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President Bio Decorates Two Newly Promoted Brigadier Generals

By Esther Wright

President Dr Julius Maada Bio Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces has decorated two senior colonels who recently got promoted to the rank of Brigadier General by the Defense Council on Monday 19 July 2021 at Presidential Lodge, Freetown.

Brigadier General Joseph S. Kaimapo was commissioned into the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, RSLAF, as a Cadet Officer in 1993. He holds a Master of Arts Degree in Peace and Development Studies from Njala University, a BSc Degree in Public Sector Management from the Institute of Public Administration and Management.

He has served in several positions, ranging from Platoon Commander to Director of Defense Personnel at the Ministry of Defense, Commanding Officer at the Armed Forces Personnel Center, and until his promotion to the rank of Brigadier General; he was Assistant Chief of Defense Staff, Personnel and Military Secretary.

Brigadier General Sahid Tejan Kanu was commissioned into the RSLAF as an Officer Cadet in September 1993. He holds a Bachelor of Law degree with honours from the University of London, a Masters of Arts Degree in Defense and Conflict Studies from the Kings College in London. He is a barrister at Law, advocate and solicitor of the High Court of Sierra Leone.

In his military career, Brigadier Kanu has served as a Commanding Officer, Forces Reconnaissance Unit, Staff Officer Grade 1 Directorate of Peacekeeping at the Ministry of Defense, Chief Instructor at the Horton Academy and Director of Military Operations.

Addressing the new Brigadier Generals, President Julius Maada Bio congratulated them on their achievements and said it was the aspiration of every serving officer to reach the rank of Brigadier. He, therefore, encouraged them to lead by example, noting that the Constitution of Sierra Leone and the Armed Forces of Sierra Leone code of conduct must be defended, promoted and protected.

“Congratulations to you both and thank you very much,” President Bio said.

Jamaica High Commissioner Discusses Cultural Tourism With Minister Pratt

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Jamaican High Commissioner accredited to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Cameroon and Senegal, Esmond St. C. Reid on 19th July, 2021 engaged Sierra Leone’s Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt at the Ministry’s head office in Freetown. During the engagement, he recommended the establishment of a joint commission for the two countries.

The High Commissioner, who is in Sierra Leone for the first time, applauded the government of Sierra Leone in their handling of the Corona Virus. He said Tourism is at the heart of what Jamaica has been doing for many years and is the primary foreign exchange earner for Jamaica. He mentioned that they want to extend the scope of their Tourism operations to particularly countries in Africa because that is where their blood line lies.

He maintained that the relationship between the two countries is strong, as there were a number of Maroons sent from Jamaica to Sierra Leone, which he said has a link to the Maroon Church in Sierra Leone, adding that there is room for cultural tourism as a direct area for cooperation. He said they are also looking at having a direct flight from Jamaica to Sierra Leone as they did for Nigeria.

In her address, Minister Pratt welcomed the High Commissioner to the Home of Hospitality, saying that the High Commissioner’s visit is an awesome opportunity for the Ministry as there is already a deep relationship between the two countries that goes far back for decades. She acknowledged that there have not been very strong cultural roots and Tourism exchange that can keep the memories of the two countries alive, but assured that they would revive those cultural connections.

Minister Pratt noted that the Rastafarian culture is very embedded in Sierra Leone, and they need to look at it in terms of exchanges because they are representing a culture despite the way people may look at them. She maintained that Sierra Leone has all what it takes for its tourism to blossom and they are looking forward to starting a cultural relationship with Jamaica.

The High Commissioner fully endorsed all that was said by the Minister and recommended for the establishment of a joint commission between the two countries.

The Minister presented the Ministry’s souvenirs, magazines and travel guides to the Ambassador in appreciation of his visit to the Ministry.

Gavi CEO Assures President Bio of More COVID-19 Vaccines Soon  

By Theresa Kef Sesay

Dr. Seth Berkly has assured President Julius Maada Bio that additional vaccines would be available in Sierra Leone from July end to September, so that the vaccination exercise in the country would not be interrupted.

Dr. Seth Berkly was formerly with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Rockefeller Foundation before founding the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative

His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and Minister of Health and Sanitation, Dr. Austin Demby, on Monday 19 July 2021, concluded a teleconference with Dr. Seth Berkley, CEO of Gavi, the vaccine alliance, resulting in the agreement to deliver another consignment of vaccines very soon.

The President said he appreciated the call and the continued support to Sierra Leone through the COVAX facility, adding that he was particularly grateful for Dr. Berley’s personal engagement with his government, especially relating to their routine immunisation services through GAVI.

“We have so far vaccinated over 150,000 individuals with the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccines, and nearly 90,000 with their second dose. We have worked hard to create demand for these vaccines, and now that the general population is ready for and demanding to be vaccinated, we cannot afford to interrupt the process.

“I am, therefore, asking for expedited delivery of these needed vaccines, especially the AstraZeneca vaccine, over the next week and no later than the end of July.

“Our population is very familiar with the AstraZeneca vaccine, staffs have been trained in its delivery and we have obtained the necessary Emergency Use Authorisation from our Regulatory Agency, the National Pharmacy Board,” President Bio said.

President Bio noted that with ongoing efforts, demand for vaccination is high in the country, emphasising that any disruption of availability, especially the very familiar AstraZeneca vaccine, would have major consequences on the country’s response to the pandemic.

“We cannot afford to wait till late August/September to continue our vaccination campaign with the AstraZeneca vaccine. It is, therefore, important that we prevail on COVAX to rush-deliver the AstraZeneca vaccine, even as we await the other promises,” he said to Dr Berkley.

In his response, Dr. Berkley, who is a medical doctor, specialised in infectious disease epidemiology and global health, said he was pleased with the leadership of the President, adding that he would like to encourage other African leaders to be as strong as he was in the fight against Coronavirus.

He assured that additional vaccines would be available in Sierra Leone from July end to September, so that the vaccination exercise in the country would not be interrupted.

“We are eager to partner with you. Thank you very much for your leadership. We need all the champions we can get,” he noted.

Dr. Seth Berkly was formerly with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Rockefeller Foundation before founding the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative. In 2009 he was recognised as one of Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in the World”.

NMA Clarifies Alleged Fraud Involving Contract Staff

By Amin Kef Sesay

The National Minerals Agency (NMA), in a press release dated 19th July, 2021, has explained with grave concern several publications in traditional and social media regarding the involvement of an NMA staff in fraudulent activities and the actions it has taken in this regard.

The release issued by the NMA stated that Daniel Kapr Serry was a contract-staff (February 2019 to June 2021) of the Agency, working as Mines Compliance Officer (MCO) assigned to the Lungi Airport. In June 2021, the NMA received reports that the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) was investigating a case of alleged fraud involving Daniel Serry.

It added that the Integrity Committee of the NMA immediately summoned Daniel Serry for questioning, and after interrogating him, the Committee concluded that Daniel Serry acted in a manner that was inconsistent with the core values of the Agency.

According to the press release, the Integrity Committee therefore recommended to Senior Management that his contract with the Agency be terminated, and Senior Management acted accordingly. This action by the Agency was purely administrative and did not impinge on the criminal investigation of the SLP. The NMA has a zero- tolerance policy on corruption and criminal activities in all its operations.

According to the release, the NMA further clarifies that it is illegal for anyone to engage in precious stones and minerals trading (buying and/or selling) without a valid mineral licence. “We have reviewed our databases and there is no evidence that any of the individuals complaining about the alleged fraudulent activities had licence to buy or sell precious stones and minerals in Sierra Leone, even though by their own admissions, they engaged in same,” the release noted.

The release added that it is therefore important to note that these individuals acted outside the law, by buying or attempting to buy precious minerals without acquiring the statutory licence. “The NMA has over the years been trying to combat the illegal trade in precious stones and minerals,” adding that this, in most cases, result in investors being scammed by fraudsters who take advantage of the desire of these investors to circumvent the legal channels.

“We have a Fraud Alert prominently displayed on our website and other prominent places, and we shall continue to work with the public and the authorities to combat illegal minerals trade and fraud,” the release noted.
It however encouraged the public of its commitment to fully support the investigations into the alleged fraudulent activities. “We shall not let the action of one contract staff bring down the good reputation of the Agency, which we have worked so hard to build over the years,” it concluded.

 

Speaker Explains Who Are Qualified To Use The Title ‘Honourable’

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Clarifying on the use of the title “Honourable”, the Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu, on Wednesday 21st July 2021, ruled that the title ‘Honourable’, could only be used by persons who are serving or had served in elected offices, or who are serving or had served in the superior court of judicature, or conferment of such title by Parliament.

Such persons include the President, Vice President, persons who are serving or had served as MPs (past & present), regardless of serving as ministers or not, persons who are serving or had served the superior court of judicature, and persons on whom such title is conferred on by Parliament.

Therefore, persons other than the above, when appointed to serve as Ministers and Deputy Ministers, should be addressed as “Mr. Minister or Madam Minister”.

In light of the above, a motion was moved and seconded by the Leader of Government Business and the Deputy Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma and Hon. Bashiru Silikie for onward submission to the executive branch of government for consideration.

 

NP-SL: Resolutely Standing the Test of Time

By Amin Kef Sesay

It is no gainsaying the fact that, the National Petroleum – Sierra Leone (NP-SL) is resolved and making serious efforts to stand the test of time by ensuring that it satisfies its numerous customers in providing goods and services across the nation and in the other countries it has a presence in the sub-region.

Unlike some business entities operating in the country, the National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) provides a shining example of true patriotism and should be emulated by other local investors and businesses. The formation of the company is part of the overwhelming desire of the 35 retired Sierra Leonean workers from the British Petroleum Company to serve the country and build a business that can stand the test of time, and this driving force has seen the expansion of the company to other West African countries. Today NP-SL is the pride of Sierra Leone.

Without any gainsaying, there are many useful lessons that can be learnt from NP-SL Ltd that could inspire aspiring entrepreneurs as a roadmap to navigate through the business landscape to crystallize their dreams into reality.

The company was founded decades ago by thirty-five Sierra Leoneans, who were erstwhile employees of the British Petroleum Company, which decided to fold up and sell its shares to the Government of Sierra Leone.

Based on technical advice, the Government also decided to sell its shares and the 35 former workers bought those shares to set up what became known as the National Petroleum-SL Ltd. It must be highlighted that the company is a private-owned business entity and the Government has no hands in it, does not decide how it is operated and grapples with challenges.

One of the underlying factors for the meteoric rise of the company is the selflessness of its shareholders. These ambitious Sierra Leoneans were so dedicated to the cause of catapulting their “baby” to higher height, that they put their best initiatives into play that culminated into the company becoming a formidable force to reckon with.

These fine business initiatives were well implemented to the letter, which led to the realization of fruitful dividends. Selflessness, in this context, could mean putting aside ego, working with a collective sense of purpose, brushing aside deceit, greed and ready to give as well as take. This could be the first lesson.

The next lesson borders on enhancing customer care with the avowed objective of giving optimum satisfaction. The Shareholders and various Management teams harnessed this well, to the extent that they have succeeded in broadening their customer base.

As far as they are concerned, it is the interest of customers which are paramount and therefore everything must be done to ensure that those interests are given due consideration whenever decisions are taken to push the company forward.

It is in this regard that the shareholders decided to go in for modern calibrated pumping machines, which are capable of churning out the right quantity of fuel that a buyer puts in for, as well as displaying the price. These machines make fuel transactions become very transparent, thereby giving customers’ satisfaction and confidence that they are deriving their monies worth.

Within that realm, the Shareholders also thought it prudent to introduce NP Smart Card, which is now in vogue. This Smart Card can be used to purchase fuel, petrol and diesel, with ease, avoiding the hassle of having to be rushing to the banks to re-intermittently withdrawing monies for the purpose of purchasing fuel. The card could be credited with a certain amount of money, and whenever transaction transpires, the amount utilized is debited. Its greatest advantage is that it avails the holder of the Smart Card the opportunity to programme or budget him or herself to purchase fuel on a periodic basis.

NP Gas is now going like hot cakes on the market. It is a cooker which has been proven to be very effective in terms of performance. Manufactured in different cylinder sizes, it has been attested to be environmentally friendly in terms of less gaseous emissions that could pose health risks. NP Gas can be secured at all the leading Filing Stations of the company and its authorized dealers.

With all these attractive offers, there is a lesson that enhancing customer care is key to the growth of any business enterprise. Aspiring entrepreneurs could learn from this.

What also has been identified as a good business initiative which the company has mastered so effectively has to do with promoting the country’s Local Content Policy. The intent of this policy is geared towards ensuring that we make proper use of our local resources, human as well as material, in the production chain.  It is against such a backdrop that the company limits employment opportunities to qualified Sierra Leoneans, instead of bringing over expatriates to perform tasks that could be better done by indigenes. Knowing that they are employed by an indigenous company, gives the employees the sense of ownership and the extra motivation to give their best to the company.

Another Lesson: Make use of local resources which could be cost effective instead of spending much to use expatriates just for the sake of showing off. Besides, monies, in the forms of salaries and end of service benefits are retained and not taken out of the country. It gives any company operating with such a policy a nationalistic flavour.

To give back to society, in the form of Corporate Social Responsibility, brings with it respectability and integrity. It is very important to be in a position to always assist residents in communities, where a business entity operates or to the country as a whole.

From all what have been said so far, it could be seen that NP-SL Ltd has valuable lessons which aspiring entrepreneurs could imbibe and infuse in their activities, if fruitful dividends must be realized. Indeed, NP-SL Ltd is really a source of inspiration and a reservoir of good business initiatives.

In Kenema… Teachers, Lecturers End Workshop on Abandoning FGM

By Amin Kef Sesay

Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP), on 16th and 17th July, 2021, ended a workshop with teachers and lecturers at the Eastern Polytechnic in Kenema. The event took place at the Ahmad Tejan Kabbah Hall, on the topic: Stop Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting and its Dangers.

Dilating on the topic, Chairperson of the Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP), Rugiatu Neneh Turay Koroma, said: “We have ended a workshop with teachers and lecturers at the Eastern Polytechnic. We held frank discussions and we are ready to move the fight forward.”
She maintained that separating FGM from Bondo and strengthening women to do the right thing will continue, adding that no district will be left out. She informed her audience that “we believe that, should girls continue to watch harmful videos, they will absolutely go against the myopic FGM thoughts of their parents.”

According to the Chairperson of the Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP), Rugiatu Neneh Turay Koroma, in February 2003, four First Ladies in Africa came together and declared an International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C). She revealed that these brave women, led by the Late Mrs. Stella Obasanjo, knew that by targeting and holding back women and girls, from this harmful practice, they would be doing the same for whole communities and nations.

“Eighteen years ago, countless others from all over the world, including Sierra Leone, joined these women to say that FGM/C has no place in any community and that it undermines the efforts to celebrate and empower women and girls,” she said, furthering that Sierra Leone is still one of the few countries that has not enacted any act to abandon FGM.

She lamented however: “Sadly, we are also one of the countries with high prevalence, even though recent surveys state that it is gradually reducing,” She maintained that as of now, the country stands at 83%, stating that supporters of FGM/C are with the view that FGM is a rite of passage–something families do to help prepare girls for adulthood or marriage.

The Chairperson said that as a coalition of organizations working on ending FGM, they are of a contrary view, as they believe that there is no reason why young girls and women should suffer removal of a healthy and active organ just because it is considered as a tradition.

She argued that FGM practice is dangerous and harmful, which makes it wrong, wherever it occurs. Madam Rugiatu said it is on that strong foundation that the Forum Against Harmful practices (FAHP) was formed. She added that the coalition has a membership of fifteen (15) organizations working to eliminate FGM/C within the ‘Bondo’ society and speaking with one voice. She made known that the FAHP has implemented a range of activities and actions nationwide to stop the practice.

“In the North West region, we have organized the first alternative rites of passage. This means that women and girls can go through ‘Bondo’ society without cutting their clitoris,” she informed, stating that they have worked with religious leaders, schools, cutters and community-based organizations to raise awareness—especially, and have organized a public declaration with over 60 FGM cutters dropping their knives and razors.

The Chairperson added that even though they have challenges in the South and Eastern regions, they are confident that those challenges will be surmounted, maintaining that since the establishment of FAHP in June 2014, they have been advocating and lobbying for the reduction of harmful practices including FGM, and above all, for policy and legislative change towards eliminating FGM.

“Presently, we are implementing a project titled: Strengthening FAHP for the coordination of FGM/C reduction in Sierra Leone- Influencing Zero Tolerance funded by Irish Aid,” she said.

According to her, the project is in line with Sierra Leone’s commitments under the various international protocols and conventions; including the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Sustainable Development Goals.

She highlighted how the project addresses problems related to the high incidents of FGM in Sierra Leone, enhancing the capacity of the Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP) to coordinate FGM/C interventions and address the absence of an approved national policy or legislation to guide the reduction of FGM/C in Sierra Leone.

“Recently, we visited the different political parties in their various party offices to discuss and seek for support from their parliamentary representatives,” she revealed, disclosing that the responses from the various Executives of the political parties e.g. NGC, APC, PMDC, C4C, Unity Party, ADP, UDM, RUFP, were positive, except for the SLPP, whose Chairman and Secretary failed to either acknowledge their letter or respond to the numerous text messages and phone calls.

She stated that two weeks ago they saw a video making the rounds on social media with a female Member of Parliament representing one of the constituencies from Moyamba District from the SLPP party, inciting Soweis and promoting, not only the continuation, but also how FGM should be sustained.

She underscored that they consider such action unfortunate from a legislator who is expected to protect women and girls rights, irrespective of her personal belief.

Madam Rugiatu stated that they are using this platform to call out to all politicians, who still believe that they can continue to win the votes of women by supporting the cutting of the clitoris of women and girls to stop now.

“On today’s date, we stand with communities here and around the globe working to prevent FGM/C,” and registered their commitment, adding that they are calling on girls and their families, INGOS, human Rights activists, the media, teachers, health workers, the forces, religious leaders, Paramount chiefs, Members of Parliament and Government officials to act together to make a difference.

The Chairperson noted that there is no better time to put an end to the harmful practice, and to allow women and girls everywhere to meet their full potential without FGM, than now.

“Therefore, I want to end my statement with the saying, FGM cannot be justified as a cultural or traditional practice – it is a crime and a violation of human rights,” she reiterated, adding that many people and communities are abandoning it.

Madam Rugiatu said that at FAHP, they believe change is possible, and it is happening, underscoring that Sierra Leone must be part of the clarion call to end FGM.

With Huge Support From Social Media Writers… Tonkolili Residents Retain Confidence in Protec Security Agency

By Amin Kef Sesay

Following a recent case in which a security guard attached to Gorilla Security Company was caught inside the mining site protected by Protec Security Agency, several Sierra Leoneans inside and outside of the country have commented on Social Media saying: “This is not the way and manner to go, if you want to remove one security agency to replace it with another.”

Another commentator wrote: “You said Protec acted unlawfully by beating the Gorilla security personnel, but you want Kingho to act unlawfully to terminate an existing contract with Protec.”?

Another wrote: “The case at hand is one of assault; not a breach of contract. Seek criminal remedy if you believe your guy was manhandled.”

“You want Protec to be kicked out so that Gorilla would be given the contract. Is that even fair to your moral reasoning,” asked another commentator.

Another commentator argued that the staffs working for Protec Security are 98% Sierra Leoneans. So what is your issue regarding Local Content,” the commentator asked, adding “You guys at times are very unfair to the cause of journalism.”

“Do you even think about what will be of the over 98% Sierra Leonean personnel working for Protec for years now, since the days of Shandong, if their contract is terminated,” was the question raised by another Social Media commentator.

Against that background, it is now crystal clear that, while efforts are being made by some sectors of the public to instil discipline, integrity and respect into the affairs of investors and other institutions working hard for the progress of Sierra Leone in terms of industrial development and job creation, there seems to be another group or groups propagating lies, in order to distort the truth and create mischief, so that they can run this country as usual in collusion with crooked politicians.

As a responsible and accountable media institution, we owe allegiance to the people of Sierra Leone and will not stop at anything to unveil the truth!

Reports from Tonkolili District indicate that quite recently, a guard working with Gorilla Protection Security Company, Ibrahim Kargbo was caught inside the TIO site that is directly protected by personnel of Protec Security Agency.

It should be noted that since Protec Security Agency posted its guards to various mining concessions and other establishments in Tonkolili District and in other districts across Sierra Leone, there have been no breaches in any manner. The Protec Security Agency has observed and respected its mandate; respected and observed human rights and generally enhanced and supported development in its areas of operation.

It therefore comes as a rude shock that following the arrest of a security guard working for Gorilla Security Company, efforts are being made by a local tabloid to twist the truth and put Protec Security agency in bad light, when the facts are there to reveal that it was the Gorilla Security Company guard that was caught infiltrating into an area he had no business.

The defaulting Gorilla Security Company guard was caught inside the TIO Site with a machete and was NOT WEARING the Uniform of Gorilla Security Company and he was considered as an intruder firstly and was not arrested because he is working for any other security agency as some blatantly claim.

Our investigations further revealed that the efforts to debunk The Calabash Newspaper’s unveiling of the truth about this incident to the government and to the general public, are being supported by unscrupulous people’s, who for one selfish reason or the other, want the contract awarded to Protec Security Agency thrashed.

Several observers commenting on social media described the situation as one which stinks of unsavoury politics and arm-twisting tactics to remove Protec Security Agency that is providing transparent, accountable and unquestionable security services, and replace them with a private security service provider that has a questionable character and background.

This diabolic act has been described by residents of Tonkolili District, who repose much confidence in Protec Security Agency, as sabotage on the hard-earned reputation of the management of Protec Security Agency, adding that, apart from their normal security services, the agency also performs its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), not only in Tonkolili District, but in all the other areas they have a presence.

Residents of Tonkolili District have in many ways debunked lies doing the round on Social Media and on other platforms that after his arrest, the culprit was beaten by Protec Security Agency personnel. “This is totally false, because we were there and we saw what happened. After the intruder was arrested, he was questioned, treated with respect before being handed over to the appropriate authority. In no way was he beaten, molested or manhandled. Those that are going about propagating this lie are enemies of progress,” said a senior member of the Tonkolili District Council, who prefers anonymity.

The source applauded the professional conduct of Protec Security Guards and called on the management of Gorilla Security Company to ensure that disciplinary action is taken against their defaulting staff.

With Regards To Lawlessness & Indiscipline… Citizens’ Perception Of Progress Is Slightly Low

By Amin Kef Sesay

A stitch in time saves nine. Everything must be done by particularly the Sierra Leone Police to deal drastically with the kind of lawlessness that took place at Dodo in Goderich about two weeks ago, where bailiffs and the police, under the cover of the law, unlawfully damaged buildings and stole properties. It should be noted that land issues form the blood line of Sierra Leoneans and many are of the view that much has not been done to change the narrative, as there are still instances of lawlessness and indiscipline, perpetrated by police officials on ‘Orders from above’.

This situation necessitated the engagement of the new Chief Minister, Jacob Jusu Saffa, with the management of the Sierra Leone Police, where he told them that he is not aware of any orders from above and that President Bio’s New Direction does not have any sacred cow. He then warned officers to go about their duty professionally and not to allow themselves to be used by politicians or business tycoons.

However, the concerns of citizens is being further heightened when at Waterloo, this past weekend, men in police uniform wantonly broke into people’s houses, again stealing properties. It is not known whether they are really police officers or impersonators using police uniforms to tarnish the name of the force.

The general opinion is that the rate of violence and indiscipline in Sierra Leone are becoming very troubling and unacceptable. Citizens fear that this is disturbing sign of a society bursting at the seams with lawlessness and impunity, which they decry as not good for the peace and security of everyone, as nobody knows who will be the next victim.

It would appear that despite all what the government has done to rid the country of these menace, indiscipline, lawlessness and impunity against ordinary citizens are increasing at an alarming rate.

Our law-enforcement forces must rise up to the occasion to build upon the peace and security gains made by the previous regime. No mincing of words, the people demand for drastic actions by the government to teach the culprits a lesson and establish a precedent. The case of the police officer who shot a killed a civilian in Hastings/Grafton saga, was charged to court and those who were also with him, but did not fire any shot, were all dismissed. It is such actions that are expected and will go a long way to build the confidence of the people in the police.

Drastic diseases need drastic remedies. The Judiciary should prove itself capable to dispassionately and speedily dispense justice against the people behind these acts of terror, violence, lawlessness and vandalism.

The Police should be more proactive in speedily investigating these crimes and arresting perpetrators with efficient dispatch, and the courts of the land should waste no time to dish out very stiff punishments to ensure that other Sierra Leoneans see and fear, by the effective application of the rule of law. This is on the understanding that the rule of law and development are strongly interrelated and mutually reinforcing.

The advancement of the rule of law is essential for sustained and inclusive economic growth, sustainable development, the eradication of poverty and hunger and the full realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the right to development, all of which in turn reinforce the rule of law.

In terms of development, the rule of law is necessary to create an environment for providing sustainable livelihoods and eradicating poverty. Poverty often stems from disempowerment, exclusion and discrimination. The rule of law fosters development through strengthening the voices of individuals and communities, by providing access to justice, ensuring due process and establishing remedies for the violation of rights.

Security of livelihoods, shelter, tenure and contracts can enable and empower the poor to defend themselves against violations of their rights. Legal empowerment goes beyond the provision of legal remedies, and supports better economic opportunities.

In order for the rule of law to further sustainable development outcomes, it must ensure protection for all human rights, including economic, social and cultural rights and the right to development.

The United Nations General Assembly highlights inter alia, the importance of access to justice for all, and in this regard, encourages the strengthening and improvement of the administration of justice, and emphasized that respect for the rule of law and property rights and the pursuit of appropriate policy and regulatory frameworks encourage business formation, including entrepreneurship, and contribute to poverty eradication.

A lot of lawlessness and violence, such as those mentioned at Dodo and Waterloo, have to do with land disputes. Improved security of tenure for land and property can make a critical contribution to ensuring social and economic progress in rural and urban settings, supporting poverty reduction and furthering gender equality and peace and security. In this respect, the work of the current Minister of Lands, Turad Senesie, is of note and applauded by citizens. They are hopeful that other land disputes will be handled amicably.

Land tenure, including a range of tenure types, appropriate to local conditions and needs, such as community property rights and the protection of resources, creates certainty about what can be done with land or property, and its use and can increase economic opportunities and benefits through investment, improving health, financial stability and personal safety.

Over 100,000 Vulnerable People To Benefit From Russian Aid

By Amin Kef Sesay

On Friday 16 July 2021, H.E. Mr. Vadim Razumovskiy, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Guinea and the Republic of Sierra Leone, announced the donation of US$2 million by the Russia Federation to the Government of Sierra Leone through the World Food Programme (WFP) as support to food insecure and vulnerable households during the lean season period.

He made this announcement as he symbolically handed over 445 tonnes of vegetable oil procured as part of this donation to the Honourable Minister of Social Welfare, Madam Baindu Dassama Kamara, in the conference room of the Ministry of Social Welfare at New England Ville.

“This contribution is another proof of the friendship and cooperation that exists between our two countries in all areas since a long time,” said Ambassador Razumovskiy.

Accompanied by the Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Sierra Leone, Mr. Hussein Basma and the Economic Attaché of the Embassy, Mrs. Aigul Goregliad-Murtazina, the Ambassador stated among other things in the area of cooperation between the two countries, the intergovernmental agreement on the free visa travel to Russia for holders of Diplomatic Service passports and the recent donation of 50 brand new dump trucks to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, which were distributed to local councils.

In her response, the Honourable Minister, Madam Baindu Dassama Kamara thanked the Government of Russia for ensuring that no one is left behind, and that the people in the most food insecure districts also benefit from this important safety net of the Government.

This donation will help WFP deliver critical food assistance to over 100,000 beneficiaries belonging to over 21,000 households, comprised of severely food insecure people, whose livelihoods have been impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, and whose vulnerability will intensify during the lean season period when food becomes scarce and expensive.

The Russian funding will support beneficiaries across the most food insecure districts of Moyamba, Port Loko, Bombali and Karene. WFP will provide two months’ unconditional emergency assistance, including rice, pulses, and vegetable oil through food distribution.

“This generous donation is timely and will help to meet the food needs of the beneficiaries and ameliorate the double impacts of the pandemic and the lean season period on them,” said Steve Nsubuga, WFP’s Representative and Country Director in Sierra Leone.

WFP is the main multilateral channel through which Russia renders food assistance to the needy populations of other countries. Relations between the Russian Federation and the WFP have been developing dynamically since the early 2000s. The scale of this cooperation is growing in geography and quality.

WFP Sierra Leone will be implementing this contribution in partnership with the Ministry of Social Welfare, allowing for complementarity of efforts to address food and nutrition situation of vulnerable populations.

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