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Hon. Tunis to Emerge as ECOWAS Speaker

Honourable Sidi Mohamed Tunis

By Amin Kef Sesay

Leader of Government Business representing the ruling Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) in the Sierra Leone House of Parliament, Hon.Sidi Tunis in an exclusive interview with this medium on Wednesday 4th March 2020 disclosed that he will be sworn in as Speaker of the regional Economic Commission of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament come the 9th March, 2020 in Niger, stating that such a development is a big plus for Sierra Leone.

The pragmatic and result-oriented legislator stated that after his tenure it will take 56 years before Sierra Leone will again occupy the position adding that it is a 4 year rotational position and by the time the 15 ECOWAS countries occupy the Speakership position it will be 56 years.

“This is an opportunity for Sierra Leone as a nation as such a development has the potential of benefitting the country,” the charismatic and eloquent lawmaker highlighted.

He disclosed that a high-powered delegation from the House of Parliament will depart from Sierra Leone on Saturday 7th March 2020 for the Sahel State of Niger to be led by the Honourable Speaker of the Sierra Leone House of Parliament, Hon. Abass Chernor Bundu, adding that the fifteen (15) man delegation from the Sierra Leone House of Parliament will comprise twelve (12) Members of Parliament (MPs) as well as three (3) supporting staff.

He noted that his appointment as ECOWAS Speaker will in no way affect his job as Leader of Government Business as the position is non-residential which means he will be the ECOWAS Speaker but will still continue to carry out his national responsibilities.

Hon. Sidi intimated that last year His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio in a televised video message to Members of the ECOWAS Parliament which was played at the Extra Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Monrovia, Republic of Liberia, endorsed and weigh in absolute support for the Leader of Government Business of Sierra Leone House of Parliament to serve as Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament.

Whilst endorsing Honourable Sidi Mohamed Tunis, President Bio said, “I have known him for several years and he served in several leadership positions in this country,” adding that, “I know his wealth of knowledge he will bring to the table to make ECOWAS Parliament a better institution than it is currently.”

President Bio further added that, “I endorse him as my candidate and I am appealing to all of us to support him and you will not regret it.”

Meanwhile, in a similar development, the candidature of Honourable Sidi Mohamed Tunis as Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament also received complete approval and endorsements from several major ECOWAS countries including Nigeria, Senegal, Ghana, Liberia, Còte d’ivoire, Gambia, Cape Verde and others.

Sierra Leone has never occupied the position of Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament since its establishment in 1975.

Hon. Tunis is expected to take the mantle of leadership and he will serve till 2024, when Togo will be in line to succeed Sierra Leone. The position is rotational in alphabetical manner. The current holder is from Senegal, this means that Sierra Leone is next in line to take up the position.

Meanwhile, as part of his functions as Speaker, Hon Tunis will direct the business of the Parliament and its organs. He will also preside over meetings and conduct debates in accordance with the provisions of the Rules of Procedure.

The delegation that is set to leave Sierra Leone on March 7th 2020 will comprise Members of Parliament and staff of the House.

 

Govt. Sets Aside One Billion Leones as Corona Virus Preparedness

JJ Saffa

By Amin Kef Sesay

It has been made known to this medium that the Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Finance has lodged the sum of one billion Leones in the Emergency Coronavirus Account as a means of demonstrating its heightened alertness or preparedness for any eventual outbreak of the virus in the country.

According to reports, the Coronavirus disease continues to wreak havoc in different countries and with the virus having showed its ugly head in Senegal and Nigeria , the authorities in Sierra Leone have wisely  decided to put measures in place which will enhance a robust response in case of any outbreak.

Sierra Leone was seriously beaten and battered by the Ebola virus and exacted a devastating toll on human lives in the country and stalled its economic and social growth. The Government by then was caught on the hop or flat footed.

With lessons from the Ebola very much fresh and instructive, the New Direction Government has taken steps to avoid being caught in the same awkward situation. This move is laudable or commendable and speaks volume of how the Government prioritizes the welfare of its citizens.

ACC Creates a New Platform to Access Information 

Francis Ben Keifala

By Amin Kef Sesay

In a public notice dated the 4th February 2020 the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) informed that it has set up a functional Information Desk Office, at its 3 Gloucester Street Headquarter Office in Freetown to provide information to members of the public on the Commission and its work.

According to the ACC, the Information Desk will serve as a hub for the provision of information on the work and activities of all the Departments within the institution. The operationalization of this outfit is in fulfilment of Part II Section 2 of the Right to Access Information Act No. 2 of 2013, which states that “every person has the right to access information held  by or is under control of a public authority” and in agreement with the same Act, Part IV Section 27(1) which states that “every public authority shall record and maintain records of its activities in a manner that facilitates the right to information, provided for in this Act, and in accordance with Code of Practice in subsection (2)”.

It was stated further that this development is in tandem with the desire of the Commission to continue to make the people of Sierra Leone fully abreast with the work of the Commission and for journalists, researchers, students and interested entities to have on-demand access to information beyond public relations.

“Individuals desirous to access information on the work of the Commission should please be specific on the information they want to source, and it shall be readily available within a given time; except where the release of such information will affect ongoing investigation or be against public interest,” the ACC pointed out.

The institution also maintained that researchers, students, private citizens, public officials, journalists, civil society activists, etc., wishing to solicit any information from the Information Desk, should contact Koma Nancy Yeawa Gandy-Williams, Assistant Information Officer, Anti-Corruption Commission, 3 Gloucester Street, Freetown on telephone No. +232-78-832131 or via email info@anticorruption.gov.sl. The Information Desk can be accessed from 8:30 am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday.

The Commission went on to reassure the public that it shall continue to make available any information on its work and the fight against corruption in the country through normal public relations channels.

SLAJ Institutes Corona Response Committee

President of the Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Ahmed Sahid Nasralla,

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has on the 3rd February, 2020 instituted a Corona Response Committee as a preparedness mechanism against the backdrop of the continuous spread of the Corona Virus (COVID 19) across the world, The establishment of the Corona Response Committee (SLAJ-CRC), according to the organization’s Press Release, is to support national efforts at addressing the outbrSierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ).

However, it was iterated that the main objective of the SLAJ-CRC is to “coordinate SLAJ’s response to the fight against Corona Virus in Sierra Leone”. In the wake of its establishment, the Committee has started interfacing with the Ministry of Information and Communications and the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, as well as all relevant authorities and stakeholders, to support information dissemination, education, sensitization and awareness raising activities.

The SLAJ-CRC is headed by Mr. Ransford Wright, Co-ordinator of the Independent Radio Network (IRN) and Chief Executive Officer of Believers Broadcasting Network (BBN). He is supported by 12 other members, including three (3) regional focal contact persons.

“At the stage we are in now as a country, information, education and communication is key and the media’s role is crucial in this,” said SLAJ President, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla. “As journalists our responsibility is to provide the public with accurate and factual information about the disease and on efforts at addressing it,” he stated adding that he is enjoining all journalists to resist becoming vehicles for the spread of misinformation, fake news and conspiracy theories about the Corona Virus. SLAJ has expressed gratitude to the members of SLAJ-CRC for accepting the responsibility to serve.

Orange-SL Remains Committed to Support FQE Initiative

Chief Executive Officer of Orange-Sierra Leone, Aminata Kane Ndiaye

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Orange Sierra Leone, the foremost telecommunications company operating in the country has been recognized for being highly committed towards giving assistance to the Government’s Free Quality Education Programme since August 2018 when the company unveiled its free quality education packages as part of rolling out the company’s corporate social responsibility.

Orange, being a multi service provider and a responsible corporate citizen has over the years placed emphasis on fulfilling its corporate social investment, through which they have invested about $ 400,000 mainly in the areas of Women Empowerment, Health, Education and the Environment. The company is also noted for being the first telecommunications company in Sierra Leone to contribute to the Government’s Free Quality Education (FQE) Agenda by pledging the sum of $1.5m in material assistance over a period of five years.

In rolling out its commitment, in 2019 Orange Sierra Leone, collaborating with the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary School Education launched and rolled out sanitary pads to secondary school going pupils which came to an end on the 4th November, 2019 after dishing out two thousand (2000) menstrual hygiene packs to twenty targeted schools across the Western urban and rural areas.

The distribution process started at the Government Technical Secondary School in the West End of Freetown through to Vine Memorial, Rokel, Model, Tombo, Peninsula, Municipal, Ahmadiyya, St. Helena, Independence, FAWE Waterloo, Laura Dove, Murray Town Army and Services Juba Secondary schools, amongst others. Each of the twenty schools that were visited received one hundred packs with the items handed over to the school authorities.

Orange-SL in partnership with the Ministry of Basic Secondary School Education, ST Foundation Bridge the Digital Divide-Sierra Leone on Wednesday 19th February 2020 commissioned the Super Coders Project at the Annie Walsh Memorial Secondary School in the East End of Freetown and on Monday 21st February 2020 they also unveiled the Super Coders Scratch Program at the Albert Academy on Berry Street.

Few weeks ago, Orange, being the leading GSM Mobile operator in the country mindful of not only limiting itself to the implementation of the Super Coders Scratch Program in Freetown but also decided to take the project to the provinces.

On Tuesday 25th February 2020 they launched the Super Coders Project at the Harford Secondary School for Girls in the Moyamba District aimed at helping children make their own interactive Stories, Animations, Games, Music, and Art. Scratch has large collections or Libraries of cool graphics and fun sounds to play around with, which enables children to solve real life social issues through coding and animation.

In addition on Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th February 2020 the company also launched the Super Coders Project at the Ahmadiyya Secondary School and the Methodist Secondary School respectively within the Kenema District.

To demonstrate its decentralization drive, on Friday 28th February 2020 the company also launched the Super Coders Programme at the Kolenten Junior Secondary School in Kambia District.

With the implementation of these projects in the country Orange has demonstrated dogged commitment towards the successful implementation of the New Direction Free Quality Education Agenda in the country.

During a random interview conducted to sound the views of citizens across the country towards the implementation of both projects many have commended Orange for what they described as its timely interventions.

House of Reps. Presents Certificate of Solidarity to China

Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu, Speaker of Parliament

 

By Amin Kef Sesay

On the 5th March 2020 the House of Representatives presented a Certificate of Solidarity to the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Hu Zhangliang for the National People’s Congress and the inhabitants of the People’s Republic of China in their fight against the coronavirus.

The National People’s Congress is the highest organ of state power and the National Legislature of the People’s Republic of China.

Presenting the Certificate, the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu said “the Parliament of Sierra Leone does not have material support to give to the people of China in order to defeat the coronavirus, but it has a responsibility as a representative body to express solidarity through the award of a certificate to the Government and People of China”, adding it is the best the Parliament of Sierra Leone could offer at the moment.

“On behalf of myself, Members of Parliament and the Administration of Parliament, we express our solidarity with the National People’s Congress and the People of the People’s Republic of China in their fight against the coronavirus pandemic”. He also said that “during this difficult period, Sierra Leone Parliament stands in full solidarity with China and support China’s efforts to combat COVID-19”.

Receiving the Certificate, the Chinese Ambassador expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to the Speaker of Parliament and the entire membership of the House. “This is a kind gesture demonstrated by the Parliament of Sierra Leone”. He was beaming with gratification when he said “on behalf of the National People’s Congress and People of the People’s Republic of China, I thank you”.

His Excellency, the Ambassador went on to say that the Government and People of China have taken robust measures to contain the coronavirus in light of disease preventions and controls. The Ambassador told the Parliament of Sierra Leone that through a huge sacrifice, they are getting the desired results relative to the containment of the pandemic.

He also said that their Government and People are concerned with the well-being of foreigners including Sierra Leoneans and as of today no Sierra Leonean has contacted the disease. “This difficult time will soon be over and China will emerge stronger and prosperous than before,” he reassured.

He finally assured that the Chinese Government will require all Chinese travelling to Sierra Leone to follow the prevention and control measures being instituted such as tracking or isolation to combat a further spread of the coronavirus.

“I believe that the Chinese People will not face discrimination in Sierra Leone,” he concluded.

 

NP-SL is Operating with Precision & Timeliness

By Amin Kef Sesay

The National Petroleum (NP) SL Limited is one company within the business landscape of this country that is exceedingly doing well and which is positively contributing towards the socio-economic development of the nation in diverse ways. Blessed with a result- oriented managerial team and which is guided by an efficient Board, the company keeps growing from strength to strength amidst teething challenges it had been and is still facing.

Owned mainly by Sierra Leoneans, thirty five (35) of them who were the founding fathers, the company started from a humble beginning to become one of the towering successful business ventures that now have Filling Stations in different parts of the country and branches in the West African countries of Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia where it is efficiently marketing petroleum products and at the same time offering various services all geared towards satisfying the petroleum needs of individuals and institutions.

One good thing which NP-SL has mastered over the years and for which it has etched a sound name in the sands of time is that which has to do with effective customer care delivery, earning it the good reputation of 1st for Customer Care.

At all times the company’s shareholders and managers ensure that the petroleum needs of individuals and institutions are timely met in a very transparent manner. It is against such a backdrop that the company invested in the importation and installation of latest calibrated pumping machines that exactly pump the right quantity of petroleum product, be it petrol or diesel that is demanded for and at the same time display prices. With these state of the art calibrated machines the fear of the company’s esteemed customers of being cheated by pump attendants is always allayed giving them the confidence that they are dealing with a trusted business entity.

Still within the realm of giving optimal satisfaction through good customer care, the company has always entertained recommendations and swiftly responded to concerns raised. Some of these recommendations are taken into consideration when formulating policies.

The 100% indigenous company has been steadily adhering to the country’s Corporate Social Responsibility which makes provision to give preference to Sierra Leoneans when it comes to employment. It is indeed a laid down policy on the part of the company to employ Sierra Leoneans instead of considering giving jobs to foreigners. Such a policy has helped greatly and still continues to do so with regards poverty alleviation. Gainfully employed, these Sierra Leoneans are now at vantage positions to financially take care of personal and family responsibilities which hitherto they were unable to do as a result of being unemployed.

To simplify transactions at the company’s Filling Stations it was thought prudent to introduce what is now fast becoming popular, NP Smart Card. With this latest innovative device customers can procure petroleum products at ease making it possible to avoid moving around with huge amounts of money. This is very much important when cognizance is taken of personal safety, security and having to make periodic withdrawals from the Bank in order to have money out of which petroleum products could be bought.

Still with the view of optimizing customer care, the company introduced a cooking device, NP Gas, which is easy to use and of high performance in terms of quickness and being environmentally friendly as it is less hazardous. There are different cylinders of NP Gas and they could be procured at the company’s various Filling Stations all going at affordable prices

To make things further simpler the company operates mini marts at some of its Filling Stations where individuals could buy provisions and other basic items. Such most times save individuals from the hassle of having to go to supermarkets and in town to get those basic items.

Mending and changing of vehicle tyres are sometimes done at Filling Stations. These are services that are very much important as they make it possible for drivers to be on the move.

It has been well established that NP-SL imports and markets high grade petroleum products including petrol, diesel, lubricants, gas etc. Indeed the company is exceptionally doing so well with precision and in timely ways that gives utmost satisfaction to many. It truly deserves the accolade: 1st For Customer Care.

Netpage is Compliant With Contract Agreement

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Calls from various quarters for the cancellation of the passport contract between Netpage, an indigenously owned company and the Government of Sierra Leone has been frowned upon by the League of Democracy, a Civil Society Organisation that looks into the issues of accountability and good governance in accordance with international best practices.

League of Democracy is of the view that Netpage complied fully with the terms of the agreement entered into with the Government for the production and sale of our national passports. Whilst many are arguing that contracts should not be done in foreign currency, it should be noted that the internationally recognised legal tender are the US Dollar, Pound Sterling and the EURO. These are the dominant currencies negotiated in any arrangement of international flavour and must have negotiations done in those currencies.

When investors come into the country, they negotiate with the Government in foreign currencies and the change to the Leone equivalent is done when implementation is being done. The same can be said of the passport issue. The terms were negotiated in US dollars, but the payment for each passport is done in Leones. Thus the agreement calls for the equivalent of the US$100 price to be paid in Leones.

League Of Democracy had all along been advocating for a reduction in the cost of the passport, as it is mindful of the financial implications of such an action. In this vein, it is calling on the Government to engage Netpage on the matter and renegotiate the terms of agreement amicably. They maintained that the burden of compliance rests on the side of the Government, as the company had complied with the terms of their agreement, which is pegging the cost of the passport to the dollar (its equivalent in Leones), the current price of the said national document.

Netpage had in no way flouted its responsibility, as stated in the said contract. It had always ensured that the passports are available for sale to the public. The release of the CSO further stated that according to their investigation into the price of passport sold in other countries, Sierra Leone’s passport is reasonably cheap. They called on the Government to renegotiate rather than revoke the contract.

The CSO suggests an increase in the pages of the passport and its validity, cutting of the price and additional security features.

Over the denial of one thousand students at Limkokwing… CAN to Stage Peaceful Demonstration

Executive Director Citizen's Advocacy Network Thomas Moore Conteh

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Citizens Advocacy Network (CAN), a civil society organization that has been working towards strengthening and expanding democracy, human rights, the rule of law, has informed the Office of the Inspector General of Police that it intends to stage a peaceful demonstration on the 5th March, 2020 from Hill Station right through King Harman Road to Savage Street and end up at the Cotton Tree in Freetown. This disclosure was made in a letter dated 2nd March, 2020 and addressed to the Inspector General of Police, Dr. Richard Moigbeh.

They maintained that pursuant to Section 17(1) of the 1965 Public Order Act, it is imperative to officially write the Inspector General of Police to notify them in order to assure them of their security.

According to CAN, the said peaceful procession is intended to call the attention of authorities and public officials to the denial of the right to quality education of over one thousand (1000 +) young Sierra Leonean students on Government scholarships that are studying at the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology. Officials of the CSO stated that these young students have missed six months in the academic calendar and for them it clearly appears that all steps to engage the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education have proven futile.

The Citizens Advocacy Network was approached by the affected students whose frantic moves to appeal to the authorities involved in both written and one-on-one dialogue were all unsuccessful.

In a letter written by their Network as a responsible civil society organization and directed to the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education calling for an amicable resolution of the issue was treated with disdain.  The officials further noted that they are very cautious of the recommendations captured by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report and want to raise a constructive voice against breeding disgruntled youths and violating their right to education with a harsh breath of inconceivable indifference and that they are equally tax payers stressing how it is no sin to develop their competencies or skills for national development.

Against such a backdrop they informed the Office of the Inspector General of Police to stage a peaceful demonstration over what they consider as a display of gross indifference and to send a message to the powers that be and the international community of such a human rights violation.

They said that the country’s democracy makes provision for right to freedom of expression and procession stating that they believe it is the duty of the office of the Inspector General of Police to protect citizens’ rights in the democratic space.

SiLCHA Expresses Solidarity with China

By Ibrahim Joenal Sesay

The Sierra Leone China Friendship Association (SiLCHA) has expressed solidarity with the People’s Republic of China in relation to the COVID- 19 that has brought that nation almost to a standstill. The association paid a courtesy call on the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Ambassador Hu Zhanjiang, on Thursday, 27 February, to empathize with the people of China.

The visit paved the way for the Association to officially welcome Ambassador Hu to Sierra Leone after he was appointed to serve his country in this part of the world, SiLCHA also presented arts work done by children and the official song called “Come On, China! done by the founder of SiLCHA and team Mariatu Kargbo, known as the Black Pearl of China.

Chairperson of SiLCHA, Mrs. Onike King ,sympathized with the Chinese Government for the human and economic loss caused by the disease on behalf of the Association and assured the Ambassador of SiLCHA’s continued support at all times.

She spoke about the friendliness of the Chinese people and the support China has been giving to Sierra Leone over the years. “We are with you and we understand what you are going through, Sierra Leone experienced it during the Ebola outbreak in 2014 and we know what it means.”

She pointed out that what SiLCHA is doing is sustainable because they have different branches which include education, media, culture and arts among others.

SiLCHA Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Bangura reflected that China was the first nation to come to Sierra Leone’s aid during the Ebola epidemic. “Your support towards this nation is great, we equally stand with you during your own period of challenge.”

He continued to say SiLCHA is all about telling Sierra Leoneans that China is a trusted friend and the relationship between Sierra Leone and China is a friendly and family one which they want to continue because that relationship is about 4 decades old.

SiLCHA’s Secretary General, Ibrahim Joenal Sesay emphasized that the bond with the two countries is very great. He said SiLCHA is looking forward to a much closer relationship and cooperation with the Embassy.

Ambassador Hu commended the Association for their concern and said they have received lot of solidarity messages from Sierra Leoneans for which he said they are very pleased.

He continued by saying China and Sierra Leone have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship since 1971 and that they will never forget the role played by Sierra Leone in ensuring China secure a permanent seat at the United Nations.

“China sees Sierra Leone as a reliable friend just as how your President, H.E. Julius Maada Bio described China as a reliable friend,” said Ambassador Hu.

He disclosed that they have urged all Chinese to strictly comply with the measures that the Sierra Leone Government has put in place for the safety of all.

He assured that Sierra Leonean students and other nationals living in China are well taken care of during this crisis and that they are making success in the fight against the virus and they are doing everything possible to ensure it does not become pandemic.

“We are together to build a common community of shared features. This demonstrate how important it is to build a common community”

He assured that they will continue to work with their Sierra Leonean brothers and sisters, China-Sierra Leonean Cooperation and also with the Association.

Ambassador Hu also presented a printer and a digital camera as gifts from the Embassy to support the running of the Association’s Secretariat.

The children wrote notes which they want the Embassy to present  to the children of China as a sign of their solidarity to show that they are with them.

Mariatu is an artist and philanthropist who was born very poor in Sierra Leone.

She came to fame in China through CCTV’s Road to the Stars talent show and is now devoted to giving back to less privileged people around the world. She was among the first foreign volunteers at the Sichuan earthquakes in 2008 and 2010 and was appointed as Cultural Ambassador-at-Large by the President of Sierra Leone in 2016.

Mariatu achieved Sierra Leone’s first ever Guinness World Records title in 2012 and teamed up with Tencent and the World Food Programme to achieve a second world record in 2014 for contributions to a charity fund-raising event in 24 hours in support of the Ebola-affected countries of Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia.

Mariatu supports many charities in China, Africa and around the world and has established her own Foundation which has changed the lives of thousands of kids.

Mariatu was a finalist in the Miss World competition in 2009 and won two awards for Talent and Fashion. She has performed widely in China with top artists such as Jackie Chan and Yang Wenwen as well as performing for the Top 100 Entrepreneurs, including Jack Ma (founder of Alibaba).

In 2018, Mariatu was chosen to perform for President Xi Jinping and the First Lady and all Africa’s Presidents and First Ladies at the FOCAC event in Beijing. In 2019, Mariatu was selected as one of the Top 100 Influential Africans under 40 by MIPAD at the United Nations in New York.

In 2020, Mariatu launched “Small Small Chinese”, a new online video series that introduces Chinese culture and teaches people to speak simple Chinese words and phrases.

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