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The Fight Against Corruption and The June 24 Elections

By Cornelius Oguntola Melvin Deveaux

The die is cast for the ECSL to conduct the upcoming multitier elections under the district block proportional representation.

The Supreme Court of Sierra Leone has ruled that the directive of President Julius Maada Bio to the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) to conduct the 2023 national elections for Ordinary Members of Parliament by the Proportional Representation system instead of constituencies is constitutional and lawful. It is only a judicial review that can question this ruling.

But the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) should know that the ruling is a further testament to the judiciary doing the bidding of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) just as it did with the unconstitutional removal of 10 opposition MPs from Parliament and the nullification of the petition against the election of President Bio in 2018.

Agreeably, the political discourse in the coming elections is not about political parties as much as it will be about the character of the candidates (particularly the presidential candidates) and the failure of the SLPP to fulfill key 2018 election promises anchoring on national cohesion and security, the fight against corruption and cost of living.

Other contentious and grieving issues, such as the erratic supply of electricity across the country, the incompletion of the three-hundred-bed hospitals inherited from the past administration, the collapsed free health care scheme and the national ambulance services, the unfulfilled promise to construct the ‘Lungi bridge’ and a dossier of lies and other unfulfilled promises, in tandem with the strangulation of civil and political liberties, unwarranted killings and arbitrary arrests and detention will constitute the political discourse during the election campaign.

It is obvious the failures of the SLPP to fulfill its manifesto promises of inclusive politics and governance, economic growth, and development and to promote national cohesion in tandem with the deliberate institutionalization of regionalism, tribalism, intolerance, and extreme partisanship in the governance of the state are sufficient to inform the voters on why not to vote for the SLPP for a second term.

The voters also need not be reminded of the SLPP’s inability to fulfill its manifesto promise to ensure the efficient political and economic management of the state and its natural resources to capacitate our country to pay for and finance all basic and essential services and to invest in critical infrastructure for sustainable development. Uncontrolled inflation and its consequent effects on the exchange rate and the increasingly high cost of basic and essential commodities, including rice and fuel, are a testament to this policy failure.

Ironically, the SLPP may want to dominate the political discourse and influence voters with election campaign messages on issues like the employment of more teachers and nurses, its cosmetic development programs, the free education scheme, the repeal of the seditious libel laws, and so-called gains in the fight against corruption.

Undisputedly, the opposition APC was supportive of the successes of the ruling SLPP.

For example, an amount of money was deducted from the salary of opposition APC Members of Parliament (MPs) to finance the free education scheme. Equally, APC MPs and local councilors have been promoting and supporting free education in their localities. The gains trumpeted by the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education will not have been possible without the cooperation of opposition-controlled local councils across the country.

Similarly, in his contribution to the debate to repeal the seditious libel law, opposition APC MP Hon Ibrahim Ben Kargbo spoke about past journalists who he said contributed to the development of the media landscape and had earlier championed the repeal process. He said, as an opposition party, the APC fully supported the repeal process and praised President Bio and the Minister of information and Communication for what he referred to as “positive work done”.

Whatever gains the SLPP may have made in these five years is drowned by the heightened frustration from the anxiety of the inadequacies of national cohesion and security, the horrifying consequences of corruption, the excruciating hardship due to a high cost of living, and the insusceptibility of the people to falsehood and rhetorics.

Notwithstanding, the bull’s eye in the political discourse during this election campaign is the fight against corruption.

In its 2018 election manifesto, the SLPP identified corruption as the governance Achilles heel and the greatest threat to national progress and development, stability, and security. At the launching of the three Commissions of Inquiry in January 2019, President Julius Maada Bio parroted corruption as a deterrent to the development of Sierra Leone and mischievously described former APC government functionaries as ‘ayampies’. The SLPP then launched a politically motivated calumnious campaign of corruption blackmail against key APC functionaries to confine them in various legal entanglements.

In five years of the SLPP, the global non-governmental corruption watchdog, Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index report ranks Sierra Leone 110th out of 180 countries perceived to be the most corrupt in the world in its recent report. It indicates a 19-point upward progress from being ranked 129 in 2018.

Pro-SLPP outfits, including the Anti-Corruption Commission, are already on rooftops trumpeting this feat and other international accolades and will continue during the election campaign. Although this is good for the SLPP, it is not good enough to undo the record of the APC administration of Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma.

In its first term in office, the APC gained a 27-point progression from ranking 150 in 2007 to 123 in 2012 by the same Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index report. This record is a legacy etched in time in that the realities on the ground spoke to the progress made.

Against its glaring failures, one can conclude that the progress made by the SLPP government in the fight against corruption only paints the levels of lip service because the realities on the ground speak of a different story.

In five years of the SLPP, public officers, and political appointees have perfected the art of mismanaging and siphoning public funds. The inability, or rather, unwillingness of the Public Accounts Committee chairman (SLPP) of the current Parliament to scrutinize the audit of the public accounts throughout these five years made parliamentary oversight completely moribund, thus entrenching a culture of impunity for corrupt practices, gross inefficiency, and ineptitude.

Notwithstanding claims by the Anti-Commission agency to have recovered well over 34 billion Leones in out-of-court settlements throughout these five years, the ACC has, in the spirit of transparency, failed to make public disclosure of defaulters who have refunded monies to the state.

The president promised to utilize funds recovered from corrupt public officers to construct a medical diagnostic center. Although the ACC, in these five years, presented billions of recovered stolen money to the president, there is no tangible evidence of the medical diagnostic center.

There is much more to the tale of corruption under the current administration. The SLPP, therefore, has no legs to stand on to talk about gains in the fight against corruption during this election campaign.

Because the fight against corruption is a national crusade, the political discourse in this election campaign should not be a matter of the pot calling the kettle black or vice versa.

Therefore, the opposition APC should match the SLPP candidates with persons that are not blemished. The APC should match President Bio with a presidential candidate who has no skeletons in the cupboard and can tell him straight in his face that corruption stinks in his government. The APC should match President Bio with a candidate that can bridge the tribal and regional divide and promote national cohesion.

In this regard, as the opposition APC gravitates toward its national delegates conference to elect its officers and the party’s 2023 flagbearer, I wish to admonish the esteemed delegates to seriously consider not entrusting leadership in the hands of persons who have been tainted by the SLPP corruption blackmail against APC functionaries and confined in various forms of legal entanglements.

I will similarly entreat every comrade who is trapped in the SLPP corruption blackmail and wish to aspire for an elective position to save the APC from the risk of a legal entrapment (faulty as the COI reports maybe), withhold their aspirations, bury their ego and take a back seat.

The APC must demonstrate a commitment to the fight against corruption as a national crusade. The party must make a deliberate effort to avoid the scenario of the pot calling the kettle black.

The APC must not lose sight of the fact that the fight against corruption became a national crusade during the first term tenure of the APC government of Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma. According to Transparency International, the APC gained a 27-point progression from being ranked 150 in 2007 to 123 in 2012.

In conclusion, the SLPP’s 19-point upward progress from being ranked 129 in 2018 to 110 in 2023 is not good enough to undo the record of the past APC government and a weak premise to campaign on the ticket of fighting corruption.

SISLAA & Chinese Community in Sierra Leone Play Friendly Football Match

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In continuation of celebrating the Chinese New Year which commenced on the 22nd-27th January 2023, the Sino- Sierra Leone Alumni (SISLAA)has hosted a Friendly Football Match between the Sino- Sierra Leone Alumni (SISLAA) and the Chinese Community in Sierra Leone. The friendly match which was co-organized by Confucius Institute, Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone was held on Saturday 29th January, 2023 at the National Stadium in Freetown.

Addressing the gathering, the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone Ambassador Wang Qing, encouraged Members of the Sino- Sierra Leone Alumni (SISLAA), to maintain the culture of promoting China-Sierra Leone friendship.

He intimated that the past one year has been very memorable especially for the good fraternal relationship between President Bio and President Xi XinPing.

The Ambassador stressed that the bilateral relations between the two countries have achieved tremendous progress. He emphasized that the traditional friendship between citizens of China and Sierra Leone is even going stronger. He also admonished that the practical corporation between the two countries has been very fruitful.

“So I want to express my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all of you, and all of the friends who have been constantly supporting the bilateral relationship between China and Sierra Leone. Distinguish guests, happy Chinese New Year”, he said.

The Chinese Ambassador also intimated that the period of Covid-19 has been a year of recovery.

He added that the Chinese Government has upgraded the COVID-19 prevention policy and also upgraded their response policy from grade “A” to grade “B” which were to facilitate exchanges between China with other countries.

He intimated that all members of SISLAA have benefited from gaining advanced studies in China. He therefore, encouraged SISLAA to maintain their initial intention in promoting the bilateral relationship between China and Sierra Leone.

The President of SISLAA ,Dr. Alpheus Koroma, said the purpose of the match is to celebrate the Chinese New Year which started from the 22nd-27th January 2023. He said SISLAA was established in January 2013 in order for Sierra Leonean Students in China to join in celebrating the Chinese New Year.

When he took over leadership as the President of SISLAA sometimes last year, Dr. Koroma said they decided to have some activities such as the end of year party and the just concluded football match between SISLAA and the Chinese Community in Sierra Leone.

He justified furthered that the reason for staging such comic football match was to consolidate the enviable friendship between SISLAA and theChinese Community.

Dr. Koroma therefore, extended profound thanks and appreciation to the Confucius Institute and several other Chines Companies that have been very supportive to SISLAA in the process of organizing such events.

He also expressed gratitude to all and sundry for gracing the occasion, assuring the Chinese Ambassador that Sierra Leone is a very friendly country adding that, the Ambassador would definitely enjoy his stay in Sierra Leone. The occasion was climaxed with a comical football match between SISLAA and the Chinese Community.

At the end of the Friendly Match the Chinese Community defeated SISLAA by 4 goals to 1.

NP-SL & Leoneoil to Construct Ultra-Modern Burns Unit at Connaught

By Foday Moriba Conteh

During a well-attended ceremony held on Monday 30th January, 2023 at the Connaught Hospital in Freetown, the Minister of Health and Sanitation, Dr Austin Demby, handed over the construction site for the construction of an Ultra-Modern Burns Unit at the Connaught Government Hospital to the Managements of NP-Sierra Leone and Leoneoil.

The proposed Ultra-Modern Burns Unit at Connaught Hospital will be constructed by NP-Sierra Leone and Leone oil as part of the Corporate Social Responsibilities of the two companies.

Delivering a statement, the Managing Director of Leone oil, Ibrahim Cole, said the move by the two companies is in fulfillment of their Corporate Social Responsibility in the country.

He added that the Burns Unit, when completed, will contribute towards the development of the health sector in the country, adding that after the 5thNovember, 2021 petrol fuel tanker fire disaster in the East End of Freetown, that consumed so many lives, they saw the need for the country to have a Burns Unit.

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of NP-Sierra Leone, Kobi Walker, said that the 5thNovember, 2021 was a sad day for Sierra Leone when the Wellington fire disaster occurred after an explosion of a Tanker vehicle  resulting to an engulfing  fire disaster that claimed 154 lives and left many injured.

He said that as a company they visited virtually all the hospitals where the victims were hospitalized adding that in the wake of the disaster they realized that the country lacks a facility to take care of burns.

Kobi Walker pointed out that when Ibrahim Cole, the Managing Director of Leoneoil mentioned the idea to NP Sierra Leone that there is a great need for the two companies to partner with Connaught Hospital to construct a Burns Unit at the facility, NP Sierra Leone Management decided to sacrifice virtually all of the amount they had assigned for its Corporate Social Responsibility to the proposed Burns Unit maintaining how they are with the strong conviction that the Burns Unit is much more needed in the country.

He said they want to ensure that whenever there are burns anywhere in the country, there is a facility to treat victims.

“NP Sierra Leone, being the number one Oil Marketing Company in the country, we believe the pain and ache of every Sierra Leonean is ours. We believe that as a country we must support the socio-economic development of Sierra Leone. We are actually looking forward in the couple of months to be part of that team to hand over a Burns Unit to the Connaught Hospital,” he concluded.

In his address, the Minister of Health and Sanitation, Dr. Austin Demby, commended NP-Sierra Leone and Leoneoil for the construction of the proposed Burns Unit at Connaught Hospital.

He said that almost every week there are fire disasters in the country but said that what happened on the 5th November, 2021that caused over 100 deaths has never happened in the country and it was very difficult to manage.

Dr. Austin Demby said that the physical infrastructure that was required to manage cases were not available in the country, adding that it was difficult to have temperature control, AM control, Access control in the rooms because the country at that time doesn’t have a specialized Burns Unit.

He pointed out that after the incident the Government saw the need to have a specialized Burns Unit in the country, of which he said the Ministry of Health and Sanitation is very happy for the intervention of NP-Sierra Leone and Leoneoil for the construction of the Burns Unit in the country.

CTC Pays 1.9 Billion Leones Surface Rent to Land Owners

By Foday Moriba Conteh

During an auspicious and well attended ceremony held on Sunday 29th January, 2023 at the Port Loko District Council, the Community Trading Company (CTC) has paid the sum of1.9 billion Leones as Surface Rent to land owners and stakeholders of Maforki and Marampa Chiefdoms in Port Loko District.

In his address, the Country Manager of CTC Mining Company Sierra Leone, Fassally Tawarallie, intimated that CTC is a Turkish based Mining Company which is now in Sierra Leone to undertake Bauxite mining in Port Loko District.

Heinformed residents that Bauxite is a substance or an element needed for aluminium and steel production, adding that Bauxite is a Mineral which has been found in Port Loko District for over 52 years underscoring how CTC will embark on mining the mineral and make it a reality in terms of production.

Fassally Tawarallie also stated that according to the 2009 Mining Act Mining Companies are required to pay surface rents to locals in the community where those Mining Companies are operating.

He furthered how they are  all converging to fulfill that provision of the 2009 Mining Actadding that the Community Trading Company is proud to pronounce that it has come to pay the sum of 1.9 billion Leones as Surface Rentto land owners and stakeholders of Maforki and Marampa Chiefdoms in Port Loko District.

The Country Manager also intimated that the company is anticipating its maiden export in the next ninety days.

He said massive deployment of machineries and manpower has commenced in order to deliver for the people of Port Loko and for Sierra Leone by extension.

The Paramount Chief of Marampa Chiefdom, Port Loko District, PC Bai Koblo Queen II, extended profound thanks and appreciation to President Bio for making such possible especially in such difficult times.

He continued how the payment of the surface rent will positively impact the lives ofresidents within the two chiefdoms.

PC Bai Koblo Queen IIgave assurances that the primary host communities would surely benefit from the surface rent.

He said the payment of the surface rent is just the beginning of the many opportunities the company is going to avail residents such as livelihood support, job creation among others.

The Paramount Chief concluded by guaranteeing residents and Sierra Leoneans that the company is there to stay and that, they as local authorities should ensure that the people benefit from the opportunities.

The ResidentMinister for North-Western Region, who doubled as Chairman of the event, Alhaji Alpha Kanu, expressed elation over the payment of the surface rent adding that Port Loko has been waiting for 52 years for such an opportunity.

Alpha Kanu encouraged residents and host ParamountChiefs to support the company for a successful outcome.

He assured the company, on behalf of President Bio’s led Government, that they have given their blessings for the company tooperate.

Closing the ceremony was the official handing over of the cheques to the land owners and stakeholders of Maforki and Marampa Chiefdoms

The Nexus between Sunlight Exposure & Sleep

Dr. Manal Ghazzawi, BPharm (Hons), Pharm D, FPCP, MPH

By: Dr. Manal Ghazzawi, BPharm (Hons), Pharm D, FPCP, MPH

Why is sunlight so important to the human body?

Let’s go to the cellular level. Every cell in our body has a mitochondrion which is the machinery or powerhouse in our body that produces energy. The mitochondria take the food that we eat and transform it into energy. However just like every machine it can overheat, shut down and produces a byproduct called oxidative stress which are oxygen radicals! When oxidative stress builds up too much, it can cause lots of problems that could lead to less optimal health causing inflammation, cancer, dementia, diabetes, learning disabilities and even COVID-19 mortality. When oxidative stress builds up in the mitochondria, there’s a cooling system which occurs day and night. There is a fascinating chemical which is activated to be produced to reduce oxidative stress in the mitochondria, interesting right? This chemical is called melatonin, produced in our brain both at night and during the day, it is one of the strongest antioxidants, twice as potent as vitamin E. According to a published paper in 2019, by Professor Scott Zimmerman, it was highlighted that melatonin produced in the mitochondria to reduce oxidative stress, may play a role in the prevention and/or treatment of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

At night melatonin is produced in the brain, enters the blood stream, and then goes into every cell of our body to mop off the oxidative stress produced by the mitochondria. We can say this is how the body gets rid of oxidative stress at night and we are able to sleep. Any form of light at night, exposed to our eyes can shut down melatonin production from the brain. During the day, there is a completely different system that stimulates the production of melatonin to combat oxidative stress. At day time, melatonin production in the mitochondria is stimulated by near infra-red radiation (NIR) from the sun. This is a new scientific discovery which makes us rethink as to how much sunlight we are getting, and what happens if we don’t get enough?! It is important to understand that melatonin produced by our brain at night (Hormone of Darkness) helps us sleep, and the melatonin produced at cellular level inside the mitochondria, this is stimulated by sunlight (hormone of daylight) play different roles – which has nothing to do with sleep at all! Mind you the above effects do not occur with melatonin supplements that you might be taking, melatonin supplements just go directly to your blood stream and tell the body to sleep.

How do humans interact with light?

One way we can explain our interaction with light is through the circadian rhythm (CR). CR is a 24-hour cycle that is part of the body’s internal clock, running in the background to carry out essential functions and processes. The CR regulates our body temperature, helps in production of melatonin, and many other chemicals that are essential for our body functions. According to the CR, melatonin production starts at 9 pm and that is the time you would want to avoid bright light exposures to prevent shutdown of melatonin production. Consequently, is it very important that the CR is in sync, and it is well regulated. There is scientific evidence to prove that dysregulation of the CR, can cause induced sleep wake misalignment which in turn can cause unscheduled production of insulin and other hormones, circadian misalignment due to sleep deprivation can induce production of inflammatory markers and insulin resistance which is a main culprit in type 2 diabetes (Scheer et al.). Disruption of the CR can cause stress hormone production at a rate which can be associated with anxiety and depression during the day.

One way to allow the CR to align with what goes on outside your body and to help you sleep at night is by avoiding screen time or bright lights during bedtime, as this could shut down the production of melatonin and leads to insomnia. In other words, avoid using laptops, phones at the time you are supposed to be sleeping. If you need to work at night with your laptop avoid screen time at least 2 hours before bed. In addition, if you are awake before bedtime, it is inevitable that you need some lighting but let it be low on the floor below your visual field and as dim as possible. Orange or red dim light below your visual field could also be better if you need to have light in your room.

Why should we be happy with a sunny weather or Salone’s beautiful weather?

If you have lived abroad in a country long enough during winter, you will learn to appreciate and long for sunny weathers. You will appreciate sunlight even if it is freezing cold, you will feel rejuvenated to see the sun shining bright while you are outside. The sun actually elevates your mood, for this reason people experience seasonal affective disorder during the winter season, and women are more prone to be depressed during winter than men according to studies. In a meta-analysis, it was proven that exposure to bright light during the day between 15 minutes to an hour for 4 weeks improved mood, hence reduced seasonal affective disorder.

To anchor the circadian rhythm or to set it right, NIR sunlight exposure should be done before 9am in the morning ranging between 30 sec to 30 mins. Wearing sunglasses will limit kick starting the CR accordingly. The brighter the sunlight the shorter time you need to spend outdoor, if it is a cloudy day up to 30 mins exposure will be needed. NIR penetrates your clothes deep into the skin/body and can be perceived as heat. Sunscreens can only block ultraviolet radiation but not NIR. When we say sunlight exposure, sitting in your car driving somewhere does not count, it is about really getting outside in the open; direct sunlight exposure I mean. Notwithstanding that, interestingly, you can still be in the shade and get NIR exposure because leaves of trees reflect the latter. Sunlight exposure is safest before 10 am and after 3pm. The more time spent under direct sunlight the more Vit D will be produced by the skin through ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation.

Environmental research published in 2018, demonstrates that spending time and living close to natural green spaces reduces the risk of type2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases (heart and blood vessel diseases) and premature death. People living closer to nature have reduced blood pressure, heart rate and stress. Exposure to light or sunlight improves subjective wellbeing, cognitive performance, reduces depressive disorders and cancer. In fact, the World Health Organization classifies CR disruptive work shift, as a probable carcinogen (cancer-causing agent).

To cut matters short, go for a walk every morning; enjoy Mother Nature’s sunlight while you can, to live a healthy and prolonged life! Rely on sunlight to naturally produce melatonin, get your CR on sync to help you sleep like a baby!

115 Students Graduate from MMTU via its Skills Development Fund Project

One Hundred and Fifteen (115) students graduated from the Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU) on Saturday 28th January, 2023 through its Skills Development Fund (SDF) project funded by the World Bank through the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education.

The auspicious ceremony took place at the Hotel and Tourism Training Center, Brookfields in Freetown where the 115 students graduated in Tourism, Hotel Management and Innovation.

It must be noted that the sector is female dominated with 70% female and 30% male students. The students graduated in various areas including Confectionery, Fashion and Tailoring, Hospitality, Innovation, Food and Beverage, Food Production and Services and Tourism Management.

The Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Professor Dr. Alpha Wurie, in his keynote address, reiterated that the trend is now on technical education after 196 years of the grammar school type of education in the country, that the project developed skills development and systems, trained 21,000 nationwide out of which 4,900 are already employed and that the project focuses on youths, women and the disadvantaged.

According to the Minister, the curriculum was also reviewed to address all the gaps in the job market maintaining that the graduates are the pioneers who have passion for technical education and that the Ministry would focus on the best.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Deputy Vice Chancellor and Director of Academic Affairs, MMTU, Dr. Mohamed Alie Jalloh commended the Minister of Education and team for all what they have done to midwife the MMTU, that this is the first of several graduations, that they take their mandate very seriously as the institution wants to diversify and differentiate from other institutions of higher learning and assured that the graduates would not be job seekers but job creators as well as entrepreneurs.

He furthered that the graduates are the best among the rest and hoped that they would pursue higher courses up to Masters and PhD levels.

In his overview of the SDP project, Dr. Alhaji Sankoh recalled that it was launched on the 17th March, 2021 to train 400 students in four years in tourism, hotel management and entrepreneurship, that the objectives of the project are to among others review the existing curriculum to meet  the market demand, that review of the curriculum was robust, that they talked to past students nationwide about their challenges as well as those in the sector, prepared lesson plans and curriculum mapping and revealed that they now have a working plan.

Dr. Sankoh went on to inform that they also partnered with existing operators as well as incorporated them into the project, repaired facilities, printed training materials, procured safety gears for staff and students and underscored that the graduates are of high quality.

He went on to assert that MMTU is a force to be reckoned with and that MMTU would maintain its self-sponsorship skills, engage in income generating activities such as catering services and use of its workshops.

Komba Moiwa from the National Council for Technical/Vocational and other Academic Awards (NCTVA) disclosed that technical education is now the norm worldwide, that it is relevant to national development especially the President’s human capital development that underlines technical education.

Dr. Philip John Kanu, Vice Chancellor and Principal of MMTU disclosed that they want to create impact in the middle-level power needs of the country as well a teacher education that is the foundation of the institution, that they have received a lot of support from the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education stressing that the Ministry has repositioned itself to support technical education and urged the graduates to continue with their Masters and PhDs and don’t change their courses of study.

The Chancellor of MMTU, Dr. Victor Kabia presented certificates to the graduates assisted by the Acting Dean, Faculty of Hotel Tourism and Nutritional Sciences, Ms. Aminata Bangura.

Highlights of the ceremony were the presentation of certificates to the graduates, procession of graduates to the venue, performances by the brass band, musical performance by a student, Michael Mahoi and the vote of thanks by a student, Ms. Annie Turay.

 

 

Tourism Ministry & Tourist Board Conclude Training of 50 Participants

A week long training of trainers workshop for public and private sector workers in the tourism industry was concluded on the 28th January,2023 by the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs (MTCA), and its implementing agency, the National Tourist Board (NTB).

The workshop which was climaxed by the certification of 50 participants was funded by the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) Tier 2 project and a Government of Sierra Leone counterpart funding.

It was facilitated by two Canadian Tourism Experts from the Ted Rogers School of Tourism Management in Canada. The idea was to train the 50 carefully selected participants on the fundamental principles of professional hospitality practices and the trainees will in turn transfer the knowledge gained to their respective institutions.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Edward Kwame Yankson said the training was in resonance with President Bio’s human capital development initiative which the Tourism Ministry will continue to pursue.

The lead trainer, Professor Fergus Maclaren from the Ted Rogers University in Canada thanked the Ministry and the Board for the opportunity saying that it was an honour and privilege to be in the country as he has learnt a lot about the Sierra Leonean culture and values. He applauded the participants for their willingness and desire towards the week long training and encouraged them to utilize and transfer the knowledge acquired to their various institutions.

The Honorary Consul for Canada in Sierra Leone, Kofie Macauley noted that key among the benefits of the training is the coordination and friendship between Sierra Leone and Canada. He said Sierra Leone has enormous tourism potentials which training of this nature can help harness. He thanked the Ministry and the Board for such initiative while calling on all Sierra Leoneans to make the most of the country’s rich tourism potentials.

Presenting the certificates to the participants, the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt said it has been a long journey which started four years ago and thanked the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) and a Government counterpart funding for making this happen.

She mentioned that they are now energized and believed that Sierra Leone can be one of the best destinations in the world. She highlighted the numerous strides made by the Ministry over the past four years and said the training was critical further calling on the teachers, lecturers, professors and leaders that were trained to lead the change in changing the tourism narrative.

She disclosed that they will continue to build the capacity of sector workers in their five-year human resource training plan through the World Bank.

The Minister concluded by calling on the trainees to be tourism ambassadors and lead the change they want to see in the sector.

 

 

Justice Minister Commended for Drafting the Constitutional Amendment Act 2022

Sierra Leone’s current Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mohamed Lamin Tarawalley, within the shortest period  after his appointment, made indelible impressions with his notable achievements that have impacted the country’s legal and political development.

His tireless efforts in drafting the Constitutional Amendment Act 2022, in a fair and transparent manner, were recognized by the Speaker of the House of Parliament, Honourable Abass Bundu, who ruled that two-thirds majority votes cannot be determined by voice votes. The AG’s commitment to upholding the Constitution and ensuring that amendments are made in accordance with its guidelines showcases his dedication to serving the people of Sierra Leone.

He also introduced the Public Elections Bill 2022, which includes important pledges from President Bio’s ‘New Direction’ manifesto, such as the 30% Quota Bill for women and dual citizenship laws for Sierra Leonean Diaspora. The AGMOJ’s efforts in drafting and presenting the Bill have been remarkable, fulfilling the promises in the manifesto and giving the Diaspora a voice in Sierra Leonean politics.

The AGMOJ as the first defendant triumphed in the historic Supreme Court ruling on the PR system. Despite only having 10 days to prepare a defense against the originating Notice of Motion filed by the plaintiffs, the AGMOJ emerged triumphant, showcasing their unwavering dedication and prowess to do what is right for the people of Sierra Leone.

 

WFP Receives US$3.2 M from USAID to Combat Hunger in Sierra Leone

In order to provide emergency food and development assistance to 68,000 women, men and children in Sierra Leone, where four out of five households have irregular access to safe and nutritious food the World Food Programme (WFP), on the 30th January, 2023, welcomed US$3.2 million from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

“Sierra Leone imports a large quantity of its food and with the global food and fuel crisis compounded by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, poor households have not been spared,” said Yvonne Forsén, WFP’s Country Representative and Director. “Inflation has also meant that people now buy fewer commodities from their income which is increasing hunger levels.”

With the new funding, WFP will provide emergency cash transfers to the worst-hit communities, expand home grown school feeding and support agricultural efforts to strengthen people’s resilience.

Some 40,000 people in Port Loko, Tonkolili and Pujehun districts will receive mobile money to meet their immediate food needs. Elsewhere, WFP will provide cash to 30 more schools in Kambia and Pujehun districts to buy fresh vegetables and the highly nutritious sweet potato directly from small-scale farmers for 6,400 children.

WFP will also provide agricultural equipment for small-scale farming communities and Mother Support Groups in Falaba, Koinadugu, Tonkolili, Kambia, Moyamba and Pujehun districts to clear more land, process rice and produce feed for poultry enterprises. Some 95 farmer groups managing Village Loans and Savings (VLS) schemes will receive training in financial management.

“The United States of America is committed to supporting all the people of Sierra Leone in achieving human development and we are encouraged that this funding will benefit entire communities including school children and small-scale farmers,” the American Ambassador, David Reimer said.

“This contribution underscores our desire to invest in the local economies through school feeding and agriculture and stimulate community-led systems that can break the cycle of hunger and malnutrition,” Reimer added.

The Food Security Monitoring System analysis of August 2022 found that 81 percent households in Sierra Leone were unable to meet their basic food and nutrition ne eds. Of these, 15 percent were severely food insecure, requiring emergency food assistance.

Data from the joint Government and WFP market monitoring also shows that the price of imported rice, the staple food in Sierra Leone, rose by 40 percent between January and October 2022 while that of locally produced crop almost doubled, forcing most households to expend over 75 percent of their incomes on food.

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

 

NP-SL is Renowned for Highly Treating Customers with Care, Respect & Dignity

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

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

NP-SL is well known for being a very caring company that always treats its esteemed numerous customers well. Over the years, the company has extended its services to different parts of the country.

Well-meaning entrepreneurs continue to partner with NP-SL Ltd to open Filling Stations in different locations in-country even in hard to reach areas. Its Filling Stations are strategically located in order to avail the vast majority the opportunity to easily access them in order to conduct meaningful business transactions.

The caring nature of the company for its customers is vividly evident in the pieces of advice it continues to give out to its customers and even taxi, Kekeh and okada passengers wishing them safety whenever they are using the roads.

Against such a backdrop, it should not be any surprise that the company is the proud recipient of the accolade of 1st for Customer Care. This is no mean decoration but instead a true manifestation of the high level of appreciation that people continue to show for the qualitative products and services that the company markets to the general public.

Today, it is now non-existent for individuals to complain that when they are in the process of procuring petroleum products, pump attendants cheat them in terms of not getting their money’s worth.

The simple reason is because the Shareholders and Management of the company were indeed very business savvy to procure modern calibrated pumping machines which were installed at their various selling points and are very capable of churning out the exact quantity of what is demanded and the price to be paid.

During a random countrywide survey conducted over a period of time targeting a large percentage of customers of the National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd), with the avowed objective of sounding their views on the operations of the company in the country, the responses were positive.

When quizzed on how they view the way the company treats its numerous customers across the country, most of the respondents warmly reacted by stating that the Shareholders and Management of  the company are doing extremely well in the direction of effective service delivery and giving utmost satisfaction to customers.

Mohamed Bai Sesay, a renowned Social Commentator, maintained that when it comes to customer care, NP-SL Ltd is second to none within the business landscape of this country.

“From what I so far learnt in order to conduct sales in a very transparent manner and to give customers their money’s worth, the Shareholders of the company decided to procure and install modern calibrated pumping machines at their various Filling Stations that are capable to pump the exact quantity of fuel, at the same time display the price and quantity,” he pointed out, adding that to even think that the pump attendants are cheating customers could only be a mere figment of one’s imagination, as anything like that is farfetched.

A Development Specialist of long standing intimated that for the country’s economy to grow sustainably it is but important to deepen local content further arguing that it is only when we make meaningful use of both our human and natural resources that development could transpire.

“Instead of depending on the importation of certain consumable items and foreign expatriates, it is but very significant and cost effective to make use of what we have at hand to produce goods and services,” Abdulai Braima, an Economist averred, also stating that for NP-SL Ltd to make it a laid down policy and put into practice to offer employment exclusively to Sierra Leoneans is indeed laudable and no mean feat.

He further underscored that by offering jobs to Sierra Leoneans is a way of empowering the citizenry to take care of daily responsibilities and live improved standards of living.

“I really doff my hat to the Shareholders of the company for actualizing such a high sense of patriotism,” he expressed admiration.

A vast majority of those interviewed revealed that they are using NP Gas for cooking purpose, maintaining that it is very efficient and environmentally friendly. The NP Gas that they referred to is a cooking device which is manufactured in different cylinder sizes and sold at affordable prices at the company’s Filling Stations.

With regards the use of NP Smart Card, it is one that is now in vogue. Some personalities who are using it said they find it very useful and a convenient way of purchasing petroleum products. They added that they always ensure their NP Smart Cards are credited to be used to purchase fuel, be it petrol or diesel.

“Sometimes I don’t have to go through the hassle of going to the Bank on a busy Friday afternoon to withdraw cash just for the purpose of purchasing fuel that will last throughout the weekend. I do procure petrol by using my Smart Card and it is working perfectly well,” Musa Kalokoh, an Engineer told one of our reporters.

From all the positive responses, what really came out clearly and vividly was that NP-SL Ltd care for its customers is synonymous with the loving care that a mother has for her children.

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