VP FOH ENDORSES LEBANESE EXECUTIVE

*VP Foh Endorses Lebanese Executive*‼‼

*By Ranger*

Vice President of Sierra Leone, Hon. Ambassador Victor Bockarie Foh on Friday 13th january, 2017 advised and even warned the whole Lebanese Executive in Sierra Leone to avoid making insinuations and allegations.

He addressed the Lebanese Executive in the presence of the media in Freetown, saying that he discourages gossip and slander; and went on to state that the Lebanese are pivotal to the economic growth of the state. He also spoke on the necessity of the state being the agent of change to ensure that the Lebanese Community in Sierra Leone and its nationals do everything officially possible to ensure that love, development, progress and cooperation exists and is maintained between all parties concerned.

According to him, all parties concerned must ensure that the future of the Lebanese Community in Sierra Leone is assured and capable of manning its own affairs.

He maintained that the Lebanese nationals in Sierra Leone must embrace peace, trust and unity. He added that he is glad that they, (Lebanese) converged at the occasion which is a demonstration of their solidarity and uniqueness with Sierra Leone and Sierra Leoneans.

He went on to state that the Lebanese Community in Sierra Leone is officially recognized by the Government of Sierra Leone; which is ready and willing to work with the Lebanese in Sierra Leone, adding that Sierra Leone and Lebanon are very good friends.

He encouraged them to embrace peace and unity and also gave them words of courage.

He added: “We want peace and unity in the Lebanese Community.” He also mentioned the importance of the participation of the Madingo, Fullah and other nationalities in Sierra Leone that are doing their best to rebrand Sierra Leone in the vision of our President.

He maintained that President Ernest Bai Koroma does not wish for anyone to suffer when it comes to payment of tax.

The VP also cautioned the Lebanese in Sierra Leone to always ensure that they do their public and private businesses transparently and to also ensure that they pay tax. He also encouraged the Lebanese in Sierra Leone to always endeavor to work with the Sierra Leone Government as the latter is always ready and willing to work with local and international partners.

Surprisingly, VP Foh used the opportunity to advise the Lebanese Community in Sierra Leone to encourage their nationals for the overall development of this country; noting that the Lebanese in Sierra Leone have and continue to be part and parcel of the development of Sierra Leone.

He also advised the local press (print and electronic) to be more professional in reporting. The Hon. VP congratulated the newly constituted Executive and admonished them to work in the interest of all Lebanese residing in Sierra Leone.

Also speaking was the Minister of Trade and Industry, Capt. (Rtd) Alieu Pat Sowe. He told his audience that Sierra Leoneans and Lebanese nationals are one of the same kind. He added that Sierra Leoneans and Lebanese nationals attend the same schools and that the latter have been in this country since colonial times, adding that he would like to see more and better development for this country.

He emphasized to the Lebanese Community that anything they see as detrimental or dangerous to the development of Sierra Leone should be brought to the notice of the authorities. He maintained that all foreign and local entrepreneurs must abide by the Local Content Policy passed by the Sierra Leone Parliament which seeks to improve quality; adding that this would also improve quantity.

The Lebanese Community President, Samir Hassiniyeh introduced the Lebanese Community Vice President Hisham Mackie and members of the executive of the Lebanese Community.

Samir Hassaniyeh assured VP Foh and the Government of Sierra Leone that they would work together for the good of Sierra Leone.

Other participants were the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Maya Kaikai who chaired the meeting. Also present at the auspicious occasion were Minister of State VP Office Hon. Alhaji Mohamed Alie Bah, Deputy Information and Communication Minister, Cornelius Deveaux, Secretary to Vice President, Dr. Julius Sandi and the Director General Foreign Affairs and the International Cooperation, Mrs Kadie Bassir.

Photos and interviews climaxed the occasion.

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SORGHUM FARMERS BREAK NEW GROUND!

 

*Sorghum Farmers Break New Ground*‼

*By Ranger*

The Sierra Leone Sorghum Farmers Association (SLSFA) with a membership that spans the length and breadth of the country can feel very proud of their achievements under their chairman, Denis Jusu since the association was formed in 2006.

With a ready market provided by the Sierra Leone Brewery which has increased its demand for sorghum as an ingredient for producing its beer and beverage in the country, Sorghum Farmers are now guaranteed that they can now expand their production with pre-financing provided by Brewery.

This development is in line with the country’s Local Content Policy, the 2016 Finance Act and the commercialization of agriculture by the Ministry of Agriculture in order to make farmers more productive and richer.

At a press conference on Thursday 12th January 2016 at the Saluma Hall, Congo Water in Wellington, SLSFA Chairman gave a comprehensive rundown of the progress made by the association in partnership with the Sierra Leone Brewery, its parent company Heineken International, C.R.E.A.T.E and the microfinance institution Finance Salone.

Mr. Jusu explained that the essence of the press conference was to get back to the press on what the association has achieved since 2015, its link with Finance Salone and resolving of outstanding matters affecting association members.

Speaking at the conference, the Managing Director of Finance Salone, Amadu John Serry stated that he was confident SLSFA will continue to grow from strength to strength.

He explained that their MFI supports business people with loans, and that in the case of SLSFA, it has since 2006 been supporting the association with finance to secure seeds and cultivation. He disclosed that in the last two years, its financial support to sorghum farmers has ranged between Le250 million to Le300 million.

However, in spite of repayment problems with some farmers, Mr. Serry assured SLSFA that it Finance Salone will continue to support the association in order to increase their production and productivity.  

On the role of the press in agricultural and financial development, *Amin Kef aka Ranger* in his brief presentation said that the press helps disseminate agricultural news at home and abroad and called on SLSFA to continue its partnership with the press.

In his comment, Mr. Jusu greatly commended the press for highlighting their struggle and the benefits it has brought the association in terms of recognition.

He praised President Koroma and the Government for improving the environment for the commercialization of agriculture.

Mr. Serry called on other MFIs to take a new approach towards agricultural financing, noting that agricultural is no longer what it used to be; that it is now seen as a business by its practitioners. He said other MFIs should now feel safe to loan money to farmers to improve the country’s production and productivity.‼‼

Sierra Leone Brewery Company Bags Prestigious Award

*Sierra Leone Brewery Company Bags Prestigious Award*‼

*By Ranger*

One of the leading companies in the country Sierra Leone Brewery Company Limited (SLBCL) was the proud recipient of a prestigious award as Best Company, in the Industry Category 2016,  presented to the company by the Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (SLCCIA) during an auspicious ceremony last Friday 6th January 2017 at the Bintumani Hotel in Freetown.

According to the citation before presentation of the award, Sierra Leone Brewery Company is one that has stood tall in the industrial landscape for 55 years and has shown unparalleled commitment to the country. It continued to state that the company has provided jobs for countless number of Sierra Leoneans over those years.  

SLBL has invested in a new Brewing plant, vastly improving the quality and quantity of production with positive effects on market share and profitability, it went on, adding that the company has made considerable strides to increase the local content of its raw materials by developing a substantial and sustainable local supply chain for sorghum in Sierra Leone. In 2015, 44% of the ingredients used in its production processes were sourced locally and the company targets 60% of local sourcing of raw materials by 2020.

It noted that its recent product innovation drive has resulted in offering seven different brands of drinks which includes 100% sorghum beer launched on 20 December2016 stating how the company has recently spent over Le51 Billion on total brewery upgrade including new machines and infrastructure and intends to invest some Le200 Billion in the next five years.

The company’s fortunes ,recently buoyed by increased taxes on imported alcohol may change substantially with the unique opportunity presented to further improve on its production and profitability with positive consequences for employment and the economy, it disclosed.    

The award was given to SLBL in recognition of its  unparalleled corporate leadership, its rock solid belief in continuing to invest in Sierra Leone and its outstanding contribution to the economic and social life of its employees and communities in which it operates and its immense contribution to the country’s economy.

“The Chamber cognizant of the unique part played in the country’s industry sector by SLBL delights to record her grateful regard and to express her best wishes to Africa Minerals Limited. For the future,”an official of SLCCIA maintained.

SLBL official expressed profound thanks and appreciation to SLCCIA for the recognition bestowed on them by awarding them as Best Company in Sierra Leone 2016. He promised that they will continue to raise the bar and make meaningful contributions to the country’s economy.

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Sierra Leone Brewery Company Bags Prestigious Award

*Sierra Leone Brewery Company Bags Prestigious Award*‼

*By Ranger*

One of the leading companies in the country Sierra Leone Brewery Company Limited (SLBCL) was the proud recipient of a prestigious award as Best Company, in the Industry Category 2016,  presented to the company by the Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (SLCCIA) during an auspicious ceremony last Friday 6th January 2017 at the Bintumani Hotel in Freetown.

According to the citation before presentation of the award, Sierra Leone Brewery Company is one that has stood tall in the industrial landscape for 55 years and has shown unparalleled commitment to the country. It continued to state that the company has provided jobs for countless number of Sierra Leoneans over those years.  

SLBL has invested in a new Brewing plant, vastly improving the quality and quantity of production with positive effects on market share and profitability, it went on, adding that the company has made considerable strides to increase the local content of its raw materials by developing a substantial and sustainable local supply chain for sorghum in Sierra Leone. In 2015, 44% of the ingredients used in its production processes were sourced locally and the company targets 60% of local sourcing of raw materials by 2020.

It noted that its recent product innovation drive has resulted in offering seven different brands of drinks which includes 100% sorghum beer launched on 20 December2016 stating how the company has recently spent over Le51 Billion on total brewery upgrade including new machines and infrastructure and intends to invest some Le200 Billion in the next five years.

The company’s fortunes ,recently buoyed by increased taxes on imported alcohol may change substantially with the unique opportunity presented to further improve on its production and profitability with positive consequences for employment and the economy, it disclosed.    

The award was given to SLBL in recognition of its  unparalleled corporate leadership, its rock solid belief in continuing to invest in Sierra Leone and its outstanding contribution to the economic and social life of its employees and communities in which it operates and its immense contribution to the country’s economy.

“The Chamber cognizant of the unique part played in the country’s industry sector by SLBL delights to record her grateful regard and to express her best wishes to Africa Minerals Limited. For the future,”an official of SLCCIA maintained.

SLBL official expressed profound thanks and appreciation to SLCCIA for the recognition bestowed on them by awarding them as Best Company in Sierra Leone 2016. He promised that they will continue to raise the bar and make meaningful contributions to the country’s economy.

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LAB GIVES PROGRESS REPORT FOR 2017

*LAB gives progress report for 2017*

The Executive Director of the Legal Aid Board, Ms. Fatmata Claire Carlton-Hanciles has told a cross section of civil society groups including the Sierra Leone Motor Drivers Union and the National Farmer Federation that she is very proud of what the scheme achieved in 2016.

‘We established offices in six district headquarters towns upcountry and covered all the seventeen Magistrate and three High Courts in that part of the country,’ she said. ‘It was not easy but it feels good that we were able to touch the lives of those who needed our services the most. I’m talking of those who had spent months or years of uncertain future on remand because they do not have an indictment and therefore cannot have their day in court.’

Ms. Carlton-Hanciles disclosed that the Board defended five thousand one hundred and sixty-four (5,164) adults and two hundred and twenty (220) juvenile accused persons. The adults include 159 women.

‘If you divide this among our thirteen lawyers, it will give you an idea of the workload for each,’ she said. ‘Seven of the lawyers, those for our upcountry offices were recruited in August and deployed in September 2016.’

 Ms. Carlton-Hanciles attributed the successes of the Board in providing legal assistance to such a large number to hard work. ‘Our lawyers take on far more cases than many other lawyers,’ she said. ‘Also, they are punctual and do not ask for adjournment which is partly responsible for delays in the courts.’

Ms. Carlton-Hanciles said the Board’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Service has been a huge success.  ‘Seven thousand seven hundred and ninety-four (7,794) persons benefited from the Alternative Dispute Resolution services since it was introduced in March 2016,’ she said. ‘We have resolve disputes of a non-criminal natures between individuals, groups and communities around the country. Our staff have been to remote areas of the country to resolve disputes and have contributed immensely to peace and security.’

Ms. Carlton-Hanciles said four thousand six hundred and sixty-one (4,661) pupils from schools around the country benefited from the Board’s legal education programme which is geared towards ensuring that they are educated on the mandate of the Board, how the justice delivery system works, issues of rule of law and human rights. ‘Our legal education programme is conducted through outreach,’ she said. ‘We have visited most of the secondary schools in the provincial headquarters towns and many in the Western Urban.’

She added that outreach events have been held in communities around the country. She disclosed that over seven thousand people have benefited from the programme and therefore have become knowledgeable on how the justice system works.

Ms. Carlton-Hanciles said calls from civil society to provide support to former prison inmates including clients of the Board who are struggling to either gain acceptance or make a living following their return into mainstream society resulted in the development of the Reintegration Programme. She thanked the National Farmers Association for providing jobs to thirty former clients of the Board. She acknowledged the efforts of authorities at the Connaught Hospital for providing free medical to sick Board clients at the time of their release.

Ms. Carlton-Hanciles said the Board had very successful meetings with hundred and five Legal Aid Services providers in the country. ‘We met with them in Freetown and the regional headquarters towns in December and will be building on the successes to increase access to justice delivery around the country. ‘

Ms. Carlton-Hanciles said the Board had done a lot in strengthening justice delivery at community level. She noted that the Board has secured office space for the Citizens Advisory Bureau in ten Wards in the Western Area. ‘I must salute the Councilors and other stakeholders for making this possible in their Wards.’

According to Ms. Carlton-Hanciles the Bureaus will be the first port of call for members of the community who have law and order issues and minor disputes. They will have an Alternative Dispute Resolution component which will be responsible for mediating  matters that are not of a criminal nature such as family, maintenance and land issues, evictions, debts, industrial disputes, employer and employee disputes  and community level problems.  In addition, they will have an employment unit to advice and provide information on job opportunities. ‘It is important to note that the Bureaus will not have legal powers to enforce their decision,’ she said.

Ms. Carlton-Hanciles thanked the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) for funding thirty-five Paralegals. This has increased the number of Paralegals with the Board to forty-four. She noted that the Paralegals will be a much needed addition in monitoring the justice delivery especially at community level.

SLBL LAUNCHES PRE-PAYMENT AND PRE-HARVEST TRAINING FOR SORGHUM FARMERS

*SLBL Launches Pre-payment And Pre-harvest Training for Sorghum farmers*‼

*By Ranger*

Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL) on Wednesday 11th January 2017 launched a Pre-payment and Pre-harvest training program for sorghum farmers in Sierra Leone.

Speaking at the occasion at the company’s Wellington Industrial Estate headquarters, the brewery’s new Managing Director, *Daaf Van Tilburg*, said the day signified a renewed commitment and solidifies *SLBL, HEINEKEN* International and *EUCORD*’s (European Cooperative for Rural Development) demonstrated commitment to growing with the country and partnering with key stakeholders for growth and development.

Mr. Tilburg noted that the company’s launching of the 100% sorghum beer in December 2016 was a game changer to ensure that SLBL creates more opportunities for local farmers by increasing the use of sorghum in their production with multiplier effects on farmers and farmers’ incomes; investing in state-of-the-art machine (Mash Filter) which will help SLBL in its endeavors to use more sorghum.

Since the project started in 2005, Mr. Tilburg said SLBL was proud to state that it has significantly improved the livelihoods of over 10, 000 farmers and over 85, 000 farm families all over the country.

He furthered that the pre-payment and pre-harvest program was to deliver in 2017, 1,200 metric tons of sorghum to SLBL; compared to 358 metric tons in 2016, which he said is a huge increase.

To meet the 2017 target, SLBL has already signed and received contracts from 55 nucleus farmers from 12 districts to supply specific quantities of sorghum to brewery.

*“On that note,” Mr. Tilburg announced, “The sum of LE215, 000,000 will be issued today to 17 farmers as pre-payment for their expected deliveries of sorghum to be made to the brewery in 2017.”*

He added that the project will also renew *SLBL*’s to increase per hectare yield through training on improved agronomic practices with Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute *(SLARI).*

The MD designate. He added that *SLBL*’s ambition to nation-building cannot be over emphasized as its their vision to ensure empowerment of local farmers and reinvigoration of the country’s post-Ebola economic recovery.

Mr. Tilburg emphasized that it is *HEINEKEN's* ambition and vision to source at least 60% of its raw materials from within the African continent by 2020.

Through local sourcing, *HEINEKEN* has already improved the livelihoods of more than 100, 000 farmer families across Africa. This fits well into the Local Content Policy of the government’s Agenda for Prosperity.

The program started with the arrival of participants and safety induction. This was followed by breakfast, opening prayers, introduction of the *CREATE* Team and farmers, opening remarks by the Project Coordinator, pre-harvest training by SLARI and quality control and SLBL requirements.

SLBL’s Corporate Affairs Manager, Albert Ojo Collier introduced the new MD and translated a summary of his speech into Krio for the local farmers.

Chairman of the Sierra Leone Sorgum Farmers Association, Denis Jusu who chaired the program spoke on behalf of the sorghum farmers. This was followed by the handing over of cheques to the farmers.
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LT-Gen. (Rtd) SO Williams Laid to Rest

*Lt. Gen. (Rtd) SO Williams Laid to Rest*‼

*By Ranger*

Hundreds of people drawn from all walks of life, today January 8th 2017, joined the rank and file of Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) to observe the inter-faith funeral service for the late Lt.Gen. (Rtd) Samuel Omarr Williams who was allegedly killed at his home at devil Hole on December 22, 2016. He was 62.

It could be recalled that prior to his death, the late Lt. Gen. SO Williams was one of the longest serving Chief of Defence Staff. He clocked close to four years as CDS before he retired and was replaced by the current CDS Lt. Gen. John E. Milton.

Present at the well-attended funeral ceremony which took place at the Wilberforce Barracks Hockey Pitch in Freetown were members of his family and close relatives, the rank and file from RSLAF, Sierra Leone Police (SLP), Sierra Leone Correctional Service, Deputy Defence Minister, Former D/Defence Minister, Joe Blell and scores of friends, a cross-section of the media, among several others After initial prayers and the reading from the Old and New Testament, there were words of consolation read by Padre AOL Toronka, followed by tributes read by Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. John E. Milton. He rendered flowery words about the late senior military officer. He recalled that the late Lt. Gen. SO Williams was the first officer in the RSLAF to have been decorated with the title of Lieutenant General. He added that the late Lt. Gen. SO Williams is also the first retired high ranking military officer to have been brutally killed in the manner he was and promised that no stone would be left unturned to uncover his assailants.

Also making a tribute was Col. (Rtd) Bashiru Conteh. He informed his audience that the late Lt. Gen. SO Williams served the RSLAF for thirty-nine years, four of those in the capacity of Chief of Defence Staff, rising from an acting capacity to full CDS. He gave glowing tribute to the late Lt. Gen. S.O. Williams, citing his humility, discipline, encouragement, accessibility and always ready to serve by example. He also called on the police and other relevant authorities not to relent until the murderers of the late man are found and punished. Tributes were also given by his two sons one of whom almost broke down while making his tribute.

The homily and final prayers were done by Bishop Dr. Mike Peper. This was followed by Muslim prayers led by the Forces Chief Imam after which internment at the Military War Graves formed the climax of the event. A 21 gun salute was given in his honor.

*‼May his soul rest in peace.*