By: Elizabeth A. Kaine As I watched President Julius Maada Bio take the stage at the 79th United Nations General Assembly, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and hope for Sierra Leone’s future. President Bio’s address was more than just a speech – it was a declaration of Sierra Leone’s renewed commitment…
By: Elizabeth A Kaine President Julius Maada Bio’s keynote address at the OpenAg Symposium has sent a wave of optimism across the nation. The President’s emphasis on sustainable agriculture and food security has reignited hopes for a brighter future for Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector. However, many are looking on with skepticism. We’ve heard promises before, but…
By: Elizabeth A Kaine The recent collapse of a four-story building at Shell New Road in Freetown, Sierra Leone, is a stark reminder of the deeper issues plaguing our construction industry. This is not an isolated incident, but rather a symptom of a larger problem that has claimed lives and livelihoods in the past. We…
By: Elizabeth A. Kaine A growing body of evidence suggests that contaminated drinking water is a leading cause of liver and kidney diseases in Sierra Leone. Despite this alarming reality, the country’s water remains largely unregulated and untreated, putting thousands of lives at risk. According to medical experts, prolonged consumption of contaminated water can lead…
By: Elizabeth A. Kaine As Sierra Leone prepares for the 2025 national census, it’s essential to debunk a common misconception: that the census is only conducted during election periods to manipulate outcomes. Nothing could be further from the truth. The census is a vital exercise for collecting accurate data to inform development policies, allocate resources,…
By: Elizabeth A. Kaine As we navigate the complex web of politics in Sierra Leone, it’s easy to overlook the significance of minority groups and small parties. However, their role in shaping our political system cannot be overstated. The voices of the marginalized, though often drowned out by the majority, hold immense power in driving…
By: Elizabeth A Kaine Today, Monday, 9 September 2024, marks the beginning of a new academic year in our nation. As primary and secondary schools in government and government-assisted schools reopen their doors, Education Minister Conrad Sackey’s message to pupils is a timely reminder of the transformative power of education. His words of encouragement and…
By: Elizabeth A Kaine Sierra Leone is in the grip of a devastating rice crisis, leaving millions struggling to access this staple food despite its availability. The reintroduction of a 5% import duty under the 2024 Finance Act has sent prices soaring, making rice unaffordable for many. Historically, locally grown rice was more expensive than…
By: Elizabeth A. Kaine The Tobacco and Nicotine Control Act No. 10 of 2022, unanimously passed by the Parliament of Sierra Leone on August 3, 2022, and assented to by President Julius Maada Bio on April 6, 2022, is a landmark legislation that has the potential to revolutionize the country’s approach to tobacco control. However,…
By: Elizabeth A. Kaine As Sierra Leone grapples with poverty and economic development, a seemingly trivial issue has emerged as a significant barrier to progress: the requirement for citizens to pay for passports in dollars, equivalent to 2,400 Leone ($100). However, the actual cost far exceeds this amount, as citizens are forced to pay exorbitant…
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