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ADB’s Country Manager Departs After 3 Years Dedicated Service

By Edward Vamboi

On the 29 January 2021 the Country Manager for the African Development Bank Group, Dr Peninah Wanjira Kariuka called on President Dr Julius Maada Bio at State House to bid farewell after three years of dedicated service in the West African nation.

Dr. Patricia Nyanga Laverley, Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister I in the Ministry of Finance described the outgoing AfDB boss as a true friend of the country, whom she said had contributed greatly to its development.

“Your Excellency, during her tenure at the AfDB, Dr Kariuka did not only improve and manage the portfolio she inherited, but she also increased the size of portfolios in various sectors, including energy, agriculture, water, and in the social sectors,” she noted.

In her brief statement, the outgoing AfDB Country Manager expressed thanks and appreciation to President Bio for making time out of his many busy schedules to meet with her as she ended her tour of duty in what she called a beautiful country.

“Let me take his opportunity to commend you for your vision and zeal to transform your country. You have done a lot since 2018 to improve the well-being of the people of Sierra leone. The pro-poor policies articulated in the National Development Plan, which prioritised investment in human capital development attest to your vision,” she commended.

“Mr. President, I would like to assure that you can count on the full support of the African Development Bank Group in your efforts to lay the building blocks that will move Sierra Leone to middle-income status by 2035,” she said, adding that under his dynamic leadership there were no limits to what Sierra Leone could achieve.

In his brief remarks, President Bio registered his profound gratitude to the outgoing AfDB boss for the extra miles she had to go to support Sierra Leone’s portfolios, saying that it was always difficult to say goodbye to somebody he called a true friend.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Sierra Leone, I want to say thanks very much and to the Bank for the tremendous amount of work you have done for our country and the zeal you have put into the three years’ work here,” he stated and encouraged her to use her connections within the corridors of the Bank to continue to support their portfolios to the country.

Govt. of Japan to Provide USD 3,555,271 for Rural Renewable Energy

By Amin Kef Sesay

On 27 January 2021, the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) signed a new project agreement with the Government of Japan which will provide financial support of USD 3,555,271 for the project titled ‘Enhancing the Impact of Rural Renewable Energy in Sierra Leone’.

The project agreement signed by H.E HIMENO Tsutomu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of Sierra Leone and Nick Gardner, UNOPS Country Manager, aims to increase electricity accessibility to public services and enhance economic growth in underserved rural communities. The project will run for 2 years 6 months to implement the construction of 6 solar photovoltaic (PV) mini-grids in Bo district, Southern Province of Sierra Leone. The rural communities are:  Naiagolehun ,Petewoma, Serabu ,Grima Tikonko ,Upper Saama  and Lower Saama

The selected sites are in locations supported by other Japan-funded projects and where improvements in access to electricity will enhance Japan’s contributions further. The project targets 15,647 beneficiaries and aims to expand energy access to remote villages, leading to improved development outcomes in health, education and economic development to beneficiary communities. This will enable reliable, clean and affordable electricity and in turn improve social, economic and health benefits to rural communities. Community Health Centers (CHCs) will receive up to 6.6 kWh/day of free electricity.

Providing electricity access to isolated communities will result in improved economic benefits, reducing the relative cost of energy access by eliminating the expense of alternative sources, such as batteries and kerosine, and will reduce or eliminate the cost of diesel generators for energy reliant businesses.

UNOPS will implement the project on behalf of the Ministry of Energy (MoE), the contracting authority. The project is in support of the Ministry’s objective of increasing access to electricity in rural communities, exploring a variety of alternative sources of renewable energy. It is envisioned that the project will contribute to the Government’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) addressing multiple development initiatives.

Furthermore, the project will enhance partnerships between public, private and social sector stakeholders to address poverty reduction, and encourage the participation of the private sector in the provision of commercially viable energy services in rural communities.

On The New Airport Terminal Project…   SUMMAH Mission Group Meets With Key Stakeholders

By Amin Kef Sesay

A high-powered delegation from the SUMMAH Group of Companies, on Tuesday, 26th January, 2021, together with the Office of the Presidential Infrastructure Initiative (OPII), Ministry of Transport and Aviation (MTA), visited the Freetown International Airport to meet with key Airport and Community Stakeholders in order to hold discussions and inspect the site for the construction of the new Airport Terminal.

The SLAA Board Chairman, Mr. Eddie Williams, who introduced the members of the visiting and that of the host team, chaired the meeting. He explained that, the purpose of the meeting is to give SUMMAH Group the opportunity to meet with Airport and Community Stakeholders for the first time and to update them on the new Airport Terminal Building Project. He went further to confirm that – consultations were made and agreement reached, leading to the turning of the sod for the implementation of the project.

The General Manager, Sierra Leone Airports Authority, Mr. Jack D. K. Massaquoi, in his welcome address, commended President Bio for pioneering the project in line with the agenda of the New Direction – to develop the country through Economic and Infrastructural transformation to better the lives of the people of Sierra Leone. He further welcomed the representatives of SUMMAH GROUP and assured them of Management’s commitment to provide them with the necessary support to actualize the project in line with the time indicated in the project document.

He emphasized that “as Management, we want to welcome you once more to our Airport, as we believe that this project is very timely and would give our country a facelift in the Aviation sector. We are ready to provide you with a welcoming environment now, during and after the project”.

The Director of the Office of Presidential Infrastructure Initiative, Dr. John Tambi, in his statement said, they are here to actualize the project, as lot of people thought the project would never happen. He mentioned that after the turning of the sod by President Bio, there are other documentation processes that have to be completed before SUMMAH GROUP starts the construction process of the new Terminal Building Project. The processes, include, Parliamentary Discussion and Approval have to be given for both parties to be satisfied. He went on to say, since that stage has been accomplished, it beholds Government to now do the official handing over of the site to the SUMMAH GROUP for the construction of the new Airport Terminal.

The Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation, Mr. Rex Bonapha expressed his inner joy saying, it is a great pleasure for him to be part of this epoch making event of the Ministry of Transport and Aviation. He opined that the project, if completed, would give a facelift to the Country’s Aviation sector. He pronounced that the people of Kaffu Bullom would have to be the initial beneficiaries of this all-important project. He also informed, the meeting that the Lungi Bridge is underway. He concluded by appealing to the people of Kaffu Bullom to give their utmost support to the project.

The Vice President – Head of Delegation, SUMMAH GROUP, Mr. Fatih Bora, thanked the Government of Sierra Leone for giving them the opportunity to undertake the construction of the new Airport Project. He explained that this is not their first project, as they have airports in Europe, Asia and Africa as well. He summed up by saying; they would work in close collaboration with the people of Lungi, and the Airport Management to meet the needs of the contract.

In a brief statement made by the Paramount Chief of Kaffu Bullom Chiefdom, PC Bai Shebura Shebeh III, he expressed his strong commitment to the project and further thanked His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, and the SUMMAH Group for their cooperation with the government. He went on to pray for the project to be successful, and humbly requested that the Suma Group should respect and hold to high esteem the Customs and Traditions of the people of Kaffu Bullom. He also told them about the local contents policy that provides for premium to be given to indigenes for employment opportunities. In the end, he promised and pledged on behalf of his people and assured all of his Chiefdom’s fullest cooperation and support to the project.

The Resident Minister, North-West Region, Madam Haja Isata Kamara who spoke on behalf of Government, thanked God for making it possible for the project and especially the SUMMAH Group for their unflinching and unwavering commitment to the government and people of Sierra Leone.

She recalled that few months ago a similar event took place at the Freetown International Airport that saw the lunching and turning of the sod for the expansion of the New Airport Terminal. Today, she said we are also witnessing another project milestone where the Government is officially handing over the site for the construction of the first phase of the New Airport Terminal to SUMMAH Group. She noted, if the airport was to be built at Mamamah, Lungi would have suffered a great loss, for which she thanked His Excellency for keeping his promise to the people of Port Loko District and Kaffu Bullom Chiefdom.

At the climax of the meeting, the Deputy General Manager, Sierra Leone Airport Authority, Mr. Bobson Kargbo delivered the closing courtesies in which he thanked the Chairman for the excellent manner he had steered the meeting and for responding to the invitation at short notice.

He also thanked the Hon. Minister North-West Region, the Deputy Hon Minister of MTA, Hon. Sadiq Sillah, Board Members, PC and entourage for abandoning their busy schedules to be part of the meeting – a clear demonstration of the strong passion they have for the new Airport Project. Finally he thanked Dr. Tambi and Group, and the SUMMAH Group representatives in attendance for initiating and financing the project which will enhance the operational capability and profile of the Freetown International Airport to serve a wider clientele.

After the meeting, the delegation made a site visit round the perimeters of the Airport, which saw the pouring of libation by the PC and his subsection chiefs.

LAB Presents Legal Representation for 36 Accused Persons in January Call-Over

By Theresa Kef Sesay

The Legal Aid Board has provided representation to 36 accused persons arraigned before the Honourble Justice Reginald Fyne, Justice of the Appeal Court at the January Criminal Call-Over (a session where trial dates are allocated to upcoming cases) held at the High Court on Siaka Stevens Street in Freetown. The accused persons were charged with different offences including wounding with intent, burglary and housebreaking, larceny, murder and sexual penetration.

The 36 were part of a total of 52 accused persons whose matters were heard by Justice Fyne during the one-day session on Monday, 25 January 2021. Of the 36 accused persons represented by the Legal Aid Counsels, two were females while 34 were males.

19 of the 36 were granted bail while 17 were refused bail. Also, three accused persons pleaded guilty, while the remaining 33 pleaded not guilty. One of the three who pleaded guilty, Kelfala Mansaray was sentenced to four years on each of the four counts including time spent. The sentences will be served concurrently. The other two, John Koroma and Usif Mansaray were sentenced to three years and two years respectively.

12 accused persons were absent. Three of them were issued with bench warrants by the judge.

Speaking during the closing stage of the Call Over, the Learned Justice commended lawyers from both the Law Officers Department and the Board for ensuring the speedy conclusion of the Call Over. The Legal Aid Counsels were Cecilia Tucker who also doubles as Legal Aid Board Manager and Morrison Karimu.

In  related development, Legal Aid Counsel  for the North, Ibrahim Samba provided representation to 12 accused persons during the Call Over session in Makeni on Monday, January 25. Six of the accused persons were granted bail while four were sentenced to various prison terms ranging from one to two years. The rest were refused bail and had their matters adjourned.

Minister of Trade Laments over Negative Effects of COVID-19

By Mary Kabay

During a Press Briefing that was hosted by the Ministry of Information and Communications on the 28 January 2021 where  the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Sierra Leone Road Authority(SLRA) were present a lot of issues were discussed.

In her statement the moderator of the briefing, who doubles as the Deputy Minister of Information and Communications, Mamadi Gobeh Kamara, introduced the various institutional representatives.

On his part, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Hinga Sandy pointed out that COVID -19 has impacted negatively on the trade industry maintain that such has been accentuated by the global lock downs and  the recent border closure by neighbouring Guinea maintaining that both the strong and weaker countries are all affected.

He intimated that the clearing of 40 feet before the global pandemic cost $2,500 but has now gone up to $7000-$800 stating that such is affecting the prices of imported goods sold in the country.

The Minister underscored that it is a global problem but said the prices of fuel and other petroleum products went down disclosing how the Ministry has engaged indigenous productive entities on the need   to step up in order to avoid food shortage during these crucial times.

Director General of the Sierra Leone Road Authority(SLRA), Ing Amara Kanneh outlined the overview of the Sierra Leone Road Authority, the status of the National Road Network as at January, Road infrastructure Development Policy References (strategic plan, National Medium-Term Development Plan, Presidential statements. Implementation strategies, their achievements from 2018-2020 and their short term plans from 2021-2023.

Seven (7) Days Ultimatum for Reopening of College & Universities

Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Professor Alpha Wurie

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a letter dated 28th January, 2021 directed to the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, New England Ville, Freetown, Professor Alpha Wurie, the Sierra Leone Student’s Representative Council (SLSRC) gave a Seven (7) Days Ultimatum for the reopening of all universities and Colleges in the country.

The Council noted that they are drawing the attention  of Minister of Technical and Higher Education to the current industrial strike, which the Academic Staff Associations across the country have undertaken describing such as a heart-breaking and mind boggling underscoring how the strike action is posing adverse effects on the fabric and future of this country.

It furthered that  the Students’ Union Presidents of the affected universities and polytechnics held a zoom meeting on the 26th January 2021 in order to device solution to the ongoing industrial strike action which has affected over 40,000 students nationwide.

According to them they have responsibly and constructively engaged radio stations, wrote press releases and relevant authorities across the country to look into the impasse but to no avail, noting that consequently, they are giving a 7 days ultimatum to the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education to engage ASA and device robust and long lasting solution to the problem so that they will call off the strike action, disclosing that failure to do so will be lead to a nationwide demonstration and protest by all students across the country. The ultimatum given started on Friday 28th of January 2021 and will end on Wednesday the 3rd of February 2021.

In addition, they also drew the attention of the Minister to the Limkokwing University issue which they said must be resolved with immediate effect and that this will give students the leverage to continue their courses and further help to place Sierra Leone on a befitting trajectory.

They also talked about the National Union of Sierra Leone Students (NUSS), which they say has not been active over the years.

“We look forward to having a positive response from you with respect to the issues mentioned herein,” the students notified the Minister.

In another development, Augustine Bona, President of Student Union Government of Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, on 27th January, 2021 wrote a letter to Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Chancellor of the University of Sierra Leone expressing students’ dissatisfaction and frustration in respect of the ongoing Academic Staff Association industrial Strike Action.

He maintained that despite the aforementioned constraints, the students have been impressively patient with the powers that be further stating how they have made innumerable appeals in the form of letters, press releases as well as radio and television programmes for the authorities to resolve the issue so that college would resume.

He also informed President Bio that his constituents have instructed him to inform the him that while they acknowledge and appreciate the efforts made by relevant authorities to resolve the issue herein, they are disappointed and frustrated that those efforts have not yielded the ultimate dividend; the resumption of college, adding that they have further instructed him to inform the President that this letter is the last effort insofar as dialogue is concerned that  if a date for the reopening of college is not announced by the University/College Administration on or before Wednesday 3rd February 2021they will strongly and collectively put feet behind these words meaning they will resort to peaceful protest(s).

On the part of Government, the Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, on Tuesday January 19, met with heads of departments and lecturers from the various higher and technical public education institutions across Sierra Leone.

Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh appealed for a ‘national shared solidarity’ while calling on lecturers to return to the lecture rooms and resume lectures as their welfare concerns are being addressed.

Following a day-long dialogue, the representative of the protesting lecturers agreed to summon a meeting of their general membership to discuss and consider the fruitful resolutions that emanated from the engagement.

Consequently, the lecturers are expected to soon return to the classrooms following the establishment of a 14-man committee comprising senior Government functionaries and representatives of the aggrieved striking lecturers.

The committee consisting Minister of State in the Office of the Vice President, Ministries of Labour, Finance, Technical and Higher Education, Council of Vice Chancellors and Principals, Civil Society, Tertiary Education Commission, representatives from the various Academic Staff Associations (ASA) and Pro-Chancellors is scheduled to resume work next Tuesday.

The academic staff associations of the nation’s public universities were provided the platform to openly and frankly engage the Government of Sierra Leone through the Vice President in a bid to map out a sustainable and clearly defined roadmap to address the plethora of concerns from the lecturers that have been left unaddressed for at least a decade.

In his statement, the VP pointed out that the Government prioritizes the welfare of the lecturers as evident in the inclusion of 25% salary increment in the 2021 budget. This, he said, is in addition to countless unprecedented interventions including pumping of billions of Leones over the years towards salaries, subventions and other supports.

On his part, the Minister of Labour, Alpha Timbo described the concerns of the lecturers as legitimate.

According to him, it is almost ten (10) years now since the conditions of service of lecturers were last reviewed in 2011.

The Minister also pointed out that the lecturers should have started this fight for their rights in 2013, 2016 ad 2019 when fresh reviews were due.

He, however, assured them that despite the advocacy delay, the brand New Direction Government is committed to fixing the problems.

The President of Academic Staff Association, Fourah Bay College (FBC), Dr. Williette James in that meeting also highlighted serious and critical welfare concerns that have been hampering the growth of the University for several decades.

Antonio Rudiger Renders Additional Support to Combat COVID-19

Antonio Rudiger

By Amin Kef Sesay

Famous footballer, who is Chelsea Defender,  Antonio Rudiger has extended support to Sierra Leone and Germany to combat the spread of COVID-19. The Germany international, whose parents are from Sierra Leone, added that by adhering to the current protocols he has so far avoided the disease.

“It was shocking. At some point especially at the beginning like for a couple of months the world was standing still and it makes you think a lot,” the 27-year-old intimated.

He has bought 60,000 facemasks for market traders in Sierra Leone and also donated money to the country’s Free Quality Education initiative while in Germany he provided foodstuffs to hospital workers at a hospital in Berlin.

“I have been poor before so I just thought what can I do to help in this type of situation,” the Chelsea star explained.

“I asked the hospital where I was born what I can do to help then I said for the next three months I am going to pay for food for hospital workers there.

“You saw when I also met the Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio in London. I donated to education in Sierra Leone. I strongly believe in God and that’s why it’s important for me to share. This is how I grew up.”

He added that he would like to contribute more by going beyond mere donations to the West African country.

“I want to be the guy who is also developing our country just like what Nana Kwame Bediako is doing in Ghana. To me he is like a role model and that’s what I want to be in my country,” he added referring to a successful property developer in Ghana.

Rudiger says his upbringing in a predominantly migrant suburb in Berlin helped him appreciate his Sierra Leone roots and that he would like to try his hand at business there.

“If I look back at it, it was the biggest blessing to grow up there with different groups of people. There were Blacks, Arabs, Polish, there were a lot of different people,” he explained.

“I grew up hearing people speak different languages, practising different cultures so for me personally I think that was a blessing because this is who I am.

“My family flew from civil war and we had a great life in Germany. You always have to be thankful but I also have different roots this is also what I have to respect.

“I play for the Germany national team because Germany gave something to my family that’s why I feel German but at the end of the day I see myself also as a Sierra Leonean. That’s who I am and I am very proud.”

So far Rudiger himself has avoided contracting the disease and says he is just grateful he can still play football.

“We can be happy that we are able to do our job as normal. Fans are missing. In that way it has affected me. I miss fans because fans bring emotions but at the end of the day we are still doing our job,” he said.

“For now, the only thing I can do is to take care of myself and my family. Keeping the rules and not misbehaving that’s all I can do.

“So far I haven’t had it (COVID-19) so thank God for that and none of my family members have had it. It’s tough for everyone but I think if you follow the rules and do what they say you should do, I think you can save lives.”

NP-SL Castrol Oil Promo Commences Today

By Amin Kef Sesay

The much awaited National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) Castrol Engine Oil Promotional starts today availing all its numerous and esteemed customers the opportunity to win attractive prizes. Quite easy and entertaining!

From today  every time a customer of NP-SL Ltd  buys a 5L Castrol GTX, he or she, will have a chance to dip and draw from a container filled with hidden prizes in the form of a folded slips.

The customers will open the slips and reveal prizes or a ‘sorry buy more GTX’ on the slip.

The categories of the draw are as follows: GTX 25W50 = 1 dip & draw, GTX 20W50 = 2 dips & draw, GTX DIESEL = 2 dips & draw.

After revealing the prizes, the customers will leave their details and they shall be contacted by the Lubricants Sales Supervisor of NP-SL Ltd.

The Lubricants Sales Supervisor will in turn notify the winners and they will pick up their prizes at the office.

Customers who do not win prizes will be compensated with Castrol GTX bumper stickers or keyrings. This is to keep the customers loyal and identify themselves with the premium brand.

The compensation is as follows: GTX 25W50 = 1 sticker, GTX 20W50 = 1 sticker & 1 keyring, GTX DIESEL = 2 stickers & 1 keyring.

It must be known that the promotion and offers will run for a three-week period in this year, 2021.

The promotional items are: Led Light, Normal cap, Funnels, Lip balm, Keyring, Sticker, Desk Clock, Flask, File and Mug.

Whilst providing fuel to enhance transportation across the country, the National Petroleum is also interested in maintaining the standard of vehicles on the road and ensure the safety of pedestrians, passengers, drivers and owners. In this vein, it has on offer, several lubricants of high quality for vehicles.
Engine oil for heavy duty vehicles and machines (diesel) are available, whilst engine oil for jeeps and other types of vehicles of both petrol and diesel are also available for sale in their different outlets. These lubricants are developed with the right formula to meet the needs of the engine specification. This is made possible by the professional work of its engineers, under the watchful eyes of it able Managing Director and team. With expert technicians, NP has been able to provide this service for its numerous customers.

In this age of technological advancement, NP has not been left behind. With expertise in technology, the company has improved on its service delivery to customers. It now has a Sim Card for fuel. With this sim card known as NP Smart Card, its customers can purchase any amount of fuel they want. Customers have a stipulated amount of fuel on the card in accordance with what they had paid for (a pre-paid system).

Thus the customer has a choice to request for a lesser quantity of fuel as he so desires or take the whole total of what is on the sim card. Presently, apart from private customers patronising this system, International organisations, Banks and certain government institutions, including the Judiciary, have these sim cards. This system alleviates the long process of dealing with LPOs as done in the past. Drivers in such institutions can now easily access fuel from the fuel station with the production of the sim card, which is then run through a small device and service is rendered quickly without any itch.

As far as customer care is concern, NP-SL Ltd, has the most exemplary service to its customers. Smartly dressed, its pump attendants exude the quality service that the company is known for. Politely talking to its customers and directing them to the various pumping points, they deliver a service that is exceptional in that field. In its determination to serve the public, NP offers the exact litre quantity for its products, thereby attracting many customers, including commercial drivers to its stations. Mohamed Kamara, a taxi driver, maintained that he buys fuel from NP because their quality and quantity are good and cannot be compared to any in the petroleum industry.

Whilst the above are concern with transportation, the National Petroleum realises that there is a need to cater for the domestic needs of people with the introduction of the eco-friendly NP Gas. NP notes that cooking is part of human activity and it takes different forms. In this country, because of poverty, the vast majority of the citizenry rely on traditional and archaic means of cooking such as using fire-wood and charcoal. But the effect of the use of such practices have endangered the environment, prompting environmentalists to raise alarm about the hazards that deforestation and inhalation of fumes from coal can cause to human health. The introduction of NP Cooking Gas is geared towards providing a better alternative, which is environment friendly.

These NP Gas Cookers are readily available in the company’s different filling stations and are going for affordable prices. Most of those that were interviewed by this medium disclosed that the cookers are very user friendly and good to be used for various cooking purposes. “We derive optimum satisfaction in using our NP Gas Cooker as it is very fast and reliable,” Mariatu Kanu said with a big smile on her face, adding that accessing gas to replenish used stock is very easy at NP filling stations.

One Chief Executive Officer of a reputable insurance company intimated that he finds it convenient to buy provisions at a NP mini mart, adding that since accessing the other supermarkets in town has proven difficult due to lack of parking space, NP-SL provides the perfect alternative to them, especially as what is desired is also available at the mini-mart.
NP-SL Ltd has bagged certain accolades on various fronts.
The company is held in high regard for availing Sierra Leoneans job opportunities, which have somehow helped in drastically reducing the unemployment rate in the country. If this country were to have had similar businesses owned by purely indigenous shareholders, then the problem of unemployment would have long been a thing of the past.

The origin of NP is very fascinating and very inspirational.
It goes like this; that British Petroleum (BP) Company decided to sell its shares to the Government of Sierra Leone that was in existence at that time.
In 1996 the Government sold its 60% shares in BP to some of the company’s members of staff. 55 % was paid upfront from the end of service benefits of the workers from BP and the 5% offered to all the other workers. Thus a new company known as LEONEOIL started operations.

It was the World Bank that proffered advice for the privatization of the company. The 55% sale of Government shares to NP therefore came as a result of the World Bank’s admonition. 4 companies took part in the bid, but it was LEONOIL that won the international competitive bidding that was conducted by Arthur De Little (a United States based Management consultancy firm). LEONEOIL later on metamorphosed into NP, meeting all the set criteria.

It was understood that the members of staff were very serious and capable enough to properly manage the company to such an extent that, unlike others, it survived most of the challenges that it had encountered.
It was learnt that the 40% PMMC’s stake in the company, owned by the late Jamil Sahid Mohammed and Tony Yazbeck, was given as collateral for a loan from a Bank by one of the parties.
Jamil Sahid Mohammed, later sold to Cape Oil PMMC’s 40% shares to offset a fidelity loan, but LEONE OIL was not satisfied with that move and took the matter to court on the grounds that it was in violation of the M and A, which dictates that the other side has the first option to buy. The outcome of the matter was that the High Court gave judgement in favour of LEONE OIL.
Certain people have suggested that the Government and other stakeholders must give NP all the necessary support to continue to be a pride of the nation.

Hadiru Daboh Esq… A Brand New Kind Of Magistrate

By Amin Kef Sesay

Minds must definitely have been severely stirred at the Ross Road Magistrate Court No. 3 when a brand new generation Magistrate, Hadiru Daboh, struck a very loud note when he proclaimed: “MY COURT IS A COURT OF FAIRNESS AND JUSTICE”.

Arguably, since reform minded Justice Babatunde Edwards took over the Judiciary with a remit from His Excellency the President to restore the noble revered institution to its old glory, Magistrate Hadiru Daboh is the clearest expression of that vision of a Judiciary manned by upright, godly men and women whose integrity shines bright for all to see like the midday sun.

For poor citizens without the political, economic and social connections required to get speedy fair justice in our courts, Magistrate Hadiru Daboh’s statement that the court is a respectful place and that both Police Prosecutors and Lawyers must have sufficient grounds for refusing bail and always do what is right sounds like very sweet music.

Arguably, injustice in Sierra Leone has had to do a lot with a Judiciary that was accused of being deeply corrupt as many said it puts love of money above their integrity as dispassionate dispensers of justice to one and all; regardless of rank or position in society.

A credible Judiciary is what gives any Government credence with its citizens because it is first and foremost the law that regulates behaviour within the society by punishing those forms of misbehaviour which are detrimental to society.

In dealing with criminal cases, Magistrates have awesome powers and they thus have a most grave responsibility to exercise those powers in a completely fair and just manner, as the fate of fellow human beings lies in their hands.

They decide whether a person is innocent or guilty of criminal conduct and thus whether or not that person is to be subjected to punishment. If they make wrong decisions, either innocent persons will suffer unfairly or guilty persons will unjustly escape punishment.

As such, Magistrates must decide all criminal cases on a fair, objective and impartial basis by deciding quickly, deciding whether or not the accused person is guilty after carefully considering all the evidence laid before him or her. If the Magistrate finds the accused person guilty, he or she must then carefully decide upon the appropriate penalty to impose upon the convicted person.

In dispensing justice, there is the need for judicial officers to treat the Prosecutor and unrepresented accused equally and even-handedly.

Judges and Magistrates owe it to their own self-esteem; to the dignity of their office; to the credibility of the legal system; and most of all, to those who attend their judgment, to comport themselves in such a way as persuades all before them that a fair hearing was afforded and an honest and considered decision handed down.

Thus, the function of Magistrates is more than acting as mere umpires in a game, who are there, to see that neither side commits fouls.

They must direct and control the trial according to recognised rules and procedures and ensure that justice is not only done but is manifestly seen to be done.

As such, Magistrates must strive to ascertain the truth in all cases which come before them. They should not, however, descend into the arena of a trial.

In order to find out the truth, Magistrates are entitled and, indeed, are duty bound to question witnesses and the accused to clarify points which are unclear in their testimony.

They must not, however, take over the examination in chief or cross-examination of witnesses. They must refrain from questioning in a manner and to an extent which gives the impression that they are no longer impartial.

They should not engage in prolonged questioning of witnesses. If they do intervene to an excessive extent in a trial they will eliminate or impair their ability to assess the evidence independently and impartially or to adjudicate upon the evidence.

It is thus that The Calabash gives kudos to Magistrate Hadiru Daboh and to say more grease to his elbows for standing up tall and proud to hold himself up as a beacon of honesty, integrity and fairness; without which the dispensation of justice becomes prejudicial to litigants and society at large.

We Yone Child Foundation Launches Joan Davis Scholarship Programme

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of their continuous support to the less privileged children, especially girls in Sierra Leone, We Yone Child Foundation with support from The Paul Hodges Trust has on Wednesday 27th January 2021 launched the Joan Davis Scholarship Programme which is a 3 years Scholarship Programme for pupils in secondary schools mainly girls. The launching ceremony took place at the Dwarzark community Centre in Freetown.

The launching ceremony was followed by awarding of scholarships to 30 girls from different secondary schools within the Dwarzark community and distribution of school items including Text and Exercise Books, Uniforms with cash for payment of school charges.

In her address to the beneficiaries, parents and guardians, Founder/Executive Director of We Yone Child Foundation, Santigie Bayo Dumbuya, expressed profound appreciation to The Paul Hodges Trust for funding the Programme.

He disclosed that the aim of this programme is to provide educational opportunities for girls particularly in deprived communities and the country as a whole. He noted further that his organization seeks to equip young girls with skills and tools that will empower them to put them at a vantage position to have a better and brighter future.

Santigie Bayo Dumbuya revealed that the Joan Davis Scholarship Programme is a three (3) year Scholarship Programme for pupils in secondary schools mainly girls living in slum communities, adding that the Programme also included the dishing out of environmental friendly reusable pads for these girls.

He inspired pupils to take their studies serious underscoring how education is the key to success.  “Education is a process of learning that one goes through in order to become somebody in society”.

Santigie Bayo Dumbuya encouraged them to take the opportunities the organization has offered in order to achieve their dreams and become great people in society who will in return give back to society.

He ended by admonishing parents to be aware of their roles and responsibilities towards the development of their children; underscoring that they have pivotal roles to play towards the growth of their children. In that regard he encouraged them to monitor their children’s activities.

Child Welfare Committee Coordinator of the Dwarzark community, Abu Turay, applauded We Yone Child Foundation for the initiative, adding that over the years the Dwarzark community has been one of the most deprived communities but said since this organization started its operations in the community they have given the community a new face look and they have empowered so many children in the community.

He cautioned parents to make good use of the given opportunity by doing their roles and responsibilities as parents.

Headman of Plum Stick within the Dwarzark community, David Thoronka said that as a headman he is very proud to have We Yone Child Foundation Organization operating in his community, furthering that they have contributed tremendously to the development of children within the community.

Princess Viller, a beneficiary thanked We Yone Child Foundation and The Paul Hodges Trust for the kind gesture which she graciously said was not only important but very timely in the midst of COVID-19 in the country.

She highlighted that considering the current economic crisis in the country the scholarship and the school materials will ease the burden on parents to purchase school materials.

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