NP-SL Commissions New Filling Station at Hamilton

April 12, 2021

By Amin Kef Sesay

As part of their objective to make their products and services accessible to all across the country, the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited has on Saturday 10^th April, 2021 commissioned a newly constructed Filling Station at Hamilton Junction along the Peninsular Road in Western Rural District.

This new Filling Station named as Divine Petroleum Limited is situated at Echo Centre, Hamilton Junction on the Peninsular Road.

In his statement, the Managing Director of the Divine Petroleum Limited, Prophet David Sannoh, expressed sincere appreciation to the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited for partnering with him and also for their support in ensuring that the establishment of the Filling Station becomes a success story adding that the commissioning is a fulfillment of his dream, which is to give back to society.

He added that he has gone through a lot of challenges ranging from securing the land to the construction of the Filling Station but said he is very grateful that they are finally commissioning it.

Prophet David Sannoh also extended gratitude to the community stakeholders for the support they gave him since the start of the project and to its completion stating that he is gratified that they stood by him through those trying times.

The Managing Director revealed that the Filling Station has already created job opportunities resonating with his dream to empower other people, noting that the facility will also address some of the challenges people face to secure fuel in that part of the country. He furthered that there had been constraints in securing fuel especially within the peninsular as there are only few Filling Stations within that axis and with the commissioning of this Filling Station those challenges will be reduced.

Prophet David Sannoh said that the construction of the Station in Hamilton is a huge development he has brought to the community also assuring all that such a development will not be the last as he intends to bring more development to the Hamilton community and beyond. In that regard he called on residents to take ownership of the Filling Station.

In his statement, the Sales Manager of NP-SL Ltd, Vandi Bockarie, expressed appreciation to David Sannoh for believing in NP-SL Ltd, adding that as a company they will ensure that they remain firm in optimizing customer care of which he assured him of the company’s continuous support.

He said it is very clear that NP-SL has stood tall over the years and the company will continue to grow to a higher peak, revealing that currently NP-SL Ltd is not only operating in Sierra Leone but also operates in neighbouring Guinea and Liberia.

Outlining the importance of the Filling Station to the community and the country as a whole ,the Sales Manager of NP-SL Ltd underscored that for every single liter of fuel sold there is a reduction of tax that will go to the Government in order to undertake developmental initiatives for the betterment of the nation.

He said the commissioning of the new Filling Station at Hamilton is a clear manifestation that NP-SL is committed to empowering Sierra Leoneans in every part of the country and that with the facility in the community it will address the issues relating to accessing fuel within the Hamilton Community and its environs.

Vandi Bockarie revealed that NP-SL Ltd, as a company, has the expertise, quality products, proper infrastructure and a safety environment and that is why the most successful people in the petroleum industry are those who are doing business with NP-SL. He then used the opportunity to encourage those doing business with the company to continue in that drive, adding that NP-SL Ltd remains firm in optimizing customer care.

On his part, Head of Compliance & Standards at the Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA), Jayah K. Muana, disclosed that their mandate at PRA is to regulate the petroleum industry in the country and also make petroleum products available to end users across the country.

He commended NP-SL Ltd for their expansionist drive they have been doing over the years in order to ensure that they complement the efforts of PRA in making their products and services accessible to all across the country.

Jayah K. Muana said the new Filling Station will not only make fuel available for them at all times but will also provide jobs for some residents as well of which he called on residents to take ownership of it.

Chairman of Echo Center within the Hamilton Community, Umaru S. Turay, expressed appreciation to Prophet David Sannoh and NP-SL for the commissioning of the Filling Station in their community.

On behalf the Hamilton Community he assured both NP-SL and Prophet David Sannoh that they are ready to take ownership of the Filling Station which, he said, he believes has given their community a new facelift.

The event was climaxed by the dedication and commissioning of the Filling Station which was done by Apostle Elect, Amos L. Lelleh, followed by the cutting of the tape by the Sales Manager of NP-SL Ltd, Vandi Bockarie.

More Medical Supplies from Germany, EU & UNDP to Combat COVID-19

April 12, 2021

(L-R) German Ambassador Host Gruner, EU Deputy Ambassador Ms Jamila El Assaidi, Deputy Health Minister, Dr Sandy and GIZ-RPPP Technical Adviser, Amadou Traore at Lungi Airport

By Amin Kef Sesay

On the 6th April 2021 a flight loaded with consignments of COVID-19 health supplies provided with support from Germany, the European Union and UNDP within the framework of the RPPP Programme (Regional Programme Support to Pandemic Prevention in the ECOWAS Region) arrived at the Lungi International Airport.

The consignment, which arrived through a flight from Nigeria, is the continuation of the TeamEurope solidarity with the Government and people of Sierra Leone to contain the fight against COVID-19

The Deputy EU Ambassador, Madam Jamila El Assaidi, German Ambassador Horst Gruner, Deputy Health Minister, Dr. Anthony Sandy, WAHO focal point, Mohamed Kutubu and WHO representative, Charles Terry received the on the airport tarmac.

Since its launch in 2016, the RPPP programme – which is implemented by GIZ – has contributed to the fight against COVID-19 and national preparedness against Ebola in West Africa.

The consignment comprised of aprons, gloves, boots, masks, test kits, consumables and other medical equipment such as oxygen concentrators, forming the second batch flown in by ECOWAS through the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) as part of the organisation’s mandate to support ECOWAS Member States in their national health response. In total, medical supplies worth over $18 million are being distributed to 15 West Africa countries.

Deputy Minister Sandy commended the donors, especially the International Community, for their concerted efforts to combat the disease. He noted that the equipment are highly needed highlighting the importance of team-work and unity to overcome the pandemic.

Ambassador Gruner stated that the recent Ebola outbreak in Guinea once more had shown that infectious diseases are one of the greatest challenges of our time and that it was important to further strengthen prevention and control systems in the region.

EU Deputy Head of Delegation, Jamila El Assaidi, recalled that since the onset of the pandemic, Team Europe has mobilised over €38.5 billion towards a global COVID-19 response, stressing that cooperating across borders is essential to beat the virus and contain its consequences.

“The European Union and Germany, as part of “Team Europe”, also contributed additional funds for the purchase of protective and intensive care equipment for facilities and health workers of ECOWAS Member States. COVID-19 has indeed caused unprecedented pressure on healthcare workers and healthcare systems throughout the region,” she said.

Madam El Assaidi noted that through the COVAX facility, Team Europe has been playing a key role in helping low and middle income countries to vaccinate their population, adding that so far, Team Europe has provided over €2 billion to the COVAX vaccination initiative which has aided the shipment of over 33 million doses to 74 participating countries.

Mayor of Freetown Aki-Sawyerr Signs MOU with Gambia’s Kanifing Mayor

April 12, 2021

The Mayor of the Freetown City Council, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr and Lord Mayor of Kanifing Municipality, Ahmed Talib Bensouda signing the MOU

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a bid for the Freetown and Kanifing municipalities to explore avenues to formalize and strengthen ties with each other, the Mayor of the Freetown City Council, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr has on Friday 9th April 2021 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Lord Mayor of Kanifing Municipality, Ahmed Talib Bensouda. The signing ceremony took place at the Freetown City Hall in Freetown after four days of in-depth discussions of various issues of common interest to the two cities.

It could be recalled that the Mayor of the Freetown City Council, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr on the 5th April 2021 welcomed the Lord Mayor of Kanifing Municipality, Ahmed Talib Bensouda and his delegation to Freetown on a week-long visit which provided opportunities for the team from Kanifing Municipality to see #TransformFreetown at work and experience Freetown as well as share their achievements and challenges.

In her address, Mayor of the Freetown City Council, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr said that the connection between the two countries and now, the two cities can do everything they have seen and talked about which will be done together, adding that there are real opportunities for exchange between the two cities.

She noted that at the Freetown City Council, the Transform Freetown priorities are grouped within four clusters – Resilience, Human Development, Healthy Cities and Urban Mobility which she said have over the years taken a global proportion.

In identifying the six areas of collaboration with the city of Kanifing, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr revealed that these include affordable housing, climate change, market infrastructure, public transportation, revenue mobilization and waste management, adding that they are going to be mutually shared between the two countries.

She said that they are so excited to share the work they have done and to look across Kanifing in order to see the kind of work they have been doing so as to adopt approaches which are good.

The Mayor of Freetown also pointed out that the collaboration is in two ways; the learning of experiences being shared between the two cities. “When you see your city in the eyes of another city leader you actually learn more,” she averred.

She maintained when driving around with the Mayor of Kanifing Municipality, Ahmed Talib Bensouda paying a visit to the Susan’s Bay Community, the Kingtom Waste Management Dump etc she saw her city through the eyes of another leader.

“It has been a pleasure to have you here and we look forward to seeing this relationship flourish in the not too distant future on the concrete actions that we take in the areas of our collaboration,” she concluded.

Delivering his statement, the Mayor of Kanifing Municipality, Ahmed Talib Bensouda expressed appreciation to the Mayor of the Freetown City Council, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr and team for the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

He noted that the city of Kanifing Municipality is the largest municipality in The Gambia which happens to be the heartbeat of that nation.

Ahmed Talib Bensouda said it has been a fantastic week-long visit to Freetown saying during his visit they visited various places which has provided insights for the team from Kanifing Municipality to see #TransformFreetown at work in addition to other experiences gained of which he used the opportunity to commend the Mayor of the Freetown City Council, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr and the entire team at the Freetown City Council for their laudable venture in transforming Freetown.

He said his visit has provided the opportunity to have in-depth discussions on various matters of common interests to the cities, furthering that the signing of the MOU between two cities will definitely contribute towards the development of the two nations.

Chinese Embassy Gives Support to Govt. to Assist Susan’s Bay Fire Victims

April 12, 2021

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In order to give succor to the destitute Susan’s Bay Fire victims, the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone has on Friday 9^th April, 2021 handed over a huge consignment of food items worth millions of Leones to the Minister of Social Welfare, Baindu Dassama, meant for supporting the Susan’s Bay Fire victims. The handing over ceremony took place at the Chinese Ambassador’s Residence on Spur Road in West End of Freetown.

The items that were donated include: Five Hundred (500) Bags of Rice (25kg/bag, 12.5 tons in total), Five Hundred (500) Cartoons of Cooking Oil (5L/cartoon, 2500 liters in total), Two Hundred (200) Bags of Flour (25kg/bag, 5 tons in total), Five Hundred (500) Bags of Sugar (5kg/bag, 2.5 tons in total), One Thousand One Hundred (1,100) Bags of Salt (0.9kg/bag, 990kg in total), One Hundred (100) Blankets.

Handing over the items, the Chinese Ambassador of China to Sierra Leone, H.E Hu Zhangliang, expressed heartfelt sympathy to the victims of the Susan’s Bay Fire disaster adding that it is his wish that they will overcome the disaster as soon as possible.

He said that the handing over of the consignment of food items donated by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Sierra Leone to the Ministry of Social Welfare of the Republic of Sierra Leone is to support the latter’s work in helping the victims of Susan’s Bay fire disaster, adding that this move by the Embassy is to supplement the good efforts of the Government of Sierra Leone and other institutions in supporting these victims.

He noted that he is with the strong conviction that the Ministry of Social Welfare will undertake the moral responsibility of handling and facilitate the distribution of the donated items in order for them to reach the targeted beneficiaries within the quickest possible time.

Receiving the items, the Minister of Social Welfare, Baindu Dassama, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone for donating such a huge consignment of food items in order to support the Susan’s Bay Fire victims describing such as a move in the right direction and a show of fraternal consideration.

She described the Susan’s Bay fire disaster as a very serious situation stating how in the aftermath of the fire disaster various organizations and individuals have come and made donations, as a way of sympathizing with them, the affected persons, including His Excellency President Maada Bio furthering that the huge donation made by the Embassy came at a very good time maintaining how they will surely contribute towards cushioning the negative effects of the fire disaster on the victims.

The Minister said that, on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone and the Ministry of Social Welfare they are very grateful for the kind gesture. She further assured the Embassy that all the donated items will benefit the victims.

Pikin Bizness Supports Susan’s Bay Fire Victims with Mattresses

April 12, 2021

By Foday Moriba Conteh

To give support towards mitigating the debilitating effects of the Susan’s Bay inferno on the victims, one of the well-established Non-Governmental Organizations that have done much towards the socio-economic development of the country, Pikin Bizness, in collaboration with the Adonis Abboud Trust Fund has on Thursday 8^th April, 2021 donated standard 60 mattresses to the Susan’s Bay Fire victims. The event was held within the compound of the Tima Fishing Company at Susan’s Bay in the East End of Freetown.

Before handing over the standard mattresses Chairman of Pikin Bizness and Adonis Abboud Trust Fund, Dr. Adonis Abboud, stressed on the importance of treating this tragedy by focusing on and planning a long-term solution, adding that as an organization they thought it fit to donate the 60 mattresses to the Susan’s Bay Fire victims with the belief that such will help alleviate their sufferings.

He underscored that after they have looked at all what had been offered what they saw remaining to be offered as a temporary relief to the victims were mattresses and so they decided to come up with such a donation.

Dr. Adonis Abboud pointed out that a serious study must consider a lasting solution which should start by relocating all the affected persons, furthering that walking down the long stairs from Sani Abacha Street to the Susan’s Bay Community and from there through the winding narrow alleys, exposes the misery and sufferings children and adults go through in a most unhygienic surrounding of which he said that their visit was indeed an eye opener to what those people in the middle of our capital city are going through.

Receiving the items, Councilor Madianatu Kamara of Ward 427, expressed heartfelt appreciation to Pikin Bizness and the Adonis Abboud Trust Fund for thinking of extending a kind gesture to the affected persons.

She continued that in the aftermath of the fire disaster various organizations and individuals have come and made donations, as a way of sympathizing with them, the affected persons, further disclosing that as of now it is Pikin Bizness and Adonis Abboud Trust Fund being the second organization that has come to donate mattresses to the victims.

She assured all that the donated mattresses will be distributed accordingly.

On his part, the Logistic Officer of National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), Major Prince Sesay, expressed appreciation to the Pikin Bizness and Adonis Abboud Trust Fund for the kind gesture which he described as not only important but very timely.

He assured all that the donated mattresses will reach the victims and called on other institutions to follow the footprints of Pikin Bizness and the Adonis Abboud Trust Fund in helping the fire victims.

2,379 Matriculate At Milton Margai College of Education and Technology

April 10, 2021

The 2020/2021 academic year matriculation ceremony of students of the Milton Margai College of Education and Technology (MMCET) polytechnic took place at the Peace and Love Amphitheatre, Goderich campus on Saturday 10^th April 2021.

The principal of the MMCET, Dr. Philip John Kanu observed that the day is great for the marticulants, that the college is at a crossroad as it is being transformed from a polytechnic to a Technical University, that the students gained admission after President Dr. Julius Maada Bio proclaimed the institution a Technical University adding that the President has also improved the college within a very short period.

According to the principal, out of 4,500 applicants only 2,379 were lucky to be admitted into the college and revealed that the Technical University Bill is now in parliament for ratification underscoring that life is full of many uncertainties but that if one does not take the risk he/she would not know the uncertainties.

Dr. Kanu said the college has a special place in Sierra Leone and entreated the marticulants to be studious as the college is a place of intellectual challenges for them to become free through knowledge and truth affirming that the college is renowned for quality assurance, quality teaching, research and services and encouraged them to be part of the history making.

He also pleaded with the female marticulants to explore knowledge, attend lectures regularly and do their assignments warning that the college has zero tolerance on cultism, indiscipline, examination malpractices and other vices and disclosed that the college would improve on its extra-curriculum activities as well as make good use of its resources through a transparent and accountable process but encouraged students to promptly pay their fees otherwise they will not be allowed to take their examinations, keep the campus clean, report those who misbehave and protect the college’s property that is theirs.

Dr. Kanu further assured that the college would provide the conducive environment for effective learning and maximum security on campus, enlightened that the college can now compete with others internationally, that training of the middle-level manpower like auto-mechanics would soon commence as well as drivers, commercial motorbike and tricycle riders.

Earlier, welcoming all at the ceremony, the Vice Principal of the MMCET, Dr. Mohamed Alie Jalloh reminded marticulants that the ceremony is to officially welcome them as bonifide students of the college, that the event is significant, that they are lucky to be accepted as the admission process was very competitive, long, arduous and thorough and revealed that they are the best among the rest.

He also urged them to make good use of the opportunity and to count themselves lucky disclosing that the college has witnessed tremendous transformation over the past three years and encouraged them to join the bandwagon of progress adding that they must ensure that they attend lectures regularly, do their assignments cautioning that the college has zero tolerance on cultism, corruption and examination malpractices.

The Vice Principal also appealed to the matriculants to respect their colleagues, lecturers and college authorities, congratulated them for the achievement, that the ceremony is a serious business and that they are a source of pride to their parents, friends and community and also to become proud alumnus of the noble institution.

The Dean of the Bookfields Campus, Mrs. Alima Jumu reminded the matriculants that oath taking is a serious obligation and urged them to uphold their obligations.

The formal pronouncement was made by the college’s registrar, Mr. Sherifu Bangura.

In her statement of felicitation, the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Mrs. Elizabeth Taylor-Morgan congratulated the matriculants as they officially enter the college, recalled that the admission process was stressful and reminded them to deeply reflect on the process and to remain focused on their studies.

She also articulated that they did not make a mistake to choose the college and wished them great success assuring that the college has received them with open hands.

Earlier, the matriculants, Deans of Faculties, Heads of Departments and senior administrative staff processed from the Students Union Canteen to the Peace and Love Amphitheatre.

Highlights of the ceremony were performances by four local artists, Oath Taking and Sample Signing of the College’s Register led by Mr. Bockarie Sillah while the vote of thanks was rendered by a first year student, Veronica Pewa.

In a Town Hall Meeting… Bio Expresses Hope in His Policies to Deliver Amidst Perennial Governance Challenges

April 10, 2021

President Dr Julius Maada Bio has addressed the first ever presidential town hall meeting at Bintumani Hotel in Freetown on Friday 9 April 2021, where journalist Umaru Fofana moderated questions on what his New Direction government has done in the last three years in power.

In an opening statement of the event organised by Sierra Eye Magazine, Mr Fofana said the president came with his vision to address some of the perennial problems that had beset the nation before and since independence on 27 April 1961.

“They include the setbacks in ensuring law and order, governance deficit, increased poverty occasioned by a sliding economy and official theft, the steady erosion of the country’s human capital development, protecting the homogeneity within the diversity of our cohesiveness as a nation, and accountability – especially in the fight against corruption,” he declared.

“But how much has President Bio done in the last 36 months to mitigate these harsh realities?” asked the BBC ace reporter, who also runs an independent newspaper in Freetown.

“As you rightly stated, you cannot run any country or any organisation with a battered economy. So, we knew we were going to meet with a very difficult situation, and we were equally prepared. We had planned for victory, so when we got the victory I selected Jacob Jusu Saffa [the Finance Minister] to lead my team of economists for economic recovery.

“Have they done a commendable job? Yes, I would say. And that’s why they are still there, if not they will not be there. We have a lot of resources, but we have not managed them properly. And, therefore, we have been dependent on the support of donor partners to a very large extent,” he said.

He recalled that donors had left the country before 2018 because the former leadership was never listening to them and there was poor economic management. He added that his government, therefore, had to work very hard to win back the confidence of development partners like the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

The moderator also raised the concern of government expenditure and asked what was responsible for that increasing every year since 2018, President responded that it was the wage bill.

“If we are not doing exactly what we are supposed to do as a nation, we will never move forward. Development will never be realised in this country. In fact, as I speak to you, we still need more nurses and more teachers. We have taken in about 5,000 teachers and 4,000 nurses and that is still woefully inadequate.

“How do you want to be taken care of if you went to the hospital today and effective and efficient nurses are not there? A lot of them have been trained and they were not on the payroll. They were volunteering for the most part. And when you do that, you don’t expect a lot from them. We are talking about education and how do you want that to be provided without the teachers?” he said.

On the issue of national cohesion, the President was forthright when he said: “Truly speaking, we have been a divided nation, mostly along political lines. We need to make more efforts. I can, as a leader, make my own effort to try to unite this nation, but I am just an individual. The government is doing what it can to actually keep us together.

“If we are serious about development, we cannot undertake that very difficult process if we are divided as a nation. Which means it is imperative for us to be together. When we came in, we drew up a Medium-Term National Plan. Of course, we sought the input of other stakeholders, right across the opposition.

“For me I say human capital development, I say education for development. We need to continue that path for a long time for us to realise something. So, we need unity. We need to get the buy-in of the APC, C4C and others for this to work. That is where the unity is. Former President Koroma is a senior statesman, and I treat him like that. He is a senior Sierra Leonean and should be treated with respect,” President Bio said.

CARITAS & German Embassy Collaborate to Expand feeding for Fire Victims

April 9, 2021

By Edward Vamboi

In the wake of the Susan’s Bay fire disaster that left about Seven Thousand and Ninety Three (7,093) people homeless and vulnerable, Caritas, as an organization, in its response started serving the affected victims lunch on a daily basis.

On the 8th April 2021 the Deputy Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, Patrick Dzierzon and his wife together with the wife of the Ambassador, Horst Gruner, visited the Susan’s Bay community to commence the serving of breakfast in the ongoing feeding exercise that is been done by Caritas to the vulnerable victims as a way of showing their solidarity, cooperation and compassionate support.

According to Patrick Dzierzon, Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy, they received a request from Caritas to come to the aid of the victims stating that the first major priority was to feed the affected victims before other help would come in order to enable the victims to continue to survive.

He told journalists that the Embassy has been working with Caritas for quite a considerable period of time now further acknowledging that the latter has been a reliable partner.

The Deputy Head of Mission said they are catering for all categories of people no matter the age or gender also underscoring how they don’t have sufficient funds to cater for all of them saying at least they are catering for half of the people that were affected by the disaster with the help of Caritas.

He disclosed that the feeding program will be lasting for the next fifteen days and they will see for the meantime other supports that are coming from other donors and see if there will be a possibility to give the victims basic things like cooking pots, constructing fire places so that the people can use to start preparing their own food.

Patrick Dzierzon said such will be sustainable as the victims will cook their own food and not be fed by other people stating that it is their aim to enable them to empower themselves.

Ishmael Alfred Charles ,Programs Manager of Caritas told journalists that an estimated 45% of victims are still sleeping outside on the floor while an estimated 25% are in the tents constructed with the support of Red Cross and IOM.

He disclosed that the others are mostly squeezing in the areas that were not affected, the rest are living and staying with their families out of the community.

Ishmael said since the disaster occurred, Caritas as part of a consortium called Partnering to Serve Humanity has been providing hot meal for over Three Thousand Five Hundred (3,500) individuals and that number keeps increasing daily.

He disclosed that the request made to the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany was meant to augment the feeding that Caritas had been offering adding that the hot meal feeding program only caters for one meal a day leaving the gap of not having breakfast and dinner.

According to him, the hot meal is served mostly around 3:30 to 4 PM and the victims manage to get dinner, but it is harder to manage for breakfast.

He reiterated that it was against such a backdrop that Caritas Freetown approached the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Freetown to help them provide breakfast support for the over Three Thousand people to access hot tea in the morning for 15 days, before they reach the recovery stage in the response when an exit strategy will be determined.

Ishmael Charles concluded that the Embassy’s swift response materialized after contacting the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs and they got speedy approval, after which they gave the green light to Caritas Management to proceed on the following day with the breakfast.

According to Father Peter Conteh, Executive Director of Caritas they are happy because they were able to mitigate the occurrence of flooding in the country by sensitizing the communities and putting other measures in place which saw limited flooding taking place, when suddenly they heard about the fire catastrophe at the Susan Bay Community.

He said every year they do respond to fire disasters in the country but said the incident that occurred at Susan’s Bay was of an highest magnitude.

The Father stated that their philosophy is to intervene after a disaster and later leave because they want to give the victims dignified lifestyles than they used to live before.

He disclosed that they will continue to e by the side of the suffering people until they find a better solution to their problem.

Father Peter Conteh commended the National Response Team for coordinating the various responses well disclosing that organizations were placed into pillars depending on their strength stating that they were placed under the pillar that provides meal for the victims.

He finally mentioned the provision of clothing and blankets when they noticed that some people were sleeping on the bare floor although such does not fall under their pillar.

“We are worried because children are sleeping in the open field and if it rains the victims will suffer,” he bemoaned.

Chinese People’s Liberation Army Donates 40,000 COVID-19 Vaccines to RSLAF

April 9, 2021

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of their continued support towards combating COVID-19 in the country, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army has on Thursday 8^th April, 2021 donated a consignment of 40,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine to the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF). The handing over ceremony took place at the Ministry of Defence Conference Hall at Tower Hill in Freetown.

In his declaration of purpose, Commanding Officer-JMU RSLAF, Colonel Dr. Stephen Sevalie extended appreciation to the People’s Liberation Army and the People of China for the donation of the COVID-19 vaccines to the Republic of Sierra Leone Army Forces (RSLAF) which he described as a demonstration of a geniune friendship.

He informed all that the donation of the consignment of vaccine to RSLAF will definitely contribute immensely towards the fight against the COVID-19 in the country.

In his address, the Chinese Ambassador of China to Sierra Leone, H.E Hu Zhangliang, disclosed that it is a great pleasure for him to be present to formally hand over the 40,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine along with 41,600 syringes donated by the People’s Liberation Army of China (PLA) to the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) at a time when COVID-19 vaccines are in great demand, however, underscoring that the supply will not suffice.

He said the delivery of the vaccine from China to Sierra Leone demonstrates the profound traditional friendship between the two countries and the two armies, adding that it is also one of the concrete actions of the Chinese side in honoring H.E. President Xi Jinping’s solemn pledge of making China’s COVID-19 vaccine a global public good and contribute to the realization of the availability and affordability of COVID-19 vaccines in developing countries.

Hu Zhangliang expressed deep appreciation to the Minister of Defence, Kellie Conteh, the Deputy Minister of Defence, Muana Massaquoi and other friends in cooperating closely with the Chinese side for the successful delivery of the donation stating that he is with the strong conviction that the donation came at the right time and will go a long way in assisting the RSLAF combating the pandemic.

“In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Sierra Leone have been fighting together.

“The Chinese Government and the PLA have provided to the Sierra Leonean side several rounds of much- needed medical supplies and the Chinese Military Medical Group has been working with their RSLAF colleagues day and night in pandemic prevention and control. And of course China received political and moral support from Sierra Leone when China was in the difficult time of the fight. This cooperation explicitly explains the meaning of friendship,” he pointed out.

Hu Zhangliang said in the fight against COVID-19, the Sierra Leonean Government and people have displayed tenacity and perseverance and achieved notable results maintaining that the RSLAF has been at the frontline combating the pandemic in Sierra Leone and it plays an indispensable role in NACOVERC furthering that the officers and soldiers have faithfully conducted their duties and made substantial contribution to the country.

He revealed that the consignment of vaccine donated by the Chinese PLA will help build another shield for the entire RSLAF men and women against the virus and enable them to better perform their lofty duties.

“The safety and efficacy of the donated vaccine has been scientifically proven and I am convinced that the vaccine will be taken good care of and put into good use by the RSLAF,” he stated.

“I firmly believe that the Sierra Leonean Government and people, including the RSLAF, will continue to uphold high the banner of China-Sierra Leone friendship. I wish the Sierra Leonean Government, people and armed forces an early complete victory in combating the pandemic and greater success in achieving national development,” the Ambassador ended.

Receiving the gesture, Hon. Minister of Defence and Interim National Coordinator of NaCOVERC, Brig. (Rtd.) Kellie Conteh, extended gratitude to the Chinese People’s Liberation Army for the kind gesture which he described as a timely intervention in the fight against COVID-19 in the country

He noted that it could be recalled that in 2014/2015 when the Ebola break out in the country China was the first country that doesn’t only sent equipment but also sent their experts in order to support the fight against Ebola in the country, adding that one singular thing that came out of that efforts was that they thought that the country lacks the capacity to prepare for such an outbreak in the future of which they set up a laboratory which the country is enjoying as a nation.

Brig. (Rtd.) Kellie Conteh further revealed that when the country recorded its first positive COVID-19 index case in March last year it was the facility that the Chinese built that became the centre of excellence for the entire nation.

He said the country is very proud for the bilateral relationship between the two countries which has existed for decades

He assured them that the donated 40,000 doses of COVID-19 Vaccine to the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) will be used for its intended purpose towards the fight against COVID-19 in the country.

The event was climaxed by the signing of the delivery note by the Chinese Ambassador of China to Sierra Leone, H.E Hu Zhangliang and Hon. Minister of Defence and Interim National Coordinator of NaCOVERC, Brig. (Rtd.) Kellie Conteh, followed by an official handing over ceremony of the donated COVID-19 Vaccines.

LEONOIL Commissions Newly Renovated Filling Station

April 9, 2021

By Foday Moriba Conteh

To make their products accessible to all in the country, Leonoil Xpress company Limited has on Thursday 8^th March, 2021 commissioned a newly renovated Filling Station at Shell New Road in the East End of Freetown.

In his statement, a member of Leonoil Board, Sidi Bakarr, expressed appreciation to the entire Management and its valued customers for their continuous support towards achieving the company’s vision furthering that the opening of the newly renovated Filling Station resonates hard work, forward thinking and dedication.

Giving a background of the company, he said, Leonoil started with the coming together of Sierra Leoneans who had a vision to build a business that not only supports the development of the nation but to also create a brand of international standard.

He furthered that from a room in a shared building 30 plus years ago, through decades of ups and downs, Leonoil now stands among the top 3 Oil marketing companies in the country with a State-of-the-Art terminal, renovated stations revealing that there plans afoot to expand to all the regions of the country underscoring that the dream of the shareholders is alive and kicking.

Sidi Bakarr added that as the company continues to grow, the Board and Management remain committed to the people of Sierra Leone through its responses to natural disasters, the current pandemic and fulfilment of other Corporate Social Responsibilities.

“Leonoil continues to be part of the community it serves,” he stated.

He maintained that the opening of the new Filling Station is yet another little step along the way to greater success saying they will carry the people of Sierra Leone with them as their motto states, “Here to Serve”.

“With the help of the Minister and the Deputy Minister of Trade, the Petroleum Regulatory Agency, the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau, our community, the Board, Management and Staff of Leonoil we will continue to serve our community with the utmost diligence,” he pledged.

Sidi Bakarr ended by graciously thanking the Government headed by President Bio, Ministries, Departments and Agencies for all the support they have given to Leonoil to successfully serve the people of Sierra Leone.

On his part, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Hinga Sandi expressed appreciation to the Management of Leonoil for their tireless and steadfast contributions towards the development of the petroleum industry in the country.

He added that Leonoil has been doing very good with regards service delivery furthering that Leonoil is an indigenous company of which was established by Sierra Leoneans and is contributing towards nation building.

The Minister commended the company for their quality products that they do import in the country, of which he said is a testament of the fact that they are very committed towards quality service delivery.

He noted that he has been using their products and services even before coming into the political arena.

Dr. Hinga Sandi assured them of the support from the Government of Sierra Leone towards the development of the petroleum industry in the country.

Managing Director of Leonoil Company, Ibrahim Cole, also noted that the commissioning of the Filling Station is also a testament of their hard work as a company with the sole aim to ensure that petroleum products are available at all times.

He noted that the company is very committed in ensuring that they seek the interests of their valued customers across the country, adding that they have been getting support from the Government, PRA assuring that they will ensure that they operate according to their mandate as a company.

The event was climaxed by the cutting of tape by the Minister of Trade and Industry Dr. Hinga Sandi and a member of Leonoil Board, Sidi Bakarr.