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Pierre Lightfoot Boston Vies for National Organizing Secretary Position in APC

Lightfoot Boston is not only an indigene of Maroon Town, but also he is an indigene of APC with his roots embedded firmly and loyally to the party for three generations.

Lightfoot Boston has consistently and persistently served the APC party interest. He has a track record of not only engaging in developmental projects and organizing APC organs within different localities, but most importantly in successfully completing those projects.

Lightfoot Boston had developed, financed and completed projects which include, but not limited to the following: providing pipe borne water, electric power poles, sporting equipments and academic scholarships to different communities.

Furthermore, he also served in the capacity of Elections Observer for APC Western Rural District to a point of almost losing his life in the hands of rogue elements during the 2018 Elections.

It’s indisputable to note that Lightfoot Boston is a household name in this country whose forefathers had positively contributed to the development of  the country. We shouldn’t forget the past.

Regardless of the enormous challenges, Lightfoot Boston has not wavered, he remains committed, dedicated and unperturbed Notwithstanding, the forthcoming 2023 elections will be fraught with extreme difficult circumstances  and such requires a charismatic and dependable APCian like Comrade Lightfoot-Boston to help steer the ship with other APCians to the port of victory.

 

 

 

 

CHANGE OF NAME

The General Public is hereby informed that Patrick Kabineh Ngegba has changed his name to Patrick Kabineh Deen Kamara. Please note however that all documents bearing his former name remain valid. The public is further urged to always now address him accordingly and in line with his new name, Patrick Kabineh Deen Kamara.

Annual Party and Awards Night Boosts Morale in Police Division

By Abubakarr Harding

On Friday, February 10th, 2023, the Officer Commanding New England Police Station, Superintendent of Police, Monica E. Johnson, organized an Annual Party and Awards Night at the Ministry of Works Car Park in New England Ville Freetown, Sierra Leone. The event aimed at creating a positive work environment and to motivate workers within the division.

The Annual Party and Awards Night was a grand celebration attended by members of the police division and their families. Those in attendance were treated to good music as foods and drinks were served providing a much-needed break from the daily routine. The atmosphere was relaxed and cheerful, with employees socializing and having fun together.

One of the highlights of the evening was the awards ceremony, where exceptional Police Officers were recognized for their hard work and dedication. Awards were given for categories such as Best Detective, Hard work and Commitment to Duty, Community Leaders, among others. The awards ceremony was a way to show appreciation for the efforts of the Police Officers and to encourage them to continue their good work.

The Annual Party and Awards Night was a testament to Superintendent Johnson’s commitment to improving the work environment for the Police Division. By recognizing the hard work of employees and providing a fun and relaxed atmosphere, she has shown that she values and appreciates the efforts of her colleagues. The event was a huge success, and it has set the stage for future events that will further enhance the working environment within the Police Division.

The Officer Commanding Superintendent of Police New England Ville, Monica E. Johnson, stated that the purpose of the Program was to appreciate personnel for their good work and dedication of service in the division. She added that choosing awardees amongst others was incredibly difficult. They went through many levels of review before the final recommendations. They are honouring these individuals because their performances were truly exceptional. They deserved recognition and gratitude.

Superintendent Johnson stated that as a leader of the said division, she believes in team work and to ensure that the highest amount of professionalism is given within the division.  She added that she is expecting personnel within the division that didn’t receive awards to work hard in order to create more room for improvements.

She disclosed that her next plan is to engage her seven zones on a peace sensitization program as the Election is fast approaching.

“I was overwhelmed and surprise when my name was called upon because I never saw this coming,” said Detective Inspector Audrey Rita Kamara, the Line Manager of New England Ville Police Division.

She added that she was part of the organizers but never knew that she would be awarded. With an overwhelming heart she thanked and appreciated Superintendent Johnson for the Certificate and encouraged other personnel to continue to work hard as there will be time in which their efforts and performances will be recognized.

 

Kingho Mining to Sneeze Over USD 50 Million 

It has emerged that Kingho Mining Company,  now known as Leone Rock Metals, is to pay over fifty million dollars to the Government of Sierra Leone as compensation for damages caused on the Railway and Ports.

It can be recalled that Kingho Mining was exclusively managing, controlling and operating the railway and ports as part of a lease agreement signed between the company and the Government of Sierra Leone.

One of the terms of agreement in the said lease, mandated the company to develop and expand the railway and ports.

Sadly however, Kingho Mining Company,  as usual, is said to have not only failed to develop and   expand the rail and ports but went as far as doing a lot of  damage to the infrastructure its met.

This is said to be the reason the company is now embarking on what seems to be a blackmailing spree against the government of Sierra Leone.

Kingho’s blackmailing spree, according to investigation, is done as a way of dodging the huge compensation it will have to pay when an independent evaluation shall have been done on the rail.

A clause in the lease agreement with Kingho clearly states that upon termination of the lease, an independent evaluation must be done on the rail to determine the investment done on it which will be compensated in cash or kind by the new operator.

The agreement further states that, where the company failed to develop and expand the rail, an independent evaluation shall also be done to determine the level of damage and compensation owed to the government.

Kingho had earlier claimed to have invested over 200 million dollars on the development and expansion of the rail.

This claim, according to evaluation experts, is not only preposterous, but a complete show of dishonesty on the part of the Kingho Mining Company.

It could be recalled that, this is not the first time Kingho Mining is embroil in such situations.

Between 2011 to 2018, the company accrued way over ten million dollars in evaded taxes to government for the numerous licences it held at the time.

It is not surprising however that the same company is once again orchestrating its usual shenanigans to dodge the whooping sums owed to the Government for the damages done on the Rail and Ports.

Investigation continues…

ILRAJ Critique Provisions in the GEWE Act Saying it Delivered Little

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

One of the most formidable rights activist groups   in Sierra Leone, the Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice (ILRAJ), with Lawyer Basita Michael as Head is said to be disappointed with the final product of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act (GEWE), Act No. 23 of 2022.

According to ILRAJ, the GEWE Act promised a great deal but delivered very little to achieve the objectives piloted by the Government.

It continued that in addition to being poorly drafted, there has been a lot of misinformation and contradicting statements regarding the provisions contained in the Act.

ILRAJ holds the view that contrary to popular belief, the Act does not mandate 30 percent representation in elective and appointive positions. It says Section 3 (1) of the Act states that, “In making appointments to cabinet and other Government positions, the President may take due consideration of the possibility of appointing women to at least 30%.”

At least 30% of what ,the Act does not say, according to ILRAJ arguing that assuming it is the cabinet and other Government positions, there is no guarantee that such will be done.

ILRAJ maintained that the contradiction in the section is astonishing – the President may take due consideration of the possibility of appointing women and may consider it but is not bound to do so.

The rights based entity stated that in Section 3(2), which deals with appointments to public offices not made by the President, the provisions of the law are much more substantial.

It states that “at least 30% shall be women.” For ILRAJ, that, of course, begs the question – how many appointments within the public service are not made by the President? Perhaps some of the lower ones.

The entity contends that especially since the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of Alhaji Sam Sumana v Attorney-General & Anor (SC 4 of 2015) [2015] SLSC 1203 (09 September 2015), Supreme Executive Authority has been used to ensure that the President makes all appointments to top positions in the public service.

ILRAJ maintains that consequently women will be left with 30% of the jobs in the lower rungs of the public service maintaining that in contrast, the top positions will be left to the whims and caprices of whoever is the President for consideration appointment.

Contrary to what was reported in the media, ILRAJ argues, the Act does not provide for 30% of women’s representation in Parliament. It says Section 2 unnecessarily repeats what is in the Public Elections Act 2022 and says there shall be public elections. It then leaves the issues of elections hanging and moves on to something else not covered under the provisions of Section 3, the only Section in Part II of the Act.

The rights based organization states that Section 4 (1) imposes a mandatory requirement on the public and private sectors to have at least 30% of women in employment.

Section 4(2) states that out of the 30% employed, 30% must be in “decision-making positions at all levels within the organization.” It doesn’t say that 30% of women should be in decision-making positions, as reported. It is 30% of the 30% employed.

ILRAJ argues that if an organization has 100 staff, 30 must be women. 30% of those 30 women, namely 9, must be in decision-making positions. In other words, only 9% of women will be in decision-making positions.

Section 5 of the Act states that an “employer shall ensure remuneration for persons of equal skills, competence, expertise and knowledge without discrimination of any kind.” According to ILRAJ, Equal pay for skills and competence is too little too late. It continued that the New Education Policy for Sierra Leone states that 69.3% of the male population is illiterate, while 80% of the female population is illiterate. In its argument, ILRAJ stated that there is abundant evidence that based on years of discrimination, most women are under-skilled and under qualified.

It added that in a country where in some parts, parents prefer to send boys instead of girls to school there was a need for some positive discrimination – affirmative action to ensure that the balance is redressed over the years.

Section 27 of the Constitution of Sierra Leone provides for protection from discrimination, including based on sex. According to ILRAJ, that Section just entrenches the current bias maintaining that in most cases, employers will find it easy to pay men more based on skill, expertise, competence and knowledge.

The provisions on equal training and scholarships, as well as the increase from 12 to 14 weeks of maternity leave, are excellent, ILRAJ says . Likewise, the Section dealing with equal access and the right to credit, financial services, transactions, and products is great in principle but, ILRAJ underscores, it has little teeth, though, as all it states is that a Government financial institution, including the Bank of Sierra Leone and the Ministry of Finance, shall prescribe procedures and processes for improving access to finance for women. It says only time will tell what that means and whether it will be done.

Additionally, ILRAJ says the clause falls short of promoting women’s economic empowerment adding that other provisions are required, such as those addressing women’s access to land and land rights, developing skills, particularly entrepreneurial skills and capacity building for women, making it easier for women to find employment opportunities and access to markets.

The rights based entity stated that there are numerous other instances of discrimination against women in our society that the Act does not cover. It says even now, some landlords discriminate against women and won’t rent property to them.

It pointed out how the legal system has separate rules for sureties who are women.

ILRAJ argues that to make up for decades of prejudice and create the capability required to fill the numerous jobs for women, affirmative action must be used when awarding scholarships, awards, and bursaries to students. It says the Government is not required to allot sufficient funds for women’s empowerment stating how the removal of discrimination based on marital status, access to healthcare, and reproductive health are other areas that should have been covered.

In a letter to Parliament, ILRAJ urged Parliamentarians to consider those and other issues but lamented that sadly, they did not, and there is now, in their humble view, a mediocre legislation that will not transform the lives of women as was intended.

It argues that successive Governments have failed to match their laudable rhetoric toward women’s empowerment with concrete actions.

“We had hoped that this law would put an end to this, sadly, this fell short of all expectations,” ILRAJ further lamented.

 

 

 

Mayors, District Chairpersons & Councillors to Step Aside

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In an official correspondence issued by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, dated 8th February, 2023 with the Subject: Re: Notice To Step Aside and addressed to all Mayors, District Chairpersons and Councillors, the Minister, Amb Tamba TS Lamina, stated that he is instructing the afore mentioned personalities that pursuant to Section 137 of the Local Government Act 2022, (ACT NO 260 2022) to vacate Council on the 1st of March instant.

He further instructed the said personalities to do comprehensive handing over of their offices to the Chief Administrators accordingly.
The Minister congratulated them for the end of  their tenure and conveyed the Ministry’s appreciation  for serving their people and contributing to national development in their various way.

Amb. Tamba TS Lamina highlighted that together, they have been able to work collaboratively to enhance governance and service delivery.

He also informed how His Excellency, the President has during his ‘Meet the People Tour recognized and appreciated the significant role of Local Councils in the governance architecture at the sub-national level.

He wished all the Mayors and District Chairpersons on their second term well and expressed hope that they will continue to serve their country in other capacities moving forward. To those intending to run for office again, the Minister also wished them all very good luck in the coming elections saying the Ministry will be delighted to work with them again.

The Minister directed the Chief Administrators to take full inventory of the council’s asset and finances before the 28th of February instant.

He continued that the Directorate of Decentralization in the Ministry and the Fiscal Decentralization Directorate in the Ministry of Finance will continue to provide comprehensive monitoring of Council activities whilst providing technical and professional support until such a time when the fourth council is ushered in.

According to him, the Ministry operates an open door policy for any inquiries and or clarifications.

Border Stakeholders Validate Findings on Population Mobility & Public Health Risk Mapping

By Alfred Fornah

Validated findings on Population Mobility and Public Health Risk Mapping were done by Border Community Stakeholders in three chiefdoms in Kailahun District on the 5th February, 2023.

The mapping was conducted by IOM in collaboration with the Kailahun District Health Medical Team (DHMT), Office of National Security, and Statistics Sierra Leone in the Parrot’s Beak area-where the territories of Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia meet.

The exercise which was delivered in 3 chiefdoms (Kissi Teng, Kissi Kama, and Kissi Tongi chiefdoms) aimed at understanding population mobility dynamics and identification of priority communities and locations in the parrot beak in Kailahun that are at higher risk of the potential spread of diseases and other health threats, as a direct result of human mobility.

In his statement, the Acting Director of Border Security of the Office of National Security (ONS), Samuel AJ Bullie, highlighted the importance of the mapping exercise conducted at the border. He also expressed their commitment to working closely with IOM in addressing border-related challenges in the Parrot’s Beak area.

“The Kailahun District Health Medical Team is concerned about the health of people in the District. And communities in the border area are exposed to risk. To address this, we need to strengthen border surveillance and monitoring to prevent the border from disease outbreaks” said Sengu Nyuma, a representative from the Kailahun District Health Medical Team.

Data and Reporting Officer at IOM Sierra Leone, Emmanuel Vincent Kallon said: “The validation event allowed relevant discussions among key stakeholders from the 3 chiefdoms who participated during the mapping exercise. The mapping, however, will inform programs to strengthen infection disease preparedness, monitoring and response, and other health-related interventions at the border communities at the Parrot’s Beak Area in Kailahun”.

This activity was done under the framework of the project “Strengthening Border Management, Social Cohesion and Cross-Border Security in the Parrot’s Beak Area’ covering Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone and funded by the Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF).

 

Lands Minister Holds Audience Captivate by Recounting Landmark Achievements

By Abubakarr Harding

On the final day of the 13th National Delegates Conference of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), the Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, Dr. Turad Senesie, delivered a captivating presentation  on his stewardship to the people of Sierra Leone .

The Lands Minister systematically explained his strides in ensuring that His Excellency’s policy commitment to evenly distribute land resources and provide affordable housing for its citizens is promptly achieved.

He spoke of the introduction of the land raffle initiative which is ensuring that land resources are being fairly distributed to citizens from all walks of life, tribes, regions, religions and political divide.

“A total of Seven Hundred (700) Sierra Leoneans from various backgrounds across the country have benefited from over 1,400 Town Lots of State Land in a transparent and fair raffle draw model that was introduced in little over one year ago,” the Lands Minister disclosed, while further confirming that hundreds of other state and non-state actors including parliamentarians, footballers, judges and security sector personnel, among others, have benefited from land allocation across the country.

Dr. Senesie promised that such land allocation ventures will continue in earnest, while announcing that ‘Okada/Kekeh Riders’ are next on the line to benefit from the land raffle initiative.

He further reported on progress made in the direction of providing affordable housing units for Sierra Leoneans, while disclosing that he has finalized and signed an agreement for the establishment of a Micro-City at John Obey that will contain 5,000 affordable housing units.

The Minister further spoke of how he has restored sanity in the lands sector within the shortest possible time as per the directive of His Excellency the President.

He also disclosed that work is already in progress to transform the Lungi area into a brand new city, while pointing out that the land is already being secured for the intended development purpose.

The Ministry, he said, is also generating revenues in billions for the state as a result of standard operating measures being put in place that discourages corruption in the sector.

Dr. Senesie disclosed that the Ministry is currently working towards digitizing all processes in the lands sector to ensure transparency and accessibility.

The Government, he said, will continue the implementation of progressive policies in a professional manner in the interest of its citizens.

Bio Retains VP Juldeh Jalloh as Running Mate for 2023 Presidential Election

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The incumbent Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) held its 13th National Delegates Conference on the 8th and 9th February, 2023 at the Bintumani Conference Centre at Aberdeen in Freetown which was well attended and turned out to be a well organized and successful event.

During the close of the National Delegates Conference, which was on the 9th February, 2023, President Julius Maada Bio let the cat out of the bag by informing all present and by extension the whole nation that he will be seeking his second term mandate with his able and dependable ally, the Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh.

President Bio continued that hand-in-hand they shall stabilise the New Direction on the Right Direction dubbing it #BIOJULDEH2023.

That revelation was greeted with thunderous applause especially as speculations were running rife that Dr Jalloh would be replaced ahead of the polls.

Some have expressed the view that it is unprecedented for an SLPP presidential candidate – in office or in opposition – to retain his running mate.

The disclosure made by President Bio has dispelled the rumour that was making the rounds that the SLPP is planning to dump Dr Juldeh Jalloh for Dr Kandeh Yumkella as the party’s running mate. This was seemingly a truism especially when in December Dr Yumkella was seen in the company of the President in Bonthe after honouring the President’s invitation to spend the holidays together.

Besides, the recent statement of Kandeh Yumkella in forming a strategic alliance with the SLPP led many to believe that there was a position for him in the SLPP.

All those speculations and political analysis were laid to rest after President Bio made the pronouncement of retaining Dr Kandeh Yumkella.

NP-Ltd Now a Household Name in Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast & The Gambia

National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL-Ltd)

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

NP-Ltd is an indigenous petroleum marketing company that has stood the test of time since it was established by thirty-five Sierra Leoneans years back.

Overcoming turbulent times through shrewd, incisive and fine managerial initiatives, the company has gained a strong foothold in various parts of the country and has a presence in neighbouring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia.

The company has truly proven that it is committed to the attainment and fulfillment of its mission which borders around “maintaining its dominant leadership position in the local market and strive to operate at sub-regional level by assuring the supply of petroleum products in an environmentally friendly manner while offering superior value for their customers, employees and other stakeholders based on a proud corporate culture with emphasis on safety consciousness, profit optimization, corporate expansion thereby contributing to national development”.

To a large extent the company has, over the years, successfully rolled out what is encompassed in the aforementioned Mission Statement. Today, in Sierra Leone and within the West African sub-region, NP-SL Ltd stands tall, dominating the petroleum marketing landscape in terms of its timely importation of high grade petroleum products, its effective marketing strategies, the number of dealers it has attracted to open Filling Stations even in hard to reach areas as well as the impressive way it is optimizing customer care, earning it the covetous respect as 1st for Customer Care.

With regards safety consciousness, the company always ensures that it provides tips at all its Filling Stations on how customers should conduct themselves when they are transacting businesses. Information such as “ No Smoking”, “Avoid Naked Flame”, “Turn Off Engine While Fuel is Being Pumped”, “ Don’t Make-Up While Driving”, “Switch off Mobile Phones” are just some of the precautionary measures that are constantly made visible to all and sundry amidst the fact that fire extinguishers are always handy.

In all the countries within the West African sub-region where the company opted to establish, it was more particularly concerned of building a well-run dominant petroleum company in Liberia that is poised to compete in the West African sub-region. To a large extent that Vision has been achieved as NP-SL Ltd is a vibrant functioning entity that is assuaging the petroleum needs of people in that part of the world and doing so commendably well.

When the company was set up, the owners thought of having a Culture bordering around “developing a disciplined family with an institutional culture working towards building a great company”.

It is against such a backdrop that the company made it a policy that in terms of employment indigenes should be given priority as opposed to expatriates or foreigners. The culture is in sync with promoting the Local Content Policy and has contributed to the improvement of the lives of many locals. Employees of the company are well disciplined, are motivated and courteous in the way and manner in which they treat customers from diverse backgrounds and walks of life.

Known for effective service delivery, the company has calibrated pumping machines that gives the exact amount of fuel requested for.

Also, it introduced what is now known as NP Smart Card which is a memory chip that could be credited from time to time by the holder in order to buy fuel. It is a cashless way of conducting business and many have attested that it is very convenient.

There is also NP-Gas which is a cooking devise that could be refilled with gas. Manufactured in different cylinder sizes it is said to be very efficient and they are sold at the company’s Filling Stations or authorized dealers at affordable prices.

The core values of NP-SL Ltd are anchored on: Safe Working Environment, Good Customer Service, High quality products, environmental sustainability and building positive teams, NP-SL Ltd has come a long way in executing its roadmap to become a viable business entity.

 

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