The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Dr. Alie Kabba has given assurance to the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society on the request for subvention brought to his attention.  The Minister informed the team about his plan engagement with the Finance Minister on the matter, noting that the issue is very critical to the operation of the Red Cross due to the essential service they render to the public especially the vulnerable in remote communities in the country. “Sierra Leone Red Cross is visible in rural areas and has a historical record of providing First Aid during critical periods in the country” he maintained, citing the Society’s role during the war and Ebola period to save the lives of vulnerable people.

The Minister made the statement during a courtesy call at his Tower Hill Office in Freetown on the 18^th October, 2018. Minister Kabba pledged to continue with advocacy on behalf of the Red Cross because of their relevance in society. On the duty waiver issue for the supplies presently at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay, he promised to instruct the Director responsible for such matters to liaise with the relevant Ministry/Departments responsible to look into the matter and savage the situation. “Your record and service gives the people dignity in society” he concluded.

Mr. Kpawuru Sandy-Secretary General of the Sierra Leone Red Cross told the Minister that the purpose of their visit was to update him on the transformation process and the 2019 work plan which is in progress. He explained that the visit was further meant to appeal to the Minister to prevail on the Finance Minister to provide the Subvention due the Society by the Government of Sierra Leone, this he said will enable the organization undertakes its activities. He also appealed for the intervention of the Minister for “tax exemption” in order for the essential supplies to be cleared from Queen Elizabeth II Quay. Charles Garmodeh Kpan, Sr.-Head of Office, International Committee of the Red Cross also pleaded for the intervention of the Minister to solicit support for national Red Cross.