July 16, 2020 - Public Review Newspaper

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

A Legendary Lux Celebrates his birthday tomorrow 17th July. Samuel Lynsay Bangura, commonly called Elder Lux Undertaker of #1 Campbell Street. You’ve been a dependable and trustworthy friend. A fine gentleman who defines selflessness, Personifies Kindness and embodies the true spirit of perseverance. You embody all the virtues that defines our cherished Brotherhood. I wish you the very best that you wish for yourself. May you continue to be blessed by the Almighty, with plethora of successes and achievements. From the Management of Public Review Newspaper.

The Diminishing Role of The Traditional Media in the Age of Virtual Parliament: The Sierra Leone Experience.

Uncategorized

ML Deen Rogers Senior Legislative Officer Parliament of Sierra Leone One of the benefits of the burdens of the Corona Virus is the emergence of hybrid virtual Parliaments all over the globe. Parliaments have to do what it should under the current circumstance to ensure that the management of the state is executed in the manner prescribed by law in the fight against this invisible enemy. In the upheavals of Covid-19, there is a clarion call on Legislative Assemblies to ensure accountable, transparent, and inclusive- related policies or legislation are implemented for the public good. In the shadows of the COVID-19 pandemic, Parliament is not optional in a democracy. In this mix of things, the role of the traditional media as an appendage or inseparable partner of Parliament in a democracy is diminishing in the new normal. The traditional influence or space by the mainstream media in reporting on the proceedings of Parliament is asking for a new approach. The Parliament of Sierra Leone is taking the fullest of the opportunities a hybrid virtual parliament would offer in the age of this pandemic. The traditional media has to recognize the current trend and face the new reality together with Parliament or decide to shape their destiny. In this new arrangement, the Parliament of Sierra Leone is going to take ownership of reporting its proceedings. The traditional role of the media especially the physical presence of the press gallery as a potent tool for disseminating information and promoting parliamentary transparency is going to diminish in the face of the hybrid virtual Parliament. Besides, the new normal is going to broaden the space to report on parliamentary proceedings through the web-based virtual software. The Parliament of Sierra Leone ventured in the new world of virtual software on the 28 of May 2020 when the Parliament conducted its first hybrid virtual State Opening of Parliament which marked the beginning of the Third Session in the Fifth Parliament. The 3cx virtual with a current connection of 800 users was inaugurated on the first hybrid virtual State Opening of Parliament. The user access was rolled out countrywide putting on board 3TV stations, over dozens of Radio Stations and more than 700 people globally were connected using a designated link. With dedicated fiber-optic connectivity powered by 1GBPS upload/download streaming plugs, the Parliament of Sierra Leone is even more ready or incentivize to disseminate credible and real-time reporting on its proceedings in committees as well as in the plenary. For all it takes in this pandemic, the Parliament of Sierra Leone has joined the other members of the virtual club to reduce the bias in the reporting of its proceedings and to right-size the influence of the press gallery or the traditional media in reporting its proceedings to the public. Moving forward, each of the sittings of Parliament and the activities of its Committee is adequately reported on a dedicated space on the parliamentary website, and these proceedings are streamed online. In like fashion, the Ghana Parliament realizes that some Media Houses have their agenda. So, it has used live streaming of its sittings on Facebook to disseminate true and unbiased outcomes of its proceedings. By this transformative action, the electorate can see for themselves and relate to any media spin on its proceedings. With the opportunities in the virtual Parliament, the Parliament of Sierra Leone may create a zoom platform or broadcast its proceedings on radio, television, stream online and do web-based promotions by creating the space for the public to participate in the legislative process. Hybrid Virtual Parliament is going to create a default impact on public engagements, thereby enhancing parliamentary transparency with or without the traditional media. This will encourage MPs to reach out and interact with their constituents. It will also enhance the participation on the part of the broad masses of the people. To achieve information sharing and parliamentary transparency by the emerging new normal, the virtual world created by Parliaments worldwide will rebuild confidence between the principal (the people) and the agent (parliament) thereby minimizing the role of a Third Party. The traditional media should now start to review or rethink the kind of system or infrastructure to feed into the new normal. The reality is that the media and Parliament will never be the same after COVID -19. Once the Parliament of Sierra Leone is fully digitized, the role of the traditional media will shrink with time and the whole idea of accreditation with requirements or accreditation without requirements will be a thing of the past. Can the traditional media or the parliamentary press gallery go virtual? Hybrid Virtual Parliament is a SMART investment in the age of the new normal and it is going to be one of the enduring legacies of COVID-19 in our democratization process

SLICOM Pays Working Visit to SLRSA

Breaking News, Business, Business, Economy, Local, News

A three (3) man delegation from the Sierra Leone Insurance Commission headed by the Commissioner of Insurance Arthur N. Yaskey has on Wednesday 15th July 2020 paid a working visit to Mr. Ibrahim Sannoh Executive Director Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority – SLRSA at his Kissy Road Office in Freetown. Welcoming the Delegation, Mr. Ibrahim Sannoh said he was pleased to receive the delegation from the Sierra Leone Insurance Commission for the first time since he took office as the Substantive Executive Director of the Authority. Mr. Sannoh Said the role of the Insurance Industry should not be overemphasized noting that there is an urgent need for Public-Private Partnership in the Authority’s road safety drive. Mr. Ibrahim Sannoh expressed concern over the proliferation of insurance brokers(Agents) within the SLRSA premises who he said do engage in some dubious insurance dealings. Mr. Sannoh called for effective collaboration with the insurance industry in terms of Road Users Education on the Role of the Insurance Industry in Sierra Leone and that of Compensation to accident victims. “the Insurance Commission must be seen doing that which they are mandated to do.” Mr. Sannoh said. He called on the Commissioner of SLICOM to set up a working group that will be charged with the responsibility to coordinate collaborative efforts between the SLRSA and the Insurance Industry Mr. Arthur N. Yaskey, Commissioner of the Sierra Leone Insurance Commission – SLICOM congratulated Mr. Ibrahim Sannoh and Mr. James Bio on their appointment as Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director respectively of the SLRSA. Mr. Yaskey said the Road Traffic Act makes it mandatory on all vehicles plying the roads to be insured with a valid Insurance Policy and the SLRSA being the lead agency in promoting road safety in Sierra Leone is the custodian or enforcement wing of the said law. Mr. Yaskey said the Safety And Enforcement Wing of the SLRSA have been doing extremely well in enforcing Traffic Laws and Regulations. He assured of his institution’s commitment in working with the new dispensation at SLRSA. The Deputy Executive Director Mr. James Bio in his brief statement urged SLICOM to join the road safety bandwagon and thus change the narratives on our roads.

Info. Minister Pushes For Repeal Of Criminal Libel Law

Breaking News, News, Politics

The Minister of Information and Communications, Mohamed Rahman Swarray, has said in parliament that the new Independent Media Commission Bill (IMC Bill) that was deliberated upon at the pre-legislative stage in Committee Room Number One on Monday 14th July 2020, has a human face and the ability to transform the media landscape of the country. He maintained that the IMC Bill is not a precondition for the repeal process but they are of the conviction that it has to be strengthened so that it can support independent professional journalists. In the previous IMC Bill, he furthered, there was no attention paid to the Reporters themselves, but this new IMC Bill makes provision for payment of salaries to media practitioners. For the longest time, the Information Minister noted that journalists have not been paid proper salaries as 90% of them have been using their ID cards to fend for themselves, which is not in the best interest of the profession. Employers are supposed to pay their employees’ NASSIT contributions at least 10% of their gross earning while at the same time 5% should be deducted from their salary to save for the raining day. He disclosed that media practitioners have been in the profession for over 30-40 years but they still “COAST” ( begging or extorting money from the public). “They don’t do it because they want to do it as a way of life, but simply because provision was never made for them when they retired.” Minister Swaray underlined that it is for reasons like this that they are insisting that salaries and other emulements be paid to journalists. He added that as government they believe that because journalists play a key and critical role in holding the high and mighty to account, media leadership positions like Station Managers and Editord are too serious to be occopied by people who have not invested in professional development by way of acquiring university degree, diploma or certificate. “We have agreed that it can be in any decipline but the holder of such positions must have a university degree; we encourage SLAJ to encourage their members to aspire to professional enhancement so that we can have upward career development,” he said. Minister Swaray posited that by continuing to maintain the Criminal Libel Law in the country’s law books government is violating twelve international conventions which according to him dents the country’s democratic credentials. For that reason and many others, this government is poised to get it expunged from the law books of the country. Already, he asserted, His Excellency the President Dr Julius Maada Bio has taken bold steps in rebranding the country and repositioning it so that it could attract a fair share of foreign direct investment therefore this will be an add-up if this process happens as the government will be able to attract more investment in the country. He noted that because there is this law hanging over the media not many people will invest in it as you are not sure along the whole supply chain right from the editor, the vendor, the publisher, or anyone if they cannot be brought in for criminal libel. For that reason, he said, they believe the media should be unshackled so that journalists are able to practice their trade unhindered

Port Loko Murder: One in Police Net

Breaking News, Local, News

The Police in Port Loko are investigating an alleged murder case as a 19years of age is said to have inflected multiple stab wounds on a deceased. Unconfirmed Sources claimed that Abdulai Kamara (the suspect) was on drugs as he watches Mr. Alimamy Sankoh (the deceased) gasping for the last breath. The incident happened at #24 Moudou Street in Port Loko district at about 11PM on the 7th of July 2020. This tragic event was said to have arisen from an argument between a certain man name Tobi and the deceased. Tobi is said to be a drug dealer to whom the deceased (Mr. Alimamy Sankoh) had to pay some amount of money. According to the Source, Tobi demanded his money upon arrival of Mr. Alimamy Sankoh, the victim requested for Tobi to wait a little while. But Tobi was adamant as he requested to be paid at all cost as Mr. Alimamy was seen counting some money. Tension mounted between the two as Tobi promised to give Mr. Alimamy a nasty beat. It was at this junction that Abdulai Kamara (Suspect) emerged, according to the Crime officers at the Port Loko Police Division where the matter is being investigated. The Suspect asked Tobi to buy him ‘Kush’ a new type of drug substance. Tobi accepted but unless Abdulai willing to do something for him. This statement was said to be quoted by Tobi according to Detective Assistant Superintendent of Police- Margret Marrah. ” Immediately after the discussion between Abdulai and Tobi in a room, the Suspect confronted Mr. Alimamy,” said the Crime Officer. Abdulai later gave Mr. Alimamy a deafening slap, while in retaliation Mr. Alimamy snatched a wooden stick and Slammed it on Abdulai’s head. Alimamy was seen running out of the scene as soon as he realized that Abdulai has taken out a knife. Unfortunately, he fell down as he lost his balance. He was caught by Abdulai who inflicted multiple stab wounds on him. The crime officer informed us that the murder weapon has been retrieved and their investigation is making headway. Soon they will charge the matter to court following the advice of the State Counsel. of Mr. Alimamy Sankoh. Abdulai Kamara was arrested and has since been detained as a Prime Suspect while the remains of Mr. Alimamy were conveyed to the Government Hospital in Port Loko for Postmortem Examination. The crime officer informed us that the murder weapon has been retrieved and their investigation is making headway. Soon they will charge the matter to court following the advice of the State Counsel.

Viral Hepatitis Poses Major Threat to Sierra Leoneans -Rodney Michael

Environment, Health, Health & Fitness, Local, Social Issues

According to Mr. Rodney Michael, his little research done on Hepatitis has raised serious concern as the statistics rate on Viral Hepatitis are alarming. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) report on GLOBAL VIRAL HEPATITIS states that “325million people, or roughly 4% of the world’s population, live with Viral Hepatitis, and the disease causes 1.34 million deaths per year.” The Center for Infectious Disease, Research, and Policy (CIDRAP) states that this number is comparable to HIV, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. However, unlike those diseases, deaths from Viral Hepatitis are increasing, not declining. According to their report, “since 2000, deaths from Viral hepatitis increased by 22%.” That is, 4 out of every 100 people in the world live with Viral Hepatitis. Mr. Rodney Michael said “I immediately decided to sound the alarm bells and challenge the Ministry of Health and the relevant departments to do more sensitization and encourage regular testing.” He continues to suggest that, it is necessary for every Sierra Leoneans to take the Viral Hepatitis test in order not to unknowingly infect others. His suggestion is backed up with WHO report which said “African is one of the highest infected continents with Hepatitis C” He imagines that, Sierra Leone might have its own quota of infected persons with the disease, and the sad reality “Most will not know about it” he said. Indeed, it is curable, and a lot more is now known as to how best to prevent, treat and curtail it. “Have we?” Mr. Rodney Michael asked. He believes that as a Nation we need to do enough, like we did for HIV, MALARIA and POLIO. To ensure the Citizens known the causes, the risk and the danger it poses. He concludes by accepting that he is not an expert, however, he wants to ignite the interest and actions and hopefully to encourage everyone to do the tests which must be made available in the hospitals and Pharmacies. He’s more concerned with the alarming rate and the less affordable access to treatment. He ends with a quote “I am a friend, not a foe! I mean well”

New Boss NEC Announced

Breaking News, Executive, Legislative, Local, Local Government, News, Politics

President Julius Maada Bio has appointed Mr. Mohamed Konneh as the new Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), a source a state house told Public Review. Mr Konneh is the substantive Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit. He has replaced Commissioner Nfa Ali Conteh who conducted the 2018 Presidential, Parliamentary, and Local government Elections. Mr. Konneh has a huge CV and well experienced in various areas of discipline. He has an M.Phil. in Accounting and B.Sc. Economics (Honors) in Accounting from the University of Sierra Leone. He is a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and a Member of the International Compliance Association (ICA) with an International Diploma in Financial Crime Prevention from ICA. The new NEC boss has attended several strategic professional developments and management courses including Fraud Investigation Management; Strategy & Techniques; Data analytics and Uncovering Fraud, using Financial Record Analysis; Planning, and Conducting Vendor Audit and Contract; and Procurement Fraud investigations. Also, Institutional Risk Management such as the Monitory and Evaluation techniques. Money Laundering and Illicit Financial Flows and Financing Terrorism in Africa, all are Management and Leadership courses. He worked in the Anti-Corruption Commission of Sierra Leone for nine years as Investigation Officer, Senior Professional Standard Officer and Head of Asset Declaration Unit. Once approved by Parliament, Mr. Konneh may conduct Sierra Leone’s next Election in 2023.

UN Team in S/Leone Charged

Breaking News, Global News, International, Lifestyle, Local, News, Social Issues, Uncategorized

Disability Right Movement (DRIM); a civil society group in Sierra Leone; championing disability issues in the country has formally written a complaint letter to the President and the Secretary General of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, accusing the United Nations Country Team (UNCT)in Sierra Leone of ‘’being insensitive to issues of disability in Sierra Leone.’’ The letter, signed by Dr. Vandy Konneh, the Executive Director of DRIM; claimed that the United Nations Country team (UNCT) in Sierra Leone is being insensitive in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) and Sierra Leone’s national development agenda in respect of adequate and timely support (Funding, Logistics, and Technical), compliance and Monitoring the United Nation Conventions on the Rights of Persons with disability (UNCRP) , . According to DRIM; the UN team has also neglected the ‘’Sierra Leone Persons with disability Act 2011 and other national and international laws that protect and promote the interest with persons with Disability.’’ DRIM says it is among organizations working to protect those strategic groups – people with Disability and their families since 1998 in the country. For them, UNCT in Sierra Leone has been ‘’neglecting the situation and resulting the individuals and groups of persons with disability continue to struggle in meeting their daily needs and national contributions. ‘’, the statement said. It added that they had made several efforts to remind and solicit the relevant supports from UNCT to actualize its global commitment; but that all their moves had proven to be futile. The letter further raised several other concerns such as ‘’lack of direct financial, technical and Logistics support; Not having Persons with Disability as Staff population which undermines their Job/Labour; no tangible action to facilitate the protection of Persons with Disability against the Coronavirus Pandemic; not supporting and participating in the observance of the International Day of Persons with Disability, and host of other complains.’’ It said. DRIM says it is hoping that their complaints will be respected in the ’’ best interest of persons with disability and the Republic of Sierra Leone.”

Bio calls For Support to End Rape & Early Marriage

Breaking News, Executive, Local, News, Politics, Social Issues, Uncategorized

His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio has encouraged parents and the community to support government’s efforts in tackling rape, early marriage and all forms of violence against women and girls in the country. Speaking during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting at State House, the President said that it was the responsibility of government to protect the lives of everyone, adding that that could only be achieved with the involvement of parents and members of the community. He emphasised the need to end all harmful practices that were affecting the growth of women and girls in the country. The President also used the occasion to commend the Rainbow Initiative for their tenacity in doing a very difficult job and for standing for survivors of rape and sexual violence. He noted that the statistics around rape in the country were grim, adding that that was why he declared a national emergency on rape and sexual violence in February 2019. “Rape is unacceptable because it is about the future of our children. The parents and communities need to stand up because it is better to work towards prevention. Parents should be attentive to raising our children. There is a need for a multisectoral approach and coordination to get rid of impunity,” he said. First Lady, Her Excellency Fatima Maada Bio, said that they were meeting to brief the President on the task given to them regarding the “Hands Off Our Girls”, HOOG, campaign and how they could find solutions in dealing with rape, teenage pregnancy and early marriage in the country. She noted that they had gone right across the country to engage relevant stakeholders and to raise awareness about the dangers of rape and sexual violence against women and girls. She also said that since the launch of the HOOG, they had achieved a lot but would still need the cooperation of everyone if they were to achieve their goals. Executive Director of Rainbow Initiative, Daniel Kettor, said that there had been a lack of support from the community to survivors, saying that that was affecting the fight against rape. He recommended for the acceleration of the One-Stop Centers, assign medical staff to those centers and to establish more safe homes across the country that would minimize the rate at which society and parents compromise on rape matters.

Abu Bakarr Turay Declares for Bar Association Vice Presidency

Chinese Learning Program Promotes Cultural Diversity and Language Education

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Maritime Administration on a Two-Day Management talks to Develop Five-Year Strategic Plan

ACC REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO MONITORING PSSNYE PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION

Standards Bureau to Introduce Standardized Market Measurements

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ECOWAS National Office Takes on Wai Community in Pujehun on Cross-Border Project Implementation

NSA Certifies 10 Law Graduates

Sierra Leone”s new Ambassador to Morocco resumes duty

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