SWASAL Condemns Sports Minister Paul Kamara

The attention of the Sports Writers Association of Sierra Leone (SWASAL), has been drawn to a letter from the Ministry of Sports and authored by one Y.A Lahai calling for The Director-General and the Ambassador at Large, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to delete the name of Sahr Morris Jr. from the list of applicants for the issuance of the Russian Visa to cover the ongoing 49thIAAF Congress in Moscow.

The letter, dated 1^st August 2013, read thus:

‘‘I have the honour to refer to the above subject (Request for the withdrawal of visa), and my Memorandum of even reference dated 25^th July, 2013, and to inform that the Hon. Minister of Sports has directed that Mr. Sahr Morris Junior holder of Passport No E0072562 is not eligible to participate in the 49^th IAAF Congress, which will convene in Moscow from 10^th -19^th August, 2013.

In the circumstance, I write to request that the name of Mr. Sahr Morris Junior be deleted from the list of applicants for the issuance of the Russian Visa.

I trust that you will give this matter utmost attention.

Counting on your usual cooperation.

Y.A Lahai

For: Permanent Secretary’

Whilst the association is perturbed on the rationale behind the eligibility of an internationally accredited Sports Journalist to cover any sporting activity the world over, SWASAL totally condemns the action of the Sports Minister in its entirety.

The association further believes it is not the responsibility of any Sports Minister to issue accreditation to sports journalists to cover any sporting event but rather, the organizers of such events like the IAAF in this case.

That was why the Russian Embassy in Guinea ignored the request of Paul Kamara by issuing the visa to Sahr Morris Jr and we are grateful for that.

Our belief is that if Paul Kamara has any scores to settle with Sahr Morris Jr. he should have found another civilized way to solve their problems rather than ensure Sahr Morris Jr. Is barred from attending the games and report on the performance of our athletes in Moscow to their compatriots back in Sierra Leone.

Meanwhile, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) is aware of this latest development and is closely working with SWASAL to address the unfortunate development.

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