May 10, 2024 - Public Review Newspaper

PARLIAMENT ELECTS NEW SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT

Following the resignation of Hon. Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu as Speaker of Parliament effective 30/04/2024, the Parliament of Sierra Leone on Thursday 02/05/2024 duly elected Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas as the new Speaker of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone assembled, pursuant to Section 79 subsections (1) and(2) of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone (Act No. 6 of 1991) as amended in 2013. After three successive rounds of voting without securing a two-third to elect the Speaker of Parliament, the House went for fourth ballot, given a simple majority and overwhelmingly voted for the Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, who was duly elected as Speaker of the Sierra Leone Parliament, by obtaining 128 (ayes), 10 (nays) or against, 1 void and 6 abstained from voting. PARLIAMENT ELECTS HON. IBRAHIM TAWA CONTEH, DEPUTY SPEAKER OF THE SIERRA LEONE PARLIAMENT The Parliament of Sierra Leone, on Thursday 02/05/2024 elected Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh as Deputy Speaker of Parliament, pursuant to Section 80 subsections 2 and 3 of the Constitution of Sierra Leone as amended in 2013 and Standing Order 9 paragraphs 2 and 3 of the rules of procedure in Parliament. Also, after a successful election for the position of Deputy Speaker, the Speaker of Parliament, the Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas announced that Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh scored 94 Ayes, 47 Nays, 2 abstained and zero void. According to the Speaker of Parliament as prescribed in Section 80 in the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh was duly elected as Deputy Speaker of Parliament by simple majority. ICELAND DELEGATION MEETS SPEAKER AND LEADERSHIP OF PARLIAMENT The Iceland Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Her Excellency Asdis Bjarnadottir and team comprising visiting Members of Parliament led by Dilja Mist Einarsdottir (Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs), Mr Logi Einarsonon (Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Icelandic Parliament), Ms Elin Rosa Sigurdardottir (Director General of the International Development Cooperation Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Iceland and Head of the delegation) paid a courtesy call visit to the newly elected Speaker of Parliament, Hon Segepoh Solomon Thomas and the Leadership of Parliament on Friday 03/05/2024. In a meeting held at the Speaker’s Board Room, Parliament Building at Tower Hill in Freetown, wide range of bilateral issues including fostering development for mutual benefits were discussed. PARLIAMENT ADOPTS BOTH ECOWAS AND PAP MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT The Parliament of Sierra Leone has on Thursday 02/05/2024 unanimously adopted the pronouncement made by the Leader of Government Business Hon.Mathew Sahr Nyuma on members of Parliament representing Sierra Leone on both the ECOWAS Parliament and the Pan-African Parliament . WATER RESOURCES COMMITTEE VISITS GUMA FACILITIES The Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Water Resources Chaired by Hon. Musa Lahai on Friday 03/05/2024 week visited various Guma Valley project sites in the Western Area of Freetown, in order to ascertained water catchment areas and projects implementation by contractors. COMMITTEE ON NaCSA ENGAGES NATIONAL INVESTMENT BOARD The Parliamentary Oversight Committee on NaSCA chaired by Hon. Mohamed Bello Shaw has on Friday 03/05/2024 in Committee Room One Parliament building, engagedNational Investment Board and it’s sub-agencies, in order to brief Parliament on their operational activities SPEECH OF NEWLY ELECTED SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT Honourable Members, I sit before you on this day of our Lord and in the full glare of the citizens of our beloved nation. Sierra Leone, humbled by this recognition and uplifted by the honour of being elected to the enviable position of the Speaker of the Republic of Sierra Leone Parliament. I am grateful and humbly accept this role, but I first and foremost want to thank the Almighty God for making this possible because it is only He and He alone that could have made this possible and no man. To him be all the glory and honour. Permit me also to thank His Excellency the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Brigadier (Rtd) Dr. Julius Maada Bio and the entire Leadership and Membership of the Sierra Leone Peoples Party for not only nominating me but also believing in my potential to steer the affairs of this great branch of government in supporting our nation’s drive towards our desired development outcomes.To the outgone Speaker, The Rt. Hon. Dr. Abass Bundu, I say thank you for serving this nation diligently and for distinguishing yourself even during turbulent times. You are and will ever remain a great son of this Land. This nation should not only be grateful to you but should always remember your name. I say thank you to my family, friends and well-wishers for your support and prayers at all times.I also now heartily thank the leadership and Members of Parliament of the Sierra Leone Peoples’ Party, the All-Peoples’ Congress and the Paramount Chief Members of Parliament and by extension the citizens of our beloved nation for giving me this opportunity to serve. It is such an honour to be elected as your speaker. I am humbled that you would place your faith and trust in me. This election has opened my eyes to so many new perspectives regarding my service to this beautiful nation. I believe this opportunity brings me not only privileges, but rather a greater responsibility. So, I will not rest on my laurels, instead I will consider this a new fold in my service to this Nation, I pledge to provide excellent service to the people we all serve and never to fail, God being my helper. But to the people of this great home of ours let me hurry to say as I conclude that as I sit here, I want to continue hearing your ideas, getting your feedback and finding out more ways I and the Members of this House can better serve you. Feel free to let us know how you feel and what you are thinking and it is my plea that you don’t judge us before trying to know the motivation behind certain decisions we make and

Mayor Ali Badara Tarawali Calls On All To Put Aside Political Differences

ACHIEVEMENT, Local Government, More News

By Hassan Bruz It is a well perceived notion that the development of Port Loko has been stagnated by the Political Rivalries amongst its Indigenes for several decades now. It is equally an open secret that those who occupied the forefront in the Political Stage have not only been disunited for the common good, but that the bulk of them are known to be pursuing their selfish interests. Besides the brutal truth that no Senior Politician seems to have any pointer that is indicative of a Legacy which the Populace can be proud of, it is also an undeniable fact to note that, most of their relatives including Supporters and Party Stawarts have no claim of benefit for all the risks they ventured in for supporting them. With the exception of Hon. Kombor Kamara – the former Member of Parliament for Lokomasama whose interventions in allivating the sufferings of his Constituents remain very much conspicuous, Mahsmoud Tarawali – a shortlived Deputy Minister in the Ernest Bai Koroma’s led Government who constructed the most envived Clock Tower that has now served a real faceleaft in the City of Port Loko and perhaps a few others, such cannot be said for the likes of Hon. Dr. Alhaji Alpha Kanu and Hon. Alhaji Ibrahim Kemoh Sesay. All that might be safely associated with these well known Politicians, is that they are filthy rich and have constructed Mansions for themselves. The conspicuous absence of these Senior Politicians at the tuning of the Sod for the Construction of the Port Loko City Multi Purpose Hall championed by His Worship – Mayor Ali Badara Tarawali, is a clear indication of the much talked about Political Divide in Port Loko.It can as well be interpreted to mean that both Alpha and Kemoh are displeased if not badly upset by the initiative of their younger ones to develop Port Loko. It is highly likely that they are being so much demoralized by the Youngbreed of Politicians who have emerged with such brilliant development plans. Indeed, the clarion call by Mayor Ali Badara Tarawali may not have come at a better time than now, when Port Loko is a City and Regional Headquarters in addition to its age old status of a District Headquarter Town. The call was actually made at the turning of the Sod for the construction of the Port Loko City Multi Purpose Hall – an occasion that was graced by a forest of well meaning dignitaries. They included the Minority Leader in Parliament – Hon. Abdul Kargbo, the All People’s Congress Party National Campaign Manager for the 2023 General Elections – Hon Kombor Kamara, the Bo City Council Mayor and the Development Oriented Leader from Bo – Babadi Kamara who was so much impressed by the initiative of Mayor Ali Badara Tarawali, that he donated a ton of Ironrods and one thousand Bags of Cement for a start. In his nearly 30 minutes long speech to the mamouth gathering, Mayor Ali Badara Tarawali catalogued what necessitated the initiative for the construction of the Multi Purpose Hall, the huddles his Team went through in securing the Space for the Structure, its Composition and the expected impact in the Own Source Revenue Mobilisation for Council. He said the initiative was born out of the realization that the Port Loko City Council is the least subvented of all Local Councils in the Country and the most Constrained with regards Revenue Mobilisation. The Mayor said the bitter and embarrassing experience with his friend from the Diaspora who cut short a visit to him due to the unavailability of basic amenities in Port Loko was another contributing factor. His Worship – the Mayor actually made the disclosure of the initiative to construct a Multi Purpose Hall at a Dinner in December 2023 which is about 4 months ago, after he had noticed that Port Loko lacked the Structures for the Status of a City. He informed his Audience how the proposed Hall is expected to serve as one of the reliable bases for Own Source Revenue which he said, will raise up to 300 Million Leones a year after it shall have been completed. He said the 2000 Seater Capacity Hall will compromised 4 Conference Halls in addition to the main one, 8 big Stores, a Modern Library and a Sweaming Pool amongst a barriage of other facilities. “I intend to change the narrative in the Politics of Port Loko and it would be a fulfillment of things for this Project to be completed in record time” – the Mayor emphansised. Furthering on the levels of ‘APCness’ of the Tarawali Family in Port Loko – in response to some aspersions making the rounds on the Social Media in which he was being accused as a sellout, the Mayor said there is nobody more APC in Port Loko than the Tarawalis of Maforki, adding that he will never compromise the principles of his Party largely because, he is APC by birth and will surely remain so till death. The Mayor said , he has to make friends across the board for the naked fact that, he alone will not be able to develop Port Loko. He therefore appealed to all to support the initiative for the general good of Port Loko. The City Mayor however, noted with delight that the Political Landscape of Port Loko has started yielding the desired results as Politicians now seem to be relating with one another. He cited the cordial working link with the sister Local Councils and Members of other Political Parties. This impressive history making ceremony was chaired by Abdulai Yourla Bangura of the Human Rights Commission for Sierra Leone and was climaxed by Donations and Pledges from all Sectors. Below is the speech of the Mayor of the Port Loko City- His Worship, Ali Badara Tarawali. You have also been favoured with some photos obtained at the this great Ceremony to enable you have a feel of how it went out there….

Acting Chief Justice Assures Inmates in Kabala of Speedy Trial

ACHIEVEMENT, Human Rights, local, Local, Social Issues

The Acting Hon. Chief Justice of the Republic of Sierra Leone Hon. Justice N. Browne-Marke is presently at the Kabala Correctional Centre to have face-to-face discussion with inmates on how their cases should be expeditiously tried. The Hon. Chief Justice embarked on the above trip in early hours on Saturday, 04 May, 2024 after he was informed by the Director General of the Correctional Services that inmates at the center are demonstrating and same refusing to eat because their cases or matters are not making progress. Addressing inmates and correctional officers at the center, the Hon. Chief Justice said, the plights of the inmates was communicated to him by the Director General himself and he forwarded news article that expressed the same concern. “Your concerns are in place and they are in line with our vision statement which is accessible, fair and expeditious justice for all in Sierra Leone. Hence, I will assure you that before the commencement of the May Criminal Session, a judge will be assigned to address your concerns.” The Hon. CJ assured inmates. In a conducted tour at the Centre, the Hon. Chief Justice discovered that thirty-two (32) inmates are on trial at the High Court and twenty-three (23) are on remand at the magistrate court. This means that the assurance of the Hon. Chief Justice is directed to fifty-five (55) inmates whose cases will be expeditiously dealt with at the start of the May Criminal Session. His observation further revealed that the center was built to host not more than Seventy (70) inmates, but same is currently hosting one hundred and eleven(111) male inmates and six (6) female inmates making a total of one hundred and seventeen (117) inmates. Even though some of the male inmates are locked-up in cells meant for female inmates, the Centre cannot be tagged as overcrowding Centre in strict reality. The inmates and Correctional officers were joyous not because the Hon. Chief Justice himself visited them, but on the grounds that he had face-to-face discussion with them and assured them of expeditious trial before the close of the May Criminal Session.

In Ikubolaje Nicol Murder Trial, Sky Bank Driver Testifies

Law Court Related, Security

By Feima Sesay Maada Bundeh who is a driver for sky bank and former driver to the accused Ikubolaje Nicol has on Friday 3rd May 2024 revealed before Justice Alhaji Momoh Jah Stevens presiding judge how the deceased was employed by the accused at the said bank. The witness Maada Bundeh led in further evidence by state counsel Aruna Jalloh Esq. recognized the accused as his former boss . He also said he knew the deceased Sinnah Kai Kargbo who was a girlfriend to the accused. The accused he said was his boss and had worked with him for 10 years at GT Bank and 3 years at Sky Bank before the incidents The witness said he had known the deceased since she was at College when she used to visit the accused at GT Bank and after completing her colleges was employed by the accused at Sky Bank.The witness recalled 16th October 2022, that he was at home preparing to go to church when he received a called from the accused who instructed him to meet him at Shuma hospital.” The accused told me that the deceased had an attacked and was taken to the shuman hospital which I did, and on my arrival I met two nurses outside the hospital then I asked them about my boss but they could not tell”, he stated The witness said he then called the accused on his mobile phone as to his where about and was told that he was at Wilberforce to the deceased parent and the deceased had died but would call him later.” he also told me that the deceased parent has agreed to take the remains to the mortuary and that I should meet him there it was then the house help to the accused Salifu gave me the keys to the accused 4 Runner vehicle with registration number ABV 410”According to the witness the deceased Sinnah was at the back sit of the said vehicle, adding that himself together with Salifu and one Mustapha left the hospital and went to Columbia Davise Mortuary with the remains of the deceased On their arrival at the funeral parlour, he said he called the accused who directed him to the staffs and they came and removed the remains of the deceased from the vehicle to the murge.The bed sheet that the deceased was rapped in he said was removed from the deceased, with her ear rings, adding that he was asked to fill form and he then called the accused who gave him the deceased full name, age and address which he said he did.The accused , he said asked him to place his own name on the form as the one who took the deceased to the mortuary and was further told by the accused to meet him at Tengbeh Town to his lawyer Rowland Wright which he did after dropping the house help Salifu.”Whiles at Tengbeh Town the accused told me to wait for him as they were waiting for some Alhaji’s who he wants to help him informed the deceased father about her death, I was together with the lawyer Thompson, lawyer Rowland Wright and others”, he said.According to the witness, they were informed that the family wanted to see the remains of the deceased , so himself together with the deceased in-law and others went to the Columbia Davis, adding that on their arrival, the deceased brothers also came and told them that they went o Shuma hospital but were told that the deceased was not taken there and so argument ensured between them and the in-law.The accused he said came later to the mortuary and then argument ensured between them and in the midst of the argument they decided to call the police who came to the scene and arrested the accused and took him away and that he made statement to the police at CID HQ Pademba road Freetown. During cross examination by lawyer Rowland Wright , defense counsel for the accused, the witness confirmed that he had known the deceased since she was in college and was later employed by the accused at Sky Bank adding that he had drive her several times.When he was asked as to who used to make tea for the deceased, the accused said it was the deceased.Lawyer Wright also asked the witness whether he recalled 10 days before the incident when the deceased told him that she had visited her doctor and that her doctor had warned her to stop what she was taking and if not she would die , the witness further confirmed that the deceased told him that the doctor had warned her to stop taking what she used to take and if not she would die. According to the witness he explained that to the police at CID.When he was asked whether the deceased sent him a message warning him not to tell the accused what they discuss, the witness said yes and that he also told the police that during the investigation and copy of their message was also shown to the police.Copy of the said message was identified by the witness in court.Prosecution at this juncture sought for an adjournment to bring his next witness.His application for an adjournment was granted by the learned justice Stevens and the matter was adjourned to Tuesday 7th May 2024. It could be recalled that the accused Ikubolaje Nicol is standing trial on three counts of Conspiracy, Manslaughter and perverting the cause of justice.

Sierra Leone is Safe for Investment, Foreign Affairs DG Assures Chinese Investors

ACHIEVEMENT, Social Issues

The Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Victoria Sulimani, has assured visiting Chinese-Business moguls that Sierra Leone is Safe for Business and Investment.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Corporation Monday welcomed a team of Chinese investors at their Tower Hill conference room. The team was accompanied by the Sierra Leone’s Presidential Spokesman Alhaji Alpha Kanu, who said the high powered delegation comprised big investors from Shenzhen province in China with portfolios that resonate with the government Medium Term Economic program and the Big Five Agenda.Ambassador Sulimani on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, called on the investors to explore untapped opportunities in the mining sector, tourism and culture, agriculture, health and investment, assuring them that the government has in place mechanisms for the protection of foreign direct investment. Ambassador Sulimani said that the business visit presents massive opportunities for partnership and investment between Sierra Leone and Chinese Investors; adding that proper arrangements have been made to facilitate their interactions and meetings with relevant authorities during their stay in the country. “The importance of this visit cannot be overemphasized as it coincides with the renewed mandate of His Excellency the President Dr. Julius Maada Bio to consolidate the gains made in his five years by investing in human capital development. This investment has laid a solid foundation for foreign direct investment and we are assuring you that our investment climate is friendly and accommodating”, she said.The Presidential spokesman said that China stands out above all other nations by lifting 300,000,000 of its citizens out of poverty within thirty years and the tools they used are not different from the big five Game Changers. “We want to learn from that to be able to feed our people within the next five years,” he said.Introducing the Chinese team, Eva Wu, Head of the Delegation said that, their visit to Sierra Leone was to actualize what was discussed between Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio and the President of China Xi Jing Ping during Bio’s recent state visit.She said that the bilateral relationship between China and Sierra Leone has existed since 1970 and such an investment platform is meant to further strengthen the bond and friendship.Eva Wu said that the delegation comprised CEOs of big technology firms, industrial players, solar manufacturers, energy, road infrastructure, mining companies and agricultural investors.The delegation expressed interest to visit potential agricultural sites and mining areas within Sierra Leone.

THE STRUGGLE FOR SUSTAINABLE ELECTRICITY IN SIERRA LEONE: Neocolonialist and Imperialist Corporate Rogue Companies

Social Issues

by Mahmud Tim Kargbo Sierra Leone, a country rich in natural resources, has long struggled to achieve sustainable electricity supply for its population. Despite numerous efforts by past and current governments to improve infrastructure and expand access to electricity, the country continues to face challenges due to the presence of neocolonialist and imperialist corporate rogue companies backed by their governments and local agents.These companies their governments and local agents, driven by profit motives and exploitation, are hindering the development of a sustainable energy sector in Sierra Leone. Neocolonialist and Imperialist Practices: Neocolonialist and imperialist corporate rogue companies keep on engaging in exploitative practices that prioritise their own interests over the well-being of the local population and the sustainable development of Sierra Leone. Through massive behind the scene pressure from their governments, they have sustain their actions in securing contracts and concessions from the government through corrupt means, taking advantage of Sierra Leone’s weak governance structures and lack of transparency. Furthermore, these companies have prioritise short-term gains over long-term sustainability, leading to investments in projects that are not environmentally friendly or do not benefit the local communities. This has resulted in a lack of investment in renewable energy sources and a continued reliance on fossil fuels, leading to environmental degradation and limited access to electricity for the population. Impact on Sustainable Electricity: The presence of neocolonialist and imperialist corporate rogue companies in Sierra Leone has had a significant impact on the country’s ability to achieve sustainable electricity supply. These companies continue to control key sectors of the energy industry, monopolising resources and blocking competition that could drive innovation and efficiency. Additionally, their practices contribute to the perpetuation of a cycle of dependency, where Sierra Leone remains reliant on exploitative foreign companies for its energy needs, instead of developing its own capacity and expertise in the sector. This not only hinders the country’s economic development but also undermines its sovereignty and self-determination. Way Forward: In order to address the challenges posed by neocolonialist and imperialist corporate rogue companies in Sierra Leone’s energy sector, there is a need for increased transparency, accountability, and local ownership of energy resources. The government must prioritise the interests of its citizens and ensure that energy investments are aligned with the country’s sustainable development goals. Furthermore, there is a need to promote renewable energy sources and invest in capacity building to reduce dependency on exploitative foreign entities. By empowering local communities and fostering partnerships with ethical foreign companies, Sierra Leone can work towards a more sustainable and equitable energy future. The global community also has a role to play in supporting Sierra Leone in its quest for sustainable electricity. Genuine international organisations, governments, and non-governmental agencies can provide technical expertise, financial assistance, and advocacy to help the country navigate the challenges posed by neocolonialist and imperialist corporate rogue companies. It is crucial for stakeholders to work together towards a common goal of promoting sustainable energy development in Sierra Leone. This includes holding rogue corporate entities accountable for their exploitative actions, advocating for fair and transparent business practices, and supporting local initiatives that prioritise the well-being of communities and the environment. Ultimately, the path to sustainable electricity in Sierra Leone requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders involved. By addressing the root causes of neocolonialism and imperialism in the energy sector, fostering partnerships based on mutual respect and collaboration, and investing in renewable energy solutions, Sierra Leone can overcome the obstacles in its way and move towards a future where all its citizens have access to clean, reliable, and affordable electricity. The struggle for sustainable electricity in Sierra Leone is intricately linked to the presence of neocolonialist and imperialist corporate rogue companies that prioritise profit over people. By addressing these systemic issues and promoting responsible energy practices, Sierra Leone can overcome the obstacles to sustainable electricity and pave the way for a brighter future for its citizens.

UPHOLDING SOVEREIGNTY: Resisting Neocolonialist and Imperialist Opposition to Industrialisation in Sierra Leone

Environment, local

by Mahmud Tim Kargbo Tuesday, 7th May, 2024 Sierra Leone, like many other developing nations, stands at a crossroads in its quest for economic development and industrialisation. However, amidst these aspirations lies a fundamental challenge – the opposition of neocolonialist and imperialist organisations who seek to hinder the country’s industrial progress for their own nefarious purposes. The push for industrialisation in Sierra Leone represents a critical step towards self-sufficiency, job creation, and economic empowerment for its citizens. With the potential to boost local production, create employment opportunities, and enhance the country’s competitiveness on the global stage, industrialisation holds the promise of a brighter and more prosperous future for Sierra Leone. Yet, the path to industrialisation is fraught with obstacles, chief among them being the covert interference and opposition from neocolonialist and imperialist entities. These external forces, driven by self-interest and a desire to maintain control over the economic affairs of Sierra Leone, actively work to sabotage efforts towards industrialisation in Sierra Leone. Their tactics range from lobbying against government policies that promote industrial growth to spreading disinformation and undermining local industries through unfair trade practices. By obstructing the progress of industrialisation in Sierra Leone, these neocolonialist and imperialist organisations seek to perpetuate a cycle of dependency and underdevelopment, hindering the country’s ability to chart its own path towards prosperity. The opposition to industrialisation in Sierra Leone is not merely a clash of economic interests but a struggle for the country’s sovereignty and self-determination. By impeding the industrial progress of Sierra Leone, these external forces seek to maintain their grip on the country’s resources, markets, and economic future, perpetuating a system of exploitation that stifles local growth and innovation. In the face of this opposition, it is imperative for the government and the people of Sierra Leone to assert their sovereignty and defend their right to pursue industrialisation as a pathway to economic empowerment. By standing united against neocolonialist and imperialist interference, Sierra Leone can pave the way for a future where its industrial potential is realised for the benefit of its citizens. The road to industrialisation may be fraught with challenges, but it is a journey that Sierra Leone must undertake with determination and resilience. By resisting the opposition of neocolonialist and imperialist organisations, Sierra Leone can carve out a path towards self-sufficiency, prosperity, and economic independence, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come. In the face of neocolonialist and imperialist opposition to industrialisation in Sierra Leone, it is essential for the government to prioritise policies that support the growth of local industries, encourage sustainable development, and protect the country’s economic interests. Investing in infrastructure, providing incentives for domestic production, and fostering innovation and technology transfer are crucial steps towards building a strong industrial base that can drive economic growth and create employment opportunities for the people of Sierra Leone. Furthermore, fostering partnerships with like-minded allies and regional counterparts who prioritise mutual cooperation and shared prosperity can help shield Sierra Leone from the detrimental effects of neocolonialist interference and bolster efforts towards industrialisation. Education and awareness campaigns can also play a vital role in informing the public about the importance of industrialisation and mobilising support for initiatives that promote economic self-reliance and national development. By adopting a unified approach that emphasises sovereignty, self-determination, and economic empowerment, Sierra Leone can overcome the challenges posed by neocolonialist and imperialist forces and steer the country towards a future of sustainable industrial growth and prosperity. The journey towards industrialisation may be fraught with obstacles, but with steadfast commitment, resilience, and a steadfast dedication to defending the interests of its citizens, Sierra Leone can defy external pressures and carve out its own path towards economic progress and self-reliance. In the face of neocolonialist opposition, let us not waver in our resolve to build a strong, industrialised Sierra Leone that serves the needs and aspirations of its people, free from external interference and exploitation. Through unity, determination, and a shared vision for a prosperous future, Sierra Leone can overcome the challenges posed by neocolonialist and imperialist organisations and chart a course towards a brighter tomorrow for all its citizens.

Creating Equal Opportunities Graduates…

Education, Human Rights, Social Issues

By Sheku Putka Kamara One of my boys who’s on the verge of graduating from an institution, not Fourah Bay College and or USL, has hinted that he has observed that grads from other institutions find it very challenging to secure jobs. That is not to say that they do not get jobs at all, but he says that they have lesser opportunities when compared to their counterparts. Well, depending on who you talk to, the narrations and narratives may vary. In all of this, I here submit that society should create equal opportunities for all. This is what I’d refer to as the way to go. However, other tertiary institutions may also wish to up their standards. Quality education is serious business. If you have decided and or opted to go into same, the requisite resources, manpower, machinery and finances are needed. With accurate and adequate timing added to that, the results may just be the best of things. Sierra Leone has come a long way. Others will argue that we are a nation that is mostly known for theoretical dispositions with little or no practicality. Glad however that such a story is changing and that is if has not changed already. Rigidity requires a blend of theoretical and practical dispositions. To uphold a one-way standpoint is to limit to limit one’s potential. I am on record to have been asked what gives me the oratory and written edge over many. Without attempting to blow my untouchable horns, I’d urge all and sundry to practice, believe and push to improve as they progress. The defeatist tendency is what we have to curb. To think that I cannot do this is in itself a disservice. Know your area of strength. You cannot master everything and every discipline. With that focus, you’d pick up the right shape and mind to explore. It is possible that you have people you admire whether in talking or writing. The question you may wish to ask yourself is this; ‘what is he/she doing to achieve such an enviable standpoint?’ The answer to that is what you should try and master. Through observation and where possible, personal mentorship, you may have the chance and opportunity to improve. In concluding what I’d refer to as this brief and short piece, it is important for grads not just in SL to master their areas. When that happens, implementation shouldn’t and wouldn’t be much of an issue. And so, I say unto thee; it does not matter where you studied. If you master what you’re taught, you should be able to deliver as and when necessary. It is hoped that when you get those quality teachings, you would be in a place to defend same. In the end, never give up. Keep pressing and always be ready to prove and show thy worth!

Judiciary Hosts First ECOWAS Court Conference

ACHIEVEMENT, Breaking News, Law Court Related

The Judiciary of Sierra Leone wishes to inform the general public that it will host the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice’s International Conference from Monday, 13th to Wednesday 16th May, 2024, at the Bintumani Conference Centre, Aberdeen. The conference will center on the theme “Enhancing the Role, Relevance and Effectiveness of the ECOWAS Court of Justice through the Strengthening of Synergies between the Court and National Stakeholders.” The conference will attract over two hundred and fifty (250) participants including the President of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, Hon. Justice Edward Amoaka Asante, the Hon. Chief Justice of Liberia, Hon. Sie-A- Nyene Gyapay Yuoh; Hon. Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, Hon Chief Justice of Ghana; Hon. Justice Hassan Bubacar Jallow, Hon. Chief Justice of Gambia; Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola GCON, Hon. Chief Justice of the Federation of Nigeria. It will also be graced by the Presidents of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) Court of Justice; Organization for the Harmonisation of Business Law in Africa (“OHADA) Court of Justice and Arbitration; the African Court for Human and People’s Rights; the Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights; the Ministers of Justice for Senegal and for the Republic of Guinea-Bissau; the President of the Supreme Court of Cote d’ Ivoire; the President of the Supreme Court of Ghana; the President of the Supreme Court of Togo. The Heads of ECOWAS National Offices of member States among others, will actively participate in the conference. Presentations will be made by both academic and professional lawyers including professors in specialized legal areas. The Hon. Acting Chief Justice, The Hon Mr Justice N C Browne-Marke wishes to assure the public that the conference will not disrupt normal court sittings in the country.

*THE NEOCOLONIALIST AGENDA: Undermining State-Owned Enterprises in Sierra Leone

Local, Security, Social Issues

*THE NEOCOLONIALIST AGENDA: Undermining State-Owned Enterprises in Sierra Leone by Mahmud Tim Kargbo In recent years, Sierra Leone has faced increasing pressure from neocolonialist and imperialist organisations to weaken and destabilise its state-owned enterprises. These external forces have been exerting influence on the government, pushing for policies that would lead to the failure of these vital public institutions. The underlying motive behind this orchestrated campaign is to pave the way for a change in the government that aligns with their interests. State-owned enterprises play a crucial role in the economic and social development of Sierra Leone by providing essential services and employment opportunities for the citizens. However, the neocolonialist agenda seeks to dismantle these enterprises through various means such as imposing stringent regulations, withholding financial support, and spreading negative propaganda to undermine public trust. The concerted efforts to sabotage state-owned enterprises are not driven by genuine concerns for the well-being of the Sierra Leonean people but rather by a desire to manipulate the country’s economy and political landscape for external gains. By creating conditions that lead to the failure of these enterprises, the neocolonialist forces aim to destabilise the current government and pave the way for a regime change that serves their vested interests. It is imperative for the Sierra Leone government to remain vigilant and resist external pressures that threaten the sovereignty and stability of the nation. The protection and revitalisation of state-owned enterprises should be a priority to ensure the continued progress and prosperity of the country. In the face of neocolonialist interference, it is essential for Sierra Leone to assert its independence and safeguard the interests of its citizens. The government must uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and national sovereignty in order to resist external manipulation and protect the valuable assets that belong to the people of Sierra Leone. As concerned citizens of Sierra Leone, it is crucial to recognise the insidious nature of neocolonialist and imperialist agendas that seek to destabilise our country for their own benefit. By undermining state-owned enterprises and fostering economic chaos, these external forces aim to manipulate the political landscape and impose their will on the people of Sierra Leone. The consequences of allowing these neocolonialist pressures to succeed can be catastrophic for our nation. The failure of state-owned enterprises would not only add to economic hardships for the already suffering majority of Sierra Leoneans but also erode the foundations of our sovereignty and self-determination. Therefore, it is imperative for the government and the people of Sierra Leone to resist these external pressures and defend the integrity of our state-owned enterprises. We must stand united in safeguarding the interests of our nation and ensuring that our economic resources serve the welfare of our citizens, not the interests of foreign entities. By fostering a spirit of national unity and resilience, we can counter the neocolonialist and imperialist forces that seek to undermine our sovereignty. Let us work together to protect our state-owned enterprises, promote economic self-sufficiency, and strengthen our resilience against external interference. In the face of these challenges, let us remember the sacrifices and struggles of our forefathers who fought for the independence and dignity of Sierra Leone. Their legacy calls upon us to uphold the principles of unity, freedom, justice, and self-determination against all forms of external manipulation and exploitation. Together, we can confront and overcome the neocolonialist threats that seek to undermine our nation’s sovereignty and prosperity. Let us stand firm in defense of our state-owned enterprises and work towards a future where Sierra Leoneans are the masters of their own destiny, free from external interference and exploitation. Let this be a call to action for all Sierra Leoneans to stand united against neocolonialist agendas and defend the integrity of their nation. Together, we can thwart the designs of external forces and work towards a future of self-determination and prosperity for Sierra Leone.

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