The Honourable Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has on Thursday 4th November 2021 officially declared Freetown Teachers’ College (FTC) and Government Technical Institute (GTI) as Freetown Polytechnic in a ceremony held at FTC Campus, Jui Junction, Freetown. VP Juldeh Jalloh stated that the transition was a vivid testimony of the new direction government to bolster the education sector. He noted that education was a vital component of President Bio’s human capital development vision to build a strong human resource of the state. VP explained that the human capital development vision of President Bio was the right path to sustainable development of the country. The 6th Berlin Science Week kicks off in Berlin – Germany By Uzman Unis Bah Berlin, Germany – 1 November 2021, the 6th Berlin Science Week commenced in Germany. A land of science superiority brings global science voices and global corporations in discussing the future of science evolution. The occasion provides for more than 200 events, including the voices of global scientists and science-driven industries. This platform shed insights into trending topics in science and endures to discuss grand challenges and envisions the future of scientific expansion. An opening press conference held on 20th October 2021 brought together the Governing Mayor of Berlin and the Social Science Research Center Berlin (WZB). The experts highlight the essence of the conference and the evolving role of science. Toby Wardman, the Head of Communications at the Science Advice for Policy by European Academies (SAPEA), recount their mandate. He said, “So the first mandate to give science advice, the second mandate to communicate with the world about that, or at least with European citizens.” SAPEA is part of the European Commissions scientific advice mechanism. According to Toby, the Falling Wall Science colloquium is essential for showcasing science work. The idea of science engagements seemed farfetched in 2015, he states. The inclusion of journalism in these gatherings supports the development of science communication. The Falling Wall Science summit is a unique engendering science discussion. Toby adds, “… if we want to be able to address the scientific issues that are facing society now, we need to have citizens involved in debating and understanding, contributing to those discussions.” The Mayor of Berlin and the Senator for Science and Research in Berlin, Michael Müller, joined other panelists at the opening conference in October to discuss the progression of science. Other panelists included: Jutta Allmendinger, President of the Social Science Research Center Berlin (WZB), Jürgen Mlynek, Coordinator Berlin Science Week, Falling Walls Foundation and Cigdem Issever, Academic Director, OX/BER Research Partnership. Berlin inspires – Sciencntists regard Berlin as a centre for innovation, a start-up hub, a place for science evolution to thrive and the sprouting of innovative ideas for the future. Berlin enables the exploration of new trends, an attractive spot for novel inventions to prosper. The Science Week will enable experts to debate and exchange experience in an open spirit. The event supports networking, which is a gismo that aids innovation and professionalism. The Felling Wall conference exhibits scientific facts and discoveries, exploiting the opportunity to stimulate collaboration amongst experts, the selected Berlin scientific institutions and the journalists in an integrated spirit in supporting science communication. The Berlin young scientists at Urania presented their work on 30th October 2021 at the “Tabula Rasa” science fair. Following on Sunday, 31st October, “Cosmic Kiss” live – the launch of ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer and his crew to the International Space Station ISS. The Programme of activities indicates that from 5–6 November, the events will hold at the “Berlin Science Week Campus” and from 7 – 9 November at the “Falling Walls Science Summit“ in Berlin.  Judiciary Holds Orientation for 121 Jurors    The Judiciary of Sierra Leone With support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), through the Judicial and Legal Training Institute (JLTI) has conducted one day orientation for one hundred and twenty-one (121) jurors. The jurors that were oriented came from Bo, Kenema, Kailahun, Pujehun, Moyamba and Mattru Jong. Explaining the origin and purposes of the jury system, one of the Supreme Court judges, Hon. Justice Alusine Sesay (JSC) said the jury system is an inherited legal system from the United Kingdom. He revealed that jurors are judges as well, but are judges of the facts, noting that their roles in the dispensation of criminal justice cannot be overemphasized. He said jurors should be upright in ensuring that  justice is dispensed without fear or favour. “Every accused person is required under  jury trial to be  tried by their peers and the principal role and purpose of  jurors is to deliver justice,” said Justice Alusine Sesay. Hon. Justice  Sesay said the abolishment of the death penalty posed threats to the jury system, reiterating that notwithstanding the threat, the jury system is still in the law books of Sierra Leone and also functional in other countries. He said criminal trial is very delicate, stressful and difficult as it involves the taking of one’s life and therefore processes and procedures should be effectively and accurately followed. He continued, “one of the processes is oath taking, after putting the charges to the accused, he will then take the plea, opening addresses, calling of witnesses, closing address by the prosecution.” The defence, he went on, “will present a no case submission, if it comes up, the judge has to rule as to whether there is a case or not, if there is a case, it will  move to closing remarks and summing up before verdict is passed by the jurors.” He told them to note that opening statement by the prosecution is not evidence but a means of introducing the case before them. Speaking on the empaneling of jurors, Hon. Justice Alusine Sesay said the 1991 Constitution makes provision for jurors to be above the  age of eighteen years. Apart from the age limit, he said someone who is not of sound mind should not be empaneled. He said the accused has the  right to reject anyone three times without being

The China Railway International Group (CRIG) has paid a sum of Le16, 300,000.00 as a compensation package to residents who got affected by stormy drainage water that flooded and destroyed their properties and homes  at Leicester road community in Freetown. The incident occurred on the 18th of October 2021which led to the destruction of properties worth millions of Leones when the company began the construction of 1.7 Kilometres road linking Leicester peak to Berry Street Freetown. China Railway International Group(CRIG) is one of the construction companies in Sierra Leone that has the potential in responding to humanitarian issues and other needy supports they provide to communities as part of their Cooperative Social Responsibility move. Aruna O. Kanu, Personnel Safety and Security Manager of CRIG said when the office received the complaints from the affected victims they wasted no time but to visit the scene and take an assessment of the destruction. He explained that after they finished the assessment report, they paid five affected people. He noted the overview of the road construction is a long term development project for the people of Sierra Leone especially the Leicester Peak, Leicester road and its environs will benefit greatly from such development. He continued that the company has been commenced to construct Six (6) roads in Central zone Freetown and currently they have just commissioned a road linking Murray town to Macaulay street.   One of the beneficiaries, Fatmata Mansaray, explained that even though the company had caused serious damages to their properties they appreciate the support given to them. She noted that the payment came at the right time especially at a time when they were expecting citing the fact that they were surprised because of the swift intervention by the company . George Conteh, another beneficiary said that they appreciated the effort made by the company by acting promptly to their concerns. “Even though the money which they pay us is not equivalent to what we requested for, we thank God it happened ” he said. Mr George continued that his estimated cost was over Six million Leones (6,000,000) but that he received over five million Leones (Le5,000, 000)      Sao Kamara, another resident said he had never got such a huge  amount  of money throughout his life thanking CRIG for such compensation. “it has taken some decades without sleeping on new foam but today I will utilized this money to get another brand new one” He said.    Bollore Supports Communities with School Materials Bertrand Kerguelen, General Manager making the distribution at the Moa Wharf Community By: Amara Kargbo Bollore Freetown Terminal, an international transport and logistics operator company has supported school materials to Sea Side and Moa Wharf communities, which worth Le, 250,415,225 million, which is its intended purpose of helping pupils in their academic pursuance, the event took place yesterday. Bertrand Kerguelen, General Manager of Bollore Freetown Terminal in his remarks said the school donation package includes 1,303 school bags, notebooks, pens, pencils, and other assorted items that will make the learning process very conducive, easy and help cushion the burden parents are going-through in acquiring school materials for their children. The company has been carrying out this support for three years across the above-mentioned communities, and assured them that the company will continue to support pupils through this architecture which in return will empower their human capacity. The Bollore management admonished pupils to desirously take care of the donated items. Manika Bangura, Community Chairperson Moa Wharf community, expressed appreciation to Bollore management for their exceptional capacity-driven assistance. He however mentioned that on several occasions, as they are living in a slum community, the company always ready to give them helping hands.  He continued that the company has magnanimously been rending such gestures to their pupils every year, which the community has equally received and utilizing the education items for the intended purpose. Madam Regiatu Fulla Conteh, Sea Side Community jointly applauded Bollore after she has received the items on behalf of the pupils, she added that the company has not only distributed school items but they had done a lot of things at the Sea  Side community.  “The donated school items have financially reduced our expenditures, and we cannot support our children’s education because, most of us are widows”, she said. SECURITY SECTORS SIGN MOU WITH SLAJ Some heads of the security institutions in Sierra Leone, represented by the Office of National Security (ONS), Sierra Leone Police (SLP), Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), National Fire Force (NFF) and Sierra Leone Correctional Services (SLCS) has held a roundtable dialogue with the leadership of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) at the ONS Conference Room, Tower Hill, Freetown. The meeting is to commemorate 2021 globally as the ‘’International Day to end Impunity for Crimes against Journalists”. In observance. A cardinal objective of the roundtable dialogue was to look at emerging issues that threaten the welfare of journalists, including the responsibility of the security sector in providing the conducive environment for the prevalence of law and order in Sierra Leone. It was recognized that the forging a formidable partnership between the security forces and journalists will not only cater for the welfare of journalists, but will also enable cohesion thereby contributing to national security and development. The President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalist (SLAJ) Mr. Ahmed Sahid Nasrallah, highlighted major security challenges facing journalists in the hands of security sector personnel, particularly during elections periods and major presidential functions. He stated that as an Association, he is appealing to the Government of Sierra Leone and the security sector to ensure the provision of a safe space where journalists will do their job without fear of intimidation. The SLAJ President further requested that there is a need for security sectors to teach journalists the various skills that are relevant in their line of duty. He ended that the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the security sectors and SLAJ will ensure the safety of journalists

 PPRC Chairman: A.M Bangura The Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC) has responded to the European Union Election Follow- up Mission on the implementation of the recommendations that would enhance the credibility, inclusiveness and transparency of Sierra Leone’s 2023 elections.  Below is the press statement. “The attention of the Political Parties Registration Commission (hereinafter called “the Commission”), is drawn to a portion of the Press Release, issued by The European Union Election Follow- up Mission, dated the 29th October 2021, that alludes to it and notes the following: 1. That the Mission did not disclose the source(s) of their information nor did they provide the data or evidence, that informed their conclusions on the Commission. Such disclosure would have not only tended to best practice, but also assisted the public, in their appreciation of the context of those information. 2. That the Commission with support from the Government, EU and other Partners, has made tremendous strides in the implementation of the recommendations of Elections Observer Missions, but that was not acknowledged in the Mission’s Release, even though the assessment of that, was the core mandate of their visit. 3. That the Mission did not accord the Commission, the opportunity to present its own side of the information given them, about its conduct. Although they had a one hour session with the leadership of the Commission, it was however, not privileged with the allegations that searched its public trust, with a view to availing it, the opportunity to respond. The Commission is therefore concerned that, the principle of natural justice, that requires the other Party to be heard, was not adhered to by the Mission”. “4. That the Note Verbal received by the Commission, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, on the purpose of the visit, did not indicate that, the Mission was also here on an institutional audit of POLITICAL PARTIES REGISTRATION COMMISSION OAU Drive, Tower Hill, Freetown, Sierra Leone Email: info@pprc.gov.sl Website: www.pprcs.gov.sl +232 76640437/ 78201770 2 the Commission, over and above, following up on the implementation of their recommendations. Otherwise, the Commission would have readily obliged them, with evidence of how much it has done, to maintain a balance, in its dealings with Political Parties, under a very challenging Political climate, which apparently the Mission did not have recourse to. 5. The Commission is apprehensive that, the Statements in the Release that relate to it, (even if made bonafide), may be deliberately taken out of context and unduly used to engender public disaffection for the Commission and undermine the public confidence we are assiduously working to achieve, again under very difficult circumstances and again, which circumstances did not seem to interest the Mission. The Mission I suppose is not oblivious of the fact that, detractors abound, that would peddle misconceptions of their Statements, in terms of context and spirit and freeload from those misconceptions, in furtherance of their personal Political interests. We are fearful that, Statements like these, from a key development partner, could be vexatiously used by sore losers, on all sides of the political divide, to dispute the outcome of the 2023 elections, in any event. This is frightening to a nascent and fragile democracy like ours and exposes us, elections management bodies personnel, to undue preconceived hostility. 6. Finally, the Commission wishes to state that, although what the Mission was following- up on are recommendations, we continue to look forward to mutually respectful engagements with the EU and other Partners, on their implementation”. After spending hours at the ACC… Samura Kamara Released The Sierra Leone main opposition aspirant for the 2018 general election Dr. Samura Kamara spent some hours at the Anti-corruption Commission headquarters in Freetown. This occurred after the ACC invited him at its headquarters to assist the commission on corruption allegations relating to the refurbishment/reconstruction of the chancery building of the Sierra Leone Permanent Mission to the UN in New York Leading to this, party supporters and other party hierarchy stormed the building of the ACC head office in Freetown. Before that, lawyers of the main opposition party, Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara wrote the ACC that “our client’s innocence is without question solid and unimpeachable”   See statement below  “We continue to act as Solicitors for Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara with respect to his engagement with the Anti-Corruption Commission ACC). Our client was requested by the ACC to assist it, as per their Section 56 Notice dated 30th July 2021, with any information he may be acquainted with relating to the refurbishment/reconstruction of the chancery building of the Sierra Leone Permanent Mission to the UN in New York’’. “Having attended to this call on three different occasions between 1st July 2021 and 5th October 2021, our client has again received another invite to attend the ACC by way of Section 56 Notice dated 27th October 2021. After reviewing the contents of the said section 56 Notice, we are on the opinion that the emphasis on the subject matter of the said notice raises new legal issues that were not covered by the previous Section 56 Notice’’. “In view of the above, we have advised and encouraged our client to honour the ACC invitation which is consistent with his commitment to the fight against corruption, and his unwavering adherence to the values of fairness and justice, more so, in the functioning of State institutions. Our client is of the firm belief that independent State institutions must not be used mala fide. Insofar as the current investigation and others are concerned, our client’s innocence 1s without question solid and unimpeachable. We therefore call on his supporters and well-wishers to continue to be calm and be assured that our client who has served the State with honour and integrity will be vindicated in the end. Our client will be accompanied by his team of lawyers when a firm appointment is reached with the ACC”.

A true son of mambolo Chiefdom in the Kambia District,  Dr ALIMAMY PHILIP KOROMA fondly known as ”PETITO” lays claim to Koya Chiefdom in the Port Loko District where is father was born and Lunsar Town, again in Port Loko District, where he spent part of his early adult life and built is first house after he started his Family. He married in Lunsar and had three Children there. Married to ”Late Rev. Madam LINDA PETITO KOROMA, herself was a veritable woman of substance and Education”, they both started life as teachers. He moved into third sector employment at the  COUNCIL OF CHURCHES IN SIERRA LEONE. (CCSL) He spent a good part of his life at CCSL, where he rose from the position of  DEVELOPMENT OFFICER  TO SECRETARY GENERAL and in the interim, went across the Country supervising food distribution and welfare support to war victims and victims of internal displacement as a result of the 11years civil war that engulfed this Country. In the throes of the war. He was known to have done a lot of good to so many people across the country and most those who still remember him as PETITO BULGUR famed of his fairness in ensuring that all who came to his doorstep were given adequate food and other welfare support to relive them from the rigrours of the war. A committed Christian and father of three, Dr AP KOROMA has spent his entre political career in the APC serving the party  in various Position as Chairman of APC Kambia district. He was instrumental in  recontracting the party in the heady days of Political renaissance with a proliferation of political parties but he stood by the APC party and worked with * Former president Koroma and others as they rebuilt the APC and talking their cue from its traditional grassroots organs. Dr AP KOROMA is known widely as a grassroots Politician not only for his astuteness but also for his closeness, empathy, care and compassion for the ordinary in the party and the country. He can work as well with the well educated in much the same way he does with the ordinary people. For him poverty is not a barrier and has done more to help educate the children of the poor people everywhere. He career and experience thus far as put him at the  enviable position as front runner in the leadership race to succeed  former president koroma. Hon. Yumkella arrives in Glasgow, Scotland for COP-26 Conference Hon. Kandeh Yumkella, Member of Parliament representing Samu Chiefdom in Kambia District, Sierra Leone, has arrived in Glasgow, Scotland, for the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties, (COP26). The High-Level event hosted by the United Kingdom in partnership with Italy brings together governments, international organizations, civil society, private sector among others to unite the global community in tackling climate change. COP26, the biggest climate related conference on earth is the product of negotiations held in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where nations agreed to “stabilize green house gas concentrations in the atmosphere” to prevent dangerous human activities on our climate. Today, the treaty has garnered over 190 signatories. Aside from bilateral meetings with his numerous partners, Hon. Yumkella has a packed schedule. He is slated to keynote a series of events during his stay and moderate a few sessions where he is expected to set the tone on issues of energy access, clean cooking, gender and women’s empowerment, climate and the role of governments to inspire action. As co-chair of the Africa – Europe Foundation Strategy Group on Energy, Hon. Yumkella will lead discussions on reinforcing the Africa-Europe Energy Partnership and Reinforcing the Africa Europe Climate Alliance: Looking ahead from COP26 to COP27.  Moreover, at the University of Loughborough (MECS) event, he will help shape discussions on the “Opportunities to shift towards Low-Carbon Cooking” as well as at the Clean Cooking Alliance’s event on “Empowering Governments to lead Clean Cooking Transitions”. In addition, Yumkella will also moderate the African Union (AU) event on “Opportunities and Challenges for the African Energy Transition: What will it take Africa to reach net-zero emissions” and the EU -African Business Roundtable, where he will speak about “Scaling Up International Partnerships for Africa’s transition on the Clean Development Drive”. Continuing his engagements, he will also speak at the Launch of the Sustainable Transitions: Energy, Environment and Resilience at Strathclyde University and at the ENERGIA/UNIDO event on Enhancing Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment to accelerate a just, inclusive and climate resilient energy transition including events organized by the Rocky Mountain Institute where he is a board member. From Scotland, Hon. Yumkella will proceed to London where he will meet and greet members of the National Grand Coalition from the United Kingdom and Ireland Chapter and interested Sierra Leoneans at a Town Hall forum. He will then travel to Paris on the invitation of the Nigerian International Partnership Summit where he is the lead speaker on “Africa’s Economic Outlook: Moving Africa from the Margins to the Mainstream of the Global economy – Nigeria’s Pivotal Role”, before returning home. NaCSA Deploys Forty-three Payment Teams across Five Districts The National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) has deployed forty-three (43) payment teams across five districts. The essence of the deployment is to ensure speed and accuracy in payments and maintain the highest level of community participation, accountability and transparency. Each payment team comprises representatives from NaCSA, the Anti-Corruption Commission and Rokel Commercial Bank. Though with individual functions, the team worked collaboratively towards achieving the same objective; disbursement of unconditional cash to extremely poor targeted and enrolled Sierra Leoneans. NaCSA takes the lead in ensuring that all administrative and other related matters necessary for an efficient payment are in place. The ACC has District and Community Monitors; these Monitors ensure that payment is in line with established protocols and keep records of grievances while responding to corruption related matters. Rokel Commercial Bank is the Payment Service Provider, it functions

By Paul Kargbo The Sierra Leone Stroke Victims Organization has called on the Government of Sierra Leone to come to their Aid. as they need serious attention because they are helpless. The organisation briefed journalists last Friday at the Ministry of Social Welfare, New England Ville, Freetown on the challenges they face on a daily basis.  Mr. Alex Jongo Alie , who is the Chairman of the Organization said, in celebrating this year’s world stroke day, the country needs to recognizes them as  key partners in development and the need for their concerns to be addressed . He said they had been very venerable as a physically challenged group since their voice had never been heard by  Government and key development partners in Sierra Leone. He noted that  they have been helpless victims in the country, and  they should not be treated like any good citizens . , “ I cannot tell the real cause of stroke, but what I can assure you is that the sick is caused by stress, and anyone discovered with this type of sickness that individual becomes a baby where In he or she needs to be taken care of because the inner organs becomes weak and he cannot do anything without people assisting the individual” said the chairman. He thanked the Government for opening an account for them at the Rokel Commercial Bank of Sierra Leone.  One of the members of the organisation, Charilaos S.M Koroma who is the Chairman for the House of Jesus for the Disabled appealed for Government to provide them with medical equipment and other support especially ones that will aid them to do physical exercises.  He also called on people to desist from the habit of keeping those suffering from stroke at home rather they should them to move out to easy their stress. ‘’when we are close to each other, we  are happy together ‘’. He stressed. Parliamentary Female Caucus meets with female police personnel  By Anthony Vandy A cross-section of the Sierra Leone Parliamentary Female caucus has met with the female police officers in Bo. AIG Aiah Edward Samadia Regional Police Commander South thanks and welcome all percipients. The commander assured them that as a regional officer he will make sure that their safety throughout the engagement is rest assured. Honourable Veronica Kadie Sesay, President of Sierra Leone’s female Parliamentary caucus, informed people about a United Nations Resolution advocating for female empowerment in peace, security, and good governance. She also underlined the importance of having 30% of women in leadership and other important command roles in the Police Department. She cited Rwanda and Kenya, two countries they visited, as examples of countries with higher female representation in leadership positions. She pleaded with AIG Aiah Edward Samadia to express their concerns to IGP Sovula about the lack of women in the ranks and ranks of the SLP in terms of recruitment, promotion, training, and leadership roles. The Honourable Rose Marie Bangura complimented AIG and the female police officers for a “great reception and good interaction,” as she put it. “She closed by stating,” that “We’ll go to Gondama Military Barracks to engage female military people in an attempt to spread the same themes. She went on to say that all comments and concerns voiced by female police officers were taken into account and that required procedures were taken”. With reference to his Deputy Regional Police Commander South CSP Mabel Fallah, AIG commended the female Parliamentary caucus for their initiatives and informed the delegation that the SLP considers female empowerment and capacity building as a foundational principle in the SLP’s Strategic Development Plan. AIG Samadia closed by assuring the delegation that the SLP will always respect women and place them in positions of strategic leadership Day Two Update on the AU High Level Retreat The African Union (AU) 12th High Level Retreat on the Promotion of Peace, Security and Stability in Africa, has continued Tuesday 2nd November, 2021 at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi, Kenya. The dialogue revolves around the theme: “Lessons learned on Mediation in Conflict Contexts” There’s clear consensus on the need for harmonisation and more effective collaboration in the various mediation efforts. Critically, the participants also demonstrate an increasing appreciation for Africa to rise up to its challenges and be in charge of its destiny. At the same time, there has been considerable emphasis on conflict prevention, now dubbed ‘Preventive Diplomacy’. President Ernest Bai Koroma, who recently in Zambia led one of AU’s most successful preventive diplomacy efforts said, “Just because the guns are silent doesn’t mean there’s peace. We have to address the issues of good governance, human rights and economic development.” Sierra Leone’s statesman further underscored that, “this requires us to take a hard look inward, identify the weaknesses and act swiftly and strongly.” On the international stage, president Ernest Bai Koroma emphasized that, “Africa must speak with one voice on the African agenda and do more to be in charge of our affairs.” FEMALE CAUCUS ASSESSES GENDER ISSUES IN POLICE, MILITARY AND THE COUNCILS The Parliamentary Female Caucus, chaired by Hon. Veronica K. Sesay has on Saturday 30/10/2021 concluded a three-day oversight aimed at assessing and promoting gender mainstreaming in the police and military forces in the country. The oversight is largely dependent on the theme: monitoring the implementation of Sierra Leone 2019 action plan 2  relating to resolution 1325 and 1820 on women, peace and security. Col. Mohamed S. Fofanah, Director of Gender welcomed female MPs at Defence Headquarters and spoke about the establishment of the Gender Directorate of the military in 2019. He also said that there was massive recruitment of female officers, whose current strength in RSLAF stands at 12%, and close to 28% in peacekeeping mission. However, he said gender mainstreaming remains a challenge at the military due to discriminatory promotion, capacity building and a lot of female officers have given birth. He said that female officers are not part of decision making and lack of funds was

Shuman hospital would like to make a statement in light of the recent allegations concerning the death of Frederica Ifeoma Oruche, may her soul rest in peace As a hospital built by and for the community of Sierra Leone for over 10 years, with a reputation that precedes itself as being one of the best in the country, Shuman hospital always went above and beyond to serve its patients With high technical, and medical care! we have over 70 surgeries a month that take place in our facilities with very high success rate when the cases are dependent on our professional medical care team and service. As a matter of fact, during the Corona virus (COVID- 19) worldwide pandemic, shuman Hospital did its best to stand for the community, kept its doors open ( safely ) and ensured respiratory machines that were in scarcity at the peak of the pandemic, were available for our patients in desperate need of them. We have a track record regarding the continuous effort and professionalism towards our patients. That said, the incident that occurred recently followed by the allegations against the hospital and one of our Doctors, comes to us a shock! The hospital and our staff condemn any actions of violence toward our patients or any human. We have all the trust that the hospital did its best to help the deceased, and as far as her condition is concerned, there were no signs of neck fracture, and any severe physical assault from the time she entered our facilities until she was deceased and left the premises of Shuman Hospital. We are working with the police investigations and providing them with all the medical reports needed to understand why said allegations were made! Frederica Ifeoma Oruche was admitted to Shuman Hospital to have Turbinectomy Surgery which Occurs in the nose and if not attended to, can complicate breathing. She went to the surgery room on the 18th October 2021 at 12 pm, and during the operation it was noticed that she has congenital malformation in the nasal area, leading it to be a very complicated surgery due to the internal bleeding. Our doctors tried their best to resuscitate her and she successfully woke up until a sudden change that happened to her condition and oxygen was no longer reaching her respiratory system. Alter 3 hours of intense surgery, the cause of death was Pulmonary Embolism, caused by the blockage of the Pulmonary arteries that facilitate blood going to the lungs. This is a very critical medical condition that leads to 90% of death of patients with said condition. We are a hospital that prides itself in its intense care for its patients! We are and will always be working to serve our community and please rest assured we are working our best to ensure we get to the bottom of said allegations and send our deepest condolences to the Oruche family. olar energy and also Foday Conteh presented on the B2B products NATCOM Supports Well Woman Clinic Breast Cancer Campaign By Feima Sesay                       The National Telecommunications Company (NATCOM) has on Saturday 30th October, 2021 Participated  in the  WELL WOMAN CLINIC fun walk 2021. The fun walk commenced from  Gulf Club  to  Family Kingdom  Roundabout  and back. Breast Cancer or well woman clinic was founded in 2006 to deliver innovative, affordable One-step health care service to women, especially the underprivileged. NATCOM and other organisations participation in this year’s event is  to  help increase Awareness  raising on breast cancer and how it can be  prevented . The campaign also focuses on to help people about early detection of breast cancer and how it can be treated. Over the years, NATCOM has demonstrated care and support for the well-being of its employees as breast cancer Awareness is key to the Commission’s programs. It is on that note that the Well Woman Clinic or Breast Cancers Awareness in collaboration with NATCOM have joined in a family fun Awareness walk for all employees and Commissioners in a bid to  support this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness month. This event will help the Well Woman Clinic to raise enough funds which will be utilized to provide services ranging from; general health, Breast and cervical screening, awareness and advocacy, affordable ultrasound screening of pregnant women, screening for diabetes,  STIs, hypertension and obesity. Furthermore, these funds will help support the current well woman clinic work including maintenance work. CRIG Compensates Over Le16M. to hill top Residents   The China Railway Seventh Group (CRIG) has  paid a compensation package in the sum amount of (Le16, 300,000) to residents who were affected by stormy drainage waters that flooded and destroyed their properties and homes  at Leicester road community in Freetown.. This incident occurred on the 18th October, 2021 that led to the destruction properties worth millions of Leones when the company began the construction of the 1.7 Kilometres road linking Leicester peak on to Berry Street Freetown . China’s Seventh Group Railway (CRIG) is one of the construction companies in Sierra Leone that has the potential in responding to humanitarian issues and other needy support they provide for communities as part of their cooperate social responsibility move. Mr Aruna O. Kanu, Personnel, Safety and Security manager of CRIG said when his office received the complaints from the affected people they wasted no time but to visit the scene and took assessment of the destruction. He explained that after they finished the assessment report , they paid five affected people; adding that the company is always ready to pay damaged at any pointing time when such incident occurs. He said the move by the company is a long term development project for the people of Sierra Leone especially the Leicester peak, Gluster, Leicester road and the environs who will be benefit greatly from such development. He explained that the company has been awarded contract to construct eight (8) roads in Sierra Leone and currently they have just commissioned a road linking Murray town to

See Eu press statement below: The purpose of EU Election Follow-up Mission is to undertake a technical assessment of the state of implementation of the 29 recommendations made by the EU Election Observation Mission back in 2018. The implementation of these recommendations would enhance the credibility, inclusiveness and transparency of Sierra Leones 2023 elections. Out of 29 recommendations put forward in 2018, 9 entail constitutional amendments though none of them would need a referendum for entrenched provisions. 21 require legal reform, whereas the remaining could be addressed through administrative policies. The need to reactivate the Constitutional review process remains. Timely disclosure of the White Paper is a precondition for an effective, transparent and accountable process and for re-engaging all stakeholders. There is a clear consensus on many issues including that there should be a fixed date for future elections. Now the task is to turn the discussion into law in time for the elections in 2023. The Mission has been told that there is a significant decrease in trust in the essential bodies which play integral roles in the forthcoming elections. These include the judiciary, NEC, PPRC and the police. The Mission findings are that these institutions reputations are less trusted than is needed. But further, our assessment is that there are real grounds for concern in the ways in which these bodies have administered recent bye-elections. There are surely some lessons to be learned from the management of the last bye-election, which can be trialed in future bye-elections. The Election Follow-up Mission encourages the National Electoral Commission to engage with all electoral stakeholders to address those issues to restore confidence in the Electoral Management Bodies and strengthen both, the transparency and integrity of the electoral process. In our assessment, the government has a role in providing both sufficient and timely funding-but equally importantly the political space- for these institutions to demonstrate their neutrality and independence which are absolutely essential for elections being recognised as credible by citizens and observers. The government has committed to the creation of a National Election Sustainable Trust fund account- which if fully implemented would address one of the recommendations. So far, the details of this have not been communicated to the NEC and other bodies. If an election is declared void, according to section 146.4 of the Public Election Act, another election shall be held. The 2019 High Court decisions to declare the runner up elected in 10 constituencies, eroded confidence in the neutrality Judiciary. Unequivocal respect for the rule of law in election petitions is needed to ensure confidence in the electoral process. In addition, the delivery of timely effective resolution of electoral cases, in line with the deadlines Justice delayed is justice denied; the same applies to democracy. The Mid-Term Census is unprecedented; the stated reason for it is highly contested. The use of an optional census to provide data which might be used to change electoral boundaries shortly before an election is not conducive to the political atmosphere or good electoral practice.  The Mission repeats its recommendation that the voter register should be automatically produced from the civil register, which would save money and time. The Mission has not seen evidence that sufficient progress has been made on this important issue. The Mission welcomes that a Bill was formally introduced in Parliament this month that has the stated aim of increasing women’s participation in public and political life. However, the consultation process in preparing the draft was lacking. The Mission shares the hopes of many in Sierra Leone that a meaningful consultation process and clear re-drafting of the Bill will, in combination with political parties own internal policies result in at least 30% of MPs being women in 2023. There have also been improvements regarding the Independent Media Commission. By modifying the appointment procedures for board members, who are no longer appointed by the President, another EU recommendation has been partially implemented. We furthermore acknowledge the achievement of decriminalising libel as a vital step ensuring and strengthening freedom of expression in Sierra Leone. This amendment of the Public Order Act addresses fully a recommendation made in 2018. While there remain several issues of concern; there is still time remaining to address many of these issues. The Mission recommends that the powers in the Constitution be exercised with restraint and in the spirit of democratic compromise, not winner takes all. What  Bio said in Glasgow…!! 20 ‘determined Green’ Points The President of the republic of Sierra Leone Rtd Brig. J. Bio has spoken at the 26th conference of parties of the United Nations Framework Conventions on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Glasgow, United Kingdom. See statement below  1. Let me, at the outset, thank Italy and the United Kingdom for convening the global community and mobilising concerted and collective global efforts to discuss and act on the single universal existential threat of our time – climate change. 2. Sierra Leone has one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world: inland wetlands and forests across 4 main relief regions, about 15,000 plant species, the most diverse fish stocks along the west coast of Africa, and 761 species of mammals and birds. 3. But we are highly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, rapid biodiversity and tree cover loss, and the attendant threats to human habitat, health, food, and water security. As a consequence, other fall-outs like poverty, gender disparities, and youth unemployment are intensifying especially in the COVID-19 era. 4. We are doing the very best we can in the circumstances. We are fully committed to all international agreements and actions to develop a climate resilient future. We have established a stand-alone Ministry of the Environment and recently reviewed and updated our Nationally Determined Contribution, National Climate Change Policy, and National Climate Change Strategy and Action Plans. We have identified environmental pressure points and we are implementing coherent mitigation and adaption strategies. 5. Within our limited resources, we have underscored climate change actions in national development planning and budgeting processes