It's become a monumental process... a promised "care package" is being assembled in Toronto. And, contents are being gathered from a Calgary bookshop, Staples in Barrie, Apple (from who knows where), Walmart in Innisfil, Mountain Equipment Coop in Toronto and Future Shop in Markham... and quite possibly the behemoth of Costco outside Barrie.
Necessary supplies are being gathered, hunted down, picked up and sent to the JHR office in Toronto for shipment to Freetown, Sierra Leone. And, I can't tell you how excited I am at the prospect of getting this care package - sometime in mid-August.
I owe a great gaggle of gratitude to my parents, my friends, my colleagues and my son, Isaac, for undertaking this monumental task. I'm a picky guy and have very selective tastes...
"My" pens, for example are only available at Staples (Business Depot). They come in packages of two and sell (last time I was in Toronto) for around $4.98 per package. But I'm hooked on them... and you know writers/journalists... we love, are loyal and are sometimes fanatical about our pens.
I've also asked my dear friend Jennifer to arrange for an Iphone... You may ask "why" when Sierra Leone suffers a dearth of internet and technology. But, I'm trying to keep up to the world... and I'm trying to increase the level of communication I have with the "outside world". I'm thinking an Iphone will help.
In the same package, I've asked for a "Slapper Chopper", as seen on TV. Yes, it's a strange request... but I regularly cook with our local Salone peppers and it's unwise to handle them with bare fingers. Trust me... after one burning experience I've learned. So, the slapper chopper will allow me to dump the peppers from a small bag into the receptacle... and then chop-chop and into the pot. I brought one back here in June 2010 and it was nothing short of miraculous... After hundreds or thousands of "slaps" it finally gave out... and I'm looking forward to a new one.
Of course, I've also asked folks to assemble some decent reading material. I'm in a literary abyss and am desperate for some articulate prose. And, to help with reading at night when there's no power - a new headlamp. These are a necessity here and I've manged to go through about three so far. It may sound strange but these things are a gawdsend here.
JHR is also sending along some SWAG - "stuff we all get" - from the Toronto Star and from head office.
And, possibly the most vitally important addition to this care package is a collection of Starbucks instant coffee. You know the individual sachets? They're delicious - rather better than Nescafe.
Again, I'm indebted to friends and family... and I so, SO appreciate their efforts. Thank you, if you're reading this.
Looking forward to tearing open the package... Cmas in August. Hurray.
Yours, from Freetown,
S/
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Left out of the loop...
I have to tell you... when I hear about the "latest" technology, the most recent international news or even word from "home", I feel quite "out of the loop". It's a strange sensation when I read about developments in Canada - a majority government, Toronto's mayor, the weather, the Stanley Cup, etc. Wonder and awe... curiosity and fear... amazement and shock.
I just read an article sent to me via a fellow Knight Fellow and it talked about "CMS" or content management systems for news outlets. Oh my... I don't know anything about that stuff. And, when I read about the great things going on with citizen journalists and "mapping", again... I'm a bit lost. When I found out that Iphone had a Facebook application... Wow... and I hear you can even "twitter or tweet" (I'm not sure how to describe that action) from a phone... Wow.
I learned about the Stanley Cup and the Vancouver riots through a friend here - who has cable TV - two weeks after the fact.
Living in Sierra Leone is a little like living in a vacuum. Very little news from the outside. Very little contact with the outside... and when I think about re-joining the world... oh my... it seems a daunting mission. On some very minor level, I think I know what it feels like for long-term prisoners to contemplate getting out of prison. The world has changed... and I've missed some of those changes.
Contemplating all these new developments... I can't wait to sink my teeth into some while others scare me. Technology... news... systems... politics... They all proceed and develop. Things change and I guess I have too... and I'm eager to see how I'll fit back in.
No... No plans for a return to Canada yet. But, change, development, technology and people are on my mind.
From inside the vacuum of Sierra Leone,
S/
I just read an article sent to me via a fellow Knight Fellow and it talked about "CMS" or content management systems for news outlets. Oh my... I don't know anything about that stuff. And, when I read about the great things going on with citizen journalists and "mapping", again... I'm a bit lost. When I found out that Iphone had a Facebook application... Wow... and I hear you can even "twitter or tweet" (I'm not sure how to describe that action) from a phone... Wow.
I learned about the Stanley Cup and the Vancouver riots through a friend here - who has cable TV - two weeks after the fact.
Living in Sierra Leone is a little like living in a vacuum. Very little news from the outside. Very little contact with the outside... and when I think about re-joining the world... oh my... it seems a daunting mission. On some very minor level, I think I know what it feels like for long-term prisoners to contemplate getting out of prison. The world has changed... and I've missed some of those changes.
Contemplating all these new developments... I can't wait to sink my teeth into some while others scare me. Technology... news... systems... politics... They all proceed and develop. Things change and I guess I have too... and I'm eager to see how I'll fit back in.
No... No plans for a return to Canada yet. But, change, development, technology and people are on my mind.
From inside the vacuum of Sierra Leone,
S/
The State of Sierra Leone and Human Rights
Just recently I went to the launch of Amnesty International’s Report 2011, held at Santano House in Freetown. “The State of the World’s Human Rights” is Amnesty’s yearly contribution to the discussion of human rights successes and abuses.
On my shelf are four years of reports – identifiable by their black bindings. The yellow logo featuring the glowing candle wrapped loosely with barbed wire marks each successive year.
The 2011 Report marks the 50th Anniversary of the founding of Amnesty International. (Coincidentally, Sierra Leone celebrated its 50th Anniversary of Independence on April 27th 2011.) This year’s Report is a 400-page tome featuring short notes on approximately 150 countries. Sierra Leone is on page 285. (The Canadian entry is on page 96.)
A side note: I’d love to see an “Amnesty rating system” so often used by the UN in its reports. Countries are listed alphabetically… not by performance. Perhaps one day in the future…
Sierra Leone – population: 5.8 million
I quote. “Despite some progress however, the country continued to suffer from widespread poverty-related violations of socio-economic rights; a high incidence of sexual and gender-based violence; violations of children’s rights; impunity for past crimes against humanity; justice system weaknesses; non-implementation of crucial Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) recommendations; prevalent corruption; and the looming threat of ethnic violence.”
As the opening paragraph graphically illustrates, Sierra Leone is still a tinderbox of problematic issues. The potential for ignition is high – very high.
The Amnesty Report 2011 on Sierra Leone is broken into eight sections but I’ll be brief.
The Justice System
The report uses the words, “major challenges”, which is a gross understatement. It lists problems such as; an acute shortage of judges, lengthy delays, overloaded public lawyers, inadequate prosecutorial capacity (a fancy way of saying that the SL police force are incapable of prosecuting cases), capacity constraints and corruption.
Prisons are over-crowded and had inadequate medical supplies and food. Juveniles were detained with adults. Women detained with men.
Conditions in the prisons were so harsh that they constituted “cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment,” direct violations of human rights.
Police and Security Forces
“Police brutality, corruption, excessive use of force, poor conditions in detention cells, unlawful detention were all commonplace. Police were ineffective in maintaining law and order. There were no effective police investigations into ritual murder and very few investigations into sexual and gender-based violence.”
In February 2010, police were dispatched to the National Stadium where school children were hosting track and field events. There was a disturbance and the police injured a great number of children – some as young as six years old.
Just recently (May 2011) police used tear gas, batons and “excessive force” on a group of disabled men, women and children living/squatting in a vacant, government-owned building in downtown Freetown. They threw belongings into the streets and manhandled nursing mothers in wheelchairs.
The Press
Libel is a criminal offence in Sierra Leone. The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists have waged a constitutional case through the Supreme Court but the government, despite promises to “review the Public Order Act of 1965, turned down the journalist’s appeals. This severely limits press freedom.
During 2010, the state-run SL Broadcasting System merged with UN Radio to form the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC). This innovative experiment was supposed to lead to an independent, public service broadcaster… another “tick” in a box toward democracy and good governance. But that has stumbled rather miserably. SLBC is not independent. It is not a public service broadcaster… yet!
Children’s Rights
“The government failed to uphold and enforce its domestic legislation and to respect its international treaty obligations to protect children and guarantee their rights.” Despite enacting the Child Rights Act 2007, the children of Sierra Leone have little or no protection from abuse or exploitation.
Thousands of children work under horrendous conditions in the diamond mines and along the streets of Freetown. Floggings are commonplace in the primary and secondary schools. Street children run rampant throughout Freetown and too many children are poor, starving and unhealthy.
Violence Against Women and Children
“Domestic violence remained widespread,” according to the Report. Unfortunately that’s a gross understatement. I tend to use the words “rampant”, “everywhere”, “uncontrolled” and very sad. Few cases were reported to the authorities and those that were received “no investigation, few prosecutions, out-of-court settlements and interference from traditional leaders”.
Throughout 2010, there was only one case of domestic violence prosecuted through the courts under the Domestic Violence Act 2007. The Family Support Units of the SL police, recipient of a ton of international donor funding, is totally ineffective. There are hundreds of cases taken to the FSU but after police “intervention” – nothing is done.
Female genital cutting (FGC) continues. Early marriage is still “normal” for girls as young as 14. Rape of girls by close relatives, schoolteachers, and security personnel continued as well as teenage pregnancy, child trafficking, sexual exploitation, and discrimination.
According to a recent (September 2010) study done by Concern Worldwide, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and Plan International, “Teachers are the main perpetrators of sexual abuses and exploitation… forcing and coercing girl pupils into sexual intercourse in exchange for better grades, gifts or money.” Twenty percent of girls in secondary school have been raped and 45 percent have suffered “sexual violence” within the school setting.
Maternal mortality
It’s a great idea… especially for a country with one of the worst rates of maternal and infant mortality in the world – Free health care for pregnant women, lactating mothers and children under five.
However, since the launch of the program in April 2010, the program has been plagued by disorder, corruption, a lack of monitoring, faulty distribution systems, a shortage of drugs, and an unwillingness of the health sector to change.
Other factors that contribute to maternal mortality have not been addressed… unsafe abortions, FGC, early marriage, teen pregnancies, and a lack of reproductive health education.
Political Violence
From the Report… “The threat of violence and ethnic conflict between supporters of the ruling All People’s Congress (APC) and the main opposition Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) remains a distinct possibility.” Clashes between political opponents continued in 2010. Party and ethnic loyalty divides the country.
Perceived ethnic and political biases in the police and armed forces increased mistrust and hostility. Doubts were raised as to the independence of the army and tensions were reported in the ranks.
Rumours had it that the government has recently recruited “youth leaders” – many who were ex-combatants or ex-militia into the Operational Support Division (OSD) of the police force. Fears were raised that the opposition party might similarly recruit from among the thousands of resettled former fighters. This would pose a grave threat to the country’s security.
Death penalty
Sierra Leone retains the death penalty. No one has been executed in years, however… the death sentence was passed on a member of the military convicted in August 2009. The President has not yet signed the death sentence. Ten men and three women remain on death row.
In Sierra Leone, when one asks, "how're things going?", a very common answer is, "we're trying". And this usually means... "things are really difficult but we're still here".
So, after reading the Amnesty Report 2011, all I can say is "we're still trying".
S/
On my shelf are four years of reports – identifiable by their black bindings. The yellow logo featuring the glowing candle wrapped loosely with barbed wire marks each successive year.
The 2011 Report marks the 50th Anniversary of the founding of Amnesty International. (Coincidentally, Sierra Leone celebrated its 50th Anniversary of Independence on April 27th 2011.) This year’s Report is a 400-page tome featuring short notes on approximately 150 countries. Sierra Leone is on page 285. (The Canadian entry is on page 96.)
A side note: I’d love to see an “Amnesty rating system” so often used by the UN in its reports. Countries are listed alphabetically… not by performance. Perhaps one day in the future…
Sierra Leone – population: 5.8 million
I quote. “Despite some progress however, the country continued to suffer from widespread poverty-related violations of socio-economic rights; a high incidence of sexual and gender-based violence; violations of children’s rights; impunity for past crimes against humanity; justice system weaknesses; non-implementation of crucial Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) recommendations; prevalent corruption; and the looming threat of ethnic violence.”
As the opening paragraph graphically illustrates, Sierra Leone is still a tinderbox of problematic issues. The potential for ignition is high – very high.
The Amnesty Report 2011 on Sierra Leone is broken into eight sections but I’ll be brief.
The Justice System
The report uses the words, “major challenges”, which is a gross understatement. It lists problems such as; an acute shortage of judges, lengthy delays, overloaded public lawyers, inadequate prosecutorial capacity (a fancy way of saying that the SL police force are incapable of prosecuting cases), capacity constraints and corruption.
Prisons are over-crowded and had inadequate medical supplies and food. Juveniles were detained with adults. Women detained with men.
Conditions in the prisons were so harsh that they constituted “cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment,” direct violations of human rights.
Police and Security Forces
“Police brutality, corruption, excessive use of force, poor conditions in detention cells, unlawful detention were all commonplace. Police were ineffective in maintaining law and order. There were no effective police investigations into ritual murder and very few investigations into sexual and gender-based violence.”
In February 2010, police were dispatched to the National Stadium where school children were hosting track and field events. There was a disturbance and the police injured a great number of children – some as young as six years old.
Just recently (May 2011) police used tear gas, batons and “excessive force” on a group of disabled men, women and children living/squatting in a vacant, government-owned building in downtown Freetown. They threw belongings into the streets and manhandled nursing mothers in wheelchairs.
The Press
Libel is a criminal offence in Sierra Leone. The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists have waged a constitutional case through the Supreme Court but the government, despite promises to “review the Public Order Act of 1965, turned down the journalist’s appeals. This severely limits press freedom.
During 2010, the state-run SL Broadcasting System merged with UN Radio to form the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC). This innovative experiment was supposed to lead to an independent, public service broadcaster… another “tick” in a box toward democracy and good governance. But that has stumbled rather miserably. SLBC is not independent. It is not a public service broadcaster… yet!
Children’s Rights
“The government failed to uphold and enforce its domestic legislation and to respect its international treaty obligations to protect children and guarantee their rights.” Despite enacting the Child Rights Act 2007, the children of Sierra Leone have little or no protection from abuse or exploitation.
Thousands of children work under horrendous conditions in the diamond mines and along the streets of Freetown. Floggings are commonplace in the primary and secondary schools. Street children run rampant throughout Freetown and too many children are poor, starving and unhealthy.
Violence Against Women and Children
“Domestic violence remained widespread,” according to the Report. Unfortunately that’s a gross understatement. I tend to use the words “rampant”, “everywhere”, “uncontrolled” and very sad. Few cases were reported to the authorities and those that were received “no investigation, few prosecutions, out-of-court settlements and interference from traditional leaders”.
Throughout 2010, there was only one case of domestic violence prosecuted through the courts under the Domestic Violence Act 2007. The Family Support Units of the SL police, recipient of a ton of international donor funding, is totally ineffective. There are hundreds of cases taken to the FSU but after police “intervention” – nothing is done.
Female genital cutting (FGC) continues. Early marriage is still “normal” for girls as young as 14. Rape of girls by close relatives, schoolteachers, and security personnel continued as well as teenage pregnancy, child trafficking, sexual exploitation, and discrimination.
According to a recent (September 2010) study done by Concern Worldwide, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and Plan International, “Teachers are the main perpetrators of sexual abuses and exploitation… forcing and coercing girl pupils into sexual intercourse in exchange for better grades, gifts or money.” Twenty percent of girls in secondary school have been raped and 45 percent have suffered “sexual violence” within the school setting.
Maternal mortality
It’s a great idea… especially for a country with one of the worst rates of maternal and infant mortality in the world – Free health care for pregnant women, lactating mothers and children under five.
However, since the launch of the program in April 2010, the program has been plagued by disorder, corruption, a lack of monitoring, faulty distribution systems, a shortage of drugs, and an unwillingness of the health sector to change.
Other factors that contribute to maternal mortality have not been addressed… unsafe abortions, FGC, early marriage, teen pregnancies, and a lack of reproductive health education.
Political Violence
From the Report… “The threat of violence and ethnic conflict between supporters of the ruling All People’s Congress (APC) and the main opposition Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) remains a distinct possibility.” Clashes between political opponents continued in 2010. Party and ethnic loyalty divides the country.
Perceived ethnic and political biases in the police and armed forces increased mistrust and hostility. Doubts were raised as to the independence of the army and tensions were reported in the ranks.
Rumours had it that the government has recently recruited “youth leaders” – many who were ex-combatants or ex-militia into the Operational Support Division (OSD) of the police force. Fears were raised that the opposition party might similarly recruit from among the thousands of resettled former fighters. This would pose a grave threat to the country’s security.
Death penalty
Sierra Leone retains the death penalty. No one has been executed in years, however… the death sentence was passed on a member of the military convicted in August 2009. The President has not yet signed the death sentence. Ten men and three women remain on death row.
In Sierra Leone, when one asks, "how're things going?", a very common answer is, "we're trying". And this usually means... "things are really difficult but we're still here".
So, after reading the Amnesty Report 2011, all I can say is "we're still trying".
S/
Thursday, June 23, 2011
More investigations...
The Anti-Corruption Commission of Sierra Leone continues their investigations... this time it's the "free maternal health care for pregnant women, lactating mothers and children under five" program. This international donor funded program was first announced in April 2010 and has been plagued by problems. Missing drugs. Hospital and doctor fees. Corruption, corruption, etc. It's sickening... literally.
I feel so badly for those women who've gotten pregnant within the last year... I feel horrible for those children under five... and all children, really. I'm sure they're disappointed... as are the UN and other donors who've contributed millions of dollars to this program.
The President, Ernest Bai Koroma, was so excited... and now I'm sure he's embarrassed and pissed off... it's become a national joke... and an international disgrace.
This is one of the problems with "tick box democracy" dictated by international donors and non-governmental organizations.
Other "tick box democracy" initiatives that've gone down the tubes... the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation. Tick... the box... public broadcaster. Yep. But, what a mess... The Anti-Corruption Commission will soon be knocking on their door.
Other boxes ticked... Child Rights Act. Domestic Violence Act. Ticked but not implemented and not enforced by our beloved and hated SL Police Force - voted the most corrupt organization in Sierra Leone. The Anti-Corruption Commission can't even imagine investigating the police... it's THAT bad.
Oh my... what to do?
Hang in there,
S/
I feel so badly for those women who've gotten pregnant within the last year... I feel horrible for those children under five... and all children, really. I'm sure they're disappointed... as are the UN and other donors who've contributed millions of dollars to this program.
The President, Ernest Bai Koroma, was so excited... and now I'm sure he's embarrassed and pissed off... it's become a national joke... and an international disgrace.
This is one of the problems with "tick box democracy" dictated by international donors and non-governmental organizations.
Other "tick box democracy" initiatives that've gone down the tubes... the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation. Tick... the box... public broadcaster. Yep. But, what a mess... The Anti-Corruption Commission will soon be knocking on their door.
Other boxes ticked... Child Rights Act. Domestic Violence Act. Ticked but not implemented and not enforced by our beloved and hated SL Police Force - voted the most corrupt organization in Sierra Leone. The Anti-Corruption Commission can't even imagine investigating the police... it's THAT bad.
Oh my... what to do?
Hang in there,
S/
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Stop Large-Scale Land Acquisitions in Sierra Leone
Large-scale land acquisitions by multi-national companies have become commonplace in several regions of Sierra Leone. The report, “Understanding Land Investment Deals in Africa: Sierra Leone”, cites numerous examples of how villages and farmers are being taken advantage of by these large companies. In the report released on June 9, local NGO Green Scenery and international group, the Oakland Institute, urge donors and Government to stop all land negotiations till adequate measures are put in place.
“Land is our heritage,” said Edward Sam, Chair of the Human Rights Commission. “Land is our capital and we should not trade it away for baubles and coins.” Mr. Sam was the keynote speaker and report launcher at Hill Valley Hotel.
Blatant land grabbing is Salone’s “open secret”. “People are aware of what’s going on but refuse to stand up to what these companies call ‘development’ even though it’s detrimental to the people of Sierra Leone,” said Joan Baxter, the report’s primary researcher. She continues, “The Government of Sierra Leone, specifically SLIEPA, are doing everything in their power to attract and protect investors but do nothing to protect the people in the Provinces who rely on small-scale farming to feed their families and communities.”
SLIEPA was established as a project of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) the private sector arm of the World Bank Group. According to the SLIEPA website, “Agricultural labor costs are considerably less than Asia or Latin America. Labor regulation is flexible. Leases on land rand from $5-20 per hectare. There is no charge for water resources. Tax rates are attractive, 0 percent corporate income tax and 0 percent on imported inputs for investors.” Baxter explains, “SLIEPA is telling the world to come and exploit the people, land and resources of this country.”
The report highlights the social, political and economic implications of current land investment trends in Sierra Leone. According to the report, most of the land investment involves commodities to be sold outside Sierra Leone. “These companies are not growing food to feed Sierra Leone,” says Baxter. “They are growing palm oil, sugarcane and other crops for ethanol fuel to maximize their profits.” In early 2011, close to 500,000 ha of farmland had been leased or were under negotiation for lease in Sierra Leone.
Four case studies were examined in the “Understanding Land Investment Deals” report - Addax Bioenergy (Switzerland), Quifel Agribusiness (subsidiary of Quifel Natural Resources, Portugal), Sierra Leone Agriculture (subsidiary CAPARO Renewable Agricultural Developments, UK) and Sepahan Afriquue (Iran). Other companies are involved in large-scale land acquisitions but were not studied in the report.
Several problems are highlighted including the lack of transparency of any land deals going on. Public disclosure of these documents and negotiations is nil. Land leases are negotiated directly with chiefs and landowners who are often not aware of what they’re signing or agreeing to. Foreign investors often employ “agents” to identify available land but the report states these agents take unfair advantage of local traditions and vulnerabilities. Some of these agents are referred to these large companies by SLIEPA.
The Government of Sierra Leone provides a myriad of financial incentives to encourage foreign investment. These include a 10-year tax holiday on agricultural investments in tree crops and rice. Companies won’t pay any tax for ten years or more on the land they occupy. There is no import duty for any of these companies. Sierra Leone allows 100 percent foreign ownership of these companies. And, they allow all profits to be taken out of the country. According to the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, quoted in the report, in his 2011 budget speech, “the existing regimes… and other tax exemptions have tended to severely erode our tax base… and the efficiency of the tax system.”
The regulatory framework for the negotiation of land deals is extremely weak. The guidelines developed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security (MAFFS) contain huge loopholes and appear to be non-binding. There also appears to be a great deal of confusion about the availability of land. No land surveys exist and no allowances for local farmers are acknowledged. There is a lack of environmental protection, says the report, and projects are being implemented without compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency Act (2008).
The report also calls into question several ties to the Government of Sierra Leone. The Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Franklyn Kargbo, appointed in December 2010, represented landowners in the Addax land deal and represented Quifel in their land deal in Port Loko District. At the time of the negotiations, Mr. Kargbo was an advisor in the Strategy and Policy Unit in the Office of the President.
Many international policies are questioned as well. The World Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) support the agribusiness investment strategy but their own Performance Standards are often ignored.
Sierra Leone is not alone. The issue of land grabbing is occurring across Africa. Along with the country report from Sierra Leone, other reports are being complied including Mali, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Sudan, Tanzania and Zambia.
The comprehensive report ends with a dire warning if things continue. Recent conflicts are noted in areas such as Lungi Acre (Addax) Loko Massama Chiefdom (Quifel) and Madina (Sepahan Afrique) pitting the people in the community against themselves and against these large agribusinesses. Conflicts and disputes over land issues could escalate… and no one wants to see more violence in Sierra Leone.
Still trying to understand,
S/
“Land is our heritage,” said Edward Sam, Chair of the Human Rights Commission. “Land is our capital and we should not trade it away for baubles and coins.” Mr. Sam was the keynote speaker and report launcher at Hill Valley Hotel.
Blatant land grabbing is Salone’s “open secret”. “People are aware of what’s going on but refuse to stand up to what these companies call ‘development’ even though it’s detrimental to the people of Sierra Leone,” said Joan Baxter, the report’s primary researcher. She continues, “The Government of Sierra Leone, specifically SLIEPA, are doing everything in their power to attract and protect investors but do nothing to protect the people in the Provinces who rely on small-scale farming to feed their families and communities.”
SLIEPA was established as a project of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) the private sector arm of the World Bank Group. According to the SLIEPA website, “Agricultural labor costs are considerably less than Asia or Latin America. Labor regulation is flexible. Leases on land rand from $5-20 per hectare. There is no charge for water resources. Tax rates are attractive, 0 percent corporate income tax and 0 percent on imported inputs for investors.” Baxter explains, “SLIEPA is telling the world to come and exploit the people, land and resources of this country.”
The report highlights the social, political and economic implications of current land investment trends in Sierra Leone. According to the report, most of the land investment involves commodities to be sold outside Sierra Leone. “These companies are not growing food to feed Sierra Leone,” says Baxter. “They are growing palm oil, sugarcane and other crops for ethanol fuel to maximize their profits.” In early 2011, close to 500,000 ha of farmland had been leased or were under negotiation for lease in Sierra Leone.
Four case studies were examined in the “Understanding Land Investment Deals” report - Addax Bioenergy (Switzerland), Quifel Agribusiness (subsidiary of Quifel Natural Resources, Portugal), Sierra Leone Agriculture (subsidiary CAPARO Renewable Agricultural Developments, UK) and Sepahan Afriquue (Iran). Other companies are involved in large-scale land acquisitions but were not studied in the report.
Several problems are highlighted including the lack of transparency of any land deals going on. Public disclosure of these documents and negotiations is nil. Land leases are negotiated directly with chiefs and landowners who are often not aware of what they’re signing or agreeing to. Foreign investors often employ “agents” to identify available land but the report states these agents take unfair advantage of local traditions and vulnerabilities. Some of these agents are referred to these large companies by SLIEPA.
The Government of Sierra Leone provides a myriad of financial incentives to encourage foreign investment. These include a 10-year tax holiday on agricultural investments in tree crops and rice. Companies won’t pay any tax for ten years or more on the land they occupy. There is no import duty for any of these companies. Sierra Leone allows 100 percent foreign ownership of these companies. And, they allow all profits to be taken out of the country. According to the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, quoted in the report, in his 2011 budget speech, “the existing regimes… and other tax exemptions have tended to severely erode our tax base… and the efficiency of the tax system.”
The regulatory framework for the negotiation of land deals is extremely weak. The guidelines developed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security (MAFFS) contain huge loopholes and appear to be non-binding. There also appears to be a great deal of confusion about the availability of land. No land surveys exist and no allowances for local farmers are acknowledged. There is a lack of environmental protection, says the report, and projects are being implemented without compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency Act (2008).
The report also calls into question several ties to the Government of Sierra Leone. The Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Franklyn Kargbo, appointed in December 2010, represented landowners in the Addax land deal and represented Quifel in their land deal in Port Loko District. At the time of the negotiations, Mr. Kargbo was an advisor in the Strategy and Policy Unit in the Office of the President.
Many international policies are questioned as well. The World Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) support the agribusiness investment strategy but their own Performance Standards are often ignored.
Sierra Leone is not alone. The issue of land grabbing is occurring across Africa. Along with the country report from Sierra Leone, other reports are being complied including Mali, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Sudan, Tanzania and Zambia.
The comprehensive report ends with a dire warning if things continue. Recent conflicts are noted in areas such as Lungi Acre (Addax) Loko Massama Chiefdom (Quifel) and Madina (Sepahan Afrique) pitting the people in the community against themselves and against these large agribusinesses. Conflicts and disputes over land issues could escalate… and no one wants to see more violence in Sierra Leone.
Still trying to understand,
S/
Stories in production...
Part of my "mission" or job here is to work with journalists on stories... features, mainly. And, I have to say, this is one of the most rewarding and challenging aspects to being a Knight Fellow.
Stories currently in production...
The implications of teen pregnancy - death, poverty, social ruin, illiteracy, and so on. It's scary what could happen to a young girl who gets pregnant.
Road safety for children - a very interesting radio piece by a very smart, talented journalist. There are no street signs, no crosswalks, no traffic signals... and thousands of children are hurt in accidents on the roads.
Computer school upgrades - another fearless and dedicated journalist is working on comparing computer schools... some are scams and some are legit but the field is totally unregulated. Some offer "degrees" while others offer "certificates". Most of these are useless and unrecognized by any educational institute or by employers. But, the key to getting a job or getting ahead here is computer knowledge, which makes this a lucrative scam or good business.
Land Grabbing in Sierra Leone. This issue is huge and affects almost every country in Africa. Large, international companies and hedge funds are leasing up the land... to the detriment of the small farmers, villages and communities. It's scary how Sierra Leone is selling itself off. Investment incentives by the Gov include no tax for ten years, 0 duty on imports, no requirements for schools, social responsibility or health services, no labour regulations, etc. etc. Sierra Leone is "open" for abuse. Scary.
More stories are in the works and I'll try to keep things updated. This is a journalists heaven and hell... so many stories... so many nightmares. And, it's incredibly difficult to get the facts. No one's talking about these things... and it's high time they started.
More later,
S/
Stories currently in production...
The implications of teen pregnancy - death, poverty, social ruin, illiteracy, and so on. It's scary what could happen to a young girl who gets pregnant.
Road safety for children - a very interesting radio piece by a very smart, talented journalist. There are no street signs, no crosswalks, no traffic signals... and thousands of children are hurt in accidents on the roads.
Computer school upgrades - another fearless and dedicated journalist is working on comparing computer schools... some are scams and some are legit but the field is totally unregulated. Some offer "degrees" while others offer "certificates". Most of these are useless and unrecognized by any educational institute or by employers. But, the key to getting a job or getting ahead here is computer knowledge, which makes this a lucrative scam or good business.
Land Grabbing in Sierra Leone. This issue is huge and affects almost every country in Africa. Large, international companies and hedge funds are leasing up the land... to the detriment of the small farmers, villages and communities. It's scary how Sierra Leone is selling itself off. Investment incentives by the Gov include no tax for ten years, 0 duty on imports, no requirements for schools, social responsibility or health services, no labour regulations, etc. etc. Sierra Leone is "open" for abuse. Scary.
More stories are in the works and I'll try to keep things updated. This is a journalists heaven and hell... so many stories... so many nightmares. And, it's incredibly difficult to get the facts. No one's talking about these things... and it's high time they started.
More later,
S/
Looking for Light at the End of the Tunnel
Longing for electricity and an Internet connection
Living without power – light, refrigeration, Internet, fans, TV, etc. means adapting to a simpler way of life… and a more difficult existence. I go to bed early and wake when the sun comes up. I eat canned meat and canned vegetables because there’s no power for the small fridge in my apartment. I eat by candlelight or kerosene lanterns. I drink my Nescafe coffee with powdered milk in water heated over a kerosene camp cooker. I inhale countless amounts of carbon monoxide fumes from spewing generators. I beg for time to charge my phone from small shops hosting miniature generators. (1000Le or about .25 per charge). I read by the light of a small, battery-powered headlamp.
At night, Freetown is a dark city. There are no streetlights. Shops are dark. There are no twinkling lights on the horizon from buildings in the city core. Flames from burning garbage at the local dump are sometimes the only visible light. A couple of hotels or bars dot the night with light from noisy generators that compete with loud, electronic music. The hum of distant generators, especially up the hill where the President lives, accompany the slow sweeps of car headlights in the night.
And, I relish the few stolen moments of power whether they’re at SLBC via generator or at a local hotel that usually sparks up their generator during the early morning and later evenings. Electricity is a scarce commodity in Sierra Leone despite the millions of dollars donors have poured into the Bumbuna Hydro-Electric dam and power generation sites. The promise of power is yet to be realized… and it’s a fact of life that no one seems to question – or more accurately, people have lost hope in.
SLBC suffers – along with listeners and viewers – when the electricity from the National Power Authority runs short. (N.P.A., re-named on the street “No Power Altogether” or in Krio, “Na Powa Avva”) Sometimes, because of the shortage of petrol or because the SLBC generator is broken, the airwaves and TV transmission towers fall silent. Static takes over the programming schedule. The voice of the national public broadcaster is quiet… Listeners tune their battery-powered radios to other stations with more reliable supplies of petrol or electricity generation.
To many, this is an appalling situation. And I’d agree except for the fact that this has been a perpetual problem in Sierra Leone – especially since the end of the ten-year civil war. Power was promised by a succession of governments. Donors have supported the idea for almost thirty years. Yet… we continue to exist without reliable power supplies. I can’t help wonder how this country will ever emerge from the dark without massive changes in government, infrastructure, economy, laws, and so on.
I’ve asked myself this question many times, “Is there light at the end of the tunnel?” I believe in the power of the people… I just wish the people had the power.
Hanging in here,
S/
Living without power – light, refrigeration, Internet, fans, TV, etc. means adapting to a simpler way of life… and a more difficult existence. I go to bed early and wake when the sun comes up. I eat canned meat and canned vegetables because there’s no power for the small fridge in my apartment. I eat by candlelight or kerosene lanterns. I drink my Nescafe coffee with powdered milk in water heated over a kerosene camp cooker. I inhale countless amounts of carbon monoxide fumes from spewing generators. I beg for time to charge my phone from small shops hosting miniature generators. (1000Le or about .25 per charge). I read by the light of a small, battery-powered headlamp.
At night, Freetown is a dark city. There are no streetlights. Shops are dark. There are no twinkling lights on the horizon from buildings in the city core. Flames from burning garbage at the local dump are sometimes the only visible light. A couple of hotels or bars dot the night with light from noisy generators that compete with loud, electronic music. The hum of distant generators, especially up the hill where the President lives, accompany the slow sweeps of car headlights in the night.
And, I relish the few stolen moments of power whether they’re at SLBC via generator or at a local hotel that usually sparks up their generator during the early morning and later evenings. Electricity is a scarce commodity in Sierra Leone despite the millions of dollars donors have poured into the Bumbuna Hydro-Electric dam and power generation sites. The promise of power is yet to be realized… and it’s a fact of life that no one seems to question – or more accurately, people have lost hope in.
SLBC suffers – along with listeners and viewers – when the electricity from the National Power Authority runs short. (N.P.A., re-named on the street “No Power Altogether” or in Krio, “Na Powa Avva”) Sometimes, because of the shortage of petrol or because the SLBC generator is broken, the airwaves and TV transmission towers fall silent. Static takes over the programming schedule. The voice of the national public broadcaster is quiet… Listeners tune their battery-powered radios to other stations with more reliable supplies of petrol or electricity generation.
To many, this is an appalling situation. And I’d agree except for the fact that this has been a perpetual problem in Sierra Leone – especially since the end of the ten-year civil war. Power was promised by a succession of governments. Donors have supported the idea for almost thirty years. Yet… we continue to exist without reliable power supplies. I can’t help wonder how this country will ever emerge from the dark without massive changes in government, infrastructure, economy, laws, and so on.
I’ve asked myself this question many times, “Is there light at the end of the tunnel?” I believe in the power of the people… I just wish the people had the power.
Hanging in here,
S/
Friday, February 18, 2011
Only in Sierra Leone… I couldn’t make this stuff up!
Today (Feb. 18, 2011) is a national holiday – Sierra Leone Armed Forces Day. And, in typical Sierra Leonean fashion things were a bit chaotic, disorganized and just plain strange and wonderful.
The day started with a march along the famous Siaka Stevens Street in downtown Freetown. Thousands of soldiers, police, firefighters, organizations, unions, nurses, doctors and school children marched past dignitaries including President Koroma standing on the balcony of the Law Courts. The parade was to march down Siaka Stevens Street to a gathering at the National Stadium. Sounds grand, doesn’t it?
As the parade, the President, Ministers and dignitaries arrived at the Stadium compound, they were turned away by a cleaner and security guard who said, “no arrangements had been made, and therefore no one was allowed inside.” Oh my… the palaver that followed… but no one entered the Stadium. Shocking?!
The parade, including dignitaries, got back into their vehicles and drove off leaving the parade to meander, disburse and disband. Apparently, everyone assumed the parade was supposed to go to the Stadium… but no one told anyone that that was not the plan. Goodness… I couldn’t make this up!
Then, the President and a whole raft of dignitaries including foreign ambassadors, arrived at the Wilberforce Military Barracks to open a medical “store” and mortuary. These facilities were funded by African Minerals, London Mining, et al. (A suspicious lot to begin with.) The mortuary was officially named after a retired Major of the SL Armed Forces who’d died two years ago. Interestingly, the Chair of the opening ceremony cited the reasons for the official naming. He went on to describe the life of the Major who’d died… and described how the past military mortuary lost his dead body! He described past experiences at the military mortuary as “undignified, disrespectful and sometimes disgraceful.”
The ceremony Chair assured soldiers, families and dignitaries that with the help of donors the dead would be treated better – hopefully. Goodness… I couldn’t make this stuff up!
Holiday for most… not me.
S/
The day started with a march along the famous Siaka Stevens Street in downtown Freetown. Thousands of soldiers, police, firefighters, organizations, unions, nurses, doctors and school children marched past dignitaries including President Koroma standing on the balcony of the Law Courts. The parade was to march down Siaka Stevens Street to a gathering at the National Stadium. Sounds grand, doesn’t it?
As the parade, the President, Ministers and dignitaries arrived at the Stadium compound, they were turned away by a cleaner and security guard who said, “no arrangements had been made, and therefore no one was allowed inside.” Oh my… the palaver that followed… but no one entered the Stadium. Shocking?!
The parade, including dignitaries, got back into their vehicles and drove off leaving the parade to meander, disburse and disband. Apparently, everyone assumed the parade was supposed to go to the Stadium… but no one told anyone that that was not the plan. Goodness… I couldn’t make this up!
Then, the President and a whole raft of dignitaries including foreign ambassadors, arrived at the Wilberforce Military Barracks to open a medical “store” and mortuary. These facilities were funded by African Minerals, London Mining, et al. (A suspicious lot to begin with.) The mortuary was officially named after a retired Major of the SL Armed Forces who’d died two years ago. Interestingly, the Chair of the opening ceremony cited the reasons for the official naming. He went on to describe the life of the Major who’d died… and described how the past military mortuary lost his dead body! He described past experiences at the military mortuary as “undignified, disrespectful and sometimes disgraceful.”
The ceremony Chair assured soldiers, families and dignitaries that with the help of donors the dead would be treated better – hopefully. Goodness… I couldn’t make this stuff up!
Holiday for most… not me.
S/
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
On The Editorial Side of SLBC
The programming at SLBC continues to evolve… We’ve got new shows, new times and a whole crew of new staff.
Let’s look at radio first.
According to a “2010 Media Use Survey”, commissioned by Fondation Hirondelle and Cotton Tree News (CTN) the peak times for radio listening are between 6.00 and 7.30 a.m. and between 6.00 and 8.30 p.m. That’s no real surprise… and the most important, most reliable and most used source of information for Sierra Leoneans is the radio.
Other statistics from that same report, prepared by research consultant, Graham Mytton, include:
• Radio is listened to by 82% of Sierra Leoneans, 5% more than in 2008 (the last batch of statistics)
• 86% of men and 78% of women are listeners; both figures have increased since 2008.
• Radio listening is at the highest levels in Moyamba, Pujehun, Tonkolili and Kenema Districts. It is lowest in Koinadugu and Kailahun (where transmitters continue to have technical problems)
• Well over half the radio audience did not go to school.
• Most listening is at home. 75% of the listening audience have a radio set at home.
Unfortunately, the program development in radio has been bested by developments on the television side of broadcasting… an interesting and perhaps misdirected approach… but still, “we’re working on it”, as they say.
“Old” radio programs include the former flagship, UN radio program, Teabreak, which airs at 9:00 a.m. and continues to host important news and current affairs issues. It’s probably the most listened to radio program of the day.
Other programs include, Nightline with DJ Bass, On the Spot, Salone Satellite, The Machine, Atunda Ayenda and several other local language programs. Nightline is an interesting mix of “youth programming” featuring local musicians and local issues. It runs from 11:00 p.m. through till about 3:00 a.m. On The Spot and Salone Satellite are news programs that feature reports from the Provinces… and “live to air” reporting from events and activities – usually government-related or NGO workshop oriented.
Television broadcast has seen the greatest change.
From Graham’s “Media Use Survey” we’ve learned a thing or two. Most TV viewing is in the evening. It peaks between 7.30 and 9.30 p.m. That might not be news to most… but here’s what else we’ve learned about the “new” medium of SLBC TV.
• 26% watch TV at least sometimes, an increase from 16% in 2008.
• Viewing is highest in Freetown where 29% ever watch and lowest in Bonthe and Pujehun where less than 1% ever watch.
• Most viewers watch TV in the homes of others or at community centers, bars or cafes. Only 9% of all viewers watch at home.
• Most TV viewers have at least some education; even so, 39% of the total TV audience never went to school.
• Only 26% of all TV viewers, 7% of all respondents, had seen TV on the day before the interview.
The new crop of TV shows include, Tell it to Rachel, Chatroom with Ellen, National Encounter, U Sabi Dance (outside producer), and Sunday Night Variety Show. Now, we’re a long way from HBO, NBC or even Fox TV but it’s a start.
These new programs tend to focus on “gossip” or “congasa” (in Kreole) and are fairly popular. Tell it to Rachel recently featured in-studio guests talking about cheating partners, best friends, make-up tips and even a segment on domestic violence. It’s mostly “light fare” to be sure… but by all accounts via call-ins and text messages, this is what’s popular. Chatroom with Ellen is much the same… a female host interviews friends on topics such as online dating, best friends and relationships and so on. Both of these shows feature “the red couch”, in-studio interviews and call-ins. I can’t say this is the best of TV but again, “we’re trying”.
A new addition to the TV line-up is a program called National Encounter, which features in-studio guests hosted by the Head of Television, Sam Valcalcel. National Encounter is supposed to feature informed debate on issues of national importance… and it follows the same formula as others – studio guests and call-in opinions.
SLBC TV retained several shows from previous incarnations of broadcasting including, Watin de Docta Say, a Kreole language show on health. It’s unfortunately another live, in-studio discussion program – with a doctor – hosted by the previous Head of Administration. A great deal is possible with this type of show and we’ll eventually get to the point where we actually go out to discuss health issues with people on the street.
SLBC journalists do get out and around and one of the TV shows that’s immensely popular is Viewfinder, a local language program that features news and information from the villages and towns across the country. The camera work is shaky and the sound is often inadequate but there’s a sense of “our country” in all episodes.
Still the reigning champion – from an informal survey – is the half hour program of birthdays and obituary announcements. These paid-for announcements seem to be at the heart of a lot of Sierra Leoneans. “It’s a way for us to learn about each other,” says one avid viewer. And, with such a strong familial connection or village connection between so many Freetownians, it’s a way of finding out what’s happening with family and friends.
As I say, we’re a long way off from real public service broadcasting… but “we’re trying” and experimentation seems to be the modus operandi for now. There’s no question we have a long way to go… and one day… we’ll get there.
Still standing... and still trying...
S/
Let’s look at radio first.
According to a “2010 Media Use Survey”, commissioned by Fondation Hirondelle and Cotton Tree News (CTN) the peak times for radio listening are between 6.00 and 7.30 a.m. and between 6.00 and 8.30 p.m. That’s no real surprise… and the most important, most reliable and most used source of information for Sierra Leoneans is the radio.
Other statistics from that same report, prepared by research consultant, Graham Mytton, include:
• Radio is listened to by 82% of Sierra Leoneans, 5% more than in 2008 (the last batch of statistics)
• 86% of men and 78% of women are listeners; both figures have increased since 2008.
• Radio listening is at the highest levels in Moyamba, Pujehun, Tonkolili and Kenema Districts. It is lowest in Koinadugu and Kailahun (where transmitters continue to have technical problems)
• Well over half the radio audience did not go to school.
• Most listening is at home. 75% of the listening audience have a radio set at home.
Unfortunately, the program development in radio has been bested by developments on the television side of broadcasting… an interesting and perhaps misdirected approach… but still, “we’re working on it”, as they say.
“Old” radio programs include the former flagship, UN radio program, Teabreak, which airs at 9:00 a.m. and continues to host important news and current affairs issues. It’s probably the most listened to radio program of the day.
Other programs include, Nightline with DJ Bass, On the Spot, Salone Satellite, The Machine, Atunda Ayenda and several other local language programs. Nightline is an interesting mix of “youth programming” featuring local musicians and local issues. It runs from 11:00 p.m. through till about 3:00 a.m. On The Spot and Salone Satellite are news programs that feature reports from the Provinces… and “live to air” reporting from events and activities – usually government-related or NGO workshop oriented.
Television broadcast has seen the greatest change.
From Graham’s “Media Use Survey” we’ve learned a thing or two. Most TV viewing is in the evening. It peaks between 7.30 and 9.30 p.m. That might not be news to most… but here’s what else we’ve learned about the “new” medium of SLBC TV.
• 26% watch TV at least sometimes, an increase from 16% in 2008.
• Viewing is highest in Freetown where 29% ever watch and lowest in Bonthe and Pujehun where less than 1% ever watch.
• Most viewers watch TV in the homes of others or at community centers, bars or cafes. Only 9% of all viewers watch at home.
• Most TV viewers have at least some education; even so, 39% of the total TV audience never went to school.
• Only 26% of all TV viewers, 7% of all respondents, had seen TV on the day before the interview.
The new crop of TV shows include, Tell it to Rachel, Chatroom with Ellen, National Encounter, U Sabi Dance (outside producer), and Sunday Night Variety Show. Now, we’re a long way from HBO, NBC or even Fox TV but it’s a start.
These new programs tend to focus on “gossip” or “congasa” (in Kreole) and are fairly popular. Tell it to Rachel recently featured in-studio guests talking about cheating partners, best friends, make-up tips and even a segment on domestic violence. It’s mostly “light fare” to be sure… but by all accounts via call-ins and text messages, this is what’s popular. Chatroom with Ellen is much the same… a female host interviews friends on topics such as online dating, best friends and relationships and so on. Both of these shows feature “the red couch”, in-studio interviews and call-ins. I can’t say this is the best of TV but again, “we’re trying”.
A new addition to the TV line-up is a program called National Encounter, which features in-studio guests hosted by the Head of Television, Sam Valcalcel. National Encounter is supposed to feature informed debate on issues of national importance… and it follows the same formula as others – studio guests and call-in opinions.
SLBC TV retained several shows from previous incarnations of broadcasting including, Watin de Docta Say, a Kreole language show on health. It’s unfortunately another live, in-studio discussion program – with a doctor – hosted by the previous Head of Administration. A great deal is possible with this type of show and we’ll eventually get to the point where we actually go out to discuss health issues with people on the street.
SLBC journalists do get out and around and one of the TV shows that’s immensely popular is Viewfinder, a local language program that features news and information from the villages and towns across the country. The camera work is shaky and the sound is often inadequate but there’s a sense of “our country” in all episodes.
Still the reigning champion – from an informal survey – is the half hour program of birthdays and obituary announcements. These paid-for announcements seem to be at the heart of a lot of Sierra Leoneans. “It’s a way for us to learn about each other,” says one avid viewer. And, with such a strong familial connection or village connection between so many Freetownians, it’s a way of finding out what’s happening with family and friends.
As I say, we’re a long way off from real public service broadcasting… but “we’re trying” and experimentation seems to be the modus operandi for now. There’s no question we have a long way to go… and one day… we’ll get there.
Still standing... and still trying...
S/
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