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RICHARD ALLEN HIGH SCHOOL BENEFITS FROM ORANGE SIERRA LEONE MENSTRUAL HYGIENE PACKS

Orange’s Desmond Spaine  officially handing over packs to the school principal

By Alim Jalloh

Richard Allen High school in the East of Freetown was the proud beneficiary of an Orange sponsored health programme that saw the introduction and donation of sanitary pads to schools in the Western Area.

The company donated 100 Menstrual Hygiene Packs for School Girls at Richard Allen High School in Freetown on Friday 25th October, 2019.

Desmond Spaine is the Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for Orange Sierra Leone and disclosed to the girls and school authorities that the packs donation is consistent with a pledge made by the company in August, 2018 while President Bio was launching the Free Quality Education to provide a USD1.5 million material support to the scheme.

This was also in close collaboration with the Ministry of Basic Senior Education which enable both sides to design five (5) projects for the distribution of 10,000 menstrual hygiene packs to 100 schools across the country in five years.

Emphasis was made about the contribution of the private sector as very critical in ensuring the success of the programmes. This response by Orange to support Government on the Free Quality Education programme has kicked off well with Richard Allen High School, being the first amongst many schools to beneft.

Amongst some of the partners that graced the occasion was Anita Koroma who is the CEO of Girl Child Network Sierra Leone and Consultant Production Manager of the Menstrual Hygiene Project said girls need to manage their menstrual hygiene well.

She spurred the girls to concentrate on schooling in order to avoid early child marriage and teenage pregnancy. “The fight against teenage pregnancy is constrained by the fact that there has been a missing link in the teenage pregnancy advocacy as the advocators had failed to establish the background for their campaign around the management of menstrual cycles”, she stated and demonstrated to the kids how to use the reusable menstrual hygiene packs.

The School Management Committee applauded the move by Orange Sierra Leone and assured the company that they will monitor the girls with a view to look into their menstrual hygiene management.

Rose Hawa Bangura, an SS 3 pupil appreciated the efforts of Orange and lavished lots of praises on the company for raising awareness about breast menstrual.

Women Benefit from Orange Sierra Leone Breast Cancer Sponsorship

By Alim Jalloh

At the just concluded Freetown Marathon for Breast Cancer Awareness week launched by the Thinking Pink Foundation and proudly sponsored by Orange Sierra Leone, women have benefited from the programme.

During the weekend thousands of women joined reputable institutions at Family Kingdom resort in the West of Freetown to support efforts towards raising awareness, treatment and medication for Breast Cancer in the country.

Annie Wonie Katta is the Head of Public Relations for Orange Sierra Leone and said that Orange Sierra Leone was not only concerned about providing mobile services to Sierra Leonean but also about the health needs of the people affected by breast cancer and its threats.

Annie Wonie Katta was one of the beneficiaries who received a package from Orange presented to her by Agnes Williams. Madam Katta said that it’s her hope that one day threats surrounding cancer will be managed and treated.

The need for screening was emphasised and she stressed that early detection for signs and symptoms and treatment are good for women in combating the disease.

The Chief Executive Officer for Thinking Pink Foundation Cremelda Parkinson Pratt welcomed told a crowd of marathoners who made the 21-kilometer Marathon from Haja Fatmata in the East of Freetown to Family Kingdom thanked its partners, sponsors and others that contributed to 6th Edition of the National Freetown Half Marathon a success.

The event held from 1st to 31st October every year raised awareness on breast cancer which, she described as ‘real and a killer disease’. The Marathon is also organized to solicit funds for the treatment of patients.

WHO representative at the Marathon who spoke on Universal Health Coverage, congratulated each and every one that has participated including the sponsors, and noted that he was impressed with the blend of institutions that have gathered at the event, pointing out that this is very significant to making the desired change.

He lauded the efforts of the Ministry of Health,   Government and the people of Sierra Leone for making giant strides in promoting Universal Health Access. Samuel S. Mansaray won this year’s marathon in the male category while Isatu Turay won the female category.

Representatives from AMNET Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone Commercial Bank, Sierra Rutile Limited, Sierra Leone Medical Students’ Association, all made meaningful statements at the event stressing that early detection and screening is very significant in controlling the spread of cancer.

The Thinking Pink Breast Cancer Foundation is engaged in raising nation-wide awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer; raise and solicit funds to support financially challenged patients of breast cancer with treatment costs and also advocates at state level for equal access to breast cancer healthcare facility and cost effective medication, amongst others. The theme of the 6th Edition of the Breast Cancer National Awareness Campaign was declared as “Wellbodi nar Gentri”.

Besides Orange-Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone Commercial Bank, Health Newspaper, Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), Sierra Leone Police (SLP) were proud partners that all contributed to the success of the programme.

The Government of Sierra Leone, INGOs and NGOs were thus called upon by the CEO to join the fight against cancer. It was noted that, during the screening period discoveries are always found to bring alarming figures that increase the rate and this indicates that cancer was on the rise in Sierra Leone.

According to Cremelda Pratt, the rationale of the marathon is not only about winning the race, but raising the awareness. Annie Wonnie Katta said her company’s contributions to the corporate world focuses on improving society especially on health. That is why Orange is committed to provide affordable and reliable telecom services to nation-building.

It would be recalled that Orange has supported Breast Cancer campaign since the days of Airtel, as a result, she said they are still committed to offering the best and affordable telecom services.

Dr Tamba James is a member of the Sierra Leone Medical Association and told the audience that the risk factors of cancer are smoking, sex, body cream etc. He further explained the early signs and symptoms.

The fact people also understood is that cancer is curable just like Malaria, TB, etc, but with early detection.

Aminata Konneh is a nurse working with Thinking Pink Breast Cancer Foundation and added literature to the causes of cancer. She said it causes the cells to divide uncontrollably resulting in tumors, damage to the immune system, and other impairment that can be fatal.

Most of the body’s cells have specific functions and fixed lifespans she told her audience. “While it may sound like a bad thing, cell death is part of a natural and beneficial phenomenon called apoptosis”, she stated.

The occasion was climaxed with the presentation of Awards to winners of the marathon.

 

Religion should not be a cloak for hidden Political Manoeuvrings in Sierra Leone   -Concerned Citizens Caution

Vice President of Sierra Leone Dr. Juldeh Jalloh and Dr. Samura Kamara’s

By Amin Kef Sesay

What has now become the much talked about or topical issue in different circles around the country is that which transpired on the 25th October 2019 in the East End of Freetown. This time round it has to do with religious accreditation and recognition.

The showdown place is the famous Basharia Mosque on Bombay Street. Founded by faithful followers of late Imam Bashar Sankoh Yilla, believed to be a reformer of modern Islam from the Oldfield Temne Mosque in the 90s, the Basharia Mosque has always been a citadel of power manoeuvrings amongst big ruling political vons and opposition classes in Sierra Leone.

From the days of Siaka Stevens to J.S. Momoh, Ahmed Tejan Kabbah, and Ernest Bai Koroma, hardly a leader passes by without worshipping and working with the Basharia Mosque. So it has not been a surprise to see current ruling party (SLPP) political echelons and opposition members visiting the mosque. However, such visits are always greeted with Islamic fanfare and great expectations for political support.

Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh
Dr. Samura Kamara

On that fateful Friday it was not clear whether the Vice President of Sierra Leone Dr. Juldeh Jalloh was visiting the mosque to seek political support. But what was clearly understood is that he was there as a faithful Muslim to worship Allah. Unfortunately he clashed with the former front runner of the main opposition Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara and it turned out into brouhaha.

According to reports, crowds booed at the VP and the Islamic clerics of the mosque too failed to give him the required attention and protocol he deserves. This became a serious problem leading to a commotion.

There is another account which states that after the official prayers when the clerics of the Mosque handed over the microphone to Samura Kamara to make a statement, the latter handed it over to the Vice President out of respect. It was there and then that certain unaccepted and untoward statements from the congregation were made purportedly against the Vice President.

The outcome of the incident has left many tongues waggling and some have now come to question Dr. Samura Kamara’s act as a breach of Public Order Act.  His accusers are pointing fingers at him of trying to disrupt and affect the peace of the country by perambulating in a false capacity after elections were long overdue and done with.

Even evangelicals have come to question the former APC presidential candidate’s faith as he is seen more often aligned with Islam than being a Christian, especially a Catholic as he goes to mosques everywhere to pray.

They argued that obviously his intention was not seeking the face of Allah but rather hidden political motives, which is condemned as wrong.  The incident has also shed a bad light on the Imams who have come under scrutiny for being accused of cheap and compromising politics.

Many have come to see the situation in different ways. For one person this medium contacted, Abdul Sankoh he said though he prays at Basharia Mosque yet the action of the mosque was wrong. For Sankoh, the VP would have been given all due respect as a leader duly elected together with the President.

He maintains that Samura Kamara lost the elections of 2018 and was left with no titles both at party level and national level therefore he cannot equate himself to any political leader at the time unless he becomes an ordinary citizen who complies with the laws to gain favour and not to stand on the way of the current leaders.

“He deserves no special treatment in the Muslim Faith to prop him for the next election. It is an outrage,” stated Sankoh.  At social forums, the argument has dominated minds and the ugly picture of politics and religion is once more painted and sending fears that 2023 won’t be an easy ride for the country.

Kamara’s behaviour at the Basharia Mosque raised a lot of doubts about Islam in Sierra Leone. Many Muslims now believe that Islam was being blatantly adulterated by the lies of Samura Kamara. This brings to the question whether a Muslim has rights to seek permission before praying into any mosque. Normally this is not a rule either in Islam or politics even rather a normal practice by Muslims to go to any mosque and pray which the VP did.

According to an Islamic scholar, the Vice President being a devoted Muslim and second in command, giving him recognition and warm reception was the expected protocol by the mosque. His failure to inform the authorities before going there should not be used as an excuse for insult. The distinction between private and public life was failed to be realised both by Samura and Basharia mosque and this led to the mis-happenings at the mosque.

It should be noted that everywhere in the world, public life is more respectable than private life and in exercising these rights; the two should be well balanced not to affect each other, especially when in a position of trust.  Although the incident could not be associated to be politically, religiously and tribally motivated, yet should be viewed as a matter of integrity rather than the old rhetorics.

 

 

 

 

 

Sierra Leone Moves To Exit Joblessness Ranking

By John Koroma

Sierra Leone appears to be determined in moving away from her ranking as the country with the highest levels of joblessness in West Africa. With a 60 percent rate of youth unemployment, the country certainly suffers among West Africa’s highest levels of joblessness. One result: youth migrate, often irregularly.

To address this, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Sierra Leone, in partnership with the Freetown City Council, organised five-day training on entrepreneurship and sustainable waste treatment for 200 youths from Freetown in early October.

The training aims at providing youth with skills to collect and manage domestic waste while providing them with money to meet their daily needs.

“This will not only help in cleaning the city, reducing health hazards associated with waste but also contribute to generating the much-needed income, and sustainable livelihoods for youth”, explained Dr. James Bagonza, Project Coordinator at IOM Sierra Leone.

Participants were divided into groups to manage 20 different door-to-door waste collection businesses. As part of the process, IOM and partners will also provide them with a 15-months business development support, as well as waste collection equipment and motorised tricycles.

“I am interested in the waste management business. The knowledge gained through this training will empower me and help us combat the problem of waste in our community”, said Lovina Margret Moseray, one of the trainees.

The youth groups will move from door to door to collect household waste including plastic, water sachets, empty bottles and miscellaneous garbage, getting less than a $1.00 per bag collected.

Using motorised tricycles, members of these garbage brigades transport wastes to collection points within their communities, where employees designated by the Freetown City Council move the material into recycling or disposal channels.

“Our Ministry is prepared to support young people in the coming months get the appropriate training and skills that will enable them to tap local opportunities rather than risking their lives to go to Europe through irregular means”, said Hon. Luseni Kallon, Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs.

This training was organised within the framework of the project ‘Reducing the Risk of Irregular Migration through Promotion of Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship in Sierra Leone’ implemented with funding from the Government of Japan.

IOM and the Government of Sierra Leone through this youth empowerment project have plans to roll out other programmes to provide employment and more job opportunities for youths in the country.

At a graduation ceremony here, His Excellency Tsutomu Himeno, Japan’s Ambassador to Sierra Leone, said “You will be looked at by other people, and you are showing by doing your work-. Sometimes it may be tough, but you should take pride in the attention you get, and share your knowledge with others.’

IOM’s Dr. Bagonza added: “Today’s certification ceremony is a step towards creating entrepreneurship opportunities for youth, through doing waste management.

NP Sierra Leone Sails Above Stormy Waters

By Amin Kef Sesay

The story of National Petroleum Company continues to sail through and above stormy waters, new reports say. This has left the public widely commending the company’s rebranding image. The latest secret underscoring this success is the wise and strong Management of the company led by Kobi Walker.

He joined the National Petroleum Company in November 2011 as Marketing Manager, a position he served for eight years. Prior to joining NP, he had served as Director of Marketing and Business Development for Union Trust Bank from July 2008 to October 2011. He has also held senior positions as Accountant, Commercial Manager and Corporate Communications and Secretary to the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited from June 1992 to July 2008, spending close to 16 years on service.

This Prince of Wales and Albert Academy aluminate is a great manager and crafty businessman who has proven beyond all reasonable doubt that he was worthy of talking NP to a new level.

Today, NP soars high on top due to the good managerial decisions the company has taken ensuring availability of products and services for public consumption.  Like many other businesses, NP-SL-Ltd is a company that is susceptible to internal and external shocks. Due to the high value of the U.S.Dollar to the Leone, many entities are being affected and creating inflation with prices of basic commodities, goods and services skyrocketing and impinging negatively on the overall standard of living.

Yet, NP strides like a colossus in the midst of these challenges to give optimal satisfaction to customers. Many customers spoken to by this medium have reacted to the steady progress of the company. They say that they appreciate the qualitative services offered by the company.

Customer care ranks No. 1 as the Management of NP is very mindful of giving attention to customers and that has brought them closer to the people they serve. Many citizens applaud the company’s impressive strides as one of the most successful indigenous entities that have survived unlike many other national institutions.

Reports from its subsidiaries in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast, The Gambia say that they maintained the same standards. Its contribution to the economic growth of the country cannot be underrated. It is one of the highest tax payers in the country and is a great performer of Corporate Social Responsibility and Philanthropy widely respected for transforming lives and improving communities.

The company always ensures that petroleum products are available to prevent shortages. This has eased tensions badly experienced in the past, overseas business partners today rely more on NP than ever before. Arguably, our darling National Petroleum Company is the best in Sierra Leone.

Minister Memunatu Pratt Vows to Support Wildlife in Sierra Leone

Minister of Tourism and Culture Dr. Memunatu Pratt

By Amin Kef  Sesay

The mishap and misgivings of media reports and claims relating to the Ministry of Tourism and Culture over wildlife in Sierra Leone have given the Hon Minister of Tourism and Culture Dr. Memunatu Pratt a new sense of understanding about her role in helping with the protection of  wildlife  in Sierra Leone. Though she maintains that she is not responsible for the protection of wildlife yet she has decided to display maturity and magnanimity to the issue by giving it a second thought.

In a rejoinder, she vows to display leadership at the highest degree to help save wildlife in Sierra Leone. Speaking to this Press, she said, every challenge or problem has an opportunity to always emerge as champion, and so she has grabbed the opportunity created over the wildlife issue to bring help. She said that her Ministry will work with the respected agencies for wildlife to provide training, resources from other international donor partners and facilities all within the pur.view of protection.

Sierra Leone President Opens investment Potentials to Russian investors

By Alim Jalloh

In Sierra Leone, whenever President Julius Maada Bio travels, the public goes frenzy because they say they want their leader to sit and work. Others argue that he needs to travel to meet other world leaders and especially lobby business leaders to bring investments to the country.

Since the start of his administration, the President has been doing just that. Some of the trips have been under-reported by the media and others condemned.  However comes a special trip – the Russia-African Leaders Summit in Sochi, Russia, proved different.

The aim of the summit was to rejuvenate the once mighty Russia which ruled nineteen Soviet republics into a mighty empire. Although the USSR later fell in 1991 largely caused by former US President George Bush and Mikhail Gorbachev, his Russian counterpart, yet Russia has always been a power militarily.

Putin, a former head of the KGB (Russia’s Spy Agency) equivalent to the CIA (America’s watchdog), was however not very happy the way and manner his country has been manipulated by the West and sunken to low ebbs. Therefore he has always wanted to resurrect the country in a new model. Putin believes that Africa was and is a good ally of Russia as the latter has supported regimes on the continent like Angola, Mozambique, South Africa freedom fighters etc. In Sierra Leone diplomatic relations between Freetown and Havana saw the training of many good doctors in the 70 and 80s in Moscow. The fisheries sector too was attractive to Russian interest.

With Putin facing challenges at home he needed a foreign show of strength for Africa’s economic potentials which its ideological counterpart, China, has used so well in Africa and enriched their people and country, partly.

Now Russia wants a new business in Sierra Leone and it was ready to start it with Africa. Speaking at the summit, President Bio told delegates that his country is a good destination with for ecosystem, business and investments; and there are also prospects for value-addition. Therefore investors could earn and repatriate profit to their countries peacefully, backed by full government protection with incentives that encourage businesses to grow.

In this light, he said the country was seeking closer partnerships and collaboration for development in human capital development – education, healthcare, and food productivity. “We are looking forward to strengthening and deepening ties and sharing a future that would be based on mutual trust and respect in all fields”, he said.

He reminded his colleagues that Africa and Russia share a strong sense of history and solidarity. Russia’s long history of bilateral cooperation and technical assistance has transformed the lives of millions of Africans throughout the post-independence period. Africa and Russia are at the threshold of negotiating a new and promising relationship. Africa offers an increasingly integrated market of 1.2 billion people; largely untapped mineral, hydrocarbon, and fisheries resources.

“Investment opportunities in tourism, infrastructure and agriculture, and a talented youthful population eager to explore the power of science and technology, and innovation for development. This is the new Africa at peace, integrated, and brimming with an opportunity that is open to Russia and which our individual governments are working hard to develop,” he said.

As Coordinator of the Committee of Ten African Heads of State, President Bio also used the opportunity to reiterate that Africa was firmly committed to the Common African Position on the reform of the United Nations Security Council and anticipated further discussions with the Russian Federation on the all-important issues in its relations with African states.

“Russia Federation has been a very good friend of Africa and we look forward to lowering all barriers to our relations while forging innovative, bolder, but closer, and mutually beneficial relations. As a continent and as a country, Sierra Leone looks forward to consistent and enduring partnerships with the Russian Federation,” he ended.

National Commission for Democracy Signs MOU with ACC Sierra Leone

By Foday Moriba Conteh

With the avowed objective of making Sierra Leone corruption free, the National Commission for Democracy (NCD) has on Thursday 24th October, 2019 signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) at their 9th Floor Conference Room, West Wing Youyi Building Brookfields in Freetown.

Delivering his statement on behalf of the National Commission for Democracy Chairman, Dr. Abu Bakarr H. Kargbo, disclosed how it was warmly welcomed for the Commission to sign another Memorandum of Understanding with the Anti-Corruption Commission, noting that it marks another history making moment for the two governance institutions at a time when the fight against corruption has reached a very critical juncture with the need to take decisive actions and save the very soul of the nation.

He applauded the ACC Commissioner for his current performance with rising hope in the fight against corruption in the country, adding that his passion for the fight against corruption is evident for all to see and such a passion should be contagious and emulated by all in the context of democratic good governance.

Dr. Kargbo said the signing of the MOU is indicative of their sincere desire to continue with the fight against corruption in line with the mandate of NCD for the promotion of democratic good governance with a focus on Transparency and Accountability.

He noted that NCD is as well throwing its weight behind ACC in the fight in the country, a fight that has far-reaching implications for Sierra Leone’s political economy with the imperative to fixing it and making it work in the best interest of every citizen of our beloved motherland. He pledged their unrelenting support to the work of the ACC; ensuring their commitment as a national institution to stand by the ACC in giving and consolidating a clear direction in the fight against corruption.

Commissioner of Anti-Corruption Commission, Francis Ben Kaifala Esq, disclosed that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the two institution is a historic and a renewed commitment to unite against corruption adding that the whole idea of statehood centers around the concept of democracy and NCD being the fulcrum for democratic good governance in Sierra Leone will be a very significant partner in the collaboration to fight against corruption.

“Corruption destroys the fabric of democracy. It ensures that citizens cannot achieve the expectations upon which their constitutionalism and aspirations of statehood rest and guarantees that whatsoever good plans the country has for the collective good can be easily hijacked by individuals and groups, thereby causing the State to fail; and if the State fails, then NCD and the ACC would fail to ensure that democracy flourishes so citizens can enjoy a life of dignity in a country of happiness,” he maintained.

He commended that the National Commission for Democracy for their unrelenting commitment and support to the Anti-Corruption Commission.

He disclosed that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding amongst other things will foster understanding on the principles of collaborative engagement and partnership between the two institutions. According to the MOU, the Anti-Corruption Commission and National Commission for Democracy will complement each other’s efforts in the fight against corruption, especially in areas where their respective mandates are interrelated; collaborate in sensitizing and educating the public on issues anchoring on the nexus between the fight against corruption and the promotion of democratic good governance; and synergize to promote and instill patriotism in citizens.

Commissioner National Commission for Democracy -Northern Region Mr.John Bai Conteh underscoring the purpose of the MOU lauded the partnership and further described the two commissions as twin crops put together to promote solid good governance practices that will harness the dividends of democracy in Sierra Leone, adding that they have carefully observed each other and have come to the critical conclusion that, they are in fact, two sides of the same coin, and that in the pursuit of their respective mandates, it would be better to coalesce so as to complement each other.

Sierra Leone Tourism Ministry Launches Gender Women Tourism Chapter  

Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In order to enhance the inclusion of women in the development of tourism in the country, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs (MTCA) and its subvented agencies in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) and the Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children Affairs (MSWGCA) has on Friday 25th October, 2019 launched the Sierra Leone United Nations Women Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Gender Women and Tourism Chapter at the Family Kingdom in Freetown.

In her address to participants, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Dr. Memunatu Pratt expressed delight that Sierra Leone has gained membership into the United Nation Women Tourism Organization (UNWTO). She revealed that this is the first year Sierra Leone has joined UNWTO and had attended the conference.

The Minister urged all Sierra Leoneans to market the country locally and internationally, noting that we have so many things in the country to market international and to help the industry.

She said that there is a lot of benefits the country will gain from the United Nations Women Tourism Organization. She applauded President Rtd. Brig. Julius Maada Bio for making Tourism a priority in his New Direction manifesto.

She said the launching of the United Nations Women Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is a clear manifestation that mainstreaming gender in all sectors is no longer an option but a mandate, adding this will enhance in inclusion of more women in the tourism sector particularly when women make of the majority population of the country.

Assuring the gathering that the program is very important and it will empower more women in Sierra Leone, she called on other sectors to throw their support behind her Ministry in order to achieve its mandate.

Chairman Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Hon. Mohamed S. Rahman-Coker disclosed that achieving gender equity remains a challenge in Sierra Leone. According to him women and girls in Sierra Leone continue to face discrimination in the political, economic, social, cultural, civic and justices domains, adding that institutionalized inequity of women and the resultant violence they face is evident in many aspects of society.

He said that one of the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was that Political Parties ensure at least 30% of their candidates for public elections were women and this was also the target for the achievement of the MDGs on empowerment of women.

He noted that Parliament has recently passed the Gender Offences Act of 2019, adding that the launching of the United Nations Women Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is another milestone in the empowerment of women, which aims at enhancing women and girls’ empowerment and entrepreneurship in all aspects of tourism to foster growth and economic development as well as create platforms for opportunities and jobs.

Minister of Social Welfare Gender and Children Affairs Baindu Dassama, expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs for the initiative, which she said is a clear manifestation that mainstreaming gender in all sectors is no longer an option but indeed a mandate. She highlighted that the gender agenda is gaining momentum not only at the international and regional scene but at the local level.

She added that the launching of United Nations Women Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is fully aligned to the aspirations and beliefs of His Excellency the President Brigadier Retired Dr. Julius Maada Bio towards the promotion of gender equality and women empowerment, adding that Government has set aside resources to promote entrepreneurship in Sierra Leone

“As the Minister in charge of the National Machinery for Gender and Women, I will ensure my institution collaborates with the Tourism Ministry and Board in moving this chapter forward,” she assured.

Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Dr. Memunatu Pratt

Sierra Leone Parliament Gets assurance of Full Compliance by Mobile Companies  

NATCOM Managing Director, Maxwell Massaquoi

By Theresa Vamboi

Cybercrime has become an important issue to be addressed by the Parliament of Sierra Leone in order to tackle cyber-crime, corruption, terrorism etc.

MPs have demonstrated this need last week when they summoned the leaders of the State regulator of telecoms, NATCOM in Parliament to report their preparedness for these issues.

The  meeting was graced by many NATCOM officials at Committee Room No. 1 where Hon. Mathew Nyumah, the Deputy Leader of the SLPP in Parliament vowed to be very active in curbing any cyber-crime and terrorism activities in the country.

The meeting achieved its purpose as members of the committee were briefed by NATCOM on the strategies and modalities to detect, expos and arrest suspects of terrorism, cyber-crime, fraud, corruption etc. NATCOM said they are effectively monitoring all mobile companies in the country doing business within the scope of the international gateway which are also bound by statutes to tackle cyber security in close collaboration with the Office of National Security (ONS) and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

NATCOM also faced a barrage of questions from the Committee on the numerous complaints from citizens and other nationals about the poor quality of service of all mobile companies, especially with drop calls, voice calls and the persistent allegations of credit theft and high rates of data charges for internet connection.

These were responded to by NATCOM Managing Director Maxwell Massaquoi without argument rather assurances of strict compliance with the law. “We are well on course in addressing the challenges posed by terrorism and to curb cyber–crime, adding they are also working hand in gloves with other security apparatus, especially ONS”, he stated, and thanked the Committee for organising the meeting which he described as timely; adding that it is now time for the Committee and NATCOM to partner and work together to rejuvenate the New Direction’s policy on technological innovation to meet international best practice.

The MD also assured and confirmed to the Committee that under his leadership, they will continue to engage the service providers to address all complaints and also demand value for money from them.

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