Home Blog Page 548

HRCSL Discusses with 500 Youths Issues Related to Elections, Human Rights & Non Violence

500 young people in the Western area were engaged by the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) on the 17th and 19th May, 2023 on “Human Rights, Elections and Non-violence.”

The Commission noted that as the country heads to the polls on the 24th June, it has identified youths on the edge as potential risks to the enjoyment of human rights during the electioneering period. It continued that these vulnerable youths are often used by politicians to create disturbances during elections.

Targeting youths from Ghettos, Car Wash points, Hook-up Girls, Bike Riders, Cliques and Ataya Bases, the engagement was geared towards understanding the issues igniting the participation of youths in election violence and establishing Human Rights Non-violence Ambassadors.

It was also availed the opportunity for the Commission to undertake one of its functions, ‘awareness raising’, among youths who according to the current statistical data form one-third of the country’s population among which 70% are either underemployed or unemployed and 50% are illiterate. The Commission stated that such underpins the fact why these groups of persons are being misled which eventually leads to their involvement in crime-related acts.

According to the Commission’s monitoring reports, this group forms the greatest number of people in detention.  The Commission, therefore, considers it a duty to engage this set of persons to create awareness among them, particularly to avoid violence during the upcoming election.

Chairperson of HRCSL, Patricia Narsu Ndanema, pointed out that the Commission’s mandate is to ‘protect and promote’ human rights of all in Sierra Leone adding that one can only enjoy human rights when you have freedom. She disclosed how the Commission decided to engage young people in non-violence because it wants to prevent a situation where in the action of a few people will affect the rights of the majority.  “The Commission believes and trust in youths present here, we don’t want any violence in the elections,” she said.

National Youth President, Tejan Z. Kelleh, thanked the Commission for bringing youths together to talk about peace and non-violence in elections. He said this has been the best engagement so far by the Commission with young people. Addressing his colleagues, Kelleh said, “We all have roles and responsibilities, and as youths, it is our right to go out and vote on Election Day. But we should also ensure there’s no violence during and after the polls.” He added that youth should be law-abiding if they want their rights to be respected. He urged participants to be ambassadors of peace and non-violence in their respective communities and hangouts.

Bike Riders in Sierra Leone form a huge community among the youth population. They have been identified among the youth category as a critical group that can be used to engage in violence.

According to the Bike Riders Association (BRA) President Umaru Talie Bah, they have one thousand, two hundred and fifty-six (1,256,000) registered riders across the country. He thanked the Commission for including them in the engagement and committed to ensuring that Bike Riders do not engage in violence during the elections and after the elections.

The BRA East District representative, Mohamed S. Turay, stated during the engagement that, “The peace of this country is in the hands of Bike Riders. We have had a lot of criticism over the years but I want to say we are the most peaceful in society. Bike riders suffer the most when there is no peace in a country and our responsibility is to serve as ambassadors of peace,” he said.

Assistant Inspector General of Police ,Sylvester Koroma, Regional Commander-West spoke on the responsibility of the police which is to maintain law and order. “Our message to you is simple, enjoy your rights as much as you can and stay away from violence during and after the elections. It is our work to ensure that citizens enjoy the peace and no one will take that entitlement away from them,” he stated.

Youth leaders from the various targeted groups made a commitment pledge not to involve in violence before, during, and after the elections and also educate their colleagues.

The Commission unveiled its human rights and non-violence in elections theme song done by the youths.

SLPP Manifesto Launched Promises Consolidation of Gains & Acceleration of Transformation

The Eastern Provincial City of Kenema was painted green on the 23rd May, 2023 as jubilant supporters draped in the green and white colours of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) turned out in huge numbers to witness the launching of the New Direction Manifesto by His Excellency, President Dr Julius Maada Bio, who is seeking a second 5-year term mandate as the standard-bearer for the Party and to reaffirm his commitment to consolidate his achievements and accelerate transformation.

President Bio  started by thanking his employers, the citizens of Sierra Leone and reminded them of the promise he made five years ago from within the walls of Port Loko Teachers College Hall where he launched his 2018 manifesto that earned their trust and confidence to lead the country as the fifth President of the Republic.

“Serving as your President has been my greatest honour and privilege. Thank you again for mandating me to serve from the second highest office of our nation. I say second because the most important Office and Title in our democracy is The Citizen. Thank you for holding my Government accountable to the people.

“Today, from within the walls of the Eastern Technical University Hall, Kenema, I stand before you again ─ with great humility and gratitude, with renewed vitality, and with a deeper sense of purpose ─ as I launch my re-election campaign to serve you and our great country as President for a second term,” he respectfully submitted.

He also reiterated that in every region of the country, he had always shown that the SLPP Government programmes and activities were not determined by age, religion, gender, ethnicity, voting pattern, or most importantly, political affiliation, adding that the SLPP had served and would continue to serve all citizens of the country because of those four words that were engraved in the minds and hearts of Sierra Leoneans, citing the party slogan – “One Country, One People”.

“If you believe that Sierra Leone needs more schools, more teachers, increased pupils’ enrolment, improved pass rates at public exams and expanded school feeding for learners…If you believe Sierra Leone needs to improve its agricultural productivity to attain food security…, more healthcare facilities, nurses, doctors, and further improvement on key health indicators, Vote  Julius  Maada Bio And The SLPP!

“If you believe Sierra Leone needs a more resilient and inclusive economy…, needs a HE-FOR-SHE Champion for more protection and empowerment of women and girls…, needs continuous transparency and accountability in governance…, more transparency in the mining sector and more benefits to mining communities, Vote Julius  Maada Bio And The SLPP!

“If you believe Sierra Leone needs more roads, bridges and other purposeful infrastructure…, more jobs and economic empowerment opportunities for young people…, more international success in sports and flourishing Football Leagues…, more action on climate change, more international respectability and continental and global leadership, Vote “Julius  Maada Bio And The SLPP!”

“Finally, My Fellow Citizens, if you believe Sierra Leone should not be taken back to the ancient times of 1961, Vote  Julius  Maada Bio And The SLPP!” he told the jam-packed hall of supporters, with outside broadcasting facilities and live television and social media coverage showing the event.

After the launch in Kenema City, the President proceeded to Daru in the further East and engaged residents of Kambia in the northern part of the country on Wednesday 24 May 2023 to popularize his messages in the manifesto.

UNFPA Collaborates with Partners to End Fistula

Commemoration of the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in collaboration with the Government of Sierra Leone and other organizations like Haikal Foundation and Aberdeen Women’s Centre took place at the Bo Government Hospital on Tuesday 23rd May, 2023 on the theme: “20 Years of Progress but Not Enough!  Act Now, End Fistula by 2030!”

This year marked the twentieth anniversary of the global Campaign to End Fistula and 10 years of commemorating the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula mainly instituted to raise awareness on the issue, strengthen partnerships and mobilize support around the globe.

In Sierra Leone, UNFPA supports national efforts in addressing fistula prevention and the prevention of maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity, stillbirth, and improving the quality of maternal care, by supporting the Ministry of Health and Sanitation in improving quality services for pregnant and postnatal women.

With funding from the Government of Iceland, UNFPA works with Haikal Foundation and Aberdeen Women’s Centre to conduct screening for women with suspected obstetric fistula, and surgery to repair their fistula and restore their dignity. This support by Iceland is made possible by a five-year program that calls for a comprehensive and integrated approach to the campaign.

The event also marked the official launching of a five-year Obstetric Fistula Strategy that contains five strategic points, namely, to prevent, and identify those infected; services provided and reintegrate to society; ensure a governance structure with all stakeholders on board; mobilize financial,  technical and material resources; and monitoring and evaluation.

Country Representative of UNFPA, Dr. Nadia Rasheed, said although progress has been made there is a long way to go. “We need to accelerate our efforts and actions to end obstetric fistula by 2030. Fistula is one of the most tragic health conditions that are preventable,” she said and added that since 2011, more than 1,800 women have been treated at the Aberdeen Women’s Hospital.

“Sierra Leone has made significant progress in health facilities. There is a need to accelerate actions so that no one is left behind,” Dr. Rasheed remarked and furthered that all women leaving with the condition must be reached and ensured treated by trained professionals with midwifery skills during childbirth. “There is a need to end child marriage and adolescent pregnancy. Men and boys must be brought on board to end obstetric fistula. Those who live with the condition have hope, and they will be cared for and reintegrate into society,” she said.

Health Minister, Dr. Austin Demby, said women are the number one priority of the Government, and it is important to attend to their challenges. “We have to do everything possible to keep women healthy before they are pregnant and proper care is taken when they deliver to keep their babies healthy,” the Minister said and went further to say that obstetric fistula can be managed, prevented, and treated.  He admonished all to end fistula by 2030. Delayed delivery, the Minister said can lead to fistula. He, therefore, committed his Ministry’s support to prevent fistula and cure it when it occurs. “Those infected should not be ashamed to come out,” Dr. Demby said and challenged all that Sierra Leone should be made a fistula-free country in five years. “Have 2000 people infected with Obstetric Fistula? Only one out of fifty received treatment. 200 fistula repairs are done every year,” the Minister revealed and added that international organizations like UNFPA and the Government of Iceland have supported the treatment and rehabilitation of patients. “By 2030, no women should be infected with fistula. The Government is putting modalities in place to find, treat, and rehabilitate those infected with the disease. We want to treat 600 backlog cases and prevent new infections,” he noted and ended that Sierra Leone is worried, which is why the Government wants to prevent the preventable obstetric fistula.

Dr. Tom Sesay, Reproductive and Child Health Director, described Obstetric Fistula as a medical condition that affects vulnerable women and makes them more vulnerable when infected. “It is the duty of the Government to enable them to gain their human rights, treatment, and dignity in society. It is relatively dehumanizing and pathetic to those who find themselves in this ugly situation,” he said.

Paramount Chief ,Dr. Margaret Bao, who spoke on behalf of Traditional Leaders, underscored their important roles in the communities to end fistula, adding that one of the key challenges is early marriages, which can lead to obstetric fistula due to teenage pregnancy. “Traditional leaders should partner with key stakeholders to help prevent, identify, and refer for treatment those infected. We are committed to working with the Government and partners to end fistula ,” she assured.

Executive Director of Haikal Foundation, Haja Hawa Turay revealed that her organization wants to go beyond soap making by empowering the treated patients to go back to school or give business support. “We are helping to identify those infected and refer them for treatments and rehabilitation,” she said.

Dr. Sartie Kenneh, Chief Medical Officer, spoke on the role of the community, which is to serve as champions against discrimination, noting that it will help to ensure the early treatment of patients. “We are, therefore, thankful to the Government and people of Iceland for our partnership in strengthening this global campaign,” he said.

Site visits to the West Africa Fistula Foundation Sierra Leone and Haikal Foundation facilities by UNFPA officials and partners climaxed the event.

QNET To Prosecute People Scamming Others Using The Company’s Name

QNET has reiterated its willingness and determination to prosecute scammers who are in the nefarious act of using the name of the company to scam and defraud unassuming members of the public in Sierra Leone and other places. That disclosure was made by the Chief Transformation and Reputation Officer of QNET, Trevor Kuna, while addressing journalists.

It is an open secret that for quite a while now, the company has been accused of clandestinely and deceitfully defrauding unsuspecting members of the public by creating the impression that it will facilitate their travelling to developed countries and in some cases to secure lucrative jobs overseas, allegedly committed by some of its recalcitrant independent representatives and other scammers, who are not associated to the company in any way.

Trevor Kuna highlighted how the company has been in existence for 25 years and it sells its products in different parts of the world through direct selling further revealing that the direct selling industry is worth more than $200 billion globally and very pervasive in the United States.

According to him, direct selling helps eliminate the barriers that prevent people from entrepreneurship maintaining that when people sign up to direct selling ventures, they are not required to own a shop or retail space but rather they scale over the cost of setting up a business. They only register and buy products and sell to other people directly or refer other people to buy products so they can earn a commission on whatever is sold.

According to Trevor Kuna, the direct selling industry is simple and offers a lot of opportunities for people to have additional source of income but was quick to add that direct selling will not make anyone a millionaire overnight, however, underscoring that if people put in hard work, professionalism, honesty and dedication, they could be on their path to changing their own life stories.

He mentioned that besides the entrepreneurial opportunities that the company presents to people, its products are carefully manufactured to function optimally intimating how the company sells a wide range of products from wellness, healthcare, jewelleries, holiday packages to educational courses and it is based in Hong Kong and owned by many reputable and recognized associations.

QNET is encouraging all to report anyone found to be misusing its name by promising fixed income jobs, overseas travels, investment returns and other outrageous claims through network.integrity@qnet.net.

ECSL Signs MoU with Guinean Government for use of 11,000 Empty Ballot Boxes

Under the West Africa Electoral Peer Support Initiative, the Chief Electoral Commissioner and Chair, Mohamed Kenewui Konneh on the 24th May, 2023 led a delegation of Electoral Commissioners and staff of the ECSL to the Republic of Guinea, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of the Republic of Guinea, for the use of Guinean ballot boxes in the 24 June 2023 elections in Sierra Leone.

The signing ceremony was jointly coordinated by the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralization which is responsible for elections administration in Guinea and the Sierra Leonean Embassy in Guinea.

The MoU signing ceremony which was chaired by the Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, Mory Conde was witnessed by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Guineans Abroad, Agriculture & Breeding and the Minister of Post and Telecommunications, Dr. Mory-Sanda Kouyate, Muhamadu Nagnalein Barry and Ousmane Gawal Diallo respectively.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mory Conde, on behalf of the Guinean Government pledged his country’s commitment to foster bilateral relationships with another sister country and to help in time of need. According to the Minister, “..Guinea as a pioneer of Pan Africanism is happy to promote Africa and Pan African exchange of ideas and materials in the area of Government…”.

On his part, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mory Sanda Kouyate stated that according to the MoU, eleven thousand (11,000) empty ballot boxes will be released to the ECSL to be used as Guinea’s assistance in the conduct of the forthcoming elections in Sierra Leone.

In response, Chairman of ECSL, Mohamed K Konneh, extended warm greetings from the Government and People of Sierra Leone noting the historical and family relationships that exist between the two sister countries.

Chairman Konneh further registered his Commission’s gratitude and appreciation to the Guinean Authorities as the ECSL conducts elections in a month.

Chairman Konneh also stated that Guinea’s “generosity has made us work harder to achieve the task of conducting credible elections in Sierra Leone..” and also ” this support will make a significant impact towards our success…”

Before signing the MoU, which climaxed the event, the ECSL boss promised to take good care of the electoral materials and to return them in good order.

European Union Launches its Election Observation Mission to Sierra Leone

By Millicent Senava Mannah

The European Union has launched its Election Observation Mission to Sierra Leone on the 23rd May, 2023, known as the EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) at Radisson Blu Conference Centre at Aberdeen in Freetown ahead of the general elections scheduled to take place on the 24th June, 2023.

It was disclosed during the event that the EU Election Observation has an established methodology for observing elections. Observers do not interfere in the electoral process and have no authority to change or correct any shortcomings. All EU election observers are bound by a strict code of conduct and ethical guidelines that guarantee their neutrality and impartiality.

The mission’s mandate is to observe all aspects of the electoral process and assess the extent to which the elections comply with the country’s laws as with regional and international standards as well as the commitments the country had made regarding democratic elections.

The EU EOM Chief Observer Ms Evin Incir, said she is honored to lead the EU Election Observation Mission to Sierra Leone. According to her, the country has an important role to play in the West African region as well as on a global scale.

‘’We, as a mission, have the mandate to observe the election process and, we will conduct our observation in a strictly impartial manner,’’ she stated.

According to her, the EU EOM will deploy 28 long-term observers to cover all the 16 districts of Sierra Leone adding that they will observe the elections preparations stage, the election campaign and the activities of electoral stakeholders.

Ms Evin Incir revealed that closer to election day 40 short-term observers will join the EU EOM to observe the voting, counting and the tabulation of the results.

She added that, a delegation of members of the European Parliament and approximately 10 locally-recruited short-term observers from the diplomatic missions of EU member States accredited to the country will also join the EU EOM to observe the Election Day proceedings.

She assured everyone that at full strength the EU EOM will comprise some 100 observers draw from 26 European Union Member States, Canada and Norway.

‘’Our aim in Sierra Leone is to support democratic consolidation. However, it is a joint responsibility of all political parties, candidates, civil society organizations, media, and the electoral administration to maintain a peaceful pre-election environment, in which fundamental rights and freedoms of all Sierra Leoneans are respected,’’ the Chief Observer stated.

Ms Evin disclosed that the EU EOM will issue a preliminary statement and hold a press conference in Freetown two days after elections further disclosing that the mission will remain in Sierra Leone until completion of the electoral process and even if there is a second round of the presidential election.

‘’The mission will also follow any potential complaints and appeals process. A final report, offering recommendations for future electoral processes will be presented thereafter,’’ she said.

She noted that the EU EOM is bound by a code of conduct, which requires strict neutrality and non-interference, and how it will undertake its work in accordance with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation, endorsed under the auspices of the UN in 2005.

Gento Receives Support from Limba Community in Freetown

The Limba Community across Freetown headed by Chief Pa Alimamy Komrabai Bola has described, Mohamed Gento Kamara, the SLPP Mayoral Candidate for the Freetown City Council (FCC) as a beacon of hope and symbol of unity.

Chief Pa Alimamy Komrabai Bola said these words during an event that was geared towards the presentation of  campaign materials to the SLPP Freetown Mayoral Candidate as part of the Limba Community’s support to his mayoral aspiration.

According to a member of the Limba Community, Daniel Frank Kargbo, the Limba Community is proud to support and stand by Gento because of his support to the community over the last two decades.

He said he and some of his brothers and sisters are APC, but they will vote and support Gento for the Mayoral Seat because he is a member of the community and that he has done tremendous work for the people of this country adding that his contributions to nation building are not only indelible but very impactful.

Receiving the campaign materials which included T-shits and banners, Mohamed Gento Kamara thanked and applauded the Limba Community further maintaining that he is in the race to fight in the interests of Freetonians and to change the story of the cosmopolitan city of Freetown.

“My fight to become the Mayor is to liberate Freetown City and the people but it’s a winnable fight that can be achieved when voted together with President Julius Maada Bio in office,” he told jubilant supporters,  some singing songs of praises in honour of him.

Gento said, Freetown City deserves better and quality representation to deliver Freetonians of all shades from the lack of basic amenities that could make life more meaningful.

He said with the remarkable achievements of President Bio, voting him as Mayor and re-electing President Bio will see a total transformation of the city and the country as a whole.

Gento called on all to help him win the fight for the liberation of Freetown.

It could be recalled that since he started his meet the people tours, Gento has not only paid visits to different communities in Freetown but has translated promises into tangible realities that are benefitting a lot of people.

Significantly, it is important to point out that his philanthropic gestures did not start as a result of his political ambition , as some may be tempted to think, but way beyond that while reference could be made to salvaging residents of Kroo Bay Community with a foot bridge, electrifying the Madina Community, clearing a drainage at Bomeh , constructing a drainage at the Moa Wharf  Community not to mention the offer of 2,500 bags of rice and 500 bags of sugar and a handsome amount donated to various mosques during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

A man of such a pedigree is always a crowd puller and from keen observation many APC supporters are currently caught in this quagmire: to vote for Gento or the APC Mayoral aspirant.  However, there have been instances when some APC supporters have confessed that when it comes to the mayoral election they are going to vote for Gento, simply because they do not want to return ingratitude for all the good things that Gento has done for them.

In as much as the Limba Community has set the pace it is the general feeling that other communities will follow suit by pledging tangible and meaningful support for the SLPP Mayoral aspirant, Mohamed Gento Kamara.

ECSL Declares Campaign Period for June 24 Elections

By Foday Moriba Conteh

During a well-attended Stakeholders/ National Political Parties Liaison Committee Meeting held on Sunday 21st May, 2023 at the PPRC Conference Room in Freetown, the Chief Electoral Commissioner, Chairman and National Returning Officer, Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone, Mohamed Konneh, has declared election campaign period open for the Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Council elections 2023.

The Chief Electoral Commissioner, while making the declaration said in the exercise of  powers vested by Section 154 of the Public Elections Act, 2022 (Act No 17 of 2022); and after having made consultations with registered Political Parties and Candidates contesting the said elections; he hereby as Chief Electoral Commissioner, Chairman, and National Returning Officer, declare the following: Tuesday 23rd May – Thursday 22nd June 2023 (from 7:00 am- 5:00 pm daily) as the period for Election Campaigns in Sierra Leone, Friday 23rd June 2023 – Cooling-off Period and Saturday 24th June 2023 – Election day.

He called on Political Parties, Candidates, and their supporters to abide by all the Laws and Regulations on Election Campaigns and the PPRC Regulatory Framework on Political Campaigns that Political Parties have signed up to.

Before his declaration he used the opportunity to address all on the preparedness of the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone in the conduct of the June 24, 2023 elections.

Mohamed Konneh said that the Commission is ready to provide the enabling environment for peaceful elections and logistical arrangement, adding that the Commission has so far completed the nomination process and has released the list of presidential candidate gazette. He, however, revealed that the Commission has received a petition against the All People’s Congress (APC) but said their lawyers are ready to attend to the Supreme Court’s request or invitation to respond to the petition.

He said that the Commission has finalized the voter register and will commence printing of it within the shortest period of time and once they start, the Commission will provide all the aggregated data on their website so that political parties can go and check.

The Chief Electoral Commissioner said that Civil Society Organizations and political parties and other partners have requested to audit their system of which he said the Commission will not allow any Civil Society Organization, political party or partner to audit their system.

Earlier, the National Coordinator, Office of the National Security, Abdulai Caulker, said that after the pronouncement of the election campaign period by the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone, the second highest Committee, that is the National Security Council Coordinating Group, reactive the Integrated Elections Security Planning Committee, adding that the Committee has been planning in order to usher credible free and fair elections in the country.

He used the opportunity to highlight some of the issues they have identified during their assessment including Political intolerance, the use of social media to spread inciting messages, the use of Martials by political parties etc. He called on all to follow due processes during the elections processes and that the security sector is ready to provide security to all political parties.

Abdulai Caulker further called on all ,including radio stations, to avoid the announcement of elections results, stating that it is the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone that is mandated to announce elections result and further urged political parties to adhere to campaign timeliness as stipulated by the Commission.

The Executive Secretary of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, Hawa Samai, said that the Commission has been dialoguing with political parties and stakeholders in order to enhance peace and national cohesion  in the country, which she said the Commission will continue in vain.

She disclosed how the Commission has set up mediation teams, peace monitors, peace coalition etc. in all the 16 districts of Sierra Leone, stating that the Commission in partnership with the Office of the National Security has also established a Situation Room and a toll free line 898.

The Executive Secretary encouraged political parties to use the different referrals to report any issue as there are mediators to address their concerns.

The Chairman of the Political Parties Regulation Commission, Abdulai Bangura, said that PPRC has put a number of activities in order to create the enabling environment for political parties and the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone for them to do their work effectively.

He said that PPRC together with all registered political parties and relevant stakeholders have agreed on the mode of the campaign during the elections and in addition they have also developed a guideline that will assist political parties to guide their supporters, respecting their conduct during their campaign activities.

Abdulai Bangura noted that PPRC will monitor all political parties to ensure that they adhere to the campaign calendar. He informed all that Commission will be staging a peace march .

During the event, the Director of Communications at the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone, Albert Massaquoi did a presentation on the Electoral Campaign Format which was followed by political parties balloting to determine the elections campaign period for all the political parties.

Confucius Institute FBC-USL Commemorates International Tea Day 2023

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In commemoration of International Tea Day which is observed annually on May 21st, as it was announced on November 27, 2019 during the 74th United Nations General Assembly to celebrate the economic, social, and cultural value of tea, Confucius Institute at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone in partnership with Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Sierra Leone has on Monday 22nd May, 2023 commemorated 2023 International Tea Day Cultural Experience Activity.

The event which was graced by the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Wang Qing, the Chinese Director of Confucius Institute, Fourah Bay College, Prof. Jing Man, Stakeholders, pupils etc. was held at the American Montessori Leadership Academy at Hannah Benka Coker Street on Brookfields in Freetown.

In her welcome address, the Founder and Director of the American Montessori Leadership Academy, Joyce Osman expressed appreciation to the Confucius Institute and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Sierra Leone for commemorating the 2023 International Tea Day at their site.

She said that pupils of her school are really benefiting from the site, adding that she is very excited to commemorate International Tea Day which she described as very important. She stated that during her stay in Hong Kong she had always like the Tea.

The Publicity Secretary of the Sierra Leone China Friendship Association, who also doubles as the Program Coordinator of Small Small Chinese, Ibrahim Bangura, said that the origin of tea can be traced back to over 3,000 years ago in the southwestern region of China, where it was believed to be the earliest form of tea infusion and as time passed, Chinese people gradually discovered the medicinal and beverage values of tea.

He said that Tea has become a symbol of Chinese Identity and pride, stating that it is also a social beverage around the world. He maintained that the commemoration of the International Tea Day is very important towards showcasing the significance of Tea.

Making a statement, the Local Director at the Confucius Institute ,Fourah Bay College University of Sierra Leone, Rev. Oliver Harding said that International Tea Day was announced in 2019 at the 74th United Nations General Assembly, and is celebrated on May 21 each year to celebrate the economic, social, and cultural value of tea, adding that it is the first successful international agricultural festival promoted by tea producing communities mainly in China.

He said that Tea is one of the three major beverages in the world and that tea has become a pillar industry of agriculture and an important source of farmers’ income in many countries, especially in developing countries.

Rev. Oliver Harding said that Sierra Leone also has its own local tea like lemon grass Tea, Moringa Tea etc. which he said they will incorporate in the next celebration of International Tea Day.

Delivering the keynote address, the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Wang Qing, said that in 2019, the 74th session of the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution establishing May 21 as the International Tea Day as a demonstration of the reality that tea is very popular around the world.

He stated that people love tea because it’s one of the healthiest drinks and that it has no calories, no sodium, no sugar and no fat. This makes it a great drink for those watching their weight or trying to lose weight.

The Ambassador maintained that Tea is a key driver for social and economic development and it is one of the world’s most important cash crops, continuing that the booming of tea and its related drinking products and industries create many jobs and much economic value.

“So today we celebrate the International Tea Day, not just for tea itself, but also for the culture, the lifestyle behind it. In March this year, President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), advocating the respect for the diversity of civilizations and the common values of humanity, remembering the importance of inheritance and innovation of civilizations, and boosting people-to-people exchanges and international cooperation. I think today’s event is also a good practice of GCI,” he revealed.

Wang Qing pointed out that China is keen to work together with the international community to open up a new prospect of enhanced exchanges and understanding among different peoples, better interactions and integration of diversified cultures.

“With our joint efforts, we can make the garden of world civilizations more colorful and vibrant,” he said.

He concluded by expressing his heartfelt thanks to the Government of Sierra Leone for its active support in promoting cultural exchanges between China and Sierra Leone. He also thanked all the staff of the Confucius Institute at the University of Sierra Leone for their continued efforts and important contributions to helping our Sierra Leonean learn Chinese culture.

Closing the ceremony was the sampling of various variants of Chinese Tea which includes White Tea, Jasmine Tea, Oolong Tea, Green Tea, etc. by the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Wang Qing, the Director of Confucius Institute Fourah Bay College Prof. Jing Man, Stakeholders and pupils present.

Prince Macauley Affirms that the Key Concern of Citizens is an Economic Recovery Plan

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

As the political tempo in the country is becoming everyday more competitive with few weeks left for Sierra Leoneans to go to the polls and politically decides, there has been concerns that the political parties that will be contesting for the votes of citizens have been late in presenting their manifestoes. Of all the registered and certified political parties eligible to contest, it is only the ruling SLPP that has presented its manifesto on the 23rd May, 2023 in Kenema, Eastern Sierra Leone.

It must be noted that whilst political parties are busy wooing voters, little is said about how they intend to revive the economy, a very important aspect in the country’s development trajectory.

Significantly, in order to win the confidence and trust of the electorates, Political Parties should convincingly  tell the people how they are going to make life better for them and such is often included in their manifestos which is why failure on the part of these Parties to timely make them available for perusal and informed political decisions has been frowned upon.

The erudite and shrewd Economist, Prince Jacob Macauley, who has been commenting on sensitive national issues, has raised the issue, calling for political parties contesting the June 24th elections to include in their manifestos, their respective plans, how they would address the economic situation in the country.

This, according to him, should relate  the bread and butter issue that the populace is longing to be adequately addressed saying if any Government focuses on that and succeeds then all other things could then follow. He maintained that for any country or any kind of development to be sustainable and impactful, then the economic situation must be the most important area to be addressed.

The Economist expressed the view that though it could be recalled that when President Bio took office in 2018 his first statement to the nation and the world, via his address to Parliament, was that he inherited a broken economy. However, for the Economist, despite that recognition and admission, Bio’s Government failed in fixing the economy.

He lamented that today the economy is on life support underscoring how the price of every commodity is dictated by the exchange rate of the dollar maintaining that currently the dollar has appreciated far above comprehension, resulting in an exponential increase of the prices of all commodities in the market and created a situation that has brought untold hardship on the populace, with families unable to have a square mean in a day.

Macauley postulated that only prudent economic policies by seasoned economists will be able to lift the country from its current state, and it is the duty of the politicians now vying for office to tell the people how they intend to fix this problem.

He pointed out that ethno-regional and party politics should not be the focus of politicians, but how they intend to address the hardship that is biting the nation.

Jacob Macauley stated that while recognizing the effect that the Ukraine war and COVID-19 had on the economy, other economies in the sub-region are making gains, whereas Sierra Leone’s economy is on the decline. He argued that we all suffered from the same global shocks, but pointed out that those countries have been able to address shocks through prudent economic policies implemented by their respective Governments.

The Economist holds the view that in the case of Sierra Leone, measures put in place to address the economy started on a wrong footing, with successive failed policies being introduced by the Bank Governor, despite warnings from Economists about the dangers of such policies, among which Macauley was a very loud voice.

Unfortunately, the textbook Economist cum Bank Governor at the Central Bank failed to heed to the alarm bells, including that from the World Bank and according to Jacob Macauley, today, the country is in a dire economic strait  because no one paid attention to those alarm bells.

Macauley noted that the President may not have the technical know-how to address the economy, but he appointed people he had trust in to do the work, and expected them to advise him on progress made, but unfortunately, these may have been selling pleasantries of an unpleasant situation to His Excellency.

He maintained that had these officials been honest to their conscience, the people and to His Excellency, they would have averted the current economic down turn that the country is in.

Against this backdrop, Macauley is calling on the political parties vying for the highest seat of the land, to tell the people how they are going to address the economic situation in the country and usher in economic recovery.

Without any serious economic recovery plan, Macauley stressed, the next Government will be doomed, be it the incumbent or any other Government. He noted that while infrastructural development is good, plans for agriculture etc are all good, but without a clear recovery plan for the economy, all those will merely be white elephants.

He said Sierra Leoneans are more concerned about what to eat, what the little resources at their disposal can buy and how their daily living conditions will be improved.

In his view, a good number of residents do not care about who holds office, but only how they can survive (the bread and butter issue).

He noted that whilst there are some people who may be voting based on sentiments, the bulk of the population want to vote on what plans the politicians have to change their story.

Therefore, enshrining in their respective manifestos plans to address the current economic situation is vital for the sake of accountability, as a manifesto is the plan of a political party of what it intends to do if voted for and if they fail to do so, they could be held to account by the populace.

1...547548549...1,365Page 548 of 1,365