Hon. Kandeh K. Yumkella, the leader of the National Grand Coalition(NGC) in parliament has clamoured for gender balance by way ofpromoting a better female participation in politics and governance. In seconding the motion on appointments moved by the Leader of Government Business, he advocated strongly for affirmative action for women in the politics of Sierra Leone. He DrYumkella encouraged the new Deputy Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Mr. BuakaiBindiHindowa to support the ongoing efforts by women’s groups to (a) secure two parliamentary seats in every district for women and/or (b) secure 30% of all elected positions including in parliament for women. The latter will work effectively in a proportional representation system.  In commending the newly appointed High Commissioner to Nigeria, Excellency Rupert Sydney Davies, Hon KKY reminded the House that as chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, his committee had proposed that 40% of ambassadorial appointments be reserved for career diplomats like Mr. Davies. It is critical that we enhance the professionalism of our foreign service and reward experience. With the complexity of issues like climate change, digitalisation and global security, our foreign service has to be revamped and strengthened to ensure that it is fit for purpose. Pres Bio Launches Mineral Geodata “Ladies and gentlemen, this geodata launch and exhibition form a critical part of our government’s agenda to rebuild confidence and attracting investment into the minerals sector of Sierra Leone’s economy. This maiden event provides a perfect setting for long-lasting and meaningful investment in this country and for its development,” he noted. Mr. Mattai also stated that Sierra Leone was endowed with abundant mineral wealth and natural resources but characterized by multidimensional poverty, but assured that the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources and his agency were working harder to see a turnaround and a much further inroad in terms of growth in the sectors with large investment potential.   The outgoing World Bank Country Manager, Gayle Martin, commended the government of Sierra Leone under the leadership of President Bio for the progress that led to the event of the launch of GeoData and Exhibition, saying that critical to the post-Covid-19 recovery was the extractive sector, which she said if managed well would transform Sierra Leone’s economy. She also noted that the GeoData was financed by the World Bank because they knew it would help lift people out of poverty, saying that the data would not only support the mining sector but would also help other areas necessary for national development. “Under the able leadership of President Bio, the government has embarked on a growth strategy that focuses on economic diversification. Economic diversification does not mean moving away from extractives, but rather to optimise the growth in other sectors to protect the economy from negative shocks”, Gayle noted. Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Musa Timothy Kabba, said that he was grateful to the President for the confidence reposed in him to serve in the ministry, saying that they had taken huge steps by acquiring the geological data which would be critical for the optimisation of benefits from the minerals sector. He further stated that the geodata would serve a useful function in guiding government’s decision relevant to the exploitation of mineral wealth, adding that they were critical in shaping government’s strategy in transitioning from a first-come-first-serve system for the award of mineral right to a competitive bidding system. “With this launch, Your Excellency, Sierra Leone has once again demonstrated, under your leadership, that it is a competitive destination in Africa for investment in the mines and minerals sector,” he noted. In his keynote address, President Bio said that: “I am not here to do a symbolic launch and walk away to my office. I am here to speak to friends, partners, and potential investors present and not present. I am here to share with you what we have done about the mining sector over the last three years.” The President also stressed that he was at the event to listen very keenly to people’s thoughts, ideas, and experiences. “I want to assure you that we will create even more opportunities to sit down and talk; to think together; to cooperate; to reach consensus; and to work together to further develop the extractives sector and make it even more viable for investors and their shareholders, the Government, communities, and the country as a whole. “As I have always said, I want that relationship to be built on mutual trust with all parties being transparent, patient, and clear about pursuing a win-win outcome,” he concluded. Chinese CounsellorSets the Record Straight The economic and commercial counselor of the Chinese embassy in Sierra Leone,Du-Zijun have reacted to the barrage of negative press against a proposed fish harbor project to be financed by China, but which will be implemented by the government of Sierra Leone. Below is the clarification statement by Du-Zijun. Statement by the Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of Chinain the Republic of Sierra Leone Regarding The China-aid Fish Harbour Project I, Du Zijun, Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Sierra Leone have noted that some local and foreign media have recently published some false reports on the China-aid Fish Harbour Project for Sierra Leone on the basis of some unfounded social media news. I find it difficult to understand this kind of groundless speculations, attacks and smear. I wish to make the following points: First, it is an assistance project that the government of Sierra Leone has requested the Chinese government to help construct for the purpose of promoting the development of Sierra Leone’s own fishery sector. The content of the project is to build a fish harbour rather than a “fish meat mill”. It is a Sierra Leonean project rather than a Chinese one. The accusation about Sierra Leonean side selling 250 acres of land to China is totally groundless. Second, the site selection and environmental impact assessment of

The frequent power outages experienced in Freetown has taken a worrisome trend and the situation has further exposed the disability ofthe Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority(EDSA) to provide uninterrupted power to residential areas and businessor industrial quarters. For over a month, the erratic power supply by EDSA has taken severe toll on the cost of production of businesses. Those without alternative means of power generation are struggling to operate their businesses as they are forced to becoming standstill for hours until the power is resupplied. The new direction government is gradually coming to terms with the failed promise of providing sustainable electricity to the people. No one is denying the plethora of challenges plaguing the electricity sector, but three years in governance is a considerable period to surmounting most of the underlying structural issues in the sector. Government can never be short of excuses to feed the people as a way of simmering the down tension wrought about by the inconveniency of power cuts. The diversionary tactics adopted by EDSA is a way of deflecting attention from the chronic problems of the agency which is precipitating the power cuts. The reality is “you can`t give what you don’t have”. Issuing out press releases could be interpreted as a deceptive strategy because the problems highlighted in such releases are nothing new. Electricity theft is normally sanctioned by EDSA personnel, stealing of electricity cables and the disruption or destruction of supply lines due to heavy storms predates successive governments and there are no shortages of means available to provide quick fix solutions to these problems. Below are the flurries of press releases issued out by EDSA by way of distracting attention from the deep-rooted problems affecting uninterrupted supply of electricity.   19th May, 2021 The Management of the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) would like to inform its valued customers that due to heavy storm that affected our 33KV(Wilberforce and Balck Hall Road) supply line on Wednesday , 19th May, 2021 between the hours of 1 – 2AM, the following communities are currently experiencing power outages for the time being : Black Hall Road, portee, Wellington unto Waterloo, Goderich unto Sussex, Aberdeen and Murray Town. Investigations on the said problem have already commenced and once unearthed, the problem would be fixed immediately and normal power supply would be restored to affected communities. The Authority would like to apologize to the affected customers for the inconvenience this situation may have caused while also assuring them of a quick fix. We thank our valued customers for their patience and understanding as we seek to better our service. CONCERNS OVER ILLEGAL ABSTRACTION OF ELECTRICITY Tuesday May 11, 2021 The Ministry of Energy notes with grave concern and dismay the persistent illegal and unpatriotic activities in the sector including but not limited to faulty meters,unmetered supply, unregistered meters, vandalization of EDSA facilities and non-charging customers by members of the public and some business organizations. The Ministry has observed that despite persistent appeals and public education,unscrupulous citizens and business organizations continue to steal electricity through illegal connections thereby occasioning some serious technical and commercial loss on EDSA. The Ministry wants the general public to know that Government through the Ministry of Energy is setting up a Team comprising the Sierra Leone Police, the Military and Office of the National Security that will be charged with the responsibility of looking into matters of electricity theft and/ or the illegal abstraction of electricity. The general public is further informed that the Team will soon start its inspection patrols, and that in the course of their inspection, anyone found wanting of illegally abstracting electricity will face the full force of the law. The Ministry continues to urge all to refrain from such acts and to help report cases that border on electricity theft at the nearest Police Station or to the Ministry of Energy. Press Release  9th May,2021 The Ministry of Energy wishes to inform the general public that the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC) in collaboration with Webuild( formally callledSalini), the O&M Contractor for the Operations and Maintenance of Bumbuna Hydroelectric Power Plant and Transmission Systems in continuation of the upgrade, will be installing three CTs at the Kingtom 161KV Substation in Freetown on Sunday 9th May, 2021 between the hours of 11:00AM to 4:00PM. The Ministry wants the general public to know that the objective of this upgrade is to improve on the reliability, coordination and protection systems at the Kingtom 161KV Substation. In view of the above, the Ministry together with its utility companies (EDSA and EGTC) wish to inform its valued customers that during this upgrade period as indicated above, some of the sources of generation will be shut down for safety reasons which will consequently lead to limited generation capacity. Therefore, EDSA will commence shedding of electricity to customers due to limited power available to enhance a successful completion of the ongoing upgrade. The general public is therefore assured that during this period, power would be distributed evenly to customers without fair or favor. The Ministry of Energy will continue exploring all avenues to ensuring that it fulfills statutory commitment to providing affordable and reliable electricity for every Sierra Leonean. C4C MPs Boycott Presidential Speech By FeimaSesay  The Coalition for Change commonly called (C4C)the third largest political party in parliament has boycotted the presidential speech, during the state opening of Parliament of the fourth session of the fifth parliament of the second Republic of Sierra Leone. At a snap press conference held at the precincts of Parliament, the dissatisfied MPs stated that the reason they boycotted the presidential speech was as a result of public disregard of their Chairman and Leader, by allowing someone else to sit on his allotted sit, rendering him to be without a sit. They said that their Chairman was officially invited by the leadership of Parliament to attend this year’s state opening of Parliament, but to their dismay, when the Chairman made a move to take his designated

The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE), together with Office of the President Infrastructural Initiative (OPII), has signed documents with Realini Bader Associates and Techsult & Co Ltd to commence the designs and feasibility study of the proposed University of Science and Technology in Kono. In his opening remarks, the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Prof. Alpha Tejan Wurie, started off by registering his commendation to President Bio for giving the Ministry an authority to start two technical universities, vis-à-vis Eastern Polytechnic and Milton Margai College of Education and Technology, in addition to the three public universities already in place, noting that the Kono University of Science and Technology marks the sixth. He mentioned that having a university has always been the dream for the people of Kono, expressing his satisfaction over the working progress leading to the project being a reality. He further registered his appreciation to Vice President of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Madam Finda Koroma, for pioneering access to the resources for not only the University of Science and Technology in Kono but also for the Cardiovascular Centre, which would be built under the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education. According to Prof. Wurie, the proposition is for the University to start access courses for Science and Technology in the first 12 months before going into certificate or diploma courses. The Vice President of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Madam Finda Koroma, expressed her delight seeing that the project is coming into fruition. She urged Kono people to take it seriously so as to become prominent people who can give back to society. Madam Koroma acknowledged Paramount Chief Sahr Kaimachendeh’s support to the project with 414 hectres of land pro-bono. She expressed her happiness to have worked with the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education throughout the process of operationalising the project. The Chairman of the Office of the President Infrastructural Initiative (OPII), Dr. John Tambi, mentioned his firm commitment to ensuring the implementation of the project, anticipating that much progress would have been made by the end of 2021, given their role as the implementing agency. The Chairman of Teaching Service Commission (TEC), Prof. Aliyageen Alghali, noted that government’s agreement to establish the University of Kono is something that TEC embraces wholeheartedly, registering his readiness to work hand in glove with other key stakeholders in ensuring that the proposed university is established within the limits of best international standards. He assured members of his willingness to provide accreditation for the University’s operationalisation through guidance of the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education. The signing ceremony attracted a host of dignitaries, notably Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to United Arab Emirates (UAE), Amb Rashid Sesay; Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr. Tamba Lamina; Members of Parliament and other very prominent figures. The UN Human Rights Council Assesses S/ Leone Status The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) has followed the review of the country’s human rights records at the 3rd Universal Periodic Review by the Human Rights Council (the Council) at the ongoing 38th review of States by the Council. HRCSL congratulates Sierra Leone as a State for the overwhelming commendations from other Member States of the Council for the tremendous progress Sierra  Leone has made in implementing recommendations from the last review of 2016 and for the effective handling of emerging human rights issues like the Covid-19 pandemic and its attendant state of emergency regulations/restrictions. HRCSL notes in particular commendations relating to the repeal of the criminal libel law hitherto contained in Part V of the Public Order Act of 1965, the introduction of the Free Quality School Education, the lifting of the ban allowing pregnant girls in school, the Hands-off Our Girls Campaign, the establishment of a Model Sexual Offences Court, amongst others. HRCSL notes that several recommendations have again been made by Member States including the need to increase budgetary support to the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone to enable it effectively perform its mandate, the need to make laws that fully protect women and girls, to criminalise FGM, to pass laws that protect human rights defenders, and to take steps to curtail the excesses of the Police, etc. While we await the full report/recommendations from today’s review, HRCSL stands ready to popularize the recommendations, monitor its implementation throughout, and engage in constructive advocacy for those recommendations to be fully integrated and implemented albeit progressively. The draft report/recommendations will be presented and adopted by the Human Rights Council. HRCSL commends the entire Sierra Leone team – from Geneva to Freetown for proper coordination and professional delivery of the material Samura Kamara Worships with Kambia Muslims on Eid -Al Fitr Dr. Samura Matthew Wilson Kamara joined Muslims at Gbomkomaria and Magbayma Chiefdoms, Kambia District to observe Eid – al Fitr prayers. Though a Christian, the leading APC flagbearer aspirant is well known for showing solidarity for his Muslim compatriots – something which has earned him the enviable reputation of a religious tolerance champion. Dr. Samura Kamara who is no stranger to Kambia District was well received by the Muslim community as well as APC supporters from the two chiefdoms who invariably endorsed his candidacy to lead the APC to the polls in 2023. In each of the two chiefdoms, traditional as well as religious leaders extolled the virtues of Dr Samura Kamara and recounted his numerous contributions to Sierra Leone through the positions he has held in the public service. In Mambolo Chiefdom, a local authority encouraged Dr Samura to remain steadfast in the pursuit of his dream to become President of Sierra Leone. Dr Samura Kamara also took time to engage the APC party faithful in Kambia during which he reaffirmed his commitment for a unified APC which will be ready for State House in 2023. LAPO SL Blazes the Trail for Micro Finance Business in S/Leone By Abdul Hassan Fackie n 2008, the Lift Above Poverty Organisation, (LAPO) Nigeria launched the company in

In recent days the scenes of people arduously waiting in long queues to confirm their registration in the national civil registration exercise was a common occurrence in schools and other designated centres. The event was initially slated to last for nine days but due to the overwhelming turnout of people in center, the national civil registration authority (NCRA) has thought it prudent and wise to extend the period for another one week. The aim of the extension period is to provide an opportunity for all and sundry to be captured in the national registration exercise. Below is the press release issued by NCRA in respect of the extension of the national civil registration exercise?                                             PRESS RELEASE The national civil registration authority has in a press statement dated on the 14 May, 2021 extended the National civil registration and confirmation in the western area which was started on the 6th may and ends on the 15th May 2021 In a press statement thought the exercise supposed to end on the 15 May 2021 but because the turn-out of the public is overwhelming thus dictating the demand to accommodate them beyond the scheduled date. The release continued that the NCRA being desirous to leave no one behind, in consultation with the Ministry of finance has decided to extend the exercise by seven (7) MORE DAYS i.e from the 15 to the 22nd May, 2021 for the western area region covering Urban and Rural District. The release encouraged the general public to make use of the extended period to present themselves at the designated centres to either confirm their personal information held with the authority or register if they have not yet done so. The statement furthered that in the main time confirmation and registration exercise that should commence in the north on the 22nd May2021 including details of schedules for the other regions will be announced shortly. The authority also wishes to encourage the public i.e children whether school going or not, adults, young, old etc to make use of this opportunity to confirm their personal information or registrar if they have not yet done so.  The press release says that the centers will be  opened from 8:00 through 6:00pm daily with roaming teams organized to support static centres and continue to count on the cooperation of the public including stakeholders to support the successful conduct of the confirmation and registration. COI JUDGE DIES Justice Rosolu John Bankole Thompson Ex- Judge Special Court and recently commissioner in the commissions of enquiry(COI) to investigate corruption in the previous APC government has passed away over the week end. He was the only Sierra Leonean judge who was appointed by president Bio to serve as a presiding judge in one of the commissions of enquiry, that was established to probe officials of the Koroma led government who are believed to have inflicted financial loss to the government and people of Sierra Leone. The circumstances that led to his imminent death is unclear but messages of condolence has been pouring in from Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad expressing sympathy to the family of the towering judge especially in the social media. He was David Brennan Endowed professor in comparative constitutional Law at Akron University in 1987. His achievements in the legal profession is widely recognized both domestically and internationally as a practicing lawyer and lecturer in different parts of the world and in his home country at the Law School Sierra Leone. Judge Thompson has authored several articles and books and his intellectual and academic contribution to the legal community both nationally and globally would be irreplaceably missed.  The date for his funeral announcement is yet to be announced and the public would be kept abreast in due course for the funeral arrangement and subsequent internment. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. VP Juldeh Engages Mange Bureh Indigenes The Hon. Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has engage stakeholders in Mangeh Bureh chiefdom and Maconteh. To the amazement of the Vice president, he was received in a tumulus manner which was a big surprise to him. The Vice president was received in pomp and pageantry in the usual Mangeh Bureh style of booboo dancing and cultural performances. He observed Juma prayers at the Masgid Rahman and later addressed people at the Barry before starting his usual stakeholders’ engagements. At the Barry meeting, the former Popular All Peoples Congress (APC) Honourable, Hassan Sheriff called on the people of Mangeh and Maconteh Chiefdoms to support the government and the VP whom he referred to as his younger brother. He used the occasion to outline the outstanding programs that the new direction government has undertaken and continue to undertake in both chiefdoms. In his statement, the VP reminded the people that Mange Bureh is the home of SLPP and they should all follow the footsteps of Kandeh Bureh and support the SLPP. He told the people that President Bio will visit Mange in the near future. The VP held meetings with several stakeholder groups including chiefs, Imams, teachers and youths. The VP will be in the north-west for the next two days. IPRP Investigates Procurement Irregularities At Prisons The Sierra Leone Correctional Services is on the spotlight for the wrong reasons, regarding allegations of procurement irregularities filed by one of the suppliers of diet to the Kabala Correctional Service. Below is the press release issued the Independent Procurement Review panel (IPRP) which is the body charged with the responsibility to review complaints or appeal from dissatisfied bidders, private contractors about decisions of the procuring entity in procurement process.                                      PRESS RELEASE IPRP INVESTIGATES ALLEGE IRREGULARITIES AGAINST SIERRA LEONE CORRECTIONALSERVICE The Independent Procurement Review Panel (IPRP) on the 5th of May 2021, received a complaint from FODZER ENTERPRISE(the appellant)against the Sierra Leone Correctional Service(Respondent)on allegations of alledged procurement irregularities bordering on supply of regular diet for the Kabala Correctional Service. The IPRP has opened a formal investigation with the said complaint and is expected to