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Mayor Aki Sawyer & Co to Refund Over Le 187 Million

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By Amin Kef Sesay

In a Media Release by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), dated 11th May, 2022 it was disclosed that the anti-graft body has concluded its investigation into the Freetown City Council (FCC)  relating to issues highlighted on the Council in the 2019 Auditor General’s Report concerning payments of Council funds to personal staff of the Mayor.

The  ACC continued that the 2019 Audit Report stated inter alia that, the FCC made payments totaling Two Hundred Million Eight Hundred and Forty-two Thousand Three Hundred and Thirty-three Leones (Le 200,842,333) for travelling expenses (Air tickets and per diems) to one Manja Isata Kargbo, Head of the Mayor’s Delivery Unit (MDU) who is not an employee of the FCC.

It furthered that the Report also claimed that the said amounts paid were not budgeted for by the Council nor did they receive appropriate approval.

According to the ACC it comprehensively conducted an investigation into the issue, during which persons of interest were interviewed, including the Mayor of Freetown City Council, the Chief Administrator of the FCC, the Consultant Team Lead in the MDU, Manja Isata Kargbo, the Human Resource Officer of the FCC, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD), among other staff of the FCC and the MLGRD.

The stated that its investigation confirms the following: That the MDU was a private unit within the Office of the Mayor that did not go through normal administrative procedures for its set up and was entirely done by the Mayor without any approval from the Ordinary General Meeting of Council, and was done without any recourse to the MLGRD, and there was no legal basis under the Local Government Act of 2004 for such.

Also, that Manja Isata Kargbo was not properly employed by the FCC and she started work as a volunteer in the Mayor’s Office and later was singlehandedly contracted by the Mayor as a Consultant Team Lead in the MDU on 1st November, 2018 without observing the Council’s normal recruitment procedures and without going through the administrative and Human Resource apparatus of Council.

The ACC said it also discovered that on various dates in 2019, Manja Isata Kargbo received the total sum of Two Hundred Million Eight Hundred and Forty-two Thousand Three Hundred and Thirty-three Leones (Le 200,842,333) as travelling expenses while accompanying the Mayor on her foreign trips: Fifty-two Million One Hundred and Fifty-eight Thousand One Hundred and Seventy-six Leones (Le 52,158,176) for a trip to Copenhagen, Denmark for the C40 World Mayors Summit; Fifteen Million Nine Hundred and Two Thousand Leones (Le 15,902,000) for a trip to the United States of America for the TED Women; Fifty-eight Million Nine Hundred and Forty Thousand Leones (Le 58,940,000) for a trip to Durban, South Africa for the Global Parliament of Mayors; Twenty-eight Million One Hundred and Forty-four Thousand One Hundred and Forty-eight Leones (Le 28,144,148) for a trip to South Carolina, United States of America for the Ground Breaking IAAM Charleston Structure and Bloomberg City Lab; Thirty-three Million Nine Hundred and Ninety-four Thousand Leones Six Hundred and Thirty-eight Cents (Le 33,994,638) for a trip to United States of America for the International African American Museum and Mayor’s Migration Council; and Sixteen Million and Thirty-three Thousand Leones (Le 16,033,000) for a trip to Paris, France for the C40 Women in Climate Change.

The ACC said, Manja Isata Kargbo, however, refunded the sum of One Thousand, Two Hundred and Fifty Dollars ($ 1,250) in its equivalent in Leones out of the One Thousand Four Hundred Dollars ($1,400) paid to her in Leones for the said trip.

That for the trip to Copenhagen, the Foreign and Protocol Officer mistakenly paid Manja Isata Kargbo the sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500) instead of Four Hundred Dollars ($400) when a request for additional two days per diem was made.

The anti-graft body said it also found out that these payments were improper payments as captured in the Auditor General’s Report.

That the Commission takes note of the Administrative Inquiry Report into the Management of the Freetown City Council commissioned by the MLGRD in November, 2021, which stated as follow;

The issue of the MDU is the greatest threat to peaceful coexistence at the FCC and introduction of the Unit in the governance structure of the FCC has caused ill feelings in the minds of the FCC functionaries.

According to the Commission,  there is need to critically re-examine the position/status of the MDU within Council with a view of abolishing it and transferring roles and responsibilities to regular Council staff.

That a cumulative sum of Two Hundred Million Leones (Le200,000,000) was paid from Council account to a non-Council staff (an MDU staff) for various overseas trips.

The ACC said these payments were not provided for a part of expected Council expenditure and therefore, the payment contravenes the Local Government Act 2004.

That the MDU staff who was paid a cumulative sum of Two Hundred Million Leones (Le200,000,000) for overseas trip be made to repay the amount within a period to be determined by Council.

That these findings are consistent with the Commission’s separate and independent investigation of the issue and similarly confirm the findings in the Audit Report aforesaid.

According to the ACC it has directed that, the Consultant Team Lead in the MDU, Manja Isata Kargbo and the Mayor Yvonne Aki Sawyerr jointly pay back the sum of One Hundred and Eighty-seven Million, Nine Hundred and Four Thousand, Eight Hundred and Thirty Leones (Le 187,904,830) in lieu of criminal prosecution.

That the Mayor and Madam Kargbo had through their lawyers communicated requesting that they do not repay the said amount; but the Commission has rejected same and they are now under obligation to pay while prosecution is being considered.

President Bio Outlines Sterling Achievements During 5th Session of the 5th Parliament

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By Foday Moriba Conteh

President Julius Maada Bio has on the 10th May 2022 opened the Fifth Session of the Fifth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone.

The ceremony attracted several state personalities, diplomats, and a series of activities including the guard-of- honour, presidential address and a speaker’s cocktail climaxed the occasion.

After prorogation of the fourth session of Parliament on Monday 9th May 2022 and announcing the commencement of the fifth session of Parliament through a presidential proclamation, that was read by the Clerk of Parliament, Hon. Paran Umar Tarawally on behalf of President Bio as required by law.

In his statement, President Bio recalled his First State Opening, amidst the several assurances on fulfilling his campaign promises and went to speak about challenges including the COVID-19 outbreak with global effects.

President Bio highlighted barrage of development strides including education, poverty alleviation, revenue mobilization, peace, and national cohesion.

He commended the effort of development partners in many aspects, in light of their support to the development aspirations of the country including human capital development as well as economic growth and policy implementation.

He spoke about Government’s interventions aimed at maintaining the prices of commodities amidst the global pandemic, agricultural development, infrastructure, electricity expansion, and microfinance for small business enterprises, farmers, and other poor households.

President Bio said irrespective of the effects of the global pandemic, Sierra Leone’s economy is growing at 5%, and went on to about efforts aimed at ensuring financial instability in the country.

He informed that, within the revenue mobilization sector, reforms are taking place that would enhance the process of generation.

He described education as a propelling propensity that would empower human capital development and build the bedrock of the State. Referring to the free quality education, President Bio spoke about an increase in enrollment, excellent reforms as well as female pupils accessibility to learning institutions. “Hands of Our Girls”, he stated, is an exemplary project that dares to protect and empower female pupils, adding that, there is direct aid geared towards the construction of advanced vocational institutions amidst the already newly established universities in Sierra Leone.

The President emphasized the need for middle-level manpower education to fit into industries and better service delivery.

President Bio extended appreciation to Parliament for the passage of legislations especially those that are related to education.

Whilst speaking on improvements in health, President Bio spoke about the advancement and excellent rollout of the country’s universities and rapid improvement in health and sanitation for compatriots and health workers as well.

He commended the private sector and donor partners for their support to the health sector as well as citizens’ compliance with medical measures.

For Food Security, President Bio spoke about the gains made so far to enhance a sustainable system in food diversification with support from partners to revamp agriculture and fisheries, with nationwide mechanization and other advanced technology in a coordination and collaboration with partners, ministries and other stakeholders.

President Bio reassured all and sundry on land acquisition and investment for the State adding that urban planning with strong policies and strong legislations are parts of the process. He added that environmental protection should be a collective responsibility to address climate change and to protect lives.

For infrastructure, he outlined several road projects, including a four- lane from Freetown to Masiaka, Bandajuma to Liberia amongst others, adding that his Government had completed more bridges in four years than any Government before now. He went on to name several infrastructural projects including military barracks and plans to terminate ferry crossings with bridges including the Yenga border to Guinea.

He also spoke about the ultramodern airport at Lungi that is under construction and would be laced with improved security.

Referencing maritime, President Bio highlighted several modern developments in that sector, especially in port and harbour management.

Speaking on electricity and energy, President Bio said his Government had redoubled accessibility and expansion of electricity to the people as well as many rural communities. He said for the urban areas, megawatts had increased and more customers have registered to use power service, and expressed disappointments over cable theft and vandalization of  transformers.

Safe drinking water, he said, is central to human capital development and his Government has made efforts consequent on a larger percentage of his people now having access to drinking water, amidst the vandalization of assets by bad people.  He named several communities that are now enjoying water facilities. He spoke about regulations and good policies geared towards due diligence and proper management of the water sector.

President Bio said for fuel and petroleum consumption, the country was affected by a lack of storage facilities, but assured that such problems are being addressed and other related matters as well.

President Bio spoke about the construction of a diplomatic academy in foreign service and also informed that more public buildings are being constructed to stop rental of offices to save and prevent the Government from spending huge money. According to him, the reconstruction of military barracks, border posts, fire stations, and other public entities are ongoing.

For information and communication technology, President Bio said fiber optic phase two is being expanded to many towns and communities, and voucher money transactions are now being practiced by compatriots and related development across borders. Community radio proliferations and mobile coverage to many parts of the country. President informed and emphasized the ease of communications through mobile phones and cyber laws as well as data protection.

He said the process of national civil registration and multipurpose identity cards to enhance data, security, and other relevant matters are being processed.

He said his Government has developed road safety measures that had reduced road accidents and improved many service deliveries in that sector. Urban transport facilities he said are being improved by his government.

Mining, President Bio said, is now contributing to economic growth, and more communities are benefiting, and added that his Government had developed a geophysical survey with data to enhance that sector.

Tourism and culture are now being marketed internationally and this President Bio said would attract tourists.

President Bio said through social protection, many people received cash, and other developmental amenities including road construction and water provisions are now available in rural communities.

He assured all and sundry to promote an inclusive society for all as well as gender balance. He informed that his government had passed a bill intended to address the trafficking of persons, and illegal migration and commended Parliament for passing the law in light of same.

President Bio said gender equality and women’s empowerment are relevant to the development aspirations of the country.

Many carwash centers for youths he said have been built and are creating additional jobs for the people.

The revamp in sporting activities, President Bio said has created more jobs and attractions, citing the country participated in the last African Nations Cup won by Senegal in Cameroon.

On Justice Sector, President Bio informed that access to justice has been improved.

He said human rights issues are being addressed and informed that his government abolished the Death Penalty and repealed Part V of the 1965 Public Order Act and spoke about reforms in the MDAs including human capacity building for staff.

Fighting against corruption he said is a step in the right direction and had helped the country to gain recognition at the international level. The country he said had improved in bilateral relationships and said that his traveling abroad was predicated on projecting a good image of the country. He emphasized that Sierra Leone has regained more global promotion and strategic positioning aimed at improving the image of the country.

He reaffirmed that collaborative efforts were required to gain more development. “I will be commissioning the Magbele Bridge and everybody is invited”, he stated. He ended his speech with a patriotic statement for unity and national cohesion.

Sick Pikin Project Welcomes Home Four Children after Successful Surgeries in India

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By Millicent Senava Mannah

The Sick Pikin Project on the 11th May, 2022 welcomed four children who successfully undergone surgeries in India during an event which took place at its office situated on Savage Street in Freetown.

Abubakarr M. Kamara, Mary Sesay, Sylvia Fanta Kamara and Hawa Sesay the four children were heartily welcomed home by family members, officials of the institution and well wishers.

Stating the purpose of the event, the Co-Founder and Lead Campaigner of Sick Pikin Project, Ishmael Alfred Charles, said it is a usual practice for them to update their donors and the general public through the media about children that they facilitate getting medical attention abroad maintaining that such is for the purpose of accountability and transparency.

“We always make sure that before our child patients travel we normally inform the general public through the Fourth Estate. And upon their return also we present them back to the donors and the general public to ascertain the physically condition or status of the children,” he intimated.

He disclosed that the children travelled at different times and not as a group adding that Sylvia F. Kamara was diagnosed with Nibo fibromatosis, whose surgery, he said, was not completed due to medical advice. The term fibromatosis refers to a group of soft tissue tumors which have certain characteristics in common, including absence of cytologic and clinical malignant features, a histology consistent with proliferation of well differentiated fibroblasts, an infiltrative growth pattern, and aggressive clinical behavior with frequent local recurrence.

He further disclosed that Hawa Sesay was suffering from a Visio-fistula condition, stating how she underwent two surgeries. He also revealed that, Mary Sesay, which according to him, is a child with the oldest case since two years ago, was diagnosed with Kyfosis and has undergone surgery successfully.

“Abubakarr M. Kamara was suffering from a congenital heart disease. Abubakarr actually underwent a bloodless surgery and it was successful,” he said saying it means a device was used to close his heart.

He informed that they are presenting the children for the public to know that they did not only promise but they really did it.

The mother of Sylvia expressed how grateful she is to God, the Sick Pikin Project and all the donors who helped save the life of her daughter. She explained how her daughter started experiencing the debilitating condition at the age of two, when a small bump on her eyes escalated to something else.

“We succeeded in healing one of the eyes, but the other one got worse. My child was attending school, but dropped out because of mockery from her companions in school, and the school’s authority also advised that she stays at home because of her sick state,” she revealed.

She also intimated the Press that she is delighted because her daughter will start attending school again. She once more applauded the humanitarian entity and other donors for their kind gesture in helping her child to undergo the surgery in India.

Fatmata Haja Sesay, the mother of 6 year old Mary, said her daughter fell two years ago and since then could not walk. According to her, the child was first admitted at the Bo Government Hospital but was transferred to the Connaught Hospital in Freetown but lamented that her condition was not improving.

She further disclosed how they were able to contact the Sick Pikin Project which came to their rescue. Fatmata extended her appreciation to the organization and other donor partners that supported her daughter’s surgery in India saying she is extremely happy over the child’s recovery.

The mother of 3 year old Abubakarr expressed her gratitude to God firstly and the Sick Pikin Project for helping her son to undergo surgery in India.

According to her she was admitted with him at the hospital for three months immediately after giving birth explaining how she never knew what the problem was. She informed journalists that after she saw her son’s condition deteriorating she took him to different hospitals and was told that he has only three months to live if he doesn’t undergo surgery.

She mentioned how they were able to locate the Sick Pikin Project where she said they were warmly received adding how they paid for everything and even given money for phone bills as well as pocket money before departing Sierra Leone.

Hawa Sesay, a teenager who is also one of the beneficiaries, explained how she was going to school one day and had an accident. According to her, her waist bone was broken, and she bled for two days at the hospital.

She maintained that after she was examined at the Kenema Government Hospital they were told that the hospital couldn’t handle her case, and was referred to Freetown. She mentioned how she got her waist bone healed at the Emergency Hospital.

She informed the media that she was later referred to another hospital because she couldn’t urinate by herself. She furthered that they couldn’t handle her case and was told to undergo a surgery in India.

The young girl expressed her sincere thanks to the Sick Pikin Project and their donor partners for saving her life and her future revealing that she is now perfectly well.

Ishmael Charles commended the Government for its unflinching suggesting that an ultra modern hospital should be built and well-equipped to be dealing with such medical conditions.

For those Enjoying Fuel Concessions… Finance Minister Orders Mining Companies to Directly Import Fuel or Enter into Forex Arrangement

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By Amin Kef Sesay

In a correspondence dated 10th May, 2022 emanating from the Minister of Finance, Dennis K. Vandi and addressed to the Ministers of Trade and Industry as well as Mines and Minerals Resources it was categorically stated that it is undoubtedly known that the current global crisis is having adverse effect on economies around the world, of which Sierra Leone is not an exception.

The Finance Minister furthered that as the world continues to proffer solutions for the on-going economic challenges, the petroleum downstream sector is adversely affected by the ensuing Russia/Ukraine crisis as Russia is one of the largest oil producing countries, supplying an estimated 53% to Sub-Saharan Africa.

He highlighted that following series of discussions with key stakeholders in the Petroleum Industry and the Mining Sector as well as with Budget Support development partners, they as a Ministry saw the need to take strategic decisions regarding the importation of petroleum products and the provision of foreign exchange to the market.

Dennis K. Vandi  pointed out that so far as the record reveals, in 2022 (Q1.2022), forex support by the Bank of Sierra Leone for the importation of petroleum products is estimated at US$24.0 million and the Bank is considering further request of over US$35.0 million.

He pointed out that despite the regular Government support to the sector by providing foreign exchange to facilitate importation of fuel, it had been realized that mining companies and other major commercial users with concessions are the largest beneficiaries.

The Minister said furthermore their records show that from January to March 2022 alone, of the total uplift of Diesel fuel of 61,545,694 liters from Oil Marketing Companies (OMC), mining companies and other commercial users the uplift was 32,539.167 (53%).

He continued that such implies that while Government provides concessions to those agencies they also enjoy non-pass through cost as they are also heavily subsidized by the meagre resources of foreign support provided by the Bank of Sierra Leone with the aim of cushioning the retail market.

The Minister said such a situation is potentially getting serious as there are evidence that mining companies are stockpiling diesel fuel constraining supply to the ordinary citizenry and small businesses.

“As a measure to curtail this adverse effect on the market, effective June 1, 2022, all companies with fuel concessions and/or are large commercial uplifters should either directly import their fuel requirement or enter into foreign currency denominated contract agreement, for which all such payments should made in the contract currency into an account of the importer in Sierra Leone,” the Finance Minister underscored.

He continued that by that measure, the Petroleum Regulatory Agency will regularly monitor the importation of fuel by mining companies and other commercial end-users for the implementation of foreign exchange- based contract with Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).  He said that policy is effective June 2022.

The Minister mentioned that by copy of his letter, the Commissioner General, NRA is directed to ensure local uplift of fuel to commercial categories are upheld until the directive is complied with by relevant agencies.

Copies of the letter were sent to the Chief Minister, State House
,the Deputy Minister of Finance 1,Deputy Minister of Finance II, Secretary to the President (FAO H.E. the President),Secretary to the Vice President (FAO, Hon Vice President),Governor, Bank of Sierra Leone, Financial Secretary, Commissioner General, National Revenue Authority (NRA), Commissioner, Customs and Excise Department, NRA, Executive Chairman, Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA) and  Chief Executive Officers of Oil Marketing Companies (OMC).

Dr. Judy Kuriansky & Berny’s Hope Foundation Provides Psychosocial Experience to Fire Victims

By Amin Kef Sesay

The tragic fire incident on the 5th November,2022 at Wellington sparked by the explosion of a fuel tanker that consumed so many lives, left some with permanent scars and destroyed properties worth billions of Leones is still fresh in the minds of not only the victims but other well meaning individuals and organizations.

To help the survivors and their families heal, internationally known psychologist, Dr. Judy Kuriansky, teamed up with Freetown-based Berny’s Hope Foundation to hold a one-day psychosocial resilience experience on April 29th, 2022. Forty-six survivors and their families were in attendance.

As Dr. Kuriansky, being the focal person of three international NGOs: United African Congress, Give Them A Hand Foundation and the International Association of Applied Psychology, accredited at the United Nations in February of 2022, these organizations teamed up with the Berny’s Hope Foundation to provide financial and emotional support to some 60 survivors of the inferno with a donation of over Le140,975,000 divided amongst them.

Dr Kuriansky has a long-time commitment to psychological and humanitarian work in Sierra Leone, which was recognized on Wednesday’s Annual Independence Day Insignia Awards at State House on April 27, when she was awarded the “Grand Commander of the Order of the Rokel” (GCOR) by President Julius Maada Bio.

Her contributions to the country trace way back to the warring days, educating communities about HIV/AIDS prevention, then boosting communities’ resilience during and after the Ebola pandemic, mudslide, the COVID-19, and now, the fuel tanker accident.

The theme for the April seminar was “Hope Is Alive”. At the end of the 5-hour- long program, the participants experienced hope, and were elated through the activities to feel strength within themselves, empowered that they can cope, and more strongly connected to their community.

All the participants expressed feeling empowered knowing that “where there is life, there is hope” and that they can “bounce back from this tragedy, even stronger” despite the serious losses. They expressed that hope is the fuel of their deep faith, no matter their religion, and were energized with faith in believing that a better life is a reality.

One of the beneficiaries, Adama Sankoh, who is now a single mother of 5 children shed tears while holding up a tattered picture of her husband who died in the last explosion and whose body has not to date, been found.

However, her face turned to a glowing smile when telling the team how much fun she had on the day.

Elizabeth lost 3 sisters, whose children are now under her care, along with two of her own biological children, but said that she felt relieved for the first time after the event, saying that: “Every day I cannot imagine how I can take care of all these children, but today is the first day, whilst here, that I am not worried.”

Joseph, who lost his business in the explosion, shared how he feels more inspired from the support and love of others as he rebuilds.

Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Memunatu Pratt, made a surprise visit to the workshop and encouraged the participants to be more hopeful than ever before.

She expressed being impressed with the program and noted the importance of long-term psychosocial support for the people also making a promise to liaise with the Minister of Social Welfare saying such falls directly under that Ministry’s jurisdiction.

It is expected that the pilot program, which is a sub-component of a Mental Health initiative being implemented by Dr. Kuriansky and her international and local partners, will be continued and cascaded to various communities in the country.

Dr. Kuriansky was fully supported by the CEO/Founder of Berny’s Hope, Madam Bernadette Sanko Kamara and her devoted volunteers here in Freetown.

UNDP Financially Capacitates Legal Aid Board to Facilitate Justice in Moyamba

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By Esther Wright

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has provided funding to the Legal Aid Board geared towards strengthening the Board’s capacity to support access to justice for victims of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) and as well provide primary justice services in three chiefdoms within the Moyamba district.

Being financially capacitated, the Board will ensure the timely and speedy investigation of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) cases by the Family Support Unit (FSU) of the Sierra Leone Police.

In the implementation of the project the Legal Aid Board will also provide the following services:  mediation of civil matters and minor community level disputes, referral, community outreach and provision of basic information on criminal and civil matters.

Two volunteer Paralegals will be recruited from each of the three chiefdoms – Kori, Kamajeri and Bumpe- in the Moyamba District in the Southern Region.

It could be recalled that the first set of six UNDP-funded project Volunteer Paralegals was recruited from Kamara, Gbense and Soa Chiefdoms in Kono district in 2021.

In addition, the UNDP is also supporting the Board in training 250 Police Officers on the Bail and Sentencing Regulation and its administration. The training will target 50 Police Officers from each of the following five districts – Bonthe, Bombali, Karene, Koinadugu and Falaba.

The Board will also collaborate with the human rights organization based in Kenema, Humanist Watch (HUWASAL) to assist the Police in the identification and investigation of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) cases in Kono and Kailahun Districts.

Prior to the deployment of Volunteer Paralegals in Moyamba under the new project, the UNDP had supported the Board in the Judicial Week from January 31 – February 4, 2022. Such empowered the Board to contract seven Lawyers from the Sierra Leone Bar Association to assist with providing representation to 870 accused persons.

The beneficiaries were part of 1,013 accused persons that were supposed to appear before 26 judges that presided over courts in cities and towns around the country. The 13 Legal Aid Counsels and the 7 contract lawyers secured the discharge of 234 accused persons from 870 accused persons that appeared before the 26 judges during the Judicial Week. The Board also secured bail for 374 others nationwide. The beneficiaries included a Guinean and a man who lost his speech and became disabled while on remand at the Pademba Road Correctional Center.

For Export & Trade in Timber…   NRA Invokes Section 5 of 2021 Finance Act

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By Amin Kef Sesay

In a Press Release, dated the 9th May, 2022 from the Legal & Corporate Services Department of the National Revenue Authority (NRA), meant for public consumption, it was categorically stated that the legal structures for the export of timber and timber related products are enshrined in Section 5 of the Finance Act 2021.

It continues that also enshrined is that all Timber trade across the different Border Crossing Points is expected to adhere to the provisions stated in the 2021 Finance Act.

Further, highlighted  is that Exporters of Timber Log, Timber and Timber products should pay the sum of $3,000 per 33.2 Cubic Metres before exporting timber log, timber and timber products excluding furniture, edge glue boards, plywood, and wooden transmission pole.

The NRA additionally stated that under the current arrangement, all trailer vehicles loaded with timber, using all official Border Crossing Points including land borders will with immediate effect be charged the sum of $ 3,000 per Truck equivalent to 20ft Container and the sum of $6000 for a Trailer equivalent to a 40ft Container.

According to the release, any company, business, or person(s) who attempts to export timber out of Sierra Leone by either land or sea without necessary recourse to the provisions of Section 5 of the Finance Act of 2021, commits an offence of tax evasion which is punishable under the tax laws of Sierra Leone.

SLAWIJ Trains Female Journalists on Gender-Sensitive Reporting

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By Millicent Senava Mannah

The Sierra Leone Association of Women in Journalism (SLAWIJ), with support from United Nations Women, organized a one day training, on the 5th May, 2022 at the CCSL Hall on King Harman Road in Freetown, targeting female journalists on Gender-sensitive Reporting during electioneering periods.

It was a training session geared towards creating awareness on increasing the number of women that intend to vie for elective positions in the forthcoming elections.

Executive President of SLAWIJ, Millicent Kargbo, expressed delight for conducting the training going forward to commend the UN Women for providing the necessary support in order to make the training a possibility.

She highlighted that for women yearning to aspire for elective positions there is need for them to take up the space they have been yearning for, which according to her, male counterparts have been claiming already exists but which they are not maximizing or effectively making use of.

“As women in the media landscape it is high time we lift up the banner which clearly spells out our needs and step up to roll out our responsibilities,” she enthused.

According to the Executive President, people sometimes consider media practitioners to be educators and as a result believe what they report more especially news content churned out by the mainstream media.

“There are so many confusions going on and our main responsibility now is to make things very clear in order to build the trust between media practitioners and the listening or the reading public,” she asserted.

She averred that as women in the media they want to make sure they properly equip themselves even before the elections maintaining that though some might say the electioneering period has not yet commenced and the need for such a training the answer should be preparing themselves well before that period begins.

“We want to make sure we change the narrative and the myths around women vying for elective positions,” she underscored adding how it has been very disappointing to see people pulling down during electioneering periods because of their gender.

She disclosed that they intentionally invited some men (he for She) with the avid conviction that together can make it.

Millicent Kargbo used the opportunity to encourage women in different political parties to step up for key positions in the country in the forth coming elections.

Speaking before the commencement of the training, the representative of the Head of Office of UN Women, Ella Syl-Macfoy, applauded the Executive of SLAWIJ for organizing such a training stating how it is critical for female journalists to define and be knowledgeable on how the media should go about gender reporting during the electioneering process.

Madam Ella asserted that female journalists have played significant roles in shaping public perceptions about women and men, adding that it is crucial for them to challenge gender stereotypes militating against women’s participation in politics in order to counter gender biasness related to male dominance.

One of the facilitators of the training programme, Dr. Claudine Hingston, intimated the beneficiaries that when reporting they need to be sensitive about gender issues furthering that for them to see the change they desire they themselves need to be the change first.

She continued that there is need for equal visibility admonishing female reporters to abstain from positive discrimination.

“Avoid reinforcing gender stereotypes. Avoid being patronizing and condescending,” Madam Hingston also advised.

According to her Gender Sensitivity simply means that they should be mindful of what they say especially during elections further pointing out that they should portray to society what they want to see, instead of dwelling on bias reporting.

“Whatever you are doing, do it through the gender lens and try to be gender sensitive,” Claudine Hingston motivated the beneficiaries.

Dr. Tonya Musa, a Mass Communication Faculty Lecturer, at Fourah Bay College who was also one of the facilitators stated that gender sensitive reporting is geared towards mainstreaming women.

He added that profiling women is important cautioning that they should be sensitive in profiling attributes that are persuasive, about weak points these women can cover as well as to provide media literacy for aspiring  female politicians they want to profile.

Dr. Musa emphasized that participants must ensure their reports focus on equality, equity and empowerment. He advised that the media should prevent female aspirants from public sensitive issues.

Senior Electoral Officer of the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone, Shebora A. Kamara, stated that election is a process and not an event revealing how the electoral cycle refers to the series of processes, events or activities during and after the conduct of the polls.

He furthered that the Electoral cycle is divided into three phases or period, continuing how they are the Pre-Electoral period, which according to him, means all processes or activities that precede the polls, the Electoral Period, which he described as the height of election and the Post Electoral Period, which encompasses activities that occur after the conduct of polls, that is, the counting of votes and announcement of results.

NP-SL : A Reliable Source of Drawing Inspiration

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By Amin Kef Sesay

NP Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) is currently a very reliable source of drawing inspiration by indigenes that have big dreams of coming together to establish a company which they may want to see grow exponentially into becoming a towering business entity. Without any gainsaying, there are many useful lessons that aspiring entrepreneurs could learn from NP-SL which would definitely serve as a roadmap to navigate through the business landscape in order to crystallize their dreams into reality.

The company was founded decades ago by thirty-five Sierra Leoneans who were erstwhile employees of the British Petroleum Company which decided to fold up and sell its shares to the Government of Sierra Leone. Based on technical advice, the Government also decided to sell its shares and the 35 former workers bought those shares to set up what became known as the National Petroleum-SL Ltd. It must be highlighted at this juncture that the company is a private-owned business entity and the Government has no hands in it, does not decide how it is operated and grappling with challenges.

One of the underlying factors that have been noted for the meteoric rise of the company could be attributed to the selflessness of its shareholders. These ambitious Sierra Leoneans were so dedicated to the cause of catapulting their “baby” to higher height to such an extent that they put all their best initiatives into play that culminated into the company becoming a formidable force to reckon with.

These fine business initiatives were well implemented to the letter which led to the realization of fruitful dividends. Selflessness, in this context, could mean putting aside ego, working with a collective sense of purpose, brushing aside deceit, greed and ready to give as well as take. This could be the first Lesson.

The next lesson borders around enhancing customer care with the avowed objective of giving optimum satisfaction. The Shareholders and various Management teams harnessed this so well to an extent that they have succeeded in broadening their customer base. As far as they are concerned it is the interests of customers which are paramount and therefore everything must be done to ensure that those interests are given due consideration whenever decisions are taken to push the company forward.

It is in this regard that the shareholders decided to go in for modern calibrated pumping machines which are capable of churning out the right quantity of fuel that a buyer puts in for as well as displaying the price. These machines make fuel transactions become very transparent, thereby giving customers satisfaction and confidence that they are deriving their monies worth.

Within that realm, the Shareholders also thought it prudent to introduce NP Smart Card which is now in vogue. This Smart Card can be used to purchase fuel, petrol and diesel, with ease avoiding the hassle of having to be rushing to the banks to re intermittently withdrawing monies for the purpose of purchasing fuel. The card could be credited with a certain amount of money and whenever transaction transpires the amount utilized is debited. Its greatest advantage is that it avails the holder of the Smart Card the opportunity to programme or budget him or herself to purchase fuel on a periodic basis.

NP Gas is now going like hot cakes on the market. It is a cooker which has been proven to be very effective in terms of performance. Manufactured in different cylinder sizes it has been attested to be environmentally friendly in terms of less gaseous emissions that could pose health risks. NP Gas can be secured at all the leading Filing Stations of the company and its authorized dealers.

With all these attractive offers, there is a lesson that enhancing customer care, is very key to the growth of any business enterprise. Aspiring entrepreneurs could learn from this.

What also has been identified as a good business initiative which the company has mastered so effectively has to do with promoting the country’s Local Content Policy. The intent of this policy is geared towards ensuring that we make proper use of our local resources, human as well as material, in the production chain.  It is against such a backdrop that the company limits employment opportunities to qualified Sierra Leoneans instead of bringing over expatriates to perform tasks that could be better done by indigenes. Knowing that they are employed by an indigenous company such gives the employees the sense of ownership and the extra motivation to give their best to the company.

Another Lesson: Make use of local resources which could be cost effective instead of spending much to use expatriates just for the sake of showing off. Besides, monies, in the forms of salaries and end of service benefits are retained and not taken out of the country. It gives any company operating with such a policy a nationalistic flavour.

To give back to society, in the form of Corporate Social Responsibility, brings with it respectability and integrity. It is very important to be in a position to always assist residents in communities where a business entity operates or to the country as a whole.

From all what have been said so far, it could be seen that NP-SL Ltd has valuable lessons which aspiring entrepreneurs could imbibe and infuse in their activities if fruitful dividends must be realized. Indeed, NP-SL Ltd is really a source of inspiration and a reservoir of good business initiatives.

Nine (9) Days More for Housemates Salone Season 3 to Commence

Housemates Salone Season 3.png

By Amin Kef Sesay

As the clock continues to tick, the countdown to the commencement of Housemates Salone Season 3 with the slogan “Di Game Get Yagba, If You Nor Able Na for Pull Hand”is now nine (9) days in the offing and at 7:00pm prompt public voting, which is currently ongoing, will come to a sudden end. For the information of particularly those who are now catching up late with the stages leading to the start of the Reality TV Show, public voting is intended to get the best twenty-two (22) applicants out of sixty (60) shortlisted after successfully going through an audition process .

Organizers of the Reality TV Show, the Africa Young Voices (AYV) Media Empire and Africell-SL thought it wise that to make it very democratic, by the giving all the aspirants an equal opportunity, to come up with channels through which members of the public could cast their votes in order to determine those who will qualify to enter the House shortly prior to the commencement of the competition. To vote for a particular aspirant, members of the public could easily send the numbers of their favourite candidates via SMS to: 5500 or Dial *5500#.  For International voting an individual can call: +23299005500.

The numbers referred to here are not the telephone numbers of the aspirants but rather those that were assigned to each of them ranging from 1 to 60.

Members of the public are also at liberty to cast their votes via Afrimoney through voters’ Africell Sim Cards by dialing *161*10#* plus the Numbers of their favourite contestants from any Africell line or code.

There is also  a new online voting platform and a brand new website for international voters across the world to vote using credit or debit cards by just visiting:  https://housematessl.com and/or visit: https://www.africell.sl.

Once Housemates Salone Season 3 commences on the 22nd May 2022 members of the public could watch it live 24/7 on AYV Entertainment Channels 34 & 33 and AYV on DSTV Channel 399.

What is in store for the Housemate that will emerge as the ultimate winner of the competition is a Star Prize of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Leones (Le 250M) plus a round trip to Dubai.

Also, one of the sponsors of the Reality TV Show, Zarlux Car Rental, has revealed that a brand new car will be given to the winner of the Zarlux Car Rental task that will be performed by the Housemates in the House during the course of the show.

Members of the public should know that their votes do matter and as a result they must step up the pace at which they are voting for their favourite Housemates as the countdown narrows down.

The onus of popularizing the unique numbers of the Housemates ,with the objective of luring public votes squarely lie on the shoulders of the supporters, the various Fan Clubs of the Housemates better known as “Teams”.

It is important to mention that for aspirants residing abroad it is about time for them to prepare flying back home because the Reality TV Show is slated in such a way that all the aspirants must be present in the country before the 22nd May, 2022. The successful ones that will make it to the House would have to go through an orientation as well as do COVID-19 tests.

Housemates Salone Season 3 is socially considered to be a Youth Empowerment platform which is succeeding both Season 1 & 2. As it has been realized the boarding of twenty-two Housemates under one roof , for a specific length of time, giving them the opportunity to interact on a daily basis will exposure the innate potentials they possess that could be harnessed and tapped for productive ends.

They are expected to perfect assignments delegated to them by a sort of moderator who will be controlling their moves and actions as well as grading them as and when the show progresses. Along the way they will be learning new skills from their co competitors in the House, displaying coping mechanisms under various conditions and probably learn how to comport themselves when they find themselves in any public arena or gathering.

These Housemates will either be taught or learn by themselves how to prop up their self esteem, to be courteous, courageous and control their ego under stressful conditions. They will be taught how to express themselves publicly, respond to questions, how to play certain roles in real life situations. In addition, some corporate institutions will use the platform to teach or school the Housemates and by extension the watching public what types of service deliveries they could offer, how to go about performing certain tasks and anything else that has to do with empowering their minds towards cultivating positive mindsets.

Members of the public must realize that indeed time flies and what seems to be far is getting nearer. Therefore, if decisions have been made to vote for favourite aspirants they believe will make the entertainment show truly entertaining then they need to shrug off the procrastination attitude and vote now through the various channels. Time is of an essence and therefore one should make wise use of it instead of nursing regrets.

 

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