Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday 14th October 2021 – President Dr Julius Maada Bio has told a gathering at the EXPO 2020 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, that Sierra Leone is a peaceful nation with the right climate for business. Delivering his keynote address on the occasion of Sierra Leone’s National Day at the EXPO, the President said that Sierra Leone was a stable and democratic nation that was heavily investing in people through universal access to quality education, food security, and accessible and affordable healthcare. He noted that his nation was open to investments in cross-cutting enablers like digital technology, infrastructure, and green energy access. “We have immense mineral resources as mapped out in our recent national geographical survey, vast expanse of arable land, oil and gas prospects, pristine beaches, islands, and coastal waters rich in fish and other marine resources. “We have established a firm reputation for good governance and fiscal discipline. Our macroeconomic fundamentals are strong, and we have worked on making the regulatory framework and investment space even more conducive for global capital flows,” he said. President Bio also said that the theme of the EXPO “Connecting minds, and creating the future,” undoubtedly offered a unique platform for countries around the world to showcase diversity and potential, to connect with business leaders and policy makers, attract investments, and discuss ways of fostering a brighter and sustainable future for all. He also commended the UAE leadership for its continuous support to Sierra Leone and many others, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. UAE Minister of Tolerance and Commissioner General of the EXPO, His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, said that they were honoured to have President Bio and his delegation to the EXPO, and expressed optimistism that the event would help improve the existing partnership and friendship between Sierra Leone and the UAE. He also commended the country’s commitment on free quality education, saying that that aligned with the vision of the UAE. ABOLITION OF THE DEATH PENALTY IN SIERRA LEONE: Dedicated to the late Ibrahim Bash-Taqi, Dr. Sorie Fornah, Francis Minah, Salami Coker, Major Kula Samba and Others. IBRAHIM BASH-TAQI (1934-1975) By Ahmed Sahid Nasralla (De Monk) He hailed from Matotoka in the Tenneh chiefdom, Tonkolili district, and started off as a teacher at the Bo School in Bo before taking up a job with the Mobil Oil Company at Kissy, Freetown. But he was soon sacked because of his political tendencies. Consequently, Ibrahim Bash-Taqi entered active politics by joining the All People’s Congress (APC) where a Union man named Siaka Probyn Stevens was already mobilizing. Bash-Taqi established a newspaper called ‘We Yone’ which he used to publicize his political ideas. Within weeks in the market, the newspaper generated a wide reading base. It was the period of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) in governance, under the leadership of Sir Albert Margai. Albert wanted to entrench a one-party system of governance in the country but ‘We Yone’ was out-rightly opposed to that. The paper was the vanguard in criticizing Sir Albert’s move, and in enlightening the public about the dangers of a one-party system of governance. Bash-Taqi and one of the paper’s chief contributors, Dr. Sarif Easmon, experienced calculated intimidation from Sir Albert’s regime, but the more attempts were made to suppress their work the more the newspaper’s popularity increased. Eventually ‘We Yone’ became very instrumental in the defeat of Sir Albert’s SLPP to the APC in the 1967 general elections. Unsurprisingly, when the APC assumed power under the leadership of Siaka Probyn Stevens, Bash-Taqi was appointed Minister of Information. But the victory was yet to come for Bash-Taqi because the new APC leader also began to bend towards a one-party system. However, Bash-Taqi was consistent in his dislike of the system and he wasted no time criticizing President Siaka Stevens for that. “This is a betrayal of the people’s trust. The one-party is undemocratic. It’s never in the interest of the people,” Bash-Taqi reportedly told Siaka Stevens. Consequently, Bash-Taqi fell out with Stevens and he (Taqi) was relieved of his ministerial portfolio. But in Parliament, representing his East I Constituency, Bash-Taqi was eloquently outspoken. He religiously continued his campaign against Stevens’ plan to go one-party. And this led to him being labelled an ‘enemy of the state’ by the President. Specially-assigned detectives trailed him around the country. His Briska 4-wheel van No. 1224 became the constant victim of harassment at checkpoints whenever he travelled upcountry. One day, President Siaka Stevens travelled out of the country leaving C.A. Kamara Taylor as acting Vice President. Dynamite exploded during the night at Kamara-Taylor’s residence at MQ 5 Spur Road, Freetown. The blast echoed across the capital city. Bash-Taqi was home with his family at his Mount Aureol residence in the East end of Freetown. He told his family that if the blast had anything to do with a coup, he would be the first to be arrested. “Because I am enemy of the state No.1,” he joked with his wife, Shahineh. So be it. The following morning Bash-Taqi was arrested and taken to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for interrogation. He never returned to his home again. It was “an attempted coup against the APC government” and Bash-Taqi, Dr Sorie Fornah and 13 others were implicated. When Siaka Stevens returned from abroad, he instituted a treason trial that was to be dubbed ‘Dr. Fornah and 14 others’. Marcus Cole was the presiding Judge. Within moments the trial had begun. The courtroom was like a theatre hall- everything was stage-managed. The witnesses were well-rehearsed. The trial ended as quickly as it had commenced. All the accused were found guilty of treason. But 15 people were too many to be condemned to the hangman’s noose. Stevens knew what the international implications would be. He also knew those he wanted, those who were a potential threat to his survival as ‘president for life’. So he formed a Mercy Committee, which subsequently recommended that six of the accused be

The Minister of Western Region, Madam Nabeela Tunis, has on Thursday 14th October, paid a courtesy visit to the Regional Minister of Greater Accra  Hon. Henry Quatey. The visit, according to Madam Tunis, is to bring herself into contact with the experience of her Ghanaian counterpart and aquatint herself with how to handle the novel ministry. Welcoming the minister, Hon. Henry Quatey encouraged Madam Tunis to be determined, focused and collaborate with the mayor in her region to ensure proper development coordination, making reference to the successes he has recorded as a result of his relationship with  mayors in his region. He noted that he is always in readiness to collaborate with the Minister Tunis to ensure stronger ties between both institutions. Speaking just after the meeting, Madam Tunis noted that the meeting was a success, especially when both agreed creating a platform to share experience and knowledge on technical issues surrounding their work. She noted that she is at edge because she will learn from the mistakes and take into account new ideas. She also pointed out that the system is different to Ghana’s, “One thing that is good in our own situation is that we have been given the liberty to build the ministry from scratch, so some of the challenges that they have been faced with will be dealt with from the get go”, she noted. Madam Tunis also pointed out that she and her team have started putting structures in place, including the setting up of a laision office in existing ministries, department and agencies who will be coordinating with them. She also said disclosed that more focus will be placed on collaboration, monitoring and evaluation of government programs rather than implementation. She furthered that they will be looking forward to developing a regional development plan that will be in line with the national development plan. Madam Nabeela Tunis was a key player in the development of the National Development when she was Minister of Planning and Economic development. She moved on to serve as Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation after her appointment by President Bio where she left an indelible foot print. Her handwork and dedication led to her appointment as minister of Western Region, a new ministry she is setting up from scratch. SLAJ Supports EU Beach Clean-up 2021 SLAJ members at the EU Clean-up 2020 event The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) will join the European Union in Sierra Leone (and partners) in the annual EU Beach Clean-up event on Saturday 16 October 2021 at 8:00am -11:00am at the Aberdeen Lumley Beach, Freetown. This is part of SLAJ’s contribution toward collective efforts to protect our environment and raise awareness for the protection of the ocean from plastic litter as the main drivers of the depletion of marine biodiversity and climate change issues. SLAJ President, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, says the media has a moral obligation to support worthy courses, and the environment is key. “The media plays a crucial role in raising awareness about climate change issues, mobilising action, tracking policy implementation and leading advocacy efforts towards the responsible treatment of the environment,” says Nasralla. SLAJ is also investing in the planting of trees through the FCC’s tree planting project #FreeTownTheTreeTown campaign.  Meanwhile, SLAJ is calling its members to volunteer by joining the National Executive at the Lumley beach on Saturday. Please put on your SLAJ Golden Jubilee T-shirt, cap, or the SLAJ visibility jacket. Let’s meet opposite Atlantic Lumley Hotel. And don’t forget your FACE MASK! UNIMAK Student Jailed For The Alleged Murder Of Her Colleague.  By Feima Sesay Elizabeth Mande Judith Kanu  second year Mass Com student of the University of Makeni was on Friday sent to remand for the alleged murder her colleague Sonia Mary Thomas. The accused made her second appearance before magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba Road court No 1 on One count of murder contrary to law. According to the particulars of offence, it was alleged that the accused Elizabeth Mande Judith Kanu on Monday 6 September 2021, at   UNIMAK Fatima Campus Hostel Makeni in the Bombali District Northern province murder Sonia Mary Thomas.                The prosecution witness No 1 Ramash Kamara led in evidence by  ASP Aminatu Daboh said she is  a second year student of the  University of Makeni.  She recognized the accused as a friend and colleague and the deceased Sonia Mary Thomas. The witness further recalled 6 September 2021, adding that on that day he was at the University Fatima  hostel. She said whiles at the hostel together with the accused and  few of other colleagues and the deceased at room 15 they requested for good from the deceased. She said the deceased then gave  them quaker oath and cornflour which they ate and that upon eating the food  she left with her friend Kainda leaving  the deceased together with the accused. ” But later whiles at the corridor, I heard the accused and the deceased arguing, my friend  Kainda Sesay  and I rush to them and ask what was the problem but they did not respond,  but later the deceased told us that she had told the accused to stop shouting at her place, in my presence the deceased  had want to hit the accused but we stopped her and ask her to forget about what had happen”, the witness explained.  In  further evidence said the accused was still shouting at the deceased that provoked her to hit the accused, but said she could not because she( deceased)  was breathing faster and she fainted, adding that they laid her on the bed and started faning her. The witness explained further that whiles she was attending to the deceased, her colleague went to called the Matron who came to the scene immediately and took  the deceased to the hospital together with Father Joe  Turay.  She said whiles they were about to go to the hospital, they were informed by father Joe Turay that the deceased had past away.  ” I was invited to

The National Director of World Vision Sierra Leone, Sagare Thaw; the Country Director of Marie Stopes, Daud Iqbal and Country Director of WeltHunger Hilfe, Marco Di Cecco, paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Francis Kai-Kai, at his Tower Hill office in Freetown. Eric Massally, the National Director for NGO Affairs, welcomed and presented the profiles of the Country Directors. He explained their impressive and versatile backgrounds and experiences in development cooperation, humanitarianism and administration. In his remark, Minister Kai-Kai thanked the Country Directors for their visit and for the important role their respective organizations play in complementing the effort of government, reiterating President Bio’s commitment in continuously recognizing the NGO community, as critical actors in the actualization of the New Direction Agenda in particular and Sierra Leone’s development in general. “This Government recognizes the invaluable role that NGOs play in promoting national development, we believe that both parties must work closely to ensure mutual trust, confidence and transparency within a strengthened partnership framework”, said Minister Kai-Kai, “we remain committed to providing the enabling environment for NGOs to operate and contribute to national development in a free, responsive, transparent and accountable manner”. The Minister explained the policy oversight that the Ministry provides to the operations of NGO activities, ensuring that they are effectively coordinated and monitored to increase performance, as recommended by the Development Cooperation Framework. The Country Directors, on their part thanked the Minister for the warm reception, noting that they were really looking forward to deepening the good working relationship between the Ministry and their organizations. They added that their organizations would continue to support the government with its development efforts, particularly in their various sectors of operation. President Bio Participates in Dubai Expo 2020 His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio has participated in the Dubai Expo2020, a global destination organised every five years for millions of people to share ideas, showcase innovation, encourage collaboration and celebrate human ingenuity. Speaking on Sierra Leone’s National Day at the EXPO, where people displayed cultural and traditional performances, Minister of State for Tolerance in the United Arab Emirates, UAE, His Excellency Sheik Nahyan Bin Mubarak AL-Nahyan, extended appreciation to President Julius Maada Bio, the First Lady Madam Fatima Bio, and the people of Sierra Leone for their huge and quality participation in the Expo Dubai 2020, adding that it would allow the country to display its unique and great culture and investment opportunities. He further noted that the relationship between the two countries had grown over the years to a greater height and was becoming stronger everyday, saying that that was why the UAE would continue to support Sierra Leone in areas of health, education, agriculture, and other important sectors. “Today, Sierra Leone is a strong trade partner with the UAE, and with this EXPO 2020, we hope to strengthen the relationship between the two countries for sustainable growth and development. We have immense mineral resources as mapped out in our recent national geophysical survey, vast expanses of arable land, oil and gas prospects, beaches, islands, and coastal waters rich in fish,” he said. In his remarks, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio thanked the leadership of the UAE and the organisers of the EXPO Dubai 2020 for the warm reception and hospitality accorded him and members of his delegation since they arrived. He said the UAE was a great and beautiful country that had been globally recognised as the beacon of tolerance, adding that that level of tolerance and commitment to global peace was worth commending. The President recalled that since her attainment of nationhood on 2nd December 1971, under the dynamic leadership of the founding father and President, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan, the UAE had also attained remarkable socio-economic advancement in such sectors as artificial intelligence, banking and finance, tourism and hospitality, infrastructure, space exploration and digitalisation. He said they had also been at the centre of global humanitarian actions. ”I wish to thank the leadership of the UAE for their continuous support to my country and many others, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. “EXPO Dubai 2020 undoubtedly offers a unique platform for countries around the world to showcase diversity and potential, to connect with business leaders and policy makers, attract investments, and discuss ways of fostering a brighter and sustainable future for all, urging greater partnership, dialogue, and collaboration among nations as the world tackled the adverse social and economic impacts of COVID-19, especially on our smaller African economies. “I call on the UAE leadership to lead a campaign on debt relief for smaller countries like Sierra Leone,” he urged. ACC SECURES CONVICTION AGAINST DANIEL KAPRI SERRY, MINES COMPLIANCE OFFICER OF THE NATIONAL MINERALS AGENCY The High Court of Sierra Leone Holden at Freetown, presided over by the HON. JUSTICE COSMOTINA JARRETT, has on Friday 15th October, 2021, convicted and sentenced DANIEL KAPRI SERRY, a Mines Compliance Officer of the National Minerals Agency (NMA), and of No. 6 Azzolini Highway, Makeni, to pay a fine of FIFTY MILLION LEONES (Le. 50,000,000.00) or SERVE FIVE (5) YEARS IMPRISONMENT, following his conviction on one count of corruption offence. The HON. JUSTICE COSMOTINA JARRETT convicted DANIEL KAPRI SERRY after he pleaded guilty to Count Three of the charges, Accepting an Advantage, contrary to Section 28 (2)(a) of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 12 of 2008 as amended by Act No. 9 of the 2019 Amendment Act. He was ordered to pay a fine of FIFTY MILLION LEONES on or before the 30th November, 2021, or serve a jail term of Five (5) Years. It could be recalled that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), on the 26th August, 2021, filed an indictment against DANIEL KAPRI SERRY on various corruption offences. According to the particulars of offence, DANIEL KAPRI SERRY, on diverse dates between 1st and 28th February 2021, peddled influence and accepted an advantage for himself in order to make use of his influence to obtain a benefit from a public body.