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Legal Aid Board Ends Implementation of UNDP-Funded Training of Police Officers

The Legal Aid Board has concluded the third and final phase of the UNDP- funded training of Police Investigators and Prosecutors on the 2018 Bail Regulation. The last training took place at the Kenema District Council Hall in Kenema city on the 19 May 2023.

The trainings were conducted in five locations from three districts: Kenema, Western Rural and Urban districts with Kenema being the last. The project initially targeted the total of 290Police Investigators and Prosecutors from these districts but that number was later increased to 315 as follows: 90 from Waterloo and York Judicial Districts, 180 from Freetown and 45 from Kenema.   The increase follows a request from the leadership of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP).

The trainings commenced at Waterloo on Monday,8 May 2023; followed by two others at Kissy on May 10 and 12; one at the Solidarity Hall of the Sierra Leone Labour Congress on May 15; one at Grassfield Community Center at Lumley on May 17 and one in Kenema on May 19 respectively.

The event marks the final phase of the project which benefited the total of 965 Police Investigators and Prosecutors in the country’s sixteen districts.400officers were trained in 2021, 250 in 2022 and315 in 2023.

The first phase of the project targeted eight districts: Moyamba, Bo, Kambia, Port Loko, Kono, Tonkolili, Pujehun and Kailahun while the second phase targeted five districts: Karene, Koinadugu, Falaba, Bombali, and Bonthe.

The trainings were aimed at ensuring uniformity and consistency in the application of bail both by the police and the courts as stipulated in the Regulation.

They were also meant to address abuses and challenges in respect of bail which people face from the time they are arrested by the police until the conclusion of their matters in the courts. The trainings were also aimed at enhancing the capacity of police officers to address injustices and conflicts in communities and also adherence to guidelines to bail application.

The Waterloo training was facilitated Legal Aid Counsel,n  Abdulai Sesay, trainings in Freetown were facilitated by Counsels Randy Bangura, Cyril Taylor-Young and Ibrahim Bangura and the one for Kenema by Counsel Patrick Kamara.

In the PowerPoint presentations on the Bail Regulation in the five locations, the facilitators explained the meaning of bail, underlining that it is free and more importantly a right. They emphasized that bail is not meant to punish suspects or accused persons but to ensure smooth and speedy investigations and trials.

They also explained the various types of offences – Indictable or Felony, Summary or Misdemeanor and Arrestable or non-Arrestable, adding that Investigators need to know the elements in the different types of offences to be able proffer the correct charges and also determine the bail conditions. They noted that the purpose of Criminal Law is to protect society by ensuring people respect and obey the laws and not to appease or satisfy victims or complainants.

The facilitators went on to explain the general conditions for assessing bail which are: Necessity, Reasonability, Proportionality and Enforceability. They also explained the importance of granting bail, bail guidelines and the circumstances under which bail may be denied for indictable offences. These include failure to appear in court, committing another offence while on bail, endangering the safety of victims or public and possible interference with witness. They further explained what it means to be a surety and how can one cease being one.

Responding to a question on whether an Investigator ought to inform a complainant before putting a suspect on bail, they answered in a negative noting there is no such law. On the issue relating to police investigators demanding money in exchange for bail, the facilitators said Investigators must always ensure they inform suspects or their sureties on their rights to bail.

The facilitators underlined that bail is free and that the amount stipulated on the bail bond is not meant to be paid before the suspect is put on bail. They went on to add that the only cases or offences the Police or Magistrates are prohibited from granting bail are murder and treason. They challenged the Investigators and Prosecutors to produce evidence or any authority that prohibits them from granting bail to suspects of sexual penetration.

The participants called on the Board to organize similar trainings for their superiors whom they said sometimes manifest special interests in certain matters. They argued that this would make their work easier in terms of interference.

The facilitators admonished the Investigators and Prosecutors to follow the Regulation to the letter, noting that operating as a Police force does not mean one should carry out unlawful orders. They added that justice starts at the police station and as a result Investigators should stop using bail as a means of punishment for suspects or appeasement for victims, complainants, politicians or their superiors.

They condemned long pre-trial detention of suspects as one that has human rights implications and by extension a negative impact on the country’s justice system. Additionally, it is a burden on the economy. They warned that “collecting money from people in exchange for bail is wrong and it is against the fundamental principles of the country’s 1991 Constitution and also the 2018 Bail Regulation.’

The trainings were climaxed with Group Work on key issues on the regulation and presentations interspersed with questions and answers. This was followed by the distribution of copies of the Regulation to the participants.

Dr. Samura Kamara Unveils Ten Pillar Anchored Manifesto Dubbed “One Nation”

By Foday Moriba Conteh

It was a holiday like scenario in the city of Freetown on the 29th May, 2023, the day the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) Party officially launched its Manifesto initially at the Lagoonda Complex in the West End of Freetown and later at the Attouga Mini Stadium in the East End of Freetown, where the vast majority, mainly from the East End of Freetown were in attendance.

APC supporters turned up in Chinese numbers, most of them in jubilant moods,  clad in party T-Shirts, caps and other attires with red and white as dominant colours, some chanting political slogans others expressing high optimism  of  emerging victorious after the Presidential, Parliamentary and Municipal Elections slated for the 24th June, 2023, were as some, based on keen observation, did not even have an inkling of what they were going to witness but out of loyalty simply just followed the crowd, especially to the Attouga Mini Stadium where political statements, full of criticisms against the ruling SLPP Government, were made by various personalities of the party with the statement of the APC Presidential Flagbearer, Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Samura climaxing the highly politically charged event.

Amidst a lot of high political expectations and speculations, Samura Kamara, the All People’s Congress (APC) Presidential Candidate,   unveiled to supporters, the nation and International Community his manifesto which could be best described as a Ten Point Comprehensive Manifesto with emphasis being placed on fostering national cohesion, addressing economic challenges and promoting sustainable development across the country.

The high point of the event was when the  Presidential Flagbearer, Samura Kamara, succinctly outlined a ten-point plan, encompassing his vision for a prosperous Sierra Leone founded upon empathic and service-oriented governance, technical competence and the utilization of data, technology and innovation.

Dr Kamara highlighted the key points of the manifesto in his speech, emphasizing the need for unity, progress, and inclusivity.

“We are one nation and we need to work together to build a better future for all our citizens,” Dr Samura Kamara said. “Our manifesto outlines a clear and ambitious plan of how we can achieve this, by investing in our people, our communities and our planet,” he told a jubilant crowd.

The noise from the supporters became deafening when he said: “The Change We Make on June 24th Will be as Significant as The One Our Nation Made on 27th April 1961.”

Dr. Samura Kamara’s message of unity and progress encompassed in national cohesion resonated so strongly with attendees in such ways that the event generated a significant momentum for the campaign going forward.

He said to the excited supporters: “Under my presidency, founded upon the principles of empathic and service oriented governance, technical competence, and recognizing the power of data, technology and innovation, the APC pledges to:

  1. Build One Nation- Rebuilding National Unity and Cohesion.

We shall take immediate steps to restore national cohesion, peace, and unity in Sierra Leone. We shall foster the equitable distribution of opportunities and undertake constitutional and institutional changes to entrench decentralization and local governance, and ensure fair, transparent and protected access to resources.

2 . Address Economic Deficiencies and the Cost-of-Living Crisis at the Structural Level.

We shall restore macroeconomic stability and work towards transforming Sierra Leone from a consumption to a competitive production economy. This will include prioritizing private sector development, particularly indigenous businesses and in rural communities, leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA), as well as other trade blocs and agreements; and harnessing the potentials of digital transformation.

  1. Intensify Efforts in Job Creation and the establishment of pathways for every adult, especially the youth and women, to earn a living wage.

Through sustainable cross sectoral interventions, we shall collaborate with local and international partners to create jobs while simultaneously reforming and capacitating the civil and public service to prioritize efficient and effective delivery of services.

  1. Accelerate Investments in Our People, with a specific focus on the capabilities of our children, women, and youth.

We shall enhance efficient and equitable social spending, elevating the quality of life and explicitly caring for the most vulnerable segments of our population, including women, youth and People with Disabilities (PWDs.

  1. Accelerate Investments in Physical and Digital Infrastructure Development. We shall pursue responsible investments in energy, transportation, water supply, urban planning, affordable housing, and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). We shall also foster regulatory frameworks for mutually beneficial partnerships with the private sector, international financial institutions, development agencies, and regional economic bodies. 
  1. Deepen and Strengthen Decentralization and Rural Development:

We shall revive our decentralization programme, and support the administrative and financial empowerment of all local councils on a foundation of accountability, respect and fairness, Urgent measures shall be taken to restore the confidence of our development partners in this critical pillar of our progress. We shall also restore respectability of our chiefdom governance structures and facilitate their effective functioning. 

  1. Enhance Democratic Good Governance and the Rule of Law:

We shall uphold democratic principles, protect human rights, intensify the fight against corruption, and build robust institutions. We shall give ‘Power to the People’ by creating platforms for them to make inputs into decision-making processes and to hold Government accountable for its actions or inactions. 

  1. Protect our Environment and Respond to Climate Change. We shall roll out improved natural resource management strategies, climate change-focused mitigation and adaptation measures, including the creation of green jobs.
  2. Strengthen Economic Diplomacy.

We shall foster strategic partnerships with other jurisdictions, align priorities, ensure value for money in ongoing and future investments, and pursue mutually beneficial partnerships with deep respect for their taxpayers while safeguarding our sovereignty and national integrity.

  1. Foster partnerships with the Diaspora for national development.

We shall map our diaspora network collectively identify areas of expertise and interest and create a welcoming environment for mutually beneficial engagements and investments.”

As Dr Samura Kamara ended his address, party supporters went wild with political songs and slogans rejoicing with a magnitude that gives one the feeling that they were already celebrating victory. The end of the event coincided with the evening rush hour causing traffic jams, with some having no alternative with few public transports available but to walk long distances to their various destinations.

According to a political commentator, the magnitude of APC supporters that turned out to witness the unveiling of the Party’s Manifesto was a pointer to the fact that the elections are going to be really competitive predicting that it will not be easy for either the ruling SLPP and the main opposition APC to emerge victorious in the first ballot meaning that definitely there will be a run-off election reiterating that indeed it is going to be a clash of the titans. 

Gento Remains Popular & Unperturbed Amidst False Propaganda

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

It has now become crystal clear that there are propagandists who are now desperately bent on making false claims against, Mohamed Gento Kamara, the SLPP endorsed Mayoral aspirant for the Freetown City Council.

Some have attempted to accuse him of being a stark illiterate who is not adept with expressing himself proficiently in the Queen’s Language, the English Language. Others  have accused him of not having any feasible or tangible development plan if elected as Mayor to transform Freetown were as others have bashed him  allegedly for colluding  with rogue politicians to squander the country’s resources.

However, in the midst of all those criticisms, Gento has proven to his failed detractors that he is a thick skinned personality and no amount of propaganda will dampen his spirit or determination as he exceptionally demonstrate the resolve of being unperturbed by baseless propaganda with his eyes fixed on the ball with the firm conviction that he will definitely emerge victorious in the upcoming Mayoral election.

Often, it is said that certain opinions are formed not based on facts but merely on sentiments and misinformation. Within this context the more the detractors formulate lies to fool the masses the more Gento’s popularity keeps soaring especially among the masses who see him the God-sent to liberate the Freetown Metropolis from the backward state in which it is currently.

It is no gainsaying that Gento has an impressive background that makes him uniquely qualified for the position of Freetown Mayor. He holds a unique experience in Urban Planning and Development and has well positioned himself within the private sector. Gento has also been working to improve the lives of Freetown residents through community actions for decades now. In these two scenarios he has positioned himself well with established contacts and has won the confidence and affection of the vast majority of Freetonians as his popularity keeps soaring.

Gento’s vision for Freetown is one of inclusivity and progress. He understands the challenges facing the city and has a clear plan for addressing them. Gento’s platform includes initiatives to improve public services – water supply, create jobs, sanitation, and city beautification and promote sustainable development. He is committed to working with community members and stakeholders to ensure that the city’s resources are used effectively and efficiently.

Gento’s experience in urban planning and development is particularly important for Freetown, a city that has struggled with infrastructure and housing issues for years. He has a deep understanding of the city’s needs and has already begun working to address them. He has proposed initiatives to improve the city’s road network, expand public transport, and increase access to affordable pure drinking water.

His commitment to community engagement is also a key factor that sets him apart from other candidates. He has been actively involved in community development projects for years, and he understands the importance of working with residents to create positive change. As Mayor, Gento has pledged to hold regular town hall meetings and other community forums to hear directly from residents and address their concerns.

In a recent interview, Gento stated that his goal as Mayor is “to build a Freetown that works for everyone, regardless of one’s background or circumstances.”

With his impressive background, clear vision, and commitment to community engagement, Gento is the best candidate to make that goal a reality and make Freetown regain its past glory.

IPAM –USL Translates Plans of Offering Online Class into Reality

The Institute of Public Administration and Management ( IPAM), University of Sierra Leone (USL) has, on the 25th May, 2023 delivered the first full live online lectures using one of the e-Learning Studios, the one stationed at the IPAM Tower Hill Campus, to deliver full lectures to students registered on the TEC approved degree extension programmes in Bo.

Mainstreaming the use of ICT and introducing new courses and expanding the reach of the University to cater for the increasing number of Sierra Leoneans qualifying and desiring higher education has been central to the Vision of the Vice Chancellor & Principal, Professor Foday Sahr.

Based on that vision, the College Administrations invested in setting up state of the art e-Learning studios on their respective main campuses in Freetown. In addition, the University established in 2021 an e-Learning Centre responsible for the coordination of the delivery of exclusive online courses, starting with postgraduate programmes.

IPAM-USL, taking the lead in the University’s extramural drive to taking education at doorsteps, in addition to establishing campuses in eight districts of the country to run diploma programmes, in 2022, under the bold and daring leadership of the former Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. S.E. Nonie, took the bold step to ride on the e-Learning platform and extend the course level for students registered in provincial campuses.

After series of engagements with the country’s Tertiary Education Commission and assessments of the infrastructure by the regulatory body’s experts, approval was given for IPAM to run degree extended programmes in Bo and Makeni, two campuses fully equipped with the requisite technology.

The  Deputy Vice Chancellor of IPAM, Prof. Miriam Conteh-Morgan, who was already a central player in the drive, not only embraced the visionary and transformative move.

She ensured that the Project was accomplished with class and in time for students in the provinces who have been yearning for the opportunity to complete the Bachelor degree courses at home!

For now the University e-Learning Center  is set to roll out four Masters programmes, three from the Faculty of Communications, Media and Information Studies at FBC and the Master of Business Administration programme at IPAM in the 2023/2024 Academic Year.

 

 IGP Sellu Beefs Up the Police Force  with Vehicles & Drones  ahead of June 24 Elections 

Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Augustine Magnus Kailie has unveiled and distributed twenty-five (25) brand new vehicles, and ten (10) Drone cameras to various Regions and Divisions across the length and breadth of the country on the 29th May,2023 as part of the Sierra Leone Police preparedness and readiness to effectively and sufficiently police the multi-tier elections.

Among the twenty-five vehicles, ten (10) were Isuzu Trucks (personnel carriers) and fifteen (15) were Toyota Land Cruisers in a bid to capacitate personnel in line with effective service delivery.

The Deputy Inspector General of Police, who was representing the IGP admonished personnel to take good care of the newly procured vehicles and Drone cameras for their intended purposes, noting that the items were bought from taxpayers’ money to enhance police effectiveness and improve on SLP’s response time.

DIG Kailie further disclosed that the SLP is moving in line with technological advancements to enable the Police to do their work effectively.

He also admonished the Fourth Estate to serve as a watchdog when it comes to mis-management of the items and report to the appropriate authorities for action to be taken against any defaulter and cautioned Police personnel to be professional

Climaxing the ceremony was the inspection of the vehicles and the Drone cameras.

 

Jhpiego Develops & Offers Health Ministry an e-Wallboard Interactive Data Visualization App

By Millicent Senava Mannah

One of the leading Non-governmental Organizations dealing with health issues in the country Jhpiego with support from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has demonstrated within the Ministry of Health and Sanitation Conference Room, on the 29th May, 2023 how the integrated e-Wallboard for interactive Data Visualization functions.

The e-Wallboard is a customized App created by Jhpiego for the Ministry of Health and Sanitation and its availability will greatly aid in the timely visualization of data, which also helps in decision-making.

This App will host all medical data related to individuals’ health in one space, like HIV, Malaria and Maternal mortality amongst others.

Jhpiego Country Director, Bendu Kosia, intimated that they are committed in supporting the Ministry of Health and Sanitation further maintaining that the tool is important for the generation of regular data and effective decision making.

She continued that the dashboard will build the capacity of the health workforce for informed decision making. ‘’This will give the Ministry an opportunity to know where there are flaws in the data and for actions to be taken,’’ she underscored.

Bendu Kosia noted that their organization will support the use of the tool in four Districts, stating how they are calling on other donors to render support in order for them to reach out to other Districts.

She also revealed how the Website for the tool will be linked to the Ministry of Health and Sanitation for the data to be visible to them.

The Minister of Health and Sanitation, Dr. Austin Demby commended the organization for creating such a tool to aid the Ministry in the area of data collection and visualization.

He also commended HRSA for giving their support to Jhpiego to  create such a dashboard, furthering that, he believes in the mission of the HRSA and according to him, the American people have been doing a lot in the country and how they are pleased that they are showing concern  for the country.

The Minister noted that they are no longer agonized, stating how it is now time for them to achieve their goals in the next 20 years adding that, Jhpiego has made an input by creating the data base that concerns all aspects of their work.

He continued that with the dashboard, their data collection will now be easier furthering how they will not just intervene, but will also prioritize monitoring to ensure they are in the right direction.

Dr. Demby maintained that they will now be able to collect the data they want, analyze and interrogate it and most importantly proffer solutions in areas where there are flaws in the data.

George Tidwell of HRSA disclosed that they started operating in the country in 2016, stating how they have done a lot in the health sector in the country since they started their operations.

He likened the dashboard to a child with so much potentials further disclosing how they have been supporting Jhpiego to execute many projects like maternal health, malaria amongst others.

George Tidwell emphasized that it is good that they have their data in one place and one space stating how the solution to this is the e-Wallboard.

The event was climaxed with the demonstration of the dashboard on how it works and how it can be utilized and ended with a question and answer session.

Chinese Embassy Bids Farewell to 6th Chinese Military Medical Expert Group

By Foday Moriba Conteh

During a well-attended ceremony held on Monday 29th May, 2023, the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone has bid farewell to the 6th Chinese Military Medical Expert Group to Sierra Leone. The ceremony was held at the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone on Super Loop in Freetown.

Addressing the audience at the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone, Wang Qing, said that the 6th Chinese Military Medical Expert Group was dispatched to Sierra Leone in February 2022 to enhance military medical cooperation between the two countries.

He added that the cooperation dates back to 2015, when the Chinese side came to help Sierra Leone in combating Ebola and that all the members of the Chinese Military Medical Expert Group are carefully selected from the People’s Liberation Army of China of which he said they have proven with solid actions that they love Sierra Leone and they are serious with their lofty mission here.

The Ambassador noted that over the past year they have been working side by side with their Sierra Leonean counterparts at the Tropical Infectious Diseases Prevention and Control Center (IDPC) at the 34 Military Hospital and have exerted immense efforts in helping the Sierra Leonean side screen, prevent and control all kinds of epidemics and they have exchanged experience and expertise with the Sierra Leonean colleagues by discussing difficult cases and providing guidance to technicians.

“They have worked with University of Sierra Leone, Njala University, Connaught Hospital, handling eight thousand samples from all over the country, and gave a thorough detection on eight kinds of infectious diseases in Sierra Leone. In particular, they identified anthrax last year and immediately informed the Sierra Leonean Government which responded swiftly to control the spread of this dreadful disease,” he maintained.

Wang Qing noted that their dedication and hard work vividly demonstrate the genuine friendship between China and Sierra Leone and they have endeavored to contribute to the building of an even stronger China-Africa Community with a Shared Future proposed by H.E. President Xi Jinping and supported by Sierra Leone, furthering the two armed forces are peace-loving armies with fraternal ties and that over the years, we have carried out fruitful cooperation in various fields including but not limited to medical and healthcare, utilities construction, equipment supply, personnel training, etc.

He revealed that since the establishment of our diplomatic relations in 1971, China-Sierra Leone relations have reached an all-time high level and become a model for China-Africa relations and South-South Cooperation with their relations based on mutual respect, equality, mutual trust, mutual support and win-win cooperation grown even stronger.

“Under the important consensus reached by President Xi Jinping and President Bio, we will continue to enhance the mutual understanding of our two peoples, deepen the traditional friendship between the two countries, and push forward the China-Sierra Leone friendship and cooperation to a new level, bringing more benefits to the people of both countries,” the Ambassador concluded.

The Deputy Minister of Defence, Col. (Rtd) Muana Massaquoi, spoke about the long standing relationship between Sierra Leone and China which he described as a fruitful one.

He also spoke about China’s direct supports to Sierra Leone such as Youyi building, National Stadium, the Foreign Service Academy among others and the immense contribution of Chinese companies to the Sierra Leonean economy, a state of art infection disease facility for the country during Ebola and the provision of the Chinese military expert group from the People’s Liberation Army.

According to the Deputy Minister, each group has left a mark on Sierra Leone’s health system and went beyond their mandate by reaching out to other crisis such as the anthrax disease in 2022.

He assured the Ambassador and team that their collaboration will continue to be strengthened and stand the test of time.

Col. (Rtd) Muana Massaquoi ended with a Chinese proverb which says “Old friends and old wine are best, everything is new but not friendship.”

The Leader of 6th Chinese Military Medical Expert Group to Sierra Leone, Mi Zhiqiang, disclosed that they have spent 14 months in Sierra Leone and upgraded health software systems for the country.

He spoke about the joint effort they have and how they enjoy working with the Sierra Leone military team. Mi Zhiqiang thanked them for their support and for making their mission successful.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Peter Lavahun, Commanding Officer of the Joint Medical Unit, Dr. Stephen Sevalie, gave the vote of thanks at the ceremony which was followed by presentation of Certificates to members of 6th Chinese Military Medical Expert Group to Sierra Leone.

AfriCaribbean Festival signs partnership with Air Senegal

By Lawrence Williams

The AfriCaribbean Festival announced on Monday the signing of a partnership with Air Senegal as the official airline of its annual festival held in Freetown. Through this partnership, Air Senegal will offer cheaper round-trip flights to festival attendees from New York, Paris, and Milan for the next three years, starting in December 2023.

The partnership will bring more people to attend the event from different parts of the world and boost the tourism industry in Sierra Leone and the Africa region as a whole. It will also benefit Air Senegal by bringing in more passengers and helping to increase the airline’s presence in the region and the international travel market.

The AfriCaribbean Festival is an annual event that facilitates cultural exchanges between Africa and the Caribbean. With this partnership, festival goers will have a unique experience traveling to Freetown, making the event more accessible and creating new opportunities for African and Caribbean cultural exchange and collaboration.

Danna Labor, co-founder of the AfriCaribbean Festival, said the goal of the AfriCaribbean Festival is to bridge the borders between Africa and the Caribbean and promote a blend of African and Caribbean cultures with a view to marketing Sierra Leone’s tourism potentials and fostering socio-economic development in the country. He said the AfriCaribbean Festival creates opportunities for African and Caribbean creatives, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals to connect and exchange ideas, build meaningful relationships, and collaborate on projects which will be beneficial for both African and Caribbean countries, as it will create new business opportunities and open up new markets for them.

In a release dated 29 May, Labor stated that they are “very delighted that Air Senegal could see their vision of combining African and Caribbean cultures,” adding that by “providing discounted flights, Air Senegal is making it easier for the global community to take part in the AfriCaribbean Festival and experience the rich culture of Sierra Leone”.

Air Senegal’s goal is to create a unique travel experience that allows participants to discover the culture, history, and tourism potentials of Sierra Leone. This will also give Sierra Leoneans the opportunity to experience the unique culture and traditions of the Caribbean and celebrate the AfriCaribbean Festival.

The airline’s head of marketing Penda Mbaye said they “look forward to making the journey more accessible to patrons around the world so that more people can experience the joy and spirit of the AfriCaribbean Festival”.

The Caribbean, also known as the West Indies, is a chain of islands stretching across the Caribbean Sea. It is a distinct region within the Americas comprising Jamaica, Barbados, the Bahamas, the British Virgin Islands, and many other countries.

The maiden AfriCaribbean Festival held in Freetown last December attracted hundreds of indigenous Sierra Leoneans as well as over 130 visitors from Jamaica, Barbados, Cayman Islands, and the United States – most of whom were Caribbean-born. It was a vibrant celebration of the cultural diversity and spirit of the Caribbean, with a wide variety of activities such as music, dance, art, and food. Carnival Meets Lantern, the signature event, featured ecstatic performances by local artistes and a parade of Caribbean culture by visitors. The performances included traditional Caribbean music, dance, art, and theatre. It also included varieties of floats, costumes, and decorations that represented the vibrant culture of the Caribbean.

“We had a lot of success with the maiden festival,” Danna said, adding that the event provided visitors with the opportunity to explore some of the country’s most popular tourist attractions, such as Bunce Island.

Despite these successes, Danna said they strive to make each year a memorable experience, and so they seek continued cooperation from the Tourism Ministry and Freetown City Council, as well as the Sierra Leonean people. “It is only through this kind of collaboration that we can continue to create truly unique and enriching experiences for our visitors,” Danna concluded.

Nigeria’s VP, Yemi Osinbajo, to Head Commonwealth Election Observers

H.E Prof Yemi Osinbajo, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ,will lead a delegation of distinguished experts in observing the General Elections in Sierra Leone on 24th June 2023.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, confirmed that Vice President Osinbajo has accepted her request to Chair the Commonwealth Observer Group (COG).

Prof Osinbajo is a Professor of Law and one of the nation’s leading legal experts, serving as Vice President of Nigeria since May 2015. He will be joined by recognized dignitaries from various fields including, politicians, legal, media, gender and election administration professionals from across the Commonwealth to carry out the task.

Speaking on the appointment, the Secretary-General said:

“I am grateful to His Excellency Prof. Yemi Osinbajo for accepting my invitation, to undertake this important area of our work in deepening democracy across our Commonwealth – despite his busy schedule and overseeing a seamless transition of his Government. As a senior statesman from the region, HE Osinbajo understands in depth the challenges across West Africa and I am confident he will lead a brilliant team.”

Prof. Yemi Osinbajo expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to Chair the Commonwealth Observer Group. He said:

“I’m highly honoured by the unique opportunity to continue to bring my expertise and experience in contributing to deepening democracy especially in Africa, and the Commonwealth by extension.”

Upon arriving in Sierra Leone, the mandate of the Commonwealth Observer Group will be to observe the electoral process and provide an independent assessment of whether the election has been conducted in a credible manner. The Group will then report on the conduct of the elections in accordance with the standards to which Sierra Leone has committed itself, including its own laws.

In line with Commonwealth methodology, the Group will consider, among other things, whether conditions exist for credible and inclusive elections, including a fair election environment; whether public media has been impartial; the transparency of the entire process; and whether voters are free to express their will.

Upon completion of its assignment, the Group will submit its recommendations in a report to the Commonwealth Secretary-General, who will subsequently share it with the Government of Sierra Leone, the Electoral Commission, political parties and all Commonwealth Governments.

Orange-SL Holds Yearly Athletics Sports Meeting for Employees to Socialize

By Abubakarr Harding

St Edwards Field witnessed a vibrant display of athleticism and camaraderie on Saturday, May 20, 2023, as Orange Sierra Leone, one of the leading telecommunication companies in the country, organized its inaugural athletic Sports Day. Recognizing the significance of employee motivation in a well-functioning management system, Orange SL took a proactive step in fostering team spirit and reinforcing its commitment to employee welfare.

Elizabeth Walker, the Operational Marketing Manager and President of Connect (Welfare Team) of Orange SL, expressed her excitement at the company’s first venture into organizing an athletic sports event. Welcoming all the participants and attendees, she extended her gratitude to the sponsors whose support made the Sports Day possible.

In her address, Walker congratulated the winners, emphasizing that in such events, everyone is a winner, irrespective of their rank on the scoreboard. This sentiment resonated with the company’s philosophy of valuing every individual’s contribution and acknowledging their efforts.

Agnes M. Songa, the Human Resource Director of Orange SL, joined Walker in expressing appreciation to all present particularly those who traveled from the provinces to attend the sports meet. She hailed the Sports Day as a remarkable milestone for Orange SL, marking their inaugural sports event.

She said that traditionally, sports meets are associated with schools, but Orange SL has now set a new precedent by taking the lead as a corporate institution.

Songa highlighted that the purpose of the event was not merely to compete but to foster fun, interaction, and the development of transversal working relationships among colleagues. By bringing employees together, Orange SL aimed to create a platform where they could connect with new colleagues they may not have previously met in the workplace.

Songa concluded her remarks by officially declaring the Sports Day open on behalf of the CEO, symbolizing the company’s wholehearted support for the event and its commitment to nurturing a positive work environment.

The Sports Day organized by Orange SL not only showcased the company’s dedication to its employees’ well-being but also demonstrated their forward-thinking approach to team building and employee engagement. By encouraging participation and providing a platform for interaction beyond the confines of the office, Orange SL has set a new benchmark for corporate events in Sierra Leone.

The success of this inaugural Sports Day serves as a testament to Orange SL’s commitment to creating a vibrant and inclusive workplace culture. As the company continues to prioritize employee motivation and team building, it is poised to further strengthen its position as a leader in the telecommunications industry and an exemplary corporate citizen.

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