Newly appointed Solicitor Robert B. Kowa Following recommendation from the Judicial and Legal Service Commission (JLSC), the President His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio has today appointed Lawyer Robert Baoma Kowa as the Country’s Solicitor General. JLSC is chaired by the Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards, and five other members as provided for by Section 140 (1) of the Sierra Leone 1991 Constitution. The newly appointed Solicitor General obtained his University education at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone in 2001 where he first graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English. In his quest to become a razor-sharp litigator, he enrolled to study Law. In 2003, he graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) with Honours. In 2004, he was certified by the Council of Legal Education, Sierra Leone Law School with a Degree of Utter Barrister after his excellent performance in his Bar final examination. On 8th October, 2004 he was called to the Sierra Leone Bar. In July, 2018 the new Solicitor General was admitted as Commissioner for Oaths and Notary Public.  His insatiable desire for quality education compelled him to enrol for his Masters in Law (LLM) at the Salford University in Manchester in United Kingdom, where he graduated in July, 2020. Robert B. Kowa Esq is currently a PhD student. As a multifaceted Sierra Leonean, R.B Kowa Esq has won many awards including the ‘100 Most Outstanding Sierra Leonean 2019-2021;’National Professional Award for Outstanding Leadership in 2021; 2019 award from the Office of the Administrator and Registrar General on presentation of Registrable Instrument and Bar Association 2021 recognition award for dedication and selfless service. He has over 17 years’ experience in legal practice and was former Chairman Income Tax Board of Appellate Commission. He was Commissioner, Law Reform Commission and Non-Executive Chairman of Corporate Affairs Commission.  He was President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association. S/Leone Tourism Minister Woos Spain Royal Family In Fitur in Madrid, Spain where the 2022 International Tourism Trade Fair is underway since 19-23 January, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt graciously met the Spanish royal family, King Felipe VI and Queen Kerizia. Madam Pratt was among dozens of Tourism Ministers from across the globe that attended the prestigious meeting with the Spanish King and Queen aimed at creating durable social networks amongst touristic countries, with Spain being a leading international tourist destination. Fitur is a global meeting point for tourism professionals and the leading international tourism trade fair. The focus of the fair, where Sierra Leone has  a unique cultural booth, is on Sustainable Tourism Development; taking full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities. Along that line, Madam Pratt met with colleague ministers from across the world, dozens of tourism partners and the media from different countries as she showcases the unique tourist experience that Sierra Leone has to offer to an international market. Madam Pratt has also met with officials of the United Nations World Tourism Organization, a specialized organ tasked with the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. UNWTO dedicates itself to meeting the specific needs of member states and supports them in their efforts to develop and promote the tourism industry as an engine for socioeconomic growth and poverty alleviation through the creation of employment. With tourism expected to grow in the coming years, Madam Pratt also met with top airline operators including the British Airways General Manager in Madrid, Juan Carlos Alvarez Flores. Also, the General Manager of the National Tourist Board (NTB) madam Fatmata Carew held fruitful discussion with key tourism stakeholders at the Trade Fair and assured them that Sierra Leone has the platform for safe investment into Eco Tourism and hospitality. “You all are welcome to our beautiful country Sierra Leone and we are ready to receive you all at any time in our country” Madam Fatmata Carew noted. Contraband Bitter Kola Flooding Sierra Leone After thorough findings or Investigations on which entity is involved in the production of the best Bitter Kola and that of the fake one which many believe to be unfit for human consumption, this medium discovered that there are about three companies engaged in the production of Bitter Kola alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in the country including Kadco SL Limited at Murray Town, Shankerdas and Sons at Ferry Junction and Selina Enterprises at Carlton Carew Road in Freetown. Our investigation revealed that Kadco SL Limited were the first to register the Bitter Kola brand product with the office of Registrar General at Roxy Building, followed by Shankerdas and Sons who spelt their own product like this “Beeta Kola, while Selina Enterprises spelt it own product this way “Dragon Bitter Kola”. Investigation revealed that Kadco SL Limited started the production of Bitter Kola brand in Sierra Leone 2000. Speaking to a cross section of Journalists, the Public Relations Officer for Selina Enterprises, Mr. Dakwa intimated press men that their own product is different to that of Shankerdas and Sons Beeta Kola because he said, it begins with the word “Dragon Bitter Kola” with different label or logo. Mr. Dakwa was asked by the Investigating Journalists to tender business registration certificate and other relevant documents to prove and believe in the authenticity of the existence of Selina Enterprises, a request Mr. Dakwa had agreed to honor or address in the next meeting. According to further investigation, the management of Selina Enterprises had lots of questions to answer with regards the alleged boycott of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), failure to pay subscription fees for workers to NASSIT scheme and under payment of vulnerable staff. In that regards, the vulnerable consumers across the country are calling on the swift intervention of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Committee on Trade in Parliament, Sierra Leone Standards Bureau, Consumers Protection Agency and Civil Society Organizations to investigate activities of companies involved in the

A Military Office RSLAF CPL 18177706 Conteh A.D attached 11th  Infantry Battalion in Kambia allegedly shot  and killed one Marie Bangura of Ansumana street Kambia- 2 after a short argument on the same address. The victim Marie Bangura was a Land Lady residing at the same address with the Military man who was on rentage together with his wife Kadiatu. This incident happened following a brief argument emanating from monetary transaction between the perpetrator and his wife in which the victim was trying to advise them not to further the argument. He became aggravated and started accusing the victim of interfering in his family matters and that he will shoot and kill her if she continued to advise him. With those words he went in and collected his weapon and discharged four (4) shots of which two (2) hit the victim on the head and eventually died. That military officer was said to have been attached to a prominent Government Official and is currently on the run with the gun and 26 rounds of ammunition.  New AG and Solicitor-General Take Oath   The New Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mohamed Lamin Tarawalley Esq. and the new Solicitor-General, Robert Baoma Kowa Esq. have subscribed to the oath of office before His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio during a short ceremony. Section 57 of the Constitution of Sierra Leone provides for both public officers to make a public commitment to the duties, responsibilities and obligations associated with holding public office. Speaking on behalf of his colleague, Lawyer Tarawalley said he was happy and inspired by the confidence bestowed upon him by President Bio to serve in such a distinguished position, adding that he had accepted the appointment as the thirteenth Attorney-General and Minister of Justice of Sierra Leone. He assured that he was standing on a solid rock of determination and an unmatched optimism in the discharge of his duties, saying that he would do his upmost best to justify his appointment by holding the ideals of honour and integrity of the office. “Together with senior colleagues and working staff at the office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, we shall be committed to delivering justice across Sierra Leone, upholding the rule of law and protection of citizens’ human rights,” he concluded. In a brief statement, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio congratulated the new Minister and Solicitor-General, noting that the task ahead was enormous and difficult but was also pivotal to government’s day-to-day running of the state. “Good governance and supremacy of the law is important, and we want to operate within the confines of the law. I look up to you to advice government and myself as we run the affairs of the state. I Congratulate you both as I expect the best legal advice from you and your team. You can always rely on me, not for legal advice but political advice,” he concluded. =COMMENTARY= BLACKOUT CONTINUES TO BE A CHALLENGE IN LUNGI By Kadijatu Hayles in Lungi. The Ministry of Energy has ensured that Bo, Kenema, Freetown and Makeni and other Chiefdom Towns are enjoying reliable electricity. But the Residents of Lungi in the Kaffubullom Chiefdom, Port Loko districts are struggling to get sustainable electricity. AIM Network in an interview with some residents in the Lungi township said since January 4, 2022  there is no electricity from Electricity Distribution Supply Authority (EDSA). According to some business people this medium spoke to said that this frequent blackout is causing serious problem to them as they’re running generators and doing business at a lost. The people are therefore calling on government to pay attention to Lungi township to ensure residents in that part of the country enjoy electricity. Kaffubullom is one of the fastest growing Chiefdoms in the district in Portloko and it is hosting the only international airport in the Sierra Leone. New Minister II for MBSSE By Newman Anthony Levey  The parliament of Sierra Leone on Thursday 20 January 2022 approved Md. Mamusu Massaquoi as Deputy Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary School Education (MBSSE) II. It will be recalled that Md. Mamusu Massaquoi was recently appointed by President Julius Maada Bio as Minister II in the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education during a cabinet reshuffle. Announcing the appointees of President Bio, Acting Leader and Head of Government Business, Hon. Bashiru Sidikie said all the appointees were interviewed. He said they all have very good experience and wish them well in their new role. Leader for C4C in parliament, Hon. Emerson Lamina said the way Md. Mamusu Massaquoi answered questions during the interview was proof to the Appointment Committee that she was capable and fit to serve as Deputy Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary school Education. Hon. Quinto, an Independent MP from Kailahun showered praises on Md. Massaquoi. He stated  that with the rich academic qualifications that Md. Massaquoi has  especially in Education and having served as Director in the School Feeding Programme in the Ministry of Education before she was appointed as minister, she will go and score more goals like Musa Tombo. Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay from SLPP representing Moyamba  District informed Parliament that she has known Mamasu Massaquoi for ages and has the conviction that she is a good person. She encouraged her to set the bar high so that other women will have similar opportunity to serve Sierra Leone. The new Deputy Minister 2 Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary School holds double Masters in Nutrition and a Postgraduate in Education. She was awarded the most outstanding teacher award in the UK between 2013 and 2014 academic year when she was head of curriculum at the Oasis Academic Shirley Park, London UK. After her approval in parliament, Md. Massaquoi thanked President Julius Maada Bio for thinking about her for appointing her as Deputy Minister to serve Sierra Leone and vowed to do her very best to ensure that president Bio’s flagship programme of Free Quality Education works.

Bollore transport and logistics has spent over two billion Leones on staff welfare in 2021. Mrs. Abigail Macauley the uman Resource Manager mad this statement at the Bollore annual media update at the Freetown terminal. Mrs. Macauley said the company had a total staff of 322 including permanent and contract staff in the year 2022 and 5 staff had made permanent between 2021 to 2022 “Bollore had been working immensely to support staff welfare even though they were well paid but we also create staff loan and a currently over 200 staff  were benefiting from the interest free loan paid within 18 month” she said .  She continued that the company had always paying much attention on their staff welfare and other entitlement they deserved. Patrick E. Sannoh the Safety Manager said his role is to ensure that the safety and security of staff in the Freetown Terminal is standard. He added that, there is a great improvement on the safety and security of staff in 2021 to date. The manager went further to say that in order to achieve such; they have gone through processes by developing safety and security processes, despite the fact that before now there were many challenges on safety and security issues. He continued that they decided to orientate staff on safety and security issues on a weekly basis adding that, their training focuses more on national and international safety awareness and alert control. Mr Sannoh confirmed that since last year to date, the company recorded 13 incidents and zero fatalities with minor injury and only one staff infected during the deadly COVID-19 pandemic in Sierra Leone. He explained that they have control of the epidemic because the company usually sends their medical team to seek knowledge on handling such disease. He continued to say that during the COVID-19 pandemic they partnered with different non-governmental and international organizations like the CDC and the World Bank amongst others to fight the pandemic. Samura Kamara Still on Bail Justice Adrian J. Fisher has granted the Trial by Judge Alone Application made by State Counsel, Robin Mason Snr. in the corruption trial of Dr. Samura Kamara and five others after same wasn’t objected by the defence Counsel. During the proceeding, Lawyer Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara representing Dr. Samura Kamara said there was no document before the Court suggesting that the 6th accused, Jules Sanders Davis, who is out of the jurisdiction and not a Sierra Leonean should be tried in absentia as provided for by law. Justice Fisher ordered the defence to subsequently serve the said Notice of Notion on the Court and parties in the matter. Ruling on the Motion reserved for the 16th February, 2022 which could be delivered via email. The matter has been is adjourned. CONGRATS LEONE STARS Teachers Abandon Chiefdom School BY MOHAMED M. SESAY  Coordinator of the Free Quality Education Abdul Karim Vangahun has discovered that Pin Code teachers have abandoned the only government Junior Secondary School in Nomo Faama Chiefdom, Kenema District, which is in a very dilapidated condition. According to reliable sources, this is a huge lacuna in the Free Quality Education, coupled with malicious sabotage as the school is a government approved school and the Pin Code teachers are collecting salaries monthly without going to the school. Explaining the dilapidating condition of the school, the Coordinator of the Free Quality Education Abdul Karim Vangahun said he travelled all the way from Kenema to Nomo Faama Chiefdom which is about 38 miles just to monitor the free quality Education in a chiefdom which has been long abandoned by policy makers.  He disclosed that there is no semblance of schooling activities in the entire Chiefdom as the school structure itself is dilapidated, coupled with unavailability of furniture in the classrooms. The Coordinator Vangahun also described the school to be very filthy which prompted him the even question the subsidy that government sends to the school. “Look at the ceiling it has to semblance of school and no pupil has ever come to this school with the pretext of benefiting from the Free Quality Education.  Look at the classrooms no furniture”, he said. After thorough inspection of the school, Coordinator Vangahun assured that he will take the matter with the paramount chief and other stakeholders in the chiefdom in other to ascertain the root cause of the abandoned nature of the only secondary school in the chiefdom. He added that the last time he investigated similar matter, the authorities in the chiefdom told him that the pupils have gone for secret society (Bondo) initiation which he considered as a very fallacious excuse. Coordinator Vangahun also intimated that government has been trying it level best in providing Free Quality Education but people still sabotage the system. He concluded by drawing the attention of the National Coordinator of the Free Quality Education Amara Sowa and the Minister  of Basic and Senior Secondary Education Dr. David Sengeh,  to find a remedial action to the appalling situation and lacuna of the Free Quality Education in the entire Nomo Faama Chiefdom.

 By  Fofana-Fofana  Indigenes of Port-Loko hailed President Bio for appointing (2)two prominent Stakeholders as Cabinet Ministers from Northwest Region The Cheap and mischievous post making the rounds on social media from Lawyer Ade Macaulay of the APC bashing H.E President Bio for appointing Dr. Alpha Khan is not just  misleading statement but very unpatriotic and misinforming. Ady Macaulay, made mentioned of the COI  investigations against Dr. Alpha Khan for alleged corruptions which Ady Macaulay questioned President Bio appointment for Dr. Khan as Resident Minister Northwest, which most political analysts glances the statement made by the so-called Ady Macaulay as baseless, unpatriotic and unfortunate. HE President Bio has the constitution prerogative to appoint whoever he deems fit and has the requisite qualification to serve his government. Ady Macaulay, I advice you focus on reading your law books to appear in court in the adjournment case in defense of Samura Kamara’s New-York-Building alleged Corrupt case. Ady Macaulay severed as ACC Commissioner during the regime of EBK without prosecuting neither retrieve a single Leones from any of the APC Politician’s under EBK’s  administration. when the COI was setup Lawyer Ady Macaulay severe as defense lawyer in the COI for corrupts politician in EBK’s administration, what a double standard and cheap defense. Lawyer Ady Macaulay was appointed by EBK as ACC Commissioner, which the very Ady Macaulay was part of those corrupts cabal of Politician’s that established the corrupt Cartel and Misappropriates, embezzles state resources by using his office to protect those corrupt politicians in the EBK administration.  The Truth, is Ady Macaulay was part of EBK’s 11years corrupts system of governance that collapsed our economy and end’s up in Austerity. Ady Macaulay Should know that few politicians in the EBK administration were invited by the three(3) Judges of the COI and were not found guilty including Dr. Sylvia O. Blyden, Dr. Kefala Marrah, and Dr. Alpha Khan etc. Dr.Alpha Kanu is fine gentleman with a vast experience in national and international politics who has contributed immensely in the political landscape of Sierra Leone. Dr. Alpha Khan is one of the political strategist that gave the APC and EBK landslide victory in 2007 and 2012 National elections. The appointment of Dr. Alpha Khan as Resident Minister Northwest region is right step in the right Direction, when its comes to  inclusive governance and national Cohesion.  H.E President Bio has proved his critics wrong by Appointing a Key figure in the APC, what Next? (APC If una nor able the yagba una pull hand.) As for, Madam Haja Isata Abdulia Kamara is another household name in Portloko district. she was the former running mate to Mohamed Kamaraimba Mansaray of the Alliance Democratic Party ADP in 2018 elections. When H.E Bio took over governance, He appoints Madam Haja Isata Abdulia Kamara to served in the capacity of Resident Minister Northwest region, which she wholeheartedly performed her duty diligently with all sincerity of purpose in the best interest of the country. The political Journey of Mrs. Haja Isata Abdulia Kamara Keep soaring in executing her duty as Resident Minister Northwest, which so many political prudent heaped praised for her excellent performance and classed her as the best Resident Minister under the New Direction government. Haja Isata Abdulia Kamara been seen all over the Northwest region executing her duty diligently to fulfill H.E President Bio Commitment on human capital development. Bringing, Dr. Alpha Khan onboard to serve as Resident Minister Northwest is more value added to the New Direction government, to change the narrative and political ideology of some Sierra Leoneans more especially th…

The National Young Generation Council leadership of the Sierra Leone Peoples party (SLPP) and the Unity Cocktail Facilitator Ambassador to China H.E Ernest Ndohmahina met with Regional YG, Districts YG, Constituencies YG, Former YG Aspirant, and Deputy YG Aspirant to reconciled the way forward to work as a formidable team to promote the Human capital development agenda of H.E President Bio. The Newly elected Young Generation Leader Engineer Francis Alpha Kallon, the Unity Cocktail Facilitator H.E Ambassador Ernest Ndohmahina in their statement called for unity and total reconciliation to push the new Direction government Agenda to re-elect H.E President Bio to continue his development strides in the country.  The Young Generation Council leadership with great concerns acknowledge the work of President Bio and the New Direction government, and called on all former National YG Aspirant to be part of the  Newly elected Young Generation Council of the SLPP, to support and promote the daily activities of the new council and the New Direction government. The National Young Generation Council leader Ing Francis Alpha Kallon expressed his satisfaction with the  social media bloggers more especially the SLPP Global media team leadership for their tremendous support for the New Direction government to propagate, promote, disseminate all sustainable development projects of the Bio’ government. First Lady Fatima Maada retreated that she has no internal conflict with Fatmata Sawaneh, and that Fatmata Sawaneh is her sister in the same party, and she has never and evert remember she had any confrontation with Madam Fatmata Sawaneh. First lady Fatima Bio said she believes in Fatmata Sawaneh loyalty to the SLPP party and they should work as one family to Re-Elect H.E President Bio come 2023/2024. In her statement Fatmata Sawaneh said the National Chairman of SLPP should bring onboard everyone that contested the just concluded national delegates conference, and call for a reconciliation to build up a solid campaign foundation to re-elect H.E President Maada Bio. BIG SHAME; Autopsy Reveals: SLPP Govt. Implicated in Death of 17-months-old Child The autopsy result of a 17-months-old child who died in a police cell in northern Sierra Leone indicates that the child died of severe anemia and gross malnutrition. This happened because the current SLPP Government decided to look the other way, according to political pundits. The remains of the child were laid to rest Saturday, January 8, in Makeni. The deceased child’s case is however becoming a multi-dimensional issue on the Government of Sierra Leone, much to the interest of researchers and international partners: for dying in a police cell and for dying as a malnourished child, a source in Freetown said. It is evident that several thousands of children die of malnutrition every year across Sierra Leone, for related reasons including skyrocketing cost of living, unemployment opportunities for parents and guardians, incessant graft in government institutions plus misuse of government facilities and services. So far, two junior police officers on duty and two senior officers are said to have been suspended following the death of the child – Hannah Kanu – in the police cell at about 9pm at Panlap police division, December 23, in the outskirts of Makeni, at least one-hundred and fifty-five miles north of the capital Freetown. The mother of the child – Kadiatu Koroma was locked up in the police cell with her daughter on allegations of stealing a handbag worth about seven-hundred and fifty thousand Leones – an equivalence of about $75.  The Government of Sierra Leone is yet to make an official statement in relation the issue.

The president of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has made statement at NPDC Women’s debate 2022. He said “today is an exciting day for the National Political Debates Committee (NPDC for short) and for all registered political parties in Sierra Leone”. “The NPDC is a group of 11 diverse organizations including the: 1. Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC) 2. Campaign for Good Governance (CGG) 3. Centre for the Coordination of Youth Affairs (CCYA) 4. Sierra Leone Broadcasting Cooperation (SLBC) 5. African young Voices AYV (TV) 6. Independent Radio Network (IRN) 7. National Literary and Debating Association (NaLDA) 8. Sierra Leone Union on Disability Issues (SLUDI) 9. Institute for Governance Reform (IGR) 10. 50/50 Group and 11. Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ). • We are non-partisan and non-profit organization. • Our goal is to deepen our democratic culture in Sierra Leone through the organisation of political debates at all levels of our governance structure, if possible. • We believe that debates will help our politicians to engage one another in a respectful and responsible manner, and also keep fellow citizens informed and focused on the development agenda of political parties and political actors”. “ By organizing debates on policy issues, we aim to influence shifts in the mindsets of citizens from divisive factors such as tribal, ethnic and regional considerations to more substantive issues that could grow our national economy, improve essential national service delivery in the areas of healthcare, education, infrastructure, and food security, among other needs. • Today’s debate gives us hope that through our mutual cooperation, we shall achieve our goal of promoting a culture of debate in our body politic, and increase citizens’ participation in the governance process • Today’s debate gives us hope that through the cooperation of all political parties and political actors, we shall work together and deliver on this important aspect of our democracy as a team. • Let me assure you that the NPDC will continue to remain non-partisan, unbiased, independent, and respectful of our ethnic, tribal and political diversity as Sierra Leoneans. • Today’s debate gives us hope! With the support of our development partners, corporate bodies and well-wishers, the NPDC will deliver immense output on our mandate. • We thank NDI for their support thus far in formalising our existence as a committee and for orgainsing these first two debates. • The NPDC’s current funding, which we received in sub-grant from NDI, ends this January 2022. • To development partners, corporate organizations and well-wishers, I encourage you to please look our way so that we continue on this path of deepening our democracy and developing an enlightened citizenry through political debates. • My sincere gratitude goes to all the political parties, and the member organisations! NPDC is here to work with you, to give you the platform to market your institutions and ideologies to the populace”. Dead Trap for Sanda Magbolontor Residents A short and old bridge between Kamateh and Masana Villages at Sanda Magbolonthon Chief in Karena District, Northern Sierra Leone had collapsed and limited vehicular of people’s movement to link other villages within the District. The bridge under review located at a highway leading from Port Loko District to Kamakwie and Guinea Conakry. The ugly incident of the collapsed bridge had sent fear in the minds of residents and travellers along the said delapidated bridge especially during the height of the raining season when water flooded and took possession of a whole area. The frustrated Indegenes of the said interior said they want government to know about the problem they are currently facing and that they would be in position to look in to the matter and put it in their notice for action. The painful aspect in this whole episode is that; vehicles couldn’t cross, but passengers will be managed to pass through the broken bridge. The Central Base Journalists (CBJ-SL) and Sanda Magbolontor Youth Development Union (SMYDU) had joined the advocacy to rebuild the broken bridge and draw the attention of government and concerned stakeholders together with the Ministry of Works.

Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards, has today welcomed the launch of the Government White Paper On the Constitutional Review Process describing it as one that constitutes Legal Reform of the highest order. “The Judiciary welcomes the process not just because there are provisions which would benefit the Judiciary and make it more effective, but also most welcoming is the fact that the process constitute Legal Reform of the highest order,” the Hon. Chief Justice said. He noted that, “as a Judiciary, our duty will be as has always been; firstly, to Interpret the Constitution. In Interpreting the Constitution, we employ and engage the Statutory/ Constitutional Rules of Interpretation.” His Lordship Justice Edwards added that the prerogative to use any of the Rules distinctively remain the Judiciary’s and that it is only time and circumstances that would tell which Rule “we adopt at any given time.” In his historical analyses of the review process, the Chief Justice noted that the process, since its inception by the setting up of the Dr. Peter Tucker Constitutional Review Commission has undergone a chequered history. He continued to note that the recommendations from both the Ernest Bai Koroma Administration in its unpublished White Paper as well as the Justice Cowan Constitutional Review Committee were both “pertinently considered” by the Technical Committee set up by His Excellency, Dr. Julius Maada Bio. While he lauded the current Government for continuity by brining to a seeming conclusion of the Process, he said the Constitutional Review Process has been “consciously and judiciously” applied. “Rest assured that whatever we do would be in tandem with the principles of Freedom, Democracy and Justice” he assured Sierra Leoneans. “While our main Vision has been to make Justice accessible, fair and expeditious for all Sierra Leoneans, no doubt our Mission which tells of what we do, remains to be to uphold the Constitution of Sierra Leone and the Rule of Law, adjudicate on all matters, Criminal and Civil in order to promote national Peace, Security and Development,” he stated. He said upholding the Constitution is a Constitutional mandate as enshrined in 1991 Constitution, assuring that they will  uphold the Constitution and the Laws of Sierra Leone as the ‘Judges’ Master.’ In his declaration of purpose, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Anthony Brewah welcomed his audience for gracing an occasion marking the start of widening the Country’s democratic space. According to him, the Constitutional Review Process was in compliance with one of recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report and Article 1 of the Lome Peace Accord. Launching the Government White Paper, His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada said, “the full white paper as accepted is rational and more extensive than the 2017 white paper. We would take practice steps to implement the non-entrenched recommendations immediately.” He said the processes leading to the compilation of the White Paper was very rational and more extensive than the previous one. He said the review requires a fixed and predictable date for elections and inauguration, adding that Members of Parliament shall now be elected through Proportional Representation. Sierra Leone Ambassador to the U.S pays Courtesy call to IGP The Sierra Leone Ambassador to the United States of America, Sidique Aboubakarr Wai, has paid a courtesy call to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr Ambrose Michael Sovula Creating link between the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) for capacity building and equipment. According to HE Sidique Wai, his visit was to get firsthand information and interact with the (IGP) and his management team. “One would want to come and get the feel” said Ambassador Wai. The Ambassador continued that he was therefore at the police headquarters to see the IGP, the men and women in uniform and have an opportunity to learn more, so that when he goes back to New York, he would be in a better position to talk to his friends about help for the (SLP). He therefore called on the police management to support the leadership of Dr Ambrose Michael Sovula. Dr Sovula said he is not just an (IGP) with a reputation limited to national level but has attracted international attention and normally when that happened, he is in the middle. He added that the engagement was important and significant as it was aimed at capacity building and equipment for the (SLP) through link with the (NYPD) The IGP said the visit of the Ambassador was timely, referencing President Bio desire for human capital development in all sectors including the security. “We are currently on transformative drive and what we need now from our partners is training, training and training to enable us meet modern trend of policing” said Dr Sovula. The (SLP) he added would have to prepare a concept paper that would determine the required training needed. He concluded by expressing optimism that the engagement would yield fruit. Prior to his appointment as Sierra Leone Ambassador to US, HE Wai was a Policy adviser to the (NYPD) and the initiator for the use of “Body Camera” which has become a world class crime fighting tool. Speaker outlines the Role of Parliament in the Constitutional Review The Honorable speaker of Parliament Dr. Chernor Abass Bundu in his open statement said I feel honoured to be invited to make a statement on the Role of Parliament in the Constitutional Review Process during this Launch by His Excellency the President of the Government White Paper on the Constitutional Review Process. And I would like to do so from the perspective of Parliament by making six cardinal points.   He continued that Sierra Leone is a constitutional democracy and has been for the most part since she recovered her independence and sovereignty from Britain in April 1961. The promotion and maintenance of peace, security, order and good government in Sierra Leone is the primordial duty of every organ of State, including Parliament, the organ in which solely the power