The ACC meets the Lebanese community in Bo
As part of its Public Education and sensitization drive, the Anti-Corruption Commission met with the Lebanese Community in Bo City on 15th April 2011 at the Fenton Road Office of the Lebanese Community Public Relations Officer, Mr. Saleh M Yahya. The meeting was attended by a cross section of the Lebanese Community including their Chairman and a businessman.
Explaining the purpose of the meeting, Mr. Anthony Samu, District Coordinator for the Anti-Corruption Commission, Bo District, said that the meeting was to acknowledge the Lebanese community in Bo as key stakeholders and to update them on the activities of the Commission and to discuss ways they can support the work of the Commission. He added that the meeting will give the attending community members the opportunity to ask questions or raise issues on information they are not clear about. Mr. Samu expressed optimism that the information received from the ACC will reach other members not present at the meeting thus creating that multiplier effect within the Lebanese Community in Bo City.
Mr. Samu emphasized the minimum penalty of not less than thirty million Leones fine or three years jail term or both for any offence.
The Southern Regional Public Education Officer, Mr. Peter Baio Kamara updated the Lebanese on the establishment and operations of the Commission and explained some of the offences related to the private sector and cautioned them to always be on the right side of the law and to bring to the attention of the Commission any attempt at getting them involved in corruption and corrupt practice .
In his presentation, Mr. David Kanekey Conteh, Public Education Officer-Eastern Region explained the relationship between the private and public sector. Mr Conteh stated that the Lebanese Community operating predominantly in the private sector interface with the general public at all levels in society. He cited the mining, construction and procurement sectors and the import and export of food & other commodities. As business people, he said, they should avoid transacting business with public officers who have corrupt intention as the penalties for defaulters of the offences are very stiff. He therefore encouraged the Lebanese Community to resist, reject and report corruption at all levels.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Lebanese Community in Bo, Mr. Kamel Bayoun commended the ACC for thinking of engaging them as business people noting that they too have a stake in the development of the nation. Mr Bayoun said that as Sierra Leoneans they are always ready to jointly work with the ACC in the fight against corruption in the country.
In his vote of thanks on behalf of the Leadership and entire membership of the Lebanese Community, the Secretary General Mr. Saleh M. Yahya commended the ACC for the work they are doing in fighting corruption. He pledged their fullest support and cooperation to the ACC at all times.
Anthony B. Samu, ACC District Coordinator – Bo District
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