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CRN Launches new Report on Four Years of the New Direction Government

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By Millicent Mannah

The Citizens Rights Network (CRN) on the 27th April 2022 launched the People’s Report on the New Direction Government’s four years in Governance at the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) Hall on Campbell Street in Freetown.

Speaking during the event, the Executive Director of Citizens’ Rights Network (CRN), Ibrahim Bai Koroma, intimated the  gathering that the primary focus of the Report is on the aspect of effective service delivery principles/standards, policy development, coordination, monitoring and evaluation.

Specifically, he said, the Report has three objectives and prominent among the objectives is to identify practices, policy development, and challenges facing public service delivery through knowledge sharing, experiences and cooperation in the area of public service; to identify best practices in public service delivery which can serve as a model for improving public service delivery in Sierra Leone and complement best practices in and around the world and the last but certainly not the least objective  to identify challenges in improving the quality of public service delivery as well as recommendations on overcoming such for better public service delivery.

He asserted that the content of the Report goes as far as providing answers to objectives one and two, while the outcome of the assessment in combination review of best practices on public service delivery he noted would be complemented by the CRN’s visit to various communities in the future which would help to find answers to the last objective of the assessment.

According to Koroma, Sierra Leone is on a high economic development trajectory with most of the anticipated projects or programs having transitioned from planning to implementation. Consequently, Koroma emphasized that a huge proportion of the population in Sierra Leone are still affected by extreme poverty and discrimination while some are faced with abuses. The rising income inequality, he noted ,is also a social problem that affects almost all Sierra Leoneans.

The assessment, according to Koroma, examines the selected critical indicators such as the legal and institutional framework, service standards or principles, policy development process, performance on governance indicators, human development, business climate and electronic government development.

With respect to public service delivery based on the Report results, he stated that Sierra Leone has made progress in improving public service delivery input, processes and performance by among other things, increasing public participation in the public service delivery process, enhancing access to basic services through adopting and deploying e-governance, decentralization of basic functions from National to Regional and District levels, increasing the adoption of good governance practices and raising competence of the bureaucracy.

” Nonetheless, the adoption of measures to improve public service delivery among public sector service varies by the Sierra Leone Government, hence with more capacitated nationals according to the local content policy in general registering relatively better performance on most indicators used to gauge performance in this Report than those that are less capacitated. This is indeed the main challenge and the rationale for this assessment which is to foster knowledge exchange and sharing that in turn is expected to enhance learning best practices in the realm of public service delivery among Civil Services,” he averred.

Touching on the recommendations, the Executive Director recommended policies and reforms for improving governance, particularly in the area of participation and greater involvement of persons with disabilities, marginalized women, youth, local Government and other social sectors in the country.

In addition, is the partnership and the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) which according to him is another way through which the Government of Sierra Leone can take into consideration  in order to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public service delivery systems across the country.

A Representative from the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), AIG Saio J Senesie, commended the Executive Director of Citizens Rights Network (CRN) and his team for putting together such a report stating that they would go through it thoroughly and see how best the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) could incorporate some of the issues highlighted in the Report into its system. He thanked the Press for giving a wider coverage to the program and craved for their indulgence to help disseminate the contents that are contained in the Report.

Other speakers during the event ,who also made meaningful contributions  were Abdulrahman Rogers ,a Civil Society Activist, James Joseph Yovonie a representative from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and  Brima M. Lamin who was also charged with the responsibility of representing HRMO.

Research Shows… Strong Links between Teachers’ Dissatisfaction & Poor Educational Outcomes…

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By Amin Kef Sesay

Because successive Governments since the 1980s failed woefully to put teachers at the apex of the education triangle the country saw a rapid dramatic deterioration in educational standards and outcomes.

Even under President Bio’s reformist New Direction Government’s Free Quality Education vision, teachers continue to have a poor deal thereby severely compromising and undermining the good intentions of the FQE.

Generally, the education sector continues to face serious challenges of deplorable teacher remuneration, relative to other professions that serve humanity, inadequate education financing, weak education system capacity and weak link with the world of work.

The Government in improving education standards and outcomes has to look far beyond just paying fees and providing free textbooks to the welfare and conditions of service of teachers as the providers of knowledge and the moral and ethical guides in our children’s upbringing as future parents and leaders.

In which light, the challenges facing teachers are not only limited to laughable payments but include overcrowded classrooms, the medium of instruction (English) that many teachers and learners have not mastered, lack of teaching resources, learner performance and most importantly, discipline.

Teacher attendance and time on task provides insights into the drivers of primary school teacher absenteeism, a major obstacle in efforts to address the learning crisis.

Reduced teacher time on task (because of spending more time “dregging” )is the greatest challenge toward inclusive and quality education.

This clearly shows that the challenges faced by teachers require improved policies on working conditions, accountability and motivation.

Teachers attending lessons and spending time on task is a prerequisite for learning. Half of 10-year-olds in our public funded schools cannot read and understand a simple text.

This research identifies promising practices for supporting teachers and improving policies for a more motivated and effective teaching workforce, one of the most important factors for addressing the learning crisis.

How much is being invested heavily in teacher development and support?

What is paramount is that the key insights on teachers’ conditions is that effective and consistently applied accountability, training and support, career development and remuneration systems – remain critical to improve teachers’ attendance and time on task.

When teachers are absent from school because they are disgruntled with pay and work conditions, they do not deliver instruction. So you find out that our children are pushed from one class to the other without having learned anything substantial.

Teacher absenteeism is higher in rural areas than in urban/peri-urban areas and higher in public schools than in private schools;

‘Moonlighting’ teachers, who hold multiple jobs, are more likely to report being absent compared with teachers who receive income exclusively from the teaching profession, as volunteer teachers compared with non-volunteer teachers.

Teachers who perceive their head teacher as actively discouraging absenteeism, report being more often at school and spending more time on task;

Stronger parental and community engagement in teacher monitoring is also associated with improved teacher attendance;

Teachers who receive their salary on time and with relative ease report lower rates of absenteeism than teachers who face delays and difficulties in collecting their pay.

Main Policy Recommendations

Instead of non-payment of fees, charge a reasonable fee per term or year for each learner and use the huge amount of money generated to improve on teachers’ salaries and work conditions;

Strengthen inter-sectoral collaboration to address factors beyond the education system, in particular health and infrastructure;

Ensure that head teachers are trained in management and leadership including monitoring and oversight, curriculum implementation and supervision;

Boost parental and community involvement to include a monitoring role and strengthening of their representation on school councils and management boards;

Remove obstacles to receiving pay including increased pay points in remote areas and establishing a Rota system to ensure schools continue to function at pay collection time.

Ensure that teacher training has a strong practical component and is not organized in a way that leaves students without a teacher or a substitute teacher;

Make distribution of teachers across schools more equitable including incentive strategies to make postings in rural and hardship areas more attractive;

Such policies will help increase opportunities for children to learn and, ultimately, improve their life and work opportunities.

APC Executive Warned by Justice Fisher that…   Contempt of Court is Tantamount to Failure to Abide by Court Ruling  

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By Foday Moriba Conteh

High Court Judge, Justice Adrian Fisher the High Court Judge who recently gave a ruling in the matter between Peter Conteh and the Executive of the APC, has stated that the members of the well-known APC National Executive including the Chairman, Ernest Bai Koroma; National Secretary General, Ambassador Osman Foday Yansaneh will risk landing in jail if they fail to comply with his judgment.

He made that pronouncement on after the long awaited conclusion of the Alfred Peter Conteh Vs Ernest Bai Koroma & APC’s Case.

It could be recalled that in his ruling, Justice Adrian Fisher dissolved the current APC National Executive including the National Secretary General, Ambassador Osman Foday Yansaneh, whom he ordered to vacate office within 14 Days and to further provide handover notes to the Interim Committee.

He also placed a perpetual injunction granted against the current National Executive from holding themselves out as Executive members, meaning they are no longer eligible to contest for any Executive position in the party.

“If you disobey this order you may be found guilty of contempt of court and may be sent to prison or fined or your assets may be seized”, Justice Fisher told the defendants.

He stated that the National Advisory Council (NAC) and all the Executive members of the APC were illegal in office as they were not democratically elected as required by the 1995 APC constitution and or the 1991 constitution of Sierra Leone.

The Judge continued that NAC in particular, save for the Chairman and Deputy Chairman, was not properly constituted as majority of their members were not democratically elected into office.

Giving the way forward, Justice Fisher ordered that an Interim Transition Governing Committee be formed to conduct the forthcoming National Delegates Conference. He maintained that the Interim Transition Governing Committee shall comprise of 21 Man Committee and nine (9) members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Plaintiff, Peter Conteh, one of which shall be the Chairman.

Justice Adrian also stated that the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, who is Hon Chernor Bah alias Chericoco shall nominate the following in consultation with members of Parliament: 2 from the North, 2 from the North West, 2 from Western Area, 2 from South,1 Young Generation representative, 1 Diaspora, 1 Women’s wing representative 1 legal representative of the party of not less than 20 years standing.

Added to that, he ruled that the Interim Transition Committee should be formed on or before 14 days of the order of the Judge, exactly the 15th May 2022 to take up office.

Looking into the legality of the APC National Executive, Justice Adrian Fisher said the APC Executive ought to have been elected, not selected.

“The Nation Advisory Committee of the All People’s Congress party doesn’t have the POWER to override the party’s Constitution.” Justice Fisher said, adding that the APC National Executive was illegally selected and not elected.

“APC acted contrary to its 1995 Constitution and the Sierra Leone 1991 Constitution,” said Justice Fisher, adding, “Political Parties are there to shape the Political Will of the People.”

He said there are no minutes of NAC meeting/s to be provided to the Court to confirm or dispute whether NAC met.

Furthermore, the legal representative of Alfred P. Conteh, Jessie M. Jengo Esq on behalf of his client has demanded over Le1.3 Billion from former President Ernest Bai Koroma and the All People’s Congress (APC) Executive which he made after the law court ruling.

According to Judiciary of Sierra Leone Communications, Jessie M. Jengo on behalf of his client asked the Court to award a cost of $83,860, an equivalent of  Le1, 313, 617, 000 after successfully obtaining a perpetual injunction against the Defendant from holding themselves out as Executive members of the APC Party.

ILRAJ Condemns Arbitrary Arrest & Detention by the Police

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By Amin Kef Sesay

In a Press Statement issued by the Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice (ILRAJ)  on arbitrary arrest by the Sierra Leone Police dated April 30, 2022, the rights based advocacy group stated that on the 26th April, 2022, the Institute learnt about the arrest of Mohamed Khan, Interim Chair of Teachers Solidarity Movement, by the Sierra Leone Police when he was arrested just after being interviewed on AYV’s “Wake Up Sierra Leone” program outside the AYV premises.

The ILRAJ went further to state that the AYV Media issued a statement asking the security forces not to make its premise a target for arbitrary arrest that will hinder their operations and infringe on the right to free speech.

Also stated by the Institute is that the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) noted ‘with serious concern the arrest of some Teachers by the Sierra Leone Police to wit: Mr. Mohamed Khan, Lahai Jah and Joseph C. Kailie.

It continued how Mohamed Khan aforesaid was arrested after serving as a guest of the AYV Television program- “Wake up Sierra Leone,” whilst the other two were arrested and detained at the Bo West Police Station after allegedly requesting a clearance to convey a meeting of “The Teachers Solidarity Movement.”

It further noted that it ‘believes the above actions of the Sierra Leone Police are high-handed, unwarranted and at stark variance with section 17 (1) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone Act, No.6 of 1991 also maintaining that the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) also condemned the arrest.

According to the Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice those arrests were not isolated as they are part of a pattern of arbitrary arrest and detention perpetrated by the Sierra Leone Police in recent times.

The Institute said amongst those arrested were Dr. Dennis Bright, Chair and Leader of the Opposition National Grand Coalition party, Osman Foday Yansaneh, the then Secretary-General of the All People’s Congress (APC), Diana Konomanyi of the APC, and Dr. Femi Claudius-Cole, an opposition leader for Unity Party.

It continued that Civil Society activist, Thomas Moore Conteh, Executive Director of Citizens Advocacy Network (CAN), a civil society organization, was arrested and detained on March 5, 2020, during a peaceful protest by some Limkokwing students. Mohamed Mansaray, aka “Blacker,” and a businesswoman, Kadiatu Yankaday, were arrested and charged with allegations of insulting the President underscoring how it is a well-known fact that ‘Blacker’ suffers from mental challenges, but said that did not deter the Police from arresting and charging him.

ILRAJ says it is urging the Police to desist from arbitrarily arresting and detaining people because of critical statements against the Government maintaining that it is the function of the stakeholders in the country’s democratic process to be critical further stating how in a democracy, individuals should be allowed to exercise their right to free expression in breach of section 25 of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, Act No.6 of 1991.

The ILRAJ argues that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission ‘found that a factor that contributed to causing the conflict was the suppression of political expression and dissent. It continued that the Commission, in its recommendations, emphasized that freedom of expression is the lifeblood of a democracy maintaining that a culture of public debate and tolerance of dissenting ideas is the sign of a vibrant and healthy democracy.

According to the rights based organization, the Police does not have absolute powers saying that was made clear in the recent Supreme Court decision of Augustine Marrah vs. The Inspector General of Police.

The rights-based organization argues that the Police must act in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of Sierra Leone adding how the acts of arbitrary arrests violate the fundamental human rights enshrined in section 17(1) of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone, which states that “no person shall be deprived of his personal liberty except as may be authorized by law…”

It asserted that the same right is also protected under Article 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and reaffirmed in Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which states thus “everyone has the right to liberty and security of person. No one shall be subject to arbitrary arrest detention. No one shall be deprived of his liberty except on such grounds and in accordance with such procedure as are established by law.”

The ILRAJ maintains that the recent State Department report states that ‘Impunity remained a significant problem in the security forces, notably in the SLP noting that there are reports of individuals held for questioning without being promptly informed of the reason for the arrest and that the SLP held suspects in detention cells without explanation for up to three days for suspected misdemeanors and up to 10 days for suspected felonies.

Concluding the ILRAJ recommends that the Government of Sierra Leone, of which the Sierra Leone Police is an integral part, must take urgent steps to address the problem and ensure that the rights of individuals guaranteed by the Constitution and international obligations signed up to are fully respected.

Negative Public Behaviour Features in Report on Wellington Fire Disaster

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By Amin Kef Sesay

The Director General of the National Disaster Management Agency, (NDMA) Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Brima Sesay on the 28th April 2022 presented a report to President Julius Maada Bio from the 15-man Presidential Taskforce set up to investigate circumstances surrounding the cause and extent of destruction after the Wellington petrol tanker fire disaster of 5 November 2021 that claimed over 150 lives.

Chair of the committee and Director General of the National Disaster Management Agency, NDMA, Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Brima Sesay said they were presenting the findings with general and specific recommendations for all institutions that constitute the Sierra Leone Incident Management System (SLIMS).

“First, we found out that the behaviour of the public, following the collision, was a major contributing factor to the scale of the incident and a serious cause for concern. At the outset…despite the tanker driver using a megaphone borrowed from a nearby seller to advise the public to avoid the scene, he was reportedly insulted and his advice completely ignored,” he said.

He noted that they also proved that the fire disaster occurred following the collision between the fuel tanker and the tipper truck over half an hour before the explosion.

Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Sesay added that there was poor communication between security services and the Petroleum Regulatory Agency, responsible for regulating oil marketing companies, and emphasized the need to enhance effective communication among all players in the SLIMS.

“Your Excellency, it is fervently hoped that one critical turnaround point in the entire emergency management establishment in the country is the provision of knowledge to the public on dangers associated with industrial products in BRVs or fuel tankers that ply the carriage-way in the country,” he said.

In his response, President Bio described the incident as a national disaster the magnitude of which they had never seen in recent times, adding that he had to cut short his trip abroad to return home to provide leadership, give hope and console the bereaved.

“We were overwhelmed but, in the circumstances, you led the response. I want to use this opportunity to thank you the NDMA and all other agencies that were first responders. It includes the military, the fire force, the medical team and all forces that came to help on that day.

“I was particularly pleased with the health professionals who did their best and took care of our compatriots, the victims. This is a clearer indication that we must all work together, especially at difficult times,” he said.

He assured that his Government is going to take a closer look at the findings and recommendations and definitely look at what policy and measures they could take henceforth to prevent any such possibilities.

“But I think the lessons brought out in these recommendations, especially with regards to lawlessness, to the inactions by certain agencies or lack of rapid reactions to incidents of this nature, point to the fact that as a government we should prevent, where possible, or should always be ready for incidents of this nature,” he concluded.

Lands Minister Informs UN General Assembly of Support for New Urban Agenda Aspirations

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By Theresa Kef Sesay

Minister of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning, Dr. Turad Senesie joined other high-level speakers at the UN Headquarters in New York to submit actions taken so far on the New Urban Agenda (NUA) that was adopted in 2016 at the UN Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urbanization (HABITAT III) in Quito, Ecuador.

In his statement to the Plenary of the UN General Assembly on the 28th April 2012, Dr. Senesie informed the august body that Sierra Leone is presently focused on the implementation of a sustainable and climate-resilient urban development in line with the mandate of the General Assembly in Resolution 75/224 of December 2020 and in support of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.

Dilating on the country’s six key policy objectives, the Minister stated  that the country is “promoting an integrated spatial planning and strengthening development control; strengthening the legislative and institutional frameworks for effective land governance and urban planning; enhancing tenure security to protect land and property rights by transitioning from the registration of instruments to biometric title registration; improving efficiency and cost-effectiveness of delivery systems in cadaster, registration, valuation and real estate services to boost productivity and domestic tax revenue; promoting the investment climate to provide affordable housing and slum upgrading; and ensuring environmental sustainability in the implementation of programs and projects,”

The Minister also disclosed that the country has mainstreamed the New Urban Agenda into its Medium-Term National Development Plan and has established a broad-based National Habitat Committee that provides the political support and oversight responsibility at the strategic level for the formulation of the National Urban Policy. He further stated that the country is currently working with partners on various projects; projects that can enhance prosperity for our towns and cities in line with the AU Agenda 2063.

He concluded by restating Sierra Leone’s support for the aspirations of the New Urban Agenda and that the country will continue to demonstrate strong commitment towards its full implementation.

 

NP-SL Epitomizes Crystallization of Hard work & Positive Entrepreneurial Initiatives

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By Amin Kef Sesay

NP Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) is a very successful petroleum selling entity that assiduously continues to ascend the slippery ladder within the economic landscape of this country. The meteoric rise of NP should not come as any big surprise to anyone as it epitomizes the crystallization of determination, hard work and sheer entrepreneurial initiatives on the part of Sierra Leoneans who formed the company and the capable managerial teams that have been steering the affairs of a 100% indigenously owned outfit. Its continuous ascendancy is indeed a clear manifestation of dogged commitment by all those who are associated with it to succeed.

If there is one outstanding feature which makes the company quickly identified then that could be its innate passion to give maximum care and attention to its numerous customers. The company’s shareholders and management do not joke with Customer Care as it is prioritized in all the company’s transactions. This could sound very simplistic when looked at from the face value but for NP, its thorough and cautious implementation is very close to their heart and indeed such is paying fruitful dividends.

Of course it really makes sense that availing customers with qualitative petroleum products, dealing with them respectfully , negotiating win-win deals will all contribute in retaining customers as well as wooing new ones. With all amount of certainty it could be safely concluded that NP has mastered that business technique, deepening it and is working well to which many have attested.

It has been established by development specialists that proper implementation of the Local Content Policy is indeed a very important cog that should be in the wheel of the engine to thrust growth. One business entity that is strictly adhering to enhance the Local Content Policy in this country is NP.

The shareholders and Management of the company have made it a matter of policy to get in its employ indigenes and even in cases where expatriates are engaged, local members of staff are given the opportunity to understudy them so that at the end of the day they will imbibe the necessary skills to take over. This is very advantageous in the sense that it helps in providing jobs and to develop a crop of competent individuals which the country needs in its development interventions.

Cooking is an inevitable aspect of human life, whether for domestic and commercial purposes. Man depends on food for survival, individuals invest in food businesses and the like. Very mindful of the hazardous effects of depleting the environment, using traditional means of cooking, here specifically talking about making use of wood, charcoal, the company deemed it prudent to introduce NP-Gas which is very fast to ignite, quick to perform, safe and highly convenient. NP Gas, which is in different sizable cylinders could be accessed at the company’s filling stations and authorized dealers.

The company has high profiled customers with tight schedules who may have limited time to always wait in queues in order to purchase petroleum products. Besides, some people are not used to have huge cash in their possession but prefer using smart cards. For these reasons the company went the extra mile to introduce NP Smart Card which customers, those who can afford it, could use to purchase petroleum products. From what was so far gathered all the customers who are using NP Smart Card are well satisfied doing so saying it is very convenient further praising NP for rolling out that initiative.

The viability of NP could be measured by its expansionist achievements both within the country and in the West African sub-region as is evident with the opening of branches in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia. For a hundred percent indigenously owned company to go to such a level of spreading its tentacles is actually commendable and worthy of praise. As far as we know the branches in all those countries are doing extremely well although there are inevitable challenges which it has been surmounting.

One thing which cannot be challenged is the fact that NP, not only here in Sierra Leone but in other places where it is functioning, is greatly contributing to revenue accumulation when we think of its timely payment of taxes which Governments are using to fund various development projects.

Regardless, of all the teething challenges that stand in the way of NP, one of which is the depreciation of the Leone to the Dollar, as the company purchases petroleum products in dollars, yet still the company is navigating its way through murky economic waters.

Without mincing the truth, NP’s ascendancy is really breath-taking and highly impressive.

Housemates Salone to Commence as… Tense Battle among 60 Continues until 38 are Knocked Out

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By Amin Kef Sesay

For the information of the wider public voting continues via Africell-SL for twenty-two applicants to enter the House for the Season 3 of Housemates Salone with the slogan, “Di Game Get Yagba, If You Nor Able Na for Pull Hand.”  The twenty two (22) to be voted is derived from sixty (60) applicants who were shortlisted after the three day audition that took place at the AYV Media Empire on Wesley Street in Freetown.

For now the sixty are battling through the airwaves and other platforms to be voted for in order to make it into the House for the Reality TV Show to competition to really commence on the 22nd May, 2022 in Freetown contrary to the previous date that was announced.

All the Housemates have their unique numbers, which members of the public should use to vote by sending them via SMS to: 5500 or Dial *5500#. For International voting an individual can call: +23299005500.

Also, members of the public are at liberty to cast their votes via Afrimoney through the voters’ Africell lines by dialing *161*10#* plus the Numbers of their favourite contestants from any Africell line. All the Housemates have their unique numbers, which members of the public should use to vote by sending them via SMS to: 5500 or Dial *5500#. For International voting an individual can call: +23299005500.

Added also is 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.

It must be noted that what is at stake is a Star Prize of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Leones (Le 250M) plus a round trip to Dubai.

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.

Once Housemates Salone Season 3 commences it will be shown live on AYV Entertainment Channel 34, 33 and AYV on DSTV Channel 399.

The entertainment is slated in such a way that the youth empowerment show is slated to be really competitive as it is geared towards bringing out the best in the Housemates in terms of their performances in carrying out assigned tasks delegated by a certain Chief or Madam Chief.

As a matter of fact the Housemates will be displaying their creative and innovative skills in different areas which could add value to the relevance of their continued stay in the House vis-à-vis being evicted. Some will be seen doing their best in terms of singing, gossiping, hair plaiting, dancing, sewing etc. doing so impressively.

Since the Housemates will be interacting in a very conducive atmosphere within the House, these Housemates are to exhibit real life situations where one sees courting friendly relationship, cracking jokes, gossiping, engaging in animated discussions to the point of even going into blows. The episodes, during the course of the Reality TV Show, are expected to bring out attributes that should be really captivating and fun packed to evoke laughter among viewers.

If some of the Housemates will appear sexy by the kind of dresses they wear then that must not come as any big surprise simply because they are expected to display nudity.

Again, if sometimes they talk harshly then it is because they are to intermittently use strong language and act funnily as the expectation is for them to of be humorous. Manifestation of these traits is what will really make the Reality TV Show very interesting to watch, providing some form of comic relief for viewers and serving as a therapy to reduce stresses.

In actual fact, the Reality TV Show is that it will serve as a conduit through which the Housemates are taken through  mental and physical exercises that will end up to mould and shape their characters.

They will benefit from being guided to be motivational speakers, to think critically as well as rationally, how to healthily interact, how to solve problems, to cook, to sing, dance, control emotions and stress.

These competitors will be given the opportunity to learn from what visiting guests from certain corporate institutions will teach them, learn how to play games and a host of other things that are aligned to coping mechanisms in life.

Housemates Salone Season 3 is indeed going to bring loads of smiles and evoke animated discussions among the young and old in various social circles.

Observing World Press Freedom Day….   SLAJ President Underscores Press Freedom is Freedom of Expression for all Not Just Journalists

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By Amin Kef Sesay

Sierra Leone joined the rest of the world on the 3rd May 2022 to observe World Press Freedom Day. President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, in marking the day stated how since the historic repeal of the Criminal and Seditious Libel Law in 2020, Sierra Leone has made commendable progress in the area of freedom of the press.

He highlighted that no journalist has been put in jail in relation to the practice of journalism furthering  that no media house has been closed down for what they print or broadcast, except Justice FM which, according to him, was days ago banned by the IMC for 10 hours for alleged “un-radio-like language’ and ‘threatening remarks…”.

“The incidents of arrest and detention of journalists by the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) on orders from above or on orders from influential people have reduced considerably since 2020,” he added also arguing that in the World Press Freedom Index 2022, Sierra Leone moved 29 places higher from 75th position to 46th out of 180 countries due largely to the repeal of the Criminal Libel Law, the passing of the IMC Act 2020 as one big step towards addressing minimum conditions of service of journalists and other media workers and media pluralism in the country.

The SLAJ President pointed out how for the first time in the 22 years’ history of the Independent Media Commission (IMC -the statutory body that regulates the media and which was established to support the media’s move toward self-regulation), His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio approved all 7 persons nominated by SLAJ, including the Chairman, to serve in the new IMC Board of 12 professional members.

He revealed how SLAJ is working with the Security Sector and trying to realize the MoU it signed last November saying such is of foundational importance to realizing press freedom.

Mentioning how the Government of Sierra Leone has announced an increment in its annual subvention to the media from Le250 million to Le500 million, he however disclosed that Government is yet to disburse for the year 2021 and 2022.

He revealed that just last month, the Government in partnership with SLAJ and the BBC Media Action, held the first national media viability and investment conference with the aim of positioning the media in Sierra Leone for investment opportunities.

Focusing on the threats to free media and free speech, the SLAJ President said while it is good to highlight the progress made in the area of press freedom, it is equally necessary to red-flag the emerging threats which have the potential to reverse all the gains made since the repeal.

He said a number of incidents recorded by both SLAJ and the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) from 2021 to present are cause for concern.

“Harassment, intimidation and detention of journalists have started happening all over again, including the digital space, and especially from the Sierra Leone Police,” he lamented referencing the close of 2021, when a popular Sierra Leone rapper unleashed a scathing video against the personality of the Station Manager of Radio Democracy 98.1FM, simply because the station reported the issuing of a bench warrant for him in a court matter.

He mentioned a journalist working for the Government of Sierra Leone, Abdul Fonti Kabia whom was widely reported dead on social media in an attempt to intimidate him, the SLP assault and detention of AYV Media photo journalist, Ransford Wright, when he attempted to cross-check certain information with the Police.

Nasralla highlighted how the President of the Sierra Leone Reporters Union and Head of Digital Media at the AYV Media, Amadu Lamrana Bah, suffered humiliation and almost missed his flight to the AFCON 2021 in Cameroon after flight officials at the Freetown International Airport attempted to drop him allegedly on orders from above for a critical sports update on his Facebook page.

He narrated when the SLP sent two officers to Bo city, Southern Sierra Leone, to arrest Journalist, Solomon Joe, of KISS 104 FM for a broadcast concerning a transaction between two businessmen stressing that though a statement was obtained from him in Bo but he was transported to Freetown and spent one night in police custody.

The SLAJ President said still worse was an apparent assassination attempt on journalist, Gibril Gottor and his family in Kambia town, Northern Sierra Leone, which he said  has left the investigative journalist in fear for his life.

He stated that a free press goes beyond arrest and detention of journalists but to the political economy of the media giving the example of the unfair distribution of Government advertisement and non-payment for such.

“But we are not just concerned about threats to free expression for journalists, SLAJ is also worried about the arrest of other citizens, including dissenting teachers and mentally challenged people for freely expressing themselves, as well as the suppression of peaceful protests and certain popular cultural activities,” he added stating that SLAJ is also concerned that the SLP now seems to be using the vague offence of incitement as an excuse to clamp down on free speech maintaining that   the SLP is overreacting to dissenting views expressed by people.

He said when in 2021, one year after the repeal, and on the occasion of our Golden Jubilee celebration, they recognized His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio as Champion of Free Speech, they did so for good reason saying they reminded him that the title carries immense responsibilities.

“Freedom of the press is freedom of expression for all citizens, not just journalists,” he underscored saying President Bio must ensure the fundamental rights of everyone, including those opposed to his Government, are respected and protected.

He said as the President prepares to deliver his address at the State Opening of the 6th Parliament, they look forward to hear his strong commitment to provide greater protection of freedom of expression for not only the media and journalists but also the general public.

The President of SLAJ revealed how with support from the European Union,  Sierra Leone, will mark this year’s World Press Freedom Day with a PRESS FREEDOM WALK (WPD) 2022 under the theme: ‘Protect, Promote & Expand the Space’ to reflect upon the historic repeal of the criminal libel law in 2020 said to be a milestone which set a positive dynamic and an enabling framework for the protection and promotion of freedom of opinion and expression, including press freedom, and the civic space in Sierra Leone.

He reminded colleagues, and all media houses that media freedom is important to be used responsibly maintaining that Journalism is a privilege, a service to the society, not to be wielded irresponsibly, never to be misused.

Nasralla said it is a priority for SLAJ stressing how they will continue to initiate more training programs to continue to build the capacity of media practitioners concluding by stating that it will ensure media houses and personnel uphold professional and ethical practice at all times and to put public good ahead of all other interests or considerations.

On May Day…    SLEF Chairman Inspires Employers that Concertedly, Current Business Challenges will be Surmounted

Labour Day.jpeg

By Amin Kef Sesay

Celebrating Labour Day also popularly known as May Day, which happens to be the 1st of every May month in the year, stakeholders converged at the Family Kingdom Resort at Aberdeen in Freetown on the 3rd May, 2022 to mark the day during which occasion the keynote address was delivered by President Julius Maada Bio.

In his capacity as Chairman of the Sierra Leone Employers Federation, Ambassador Kobi Walker extended  fraternal greetings to all in attendance thanking  God for sparing  lives to gather again this year in order to commemorate the 2022 May Day.

He also conveyed special thanks  to the President and his Government for taking proactive measures which, according to him, largely prevented a second wave of the COVID 19 pandemic in the country which  he said almost brought advanced countries to a standstill during the closing months of 2021.

Amb. Kobi Walker said no sooner had we thought the world had some respite then the Russian  and Ukrainian crisis started on the 24th of February 2022, a  crisis  which he stated has  significantly affected  supplies of petroleum products and wheat to Africa in particular and the world in general.

He pointed out that recently, there has been increased cases of COVID-19 leading to infections of people in Shanghai  and other cities in China which are important trading partners with Sierra Leone saying all of the recent developments have had a profound effect on the economy of Sierra Leone

The Chairman pointed out that the latest economic forecast on the Sierra Leone Economy  can be seen from the Monetary Policy Statement of 5th April 2022  issued by the  Monetary Policy  Committee of the Bank of Sierra Leone which met on the 30th March 2022  from which he said he will reference and quote:

Inflation:

According to Statistics Sierra Leone, by exit March 2022,the annual National Consumer Price Inflation (year-on-year) stood at 22.06 percent points from 17.59 percent in February 2022.

The MPC statement affirmed that Global commodity-price inflation (especially fuel and food), high freight charges, the overall global negative supply shock created by the Russian – Ukranian crisis and the uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic suggest that inflationary pressures are expected to persist in the near period.

The resultant increase in domestic fuel pump prices, which is bound to raise production costs economy wide, may most likely impose adverse consequences for domestic prices. In a nutshell, inflationary pressures are likely to persist in the near term.

Domestic Economic Growth :

According to the Monetary Policiy statement issued by Bank of Sierra Leone, Real Gross Domestic Product growth is expected to be stronger (5.0 percent), supported by an expected increase in activities in the agriculture, manufacturing, services and mining sectors.

However, the Russian-Ukrainian crisis and the ensuing sanctions regimes the Western powers have imposed on Russia, have heightened global economic uncertainty, which could significantly weigh on global economic recovery and commodity markets. This development may have an adverse impact on economic growth, especially for small open economies like Sierra Leone. It is believed that actual RGDP growth during 2022, more likely than not, will fall below its forecasted value of 5.0 percent.

Availability of Foreign Currencies:

The MPC noted the reduced supply of foreign exchange from exports ,FDIs  and other sources of inflows in the face of increased demand  for the importation of essential goods especially fuel and food. In particular, given the high unfulfilled demand for foreign exchange for the importation of key commodities (most prominently, fuel and food), the committee (set up by the Central bank to review monetary policies) is of the view that the demand pressures will lead to a significant depreciation of the Leone in the near future. Given the high pass-through effects of exchange rate depreciation on domestic prices, this will lead to higher prices, which will potentially negatively impact living standards of especially the poor.

The MPC also noted that current wave of exchange rate depreciation is not unique to Sierra Leone. The depreciation of the leone  is similar to what is obtaining in most members states in the West Africa Monetary Zone based on weekly exchange rate analysis (The gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone )

The Federation however welcome the recommendations of the Monetary Policy Committe to the Directors of the Central  Bank for the creation of two  Special facilities which will provide foreign exchange  for the importation  of commodities that fall within the special facilities i.e

  • For importation of Fuel
  • For food items ( rice ,flour and sugar )

Kobi Walker said it is instructive to mention that the Federation will work assidiously with NASSIT, ILO and other related and relevant stakeholders to actualize the establishment of the informal sector scheme.

He said he has gone on record to inform the public that NP (SL)Ltd recorded losses in quarter 1 of 2022 of over SLL 60bn due to some of the reasons adduced above adding that  equally so, employers in varioius sectors are also registering collossal losses in their businesses operations and activites.

The Chairman said nevetheless, armed with ruthless focus, dogged determination and relentless passion, the country‘s employers will surmount the current business challanges.

He said in summary, Employers are  facing challenges in terms of: Increased  inflation which can potentially reduce demand for goods and services offered by their members, Higher cost of foreign exchange for importations saying the proposed establishment of the two special facilities for employers through the Commercia lBanks willassist  tremendously, the need to encourage commercial banks to provide bridging loans at affordable cost of capital to shore up the current dwindling working capital of employers and businesses, the current wave of shortage of electricity and water are adding to cost of production saying most employers have to resort to frequent use of generators and purchases of water from water bowsers owners and operators saying they are confident that will be addressed soon, Disruption in Global Supply Chain and the attendant consequencies and ramifications on  businesses, Increased Freight Charges  saying they  understood  from the Sierra Leone Association of Importers that average cost of container-Ex China are now as follows:

  1. Movements in Freight Charges for 20ft Container

Pre Covid 19                        US$2 ,500 .per container

Peak of Covid 19                 US$12,000  per container

Currently                     US$7,000  per container

  1. Movements for Freight Charges for 40ft  container

Pre Covid 19                      US$ 5,000 per container

Peak of Covid 19                 US$ 19,000. Per container

Currently                     US$ 12,000   Per Container

Kobi Walker said the Employers have weathered the storm during the COVID 19 pandemic with the assistance of Government and their Employees adding that they  expect  such a cooperation and positive collaboration to continue  .

He said Employers, notwithstanding the above, are currently reviewing the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Hotel and Entertainment Industry Trade Group and the Industrial Trade Group Council.

According to him, that coupled with the Draft Labour Laws, which he said  will be validated soon, are in line with the Theme for this Year ‚‘‘Ensuring Fairness at the Workplace.‘‘

He concluded  by congraulating all including the President who are workers further thanking all for their kind and rapt attention and wishing God blessings on all and the land that we so love, Sierra Leone.

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