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Sierra Leone News: Brewery Commissions Hand Water Well in Constituency 115  

During the official commissioning of Sierra Leone Brewery’s latest contribution to the development of communities in Constituency 115 under the company’s Post Ebola Water and Sanitation projects, Brewery commissioned a hand pump water well on Wednesday  26th June, 2019 within the United Mission Church (UMC) School compound during which stakeholders and residents of the Melon Street community and its surroundings expressed delight and praised the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited for what they termed as its timely intervention that will come in handy with numerous benefits.

 

Brewery’s Corporate Affairs Manager, Albert Ojo Collier 

The event was graced by constituency youth, development organisations, elders, chiefs, councillors, past and present members of Parliament, religious leaders and a host of residents in the communities.

Speaking during the ceremony, Hon. Coleson Turay, who chaired the meeting, expressed his satisfaction over the developments taking place in the community by courtesy of the Sierra Leone Brewery and the Heineken Africa Foundation.

Highlighting some of the projects championed by the institution and its partners, he mentioned the water pressure project at Upper Melon Street (Tar Road Community) costing Le450 million, the rehabilitation and refurbishing of the hospital and the community centre. He noted that the company also donated equipment and medical supply to the hospital.

“Brewery also provided an ambulance for the community to address the constraints of the hospital to convey sick people from their homes to the centre and also to the main referral hospital in central Freetown,” Hon. Coleson said. He recalled other projects done by Brewery in other communities within the constituency. He stressed that the hand pump water well, though located in the school compound will benefit residents of the whole community.

In his own contribution, the contractor of the water facility stated that the SLBL and the Heineken Africa Foundation had embarked on the construction of 3 toilets in the Koya community and 3 in the Melon Street community. He added that SLBL contributions to the communities were done in line with the inputs of the communities through their various heads (Councillors, MP, Elders and all stakeholders). “What the Brewery has done has only been what the communities requested as their pressing needs,” he added.

In his brief statement, Brewery’s Corporate Affairs Manager, Albert Ojo Collier expressed his appreciation to the community and all the speakers for their candid and frank sentiments made about the institution. He updated the audience that all what the Brewery has done and is still doing is part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, which has not only been confined to their operational area, but has been rolled through-out the country in collaboration with Heineken Africa Foundation.

He stated that Brewery has expended over Le5 billion on various projects in the country in the last 8 years. He stressed that the SLBL implements water and sanitation projects to the education sector, especially identifying deprived schools in Constituency 115. He revealed that the various projects are tagged to the office of the MP for the constituency and not any particular individual.

In this case, he said, the project that is being commissioned was started by Hon. Kello, but he was unable to complete it and after the election, which was won by Hon. Alpha Bah, the project was again kick-started saying the commissioning is an indication of the relentless efforts of the MP’s office in the constituency.

Ojo Collier further explained that earlier in the day they were involved in the turning of the sod at Koya Academy Secondary School for the construction of 3 compartment VIP toilets. He stressed that all the projects undertaken by the SLBL have not been what the institution wanted for the community, but what the community wants, adding that proposals are sent to Brewery and after several consultative meetings with the stakeholders and costing by the experts, the projects are approved and implementation will commence.  He said that he is touched by the transparency of Hon. Bah and the support the SLBL is getting from the community. “We will continue to do more for the constituency,” he promised also referencing the donation of 2 ambulances to 2 community hospitals to help them in their work as Brewery is also concerned about the health of people in different communities.

In his own speech, Hon. Bah heaped praises on the SLBL for their unflinching support over the years. He also acknowledged that the Hand pump water well that is being commissioned was started by his predecessor and is now completed by him. He also maintained that development projects for communities are tagged to the offices of MPs and not any particular individual.

He called on all to embrace development and put politics aside as the time for politics is now over. He also endeavoured to make the records straight, adding that every single cent received from the Brewery or any institution is being openly disclosed to all the stakeholders in the community in his bid to maintain transparency and accountability. The water well project which has been completed cost Le79 million. He also disclosed that the Brewery and the Heineken Africa Foundation had constructed solar powered water wells in other communities in the constituency, which he witnessed and admonished the company to continue with their good work pledging his unflinching support to the Company. “If Brewery thrives, Wellington will thrive also,” Hon Bah highlighted.

The cutting of the tape during the commissioning of the water well and the unveiling of a sign board at the site of the work (United Mission Community Primary and Secondary School grounds), climaxed the ceremony.

 

 

Sierra Leone News: Standing Ovation for NPPA CEO Ibrahim Swarray in Bo

Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, Ibrahim Swarray

Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Francis Ben Kaifala

During an auspicious ceremony that took place in Bo, Southern Sierra Leone where the National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA) opened its second regional office the Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, Ibrahim Swarray, received a standing ovation from residents and other personalities present.

The ceremony which according to the Board Chairman of the NPPA, Mr. Alfred H. Kandeh, is long overdue attracted Members of Parliament including the Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mohamed Sidi Tunis, Deputy Leader of Government Business and Chairman, Information and Communications Parliamentary Oversight Committee, Hon. Matthew Nyuma, Resident Ministers of the  South and Eastern Provinces, Paramount Chief Boima of Kakua Chiefdom, Mayors Kenema and Bo Town Councils and other representatives of  local councils across the country.

The NPPA Board Chair disclosed that it was long envisioned by the pioneers of Public Procurement including himself that based on statistics the National Public Procurement Authority should as a first step in the decentralization process of procurement processes, open up an office in Bo.

This according to him was frustrated by the previous APC regime to open an office in Makeni for no reason.

He concluded by noting that he is happy to have witnessed such an achievement coming to fruition.

Leader of Government Business, Hon Tunis noted that they are honoured on behalf of the leadership of Parliament to grace the historic occasion and highlighted the fact that this is indicative of the fact that government is serious about controlling leakages and also driving the process of accountability and transparency in the management of public funds.

He stated that they in Parliament are hugely impressed with the level of reforms at the NPPA under the leadership of Mr. Ibrahim Swarray.

Resident Ministers East and South also underscored the point that establishing an office in the south resonates with the New Direction peoples manifesto which calls for a disciplined leadership towards the management of state resources.

They both commended the NPPA Chief Executive and his entire team for brining transparency and accountability to the door steps of the people.

They urged local councils to make use of the opportunity and feel free to do their work more effectively.

Representatives of both Mayors of Kenema and Bo City Councils and their District Chairmen expressed appreciation for the establishment of the office and assured all that they would ensure that they maximize better outputs in undertaking their procurement activities henceforth.

The National Public Procurement Authority boss noted that he feels elated by the series of commendations he has received and the level of attendance and support towards the opening of the Bo office in the southern region of Sierra Leone.

He thanked the President for reposing such confidence in him to lead the NPPA little over a year ago and that even though people doubted his ability to do the job ,he is quite aware that as a practicing procurement officer he was equal to the challenges ahead of him.

Mr. Swarray further added that he would do more at the NPPA and that the work has not started yet.

He specifically addressed practising procurement officers to redouble their efforts and put Sierra Leone above personal interest and disclosed that the NPPA now has an Electronic Procurement Directorate.

Practicing Procurement officers, according to him, should change their modus operandi as Government is almost on the verge of going e-procurement across the board.

‘’The New Direction is not going to wait for a Commission of Enquiry or an Audit Report to show the level of misappropriation of state funds, but we are going to work to ensure that MDAs and Local Councils follow procurement processes from the start,’’ a confident CEO reiterated.

Mr. Swarray told Members of Parliament, local council representatives, Government Ministers, traditional rulers, civil society and the media that he invited the ACC Commissioner to the opening ceremony of the southern region office not only to serve as keynote speaker but also to get him to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the ACC and the NPPA.

The MOU he concluded is intended to further bind the two institutions more concretely to protect tax payers’ monies.

While delivering his keynote address the Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Francis Ben Kaifala, applauded the NPPA for opening an office in Bo, Southern Sierra Leone and noted that it was part of the exercise to continue to open the transparency space in the country.

He called on Sierra Leoneans to support the anti-corruption crusade which for him is for the national good of all Sierra Leoneans.

The ACC boss commended the NPPA Chief Executive and his entire board and staff for the strides in protecting the tax payers’ monies and bemoans the fact that Sierra Leone is still very low at the human development ladder largely due to corruption.

The climax of the ceremony was the signing of the MOU between the two institutions and the official opening of the NPPA Southern region office by the Resident Minister, South, Mohamed K. Alie on behalf of President Bio.

Sierra Leone News: Oil Companies Need Government’s Keen Attention

HE Julius Maada Bio

For any government anywhere in the world to successfully govern and manage its economy well, it can only do so by actively engaging oil producing companies and giving them the necessary attention because as the saying goes: without energy, no development.

However, in Sierra Leone, the state of oil companies is such that oil companies operating in Sierra Leone will remain challenged if nothing is quickly done by the relevant authorities to address the quagmire in which these companies currently find themselves.

It is understandable that the whole country relies on petroleum products for progress and development to transpire.

What the oil companies say is that they are exposed to a lot of bottlenecks that greatly hamper their profitability and running costs in what is considered to be a highly volatile market that is subject to the vicissitudes of international economic forces.

Without any doubt, we all see how quickly the whole economy grinds to a halt whenever there is no fuel in petrol stations. People can no longer travel easily and cheaply from one place to another. The cost of transportation goes up and food prices shoot up as well affecting the smooth operations of industries, sometimes causing job loss.

As such, whilst we understand the financial stress that the government is going through, but at the same time, it must keep in mind that it is a fact that survival of society depends on the availability of petroleum products in the market at all times.

Depreciation in the value of the Leone should not be a factor in the Central Bank prioritizing foreign exchange to oil companies at official exchange rate because fuel has a very huge multiplying effect on the rest of the economy, as well as vital for investor confidence.

Reports state that the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL) is currently going through trying times, having recorded a massive loss from January to May 2019 to the tune of over Le 96 billion (ninety six billion Leones).

It was understood that NP-SL is presently paying an average of Le9, 000 to $1 (USD) as compared to Le8, 600 to $1 (USD) in the PRA Pricing Formula. Another challenge NP-SL Limited is facing is the volatility and unavailability of US Dollars to effect transactions.

It is so serious that NP-SL Limited currently owes its suppliers over $42 million which it is challenged to honour.

Research conducted by media houses show that in the past, when the industry was faced with challenges and in order to avoid fuel crisis, the Government would step in to subsidize the prices of petroleum products to ensure that the pump prices are kept at affordable levels.

Realistically, if the government cannot subsidize, then it should allow market forces to prevail so that the industry does not collapse.

As things now stand, oil marketing companies are suffering at the detriment of its own survival.

“If the current fiscal regime is not reviewed many companies including NP will go down such a painful and dreadful route,” stated Steven Williams, a Development Consultant.

He added that sound policies must be urgently rolled out to ensure stability.

It was also discovered that the nature of NP-SL’s business is such that it imports petroleum products in US Dollars, sells in Leones and has to convert the Leones into US Dollars to repurchase on the international market.

Williams maintained that it is regrettable that the company finds it extremely difficult to purchase US Dollars in the marketplace currently.

Over the years, NP-SL received tacit support from the Central Bank even though the amounts normally received were inadequate.

It is recommended that the Central Bank develops a mechanism wherein foreign currency is provided for the oil marketing companies to enable them pay for badly-needed petroleum products.

Of course to promote transparency of goods that are brought into the country and required taxes that must be paid to Government the ASYCUDA digital software was introduced at the Port.

However, what was gathered from the conducted research was that the method of implementation of the ASYCUDA system has been negatively impacting Oil Marketing Companies for which it was recommended that the relevant authorities put in place measures to ensure seamless flow of products free of interruption and long delay at the Quay.

The current pricing formula dictates that the pump price of petroleum products be adjusted upwards or downwards periodically as and when the combined effect of the changes in world market prices (quoted in PLATTS) and the exchange rate (measured by the average selling rates quoted by the Oil Marketing Companies, commercial banks and Bank of Sierra Leone) causing a +/- 5% change in the Leone-based landed cost of the product (s).

It was noted that prices should be changed upwards or downwards in small increments that will not create panic in the market place. The way it is currently, allows for a big jump at any time which makes it difficult for Government to effect change at the right time.

It may interest readers to note that while a litre of fuel is sold at Le7, 000.00 here, in Guinea it is sold at Le9, 120.00, in Liberia it is Le9, 321.00, Ivory Coast sells at Le9, 244.20 and Ghana at Le 9,136.44.

NP-SL is further encumbered with other charges that are not provided for in the price build up formula, and these include: Toll Gate fees, ASYCUDA processing fees, Environmental Protection Agency fees, storage fees and other fees imposed by the Petroleum Regulatory Agency.

Thus, the government to help the oil companies must review some of its policies especially those affecting vibrant companies in the country as well as ensuring that economic measures are rolled out in order for the value of the Leone to appreciate.

Failure to take drastic steps to protect locally owned companies will definitely lead to closure or restructuring with dire consequences that could take the form of labour downsizing, no-payment of taxes to government, etc.

 

 

Sierra Leone News: During Press Briefing… Kobi Walker Dilates on Burning Fuel Issues

Kobi Walker

On 27th June, 2019, the Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA) engaged journalists during the usual Ministry of Information and Communications weekly press conference to brief pressmen on the pending increase in fuel prices.

One of the Oil Marketing Companies NP Sierra Leone Limited General Manager, Kobi Walker, disclosed that one of the major factors said to be responsible for this ugly state is the fact that there has been a huge difference between the actual price of PLATTS and the average purchase price of USD $ to the Leone when matched against that of the Petroleum Regulatory Agency Pricing Formula. And according to him this is a big challenge that NP and the Government cannot handle.

He said that it very challenging for OMC’s as other Africa countries like Liberia, Gambia etc are selling their petroleum products above 9000 Leones but he said for Sierra Leone the price still remains at Le7,000 for petrol and Le 7,500 for diesel stating it is a very difficult period for Sierra Leone.

He also said Foreign exchange owners are really challenged and for that reason foreign currencies are not freely available for them to continue the process and because of these factors oil companies are really going through trying times.

He further disclosed that according to research done by researchers it was disclosed that NP has record over ninety billion Leones losses which he said the researchers are not far away from the reality and that it is that magnitude of losses that the company is grappling with currently.

He also said it is not their sole responsibility as a company to subsidize.

NP GM noted that because they are subsidizing for others that is the reason responsible for encountering minuses taking cognisance of, PLATTS, foreign exchange rates all creating negative impact on their business.

He stated that Sierra Leone needs a volume of over 400 million litters every year.

He said that if the price for fuel remains like this it will lead to difficulties for survival but he said they are sure to address the issues with the relevant stakeholders.

He went further to say they as company cannot determine for increase in price of fuel as they have PRA which is the regulatory institution of OMCs to determine the increase of prices having looked at PLATTS, foreign exchange rates and other variables but said they as a company cannot continue in this manner but added that the relevant stakeholders are seriously looking into it and he is confident that there will be a solution pretty soon.

Kobi Walker said Government has engaged the Central Bank and Commercial Banks in order to provide foreign currencies for oil marketing companies in a bid to cushion the current situation bordering on the issue of increase in prices of petroleum products.

Speaking on behalf of Petroleum Regulatory Agency, Sallieu Kamara who is Head of Operations and Monitoring of the institution confirmed to Pressmen that there is no increase in the price of fuel but categorically stated that there are several issues surrounding the matter relating to the increase on the pump price.

He said as an Agency responsible to regulate the Oil Industry they have been engaging Oil Marketing Companies and other stakeholders in order to find an amicable solution to the situation.

Sallieu confirmed that oil companies are really running at loss because they are currently subsidizing but believes they might not want to continue like that which means actions need to be taken to tackle the current situation in the country.

He also disclosed that the reason for the current situation is as a result of Government not subsidizing fuel which means the only way we can maintain the current price is when government resumes paying subsidies.

The PRA Head of Operations and Monitoring went further to highlight the reasons that will lead to the increase in the pump price of fuel which he said is the landing cost which means if the landed cost shoots up to plus 5 percent there will be an increase in the pump price and if it decrease to minus 5 percent there will a reduction in the pump price.

“But presently pump prices remain the same if there is going to be any increase or decrease in the prices we will inform the public accordingly,” he ended.

 

 

Sierra Leone News: Vice President Launches the One Year Magazine of the New Direction Government

Vice President of Sierra Leone, Honorable Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh

The Vice President of Sierra Leone, Honorable Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has officially launched the one year magazine of the New Direction government at State House, Freetown 26th June 2019.

Welcoming Ministers, Deputy Ministers and members of the Press, the Press Secretary & Presidential Spokesman, Yusuf Kenetoma Sandi, expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to members of the press who he said had always reported the activities of the President, Vice President and First Lady. Press Secretary told the Press Conference that the New Direction Magazine is about telling their own story, and that of the work of Ministries, departments and agencies.

“What we have done in the magazine is to focus on the key priorities of the government and achievements that have been made over the past year. We have also focused on narrating the story of a president by the President himself as was graciously captured in his speech at the TED 2019 Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada earlier” he expressed. He further stated that the magazine will add to the collection of literature on the legacy President Bio is building.

Honorable Vice President said he was very delighted to be a part of the driving vehicle of the New Direction government, and launching the one year magazine. He stated that the magazine catalogues the concrete achievemens of their government in a storytelling fashion. Vice President Juldeh maintained that the magazine also captured the Medium Term Development Plan in which it mapped out the immediate and long term plan.

“The Medium Term Development Plan that was launched previously by the New Direction government is geared towards transforming the Human Capital development, and this is at the center of the government” he noted.

Vice President Juldeh further stated the magazine also captured a new lease of life to the educational system by providing free quality education to primary, Junior and Senior Secondary school education in the entire country.

“The New Direction government has provided teaching and learning materials to all government and government assisted schools across the country. We have also provided furniture, reconstruction and rehabilitation of additional classrooms, sanctioned approval of schools, but most importantly tackling examination malpractices,”  he observed.

The Honorable Vice President emphatically told the gathering that there has been a high revenue performance during the presidency of His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio. He added that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has been impressed with the government and thus extended their credit facility to the government. The Vice President said that they had been able to build the infrastructure of domestic revenue mobilization.

Dr. Juldeh Jalloh also added that the New Direction Government has given the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) the political will to fight corruption, thus he said that the ACC has recovered stolen monies by corrupt officials and prosecuted those involved in corrupt practices.

 

 

Sierra Leone News: Nabeela Tunis & China Foreign Minister Hold Talks

On June 23, 2019, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Foreign Minister Nabeela Tunis of Sierra Leone in Beijing.

Wang Yi welcomed Ms. Nabeela Tunis Foreign Minister and foreign ministers and friends of African countries to attend the Sherpa meeting on the implementation of the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The Chinese side is ready to work with African countries to build high-quality and sustainable China-Africa friendly relations.

China and Sierra Leone are good friends and good brothers who have always understood and supported each other. At the end of August last year, President Xi Jinping met with President Julius Maada Bio in Beijing, drawing up a blueprint for the development of China-Sierra Leone relations in the new era. The Chinese side appreciates the Sierra Leonean side’s firm friendship with China and is ready to work with the Sierra Leonean side to push for greater development of China-Sierra Leone relations in accordance with the consensus reached by the two heads of state.

Wang Yi pointed out that the two sides should continue to firmly support each other on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concerns. The Chinese side will firmly uphold the principle featuring sincerity, real results, friendship, and good faith and the values of friendship, justice and shared interests while carrying out cooperation with African countries including Sierra Leone.

The two sides should strengthen alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative and the eight major initiatives proposed at the FOCAC Beijing Summit with Sierra Leone’s medium-term national development plan, build a national cooperation plan in line with the actual situation of the Sierra Leonean side, and beef up cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture and fishery, health care, communication, and capacity building. We should firmly support each other in multilateral affairs, advocate mutual respect, promote win-win cooperation, and safeguard the common interests of our two countries and other developing countries.

Nabeela Tunis said that President Julius Maada Bio attaches great importance to relations with China. Sierra Leone is firmly committed to strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation with China. China has always understood and supported Africa and always offered timely assistance to African countries in times of difficulty. China’s joint efforts with Sierra Leone to fight the Ebola epidemic are a classic example. African countries trust and thank China, regard China as a true good partner, and never believe the unfounded accusations on Africa-China relations. The Sierra Leonean side supports deepening Africa-China partnership and stands ready to maintain close communication and coordination on implementing the sustainable development goals of the 2030 Agenda, the Paris Agreement on climate change, and reform of the global governance system.

After the talks, the two sides witnessed the signing of multiple bilateral cooperation agreements together.

 

 

Sierra Leone News: ACC Confiscates Properties for the State

Francis Ben Kelfala, Commissioner for Sierra Leone’s Anti Corruptions Commission (ACC),

A public notice issued by Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) says that, through intelligence-led investigation exercises, the under-mentioned properties have been confiscated; and are currently in ACC’s possession:

1.      Ribar Hotel, situated at No. 3 Sukutamba Street, Koidu City, Kono District. The former Deputy Minister of Works, Abdul Barrie, who it was believed owned it, has denied ownership. It had therefore been sealed for the past eight (8) months.

2.      One White Unregistered Toyota Land Cruiser Vehicle, which was formerly in the possession of the Former Deputy Minister of Works, Housing and Infrastructure, Madam Kadijatu Olamatu Seisay, which she had claimed was stolen from her driver, has been retrieved by the ACC from the Republic of Guinea.

According to ACC investigations they established that it was sold through a corrupt conspiracy and claim that the vehicle had been given to her by former President, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, as her end of service benefit is false. She is currently standing trial for Misappropriation of Public Property.

3.      One White Registered Toyota Land Cruiser Vehicle ANS 219, which was found in the possession of an individual who claims it was hidden in his premises on the instructions of the Former Commissioner-General of the National Revenue Authority (NRA), Haja Kalla Kamara.

These properties are believed to have been corruptly acquired or kept by Public Officers and have now been retrieved by the ACC for the People of Sierra Leone.

With respect to the Ribar Hotel, no one has laid claim to the property since it was confiscated by the ACC some eight (8) months ago.  In that regard, the ACC says it will soon proceed to taking necessary steps to dispose of the said property and the proceeds returned to the State; or otherwise, will hand it over to the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice for forfeiture to the State.

The Two (2) White Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles will be handed over to the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, once the necessary administrative processes have been completed for re-allocation within the Public Service.

Sierra Leone News: Rousing Welcome for Fatima Bio in Liberia

First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Her Excellency Mrs. Fatima Bio has met with a cross section of Sierra Leoneans at the Sierra Leone Embassy in Monrovia, Liberia.

In a well-attended meeting, the First Lady after honoring the invitation of the First Lady of Liberia, Mrs. Clar Marie Weah to grace the launch of the “She’s You” movement, conveyed the greetings of President Rtd. Brig. Julius Maada Bio to his citizens. She expressed her delight over the warm welcome that was accorded her on her arrival at the Roberts International Airport in Liberia.

First Lady Mrs. Fatima Bio used the occasion to update her citizens in Liberia of the ongoing development works in her country, which included the Free Quality Education and Free Medical Facility for School Children. She added that President Rtd. Brig. Julius Maada Bio is working very hard to build the nation and that Sierra Leoneans have once more gained respect in the eyes of international community.

She concluded by expressing her concerns in the way girls and women are being molested with no justice, the reason she as the Mother of the Nation has stood her ground to see that rape and child marriage are totally eradicated in the country.

His Excellency Ambassador Eddie S. Massally thanked and appreciated Her Excellency Mrs. Fatima Bio for the visit, adding that his mission in Liberia is not limited to protecting SLPP supporters but all Sierra Leoneans. He added that it’s timely for the Sierra Leone Community in Liberia to conduct their elections and that once that is done they would have a formidable Executive, and the Embassy will provide an office space within its premises for them.

In addendum, Deputy Ambassador Joseph M.  Hazeley explained that the relationship between the Embassy and the community has been a cordial one.

In the presence of the Resident Ambassador, H E Eddie S. Massally expressed their challenges and issues they are faced with and requested the First Lady to convey their messages to His Excellency President Rtd. Brig. Julius Maada Bio.

Some of the issues were women empowerment, schools for Sierra Leoneans in Liberia and a bus that will ply the route from Monrovia and Freetown.

Mrs. Fatima Bio in a short statement encouraged the Liberians to join Her Excellency Mrs. Clar Weah in her drive to fight for disadvantaged women and girls.

Mrs. Fatima Bio is one of the most vibrant hardworking First Ladies of our time and a global leader in the fight against rape and sexual abuse against women and girls.

Sierra Leone News: Niagara’s Mayor, Sierra Leone Tourism Minister Strike Deals

Minister of Tourism Memunatu Pratt

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Tourism and Culture has clinched another partnership and collaboration deal and settlement within twenty five minutes of one-on-one discussion with Mayor James M. Diodati of Niagara City of Ontario.

Giving a detailed backdrop of the meeting, the Minister and delegation did a morning site visit to the Niagara Tourism Village, which settlement attracts quite a huge number of tourists, for its beauty, history, heritage, antiques and many more.

During the tour the Minister attracted many aged Canadian women, who were interested in African Sierra Leone attire, and this drew more attention and created interviews for the Minister and delegation for the purpose of a visit. The Minister of Tourism with full alacrity responded accordingly as usual.

As the conducted tour concluded, the team had a proper observatory and concurrent approach with strong bench marks in how Sierra Leone can transform her colonial settlements to a beautiful and active tourist attraction site, which will raise awareness and generate income and employment with viable socio-economic benefits.
His receptiveness gave the Minister and team a flexible and comfortable atmosphere for successful deliberations.

The Mayor on arrival handed the Minister of Tourism, Memunatu Pratt a welcome gift of acceptance assuring the Minister that she is indeed welcome.
Well “Boe Tah Boe Nah” he who gives must expect to be given. Just after the presentation of the Mayor, the Minister in return also presented Sierra Leone’s Tourism promotional materials one after the other, and this gave the Mayor a shock as he wasn’t expecting anything numerous.

A special exchange of the Sierra Leone and Canadian lapels were fixed on both officials as a honorary symbol, statesmanship and acceptance of partnerships and dual collaborations betwixt the two ascendancy. It was just after the friendly exchange of tokens, that the Mayor declared readiness for a healthy partnership and collaboration with Sierra Leone Tourism with supports for tourism development in Sierra Leone.

Just at the end of the successful meeting, the team was taken to see, feel, and share experiences from the Niagara Falls. Polishing the deals the team visited one of the Seven Wonders of the World that is the Niagara Falls located in Ontario, a Canadian city. At the famous waterfalls, which falls is linked and perched with the United States by New York City border. And this unifies Canada and America separated by the Niagara Falls.

This site on the Niagara River’s western shore buoyantly overlooks the Horseshoe Falls, with the cascades’ most expansive sections and well pathed ancient water rocks splashes water mist, as the rainbow gives the genuine ambiance of hope to visitors.

 

Sierra Leone News: In Memunatu Jabbie Murder Case: Pathologist Confirms: ‘Death by Strangulation’

Dr. Simeon Owizz Koroma

Government’s Chief Forensic Expert and Pathologist at Sierra Leone’s Connaught Hospital Mortuary, Dr. Simeon Owizz Koroma has said, from autopsy examinations conducted on the remains of late Memunatu Jabbie, ‘it is clear that the deceased was manually strangled and had superficial slash on the neck.’

He added: “According to Autopsy result, it is clear that Memunatu was manually strangled, with superficial slash wound on the neck, fingernail marks and needle puncture at the lateral part of her neck and signs of attempted gang rape.” 24 years old Memunatu Jabbie was found dead last week Tuesday along the Aberdeen Mangrove Swamp area. She was a witness in the case of Hannah Bockarie who was raped and killed in 2015 at the Lumley/Aberdeen Beach.

Memunatu was a commercial sex worker who was testifying as witness on the murder trial of the late Hannah Bockarie.

Many say her death comes as a result of her latest testimonies on her late friend’s murder in court and for this and many other reasons, many people are now questioning the responsibility of the police in protecting their witnesses.

Head of Crime Services at the Criminal Investigations Department of the Sierra Leone Police, Assistant Inspector General Brima Jah explained that the police provided proper security for the deceased but that because of her type of business, she asked to be relocated in the West of the city.

“Police was providing her close protection security, money to take care of her needs and accommodation. But it came a time when she started creating unnecessary problems for the police and repeatedly disappear herself from police watch for reasons best known to her,” AIG Brima said.

He pleaded with the public to corporate with the police in investigating the late woman’s death.

Family members have called on the police to speedily look into the matter and help solve the mystery of women being targeted, raped and/or killed along the beach road.

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