing the spread of coronavirus, after two new cases were reported.

As the situation now stands the country has now confirmed seven cases, all within five days. Retired Brigadier Kellie Conteh stated that the lock down was to trace potential contacts they took cognizance of having come in touch with affected persons with the objective of isolating and monitoring them.

He furthered that the lock down was also necessitated to trace and identify all secondary contacts and also place them under surveillance.

The daunting task that the authorities presently have is to improve quarantine conditions and tighten security, after reports of people leaving isolation areas. Prior to the implementation of the lockdown, banks and market places were overflowing with people. Disappointedly, unscrupulous traders seized the opportunity to hike prices of essential commodities.

Government authorities ordered that all businesses, offices and markets have veronica buckets at their entrance to promote hand washing as a precautionary measure. Indeed during the three days the streets were empty as the compliance rate was high

A spectacular thing that caught the attention of the Government and instilled fear in the minds of citizens was that most patients at the main referral centre – the Connaught Hospital – voluntarily discharged themselves with the fright that they would be mixed with coronavirus patients during the lockdown.

Hospital wards were almost empty as patients had been reluctant to be admitted, except those who were critically ill.

Medical practitioners at Ola During Children’s hospital deserted and went into self-isolation, following a second doctor testing positive. “We are all in this together,” National Coordinator Kellie Conteh stated inter alia admonishing citizens to comply with the lockdown.

Pres. Bio Sends Consolation Message to British Prime Minister

April 8, 2020

By Amin Kef Sesay

Since it was reported that the British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has proven positive of contracting the coronavirus his health continues to deteriorate. Currently he is said to have been hospitalized. As a way of expressing compassion and empathy with his health situation, President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio on Tuesday 7^th April 2020 sent him a consolation Message of “Speedy Recovery” which reads: “At these difficult times for our countries, our thoughts and prayers for speedy recovery are with you, Prime Minister Boris Johnson, your family and the people of the United Kingdom”

Up to yesterday, the 7^th April 2020, a Senior Cabinet Member, Michael Gove, confirmed that he has been receiving oxygen treatment in an Intensive Care Unit.

The Cabinet Minister, Michael Gove, said that the Prime Minister was “not on a ventilator” but had “received oxygen support.”

He informed that Johnson was “receiving the very best care” at St. Thomas’ Hospital in London, after being taken into intensive care at 7 p.m. on Monday.

“And of course, one of the reasons for being in intensive care is to make sure that whatever support the medical team consider to be appropriate can be provided,” Gove said.

Gove later said he was self-isolating at home because a member of his family was showing coronavirus symptoms. Gove said on Twitter that he was not displaying any symptoms and is continuing to work. He’s the latest in a long line of British Government Ministers and advisers to be forced into isolation.

Johnson’s hospitalization has highlighted the lack of a formal line of succession in the UK Government. Johnson, 55, nominated the Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, who also holds the title of First Secretary of State, to Deputize for him “where necessary.” But there is no official Deputy recognized by UK law or the country’s largely unwritten constitution.

Few formal powers are invested specifically in the UK Prime Minister and key decisions are taken collectively by the Cabinet or its sub-committees. Many statutory powers are held by individual Secretaries of State. But in recent decades, holders of the UK’s top political office have adopted a more presidential style, and the sweeping nature of the ruling Conservative Party’s most recent election victory was attributed to Johnson’s personal appeal with voters.

“The Prime Minister has a team around him who ensure the work of Government goes on,” Gove revealed. He said Johnson had a “stripped-back diary” last week to make sure he could follow the medical advice of his doctors.

Gove confirmed that Raab was now in charge of seeing through Johnson’s plan to tackle the novel coronavirus. “Dominic [Raab] takes on the responsibilities of chairing the various meetings the PM would’ve chaired but we’re all working together to implement the plan that the PM has set out,” he said.

Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood, who chairs the House of Commons defense select committee, tweeted good wishes to Johnson but added: “It is important to have 100% clarity as to where responsibility for UK national security decisions now lies. We must anticipate adversaries attempting to exploit any perceived weakness.”

Johnson was taken to hospital on Sunday evening. At the time, Downing Street said the decision was a precaution because he continued to suffer from a cough and a fever ten days after testing positive for the coronavirus. But his condition deteriorated on Monday, Downing Street said, and he was moved to the intensive care unit at St. Thomas’ Hospital.

The coroavirus has hit the top of the British Government hard. The Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, said on March 27 that he had the virus, on the same day that the Chief Medical Officer, Chris Whitty, announced that he would begin self-isolation after displaying Covid-19 symptoms. Neil Ferguson, a top UK Government adviser on the virus, said on March 18 he believed he had been infected. Various other senior Government Ministers and advisers have been forced to self-isolate.

Boris Johnson in intensive care with Covid-19

As it Continues to Contribute to Socio-Economic Development… NP-SL Always Stands by the Side of Sierra Leoneans in Good and Bad Times

April 8, 2020

By Amin Kef Sesay

The National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) has once again demonstrated that it is a very compassionate (Kombra) company that is always ready and willing to support Government’s efforts in effecting positive interventions during good and bad times. At this crucial stage when the country is fighting tooth and nail to contain the spread of the deadly Coronavirus that is currently decimating developed as well as developing nations, the company wasted no time but to offer the huge sum of one billion Leones to the Government and People of Sierra Leone in order to scale up the fight against a very dreadful enemy.

Just recently, on Thursday 2^nd April, 2020 the petroleum marketing giant in the country donated one Billion Leones to the Covid-19 Fund. The cheque was received on behalf of the SLPP led Government by the Chief Minister, Professor David Francis. Indeed, this was no mean offer or gesture to the Government and People of this country to scale up the containment of the spread of the killer virus and it is expected that it will go a long way to make the Government financially solvent to give all the needed necessary support to health workers as well as assist in the procurement of basic medical equipment.

Indisputably, NP-SL Ltd stands tall as the leading petroleum marketing company in the country, well renowned for its customer care posture. The Shareholders and Management of the company do place high premium on customer care as they are very mindful of the fact that with a large customer base the company will not survive very challenging times. It was against this backdrop that the owners of the company decided to invest hugely in importing state of the art calibrated pumping machines which are installed at its various Filling Stations highly capable of pumping the exact amount of fuel, petrol or diesel, and at the same time display the prices. What this means is that the company’s esteemed customers derive utmost satisfaction as they know they are getting back their money’s worth. In other words, these machines are helping in dispelling the presumption that customers are being cheated whenever they purchase fuel by getting less for what they are paying for.

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 a Friday evening 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.

When it comes to the full implementation of the country’s Local Content Policy NP-SL has been well commended for honoring it to the fullest. The company is strictly adhering to an internal policy of giving employment preference to Sierra Leoneans except otherwise. This 100% indigenous company considers Sierra Leoneans first when it comes to offering jobs and that has considerably contributed towards poverty reduction and in helping to boost the morale and profile of the company.

It can be stated with all amount of certainty that NP-SL is one of the few indigenous companies that has 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.

It can be safely concluded that NP-SL is indeed greatly contributing towards the socio-economic development of the various countries where it is soundly operating.

Jerisco Kamara Faces Wrath of Sokobana Elders After Rejecting Esoteric Leadership Role in Sierra Leone

April 3, 2020

By Fatmata Jengbe

Fear gripped Makeli Village in Konike Barina Chiefdom, Tonkolili District, in April 2020 when Jerisco Kamara was declared wanted by members of the feared Poro, also known locally as the Sokobana Secret Society, after he reportedly refused to succeed his late father, Alie Yamba Kamara, as head of the powerful traditional institution.

From what eyewitnesses informed this medium, the tension began shortly after the death of Alie Yamba Kamara, who until his passing was widely known as the head of the Poro or Sokobana Secret Society in Makeli Village. According to some family members, elders of the society summoned Jerisco Kamara and informed him that, as the first son of Alie Yamba Kamara, he was expected to inherit the leadership position as tradition demanded.

Jerisco Kamara reportedly explained to the elders that he was not prepared to assume such a role and respectfully declined the offer. However, it was learnt that the elders insisted that he had no choice in the matter, arguing that succession in the Poro or Sokobana Secret Society was a sacred traditional rite that could not be questioned or rejected. Sources within the community further disclosed that to head the society, the person chosen must undergo a rigorous esoteric induction for a considerable period of time in the sacred bush, where secret rituals are performed and spiritual authority is conferred. Eyewitnesses said Jerisco Kamara’s refusal to subject himself to such induction angered senior members of the society, who viewed his decision as an act of defiance against ancestral authority.

Makeli Village, where poverty is rife and traditional beliefs remain deeply entrenched, is said to hold the Poro or Sokobana Secret Society in awe and fear. The society is exclusively for men and is known for performing rituals during annual initiation ceremonies held in secluded bush areas. It is widely rumoured within and beyond Konike Barina Chiefdom that members are compelled during initiation to eat human bodily parts and drink human blood, while initiates are made to swear solemn oaths never to disclose what they experienced in the sacred bush.

Some residents told this medium that over the years, there have been whispered accounts of initiates losing their lives during forceful initiation rites. According to community sources, when deaths occur in the initiation bush, it is often announced that the victim was swallowed by the “Sokobana devil.” However, it is rumoured that in some cases the deceased may have been eaten as part of ritual practices. It was further learnt that because members believe there is an obligation for human sacrifices to be made, such incidents are never reported to the Police.

Eyewitnesses recounted that in April 2020, elders of the Poro or Sokobana Secret Society allegedly came for Jerisco Kamara in an attempt to compel him to take up the mantle left by Alie Yamba Kamara. Sensing imminent danger, Jerisco Kamara managed to escape from Makeli Village. His sudden disappearance reportedly intensified the anger of the society’s elders.

According to some family members, following his escape, the elders declared Jerisco Kamara wanted and warned that if he were caught, they would unleash their venom on him in a caustic manner. It was learnt that threats circulated within the village that if he survived such punishment, it would only be through divine protection or mere luck.

Since the incident, residents of Makeli Village have remained tight-lipped, fearful of speaking openly about the Poro or Sokobana Secret Society. The atmosphere in the community, from what eyewitnesses described, continues to be overshadowed by silence and anxiety, as traditions handed down by ancestors clash with the personal choices of individuals like Jerisco Kamara.

The Homily of Hostility and Hope – Hammered by One Hip-Hop Intellectual (Corona Virus Pandemic)

April 3, 2020

By Paul A. Conteh

First, Europeans invaded our land. They captured us as slaves, exploited our resources, eroded our culture, and instituted a colonial system of governance. After independence from the United Kingdom, we thought our chance to build a better society was here. Sadly, that dream was shattered by a barbaric dictatorship. Next, we suffered civil war for 10 years. Later, an Ebola outbreak ravaged our country. This killer disease consumed lives, lines and legacies. To our greatest surprise, the twin disaster was on its way. The mudslide and flooding of August 2017 perished households around the water catchment areas of Mount Sugar Loaf. It took us back to square one. With this background, you wonder if life is worth living (for the ordinary Sierra Leonean), as Tupac blasted himself in the Changes.

The Sierra Leone story has segments of sorry wrapped around it. Ice Cube clearly stated in the rap biopic, Straight Outta Compton – “our arts is a reflection of our reality”. The history of Sierra Leone is scrambled around these ugly realities. This is something we as a people cannot erase, but just live with it. Amid these harsh realities, we have constantly shown response, reaction, and resilience.

Fast forward – Prezo Bio declared 2020 as “the year of delivery” from his Government. This statement by Prezo Bio is parallel to J.Cole’s poetic genius in Middle Child. He has chanted this policy statement in public gatherings and cabinet meetings. We as citizens watch in anticipation for the goodies of greatness to come down falling on us. Well, here we go! The global Corona Virus pandemic is threatening to stall development drives. The signs of hostility from this satanic agent are visible in Mama Salone. One is left to ponder on this question from Black Eyed Peas “what is wrong with the world, mama?”

The rulers of Mama Salone have asked us to practice individualism; they have deployed 2 weeks of quarantine for people from nations that have over 50 numbers of Covid-19 infection; they have stopped the tic-tac of scientific birds from our air space; they have placed a temporal pause on the houses where the teachings from the Christ and Holy Prophet are studied and they have given closure date to the campuses of the Athens of West Africa. The spots that provide food, family-time, fashion shows, and fantasy clusters have been slammed with indefinite measures. The good news – people are complying with these trends. Even with this positive vibe – “dis tin don really monah wi oh”, as Kao Denero rapped fifteen years ago.

Walk down the streets of Freetown, you feel the impact of this horrible outbreak. The prices of commodities are heading heaven high; the free flow of information is distorted by corona cry; the bonding religion offers is ceased, and people are losing jobs like breeze. The banks and bureaus have seen a drop in money transfer into Sierra Leone. The western world is on lockdown! The people who send money into Sierra Leone cannot leave their houses, cannot go to work, cannot make additional income and are saving for any eventual economic catastrophe…And the struggles of the brothers and the folks, as rapper Common, expressed in The People.

Kendrick Lamar shared his story in “I” soundtrack. He went through his struggles, trials, and tribulations. But he knew God is going to sail him.

In the case of Sierra Leone, we are going to resist this plague. The other countries will defeat this viral venom. And the planet is going to return to the pathway of prosperity. Twista gave us great words of encouragement in Hopeful. The fortunes of this country would change from Jazzy to Jay-Z. The former was this young kid from Brooklyn selling dope. The latter is a billion-dollar worth, Grammy award-winning rapper.

At the end of the day, we are going to join The Game, Tyga, Wiz Khalifa, Lil Wayne & Chris Brown for a celebration. Right now, we need to heed to the advice of Nas – stay Sabali (Patience).

Jack Ma & Alibaba Foundations Donate Medical Equipment

April 3, 2020

By Foday Moriba Conteh

On April 1^st, 2020, the Ministry of Health and Sanitation displayed donated medical equipment by both Jack Ma and Alibaba Foundations in China. The ceremony was graced by the Chinese Ambassador HU Zhangliang, the Hon. Minister of Health and Sanitation Dr. Alpha T. Wurie, the Hon. Minister of Information and Communications Mr. Mohamed Swaray, the World Food Programme Country Director, Dr. Housainou Taal, World Health Organization Country Director, Dr. Evans Liyosi, United Nations Population Fund Country Director, Dr. Kim Eva Dickson, Deputy Ministers of the MoHS Dr. Anthony Sandi and Dr. Amara Jambai as well as newsmen from the Fourth Estate. The donated items include 20,000 testing kits, 100,000 facial masks and 1,000 PPEs with face shields.

Ambassador Hu commended both the Jack Ma and Alibaba Foundations for their generosity. The Ambassador said the donation vividly reflects the Chinese positive attitude in building a community with a shared future for mankind as advocated for by H.E. President Xi Jinping and the friendly sentiments of the Chinese people towards their African brothers and sisters. He said, under the staunch leadership of H.E. President Xi Jinping, the pandemic had been basically kept under control and the situation keeps turning for the better in China.

“China’s resolute measures and huge sacrifices are contributing in combating the virus in other countries,” he disclosed adding that China’s experience will be demonstrated through strong leadership highlighting how social mobilization, concerted national efforts and rigorous measures are key to the success in combating COVID-19.

Ambassador HU said just as H.E. President Xi Jinping pointed out in his speech at the recent Extraordinary G20 Leaders’ Summit, “Major infectious disease is the enemy of all.”

He said: “The community of nations must move swiftly to stem the spread of the virus.” The Ambassador commended H.E. President Julius Maada Bio and his Government for demonstrating strong leadership to combat COVID-19.

The Ambassador emphasized that what the world needs now is solidarity and cooperation rather than accusation or stigmatization. He stressed that the acts of certain people in terms of distorting facts, calling black white and viciously attacking China were repugnant, despicable and totally unacceptable. He said he believes that through hard work and concerted efforts, the pandemic will be defeated.

On behalf of H.E. President Julius Maada Bio and the Sierra Leonean Government, the Minster of Health, Prof Alpha Wurie thanked Jack Ma Foundation, Alibaba Foundation and the Chinese people for their prompt support. He highlighted that China is always one of the most reliable partners of Sierra Leone adding that on March 31, the first positive COVID-19 case was registered in this country. He noted that at this crucial moment, these items would significantly enhance the capacity and confidence of the Sierra Leonean Government in facing the challenges.

Dr. Liyosi, the Country Director of WHO and Dr. Taal, the Country Director of WFP also spoke highly of the donation and appealed to the international community to work together.

Njala University Gets New Vice Chancellor and Principal

April 3, 2020

Professor Abdullah officially handing over to the incoming

By Ralph Simeon Sesay

Njala University – 2^nd April, 2020– “If you may forgive me Professor Sankoh, at a time like this, it is more about Professor Abdullah Mansaray, the outgoing Vice Chancellor & Principal,Njala University than you his successor,” says Professor Adlyn Johnson, Dean, School of Education, Bo Campus,Njala University while giving the vote of thanks at the handing over ceremony between the outgoing Vice Chancellor and Principal and his successor ,Professor Osman Sankoh.

The low key ceremony which took place on Thursday 2^nd April, 2020 at the Njala University Secretariat, Conference room, Njala Campus was attended by Deputy Vice Chancellors of the Bo and Njala Campuses, Deans of Schools and members of the administration.

Introducing the outgoing Vice Chancellor and Principal, the Registrar, Dr.Muneer Jalloh lamented on some of the successes of the outgoing Vice Chancellor and Principal.

Professor Mansaray according to him came to Njala University in 2002 as a visiting Professor from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. He added that he became the Dean, Schools of Education, Environmental Sciences, and Head of Postgraduate School and Deputy Vice Chancellor & Principal, Bo Campus for two consecutive terms.

The Registrar applauds Professor Mansaray for the many accomplishments at Njala University which he described of being in tatters before him taken over in June, 2018.Notable among these accomplishments according to Dr.Jalloh includes relieving the University of a very high debt burden, undertaking various infrastructural development projects and a review of the administrative and management systems of the University as part of its rebranding efforts.

The Registrar while welcoming the new Vice Chancellor and Principal, Professor Osman Sankoh noted that he is an alumnus of Njala University and was President of the most stable and peaceful Student Union government in the history of the University.

He noted that they at Njala were impressed of Professor Osman Sankoh’s successes in Ghana and at Statistics Sierra Leone and is hopeful that such will be replicated in his new appointment.

Welcoming his successor, the outgoing Principal and Vice Chancellor recounted that he was disappointed when he received a letter relieving him of his duties as Principal and Vice Chancellor but on the other hand confident by the fact that his successor has the clout and pedigree to continue with his legacies at Njala University.

Professor Osman Sankoh thanked his predecessor and confessed that he was saddened by the news but he couldn’t resist the appointment to serve the institution he cherished the most. He was crystal clear that he is only holding on the forth for the substantive Vice Chancellor and Principal.

He pleaded with the administration to find a place for Professor Mansaray in the University.

The newly appointed Vice Chancellor and Principal who also doubles as the Statistician General and Chief Executive Officer, Statistics Sierra Leone craved on the guidance and support of the outgoing whenever the need arises.

He emphatically noted that his ‘Bongology concept’ for him means hard work, transparency, and credibility and urged everybody present to imbibe this concept for the betterment of Njala University.

The event was climaxed with the two Deputy Vice Chancellors (Njala and Bo) expressing their parting note to the outgoing VC&P lauding him for his short and exemplary contributions to uplifting Njala University.

Chairperson of TSC Maintains that Teachers are the Best Asset

April 3, 2020

Dr. Staneala M. Beckley

Dr. Staneala M. Beckley, the Chairperson of the Teaching Service Commission (TSC), on the 1^st April 2020 asserted that teachers are the best asset in the country and assured that untrained and unqualified teachers would not be neglected as a lot of them are serving in most parts of the country.

She articulated that they want to change the narrative, minds and disposition of the pubic to influence decision-making and support the Free Quality Education, that the TSC has come a long way highlighting the recruitment of staff, establishment of offices in all 16 districts, that they are proud of the work done so far and that the TCS has taken over the key functions from the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education like teacher management, payroll and finance, monitoring, supervision and movement of teachers.

She made the statement at the conference room of the TSC on Pricilla Street in Freetown in the presence of various stakeholders including representatives of the Sierra Leone Teachers’ Union, the Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools, the Head Teachers’ Council, Civil Society Organizations, the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, the media and other stakeholders as partners discuss pertinent issues affecting teachers.

“Registration and Licensing of Teachers, Teacher Management and Performance, Corporate Services are some of the departments in the TCS,” she informed reiterating that teachers play a key role in the development of any country but stressed that the TSC wants quality teachers to increase the performable of pupils in public examinations observing that it is a long and difficult journey and disclosed plans to invite the media to various parts of the country to assess the situation of teachers on the ground.

She further enlightened that there are 33,000 teachers on Government payroll, a number that would further increase to respond to the needs of the Free Quality Education, that some teachers are doing well in spite of the challenges, that a pilot study has been conducted to license trained and qualified teachers that has been approved by Parliament.

On teacher development performance, the chairperson said teachers would be sensitized about what is expected of them, that teachers are the best asset in Sierra Leone, that teachers are part of Government’s vision and welfare, that the TSC would leave no stone unturned to realize that vision and affirmed that Sierra Leone still has remnants of its past glory stressing that they would not do away with untrained and unqualified teachers adding that the TSC does not want a concentration of trained and qualified teachers in urban areas.

Dr. Staneala M. Beckley also disclosed plans to introduce radio, TV and online teaching programs due to the corona virus pandemic and that some of the programs would continue even after the end of the pandemic or when schools reopen in the core subjects including English Language, Mathematics and Integrated Science, that the TSC would work with Government and private schools intimating that the TSC has trained “10,000 teachers on the Teachers’ Code of Conduct. Discipline and quality of teachers are priorities that cannot be compromised.”

She said online teaching would also be introduced for teachers to empower themselves during the corona virus pandemic including how to develop a portfolio, that the Commission has zero tolerance on a lot of issues for which there are sanctions for non-compliance all aimed at improving the performance of teachers revealing that TSC has deployed trained and qualified teachers to remote parts of the country with incentives like accelerated promotions, financial emoluments and housing among others and issued 8,000 pin codes while 6,000 teachers are on Government payroll as of February this year.

She said some of the issues raised by teachers are beyond the control of the Commission as some teachers are not meticulous when giving their details to institutions like NASSIT and the National Civil Registration Authority thus creating conflicting information.

Earlier, the Public Relations Manager of TSC, Mrs. Jamie Victory Sankoh disclosed that the press conference is for various partners to discuss pertinent issues affecting teachers.

She continued that the press conferences would now be held monthly to inform the public about the successes and challenges of the Commission, close the communication gap, that the TCS is tasked with the responsibility of seeking the welfare of teachers, revealed that teachers are the third largest workforce in the civil service and furthered that the press conference was also for partners to discuss the strides the Commission have made.

The question and answer session climaxed the well-attended event.

INCF Undertakes Covid-19 Sensitization in Makeni

April 3, 2020

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson – (AR-WILSON)

Ibrahim Nelson Children’s Foundation (INCF) with support from Tot Kamara has completed a day’s Sensitization on precautionary measures of Corona Virus (Covid-19) to youths, traders, civil servants, and other residents of the Makeni Municipality, Bombali District, Northern Sierra Leone.

The education and charitable organization (INCF) together with Executive members of the Traders Union, Journalists and representatives of the Makeni City Council started the sensitization at the central business area of Makeni and moved it to Police Stations, Political Party Offices, Motor Bike Riders, Ataya Bases, Schools and concludes the day’s activity at some Radio Stations in the city.

They delivered several preventive messages about best practices people should put into practice to help them stay safe from the Covid-19 scourge and also donated items such as loaf of soaps, masks, gloves and sets of veronica rubbers while INCF’s Desmond Farma, demonstrated publicly how to wash hands as recommended by the Ministry of Health which was duly acknowledged by market women and other present at the scene.

Both the Regional Chairman of the Sierra Leone Traders Union North, Gibril Amitab Kamara and MCC’s Development and Planning Officer Maurite George Ellie, expressed satisfaction and thanked the Ibrahim Nelson Children’s Foundation for being the first among many organizations, MDAs and corporate institutions in Makeni to embark on such a philanthropic venture for the general good.

Speaking on behalf of various recipients of the donated items, the Bombali District Bike Riders Union Organizing Secretary, Abdulai Kamara and Superintendent MG-Kamara, the Support Officer of the Sierra Leone Police attached at the Rogbaneh Division, on behalf of their organizations extended positive reception to INCF for donating loaf of soaps, veronica buckets, gloves and masks to them noting that such items will not only keep their personnel safe but will also promote hand washing a key hygiene practice that complements Government’s efforts to keeping Sierra Leoneans and all in inhabitants in the country safe and healthy from the global pandemic (Covid19).

“With the help of our chief sponsor, Mr. Tot Kamara, a philanthropist based in the United States of America, we will continue to prioritize and render a range of humanitarian assistances to Children, less privileged people and to chip in with every little support we can provide in needy times like this,” Ibrahim Nelson Kamara, INCF’s Founder and Director assured.

Going further Mr. Kamara urged all residents within and outside of Makeni to apply the recommended precautionary measures of preventing Corona Virus-19 by the Government of Sierra Leone and the World Health Organization to continue to ensure hygienic practices are promoted in their homes, offices and public places to help combat the trending global plague.