SIERRA LEONE: A REVITALIZED NATION

I was fortunate to be amongst thousands of Sierra Leoneans from the Diaspora who were in Sierra Leone in April and May as the country celebrated the 50th anniversary of Sierra Leone’s independence from Great Britain. The celebration was festive, memorable and reflective. I was impressed that the entire country participated in one way or the other and that a new spirit of unity and nationalism was displayed throughout the country. Green white and blue flags fluttered from office buildings and homes throughout Freetown and other cities. The people indeed came out in huge numbers to participate in the various events that where organized to commemorate a milestone and historical event. I would congratulate Prof. Magbalay Fyle, Logus Koroma and the other anniversary committee members for putting up a good show despite the barrage of problems they inherited.


President Koroma commissioning the new fruit juice factory in Newton

The celebration was basically for about a week or two but what struck me deeply about our lovely country is the renewed spirit of business and development that permeates every sector and corner of the country. The infrastructural and socioeconomic development now taking place in Sierra Leone is visible everywhere you go and in almost every part of the country. This small West African nation that was once a pariah in Africa is now being transformed into a nation that is spurring economic and human development initiatives. Thanks to the ingenuity and forward thinking of President Ernest Bai Koroma. President Koroma is now being hailed as a progressive leader whose ‘agenda for change’ has been the driving force for this once moribund nation to rise up again and become a shining example in Africa. After 50 years of independence with nothing much to showcase it is now apparent that Sierra Leone has ‘turned the corner’ and is heading for meaningful economic and human development.

After the devastation of war the people of Sierra Leone have risen up from the ashes and are now real partners for development with investors from all over the world who now see a viable nation with potential for growth and development. I see in Sierra Leone an urgent desire and yeaning for peace, development and unity. I see ordinary men and women working very hard as traders, small business owners and service providers all contributing to an economy on the move. I now see a new political landscape that has enhanced the countries image not only in Africa but around the world where Sierra Leone is now being positively noticed and recognized for the transformation it has made over the last few years.

President Koroma is the only recent president who has made a serious attempt to grapple with Sierra Leone’s problems and road-blocks to meaningful development. The presidents progressive ideas and his ‘agenda for change’ which are forward-thinking initiatives has changed Sierra Leone’s outlook and have produced amazing development projects and results all over the country. The president has provided extraordinary leadership and authority to drive and direct his ‘agenda for change’ but there is still a lot of work to be done because Sierra Leoneans have to ‘change’ to reflect the new reality. We have had a flawed and lackluster system for too long that meaningful strides in the area of anti corruption, health care delivery and civil service efficiency can only be achieved if there is a complete change in the systemic culture of corruption, inefficiency and complacency that has permeated the government and other sectors of society for far too long.

President Koroma and his government have garnered praise from governments and financial and economic institutions around the world for an economic and human development program that has stimulated development and growth within key sectors of the economy. The agenda for change did prioritize four key areas that were essential to growth and development: ENERGY, TRANSPORTATION, AGRICULTURE, and HEALTH AND EDUCATION. No doubt these are key areas in the development process that deteriorated over the last 20 years due to inept government policies, the rebel war, underfunding, corruption etc.

ENERGY

No significant development will actualize in Sierra Leone unless delivery of nationwide electricity is developed and sustained. Previous governments did very little to enhance energy and water production even with a burgeoning population in the urban areas. President Koroma’s bold initiative to grapple with Sierra Leone’s energy problem as soon as he took office should be highly commended not because we are seeing short term improvements but in the long term the country will see a higher return on the investments that are now being made. The completion of the first phase of Bumbuna is a great stride in the right direction and completion of Bumbuna phase 2 and other energy delivery projects will boost electricity output considerably in a bid to enhance the country’s development goals. The recent signing of a memorandum of understanding between the government of Sierra Leone and California based Joule Africa for the completion of phase 2 of the Bumbuna hydro-electricity project is the key to boosting Sierra Leone’s electricity capacity to a level that can provide sustained electricity supply for the entire country and even for export.

AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES

Massive investment in agriculture could be the panacea for Sierra Leone’s fledgling economy and would no doubt provide the much needed impetus that the economy greatly needs. With the new incentives the government has put in place we should see more investors coming in to invest in agriculture, fisheries and agro-based industries. I was impressed with the investment that some Sierra Leoneans are already making in agricultural projects around the country. Duvanette Davies’ Arul Enterprises is one such venture that is boosting agricultural production in the country. With the investment that companies like Addax and Genesis Farms are making the move is now being made from subsistence farming to commercialization. The Soros Foundation is also investing $50m in a banana plantation in Bo district that would create about 10,000 jobs. Another, good news is that the World Bank has indicated that the institution will be providing additional financing for the Rural Private Sector Development Project ‘that would improve access to markets through rehabilitation and maintenance of feeder roads’. These are all encouraging indicators for a sector of the economy that will contribute hugely to Sierra Leone’s rebound. There is still however a lot more room for Sierra Leone to reach its full potential in terms of agricultural production so more investment is needed especially in the areas of equipment leasing, production and marketing. As food prices spike across the world Sierra Leone would be able to feed its people and export food commodities if the agricultural and fisheries sectors continue to receive the appropriate investment and manpower development.

In my next piece I will be looking at the roll tourism and Infrastructure development could play in expanding and transforming Sierra Leone’s new economy.

NAOMI CAMPBELL, JEREMY RACTCLIFFE AND 'BLOOD DIAMONDS': THE WHOLE TRUTH, PLEASE!!

Taylor is standing next to Nelson Mandela in this after dinner photo

In recent weeks the mainstream western media has suddenly taken interest in the war crimes trial of former Liberian warlord and president in The Hague, Netherlands. The western media had shown very little interest in the Taylor trial or for that matter the other trials that were held in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Thanks to the infamous Naomi Campbell who gave evidence in the trial we have now seen coverage of the trial and Naomi’s testimony on the front pages of every newspaper or news blogs around the world. This sudden interest is mainly because a ‘celebrity’ had become a star witness in a war crimes trial. Probably this has never happened before.

The people of Sierra Leone and Liberia suffered at the hands of warlords in the likes of Charles Taylor and Foday Sankoh for over 12 years in civil wars that were borne out of greed, corruption and the desire to have access to Sierra Leone’s diamonds. The resources of Sierra Leone and Liberia were plundered by Taylor and his cohorts but few people within the international community voiced their abhorrence for Taylor and his gang of marauders then. In fact Taylor and Sankoh had the tacit support of some African leaders and their partners within the region and beyond.

Naomi Campbells testimony and the rebuttal by Mia Farrow and her former personal assistant Carole White speak volumes of the plight of poor African nations vis-à-vis the rich and powerful, be they individuals, corporate organizations or countries. Rogue African leaders have always being dined and feted by unscrupulous leaders and corporate entities around the world because they come with pockets lined with the proceeds and largess of their country’s resources.

It is a shame that the iconic name of Nelson Mandela and his charity had to be sullied in transactions involving shady characters like Charles Taylor, Jeremy Ractliffe and of cause Naomi Campbell. Campbell’s testimony and the stories that have come out since begs for more questions. The whole truth about Taylor’s involvement with the then head of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund Jeremy Ractliffe is yet to be told.

In 1997 Taylor was a pariah amongst African leaders and few wanted to do business with him, but somehow he got an invite to dine with the legendary Nelson Mandela on his 80th birthday. That was a coup for Taylor.
The invitation provided him a photo-up with Mandela and other celebrities from around the world including Mia Farrow, Imram Khan and even Quincy Jones. How much did Taylor pay for the invitation? We may never know, but we know that the charity invited the celebrities because of the donations they would make towards the Nelson Mandela charity. Did Ractcliffe receive ‘donations’ from Charles Taylor for the charity or did he receive personal ‘gifts’ from Taylor for the invitation. In fact we now know that Gracia Michel, now Mrs. Mandela was not too happy with having the notorious Taylor hanging around her dinner table. However Jeremy Ractcliffe had the final say since he was heading the charity at the time.

Under the circumstances, Naomi Campbell probably did the right thing by turning over the diamonds to Mr. Ractcliffe who we now know did not inform the charity about the diamonds but by his own admission held on to the precious minerals for 13 years. As head of the Nelson Mandela charity Mr. Ractcliffe was under an obligation to inform the charity about the ‘gift’ that Ms. Campbell handed over to him with instructions to use it for the benefit of the charity. He knew the diamonds were from Taylor, he knew Taylor had been arrested and indicted for involvement in Sierra Leone’s ‘blood diamond’ trade, he knew that the legitimate owners of the diamonds he had in his possession were the war victims and people of Sierra Leone who had suffered for 12 years at the hands of Taylor, Sankoh and their band of marauders.

Mr. Ractcliffe held on to the precious minerals for 13 years during which men, women and children were being killed and maimed in the villages and towns of Liberia and Sierra Leone. Ractcliffe knew even before Taylor’s arrest and indictment that he and his band of supporters had been involved in trafficking ‘blood diamonds’ from Sierra Leone. Ractcliffe knew that the diamonds in his possession were from Charles Taylor but he did not say a word about it until after Campbell’s testimony. Ratcliffe is a crook and should be investigated preferably by the special courts for Sierra Leone because we can now prove that he was in possession of diamonds belonging to the people of Sierra Leone for 13 years. We are not even sure now whether the quantity and quality of diamonds that Naomi handed over to Ractcliffe are the same as the diamonds he has now turned over to the South African authorities. There should be an investigation and war victims in Sierra Leone should be adequately compensated by Mr. Ractcliffe and anyone else found culpable.

The Vuvuzelas are annoying!!!

Can FIFI and the South African Football Association please do something about the annoying and irritating vuvuzelas that are ruining the atmosphere of the world cup tournament for the players, spectators and television viewers at home? There is no doubt whatsoever that these horns are annoying, distracting and irritating. The constant drone and buzzing sound make some of us television viewers feel like our living rooms have been invaded by a million mosquitos. It is a fact that the vuvuzelas are somewhat a South African way of chanting and celebrating at sporting and other events but this is the world cup! The fans, players and indeed the rest of the world should not be tortured by the continued and constant use of the vuvuzelas during the football matches. “It is impossible to communicate,” said Argentina’s Lionel Messi, the world’s best player. “It is like being deaf”.

It has been reported that at the stadiums the noise level attributed to the vuvuzelas could reach 144 decibels, which is about the equivalent of the noise level of a passenger jet. Can you imagine that! Players are becoming increasingly frustrated and television viewers are equally and rightly frustrated too. Something should be done. Sepp Blatter and his football governing body should impose a ban on the vuvuzelas now.

The South African manufactures of these brightly colored plastic horns have made tons of money selling theme during the world cup but enough is enough. What has happened to the usual singing, clapping and chanting that has made football a fun sport to watch? I miss the singing and revelry of the England fans. I want to see the Brazillian fans do their usual dance celebrations. I want to see a true world football celebration.

The world cup is a global event with teams representing every continent and the various cultures of the world. These countries do have their own way of supporting their teams but they are been drowned out by the thousands of loud and obnoxious vuvuzelas that have taken over South Africa’s stadiums.

The South Africans have done a remarkable and incredible job so far in hosting the world cup and they deserve all the praise that we can heap on them. They have made Africa proud. But just like the incessant African mosquito, the vuvuzelas could ruin what would otherwise have been a perfect celebration for Africa. Can Sepp Blatter, FIFA and the South African FA save us from the constant droning of the vuvuzelas. Thanks.

Nigeria After Yar'Adua: Goodluck, Jonathan!

I am quite sure no one was really shocked to learn that the incapacitated and ailing Nigerian leader Umaru Yar’Adua has passed away. The erstwhile Nigerian leader had been ailing even before he assumed office as President of Africa’s most populous nation. Tough task for someone in poor health. Yar’Adua had not been seen in public since November 2009 when he was whisked off to Saudi Arabia for medical treatment. In fact who would ever forget that comical phone call his predecessor Olusegun Obasanjo made to Yar’Adua whilst he was in Germany for medical treatment at the height of the 2007 presidential campaign. The call was to reassure Nigerians that Yar’Adua was still alive after persistent rumors that he had passed away. Well, he came back, won a deeply flawed election and was sworn in as President.


Yar’Adua’s legacy would be difficult to highlight. He assumed office with a pledge to wipe out corruption, solve the crisis in the Delta region and pursue free market reforms. Nothing much was achieved because he had a health crisis of his own and not much credibility after a flawed election. The fact that he was handpicked by his predecessor did not bode down well with some critics even from within his own party.

Whilst historians would latter have to figure out the Umaru Yar’Adua legacy, Nigerians now have a task at hand, which is to put their political differences aside and rally behind the new president Goodluck Johnson as he takes full control of Nigeria ahead of elections slated for early next year. As the leader of Africa’s most populous nation the task ahead of Jonathan is enormous as Nigeria is beset with a barrage of issues that is threatening not only it’s democracy but it’s standing amongst the world community of nations. As Nigerians mourn the passing of their leader they should also be looking towards the future and should seize this opportunity to impress upon the rest of the world that Nigeria politicians and indeed the military can allow democracy to work and let the people of Nigeria decide who their next leader will be.

Since assuming office as acting President, Jonathan has made all the right moves and is considered to be a mature, calm and honest politician. These are accolades that are not normally reserved for Nigerian politicians. However, Goodluck Jonathan has fared well thus far. Nigerians should be thinking of putting aside their political and religious differences and work towards a unified Nigeria. The north south divide should now be a thing of the past. Tribalism, corruption and the problems in the troubled Niger Delta should be at the top of Nigeria’s priority at this time. A peaceful and credible election next year would be the way forward for this great nation. The whole world will be watching this giant nation as it strides towards peace, prosperity and a viable democracy.

After a peaceful transition of power to a new leader Nigeria is now in a unique position to craft a future of democratic success in Africa. This prosperous nation cannot afford to go back to the politics of old but forge a new political culture that other nations in Africa and beyond can emulate. Nigerians should prove the skeptics wrong by coming together as one nation not only for Nigeria but also for all of Africa. We need another success story and this time it should be from the great nation of Nigeria.

Jacob Palmer

Sierra Leone: Looking Back, As A Way Forward.

Throughout the United States and in countries around the world Sierra Leoneans and friends of Sierra Leone were over the weekend and during the week coming together to celebrate Sierra Leone’s 49th Independence anniversary.

Hard to believe but Sierra Leone has been a sovereign state for 49 years. Every Sierra Leonean should now be preparing for the nations golden jubilee in April 2011.
I was discussing the pending golden jubilee anniversary with friends over the weekend when one of them said ‘well what does the country have to show for its 49 years of Independence’. I was amused by the question but I retorted that there may not be much to showcase in terms of infrastructure development at this time but we now have a government and people that are resilient, determined and resolute in their determination to move our once proud nation forward again towards socio-economic development and social progress.

Whilst this may be true, we cannot forget how our country got into this debacle. In 1961 our parents and grand parents delightfully celebrated ‘the dawn of a new era’ with pride and gusto. Their expectations were high! with dreams of a great nation. A nation posterity would be proud of, a nation that will be full of hope and optimism. They Heralded and saluted a new nation that stood proudly along other African countries. Sierra Leone was then known as ‘the Athens of west Africa’. A country that then placed premium on the quality of education, health services the civil service structure etc. A country that others in the sub region drew inspiration from. A country that once provided education for emerging leaders from West Africa and beyond. The expectations were indeed very high and rightly so.
The first Prime Minister Sir Milton Margai was considered an honest and principled leader and he guided Sierra Leone towards prosperity, unity and justice with a vibrant parliament, free press and multi-party political structures.
Sierra Leone has had a turbulent and chequered political history since the untimely death of Sir Milton Margai in 1964. With the assumption of office of Albert Margai as the countries second Prime Minister the political waters in Sierra Leone then became mucky. Corruption and nepotism became the order of the day. A once proud and strong nation started a slide towards decadence and debauchery. This unacceptable state of affairs and thanks to an inconclusive general elections, Sierra Leone had its first military intervention in 1967.

Occupying the seat of power in Freetown then became a game of musical chairs for different factions of the armed forces who staged numerous coups and counter coups for decades. From the late Brigadier Lansana to Juxon-Smith, then Brig. John Bangura and the successful Valentine Strasser led coup all helped to destabilize the country and in the process establishing governments that were in most cases authoritarian, corrupt and inept.

But Sierra Leone’s most horrible era was the atrocious and horrendous 11 year civil war that started in 1991.That senseless rebel war devastated the whole country. Over 50,000 men, women and children were killed, hundreds had limbs amputated and hundreds of thousand were forced from there homes to live as internal or external refugees.
Well, those turbulent and tumultuous political waters have slowly flowed under the bridge and Sierra Leone, thanks to the International community including ECOWAS and their peacekeeping mission that helped restore peace once more to an embattled nation. Well here we are again poised for another celebration- The golden jubilee of our country’s independence. This is indeed a celebration that should bring all Sierra Leoneans together so we can use the lessons learnt from our past to forge a future of peace, security, unity and socio-economic development.
Today we are proud of our multi-party democracy, we are proud that we have a vibrant free press, we are proud that there are no political prisoners in Sierra Leone, we are proud that we have an elected government that represents the people of Sierra Leone.
We have reasons to start celebrating now because we now see progress, growth and development taking place in our beloved nation spearheaded by a dynamic, hardworking and assiduous president who has spared no effort in fighting corruption and raising the standard of living of ordinary Sierra Leoneans.

This is part of what Sierra Leone's first Prime Minister Sir Milton Margai said in his address to the nation on the attainment of Independence in 1961:  "We must also face up squarely to the problems which will confront us, and I want you all to understand clearly that the Sierra Leone Government in future will depend very greatly upon the active support and assistance of each one of you. The aim will certainly be to make a our country a land worth living in, a land worth serving; but this can only be done by wholehearted service and hard work now. I have told you this before, and I call upon you to give the Government your active help and support. I ask you to deal fairly and honestly with your fellow men, to discourage lawlessness, and to strive actively for peace, friendship and unity in our country..."
These words are true today as they were 49 years ago. more anon.


Jacob B Palmer