The Minister of Information and Communication, Ibrahim Ben Kargbo has revealed that most Cinemas and Super Sport Centers are not registered and do not pay taxes. He said that there is a complete absence of censorship of films entering Sierra Leone.
The Minister made this revelation during a meeting with Cinema Operators at his 8th Floor Youyi Building Office in Freetown, to map out strategies on the way forward in making the entertainment industry viable and attractive.
He made mention of some unhealthy films like pornographic, crime and violence related films, that are flooding market; which are some times replicated in the society and are mostly responsible for the hooliganism, prostitution and voodooism during public or school activities.
He intimated that most students abandoned their schools for these cinemas and games centers where they would spend the rest of the day without doing anything and that this has led to the abysmal performance in public exams.
He admonished the National Union of Cinema Entertainers to be law abiding and apply the principle of self censorship in their business venture and further advised Cinema owners not to allow students especially those under age to view certain films which could make them become social rejects especially during school hours.
The Deputy Minister, Mohamed Koroma also reiterated that, they could have benefited more from their business ventures if they were organized and had Government protection and expressed commitment in giving the necessary political backup to bring harmony to the cinema business.
Secretary General of the National Union Cinema Entertainers Martin Kargbo expressed gratitude to the Information and Communication Ministry for giving the Union the much needed support to enable them achieve their aim.
He promised to encourage their members and non-members to comply with Government’s policy.
Presentation of the Union Certificate of Registration and the Constitution formed the high point of the familiarization meeting.
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