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In compliance with a Court Order… APC Set to Hold its National Delegates Conference

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Ahead of the All People’s Congress (APC) National Delegates Conference scheduled to take place on the 17th, 18th and 19th of September 2021 in Makeni, Northern Sierra Leone, a 21-Man Committee of the Party has, during a press conference held on Tuesday 14th September, 2021, informed pressmen that the court gave them and the Party, as a whole, under the supervision of the PPRC, to undertake the planning ,preparation, coordination and implementation functions, respectively, for the conduct of an Emergency National Delegates Conference on the 17th, 18th and 19th of September 2021 of which they told pressmen that they are in full compliance.

Reading a press statement, the Acting Deputy Organizing Secretary of the APC, Karamoh Kabba pointed out that the 21-Man Committee is borne out of a Court Order issued by  Justice Adrian Fisher J that states; “There shall be an Emergency Delegates Conference Technical Committee, consisting of 21 members, whose sole function shall be to undertake the planning and preparation leading up to the emergency National Delegates Conference.”

He said that after the Party lost the presidential election in 2018 the call for democratic reforms by the National Reformation Movement (NRM) and other members of the Party ensued, amongst a host of other issues, in retrospect; (1) Elections process of office bearers at constituency, district, regional and the National Delegates Conference (NDC) levels. (2) The Party’s 1995 Constitution was rendered inadequate especially for its selection clause, adding that a 9-Man Committee was formed, which was mandated to go around the country to investigate the cause of the popular disenchantment amongst a good number of the members of the Party.

Karamoh Kabba stated that the 9-Man Committee brought forth three major recommendations; (1) the need to review the 1995 APC Constitution, (2) the need to create a committee that will monitor the process and (3) the need to create a peace and mediation mechanism and that as a result of the foregoing recommendations of the 9-Man Committee, the following committees were formed: (1) the Constitutional Review Committee (CRC), (2) the Monitoring Committee and (3) the Peace and Mediation Committee.

He pointed out that concerns from some members were also raised over the legality of the present National Executive of the Party, whose mandate had expired and duly extended by the National Advisory Committee (NAC) and that this was because, the constitutional timeline to organize a National Delegates Conference to elect new office bearers in accordance with the provision of the 1995 Constitution of the Party was impeded by a State of Emergency and other Executive Orders mainly due to the fight against Covid-19.

The Acting Deputy Organizing Secretary of the APC further informed party members and the general public that the 21-Man Committee and the APC Secretariat under the supervision of the PPRC are in compliance with the Court Order so far: (1) The 21-Man Committee was formed. (2) The National Secretariat is providing unfettered access to the resources of the Party to facilitate the smooth running of the Committee.

(3) The National Secretary General has published the original draft constitution in two national newspapers with wide coverage within seven days of the Court Order and serve a copy to the Court, the PPRC Chairman, the Solicitor of Alfred Peter Conteh within 7 days of the Court Order and made the draft constitution available at the headquarters of the Party in Freetown. (4) The National Secretary General has published a list of registered voters. (5) The Party completed the elections of five delegates in each 125 constituencies, elections of twenty delegates for the National Youth League and election of twenty delegates for the Women’s Congress. (6) The delegates list has been compiled, submitted to the Chairman of the PPRC and published.

In conclusion, he said such shows that the APC Party is truly a democratic institution and all the factions have demonstrated a spirit of good faith, all geared towards the adoption of a constitution that is consistent with the national Constitution and international democratic standards and best practice going forward.

Karamoh Kabba maintained that in essence, the APC Party, the Alfred Peter Conteh faction, the NRM faction, the Diaspora faction and the Big Six faction will now allow the Party to achieve its aims and objectives, the intentions of the good faith reasoning behind the request made by the Party leadership when it requested for the variation of the Court Order, adding that they are confident that this process will also enhance their path to overcome their challenges and build a united force to win the presidential election in 2023.

The Acting Deputy Organizing Secretary of the APC used the opportunity to remind all their stakeholders and membership at large that the Court Oder calls for a sole agenda, that there will be no flag bearer, banners, other paraphernalia and support groups activities at the National Delegates Conference on the 17th, 18th and 19th September 2021 and that any breach of the Court Oder will be tantamount to a contempt of Court.

 

To Report Disaster Emergencies… Africell & NDMA Launch 1199 Toll Free Line

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of their effort towards strengthening effective early warning system where citizens will have the opportunity to call and report incidences of emergencies for free by using an Africell Sim across the country, Africell Sierra Leone ,in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) on Tuesday 14th September, 2021 officially launched a 1199 Toll Free Line during an auspicious event held at the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) Headquarters at Aberdeen in Freetown.

In his statement, the Director General of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), Lt. Gen. (Retired) Brima Sesay applauded Africell Sierra Leone for the laudable venture towards strengthening early warning system in the country.

He highlighted how the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) was established by an Act of Parliament in 2020 to deal with disasters and similar emergencies throughout Sierra Leone and to develop the capacity of residents in communities to respond effectively to disasters and emergencies, adding that the Agency was launched by President Julius Maada Bio at State House on the 19th November 2020 and since its inception, the Agency has taken significant steps to enhance effective coordination through partnerships, inter-agency dialogue, collaboration, engagements with MDAs and devising workable strategies to streamline the activities of NGOs dealing with disaster-related issues in the country.

Lt. Gen. (Retired) Brima Sesay revealed that two months ago, the NDMA wrote to the National Telecommunications Commission (NATCOM) for approval to enable mobile companies operating in the country help the Agency with Toll-Free lines and other facilities essential in enabling the public to receive Early Warning alerts from NDMA and equally give the public an opportunity to make free calls in order to report disaster related-issues.

Against such a backdrop, he said Africell mobile company responded to their request in the affirmative approving almost all their requests through constructive engagements with its leadership.

He expressed delight to underscore that the approved package from Africell will equip them to timely respond to emergencies and will be of immense support in reducing the risk of hazards across the country.

The package from Africell, the Director General said, includes the provision of a Toll-Free Number 1199 to call and report incidences of emergencies for free from any Africell Sim,  145 mobile phones with free CUG sim cards to ensure effective communication flow amongst staff members across the country furthering that the company has also allocated 1 hour radio program called NDMA Hour on its radio station (AfriRadio 101.3 FM). That platform will be used to propagate the activities of the Agency, undertake public education on early warning signs, risk reduction and preparedness.

In his statement, Africell’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Joe Abass Bangura, maintained that information technology is very important in relation to early warning and that is why they deemed it fit to partner with the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), adding that the partnership with NDMA started during the fire disaster at Susan’s Bay of which he said their presence at Susan’s Bay speaks volume as they made presentation of cash direct transfer and other intervention amounting to over 400 million Leones.

He noted that during the process they noticed the commitment of the NDMA in terms of rolling out their mandate as an institution.

Joe Abass Bangura furthered that the move by the company to partner with the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) was borne out of the need to liaise with the agency to enhance an effecting early warning system across the country.

He pointed out that there had been a lot of disasters in the country ranging from the mudslide, flash floods, fire outbreak etc. but said with this partnership it will mitigate disasters in the country.

Launching the Toll Free Line, the Minister of Information and Communications, Mohamed Rahman Swarray commended Africell Sierra Leone for forging the partnership and launching the 1199 Toll Free Line with the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) to call and report incidences of emergencies for free from any Africell Sim across the country.

He said information technology is very key towards the strengthening of an early warning system in the country and that the Government is very committed in addressing issues of disaster, stating that to achieve that goal  that was why the Government established the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA)to develop the capacity of communities to respond effectively to disasters and emergencies across the country.

On behalf of the Government, the Minister officially launched the 1199 Toll Free Line which is now in the public domain to call and report incidences of disasters and emergencies throughout the country using an Africell Sim.

Request for Expression of Interest-Orange Foundation-Local NGO Partnership

Orange Foundation seeks to partner with a Local Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) that meets the following set of criteria:

  • Registered and based in Sierra Leone
  • Registered to operate in the digital and technology sectors in Sierra Leone
  • Have projects that are focused on unemployed youths with the aim of providing skills that willresult in employment or entrepreneurship
  • Understanding of Fab Lab and the roles and responsibilities that accompany it
  • Be able to work professionally with Orange SL Foundation

If you meet the above criteria, please request for the ‘Request for Information’ Pack by sending an email to OSL.Sourcing@orange-sonatel.com.

The closing date for receipt of expressions of interest is 15th September 2021.

 

 

 

With More Success Stories… Sick Pikin Facilitates Treatment of Jannet Koroma in India  

By Foday Moriba Conteh

During a Press Conference convened at the Caritas Office, within the St. Edward’s School Compound at Kingtom on Friday 10th September, 2021 the Lead Coordinator of Sick Pikin Project, Ishmael Alfred Charles  updated pressmen about the departure of Jannet Koroma who is suffering from Meningioma. He informed that she will be departing the shores of Freetown on Saturday 11th September, 2021 for New Delhi in India for a surgery to be done on her at the Max Super Specialty Hospital. The Lead Coordinator of the Sick Pikin Project also used the opportunity to update the Press on their intervention and successes so far.

Ishmael Alfred Charles pointed out that since the inception of the Sick Pikin Project four years ago, it has raised and spent funds on children which has helped saved the lives of more than Sixty four (64) children internationally that were faced with critical health conditions and about 96 locally, adding that they are still in the process of saving the lives of poor and vulnerable children in the country.

He said that currently they have a growing number of children approaching their office on a daily basis looking for help, in very desperate moods and with life-threatening medical conditions, stating that as of on the 10th September, 2021 there are 28 more cases of sick children awaiting funds.

Ishmael Alfred Charles said, however, the most worrisome thing is that they don’t know when and where the next help will come from as the complications increase on the children on a daily basis.

Highlighting the most common cases that the project has helped since inception, the Lead Coordinator of Sick Pikin Project stated Congenital Heart Diseases, Hydrocephalus, Imperforated Anus, Wilms Tumor, Orbit Tumor, Breast Tumor/Lumps, Burns, Meningioma etc.

Ishmael Alfred Charles revealed that the project has recently facilitated the treatment of Tanya A.M. Kamara who was suffering from Congenital Heart Disease, Prince Kamara who was also suffering from Congenital Heart Disease, Divine Kamara who was suffering from Congenital Heart Disease and Blessing Finda Abu who once swallowed her earrings.

He further called on all to help the Sick Pikin Project to focus on giving children another chance to live and by donating to the project in order to make it happen stating that a little amount monthly will not be little when using it to save lives.

Moses Kamara, father of Prince Kamara extended his sincere thanks and gratitude to the Sick Pikin Project and the Ministry of Health and Sanitation for coming to their aid and in order to support his child get proper medical treatment in India, adding that he had lost all hope until he came in contact with the Sick Pikin Project maintaining that he is proud to say Prince Kamara has gone through the treatment and he is doing well. He further added that before this time Prince Kamara cannot play like other children but said after the successful treatment he can now play like any other child.

Beatrice Rosaline Faux, the mother of Tanya A.M. Kamara also extended gratitude to the Sick Pikin Project and the Ministry of Health and Sanitation for facilitating the treatment of Tanya Kamara in India.

She also used opportunity to plead to all Sierra Leoneans both at home and abroad to continue to support the Sick Pikin Project which she said has been playing a pivotal role in saving lives especially those of less privileged children across the country.

Jessica Koroma, the parent of Jannet Koroma, who is currently in India for treatment, also narrated her child’s story revealing that since when the child was 9 months old, they started noticing her having an eye problem prompting them to visit so many hospitals in the country but said all those efforts proved futile.

She said that her child suffers pain especially during the night and that since then she cannot play with her colleagues but expressed optimism that her child will go through the surgery successfully.

Partnering With A Well Meaning Entrepreneur… NP-SL Commissions New Filling Station in Mattru Jong

By Amin Kef Sesay

As lack of access to petroleum products has debilitating effects on residents in different parts of the country  there are certain oil marketing companies that are very keen on making it feasible for residents in hard to reach areas to access petroleum products.

One of such companies is the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) which, over the years, has done extremely well in the direction of making it possible for their products and services to be accessible all across the country.

During a well-attended ceremony, on the 11th September, 2021 the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) commissioned another ultra-modern NP Filling Station at  Mattru Jong within  Bonthe District, Southern Sierra Leone.

In his opening statement, as Chairman of the event, Councilor Joseph Silvalie disclosed that as a result of the poor road network within the district residents have been experiencing acute shortage of petroleum products but expressed hope that with the timely intervention of the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL) the narrative will change as the company will be extending its services to residents of Mattru Jong and even make job opportunities available for them.

He highlighted how in most cases some people dishonestly create artificial fuel scarcity in the district but expressed optimism that the Management of the new NP-SL outlet will not be a party to that menace but rather will work towards ensuring that their products and services are accessible to all even during times of crisis.

Speaking on behalf of the Paramount Chief, the Town Chief of Mattru Jong, Edna Tucker, expressed appreciation to the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited for the construction of the new Filling Station in Mattru Jong, adding that fuel scarcity had been a big challenge for them in that part of the country but said with the commissioning of the new Filling Station they are of the strong conviction that those challenges will become things of the past.

The Proprietor and Dealer of the new NP Mattru Jong Filling Station, Mustapha Kallon, expressed his delight for partnering with the National Petroleum (SL) Limited and commended the efforts of the  company’s Management for giving him the support from the commencement of the construction work up to its completion.

The Proprietor disclosed that at present the new Filling Station has created job opportunities for residents of Mattru Jong and beyond noting that it will also address the problem of fuel crisis in Mattru Jong.

He intimated further that there had been constraints in securing fuel in that part of the country especially during times of crisis stating that it was that lacuna which gave him the impetus to establish the new Filling Station assuring residents that with the commissioning of the Filling Station such will become a thing of the past.

Mustapha Kallon said the facility has the capacity of storing over 60,000 litres which, according to him, is enough to ward off the prevailing  fuel crisis in the township and its environs and called on residents to take ownership of the property which he stated has the potential of  creating job opportunities for them.

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of NP-SL Limited, Kobi Walker, maintained that the company remains committed to ensuring that petroleum products are easily accessible to residents in Mattru Jong and the entire Bonthe district and at the same time making sure that employment opportunities are provided.

He assured residents that they will never have to travel 52 miles again to procure petroleum products in Bo City, adding that the commissioning of the new Filling Station in Mattru Jong is part of the company’s effort to optimize customer care, make their products and services available to residents at their doorsteps.

The CEO pointed out how the company always imports qualitative petroleum products including petrol, diesel, gas, lubricants among which is the popular  Castrol Oil that is widely used for the good functioning of engines.

Kobi Walker encouraged all to do business with NP-SL as the empowerment that the company is receiving from Sierra Leoneans through the purchase of their products is what they are giving back to society through job creation, and also empowering other Sierra Leoneans of which he said the commissioning of the Filling Station is a clear manifestation that the company is very committed towards the empowerment of every Sierra Leonean.

Francis Benjamin Lamin, a bike Rider within Mattru Jong applauded NP-SL for the commissioning of the Filling Station in Mattru Jong, stating that as bike riders they had been faced with a lot of constraints in securing fuel furthering that they had to go as far as Bo District, which is 52 miles away from Mattru Jong, just to secure fuel but said with this new NP-SL Filling Station it will surely address those fuel constraints experienced by residents of Mattru Jong and its environs.

The event was climaxed by the cutting of  the tape by the Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited, (NP SL-Ltd), Kobi Walker, the Chairman of the event, Councilor Joseph Silvalie, the Town Chief of Mattru Jong, Edna Tucker.

Hands Off PPG! West African Parliamentary Press Corps Blasts Parliament

By Amin Kef Sesay

In the impasse which emanated from the decision by the leadership of the Sierra Leone Parliament to reconstitute the Parliamentary Press Gallery leadership, the West African Parliamentary Press Corps (WAPPC) is now the latest entity that has joined the debate.

It said, in a letter written to the Clerk of Parliament, Hon. Dr. Paran Umar Tarawally and signed by Barr. Edwin Andrew Arthur in Ghana as President and   Ezrel E. Tabiowo, (FIMC, CMC, Fsca, FCP) as Secretary-General  from Nigeria  ,WAPPC says its attention of the West African Parliamentary Press Corps (WAPPC) has been drawn to a Public Notice from the former’s office, dated the 27th of July, 2021, announcing the reconstitution of the Parliamentary Press Gallery leadership pursuant to Standing Order 80 of the House Rules of Procedure.

WAPPC continued that as a responsible body of Parliamentary Reporters in the West African sub- region, they believe strongly that the involvement of Parliament in the reconstitution of the Press Gallery leadership in the absence of any election, violates Article 32 of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance entered into by member States.

It added that for the purpose of clarity, Article 32 under Section VII on page 18 of the document, seeks to uphold the Rule of Law, Human Rights and Good Governance, with member States agreeing “that good governance and press freedom are essential for presser social Justice, preventing conflict, guaranteeing political stability and peace and for strengthening democracy.”

WAPPC stated that in view of the above, it is their position that the recent reconstitution exercise of the Sierra-Leonean Press Gallery leadership by Parliament, not only interferes with the independence of the media and undermines press freedom, but also speaks poorly of the integrity of Parliament to entrench democratic ideals in its day-to-day dealings with the media and public.

It furthered that accordingly, in keeping with their responsibilities as a professional body charged with regulating the professional conduct of Parliamentary Journalists in the West African sub-region, they express their interest to set in motion the necessary machineries that would lead to a final resolution of all pending issues between Parliament and the Press Gallery, and immediately see to the conduct of a transparent election to produce a new Executive for the latter three months from now.

It could be recalled that on the 4th August 2021the President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) ,Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, wrote a letter to the Clerk of Parliament in which he registered the Association’s disapproval over the move by the leadership of Parliament to reconstitute an Interim Executive to administer the affairs of the Parliamentary Press Gallery (PPG).

The President of SLAJ made it categorically clear that the Association’s disapproval is based on the fact  that SLAJ (as the parent body) was not consulted; that they  believe the action by the Honourable Clerk to interfere with the membership and administration and operation of the PPG will undermine the independence of the press corps and ultimately their duty to hold Parliament to account.

He also highlighted that they also believe that the action by the Honourable Clerk will further compound the numerous challenges facing the PPG and which SLAJ has been seeking to address.

In another development, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) in collaboration with the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG), Guild of Newspaper Editors (GoNE), and the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists Electoral Commission (SLAJEC), on Thursday 2nd and Tuesday 7th September 2021 engaged the membership of the Sierra Leone Parliamentary Press Gallery (SLPPG) on the SLPPG Reformation Committee (SLLPG-RC) Report. The engagements were to also chart the way forward for an effective and independent association of journalists reporting on Parliament.

It was resolved by the parties to set up two committees: a Constitution and Membership Committee to review the SLPPG constitution and membership database and a Finance and Assets Committee to look into the finances and assets of the SLPPG.

The meeting also agreed that SLAJ will appoint one member each with the requisite qualification and experience to serve as technical guide for each committee.

It was said that after the submission of the reports, another meeting will be convened for discussion and adoption of the way forward for the SLPPG, which will, among other things, include the conduct of elections for a new SLPPG Executive.

NCRA Director General Continues to Inject Sound Institutional Reforms

By Amin Kef Sesay

Recently, one of the country’s local tabloids published a baseless story in which it was indicated that the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) received a whooping sum of Le44 Billion from the Government of Sierra Leone but there is not much to show how the money has so far been expended.

With such a startling revelation this medium was prompted to thoroughly confirm the veracity of the allegation. It was confirmed beyond all reasonable doubts that the NCRA has never received the sum of Le 44 billion from the Government of Sierra Leone. What was also ascertained and proven to be baseless was the allegation that the Eastern Region was abandoned during the ongoing verification exercise said to be a calculated attempt to paint the institution in a bad light.

From what was learnt, the confirmation exercise was done in phases, from Western Area to the North, South, and North-West.

The exercise was put on hold in the East due to the rains and pretty soon a new date would be announced for the resumption of the exercise. Interestingly what was understood was that the disbursement of funds from the office of the Accountant General is only done by regions making it rather impossible for such an amount to be misappropriated when in actual fact that sum of money was never disbursed.

Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, who is the current Director General of the NCRA is said to have worked with both local and international organizations, including the United Nations putting him at a vantage position to properly interact with partners in very fruitful ways.

It is said that in just three years, the Director General has transformed the NCRA into one of the most enviable institutions in the country to the admiration of many.

DG Massaquoi has assured of providing reliable data to support public administration and good governance across all Ministries, Departments and Agencies. He has also engaged local and tribal heads on births and deaths registration services both in the Western Area and Provincial Areas across the country.

Moreover, in his bid to provide a lasting solution to the demands of Sierra Leoneans on the issue of the Biometric Identity Cards the Authority has embarked on the confirmation and registration exercises across the country as plans are in advanced stage for the provision of those cards.

The Director General’s efforts it is said is not only felt within the country, but in the West African Sub-region, where in August 2019 he launched Africa’s First Blockchain and Decentralized National Identity Platform.

Namati Sierra Leone & ILRAJ Call for Vital Information on Proposed Black Johnson Project

By Amin Kef Sesay

In a joint Press Release dated the  9th September 2021 by Namati Sierra Leone and the Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice (ILRAJ) it was indicated that the two entities are concerned about the continued lack of transparency and compliance with national laws by the Government of Sierra Leone  following a visit by the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) and the Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning (MLHCP) to Black Johnson village in the Western Area on the 6th September 2021.

The two organizations said they note that without providing information on the project, the Ministers announced to a spontaneously gathered crowd, comprising village leaders, residents, landowners, and Civil Society Organization representatives that the fish harbour project at Black Johnson was moving forward.

Both stated that as Non-Governmental Organizations working on the rule of law, public policy research, land rights and environmental justice, they are deeply disappointed that without an Environmental, Social and Health Impact Assessment having been completed in line with the Environmental Protection Agency Act 2008, the Government of Sierra Leone has drawn conclusions about the project and its potential impacts, while publicly stating those unsupported conclusions as facts.

“For a project of this nature, which involves important natural ecosystems, livelihoods, and the country’s tourism potential, it is imperative that decisions by both Government and the people must be made on an informed basis,” said Sonkita Conteh, Director of Namati Sierra Leone.

Further highlighted was that four months after the Government’s intention to establish the fish harbour came to light, the MFMR and MLHCP have ignored their obligations under the Rights to Access Information Act (RAIA) 2013 by failing to provide the information both NGOs  requested in May 2021 on the proposed project.

The requested information, they stated, includes any technical and environmental studies done to assess the suitability of Black Johnson as the location for a fish harbour, the terms of the Chinese Government’s $55 million grant, and the Government’s proposed means of land acquisition.

According to Basita Michael, governing officer of ILRAJ, “[t]he failure of the relevant Government entities to respond to these information requests or proactively disclose information on the project not only contravenes the RAIA, but also creates unnecessary suspicion around a project vaguely promised by one Minister to create “a solid foundation for the development of Sierra Leone.”

It was also underscored that ILRAJ and Namati were also disturbed by the erroneous nature of statements made during the Ministers’ visit to Black Johnson, including a declaration by the Minister of Lands that the establishment of a fish harbour at Black Johnson is now law after having been passed by Parliament.

The two heads of the NGOs said to their knowledge, no law has been passed by Parliament to establish a fish harbour specifically at Black Johnson.

“We call on the Minister to immediately publicly clarify his misleading statement and provide accurate information on what was presented to Parliament regarding establishing a fish harbour and any action taken by Parliament on the said document,” they demanded saying in the same vein, they also welcome the Minister’s invitation to debate openly on television or radio about the proposed fish harbour project.

They lamented that to date there has been no consultation by the Government with stakeholders, which range from all Black Johnson landowners to community members to the Sierra Leone public.

According to them the latest visit to Black Johnson by the Ministers did not change that maintaining how the Government representatives’ unwillingness to give stakeholders an opportunity to dialogue or ask questions was met with the vocal disapproval of stakeholders present.

It was indicated in the Press Release that Namati and ILRAJ, together with a cross-section of landowners and residents of Black Johnson are  calling on all relevant Government entities to without further delay, the MFMR and MLHCP should respond to Namati and ILRAJ’s requests for information under the RAIA and provide the public with information on the proposed project, including technical studies, the Chinese Government’s grant supporting the project, and the Government’s proposed means of land acquisition.

They also demand that the MFMR, Ministry of Environment (MOE), and the Environmental Protection Agency should ensure that an independent and thorough Environmental, Social and Health Impact Assessment and public disclosure process is carried out before any further action on the part of the Government to acquire land for the establishment of a fish harbour.

That the MFMR, MLHCP, MOE, and Ministry of Tourism should adopt a new approach to consultation that provides all categories of stakeholders with opportunities to obtain information, ask questions, and provide input on the proposed project for the establishment of the fish harbour at Black Johnson.

As Alleged Refusal of FCC CA to Sign Payment Cheque…   FCC Auxiliary Workers Owed Three Months Salary

By Amin Kef Sesay

According to reports reaching this medium, workers cleaning the streets of Freetown are said to have gone for three (3) months now without any salary, a situation which it is alleged is as result of the Freetown City Council’s (FCC) Chief Administrator, Festus Kallay, persistent refusal to sign their payment cheques.

Of course it is an open secret that the relationship between the Mayor of the Freetown City Council, Yvonne Aki Sawyer and the Chief Administrator   Festus Kallay has been frosty , totally inimical to the rolling out of certain development programmes within the Freetown metropolis.

It was understood that the affected workers wake up as early as 5:00 am everyday to clean the city but now because of not receiving their salaries for three months has made life for them very difficult.

Many are of the conviction that the sacrifices the affected workers are making are to ensure that things turnaround for their families and the country as a whole.

There is a school of thought which holds the view that in order to put an end to the impasse between the Mayor and Chief Administrator the latter must be removed from his position.

This school of thought strongly believes that there is a strong connivance between the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD) and office of the Chief Administrator with the motive of discouraging the Mayor, Councilors and auxiliary workers.

There is now a deep sense of apprehension among some residents of Freetown that if the plight of the affected workers is not addressed such will give rise to the sight of mountain garbage in different parts of the city.

 

TEES Factory Set to Put Sierra Leone in the Garment Manufacturing Limelight

By Amin Kef Sesay

The  latest indigenous investment entity in the country which, when visited for the very first time will leave anyone highly captivated, admiring at its orderliness, depth is indisputably  the TEES Garment Factory which is situated on Wilkinson Road in Freetown and owned by the widely renowned former politician, who was a Presidential Flagbearer in the 2018 General Elections,  Musa Tarawally.

In order for him to shed light on such a breathtaking investment, which many affluent Sierra Leoneans are not known for, he first intimated this medium that for now priority is being placed on focusing on three key areas which are industrial Garment production, capacity building and printing. “TEES is now engaged in industrial garment production, moving away from small scale tailoring enterprises simply because such is somehow lacking in the country and I am determined to change the narrative,” Musa Tarawally told this medium.

He said currently there are 18 experts from Pakistan, India, Cape Verde, Philippines and their main focus is to transfer knowledge to Sierra Leoneans and make production faster.

According to him, the factory has the capacity to employ 250 workers and produce a minimum of 50,000 dresses monthly further revealing how they are now training 250 Sierra Leoneans in industrial tailoring.

“Our product lines will be school uniforms, military, police, prisons, fire force and all security uniforms, industrial wears, wedding dresses and all fashion wears,” he optimistically revealed.

The Chief Executive Officer of TEES Garment Factory, Musa Tarawally stated with determination that in the next two years they will expand the production and start cotton plantation all over the country in order to develop the textile factory and at the same time create 25 thousand jobs within 5 years of cotton plantation.

Musa Tarawally furthered that TEES Garment factory will not only offer employment opportunities to Sierra Leoneans directly and indirectly but will definitely boost the country’s economy in diverse ways including payment of taxes to Government.

Based on what he informed, the factory will not only cater for the local Sierra Leone market, but also will be exporting its products to other African countries, America, Asia and the EU, and at the same time is expected to have contractual agreements from countries within the West African Sub Region too.

Asked how his investment will position the country he responded by stating that he plans and hopes to make Sierra Leone the best country for professional sewing and garment production in West Africa.

“I will want to assure all and sundry that Truly Excellent and Exclusively Services, as the name implies, is what TEES is offering and will strive to continue to offer,” the former politician now an investor cum businessman wrapped up the interview.

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