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Deforestation Is Real and Needs Urgent Attention The importance of forests

By Amin Kef Sesay

The role of forests in climate change resilience was discussed by the Center for International Forestry Research. Frances Seymour, CIFOR Director General said, “It is urgent to safeguard Africa’s forests, not only because they slow climate change but also because they act as a final barrier to creeping desertification, underpin sustainable agricultural production and support the livelihoods of tens of millions of the rural poor”.

In a previous editorial commentary, The Calabash called on the newly created Ministry of Environment, working in partnership with other line ministries and agencies, to as a matter of urgency put in place policies, strategies, measures and practices to curb the frightening rate at which our forests are disappearing due to causes that were out lined.

Last Friday the NGC leader in Parliament, Dr Kandeh Yumkella raised concern about the devastating impact of on-going timber logging and deforestation in Kailahun, Kono, Koinadugu, Falaba and Karene districts. He raised the issue after recent visits to some of these vulnerable locations in Kamakwie, Fintonia, Samaya, Kuru, Tanenneh, and Sanya, in the Karene District.

What is most times missing in Government action is lack of effective implementation of policies. The NGC leader recalled that over the issue, the Speaker of Parliament invited environmental groups to Parliament to explain the extent of deforestation on the nation.

Needless to say, given the extensive damage done to the country’s environment by shifting cultivation farming, logging and clearing fort new settlements, the Government and its development partners need to take urgent action to mitigate the deforestation of the country’s forest reserves.

The obvious medium to long term solution is for the Forestry Division of the Ministry of Agriculture working in tandem with all the 16 local councils and the 192 chiefdoms to protect the remaining forests and to plant trees in developing a sustainably viable forest and its products industry countrywide.

Generally, deforestation is accelerating across Africa, killing wildlife and weakening the ability of the continent’s ecosystems to withstand climate change, especially in the area of food security.

Thus, the reason why Government must take very serious remedial actions to save and propagate our forests stems from the observation by Global Security that Sierra Leone has been ranked as the third most vulnerable nation after Bangladesh and Guinea Bissau to adverse effects of climate change.

Of note is that vulnerable populations have low capacity to adapt to climate change; with the rural populations the most affected because of their high dependence on rain-fed agriculture and natural resource-based livelihoods.

As such, we must also be reminded of the threats that climate change poses, particularly to developing nations. South Africa’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Tina Joemat-Pettersson, noted that, “Climate change threatens to undermine many of the development objectives of countries in Africa and in the rest of the developing world, in particular in the areas of water, energy, health, agriculture and forestry.”

As such, it is high time the Government of Sierra Leone and its development partners put this urgent all-encompassing development matter on the front burner in the designing and implementation of all rural development policies, programs and projects.

AWOL to Shine the Light on those Recognized Come 29th December

By Amin Kef Sesay

 As we are now in the throes of the festive season and few days from now be saying goodbye to 2019 and welcoming 2020, many are now looking forward to D-Day, 29th December 2019, when the All Walks of Life (AWOL) will stage its unforgettable National Achievements Awards at the prestigious Bintumani International Conference Centre in Freetown. Voting is now in earnest progress and the nominees, including personalities and institutions, are working behind the scenes to win as many votes as possible.

It is an indisputable fact that lives and institutions will be inspired and transformed in the wake of the 2019 National Achievements Awards.

Indeed, for an individual or institution to be recognized, appreciated and awarded for doing something very exceptional within the year could be a source from which inspiration is drawn to do more. It could also serve as a springboard to emulate the exemplary footsteps others have taken to meaningfully make meaningful impacts on the lives of others.

For now the All Walks of Life (AWOL) organization is working assiduously behind the scenes to stage its annual event ceremony geared towards recognizing and appreciating the good works of individuals and institutions during 2019. Awards to be dished out are slated for different categories.  As of now the organization is in top gear to host its annual Awards Ceremony which many are eagerly looking forward to with expectations that their nominees will bag one of its prestigious awards , adding another feather to their caps for being honorably recognized for outstanding contributions to humanity and nation building.  This is a day many are waiting for to be part of the crème de la crème of society in a relaxed social atmosphere that will be full of glitz, good music, food, exuding an ambience of life worth living.

Indeed, as usual, in the immediate wake of the event indisputably tongues will be left wagging as to whether indeed a particular personality or institution truly deserves to be awarded. But that is natural as we sometimes disagree to agree. But one thing that is really obvious is that AWOL prides itself on selflessness and integrity which is why its award programmes have always been characterized by fairness. It is not AWOL that determines who should be a recipient of an award as a voting process is currently ongoing for people to vote their consciences for nominated personalities and institutions whom they truly believe should be recognized for their immense contributions to humanity and nation-building. You are at liberty to vote now by using 2713 short code to SMS via Africell for an individual or institution whom one believes must clinch the covetous 2019 award.

In just about three weeks from now, to be specific on the 29th December 2019, all roads will be leading  to the Bintumani International Conference Centre where at 7pm the highly regarded All Walks of Life (AWOL) will commence its programme of dishing out its annual prestigious 2019 awards to deserving personalities and institutions in various categories.

Already,  the Technical and Organizing Committees of the All Walks of Life (AWOL) as both are working doggedly behind the scenes to put all the necessary arrangements together to stage a non-forgettable awards ceremony which will be laced with intriguing moments of fun, laughter, good music, food and drinks. It goes without saying that the after –awards nite feeling will for a long time definitely linger on the minds of many that will take them into a brand new 2020. From all indications and judging from the nominations that have been done for the different categories it seems that this Awards Ceremony is going to be the Mother of all AWOL Awards Ceremonies but as some have already maintained that is yet to be determined. However, what for now is really certain is that AWOL has etched a name in history for doing BIG THINGS and this time round there will to be an exception nor is it going to be the last as we have been hinted.

In order to reiterate the message loud and clear the widely acclaimed National Achievements Awards (NAAs) will be dished out to deserving individuals and institutions on the 29th December 2019 at the Bintumani International Conference Centre starting at 7pm with the theme “Education is the Key to National Cohesion and Development” under the distinguished patronage of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio.

As it had been over the years it is planned to be an unforgettable ceremony that will be laced with pomp and pageantry bringing together under one roof the crème de la crème of society to socialize. It is going to be a nite of fun, jokes and laughter; a moment that will be lively when the spotlight will shine on individuals and institutions that have been recognized for their exemplary contributions to nation building and as such bestowed prestigious awards for their efforts.

Already, on the 22nd November 2019, the launch of the National Achievement Awards was done at the Radisson Blu Hotel and it was graced by individuals from various walks of life including the Chief Minister who on that day described AWOL as an organization which has as its aim and objective to celebrate ‘change-makers’ whom he referred to as those people who are doing their utmost in their little corners to put Sierra Leone first and set bright examples for others to emulate.

During the occasion the President of AWOL, Ambassador Anthony Navo Jr informed the audience that AWOL was formed 20 years ago to serve the country in a distinct fashion. He added that coming from an 11 year war, as young people, they decided to form a group with a distinct mission to recognize distinguished Sierra Leoneans, as well as to complement and serve as an auxiliary to government and this they have been doing successfully since the founding of AWOL.

Indisputably, AWOL’s National Achievement Awards have now become an important feature in the calendar of annual events in Sierra Leone. Come as it does towards the close of the year, most Sierra Leoneans see it as part of their Christmas and End of Year entertainment recipe. During the course of the year, AWOL keenly watched Sierra Leoneans in their various works of life as well as institutions with the avowed objective of recognizing them for their good works.

As a family, AWOL considers that approach as a trend as “it adds worth and meaning to our efforts, and brings fulfilment to our dreams; for over and above recognizing and awarding merit, effort, achievement, ability, devotion, commitment and scholarship, to deserving Sierra Leoneans.’

AWOL is also working in underprivileged communities through its various social, educational and humanitarian interventions.

Contrary to what some may want to believe, it should however be noted that AWOL is a non-political and non-profitable organization, which focuses on national development. AWOL’s philosophy is to be selfless, to serve, to give back to society and expect nothing in return as reward or profit.

AWOL is hinged on determination to complement government’s effort in nation building; regardless of which democratic government is in power.

It is on record that AWOL has stayed together as a group, worked together as a family, and pursued its goals and aspirations as patriotic Sierra Leoneans who care and love their country. As may be the case in other organizations, AWOL may have its own internal problems, for no group or organization exists without conflict; but AWOL has been able to resolve its differences amicably without any threat to the developmental aspirations of the organization as a whole.
One thing that makes AWOL very outstanding and which is part of its constitution is the fact that no individual member is bigger than the organization. AWOL is bigger than each one and their leaders are charged with the responsibility to always bring members together as a family, maintain and promote the traditions that have held AWOL together since the founding and current members became one family 18 years ago.

President of AWOL, Ambassador Anthony Navo Jr., maintains that over these eighteen years AWOL’s contributions to national development have been immense.

He says AWOL supports Sierra Leone’s development and transformative drives to build a new Sierra Leone which is the dream of every Sierra Leonean. AWOL shares in that dream of every Sierra Leonean to see our small but naturally blessed country develop into a paradise on earth:
AWOL further seeks to see a nation with improved social amenities for the enjoyment of young people and also to see a nation able to grow its own food and able not only to feed itself but its neighbours as well. The organization also wants to see a nation that is less dependent on donor funds for its survival and become a nation that idolizes her past, present and future leaders and heroes; and also to see functioning, responsible, pro-active and delivering State institutions.

From all indications, it is going to be an unforgettable nite that will linger in the minds of many here and abroad.

Below is the list of nominees that could be voted for by sending a text message on Africell line to 2713:

AWOL NAAs 2019 CATEGORIES & NOMINEES

EDUCATION

1. TERTIARY INSTITUTION OF THE YEAR 2019
– IPAM
– Njala
– UNIMAK

2. SECONDARY SCHOOL OF THE YEAR 2019
– Dele-Peddle International School
– Sierra Leone Grammar School
– Providence International High School

3. PRIMARY SCHOOL OF THE YEAR 2019
– Gateway Preparatory Primary School
– International Primary School
– Modern Elementary School

4. YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR 2018- NPSE
– Menjor, Esther Sia (Leone Preparatory Prim. School)

5. YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR 2018 –BECE
– Hooke Johan Harmonette D. (Providence Int. Snr High, F/Town)
– Taqi Hafeez Othman (Sierra Leone Grammar Sch., F/Town)
– Jalloh Khadijatu (Annie Walsh Memorial Sch., F/Town)

6. YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR 2018 –WASSCE
– Saffia Kai (Hermann Gmeiner Int. Sch., F/Town)
– Turay Abdulai S. (Dele-Peddle Int. High, F/Town)

7. YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR 2019 –NPSE
– Russell Affuah (The International School Ltd., Prim)

8. YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR 2019 –BECE
– Manyeh Kaiwanday Nova (Sierra Leone Grammar Sch., F/Town)
– Koroma Umu B. (Modern High, F/Town)

9. YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR 2019 –WASSCE
– Gbakima Aiah (Sierra Leone Grammar Sch., F/Town)

SPORTS

10. SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR 2019
– Mohamed Buya Turay
– John Keister
– National Swimming Team

GOVERNANCE

11. MINISTRY OF THE YEAR 2019
– Ministry of Health and Sanitation
– Ministry of Tourism and Culture
– Ministry of Information and Communications

12. PARASTATAL OF THE YEAR 2019
– Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC)
– National Revenue Authority (NRA)
– Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL)

13. PARLIAMENTARIAN OF THE YEAR 2019
– Hon. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella
– Hon. Abdul Kargbo
– Hon. Ibrahim ‘Tawa’ Conteh

MEDIA

14. PRINT MEDIA HOUSE OF THE YEAR 2019
– Awoko
– Sierra Eye Magazine
– Standard Times

15. RADIO MEDIA HOUSE OF THE YEAR 2019
– Radio Democracy 98.1 FM
– SLBC Radio
– Kiss 104 FM

16. TELEVISION MEDIA HOUSE OF THE YEAR 2018/2019
– AYV TV
– SLBC TV
– Star TV

17. MEDIA PRACTITIONER OF THE YEAR 2019 (FEMALE)
– Stella Bangura (AYV TV)
– Zainab Joaque (Awoko Newspaper)
– Khadija Bangura (98.1)

18. MEDIA PRACTITIONER OF THE YEAR 2019 (MALE)
– Amadu Lamrana Bah (AYV TV)
– Mohamed Asmieu Bah (SLBC TV)
– Kemo Cham (Politico Newspaper)

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

19. PERFORMING ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2019 (MUSIC)
– Rozay Sokota
– Arkman
-Drizllik

20. PERFORMING ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2019 (MOVIE)
– Desmond Finnie
– Henrietta Mbawah
– Phebean Swill

21. PERFORMING ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2019 (COMEDY)
– Desmond Beinya
– Kindo Armani
– Richie Obama

22. ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2019 (FINE ART)
– King Dus Art
– Alusine Conteh
– Cyril Oronto-Cole

FINANCE & BUSINESS

  1. BANKING INSTITUTION OF THE YEAR 2019
    – Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB)
    – Ecobank SL
    – Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB)

    24. INDIGENOUS BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2019
    – Union Trust Bank (UTB)
    – Gento Group
    – NP-SL

    MEDICINE

    25. MEDICAL PRACTITIONER OF THE YEAR 2019
    – Dr. Jalikatu Mustapha
    – Dr. Francis Lansana
    – Dr. Aiah Lebbie

    HUMANITARIAN

    26. HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR 2019
    – Sick Pikin Project
    – Pikin Bizness
    – Melqosh Mission

    LAW

    27. LEGAL PRACTITIONER OF THE YEAR 2019
    – Musa Mewa Esq
    – Ibrahim Fayia Sawaneh Esq
    – Joan Bull Esq.

    THE FORCES

    28. MILITARY OFFICER OF THE YEAR 2019
    – Brig Gen Victor Samba
    – Lt Col Roland Robin Gbondo
    –

    29. POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR 2019
    – Mr Francis Musa Hazeley (Chief Supt of Police)
    – Mrs Juliette Kumba Kondoh (Supt of Police)
    – Mr Edward Tamba Keimbay (Asst Supt of Police)

    30. FIRE FORCE OFFICER OF THE YEAR 2019
    – Sahr I. Aruna (Sub Officer)
    – Abu Bakarr Fofanah (Sub Officer)
    – Adebayo Williams (Sub officer)

    31. CORRECTIONAL OFFICER OF THE YEAR 2019
    – Mohamed Santigie Turay (Director of Corrections)
    – Rev Mrs. Josephine R.M. Findlay (Chief Supt of Corrections)
    – Mr. Joseph Emmanuel Manley (Chief Supt of Corrections)

    AGRICULTURE

    32. FARMER OF THE YEAR 2019
    – Kabia Farm
    – Jam Jay Enterprise
    – Madam Haja Sundu Marrah

    CIVIL SOCIETY

    33. CSO/CBO OF THE YEAR 2019
    – Campaign for Good Governance
    – CARL- SL
    – CHIRDI- SL

    HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

    34. HOSPITALITY HOUSE OF THE YEAR 2019
    – The Place- Tokeh
    – Radisson Blu
    – Lagoonda

    FASHION

    35. FASHION DESIGNER 2019
    – Madam Wokie
    – Hudsons
    – J & F Fashion

    PETTY TRADING

    36. PETTY TRADER OF THE YEAR 2019
    –  Isatu (Plasas Seller, Aberdeen Market)
    – Abdulai Jalloh (Butcher, Krootown Road)
    – Sarian Karimu (Shenge Market, Bo)

    NATIONAL SERVICE

    37. PUBLIC SERVANT OF THE YEAR 2019
    – Lara Taylor-Pearce (ASSL)
    – Francis Ben Keifala (ACC)
    – Micheala Mackay (CAC)

    COMMUNICATIONS

    38. TELE-COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY OF THE YEAR
    – Orange SL
    – Africell SL
    – SIERRATEL

Vote now for individuals and institutions you are convinced deserve the prestigious AWOL Awards.

 

Support NP-SL Become a Proud AWOL Go-Getter- Send IB3 to short code 2713 via Africell

By Amin Kef Sesay

This medium was reliably informed that the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) is now all set to enter into 2020 with a renewed vigour very much determined than ever before to continue providing its numerous customers with the best of petroleum products and ready to encourage others to come on board assuring them of getting quality for their money’s worth. Indeed, it was not an easy ride for the company in 2019 but the fact of the matter is that with dogged commitment and proactive team work it was able to make invaluable inroads on various fronts.

However, the company is still grappling with challenges that have to do with timely access of foreign exchange earnings which it uses to purchase petroleum and other products that it imports and markets. Besides, the company could be on a sound footing if all loans owed it by both public and private institutions are settled. Like all public enterprises, continual survival largely depends on the expansion of its capital base in order to attain the financial muscle to embark on any expansionist move and making use of latest technological devices or systems.

Having become a household name in this country and even beyond for the company’s positive contributions towards overall nation building and in improving standards of living of the vast majority, NP-SL has long gained widespread recognition. That recognition is well established to such an extent that it was nominated as one of the best indigenous companies for the 2019 AWOL National Achievements Awards slated to take place on the 29th December 2019 at the Bintumani International Conference Centre.

It could be recalled that NP-SL Ltd was the proud recipient of the 2018 AWOL Award which was no mean feat but was well deserved as many convincingly voted for the company.

When our team went out to conduct a vox-pop, what came out glaringly was that it seems as if NP is the much talked about nominee in the category of ‘best indigenous company that many are predicting will emerge victorious. According to what was also learnt people are voting for the company by sending IB3 SMS to short code 2713 via Africell. As the situation now stands there is no more sitting on the fence but to come on live and vote NP-SL.

It is on record that the company is 1st for Customer Care as its shareholders and Management are really mindful of the fact that they are there because of their customers which is why in all what they do the customer’s reaction is what matters. Giving utmost satisfaction in terms of making available high grade petroleum products, ensuring that they are readily available, sold at affordable prices and easily accessible have been some of the ways through which satisfaction are given to its customers.

In order to instil confidence among those it is doing business with, the company installed at its major Filling Stations calibrated pumping machines which are very accurate with regards measurement of the amount of fuel put in for by any customer. This transparent manner in which transactions are conducted has paved the way of wooing new customers on board.

For many, the National Petroleum –Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) has been considered to be a big blessing to this country in terms of its unwavering commitment and pro-active stance in always ensuring that members of the general public have easy and ready access to qualitative petroleum products that the company imports and markets.

It is amongst the most successful privately owned and operated business entities this country can boast of that have withstand varying external shocks, within and without, but admirably is steadfast in its service delivery.

A 100% indigenously owned and operated company, SL has over the years, successfully extended its operations country-wide and even beyond to the West African Sub-region in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia where it is doing extremely well with regards service  delivery, rolling out its Corporate Social Responsibility, availing job opportunities, offering new products among a host of other things that it is churning out.

Very mindful that without their cherished customers there will be no NP-SL, the shareholders and Management have made customer care a number one priority which is why the company is synonymous with 1st For Customer Care. With the conviction that every experience matters, the Management is very receptive to new initiatives, ideas, suggestions and concerns as long as they could help in shaping the policies that the company outlines from time to time that will be translated into tangibles on the ground.

In order to give maximum and optimal satisfaction to customers, NP-SL has always ensured that it operates in tandem with international standards and best practices so that after any service delivery customers get the good feeling that they have derived value for money.

Their attendants are well mannered, always courteous and ready to assist both old and new customers whenever they are in doubt of what to do. Most have tire repairing sections, shopping marts and relaxation points where they can spend time doing what they think is right to do. All these facilities are made available to make customers feel at home and be comfortable.

“I always carry my NP Smart Card with me just in case my car’s fuel gauge will show red and I may not exactly have the required amount of money to refill or even if I have it such could be for another purpose. With my card I can just breeze into any NP Filling Station and by using my card the attendant will pump the quantity of petrol I need,” Vidal Smith, an engineer intimated adding how the card’s security features are unique and could not be easily falsified.

“When I first heard of ‘Your fuel on Smart Card’ I thought it was a joke but only realized its efficacy when I started making use of it,” he furthered saying he is really finding it very convenient in doing so and as such prevent him from withdrawing big cash from his bank account for purchasing fuel adding how it as well help in also saving him time.

NP Gas is now the talk of the day as numerous individuals are everyday coming to the realization that it is very suitable for cooking purposes without posing any serious health risks. Manufactured in different cylinder sizes NP Gas is marketed at all the company’s filling stations and by authorized dealers going at affordable prices. Advantageously, NP Gas can be refilled with gas that the company imports and markets making them simple for customers to continue their use.

With regards rolling out its Corporate Social Responsibility, NP-SL Ltd is rated high as it has been contributing effectively in improving lives and communities. The company has been making meaningful interventions, meaningfully supporting entities , like it did lately to the National Fire Force by facilitating the construction of a water facility at the Force’s Kissy Branch, in order to capacitate it with water supply to respond to any fire emergency in that part of the country and in other areas within Greater Freetown.

These interventions, worth millions of Leones, are ways by which the company is magnanimously giving back to society. Lives have indeed changed for the better as a result of NP’s interventions.

Utilizing local skills and talents has been topmost in the agenda of discussions relating to national development. The argument for embracing the Local Content Policy borders around enhancing entrepreneurship, comparatively making use of less financial resources to pay for accomplished tasks and creating job opportunities thereby reducing poverty.

NP-SL has made it an established policy to give priority, in terms of employment, to Sierra Leoneans as long as they are in positions or competent to perform. The same is replicated everywhere the company is operating. Such an acclaimed stance is contributing greatly towards poverty reduction and improving lives.

NP-SL, many have confessed, is indeed a big blessing to Mama Salone and it is indeed really poised to continue to do more and more to foster socio-economic development.

It is now only a matter of time to see whether this year round NP-SL will emerge victorious as a proud Award recipient from AWOL. All you need to do now is to send IB3 SMS to short code 2713 via Africell.

 

 

 

To discuss the way forward on repeal of criminal libel law… Parliament hosts SLAJ Today

By Amin Kef Sesay

It has been a long and tortuous journey over the years since media practitioners have been clamouring for Part V of the 1965 Public Order Act which criminalizes libel to be repealed. Past Executive bodies of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) have taken bold steps in that direction but either serious efforts were not put to make it happen or the then Governments in power were not really ready for such to transpire.

With the ascendancy to the presidency, His Excellency the President Julius Maada Bio and his Government have so far demonstrated genuine commitment to ensure that the repeal process goes on unfettered until ultimately the obnoxious aspect, Part V, is finally expunged.

Fruitful engagements have taken place between the Government ,on the one hand and media practitioners on the other hand all geared towards coming up with good initiatives that would fit in after slashing off of the so-called obnoxious aspect which has been deemed inimical to Press Freedom.

It must be noted that the Public Order Act of 1965 in Sierra Leone is an Act to consolidate and amend the laws relating to public order. Part V of the act deals with laws relating to Defamatory and Seditions Libel. This particular law in Sierra Leone criminalises the offence of defamation, and has thus prompted various media activists to criticize its existence.

Under this law journalists have suffered incarceration for alleged libellous violations said to infringe on the fundamental liberty of innocent people. As time went by, the hue and cry by the Fourth Estate became louder and deafening.

Optimism became hyper high when during the Presidential cocktail while President Bio was romancing with the media he again registered his Government’s determination to ensure that the process is completed.

Many journalists breathe a sigh of relief when it was understood that the repeal process has reached Cabinet level where it was discussed lengthily and as per protocol sent to Parliament to be debated and after probable amendments could have been made, send it to the President for his assent before it becomes law. According to the Minister of Information and Communications, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, Parliament has graciously offered an avenue for him in collaboration with the media to make a presentation to the Committee of the whole House in a bid to convince them to fast-track the repeal process.

Somehow, journalists were a bit disappointed when Parliamentarians failed to deliberate the said repeal as scheduled on the 17th December 2019 but postponed the deliberation to the 18th December 2019. The anxiety among journalists is understandable in the light of the fact that for too long they have been yearning for the day when their dream will become true.

Many say, in modern democratic societies, remedies for defamation are civil and not criminal. Hence, making defamation a criminal offence becomes a violation of Section 25 (1) of Act No 6 of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone, which reference specifically the fundamental human right to freedom of Expression.

In other words, instead of criminalising libel, after the repeal, civil adjudication of libel-related matters will take precedence and the truth will once more become a defence. Put in other words, there will be no vacuum in the absence of Part V and journalists will not just go about freely to say libellous things against innocent persons as there will be a law in place to safeguard liberties.

Media practitioners are expecting that since President Bio and Cabinet are in favour of the repeal, as law makers, Parliamentarians will fine tune it and give it the maximum support it deserves before it reaches the President’s desk.

For now it is repeal all the way as we say goodbye to 2019 and ready to say welcome to 2020.

RAIC Honours Stats SL for Proactive Disclosure

By Foday Moriba Conteh

One of the most important State institutions that is contributing positively towards churning out reliable data to be used for various purposes, Statistics Sierra Leone has bagged the top proactive disclosure of information compliance award (Gold) for being the only MDA to proactively disclose all information as stipulated in the Right to Access Information Act of 2013 and also to have fulfilled all 22 disclosure benchmarks well in time.

The award which was held at the Atlantic Lumley hotel on Tuesday 10th December 2019, and organized by the Right to Access Information Commission(RAIC), attracted representatives from the media, civil society, m
Ministries , Departments and Agencies and other national and international partners.

Speaking at the symposium and awards ceremony on the commemoration of the 71st  Anniversary of Human Rights Day, the Right to Access Information Commissioner, Dr  Ibrahim Seaga-Shaw said that the award ceremony was meant to recognize institutions who had gone  a long way in meeting key requirements in the proactive disclosure  of information indicators for which awards were given in the gold, silver and bronze categories whilst some certificates were presented to institutions who had being working hard to comply. He cited the public disclosure award as the highest award amongst the lot of awards to be handed out.

He furthered that, of all the institutions, only Stats SL was able to fulfill all the 22 classes of information in the proactive publication scheme. In that vein, the proactive disclosure compliance award (GOLD) therefore went to Stats SL for being the public authority that did not only meet the first deadline of 1st march 2019 but also fulfilled all minimum classes of information that should be proactively disclosed as stipulated under the RAI act of 2013, with Environment Protection Agency picking up the silver award and the bronze award going to the National Youth Commission

The Statistician-General, Prof Osman Sankoh in his remarks, thanked his indefatigable Stats SL Team and especially senior data scientist, Clementina Akran and other officers in the Data Science division, who he said had toiled to ensure that they proactively disclose all information that was requested

He therefore pledged Stats SL’s unflinching commitment to continuing towards the same vein just as it had been doing in providing Credible Data for National Development under his leadership

Other awardees at the event included the Sierra Leone Police who won an award for Access to Information, Ministry of Information and Communication and the Government Printing Department amongst others.

Climate Change Challenges Championed by MPs & UNECA

By Abu Bakarr Kargbo

Parliamentarians have taken the lead in addressing Climate Change challenges in their country. This decision was made at a training workshop held on 12th and 13th December 2019 at Parliamentary Committee Room Number One where important topics surrounding climate information services where discussed.

The workshop is developed to build the capacities of Sierra Leone Policy Makers on key decision making a portfolio in the legislature, and all sectors of governance within Regional Economic Communities and other regional bodies. It is designed to strengthen the skills of decision-makers in understanding the importance of Climate Information Services.

The workshop is hosted for Members of Parliament as a partnership between the Parliament of Sierra Leone and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). It is aimed at establishing a long-lasting relationship between UNECA and the Sierra Leone Parliament in order to foster collaboration between the two institutions. The Workshop is designed to build the capacity of Members of Parliament in the use of Climate Information for planning and decision making; and it focused on engaging with MPs on the overview on Climate Services in Africa, with particular reference to the Strategic Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 11 and 13 and the Paris Agreement.

Delivering the welcome addressing, Sierra Leone’s Clerk of Parliament Hon. Umar Paran Trawelly described issuers of capacity building as core in parliament especially in areas like Climate Change. The workshop, he said is timely because climate change is deeply affecting Sierra Leone. As legislators, the Clerk pointed out that they need the required skills and information to get quality legislation on climate change.

UNECA’s Representative, Frank Rutabingwa described climate change issues as very important in the economic development of African countries. “We can address the impact of global warming and keep it at bay. Sectors like energy and water are all affected by climate change,” he said and added that lots of lives have been lost in Africa as a result of climate change and it has cost the conti9nent billions of dollars.

Rutabingwa warned the climate change impact will increase should action not taken to address it.

In his statement, the Acting Leader of Government Business, Hon. Dixon Rogers underscored the importance of climate change inform, action in planning for a nation’s development and added that they will do their best as lawmakers to get the best information to addressing climate change challenges in Sierra Leone. “We cannot go on with development if we do not address climate change issues as a country,” he said and cited an example to the current hot temperature in the harmattan. “We are calling on the organizers to empower Members of Parliament to take the message to our constituents,” he said.

This was supported by the Acting Leader of Opposition, Hon. Ibrahim Ben Kargbo who called for MPs to be capacitated to enable them to take the lead in addressing climate change challenges. Hon. Kargbo narrated the effect of climate in the country relating to the August 14, 2017 mudslide disaster, noting further that climate change strongly affected the poor and added it needed to be addressed for the development of the African continent.

The former Member of Parliament, Hon. Rosaline Jariatu Smith who championed the workshop called for the need to improve understanding and get timely information, climate predictions and use climate information to serve societies better particularly in the face of climate change

“Understanding climate information will have an effect on long term planning in the sense that effective climate service will facilitate climate-smart decision that will reduce the impact of climate-related disaster, improve food security, health outcome and enhance water resource management,” she said and added that an understanding of climate information is essential in making informed and appropriate plans to deal with climate-related impacts through adaptation, risk reduction, and development actions, particularly as the future looks increasing uncertain.

The overall objective, she said was for them as members of parliament who attended the training in Ethiopia to train colleague Members of Parliament in various Parliament on Climate information and Climate information Services. “I wish on behalf of the Hon. Speaker and Members of the Sierra Leone Parliament to thank the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa for their support to Members of Parliament for this training session and I look forward to varying fruitful deliberations here the next two days,” the former MP remarked.

The workshop succeeded in putting into context the physical structure of Climate Information and Services and provided a comprehensive analysis of what needs to be done within the African continent, by mainstreaming Climate Information into legislations, plans and policies.

Deputy Youth Minister Admonishes Young People To Embrace Volunteerism

Deputy Minister Kallon certifying graduate corps at the YWCA hall in Freetown

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a new development ,the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs, Hon. Lusine Kallon, has called on young Sierra Leoneans to imbibe the spirit of volunteerism as a way of contributing to nation building.  He was speaking at the YWCA old hall whilst certifying two hundred graduate corps during the launching of the National Youth Service (NYS) maiden magazine and website.

Two hundred young graduate corps who had served their communities for one successful year have also been certified to climax the end of their service.

See full speech below

Today we are convened here to certify 200 brave and patriotic youth corps who have fulfilled their national service to our beloved country. Like others who went through similar training before, these brave young men and women have prepared themselves for various tasks ahead. As a deputy minister representing my ministry and the youths of our country, we are proud of you and therefore say congratulations to all of you for this first step in your career path.

We are gathered here today to accomplish two things; firstly to award certificates to the 200 Youth Corps, and secondly to officially launch the Youth Service Magazine. Never had such an occasion taken place in the history of this country. Together we are making history. This gathering calls for praises and celebrations as our exceptional leaders will be receiving their certificates. In restoring their vows and commitment to our humble cause as Sierra Leoneans, I ask my patriotic youths to repeat this pledge after me.

“I pledge not to ask anymore what Sierra Leone has done for me, but rather to ask what I can do for my motherland, Sierra Leone.”

Thank you all for repeating that pledge after me.

The youth are our natural resources. The energy, skills and time that can be harnessed to support national socioeconomic and political development through volunteerism opportunities can lead to great things. As our President relies on human capital development in building our country for a prosperous future, these fine gentlemen and women have proven beyond reasonable doubts that they are reliable partners in that drive. Be rest assured this government will do everything to get the best from the youths who have chosen to be partners in development.

In such opportunities, the youths find a rare chance to make a difference in the lives of their fellow citizens. The National Youth Service strongly advocates and encourages all stakeholders to undertake strategic actions to embed the culture of volunteerism among the youths. It is only by doing so that youths shall become self-dependent thereby contributing to national development.

Our government shall:

-Involve the youth in activities that promote volunteerism and community service while developing their sense of patriotism and nationalism and promotion of national values.

-Cultivate national values among the youths and build their capacities to enable them to participate in leadership and community service.

-We must ensure that we utilize their potential and contribute towards achieving sustainable economic development in the country because we are a hub for all developmental projects.

Under the New Direction, Youth issues are no longer a talk shop but collaboration and cooperation. Since taking office, the achievements of this government in changing the narratives for a better future speak for themselves. A lot has been achieved and there is still more work to be done.

This act here today indicates the government of H.E. President Julius Maada Bio is focused on achieving greatness by fulfilling pledges in the “People’s Manifesto”. It is a clear proof of his commitment towards Youth Empowerment and Human Capital Development.

Due to the breakdown of the social fabric as a result of the outbreak of the civil war, a large percentage of families were left displaced and destitute. Street families have continued to increase in our cities and towns. From street boys and girls, we now have street youths and families. These are the people who live and work in the streets, many of them due to homelessness. The street youth are especially vulnerable as they lack protection, supervision or direction from responsible adults.

That is why HE has mandated us to review the NYS ACT to capture and re-integrate the rehabilitation of street youths within the various communities. By so doing, the family unit will be strengthened and fortified which will reduce the rate of lawlessness in the society. From this country’s inception, the dreams of our founding fathers were that it is only through National Cohesion, Nationalism, and Patriotism Sierra Leone we would have united and sustainable development. Part of that dream is a reality here today.

For all the achievements so far (including this one today) and plans for the immediate future, we say thanks to HE President Julius Maada Bio for making the dream of our Founding Fathers possible.

I am the change that I would like to see in my community and country. The youths have the potential to make the difference and uplift others to enjoy the fruits of our skills and education.

I thank you all

Long Live Sierra Leone

Long Live The Youth Of Sierra Leone

 

Diaspora Focus Awards Head of IOM

By Alfred Fornah

Alhaji Sanusi Tejan Savage the Head of Office of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Sierra Leone,  has received an award from Diaspora Focus in respect of his pragmatic support to human capital development.

According to the International Director/ CEO of Diaspora Focus, Dr. Emmanuel J.M. Stafford, Mr. Savage was recognized for his outstanding contribution towards youth empowerment and capacity building; citing his leadership role at the IOM Office in developing and implementing projects including capacity building programs and employment opportunities for youth, strengthening Sierra Leone health care sector through diaspora engagement, successful reintegration programs for returned migrants among others

He noted that with Mr Savage at the helm of affairs, IOM has done a lot of good work with regards migration and diaspora related issues in the country.

While receiving the award, Mr Savage thanked Diaspora Focus for finding him worthy of this award and assured them of his continued contribution towards the development of Sierra Leone.

“I am pleased to receive the award, and I will like to dedicate this award to the staff of IOM Sierra Leone for their hard work and commitment towards migration issues in the country”, he added.

Meanwhile, Diaspora Focus is an organization formed in the United Kingdom to advance the cause and welfare of Africans living abroad and returning home to better integrate and contribute meaningfully to their communities and societies. The organization is also registered in Sierra Leone geared towards holistic development.

ECOWAS Court Ruling gives Hope to Pregnant Girls

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Amnesty International West and Central Africa Acting Deputy Director Campaigns Marta Colomer, said while responding to news that the regional Economic Community of West African States’ (ECOWAS) Community Court of Justice has rejected a ban imposed by Sierra Leone’s government preventing pregnant girls from sitting exams and attending mainstream school,  said:

“Today’s ruling is a landmark moment for the thousands of girls who have been excluded from school, and whose right to access education without discrimination has been violated for the past four years because of this inherently discriminatory ban.

“It is also a glimmer of hope for all those girls who if pregnant in the future will not be punished by being forced to leave school and not being able to sit exams.

“This also delivers a clear message to other African governments who have similar bans, such as Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea, or may be contemplating them, that they should follow this ground-breaking ruling and take steps to allow pregnant girls access to education in line with their own human rights obligations.

“Authorities in Sierra Leone must now implement this judgment without delay.”

Background                                                                                                

The regional Economic Community of West African States’ (ECOWAS) Court of Justice sitting in Abuja (Nigeria) has rejected the 2015 government of Sierra Leone’s ban on pregnant girls from sitting exams and attending mainstream school.

The Court found that the policy barring pregnant school girls from attending mainstream schools amounted to discrimination against pregnant school girls in Sierra Leone, and breached provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ rights and other international law instruments to which Sierra Leone is a party. It ordered the policy to be revoked with immediate effect.

On 17 May 2017, a Sierra Leonean NGO (WAVES) in partnership with Equality Now and IHRDA, filed a case before the ECOWAS Court to challenge the ban. In June 2019, Amnesty International intervened as an amicus curiae (“friend of the court”).

The organisation has documented how the ban, imposed in 2015 by the then Minister of Education following the Ebola crisis, put the rights of thousands of girls under threat. It is not clear how many girls are affected by the ban. Official figures suggest three thousand, but experts mapping the situation indicate that the true figure is far higher.

Sierra Leone, Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea should follow the lead of a growing number of African governments which have adopted laws and policies that protect adolescent girls’ right to stay in school during pregnancy, demonstrating that an alternative approach is possible.

Global & National Human Dev. Reports 2019 Launched by MoPED

By Fatmata Jengbe

Dr. Francis Kai-Kai, the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, on the 13 December 2019 presided over the national launch of both the Global and National Development Reports 2019 at the Conference room of the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) at NAO Building, Tower Hill in Freetown.

The launch, which was jointly organised by the Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) marks the 4th National Development Report (NHDR) titled: ”Building Resilience for Sustainable Development”, following the launch of the Global Human Development Report (GHDR) 2019 titled: ”Beyond incomes, beyond averages, beyond today: Inequalities in Human Development in the 21st century” on 9th December 2019 in Bogotá, Columbia.

Welcoming the audience, the Acting Development Secretary, Umaru Andrew Conteh, MoPED thanked the UNDP for facilitating the launch, including other partners and stakeholders for their participation; noting that it demonstrates their commitment to improving the Human Capital Development of Sierra Leone.

Speaking to the audience, the UN Resident Coordinator, Sunil Saigal congratulated the Government of Sierra Leone and the UNDP on the launch of the Reports. He said the focus of the plan, which is to build human capital across the world was an important Indictor.

Mr. Saigal said it was important to note Sierra Leone’s improvement on the ranking of the Human Development Index 2019 from 184 to 181 out of 189 countries that were assessed. He encouraged authorities to do a close    analysis on the reasons of the ranking and identify and build on what has worked.

In his statement, Samuel Doe, the UNDP Resident Representative said this year’s global report was the first of a new generation of human development reports that aims to drive local, national and global conversation on the future of sustainable development, advancing progress on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s).

He said the National Report is Sierra Leone’s attempt to better understand how factors such as inequality, climate change among others can undermine a society’s resilience and what measures should the country take to reverse the trends.

“Even in the face of several human tragedies and financial resource constraints, the country has demonstrated resilience that defines a pathway to build on the country’s strengths and minimise vulnerabilities” Mr. Doe ended

In two separate presentations, first, the UNDP’s National Economist, Milton Korseh-Hindowa gave an overview of the findings and recommendations of the Global Human Development Report 2019. Whilst, the Director of Planning, Policy and Research, Dr. Sheka Bangura, MoPED elaborated on the National Human Development Report  2019, where he noted that the NHDR was informed by experiences of the Ebola crisis and the crash in the Iron Ore prices in 2014/15.

In his keynote address, the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Francis Kai-Kai thanked the United Nations for consistently demonstrating determination to support least developed countries to transform into prosperous and advanced nations. He said both the Global and National HDR Reports 2019 are topical for Sierra Leone, and for the Government of Rtd. Brigadier Dr. Julius Maada Bio, in particular; noting that they are all crucial to the Government’s determination to transform Sierra Leone from a state  of fragility into a resilient nation, promoting sustainable development.

“We are committed to change the landscape and narrative of our poverty and human development estimates within the framework of our current Medium Term National Development Plan (2019-2023). The Government has accelerated critical steps towards achieving resilience and sustainable development. These include a renewed focus on decentralised development that prioritises rural areas and the effective coordination of delivering services to the people”, the Minister said

Simultaneously launching the Global and Sierra Leone’s 4th National Human Development Reports 2019, the Minister registered his confidence that going forward, Sierra Leone will do better in developing credible statistical systems and also the implementation  of the MTNDP (2019-2023).

Other dignitaries in attendance included the Deputy Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Robert Chakanda, the Statistician-General, Prof. Osman Sankoh, the Deputy UN Resident Coordinator, Rokya Yedieng among many others.

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