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NaCOVERC Counters Misinformation, Encourages Taking the Coronavirus Vaccine

By Amin Kef Sesay

A Public Notice dated, 28th June, 2021 and signed by Solomon Jamiru Esq as Spokesperson of the National COVID-19 Emergency Response Centre (NaCOVERC), categorically stated that the attention of NaCOVERC has been drawn to a certain post circulating on social media, with the signature of Chairman Sheku Bangura and Spokesperson, Solomon Jamiru, fraudulently inserted.

The Public Notice additionally highlighted that the material purports a range of recommendations made by NaCOVERC to the Presidential Task Force (including declaration of a State of Emergency).

NaCOVERC strongly maintains that it has not issued such a public notice and urges the public to discountenance such shenanigans.

It furthered that as and when a determination is made on any more measures to curb the third wave of the pandemic the public will be duly informed.
In a related issue under NaCOVERC’s “Corona Fet Na We All Fet” Big Idea of the Week titled “The Spread of Misinformation Helps Fuel the Spread of Coronavirus – Let’s Stop Both!” spanning from the 27th June  to 3rd July 2021, it was intimated that the Delta variant of coronavirus has been found in Sierra Leone.

According to NaCOVERC, this variant spreads more easily and makes more people sick further stating that it is likely leading to the rapidly growing number of people getting sick and dying from the virus.

The institution said fortunately, in addition to hand washing, face masks and physical distancing for prevention, there is now also the coronavirus marklate which helps protect individuals from serious sickness.

NaCOVERC also revealed that some social media posts warn of death and other serious side effects after taking the coronavirus marklate but cautioned that such posts are often misleading by claiming that those unfortunate situations are caused by the marklate.

It continued that the Government takes any potential side effect of the marklate seriously and is investigating all reported events to know whether they are actually caused by the coronavirus marklate.

Based on available information to date, according to NaCOVERC, serious side effects from the coronavirus vaccinations are extremely rare.

NaCOVERC said it is admonishing anyone who feels sick past the typical minor side effects after taking any marklate, or if  symptoms have not gone away after three days to call 117 or 099117117 or contact a healthcare worker concluding that for more information on the topic to visit http://coronafet.link/Bigldea or call 117 free on all networks and for more information on the GoSL COVID-19 response to please visit:
https://mic.gov.si/ https://dhse.gov.si/ CoronaFetNaWeAllFet Facebook page.

With Support from UNDP…   Tourism Ministry Empowers 100 Women from Kent & Banana Island with Start-Up Kits

By Foday Moriba Conteh

During a very impressive event that was held at the at Kent community Hall in Western Rural Area on the 26th June 2021, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs distributed start-up kits to 100 (one hundred) women from Kent and Banana Island under the Ministry’s Women Empowerment Project for Touristic and Coastal Communities with support from UNDP.

Haja Njai, Tourist Officer of the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, explaining the overview of the project said it aims at imparting alternative livelihood skills to these women. She noted that they have trained these women on arts and crafts and entrepreneurship skills for which the Minister was at the event to give them business start-up kits.

She highlighted how they do not want to replace the fishing and stone mining that the women are engaged in, but to provide them with skills that can suffice when their fishing and stone mining are not yielding dividends.

Dr. Memunatu Pratt, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, in her statement, expressed excitement to see the women that were trained by the Ministry converging in order to receive start-up kits in order to sharpen their skills. She assured the women that more women would benefit in subsequent programmes implemented by the Ministry. She said the Ministry has been to Pujehun, Bonthe, Mattru Jong, Kamakwie and Kabala but women of Kent and Banana Island occupy a special place because they are the first recipients.

She mentioned that COVID-19 has imposed enormous hardship on the tourism sector because of the various restrictions imposed on people and travel, but the Ministry has done a lot in cushioning the burden on women in the tourism sector.

The Minister called on the women to get the sector going by keeping the environment intact and further disclosed that there are plans to encourage more hotels in Kent and that for Banana Island the Ministry is constructing eco-lodges and other facilities and also getting a jetty for Banana Island.

Chairladies from both Kent and Banana Island thanked the Minister for the support, assuring that they will positively make the most out of the opportunity.

Pentecostal Fellowship of Sierra Leone Gains National Acceptance

By Amin Kef Sesay

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Sierra Leone (PFSL) has gained national appeal and acceptance as Pastors across the various regions of Sierra Leone have taken ownership of it.

Pastors in the different regions intimated how they now feel belonged to PFSL going further to state that they have taken ownership of the organization simply because the current Executive reached out to them with open hearts which they described as unprecedented.

PFSL visitation, familiarization and interaction have reached 13 places such as Makeni, Magburaka, Kono, Bo, Lumley, Tombo/Peninsula, Kissy Dockyard, Regent, Lungi, Pujehun, Kenema, Segbwema/Daru and Kailahun.

It was understood that the PFSL Executive recently visited the South-Eastern region of Sierra Leone where they met with Pastors and elders in Pujehun, Kenema, Daru, Segbwema and Kailahun from the 17th to the 21st June 2021.

During a warm reception, Pastors gathered at the Winners’ Chapel International, Gbondapi Road, Pujehun to listen to the good news of God’s servants.

In Kenema Pastors converged at the Door Christian Fellowship Church, Kengeh Street, where the PFSL Executive explained their mission and vision for the Body of Christ and the same was done in Segbwema/ Daru and in Kailahun at the Adullam Bible Church.

Sister Kadiatu Kanu of Winners’ Chapel, Pujehun described the gathering as timely stating that  from her experience it was difficult for one to locate a church in that region due to the faith of some residents.

She pointed out that they need somebody like the President of PFSL, Bishop Akintayo Sam-Jolly, to guide men of God in that region.

“If they are under Bishop Akintayo Sam-Jolly leadership, they can do more, reach out for more souls. If the body of Christ is united, they will be able to accomplish their goals,” she opined adding that one of the teachings state that in unity there is strength and with God all things are possible and they can be able to move beyond their limits.

Pastor Francis Sullaman Senesie of the New Harvest Global Ministries described the gathering as very apt and one that brought peace and unity to the Body of Christ.

He further described the teachings they received as very educative and interesting and spoke on the need for empowerment in order to win more souls for Christ.

Pastor Abednego Hindawa of Consuming Fire Ministry, Pujehun Branch, said they now feel belonged as the PFSL reached out to them in a unique way.

The PFSL Executive and the Vision of the Executive was presented by the President of the PFSL and General Overseer of Living Word of Faith Outreach Ministries International, Bishop Akintayo Sam-Jolly who disclosed that other denominations beside the Pentecostal Churches are also yearning to be part of PFSL.

He went on to disclose that the PFSL was established 16 years ago in Sierra Leone and they have set out clear defined goals which include rotational meetings and visitation among others.

He added that various parts of the country are now waiting for PFSL also revealing how chapters have been formed in areas they visited. The team also took time to minister to Pastors.

Bishop Akintayo Sam-Jolly informed his audience that he will build on the good foundation set up by his predecessors through the Seven Vision Pillars God has given to him to focus on for the next four years of his administration which covers the:

  1. Unity of the body
  2. Harnessing collective strength: Harnessing the strength of the Pentecostal and Charismatic community in Sierra Leone
  3. Growth and expansion: to ensure greater national impact for growth and expansion of the body
  4. Collaboration/communication
  5. Diaspora
  6. Self – Regulation
  7. Visibility and stability

He spoke about the need to have a single register that has the names and addresses of Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches and emphasized on the importance of Churches registering with the PFSL.

PFSL General Secretary, Rabbi Tamba Mbayo gave a synopsis of the organization and a report on the first seven months of the current Executive’s activities.

Teaching, Call to order, and the need to be united was done by the PFSL Vice President, Apostle Augustine S. Kamara and the PFSL Welfare Officer, Apostle Dr. Abednego H. Kamara, dilated on different topics.

Tourism Ministry & NTB Pre-Launch Domestic Tourism Awareness and Education Campaign

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of their strides to identify product development, marketing and promotion as key for development and promotion of the Tourism sector in the country, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and the National Tourist Board in collaboration with the World Bank Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP) has on Sunday 27th June, 2021 pre-launched the Domestic Tourism Awareness and Education Campaign at the Bintumani Conference Centre, Aberdeen in Freetown.

The General Manager of the National Tourist Board, Fatmata Kroma said COVID-19 has negatively impacted international travel and tourism, and it is now a call for countries to develop and promote domestic tourism.

She said domestic tourism remains the leading form of tourism, representing an important tool for regional economic growth and development adding that research suggests that domestic tourism demand picks up at an income level of about US$35,000, while international travel takes off at around US$50,000.

Fatmata Kroma pointed out that the Ministry and its Agencies in the past few years have been engaged in tourism awareness, educative activities through an inclusive approach that will enhance community awareness about tourism and its socio-economic benefits.

She added that Government has been very supportive in providing the necessary budgetary support, exhibiting the political will at the highest level;  reducing barriers to doing business, assisting existing tourism providers with market access, improving the quality of selected tourism products, implementation of the visa on arrival policy, removal of GST and other tax reduction on air tickets, enhancing tourism education and the development of policies on a sustainable and inclusive growth trajectory.

The NTB Boss further intimated that the launching will increase the awareness of the rich and diverse tourism products of Sierra Leone, showcases its beauty and stability, thereby promoting the country’s image among its people.

The Chairman of the National Tourist Board, Tamba Allieu Kokobaye in his remarks said the launching is important as they embark on the promotion and marketing of Sierra Leone’s Tourism product to Sierra Leoneans.

“For us to market the country as a destination for inbound tourism we must have a first-hand knowledge and experience of what we have to offer to our international tourists, hence the need for a mass domestic tourism campaign,” he maintained.

Formally Pre-Launching the Domestic Tourism Awareness and Education Campaign, the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt paid homage to President Julius Maada Bio for making tourism one of the growth sectors and also a big factor in his governance. She maintained that tourism is one of the fastest growth sectors in Sierra Leone and countries globally are beginning to take tourism seriously.

She continued that before now tourism was only about the beaches with specific reference to Lumley beach, but today, tourism is now a whole context of national development. The Minister furthered that the Ministry is working in all sectors and undertaking giant programmes; women in coastal communities have been trained across the country to move away from dependency, sites are being opened and developed all geared towards developing the local economy and strengthening domestic tourism.

The Tourism Minister also disclosed that the launching is part of the support that the Government of Sierra (GoSL) Leone has received from the World Bank revealing how the GoSL received a 40 million dollars grant of which 70% is going towards the tourism sector, hence there is need to be thankful to the World Bank.

She stated that consultants have been hired to develop the National Marketing Strategy and six sites will be developed with the grant stating that many other attractions are on the cards for improvement with support from the UNDP’s Climate Change Project as well as the revived of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) project.

Minister Pratt acknowledged that domestic tourism has been happening but it was not packaged as a domestic programme under tourism, hence the formal launching of the tourism domestic education using various communication channels in promoting tourism.

The Deputy Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Tourism, Hon. Emmanuel Saidu Conteh, the Deputy Minister of Local Government and the Western Area Regional Minister, Nabeela Tunis all expressed delight about the promotion of domestic tourism and pledged their unwavering support and collaboration to the tourism sector.

The event was climaxed by cultural performances and a runway show on Sierra Leone Fabric and Design.

Citizens Support Enactment of the Safe Motherhood Bill 

By Foday Moriba Conteh

It could be recalled that in December 2015, the Parliament of Sierra Leone unanimously passed the Safe Abortion Bill 2015 into an Act and sent it to the Office of then President, Ernest Bai Koroma, for his assent.

However, immediately the Bill reached State House the Inter Religious Council of Sierra Leone, which comprises Christian and Muslim leaders and being the most prominent religious civil society organization as well as some members of the public raised an objection to the signing of the Bill by the former President.

In response to the IRCSL’s opposition the then President refused to sign the Bill and then sent it back to Parliament with a Memo.

One of the main issues highlighted in the memo were inadequate consultations with stakeholders and member of the public on the said Bill.

Against that backdrop and considering the significance to recognize and promote sexual and reproductive health rights of women in line with the Maputo protocol a consortium named People’s Alliance for Reproductive Health Advocacy (PARHA) in 2017 kick-started a campaign for the enactment of a Safe Motherhood Bill geared towards enhancing sexual and reproductive health rights of women in the country in line with the Maputo protocol.

PARHA is a Composition of NGOs, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Community Based Organizations (CBOs), Community Based groups (CBGs), Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) Trader Unions, Professional Bodies and individuals working around SRHRs issues and has constituted a nationwide membership of over 50 CSOs and individuals across all districts in the country.
The consortium was established in 2017 and exists to influence SRHR policies in Sierra Leone through constructive engagement, dialogue and partnership. The thought of establishing the coalition took inspiration from the several appealing data reported on maternal death, Unsafe Abortion, Teenage Pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS, Sexual & Gender Based Violence and other Human Rights abuses/violations (all being SRHR related issues) presented by both the Government of Sierra Leone and her development partners. The founding organizations thought it fit to come together as a unified body to work with both the Government and other development partners to design a pathway to curb the malaise around the several SRHR issues
mentioned.

Pushing for the Safe Motherhood Bill to become a law is part of the consortium’s strides in ensuring that the country has competent and adequate human resources, appropriate physical infrastructure and internal systems capable of delivering and promoting adequate and equitable sexual and reproductive health services in the country.

It is in that light that this medium decided to engage citizens in order to seek their views on the need for the enactment of a Safe Motherhood Bill in the country. It must be noted that many who spoke to this medium in relation to the said issue supported the motion of the enactment of the Safe Motherhood Bill.

Speaking to this medium, Family Planning 2030 Youth Focal Person for Sierra Leone, Marian Pleasant Kargbo, described the Safe Motherhood Bill as very vital towards the protection of women rights in the country.

She added that the Safe Motherhood Bill is beyond abortion which people are more concern about of which she said the Bill has a lot of good things for women, furthering how the issue of unsafe abortion continues to plague us as a nation lamenting that women and girls are dying as a result of the gap or lack of a law in that direction.

She further highlighted the need for a collective approach in engaging key stakeholders especially the Inter Religious Council of Sierra Leone and Honorable Members of Parliament on issues relating to the Bill.

Marian stated that currently Sierra Leone is experiencing an increase in teenage pregnancy and maternal mortality of which she said that having a Bill like the Safe Motherhood Bill passed into legislation will greatly help to regulate the sexual and reproductive aspect of women in the country especially at a time when the country is battling with a very poor health system maintaining how such will be a move in the right direction.

A SSS 3 Pupil who spoke to this medium on the condition of anonymity maintained that unsafe abortion is particularly common among them as teenage girls, adding that with the enactment of a Safe Motherhood Bill it will address the issue of  teenage girls doing unsafe abortion that sometimes lead to dire consequences.

She also added that unsafe abortion is rampant among young women in the country due to many factors including stigma, societal pressure and the lack of resources, furthering that another big factor is because it is not regulated but said if there is a law that supports abortion those anomalies will be addressed.

A Trader at Congo Market, who also happens to be a mother, who also threw light on the enactment of the Safe Motherhood Bill, said that there is a need to have a law on sexual and reproductive health in order to protect the rights of women in the country.

She maintained that with the enactment of the Safe Motherhood Bill the issue of unsafe abortion which has led to the loss of lives in the country will be mitigated.

“As a mother of two daughters I am in support of the Safe Motherhood Bill which I believe is geared towards protecting the rights of not only my children but other children as well for the betterment of the country,” she concluded.

This medium will continue to sound the views of Sierra Leoneans as to whether it is appropriate for the enactment of the Safe Motherhood Bill in the country.

Rise & Fall in Fuel Pump Price is Subject to Internal & External Forces

By Amin Kef Sesay

Indeed, it is only out of ignorance that some people think that it is Government that should have a domineering role in terms of having control over the pump price of fuel in this country. Such a perception is totally erroneous but unfortunately rife which is why whenever there is an increase in the price of petroleum products the blame is heaped on the Government.

The Government, through the Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA), only ensures that oil or petroleum marketing companies in the country operate according to laid down national laws and acceptable international best practices instead of just acting according to their whims and caprices with little  consideration given to the effects on consumers.

It is, however, seen as a moral responsibility of those in the knowing of the dynamics within the petroleum landscape, at the global level, to properly educate the rest of mankind of what is actually prevailing within that purview.

To take the discourse to another level it could be a misnomer not to say Government has no role to remedy petroleum volatile situations. This is more so when cognisance is taken of efforts that should have been taken to build the necessary infrastructure, one key one is adequate storage facility to ensure that we have huge stock of those products that could last for a considerable period of time. Also, robust actions must be taken to discourage smuggling of fuel that sometimes leads to artificial scarcity.

In terms of the first such should  have been done by successive Governments, as it is indeed very capital intensive to construct jetties, storage facilities etc and with the second due to the porosity of our orders it will continue to be an herculean task for anti-smuggling personnel albeit situations that are compromised via bribery

In this country the marketing of petroleum products is mainly done by privately owned companies though there is a State regulatory institution which, from time to time, ensures that sanity prevails within the petroleum landscape. Government sometimes steps in to give subsidies in order to absorb the shocks that emanate from the changes in market forces which have tendencies of affecting the pump price so that the cascading effects will not be overbearing for the ordinary man in the street. The rate and manner in which the Government will continue to sustain leveraging subsidy could largely depend on how much Government is able to fiscally mobilize during a specific period of time.

It is important to note the incontestable fact that the pump price of petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, kerosene etc. in the country, is efficiently determined by a +/-5% trigger mechanism of the landed cost, that is the cost of landing the shipped petroleum products in the country and that is mostly driven by the combined effect of the International Oil Reference Price (Platts) and available as well as accessible Foreign Exchange.

It must be underscored at this juncture that due to the COVID-19 pandemic that negatively impinged and even continue to impinge on international trade there were abnormal situations when Sierra Leone recorded a shock in the trigger mechanism warranting a hike in the pump prices.

However, in order to prevent additional hardship on the populace which an increase in the pump price may have caused, the SLPP led Government headed by President Julius Maada Bio applied an intervention approach to cushion that negative effect on the general public, an intervention which amounted to significant fiscal impact between the months of May-Dec 2020 and Jan-May 2021. The Government provided 66 billion Leones as subsidy for May-December, 2020 and 21 billion Leones for the month of January 2021.

Again it is worthy of consideration, according to an investigation conducted by this medium, that even though the pump price for the month of this June 2021 should have been Le9,500 the key players within the petroleum sector in the country collaborated and agreed to keep the price at Le8,500 until the subsequent or next monthly review.

Our investigation further revealed that though the current pump price remains one of the lowest within the West African Sub-Region there is the likelihood or tendency that there will be a significant change in the market forces which will definitely affect the  price in the not too distant future.

Research has also revealed that Goldman Sachs, a reputable international business entity, forecast Oil Price increase in 2021.Without any iota of doubt the increase will pose serious implications to West African countries, Sierra Leone not being an exception.

Computed pump prices in the sub-region indicate an increase in the price for all petroleum products largely impacted by the sustained volatility in the petroleum reference prices in the Global Markets.

A run-down of the prices of petroleum products on a comparative basis of former regional fuel price converted in Le/Litre-as 31st May, 2021 taking into consideration Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana and The Gambia are as follows: Petrol– Sierra Leone Le 8,500.00, Guinea: Le 9,450.00, Liberia: Le 7,879.33, Ivory Coast: Le 11,728.05, Ghana: Le 11,240.11, The Gambia Le 11,453.17.

For Diesel the comparison is as follows: Sierra Leone: Le 8,500.00, Guinea: Le 9,450.00, Liberia: Le 9, 192.49, Ivory Coast Le 11, 728.05, Ghana: Le 11, 172.45, The Gambia: Le10, 904.09.

In terms of Kerosene the comparison is as such: Sierra Leone: Le 8, 500.00, Guinea -, Liberia: Le13, 279.25, Ivory Coast Le10, 583.85, Ghana: Le9, 076.84, The Gambia: Le 8,573.04.

The Exchange Rate source is the Bank of Sierra Leone as at June, 3rd 2021.

It is obvious that the price increase in the global market will inevitably lead to multiplier increase in the prices of consumer products and services as it had been established.

NP-SL Ltd’s Good Managerial Prowess Enhances Qualitative Service Delivery

By Amin Kef Sesay

It is well known that among petroleum marketing companies in Sierra Leone, the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) is being highly commended and respected for its reliability in terms of prompt service delivery which has been largely attributed to its good managerial prowess.

It is indeed a remarkable accomplishment that NP-SL Ltd continues to maintain in order to ensure that there is sufficient high grade petrol, diesel, kerosene and other petroleum products available in the country to avoid shortage.

It is a fact that the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited is held in very high esteem for its progressive and steady provision of petroleum products to its numerous consumers across the country and even in some countries within the West African sub-region.

Indeed, this contention has been proven perfectly correct by this medium after conducting a thorough survey gauging the views of Sierra Leoneans from different walks of life. What came out clearly throughout the period of the survey was that NP is rated as one of the most successful 100% indigenously owned company that has stood the test of time.

“It is of course rare for one to see in this country a purely and result-oriented indigenously-owned company like NP-SL Ltd with all its members of staff being Sierra Leoneans which is truly a testimony of commitment and resilience,” posited a seasoned economist who further said that ‘when we talk of optimizing the Local Content Policy, which is a sine qua non to overall national development, then the company should be given a pat on the back.

The selflessness and commitment of the shareholders have made it possible for the company to empower many Sierra Leoneans and at the same time put it at a vantage position to continue to open more filling stations across the country.

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 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 wherever it is operating.

It is a fact that fuel is regarded as a political commodity and based on its availability and non-availability it has the potential of making a Government popular or unpopular.

For too long this country has been contending with unemployment; one of the issues which the Government should be addressing by creating avenues for young people to be gainfully employed. However, it is not only the prerogative of government to do this as the private sector too could play a vital role in that direction.

NP-SL Ltd, operating in different parts of the country, has been very instrumental in availing Sierra Leoneans with jobs in various categories and from what was gathered, conditions of service are very satisfactory. Justifiably one can state that NP-SL has been greatly contributing to poverty reduction, putting food on tables which beneficiaries hitherto found tough to achieve.

NP-SL is not only thinking within the confines of maximizing profit but also is also thinking out of the box when performing its demand and supply chain, taking into consideration the harmful health consequences to humans and depletion of the environment by using coal and wood for cooking purposes. This is why NP Sierra Leone thought it fit to provide Sierra Leoneans with a safer and cleaner means of cooking devoid of inhaling carbon-dioxide which is the NP Gas Cooker. These are affordable and readily available in all NP outlets and from their agents.

To keep abreast with latest technological trends the company has availed its customers the opportunity to use Smart Cards for purchasing purpose meaning that buyers could top-up their cards to the tune of any amount which they can use intermittently to procure petroleum products. This has made it convenient for easy transactions to transpire and many are comfortable with that.

When we talk of an indigenous company that has put smiles on the faces of Sierra Leoneans and is making the people of this country very proud, the National Petroleum Company stands taller than the rest! For a company to move beyond the shores of this country and establish branches in Liberia, Guinea, Ivory Coast and The Gambia which are vibrantly operating is no mean feat. Indeed, NP has added another feather to its cap and is being copiously praised for such an accomplishment.

The company’s result-oriented managerial team will definitely and sustainably continue to put NP 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.

It against this background is the reason why NP is believed to be one of the strongest backbones of Sierra Leone’s economy.

For any Government to match up with what is encapsulated in its manifesto in the direction of deepening national development through funding various projects then it must have sources of generating domestic revenue. NP is one conduit through which Government past and present had and is deriving revenue as it falls within the category of being one of the largest taxpayers to the National Revenue Authority.

It goes without saying that the National Petroleum Limited-Sierra Leone continues to give confidence to its numerous customers and it is doing so excellently.

QUICK AND FACTUAL TRUTHS ABOUT QNET

QNET
QNET

In this article, you will understand what QNET business is about, important answers to some misconceptions about QNET or the direct selling industry in general. You will also understand the opportunities in the direct selling business and how you can join the industry from the comfort of your homes using your smartphone or digital device.

WHAT IS QNET?

QNET is a direct selling company that offers a wide range of products in the areas of health, wellness, lifestyle and education through an e-commerce platform. QNET’s products are designed to help people live healthier and improve their lifestyle and livelihood. QNET is headquartered in Hong Kong and has offices and agencies in more than 25 countries worldwide. In addition to providing quality products, QNET’s customers can also take advantage of the direct selling business opportunity offered by QNET, by promoting its products and services to others. Millions of satisfied customers and distributors, also known as Independent Representatives (IRs) worldwide have benefited from our products and the business opportunity QNET provides.

WHAT IS DIRECT SELLING?

Direct selling is a method of marketing and retailing goods and services directly to the consumers, away from permanent retail premises. Such type of sales is largely driven by word-of-mouth referrals. Products sold through direct selling companies have unique features, are exclusive to the company and not available in malls or department stores. The direct selling industry has thrived on such relationship-based marketing for more than 150 years. The latest World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA) Report states that in 2019, 119.9 million people around the world were involved in this industry, either part-time or full-time, generating USD 180.5 billion in annual sales.

HOW CAN I EARN WITH QNET?

The only way to earn an income with QNET is through product sales. As an Independent Representative, IR (distributor), you can refer our products to others and earn commissions on completed sales. QNET uses a compensation plan that calculates commissions payable to you based on the sales volume generated through your referrals in our e-commerce portal. Many entrepreneurial people have taken advantage of our business model to build a sales teams and earn a supplemental income.

HOW QUICKLY CAN I START EARNING AN INCOME WITH QNET?

Direct selling is a business like any other. It is not a get-rich-quick scheme. To succeed in this business, you need to work hard, be patient, committed, and goal oriented. This business gives you the opportunity to become an entrepreneur. The only difference is that you do not have to worry about a large-scale start-up cost and operational overheads like in other traditional businesses. Your success depends entirely upon you and the hard work you put in.

IS QNET AN INVESTMENT SCHEME?

  • QNET is not an investment or Ponzi scheme and does not support any get-rich quick notion. It is basically networking marketing. You log on to our website www.qnet.com and our blog Qbuzz Afrique and see the wide range of our products. You can either buy these products and use personally for health and wellbeing or choose the entrepreneurial path by registering as an Independent Representative and refer others to buy our products. You get commission on every referral sale.

DO I HAVE TO RECRUIT OTHER PEOPLE TO MAKE MONEY?

  1. You cannot make money in this business by recruiting anyone. Only pyramid schemes focus on recruiting people. Such schemes are not sustainable and will inevitably collapse. QNET’s business is based on a sustainable model that does not allow anyone to make money through recruitment. And that’s why even after 20 years, we continue to grow and expand internationally. QNET condemns money extortion and condone illegal gatherings or massive movement of people across borders to engage in its business. With the use of an electronic device such as mobile phone or computer, anyone can conduct business with QNET without travelling to any country.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT QNET?

QNET has been in business since 1998. In the last 22 years, thousands of people around the world have benefited from its products and services and have been empowered to become entrepreneurs using its direct selling business opportunity.

QNET has product sales in 100+ countries, presence in 25+ countries through offices and agencies, and over 1,000 employees of around 50 nationalities.

QNET is the official direct selling partner of Manchester City Football Club, Total CAF Super Cup, Total CAF Champions League and the Total CAF Confederation Cup for 2018/2019 and 2019/2020.

In 2019, QNET financed a summer internship programme in Football and English Language Learning for 3 young football prodigies from underprivileged backgrounds, from Ghana, Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire. The aim of this programme is to give these young people a chance to rub shoulders with the world of high-level sport and thus improve their performance and become positive influence on their peers.

QNET is committed to social responsibility and has implemented many CSR projects across West Africa. They include yearly Ramadan Charity donations, donations to educational funds and to the needy, educational intervention for blind and physically-challenged students and many others.

QNET commits to and trains on ethical marketing through QNET PRO initiative, a global education programme. QNET empowers its independent representatives with the right information, values and industry best practices to enable them to build a long-lasting business. In 2020 alone, QNET trained more than 52,000 people in the region. This programme focusses on leadership building, professionalism, marketing, ethics, and mentorship.

QNET has won many regional and international awards for its business model, products and social responsibility interventions. They include the CSR e-Commerce Company of the Year awarded by the Centre for CSR, West Africa,  Middle East and North Africa Gold Stevie® Award for its mobile application, QNET Mobile, Leadership in Community Service and Corporate Social Responsibility at the Communitas Awards and others.

QNET has also bagged three awards each at Communicator Awards and HERMES Creative Awards 2021, in recognition of their growing effort to transcend barriers and create an effective end-to-end digital communications strategy to connect with their global audience.

LEGAL LINK Denounces Compulsory Vaccinations

By Amin Kef Sesay

Christian Lawyers Centre also known as LEGAL LINK, in a Press Statement dated 24th June 2021 and signed by the Executive Director, Rashid Dumbuya Esq stated that it has taken judicial notice of the public notices issued by NACOVERC and the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank regarding mandatory vaccinations and the public outcry and reactions over that blatant violation of their right to freedom of movement and their right to make informed decisions regarding issues of their health.

LEGAL LINK continues that as an organization that defends the rights of religious communities and vulnerable groups in Sierra Leone, they make bold to say that the public notices issued by NACOVERC and the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank are not only wrong and misplaced but pose clear and present danger to the enjoyment of fundamental human rights within the State.

The organization underscored that while they acknowledge the good work that NACOVERC has done and is still doing regarding the fight against the Coronavirus, they at LEGAL LINK however take the greatest exception to NACOVERC’s forceful way of administering the COVID- 19 vaccine and called upon both NACOVERC and the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank to withdraw their public notices forthwith and further do an open apology to the public regarding same.

LEGAL LINK said it has raised 10 robust, cogent and convincing arguments as to why Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination is a wrong path to take by NaCOVERC in dealing with the coronavirus.

Listed below are LEGAL LINK’s arguments:

Sierra Leone is no longer under a state of Public Health Emergency where fundamental human rights maybe limited at will and without deference for due process.

It also pointed out that no precedent exists especially in the US or UK, (two progressive democratic nations that have been worst hit by the Coronavirus) supporting mandatory vaccinations or restriction of people’s movement’s into public  and business places unless they show proof of being vaccinated. If these countries that have been worst hit by the Coronavirus still have the proclivity to respect the fundamental human rights of their citizens, how much more Sierra Leone that have not even witnessed up to 300 deaths since the  Coronavirus outbreak?

LEGAL LINK said the World Health Organization and the US Centre for Disease Control have never supported mandatory vaccinations. It said their COVID -19 health guidelines have always referenced the need to secure the patient’s reasonable consent or that of his guardian if such consent cannot be practically obtained from the patient before vaccination is administered.

The organization furthered that the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights to which Sierra Leone is a party puts responsibilities on Businesses to respect human rights.

It argues that the move therefore by Sierra Leone Commercial Bank to limit the movement of its staff and customers into the bank unless they show evidence that they had taken at least one dose of the vaccine amounts to a clear breach of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. That decision by the bank may not only harm businesses but further pose a clear and present danger to the socio- economic and security wellbeing of the State.

It further highlighted that Mandatory Vaccination by the State will create the likelihood for violations of the right to health of citizens.

LEGAL LINK said the State has an obligation under international human rights law to respect the rights of its citizens which simply means that the State must refrain from interfering and / or curtailing the enjoyment of the rights of its citizens within the State.

The organization continued that getting the consent of citizens before administering the COVID- 19 vaccine shows respect for their fundamental human rights saying on the contrary, issuing bogus threats to limit movements of people into public buildings and banks if they refused to take the vaccine shows outright disrespect for their right to make informed decisions regarding their health.

It continued that invoking the exception under Section 18 of the 1991 Constitution regarding the right to freedom of movement as a defense may be untenable outside of a State of Public Health Emergency and/ or Parliamentary approval.

While it is true that the Freedom of movement guaranteed under section 18 can be limited on grounds of public health, LEGAL LINK says, it is vital to hastily pinpoint that there’s an exception  under Section 18 of the 1991 Constitution which reads thus:

…except in so far as that provision or as the case may be the thing done under the authority thereof is shown not to be reasonably justifiable in a democratic society.

The organization says it means that for one to rely on the exceptions under Section 18 as a defence, the thing done ought to be reasonably justifiable in a democratic society.

LEGAL LINK stated that according to their candid opinion as well as those from the majority of the public supported by international best practices, forcing COVID -19 vaccines on people against their wish or consent is an act that is unreasonable and unjustifiable in a democratic society hence, the exception under Section 18 cannot be relied upon in this given circumstance by NACOVERC as a defence.

The Public Health Ordinance of 1960, LEGAL LINK states only allows for restrictions of movement of persons into an “infected area”…The operative word in the Ordinance is “Infected area”. If public buildings and banks are not scientifically proven to be infected areas, then it will amount to a blatant violation of the fundamental human rights of citizens where such buildings and business places are restricted from people unless they show proof of being vaccinated.

It highlighted that the administration of health vaccines must always go with individual consent so that persons who take the vaccine may own up to the consequences should there be any side effects in the future on their health.

LEGAL LINK maintained that it is undisputable that the current COVID-19 vaccines are all on trials and have not been confirmed of being100 percent bullet proof against the virus….so why the fuss then? or why try to force it on people if it is clear that it is not a bullet proof against the coronavirus?

It is anathematic and uncharacteristic of Democratic nations, according to LEGAL LINK, to roll out mandatory vaccination policies and programs without due process, approval and consent of its citizens.

The organization furthered that it is authoritarian systems of Government that forces vaccines on their citizens within deference to their informed consent.

It said free, prior and informed consent is one of the cherished hallmarks of a democratic society and since Sierra Leone is a democratic nation and not an autocratic one, the Government must therefore respect its citizens rights to make informed decisions particularly on issues related to their health.

LEGAL LINK concludes that in sum and based on the above points raised, it is therefore calling on NaCOVERC and the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank to recall their public notices restricting access to public buildings and business places without proof of COVID-19 vaccination forthwith; and take steps to openly apologize to the public over that grave error of judgment and miscalculation.

It stated that if the above is not adhere to they  will be left with no option but to institute legal actions both within and outside of the jurisdiction of Sierra Leone for violation of the fundamental human rights of citizens.

For Persistent Marginalization of  Hon. Yumkella…   NGC Chairman & Leader Writes Speaker of Parliament

By Amin Kef Sesay

In a letter dated 24th June 2021 and written by the Chairman and Leader of the National Grand Coalition (NGC) Party Dr. Dennis Bright and addressed to the Speaker of Parliament Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu, he highlighted that the NGC’s representation in Parliament comprises four MPs headed by their Parliamentary Leader, Hon. Dr. Kandeh K. Yumkella.

Dr. Dennis Bright pointed out that the leadership of the NGC notes with grave concern a worrying trend of marginalization and undignified treatment of their Party’s Parliamentary Leader and, by extension, of the Party at the hands of the administration of the House of Parliament.

He said the most recent manifestation of such treatment is the decision to exclude the NGC Leader from the Supervisory Committee which monitors the activities of all Parliamentary Committees arguing that it is in contravention of the provisions of Standing Order (70) sub-clause (13) (a) as follows:

“A Supervisory Committee of all Committees consisting of all leaders, chaired by the Majority Leader of the House with Clerk of Parliament as Secretary, shall monitor the activities of all parliamentary committees to ensure the proper conduct of their mandate”

The NGC Chairman and Leader stated how it is difficult to fathom why one of their party leaders in Parliament, in this case the Hon. Dr. Yumkella, could be singled out for exclusion when the standing order so clearly indicates that he is as of right a member of that important committee.

“My party is deeply worried that if basic rules such as this can be so easily flouted or ignored at the level of the Legislature, the stage is set for lawlessness in a society where disregard for rules and regulations would become the new normal,” he pointed out.

He added that they also note that their Parliamentary Leader sent to him, the Speaker of Parliament, the attached letter requesting his assistance for his private member bill to be gazetted.

That Bill, according to Dr. Bright, would have opened up the political space giving women thirty percent of the seats in Parliament, allowing diaspora greater participation in governance and providing greater involvement of young professionals in Parliament revealing how it is almost a year now without receiving a response, nor did the Government printers publish the Bill.

He argued that such a particular issue is of greater concern because it implies unfortunately that Members who do not belong to the ruling party cannot present Bills to Parliament.

The Chairman and Leader of NGC said it is the tradition of Parliaments across the world for Party leaders in Parliament to take the floor at the end of debates, with ample time to react to the issues raised and present their parties’ position, a tradition which he said is named “rounding up the debate” saying it is the convention in the Sierra Leone Parliament for decades.

He lamented that, however, they have observed that since the third Session of the Fifth Parliament, the Speaker has refused to allow their leader to “round up the debate” but rather relegated him to compete for his attention along with other members.

That action, Dr. Bright, stated thwarts the will of the people who, through the 2018 general elections, voted four political parties into Parliament.

The NGC Chairman and Leader maintained that the leaders of these parties, by the mandate of the people, are accorded rights and responsibilities, consistent with their selfless public service and the dignity of their honorable office.

He said to put that sad and unfortunate situation into context, the Speaker may be aware that there have been several attempts to frustrate the Hon. Dr. Yumkella by transferring him frequently around from one Committee to another, as if to prevent him from making any impact.

Dr. Denis Bright revealed that in the recent allocation of vehicles to Party Leaders in Parliament, it was only the Hon. Dr. Yumkella who was not assigned an official vehicle. “We have drawn our own conclusions about the reasons for these actions that are basically telling us the sad story of where our democracy currently stands,” he bemoaned.

He said, however, on the precise issue of the exclusion of Hon. Dr. Yumkella from the Supervisory Committee, they believe that for as long as Hon. Dr. Yumkella continues to be the NGC Leader in Parliament, and in the spirit and letter of Standing Order 70 (13) (a), he is ipso facto member of the said committee.

In conclusion Dr. Denis Bright stated that he therefore has the honour to request the Speaker’s intervention to effect Dr.Yumkella’s inclusion in the Supervisory Committee and thereby restore public faith in Parliament’s adherence to its own rules and regulations as inspired by the Constitution of Sierra Leone.

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