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SLBL Commissions the final set of Submersible Solar- Powered Water Wells

By Amin Kef Sesay

As part of living up to expectations, in terms of impressively and timely rolling out its Corporate Social Responsibility, the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL) has on Monday 2nd December, 2019 commissioned the Second Phase of the final set of Submersible Solar- Powered water wells within the Koya Community in the East End of Freetown.  During the commissioning event stakeholders and residents of Koya community and its environs expressed profound delight and praised the business entity for what they referred to as its timely intervention.

The programme was graced by the Constituency youth, development organizations, elders, chiefs, councilors, past and present Members of Parliament, religious leaders and a host of other residents in the communities.

In his address, Brewery’s Corporate Affairs Manager, Albert Ojo Collier expressed satisfaction for the candid and frank attributes they outlined about the institution, adding that it is indeed a great honour to witness the commissioning of the final set of sub-mersible solar powered wells on behalf of the Heineken Africa Foundation, through the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited.

He said that they were commissioning two more solar powered water wells to alleviate the sufferings of residents to access pure water supply, noting that the investment that HEINEKEN Africa Foundation provided for the implementation of the project amounts to EUR 69,458 which is well over Le 600 Million in equivalent.  He said they are proud to inform the gathering that they have put in place proper procedures for the utilization of funds in a transparent and responsible way assuring that funds are always used judiciously for their intended purposes.

He said the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited continues to play an important role in the social and economic growth of Sierra Leone through their Corporate Social Responsibility agenda. The Corporate Affairs Manager underscored that with the assistance of  HEINEKEN Africa Foundation they recently approved a new project for the support of an improved ultra-sound maternity project for Well Woman Clinic at Murray Town in 2018/2019, adding that they have also commissioned a Mini Dam at Mountain Peacock Farm which is now benefiting over 12,000 residents also pointing out how they gave support to a Water and Sanitation Project for a school in Constituency 115 through the Honourable Member of Parliament, Alpha Bah, supported the Lion Heart Foundation Hospital and Masanga Hospital both in Northern Sierra Leone. He also mentioned that the construction of the Wellington Community Hospital has been completed and is now set for commissioning. Collier intimated that the implementation of the Calaba Town Maternity Hospital in conjunction with the Freetown City Council is also in speedy progress and due to be completed this year.

He disclosed that since 2014, SLBL, together with the Heineken Africa Foundation invested an estimated Le 6 billion on corporate social responsibility projects emphasizing how they will continue to do more for worthy community projects to impact positively on the people of Sierra Leone.

“At Sierra Leone Brewery Limited we are committed to the people of Sierra Leone and as such we want to ensure that every project intended for local communities that is funded by us or by any of our business partners such as Heineken African Foundation is implemented and completed according to our agreed project plan, in a clear, credible and transparent manner. We selected Councillor Mohamed Tholley to champion this particular project and we are proud that he has completed the final phase,” he expressed delight greeted by thunderous applause from the audience.

However, he called for the support of Sierra Leoneans especially the host community, Wellington, to help promote their brands and purchase local content in MaItina, Trenk Dark-Malt energy drink, Star Lager Beer, Star Citron, Mutzig, and Guinness among others saying such is the only way they can continue to support certain projects.

Councillor for Ward 405, Constituency 115, Mohamed Tholley, communicated warmest appreciation to SLBL for their unflinching support over the years, adding that the commissioning of the Second Phase of Sub-mersible Solar- Powered water wells at Koya Community will promote sanitation and mitigate the water problem residents in the Constituency have been grappling with.

He called on all to embrace development and put politics aside as the time for politics is now over, noting that the Sub-mersible Solar- Powered water wells will not only benefit a particular political party but everybody within the Constituency. In that regard he called on all constituents to embrace the facility and take it as their own.

He maintained that these Sub-mersible Solar- powered water wells are going to be controlled by community residents revealing that after the commissioning a Committee of seven people will be appointed to comprise the chief, religious leaders, youth, etc in order to monitor the way the facility is used. He called on other institutions to emulate SLBL in supporting deprived communities.

The cutting of the tape during the commissioning of the Sub-mersible Solar- Powered water wells at the Koya Community, climaxed the event.

Brewery’s Corporate Affairs Manager, Albert Ojo Collier

Vote now for your AWOL choice using 2713 to SMS via Africell

By Amin Kef Sesay

As the clock continues to tick so also are the Technical and Organizing Committees of the All Walks of Life (AWOL) as both are working assiduously and committedly to put all the necessary modalities in place 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 as 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

23. 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 deem deserve the prestigious AWOL Awards.

NP-SL Rated High for Exclusive Customer Care Satisfaction

By Amin Kef Sesay

The National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) has been rated as one of the most admired indigenous companies that have been in the petroleum trade for years now challenging the various odds that surface on the way to eventually become one of the successful business entities to contend with in the country. NP-SL Ltd continues to attract attention simply because it is seen to be progressively growing in terms of its improved outlook, dependability, expansion of its activities country-wide as well as beyond.

NP-SL Ltd is now a household name as there are few Sierra Leoneans who have come into contact in one way or the other across the name brand National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited. However, as the name implies, it  should not be construed to be a Government , in other words a State run enterprise but rather a company that is 100% indigenously owned, formed years back by certain selfless individuals who used their end of service benefits to establish a business enterprise to procure and market petroleum products which to date it is doing professionally. With a very strong determination to succeed in their ambition, the original shareholders put all amount of seriousness to explore available possibilities and opportunities to forge ahead as a buoyant company.

Fully aware of the fact that to make a positive headway there is need for a good Management team to be at the helm of affairs in order to put everything under proper control the shareholders of the company got on board competent individuals who could deliver. Together they deemed it fit to give utmost consideration to maximize customer satisfaction from the onset. For them the company’s customers must be given the requisite satisfaction they deserve as they do exist because the company is existing.

It is against such a backdrop that the views, concerns and expectations of the company’s numerous customers are always taken into account whenever decisions are to be made. This has resulted into situations where the company gets the requisite information about what customers’ desires, their opinions of the quality of some petroleum products, the attitudes of employees etc. These inputs, from customers, help greatly in the direction of the company’s strategic planning and mapping out procurement plans.

Still within the purview of making customers feel at home, NP-SL Ltd introduced NP Gas which is a cooking device that is very fast and environmental friendly and is manufactured in different cylinders all going at affordable prices. Many have praised NP Gas saying they are glad that they are using it as it is very easy to use and refill. One can get them during opening hours and tit-bits will be provided as to how to make effective use of it or them.

To make customers avoid the hassle of first having to withdraw large cash from banks  to purchase petroleum products that could last over a period of time the company also introduced the use of NP Smart Card. With this card, purchases can be intermittently made at Filling Stations without the physical exchange of cash. This pre-paid form of transacting business with the company is helping to replace the old system of public and private institutions using chits to procure fuel after which payments are later on made.

However, a company can have a loaded NP Smart Card and with the available amount embedded can use the Card to purchase the required amount of fuel instead of taking and paying later. The all-important reason why this arrangement is convenient is because there are certain Ministries, Departments and Agencies that do access quarterly budgetary allocations and so with the NP Smart Card in place they can stock their cards financially and procure accordingly.

When mention is made of companies that do strictly adhere to the implementation of the Local Content Policy NP-SL is undoubtedly among the topmost in the sense that the company’s shareholders deliberately made it a policy that as long as there are Sierra Leoneans who can do certain jobs then they must be given priority.

With all the good things that the company has to offer there is no wonder why NP-SL Ltd has become so endearing as the company continue to be a major contributor to socio-economic development

 

 

For allegedly murdering Alusine… Samson Coker Wanted Dead or Alive

Samson Coker (Wanted)

By Fatmata Jengbe

It was indeed a sombre night in the West African capital city of Freetown, Sierra Leone when residents of the New England Community were rudely taken aback by loud human voices chanting incomprehensible slogans only to decipher the words “we want Samson dead or alive”. As a journalist with a very curious mind there was the immediate longing to really know what is actually going on and so I took the bold step and ventured out towards a small crowd from which the slogans were coming from.

What I set eyes on sent cold shivers down my spine. Half of the group of irate youths were holding on to machetes, knives, broken bottles, some smoking marijuana all seem to be intoxicated and wild.

Managing to draw one of them aside and after applying some imbibed journalistic skills, I got her talking. She narrated that Samson Coker was the erstwhile Area Secretary General of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and he was a very active member who also doubled as the Chairperson of Arie Wutehteh, a mask devil said to be the SLPP mask devil, that is sometimes out with its members on public holidays or when the political party has a big social gathering.

“We used to hold him in high esteem not until he proved otherwise. Whilst we were celebrating the country’s 55th Independence Anniversary at our party’s headquarter on Wallace Johnson Street in downtown Freetown an altercation ensued. There was a ban that no mask devil should come out but Samson and some other members bulldozed and got Arie Wuteh out in the open. A fracas then took place and during that point, Alusine Turay, who is one of our strong member, brother and friend, was stabbed to death. We all believe that it is Samson Coker who killed him,” she explained with tears rolling down her cheeks while smoking a wrapped parcel of marijuana.

“Since them it has been the general belief among the New England youth that it was Samson Coker who killed him which is why we are bent on revenge and we will not rest until we get justice,” she stated with a sinister look, brandishing one of the machetes .

After searching for Samson for quite some time without laying hands on him they then embarked on attacking some nearby houses, indiscriminately looting and it was later reported that an 18 year old girl was raped.

Such has been the level of violence among young people in the country to such an extent that they are sometimes overzealous to take the law into their own hands and by the time the Sierra Leone Police descend on such crime scenes much havoc would have been caused to life and property.

What is clear in this case is that the life of Samson Coker is presently hanging on a balance. Though it is the SLPP that is in State Governance at the moment it was expected that Samson will be protected but that has not been the case. From what this medium gathered, his immediate family members have been receiving death threats as an ultimatum for the whereabouts of Samson who, after confirmations, is said to be on the run.

Some have interpreted the untoward behaviours of certain young people in a country, where youth unemployment is high, giving rise to a lot of societal ills, as politically charged. These vulnerable youths are most times used as political pawns by elderly politicians during electioneering periods to intimidate and perpetrate violence against perceived opponents using all sort of uncouth mannerisms. Outbursts of political violence occur during the pre-election, election and post-election periods sometimes leading to dire consequences.

It is yet to be medically proven whether it was Samson Coker who killed Alusine. However, it is certain that whenever Samson would surface and get nearer to the irate youths at New England he will definitely heave his last breath.

Published on the 4th December 2019

Four Day MRU Conference Ends with Prospects  

Dep. Sec Gen Ruby Ronjon and MRU Mme Medina Wesseh

By Theresa Vamboi

The Mano River Union (MRU) together with United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) has ended their four day conference on peace and security that they said was remarkable and productive.

In her closing remarks the Secretary General of MRU Madam Medina Wesseh said the four day conference they worked so hard to plan has come to an end and she is very pleased of the outcome, she is very happy that all they wanted to achieve they had and hope that come next year they will start the implementation phase as they want to make sure that the four countries in the MRU are secured and stable so that the continued development process will be achieved.

She said MRU States since 2008 have made concrete effort towards consolidating peace, security and democracy, after more than 20 years of armed and socio-political crises.

Madam Wesseh said the post-electoral contexts of 2017 and 2018 in Liberia and Sierra Leone and pre-electoral contexts in Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea, marked by political tensions and several reported outbreaks of skirmishes.

“The nature of conflicts, which are now more infra-state than inter-state; and the growing awareness and appreciation of the relationship between peace and development, shows a direct correlation to improvement of the health, Education, women’s and youth empowerment sectors, as well as agriculture and infrastructural development.”

She averred that the persistence of certain crises, increase in crime, challenges in political and economic governance, the new forms of threats to peace and security characterize by youth engaged in cliques and gang. terrorism. Maritime piracy, migration as well as external threats that exacerbate existing ones, armed and/or socio-political crises in some frontier states bordering on the Member States of the Union are what we have been discussing and how to put an end to all of it.

“It should be recalled that, in accordance with the expressed directives of the Heads of State and Government, the MRU has adopted a legal and regulatory framework, the 15th Revised Protocol to deal with and promote all issues related to peace, security and stability within the Member States.”

Madam Wesseh said these are the reasons they worked so hard to get this conference and the communiqué produced will guide them in implementation of peace and security as well as cross border development programmes.

UNOWAS deputy Sec Gen Madam Ruby Ronjon said that it is worth noting that the countries in the MRU, blessed with abundant natural resources have, over the years been taking concrete steps to promote democratic consolidation, peace and stability in the region.

“We have seen the holding of regular elections, putting in place of institutional frameworks to enhance democratic values, human rights and the rule of law and undertaking efforts to promote governance and development, which are all key attributes for sustainable peace, stability and development.

“This meeting takes place at an ideal time for our respective Institutions as it provides us with a unique opportunity to assess our joint efforts and plan ahead in a strategic manner that would enhance the realization of mutually agreed goals. I am optimistic that what we have achieved in this meeting, we will make useful contributions to enhance the peace and stability of the sub-region as well as the wider West Africa and Sahel regions.”

Four day training on Mosquito-borne diseases opens at Bintumani

Members of the high table during the launch of the training

By Sam Pratt

A four day training organized by Ministry of Health in collaboration with China CDC commenced at the Bintumani Hotel on the 28th November 2019.

In his address to the participants, Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Jonathan Sandi said due to various interventions over the years fewer people are infected and die of malaria. He said however Sierra Leone still needs more to do to lessen the infection and deaths.

“I want to thank the China CDC and other partners that have been working together to eradicate malaria in the country. You have done very well and for you to organize such training for our health workers bringing experts from China to help us is a great stride that we must appreciate and work with you so that we can achieve the required result.”

Dr Sandi said he was told that this is the first such training China CDC is doing in Africa and the trainees must be proud and make good use of it so that they will be able to implement what they have learnt.

The Chinese Economic Counselor of the Chinese Embassy Mr Zhang Xueqian said Mosquito-borne disease is a major threat to global health. In terms of malaria, there were 216 million malaria cases and 445,000 malaria deaths all over the world in 2017.

He noted that recognizing the large global disease burden; the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for 2030 include combating malaria, which is very serious in Africa. “According to the estimates in the World Malaria Report 2018, there were 194 million malaria cases (89.8% of the world) and 407,000 malaria deaths (91.5% of the world) in Africa. In the African continent, Sierra Leone is one of the countries severely affected by malaria with a high prevalence and deaths. Although it has made an ambitious goal, malaria control and elimination is still a big challenge.”

Counselor Zhang said in order to share the latest knowledge and experience on control and prevention of mosquito-borne disease as well as the progress on operational researches, and to explore the potential approaches towards forming an international collaborative network of Mosquito-borne disease control and elimination in Africa, China CDC and The Ministry of Health and Sanitation of Sierra Leone are jointly organized this Training. He said they are delighted to have some Chinese experts with extensive experience in mosquito-borne disease prevention and control to share their ideas and knowledge with local experts in the next few days, and explore potential barriers and approaches towards control and eliminating mosquito-borne disease in Sierra Leone and other African countries.

The chairman of the programme, Dr Amara Jambai said Sierra Leoneans want to know and use the model that China used to eradicate malaria in their country.

He said China has mosquitoes but they do not have malaria. This he said Sierra Leone is working towards to give longer lives to Sierra Leoneans in the future.

“I am very proud of China because of their commitment to make Sierra Leone free of sickness as they are always working with us to change the scenario. They have given us a P3 bio-safety lab, hospital and many medical staff working in the country.”

Dr Jambai said those that are attending the training must understand that when they finish they should be able to take the lead in the drive to eradicate this dangerous sickness.

He thanked the team coming from China to conduct the training and all other partners that are working with them to make sure that Malaria is cornered and be a thing of the past in the coming year.

Other speakers included Dr Smith, Dr Donald Bask Taqi, Dr Xiaopeng Qi who came from China and will be in charge of the training and Dr Thomas Samba.

Dr Qi said she believes that this training will have positive and far-reaching impact on China-Sierra Leone public health cooperation, especially for mosquito-borne disease prevention and control cooperation.

“I hope that all experts will work together to make this training a great success.”

Dilys Kelvina George Set to put Sierra Leone on World Stage

Dilys Kelvina George

By Alusine S. Kargbo (ASK)

Dilys Kelvina George known as Angelina Jolie, alias Ebube Nwagbo, is a Sierra Leonean fine actress. In an exclusive interview with this writer, she said that she wants to put Sierra Leone on the global map through movies saying that she is well prepared and determined to challenge any actress in Africa and beyond.

She has been in the entertainment industry for the past three years now and after she started acting leaving high school, George has been part of seven (7) different movies now and she has been described as Angelina Jolie, Ebube Nwagbo of Nigeria.

Dilly and Joile have the same character style of acting. Dilys always wants to be like Joile of Nigeria and she has been inspired by Angelina Jolie, Ebube.

She has the talent but the only thing missing to propel her to stardom; is support. If she can get the support she will be able to position Sierra Leone on the global map of the movie industry. She called on the public as well as private investors to invest in her in order to showcase her talents at the international level.

She was part of the Big Brother Show that was staged in Sierra Leone. After Big Brother she had been busy with rehearsals to produce a brand new movie called “Silence”.  She has already done one movie that is out for sale called “Together by Law”.

Parliamentary Committee on Finance pledges to empower Stats SL on Accreditation of  Official Statistics

By Samuel Ansumana

The parliamentary committee on finance has unanimously agreed on the need to empower Stats SL so that it will be by law that Stats SL accredits the generation of official statistics by MDAs, NGOs and other institutions either through working with Stats SL or paying a fee for reviewing and accrediting research and surveys that aim to produce official statistics for Sierra Leone.

This was recommended by the committee on Friday 29th November 2019 during the review of the budgetary estimates of 2018 and 2019, sitting at committee room no. 1 in the house of parliament. The Chairman Of the committee, Hon. Dickson Rogers picked up the issue as a critical factor that will ensure that key Policies and Programmes in Sierra Leone are guided by credible data and official statistics especially when the current situation sees the proliferation and most times questionable statistics by several institutions and other MDAs who he says just independently conduct surveys bearing on Sierra Leone and its people without recourse to the official government body charged to produce official statistics.

In that vein, Hon Sahr Charles of the C4C party, said that parliamentary support to grant the requisite powers to Stats SL will certainly come but that the onus lies on Stats SL to draft the document and present to parliament so that it can be passed into law. He therefore urged the management of Stats SL to do all it can to bring the draft to parliament whilst adding that the committee will have it as part of its recommendations to the house

In the same light, after looking at the budgetary allocation that was given to Stats SL in the 2020 budget, which is far less than its 2019 budgetary allocation, the entire committee undividedly agreed that considering the nature of the job that  statistics does in informing key decisions in the country, it is but fitting that the committee recommends that the budgetary allocation for Stats SL be increased .The committee therefore resolved to have an increase in Stats SL budgetary allocation as one of its other key recommendations to the house

When asked to update the committee especially on the terminal benefits of previously employed staff, the Statistician-General Professor Osman Sankoh, informed the committee that when the terminations were made, he himself personally went and  had discussions with the finance ministry as well as that of the Accountant General’s office. He went further to inform the committee that the Ministry of Finance has now paid all terminal benefits due to all former staff of stats SL who were previously employed much to the delight of the entire committee

The session closed with the committee expressing great satisfaction at the fiscal discipline and financial prudence demonstrated by Stats SL in managing its previous budget and for which the committee said that they are guaranteed that funds given to Stats SL will certainly be in safe hands.

At MMCET Public Lecture… OSIWA’s Country Director Expresses Optimism of Sierra Leone’s Renaissance

Cross-section of students at the event

By Sumner Conteh

On Wednesday 27th November 2019 The Milton Margai College of Education and Technology (MMCET) polytechnic continued its Sholade Adams Public Lectures at the Great Hall of the Goderich campus with Mr. Joe Pemagbi, Country Director of the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) as the guest speaker.

He observed that with citizens’ right to access information, the internet and the social media, the level of civic awareness is now high in the country, the reason Sierra Leone will never be the same again and enlightened that the free quality education presents the paradigm shift.

Dilating on the topic, ‘Ploughing the Democratic Dividends’ he enlightened that Sierra Leone is still experimenting democracy because we are still working on it underscoring that there is no perfect democracy in the world, that democracy is all about caring, giving power and addressing the needs of the people, that in a democracy people have the right to express their views, associate and belong to political parties of their choice, seek information but observed that in most democracies, people only concentrate on their rights and not responsibilities.

Mr. Joe Pemagbi furthered that Sierra Leone must change the trajectory, that sovereignty belongs to the people, that after 58-60 years of independence, what do we have to show as a nation affirming that Sierra Leone lacks basic services like reliable electricity and water supply, quality education and health care underscoring that democracy is not just about voting at elections but also transparency and accountability as well as asking duty bearers about their stewardship.

The guest speaker also articulated that in developed societies, citizens regularly engage their politicians, that citizens present their views and concerns to their Members of Parliament through petitions and quoted the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Report as highlighting that the major reasons for the civil war in Sierra Leone were corruption, nepotism, greed, successive political elites plundering state resources, degenerated and demoralized educational system and injustice but is optimistic that the newly-introduced free quality education would reverse the trend.

The Country Director of (OSIWA) continued that Sierra Leone cannot advance without strong democratic institutions some of which are a huge burden on the wage bill, that the country has not drawn the line between state and party politics asserting state resources are siphoned to political parties.

On the independence of the three arms of government and separation of powers of the executive, legislative and judiciary, he said they are not totally independent citing the case of the sacking of former Vice President Sam Sumana and went on to state that government has pledged to repeal the 1965 Public Order Act, especially part 5, which criminalizes libel underlining that citizens’ participation is key in a democracy.

Mr. Joe Pemagbi continued that the state of the health sector is appalling due to the lack of investments but observed that with citizens’ right to access information, the internet and the social media, the level of civic awareness is now high in the country, the reason Sierra Leone will never be the same again and enlightened that the free quality education presents the paradigm shift.

He also asked the question, “what can we do as citizens to monitor books and teaching for the free quality education? We must step-up and take action as all is not lost. Put political sentiments aside as leadership is all about engagement of citizens.”

Earlier, the Chairman of the event, Mr. Abdul Rahman Swaray, a lecturer in the Mass Communications Department at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, introduced the guest speaker while the vote of thanks was rendered by Ms. Elizabeth Sesay, the college’s Public Relations Officer who also introduced the chairman.

The question and answer session climaxed the interactive session.

Highlighting cost of Freetown Congestion… Urban Mobility Project launched by Pres. Bio

By Alim Jalloh

At the Miatta Conference Centre in  Freetown on Wednesday 28 November 2019, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio launched the Sierra Leone Integrated Resilient Urban Mobility Project, highlighting the huge monetary, environmental and health costs on congestion in Freetown.

“There is a heavy direct and indirect cost to congestion. Alongside our interventions being announced today, it may be invaluable for our Government and our development partners to calculate the real monetary value of the cost of Freetown’s congestion. That may help us come to terms with its multiple realities and guide strategy and policy.

“I need not say that a congested city is not good for citizens, not good for tourism, not good for business, and not safe for our women and children. I need not emphasize that traffic congestion diminishes productivity, increases the cost of commuting through increased fuel and operating costs, and has environmental and health implications,” he said.

The President also pointed out that what one would see on a typical congested street of Freetown would be some used second-hand cars being used as taxis and trucks that were not road-worthy and ‘kekeh’ riders and taxi drivers who used the roads without much regard for traffic ordinances. He added that ‘Okadas’ – commercial bike riders – bobbed and weaved dangerously through traffic with two or more passengers balanced precariously on a single seat.

“Let me thank the World Bank through their representatives, World Bank Executive Director-Africa Group 1, Madam Anne Kabagambe, and our World Bank Country Manager, Gayle Martin. They have been reliable partners in development who understand this government’s commitment and vision. They and the World Bank are actively engaged in making the lives of Sierra Leoneans better. Thank you.

“Prior to our accession to office, we recognised, as a party, that our Freetown was not the Freetown that we wanted. It was not the Freetown that was safe, clean, resilient, and liveable. It was not the Freetown we imagined would be conducive for visitors, friends, and citizens to travel, access services, explore economic opportunity, immerse themselves in the helpless gorgeousness of chaos and beauty, and do good business that creates jobs and enhances national development.

“Hitherto, there had been no coherence of policy or thinking about urban congestion and commuting and the potential of multimodal transportation had yet to be unlocked,” he observed.

The President recalled that in the Sierra Leone People’s Party manifesto, they were determined to address the current traffic congestion in Freetown “not only by the construction of new roads” and the widening of others, supplemented with pedestrian flyovers at the busiest urban intersections, “but also by employing proven and practical traffic engineering mitigation measures such as the use of actuated traffic light signals, directional traffic flows, channelisation, the use of pedestrian-only-roadways, commercial vehicles-only-roadways, peak and off-peak traffic directional flows, and effective traffic enforcement,” among others.

He added that the party was also determined that by reviewing the legal and regulatory mandates of multiple agencies in the sector, enforcing traffic regulations, employing multiple modes of transportation within Freetown, providing mass-transit facilities including markets, and increasing public bus services, they would be able to tackle the urban blight of traffic congestion.

“To our mind, one of the pathways, among others, to achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 11 – ‘Making cities sustainable’ is to invest in public transportation in a bid to build sustainable and resilient cities. To grapple with the complexity of the task at hand, we have determined that we should work with development partners and the private sector in designing an integrated, scaled, measurable, accountable, and sustainable pilot mobility plan,” he disclosed.

President of the Sierra Leone Drivers’ Union, Alpha Bah, thanked the World Bank and the Government of Sierra Leone for the project, saying that they were excited. He said that the project, among other things, would help to decongest the roads, improve safety for vehicular traffic and commuters. He added that the project would also reduce road accidents, restore and promote the dignity of transport service to commuters and other road users while also making driving professional and respectable.

Minister of Finance, Jacob Jusu Saffa, disclosed that the New Direction Government was able to mobilise a lot of resources through its engagement with donor partners, adding that that was a testament to the overall achievement. He expressed hope that the project would change and modernise Freetown.

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Transport and Aviation, Kabineh Kallon, said that he was delighted that the President was launching the project as a means of creating awareness to the people of Freetown and other municipalities across the country. He said the project was among other positive interventions the New Direction Government was making to significantly improve on urban mobility in the country.

The World Bank Executive Director said that she was excited to witness the official launch of the IRUMP, noting that she was especially pleased because the project looked at resilience of climate change, job creation that was crucial for youth and access to service and road safety. She said the project would also support the diversification of the economy and promotion of growth, promotion of human capital development among others.

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