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Lands Ministry Takes Drastic Action Against Illegal Occupants

By Amin Kef Sesay

In what seems to be a very proactive move, the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning has started taking drastic action against illegal occupants of Commercial Stores in the Western Area.

On the 31st August 2021, the Director of Lands and Surveys, Tamba Dauda, led a team of enforcement officials to shut down Four (4) Commercial Stores situated at the Aberdeen/Lumley Beach axis.

The stores in question have failed to produce documents relating to their occupancy of the structures, thus the action.

Occupants have a deadline of Tuesday September 7 2021 to contact and submit their documents to the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning to avoid further actions.

“This is the final notice and failure to comply will result in legal action to repossess same,” a Public Notice signed by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary on Tuesday August 31 2021 asserted.

50 Paralegals Benefit from One Day Legal Aid Board Orientation Training

By Esther Wright

The Legal Aid Board Head Office in Freetown organized a one-day orientation with support from UNICEF for 50 volunteer paralegals on the provision of quality legal aid services to children in conflict with the law.

The training aimed at capacitating the volunteers with the requisite skills and knowledge in the provision of legal advice and assistance to juveniles investigated at the Family Support Units (FSU) of the Police around the country. The volunteers will be stationed at the FSU where they will provide legal assistance to the juveniles upon their arrest until they are charged to court.

The participants were drawn from all the 16 districts across the country. They will be deployed in 50 FSU branches in six police regions in the country in the Freetown-West; Freetown-East; Southern; Eastern; North-Western and North-Eastern as follows: 25 police divisional headquarters, 13 police stations and 12 police posts.

The Chair of the workshop, the Registrar and Programme Manager of the Legal Aid Board, Joseph Dumbuya underscored the importance of the training in ensuring suspects including juveniles are not abused whilst they are under police investigation. He said juveniles have a right to legal advice and assistance upon their arrest until they are charged to court. He added that, this is provided for in the National Constitution and the Legal Aid Act 2012. He said many juveniles have been deceived into confessing they committed particular offences by the Police which they had denied in court.

Legal Aid Counsel responsible for Juveniles, Ibrahim Bangura and Dr. Patrick Sovie presented a paper on Guidelines on Child-Friendly Legal Aid at police station. They explained about the various categories of offences: serious or felonious, hybrid and minor or misdemeanor offences. They said the first thing paralegals should do whenever they visit a Police Station is to know the offence for which a suspect is being investigated. Counsel Bangura said child victims and witnesses are in contact with the law but not in conflict with the law.

They urged the participants to always lodge formal complaints on improper handling of investigations by the Police via the Complaints Disciplinary Internal Investigations Department (CDIID) of the Police. Dr. Sovie urged the volunteers to always take record of issues at Police Stations and forward same to their lawyers and Regional Managers for advice and guidance.

They urged the Paralegals to be passionate about their job adding that they are ambassadors for juvenile offenders. They admonished them to always draw the attention of the Police to Section 35(1) of the Legal Aid Act 2012 which provides that the Police should call or inform the Board upon the arrest of anybody who seems to be an indigent including children and women.

The Monitoring and Evaluation Manager, Salu Jusu presented a paper on Data Collection and Reporting.

The training was climaxed with presentation and discussion from group work on various legal assistances to juveniles at Police station. Rechargeable blue-tooth players were also presented to Regional Managers.

AYV DSTV Channel 399 Puts Sierra Leone on the Continental Broadcasting Stage

By Amin Kef Sesay

The Africa Young Voices (AYV) media empire, well known as the electronics broadcasting dinosaur in Sierra Leone, has once more scored another milestone within the broadcasting landscape of this country as it has gone an extra-mile to make its visibility presence felt continentally by now being connected to Digital Satellite Television (DSTV) Africa through 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 Offers the Best to its Ubiquitous & Esteemed Customers

By Amin Kef Sesay

The National Petroleum- Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) is on record for having a capable and competent managerial team at the helm of affairs, which from time to time comes up with good initiatives, always ensuring that those initiatives are effusively, effectively implemented to create value for money.

It is also on record that the National Petroleum -Sierra Leone Limited apart from it being lauded as one of Sierra Leone’s biggest tax payers it is also commended for its invaluable contributions towards building the country’s economy in diverse ways.

As a petroleum business entity, NP-SL Ltd is proud of supporting Filling Stations in various parts of the country and the company is vibrantly functioning in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia where it is transacting business in petroleum products.

This 100% indigenously-owned company has so far offered various jobs to residents in the afore-mentioned countries, thereby reducing poverty to a considerable level.

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

The selflessness and commitment of the shareholders have made it possible for the company to empower many Sierra Leoneans, who are partners and at the same time put it at a vantage position to continue to open more Filling Stations across the country.

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

The regulatory institution of the different petroleum companies in the country, the Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA), has lauded NP-SL Ltd for its efficient service delivery everywhere it is operating.

The company is also known for offering Sierra Leoneans affordable NP Gas Cookers of various sizes, which are safe and very friendly to use. NP Gas cookers could be purchased at all their filling stations across the country and the very gas is also sold to replenish those that have been used.

When we talk of the steady and effective implementation of the Local Content Policy, NP-SL Ltd stands out tall as it is truly has 100% indigenes, particularly in Sierra Leone, as workers. This is one of the factors that have made the company to be a success story.

The company’s result-oriented managerial team will definitely and sustainably continue to put NP-SL Ltd at the top.

NP-SL Ltd. is doing exceptionally well in all the countries it is functioning and indeed there are prospects for further expansion.

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

Various tests to determine quality and standard indicate that customers of National Petroleum-SL products say they have never had cause to grumble about the products.

It should be noted that customer care is one key element to the success of the National Petroleum Sierra Leone (NP-SL).

Another most important feature of NP-SL is its smart cards which customers can use to make transactions very easily and conveniently. A customer only needs to credit the NP Smart Card and he or she can then use it to purchase fuel without using physical cash. It is safe and convenient according to what was understood.

The public’s recognition of the invaluable contributions of the company both to its numerous customers across the country and to national development has seen it bag meritorious awards from different national and international organizations.

The company always ensures that petroleum products are always available, thereby preventing shortages that could create shocks in many quarters. The level of confidence which overseas business partners have reposed in the company has made it possible for it to enter into payment agreements thereby keeping the demand and supply chain open and running.

Indeed, it goes without saying that competent managerial prowess has indeed keep NP-SL Ltd up and running.

Orange is Poised to Splash Le150M on Upcoming Innovators

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Since it started operations in Sierra Leone, Orange has never failed to surprise its customers with cash and other prizes as it seeks to further improve mobile and internet technology in the country.

Orange SL has never ceased to ensure that it supports and complements the Government’s efforts in a plethora of areas including education, health, and other areas.

In recent months, Orange rolled out numerous supports to pregnant and lactating mothers and children in the slum areas of Kroo Bay and other areas. Hundreds of women and children benefited from food, clothes and other items for which they blessed the Management of Orange-SL for always thinking about them.

In furtherance of their never-ending desire to make the lives of average Sierra Leoneans better, Orange SL which is rightly described as the leading telecommunication company in Sierra Leone is once again set to host its third edition of “Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP)” with a whopping star prize of one hundred and fifty million Leones in total to innovative Sierra Leonean men and women who have ventured into the business world with innovative ideas.

Out of thousands of applications received from ambitious Sierra Leoneans, there was a tedious selection process by reputable independent judges to shortlist eight (8) who on Wednesday 8th September, 2021 will pitch their initiative in front of five judges who will select the winners at an auspicious ceremony at Orange’s Headquarters, Hill Station.

The Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP) is an annual program organized by Orange Group to showcase innovative young minds by providing financial support as start-ups and putting expertise in the management of businesses using Information Communication Technologies ICTs, through its implementing partners “Pitch Night Sierra Leone”.

During the course of this competition, each country is expected to evaluate their respective project based on certain criteria such as; social and/ or environmental impact; the degree of innovation embedded in the ICT usage; the capacity of extending distribution of the product or service to several countries; the financial viability of the project and the realistic and operational nature of the project.

The first Prize is one Speed Box plus monthly subscription over a period of 6 months (fair usage policy applies); Certification; Material Technical Assistance involving a Cash Prize of Le100 million.

In the Women’s Category the First Prize is a Speed Box in addition to monthly subscription over a period of 6 months (fair usage policy applies); Certification and Material/Technical Assistance involving a Cash Prize of Le50 million.

SLAEHP Unanimously Ratifies and Adopts a New Constitution

By Foday Moriba Conteh

During a well-attended meeting held on Thursday 2nd September, 2021 at the Directorate of Environmental Health and Sanitation Conference Hall at Cline Town in Freetown, members of the Sierra Leone Association of Environmental Health Professionals (SLAEHP), an organization which consists of trained and qualified personnel from recognized Government institutions in the country, have unanimously ratified and adopted the Association’s new constitution which will act as the supreme law of the Association.

In his opening remarks as Chairman, Eric Moosa, described the ceremony as a landmark event geared towards the development of the association, adding that the adoption of the constitution will serve as the guiding document of the Association in order for it to move in the right direction.

He said that prior to the adoption the Association formed a Committee of Experts who drafted the constitution which was adopted by majority of the membership of the association.

Speaking during the adoption, the Interim President of the Sierra Leone Association of Environmental Health Professionals (SLAEHP), Mohamed S. Koroma, said that the Association was borne out of the desire to provide services that will create and maintain an ecologically balanced condition that promotes health and, thus prevent the spread of diseases through an effective implementation of the Environmental Health and Sanitation interventions in the country and beyond.

Mohamed S. Koroma maintained that the Association is a sole reflector of the attribute of the environmental Health Professionals code of ethics and practices as enshrined in the said 1960 Act, adding that it is against such a backdrop that the members of the Association deemed it fit to ratify and adopt the Association’s constitution as a guiding document.

He revealed that the aim of the association is to foster the welfare of brotherhood among members, to protect and promote opportunities of members of the association.

Speaking on the objectives of the association the interim President pointed out that the association was formed in order to establish linkages with other health related organizations both local and international, stating that the association will also advocate to Government and other institutions to be actively involved in the promotion of safe and healthy environment throughout the country.

He ended by calling on all environmental health officers to join the association which he said will definitely work in the interest of environmental health officers in the country.

On his part, the Lead/Deputy Team Lead of the Directorate of Environmental Health and Sanitation, Alhaji Dr. Momodu Sesay, expressed appreciation to the Sierra Leone Association of Environmental Health Professionals (SLAEHP) for the laudable initiative which he described as very important towards the development of the environmental health profession in the country

He encouraged members of the Sierra Leone Association of Environmental Health Professionals to embrace unity among themselves and members of the profession.

Alhaji Dr. Momodu Sesay ended by pledging his support towards the development of the association.

Giving the vote of thanks the interim Vice President of the Sierra Leone Association of Environmental Health Professionals, Martha Mani expressed appreciation to members of the association for witnessing what she termed as a remarkable and momentous ceremony.

She urged them to see the association as their own and called on them to support the aims and objectives of the association not only form themselves but the country as a whole.

Concluding the meeting was the presentation of the SLAEHP c Constitution by John S. Bangura which was followed by its adoption  by majority of the members.

AVAT & Partners Boost Sierra Leone with 52, 800 Doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of their support in combating the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, Africa Vaccine Acquisition Trust (AVAT) in partnership with the African Union, CDC, United Nations and Afreximbank has on Wednesday 1st September, 2021 donated 52, 800 doses of the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine during an auspicious ceremony held at the Freetown International Airport which was followed by the official handing over ceremony of the vaccines to the Ministry of Health and Sanitation on Thursday 2nd September, 2021 at Youyi Building in Freetown.

Handing over the items, the Epidemiologist and Focal Person for Africa CDC, Sotonye Dokabo, said that the African Vaccine Acquisition Trust is very pleased to deliver 52,800 doses of Johnson & Johnson of COVID-19 vaccine to the Republic of Sierra Leone as part of the first shipment of Johnson & Johnson vaccines, adding that this is part of a total of 6.4m vaccine doses for African Union Member States.

He stated that the Member States who have ordered vaccines through AVAT will continue to receive shipments for the next following months saying it is in collaboration with the Africa Medical Supplies Platform (AMSP), UNICEF who are providing logistical and delivery services to the Member States.

Sotonye Dokabo said the deliveries are part of the historic COVID-19 vaccine advance procurement agreement signed on the 28th March 2021 by AVAT for the purchase of 220 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson single-shot COVID-19 vaccine, with the potential to order an additional 180 million doses.

He pointed out that the agreement with Johnson & Johnson was made possible through a USD 2 billion facility provided by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), who are also the Financial and
Transaction Advisers, Guarantors, Instalment Payment Advisers and Payment Agents and that the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) provides the technical support on the financing arrangements and on the alignment of the AU Ministers of Finance.

The Minister for Health and Sanitation in Sierra Leone, Dr. Austin Demby, welcomed the arrival of the vaccines stating that the Government of Sierra Leone is extremely delighted by the news of the arrival of the vaccines maintaining how it will contribute in boosting their determination to save lives and protect the livelihoods of the people of Sierra Leone. He expressed gratitude to AVAT and their strategic partners for the laudable gesture which, he said, is very important towards the fight against COVID-19 in the country.

Delivering her statement, the UNICEF Representative, Dr. Suleiman Braimoh, informed the gathering that globally and in Sierra Leone, COVID-19 has disrupted delivery of essential services and continues to claim lives and dislocate livelihoods, adding that as of 31ST August 2021, Sierra Leone had over 6,367 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 121 associated deaths, since the first COVID-19 positive case was announced on March 31, 2020.

He maintained that the recent experience with the third wave reminded all of the need to continue, sustain, and expand the COVID-19 response. It also reminds of the importance of accelerating vaccination efforts to prevent the any possible future wave.

He highlighted that the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis can only be tackled when the world act together as one.

Dr. Suleiman Braimoh appreciated the African Union and CDC Africa, through for their contribution of 52,800 doses of the Johnson and Johnson vaccination a, which is being delivered through the AU/AVAT facility furthering that the consignment is part of additional vaccines procured through AVAT/AU facility with World Bank funding. The World Bank allocated $4million USD to help Sierra Leone acquire the additional vaccines.

He reiterated UNICEF’s commitment to support the Government of Sierra Leone with vaccine deployment, ensuring that the populations are well informed of the vaccination, strengthening the cold chain system, and protecting the safety and potency of the vaccines. He further re-affirmed UNICEF’s commitment to working with the Government of Sierra Leone/MoHS in improving quality access to health services, including routine immunization to the people of Sierra Leone.

On his part, the Deputy Minister of Information and Communications, who also doubles as the spokesman for NaCOVERC, Solomon Jamiru, on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone expressed appreciation to Africa Vaccine Acquisition Trust (AVAT) and their partners for the tremendous efforts they have been making towards the fight against the pandemic in the country.

He maintained that Sierra Leone is very proud to receive the 52, 800 doses of the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine in order to support the country’s vaccination drive in the country, adding that in order to combat the pandemic in the country citizens need to take the vaccine which he said is safe and has been approved by WHO.

Climaxing the event was the official handing over of the Johnson & Johnson vaccines to the Government of Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leone Brewery Limited 30cl Can Drinks Now Available for Consumption Nationwide

By Amin Kef Sesay

The country’s premier manufacturer of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL) has recently introduced 30cl can drinks in the market, which according to our reporters has been warmly embraced by the numerous customers who buy the company’s products. Although this is not the first time of manufacturing canned beverages, however, it should be noted that previously the company was only producing 50cl long cup cans.

Interestingly, the new cans could be referred to as very portable and the drink within the can does not get hot easily and fresh till the last sip.

As a caring company that cherishes its numerous customers countrywide and even beyond, SLBL deemed it fit that considering the price of the 50cl long cup cans, which some could not afford and the need to offer consumers their choice, the company decided to produce some of its beverages in short cans.

From what this medium learnt, considering the fluctuating economic times, SLBL believes a 30cl can is expected to reduce the transactional price for consumers, offering an opportunity to consumers to buy their favorite brands at better prices.

Besides, it is the firm conviction of Management that the 30cl cans provide ease and convenience while consumers enjoy every drop fresh till the last sip.

Another major aim of the launch is to create diversification in can size format in order to appeal to different target groups and to meet the needs of consumers by creating the right and impactful communications in media channels (TV, Radio, print & digital).

With the introduction of the new cans it is believed that new consumers will be brought on board and as well tap into successful occasions.

Moreover, it will make it possible for SLBL to promote Winning in Off-trade via Supermarkets, grocery and Mini markets with special emphasis being placed on “On-the-go consumption”.

For now 30cl cans are now available in all leading stores, bars, restaurants and other entertainment points.

The Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL) produces beverages like Star Lager Beer, Salone Beer, Mutzig Premium Lager beer, Guinness Foreign Extra Stout, Maltina and Trenk Dark Malt Energy drinks etc.

The company continues to do so assiduously and vibrantly maintain its operations in full gear, on a regular basis, with its cardinal objective of availing its numerous and esteemed customers, both within and out of the country with their favourite and cherished drinks.

It could be recalled that the SLBL has been playing a key role in maintaining sanitation in its operational area and even beyond since its establishment.

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) the Sierra Leone Brewery has done much for Wellington, where its factory is located in, by developing the community and its surroundings including Peacock Farm. Such interventions has added immense value to the lives of  residents in those areas, especially women and children.

The SLBL has provided safe drinking water in certain communities and encourages women’s participation in agriculture and other economic activities that have been the main thrust of their livelihood over the years. This is to ensure that the SLBL helps the people they serve through small scale enterprises.

The company, with the objective of maximizing production, embarked on both human and capital resources development in order to continue its dominance in the market and meeting the needs of its customers. Now, it is boasting of increased fermentation tanks; an upgraded waste water treatment plant, mash filter equipment and cooling plants that enable it to produce qualitative and safe beverages that are of high standards.

In addition to the many noble things done by the SLBL for the people of Sierra Leone, the company is ensuring that farmers who grow sorghum in the provinces are technically and financially empowered through trainings and inputs. These sorghum farmers, who are over 25,000 in number, are steadily supplying Brewery with raw materials or ingredients used by the company in manufacturing some of their products. The effect is that it makes farmers financially independent.

In terms of being tax compliance, the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited is a leader that defines the true meaning of taxation. The SLBL pays enormous taxes to the Government through the National Revenue Authority which in turn Government uses to fund development projects in different parts of the country.

Albert Ojo Collier is the Corporate Affairs Manager at SLBL. He disclosed to this press that in the last three years they have invested over 278 billion Leones as part of their expansion project to meet international standards and the growing demands of customers.

He made this disclosure during a recent press tour conducted at the SLBL head office, Wellington Industrial Estate, East of Freetown.

During the tour, Mr. Collier said ‘in order to upgrade our Brew House, we recently overhauled our packaging bottling line costing 3.5 billion Leones. Since 1962, we pride ourselves with that rich heritage tied to the history of the country, with a vision of growing with Sierra Leone to further improve the efficiency of our bottling operations and to ensure our service to our revered customers and consumers.’

In a related development, the company’s popular brands: Star Beer, Salone Beer, King Leone Beer, Guinness Stout, Maltina, Mutzig etc. continue to see high business returns in the market according to trade reports.

The importance of ‘Made in Sierra Leone’ products was emphasized by Albert Ojo Collier as a major milestone in enhancing the Local Content Policy. “As a responsible company that is taking the satisfaction of our numerous customers a priority, we have invested a lot to ensure that we expand and in the process create job opportunities in line with the Local Content Policy,” Mr. Collier noted.

The implementation of the Local Content Policy has empowered 25, 000 local farmers, producing Sorghum used to produce beer and stout. According to Mr. Collier, this contributes to employment and revenue collection as it puts money into the pockets of ordinary people.

Indirectly, there are tens of thousands of Sierra Leoneans employed today as transporters, wholesalers and retailers. Consumers today maintain that SLBL products are up to international standards and are affordable more than the imported varieties.

As it continues to invest in and increase its production line, SLBL’s can drinks becoming viral, planning well for the festive season as well as through other interventions the company is meaningfully contributing to the socio-economic development of the nation in different fronts and to crown it all serving as an entity worthy of emulation.

As it Goes Continental…   AYV Programs Now Widely Viewed Via DSTV Africa Channel 399

By Amin Kef Sesay

The Africa Young Voices (AYV) media empire  well known as the electronics broadcasting dinosaur in Sierra Leone, has once more scored another milestone within the broadcasting landscape of this country as it has gone an extra-mile to make its visibility presence felt continentally  by now being connected to DSTV Africa through 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.

United Arab Emirates Removes Travel Suspension on Sierra Leone

By Theresa Kef Sesay

In a positive development, the Authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have announced the resumption of entry to travellers with tourist visas from all countries, including Sierra Leone and many others, who were suspended as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A joint statement issued by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) and the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority, confirmed that applications for tourist visas would be opened to travellers from all countries, starting on the 30th August 2021.

The new rules included the following requirements:

  1. The UAE will receive tourists “from all countries” who have received both doses of a Covid-19 vaccine approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
  2. Passengers with tourist visas must take a mandatory rapid PCR test at the airport of departure and on arrival. The previous rules for unvaccinated (from restricted countries), including exempted categories, remain in place.
  3. Those with tourist visas must register their vaccination certificates on the ICA website (www.ica.gov.ae) or AlHosn app for approval to “enjoy the same benefits” as vaccinated residents in the UAE before embarking on their travel to the UAE.

The release furthered that the move is part of the country’s strategy to create a balance between public health and the activities of vital sectors, and in support of the national efforts to achieve sustainable recovery and economic growth.