Home Blog Page 774

Canadian College of Modern Technology Becomes Canadian University of Modern Technology

Canadian College of Modern Technology (CCMT).jpg

By Millicent Senava Mannah

The Canadian College of Modern Technology (CCMT) has been officially transformed into a full-fledged University on the 31st March 2022 during an auspicious and historic event that took place on the college’s campus situated at Mile 91 in the Northern Province of Sierra Leone.

This medium was reliably informed that as a result of the college’s technological advancement and its suitable learning environment , the Tertiary Education Commission thought it but fitting  that they are now qualified to serve as a University.

The Canadian University of Modern Technology (CUMT) is an independent nonprofit education institution registered in 2014 with its distinct mission to provide the comprehensive education, skills and leadership training necessary to prepare students for employment and advancement.

The Founder and Chancellor of CUMT, Muckson Sesay Snr, intimated that as they celebrate their inauguration day he is mindful of the journey that brought them where they are today and the exciting developments ahead of them.

He maintained that he does not plan for this to be his last achievement, continuing that he is aware that it may be his greatest.

“Bringing education to the doorstep of my childhood community and helping to unleash the development potentials  of untold thousands of young people in the future has always been a passion,” the Chancellor asserted.

He stated that he is aware of the aspect of his dream that has remained unrealized furthering that he is pleased to announce that in his next ten-year development plan, he will extend that dream.

The Guest Speaker, Abdul Rahman Sesay, stated that as they have joined the club of Universities they should be prepared to face challenges especially in the area of sourcing funding.

He commended the Founder and Chancellor of CUMT highlighting how he initiated a good development in Sierra Leone adding that the University’s technological equipment would enable students to be equipped to face the Universe after their studies.

“I look forward to see more developmental areas of studies in the University,” he expressed a wish.

On the part of the Registrar, Adam Goguen, the transition from a College to a University is a great honour to him, stating that they have much to be proud of and much to be hopeful for.

Juliana Kabba, a student of the University, said on behalf of her colleagues, she is grateful for such a huge development in their University adding that with the technological advancement of the learning institution they are going to be fully prepared to face the Universe after graduating.

UNICEF Donates Medical Items to Jui Hospital Special Baby Unit

China -Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital.jpg

By Mary Kabay

UNICEF on the 31st March 2022 donated assorted medical items , including medicines, to the recently commissioned Safe Care Baby Unit at the  China -Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital at Jui with the aim of making the Unit capable of dealing with certain complications and make it sustainable.

Dr. Karim Kabineh, who serves as a Consultant ENT Surgeon and Medical Superintendent at the University of Sierra Leone Teaching Hospital Sierra Leone and works in the Unit in his statement informed that the unit was commissioned last week by UNICEF adding that the ceremony is meant for the handing over of drugs and other items that were donated. He thanked the Chinese Government and their Embassy Staff for their immense support towards the health sector of the country.

He mentioned that the storage system that the Chinese Embassy is helping to establish will be of great help to them as well as other Units of the hospital furthering how the Chinese Medical Team assessed the Special Baby Care Unit (SBCU) and approved it as well as assessing the strength of the staff expressing optimism that the training of the local staff will be continued to keep them fit for their respective assignments.

The representative from the Chinese Embassy,   who also doubles as Public Health Officer, Dr Xia Yin Yin stated that the Special Baby Care Units is financially supported through the Chinese South -South Cooperation Assistance Fund which was established with great efforts and devotion made by the United Nations Children Fund and the Jui Hospital with great help from the 22nd and 23rd batch of the Chinese Medical Team and the Jui P3 Biosafty Kab experts. She expressed deep appreciation to the above organizations and their staff for helping build the splendid Special Baby Care Unit at the Jui hospital.

Dr Xia said she is convinced of the fact that the Unit will go a long way in enhancing the quality of baby care services in nearby communities and help reduce neonatal deaths like the other special care baby unit in the Kailahun Hospital which is also supported by the South -South Cooperation Assistance Fund, led by UNICEF which has been giving services to  new born babies and mothers since 2020 of around 100-150 babies every quarter saying in the 4th quarter in 2021it treated 128 new born  babies with 92% survival rate.

Climaxing her statement she thanked the partners that have been supporting the hospital also mentioning  past assistances that the Chinese Government has been rendering to Sierra Leone since 1973 including  provision of medical experts and  donating medical equipment as well as items  during the Ebola and the Corona virus outbreaks.

The Chinese Medical Team lead by Xij Zhou explained about the inception of the hospital as a whole and particularly the department that the Safe Baby Unit is under which according to her is the Pediatric Department. She said most of the equipment that were donated to the neonatal ward were from the Chinese Center of Disease Control and part of the special funds for the project also came from the South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund.

She said the construction started in 2021 adding that with the team’s strength and wisdom they pushed to quickly undertake and complete the construction work with the Chinese staff involved in the designing of the Ward with the available equipment. She vowed to continue the good work with her team to enhance operation and maintenance of the project.

Dr. Sinstina Gbondo heartily thanked the Chinese Government, UNICEF and other partners for making numerous sacrifices to see the Safe Baby Care Unit turn out to become a reality. She said with the help of the Chinese Medical Team and their continuous training they hope to see the lives of babies being saved through the help of God.

She, however, said the facility is open to outsiders also as it is not only meant for babies that are born at the Jui Hospital.

UBA Launches ‘Digital Wan Pot’ Campaign In Freetown

UBA Digital Wan Pot Campaign.png

By Amin Kef Sesay

UBA Sierra Leone, on the 26th March 2022 launched the UBA Digital Wan Pot Campaign at the Gigibonta Car Park in Freetown during a programme which was geared towards enrolling all UBA customers on UBA’s digital platforms.

The massive event along the Aberdeen-Lumley beach highway attracted soaring attention from members of the public with both its epic set up and stellar performances by Sierra Leonean entertainers and celebrities, like Ellen Keister, Richie Obama, Empress Pee, Camouflage etc.

According to the Head of Digital Banking at UBA Sierra Leone, Abdulai Ben Kamara, the UBA Digital Wan Pot campaign’s aim is to drive UBA customers’ enrolment on all its digital platforms in order to make their banking experience much easier and seamless.

By having a UBA account, customers are enabled to explore the following digital products such as: Leo a chat banking platform on WhatsApp, Facebook and imessage, The Internet Banking, The Mobile App, Push and Pull, Visa & Master Card, Instant Bills Pay, and PoS!

The phrase “Wan Pot” is a common day-to-day used adage that is typically associated with the Sierra Leonean Creole dialect to mean “All thing goes” or “Assorted mix of many ingredients” in one pot. In a financial context, UBA Sierra Leone visions the “Wan Pot” campaign phrase to reinforce its relentless drive in achieving mass digital inclusion and position itself as a one-stop center for customers’ experience of up-to-date its digital products.

The launch which translated into both a busy and interactive evening, saw UBA’s Direct Sales Agents (DSAs), on the side line facilitating customers’ account opening, enrollment on digital platforms, responding to their queries etc. To further spice up the scene, a quiz competition was rolled out making customers and other members of the audience stand chances to win various UBA gift items like pens, cap, books etc.

“At UBA, our key focus is to maintain our position as a trusted brand and role model institution which contributes to driving the Sierra Leonean economy with leading, innovative ideas and by delivering value to our customers,” said Usman Isiaka, the Managing Director of UBA Sierra Leone in his statement before launching the campaign

The night of epic atmosphere caught its highest steam when artist Natasha Beckley broke through with a ravishing, live performance of the UBA Wan Pot dueted theme song done by her and Jooel. The moment climaxed it all as UBA staff, customers, friends and families all took to the stage dancing to the rhythm of the song which embodies UBA’s digitally inclusive drive.

UBA’s digital products exist in Sierra Leone to create a digitalized environment which cannot only take banking to the footsteps of its customers, but also make it simple, pressure less- within their comfort zone. The approach falls under the bank’s key strategic areas of focus in its efficient delivery as a customer centric bank that is poised to be the role model for African businesses by creating superior value to all its key stakeholder.

Other key UBA staff members who made statements at the event were Head of Retail Banking, Victoria Olukotun and Head of Customer Experience, Daphne Roy- Jonson.

A common feedback from UBA customers who attended the event showed they are appreciative of the campaign and that their knowledge about UBA’s digital drive has increased to the point that they look forward to exploring all of the digital platforms.

Pharmacy Board Warns Pharmaceutical Owners to Always Ensure Presence of a Professional

Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone (PBSL).jpg

By Esther Wright

Acting Registrar of the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone (PBSL), Dr James P. Komeh, has warned Pharmaceutical premises that his institution’s Inspection Team is in readiness to shut down any Pharmacy that would be without its professionals at the time of inspection.

He issued out that warning on different occasions during the Board’s 2022 First Quarter Application Committee and Adhoc Tax Force Meetings where about 94 applicants intending to open pharmaceutical premises were interviewed in the Western Area, Southern and Eastern provinces respectively.

Dr Komeh said as an Agency, they have realized that most professionals signing for Pharmaceutical premises are in the habit of not staying at the said premises which is illegal, dangerous and unacceptable, as such, be informed that their Inspectors have been instructed to close any Drugstore and Pharmacy outlet where the professional is absent at the time of inspection and the Proprietors would as well risk having their licenses withdrawn.

He continued that there are certain classes of medicines that should only be dispensed by professionals, which is why the institution would never grant licenses to applicants for Pharmacies and Drugstores  without proving beyond reasonable doubt that the professional’s requirements is being fulfilled by the intending Proprietors.

Dr. Komeh explained the classes of medicines that are to be sold by Patent Shops and Drugstores and warned that punitive measures including retrieval of medicines, invitation to the PBSL’s Disciplinary Committee, closure of premises and withdrawal of licenses would be instituted against outlets that would be found selling drugs that they are not authorized to sell.

The Secretaries of the Ad-hoc Task Force, who double as the Officers-In Charge of PBSL Branch Offices, in the above Regions updated Dr. Komeh on activities that were undertaken in the last three months ranging from routine inspections, peddler raids, drug audits , suitability inspection, amongst others. They also highlighted challenges that they faced in the course of their duties and entreated him to see the need of combating same.

In response, Dr. Komeh appreciated their work and updated them on the successes and challenges of the Agency in this first quarter of the 2022 financial year. Among other things, he announced that PBSL had secured three vehicles that they would be used for its activities, adding that plans were on the way to assign some vehicles to its Branch Offices in the Regions where there are challenges with vehicles. He stated that most of the challenges that they highlighted were also similar to those at the headquarter but he urged them to continue their good work while the Agency strives to look into some of them.

A range of issues were discussed in the three Regions bordering around pharmacy regulations and the need to increase public access to quality and efficacious medicines.

Ponder My Thoughts: Hardship: Government Should Not Be Ashamed Of Its Bathing Bucket

Ponder My Thoughts.jpg

By Andrew Keili

There is a Mende saying, “Numu bay wufe bu mua vaji ma”. Literally, this means, “One should not be ashamed of his/her bathing bucket”. This is so true. After all, your bathing bucket sees your nakedness all the time, so why should you be shy in its presence? Ah, well we will come back to this!

The past few weeks have been especially difficult for Sierra Leoneans. The shenanigans surrounding the scarcity of fuel and the epileptic nature of the electricity supply in many urban areas have left people exasperated. As we very well know, high fuel prices have a ripple effect on prices of food, other basic commodities and services and the general cost of living.

The Government and its sympathizers have a point when they say a lot of these problems are caused by external factors. What however confounds most discerning people is that the government’s explanation of these occurrences has not been convincing to many and there is a feeling that it is reluctant to be the bearer of bad news.

The recent double whammy increase in the cost of fuel must have been the worst kept secret in the country. The modus operandi for increasing the fuel price has remained the same. First, there are the long lines of vehicles in fuel stations. Next, rumours abound of an impending price increase in a host of media. Then come threats by the Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA) against “unscrupulous and unpatriotic fuel companies and dealers who are creating an artificial scarcity”. The ripple effect in cost of transportation sets in and the government eventually increases the price. This time, the electricity supply decided to act up at the same time. The government’s excuse that this was as a result of maintenance on the generators on the Turkish Karpower ship has not been convincing, with many people suggesting there could be unresolved payment problems by government.

The Government of Sierra Leone has not done a good job of explaining things to a restive public, and what is largely a global problem with escalating prices of fuel and other basic imported commodities has been perceived as wholly problems of its own making. All we seem to get are social media stories by government sympathizers of hardship in other countries to indicate that we are not alone in this misery. This “misery likes company” approach has not been accompanied by any effort to remedy those aspects of the situation that are within our control.

I berated a young friend of mine who sent a posting of a long line of vehicles in a neighbouring country waiting for fuel by telling him, “Bo nor to so for campaign for show bad tin na oda country en ask pipul for pass on the message. Na lek way u cam last na class den u tok say oda wan den day na oda class way fool lek u. Tok bot watin una day do for solve di problem”. So we really need to go through this charade of an artificial scarcity every time there is an impending fuel price hike? Why not plan the price hike procedure better?

Some unscrupulous Sierra Leoneans however contribute to some of these problems. The electricity situation will always be unsustainable as long as we have massive theft of electricity by some citizens and others, who either because of monetary gain or sabotage destroy infrastructure like transformers. People who have destroyed national infrastructure have got away with a slap on the wrist. Some communities and even companies have illegal electricity connections mainly in cahoots with rogue EDSA workers or unemployed electricians.

There are still problems with the way we regulate our fuel supplies despite changes in regulating the sector. Between 1982 and 1992, government struggled with ad hoc crude oil arrangements and we witnessed long fuel queues and power cuts. The country experienced severe balance of payments difficulties resulting from the escalating cost of oil imports and stagnating foreign exchange earnings needed to pay for these imports. The Petroleum Unit (precursor to the PRA) was set us in 1992 to address this problem.

In 1999 the government announced its commitment to a liberalization program for the private sector to take over the responsibility of importation of the main petroleum products, as well as the fixing of pump-prices. The PRA was set us with the laudable objective “to licence and regulate the importation, refining, storage, transportation and distribution of petroleum and petroleum products…….”.  Prices are supposed to be fixed according to an agreed formula which takes into consideration the Platt price for petroleum products, and the exchange rate. Allowances are made for various levies and a distribution cost to arrive at the pump price.

We have however witnessed more recently a situation in which the government seems to be in a constant fight with the main Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs). The PRA’s laudable grandiose plans for setting up alternative supply systems, opening up the sector further to new players, introducing measures to guarantee price stabilization and continuity of supplies (including syndication in the ordering of petroleum products, acquisition of strategic stocks) and sourcing of quality products have been mired in problems relating to lack of financing, poor planning and a host of other self-inflicted problems. It is also disconcerting that although several major OMCs have closed shop over the years, political bazookas seem to be trained at the main OMC, NP-SL Ltd. for not being of the “right political coloration”.

All has not been well in the sector. To its credit, the government has often subsidized the fuel supply to put a lid on any price increase. This has however lately only been possible by the government itself foregoing some fuel taxes, coercing oil companies to keep prices constant, even where price increases are deserved and often owing these companies. The MD of NP-SL Ltd. recently stated that the company lost some Le55 billion in the first three months of this year.

Despite the recent price hike, there are still long vehicle lines at fuel stations and disputes simmering beneath the surface involving the PRA, OMCs and dealers. There are complaints about unfairness in entitlements in pricing arrangements and rumours abound of another price hike. There seem to be uncertainties relating to adequacy and timeliness of further supplies of fuel because of a host of factors ranging from difficulty in accessing foreign exchange, COVID-19 and the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

So, what is the solution? There are obvious corrective measures that can be undertaken by government to ameliorate the suffering of the masses. Implementing plans for mass transportation systems, improving our food security system, encouraging the local private sector, addressing the needs of importers and small businesses and many other solutions could be more seriously explored to address the hardship problems.

One is however particularly concerned about the problems that will not go away as long as there is acute political division in this country. Take the case of electricity sabotage and theft. These can only be sorted out if there is bipartisan cooperation. However, in a polarised atmosphere, opposition parties may not necessarily be enthusiastic about backing the efforts of a sitting government to address such problems.

This brings me to the point raised about the need for national unity. At the start of the year, these issues were well raised in an article by the UNDP Resident Coordinator, Dr. Babatunde  Ahonsi, “2022 – A Year to Put Sierra Leone First”, that should be required reading for our politicians. The article acknowledges that the COVID 19 pandemic has caused devastating effects for many developing countries like Sierra Leone, knocking them off the sustainable development track. He gives the sombre warning that “The long-standing weaknesses in the fundamentals of the national economy are likely to be exacerbated in 2022… The full impact of persisting Covid-related disruptions to key global supply chains, rising interest rates and liquidity crisis in major economies across the world would most likely be felt in Sierra Leone in terms of a huge fiscal squeeze, and high levels of food insecurity, youth unemployment and multidimensional poverty.”

He however proffers a solution- “Revenue and economic growth forecasts in the 2022 budget and expectations of a more positive macroeconomic outlook in the medium term would probably now have to be adjusted downwards. In this scenario, the government may have no choice but to institute severe austerity measures and to do a lot more to eliminate inefficiencies and gaps in the allocation and management of public finances…”

He advises- “Therefore, a recommitment to genuine dialogue between the leaders of the ruling party and the main opposition parties to address unresolved political grievances in a mutually satisfactory way before the end of 2022 is an absolute necessity… The country needs more than ever before to return to the path of inclusive politics that builds bridges across ethnic, regional, gender, generational, and disability status divides”.

This is sage advice that needs to be pondered very seriously by government. Pretending as if all is well and relying on untutored minds to blame everything under the sun on the global situation alone will not help the situation. Stating the true facts and making all efforts to address issues that are under its control will go a long way to address the situation. The public may not like bad news but leveling with them and be seen to put Salone first will help. It is disappointing that we have hardly heard from the official organs of government during this crisis. Also, unsubstantiated, inflammatory allegations against OMCs of being “opposition saboteurs” to explain the fuel shortage situation does little to help the situation and cuts the legs off a hapless PRA.

The Mende man is right after all-Government should not be ashamed of us its bathing buckets. We can always see its nakedness!

Ponder my thoughts.

Indian Temple Renders Assistance to Carlton Carew Community Fire Victims

Indian Temple.jpg

By Amin Kef Sesay

Nineteen residents of the Carlton Carew Community, closer to the Indian Temple on Wilkinson Road in the West End of Freetown, whose houses were gutted down by a recent fire disaster, received a financial package from the Indian Community through the Indian Temple to help them cope with the stress they are going through in order to rebuild their lives.

The donation was done within the precincts of the Indian Temple and present were Harish Agnani, a Member of Management Committee of Indian Temple, the Priest of the Temple, Pandit Ji Mahendra Dubey, the Councillor of  Ward 441 Constituency 130,Mariatu Kamara where the unfortunate incident occurred, the victims and members of the Fourth Estate.

Harish Agnani stated that about two weeks ago he received a distress call from the Councillor, Mariatu Kamara, complaining that a fire disaster engulfed 19 structures within the country leaving the victims in a very sad state.

He continued that as neighbours to the Indian Temple he became interested and showed concern. Harish expressed sympathy on behalf of the Indian Community through the Indian Temple to the victims maintaining that it is good that lives were not lost.

“I sympathize with all of you and pray that God will make provisions abundantly for you to restart your lives and bless you,”  he consoled the victims.

He said upon receiving the sad news he relayed the information to members of the Indian Community and some decided to help in their own little ways raising the amount of nineteen million Leones which they will hand over individually to the victims. He said though the amount is small, however, it is better than nothing.

On her part the Councillor, Mariatu Kamara disclosed that when the incident occurred she was thinking of where to get assistance for the victims. She said her thought went to Mr. Agnani, whom she said she has great respect for because of his humility and readiness to always assist whenever he can.

“I explained the plight of my people to him and he assured of doing something,” she intimated adding that a financial package of Le19,000.000 has been raised just to assist with the restarting of their lives. She thanked Harish for facilitating the assistance and profusely expressed gratitude for what she described as a timely gesture and prayed for more assistance to come.

One of the victims, Amara Sesay on behalf of the recipients moved the vote of thanks. He expressed gratitude and hope that more of such will transpire maintaining that they will always ensure that the interests of Indians not only within the community but even beyond are protected.

The distribution of the package to individual victims was done by the Priest at the Indian Temple, Pandit Ji Mahendra Dubey, who also blessed them forming the highpoint of the occasion.

Housemates Salone Public Voting in Steady Progress to Get the Best 22

Housemates Salone Season 3

By Amin Kef Sesay

Currently, members of the public are voting via Africell to choose their favourite aspirants who are keen on becoming Housemates in the upcoming Reality TV Show, Housemates Salone Season 3 with the slogan “Di Game Get Yagba, If You Nor Able Na for Pull Hand.”

For voting In Sierra Leone: Dial *161*10# plus the NUMBER of your favourite contestant from your Africell line.  For International Voting: Call +232 99 005500.

It must be noted that the names of the aspirants and their respective numbers could be seen on the footage of AYV Television.

Out of sixty names of those who were shortlisted on Sunday, 27th March 2022, the organizers of the competition, AYV Media Empire and Africell-SL are looking out for the best Twenty-Two aspirants. It is now apparent that the ‘Yagba’ is now partly left with the viewing public to decide through voting.

In the same light, the aspirants have the onus of marketing themselves through persuasion and lobbying to become very endearing in order for voters to see reason to vote for them, thereby giving them the task to ‘Yagba’ in trying to do so.

In actual terms, the impressions members of the public have formed from the two replays of the audition on AYV TV Platforms as well as on DStv Channel 399 and the persuasive prowess of the aspirants will be what voters will take into consideration before casting their votes.

Some may be wondering why all this hype bordering on a Reality TV Show; why should there be a battle for supremacy in a mere TV Show?  If you were not aware then it is now time for you to know.

What in actual fact is up for grabs by the contestants is the winning prize of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Leones (Le250M) plus a round trip to Dubai.

Besides, every day spent in the House qualifies each Housemate to earn One Hundred Thousand Leones (Le100, 000).

The Reality TV Show is slated in such a way that the competitors, Housemates, are availed opportunities to display their innate talents in many areas in ways of trying to outwit each other in order to get more likes. How the Housemates go about displaying their talents will largely determine the way they influence viewers to cast their votes for them.

When the voting period commences, as the Reality TV Show is in progress, viewers will do so through the information that will be provided by Africell-SL as it is through that avenue that voting, for the various Housemates, will be exclusively done.

As   “Di Game Get Yagba”, participants must be prepared to excellently perform tasks assigned to them in impressive ways in order to gain attention and continue to reside in the House when the eviction stage commences.

One unique aspect of this Season 3 of Housemates Salone is that the Show will be live on DSTV as part of AYV Media Empire’s commitment to not only showcase but as well provide a bigger platform for Sierra Leone entertainers across the globe.

The show is set to be shown live on DSTV Channel 399 and it will be the first Sierra Leone Reality TV Show that will be shown to millions across the world through AYV’s new partnership with DSTV which means a bigger platform for entertainers to attract bigger opportunities.

Housemates Salone will feature 22 young guys and girls living together in an isolated house with no connection to the outside world and viewed live on broadcast TV and Radio, online Streaming (Social Media, YouTube) and AfriTV (IPTV) for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Against the aforementioned, there are indicators that Housemates Salone Season 3 is going to be big, interesting and highly competitive which is why it is important for those that have shown interest to be really prepared for the challenges ahead.

If among the shortlisted applicants the capability is not there and the psychological fortitude is lacking it is advisable that since “Di Game Get Yagba, If You Nor Able Na for Pull Hand”.

Book an Appointment as…   Choithram Hospital will Offer Free Urology & Orthopedic Screening &Treatment

Choithram Memorial Hospital.jpg

By Amin Kef Sesay

Members of the public should know that as part of the vision of the initiator of the idea, Pa Choithram, of establishing a modern hospital that will provide qualitative medical treatment for people from all walks of life, the ultra-modern Choithram Memorial Hospital was founded. Since its establishment, Management of the hospital has facilitated, from time to time, the bringing of specialized medical personnel from Germany and India to render professional medical services to many from different backgrounds on a free of cost basis.

Against the aforementioned backdrop, the Choithram Memorial Hospital will be organizing a free 2 day expert consultation commencing on the 11th April, 2022 to the 13th April 2022 at the hospital premises on Hill Station in Freetown.

This medium was reliably informed that renowned doctors and specialists in the persons of Dr. Ruchir Maheshwari, Principal Consultant, Urology and Dr. Munish Chaudhary, Senior Consultant, Orthopedics and Joint Replacement from Max Healthcare in India will be on the ground to screen and treat individuals from all walks of life for free. They will be treating individuals suffering from Urology and Orthopedics.

It must be noted that Urology is a part of health care that deals with diseases of the male and female urinary tract and includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. It also deals with the male organs that are able to make babies and include the penis, testes, scrotum, prostrate etc.

Orthopedics, on the other hand, is the branch of medicine dealing with the correction of deformities of bones or muscles.

However, it was made clear that for major cases diagnosed, during that period, treatment for such cases will be paid for on a discount basis and if surgery could not be done here then the patients will be referred to India. In the case of minor tests it was stated that such will be done free and for major ones like CT scanning, payment is required.

Max Healthcare is one of the leading healthcare networks in North India and will now be closer even during these challenging times of pandemics.

According to the Medical Superintendent of Choithram Memorial Hospital, Dr Gowrinath M. George, they are aware that it is not everyone in the country that is financially capable to travel to India for specialized treatment which is why they decided to bring experts in the country to offer their professional knowledge and services on a pro bono basis.

Interested persons must note that prior registration is mandatory and they must book an appointment at Choithram Memorial Hospital on the 10th April, 2022 as only limited spaces will be available. To book individuals must call +232-76-541-331.

After Fruitful Meeting…   Petroleum Dealers & Transporters Union Agree to Call Off Strike Action

Petroleum Regulatory Agency.jpg

By Amin Kef Sesay

 In a meeting that was held in the Trade Ministry’s Conference Room, on the 28th March, 2022, among officials representing  the Ministries of Trade and Industry, Finance, the Petroleum Regulatory Agency and the leadership of the Sierra Leone Petroleum Dealers and Transporters Union (SLPDTU), which was part of the latter’s request in order to resume sale of petrol and diesel in the country, the outcome was largely successful as members of SLPDTU agreed to fully operate their various Fuel Stations to serve the people.

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Hinga Sandy, assured the dealers that there are enough products in the country and that they should open their gas stations without any fear.

He reiterated Government’s commitment to support oil marketing companies, dealers and transporters in whatever way to continue their trade unhindered.

“As a Government we are ready to listen and do what is best for the consumers. We will now take control of the relationship between the dealers and OMCs to ensure everyone benefits equally and stop the pressure on consumers,” the Minister said

President of the Sierra Leone Petroleum Dealers and Transporters Union, Alhaji B.S Makasuba, called on dealers to resume their normal business across the country. “We have met with the Government and negotiated on a good note. The outcome was successful and we are calling on our dealers to sell their products as we don’t want to make it a political commodity. When you have it, you only have the right to your money as you are obliged to sell to the public. There has been no price change and no one should be above the law,” he appealed.

The Deputy Minister of Finance 1, Sheku Fantamadi Bangura, noted the concerns of dealers and said that some adjustments have been made that show the concerns of the Government. He noted that the Government has heeded to some of their demands and they will be frequently engaged to make the sector a better one.

Executive Chairman of the Petroleum Regulatory Agency, Brima Baluwa Koroma started by reiterating that fuel price remains Le15, 000 throughout Sierra Leone and therefore called on dealers and Oil Marketing Companies to serve the people.

The parties discussed the ongoing crisis in the distribution and sale of petroleum products and agreed on the following: that there is adequate stock of petroleum products in the country, that there is no imminent increase in the prices of petroleum products and no need for panic buying by the Public, that Government has noted concerns raised by the TDU and is committed to addressing them as soon as possible, all Dealers are urged to resume the sale of petroleum products with immediate effect and that the Public is assured of Government’s commitment to ensure the sustained availability of petroleum products in the domestic market, in spite of current global challenges affecting the Petroleum Industry.

In a Press Release issued by the Sierra Leone Petroleum Dealers & Transporters Union (SLPDTU) they stated that Government has committed in the interim to do the following: Increase Dealers’ Margin and Transporter’s’ Tariff by Le25.00 each, applicable retrospective to the recent fuel pump price increase, that the rumoured price increase to Le 18,000 is untrue and that Government has no plans to increase fuel price in the immediate future, to ensure a representative of the Union is present when discussing future fuel pump price revisions, to engage other key stakeholders considered relevant in  resolving their concerns and to convince the OMCs to ensure operations at their depots are extended to weekends and late-nights if the need arises.

The Union also stated that in light of the above actions and the commitments by Government to address the issues raised at the meeting, it is asking its membership to immediately resume their normal buying, transportation of petroleum products and the countrywide reselling of such at filling stations, whilst negotiations between the Union and Government are being progressed with.

Privatized in 1996 & Owned by Sierra Leoneans…   NP-SL Assures the Public of Availability of Petrol & Diesel

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

By Amin Kef Sesay

 In a Press Release issued by the National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) dated 29th March, 2022 it was categorically stated that the petroleum importing and marketing business entity cooperates and partners with Government in the supply of petroleum products and does not meddle in politics.

It continued that following recent social media communications in circulation relating to fuel shortage in the country, the Board of Directors of NP (SL) Limited (“NP”) and the Management of the company have considered it necessary to issue out a statement for the attention of the public and to set the records straight.

“Management would like the public to know that NP (SL) Limited is a wholly owned Sierra Leonean company that was privatized in 1996 pursuant to the recommendations of the World Bank,” it was added further maintaining that the company would also like the public to know that the current fuel situation in the country is due to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, an event, it stated, being one of the impacts on the global supply chain of petroleum products because Russia supplies 56% of diesel that is consumed in Africa.

It was underscored that the shortage of fuel, including diesel, is therefore not created by any Oil Marketing Company in the country and went forward to indicate that it is also important for the public to know that Government is one of the biggest customers of NP and any experienced business entity can only endeavour to deliver good customer experience to its customers.

Also mentioned was that NP has indeed been cooperating and working in collaboration with Government especially as a partner with Government in the supply of petroleum products for the country.

The Board of Directors and Management revealed that as a matter of fact, petrol has been available in all NP stations throughout the country and NP has been selling products to members of the public during these challenging times.

They continued that it is true that there was a low stock of diesel, but pointed out that the company has managed that stock responsibly to ensure that the country does not run out of diesel completely adding how the company has also made fuel available to essential services including the key security services as well as the public during these challenging times.

Also included is that NP (SL) Limited would like to assure everyone, including its numerous customers, that it has just received a consignment of diesel that will soon be made available for the public to access.

The company expressed hope that unjustified sentiments expressed in social media communications will not expose the company to any risks maintaining how the company however has the firm conviction and assurance that Government will ensure that critical assets of the company and indeed of all Oil marketing companies are always protected.

Against that backdrop, the Board of Directors and Management reiterated that NP (SL) Limited has nothing to do with politics as the Shareholders and Management of the company are only keen on seeing their business grow from strength to strength and not to meddle in politics.

In a related development, the National Petroleum- Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd), on the 27th March 2022 discharged over 6,000 metric tons of diesel at the company’s Petrol Jetty, where the vessel berthed by 1:00 PM, at the Kissy Terminal in the East End of Freetown.

Distribution of the diesel to the company’s numerous customers commenced by mid-day on Monday 28th March, 2022.

 

1...773774775...1,376Page 774 of 1,376