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Celebrating UN at 78 with Residents of Freetown Cheshire Home

By Kadiatu Mansaray

Certain places are special in our lives, where memories intertwine with the walls and corridors. One such place for me is the Freetown Cheshire Home. This was founded in 1962 to support and raise people with disabilities. It was instituted after the Second World War after a man called Leonard Cheshire witnessed the destruction caused by war and drew pity to save and give a new future for those extremely affected by the war.

Recently, I embarked on a nostalgic journey to revisit this cherished abode. This time, it was to celebrate the 78th Anniversary of the United Nations with the lovely residents of the Home. As is now a permanent fixture in the calendar of activities of the UN in Sierra Leone, each time the day is observed, the anniversary cake is donated to a facility for children and young people. Thus, when my colleagues at the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, where I now work as a Partnerships and Knowledge Management Officer, asked for suggestions on where to donate the cake this time, my former home came to mind. I did not think twice. I suggested, and they accepted. The next day, we meandered our way through the traffic East of the City for Race Course, the home of Cheshire Home.

On my return, what we discovered was a captivating blend of emotions, reminiscence and personal growth.

As I stepped through the familiar entrance, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. The scent of an aged Cotton Tree in front of the girl’s quarter and the beautiful flowers greeted me, instantly transporting me back to a time when this place was my sanctuary. The boarding home, once bustling with life, now stood in a tranquil stillness, waiting to reveal its uniqueness and hope.

My first memory of the Cheshire Home was as a day scholar when I was enrolled in Class One two decades ago. I was brought to town from a village behind Kabala that I cannot remember now. I could not speak Krio, let alone English, and the latter was the only means of communication in the school where deviants were punished with the Black spot – a coin given to one caught speaking Krio and where the last person with the spot on the day is sentenced to the cleaning of the girls’ dormitory. During my formative years, I was found wanting a number of times.

Meeting the current residents, who now call this place home, was a heartwarming experience. Listening to their stories being told by the Chairperson and Caregivers, I discovered common threads that connected me back to my days in the home. The Freetown Cheshire Home had become a bridge between the past and the present, a testament to the enduring spirit of community and belonging. It has transformed the lives of so many physically challenged people in the country who are now serving in different spheres of life, ranging from doctors, lawyers, managers, teachers, and the like.

Amidst the success of the Home, it is now faced with great challenges that cannot be overlooked if we want to impact the lives of the young pupils of the Home.

Currently, the Home is constrained with food to feed the children, both resident and non-resident, amounting to a hundred persons.  Years back, which I can vividly remember, the Home used to get food donations from Rome-based donors and other NGOs, which was a big aid to the Home, but according to the Chairperson, Dr. Abdulai Dumbuya, all this support stopped a while back, leaving him to scramble his way out to feed the children.

Noting the challenges, Dr Abdulai mentioned the effect of late Government subventions, which, according to him, has caused a lot of constraints in securing his staff and effectively taking care of the children.  According to him, most staff who came with a determination to support the children had to quit their jobs because of late salaries, since it normally takes some time for the Home to able to pay them. He disclosed that the Home is left now with workers passionate about serving these children, but deep within him, he is not pleased with the situation as he believes in decent work for all.

The Home has no disability-friendly vehicle to transport the children to their various schools. According to the Chairperson, the Government shortlisted forty homes that would benefit from the fifty disability-friendly buses that would be given to these homes, but Freetown Cheshire Home was omitted. He added that the Home only has one vehicle, which was donated by the World Bank years ago, and whenever that vehicle had serious maintenance problems, it becomes challenging to support the children at their different schools.

As I glanced through the familiar spaces and faces, I could not help but reflect on the lessons this Home had taught me. It was here that I learned the value of independence, resilience, and adaptability. Living among diverse individuals from different backgrounds, I discovered the beauty of embracing differences, finding common ground, and looking beyond my disability. This Home had prepared me for the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.

Returning to this place allowed me to appreciate the journey I had undertaken and the person I had become, and every child deserves equal opportunities and a chance to thrive.

By addressing these challenges, we can make a significant impact on the lives of these children and the staff of the Home.

GYC Honors Climate Actors, Institutions with Climate Change Champion Awards

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of their strides towards honouring individuals, organizations, and initiatives that have made significant strides towards mitigating climate change and promoting sustainability in the country, the Global Youth Counterpart for Sustainable Development (GYC) has on Friday 3rd  November, 2023 held its 1st National Climate Change Champions Award (NCCCA) at the Radisson Blu Hotel on Aberdeen in Freetown.

Speaking during the ceremony, Executive Director of the Global Youth Counterpart for Sustainable Development, Abdul Karim Marah said climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time as it poses a threat to the environment, economy, and overall well-being.

He said that the Climate Awards ceremony aims to highlight and acknowledge those who have taken up this challenge and are leading the way towards a more sustainable future, adding that in that regard they deemed it fit to celebrate the remarkable achievements of individuals and organizations who have dedicated their time, resources and expertise to combating climate change maintaining how their efforts have not only made a difference in their respective fields but have also inspired others to take action.

Abdul Karim Marah maintained that the Climate Awards ceremony serves as a platform to showcase innovative solutions, ground-breaking research, and impactful initiatives that address the various aspects of climate change, adding that from renewable energy projects to sustainable agriculture practices, from advocacy campaigns to policy reforms, each nominee has contributed in his or her unique way towards building a greener and more resilient world.

The Executive Director extended heartfelt congratulations to all the nominees who have been shortlisted for the Climate Awards, stating that their dedication, passion, and commitment are truly commendable as each one of them has played a crucial role in advancing the cause of climate action and inspiring others to join this important movement.

He thanked their sponsors, partners, and supporters who have made this event possible (UBA, RC-Bank, FCC, WANEP SL, Freetown Media, The Parliamentary Oversight Committee on the Environment and Climate Change etc.

In her remarks, the Mayor of the Freetown Municipality, Yvonne Aki-Sawyer applauded the Global Youth Counterpart for Sustainable Development (GYC)for their contributions towards addressing climate change in the country, she further commended them for recognizing individuals, organizations, and initiatives that have made significant strides towards mitigating climate change in the country.

She said that climate change affects all on a daily basis and that according to studies if something is not done to mitigate its effects, it will get worst.

She used the opportunity to plead to all present at the ceremony to make Freetown and by extension the country more resilient to the climate that is already affecting us as a country.

She said that GYC participated in their Freetown The Tree Town which they also  supported the planting of trees in 2020 maintaining  that by the end of November 2023 they would have planted 977,000 trees under the 1,000,000 Freetown the Tree Challenge of which she said that by 2024 they would have completed the 1,000,000 Freetown the Tree Town.

She said that one of the ways the country can mitigate climate change is by embarking on tree planting of which she noted that in weeks to come the Freetown City Council will embark on giving away trees to citizens in order for them to engage in tree planting.

In his keynote address, Hon. Momoh Bockarie representing the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Environment and Climate Change in Parliament commended the Global Youth Counterpart for Sustainable Development (GYC) for honouring individuals, organizations, and initiatives that have made significant strides towards mitigating climate change and promoting sustainability in the country.

He maintained that in the bid to reducing vulnerabilities, increasing opportunities for climate actions in the country, the President has demonstrated commitment by establishing the following intuitions which include the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the National Disaster Management Agency and the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security.

Hon. Momoh Bockarie revealed that the Government has also developed a National Climate Change policy, which has been validated by stakeholders and approved by cabinet.

He continued how the country is highly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change, with a growing number of people at risk and significant impacts on the economy leading to a proposal made in Cluster Seven of the Country’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) in 2019, which stressed the need for aligning environmental and climate Change issues and economic development plans to a centre stage for proactive efforts to mitigate the causes of global warming, and help vulnerable citizens in both rural and urban settings to effectively adapt to climate change.

One of the awardees, Evans Lyndon Baines-Johnson expressed appreciation to the Global Youth Counterpart for Sustainable Development (GYC) for honouring the significant strides they have made towards mitigating climate change and promoting sustainability in the country.

He assured all, on behalf of awardees, that they will continue in their various ways to work towards mitigating climate change and promoting sustainability in the country.

In her vote of thanks, the Global Youth Counterpart for Sustainable Development (GYC) Coordinator for Koinadugu District, Maria Kolleh Mansaray, extended thanks to their distinguished Committee Judges, who have meticulously evaluated the nominations and selected the deserving winners.

She concluded by congratulating all the winners of the National Climate Change Champion Awards, adding that their dedication and efforts are an inspiration to many and urged them to continue working together to combat climate change and build a better world for future generations.

Governments Secures Major wins in negotiation on mobile tariffs

IMC’s Executive Secretary Highlights Crucial Role of the Media in Fostering Democracy & Development

By Amin Kef-Ranger

Khalil Kallon, the Executive Secretary of the Independent Media Commission (IMC) of Sierra Leone, in a notable address which he delivered during a Seminar for Press Officers and Media Journalists of Sierra Leone, highlighted the crucial role of the media in fostering democratic principles and national development while emphasizing professionalism and cooperation in media practice.

He expressed gratitude to MOFCOM for hosting the important event and extended his appreciation to Ambassador Wang Qing of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sierra Leone for their involvement in the seminar.

The media in Sierra Leone, Mr. Kallon noted, operates with a commitment to democratic principles and freedom of expression, aiming to support national development initiatives and improve the quality of life for Sierra Leoneans through effective mass communication strategies and activities.

He underlined that despite the Freedom of the Press, professionalism and responsibility are essential aspects of journalism practice in Sierra Leone, with the Independent Media Commission serving as the regulatory body to ensure compliance with guidelines and the highest level of efficiency in media services.

Khalil emphasized the media’s pivotal role in shaping the political, economic, and social development of Sierra Leone since the end of the civil war and further highlighted its contributions in providing accurate information, promoting public safety, morality, social consensus, justice, peace, and preserving national cultural heritage and identity.

Acknowledging the significant role of media institutions in Sierra Leone in strengthening China-Sierra Leone friendship and cooperation, he noted how these institutions have reported on issues related to the two objectively and professionally, contributing to the mutual understanding and friendship between the two nations.

The Executive Secretary also commended the selection of participants for the seminar, including practitioners from various media platforms, the Ministry of Information and Civic Education and the IMC. He expressed confidence that the knowledge gained during the seminar would be shared with fellow practitioners in Sierra Leone and appealed to the organizers to consider future programs and support for the media in Sierra Leone, emphasizing the nation’s development needs in terms of professional media practice and modern broadcasting and printing equipment.

He ended by wishing the seminar attendees a productive and fruitful deliberation.

It must be underscored that the Executive Secretary of IMC, Khalil Kallon’s address underlines the media’s essential role in Sierra Leone’s development and calls for ongoing support and cooperation to further enhance the nation’s media landscape.

A Sierra Leonean Becomes Lieutenant Colonel in US Army

A Sierra Leonean born, Lieutenant Colonel Ibrahim S. Kabbah was recently promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army after serving in many roles as a Major for over 6 years.  Lieutenant Colonel Kabbah began his military career in the United States Army when he first enlisted into the U.S. Army Reserves in February 1994 as a Combat Medical Specialist.  Kabbah was born in Freetown, Sierra Leone.  His mother is Hannah Turay and Father is Abubakarr Siddique Kabbah.  Kabbah grew up with his grandparents, and his grandfather was OC Joseph Rahman Mansaray of the Sierra Leone Police.  His grandmother whom raised him is Haja Emmah Mansaray who passed away this 2003 in Freetown, Sierra Leone.  Kabbah has close ties with his family in Sierra Leone and remembers his childhood fondly. Kabbah’s family has always been close and supportive of his career even with the distance.

Kabbah maintained the discipline that was instilled in him from a very early age. He was an active young man in sports, and academics when he was growing up in Sierra Leone.  Lieutenant Colonel Ibrahim Kabbah attended Primary School at Saint Michaels Primary and later went to Secondary school at the Methodist Boys High School.  Kabbah migrated to the United States in 1991.  He completed his High School in New York City.  Upon graduation from High School he decided to join the United States Army.  Kabbah first enlisted into the Army in 1994 as a Combat Medic.  This is a job for Soldiers that takes care of the wounded during combat.  Kabbah found that he is a natural in caring for others. As a Combat Medic he excelled in every position he held as a medic.  He decided to pursue his education and attended both Hofstra University Reserve Officer Training Corps to become and Officer, while attending the New York Institute of Technology School of Engineering.   Lieutenant Colonel Kabbah decided instead to continue with his military service and decided to change jobs into a Logistics Operations and Transportation specialist.  Kabbah deployed to the war in Bosnia and once again retrained into a job as An Army Occupational Therapy Specialist.  Kabbah served in Iraq as the team leader for the Combat Operations Stress team.  He quickly rose to the Senior Enlisted rank of Sergeant First Class which is only two ranks to becoming a Sergeant Major the highest of the enlisted ranks.   Kabbah was awarded with a high combat award known as the Bronze Star medal for his role in Iraq.

Lieutenant Colonel Kabbah attended the New York Institute and several other universities.  He earned his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Healthcare Administration and a Master’s in Business Administration.  Lieutenant Colonel Kabbah is pursuing his Doctoral of Healthcare Administration degree.  Lieutenant Colonel Kabbah’s Officer Career began with recommendations for a Direct Commission and was promoted as a Second Lieutenant in 2007.    This is a process wherein a person that has displayed a high level of competence, leadership traits and education in a field of expertise is nominated for promotion as an Army Officer. He attended the Officer Cadet Course and graduated with distinguished marks and was nominated as the Commandant  Select  for his achievement at the academy.  An award nomination for a model officer at the Cadet training earned him a nominated assignment.  He held several other positions as he grew up the ranks towards becoming a Captain in the Army.  He served as Officer in Charge at several departments.

Lieutenant Colonel Kabbah served in the war in Afghanistan where he received his second high combat award.  The then Captain Kabbah was selected to Command a Company.  Later in his career Kabbah was promoted to Major.  As a major, Kabbah exemplified himself as a leader and was nominated for Lieutenant Colonel Position.

Currently Lieutenant Colonel Kabbah is currently a Liaison Officer.  He has received several combat awards and achievements.

Lieutenant Colonel Kabbah attributes his success in the military to the foundation he learned from his developing years in his country of birth in Sierra Leone coupled with the support from his family.

Kabbah has been serving in the United States Army for almost 30 years and when asked how he did it, he said, “ God has always gave me the strength. It has been a long road.  But I have a lot of support from many good people.”  Kabbah loves his compatriots Sierra Leoneans and reflects fondly of the peace and tranquillity of the people in Sierra Leone. He mentioned that there is no place like home.

“I have always kept Sierra Leone in my heart and my goal is to continue to showcase what we are able to do when we do not give up on each other.”

This Sierra Leonean native has not only served in the military but also published in several professional works. Kabbah was depicted in the book, “Blood Brothers” by The New Time Reporter, Michael Weisskopf. He has also contributed to a book called, ‘Cared for the Amputee’ US Army Medical Journal. He had been highlighted by the Washington Post- Science advancements for his works.

This Sierra Leonean born American has contributed to several advances and now extend his experience through mentoring others.

Much like the combat areas he had served, Lieutenant Kabbah reflected on his childhood memories in Sierra Leone. He remembers the happy faces of the people.  He remembered the quality of education. He spoke about his days at Saint Michaels Primary where he took the Selective Entrance Exams and his years at Methodist Boys High School and Ahmadiyya  Islamic Secondary School in Kissy. This strong foundation is one of the reasons for his success in the United States Army.

Dr. Abs’s Dedication to Disability Inclusivity Is Impressive and Unwavering

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Dr. Abs Dumbuya, an exceptional Sierra Leonean, has risen above daunting challenges and shattered barriers throughout his remarkable life. Despite growing up at the Freetown Cheshire Home and facing numerous hurdles due to his disability, Dr. Abs refused to be defined by his circumstances and embarked on an extraordinary journey of academic and professional achievements.

Driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Dr. Abs pursued his education with unwavering determination, ultimately earning multiple degrees from esteemed international universities in the United Kingdom and obtaining a PhD. His achievement of becoming a chartered engineer showcased his exceptional intellectual prowess and unwavering dedication to his field.

Despite a lucrative career in the UK, Dr. Abs made a life-changing decision that demonstrated his deep compassion for others. He sold his house and relocated to Sierra Leone, feeling compelled to support persons with disabilities (PwDs) living in deplorable conditions. Witnessing the plight of his fellow colleagues from the Cheshire Home, he was moved to take action.

In honor of his late benefactor, he established the Dorothy Springer Trust, a tribute to the support he had received. This trust has since evolved into one of Sierra Leone’s leading organizations, tirelessly addressing the myriad issues faced by PwDs. Through inclusive information and communication technology (ICT) training, an Employment Bureau, and a Child Empowerment Programme, supported by Lilliane Fonds, the trust is transforming the lives of countless individuals.

Dr. Abs’s dedication to disability inclusivity extends beyond Sierra Leone, as he has become a highly respected disability inclusion expert in the sub-region. He lends his expertise to prominent organizations such as the World Bank, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Sightsavers, and Mot MacDonald. His profound knowledge, acquired through academic and experiential learning, has placed him at the forefront of disability inclusion initiatives.

In addition to his life’s work, Dr. Abs finds strength and support within his loving family. He is married to a remarkable woman, Mabel, who wholeheartedly embraces his advocacy efforts, and together they have raised two wonderful sons. This familial bond provides him with the unwavering support needed to conquer the challenges he continually faces.

Dr. Abs’s passion extends beyond his immediate surroundings, as he has selflessly lent his expertise to various political parties and Government agencies. His commitment to developing disability-inclusive programs on a pro bono basis reflects his deep understanding of the power PwDs possess to effect positive change in society. By advocating for their rights, he strives toward a more equitable and inclusive future.

Dr. Abs Dumbuya is not only an exemplar of perseverance and resilience but also of the innate capacity humans possess to make a tangible difference in the lives of others. Through his exceptional achievements and unwavering dedication, he serves as an inspiration to all those who share his commitment to human rights and disability inclusion.

“Old Friends, Make New Friends” Organization Donates in Congo Town Community

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

In a heartwarming gesture of generosity, the “Old Friends Make New Friends Organization” made a significant contribution to the children of the Congo Town Community on Saturday, November 4, 2023. The event, which took place at the Congo Town Bridge in Congo Town, brought together a diverse assembly of stakeholders, religious leaders, and parents from the local community.

Ejatu Koroma, the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of the organization expressed her profound happiness at the opportunity to give back to the community. She emphasized that since the inception of the organization, its primary mission has been to provide assistance to the people of the Community and extend their support to neighboring communities if possible.

The organization, established on August 10, 2019, is comprised of a close-knit group of childhood friends, along with new acquaintances. This unique blend of old and new friendships inspired the distinctive name of the organization.

Ejatu was keen to emphasize that the organization operates on a strictly non-political basis and at present, they are entirely self-funded. The materials donated during this event amounted to a remarkable Fifteen Million Old Leones. She stated that this gesture marks just the beginning as they have ambitious plans for further contributions. She also issued a call to larger organizations and non-governmental entities to extend their support and join them in their noble cause.

Among the grateful beneficiaries was Fatmata Kamara, a Class Four pupil, who extended heartfelt thanks and appreciation on behalf of her fellow children. She highlighted the challenges faced by the community and expressed hope that opportunities like this one would continue to find them. Fatmata praised the organization for its kind-hearted gesture and expressed her wish for its continuity.

Sallamatu Gassim, a parent within the community, conveyed her satisfaction and offered prayers for the organization to remember them for more opportunities of this nature, particularly given their vulnerable circumstances. She called on other organizations to follow suit, or if possible, exceed the level of support provided. Gassim expressed profound gratitude for the materials that their children received and offered prayers for even greater abundance to come their way.

The event stands as a shining example of the power of community-driven initiatives and the impact that a group of dedicated individuals can make in the lives of those in need. The Old Friends Make New Friends Organization’s act of kindness has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the hearts of the Congo Town Community, inspiring hope and fostering a sense of unity that will undoubtedly resonate for years to come.

NP-SL Ltd: A Beacon of Excellence, Consistently Providing High-Quality Petroleum Products

By Ranger

NP-SL Limited, the country’s leading oil marketing company, has consistently demonstrated steadfastness in its service delivery, providing high-quality petroleum products despite Sierra Leone not being an oil-producing nation. The company’s managerial decisions and commitment have ensured the availability of these products in a timely manner, allowing individuals easy access to them. NP’s dedication to reaching the pinnacle in the business landscape has instilled confidence in its business partners, fostering strong and enduring relationships.

While NP-SL-Ltd is not exempt from challenges faced by any business entity, the current high exchange rate of the dollar to the Leone has affected its operations. The sharp depreciation of the Leone against the dollar has led to inflation, impacting the prices of basic commodities and the overall standard of living. NP-SL-Ltd, responsible for importing petroleum products, has had to spend more Leones to purchase the dollars required for these imports.

Obtaining the necessary dollars has become a challenging task due to their scarcity, forcing the company to make extra efforts to secure the funds needed for imports. Given the importance of NP in the economic landscape, it is essential for the Petroleum Regulatory Agency, the Bank of Sierra Leone, and other commercial banks to offer maximum support and attention in facilitating foreign exchange transactions for the company.

Despite the challenges, NP has impressively maintained its position as one of the most successful indigenous entities, thriving when others have faced collapse for various reasons. The company’s viability is evident in its expansion into Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast, The Gambia, and its provision of top-quality customer care services in these regions.

NP has actively contributed to economic growth through tax payments and meaningful interventions in fulfilling its Corporate Social Responsibility, improving communities and transforming lives. The company has a reputation for providing job opportunities to Sierra Leoneans, enhancing their living standards, and strictly adhering to the country’s Local Content Policy by prioritizing local talent.

NP-SL offers NP Gas, known for its top-quality cooking gadgets, providing convenience for cooking purposes with various cylinder sizes available at filling stations and authorized agents. In the digital age, the company has introduced smart cards to facilitate convenient transactions for customers, offering them the flexibility to purchase petroleum products with ease.

“Using NP smart card always makes transactions very easy and convenient for me,” shared Amadu Koroma, an engineer.

NP’s unwavering commitment to delivering efficient services to its numerous customers across Sierra Leone has garnered widespread recognition, with the company receiving awards from various organizations.

While NP continues to contribute positively to the country’s socio-economic development, it is crucial for all parties to strictly adhere to contractual business agreements to ensure the company’s unhindered operation.

NP-Sierra Leone Limited stands as a beacon of excellence, consistently providing high-quality petroleum products and contributing to the nation’s growth despite challenges in the economic landscape.

IGR Launches Documentary on Failings of State Owned Enterprises & Parastatals

By Millicent Senava Mannah

“Most of the State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and Parastatals that are established to make profit and deliver effective services in the country, are consumed by debts and they are reliant on taxpayers monies for salary.’’  This statement was made by Andrew Lavalie, Executive Director, Institute of Governance Reform, during the launch of their ‘Tragedies in Politics’ Vol 1.

This documentary chronicles the effects of 20 years of bad political decisions on the performance of SOEs and Parastatals, as the Government embarks on reviewing the Privatization Law.

He maintained that like any developing country, there is a strong belief in Sierra Leone that solutions to dire poverty must come from abroad and therefore, from health care to education down to governing they depend on external aid for everything arguing how they are failing to build capable institutions to manage their economies and welfare of citizens.

“In this documentary we asked what are our state-owned Enterprises and Parastatals doing with the trillions of Leones they receive for the welfare of Sierra Leoneans,’’ Andrew Lavalie revealed.

According to Andrew Lavalie, they asked that question because before politicians head off to the IMF and the World Bank for funds to buy books and drugs, for them, it is useful to know why their State Enterprises and Parastatals fail to create wealth, jobs and services and more importantly how to stop that failure.

“We know that Government is currently reviewing the State–Owned Enterprises Law and so we decided to deepen the debate. But first let us look at State Owned Enterprises and Parastatals at a glance,’’ he averred.

Andrew Lavalie pointed out that the Road Transport Corporation which has received 350 buses from both SLPP and APC over the last 20years has never replenished its fleets using its own resources,  even though millions of Leones are paid in transport fares every day.

“In fact eighty mystery buses procured in 2014 disappeared in three years. At the budget hearing few years ago, the State Lottery declared that the company’s account was in red for 8 years running but its Managers were still paid hefty salaries,” he further revealed.

He also lamented that Sierratel, once the only gateway to communicate to the outside world and supposedly the highest source of revenue for Government years back is dead adding that Sierratel cannot compete with private telephone operators.

He revealed that, successive Governments have dumped Sierratel into $20 million debts and how with hundreds of its idle staff now going on regular strikes for backlog pay.

Andrew Lavalie furthered that the National Insurance Company which was regarded as Mother of all Insurance Companies 20 years ago has become Mother of Failures. And how in 2018, NIC was almost been dwarfed into nonexistence by private insurance company  RitCorp .

Lavalie also revealed in the documentary that in 2015, the State Owned Banks, SLCB and RCB, went broke and how they were only bailed out by the State Owned Social Security Scheme, NASSIT.

“Like State Owned Enterprises, Parastatals are also a source of waste, debt and what is more troubling is the impunity that goes with the waste,’’he bemoaned.

Andrew Lavalie continued by saying, ‘’Because State Owned Enterprises and Parastatals operate in a zero fiscal discipline environment, they have made widespread poverty part of our collective memory and our reality. So it is time to ask why these state enterprises are failing.’’

According to him, since 2004, the so-called privatization has merely been a scheme benefiting a few individuals in many ways. And how it gives fat salaries to people politically connected.

On his part, the Coordinator, Abu Bakarr Kamara of  Budget Advocacy Network, said that, even the money the past and present ruling parties used for electricity is enough for the country to have its own Karpowership through special financing arrangement, the same as NASSIT.

He continued that, there is no real commitment of privatizing these entities or ensuring efficiency of these Parastatals further maintaining that, the State-Owned Enterprises are reliable source of secretly financing politics

Sky Vision College Trains & Certifies 50 Police Officers in MS Office 2021 & Cybercrime

Abubakarr Harding

On the 4th of November 2023, a significant development unfolded as Sky Vision College, in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Police Force, awarded Certificates to 50 Police Personnel after undergoing training in the latest version of Microsoft Office 2021 and Cybercrime. This initiative marks a pivotal moment in the country’s efforts to stay ahead of the curve in the fight against cyber threats.

Sierra Leone has encountered the growing threat of cybercrime. As the world grapples with this modern menace, the country has taken a bold step towards equipping its law enforcement officers with the necessary skills in IT to combat the digital underworld.

Expressing his gratitude, the Commissioner of Police, Pharm Joseph I. Lahai, commended the Management of Sky Vision College of Technology for their innovative approach to imparting essential knowledge to the Sierra Leone Police.

Highlighting the strong bilateral relationship between Sierra Leone and the Indian Government, he emphasized the importance of India’s continued support in providing such crucial opportunities for the country’s development.

Commissioner Lahai affirmed that the newly acquired skills by the Police Force would be utilized efficiently to counter such threats.

He emphasized the significance of staying ahead of criminals, underlining the importance of proactive measures in safeguarding the nation from cyber-related crimes.

“Notably, before the completion of the training program, the skilled officers were able to apprehend a key player involved in fraudulent activities related to the use of Orange Money. This early success underscores the potential impact of empowering law enforcement with the necessary technological expertise and tools to tackle contemporary criminal challenges effectively,” he expressed satisfaction and gratitude

Reshma Kadam, Chief Marketing Officer at Sky Vision College, shed light on why Sierra Leone was selected over other African countries for this crucial initiative also pointing out the country’s aspiration to embrace advanced technological solutions and effectively address cybercrime issues.

She also highlighted Sierra Leone’s potential to emerge as a hub of advanced cybercrime detection and prevention in the African continent, second only to South Africa.

Participants from different divisions, who benefitted from the training and were certified, shared their valuable experiences during the training. Their accounts emphasized the urgent need for sophisticated equipment and specialized training to minimize cyber threats in the country.

It is believed that this pioneering drive will elevate Sierra Leone’s position to effectively tackle technology related challenges that may arise in the future.

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