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Tourism Ministry Visits Rotumba Village, Places Plaque on Portuguese Slave Fort

The Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Tunis, on the 9th September,2023 led a delegation, accompanied by Deputy Minister Kadijatu Grace Kamara, the Ministry’s Cultural Directorate, the Monument and Relics Commission, and Tour Operators, on a visit to Rotumba village in Koya Chiefdom.

During the visit, they conducted an inspection of the Portuguese Slave Fort and erected a plaque to preserve the historical relics.

Rotumba is known to be a Portuguese Slave Fort constructed in the 15th Century, situated on the banks of the Sierra Leone River, opposite Bunce Island. The site stands as a testament to the historical ties between the Portuguese and the British on Bunce Island.

Before commencing their tour of the relics, the Minister and her team paid their respects and offered greetings to the Chief of Rotumba village, Pa. Alimamy Brima II. On behalf of the Paramount Chief, he warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed his delight at the Ministry’s visit, viewing it as a developmental initiative for their village. He pledged his and the chiefdom’s full support to ensure the preservation of the historical relics, which he believed would bring benefits to the community.

In her address to the Chief and the stakeholders of Rotumba, Madam Nabeela Tunis expressed gratitude for the warm welcome extended to them. She explained that the purpose of their visit was to confirm the existence of the Portuguese Slave Fort, mark it for preservation, and raise awareness within the community about the significance of their historical heritage and the importance of its protection.

The Minister emphasized that the placement of a plaque signified the identification of the relics and their commitment to preserving them under the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. She praised the community for safeguarding these relics, stating that their preservation would have a substantial economic impact on the lives and livelihoods of the village once the fort preservation project comes to fruition. She clarified that the project aimed not to dispossess the community of its land but to benefit them by opening the village to tourists and developing the community with necessary amenities.

During the guided tour of the historical site, Foday Jalloh, the Director of Culture, provided insights into the significance and historical importance of the Portuguese Slave Fort and the first Episcopal Church built in 1926. He emphasized that the fort holds great potential for colonial and slave tourism, suggesting the establishment of eco-lodges and the creation of a heritage tourism link between Bunce Island and the surrounding rivers in the estuary

Pres. Bio Attends 78th UN General Assembly in New York

By Foday Moriba Conteh

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has on September 12, 2023 departed for the United States of America to participate in the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York. The President’s attendance will mark a significant moment as Sierra Leone joins the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as a non-permanent member with greater level of responsibility

With the theme, “Rebuilding Trust and Reigniting Global Solidarity: Accelerating Action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards Peace, Prosperity, Progress, and Sustainability for All,” President Bio is set to actively engage with fellow Heads of State, Government officials, representatives of International Financial Institutions, Philanthropic Organizations, and the media.

During this international gathering, it is expected that President Julius Maada Bio will showcase Sierra Leone’s remarkable progress in development and articulate his Government’s vision for sustainable transformation over the next five years.

He will also establish crucial connections with key stakeholders ahead of Sierra Leone’s tenure as a Non-Permanent member of the UN Security Council for the term 2024-2025.

Sierra Leone is poised to assume the UN Security Council Presidency in August 2024, a significant return to the Council in that category after 53 years, signifying global recognition of the small West African nation.

Sierra Leone joins the ranks of Algeria, Guyana, Republic of Korea, and Slovenia as part of the premier international body responsible for maintaining global peace and security.

President Bio’s prominent speaking engagements at UNGA78 will include participation in the high-level observance of the fourth International Day to Protect Education from Attack, co-organized by UNESCO, the state of Qatar, Education Above All Foundation, UNICEF, and the United Nations Department of Global Communications.

He will also deliver a national address during the general debate of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, participate in the SDG summit acceleration day, focusing on transforming education in his role as co-chair of the high-level steering committee for Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4).

Additionally, President Julius Maada Bio will partake in the high-level political forum on sustainable development in his capacity as chair of the group of seven plus (g7+) countries.

President Julius Maada Bio is renowned for his role as the Coordinator of the African Union Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government (C-10) on the reform of the United Nations Security Council. He has also achieved a historic feat, successfully pushing for a UN resolution on sexual violence survivors in 2021. This marked the first time in the history of the United Nations General Assembly that the issue of sexual violence survivors was included on the agenda.

Finance Ministry Introduces Digital Excise Tax

The Minister of Finance, in a Press Release, has informed all manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers of excisable goods, as well as the general public, that it is about to introduce mandatory Digital Excise Tax Stamps for tobacco products, wines, spirituous beverages and beers with effect from 1st October 2023.

In furtherance of this, the Ministry of Finance sources informed this press that it had been a long time coming to stop illicit trade, under-declaration, and inefficiencies in monitoring these products.

The release further indicates that due to the loss the Government incurs in revenue collection and unfair competition for legitimate, law-abiding manufacturers and importers, the Finance Ministry sees the introduction of this new process as the best way forward for better revenue collection in relation to excise goods.

Reliable sources at the Ministry further informed this Press that using a digital traceability solution to authenticate secured tax stamps will aid the Government’s tax administration in mitigating revenue losses and protect compliant companies’ products in the market.

According to our sources, the Digital Tax Stamps will take the form of either paper stamps or digital codes that are affixed or directly printed onto the excisable products or during the packaging of such products.

“The stamps contain visible and covert security features, which prevent counterfeiting and enable the stamps to be authenticated and traced to their origins,” a senior Finance Officer revealed.

The senior Finance Officer maintained that the introduction of Digital Excise Tax Stamps would further enable consumers, retailers, and distributors to verify the authenticity of stamps affixed on excisable products, adding that all persons handling excisable goods for which marking is mandatory, must verify the presence & authenticity of the secured marking before receiving, storing, and offering the products for sale.

This press learnt that for locally manufactured goods, affixation shall be done in the production facility immediately after packaging the product, whilst for imported goods, affixation shall be done in a place registered by the Commissioner General of the National Revenue Authority (NRA), within seven days upon clearance from Customs or at the production facility within the exporting country; subject to such conditions as the Commissioner General may specify.

However, the release states that all registered taxpayers shall have certain obligations in paying Excise Duty, as long as they are involved in the manufacturing and or importing prescribed excisable goods.

The release further informed all Excise Duty taxpayers to apply through the NRA to access and use the PTS platform and facilitate the installation and maintenance of the PTS system equipment on any qualified, fully automated production lines in their production facilities.

The press release from the Ministry of Finance stated that the period 1st October 2023 to 31st December 2023 should be a transitional period during which every manufacturer; importer, distributor, agent, or trader of these gazetted products is required to dispose of any stock not bearing a Digital Tax Stamp.

However, the Ministry notes that where a person cannot dispose of stock not bearing a Digital Tax Stamp by 31st December 2023, such stock should be returned to the manufacturer or importer for stamping. At the end of the transition period, all excisable products sold on the market must carry a Digital Tax Stamp.”

Digital Excise Tax stamp introduction is part of the Government revenue and tax policies outlined by the Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, in his 2023 Supplementary Budget Statement in the Well of Parliament.

He noted that to achieve the projected increase in domestic revenue, the Government is implementing the tax policy measures contained in the Finance Act, 2023, as part of the Medium-term Revenue Strategy (MTRS).

“The excise stamps will assist in tracking excisable goods along the supply chain, providing accurate statistics on the production and importation for tax purposes and deterring counterfeiting and smuggling of these goods,” said the Finance Minister, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura.

Caritas Freetown Empowers 50 Women in Income Generation & Business Management

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of their efforts towards equipping vulnerable women with knowledge and skills in income generating activities and business management, with the aim of empowering them to become self-reliant and improve their livelihoods in the country, Caritas Freetown Justice and Peace Commission, with support from Trocaire, has on Friday 8th September, 2023 concluded a 2 days training for 50 Vulnerable women from five different communities on income generation activities and business management.

The training which brought together women from 5 communities including Susan’s Bay, Culvert, Wellington Old Wharf, Portee and Calaba Town Communities was held at the Cline Town Kumbassa Community Center Hall in the East End of Freetown.

Speaking during the training, the Program Manager of Caritas Freetown, Eliza G.O.C Sillah, said the training is part of the implementation of its project titled, “Preventing Violence Against Women and Promoting Women, Persons with Disabilities’ Participation in the 2023 General Elections”, supported by Trocaire.

She said the primary objective of the training is to empower the participants by providing them with the necessary knowledge and skills in income generating activities and business management with the strong conviction that by equipping these women with the tools they need to start their own businesses, Caritas aims to enhance their self-reliance and improve their overall livelihoods.

Eliza G.O.C Sillah stated that the training program covered various topics related to income generation and business management of which participants received comprehensive instructions on business planning, financial management, marketing strategies and customer relations.

She noted that additionally participants were introduced to various income-generating activities, such as small-scale agriculture, crafts, and tailoring, among others.

The Program Manager also stated that the training is being conducted by a team of experienced trainers and facilitators specializing in business development and women’s empowerment, furthering how the trainers utilized a combination of interactive lectures, practical exercises, and group discussions to ensure maximum engagement and knowledge retention among the participants.

She disclosed that the training has equipped participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to establish and manage their own income-generating activities, revealing that Caritas Freetown Justice and Peace Commission will continue to provide post-training support to ensure the sustainability and success of the participants’ businesses.

One of the participants of the training, Adama Bangura representing Portee Community, applauded Caritas Freetown Justice and Peace Commission for the two days training in income generation and business management.

She stated that through the training they have been equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills in income generating activities and business management.

Adama Bangura said that prior to the training many of them struggled with business management, often resulting in reduced profits. Now, they feel better equipped to run their businesses successfully.

She emphasized how the knowledge and skills acquired during the program, particularly in business planning, financial management, marketing strategies, and customer relations, would significantly benefit their businesses.

Pres. Bio Entreats APC to Work with Government

By Foday Moriba Conteh

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has on Friday 8 September, 2023 held a significant meeting with representatives from the Commonwealth Secretariat and the leadership of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC). Discussions centered on mediating efforts involving the opposition and key stakeholders, with a strong focus on deepening democracy, upholding the rule of law, and promoting peace in Sierra Leone.

During the meeting, President Bio expressed his Government’s unwavering commitment to those core principles, stating, “I had fruitful discussions with the delegation from the Commonwealth Good Offices for Peace and the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, on my Government’s commitment towards deepening democracy, the rule of law and enhancing peace in Sierra Leone.”

He further reassured all mediating parties, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), of his Government’s willingness to collaborate with all Sierra Leoneans, including the Opposition Party, APC. President Bio emphasized the shared interest in the peace and progress of the nation, despite differing political paths.

The President also assured that his Government would continue to pursue a common ground for the advancement of the country, adding that he wanted to invite the main opposition All People’s Congress, APC, “to work with us in strengthening our democratic State Institutions by encouraging their elected officials, including Members of Parliament, Councillors, Chairs, and Mayors, to take their rightful seats and responsibilities entrusted to them by our citizens.

“Participating in the comprehensive and independent review of all Election Management Bodies and subsequent implementation of recommendations, to be conducted with the support of our national and international partners.

“Participating in broader governance improvements for State institutions, including the justice sector reform and our constitutional review processes. I also call on all the security sector personnel to protect the right to life and freedom of all citizens.

“As the Commander-In-Chief, I remain committed to our national values of peace, unity, freedom and justice. May God protect Sierra Leone and its citizens,” he concluded.

It could be recalled that ahead of the June 24 elections, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, addressed the signing of the Electoral Pledge by leaders of the two main political parties, which was witnessed by key national and international stakeholders, including the diplomatic community in the country on 25 May 2023.

She emphasized the need for political party leaders to publicly commit to upholding peace before, during and after the elections, adding that “Governing takes enormous courage, skill and heart, and I applaud all the candidates who have put themselves forward and all those who sign this election pledge.

“Presidential candidacy comes with a solemn responsibility, because the office of the President is a sacred trust. And this election pledge goes far  beyond symbolism. It is a promise each candidate makes before the country and the people they strive to serve: to put the nation first, to work together, prioritize the national interests and the unity of Sierra Leone.”

Freetown Faces Blackout as Karpowership Suspends Electricity Supply due to Unsettled Debt

Power outages have started hitting Freetown with the main factor attributed to the suspension of electricity supply by Turkey’s Karpowership due to an unpaid debt totaling approximately $40 million.

The Minister of Energy, Alhaji Kanja Sesay, has confirmed the disruptions disclosing how the accumulated debt had grown over time due to Government heavily subsidizing over half of the cost per kilowatt-hour charged by the ship. He furthered that the substantial subsidy expenditure is necessitated by the fact that the Government bills consumers in the local Leone currency, which has been one of the weakest performers against the dollar, the currency used to settle payments to the power provider.

As a way of addressing  the crisis, the Government has established a Commission tasked with reviewing consumer electricity tariffs, potentially leading to a doubling of rates.

Karpowership, a prominent operator of floating power plants globally and a subsidiary of the Karadeniz Energy Group, had entered into agreements in 2018 and 2020 to supply electricity to Sierra Leone’s state power utility. The company has previously struck similar deals with several African nations grappling with electricity shortages.

As of now, Karpowership has not issued an official statement regarding the suspension of power supply to Sierra Leone.

According to the company’s website, it has been providing Sierra Leone with approximately 65 megawatts of power generation capacity since 2020, covering 80 percent of the nation’s total electricity needs.

The Energy Minister revealed how the discontinuation of Karpowership’s services has resulted in a 13 percent reduction in electricity supply to the capital. As a consequence, electricity is currently being rationed in Freetown, with homes and businesses enduring daily hours-long power outages.

Karpowership serves as one of three primary sources of electricity for Freetown, with the others being the country’s hydro dam and power supplied through an interconnection with Ivory Coast, which also provides electricity to Guinea and Liberia.

The Energy Minister also divulged that Karpowership’s supply becomes particularly crucial during the dry season when water levels at the country’s hydro dam drop significantly. Conversely, during the rainy season, which runs from May to November and is currently at its peak, the country’s dependence on Karpowership diminishes.

Chief Minister Embarks on a Mission to Foster Collaboration among  Three Arms of Government

In order to foster effective governance and drive the nation closer to achieving President’s Bio’s ‘Big Five’ agenda on public sector and justice reform, the Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, convened a crucial meeting on the 8th September, 2023 with the Legislative, Judicial and Executive arms of the Government.

The meeting, which brought together esteemed leaders from the three branches of Government, focused on enhancing collaboration in key areas, particularly within the realms of the public sector and the justice system.

This proactive engagement is part of the Government’s unwavering commitment to usher in substantial reforms in these domains, aligning perfectly with the fourth goal of the ‘Big Five’ agenda: public sector and justice reform.

During the session, Dr. Sengeh expressed his gratitude to the heads of Parliament, the Chief Justice, the Attorney General, and governance experts for their dedicated participation. He emphasized that this collaboration would serve as a roadmap for institutions to work harmoniously in order to provide more efficient public services, particularly in the pursuit of goal number four, which centers on public sector and justice reform.

Under the President’s ‘Big Five Agenda,’ the fourth goal focuses on public sector and justice reform as a critical component. Dr. Sengeh underscored the necessity of cooperation between the Legislative-Parliament, the Judiciary-Chief Justice, and the Executive-Attorney General and Minister of Justice to realize those ambitious reform goals.

In his role as Chief Minister, Dr. Sengeh is taking the lead in coordinating and ensuring the effective functioning of the collaborative effort, which is integral to the success of the public sector and justice reform initiative. Key among the reforms discussed was the modernization of the long-standing Criminal Procedure Act of 1965.

Highlighting the significance of reforming archaic laws, Dr. Sengeh likened the Criminal Procedure Act of 1965 to the recently abolished Criminal Libel Law of 1965, both of which have been in existence for decades. He emphasized that the meeting was a continuation of the ongoing dialogue among institutional heads, aimed at ensuring that these laws are brought in line with the national constitution. The Government is committed to meticulous planning and concerted efforts to drive reforms that benefit the people of Sierra Leone.

In summary, Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, has embarked on a mission to foster collaboration among the three arms of Government, with a particular focus on public sector and justice reform. This landmark meeting signifies a pivotal step forward in the pursuit of the President’s ‘Big Five’ agenda and reaffirms the Government’s commitment to ensuring that laws are harmonized with the national constitution for the betterment of the nation’s citizens.

WFP Boosts Agriculture Ministry with 31 Motorbikes to Enhance Mobility of MAFS Staff

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), has on the 8th and 9th September, 2023 generously offered thirty-one motorbikes valued at $30,335 to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS). The donation is aimed at enhancing the mobility of MAFS personnel and improving their access to remote and hard-to-reach rural areas where they provide essential technical support to farmers engaged in agriculture and marketing activities.

The official handover ceremonies took place  at the WFP Sub-Offices located in Kenema and Makeni. The motorbikes will be allocated to eight specific districts: Tonkolili, Pujehun, Moyamba, Kambia, Kenema, Koinadugu, Falaba, and Bonthe.

Speaking at the handover, Celina Auko, Head of WFP Kenema Sub-Office, emphasized that the motorbikes would address the challenges faced by MAFS technical staff in reaching out to farmers. She also highlighted that the support would contribute to increased agricultural production, benefiting farmers who, in turn, supply their produce to the home-grown school feeding program and contribute to the realization of the Government’s Feed Salone initiative.

Michael Stanley, acting Head of WFP Makeni Sub-Office, echoed those sentiments, emphasizing that the collaboration between WFP and MAFS underscores their joint commitment to advancing agriculture, promoting food security and ensuring that remote communities receive the necessary support in the fight against hunger.

On behalf of MAFS, the Assistant Director of Extension, Arouna Rashid Kamara, expressed profound gratitude to WFP for the invaluable donation. Kamara stressed that the mobility of frontline staff is critical to ensuring food security, and this support aligns perfectly with the Government’s vision.

District Agricultural Officers representing the eight beneficiary districts also extended their thanks to WFP for the timely and impactful donation. They noted that the motorbikes would enable them to reach and support more communities, particularly those located in remote areas.

Prior to the donation, WFP had relied on community youth contractors, but frequent visits by MAFS technical staff were challenging, hindering knowledge exchange and peer learning in best agronomic practices.

The handover of keys to the motorbikes marked the successful conclusion of the ceremony, underscoring the partnership’s commitment to bolstering agricultural development and food security in Sierra Leone.

US Govt. Backs Africell SL with Funding for Internet Access Expansion Feasibility Study

By Amin Kef-Ranger

In a new development, the U.S. Government, this week, acting through the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), has awarded a grant to Africell Sierra Leone Limited (Africell) to conduct a feasibility study aimed at expanding internet access to over 95,000 individuals across Sierra Leone.

It maintained that the study will pave the way for the nationwide extension of Africell’s fiber backbone network and the simultaneous expansion of fixed broadband networks in up to 32 cities and towns.

“USTDA is deeply committed to bolstering internet accessibility throughout Africa in collaboration with both the private and public sectors,” affirmed Enoh T. Ebong, Director of USTDA.

“Our agency boasts a longstanding history of partnering with African nations as they navigate the swiftly evolving technology landscape, envisioning a digital future. This initiative represents tangible progress toward achieving the goals of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Digital Transformation with Africa initiative. It will create opportunities for U.S. companies to actively participate in Sierra Leone’s digital infrastructure market,” the Director optimistically stated.

The U.S.-funded study will comprehensively evaluate the economic and technical feasibility of expanding Africell’s existing telecommunications network in Sierra Leone.

Also, the assessment will further encompass an examination of consumer demand for fixed broadband services, taking into account factors such as topography, demographics and income levels.

Furthermore, it will include an evaluation of the existing infrastructure and incorporate a thorough legal and regulatory analysis, alongside a detailed project implementation plan.

In essence, the study will lay the groundwork for large-scale internet infrastructure investments crucial for extending access and reducing the cost of internet connectivity.

Ziad Dalloul, CEO and President of Africell Group, the sole U.S.-owned mobile network operator in Africa, expressed optimism about the grant’s impact: “This grant will expedite the rollout of reliable digital connectivity to thousands of households in Sierra Leone. When expanding our network, our mission has always been to deliver both social impact and commercial returns. The USTDA-funded feasibility study will play a pivotal role in achieving this objective by providing invaluable insights into the technical and economic requirements.”

USTDA’s study aligns with the U.S. Government’s commitment to the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, aimed at implementing transformative projects to bridge the infrastructure gap in developing nations. It also reinforces the Digital Transformation with Africa initiative, designed to enhance digital access across the continent.

ONS Urges Public to Remain Calm Amidst Social Media Protest Threats Today

The Office of National Security (ONS), under the leadership of  Abdulai Caulker, has on the 9th September, 2023 disclosed that it had been vigilant in its efforts to thwart any potential acts of lawlessness orchestrated by unidentified Sierra Leoneans, particularly those residing abroad. According to the ONS, these individuals have been using social media platforms to disseminate their grievances.

It continued that in response to recent social media posts hinting at planned protests scheduled for Monday, September 11, it has called upon citizens to continue their regular activities with the assurance that the Security Sector remains committed to safeguarding lives and property.

ONS expressed the view that the majority of Sierra Leoneans have refrained from endorsing what they view as mere propaganda propagated by unpatriotic individuals residing mainly overseas adding how those individuals have sought to create chaos within the country.

The institution pointed out that those who were misled into participating in violent protests in August 2022 have learned the harsh lesson that chaos masquerading as “peaceful protests” ultimately yields counterproductive results.

It stated that people are now more aware that the rise in commodity prices, low consumer spending, and inflation, among other economic challenges faced in Sierra Leone, are part of a global issue affecting numerous countries attributing such awareness to the availability of  the internet, smartphones and other technological advancements,  .

The ONS stated that the temporary shortages of onions and flour experienced in Sierra Leone were consequences of a poor onion harvest in India, one of the world’s largest producers, and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has disrupted wheat exports.

Abdulai Caulker pointed out that attempts to place blame on the Government for these global economic issues are misguided adding that even  the former US Ambassador to Sierra Leone, David Reimer, recognized in his parting interview that Government should not be held responsible for the challenging economic situation, as the United States itself was grappling with inflation and its repercussions.

He said people should not use a well-known global problem as a smokescreen to advance disruptive agendas within the country furthering how the citizens of Sierra Leone understand the fragility of peace and will not allow the nation to relive the horrors of the period from 1991 to 2002.

According to the ONS, the current Government has faced significant challenges due to rising global costs, but it continues to navigate those challenges admirably affirming that despite the high cost of goods, they remain available, unlike in some other nations where store shelves sit empty.

It further stated how the Government has made considerable sacrifices to support importers and ensure a steady supply of goods saying sinister propaganda and calls for lawlessness by a select few will not resonate with the people of Sierra Leone.

Violence cannot lower prices, the ONS argued adding that in a state of anarchy, ships will avoid the nation’s ports, and investments will dwindle asking the question: In such an environment, how can a better life be achieved for the less fortunate?

It continued that Civil Society, political parties and the majority of well-meaning citizens must continue to promote peaceful coexistence stressing how ethno-regional rhetoric circulating on social media against President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership is unfounded, as evidenced by the diverse composition of his recent cabinet and public office appointments.

In a further development, during the week, Abdulai Caulker, head of the ONS, convened a meeting attended by Internal Affairs Minister, Retired Major-General David T.O. Taluva, key stakeholders in the Security Sector and representatives of the Traders Union. The purpose was to reassure all stakeholders that the nation cannot be held hostage by a few individuals and that citizens can go about their daily lives without disruption as long as they adhere to the law.

Abdulai Caulker said traders have unequivocally distanced themselves from any activities that might undermine the nation’s peace emphasizing that all State security agencies, including the police and military, have been strategically positioned to respond to any threats to the country’s peace and stability.

He urged the public to ignore social media posts from unidentified individuals and instead focus on seeking their livelihoods within a peaceful environment.

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