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Premium Divine Trading Appreciates FCC on Sanitation Drive

By Foday Moriba Conteh

One of Sierra Leone’s outstanding food marketing and distribution companies, Premium Divine Trading Company Ltd, which operates as an agent for Promasidor Holdings Limited, a leading manufacturer of top quality food products in more than 30 African countries, including Sierra Leone on Friday 3rd September, 2021 donated 100 cartoons of Miksi Chocolate drink to the Freetown City Council as part of the company’s appreciation of the FCC’s Transform Freetown Initiative.

The 100 cartons were meant to be distributed among staff of the Freetown City Council and it’s allied agencies.

In an introduction to the programme, the Marketing Executive of Premium Divine Trading, Isha Bangura commended the Freetown City Council Transform Freetown Agenda, describing it as a laudable move by the Council to make the city clean.

She expressed the view that the Transform Freetown initiative is one that he believes will give the city a new face lift and definitely brings back the lost glory of Freetown.

In his statement, the Country Manager of Premium Divine Trading Ltd, Kenneth Konuah, highlighted that Premium Divine Trading has been operating according to the laws of the lands, paying taxes to the respective authorities and performing other duties as part of the
company’s support towards the development of the country.

He said that he has been monitoring the Freetown City Council Transform Freetown Initiative and applauded the Mayor of Freetown Municipality, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr and the entire Management of the Freetown City Council for their tremendous efforts in keeping the city clean.

He stated that they are aware that their products also causes dirt on the streets but said product education is key to them emphasizing that they do not only sell products to customers but also educate them on the importance of depositing their dirt in the dust bins which they do provide at all their events. According to him, this does enhances a clean and tidy city.

He added that as a responsible company they deemed it fit to donate the 100 cartoons of Miksi Chocolate drink to the Freetown City Council as part of the company’s appreciation to the FCC Transform Freetown Initiative.

Kenneth Konuah ended by revealing that Premium Divine Trading Company Ltd also distributes and markets Cowbell, Onga, Miksi Chocolate and coffee drink, Xploza, Kremela and Yumvita , the latter being an infant cereal with milk also containing wheat, rice and maize.

In presenting the 100 Miksi Chocolate cartons to FCC, Daniel De Suza stated that Promasidor is one of the leading providers of high-quality food products across various regions in Africa including Sierra Leone, adding that their products which includes Cowbell, Onga, Miksi Chocolate and coffee drink etc. are affordable, delicious and good for human consumption.

He revealed that Premium Divine Trading Company Ltd is the sole distributor of all their aforementioned products in the country, stating that the move by the company to support the Freetown City Council Transform Freetown initiative is a laudable effort of which they as partner are pleased with.

In receiving the donation, the Mayor of Freetown Municipality, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, commended the Premium Divine Trading Ltd for the gesture as an appreciation of the FCC Transform Freetown Initiative.

She informed the gathering that the Transform Freetown Initiative has four clusters, which include Resilience, Human Development, a Healthy City and Urban Mobility with eleven (11) priority sectors and (19) targets and the importance of sanitation of which she disclosed that the Council faces challenges but said the only way they will succeed
is with the cooperation of all residents.

The Mayor noted that the move by Premium Divine Trading Ltd is a demonstration that Transform Freetown is all about collaboration with all the stakeholders in the city, from individuals to organizations and private sector corporations, adding that the company has demonstrated what they truly believe in that as a city they go forward together as those collaborations truly make a difference.

She stated that as a Council they created a platform with Transform Freetown, which has allowed all to understand where the city is going in order for people to come forward with their ideas and suggestions in order to transform Freetown and that during such partnership what is needed most is messaging to ensure that the messages go out.

She noted that they are hoping that during this partnership they will be working together to provide dust bins in schools, which will support the Transform Freetown Initiative.

Jean Claude Aba, Export Manager of Promasidor Holdings, provided education on the excellent usage and consumption of our Promasidor Products to ensure ultimate satisfaction.

He stated that in the case of Miksi Chocolate just by adding hot water, a healthy breakfast is prepared for consumption.

Daniel De Suza, in his closing remarks encouraged all to go in for the company’s products especially the Miksi Chocolate and coffee drink which he said is of high quality and when consumed will definitely nourish Sierra Leoneans.

AYV DSTV Channel 399 Takes Sierra Leone to the Outside World

By Amin Kef Sesay

The Africa Young Voices (AYV) media empire will go down the annals of broadcasting history in this country as a news medium in this country that has established a link with to DStv Africa. For now AYV programs could now be watched via DSTV Africa Channel 399.

As a result of the materialization of this remarkable feat AYV is  live in thirty (30) countries across Africa for now and there are twenty four countries to be brought abroad. All the West African countries are now connected apart from Ghana and Nigeria of which plans are underway for them to come on later but categorically it must be stated that other African countries are now on.

This new development is indeed a big boost in the sense that it has now made it possible for the country to gain another presence within the international broadcasting landscape. Sierra Leoneans living abroad will be abreast with current events taking place in the country.

Besides, AYV presence on DSTV will serve as the gateway for the outside world to know the critical issues that emanate from the country. Such will somehow be an aid to international policy makers to discuss pertinent related issues in order to make informed decisions geared towards addressing certain concerns.

In as much as we have realized that tourism could be a vehicle for national development, marketing our touristic potentials is critical in order to lure foreigners to explore Sierra Leone. It is believed that through the presence of AYV on DSTV much will be done in the direction of positioning our country at the international arena in an attractive manner that will make many outsiders yearn to visit the country. There is no need to emphasize the importance of having a booming tourism industry as it is an open secret that it brings with it many job opportunities, boosts the hospitality sector and above all earn the country foreign exchange.

The official launching of the partnership with DSTV will be done on the 17th September, 2021.

Brain behind this great leap in Sierra Leone’s broadcasting history is no least a person than the patriot, entrepreneur and a fanatic development striker in the person of Ambassador Anthony Navo Jr who happens to be the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the African Young Voices Media Empire. Many have described him as the embodiment of inspiration.

His ambition to establish the AYV Media Empire started as a dream. He started with a newspaper and later used his private house as collateral to secure a loan of $1.2 million United States dollars from the Bank loan which provided the necessary funds for the purchasing of global standard equipment for setting up the television and radio stations and covering initial operations.

Over the years, Amb Navo Jr. invested single-handedly over $10 million United States dollars in AYV Media Empire with the recent construction of a multi -million dollar complex hosting the Housemates – Salone Season-2.

From a small project, which started with a newspaper and 19 staff, today AYV Media Empire is the largest private media investment in Sierra Leone comprising newspaper, printing press (machines), film production, television stations, radio station and employing over 700 Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad.

It is the only Sierra Leonean owned television station with a broadcasting house in London. On March 22nd 2019, the AYV Media Empire announced a new partnership with the World Service Programme of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), in London.

Empowering young people has always been the guiding motivation of Amb. Navo Jr. Over the years, he has worked with and supported many talented and celebrated Sierra Leonean artists during their early years of their music careers.

Ambassador Anthony Navo Jr., passionately believes that if other African nationals can invest and make a difference in their countries, Sierra Leoneans can and must also invest to empower young people, which will in turn create jobs and promote talents.

NP-SL Exponential Growth within the Petroleum Landscape is Impressive  

By Amin Kef Sesay

One of the dominant companies that have been making steady progress, growing exponentially within the business landscape of this country is indisputably the National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd). It is widely acknowledged that the company has dominated the petroleum trade in the country based on its proactive stance with regards the importation and marketing of high grade petroleum products including petrol, diesel, gas and lubricants of which one of the best is the widely used Castrol oil.

Being an indigenous company that cherish its numerous customers, NP-SL Ltd, over the years, has placed high premium on customer care, which it has effectively rolled out over the years to such an extent that it has earned the enviable reputation of 1st for Customer Care. It is within that realm that the initial shareholders of the company, thirty-five (35) of them, thought it entrepreneurially prudent to import and install modern calibrated machines at all its Filling Stations.

These are automated and high precision machines which have the capability of pumping the exact quantity of fuel that a particular buyer or customer requests for, displaying quantity (in litres) as well as the price(s). With these machines, contrary to what used to obtain in the past when less sophisticated pumping machines were used, customers have sincerely attested that they do derive utmost satisfaction whenever they do transactions expressing the belief that the process is really transparent.

Within that same domain of satisfying and providing care for its customers, the company made it a must that all its Filling Stations should have safety regulations. That is why it cautions its customers and others that they should not use naked flame, that mobile phones should be switched off, engines must also be switched off at Filling Stations when fuel is pumped among others.

In order to ensure that fuel is distributed timely to all its Filling Stations in the country, the company has maintained a fleet of tankers (vehicles that transport fuel) and they are regularly maintenance in order to ensure that they are roadworthy.

The company has also sustained an open door policy in the sense that it encourages customers to express their concerns as well as recommendations which the Management takes into consideration whenever major decisions are taken, geared towards the development of the company. It has been ascertained that whenever customers have the feeling that their inputs are well respected such does not only bring them closer but also gives them the satisfaction that they are indeed relevant and highly regarded. This is exactly what NP-SL Ltd does and that has been paying good dividends. As far as the Shareholders and Management are concerned their customers do matter.

With the avowed objective of making fuel transactions easier and very convenient for its esteemed and numerous customers, the company again introduced the brilliant idea of introducing the use of NP Smart Card. This is a cashless way of transacting business or in other words purchasing fuel without using physical cash. The holder of an NP Smart Card could present the card at any Filling Station, as long as it contains money, and request for the quantity of fuel he or she requires.

The card is then slotted into the pumping machine with the subsequent discharge of the amount of fuel into a car or jerry can. This method of conducting cashless transaction is very advantageous in the sense that a customer is saved the hassle of intermittently rushing to the bank to withdraw cash for the sole purpose of purchasing fuel. This is so because already his or her NP Smart Card is loaded with money for that purpose. Indeed, it also provides security as the card is securitized only having the particulars of the holder which cannot be used by another person.

Human beings cannot exist in the absence of food as it is a basic necessity of life. Food is prepared in various ways but one popular way of doing so is by cooking. In this part of the world, most households are dependent on largely using wood and charcoal for cooking purposes. However, the cutting down of trees to be used as wood and charcoal have been frowned upon by environmentalists on the grounds that such is contributing negatively  to the depletion of the environment and pose other adverse consequences on the ecosystem.

Against this backdrop, the Shareholders and Management of the company thought it fit that to assuage that they must introduce a safer way of cooking. It was out of this idea that the initiative of introducing an environmentally cooking device arose and NP Gas was borne. Manufactured in different cylinder sizes, NP Gas has a high precision performance and to refill it is simple as the gas could be accessed at all the company’s Filling Stations in the country. Many whom have tried them intimated this medium that it is worth having at home and one could never regret having it but would rather recommend it to others.

NP-SL Ltd has etched its name in the sands of time for embracing and effectively rolling out the country’s Local Content Policy. As one of its major priorities, the company has placed high premium on giving employment preference to Sierra Leoneans. It is only on rare circumstances that the company make use of expatriates and in most cases it is when local personnel cannot be sourced.

In a country where accessing a secured and suitable job is like finding a needle on the beach for a company like NP-SL Ltd to avail Sierra Leoneans the opportunity to access job is indeed commendable. This posture, on the part of the company, has given the beneficiaries the opportunity to live improved lifestyles and have a sense of believing that they are contributing to national development.

A company that has vibrant branches in neighbouring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia speaks volumes of a serious company that is determined to grow. In all those countries, the company employs indigenes and is paying taxes to the Governments which in turn are used to fund various development programmes.

From what have been said so far, NP-SL Ltd is a company that is making Sierra Leoneans proud and is an epitome of selflessness with a strong passion to further climb higher heights. Indeed, the company is a truly a success story!

NCRA Refutes Allegation of Financial Impropriety

By Amin Kef Sesay

During an in-depth investigation mounted by this medium it was proven that beyond all reasonable doubts that certain scathing allegations made against the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) bordering on financial impropriety is not only baseless but totally erroneous.

The writer of the said article misinformed the general public that the EU delegation has been obliged to reject the quasi totality of the formal requests initiated by NCRA for the mobilization and replenishment of funds due to inefficient and poor financial management of the program.

He furthered that the EU has doubt the shed of the scope of the program and the poor service delivered by NCRA, due to lack of proper collaboration with its technical assistance team adding that failure to meet EU EDF compliance rules and regulations, the funding has been suspended.

In its findings this medium was reliably informed that B&S implements the technical assistance projects for the European Union with their experts assigned to the NCRA.

It was further understood that the UNOPS manages procurement and other funds for the EU for NCRA’s activities that the EU supports.

Also indicated was that the NCRA does not receive funds from the European Union as the institution relates with the European Union through the National Authorizing Office, (NAO).

During the period of investigation by this medium it was proven beyond all reasonable doubts that the aforementioned letter to B&S is not authentic, the name of the writer not mentioned and having a fake European Union letter head.

Indisputably, B&S is the implementing partner for the EU and is based in Belgium with their expatriates working with the NCRA team.

It is now on record that on the 1st September 2021, an EU Consultant in Munich, Germany named Erald Karakashi, during a zoom meeting  presented to the NCRA Director General, Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, a proposed software on the digitization of current and past Births and Deaths records as well as Vital Statistics records in Sierra Leone.
Present alongside DG Massaquoi were EU Technical Consultant at NCRA, Devis Fecani, the NCRA Director of ICT, Henry Swaray, the Deputy Director of ICT, Andrew Ngagba Baimba, the National Coordinator of Digitization, Alieu Josiah and other senior management staff at the Authority’s Ground Floor Hall on Walpole Street, Freetown.

It is expected that the digitization of current and past births and deaths records and vital statistics, (marriage, divorce, adoption etc,) on the population of Sierra Leone will replace the old, paper-based records system with electronic system.
This initiative, it was learnt, will ease record search, halt manipulation of personal data, contain attempted identity fraud and importantly, will also ease sharing of data on the country’s population for various uses including healthcare, immigration services, social security benefits, tax administration, financial services and inclusion, access to driving license among so many other benefits.

The proposed digitization software on current and past births and deaths records by the EU Consultant will be synchronized with the existing NCRA digitization software to enhance effective digitization of Births and Deaths records in Sierra Leone.

At Hastings Community… Human Solidarity Capacitates 50 Youths

National Coordinator for Human Solidarity, Idriss Gibson Mansaray

By Abdul

A Community Based Organization (CBO), Human Solidarity, has ended a one day training workshop for fifty (50) young people within the Hastings Community in the Western Area Rural District (WARD) on capacity building to complement Government’s efforts in that direction.

The training was conducted at the Twin Hall within the Hastings community on Saturday, 28th, August 2021 with the theme “Youth Perspective on Civil Society Space for Sustainable Development”.

Welcoming participants to the training on behalf of the Hastings community, the Headman, Cecil Wright, described Hastings as a big community with an increasing number of inhabitants, furthering how the training would allow participants to discuss relevant developmental issues.

He encouraged participants to disseminate vital information to all those that were not fortunate to be part of the training program, adding that the issue of capacitating or empowering young people with necessary skills and messages to foster development is not an easy task.

The Headman intimated the youthful participants that Government and him cannot do it all adding that if young people come together and organize themselves accordingly, development would flourish in their various communities.

He revealed that community electricity, bad road network, water and sanitation, unemployment are issues that they need to be discussed among the youth in order to bring out solutions. He mentioned that youth development and community issues largely depend on voluntary work and highlighted that the session is all about finding ways to decentralize development among the working population.

Mr. Wright advised his audience against lawlessness because, according to him, it hinders or reverses progress also frowning against the use of invectives or caustic language in public by some young people. He said the security situation within the Hastings community is improving than in the past for the fact that major incidents were not reported over the period.

He lauded the youths of Hastings for their usual participation in community development programs such as the cleaning of the community water dam, cemetery and for partaking in other environmental cleaning activities. He appealed to the youthful participants to embrace unity, peace and to love one another as God loves all.

In his presentation, the National Coordinator for Human Solidarity,  Idriss Gibson Mansaray informed that his organization was founded in 2013 at Hastings Village, but came to full time operation in 2014.

He pointed out that Human Solidarity is registered with the Western Area Rural District Council (WARD C) and other line institutions, recalling that they have carried out lot of community activities, including sensitization on teenage pregnancy, early marriage and many other activities within the Hastings and beyond.

The National Coordinator recounted that they have received funding from the British High Commission to work with women in leadership positions. He highlighted that last year they brought together women parliamentarians in leadership positions from four political parties including, APC, SLPP, NGC and C4C with big facilitators from recognized institutions.

He reminded participants that Human Solidarity will join the entire world to celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child on the 11th October, 2021, adding that they will also receive visitors from Germany who will pay a  visit to the organization’s office at Hastings community.

Mansaray stated that Human Solidarity works on human rights, gender issues, civic responsibility and many more, adding that the workshop was convened to bring participants together to start discussion on something that has to do with their individual perspectives and development mindsets.

The Youth Chairman for Hastings Village, Abubakarr Kamara expressed gratitude to the National Coordinator, Mr. Mansaray for organizing such an important training for them and emphasized that development is the desire of every individual in society.

He said the training would teach participants important lessons to foster sustainable development in communities, adding that Hastings community is far behind in terms of development in the region. He therefore encouraged youthful participants to be selfless in initiating developmental projects.

The Youth Chairman continued that only politics and business could transform Hastings community and described Hastings as a politically divided community. He therefore urged beneficiaries of the training to come forward and take center stage in leadership for the fact that “only leadership can set us free”.

He encouraged young people to embrace politics, business and education for the development of the community and called on participants to make meaningful inputs and add value to the process.

Representing Councilor for Ward 391, Edward Kargbo, a Ward Committee member, Lebbie Bangura described development as a top priority in the Councilor’s agenda and congratulated all those that came together to actualize the workshop. “This development would bring positive changes in our community,” he stated.

A female participant, Isatu Boyah prayed for the continuation and sustainability of the initiative and called on fellow women to come together to push the development of Hastings community forward.

She said capacity building is very key for young people within the community because they are far behind in terms of development and emphasized on the importance to come together as women to address burning issues affecting their everyday lives.

An indigene of Hastings, Emmanuel Scott described the youths as the foundation in any society, concluding that if the youths of Hastings fail to comport themselves as one they would continue to find situations extremely difficult to enhance the most desired development.

Low pay and poor service conditions… Crane Operators & Signalmen Down Tools at Water Quay

By Kef Dukulay

Crane Operators and Signalmen attached to various stevedore companies operating at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay, commonly known as Water Key have thrown ‘no work’ challenge against their employers because of poor pay and working conditions.

Early this week, the aggrieved workers decided on a peaceful sit-down and ‘no work’ campaign until they are being taken seriously by both management of the Sierra Leone Ports Authority as parent and supervising body and the stevedoring companies.

Their allegations are that firstly, there is no reliable working relationship between the operators and the Stevedore companies and they accuse the parent body, the Sierra Leone Ports Authority of doing little to protect their interests against exploitation by the companies.

Secondly, the crane operators accuse the stevedore companies of gross neglect at the work place as they are exposed to dangers with little PPEs, poor accommodation and dietary system on board vessels and the sad fact that they are not immediately attended to in cases of accidents, not to talk of compensations for the injured or the dead whilst on duty.

In a letter dated 11th August, 2021 the group, identifying themselves as ‘Concerned Crane Workers and Signalmen,’ catalogued what they called ‘long-standing concerns’ to the General Manager of the SLPA. Among other things, the workers requested the General Manager to intervene on their behalf to the stevedore companies over their ‘predicament’ and to prevail in their demands to improve on their status and to treat them as important people in their operations. In that letter, they also urged that if their status quo remained thus, they would prefer going autonomous as they were no longer prepared to accept the humiliations meted to them by the stevedore companies through what they called a ‘third party broker system.’

Few days after the correspondence, the crane operators and their counterparts, Signalmen working with the various companies decided to withhold their services until something is being done. This brisk development took the companies off guard and landed them at the Ross Road Police Division asking for redress. All five stevedore companies, comprising Leone Dock, Makona, URBAN, Ports and 3JADs came together to make a criminal report against some members of the crane operators. The companies’ claim, according to police records, included incitement and intimidation as they accused the workers of inciting others not to work and threatening to harm anyone that ventured against their decision to stay put.

This police action warranted the General Manager of the Sierra Leone Ports Authority, Dr. Abdulai Fofanah to reply with a very scathing response, to the operators’ correspondence of 11th August. The GM’s letter, dated 30th August completely denigrated the crane operators and signalmen, referring to their unit as a ‘so called concerned Operators and signalmen.’ Management said they were ‘not recognized to operate within the precincts of the ports as a unit.’ In other words, the GM referred to a report by the CPCS which demands that the crane operators and signalmen must be employees of stevedore companies. Their decision to operate as ‘a unit and independently was against World Bank privatization recommendations’, the GM said in his letter.

The workers are angry that Ports Management could only come in when they had decided to down their tools.

“Ports management knows our plight for the past many years but they don’t care about us. They side the companies that continue to exploit us,” Secretary of the Crane workers, Nathaniel Kankaju noted.  He said the service of crane operators involves the loading and offloading of ships that berth within Sierra Leone waters.

Kankaju said according to the dictates of World Bank privatization recommendations, the Crane Operators and Signalmen’s unit form an integral component of the operations of stevedore companies. “Why then are we not gainfully employed, our colleagues get injured and die with nobody caring,” he asked disclosing that the ships and their agents pay fabulously for the services but they only receive pittance from the companies.

Meanwhile, the stevedore companies are worried over this development and they are making frantic efforts to get the operators back working. At least the Operations Manager of Makona, Tamba Lamin admitted that the companies do not offer uniform payments and that they are not responsible for payment of compensations in cases of injuries or fatalities.

The workers remain resolved to stay put as the GM in his letter has also offered to engage the Dock companies on their behalf.

 

Deforestation, Wood, Charcoal, Mining, Agricultural continue to cause climate change

By Amin Kef Sesay

The Ministry of Environment has focused attention on climate change and its mitigation. Deforestation, shifting agricultural cultivation, mining, clearing of forests for new human settlements, firewood and charcoal burning continue to create the conditions for aggravating climate change in both rural and urban Sierra Leone.

Climate Change has had adverse effect on the environment, agriculture, food security and even the lives and livelihood of large communities as forests become decimated.

Fishermen have lost their lives in storms and passenger boats have encountered weather-related accidents.

Notably, in Freetown in August 2017, communities across the western area were hard hit by landslide and floods that were attributed to climate change.

In provincial communities,, flooding is known to have affected agriculture and habitats of people and their suffering aggravated by the attending health problems of water-borne diseases (typhoid, dysentery, cholera and diarrhea) due to lack of safe drinking water.

Over the last decade, Sierra Leone has developed many adaptation projects to address the adverse effects of climate change, including disaster management, based on existing coping mechanisms and practices such as developing and enacting appropriate policies and regulations relevant to the development of coastal communities, urban growth planning, and critical coastal ecosystems preservation and the Establishment of a National Sea- Level Observing System for Sierra Leone.

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity today. Climate change affects every country and can have devastating effects on communities and individuals.

Developing countries like Sierra Leone are the most impacted by climate change and the least able to afford its consequences.

Their vulnerability is due to multiple factors that limit their ability to prevent and respond to the impacts of climate change. As such, climate change has the potential to reverse significant development gains made in these countries.

Gender inequalities and development gaps increase the impacts of climate change for women, especially for those that depend on natural resources for their livelihoods.

Thus, activists maintain that environment and climate action are most effective when women and girls play an active role. While they are the most vulnerable, women and girls are also powerful agents of change to advance action on climate change, pollution and other environmental concerns.

On the global front, in efforts to mitigate climate change, in March 2015, UN member States agreed to implement the 2030 Agenda and the accompanying Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Climate Action goal – SDG Goal 13 – calls on the international community to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. To achieve SDG 13, all countries will need to make efforts to accelerate and intensify their actions and investments on climate change.

In December 2015, the parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) adopted the Paris Agreement. Major financial investments, from both public and private sources, will be needed to tackle the challenges of climate change.

In support of the Paris Agreement, Prime Minister Trudeau announced that Canada would provide $2.65 billion (2015/2016 to 2020/ 2021) to help developing countries tackle climate change. Canada’s financial commitment supports:

Initiatives that significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in line with developing countries needs and plans.

Adaptation action particularly for the poorest and most vulnerable, including women and girls.

Mobilizing new private sector capital for climate action in developing countries

Funding is invested in sectors such as: Clean technology and renewable energy, Climate-smart agriculture, sustainable forestry, Watershed management and Climate resilience.

These measures are consistent with a pathway towards low-emission, climate-resilient development.

Foreign Affairs Minister Addresses ATT’s 7th Conference, Pays Courtesy Call on the DG of WTO

By Amin Kef Sesay

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Professor David John Francis, on the 30th August 2021 addressed in-person the 2021 Conference of the States Parties to the Arms Trade Treaty member States on his Government’s strong commitment to the universalization of the Arms Trade Treaty and its effective implementation.

In his Keynote address on behalf of the President, His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio, Professor David John Francis, said Sierra Leone was proud to have represented Africa as President of the Seventh Conference of States Parties. Adding that right from the beginning of Sierra Leone’s presidency, the government exhibited the highest level of political commitment and leadership towards serving the ATT community as the president of CSP7 and urged states to promote the universalization and implementation of the treaty at all times.

“As a former leader during our civil war, and as a peace studies scholar, President Bio fully understands both the need for weapons systems for legitimate and sovereign purposes and effective global arms regulation for responsible use of those weapons. For this reason, on Sierra Leone’s assumption of the leadership of the ATT, he authored a total of 54 letters to other Heads of State and Government across the globe urging their countries to become parties to the Arms Trade Treaty. Those letters were mostly hand-delivered by you, Mr. President, to the diplomatic representatives of those Heads of States and Government here in Geneva, and some were directly mailed to the Heads of States”, he said.

Professor Francis during the thematic discussion of the CSP7 President working paper stated that the thematic working paper was informed by and reflected Sierra Leone’s experience of violence and great human suffering resulting from the uncontrolled use of small arms and light weapons, during the civil war in Sierra Leone from 1991 to 2002. He reiterated Sierra Leone’s call for the ATT community to strengthen efforts to eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons and ensure efficient stockpile management. He noted the numerous measures adopted by Sierra Leone to comply with the various treaty obligations, including the establishment of the National Commission on Small Arms in 2010 and the passing of the Arms and Ammunition Act of 2012.

“Sierra Leone believes that the ATT stands as one of the most significant achievements in international arms control and plays a key role in promoting international and regional peace, security and stability. It will help reduce human suffering, promote cooperation, transparency and responsible action by States Parties involved in the international trade in conventional arms”, Professor Francis concluded.

In his statement on behalf of the President of the Gambia, His Excellency President Adama Barrow, H.E. Mr. Sheik Omar FAYE, Minister of Defence, Republic of the Gambia, announced His Excellency, President Barrow’s decision to accede to the ATT and become a state party.

”Early this year, President Barrow received a letter from his brother, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, inviting the Gambia to join the Arms Trade Treaty. This invitation reminded us immediately that our country was the only one in West Africa that has not yet signed or ratified the treaty. So let me thank you, Mr President, for your efforts to expand the membership of the ATT in these challenging times. I would like to thank the CSP7 President for choosing to focus on efficient stockpile management as a tool to contribute to the effective implementation of the Treaty, particularly preventing and mitigating diversion of conventional weapons from licit to illicit markets”, he concluded.

The President of the Seventh Conference of States Parties (CSP7) to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), who also presided over the Conference, Ambassador Dr. Lansana Gberie said Small Arms and Light Weapons are the weapons of choice in civil wars, organized crimes, gang violence, Gender-based violence and related offences, transnational crime, terrorism among others.

Ambassador Gberie stated that the choice of his thematic focus was informed by Sierra Leone’s own experience as well as the related experiences of many other States across all regions of the globe resulting from inadequate regulation of international arms trade.

Ambassador Gberie’s Presidency in the opening session received overwhelming support from States Parties, including, Switzerland, UK, the Gambia, China among others.

The weeklong conference from Monday 30 August to Friday 3 September focuses on Treaty Universalization, Treaty Implementation, Transparency and Reporting among other things. The conference takes place at the Geneva International Conference Centre.

The ATT is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The Treaty is the key instrument for regulating the global arms trade, covering the production, movement, and stockpiling of weapons, as well as human rights issues that are salient in armed conflict.

Sierra Leone ratified the Arms Trade Treaty on 12 August 2014, as the 43rd UN Member State and 4th African country to do so.

In another development, Professor David John Francis, paid a courtesy call on the new Director General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala at the WTO Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland during which, on behalf of the President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, congratulated Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on her appointment on the 15th February 2021 and the assumption of office on 1 March 2021 as Director-General of the WTO, and commended her leadership and dedication on the ongoing subsidies, agriculture and trade negotiations at the WTO.
His Excellency extremely thanked the Director General for championing COVID-19 vaccine equity and access for all initiative.

The Hon. Minister outlined that the priority sectors identified by the Director General’s office are also identified as priority sectors of focus by the Government of Sierra Leone- agriculture, fisheries, trade among others.

Professor Francis reiterated Sierra Leone’s desire to continue receiving technical assistance and capacity-building support in fisheries, agriculture, e-commerce.

In her short remarks, the World Trade Organization, Director General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala applauded Sierra Leone`s efforts to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and highlighted that  the country`s experience obtained from the Ebola outbreak has prepared the country to better respond to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dr. Ngozi said the task force for the COVID-19 pandemic composed of Heads of Prominent International Organizations working on delivering results interns of increased vaccine production volumes in the short term as well as longer term investments in vaccine production and enhancing the trading system`s contribution to the pandemic preparedness.

The Director General reiterated her office`s commitment to providing the necessary technical and capacity building support in the field of agriculture, fisheries, and trade to the Government of Sierra Leone.

Dr. Ngozi also commended the Government of Sierra Leone for adopting a human capital development strategy across sectors.

Both the Honourable Minister and the Director General expressed that the meeting will serve as a basis for continued partnership and dialogue aimed at delivering results in the areas of common interests.

Justice Miatta Samba Heads for the Hague as JUDGE of ICC

By Elkass Sannoh

The Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards, together with other judges of the Superior Court of Judicature, has bade farewell to Hon. Justice Miatta Maria Samba (JSC) to serve as the first Sierra Leonean Judge at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Delivering his farewell speech at a well-attended cocktail party in honour of Justice Miatta Samba, the Hon. Chief Justice said she deserves to be celebrated by all for being the country’s first judge from the Judiciary of Sierra Leone to serve as Judge of the ICC.

He went on to note that Justice Samba’s appointment was based on her high-level of performance and the approval she received from the Judicial and Legal Service Commission (JLSC) – a Commission he (Chief Justice) heads.

The Hon. Chief Justice said, “having Justice Samba as the first Sierra Leonean Judge at the ICC does not only speak volume about her person but also about Sierra Leone and the caliber of people that could rise to be champions if the right opportunities are given.”

Commenting on the professional life of Hon. Justice Miatta Samba in the Judiciary of Sierra Leone, Hon. Justice Edwards said she was appointed Judge of the High Court of Sierra Leone in 2015, Court of Appeal in 2017 and Supreme Court Justice this year, stressing that her promotion was motivated by her extraordinary commitments and outputs in her job.

The Hon. Chief Justice beseeched Justice Samba to do all she could to make them proud by living up to the great ideals and substance that led to her appointment.

He encouraged her to set her footprints on the sands of time for many to emulate her steps.

Describing the new ICC Judge, Supreme Court Judge, Hon. Justice Eku Roberts, referred to her as an excellent personality that is very tenacious.

“Professionally, you deserve what you have and what God has given you. I can remember very well the extraordinary commitment you placed on your studies for the interview. We wish that you do well and we fervently pray even though we are certain, for extraordinary performance,” Hon. Justice Roberts prayed.

In her statement to the Hon. Chief Justice, colleague judges and senior administrative staff of the Judiciary, Hon. Justice Samba said she is a Judge of the ICC today due to the overwhelming support and prayers she got from Sierra Leoneans, including Judges.

She thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for affirmatively supporting her movement during the election period.

Justice Samba described her time at the Judiciary of Sierra Leone as a pleasant and remarkable moment, adding that she treasured the bond among them as judges as well as from the administrative staff.

“My Lord the Hon. Chief Justice and My Lords, I want you to deeply know that I do appreciate each and every one of you,” she said, noting that, “I know that you know me well. Do have no doubt that I am more than capable to defend my own as it has always been. Please remember me in your prayers as that will fortify me in all my activities.”

The ceremony was chaired by Court of Appeal Judge Hon. Justice Reginald Fynn.

Meanwhile, Justice Miatta Samba on Monday left the shores of Freetown to resume work.

Schools to Reopen on the 6th September 2021

By Amin Kef Sesay

In a Public Notice dated 1st September, 2021 the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) announces that ALL SCHOOLS will reopen for the commencement of the 2021/2022 academic year on the 6th September, 2021.

According to the Ministry of Basic Senior and Secondary Education   the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) is currently ongoing and will run until early October, 2021. It stated that whilst the examination has no effect on the operations of primary schools, it is understandable that normal schooling for several Junior and Senior Secondary Schools will be occasionally interrupted.

It was further stated that, however, the Ministry, the conference of Principals of secondary Schools and the Sierra Leone Teachers Union have engaged those schools whose facilities are being used as examination centres to determine specific and appropriate plans for days where there may be disruptions to normal schooling.

The MBSSE said it regrets the inevitable inconvenience and solicits the cooperation of parents, guardians and school authorities to support continuous learning and school activities.

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