By: Elizabeth A. Kaine As Sierra Leone continues to navigate the complexities of economic development, it’s time to refocus on a sector that has long been the backbone of our nation: agriculture. For too long, we’ve relied on extractive industries and foreign aid to drive growth. But by prioritizing agriculture, we can unlock a brighter…
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has made a groundbreaking recovery of Le40 billion in unpaid taxes, it was announced on Friday, 23rd August. The move is a significant boost to government coffers and a major victory for the PAC’s efforts to tackle tax evasion. The recovery was made possible through collaborative efforts with the National…
Sierra Leone’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Security Council, Dr. Michael Imran Kanu, paid tribute to Gaza during the council’s monthly briefing on the Middle East Palestine question on August 22, 2024. He acknowledged the tireless efforts of humanitarian personnel, including the UNRWA, in providing aid to vulnerable populations in the Gaza Strip…
Air Senegal is discontinuing its New York to Freetown route via Dakar, effective September 19, 2024. The twice-weekly flights were launched in September 2021, offering a convenient connection between the US and Sierra Leone. The route was popular among travelers, particularly those with ties to West Africa. Despite its perks, including a non-stop flight from…
Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio is championing a groundbreaking initiative to establish an International Treaty ensuring access to justice for survivors of sexual violence worldwide. Speaking at the UN Security Council, President Bio emphasized the need for multilateral cooperation to protect the rights of 1.3 billion survivors globally. This push follows the 2022 UN…
By Elizabeth A Kaine As I read about the $4.5 million university scandal, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of outrage and disappointment. The botched deal between the University of Sierra Leone and Nigerian developer Femab Properties is a stark reminder of the pervasive corruption that continues to plague our country. The fact that…
By: Elizabeth A. Kaine As I reflect on the mining industry in Sierra Leone, I am torn between the economic benefits it brings and the devastating social and environmental costs it exacts. On one hand, mining has created jobs and injected much-needed revenue into our economy. On the other hand, it has displaced communities, destroyed…
In a major crackdown on human trafficking, Sierra Leone authorities have repatriated 38 Guinean nationals who were part of a sinister plot to traffic Sierra Leoneans abroad under false pretenses. The suspects, arrested in Bo Town, were recruiting individuals for a fraudulent scheme that promised fake job opportunities abroad. Investigations revealed a link to the…
The Chinese Embassy in Freetown hosted a farewell reception on Thursday, August 22, 2024, for 189 Sierra Leonean students who have been awarded scholarships to pursue further studies at Chinese universities. The event, held at the Bintumani Hotel in Freetown, highlighted the ongoing collaboration between China and Sierra Leone, marking a significant milestone in their…
The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education has announced new guidelines for admission into Junior Secondary and Senior Secondary Schools. This move aims to ensure a fair and structured admission process, following the successful National Primary School Examination (NPSE) and Basic Certificate Examination (BECE). Key features of the new guidelines include the formation of…
