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Mercury International Online Betting Avails Bike Rider Le270 Million  Win

By Amin Kef Sesay

A bike rider in Makeni has collected 270 million Leones from Mercury after making multiple sports bets on mercurybet.com. News of this win comes just a day after Musa set a new payout record.

Mohamed Brown (name withheld) used six tickets worth 50,000 Leones to place online sports bets using Mercury International’s online betting platform.

“This is the biggest win. I have won 50 million, 70 million, and 80 million before, but nothing like this. I’m in heaven.”

“I am going to use this money to build a house. If there is anything left, I will buy a taxi, so I can move from being a bike rider to a taxi driver.”

Mohamed was paid 20 million in cash and given a cheque of 250 million at the Mercury headquarters in Freetown by Deputy Manager of the Online Games, Octavius Jackson.

“It is my pleasure to present this cash prize to today’s online sports betting winner. Our online platform is easy to use. Anyone above 18 can log in to place their bets 24/7.”

On Monday, a man won over 500 million Leones on a single sports betting ticket before tax deductions. He gambled 5,000 Leones on 14 teams at his local Redbox Mercury Retailer. This first week of December has seen Mercury pay a total of 718 million Leones to winners.

To make a sport bet online, head over to www.mercurybet.com. Register for an account with your phone number. Once approved, add money to your account with Afrimoney, Orange Money, or buy a voucher from a Redbox bookie. Mercury’s online betting games include sports, live betting, vegas, boosts, jackpots, super 6, and virtuals.

Mercury International launched its lottery and sports betting products in 2007. Its products include the 5/90 lottery, sports betting, online betting, Zone, Rapids, and Virtual Rapid games. To celebrate the holiday season, Mercury last week launched a 50 percent bonus promotion on winning bets made each Monday and Friday in December 2021.

Foreign Affairs Minister of Liberia Briefs Pres. Bio on Engagement with Guinean Military Leadership

By Esther Wright

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Liberia, Ambassador Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemaya and delegation have called on His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio to update him on the Mano River Union (MRU) and engagement with the military leadership of the Republic of Guinea.

Ambassador Kemaya thanked President Bio for being the first leader within the MRU to visit and engage with the interim Government of the Republic of Guinea, saying that the action was timely and brotherly.

He further said that the MRU had met with Col Mamady Doumbouya, Interim President of Guinea and leader of the National Committee for Reconciliation and Development (CNRD) to urge them to expedite the process of returning the country to civilian and democratic rule for the betterment of the region and for peace and integration.

He added that pursuant to the mandate of the leaders of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone and Liberia and as enshrined in the communiqué that came out of the MRU diplomatic, peace, security and democracy conference held in Monrovia in November of 2021, they wanted to urge the CNRD to complement the role of ECOWAS and the African Union for the transition agenda and peace process in Guinea.

“We were well received by the Interim President Colonel Mamady Doumbouya. After a successful meeting, we agreed and urged the President to start the process of returning the country to civilian rule. He assured that they were in line with the leadership of the MRU to return Guinea to constitutionality and that they look forward to MRU helping with the plan,” he noted.

In a brief remark, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio thanked Ambassador Kemaya for leading the delegation to Guinea, adding that it was the business of leaders of the sub-region and the MRU to ensure peace and security.

“The sub-region’s effort, led by you, is a laudable one. So, I want to thank you for taking this bold step. We hope that the bigger international organizations, including ECOWAS, can provide knowledge and more information to help our brothers to return to democratic constitutional rule. Thank you for making the trip and coming back to report,” he concluded.

To Invest in Sierra Leone…   Ambassador Lans Gberie Makes a Case for Sierra Leone to the Swiss Agency for Development  

By Theresa Kef Sesay

Dr Lansana Gberie, Ambassador to Switzerland and Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations, met with Claudio Tognola, Head of West Africa Division at the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), to discuss opportunities for direct Swiss bilateral support to Sierra Leone.

The goal of Swiss Agency for Development & Cooperation is reducing poverty and fostering economic self-reliance and state autonomy, by contributing to the improvement of production conditions, helping find solutions to environmental problems, and providing better access to education and basic healthcare services.

In his briefing, Ambassador Gberie highlighted that education, agriculture, health, and good governance are thematic priority areas in Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan 2019-2023. His Excellency further highlighted that Sierra Leone is a small but a dynamic economy.

Ambassador Gberie said that since 2018, Sierra Leone has taken steps to reform key institutions, laws and policies to create a conducive environment for business to thrive. He added “we are diversifying our economy to create investment opportunities in agriculture, fisheries and tourism.”

Ambassador Gberie expressed the country’s readiness to attract credible investors that will complement the Human Capital Development agenda of the Government, especially in the areas of school feeding, teaching and learning materials, as well as technical assistance.

“Sierra Leone is investing 22% of the country’s budget in the education sector. Following this targeted investment, over two million five hundred children are now enrolled in school,” he added.

Ambassador Gberie said the Free Quality Education was launched in 2018 by His Excellency the President, Dr Julius Maada Bio, as the government’s flagship program to develop Sierra Leone’s Human Capital as adopted in the country’s Medium-Term National Development Plan from the 2019-2023. In this regard, he stressed the government needs support from partners to ensure project sustainability for the coming years.

Ambassador Gberie emphasized that Sierra Leone is proud of its rebranded image in Africa and beyond in the areas of: media freedom; gender equity and gender empowerment; improved human rights record including the recent abolition of the death penalty; free and fair elections and peaceful transition of power;  peace, stable and open Government; coordinated national anti-corruption action; promotion of the rule of law and justice.

“Sierra Leone is a stable democracy, with strong a civil society, and we are open for business,” Ambassador Gberie said. Because of this strong foundation, support to the key areas of education and good governance programs will produce quick impact results, Ambassador Gberie said.

Ambassador Gberie reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to supporting human capital development and promoting girl’s education for inclusive and sustainable development.

In response, Claudio Tognola, conveyed profound appreciation for the engagement, describing the meeting as timely and productive.

He said that his agency covers five countries in West Africa – Benin, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Chad- and has done so for the past 50 years. Tognola said that the agency focuses on rural development, food security, good governance and decentralization, basic education and vocational education, priorities in line with Sierra Leone’s National Development Plan. Tognola said that the agency provides up to CHF 140 million to support its projects in West Africa.

He assured Ambassador Gberie that following His Excellency’s very informative briefing the agency will consider the potential of inclusion of Sierra Leone in the next international cooperation mandate which will be adopted next year by the Federal Council and Parliament.

At the end of the meeting, Ambassador Gberie presented a copy of the mission’s maiden edition of the Newsletter.

Sierra Leone Has Experienced the First Omicron Case

By Esther Wright

In a joint Press Release dated the 8th December 2021 issued by NaCOVERC and the MoHS, signed by Solomon Jamiru Esq Spokesperson of NaCOVERC and Harold Thomas, the Risk Communication Lead in the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, the two institutions stated how they wish to inform the public that on the 25th November 2021, samples were obtained from inbound passengers, one of which turned out to be positive by PCR for COVID-19.

The two institutions furthered that sequencing result from the positive case further proved to be positive for the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529).

It continued that the passenger in question had travelled from Nigeria to Sierra Leone on the 25th November 2021.
Both stated that it could be recalled that on the 26of November 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified a new variant, B.1.1.529, as a Variant of Concern and termed it OMICRON.

They said notwithstanding the detection of Omicron, Delta remains the dominant strain in the world.
The occurrence of the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) ,according to NaCOVERC and the Health Ministry, further underscores the significance of vaccination uptake and general precautionary measures needed to protect the population against COVID-19. They emphatically stated that everyone 18 years and older should get vaccinated immediately.
NaCOVERC and MoHS assured that together with partners they are finalizing plans for a third national vaccine surge to further increase uptake.

“This surge will help intensify vaccine efforts in the Western Area as well as in the Districts bordering Guinea and Liberia,” they expressed optimism adding how the detection of the first Omicron case demonstrates their unflinching commitment to testing and surveillance, as well as the country’s genomic sequencing capabilities.
NaCOVERC and MoHS stated how they will remain vigilant at points of entry, including the Freetown International Airport and are therefore calling on everyone to bear personal responsibility for their health and safety especially at this crucial festive season.

“We call on everyone to remain calm and report all suspected cases to 117,” the Release ends.

Despite World Bank Discontinued Support… Mid-Term Census Commences Today

By Amin Kef Sesay

In a letter dated the 7th December, 2021 and written by Pierre Laporte,
the World Bank Country Director,  addressed to the Minister of Finance,  Dennis K. Vandi and the Minister of Economic and Development Planning, Francis Kaikai, he stated that the World Bank earmarked financial support to help prepare and implement a Mid-Term population census in Sierra Leone—under the Harmonizing and Improving Statistics in West Africa (HISWA) Project (P169265) IDA Grant No. D584-SL—because those data are critical to inform economic development policy, planning and programs and the 2015 population census exercise resulted in data of insufficient quality to do so.

He further raised in the letter that since September 2020 the World Bank task team has been providing technical support to help prepare Statistics SL to implement a mid-term population census that would result in good quality data.

Stated also was that much progress was made by Statistics SL in recent months and preparatory efforts further intensified recently.

The Country Director continued that to that end a roadmap laying out the final remaining steps, actions and technical verifications required was prepared and multilaterally agreed (between Statistics SL, UNFPA and the World Bank task team) during the first week of November 2021.

“To date, while work on most actions points is underway with some completed, several critical action points require further technical work to be satisfactorily addressed including evaluation of the pilot census, the field operation plan for the enumeration and ensuring enumerators are adequately trained,” Pierre Laporte underscored adding how all the outstanding actions are necessary and must be addressed prior to commencing data collection to minimize the risk of inadequate and poor data quality.

It was stated that there is insufficient time between now and December 10, 2021 to satisfactorily address all pending actions and so
therefore, while the World Bank technical team remains available to provide continued preparatory support, regretfully they will be unable to provide further technical assistance nor disburse any further funds.

The World Bank Country Director continued that the undisbursed balance of funds earmarked to support the mid-term population census could be reallocated to other activities supported under the HISWA project following consultations with the task team.

Copies of the letter were sent to Jacob Jusu Saffa, the  Chief Minister, Prof. Osman Sankoh, Statistician General, Statistics Sierra Leone, and Taufilia Nyamadzabo,the  Executive Director of the World Bank.

Preceding the World Bank Country Director’s letter were concerns raised, on the 6th December 2021, with the World Bank and UNFPA role in promoting the 2021 mid-term census by Femi Claudius Cole, the Chairperson of the Consortium of Progressive Political Parties (CoPPP).

Among the concerns raised were the project is fraught with so many irregularities that most opposition parties and civil society organizations have expressed reservations about the timing and true motives behind this census.

That the census, which was to have started on 4th December 2020 was postponed to 19th April 2021. But rather than start, it was on that date that it was presented to Parliament for approval amid dramatic scenes of violent clashes between the Government side and the opposition MPs. The latter insist until this day that the Bill was not properly laid before Parliament; however, Government has now declared that the census will effectively begin on 10th December 2021.

That the real purpose behind the mid-term census and Government’s determination to implement it by any means necessary is to use it as an excuse to alter the electoral boundaries and create new political districts and constituencies that will give the ruling party more seats in Parliament and therefore victory over the opposition.

Opposition parties have always maintained that there is a hidden agenda behind this unusual census and now they are learning from some internal memo leaks about an intention to expand the ruling SLPP party strongholds in the South and East by adding new districts and more constituencies based on anticipated population increases. This is a far cry from the touted economic development rationale initially ascribed to the mid-term census.

That, the Government, keeps pronouncing that the purpose of the census is for economic development when it is clearly meant to be a tool for gerrymandering.

That this mid-term census has brought too much controversy into the country, causing violent confrontation in Parliament, rejection by substantial sections of civil society and political parties and grave suspicion by members of the public. Already, political parties have started indicating their intention to boycott the census.

Femi said it is in the circumstances extremely difficult to accept that the missions of the World Bank and UNFPA are not aware of this situation, and that their continued support to this particular project of the current Government is likely to have negative consequences. International organizations cannot be seen to be financing future conflict in democracies as fragile as ours.

She continued that COPPP would therefore like to request clarification from both the World Bank and UNFPA on the status of their support to the mid-term census and ask that they distance themselves from such a project that does not have nation-wide buy-in and is therefore not likely to yield any good results.

Despite all those criticisms, Statistics Sierra Leone in a Press Release dated 9th December 2021 declared the 9th December 2021 as  Census Night.

It continued that the main enumeration starts today, 10th December 2021 and will last for 14 days until 23rd December 2021 adding how there will always be possibility for mopping up activities after the official 2-week period, as it has been done for previous censuses.

According to the Statistician General, Osman Sankoh, the significance of the Census Night celebration is for the public to remember this Night as a reference point for enumeration.

“All enumerators will be asking questions on the census to get the data they need and will refer to where you slept tonight,” he stated admonishing all to act wise by taking part and put the country Sierra Leone among countries that have embraced the digital census.

Mines Ministry, NMA Engage Stakeholders in Port Loko on Cancellation of Sierramin’s License

By Amin Kef Sesay

The Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources and the National Minerals Agency (NMA) have on the 8th December 2021engaged stakeholders, especially landowners, in Marampa Chiefdom, Lunsar, in the Port Loko District, with the avowed objective of updating them about a recent  decision taken related to a mining company that is operating  within the district.

Present during the meeting, which took place at the Court Barray of the Paramount Chief of Marampa Chiefdom, Koblo Queen 11, in Lunsar, were the Paramount Chief himself, local authorities of chiefdoms and Sections in the district, the Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources, Emmanuel M. Sandi, the NMA Director of Community Affairs, Ibrahim Satti Kamara, NMA Regional Representative,  Isaac Kallon, NMA Communications Officer, Jariatu Samura, the Acting Inspector General of Police North-West Region, AIG Mustapha Kamara, members of the Fourth Estate and some residents of the district.

In his statement, the Paramount Chief of Marampa Chiefdom, Koblo Queen 11, thanked officials of the Ministry of Mines and the National Minerals Agency for regulating the mining sector in the country adding that with the reactivation of the mines in that part of the country majority of the residents of the district are benefitting in one way or the other.  He continued that he was informed that the two institutions want to engage landowners of the district stating how they are eager to hear from them.

On his part, the NMA Director of Community Affairs, Satti Kamara, welcomed all for attending what he said would be a brief but very significant meeting. He continued that the purpose of calling them together is to update them on the current status of the mining concession and license that were issued by the Government to a certain mining company, Sierramin Bauxite Company, through the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources.

“ According to provisions of the Mines and Minerals Act of 2009, the Government of Sierra Leone has cancelled the Mining Licence of Sierramin Bauxite (SL) Limited (ML 1/2016), effective 14th September 2021 and their Exploration Licences (EL 16/2014 and EL 18/2014), effective 4th November 2021,” he intimated.

He continued that, as an institution, the National Minerals Agency has received numerous complaints about how the company is not doing certain things right, in other words not honouring its obligations, underscoring that besides, most of the issues complained about have remained unresolved despite the fact that the Mines Ministry had been issuing warnings .

Satti maintained that securing a mining license goes with fulfilling certain obligations lamenting that it is indeed no secret that Sierramin Bauxite Company has failed to live up to expectation and therefore the Government had no option but to cancel the license it granted the company to undertake bauxite mining in that part of the country.

“I am categorically informing you of this new development because the Government is against rumour mongering and already we have seen certain misleading news publication which is why we decided to come and give you the facts,” he intimated the gathering but was quick to state that at this material moment no other company has been granted a licence as a way of replacement maintaining that though certain entities or companies have expressed interest the Government is currently assessing them to determine the most competent among them to be granted a license.

He emphatically pointed out that Government will no longer tolerate a company to secure a license and then go out to look for funds to commence the mining operation but rather would prefer any credible company that has the wherewithal to go into full operation immediately after securing such a license.

“When the time reaches when a company will be identified we will come again and inform you and this will not take long as Government needs revenue and is also concerned about your welfare,” he told those present in the meeting.

Emmanuel Sandy, the Deputy Secretary in the Mines Ministry, stated that the minerals of this country must benefit the people of Sierra Leone. He said the decision they arrived at was an informed one underscoring that when it comes to issues that have to do with national development actions taken must be pro-active and there must be no sympathy.

He said in the wake of the cancellation of the mining license of Sierramin Bauxite Company, there are assets on the ground to be protected. Emmanuel said in their estimation, at this material time the onus of protecting those assets lie in the hands of the Paramount Chief and the Police. Mentioning the rails and other assets, he appealed for their maximum protection against theft and vandalization noting that though it may seemingly look tough at the moment he is confident that better days are soon to come for residents of the district. “It will be counter- productive any time a new company or player enters the sector it has to start with mobilization of its equipment,” he stated.

The Mines Ministry Development Secretary assured all present that no clandestine arrangement has been made with the Paramount Chief relating to any new company or him ( Paramount Chirf) receiving any form of benefit from any new company as some may be tempted to think maintaining that they will do everything transparently.

PC Koblo Queen assured the Development Secretary and all present of his unflinching cooperation to ensure those assets are protected while the AIG of North-West Region stated that the Police will always succeed in protecting life and properties through the cooperation of the residents. He prayed that any new company that will take over from Sierramin must come up with good initiatives in order to avert any future unforeseen and untoward protest.

The Regent Chief of Maforki Chiefdom, Abass Koroma, disclosed that Sierramin Bauxite Company owes three hundred and ninety-four (394) employees nine months salaries. He continued that despites promises of paying the aggrieved employees the company has renege further revealing  that the company at one point in time secured a piece of land to be developed for their use and for which they promised to be paying annual rent, did so only once and failed to continue. “SL Mining has also expressed interest over that land and we are now calling on you to help us resolve this impasse,” he made a plea.

In his response, Satti said cancellation of the company’s mining license does not mean negating its obligations it owes to others.

The Deputy Secretary said he will suggest Government engages the Management of Sierramin Company to see how they could pay the workers.

One resident revealed how Sierramin dug some wide pits which he considers pose serious danger to lives and asked what should be done with the pits to which Satti stated that they will share the information with the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) to take necessary action.

Another resident introduced a new security agency in the district, known as the Gorilla Security Agency appealing for the entity to be considered in any future arrangement for the provision of security services.

Climaxing the engagement was the giving of the vote of thanks by a section female authority of Marampa Chiefdom.

Amb. Kobi Walker & NP-SL Bag Best CEO, Best Company Awards of the Year

By Amin Kef Sesay

 The Corporate Events Limited held its 5th Annual Sierra Leone Business Awards Ceremony at Golden Tulip Hotel in Freetown on the 8th December 2021 which was graced by representatives of certain institutions and individuals from  various fields of life.

Among the recipients that were awarded were the National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) as an institution and Ambassador Kobi Walker, who happens to be the Chief Executive Officer of NP-SL Ltd.

Organizers of the event, in reading out the citation stated that NP-SL Ltd made it through the nomination phase to be awarded as the Best Company of the Year for its outstanding performance in the private sector and commitment to business excellence, best practices and socio-economic growth and human development in Sierra Leone.

On the other hand, Kobi Walker, was handed over the Sierra Leone CEO Award 2021 for being the Best CEO of the Year. In the citation it was stated that he is being awarded for his exemplary leadership, outstanding performance and commitment to excellence and socio-economic growth and human development in Sierra Leone.

Receiving the Awards, the result-oriented, charismatic and go-getter Chief Executive Officer of the renowned National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited, Amb. Kobi Walker, thanked the organizers, Corporate Events Limited, for bestowing on the company and him such prestigious awards which, he said, did not just materialize out of the blues but were earned through sheer hard work, dedication, commitment and synergy.

“These awards will not make us full of pride to rest on our oars but rather will serve as sources of inspiration to continue to dedicatedly provide qualitative services to the people of this country and no amount of intimidation or manipulation will lower our morale,” he stated as members of Team NP cheered him on.

It must be noted that despite the numerous challenges the COVID-19 pandemic poses to the world and Sierra Leone in particular, there are organizations and individuals who are playing tremendous roles in society and staying on top of the game.

In spite all these economic challenges and social disconnect, those who are at the front role of making change happen and creating meaningful impact and adding value to society, are worthy of recognition for outstanding performance.

The joint Sierra Leone CEO, Leadership, NGO and Business awards are the highest recognition for the private and private sectors and other corporate organizations and are awarded annually. These awards acknowledge and celebrate exemplary leadership and best practices in the private and public sectors that have a significant and positive impact on advancing the social livelihoods and economic development of Sierra Leone.

According to Sally Konneh, the Secretary to the Nomination and Selection Committees, “Honourees are selected because they demonstrate leadership, corporate and business excellence and the highest standards of ethical conduct, integrity and social responsibility. Many businesses, organizations and individuals are nominated for the annual awards and, only the high caliber of the nominated individuals and companies the Selection Committee considers.”

Partnering to Serve Humanity Holds Interfaith Dialogue & Doles out Bags of Rice

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Partnering to Serve Humanity Consortium, which comprises Tzu Chi Foundation, Healey International Relief Foundation, Lanyi Foundation and Caritas Freetown on the 9th December 2021 held an interfaith dialogue and later on distributed 9600 bags (10 Kilograms) of rice to 3,200 less privileged and persons with disability within the Freetown Municipality .The event took place at the Sheikh Tais Academy Junior Sec. School at Kissy, Shell Lorry Park in Freetown.

The interfaith dialogue facilitated by Partnering to Serve Humanity brought together different religious groups as part of efforts to serve humanity. The event is the single most popular event facilitated by the development arm of the Catholic Church that is supported by the Buddhist Compassionate Foundation, Tzu Chi and other faiths across the country.

Giving a background of the dialogue, the Programme Manager of Caritas Freetown, Ishmael Alfred Charles said over the years, the interfaith dialogue has done a great deal of good for communities, people living in difficult situations but also in general the Sierra Leone society.
He said religious groups, including Catholics, Pentecostal, Muslims, Buddhists, normal Christians sit together, plan and then reach out to the poor and needy.

“The interfaith dialogue always ends with distribution of rice to the poor and needy and it does not select who or look at who comes to receive the rice or who should benefit from the gesture. This singular event promotes peaceful coexistence, cohesion and unity among people of different faiths,” he furthered.
The Executive Director of Caritas Freetown, Rev, Father Peter Konteh in his statement said Caritas means love and this is what they are extending to the poor and needy.

“Our Lord Jesus Christ was showing compassion when he was physically among his people. He fed over five thousand people when they were hungry. This is the same, the interfaith is replicating today, feeding people from different backgrounds and religions,” Father Peter Konteh maintained.

He said this year 3,200 poor and needy have benefited from rice distribution during the interfaith dialogue and such happens every year in different locations. Rice has been distributed in Muslims places of worship, in Church compounds across the city Freetown and other religious places of worship. People from other religious faiths continue to benefit from this gesture and this is only possible through the interfaith engagement activities.

“We are one people because we have the same blood and that is the blood of Jesus Christ our maker. As Christians we believe in sharing but also respecting other faiths. Our Lord Jesus Christ is companionate and always indentifies himself with the poor and heavy laden. What we are doing is the work he sent us to do. We are following his footstep by giving food to the needy,” he said.

The Representative from Jesus is Lord Ministries, Pastor Samuel Konteh, noted that the interfaith dialogue provides the glue that keeps society together.
As society navigates her diversity, and must learn not to destroy the fabric that keep them together but instead learn to tie the knot around each other like the yoke. This allows for religions of all kinds to deepen their knowledge about the values in living and working together.

“We welcome religious tolerance. I go to the mosque, if called by family members or friends. We are humans and we must care for one another,” he said.
Mohamed Pabai is the representative of the Soka Gakkai Buddhist in Sierra Leone. He was very pleased with the gathering as well as for the provision of rice to the poor and needy.

He said Dharma Master Cheng Yen taught them that with love in their hearts there is nothing they cannot overcome, which is a testament of how their religion teaches them about love which is the most significant ingredient in compassion, care and tolerance.
He said there will be no peace among the religions without dialogue.

If religion must have any impact on society, then all religions must learn to live with their neighbors, not merely tolerance, but respectful relationship that seeks the best of all. While interfaith dialogue is important, it is to assert a meaningful voice in society today.

Sheikh Abu Bakarr Fomba Swaray, in his statement, said the day was dedicated for charity and called on the people to behave themselves orderly during the distribution.

He thanked the Tzu Chi Foundation for providing the rice while thanking the Government for the free quality education that is now providing education for Sierra Leonean children.
Sheikh Fomba Swaray said the interfaith dialogue provides the opportunity for society to grow and work together for the good of the people. It gives meaning to the teachings of Islam and the gospel.

“This is one big strength Sierra Leone as country has been able to pull through. Let us cultivate love and not war and hate,” he admonished. The day ended with the distribution of rice, with families taking home three bags of ten kilo rice.

QNET’s Global CEO Speaks Out on Transparency and Scam Allegations Attributed to Some of Its Distributors 

Malou Caluza, the CEO of QNET
Malou Caluza, the CEO of QNET

Lately, there has been a number of publications in the media about some unscrupulous persons misrepresenting the QNET brand and allegedly engaging in unfair and unprofessional marketing practices. QNET is taking a head-on approach to addressing any unsavory claims about the company.

“We are very transparent as a company,” says Malou Caluza, the CEO of QNET. “Everything you want to know about QNET is available on our website and our social media pages.” Prospective distributors can also find information readily available on third-party websites. Anyone who mistakes QNET for a scam has not investigated the realities of the direct-sales company. Caluza encourages people to “please make up your mind after you have had a chance to review both sides of the story.”

Ms. Caluza explains that in other to address misinformation that has been circulating about QNET, the company focuses on education and awareness. “We use social media campaigns, stakeholder engagement, PR programs, seminars, training, and events to help people understand the positive socio-economic impact of direct selling,” she said. “We also focussed on educating the public about the difference between legitimate direct-selling businesses and illegal pyramid scams.”

Unlike a financial scam, QNET’s direct selling is a unique method of marketing and selling goods and services directly to the consumer, away from a permanent retail space. Direct selling is driven mainly by word-of-mouth referrals, which is why QNET is committed to transparency in all aspects of the company and its products. As a company, it always ensures compliance with local laws and regulations.

The Benefits of Being Transparent

QNET maintains internal transparency by openly communicating with employees and remaining honest about company operations thereby boosting employee morale. By providing independent representatives (IRs) access to company and training information, QNET creates a welcoming, educational environment for employees to learn how to grow and succeed. The direct-selling company knows that investing time and adequate resources are essential to creating sustainable and successful distributors. There is no place for secrecy at QNET.

Since 1998, QNET has been providing customers around the world with distinctive, exceptional products and services. It allows independent representatives to build a sales business based on promoting these high-quality products. QNET is headquartered in Hong Kong, with offices and agencies in more than 25 countries worldwide. Caluza says that each and every one of QNET’s best distributors pulled themselves up through the ranks the old-fashioned way: with lots of hard work and a willingness to learn. “They are our best ambassadors for the message that success at QNET takes hard work and consistent effort. Once a distributor puts in the hard work and diligently follows the best practices, the results will be rewarding as we train them. It may take time, but it will be worth the wait.”

Ways QNET Encourages Transparency

QNET understands the importance of having a solid online presence in today’s technology-driven world. The company website evaluates customer feedback utilizing reviews and testimonials. QNET is committed to providing the best for its customers and employees by adhering to an ethical code of conduct. Being transparent with company policies and product features encourages distributors to reach their full potential. Being on the cutting edge of technology significantly helped the direct-sales company throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. And with tools that monitor and manage data in real-time, distributors have access to available resources and analyze purchasing trends to better serve their business.

Transparency also facilitates engagement and effective communication between distributors and QNET. Building strong business connections is imperative for successful direct selling. QNET provides distributors with an accessible registration process to help them better understand the training and resources necessary to grow at the company. “We have established the ‘QNET Pro Initiative,'” says Caluza, “which focuses on training and education for our network on building the QNET business in a legal, professional, and ethical manner.”

QNET maintains the utmost transparency regarding product information and refund policies. “Our Network Compliance Department is focused on investigating all complaints we receive from the field about violations to our policies and procedures,” Caluza explains. “That department also enforces penalties on those who misuse the QNET name and harm our reputation.”

Where necessary, QNET engages and collaborates with external stakeholders such as government and security agencies to investigate fraud allegations and substantive deal with it. QNET has established a procedure to terminate the business accounts of independent representatives found to be engaged in unethical marketing practices and conduct.

According to Ms. Caluza, “Some bad apples have made exaggerated claims about the business or our products that are simply not true and not endorsed by QNET,” Caluza says. “The damage caused by such people is extensive and we have established ways of sieving them out of the business.”

The company offers distributors a vast education program to help them see beyond the false scam allegations made about the direct-sales business. “There is a lot of misinformation about QNET out there, which is unfortunately due to a lack of understanding of the direct-selling business in many parts of the world,” explains Caluza. “While direct selling is more than a century old, it is still in its infancy in many emerging economies and hence, not properly understood. Many people assume it is some type of financial or investment scheme, and they are wary.”

Being transparent allows QNET to develop a success-driven workforce of distributors. “We have hundreds of success stories from people who have transformed their lives with QNET,” says Caluza.

 

NP-SL: The Reliable Fuel Provider with Stockpile Always at an Appreciable Level

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

By Amin Kef Sesay

The National Petroleum (NP) Sierra Leone Limited has been lauded for making positive and invaluable contributions related to overall national development as it continues to make meaningful inputs to the economy.

As an efficient petroleum marketing entity NP-SL Ltd is proud of having various filling stations in various parts of the country and for the mere fact that the company is vibrantly functioning in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia.
This 100% indigenously-owned company has so far offered various employment opportunities to residents in the afore-mentioned countries, keeping in line with the Local Content policy thereby reducing poverty to a considerable level.

Further note worthy of the company is that it is one of the largest taxpayers to the National Revenue Authority (NRA), one of the institutions that financially empower the Government, through payment of taxes, to roll out various development projects.
Without mincing the truth, NP-SL Ltd has a capable and competent managerial team at the helm of affairs, which from time to time comes up with good initiatives, always ensuring that those initiatives are effusively, effectively implemented to create value for money.

Since it was established by 35 Sierra Leoneans, who bought shares from the Government years back, the company has grown from leaps and bounds; weathering storms that would have run it down. But the resolve of its shareholders and Management to succeed has been the centrepiece that has propelled NP-SL Ltd to a higher level, equal to none in the sub-region. The synergy that runs through its members of staff has also contributed to the company’s growth.

If you ask those who really know NP-SL Ltd, the feedbacks you will receive will definitely border on its commitment to enhance customer care, which the company strongly believes must be prioritized in order to give its numerous customers everywhere absolute satisfaction.
The selflessness and commitment of the shareholders also made it possible for the company to empower many Sierra Leoneans and at the same time put it at a vantage position to continue to open more filling stations across the country.

NP-SL Ltd has cordially maintained a good business relationship with its numerous customers right across the sub-region where it conducts business transactions and most have confessed that they are realizing optimum satisfaction in dealing with the company. The business entity deals with individuals and various sectors of society, always ensuring that its various petroleum products are available and are sold at affordable prices. This keen symbiotic relationship with its customers has been paying huge dividends, always resulting in a win-win situation, making NP very endearing to all and sundry.

The regulatory institution of the different petroleum companies in the country, the Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA), has lauded NP-SL Ltd for its efficient service delivery wherever it is operating.
The company is also known for offering its customers affordable NP Gas cookers of various sizes, which are safe and very friendly to use. NP Gas cookers could be purchased at all their filling stations across the country, and the very gas by the company is also sold to replenish those that have been used.

The company’s result-oriented managerial team will definitely and sustainably continue to put NP at the top.
NP-SL Ltd is doing exceptionally well in all the countries it is functioning, and indeed there are prospects for further expansion.

It can therefore be justifiably asserted that the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited is the country’s reliable fuel provider, as it always ensures that its stockpile is always at an appreciable level.

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