He was speaking during the recent 20thmeeting of the Regional Maritime Board in Accra, Ghana.
According to the minister, Sierra Leone is extremely proud of its affiliation with the Regional Maritime University Board of Governors because it is a beacon of maritime studies and development which has performed remarkably over the years.
He added that the institution should focus more on expanding its curriculum to better prepare its graduates to effectively tackle maritime-related challenges such as piracy and the increase in the number of sea vessels rotting away at sea ports in various countries.
He went on to say that piracy issues must be treated seriously, adding that member countries must endeavor to put theories into practice to halt such criminal activities.
“Our government is moving Sierra Leone in the New Direction and to achieve this, we have to do the right things for the people of Sierra Leone. President Bio in his address at the state opening of Parliament emphasized the need to revamp the maritime sector. As a member of this Board, I began my tenure with complete faith and confidence in each and every one of you. I believe with hard work, dedication and network, we can make the university more relevant to changing times,” the Minister of Transport and Aviation said.
Speaking to AYV over the line yesterday, the Executive Director Sierra Leone Maritime Administration, Dr. Aljaji Wurroh Jalloh commended Hon. Kabineh Kallon saying the SLMA is always open to change. He added that he is satisfied that since the SLPP came to power, the Ministry of Transport and Aviation that is supervising the SLMA has been keeping them on their toes by monitoring their activities and progress being made.
He used the opportunity to call on all stakeholders in the commercial sea transport industry to strictly adhere by the sea travel regulation which stipulates that no sea vessel should ply the waters before 7am and after 7pm; especially during the rainy season when the seas can be extra rough. He warned violators of possible prosecution and conviction followed by costs if found guilty.
