Khalil Hijazi, Chief Executive Officer of Kings Production Sierra Leone Limited, a company that manufactures non-alcoholic beverages, on Friday 18th December, 2020 was in the company of the First Lady, Madam Fatima Bio, to turn the sod for the construction of a 100-bed paediatric hospital at the 34 Military Hospital, Wilberforce in Freetown.
Present during the program were the Chief Minister, Professor David Francis, Minister of Defence, Kellie Conteh, Head of Joint Medical Unit, Dr. Stephen Sevalie, Members of Parliament and other stakeholders.
Delivering a statement, the CEO of Kings Production , Khalil Hijazi, said he was humbled to be present at such an epoch making event and more especially for complementing the efforts that the Office of the First Lady is making to construct a 100-bed paediatric hospital that will replace the 34 Military Hospital.
He gave a brief synopsis of the project revealing how the hospital will have different departments and units that will provide quality healthcare service delivery to the Military and residents of the surrounding communities. Some of the departments, he mentioned, include the Dental Clinic, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Emergency and Accident Unit, Out Patient, among others.
Khalil Hijazi maintained that many will stand to benefit from the medical services that will be provided bordering that point on population increase within the Wilberforce community in particular and the municipality as a whole.
The result-oriented and realistic Chief Executive Officer cautioned all that when the project would have been completed and ready for use, they should take ownership of it furthering that he will continue to give support to the First Lady to roll out more development projects.
He revealed that when the First Lady told him about her intention to transform 34 Military Hospital he immediately asked for him to be given the permission to sponsor the project.
The CEO pointed out that Kings Production is keen about development and therefore will support any worthy programme it believes will enhance the welfare of the majority,
He reiterated their determination to support development projects disclosing how they have changed their focus to not just reacting to emergencies but to also sponsor projects in the country’s healthcare sector.
Khalil Hijazi stated that the entire Management and Staff of Kings Production (SL) Limited are pleased to sponsor the project.
“We do this with pride as Sierra Leone has one of the best military in the sub-region,” Mr. Khalil Hijazi said, adding, “These men in green have sacrificed their lives to keep us safe and we are humbling ourselves to be given the opportunity to be part of this project.”
He told the audience that because of the numerous challenges in the healthcare sector, they thought it fit to give support to His Excellency the President and the First Lady to implement the project saying it is a laudable venture.
Khalil Hijazi ended up by extending thanks and appreciation to His Excellency the President and the First Lady for the tremendous strides they are taking to develop the country.
It was indeed a moment of joy for fire victims and their loved ones in Port Loko City as over the weekend the New Direction Government led by President Julius Maada Bio boosted each victim with the sum of ten million Leones (Le10,000,000).
Speaking at the handing over ceremony held at Port Loko Town Hall on Saturday 19th December, 2020, Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh informed the victims that the Government will soon offer some micro-credit to the people of Port Loko and that the fire victims will be prioritized in the micro credit scheme.
“All this we are doing is to improve the business people in the district,” he stated.
He added that Government will also build a new business building where business people will converge to do their businesses. He further noted that the building will be offered in a very low cost.
VP Juldeh also advised the youths in the district to henceforth desist from violence and not to allow politicians to use them to ignite any havoc in the district.
In response, the fire victims in Port Loko City heaped praises on the Government for the kind gestures. “We have seen massive development in Port Loko District since this Government came into power and our son, VP Juldeh Jalloh is very helpful to us, we are proud of him,” they intimated.
For the past 16 years, the Government of Sierra Leone has not been paying its dues to the World Trade Organization (WTO). The accumulated arrears amounted to half a million dollars, preventing the country from participating fully in or benefitting from the number one global trade organization.
This month President Julius Maada Bio’s New Direction Government settled all the arrears, saving Sierra Leone from greater embarrassment as a new Director General – for the first time in the organization’s history an African – is poised to take over early in the New Year.
A few years ago the country’s Embassy in Geneva negotiated a payment plan with WTO. But no action was taken, and Sierra Leone was consigned to Administration, in effect shutting out the country from any meaningful participation in the world’s most important trade organization. It was one of very few countries to suffer that fate.
Under the Leadership of Ambassador Dr. Lansana Gberie, the Embassy renegotiated with WTO early this year. As a result, Sierra Leone was able to actively participate in the selection process of the next Director General as well as in several other mechanisms of the world body.
Deft diplomacy and persistence by Ambassador Gberie also persuaded the Ministry of Finance, under the dynamic Jacob Jusu Saffa and his hardworking Financial Secretary, Sahr Jusu, to settle the arrears in full.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the only global international organization dealing with the rules of trade between all countries. It also provides substantial technical and other support to developing countries. Dr. Ngozi Iweala, Nigeria’s former Finance Minister who is likely to the next Director General, has also promised to provide ‘trade finance’ to poor countries, which would substantially boost countries like Sierra Leone. Sectors like fisheries and agriculture will likely get a boost when the global market is opened to Sierra Leone through its active participation in WTO.
WTO agreements, negotiated and signed by the bulk of the world’s trading nations and ratified in their Parliaments, ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably and freely as possible.
Ambassador Gberie commended the WTO leadership for its relentless efforts to see Member States keep to their obligations.
While addressing the 5th Parliament of Sierra Leone during the State Opening recently, President Bio said that one of the key objectives of his ‘New Direction’ administration is to create a profitable industry in Agriculture, Fisheries among others that will contribute significantly to socio-economic development through sustainable management and utilization of the country’s marine resources as well as conserving the environment.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), in a Press Release dated 21st December 2020 , stated that the tabling in Parliament and publication of the Auditor General’s Report for the Financial Year ended 31st December, 2019 and the COVID-19 Report by the Audit Service Sierra Leone have been brought to its attention and that it has commenced immediate examination of the same.
It continued that it attaches utmost importance to the Auditor General’s Reports adding that as such, in recent times, the Commission had provided and will continue to provide updates to the public through Serialized Media Releases on the many interventions and outcomes in regard to the Audit Reports 2015-2018 which resulted in investigations, prosecutions, convictions, recovery of huge sums, prevention measures, and, in appropriate situations, exoneration and clearing of persons and institutions.
More importantly, it was stated, the Commission is also cognizant of the role of Parliament regarding the issue and it shall be collaborating with them.
The Commission preliminarily notes that that there are various issues in the report that it had already commenced or concluded investigations into either due to the fact that they arose in the year 2019 or, they were already the subject of investigations before the conclusion of the audit. It states that for those still under investigation, it will continue and conclude them speedily. For the rest, it will work with Parliament and Audit Service Sierra Leone to ensure that each party performs its role to ensure that the various issues of concern are speedily and accordingly addressed without favour for anyone.
It was underscored that the ACC is now examining the Reports with a view to ascertaining violations of the Anti-Corruption Act 2008 as Amended in 2019, or needs for intervention by the ACC; and/or identify system weaknesses within the audited institutions for appropriate prevention efforts to address them.
The Commission also wishes to make it very clear that anyone found wanting shall face the full consequences prescribed by law with no exceptions.
It concluded that in this regard, the public is encouraged to exercise patience while the Commission does a thorough review and analysis of the Reports and thereafter commence taking action as may be expedient.
In another development, reports from ACC confirmed that the anti-graft institution has invited several senior and intermediate staff of NACOVERC with regard three issues in the COVID-19 audit report which are : 47 missing laptops, a missing Generator donated by the Chinese, the Procurement issues around the purchase of SUVs.
It is expected that several arrests and detentions will continue heading toward Christmas.
There was a lot of pomp and pageantry on the 19th December 2020, as residents of Kenema District came out in their hundreds to give a rousing welcome to the Management and team of Pavi Fort Construction Company. The company entered Kenema city impressively with its high standard machinery in preparedness to embark on the re-construction of township roads in that part of the country.
Indeed it was a very spectacular scene which was graced by traditional leaders, Paramount Chiefs from all the chiefdoms within Kenema district and other stakeholders from various walks of life.
During the jubilant ceremony the pragmatic and result-oriented Chief Executive Officer of Pavi Fort SL, Alhaji Alimu Sanu Barrie was crowned as Honorary Paramount Chief of Kenema as he was dressed in the traditional regalia that depict a senior citizenship status within the Eastern region.
Many whom this medium talked with intimated that they are of the conviction that the professionalism displayed by the company in constructing the Kabala township roads will be demonstrated in Kenema.
On his part, Alhaji Alimu Sanu Barrie, in a snap statement, expressed gratitude to the people of Kenema for according him, what he described, as a befitting homecoming.
He went further to officially declare that as a result of the warm welcome that was accorded him Kenema will now be his second home.
The CEO assured residents of Kenema that the company is in fully poised and in a high gear to commence construction work highlighting that as a patriotic citizen of this country he is always ready to complement the efforts of President Julius Maada Bio and his Government to rebrand the country.
This is the last month in this year and in few days from now we will kiss goodbye to 2020 and welcome a brand new 2021. For now we have entered the festive season, a period when Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year holidays will be celebrated. In between these holidays there are series of lined up entertainment shows as many will be going out and about enjoying themselves in the company of loved ones, comprising family members, friends and those that hold Special places in our hearts.
This is the season of merriment and exchange of gifts.
It is also a season when criminals are on the prowl in our communities and towns lurking in the shadows to “correct” the “mistakes” of innocent unassuming individuals only to leave them wallowing in their foolhardiness or carelessness, robbing them of the joy they were expecting to enjoy.
The conmen are around town looking out for the “Johns” to make their cooked-up plans, antics and manipulations become reality. They will show things that are real, pretending to be desperate for cash and so selling at reasonable prices only to exchange the reality ones with fake to be later detected as such. By then it is one goal against the loser who is left with a fake phone, watch, trousers, dress etc after parting with hard earned money.
This is the time to be very mindful. They will snatch or ‘finger pocket’ your phones, wallets, purses while in a rush trying to board a commercial vehicle. They will attack at night with deadly weapons if they notice that you are alone or the company you are walking with is deemed vulnerable.
In their strikes they will wound, slap and sometimes rape. At this point in time it is advisable to go home late at night in groups, to have pepper spray handy in order to put up a stout resistance.
We need to be wary of our doors at night and even during the day. Let us be each other’s keeper and be ready to raise the red flag whenever the robbers want to or are on the height of unleashing their nefarious acts.
Before going to bed check the doors and windows properly otherwise the ‘night carpenters’ will seize advantage of vulnerabilities and strike.
When we go out to enjoy do so cautiously by avoiding binge drinking that will expose us to the wiles of ‘Jazebels’ who are always looking for the slightest opportunities to cunningly steal from men. This is real! Seemingly beautiful ladies are seen in public places, in bars and restaurants throwing baits with their curvy shapes only to trap men who out of intoxication will want to get sexual gratification. In the twinkle of an eye they will just disappear in thin air leaving their victims, who have been robbed, high and dry. They are dangerous!
Drunk driving has landed many to their early graves especially during festive seasons. When one drinks responsibly then it is possible that one could drive carefully. Let’s think for a minute that life is sweet and therefore it is significant to always secure ourselves. Let not your happiness turn out to be sorrow.
If you do not know how to swim do not go near water. This piece of advice is going for beach goers. We are mindful of our lush beaches; fine places to relax and enjoy nature. But the rivers and sea have currents. Sometimes they can become very unfriendly and unaccommodating especially to those who do not know how to swim properly. If you are that person then refrain from doing so because it is not a play, play thing.
As we are now in the festive season let us celebrate with style and caution. Be cautious and Enjoy. May Common Sense Prevail!
The National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited has etched its name in the sands of time as a very reliable and efficient petroleum marketing business entity that not only operates in this country but has presence in neighbouring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia where it is diligently serving residents of those countries.
One thing that sets NP-SL aside from all other petroleum marketing companies is its mantra of placing high premium on customer care. As far as the Shareholders and Management of NP-SL are concerned their esteemed customers are priceless jewels who must be handled with respect and dignity. It is against such a backdrop that the company always ensures that their numerous customers are given the best in terms of effective service delivery.
Another remarkable quality that the company has is the tendency to match up with the latest technology and gadgets which in itself speaks volumes of how serious it is treating its business and more so to enhance customer satisfaction.
It is along this line that when it became obvious that the pumping machines it was using, years back, have become obsolete, Management decided to import the latest calibrated pumping machines which display the quantity of fuel that a customer is purchasing and at the same time the price. With the installation of these calibrated pumping machines the usual complaints of being cheated by pump attendants became a thing of the past as transactions became very transparent.
Recently, the company installed the latest Helix T-Media calibrated pumping machine at its Siaka Stevens Filling Station. This Helix T-Media calibrated pumping machine seemingly works as an advertisement gadget. Its difference with the former or normal calibrated pumping machine is that it has a television screen which displays all the products that NP has for sale.
It avails customers the opportunity to have a thorough knowledge of what the company is offering for sale. It therefore enables customers to tap into a much wider pool of the company’s products like NP-SL Gas, NP Smart, Castrol Oil etc among a host of others.
Speaking to this medium, one of the operators of the Helix T-Media calibrated pumping machine, Margret Daloma, disclosed that NP-SL is the first Petroleum Company operating in this country to have introduced it, adding that with this new machine, customers can now see a display of the various products available at NP-SL filing stations while purchasing their fuel at their convenience.
“There are certain customers we wouldn’t be able to reach out to with our products without leveraging a powerful aggregated source of customer behavior display like Helix T Media. We have seen dramatic improvement in purchasing of our products since the installation of this machine at our filling station and it has become an integral part of our audience targeting strategy,” she revealed.
Many have praised NP for making available NP Gas cookers which are safe for cooking purposes. These NP Gas cookers are sold at reasonable prices and could be procured in all their filling stations as well as from authorized dealers. At a time like this when it has been recognized that it is advisable, for health reasons, to avoid using firewood or charcoal for cooking purposes the best option could be NP Gas, which is hygienic, clean and quick.
Talking about effective implementation of Local Content Policy, NP-SL stands tall as it is truly the only 100% indigenous company that employs 100% Sierra Leoneans as workers. The company gives preference to employing Sierra Leoneans which is a clear indication that it adheres to the country’s Local Content Policy as utilizing local talents makes it possible for indigenes to acquire useful knowledge and skills through various training programs.
The company avails its customers the opportunity to procure fuel by using its NP Smart Card which a holder can use to buy fuel at Filling Stations. As long as the card is loaded with money, a customer can use it to buy petrol or diesel at a Filling Station without the exchange of physical cash and its greatest advantage is giving customers security. It also prevents rushing to the banks to withdraw money for the purpose of buying fuel.
It could be seen that NP-SL is a dynamic company that is striving towards giving the best of customer care as is evident in the installation of the Helix T Media Calibrated pumping machine.
Partnering to Serve Humanity Consortium, which comprises Tzu Chi Foundation, Healey International Relief Foundation, Lanyi Foundation and Caritas Freetown has on Monday 21st December, 2020 held an interfaith dialogue and later on distributed 8400 bags (10 Kilograms) of rice to 2,800 the less privileged within the Freetown Municipality. The event took place at the Jesus is Lord Ministries Compound on Tower Hill in Freetown.
Giving the purpose of the gathering, Executive Director of Caritas Freetown, Rev. Father Peter Konteh, said that the world has faced a lot of bad news but they are making efforts to bring good news to the world regardless of the difficulties ranging from COVID-19 pandemic, economic crisis etc.
He said that the consortium thought it fit that every year they should have an interfaith dialogue and distribution of rice to the less privileged people within the Freetown Municipality as a clear manifestation of their continuous support towards the course of serving humanity, adding that as religious bodies they have active components that look at charity and compassion out of which the activity is organized.
Project Coordinator of the Sierra Leone Muslim Missionary Union, Sheik Fomba Abubakar Swaray, expressed gratitude to the consortium for organizing the interfaith dialogue and undertaking the distribution of rice which he described as not only important but very timely.
He said Sierra Leone is a religious tolerant country which he said is as a result of the configuration that had been done by religious leaders to reject any religious war in the country.
He noted that the interfaith dialogue exemplifies the religious tolerance in the country, furthering that Sierra Leoneans should not tolerate any disunity among religious sects in the country.
Founder/General Overseer of Jesus is Lord Ministries, Apostle Dora Dumbuya, said that the love that has been demonstrated by the consortium is an example set by God Almighty adding that in the Book of John 3: 16 it is stated: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
She said the bible preaches peace, unity and in that regard she encouraged all Sierra Leoneans, regardless of religion, to embrace each other as demonstrated in the bible.
In his keynote address, Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Mohamed Haji Kella, said that through the leadership of President Maada Bio and the entire Government he is very pleased with such an event that is geared towards preaching unity among Sierra Leoneans and also helped the less privileged in the country.
He said Sierra Leone is one country that is proud of not having any form of religious division saying we should be proud as citizens and in that regard he applauded the religious leaders for the tremendous work they have been doing in maintaining peace and unity among all citizens.
He took the opportunity to express appreciation to the consortium for the gesture and said as a Government they are in it together and their strides are well appreciated by Government.
The Deputy Social Welfare Minister also admonished all to strictly practice what the Government, through the Ministry of Health and Sanitation and other stakeholders, have put together in terms of the protective measures that have been outlined stressing that we must treat with all amount of seriousness the advices that the experts are churning out in order to combat the spread of the virus in the country.
One of the beneficiaries, Fatmata Bangura expressed appreciation to the consortium for the gesture which she described as very timely, adding that as it now things are not really easy.
She narrated how she normally sells just to put food on their table, but said with the donation received it will help them greatly. She also called on other humanitarian organizations and individuals to follow the footsteps of the consortium during a crucial moment like this.
President of the Republic of Sierra Leone Dr. Julius Maada Bio
By Amin Kef Sesay
President of the Republic of Sierra Leone Dr. Julius Maada Bio, on the 18th December 2020 met with a cross section of the Media during the Presidential Media Cocktail which took place at State House in Freetown.
He intimated that the year 2020 has been truly remarkable and exciting not only for the media in Sierra Leone but also the country adding that just this week, the Board of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) unanimously approved Sierra Leone for a Compact.
The President told newsmen that they have achieved such because of the tremendous gains they have made in controlling corruption, investing in people, protecting democratic rights and enabling economic freedoms.
He assured that they will continue to improve on these gains and strengthen their partnership with the Government and People of the United States of America. The First Gentleman thanked the Honourable Vice President for his leadership and the entire team at the MCC Unit in Sierra Leone for their relentless hard work.
The President analyzed some of the reports by certain local tabloids vis-à-vis the implementation of certain policies and activities by the Government.
He stated that the repeal of Part V of the Public Order Act of 1965 and the enactment of the Independent Media Commission (IMC) Act 2020 will enhance professionalism in the media with several key benefits that will make the journalism profession an enviable career.
“Particularly, if the Independent Media Commission Act 2020 is carefully implemented, backed by a clear media code of practice, it will attract investment opportunities, enhance social security scheme for media practitioners amongst others,” he maintained adding that following the signing of the repeal, on 28th October, he promised that his Government would review the cases of all persons facing charges of criminal and seditious libel under the old law and it was accomplished.
Making reference to an appeal to the former Attorney General and Minister of Justice not to oppose bail application of Dr Sylvia O. Blyden, President Bio said The Calabash Newspaper on Tuesday 26th May published on its front page: “Yumkella Calls on Bio to be a good Political Samaritan”.
He said for him it was never about being a Political Samaritan because as he argued at the signing of the repeal, civilized and democratic countries cannot be seen as jailers of journalists when journalists exercise their professional responsibility to report objectively and ethically.
He said thankfully information attachés are not around and asked rhetorically: Isn’t it strange that I will not be getting that usual question: “When is the final Information Attachés’ list going to be announced sir?” The main objective of the recruitment and training, he said, was to enhance the capacity of the attachés and support their transitions into their new roles as budding diplomats.
President Bio revealed how Government was greatly concerned about the absence of a designated Government print media outlet for the dissemination of Government information following the induced collapse of SLENA and its associated publications; the Sierra Leone Daily Mail and Sierra News.
He said they are pleased to note that the Minister of Information and Communications was able to mobilize and leverage private sector resources to rehabilitate the collapsed building and revitalize Sierra News.
“It is also important to note that through my engagement with the United Kingdom Government, the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office has committed to support the development of the Sierra Leone media especially in areas of institutional capacity building of professional bodies like SLAJ, its affiliate bodies and the Independent Media Commission,” the President stated.
He said he has also been reliably informed by the Minister that the Ministry of Information and Communications in collaboration with SLAJ has put the requisite tools together to host an investment conference on the Media that will attract investment in the media to alleviate media poverty and poverty in the media.
The President revealed that the investment conference is expected to hold early next year in commemorating the 50th anniversary of SLAJ and the 60th Anniversary of Independence respectively.
“I also want to commend the Minister and his team for the successful inaugural media retreat on our manifesto commitments held in Bo this week,” he commended.
On his part, the President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, delivered a comprehensive and impressive statement.
He started off by saying that it is the season of Christmas and a time of the year when media practitioners socially interact with the President.
“It is also that time of the year when as little boys we used to go around the community singing carols and playing funny games,” he nostalgically looked back but lamented that the world has changed, and that tradition is slowly fading.
He said even during this COVID pandemic, which has prescribed a “new normal” in the way we live, dress, and work, it is noticeable how the President has arranged his choir men and women to sing to journalists carols of their achievements, packaged in well-designed project albums under different record labels.
The SLAJ President pointed out that in this 2020, dubbed “the year of accelerated delivery” by the Government’s Strategic Communications Unit, – the leading Choir group – the President has launched some 30 project albums ranging from Social Investment Fund and Insurance Scheme for Health Workers to Sexual Offences Model Court and Garbage Trucks.
He underscored that in the last three months alone, the President fast-tracked the acceleration by launching a record breaking of 18 albums.
“If the AWOL National Achievement Awards program was held this year, our President would undisputedly have won Artist of the Year 2020, to the amazement of music godfather Jimmy B, and Steady Bongo,” he said euphemistically.
He said, nevertheless, good prophets are usually not honoured in their own countries.
“Despite launching three hot-selling albums dedicated to the people of Constituency 110 at Goderich, the President’s party lost a key bye-election in that community this month,” Nasralla stated but was quick to state that the President made up for this loss internationally.
He said the very poorly rated ‘Makeni Generator’ and ‘Prison Break’ albums were not enough to deprive His Excellency of being shortlisted for the covetous international MCC Compact Award with the whopping prize money of US$400 million.
The Monk, as he is popularly known, added that shortly after, the President also won the prestigious European Union Budgetary Support award of US$15 million.
He said despite the impact of COVID-19, the year 2020 is ending on a high and promising note for Sierra Leone.
President of SLAJ said he was encouraged early this month by a photo taken in Abidjan of the former President (who is now the Emperor of Bombali) and our love-her-or-loathe-her First Lady.
He said in journalism, they say a photo is worth more than a thousand words. “The message of peace from that photo is clear; but so also is the message of tension coming from the way the former President gripped his wine glass,” he said.
“Who knows, before the New Year begins, we might just see another unique photo of the First Lady and the new shadow President who addressed the nation today via social media audio,” he jokingly stated.
He said the President must have noticed that in all of the laudable progress the Government is making, the media is slow in telling the stories to the mountain tops.
According to him, that is partly because the media is a very difficult institution to impress adding that no matter how hard you try, the media is usually interested in what you have not done and what you could have done better, and they will tell you to try harder and harder.
He said that is why one section of the media hailing the efforts of the Government, another section trivializing those efforts, a third section is absolutely interested in entirely something else.
The SLAJ President underscored that the media owes the President a lot maintaining that out of nine (9) manifesto commitments to the media, the Government have delivered on two key ones this year- the annual subvention to the umbrella body SLAJ and the landmark repeal of the Criminal and Seditious Libel law.
“We are in discussions with the Ministry of Information for the holding of an investment conference for the media as part of activities marking our 50th anniversary next year,” he disclosed.
He said it is accepted that to whom much is given, much is expected furthering that the pay back by journalists is to practice the profession responsibly at all times; to guard, protect and promote the peace, stability and unity of the country; hold Government and public officials to account in a responsible manner and help in the fight against corruption; and above all provide timely and accurate information to the public as well as help in educating the masses on national issues.
Nasralla told the President that December is also the season of giving and receiving; few people give and many people expect to receive. He said sadly, because of COVID-19, Santa Claus will not be passing here this December stating that hopefully 2021 will be a year of delivery to the door steps of ordinary Sierra Leoneans.
He stated three (3) things that media practitioners will want the President to deliver on in 2021: one of which is to see an improved relationship with the Opposition parties in the interest of peace, cohesiveness, inclusiveness and stability.
The other is the need to seriously address the ticking youth crisis in the country and to complete the Constitutional Review process to strengthen the governance practice of Separation of Powers.
He then on behalf of SLAJ and the entire media fraternity wished the President, the Chief Minister, the esteemed First Lady, and the People of Sierra Leone happy holidays and a Prosperous New Year 2021.
At State House on the 17 December 2020 the new Executive of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Sierra Leone paid a courtesy call on President Julius Maada Bio with the main purpose of introducing the new members.
Bishop Akimtayo Sam-Jolly, who is the President of the Fellowship, said they were very impressed with development generally in the country since President Bio assumed office in 2018, adding that they were the largest Christian constituency in the country that had and would continue to work with any Government for the good of the country.
The clergy emphasized that the role of the Christian leaders in the fight against COVID-19 was one that had contributed immensely to the many gains the country is making in curtailing the spread of the coronavirus.
“Your Excellency sir, we are aware of our roles as spiritual leaders in nation-building. We are involved in building schools, health facilities. We are also playing a pivotal role in many issues that strengthen development in the country,” he stated.
In his remarks, President Bio congratulated the new Executive of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Sierra Leone and thanked them for holding on to the fort in ensuring their people are always a part of the road leading to good governance. He thanked them for their selfless and sacrificial roles in the fight against COVID-19 and for being a part of every step of development in the country.
“Governance is not excluded from religion. Religious leaders too can play a unique role in strengthening our democracy. I, therefore, encourage every one of you to work together, because strong collaboration leads to nation-building,” he concluded.
On the 18th December 2020, at the Sierra Fisheries Company at Kissy Dockyard, President Julius Maada Bio commissioned the first fish processing plant saying it will provide an established in-shore facility to add value to the huge marine resource potential in the country.
“We assert in our New Direction manifesto and in the Medium Term National Development Plan that fisheries as a sub-sector contributes 12 percent of GDP, employs over 500,000 people, and is the staple of economic activity right along the coastline and in the interior of Sierra Leone. In line with our bid to achieve food security, fish remains the primary source of primary protein for most Sierra Leoneans. Besides, we have emphasized, as a Government, that there is great potential to increase earnings from the sector,” he said.
The President said he had been informed that the facility would sort, blast freeze, and package fish for the local market and for export purposes, adding that he was also assured that all environmental, health and safety assessments had been conducted and certified.
“I am also informed that there will be a rigorous monitoring regime in place for the type of fish, and the quality and safety of the packaged whole fish for market. But to my mind, we can also go beyond just scooping fish from the ocean, carrying and sorting, and freezing and packaging just whole fish. There is a possibility of a whole value-addition economy that will add more value to our fish products and create even more jobs. This will also reduce fish waste and catch loss,” he concluded.
Managing Director of the Sierra Fishing Company, Bassim Mohamed, thanked the President for providing leadership and ensuring the plant project resumes, saying that the project started in 2009 but couldn’t be completed because of what he described as bad leadership.
Bassim further stated that the project was funded by the European Union, and that it was estimated at $15 million, saying the resumption and completion of the project would create 1,000 jobs for skilled and unskilled citizens of the country, thereby reducing poverty and unemployment.
“I want to thank President Julius Maada Bio for his continued engagement with the European Union and other international partners for the resumption and completion of this project,” he noted.
Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Honourable Emma Kowa-Jalloh, said it was a pleasure to witness the commissioning of the plant, which she hoped would lead to wealth creation and economic diversification.
“The industry and artisanal fishermen unions will now have an opportunity to work together for the mutual benefit of the two associations and for better prices for their products,” she said, adding that finally Sierra Leone would be among countries listed for export to the international markets and consumers would be assured of the safety of the products.
