Dr Jalloh further said that it is the responsibility of government to ensure that everyone upholds the rule of law and maintain order for the good of society, and that his government is determined to bring discipline into public life.
Responding to comments made by the President of the Sierra Leone Labour Congress, Mr. Jennings Wright, that Sierra Leone is presently in turmoil, the Vice President said: “There is no turmoil in Sierra Leone. I totally disagree. The fact is that the SLPP party won the election and is ruling, and is implementing policies”.
Vice president Jalloh spoke about the achievements made so far by President Bio’s government in approving new schools and teachers, and that it will continue to do so in order to boost the Free Quality Education programme introduced by the government last year.
He also spoke about the government’s recruitment drive for more nurses to serve in the country’s health sector.
Dr. Jalloh said that his government has decided to have a laissez faire and non-interfering attitude towards Labour Unions. He assured of the government’s willingness to give liberty to labour unions and other institutions to operate, as well as provide the necessary support required for institutions to work better.
But he admonished trade unions to also be law abiding just like every citizen of the country is expected to be.
He added that the International Workers’ Day is aimed at celebrating the hard work of the labour force in the world. Labour Day, the Vice President said is celebrated to remember with equal pride and reverence, the selfless labour and indefatigable contributions of compatriot workers in the country.
He referred to the labour force as a critical force to nation-building, stating and that a modern state cannot function adequately without a viable workforce. He said it is incumbent on government to provide the environment that favors the emergence and sustenance of a viable labour force.
Dr. Jalloh said that the Bio led government has responded to the needs of the country’s work force over the last year, by increasing the salaries of junior workers and those working in the public sector from 5% as stated in the revised 2018 budget to 10% in the 2019 budget.
He encouraged the Labour Union and the labour force to form a viable partnership with government, and work in unity for the purpose of moving the country forward.
