NP-SL Ltd Hands Over Refurbished Squash Facilities to St. Edwards & Grammar School

March 27, 2023

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Committed as always in the rolling out of impactful and memorable gestures under the portfolio of its Corporate Social Responsibility mainly geared towards enhancing attitudinal change as well as promoting healthy competition amongst school children and develop their minds not only in the pursuit of academic excellence but also to fairly compete in the game of squash, NP(SL)Ltd, on the 23^rd& 24^th March, 2023 respectively, handed over newly refurbished Squash Facilities to the St. Edwards Secondary School and the Sierra Leone Grammar School.

Speaking on behalf of the Sierra Leone Squash Association, the Public Relations Officer of the Association, Sosthenes Smith expressed appreciation to NP (SL) Ltd for undertaking the refurbishment of the Squash Facilities which he described as a laudable venture towards the development and promotion of Squash in the country.

He disclosed how the Association is recognized by the National Olympic Committee and the National Sports Authority, adding that as part of the goal of the President of the Sierra Leone Squash Association is to ensure that Squash is introduced at the school level in the country, the Association has been working with Physical Health Education teachers in over eleven different schools in the country.

The PRO further applauded NP (SL) Ltd for upgrading squash facilities in schools which, he said, had made it possible for the game of Squash to be played. He appealed to the petroleum marketing company, on behalf of the Association, to support the actualization of the President of the Association’s goal in ensuring that the game of Squash is be played by school pupils in the country.

“I want NP (SL) Ltd to work with the Association in order to sponsor the training of school pupils and provide them with Squash equipment. I also want to conclude by appealing to Heads of Schools and Pupils to make good use of these facilities provided for you all,” he maintained.

He informed the gathering that the Association and NP(SL)Ltd are planning to host a one day inter secondary school Squash tournament for pupils in the country.

The Principal of St. Edwards Secondary School, Freddie R. Wyse said as a school they are so proud to receive the newly refurbished Squash facility. He commended NP (SL) Ltd for the laudable venture of which he assured the company that a Management Team will be put in place to oversee the proper use of the facility.

He said that as a school they are looking forward to inter house and inter secondary school competitions in order to promote the game of Squash among pupils.

The Chief Executive Officer of NP (SL) Ltd, Amb. Kobi Walker who addressed the gathering at the St. Edwards Secondary School said as a company they are very pleased to re-dedicate, re-launch and hand over the newly refurbished Squash facility which he said was constructed by the company in 2012.

He said that the company decided to establish these Squash facilities in schools because it was in schools in 1830 when technically the game of Squash was born at Harrow School in the UK.

The Chief Executive Officer said that the refurbishment of the facilities is to enhance attitudinal change and promote healthy competitions amongst school children and to develop their minds not only to pursue academic excellence but to fairly compete in the game of Squash.

The Acting Principal of the Sierra Leone Grammar School, Rev. Pinkley Wilhem, also used the opportunity to commend NP (SL) Ltd for the refurbishment of the facility at their school.

He said games and sports bring friendship and peace to a nation of which he encouraged all to put aside differences and come together in order to support the game of Squash in the country.

Delivering his keynote address at the Sierra Leone Grammar School, the General Manager NP (SL) Ltd, Saidu Mansaray, said that the facilities at the various schools will promote education, health and sport, adding that over the past 10 years the company has endeavored to support education, health and sport through the building of schools, WASH facilities and Squash Facilities.

He said that the company has built Squash Facilities at the Sierra Leone Grammar School, Fourah Bay College, St. Edwards Secondary School, and Bo Government Secondary School.

The General Manager also expressed the view that the idea of building Squash facilities in various educational institutions is to provide students and non-students within respective communities an alternative to other traditional sports.

“As a company we believe that combining sport and education can help students develop self-motivation that will enable them to do things on their own while encouraging and promoting unity, diversity and harmony among pupils,” he stated.

Saidu Mansaray encouraged pupils to take advantage of the opportunity in order to develop their minds and bodies using sport as a conduit as they continue to engage each other with peace, love and unity.

He informed the gathering that in fulfilling the company’s tradition the company is proud to inform all that they are launching their annual Squash competition for schools and colleges in which winners will be rewarded with motivational prizes such as medals, trophies and scholarships.

The delivery of vote of thanks were done by pupils of both schools during which they expressed gratitude and appreciation to NP (SL) Ltd for the facilities followed by short exhibition march passes by the pupils.

Caritas Freetown Trains School Advocacy Groups on Issues Related to SGBV

March 27, 2023

By Abubakarr Harding

Caritas Freetown held a one-day training session on Gender-Based Violence for School Advocacy Forum Group Members on Friday, March 24th, at the Kandeh Turay Hall at Waterloo. The event attracted 20 targeted Schools and 2 Focal Teachers from each school.

The purpose of the training was to train Young Ambassadors for Change in order for its members to have an understanding of Gender-Based Violence and school-related Gender-Based Violence, to know the difference between Sex and Gender, and identify harmful gender practices in schools and communities to raise awareness, to know the referral pathways (Trusted Adults), to report gender-based violence issues and become familiar with the gender-based violence laws, and for them to know the unique roles they should perform in their various Schools to ensure Gender-Based Violence is mitigated.

The training sessions were facilitated by Christian Davies Carter and Aruna Conteh. The facilitation sessions were carried out in a participatory and interactive manner as the pupils were organized into six groups and presentations were done by them to ensure that they fully grasp the concepts being taught.

The session on gender laws was new for the pupils, the long sentence period for perpetrators of sexual penetration and rape served as deterrence for them to abstain from committing such acts of gender-based violence.

The instant impact of the training was easily measured based on the comments, questions, and contributions made by the Pupils during the training. It was clear that there was knowledge gained at the end of each session.

The Young Ambassadors for Change and Focal Teachers willingly expressed their commitment to ensuring that they carry out awareness sensitization on sexual gender-based violence in their respective schools.

The satisfactory and knowledge gain survey questionnaire was immediately administered at the end of the training.

Kumba Gando, the Project Team Lead from Caritas Freetown stated in an interview that the training session was organized for school-going pupils from the twenty communities they have been engaging on SGBV issues.

She pointed out that Sexual Gender-Based Violence issues are always arising, despite the fact that other organizations have been doing a lot of sensitization on SGBV.

“There are still people who need to be aware of SGBV and its policies. Caritas Freetown’s aim is to complement the efforts of the Government and push forward the policies on SGBV,” she maintained.

One of the beneficiaries of the training session, Aminata Kamara, from Fawe Girls Senior Secondary School Waterloo expressed her gratitude for being part of the program.

She said while they had heard about SGBV before the training provided them with a different perspective on the issue. She acknowledged the importance of understanding SGBV and the laws surrounding it in order to prevent it from happening in their community.

According to her, with the knowledge gained from the training session, she is now in a position to implement the new perspective and strategies to prevent SGBV in her community.

Aminata’s commitment to spreading awareness and implementing what she has learned is an excellent example of how training sessions like these can inspire individuals to take action and make a positive change in their communities.

Indian Community Funds Medical Treatment of 3 Year Old Child in India

March 27, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a snap engagement, on the 24^th March, 2023, with a cross section of the Press at the Choithram Head Office on Rawdon Street in Freetown, Harish Agnani, a representative of the Indian Community in Sierra Leone disclosed that the Indian Community in the country has positively responded to the plight of a three year old male child by the name of Alhaji Lamrana Jalloh, who is currently afflicted with a life threatening disease and therefore needs specialized medical treatment overseas, by raising funds to foot all the medical expenses involved in his treatment as well as taking care of other attendant costs in India.

Other representatives of the Indian Community present during the engagement were Rajesh Balani, Manoj Rajwani from Emkay Stores, Devraj Budhuani from Guru Nanak Enterprise, Rohie from the Indian Mercantile Association, Harish Agnani from T Choithram as well as parents of the child and members of the Fourth Estate.

Harish Agnani continued by intimating that the parents of the three year old boy has ,in the past, taken the sick child to various medical facilities for diagnosis and treatment but lamented that all efforts proved futile as medical practitioners could not properly diagnose the ailment that the poor boy is suffering from.

He further informed that when a team of German doctors, through the pioneering work of the current Sierra Leonean Ambassador to Germany, Dr M L Baryor, in collaboration with the Bintumani Association, were in the country offering free pediatric treatment at the Choithram Memorial Hospital on Hill Station in Freetown, the 3 year old child was one of the patients they attended to.

He said it was then that it was diagnosed that the child is suffering from a life threatening illness and recommended for him to undergo surgical operations in India.

Harish added that the parents then approached a prominent Indian businessman who owns Balani and Sons Enterprise and appealed to him for assistance in order for the child to be treated as recommended. He revealed how the owner of Balani and Sons took up the matter with the Indian Community in the country asking them to come onboard and render assistance to the poor child.

“The Indian Community responded and raised the sum of more than $20,000 which was then donated for the treatment of the child,” he informed further disclosing that already the medical fee of $16,000 has been remitted to the hospital in India that will partly fund the conduct two major surgeries.

He also mentioned that return tickets have been bought, visas secured also expressing the view that in as much as it is speculated that the parents and the child will have to stay in India for a short while after the surgery they also decided to give an extra two thousand dollars to the parents for any unforeseen sundry expenses. However, one thousand dollars was given to the mother, who will be accompanying the child, during the engagement with the balance to be given later.

Harish Agnani pointed out that the Indian Community in Sierra Leone regards this country as their home as some of them have been in this country for quite a considerable period of time. He assured that they will do whatever they can to render assistance when and how the need arise further expressing hope and optimism that the child undergoes a successful medical treatment and returns in good health. He wished the family of the child good luck.

On his part, Rajesh Balani, son of the owner of Balani and Sons, recounted how the parents of Alhaji Lamrana Jalloh approached his father and made a passionate plea for assistance. He said as someone who also has a child it was really touching for them and so they decided to rally around the Indian Community for donations disclosing how the cooperation was fantastic. He thanked Harish Agnani for all the efforts he has made towards the treatment of the child also wishing the boy and his parents well.

A presentation of the tickets, documents and money to the parents was done by Harish Agnani. He said the child and parents will depart Sierra Leone for India on Sunday 26^th March, 2023.

Mother of the child expressed profound thanks and appreciation, first to Pa Balani for coming to their aid and to the Indian Community for funding the medical treatment and especially to Harish Agnani for the coordination. She prayed and expressed hope that all will go on well and as planned.

Mines Minister Elected Vice President of Association of African Diamond Producing Countries

March 27, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

At the 8th Extraordinary meeting of the Council of Ministers in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe on March 23rd, 2023 the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources of Sierra Leone, Musa Timothy Kabba, was elected as Vice President of the Association of African Diamond Producing Countries (ADPA)

The Minister’s election came about as a result of Sierra Leone’s strict compliance with the Kimberley Process Certification scheme for its diamonds and for the reforms he introduced in the mining sector.

It must be noted that the 8th Ordinary Meeting of the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA) Committee of Experts and Council of Ministers 2023 was officially opened by President Emmerson Mnangagwa at the Elephant Hills Hotel, Victoria Falls.

President Mnangagwa implored African diamond producing countries to stop exporting unpolished diamonds underscoring how the continent must begin consolidate its footprint in the global diamond industry.

“Greater information sharing among member States of the African Diamond Producing Countries Association should progressively result in us having a louder and more effective voice in the affairs of the global diamond mining sector. The continued exportation of raw diamond is a misnomer, especially in view of the fact that Africa produces about 60 percent of the world’s diamonds. African diamond producing countries should now increase beneficiation and value chain development so that our countries become major producers of diamond jewelry and other accessories,” Mnangagwa said.

Zimbabwe officially assumed the chairmanship of the 19-member African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA), taking over from Tanzania.

The two-day ADPA meeting started with closed door sessions of technocrats drawn from the global diamond mining industry.

Zimbabwe’s Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Winston Chitando, who is the incoming ADPA Chair and his Tanzanian counterpart, Doto Biteko, who is Minister of Minerals and ADPA outgoing chair, were in attendance. Minister Chitando assumed the top role at the ADPA 8th Ordinary Meeting of Experts.

Elected also as Vice President of the Association was Sierra Leone’s Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Timothy.

Minister Chitando, in his remarks said Zimbabwe will take over from where Tanzania left in terms of programme towards the success and development of diamond mining in Africa. “As the incoming ADPA Chair in 2023 we are looking forward to continue the work that has been done in the ADPA. We are thankful to Tanzania for the work that they have carried out during the course of their tenure,” he said.

ADPA has its headquarters in Luanda, Angola. Zimbabwe also heads the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), the global diamond watchdog.

Africell Makes Millionaires in Ramadan Show

March 27, 2023

Official commencement of Africell’s 2023 Ramadan Show dubbed, ‘Di Hut Show’, took place on Thursday 23rd March 2023 as part of the telecommunications company’s annual support to its esteemed subscribers during the holy month of Ramadan.

The show, which was broadcast live on the Africa Young Voices Television and linked with Star Television, Freetown Television Network, AfriRadio, Africell-SL Facebook page and all major radio stations and partner media platforms nationwide, will be done every week from Monday to Friday starting at 8pm daily.

Explaining the model of this year’s Ramadan show, the anchors of the show, Abdulai Jalloh aka Tamba B. and Nancy L. Toure narrated to viewers that Africell Mobile Company believes in supporting the people of Sierra Leone by bringing exciting programs that are beneficial to its subscribers.

They added that in this year’s Ramadan show Management of Africell Mobile Company decided to bring the show as a form of giving back to Sierra Leoneans across the country; especially those that are fasting in this Holy Month of Ramadan.

Tamba B. and Nancy L. Toure explained further that Africell Mobile Company is not only promoting their value-added services in the country but they are also bringing innovative promotions to their lovely subscribers by giving them the opportunity to become millionaires and also win other attractive prizes in the Ramadan Show.

Nancy L. Toure stated further that only Africell’s subscribers will have the opportunity to be part of the show and stand a chance of winning millions of Leones daily in the ‘Ramadan DI Hut Show’ by calling or sending a blank SMS to 777 which costs 65 cent and will be refunded back in the form of On-Net credit valid for 24hrs.

“Dial *161# and use #AfriMoney to double your chances when you buy Airtime, Data, 4G Unlimited Bundle, Ya! Special Offer or Ya! Remix Offer,” said Nancy, adding by urging their subscribers to make good use of the opportunity and be part of the show as up to 500 thousand new Leones is up for grabs.

Tamba B encouraged their lovely subscribers to participate in the show and stand a chance of winning attractive prizes, emphasizing that, the show has been highly praised for its level of transparency and fairness. He further stated that any subscriber that recharges NLe 2 via Afrimoney automatically gets 3 chances in the show.

“The more he/she recharges the more chances he/she will get in the show,” Tamba B. informed viewers assuring them that in this year’s Ramadan Show lots of attractive prizes are there for their subscribers to win.

They called on those that don’t have Afrimoney accounts to do so now and grab the opportunity of winning smart prizes in the show.

Before the climax of the programme many Africell subscribers won attractive prizes and the program will continue till the end of Ramadan.

Legal Link Offers Legal Compliance Training to 140 Church Leaders & Administrators

March 27, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Pastors and administrators in Freetown were the beneficiaries of a training conducted on the 21^st March, 2023 by the Christian Lawyers Centre hereinafter referred to as LEGAL LINK in partnership with the Pentecostal Fellowship of Sierra Leone on highly critical legal compliance issues bothering on the law.

The highly intensive and mind blowing workshop which was held at the Bethel Temple Church Hall, Tower Hill, Freetown, attracted several church leaders and administrators from different parts of the country.

The overarching objective of the training was to help broaden the horizon of church leaders and administrators on the area of the law and key legal compliance issues as they operate within and outside of the jurisdiction of Sierra Leone.

Executive Director of LEGAL LINK, Rashid Dumbuya Esq intimated this medium that the training was a proactive step aimed at reducing the increasingly devastating statistics of court cases against the church and to mitigate the embarrassment faced by the Body of Christ in Sierra Leone whenever a Pastor comes in conflict with the law.

He added that the Legal and Compliance training was a vision from God to bring knowledge and clarity on legal issues to the church stating that the administration of God’s church is both a legal and a spiritual assignment.

The Executive Director extended thanks to the leadership of PFSL, Bethel Temple Church, and all the trainees for their joint support in making the program a reality.

Seven modules on very critical areas concerning the church and the law were covered by Barrister Rashid Dumbuya together with Bishop Mike C. Obot Esq, the first legal Pentecostal Bishop in Sierra Leone.

These modules include: Legal Process of Church Registration

Acquisition of Church Properties: The Place of Conveyance, Leases and Tenancies, Deed of Gift, Letter of Administration etc,

Ethics and Conflict Management in the Body of Christ in Sierra Leone, Preparation of Church Legal and Governance Documents: Constitution, Administrative Policy Handbook, Finance Policy and Code of Conduct for Choristers. Handling of Staff Employment Matters: Minimum Wage law, Income tax, NASSIT Contributions and Terminal Benefits, the Marriage and Divorce: Understanding the Laws of the land. .Church vs Court Proceedings

Rashid Dumbuya Esq delivered modules 1, 2,4, 5, 6 & 7 while Bishop Mike Obot Esq, the General Overseer of Harvest Field Chapel International Ministries, served as co-trainer and handled Module 2 – Ethics and Conflict Management in the Body of Christ in SL.

Bishop Akintayo Sam-Jolly, President of PFSL, and General Overseer of Living Word of Faith Outreach Ministries, also graced the event and in a short statement, encouraged participants to hold the training with weight and put the knowledge they’ve acquired into practice with careful consideration to their realities and challenges. He also thanked the LEGAL LINK team, Bethel Temple Church and the membership of PFSL for the successful implementation of the program.

In addition, the General Secretary of PFSL, Rabbi Tamba Eric Emmerson Mbayo, while making the opening statement encouraged the participants to pay rapt attention to the different modules being taught so as to mitigate on the chances of them being in conflict with the law in the future.

The auspicious program commenced at 10:00am with registration of participants, a brief praise, worship and prayer session, tea break, and the delivery of lectures on the first three modules.

After that, a brief lunch break was observed, wherein participants were refreshed with delicious meals alongside drinks and water.

After lunch break, the lectures on the remaining four topics were delivered followed by a succinct Question and Answer session.

The training was done through power point presentations and participants took notes on the various topics that were being discussed.

Several of the participants commended LEGAL LINK and PFSL for organizing the legal compliance training, stating that it was timely and impactful, particularly in tackling the rising incidences of land conflicts and court cases involving the church.

Moreover, they encouraged the organizers to roll out similar trainings in the provinces so that church pastors and administrators in those areas could also benefit from the knowledge and awareness that they have secured in Freetown.

As of 2023, the LEGAL LINK team has been able to train about 2,100 church leaders and administrators in Sierra Leone on legal compliance matters.

The presentation of certificates to all the participants was done with the help of Bishop Akintayo Sam-Jolly, the President of PFSL and later assisted by the General Secretary of PFSL.

The training was covered live on Facebook and a WhatsApp group was later created to share the full presentations and materials with the participants for effective reading and implementation in their various Ministries.

Apostle Shaka served as the coordinator of the program.

Sherbro Alliance Partners & Govt Commit Further to Develop Sherbro Island

March 27, 2023

In the wake of the signing of the Investment Framework Agreement (IFA), a visit to the island and further consultations with stakeholders, the Government of Sierra Leone and Sherbro Alliance Partners (SAP) have made progress on the Sherbro Island City project.

The common vision for Sherbro Island City is to transform the island into an engine of economic growth for Sierra Leone and the surrounding West Africa region. Operated under a legal regime designed to attract and protect long-term investment, Sherbro Island will develop a diversified service and manufacturing economy that creates job opportunities for Sierra Leoneans and attracts new capabilities to the region.

Also, the Project will integrate efficient infrastructure with transparent and effective governance, supported by the application of smart technology and climate-sensitive policies.

Idris Elba, known as Paramount Chief Kong Mbakieon Sherbro, visited the Island recently to meet with the Mayor, local Chiefs, and other stakeholders. The purpose of his visit was to reaffirm his dedication and commitment to the Project, as well as to update stakeholders on the lengthy but productive negotiations with the GoSL, following the signing of an Investment Framework Agreement (IFA) in December 2022.

The parties reached an agreement on the IFA in Washington D.C. during the US-Africa Leader’s Summit, with U.S. Senator Gregory Meeks praising the Project and GoSL’s commitment to innovation and development.

Mr. Elba stated that he did not want to go public with the news of the IFA signing during the Summit. Instead, he wished to revisit the Island and deliver the news in person. He expressed his gratitude to his Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio, for his continued support for the Project, as well as to Ministers Jacob Jusu Saffa, David Sengeh and other members of the Government negotiation team for their tireless work behind the scenes to bring the Project to where it is today.

In a statement, Mr. Elba said: “Our commitment lies in supporting the growth of Sierra Leone by developing Sherbro Island, in partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone. This Project will benefit all Sierra Leoneans, irrespective of their tribal or political affiliations. As a Paramount Chief in Bonthe, I have a duty to the residents of Sherbro Island that I take very seriously. I want the world to see the potential and natural beauty of Sierra Leone.”

During the town hall meeting, Mr. Elba emphasized the importance of establishing a strong foundation for the project to have a lasting impact on future generations. He set out the next steps in the process, including, the need to market and promote the project internationally and to continue to organize the detailed feasibility studies that will be carried out by SAP and world-class consultants.

The Project will drive the development of a transformative, large-scale, sustainable economy, on Sherbro Island, Sierra Leone.

SAP was founded in 2019 by Idris Elba and Siaka Stevens, who came together over their commitment to building a legacy in Sierra Leone.

A Paramount Chief for Bonthe, Sherbro Island, Mr. Elba is well known by many as a global actor, producer, musician and humanitarian. He has worked on several projects in Sierra Leone over the years.

Mr. Stevens is a British-Sierra Leonean entrepreneur and the grandson of the late President Siaka Stevens. The SAP team is made up of experienced strategic advisors and lawyers.

For more information visit: www.SherbroIslandCity.com

https://twitter.com/ThisIsSIC

https://www.instagram.com/sherbroislandcity/

https://www.youtube.com/@SherbroIslandCity

https://www.linkedin.com/company/sherbroislandcity/

Contact: Katie Emms, Portland Communications,

katie.emms@portland-communications.com

Sherbro Island

To transform Sherbro Island’s economy and bring investment at scale into Sierra Leone, a radical approach is required. GoSL and SAP’s commitment to transformation by building the right enabling environment for investors, residents, and visitors to Sherbro is critical.

Special Economic Zone

AnSEZ is a geographically delineated region that is subject to different economic regulations to other regions in the same country for the purpose of attracting levels of foreign direct investment that could not otherwise be achieved.

Gento Preaches Religious Tolerance for Political Balance

March 27, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Mayoral aspirant of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), Mohamed Gento Kamara on Friday 24^th March 2023 joined hundreds of worshippers at Masjid Sabirin, Opposite the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority Head Office on Kissy Road in the East End of Freetown to observe the first Jumah Prayers in the Holy Month of Ramadan.

He was warmly received and welcomed by the Chief Imam, Sheik Faud, who stated that they are pleased to have him in their midst on such an important and memorable day as they gather together to worship the Almighty God. The Imam wished him well in all his aspirations and endeavours.

Addressing the mammoth congregation that was assembled to worship Allah on that Friday and the large crowd that was gathered outside the Mosque, purposefully, to have a glimpse of him and listen to what he had to say, Gento Kamara, clad in a blue flowing gown, briefly narrated how he suffered to gain education.

He informed his co-worshippers that he is aspiring for the Mayoral position of Freetown after experiencing the horrors of the August 10 incident. He added that what he did observe during that time was that certain people belonging to various tribal groups in the country do not like each other.

The Mayoral Candidate urged his audience to always endeavour to love one another at all times irrespective of tribal or regional differences because that is what Allah wants and approves.

He informed his audience that he is also aspiring for the Mayoral position in Freetown because he wants to promote religious tolerance and political balance. He added that it is not appropriate for a Christian Mayoral aspirant to have another Christian from Freetown as a Running Mate.

“This is why as a Mayoral aspirant for Freetown I not will select a Muslim for my Running Mate,” Mr. Kamara said. He added that he would do so in accordance with the country’s long standing practice of religious tolerance, adding that this would help unify Christians and Muslims as well as bring together the different tribes in the country.

He used the opportunity to inform his co-worshippers that the Creoles are Sierra Leoneans and are friends of all the other tribes in Sierra Leone. He noted, however, that this means that the Mayoral seat in Freetown is not only for Creoles, but belongs also to candidates of other tribes. He urged all citizens to be aware of the fact that Sierra Leone is for all Sierra Leoneans and that all political positions can be occupied by any qualified Sierra Leonean irrespective of their tribal affiliation, ethnic background or region.

He prayed that Allah gives him victory in the race for Mayor, and also prayed for a victory which would be genuine and not a victory that would take him far away from Allah.

It could be recalled that it was during the climax of the 13^th National Delegates’ Conference of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) held at the Bintumani Conference Centre at Aberdeen in Freetown, on 9^th February, 2023 that the Leader and Deputy Leader of the SLPP (President Dr. Bio and Vice President Dr. Jalloh respectively) officially endorsed Chief Mohamed Gento Kamara as the only contending Mayoral candidate who has been awarded the party symbol to contest for the position in the forthcoming Local Government Election (Freetown City Council Mayoral Election) slated to take place in June this year.

The announcement received support from thousands of party loyalists who jubilantly shouted, expressing joy and maintaining the determination that the team is now set to emerge victorious in the forthcoming elections.

President Bio informed the elated crowd at the time that he has chosen his team for the June 2023 General election and appealed as well as encouraged electorates across the country to make no mistake in electing a winning team underscoring the significance of voting for Chief Mohamed Gento Kamara as the next Mayor of Freetown in order to protect the future of the Municipality by seriously mapping out and implementing impactful and developmental oriented initiatives to sync with modern trends.

After expressing his gratitude for the offer, Chief Mohamed Gento Kamara reassured Freetonians of an efficient service delivery system when elected as the next Mayor of Freetown. He outlined his key priority areas of focusing attention and resources including ensuring unfettered supply of water from taps, undertaking thorough and sustainable cleaning exercises, recycling of waste into consumable products, promote unification by breaking the scourge of tribalism.

He encourages all his supporters to maintain an inclusive political strategy and to campaign beyond party, tribal and religious lines, adding that the main objectives of his Mayoral aspiration are centred around resolving tribal indifferences and creating a platform for inclusive development as well as total unification.

Chief Kamara has a long track record of success in his professional and personal life. He has shown an unwavering commitment to the development of the capital city and has demonstrated the leadership skills needed to make a real difference in the country.

APC Denounces PPRC’s Selective Justice Stance

March 27, 2023

By Abubakarr Harding

In a 23^rd March,2023 Press Release issued by the All People’s Congress (APC) Party signed by the National Secretary General of the Party, Lansana Dumbuya Esq, it was highlighted that as we get closer to the 24th June 2023 Local Council, General and Presidential Elections, the need for closer collaboration on elections management matters and confidence building becomes imperative.

Further stated was that inclusive and robust elections management is key in delivering free, fair and credible elections acceptable to all sides in any democracy adding that due to recent policy pronouncements by ECSL and experience gained in taking part in by-elections in the past five years, the APC has deemed it necessary to take stock of the issues that are the building blocks of a credible and water tight electoral management system for the 24th June 2023 Elections.

The APC pointed out that of note are the tallying procedures, the disaggregated voter registration figures at polling centers, voter identity card distribution, electoral data management protocols and the sharing of information by ECSL.

According to the Party, they have been informed by their representatives to the Political Parties Liaison Committee (PPLC) that at the last PPLC meeting the Commission made a policy statement that tallying of votes for the Presidential Election will only take place at regional level.

The APC said it is very much concerned by that statement as it runs contrary to the provision of the extant electoral law as contained in the Public Elections Act 2022.

Quoting Section 51 , the Party said it thereof provides that “valid votes cast will be counted polling station by polling station and the certified result of the counting shall be transmitted to the District Returning Officer who will in turn certify the result and transmit same to the Regional Returning Officer who shall again certify and transmit same to the National Returning Officer”.

The APC argues that it is impossible for the District Returning Officer to certify the result of the total votes cast at polling stations in a District and transmit same to the Regional Returning Officer without any form of tallying taking place.

It stated that if that is the policy the Commission intends to adopt, then it will be tantamount to laying the foundation for massive electoral malpractice.

The APC reiterated its concern over what it terms a seeming infringement of the law saying they have requested to the Commission that it clarifies in no uncertain terms the policy it intends to adopt in respect of tallying and transmission of results of votes cast from polling stations to the district and up the chain to national level.

Strongly stated was that the Party will reject and resist any attempt to short-cut legally laid down procedures and protocols in the management of the 2023 Elections.

The Party further pointed out that the ECSL, after registration of voters, only published final voter registration figures at national, regional and district levels and failed to publish disaggregated voter registration figures at polling center level.

“We are therefore requesting that the voter registration figures at polling center level be published immediately not only because transparency and credible elections management demands that, but because it is necessary in aiding the APC’s election preparedness,” the Party stated in the Press Release.

It continued how also, it is the case that ECSL acted alone and somewhat in secrecy, in awarding the contract for the printing of voter identity cards in this electoral cycle.

The Party maintained how in 2012 and 2017, the process was inclusive where political parties and Civil Society Organizations were not only involved in the procurement of a vendor but also monitored the printing exercise, courier and distribution process of the cards.

The APC lamented that those transparency and confidence building measures were ostensibly omitted by ECSL in the current electoral cycle.

It said, given that as per the ECSL’s last update, the voter identification cards have not been couriered into Sierra Leone, the APC said it demands that the ECSL discloses to them who the contractor is and when the voter identity cards are arriving in Sierra Leone as they intend monitoring the card distribution process starting from when the cards arrive in Sierra Leone, their storage and distribution.

According to the Party, those clarifications and demands have been made in line with the Party’s commitment to ensure they have non – violent, democratic and fair elections process and outcome.

The Party disclosed that on another note, they have formally complained and brought to the attention of the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC) certain incendiary statements and falsities uttered by Madam Fatima Bio, the First Lady of Sierra Leone, while she was campaigning for the SLPP in Kailahun District on the 19th of March 2023.

It stated that in a video and audio clip being shared widely on social media, the First Lady uttered, amongst many other things, that the APC did not conduct elections during their National Delegates Conference (NDC) but rather did a selection of National Officers, that all their National Officers with the exception of two are from villages along Kamakwie Road, that former President Koroma had stated that Kono does not ‘matter’ (is irrelevant), that Former President Koroma has said that he has made sure that the East is not part of the APC, that our entire National Executive consists of only Lokos and Limbas, and most dangerously that APC should not be allowed to have party offices in the East.

The Party claims that those statements are not only false but irresponsible and incendiary saying it is open knowledge, with evidence abounding that elections were conducted during their NDC, that their National Executive does not consist only of people along Kamakwie Road, that Former President Koroma never made a statement about the irrelevance of Kono or the East especially considering how much development he took to the East during his presidency, and that not only Lokos and Limbas constitute their Executive.

Again quoting Section 39 (1) of the Political Parties Act 2022, the APC said it provides that, “A political party, including its members, supporters, candidates and operatives shall not be involved in the use of incendiary and inciting statements, including hate speech against political opponents”.

The APC said categorically, a statement that they should not be allowed to have offices in the East is MOST DANGEROUS and inciting and exposes their Party, its property, membership and supporters in the East to hate, possible attacks and destruction.

Drawing the PPRC’s attention to a recent fine the Commission imposed on their Party, citing the same provision of the law for statements or chants made by certain persons in the presence of their National Leader, for whom there is no evidence that they are known operatives or members of their Party yet still the Commission proceeded, of its own volition, to fall heavily on them, even though the Party through its leadership issued prior statements for people to desist from making incendiary comments.

The APC pointed out that they waited several days to see what action the Commission would take regarding the utterances of the First Lady, especially so considering how the Commission was proactive in calling them to book when unknown people purported to be their supporters made less incendiary statements, but up till now they have not heard or seen anything from the Commission.

“We have admired the Commission Chairman’s leadership and enjoyed his professional collaboration and expect his dispassionate consideration of this complain,” the APC stated adding how they believe that what is good for the goose, must be good for the gander.

Healey International & Trimedx Train 26 Technicians on Medical Equipment Maintenance

March 27, 2023

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a bid to equip Biomedical Technicians on basic medical equipment maintenance in the country, Healey International Relief Foundation in partnership with Trimedx Foundation has on Thursday 23^rd March, 2023 concluded a training exercise on Basic Medical Equipment Maintenance for 26 Biomedical Technicians across the country.

In his opening statement, the In-country Manager of Healey International Relief Foundation, Ishmeal Alfred Charles, pointed out that the Healey International Relief Foundation is eager to strengthen the healthcare system in Sierra Leone, adding that after many assessments they learnt that the country is spending so much money on equipment and once they have minor breakdowns they throw them away and trying to replace them saying such could be expensive.

He stated that, therefore, as a way to promote a preventive maintenance culture and repairs, Healey IRF partnered with Trimedx Foundation, a trusted provider of medical repair services in order to equip Biomedical Technicians in their various health facilities across the country on basic medical equipment maintenance.

The In-country Manager informed the gathering that this is not the first time Trimedx is coming to Sierra Leone to help fix machines and they are delighted that they are making such happen.

He maintained that prior to the commencement of the workshop the technicians visited and repaired machines at Kamakwie Wesleyan Hospital, Holy Spirit Hospital in Makeni, Kindoya Hospital in Bo and Mercy Hospital in Bo.

In all those hospitals several equipments such as urine analyzers, audiogram, oxygen concentrators, monitors, baby warmer and many more were maintenance.

A Board Member of Healey International, Moses Baryoh, said that there is no school in Sierra Leone that teaches biomedical engineering, of which he added that it in that regard that the Healey International Relief Foundation, in partnership with Trimedx Foundation deemed it fit to organize such a training programme for technicians in the country.

He said the training will strengthen the healthcare system in the country through technology adding that the training will also lend a support to healthcare facilities by providing the basic knowledge on Basic Medical Equipment Maintenance to technicians in various health facilities in the country.

Moses Baryoh maintained that at the end of the training these technicians’ understanding of the subject matter will be deepened in order for them to build confidence to do their work.

On his part, one of the Trainers, who happens to be a Biomedical Mission Specialist from the Trimedx Foundation, USA, Alan Cox, expressed joy to be in Sierra Leone for the second time to undertake biomedical repairs campaign in Sierra Leone. The trainings, according to him, has helped to impart knowledge to the technicians that have benefited from the training.

He said that it has been identified that over 70 percent of medical equipment in developing countries are nonfunctional due to lack of expertise on maintenance, adding that the move by both institutions is to close the gap in order to make sure that the equipment is available.

Alan Cox said that majority of the Biomedical technicians are not properly trained and they have been simply moved on from other roles in the facilities to become Biomedical maintenance technicians, stating that by offering such a training that provides the basic troubleshooting and steps to follow when servicing a medical equipment, has helped in equipping them with the requite knowledge they need.

Kevin Collazo, Biomedical Mission Specialist stated that this opportunity will not only help in training but will strengthened ties and set up a support system for the facilities.

One of the participants, Alimamy Bangura, a Biomedical Technician commended the move by Healey International Relief Foundation and Trimedx Foundation for organizing the training which he described as very important to them as technicians.

He said the training has equipped them with the requite knowledge on Basic Medical Equipment Maintenance adding that as participants they will ensure that they cascade the knowledge they have gained to other technicians who were not part of the training.

The training ,which was done in a participatory format, where the technicians drawn from the varied facilities shared their knowledge and experience through plenary and group discussions was climaxed by a certificate ceremony during which all the participants were certified.