By: Ilyasa Baa
The Republic National Independent Party (ReNIP) has promised the people of Sierra Leone that one million five hundred jobs will be provided to tackle the issue of unemployment, especially amongst the youths.
The Presidential Candidate in next week’s poll, Beresford Victor Williams said, “The creation of 1.5 million jobs is an ambitious goal but it is important to create jobs to reduce poverty and unemployment in Sierra Leone”.
He informed this medium that his party’s goals are not mere dreams but things that will materialize if the party takes power, noting that they are trying to elevate the poor from their miseries to a much more advanced level, compared to other developed nations. He said his party’s agenda are all important and necessary steps that need to be taken in order to improve the lives of the people of Sierra Leone.
He highlighted that an increment in the wages of workers in the country will be a good start as it is important to ensure, as a genuine and seasoned politician, that workers are paid actual living wages to take care of the emerging economic hardship; it should be enough to cover the basic necessities such as food, shelter and clothing, he emphasized.
He lamented that price control is a delicate issue, pointing out that it is important to strike a balance between controlling prices and not stifling economic growth. He stressed that his government will provide the basic necessities for citizens to ensure that they benefit from the national cake.
Mr Williams said controlling inflation will be a long-term goal, adding that it is important to take steps to reduce inflation which can be done by controlling government spending, increasing productivity, and investing in education and healthcare. He said promoting a hybrid economy is a good way to balance the needs of the market with the needs of the people. “It is important to encourage private investment but it is also important to provide a social safety net for those who are struggling to survive”, said the politician. He promised to nationalize key industries which he referred to as a controversial issue but argued that it can be a good way to ensure that essential services are provided to the people at a fair price.
The party’s manifesto, which will be launched in the coming days, will highlight disability, health and industrialization issues and proffer solutions.