Highlights of Good Morning Sierra Leone Program on Radio Democracy FM 98.1-Wednesday 13th November, 2013 Coordinator of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), Mamoudu Idriss on Sierra Leone’s performance • SL passed 12 out of the 20 indicators but failed in the control of corruption and inadequate health expenditure • The scorecard has various indicators used to assess all countries • The MCC depends on data collected by international organizations like the World Bank and Transparency International to assess countries • SL passed 3 out of the 6 indicators in investing in people • GDP increased due to mining revenue • Last year, SL moved from 0 to the compact status (double promotion) • This year, SL dropped in the areas of political rights, civil liberties, control of corruption, bribery and institutional efforts to curb corruption, Government ineffectiveness and transparency-this is a big problem • Enactment of the Freedom of Information Bill will facilitate transparency • SL’s eligibility does not guarantee funding-the MCC Board will meet on 5th December 2013 to access its performance • Even if MCC approves the funding-the country must continue to remain eligible-promote democratic rights and control corruption-the country must perform above average • This year, the MCC concentrated in one area-investing in people • Another condition is that 9% of water and forest reserves must be protected-SL has only protected 2% of its forests • The launch of the free healthcare scheme caused SL to pass the health indicator in 2012 • Automated systems will help reduce corruption • The compact has provision for the strengthening of governance institutions Consultant engineer, Andrew Keili on the same issue • MCC has consulted the private sector-it is doing a good job • Corruption and Government ineffectiveness are worrisome • Government spends less on health and education–too much emphasis on infrastructure • Government failed one MCC indicator because its expenditure exceeds revenue-its expenditure is high-it must be reduced • Government must allocate more resources to education and natural resources protection • Government must invest in the people • Land rights is another issue • The control of corruption is not only about the ACC • There is also the issue of distribution of wealth • Budgetary allocation to the health sector is minimal • The areas SL did well must be consolidated-this is food for thought for CSOs and policy makers • Government budget is limited–it is difficult to balance it • Corruption must be looked at holistically • Hopes that SL will qualify for the funding that will help to advance the country • Government institutions and officials must be honest and give accurate information to the President • Most of the education budget goes to tertiary institutions-there is need to invest in primary education–Government has performed well in girl-child education PMDC Spokesman, Raymond Bamidale Thompson on developments in the party • PMDC is determined to review the party Constitution • The current Constitution does not make provision for the positions of Deputy Chairman, Secretary and Women’s Leader • The party chooses it leader biannually to hold office as long as necessary • The PMDC is democratic • The next conference will take place early next year • The current executive is acting–all positions will be contested for • Will contest for the chairmanship of the party • PMDC currently on a serious recruitment drive • People must be steadfast with their parties
Posted on: Wed, 13 Nov 2013 13:44:18 +0000
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