Native Consortium’s 14 Days Ultimatum to Govt. Still in Force

January 31, 2020

By Amin Kef Sesay

A 14 days ultimatum was given by the Native Consortium, Research and Development organisation to the Government of Sierra Leone commencing 27 January 2020 to reverse a recent decision taken to increase transportation fares as a response to the increment in pump prices. The organization said it had found that the increment was uneven; while fares went up for some segment of the public transportation, like commercial mini vans (Poda Poda), it was unchanged for others like commercial tricycles (Keke). This, according to the organization, had caused discomfort for the masses.

It also argues that the increment in fuel prices was so small that it didn’t warrant a change in fares.

“Ever since the price increment, we have criss-crossed various parts of the country and Freetown and we have observed that this current increment in the transport fare across is not only disproportionate but it has exacerbated more hardship on the citizens and some commercial transport drivers are exploiting the situation to make extra profit out of poor citizens,” the organization said in a letter addressed to the Minister of Transport, a copy of which was made available to the media on Monday.

Native Consortium, in the letter, also questioned the rationale behind the fuel price increment earlier in the month, noting that given the prevailing circumstances surrounding the international oil market, it was expecting the fuel prices per barrel to further go up.

The increase in pump prices followed shortage of fuel, which led to long queues in and outside Freetown for days, leaving many commuters stranded.

Even though the long queues have disappeared, in some fuel stations the commodity is rationed.

“The volatility that drives the global market price of fuel per barrel is an external factor that Government cannot control. Judging from the events unfolding, as a think tank, we foresee an additional increase in the oil price per barrel in the world market. Therefore we see this recent price increase as being very premature, insensitive and a sour taste to commuters,” the statement signed by Edmond Abu Jr., Executive Director of the organization, said.

It warned that failure to revert to the old price; they would stage a nationwide protest against the Government for its “insensitive decision.”

Regional Consultations on Land Rights Undertaken by HRCSL & Partners

January 31, 2020

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In the direction of discharging its mandate, the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) which is part of other members of the Technical Working Group on the implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines for the Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests (VGGT) in the country on 28 January 2020 began a series of regional consultations on the two draft Bills on Customary Land Rights and the Lands Commission.

The exercise started in Kenema and continued to Bo in the South on 30th January. Makeni in the North will be on 4th February and Port Loko in the North West on 7th February.

The purpose of these consultative engagements is to get the views and approval of the people on these two draft Bills before submission to Government for final enactment into law.

The HRCSL is represented by the Deputy Director in the Directorate of Monitoring and Research and in charge of Business and Human Rights, Abdulai Yolla Bangura. The role of the HRCSL is to ensure that the entire exercise is human rights based particularly so when looking at land governance in a business context and to apply business and Human Rights standards in line with the United Nations Guiding Principles (UNGPS) and other relevant international and regional human rights standards.

The participants in these consultations include local and traditional authorities, landowners, youth groups, women’s groups, civil society organizations, the Press the forces, tribal leaders, representatives of districts and city councils, etc.

The Minister of Lands and Country Planning, Dr. Denis Sandy serves as keynote speaker whilst the legal consultants present both Bills to the people.

The exercise is coordinated by the VGGT Secretariat at the Ministry of Lands and with support from FAO.

Sierra Leonean Diplomat Presents Letter of Credence to Pres. Kagame

January 31, 2020

By Theresa Kef Sesay

On 29 January 2020 the President of the Republic of Rwanda, His Excellency Paul Kagame received a letter of credence from the newly accredited Non-Resident High Commissioner of Sierra Leone to his country, His Excellency Peter Joseph Francis.

Whilst presenting his letter of credence to President Paul Kagame at State House in Kigali, the High Commissioner accredited to Rwanda, H.E. Peter Joseph Francis noted with honour and privilege that Rwanda and Sierra Leone share common values and aspirations and also collaborate on multi-faceted global issues. He also acknowledged the importance of Sierra Leone and Rwanda sharing membership of the Africa Union and in particular, the reform of the UN Security Council as contained in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.

In addition, H.E. Peter Joseph Francis noted the recent signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and Agreements during the State visit on 4th July 2019 by H.E. Julius Maada Bio, President of Republic of Sierra Leone to the Republic of Rwanda. He noted that the visit by President Bio to Rwanda was key in cementing the already existing cordial and bilateral relations between the two countries, adding that the move “opened up for more cooperation between the two countries in various sectors of their economies.”

Consequently, H.E. Peter Joseph Francis confirmed that Sierra Leone has put all legislative and legal measures in place to actualise the implementation of the said MOUs, Agreements and for the establishment of a Joint Commission of Cooperation (JCC).

Ambassador Francis also took the opportunity to thank President Kagame for his relentless role as President of Rwanda in personally going to visit at the Kigali hospital the Sierra Leonean Members of Parliament who were last year involved in a road accident whilst on official trip in Rwanda.

Responding to the Sierra Leone High Commissioner, President Kagame said he was very happy to have a very close relationship with President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, noting that he is craving for an invitation from President Bio for him (Kagame) to pay an official visit to Sierra Leone.

Furthermore, following the presentation of the letter of credence by H.E. Peter Joseph Francis to President Paul Kagame, the Minister Plenipotentiary at the Sierra Leone High Commission in Nairobi, Abdul Karim Kargbo who accompanied the High Commissioner to Kigali, were invited to the Annual Diplomatic Luncheon, hosted by the President at the Raddisson Blu Hotel in Kigali.

Meanwhile, H.E. Peter Joseph Francis, who is the Sierra Leone High Commissioner to Kenya, is also accredited to UNON, UNEP and UN-Habitat. The High Commissioner to Kenya is also accredited to overseeing other countries like: Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Somalia, South Sudan, Burundi, Angola and Malawi.

Free Quality Education Gets Le10.5B Boost

January 31, 2020

By Edward Vamboi

The Flagship programme of the New Direction Government, Free Quality Education, continues to get external assistance from various quarters. Just recently, the Government’s Science and Innovation programme received another major funding boost towards the development of the education sector. The Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) has on 27 January 2020 announced that it had been awarded 1,050,000 swiss francs (Le10.5 billion) as a grant to support the Education Innovation Challenge (EIC), which is meant to improve on quality education in the country.

The EIC, which specifically seeks to improve learning outcomes at primary schools, is being implemented under the technical supervision of the Human Capital Development (HCD) Incubator launched by President Julius Maada Bio in December 2018.

A statement from the Directorate said the funding comes from the Geneva-based UBS Optimus Foundation and the Peter Cundill Foundation.

“UBS Optimus Foundation has previously supported education work in Sierra Leone through various partners. However, this direct investment in Government through DSTI enables us to drive evidence-based policy-making and research in the educational sector,” said Dr. Moinina David Sengeh, Chief Innovation Officer.

“The only way we can transform education- through data, innovation, and policy-making is to focus on the learning outcomes for the children. This grant will support DSTI and partners to evaluate learners directly and also test new innovations and programs that will support the Government’s flagship program in education,” Sengeh, who is also the Minister of Basic and Primary Education, added.

The funding is also a major boost for President Bio’s flagship Free Quality Education (FQE) programme launched in 2018.

While the first year was designed to focus on access, the second year, which began last August, was meant to focus on improving the quality.

The EIC was launched as a conduit to attaining this goal.

The Human Capacity Development Incubator is a hub for local start-ups, private, public, and academic organizations to collaborate on projects that will help citizens gain access to Government services and information more efficiently.

Through this platform, partners share data, build models, develop hypotheses, and test pilot projects to inform Government investments in human capital.

Tourism Ministry & VSL facilitate Closure of 2020 Budapest-Bamako-Freetown Rally

January 31, 2020

By Amin Kef Sesay

This medium has reliably learnt that the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs in collaboration with Visit Sierra Leone (VSL), a reputable local tour operating institution will both facilitate the conclusion of the 2020 Budapest-Bamako-Freetown Rally.

The Government through the Ministry of Information and Communications has also informed that Sierra Leone will be the end destination for the 2020 Budapest-Bamako-Freetown Rally involving 227 vehicles that will commence in Hungary on 31January 2020.

It stated that the event will attract about 700 participants including international journalists, tour operators, travel writers, philanthropists, etc. from over 80 countries.

The team will travel through five (5) European countries across the Sahara onto the Guinea/Kambia border and will proceed to Masiaka where they will be received by the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs alongside local authorities.

The fleet will anchor at the Siaka Stevens Stadium where His Excellency, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio will deliver the keynote address to officially welcome the guests on Sunday 16th February, 2020.

As part of their tour, they are expected to also donate relief packages and plant approximately 2000 trees across the country in support of responsible tourism towards climate change.

According to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Joseph T. Kanu, Sierra Leone is being ranked high in the international global peace and security index, ahead of major leading tourism destinations in the world. As a result, the country has been chosen as the end destination.

It could be recalled that the Budapest Rally which has been organized in Hungary since 2005 and later extended to Africa, is one of the world’s biggest amateur vehicular event which serves as a humanitarian adventure to promote inter-cultural and social linkages across nations. Because it originated from Budapest to Mali as end destination, it was referred to as the Budapest-Bamako Rally.

Larkson Bags Africell Le50M “Be a Star” Winning Prize

January 31, 2020

By Amin Kef Sesay

One of the mobile telecommunications companies operating in this country, Africell, in its efforts to give support to the entertainment industry in the country, enhance and unearth young talents, organized and supported the “Be A Star” show with the grand finale taking place on 26 January 2020 at the Fourah Bay College Amphitheatre and aired live on African Young Voice (AYV) television. At the end of the show Mohamed Larkson Sesay emerged the successful winner out of thirty-four (34) young people that took part in the competition. He scooped Le 50,000,000 as the winning prize.

Presentation of the ceremonial cheques to the winners was done by the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Madam Fatima Bio. She commended Africell and AYV for the event, and appealed to them to continue the good work in empowering young people. She also presented a university scholarship to Sahr Andrew James, one of the finalists who dropped out of university in his second year. She called on Africell to create more stars.

Managing Director of Africell, Shadi Al-Gerjawi, commended the Management of Africell and AYV for their relentless efforts in making the Be A Star show successful. He added that the show started three months back with 34 participants but the young boy emerged the winner.
He stated that Africell always gives back to its subscribers and contributes immensely to the development of the country in sports, education, entertainment health, among other sectors, as way to empower the youth.

He gave assurance that the Be A Star would continue to empower and unearth young talents as Africell believes in nurturing young people to contribute to the development of the country.

Anthony Junior Navo, the AYV Chief Executive Officer also assured to continue to collaborate with Africell for the betterment of the country.

The Afri Radio Station, John Konte, who was the master of ceremony, disclosed that Moses Kargbo, Sahr Andrew James, Faith Kemokai, Rebecca Jawara, Mark Kamason, Christiana Freeman and Tracy Jac-During each has free data and free voice calls for a year and fully paid production of their songs, announcing that Osman Kamara one of the participants in Be A Star show from Milton Margai School for the Blind is a brand Ambassador for Africell.

Jimmy B also appealed to Africell to continue its good work of unearthing more musicians to develop the entertainment industry.

The winner of the Be A Star show, Mohamed Larkson Sesay, commended Africell and AYV in realizing his talents, and assured that he would always raise his head high.

The ceremony was graced by Africell’s Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Information Minister, among other dignitaries.

‘Accelerate Domestic Revenue to avoid Indebtedness…’ -IMF First Deputy Managing Director Admonishes

January 31, 2020

By Sam Pratt

The First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) David Lipton has on the 27^th January 2020 advised the Government of Sierra Leone to consider accelerating efforts in mobilizing domestic revenue to avoid indebtedness.

He added that the IMF’s goal is delivery, noting that the Fund is happy that such is the focus of the Government.

“Very importantly, the Government needs to be developing strong enough potential for the mobilization of domestic revenues so that it doesn’t end up overborne by debt,” Lipton said at a meeting with Minister of Finance, Jacob Jusu Saffa.

According to Lipton, his mission to the country included engaging the Government on how it could attain this.

He added that the visit is also an opportunity for him to visit some of the subjects that the Government is placing emphasis on development priorities, like education, human capital development, technology and infrastructure.

“I hope to gain some insight here, and to hear also about your development plans and I also hope to exchange views with a wide range of people including those in Government,” he said.

It is his first visit to the country and it comes as Sierra Leone seeks to strengthen relations with the IMF which suspended support to the country in late 2017.

Lipton met with President Julius Maada Bio on Tuesday.

The Minister of Finance Mr Jacob Jusu Saffa has regarded the recent visit by the First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as a pointer to the fact that Sierra Leone is on track on its economic transformation trajectory.

He made that statement during a cocktail hosted by the Vice President Dr Juldeh Jalloh in honor of the IMF First Deputy Managing Director and team.

“There are over 50 countries in Africa and to decide on which country to visit always arise big debates in the IMF. So for a country to be selected could mean two things; one, you are doing very well, two, you are on track and they want you to stay on track,” he said.

According to him, his impression is that Sierra Leone is on track, and assured the IMF that Sierra Leone will continue to stay on track.

He said Government is not staying on track because they want money from IMF, but they are staying on track because it is the right thing to do and it is part of the Government agenda according the New Direction Manifesto.

In trying to highlight the challenges they are facing as a Government, he said 30-35 percent of Government revenues are used to settle Government debt or arrears noting that the depth of the problems they inherited is enormous.

“But we can’t keep using that all the time, which is why we were elected,” he said.

Government Reacts to Violent Clashes in Freetown

January 31, 2020

Minister of Information and Communications

By Amin Kef Sesay

In reaction to violent skirmishes among certain irate youths within the Central Business District of Freetown on 26 January 2020 along ECOWAS and Wallace Johnson Streets resulting to wounding, disruption of traffic flow, theft of personal effects, the Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Information and Communications issued out a statement.

In the statement the Government pointed out that these acts undermine the efforts it is making to rebrand the country as a favourable destination for foreign direct investment, tourism and business.

It furthered that the Government will therefore spare no effort in ensuring that Sierra Leoneans and all other nationals resident in this country enjoy a peaceful and serene atmosphere in the journey to rebuild the economy and continue to create a society that will cater for the needs of the present and future generations.

It says whilst noting that Peace and Security are essential for stability in governance and provide a nurturing ecosystem for development the Government is encouraging all citizens to remain calm, exercise restraint whilst the Sierra Leone Police continues its investigations.

The statement furthered that the Government is assuring all that it will fully investigate the act of violence and lawlessness and bring to book all perpetrators and their sponsors as the incident constitutes a clear threat to peace and stability in the country.

It ends by stating how Government is encouraging members of the public who have relevant information regarding the incident to direct such information to the Media and Public Relations Unit of the Sierra Leone Police at its headquarters on George Street, Freetown

Sierra Leone Bar Association Must Be Vociferous on National Issues

January 31, 2020

By Lawyer Sorie Sengbe Marrah

Even little Gambia’s Bar Association is weighing in on recent events bordering on governance in their nation. Our own Bar Association is busy pursuing a PhD in “see but don’t say”. The Minister of Lands is over-zealously baptizing localities with new names ; SLPP and APC are trading threats to the peace while at daggers drawn; the peace edifice is being fractured by party sycophancy; economic hardship is beating the citizens left, right and center but our Bar Association is only being a silent spectator in all these. History has it that once civilization and western education from Salone illuminated other regions of British West Africa. But now we’re receiving tutorial from countries that were once students of Mama Salone.

It is such silence that fertilizes the arrogance and intoxicates the egos of our leaders. Sadly, our Bar Association is only being a dutiful cupbearer of the poison of silence.

For Optimal & Qualitative Service Delivery NP is Unbeatable

January 31, 2020

By Amin Kef Sesay

The National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) has received both local and international commendations for what many has described as the company’s optimal and qualitative service delivery that continues to give utmost satisfaction to its numerous customers and serve as an eye opener for many who hitherto knew little about those qualities but are now understanding and so therefore have decided to come on board to enjoy the benefits

As the country’s leading petroleum importer and marketer, the National Petroleum Limited, NP (SL-Ltd) is robustly moving in that direction to roll out cogent initiatives that will give the general public the most qualitative petroleum products as well as services they do desire.

The company’s competent and razor-shape managerial think tank, currently headed by its indefatigable General Manager, Kobi Walker, in tandem with the result-oriented Board of Directors, have always endeavored to be at the pinnacle of affairs within the petroleum landscape, looking at best options, in order for effective service delivery to be executed timely, excellently all geared towards the public good.

If there is any outstanding feature for which the company is identified with then it is customer satisfaction which is why it has earned the reputation as ‘1st for Customer Care’.

Prioritizing customer care is considered very paramount out of the strong conviction that the company will be nowhere without its cherished customers.

It is against this backdrop that, just recently, one of its refurbished filing stations at Blackhall Road in the East End of Freetown was commissioned on 25th September 2019.

During a snap but very soul-touching event, it was succinctly made clear by Kobi Walker that the company is here to serve humanity furthering how within their reach they will do all that is possible to ensure that their customers are given the best of services that they have to offer.

Judging from the statements of representatives of the Bike Riders and Motor Drivers’ Unions during the commissioning ceremony, what came out vividly was that they are very appreciative of what the company had been doing making it possible for them to access high grade petroleum products such as diesel, petrol, kerosene, gas as well as lubricants like Castrol, all very good for vehicles, bikes, Kekehs and machines.

In its drive to optimize customer satisfaction the company went the extra mile to install calibrated pumping machines which are not only modern but trustworthy, as opposed to old pumping machines which certain unscrupulous individuals used to cheat unassuming customers. This is helping to repose confidence in customers that they are dealing with a very transparent entity. The friendliness of their pump attendants is very impressive and they are always there to timely respond to various concerns.

Still within the domain of 1st for Customer Care, the company is always in position to enter into payment plans with its reliable and dependable customers including Ministries, Departments and Agencies for supplied fuel and lubricants as long as all the necessary modalities have been put in place.

When cognizance is taken of the fact that some of these institutions receive intermittent budgetary allocations then such an arrangement is very significant. Its significance in real terms borders on functional continuity of those institutions as they will be assured of supplies of petroleum products in as much as they keep honoring their obligations.

In this country today, for one to see a successful business entity that is owned mainly by Sierra Leoneans and having a maximum number of indigenes as members of staff is like trying to find a lost needle on the beach, although there are some that could be identified.

For NP-SL Ltd this has been a big achievement as the company is strongly adhering to the country’s Local Content Policy. Making use of local brains has been identified as one of the conduits through which developing countries like Sierra Leone could attain economic empowerment. Correspondingly, if there is a continuation of the colonial mentality that it is only by importing foreign ideas and skills that we will get there then such could be a very sad mistake.

By providing job opportunities for hitherto jobless Sierra Leoneans, NP-SL Ltd continues to help in alleviating poverty by putting monies into pockets which could be utilized to take care of responsibilities.

For those who have not tried NP Gas for the first time it is now time to give it a try. Designed in sizable varying cylinders and sold at various NP Filling Stations, this cooking device has been rated as one of the best that is on offer for sale. NP Gas is safe, user friendly and portable. Trying it will spur you to recommend it to others.

NP Smart Card is now in vogue and is one of the latest technological devices used to purchase petroleum products. Using it has attendant advantages as evident in procuring fuel at any time of the day even during times when monies could not be accessed from banks. It is secured, easy to use and very quick. It is now trending.

To crystallize proposed projects into tangible realities on the ground, Government needs the required financial resources to effectively do so and one sure way is from collection of taxes which is the mandate of the National Revenue Authority (NRA).

NP-SL Ltd is one of the big time tax payers in the country and it is very compliant in that direction.

From all indications, it is crystal clear that NP-SL Ltd is here to stay in order to give the best and contribute tremendously to the socio-economic development of the country. Indeed the company is passionate and committed towards attaining those objectives and strongly believes that enhancing optimal and qualitative customer care could be conduit through which those could be achieved.

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