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Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Youth, Amb. Hon. Patrick Michaelson Gibrilla, responded to rumors circulating about the boats launched by President Julius Maada Bio in Freetown.
The rumors, suggesting that the boats were old, were quickly dismissed by the Minister, who clarified that the boats are in fact brand new.
In a recent interview with Tombo Media Engagement Blog, Gibrilla said the boats were part of President Bio’s broader initiative to provide employment opportunities for young people, particularly in the fishing communities.
A total of 50 boats were constructed with the aim of empowering over 1,000 youths, supporting their livelihoods, and enhancing the country’s fishing industry.
The Deputy Minister explained that the confusion about the boats’ age stemmed from a delay in the originally planned launch, which might have led to the boats appearing less new. “The boats are new, and the perception otherwise arose because the launch did not occur on time. The delay in the event may have given some people the wrong impression about their condition,” Gibrilla stated
He assured the public that the boats are in perfect condition, with no compromise to their quality or functionality. “We are delivering on our promises, and I can assure you that these boats are modern and ready to make a positive impact. You can verify this with community members who witnessed their construction,” he added
The Youth Minister also emphasized that despite the minor delay in launching the boats, this does not detract from the government’s dedication to fulfilling its promises and creating meaningful change.
The boats are expected to play a significant role in promoting youth employment across Sierra Leone and improving economic opportunities for fishing communities
Amb. Hon. Patrick Michaelson Gibrilla, you said the boat was new; it is because of the late delay to the commission that caused it to appear less new. Now, where is the boat kept before then? The way the boat looks it does not appear as something new Mr Ambf.
All that the Deputy Minister said said was just a way of trying to manage the damage. But you can’t tell Sierra Leoneans that, the particular boat we saw our president cutting the 🎀 ribbon was a new ⛵ boat.
Stop deceiving the people of this country because they are no longer fools like some of you and your supporters
If you believe those boats are new, then your standards for assessment are pretty low. Unfortunately, the President found himself in an embarrassing situation. Before his visit, there should have been engagement with the regulating authorities, specifically the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration, to inspect the seaworthiness of those crafts properly. It is a disappointment that we are not learning from these experiences; as a result, we are fostering negativity and causing many setbacks for our nation.
Where were they other 49 boats, because we only saw one old boat.
This Bio led government is full of hilarious events and a gimmick gamers. DM is bluntly arguing that the boats were new but contradicting himself that the boats got depreciated due to the delay in their commissioning. This is a tale full of furry. If this government is serious in addressing the needs of the people of this country, they should try to accept their lapses and make a solid foundation from there onwards.
Mr. Minister, you tried so much in defending your failed government. But unfortunately, you got it all over wrong. Did any new boat appeared at the commissioning? Where were the remaining 49.
Pls excuse me sir…
Mr. Minister stop lying. Those boost are old, I’m a boat(5 boats) owner @ Tombo. So you can tell me what I know. Those boats are not even 1 year old but more than that.
Mr minister you try to defend your failed government but you even don’t know how to start lying to the people of this nation.
We all watch the video even the president doesn’t first see the boat inside the boat which is why he commissioned it if he had seen it first he should not have commissioned that one boat we see in the video because even someone who those not know about boat can testify that the boat is old.
All those people commenting about the quality of the boat, have you visited the community to check the quality of those boats. I believe the boat was launched for people, if they were old boat(s), will those beneficiaries be happy about it? Or if that boat(s) are old, where does the government take it? Did they travel with it, take it from somebody or buy it from somebody? All these questions are for you guys to go that community to ask than just posting in social media because we want to post. I believe when you want to claim something you should have some evidence.
I thank you all
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