First all let me apologise, cos i left early yesterday and arrived late today. Ah tire. There's about 4-5 speakers per session and 4-5 sessions per day. Its a bit difficult to stay focused especially when some are effectively making a sales pitch. There's a lot of talking in this forum. Anyway...
Day 2 was the official opening by his Excellency the President. It was interesting seeing his intelligence guards in action. Before he spoke we heard the Minister of State in Ireland talk about Irish experiences in the past 20 years or so not being disimilar to the current situation we find ourselves in today (lack of tax payment, curroption etc). This is always good for inspiration but he also cautioned that overcoming their difficulties was a matter of hard work and dedication and not by good luck or some miracle. His govt promised an additional Euro7m to the govt depending on certain criteria being met (you should know the drill by now). He also paid glowing tribute to Kadie Sesay for her persistence in making sure he attended the forum. He said SL has a great ambassador in Kadie Sesay. I must say she always impresses.
His Excellency then made his speech which outline a lot of progress the govt have been making with regards security and economic growth. His speech was really packed with information but i fear the most of it probably didn't sink in as he delivered it like a man tired. Also i personally think it would have been good for him to deliver it standing up and with a bit more enthusiasm. He was delivering to an audience to which body language means a lot and is understood. I guess 10 years in charge of SL will take its toll eh?
Apparently Obasanjo was supposed to make an entry but he had being held up in New York due to an emergency... of course later in the day we heard Charles Taylor had gone missing.
After that we heard speeches from John Mbonu (Managing Director, Sierra Leone Brewery) and Mr Bernard Sisay (Marketing Director, Celtel). Both companies are big investors in Sierra Leone and provide employment to many. Apparently by the end of June Celtel would have invested $70million in Sierra Leone. Interestingly they acquired the license in 1998 - a period of intense insecurity in Sierra Leone. Brewery had their entire factory burnt down during the war but that didn't put them off coming back!
After that session, i headed off home.
Day 3 was tourism day. Minister Okere Adams made an enthusiastic speech full of energy. You cannot fault him on that. Whislt we also heard about the Mape Project which has been proposed. This is a huge dream.. hotels, golf courses, spas - the full monty. We also heard an expert on Eco-Tourism who is currently carrying out research on behalf of the world bank. Great thing about Eco-Tourism is that the investment required to kick things off his not huge. Anyway i asked Hon. about the Peninsula Road - apparently they have received the money and will tender bids - this was slightly confusing as i heard from another reliable source that he knew the person who won the contract. I was probably confused and tired at that point so don't quote me.
Also asked about the airport transfer issue - to which he confirmed that they currently have someone who wants to come in with a couple of hovercrafts. I asked about the cost of hotels and if concessions will be made to hoteliers.. also about the coperation between his department and the conservation society - i think i asked too many questions though and had more still. :) Anyway, like i said you cannot fault the man for energy and optimism. He also mentioned -again- that Sierra Leone is the safest country in Africa.
That was it really - i had other arrangements in the morning so could not make the morning session. I can sense your disappointment. Sorry gotta run off to Octopussy Wine Bar (its just started raining - wierd weather these days!!). If you ever stop by at Octopussy you have to cheeck out the name of their cocktails. Hilarious - clever though.
29 March 2006
28 March 2006
Sierra Leone Diaspora - Day 1
And so it was that the first day of the conference was held at Kimbima Hotel. Today was Diaspora day and most of the speeches reflected that theme. It was highlighted that the Sierra Leone Diaspora apparently remits back $1bn annually. If this is the case there is a definite need to tap into those resources and direct those resources from consumer based consumption to investment based consumption as highlighted by one of the speakers.
In the morning Kadie Sesay spoke about the diaspora but also focused on womens’ issues. After this, part of the audience departed to join what I think was a women’s discussion forum. The session following that saw the Chairman of the Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce, Amadu Ndoeka with, Joseph J James, Min. for Development of Economic Planning (Hon Daramy) and Managing Director of KPMG David Carew on the panel. This section had an interesting exchange between the two. The Minister went first and spoke at length about Sierra Leone and the various initiatives, signed treaties and incentives for investors. He informed us that though he will not give a precise date for the solution to the electricity problems in Freetown he thinks that any day between now and the end of April when Eksom complete their project we can expect big things. I saw some rather sarcastic smiles in the audience - with a sort of "where have i heard that before?" look. I guess when it comes to electricity and other issues of infrastructural development, seeing is believing.
Then it was Carew’s turn to talk. He spoke about Public Private Parternships (PPPs) and their advantages, challenges and identified possible areas where PPPs would become incredibly useful due to lack of govt funds.
Later he gave an example, that a newly qualified doctor will earn Le300,000. Of course most of them refuse to work for the govt and in most cases leave to offer their services elsewhere. As a result govt approaches the international community for doctors. International community offers to pay their salaries but asks that the govt at least provide accommodation. Accommodation turns out to be around the range of $10,000 a year. Money he believes could have been put towards locally qualified doctors. The minister at this point interjects to state that Carew does not know what is going on. Carew then does not argue and says he accepts he doesn’t. Carew then goes on to mention a certain bridge that has been much talked about but to date has yet to become a reality (hon. looked a bit uncomfortable at this point). He pointed out that projects such as this and electricity would be ideal for PPP. Minister passes a note to the chairman which states that govt are ready and open to offers regarding the bridge. At the end of Carew’s speech he informed us that firstly, the President did not promise to build a bridge, he promised to carry out feasibility studies… this has now been completed and they are ready to listen to offers and engage companies in the possible building of the bridge.
The other panellist Joseph J James (a VSL forumite) spoke about his Peace Diamond Alliance, and a Bio-Mass project which is looking at converting waste into energy. He also spoke about the historical links between Sierra Leone and South Carolina and presented future opportunities for closer co-operation with the growth of DNA testing by African-Americans.
During the course of the day we heard from investors in the field of security and risk assessment, satellite services, investment services. We also heard a talk from a Sierra Leonean in the diaspora, a young man doing big things (another active VSL forumite). Conrad Parkes spoke about their investments in various parts of Africa but also what it was like coming to set up Bo’s first ISP in Sierra Leone. He also gave some useful recommendations for govt which were based on his experience – in particular around Company Registrations and Clearing goods at the Ports Authority.
The Ombudsman commented that clearing should not take more than 24hrs and if you find yourself being delayed for no apparent reason you can call his office and the issue would be resolved ASAP.
We also heard talks from Ade Daramy (Sierra Leone Diaspora Network) who appealed for words to be put into action and Oluniyi Robbin Coker (Sierra Leone Network) who provided interesting array of areas where policy changes are needed with urgency. Proud to say both are also VSL Forumites.
All in all not a bad first day, good opportunity for dialogue.. and the opportunity for govt to publicise some of the reforms that it has been undertaking. Eg issues surrounding dual citizenship which even though the Minister (or was it the Ombudsman?) claimed that Sierra Leoneans can now have dual citizenship - is still not clear. However if they said so... it must be true.
The forum will commence proper tomorrow following the official launch by His Excellency the President at Bintumani Hotel.
In the morning Kadie Sesay spoke about the diaspora but also focused on womens’ issues. After this, part of the audience departed to join what I think was a women’s discussion forum. The session following that saw the Chairman of the Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce, Amadu Ndoeka with, Joseph J James, Min. for Development of Economic Planning (Hon Daramy) and Managing Director of KPMG David Carew on the panel. This section had an interesting exchange between the two. The Minister went first and spoke at length about Sierra Leone and the various initiatives, signed treaties and incentives for investors. He informed us that though he will not give a precise date for the solution to the electricity problems in Freetown he thinks that any day between now and the end of April when Eksom complete their project we can expect big things. I saw some rather sarcastic smiles in the audience - with a sort of "where have i heard that before?" look. I guess when it comes to electricity and other issues of infrastructural development, seeing is believing.
Then it was Carew’s turn to talk. He spoke about Public Private Parternships (PPPs) and their advantages, challenges and identified possible areas where PPPs would become incredibly useful due to lack of govt funds.
Later he gave an example, that a newly qualified doctor will earn Le300,000. Of course most of them refuse to work for the govt and in most cases leave to offer their services elsewhere. As a result govt approaches the international community for doctors. International community offers to pay their salaries but asks that the govt at least provide accommodation. Accommodation turns out to be around the range of $10,000 a year. Money he believes could have been put towards locally qualified doctors. The minister at this point interjects to state that Carew does not know what is going on. Carew then does not argue and says he accepts he doesn’t. Carew then goes on to mention a certain bridge that has been much talked about but to date has yet to become a reality (hon. looked a bit uncomfortable at this point). He pointed out that projects such as this and electricity would be ideal for PPP. Minister passes a note to the chairman which states that govt are ready and open to offers regarding the bridge. At the end of Carew’s speech he informed us that firstly, the President did not promise to build a bridge, he promised to carry out feasibility studies… this has now been completed and they are ready to listen to offers and engage companies in the possible building of the bridge.
The other panellist Joseph J James (a VSL forumite) spoke about his Peace Diamond Alliance, and a Bio-Mass project which is looking at converting waste into energy. He also spoke about the historical links between Sierra Leone and South Carolina and presented future opportunities for closer co-operation with the growth of DNA testing by African-Americans.
During the course of the day we heard from investors in the field of security and risk assessment, satellite services, investment services. We also heard a talk from a Sierra Leonean in the diaspora, a young man doing big things (another active VSL forumite). Conrad Parkes spoke about their investments in various parts of Africa but also what it was like coming to set up Bo’s first ISP in Sierra Leone. He also gave some useful recommendations for govt which were based on his experience – in particular around Company Registrations and Clearing goods at the Ports Authority.
The Ombudsman commented that clearing should not take more than 24hrs and if you find yourself being delayed for no apparent reason you can call his office and the issue would be resolved ASAP.
We also heard talks from Ade Daramy (Sierra Leone Diaspora Network) who appealed for words to be put into action and Oluniyi Robbin Coker (Sierra Leone Network) who provided interesting array of areas where policy changes are needed with urgency. Proud to say both are also VSL Forumites.
All in all not a bad first day, good opportunity for dialogue.. and the opportunity for govt to publicise some of the reforms that it has been undertaking. Eg issues surrounding dual citizenship which even though the Minister (or was it the Ombudsman?) claimed that Sierra Leoneans can now have dual citizenship - is still not clear. However if they said so... it must be true.
The forum will commence proper tomorrow following the official launch by His Excellency the President at Bintumani Hotel.
27 March 2006
Latest Slangs
If you've been to Sierra Leone you'll probably know its people excel in slangs and "back talk". All in good humor of course. Mostly. To my surprise in just a couple of months since i was here there is a whole new batch of them. Chief of which is "man dem no gladdy oh" which translates directly to "we are not happy".. this is used almost light heartedly. There's also "everyday you jus dae change clos en spray perfume, you nor dae wass" which directly translates to "everyday you wear new clothes and spray perfume but you don't take a shower". Lastly, "una feel say nar una papa geh yah? Una go f**k off na ya"... Don't ask.
24 March 2006
Took 12hrs but finally here
yup, 12hrs.. left London 08.55 got to Lungi at 20.55. Mind you i knew it was going to take 12hrs but still it was kinda long. We made two stops in Brussels and Abidjan before setting off to Freetown. The flight itself was fine, first time on SN Brussels so was curious to check out their service etc. No complaints, we left on time and got here on time. Infact i think this was my smoothest trip to Sierra Leone. I purchased helicopter tickets before the luggages started to come through and my case was the second to appear. I was in Freetown an hour after we landed. Was slightly pissed off that the helicopter dudes originally tried to give me a red 'board'ing pass (second shuttle) whilst confidently telling me it was for the first shuttle. Can't figure out why.
Freetown is much the same, but tomorrow is a cleaning day which is reminicent of NPRC days. This is in preparation of the conference next week. Reactions have been mixed. Its also not as hot as peeps had been saying... or maybe i'm just happy to be away from the seemingly never ending winter London is having.
The Investment Conference it seems will now be held in 2 venues, Bintumani and Kimbima - now this is confusing as people i have spoken to don't seem to know why or exactly what the situation is. I can only hope it all goes well when the time comes.. Sierra Leone cannot afford to miss on this opportunity to impress. I hope no one presses the self destruct button.
Freetown is much the same, but tomorrow is a cleaning day which is reminicent of NPRC days. This is in preparation of the conference next week. Reactions have been mixed. Its also not as hot as peeps had been saying... or maybe i'm just happy to be away from the seemingly never ending winter London is having.
The Investment Conference it seems will now be held in 2 venues, Bintumani and Kimbima - now this is confusing as people i have spoken to don't seem to know why or exactly what the situation is. I can only hope it all goes well when the time comes.. Sierra Leone cannot afford to miss on this opportunity to impress. I hope no one presses the self destruct button.
3 March 2006
Tourism - Africa’s road to salvation?
Interesting atricle which looks at the future development and role of tourism in Africa. It could make a potentially huge difference to the life of local communities and the development of the country as a whole but of course this needs to be a carefully managed process in which the needs of the community needs to be paramount.
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"Tourism is the biggest industry in the world - and Africa has exactly 4% of the market for it. What the continent has in its favour, though, is the one commodity that all the world’s less developed countries share (and developed countries envy): an unspoilt environment, great climate and rich cultural traditions. These happen to be the very attractions that tomorrow’s eco-conscious tourist will be seeking out. Yet they are being massively underutilised by most African countries."
Dawie de Villiers, a former South African cabinet minister who is now deputy head of the World Tourism Organisation (WTO), says the continent’s governments must place tourism at the heart of their growth policies. “Tourism has the potential to be a powerful tool in antipoverty and pro-poor development strategies,” De Villiers told delegates at a recent conference. “We believe that the economic and development strength of the tourism industry should be more effectively mobilised in the fight against poverty.”
"De Villiers, a former South African cabinet minister for tourism, warns that not all tourism is good. In particular, he stresses that local communities must benefit and the industry must be effectively planned if it is to be sustainable."
http://www.businessinafrica.net/features/tourism/393143.htm
Discuss this here
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"Tourism is the biggest industry in the world - and Africa has exactly 4% of the market for it. What the continent has in its favour, though, is the one commodity that all the world’s less developed countries share (and developed countries envy): an unspoilt environment, great climate and rich cultural traditions. These happen to be the very attractions that tomorrow’s eco-conscious tourist will be seeking out. Yet they are being massively underutilised by most African countries."
Dawie de Villiers, a former South African cabinet minister who is now deputy head of the World Tourism Organisation (WTO), says the continent’s governments must place tourism at the heart of their growth policies. “Tourism has the potential to be a powerful tool in antipoverty and pro-poor development strategies,” De Villiers told delegates at a recent conference. “We believe that the economic and development strength of the tourism industry should be more effectively mobilised in the fight against poverty.”
"De Villiers, a former South African cabinet minister for tourism, warns that not all tourism is good. In particular, he stresses that local communities must benefit and the industry must be effectively planned if it is to be sustainable."
http://www.businessinafrica.net/features/tourism/393143.htm
Discuss this here
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