Vice-President Victor Foh is in Kenya

Hon. Vice President, Ambassador Dr. Victor Bockarie Foh has left Freetown to attend a high-level meeting in Nairobi, Kenya on Data For Development In Africa.

In recognition of Sierra Leone’s Leadership in advocating for quality data for evidence-based decision making to ensure inclusive development, both Regionally and Globally, the Government of Sierra Leone is invited to co-host, with the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data (GPSDD) and the Governments of Kenya and Ghana, the first High-Level Meeting on Data for Africa’s Transformation to be held in Nairobi, Kenya on 29 – 30 June, 2017.

This critical meeting will showcase the innovations in data throughout the Continent and provide a platform for asserting Africa’s key role in achieving the SDG’s and promoting data as part of the essential infrastructure for economic growth and social progress.

Vice President Foh and his entourage are expected back in Freetown on Friday 30th June, 2017.

UKaid/eHealth Africa hands over 117 alert system to Health Ministry

Deputy Health and Sanitation Minister Madam Madina Rahman has said that the 117 is symbolic to the emergency response and was a successful tool that contributes to curbing the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in Sierra Leone.

Speaking during the handing over and re-launch of 117 health alert system by UKaid/eHealth Africa to the Ministry of Health and Sanitation at the Public Health National Emergency Operations Centre, Cockerill Barracks at Wilkinson Road in Freetown, Madam Madina Rahman described the event as another beginning for the Health Ministry.

Moving forward on the Ministry of Health and Sanitation priorities as a sustainable public health tool, the Deputy Minister informed her audience that the vision is to prevent public health threats and death while promoting the health of the people of Sierra Leone through the use of the 117 public health hotline.

Madam Rahman stated that the short to medium term goal is to use the 117 to strengthen the national disease and mortality surveillance system including surveillance of maternal and child deaths, suspicious infectious cases in communities and health facilities.

She reiterated that the 117 is now a robust surveillance system put in place for the reporting of public health events or threats by the general public including health workers for further investigation and action by the team of health officials.

The Deputy Minister disclosed that the implementation of the vision calls for cooperation and collaboration from the people to make it a success, and stated that contrary to public understanding that 117 is not an Ebola line, but a public health hotline now used to support the health sector’s priorities in promoting the health of the people.

She expressed gratitude to UK for the investments in the system over the past three years and their support of development, and thanked CDC Foundation and the World Bank for their ongoing support of the Ministry’s agenda in transitioning 117 into a sustainable long term tool.

British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Guy Warrington said the United Kingdom government committed a total of 427 million Pounds to ending the Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone.

British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Guy Warrington

He said as part of a 13.7 million pounds package of support to the Ebola Response Consortium, the UK government has been supporting the 117, adding that with UK funding more than 300 dispatchers and operators were trained to take calls. He added that at the height of the Ebola crisis, they were receiving an average of 6,000 alerts of suspicious deaths and sickness per week, and dispatching these to district to ensure timely and coordinated action.

The Deputy Chief Medical Officer II and chairman for the ceremony, Dr. Amara Jambai underscored the importance of the 117, adding that it was critical during the Ebola outbreak for reporting suspected deaths.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer II, Dr. Amara Jambai

He said it was one of the most powerful community engagement tools during the time and showed them the commitment of the community towards helping the country fight the deadly disease.

Other highlights include statements by the Deputy Country Director, eHealth Africa, Dayo Spencer-Walters and Centre for Disease Control (CDC) representative, Dr. Reinhard Kaiser.

An official opening and conducted tour of the new 117 centre formed high point of the event

Court halts and voids SLPP election reruns

The Appeals Court ruled on contempt allegations against SLPP leadership yesterday regarding their response to a June 5 court order voiding constituency-level elections in 39 constituencies.
The SLPP’s National Executive Council (NEC) re-ran these constituency elections on Wednesday, but also lower level elections for zonal, section, and chiefdom representatives. The plaintiff’s attorney, Banja Tejan-Sie, argued that these actions are contrary to the appeals court ruling, which they believe clearly instructed the NEC to only re-run elections at the constituency level.
The three judges, led by Justice Reginald Fynn, ruled that they refused the allegation of Contempt of Court, but did find the SLPP’s interpretation to be outside the scope of their June 5 Court Order. In response, they ruled that all election reruns conducted on Wednesday to be null and void.
“Our orders were directed at the constituency level elections,” Justice Fynn said. “Any ambiguity should have been rectified by the dates cited in the decision.”
In the June 5 Appeals Court decision, they specifically nullified all elections held on 26th November and 3rd December 2016 in the 39 constituencies. The only elections held on these dates were at the constituency level, a distinction the judges believed left no ambiguity about the integrity of zonal, section, or chiefdom election outcomes.

The SLPP’s attorney, Umaru Koroma, argued during proceedings that the constituency elections could not be re-run without also re-running elections for the lower level representatives who vote for their respective constituency leaders. They maintained their actions were in full compliance with the Appeals Court ruling and denied any charges of contempt.

The plaintiffs – three SLPP members, brought the original suit against SLPP leadership and the NEC citing irregularities in the rules used to conduct lower level executive elections. Only one day after the Appeals Court ruled in their favor on June 5, the three men were expelled from the Party. When the judges asked for an explanation for the expulsion, Koroma said the Party had been intending to expel the members far before the court ruling due to multiple complaints by Party members. Koroma did not elaborate on the specifics of these complaints.

Justice Fynn strongly condemned the SLPP’s decision to expel the members in what they considered to be retribution for bringing litigation against the Party. He called the move “oppressive” but stopped short of ordering any legal repercussions.
The judge’s ruling confirms the integrity of the original zonal, section, and chiefdom election results, but leaves constituency appointments empty in these 39 constituencies.

Sierra Leone has become The World's Fastest-growing Tourist spot

It was devastated by a brutal, decade-long civil war, which destroyed much of its infrastructure and displaced two million of its residents.

Then it found itself at the epicentre of a global health emergency with the biggest ebola outbreak in history.

Crime, civil unrest and disease are still rife in Sierra Leone, but it has found some unexpected good fortune — it’s suddenly become the world’s fastest-growing travel destination.

 That’s according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, which reports the West African nation welcomed a whopping 310 per cent more overseas visitors in 2016 compared to the previous year.

According to figures in the UK’s The Telegraph, there were just 24,000 overseas arrivals in Sierra Leone in 2015. In 2016, that number swelled to 74,400.

While it’s hardly the most visited spot in the world — Australia welcomed about 10 times that number of tourists in April alone — Sierra Leone is having a major popularity moment right now.

It topped the UN’s list for fastest-growing travel destinations ahead of Nepal (which has seen a growth of 39.7 per cent), Iceland (33 per cent), South Korea (30.3 per cent) and the Eastern European nation of Moldova (28.6 per cent).

The sudden spike in tourists arriving in Sierra Leone is likely due to the country being officially declared ebola-free by the World Health Organisation in March last year.

And while it’s a place perhaps best known for blood diamond infamy, resource-rich Sierra Leone boasts plenty of wonders for tourists.

It has stunning, white-sandy beaches and idyllic islands, including Banana Island and the Turtle Islands. It has one of the world’s largest natural harbours, as well as incredible savannas, rainforests — which are home to the elusive pygmy hippo — and glorious northern mountains.

The capital, Freetown, is a energetic city with plenty of tourist attractions, including museums, the historic Cape Sierra Leone Lighthouse and houses on stilts, a legacy of the country’s history as a British colony. English, and English-based Creole, are among the main languages spoken.

Although the country’s bloody civil war ended in 2002, there is still the threat of civil instability and rates of crime are high, especially violent assault and armed theft, including in Freetown.

Sierra Leone is now free of the ebola outbreak that claimed the lives of more than 4000 Sierra Leoneans alone.

However, the country is still listed as endemic for deadly yellow fever, and medical facilities in the country are limited.

" I just wanted to be free and catch vibes".- Star zee on her latest EP "Collabo".

“I just wanted to be free and catch a vibe”. That’s how *Star Zee describes the creative inspiration behind her latest EP, Collabo. In celebration of the EP’s new single Leader 2 feat Stone Bwoy BET 2015 Award Winner/ 2017 nominee,” Star zee channeled her empirical, seductive vibe (“Am a star so you kyant bring me down,” she purrs) in her latest video, premiering very soon on Billboard charts globally.

Collabo Album — will be released September 2017 on Star Zee’s own Doz label via Above Average Distribution. Features 12 songs and 2 interludes that soulfully and thoughtfully relay the rapper/songwriter’s perspectives on motherhood, sensuality, unity, social consciousness and self-love.
Inspired by her 2-year-old daughter. “As adults, I feel we’re always trying to figure out how to rediscover that part of ourselves,” says Star zee, “and what would it be like if we never had to let it go”.
The song is a remarkable stance for the Sierra Leonean female legend to brake boundaries bridging the two nations Sierra Leone and Ghana.
The video was shot at Hatso Accra, by Ghana’s most prominent video director yaw SkyFace. Manager Black Mystic, informing Ghana’s Promoters Association that Star zee is about to drop another hit with Africa’s biggest Artist of 2017. “I love my humble beginning” she meekly stated.
The Sky is Star Zee’s location and success is inevitable for the Queen of Sierra Leone Rap/Hip Hop.

Danne J has Release Date For His First Ever Concert

The much anticipated Concert which is about to send Danne J’s fans frenzy is about to happen this December. Known for his breakthrough single “FITYAI CORNER” Dannee J has released a date for his first ever concert slated 20th December 2017.

In a telephone interview with the UK Based singer, he said he will release details of the concert which would include the venue, guests and supporting acts few weeks from now. Presently, Dannee J is shooting the music videos for his new singles ‘SCREW ME’ and his soon to be released single “KONI LEF”.

 The new single which is already making rounds on the airwaves has kept fans on their toes eagerly waiting for a release date. Dannee J is not only a prolific song writer but also one of the most creative Sierra Leone artist based in UK.

Save The Date For African Fashion Week In London (AFWL) 2017

Over 100 African fashion designers and exhibitors will feature at the 7th edition of Africa Fashion Week between Aug.11, 2017 and Aug.12, 2017 at the Grand hall of the Freemasons in London. Ronke Ademiluyi, founder, Africa Fashion Week Nigeria/London on Wednesday disclosed that the event would be an exhibition of the African fashion whose creations had become unique designs and brands. She said that the designers and exhibitors would be coming from Ghana, Togo, Kenya, South Africa, Congo, Tanzania, Mozambique, Senegal, Uganda and Cameroon.“Some Nigerian designers that will, also, be participating include: Signature Secret, Neopele, Lady Biba, Step Up, Sheila Black Style, House of Bo and Joela Bags.“The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), will lead a delegation of Nigeria’s best emerging designers that will also be accompanied by the Council’s catwalk show,” she said. Ademiluyi also said that 10,000 guests are expected to grace the two-day show at the Freemasons Hall in London to be entertained by 60 catwalk shows with daily exhibitions.

“This year’s show will hold in two days; with five shows, that will have 60 designers on the catwalk, along 40 exhibitors,” she said Ademiluyi said that the African show would be part of activities to promote African fashion before the international community.“Africa Fashion Week London, a sister event to the just concluded Africa Fashion Week Nigeria, is a celebration of African designs, talents and diverse ethnic fashions in the United Kingdom (UK).“It is going to be a celebration of African designs, talents and the diverse ethnic influences that contribute to the development of fashion industry in the UK.“Samson So boye, an established London-based fashion stylist and a creative director behind the brand `Afro chic’ who has worked as a freelance stylist for publications will be our head stylist for AFWL 2017 .

 She said that since the debut of the programme in 2011, it had been identifying and promoting new and emerging designers inspired by the rich culture of Africa and contemporary designs. The princess said that AFWL had become Europe’s largest event for African and African inspired fashion. Ademiluyi said that the show was conceived at promoting new and emerging designers that were inspired by the rich African culture incorporated into contemporary designs. She said that AFWL had become the platform through which designers boost their creativity in African fashion at international markets, as well as the nation’s tourism industry. Ademiluyi, founder of Africa Fashion Week London/Nigeria, said that Africans should appreciate what they had and make efforts to promote them to the rest of the world. The 2017 Africa Fashion Week, Nigeria organised in conjunction with the Lagos State Government, in April and June, showcased the nation’s iconic pride with the theme: “ Celebrating the vibrant Pulse of Africa”.

Royal Air Maroc (RAM) and Sierra Princess have joined forces to Help passengers traveling to Lungi Airport from Freetown.

Royal Air Maroc (RAM) and Sierra Princess have joined forces aid passengers traveling to Lungi Airport from Freetown. Now, when you buy an airline ticket with Royal Air Maroc, they will include a complimentary water taxi ticket with the Sierra Princess ferry.
In an interview with Musayeroh Barrie, the Country Director of Westminster, who owns Sierra Princess, said they started operations last December and they have been gradually developing the ferry service.
“Because of the quality of service we provide, the spacious area we operate at in the Government Wharf with a spacious car park, Royal Air Maroc thought it fit to partner with us for the next two months to see if we can continue the standard so that we can have a permanent relationship in the future.”
Barrie averred that the ferry is a 40-seater with enough space for luggage and to stretch your legs. She said all those who have travelled once with their boat have positive comments and they will always travel with them again.
“I know that it is difficult for Sierra Leoneans to come out of their comfort zone. Most of them have been travelling with other providers, but I urge you all to make a try and work with us for the first time so you can make your judgment.”
Miss Barrie said they will be bringing another ferry by end of July called Sierra Duchess. She said the coming of that boat is to strengthen their position as they want to start operating water taxis in the future.
An official at Royal Air Maroc, said, “Yes, they have an agreement with Sierra Princess and they hope it will be a positive one that they will continue for a long time.”

Lebanese community donates cleaning supplies

The Lebanese community, on Friday 23 June 2017, donated supplies to Operation Clean Freetown.
Handling over of cleaning equipment and food worth Le50 million at the YSC Complex at Wilkinson Road, Alie Colisee, Treasurer, Lebanese Community, said, “The donation is an effort by the community to improve on waste management in Freetown.”
“We are aware that the work is being done by community volunteers and we therefore sought the need that providing wheelbarrows, shovels, lake, head-pans will not be enough and we therefore consider in providing food for the volunteers.” Colisee added.
“If Sierra Leone is to be clean, health and safe, it has to be done by us and the community is in support of such drive.” Colisee stated.
The President’s Recovery Priorities representative, Yvonne Aki-Sawyer, said, “The objective of the initiative in reducing the risk of epidemics by improving solid waste management in the city.”
“We are targeting a Ward per day within the urban area,” Aki-Sawyer said. The intensive cleaning exercise will also target households to subscribe to the compulsory regular paid waste collection from youth groups within the community to ensure effective cleaning at all times.
Aki-Sawyer further commented the enforcement of bye-laws to achieve the objective of the initiative and encouraged Sierra Leoneans to keep their communities clean.

UNFPA supports midwives and helps mend health system

When World Health Organization (WHO) declared Sierra Leone Ebola-free over a year ago the country had already suffered over 3,900 deaths. Ebola killed over 200 health workers in Sierra Leone, including 56 midwives.
Fear and stigma plagued the healthcare system, especially reproductive health care. This left thousands of women and girls without maternal health and family planning services.
UNFPA and the Government of Sierra Leone are working to restore access to reproductive healthcare. “Before Ebola, we had limited midwives,” said Margaret Mannah-Macarthy, a UNFPA midwifery expert, “and now we have even fewer.” UNFPA is now supporting midwifery schools in Freetown and Makeni, which are expected to graduate 80 to 90 students, every year.Midwives from these schools will be able to provide a full range of services for pregnant women, from antenatal care and safe deliveries to postnatal care. They will also be trained to provide reproductive health services to the broader community, including neonatal care, family planning counseling, and diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections.
Some midwives are also eager to do community outreach. “I want to help communities to be less fearful about coming to the hospital,” said Jeneba Sia Bundo, a 29-year old midwifery student.At the National Midwifery School, one of the UNFPA-supported institutions, training will now exceed the rigorousness of the previous curriculum.“The Ebola virus highlighted some serious gaps and deficiencies in the curriculum that we teach the midwives,” Dr. Joan Shepherd, the school’s principal, told UNFPA

EDSA Commences Distribution of 5000 Meters

Electricity is probably one of the biggest major constraints Sierra Leone is facing, says Parminder Brar, World Bank Country Manager. “85% of Sierra Leone’s population does not have access to electricity,” Brar stated.
Improving the country’s energy sector is one of the foremost development objectives that government and international donors should be working to address. On Saturday, 24 June 2017, the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) started the distribution of over 5,000 pre-paid metres. According to Mally Bangura, EDSA officer in charge of meter distribution, the distribution is to ensure functional, effective, national electricity distribution and supply.
Bangura further noted that 1,500 meters will be distributed in Lungi, Makeni, Bo and Kenema to increase access to electricity in rural communities. “Improving access and quality power supply in provincial districts,” Bangura said, “is critical in enhancing the country’s economic transformative drive.”
“Access to electricity is essential because electricity support economic activities create employments and currently the demand for energy in Sierra Leone increases, the distribution of metres is to combat the challenge of demand and also a way of connecting communities and creating a friendly environment for more investment and household use,” Bangura stated.

Sierra Leone and democratic accountability- A Must Read

Sierra Leone is one of the poorest countries in the world, public service provision is weak, and ethnicity is highly predictive of how people vote. The All People’s Congress wins seats in the North where Temnes predominate, while the Sierra Leone People’s Party wins seats in the South, the traditional homeland of Mendes.

Information is also scarce. In the rural areas where the study was conducted, 70% of the population had never been to school, 30% had no radio (TV and newspapers are extremely rare), just 3% knew how much money MPs are given to spend in their constituencies, and less than half could tell who was the incumbent. What’s more, there is no requirement for MPs to disclose how they spend the money they are given for their constituency so there is no information to fill out an MP report card.

Bringing electoral debates to rural voters

During the 2012 election, Search for Common Ground—an NGO with a local reputation for independent news coverage—organised debates between candidates for MPs in 14 constituencies. Candidates were asked about their priority for government spending, how they would spend their constituency funds, as well as their positions on topical policy issues. These debates were videotaped in the common national language, Krio, and a mobile cinema took the videos on a tour of local communities, often screening them on the external wall of a local school at night. Hundreds of people would crowd around and watch the debate screening, which was translated into local languages. In total, roughly 19,000 people watched the debates in the weeks before the election.

To evaluate the impact of the videotaped debates on voting, the mobile cinema visited 112 villages, randomly picked from a list of 224. People in all 224 villages were then surveyed on or just after election day.

The findings

1) Voter knowledge

Substantial impacts were found on voters’ knowledge about MP candidates and their policy positions thanks to the debates. People in the villages where debates had been screened were more likely to be able to name the candidates, know which one was more educated, who was the incumbent, and how much money MPs were given to spend. Knowledge of policy positions taken by candidates improved dramatically too: for example, 29% could name the first priority for spending by the SLPP candidate in debate areas, compared to 14% in the control villages.

2) Voter decision making

Voters were more likely to vote for someone who had the same policy priorities as they did. In addition, the candidate who was seen to have performed best in the debate got five percentage points more of the vote in debate villages than nondebate villages. Who performed better was determined by asking the audience at debate screenings as well as an independent panel of experts. There was striking agreement between the two groups about who was the best performer.

3) Voting patterns: Charisma or information

To understand what voters are responding to, another experiment was performed where some individuals were given only part of the information coming from the debates. In 40 large villages, individuals were randomly picked to watch the full debate on tablets. Others saw only the “getting to know you” introductory questions. This meant they could see which candidate had charisma but they learned nothing about their policies. A final group heard a “just the facts” summary of the debate. They did not hear the candidates themselves but learned about their policy positions and experience. In a survey at election time, all three groups knew more about the candidates’ qualities, such as their level of education, than the control group. Those who watched the debate on tablet or heard just the facts summary also knew more about the candidates’ policy positions. Only those who watched the debate, however, changed how they voted. Therefore, getting to know a candidate on its own and facts on their own are not enough, only the combination of the two changed voting patterns.

4) Informed voting and electoral accountability

Our results suggest that debates change the behaviour of politicians in office. Because the debates were held in 14 constituencies, randomly chosen from a list of 28, we could tell how participating in a debate changes performance. A survey team asked MPs how they spent the money given to them for their constituency, and then went to the constituency to find evidence of that spending. If the MP said they had paid school fees, the survey team asked the school principal how much of the fees had been paid. If the MP said they paid for road repairs, the community was questioned about how much was spent on the repairs and receipts requested. In treatment constituencies, evidence was found of two and a half times more money being spent than in control constituencies.

Don’t give up on democracy, improve it

When voters know little about the responsibilities and actions of elected officials it is not surprising that politicians under-deliver. But we should not give up on democracy. Instead we should find ways for voters to learn about their representatives. Debates appear to be an effective way for voters who may be illiterate and live in societies without freedom of information laws, to learn about politicians. Once voters are better informed, politicians may behave better.

source- Voxdev

When will Sierra Leone be able to feed itself?

When will Sierra Leone start feeding itself, is the question many in the country have been asking for decades, and successive governments have failed to provide the answer. Over 80% of basic foods consumed in Sierra Leone ae imported from abroad, costing hundreds of millions of dollars every year. And the cost keeps rising.

According to a recent World Food Programme report, majority of people in Sierra Leone are at a very high risk of starvation and malnutrition. This worrying report comes after ten years of president Koroma’s promise to ensure that no one goes to bed hungry.

The previous SLPP government was heavily criticised for failing to achieve its manifesto pledge on national food security. Today, the ruling APC government of president Koroma has proved to be no better.

source- Seirra Leone Telegraph 

Vice President Victor Bockarie Foh Has Lunched ACTB Savings and Loans

Hon. Vice President, Ambassador Dr. Victor Bockarie Foh on Thursday 22nd June, 2017 launched the ACTB Savings and Loans Limited at their Old Railway Line office premises in Brookfields, Freetown.

In his Keynote Address, VP. Foh on behalf of His Excellency the President, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma congratulated the Board, Management and Staff of ACTB Savings and Loans Limited for the great achievement in graduating from a Credit-only Microfinance Institution, to one that, like any bank, can now take deposit from its customers.

The awarding of deposit-taking license to the ACTB Institution, VP. Foh said, is a clear manifestation of the confidence reposed in them by the Bank of Sierra Leone, the national financial regulator. This, he furthered, is no doubt a testament to the extraordinary commitment to serving their customers whilst meeting the demands of their investors.

VP. Foh commended the all-Sierra Leonean Management Team and Staff for the note-worthy achievement of becoming the biggest non-bank lender in the country; reaching 17,000 active customers, 26 billion leones lending portfolio, with 9 branches in 8 Districts in the country and a staff strength of 96, noting that this is truly a success story.

Vice President Foh used the occasion to encourage Sierra Leoneans to utilise their potential in a way and manner that would add value to the country.

He averred that the provision of access to high quality and affordable financial services to the economically active poor people, is a strategic tool for fighting poverty in any nation. "Being cognisance of this, since he assumed office in 2007, President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma and his Government have made financial and economic growth a central theme in our nation's development agenda, the Agenda for Prosperity", VP. Foh declared. He informed that the Financial Sector Development Plan and the recently launched National Financial Inclusion Strategy, are only a few of the critical steps taken by Government to lay a clear path to ensuring that affordable financial services are available and accessible to all Sierra Leoneans. He therefore, entreat the Private Sector to take the lead in economic growth.

VP. Foh asserted that his presence at the ACTB's launching is a testament of Government's commitment to fulfill all of its promises to the people of this country; supporting the growth of businesses that provide financial lifeline for the people of Sierra Leone. He assured his audience that the APC led Government will continue to provide the enabling environment for businesses like ACTB Savings and Loans to grow, thrive and expand their operations so that more and more Sierra Leoneans will have access to much needed financial services, prosper personally and grow our economy for the benefit of all Sierra Leoneans.

In closing, Vice President Foh saluted the Board, Management and Staff of ACTB Savings and Loans Limited, calling the occasion a success story that is worth sharing and replicating. He then, on behalf of His Excellency the President, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma wished the Institution every success in their operations.

The program was chaired by the CEO of A Call To Business (ACTB), Joe Abass Bangura.

©PR/ Media Coordinator-Office of the Vice President

The National Electoral Commission (NEC) has Embarked on five days meeting with stakeholders on New Boundaries

The National Electoral Commission (NEC) is visiting the districts for five days to discuss the new boundaries created by the Province Act Cap 60 of 2017, that was passed into law on the 13 March 2017.
The Director of External Relations and Media, Albert Massaquoi, said this is the second round of district stakeholders engagements on the Constituency and Ward boundary delimitation. “It is called second round because, earlier in July -August of last year, a validation of the Constituency and Wards was also done”.
This engagement was done based on the existing 14 electoral districts and four regions that have changed. “We are now talking about 16 electoral districts including Falaba and Karina districts and five regions including the North West and the other chiefdoms which are now added to the 149 chiefdoms”.
Massaquoi said, “The addition of these two districts means an addition of councillors, MPs, District Council Chairs and Mayors, so we are going to have Districts Council chairs for Falaba and Karene districts and Mayor for Port Loko.”
Stakeholders included: Paramount Chiefs, CSOs, Political Parties, women and youth groups and the media. The NEC Director of External Relations, said, “So far, there is mixed reactions, especially when NEC has done earlier engagements on the previous constituencies and ward boundary delimitation”.
There is mixed feelings since it has to do with new boundaries. “We still maintain the record of 132 seats but because of the rearrangement of some of the chiefdoms, Constituencies and Wards there is a concern. Some think it favours some while some think it does not favour them as they believed that it is against the wish they had earlier hoped for”.
Elections will be held nine months from now, in March 2018. Massaquoi said they will be ready.
Since the Instrument of Constituency and Boundary Limitation was kicked out of Parliament, Albert Massaquoi, said “We have met with the office of the Attorney General and a sub-committee was set up. We want to ensure that by the 7th of September, that is exactly six months to elections, we would have completed all work relating to elections”.
“By the end of June, we should have completed this engagement so by the 30th we would have completed the report and present it to the AG who will then table it in Parliament before their recess on the 13th July, so when it is approved it becomes a legal documents”.
BM/22/6/17
By Betty Milton
Friday June 23, 2017.

Check Out Zainab Sheriff Official Music video singles "Mamie Na Power" and "Naughty" ft Emmerson

Sierra Leone fashion Icon Madam Wokie was on CNN African Voices. "the makings Of Madam Wokie"

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our very own fashion designer Madam Wokie was on CNN African Voices. watch the video above.

"I personally don’t need to get into power to make myself rich"- John Sesay, who could become the next president of Sierra Leone

                                                              John Sisay

Rumor has it that John Sisay the mining tycoon is running for the sierra Leon presidential seat  during this next election on  march 7, 2018. according to independent Uk  stated that
 "Mr Sisay is standing to be president next year and there is a strong likelihood that he will emerge as the leader of his country. If he does not succeed, he says, it will not be for want of trying. “We south Londoners are pretty damned determined when we set our mind to something. Don’t forget, there is already one Tooting boy who is not doing too badly at politics at the moment,” he points out.

There was once the possibility that 47-year-old Mr Sisay, who spent a large part of his childhood in south London, may have followed Sadiq Khan, who he knows, into public life in Britain. Like the Mayor of London, he too was a member of the Labour Party and was also the president of the students’ union while at London University’s Goldsmith College.

• READ

But Mr Sisay decided that Sierra Leone, his home country, was where he wanted to serve. He has political connections there: his first cousin, Ernest Bai Koroma, is the current President and his family has long been socially and politically active. There are also financial connections, he is the former CEO of Sierra Rutile, the largest mining company for rutile, a mineral formed mainly of titanium dioxide, in the region and is the president of the Sierra Leone Chamber of Mines.

The rich deposits of one form of mineral, diamonds, should have been a great boon for Sierra Leone, but they also proved to be a source of much misery. Greed for the fabulous riches offered by “blood diamonds” led to bitter divisions, ending in a civil war which became noted for its savagery in killings, mutilations and rapes.

One of the key instigators of the violence and the industrial scale looting of diamonds was Charles Taylor, the leader of Liberia, the state next door. He has been indicted for war crimes and crimes against humanity at The Hague and sentenced to 50 years in prison.

Mr Sisay is keen to point out the jobs he created while working for Rutile which employs thousands across the country, with 80 per cent of the senior management from Sierra Leone, rather than expatriates. He volunteered for the anti-Ebola campaign, stressing that the medical safety measures he and his team put in place resulted in “zero case” of the epidemic in the company’s mining areas. He has also, on a number of occasions, paid the salaries of teachers in parts of the country and offered loans on generous terms to small businesses.

The seeming altruism can, and has been, ascribed to smoothing his path to power. Mr Sisay accepts that he is open to that claim. But, he wants to add: “I have shown that I can run a business which is successful and also good for the wider community, and a dynamic private sector will be hugely important for the economy. I personally don’t need to get into power to make myself rich. Surely, it is a perfectly natural aspiration to give something back to one’s country.”

If it does not work out at the end of the day Mr Sisay could, perhaps, return to the party fold in Britain, with Labour now doing so unexpectedly well. “What is happening in the UK is really interesting,” he acknowledges. “But it is almost too exciting, I think I will stick to our more boring, sedate form of politics.”