The U.S Ambassador to Sierra Leone, David Reimer on the 15/06/2021 paid a courtesy visit to the leader of the opposition, Hon. Chernor Ramadan Maju Bah in his office at parliament building, Tower Hill, Freetown.
According to the leader of the opposition in parliament, Hon. Chernor Ramadan Maju Bah, himself and the US ambassador to Sierra Leone, David Reimer had “fruitful conversations”, during the course of the courtesy visit.
The visit is based on fostering the principles of democracy and good governance.
Issues bordering on human rights were also discussed as the Ambassador urges the opposition leader to focus on the principles that bind all politicians in the country as Sierra Leoneans.
It is expected that in a democracy both the opposition and the ruling government must collaborate on the need to see Sierra Leone progresses as a nation.
The visit of Ambassador Reiner to the opposition came against the backdrop of political tension that witnessed chaotic scenes in the well of parliament.
The violence in parliament was precipitated by the laying of the much controversial census and cybercrime bills in parliament.
The opposition leader has written a formal complaint to the regional Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Body on the flagrant human rights abuses, the imposition of the Speaker of parliament and the harassment and intimidation of opposition members.
However, the Ambassador urges the opposition leader to be politically tolerant so as to promote national cohesion.
MTCA Concludes Marketing Workshop in Makeni
The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs (MTCA) and the National Tourist Board (NTB) have concluded a three-day Marketing and Branding regional workshop with Journey and ACORN consultants at the MADAM Skills Upgrading Centre in Makeni, Northern Region.
The Regional Marketing and Branding Workshop which is supported by the World Bank Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP) started in Kenema in the Eastern Region, proceeded to Bo in the Southern Region and ended in Makeni in the Northern Region.
The workshops aimed at putting together an international marketing and branding strategy to promote Sierra Leone and help lure visitors to the country.
Talking to participants about the essence of the workshop, the Planning and Product Development Manager of the National Tourist Board, Umaru Woody said Sierra Leone has plenty to offer in terms of attractions, cultural heritage and the hospitality of its people. He explained that they are in the North to identify what they have as a region that will be packaged and sold to tourists, thus bringing people to Sierra Leone.
The Classification and Quality Control Manager in charge of all tourism establishments at the National Tourist Board, Ibrahim S. Turay told the participants that the consultants are here to build the story of the Northern Region, hence their contribution is very important. He continued that in terms of marketing Sierra Leone, the potential of every region must be captured in order to add value to the process.
During the sessions, participants highlighted Bintumani Mountains, Wara Wara hills, Camel hill, the Outamba Kilimi National Park, Wusum and Mena Hills, their industrial mining, Kangari hills, the Bai Bureh grave site, Tassoh Island, their traditional heritage as the top attractions in the Northern region. In order to develop these attractions, participants agreed that there should be awareness raising, accessibility to tourist site, quality service delivery, electricity, infrastructural development and rules and regulations must be implemented, adding that social media handles (Whatsapp, facebook, twitter, Instagram), television discussions, newspapers, tourist exhibition, cultural festivals, website and school heritage clubs must be utilized in telling Sierra Leoneans about their area. In his concluding remarks, the Lead Consultant, Mike Fabricius applauded the participants in all the three regions for their contributions and assured them that they will use the information gathered to develop a comprehensive marketing and branding strategy with a clear plan of action that will promote Sierra Leone’s image internationally.
