On behalf of BBC Media Action, Country Director George Ferguson said the equipment was not only to help build the capacity of SLAJ but to also strengthen the relationship that exist between the two organisations. He noted that the donor, DFID, bought the equipment for the strengthening of the media sector in Sierra Leone and appealed for it to be well maintained and used for the purpose for which the donor purchased it.

“It gives me great pleasure to do this small donation; it’s more of a gesture, our contribution to the work of SLAJ. But let me confirm that it is being done in the best possible spirit of partnership. We hope that the future brings further opportunities for partnerships and cooperation,” said Ferguson.

Receiving the equipment the President of SLAJ, Kelvin Lewis, thanked BBC Media Action and also hoped that the donation would strengthen the bond between the two organisations.

“We hope this bond will grow deeper and stronger and we’ll continue to help each other as much as possible to develop the media in Sierra Leone. We also hope that this donation will go a long way to improve journalism in the country,” said Lewis.

He added: “At the end of the day our commitment is to our profession, to make it better and more responsible and responsive to the needs of society in general. We know we have a sacred duty to the public and we hope this motorbike will help in no small way in achieving our objectives.”