Hold firm your dreams
August 1, 2017 By Elizabeth A. Kaine
What you hold on within your heart
Keep one still, that secret spot
Where dreams may go
And sheltered so
Never had an ego on it
But thrive and grow
Where doubt and fear are not
Oh! Keep a place apart
Within your heart
For little dreams to go
August 1, 2017
In its quest to re-introduce Civic Education into the country’s educational curriculum, the National Commission for Democracy (NCD) has concluded a two day stakeholders’ workshop to develop a national non-formal curriculum on Civic Education at the Makambo Village Resort in Makeni.
The event which commenced on Friday, July 28, 2017 engaged the services of a lead facilitator and curriculum development experts drawn from universities, colleges, civil society organizations, the Tertiary Education Commission, the Ministry of Education Science and Technology and a host of other institutions with the relevant expertise in the field of education.
In his keynote address, the Chairman of NCD, Dr. Abubakar H. Kargbo, noted that the event marks a milestone in the history of the Commission as they engaged the services of experts in education to develop a non-formal curriculum on Civic Education which will address the education needs of the chunk of the Sierra Leonean populace who are not fortunate to go through the formal system of education.
Dr. Kargbo posited that very few Sierra Leoneans are fortunate to go through formal education but the majority who are not fortunate to receive formal education should be provided for in the non-formal sector so that they would be educated enough to exercise their civic duties and responsibilities and be in a position to participate from an enlightened position. He noted that the Commission would continue to put premium on Civic Education in order to produce an informed citizenry.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman for the occasion, who also doubles as the host Commissioner and focal person for Performance Contract with State House, Bai John Conteh, noted that Sierra Leone is at a point where critical decisions should be reached for the development of the Country.
He reminded his audience that one of the core functions of NCD is to provide Civic Education with a view to promoting an enhanced citizenry even as he informed the meeting that the Commission is assigned with the task of re-introducing Civic Education into the school curriculum an endeavor that it has been working on tirelessly to achieve since it is one of its core mandate from State House.
He said the engagement of education experts to develop a curriculum for the non-formal sector is part of the commission’s drive to achieving its mandate of bringing back Civics into the school curriculum. Commissioner Conteh expressed the Commission’s appreciation to UNDP for approaching it to implement this project saying that the Commission wants to do more but it is constrained by lack of finances that is the more reason why the Commission is more than willing to implement this project when it was approached by UNDP.
The Lead Facilitator, Principal University of Makeni, Rev. Father, Professor Joseph A. Turay, noted that the nomenclature be changed from Civic Education to Citizens Education in order to make it more appealing and interesting to the public. He noted that the universities also need to play a critical role in creating an informed and active citizenry to contribute meaningfully to the country’s democratic good governance.
The Deputy Chairman, Bombali District Council, John Ditto Kamara, recognized the effort of the Commission in the Northern Region with regards educating the public on their civic rights and duties. He said Civic Education enhances awareness among citizens and improves on quality citizen’s participation whilst further noting that Civic Education brings about political tolerance, quality participation and good governance even as he encouraged the Commission to continue with its good work of educating the people about their rights and duties as citizens.
The Head of the Non-Formal Sector in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Madam Olive Musa, noted that Civic Education for the non-formal sector is crucial in acquiring education for all even as she applauded NCD for taking the lead in bring Civic Education back into the school curriculum. Defining Civic Education, Madam Musa said it focuses on the delivery of knowledge, skills and desirable attitude with regards to rights and responsibilities of citizens whilst noting that non-formal education refers to any organized educational provision outside the formal school system, whether operating separately or as part of a broader educational activity that is intended for clarity, identified clientele with clearly defined learning objectives and outcomes.
Expressing her expectations at the end of the two day workshop, Madam Musa said the content for the Civic Education non-formal curriculum stream should endeavor to cover as much as possible in the content areas of democracy, role of citizens in promoting democracy, role of civil society groups, political entities, and governance structures in promoting democracy. She further stated that the non-formal education should operate in parallel with the formal education as the two complement each other. She assured the Commission that her department will help to disseminate the document to institutions across the country.
The Director of Education at the Sierra Leone Labor Congress, Max-Conteh, noted that a large portion of its membership is in the non-formal sector and most of them he said were not fortunate to have formal education and as a result the union has resorted to educating its membership through Civic Education. He said the union applauds the idea of developing a curriculum for the non-formal sector which the union would definitely utilize to educate members of its constituent more so at a time when the union is working on rebranding its activities. Mr. Conteh assured the Commission of the union’s determination to collaborate with the Commission. Alluding to messages posted on social media and sometimes articles published on newspapers, Mr. Conteh argued that Civic Education will not only be of relevance to the so-called uneducated class of our society, but even the educated ones who share or publish unethical comments on social media and newspapers, respectively, he referred to as uncivilized .
August 1, 2017 By Sahr Morris Jnr
Sierra Leone duo; Abubakarr Kamara and Lombie Patrick suffered their second successive defeat in the ongoing World Championship on Monday on Side Court 2.
Sierra Leone pair, Abu Bakarr Kamara and Patrick Lombi are searching for their first ictory when they take on Russian duo; Oleg Stoyanovskiy and Artem Yarzutkin today (
The Olympic silver medal winners after dropping the Rio Copacabana finale to Alison and Bruno, Lupo and Nicolai are competing in their third world championships together and have won both of their Pool K matches, including a 2-0 (21-15, 21-12) win in 36 minutes over 35th-seeded Christopher McHugh/Damien Schumann of Australia.
With an opening win Saturday over 38th-seeded African qualifiers Abubakarr Kamara/Lombie Patrick of Sierra Leone, Lupo and Nicolai conclude Pool K play Tuesday against 14th-seeded Oleg Stoyanovskiy/Artem Yarzutkin of Russia, the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic champions.
Patrick Lombi, Sierra Leone – “It was a lot of mistakes in the first match for us and we didn’t force errors. We are here to keep on fighting for points. It takes a lot of rallies. If you are in that tough level of play you know how to make the points. It is not a big deal for us, we know that we have a long way to go. The guy (Stoyanoviskiy) is too tall, really. To fight against a tall block like that you have to go higher. The fact that we reached 15 points is a very good day for us, it’s a plus.”
Oleg Stoyanovskiy, Russia – “We only have one game left in pool, against Nicolai and Lupo. They are a solid team. We trained with them one training camp. We have to have our best game to be in that. It is hard to avoid the block of Nicolai, you have to reach high and hit harder and higher.”
Buya strikes in AFC defeat as Kei hits the double
August 1, 2017 By Sahr Morris Jnr
Hi-Five….Buya Turay celebrates with boss
Up & higher we go, Kei Kamara scores his first of the day Photo credit: Kari Heistad/capturedimages.biz
Sierra Leone striker, Mohamed Buya Turay, ended his 10 games goal-drought for AFC Eskilstuna in Monday’s 1-2 defeat at home by Djurgården.
The 21-year-old 78 minutes strike was not enough for them to settle for a point as the visitors walked away with all three points for their first win on the road.
It was a beautiful consolation goal from the Sierra Leonean striker, who registered his fourth Allsvenskan league goal of the season and his coach, Michael Jolley, was not only pleased with how his players performed, but also the Sierra Leonean front man display.
“He has a wonderful future ahead and we are very happy to see him play for us right now,” Jolley told Swedish journalist after the match.
Kei Kamara was the other Sierra Leonean forward on target. The veteran forward scored twice on Saturday night to help New England Revolution secured 3-0 victory over the Philadelphia Union in the U.S Major League Soccer.
Kamara opened his account of the night in the 38th minute, jumping higher to receive an arcing pass from Kelyn Rowe as he beats goalkeeper John McCarthy. The former Norwich man added his second in the 85th minute as he accounted for his first brace since July 2016.
Striking partner, Juan Agudelo sealed the win for the Revs to register his eighth goal of the season. The victory was The Revolution second successive win in the league and coach John Franklin Heaps was pleased with the three points and Kamara’s brace
“Kei is putting his head down and working and understanding that we’re trying to get him service,trying to do things to make our entire team better,” the Revolution coach told MLS soccer. “But in that meantime, he’s working. He worked really hard tonight. I thought tonight he did all of the little things.”
Elsewhere, Sierra Leone 19-year-old striker, Sheka Fofonah made his debut for Czech Republic second tier side, MFK Frýdek-Místek in their 1-1 draw at home against SFC Opava. The youngster, who earlier this month, signed a two years deal with the FNL side was introduced in the 80 minutes of the match.
In Switzerland, Umaru Bangura was at the art of FC Zürich three man defense as they secured their second win in a row defeating FC Thun 2-1 while in Kazansthan, midfielder, John Kamara was given 80 minutes action as his Kaisar were beaten 3-1 on the road by Okzhetpes.
Combative midfielder, Hassan Sesay was substituted in the 82 minutes as his Lahti side enjoyed 6-2 thumping of IFK Marieham in the Finland topflight league while in Swedish second tier, defender Alie Sesay turns provider by accounting for the assist which teammate Dida Rashidi converted in IK Frej Täby 1-1 draw with IF Brommapojkarna.
In Austria, winger George Davies St. Pölten debut has again been delayed as the Sierra Leonean international was left out of the squad that suffered 1-4 to Rapid Wien while in the U.S NASL, Michael Lahoud was featured in Miami 3-1 away defeat to NY Cosmos.
Lands Ministry may face contempt of court
August 2, 2017 By Hassan Gbassay Koroma
Lawyer Christopher J. Peacock, solicitor representing one Alie Mohamed Skaikay in a land dispute against the Ministry of Lands, Country Planning and the Environment in the High Court, has threatened to institute contempt action against officials at the minister.
Lawyer Peacock made the above threat in a letter dated 27th July 2017, addressed to Barba B. Fortune, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Lands, Country Planning and the Environment, which is in reply to a letter from the ministry pertaining to a land issue that is already in the High Court.
“At present my client has instituted civil proceedings in the High Court of Sierra Leone, and it is most prudent that you and your colleagues abstain from stifling the course of justice, lest I shall be tempted to institute contempt proceedings against your good self, the Minister, the Director of Surveys and Lands and Henry O. Macaulay without further recourse to you all,” the letter stated.
The letter further pointed out the legal implication of granting Alie Mohamed Skaikay a fresh lease, stating that previous leaseholders did not comply with the terms and conditions set by the ministry in their respective letters of offer and leases, which he said accelerated the legal necessity to create a fresh lease in favour of Mohamed Alie Skaikay.
The letter states that Alie Mohamed Skaikay fully complied with the terms and conditions of a fresh lease agreement that culminated to the ministry offering him a freehold interest, and that the purchase price was duly paid into the government’s consolidated fund.
“Your ministry cannot unilaterally cancel my client’s lease when he has not breached same and currently has bought the freehold interest and invested colossal sums of money in developing same to the knowledge of top personnel in the ministry,” the letter further stated.
Lawyer Peacock’s letter came after the Ministry of Lands, Country Planning and the Environment had earlier written to his client on 21st July 2017 informing him that the said piece of land belongs to another individual.
The ministry’s letter signed by Barba Fortune, Permanent Secretary of Lands, Country Planning and the Environment, referenced a previous document from the said ministry dated 22nd August 2016 reiterating that the lease offered to Mohamed Alie Skaikay was done in error.
The letter further stated that there was an existing lease of the said property that had not been determined, adding that, as a result, the lease to Mohamed Alie Skaikay was invalid.
“I write to inform you that Henry O. Macauley, the lessee of the above mentioned land, has been instructed by this ministry to continue in possession of the said land,” the letter from the Ministry of Lands, Country Planning and the Environment stated.
It was further stated in the letter that Mr. Macaulay was required to continue in possession of the said property.
August 2, 2017 By Jariatu S. Bangura
The Registrar of Pharmacy Board has urged parliamentarians to enact laws that will establish additional medical institutions to train more pharmacists.
Wiltshire Johnson said despite successes in the past years, they are currently faced with numerous challenges and that there was need to do more, stating that pharmaceutical laws have become obsolete.
He called on the government to remove the 25% tax on drugs importation and harmonise best practices in importing medicines in a bid to encourage investment in the medical sector.
“We used to have community pharmacy practice which is almost dead now because doctors and nurses are selling drugs. You go to the hospitals you will see them selling drugs at the wards. There are PHUs peripheral health units] in the chiefdom but once a person falls ill with headache, he or she has to walk almost four or five miles to get to the centre. There is need for additional pharmacy training institutions in the country to at least stop drug peddlers roaming the street,” he said.
He lamented that drug peddling was in the increase and that violence on the streets has become a menace, hence the need for zero tolerance by government as was in the case during the Ebola epidemic.
“Sierra Leone today has been known for its lawlessness in the health sector and people continue to sell medicines like peanuts in the country,” he said.
He said the Board lacks the required number of personnel across the country while some lack knowledge to carry out the work, adding that some 49% of 190 chiefdoms have no patent stores with license to operate.
He said: “If these chiefdoms do not have drug stores, it means that they are buying from those drug peddlers with poor knowledge of community health, hence the need to establish special access scheme for deprived areas of the community.
“The laws are there and we know what to do and when to use them. We all know that drug peddling is illegal. Why then do we continue to allow people to kill our citizens I don’t know? We need to look into it with all seriousness. Porosity of our borders is of concern. We were unable to produce ordinary ORS [oral rehydration salt] and the people over here need to grow their economy. As a nation, we rely hundred percent on importation of medicine and that alone is a security threat.”
Mr. Johnson cited transparency and ethics in the health sector as big concerns. “It is cheap for one to buy ten tablets of tramadol to that of a beer.”
He maintained that the country needs stronger community engagement, innovative ways for funding drugs regulations, need for a national pharmacy manufacturing use and a national master plan.
Earlier, Chairman of the Committee on Health, Dr. Abdulia Sesay, said the engagement was a golden opportunity for Members of Parliament to know the operations of the Board and their objectives and challenges.
“All of us here deal with medicines, therefore there is need to know the purity and harmful part [and] if those drugs that people consume everyday are standard. The importation of drugs is of concern to all of us as citizens. The challenges of countering those imported drugs should be our concern. Hope that both Parliament and the Board could come together to combat this issue amicably,” he said.
However, Hon. Dickson Rogers expressed doubt as to whether most chiefdoms lack drug stores, adding that the current figure quoted may have been sourced before the de-amalgamation of chiefdoms, hence the need to conduct another survey.
He urged his colleagues to make sure that at least one or two patent stores are established in their constituency in order to put drug peddlers out of business.
Hon. Moiwai Momoh expressed fears about the health system of the country, stating that investment in the community includes the health sector and that there was need for thorough and robust monitoring of drug peddlers.
“Recently in my constituency, I lost one 30-year-old man due to a drug meant for hookworms given to him by a drug peddler who has no knowledge of how hookworms affect people. And just by looking at the man he gave him the drugs which led to his sudden death. We really need to pay attention to them,” urged the opposition lawmaker.
Deputy Chairman of Health Committee, Hon. Alhassan Kamara of Constituency 96, said it was the duty of Members of Parliament to look into issues highlighted by the Registrar of the Board, including taxation of imported drugs, in order to put a stop to people accessing fatal drugs from neighbouring countries.
“We will be giving you update on the way forward in making laws that will benefit the country from time to time,” he said.
August 2, 2017
While launching his campaign manifesto as one of the leading flagbearer aspirants of the ruling All Peoples Congress Party (APC) John Bono Sisay, on Monday at the New Brookfield’s Hotel, vowed to build a better Sierra Leone for all and sundry.
“I am proud of Sierra Leone. I am proud of our people. I am proud of our party .And I am proud of our president. Today, because the foundation of our party and our president have put in place, we have once a generation with the opportunity to transform our country. I want to build a Betteh Salone,” he vowed.
He also vowed to build “A Sierra Leone where no-one is left beind.A Sierra Leone where everyone can get the education and healthcare they need. A Sierra Leone where there are jobs and opportunity for all .A Sierra Leone where justice is served and a Sierra Leone where everyone’s voice is heard.
As a fresh blood with a fresh thinking in the political landscape of Sierra Leone, John Sisay said the country has made huge strides in diverse areas and that: “We have nurtured peace. We have rebuilt the country the country and have laid a better foundation for stronger economy.
The APC flagbearer aspirant highlighted seven thematic areas within his campaign manifesto, including better education for all with 10,000 high quality teachers through a combination of new teacher recruitment and training.
He also promised better opportunities for the young with new jobs and programmes to help young people find work and start businesses; better justice for all with new Human Rights Act; better health for all with a trained health worker in every community and affordable primary and preventable health care; better help in hard times through the National Social Safety Net, better economy with National Prosperity Fund to invest in the future and a stronger Sierra Leone with big companies paying their way and better deal for small businesses.
John B.Sisay presented himself as a full blooded APC, having brought up under the roof of his parents, who were full blown and diehard supporters of the party.
“My parents were lifetime supporters of the party and I wish to continue celebrating my APC heritage,” he said.
John has traversed the length and breadth of the universe, having worked in South African and other countries in various capacities.
August 2, 2017
Seawright Mining Company in compliance with its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to its operational Chiefdoms of Nimiyama Chiefdom, in Kono District and Gorama Mende Chiefdom, in Kenema District, has paid over Le 580,000,000 Million as land lease.
Explaining the modalities of the payment, Seawright Mining Company Consultant, Alex Rogers said the payment was in two forms:
Nimiyama Chiefdom, Kono District received the sum of Le 140,000,000 (One Hundred and Forty Million Leones) Land Lease Payment, which was handed over to Nimiyama Chiefdom Council through Paramount Chief George Bockarie Torto 111.
The sum of Le150,000,000 (One Hundred and Fifty Million Leones) bulk payment was also made to Nimiyama Chiefdom Council through the Paramount Chief in respect of Seawright CSR, budget stipulated in the Community Development Action Plan (CDAP) and a donation of USA 6KV Generator and a Desk Top Computer (Dell) for the local Chiefdom administration capacity building.
He went on to say for Gorama Mende Chiefdom, Kenema District, Le140,000,000 (One Hundred and Forty Million Leones) Land Lease Payment was made to 14 Landowning Families (each landowning family received Le10,000,000 (Ten Million Leones) within the Famanjo Section.
However, the sum of Le150,000,000 (One Hundred and fifty Million Leones) bulk payment was made to Gorama Mende Chiefdom Council through the Paramount Chief, Madam Haja Mariam GassamaKanja 1V in respect of Seawright CSR budget stipulated in the Community Development Action Plan (CDAP) and a donation of USA 6 KV Generator and a Desk Top Computer for the local Chiefdom administration capacity building.
Mr Rogers said they hope and pray that the Chiefdom Councils would use the money very Judiciously and that of the donated items.
In his brief statement, the Chief Executive Officer of Seawright Mining Company, Dr Alfred Seawright, during his presentation of the donated items, said the compoany is here to empower the locals and not to reap from them.
He continued that besides the payments and “Goodwill Donation” made to the two operational Chiefdoms, Seawright Mining Company, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, has implemented some “Quick Win” projects through the construction of Hand-dug water wells with pumps, primary schools, court Barry, toilets in most of its operational communities particularly in the Famanjo Section, Gorama Mende.
He spoke about the road rehabilitation they embarked on as a way of easing the burden on residents of those chiefdoms.
Mines Monitoring Officer, Idriss Koroma of the National Minerals Agency, said they are the happiest people in such venture because they are the implementers and that it was good that the people have seen reasons to accept the Seawright Mining Company. He spoke about the limitation of the Government and where the private sector normally steps in.
He also congratulated the Dr Alfred Seawright and Mr Andrew for their tireless effort in ensuring that Seawright Mining Company continue to operate even when the Ebola outbreak stroke the nation.
He described the mining company as a very transparent one.
Dr Seawright implementing Partner, Andrew Impinge, emphasised that education will be one of their top most priority. He said they are going to ensure that pupils begin to enjoy computer training in almost all the schools in their operational areas after they would have trained the teachers.
“Our dream is to start with the primary. We are going to start equipping the children from primary stage for them to take up leadership in the future,” he said.
Paramount Chief of Gorama Mende Chiefdom, Madam Haja Mariam Gassama and Paramount Chief of Nimiyama Chiefdom, George BockarieTorto 111 expressed their profound thanks and appreciation to Seawright Mining Company.
They described the payment and donation as first of its kind as they were yearning for such company in their communities, describing Seawright Mining as a trust worthy company.
“We pray that Seawright stays and brings more development to both chiefdoms,” they prayed.
Several speakers including the Councillor of the ward made statement. The payment also saw the formal signing of agreement with landowning families in Famanjo Section in the Gorama Mende, in Kenema District.
Seawright Mining Company is currently on Exploration Phase and has in compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, carried out its ESIA and attendant Public Disclosure meeting of the ESIA report; the company now awaits the issuance of the ESIA License.
August 2, 2017
President Ernest Bai Koroma has formally declared 41 de-amalgamated chiefdoms independent and subsequently installed Regent Chiefs to superintend over the new chiefdoms until Paramount Chiefs are duly elected. The event took place on Saturday July 29 in the northern headquarter town of Makeni.
The occasion attracted government ministers, development partners such as the World Bank and UNDP, traditional leaders, and heads of public and private sector institutions, among others.
According to President Koroma, the de-amalgamation and redistricting would help to deepen the decentralization process, commitment and participation to ensure sustainable development. He described the occasion as very important.
Before the colonial era, there were 217 chiefdoms and 13 districts in Sierra Leone. Owing to the amalgamation concept initiated by the colonial regime, the chiefdoms were reduced to 147 and later to 149. With the de-amalgamation that has now come into effect with standard and informed criteria, the country has now got a total of 190 chiefdoms with 16 districts.
Falaba in the northern Koinadugu District is now a district on its own with Mongor its district headquarter town; while Karene as well a new district under the new dispensation. The North now has seven districts and is therefore divided into two regions – Northern Region comprising of Bombali, Tonkolili, Koinadugu and Falaba, with Makeni as its city; while Kambia, Port Loko, and Karene form North-Western Region with Port Loko its new city.
President Koroma maintained that the process was completely devoid of politics, and therefore called on the Regent Chiefs to remain neutral and ensure they administer the various chiefdoms well as government would soon engage with chiefdom authorities to elect their Paramount Chiefs.
Country Manager of the World Bank, Parminder Brar, lauded the initiative which he believed would lead to efficiency and effectiveness of the decentralization process. Going back to history, he said the British colonized Sierra Leone thus leading to the establishment of the institution of “Paramount Chieftaincy” in 1896, and that the institution has come a long way, existing for 121 years. “It is under the institution of Paramount Chiefs that Sierra Leone was able to successfully fight Ebola,” said Mr. Brar. “Without the full support of the traditional structures, it wouldn’t have been possible to defeat the disease. So going forward, we need to rethink the kind of support that Chiefdom Councils and Paramount Chiefs can receive from development partners.”
He emphasized the need for a clear strategy for aligning the work of traditional institutions such as Paramount Chiefs with democratically elected institutions which are the Local Councils. He stressed that it was critical that revenue sharing arrangements should be streamlined and roles and responsibilities should be clarified. There was need for much more collaboration and less competition, he added.
Mr. Brar commended President Koroma for taking the bold step in the de-amalgamation of chiefdoms across the country as the process “will play a pivotal role in the development of Sierra Leone”. He said the President also needed to be commended for two major policy initiatives. The first is the launching of the National Land Policy that happened in March 2017. This policy is a bold step forward and there is urgent need for a modern land management system to be put in place for reducing land disputes and reducing social stress in rural and urban areas. The second area that the Government needed to be commended about was the finalization of the new Public Financial Act in 2016. Under this Act, the budgets of Paramount Chiefs are now required to be part of the budgets of local councils and financial supervision of these budgets will now be provided by Local Councils.
He said the Bank has spent close to US$50 million on decentralization through local councils since 2004. Going forward, he noted that there will be need to also support the institution of Paramount Chiefs since they are now a part of Local Council Administration. This could be considered during the design of the upcoming decentralization project of the Bank that is currently being planned.
Overall he stated that the World Bank has now supported Sierra Leone for 55 years with the total funding of over US$1.6 billion. In the next three years, Mr. Brar assured the Government that the World Bank would double its support to the country compared to the previous three years.
The UNDP Country Director, Dr. Samuel G. Doe, described the de-amalgamation of chiefdoms as a commendable venture and urged Sierra Leoneans to commend the President for his courage and determination to move the development process forward. Being a good initiative for effective decentralization, Dr. Doe assured of the UNDP’s full support to government at all times.
The ceremony was climaxed with the unveiling of the new map of Sierra Leone, showing 16 administrative districts and 190 chiefdoms.
August 2, 2017 By Yusufu S. Bangura.
Magistrate Albert Moody of Court No. 1 has on Monday 31st July ,2017, committed to High Court of Justice, one Mary Boston, who was charged with one count of fraudulent conversion contrary to Section 20(1)(iv)(a) of the larceny Act 1961.
The particulars of offense stated that sometimes in September, 2014, at No. 7 Samuel Lane-Kissy, the accused fraudulently converted to her own use and benefit certain property to wit seven hundred and eighty-one (781) jerry cans of palm oil, valued four hundred and fourteen million, two hundred and forty-two thousand (Le414, 242000) Leones, entrusted to Mohamed Kamara for sale.
First Prosecution Witness (PW1), Solomon Kamara, had earlier testified that he knew the complainant Mohamed Kamara, who introduced the accused person to him as a good businesswoman that resided in London.
PW1 added that he made arrangement for the shipment of two thousand, nine hundred (2,900) gallons of palm oil.
He stated that after the accused person called to ask for the palm oil, he told her that they have shipped the consignment, adding that the accused told him the cost of the palm oil was sixty (60) pounds Sterling per gallon.
Solomon told the court that the accused went to United Kingdom to receive the palm oil.
“I called my elder brother, Abdulrahman and told him that they have made an arrangement to ship the palm oil. After three weeks later the accused called me and told me that she has received the palm oil,” he said.
According to him, after six months he did not received any information from the accused person about the sale of the palm oil, stating that his brother gave him information that the accused person had returned to Sierra Leone.
He stated that his brother accompanied him to search for the accused person and later saw her and asked about the palm oil.
Solomon said the accused replied that she came to Sierra Leone on a funeral at Kabala afterward she would arranged for the palm oil.
PW1 said the accused returned back from the funeral and went to the United Kingdom and upon receiving that information; the complainant went to Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and made a statement.
The defense lawyer is E.S.Abdulia and the prosecution is Samuel Kamara (ASP).
August 8, 2017 By Joseph S. Margai
Neglect…the Mabang Bridge collapsed in February 2013
Neglect…the Mabang Bridge collapsed in February 2013
Residents of Mabang and Makoi villages have expressed their disappointment over government’s ‘negligence’ to reconstruct Mabang Bridge which collapsed in 2013.
Mabang village is situated in Ribbi Chiefdom, Moyamba district, southern Sierra Leone, while Makoi is in Koya Chiefdom, Port Loko district. The Mabang Bridge serves as boundary between the two chiefdoms and districts.
The bridge collapsed on Friday, 22 February, 2013, after a truck loaded with local produce summersaulted and plunged into the river, which left dozens of passengers wounded.
According to local residents, the bridge is one of many colonial monuments that have been abandoned and in dire need of major maintenance since independence.
Meanwhile, Concord Times embarked on a fact-finding mission in order to get first-hand information about the plight of inhabitants of the two villages as well traders who frequently ply the route to conduct commerce.
Alhassan Sesay, a harbour master at Mabang village, said since the bridge collapsed five years ago government has not done much to salvage the situation for residents in that part of the country.
He said residents use locally made boats to travel via the sea, which cost one thousand Leones (Le1, 000).
“Life in this part of the country is very difficult. We are going through lots of constraints in order to get people and their goods across the river. We don’t have outboard machines boats. All we have here are rowing canoes, which are very risky but there is no alternative,” he said.
He explained that they were seriously constrained in doing farming and commerce, which as a result have slowed down as a result of the collapsed of the bridges, coupled with the bad road network.
Another aggrieved resident at Makoi village, Hassan A. Kargbo, who identified himself as a commercial motor bike rider, said they have not been making much money since the bridge collapsed because the road is no longer passable for motorbikes.
A woman who has been doing business along the Mabang-Waterloo route for the past 12 years, Sallay Kanu, expressed frustration that life without the bridge has been very tough for them, and that they have been struggling to convey their goods to Waterloo with a fivefold increase in transport fare since the bridge collapsed.
“Previously, we used to pay ten thousand Leones (Le10,000) from Mabang village to Waterloo but we now pay sixty thousand Leones (Le60,000) or more, depending on the goods we might want to transport,” she said and added that government has blatantly neglected to put premium on reconstructing the bridge.
Member of Parliament representing Constituency 57, Hon. Abu Bakarr Koroma, said that when the bridge collapsed some government officials visited the site following several meetings, adding that the European Union had funded the reconstruction of the bridge, but that the Portuguese contractors were not making any progress, hence their contract has been terminated.
Sorie Ibrahim Kanu, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA), admitted that the contract for the construction of the Mabang Bridge has been delayed, adding that the expectation of the people has not been met because the project has stalled.
“The contract, which was handed over to MSF, a Portuguese company, and officially commissioned by President Koroma in 2015, was funded by the European Union (EU). The project was expected to have ended by 2017 but since 2015 we did not see significant work done. The contractor was unable to live up to expectations of the donor, so SLRA, the National Authorizing Office (NAO), among others, on Friday, 4th August, 2017, terminated their contract,” he explained in his office on Monday.
He disclosed that SLRA has evicted MSF from the project site and all their equipment have been confiscated, adding that their equipment would remain in the possession of the government until they pay the stipulated charges.
The SLRA PRO said they have asked for bids of quantity from reliable contractors, and that the authority would award the contract by the end of the rains.
August 8, 2017 By Memunatu Bangura
Mohamed Kamara, Santigie Bundu, Alimamy Turay (Police Officer) and Hassan Momoh Kamara were last Friday (4th July, 2017) remanded to the Male Correctional Centre after they made second appearance before Magistrate Albert Moody of Court No. 1.
The four accused persons were charged with eight counts ranging from robbery with aggravation, wounding, assault, carrying offensive weapon, possession of small arms without license, to receiving stolen property contrary to law.
The Particulars of offence stated that on Tuesday 7th February, 2017 at Kerry town in Waterloo judicial district, being armed with machetes and a rifle with serial No. UB60A6821 and its magazine containing ammunition, robbed Mahmud Sinc one Iphone6+, one black smart phone silver, Apple laptop computer, one black sonny plasma, star max DVD player, one black satellite decoder, ten smart mobile phone with inscription Ranger, one grey singer sewing machine and two gold marriage ring, all to the total value of eight one million, six hundred and fifty thousand Leones.
Police also alleged that the men on the same date and place wounded Mahmud Sinc and also assaulted Latifa Sinc in a manner resulting to actual bodily harm.
The 4th accused (Hassan Momoh Kamara) was charged for receiving two Ranger mobile phone valued two million Leones believed to be stolen properties.
The matter was adjourned for further hearing.
August 8, 2017 By Elizabeth A. Kaine
Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No.1 yesterday remanded one Lahai Kamara at the Male Correctional Centre on Pademba Road for allegedly murdering a four year old girl, Ammah Mensah.
According to the charged sheet, Kamara was dragged to court on one count of murder contrary to Sierra Leone Law.
Police prosecution, Inspector Theresa M. Bangura, alleges that Lahai Kamara on Wednesday, 28th June, 2017, at upper Emergency, Goderich, Freetown, murdered Ammah Mensah.
Meanwhile, the police report states that the four year old girl absconded from home and it was reported to the police station at Godrich for investigations by her father, Umaru Conteh, who resided at upper Emergency, Goderich Freetown.
However, no plea was taken and the accused was not legally represented.
The matter has been adjourned to the 15th August 2017 for further hearing.
August 8, 2017 By Jariatu S. Bangura
The solar facility at Futa Pejeh CHC
Members of the Parliamentary Committee on Energy over the weekend expressed dissatisfaction over the poor installation of the rural electrification by the United Nations Office for Project Service (UNOPS) at Futa Pejeh Health Centre, Pujehun district, Southern province.
One of the members of the Committee, Hon. Jusifu B. Mansaray, said there were no drainages around the structure that could protect the facility, noting that the facility would soon collapse, if not properly protected.
“This job is poorly done. Unlike the other centres that we have visited, the roof here leaks badly. We are dissatisfied with this work here,” he said.
Acting Chairman of the Energy Committee, Hon. Kelfala Conteh said the 6 kilo watts (KW) facility was to serve the health centre, while the 10kw project, which work was still in progress, was to serve the surrounding community.
He recalled that the project was launched by president Koroma and that the implementing partner, UNOPS had assured MPs that all the facilities have been installed, tested and were in good condition, adding that all they met at the scene were the opposite.
“What we have seen here shows that not all the facilities are in good condition as UNOPS claimed. We have seen that the roof leaks and there is no provision for drainages for the water not to settle around the facility. This work is not satisfactory to us,” he said.
He said the ministry and UNOPS had told them that there was a provision for capacity building for at least 5 people within the community to operate the facility, but noted that such was yet to be done, stating that they will look into it at committee level after the tour.
He however pleaded with the hospital staff to be patient as the contractors would be called upon to face the committee and discuss the issue.
However, Community Health Officer, Mariam B. Swaray, expressed appreciation for the work and noted that they have been using ‘Chinese light’ to do their work at the health centre, but stated that since the installation of the facility, there have been power supply which only went off on 27th July to date.
“Since the installation, it has been functional, but on Thursday (27th July) it went off. Since then there has been a power outage at the centre. I called one Williams of UNOPS whose name was in our visitor’s book and he told me to wait as they will inform the team to fix the problem but since then it has been the same,” he said.
She stated that she was the only person mandated to switch the power on and off ‘but on that day; “I was in the kitchen when the power went off without the knowledge of any of us present on that day.
When asked about the safety of the facility, she explained that they do not have security personnel to guard the health center and the facility.
She said they only have volunteer security personnel that come from the chiefdom council without any pay, adding that they have no particular personnel trained to operate the facility.
It could be recalled that in July this year, MPs discussed 34.5 million pound to install the mini grid solar energy in some 59 chiefdom health centers.
August 8, 2017 By Patrick Jaiah Kamara
In a bid to improving standards of education in Sierra Leone, stakeholders in the sector last Friday converged at the conference hall of the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) to develop professional standards for teachers and school leaders.
The 3-day European Union funded project attracted heads of schools, experts, professors, lecturers, principals and the Deputy minister of Education II, James M. Kamara.
The EU team leader, John Virtue noted that they were providing their largest support to education in Sierra Leone in the sum of 29 million euro.
He said improving equitable access, quality in teaching; learning and management have been the major focus of EU.
The Minister of Education II, James M. Kamara, assured of the ministry’s support to the Teaching Service Commission to set up professional standards of education.
While he expressed dissatisfaction over the decline of standards in education, he also commended the TSC for their tough action though they were at the developing stage.
Earlier in her welcome address, Chairperson of TSC, Dr. Staneala M. Beckley, noted that the project was timely and commended the donor partner for their support.
“This is the very first programme we are opening to the public. This project is a new transformation in the development of education,” she said.
In his power point presentation, expert hired by the EU, Professor Steve Nwokeocha said the talk of teachers’ professional standards has dominated discussions across Africa in the last ten years.
He said the purpose of the meeting was to initiate a process and to develop standards for teachers in Sierra Leone.
He stated that professional standards was the consensus of critical stakeholders and that it was only when it exist a profession has gotten a sense of direction, a fulcrum, a pivot and a criterion for monitoring, assessing, evaluating and improvement for teaching and learning.
“A profession without standards cannot compete globally, and internationalization of its workforce or professional workforce of professionals is impossible,” he said.
He noted that it was a concern for teachers because for so long they have been relegated to the background, and that they are not opportune to get enough reward for their input and sacrifices.
“When these standards are put in place then teachers could be judged appropriately. You could know what should be expected of them,” he said.
Mrs. Bernadette Cole, presidential appointee, TSC, said a committee was set up by President Koroma to look into the decline of education.
She said setting up standard was very important not only for teachers but also for parents and school leaders.
August 8, 2017 By Memunatu Bangura
Twenty-year-old Abass Sesay, was last Friday 4th August, 2017, remanded at Male Correctional Centre for alleged stealing a radio.
He was charged with two count charges of conspiracy and larceny contrary to law.
The particulars of offence stated that the accused person conspired with other persons unknown to commit a felony to wit larceny and also on Sunday 30th July, 2017 at Siaka Steven street did steal one radio, valued two hundred and forty thousand Leones being property of Alhaji Kamara.
The accused was denied bail and remanded in custody, while the matter was adjourned for hearing.
In another matter, one Tamba Jambai, aged thirty two years, was also sent to prison for the offence of sexual penetration contrary to Section 19 of Sexual Offences Act of 2012.
Police alleged that the accused person on diverse dates between 1st May and Wednesday May 24th, 2017, at No.2 Sumaila town, had sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of eighteen years to wit eleven years.
August 8, 2017
As a way to help students to understand how the country’s economy runs, Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Momodu Kargbo past Wednesday lectured students of the Mass Communications department, Fourah Bay College.
The Minister lectured final year students of the department on the state of affairs of economy, business and the like.
He said that 70% of Sierra Leoneans are thirty years old and below.
For this reason, he noted, there is imminent need for the government to implement Family planning programmes so as to control the population of the country.
“A better family planning scheme can help the government in planning for the nation, ’’he said, adding, government has placed huge interest in education and health because these sectors are key to the younger generation of the country.
‘’We are going to embark on family planning because we don’t want the population to grow more than this,” he reiterated.
Minister Kargbo dilated on the source of funding of government, saying that they are getting funds from donors and internal revenue generation in addressing issues of national concern.
Finance Ministry, he added, is allocating funds to ministries, departments and agencies (MDA’S) based on the projected budget which he informed students that by law, it is designed in October ever year.
August 8, 2017 By Sahr Morris Jnr
UP WE GO…Kei scores from header
Sierra Leone and New England Revolution striker, Kei Kamara, has scored his fourth goal in his last three matches on Saturday August 5, but his goal was not enough to save Revolution from 4-1 defeat in the hand of Chicago Fire.
Saturday’s goal was the forward 94th Major League Soccer (MLS) career goal and it came just 16 minutes after Matt Polster opened the scoring for the home side in the eighth minute of play.
Despite levelling things up for the visitors, Chicago Fire went on a scoring spree with goals from Juninho, Michael de Leeuw and Luis Solignac.
A step down the ladder in the United States league, Michael Lahoud’s Miami side suffered 2-3 defeat North Carolina with the Sierra Leonean playing full time. In England League One, Amadou Bakayoko replaced Jackson in Walsall 1-0 defeat on the road to Bury, while Abdulia Bell-Baggie was an unused sub in Poole Town 1-2 victory over Weston-Super-Mare.
In Finland, Hassan Sesay had full time action for Lahti in Saturday’s goalless draw with HJK while Abdul Sesay JS Hercules suffered 2-1 defeat to Villiketut.
Sierra Leone captain, Umaru Bangura and his FC Zürich side for the first time in three matches dropped two points as they were forced to a goalless draw by Lugano and in Sweden, Alie Sesay IFK Frej suffered 2-3 defeat to Syrianska.
Sheka Fofonah was introduced in the 82 minutes for Frýdek-Místek, who were beaten 1-0 by Pardubice in the Czech Republic second tier league.
August 8, 2017 By Sahr Morris Jnr
Home-based coach of Sierra Leone national team, Leone Stars, Abu Bakarr Kamara (Tostao) has named 24-man squad as part of their preparation for the forthcoming West African Football Union (WAFU) championship in Ghana.
With the tournament scheduled to kick-off on the 9th September this year, the tactician will today August 8 commence training session at the Sierra Leone Football academy, Kingtom and Sierra Leone has already been billed to face the Super Eagles of Nigeria on the 10th September in Takoradi, Ghana.
The WAFU Cup which includes teams of the West African Football Union is making a comeback in the Africa stage and the draw for the tournament was staged in July 27 at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra.
This year’s editions will see 16 teams participating in a single knockout games before the winners advance to two four-team groups. Nigeria was the 2010 champions.
The 2017 WAFU Cup will be played in the cities of Sekondi-Takoradi and Cape Coast from September 9.
List of Invited players; Isaac Caulker, Prince Barrie, Mohamed Fofanah (FC Kallon), Mohamed Rogers, Tamba Marrah (East End Tigers), Unisa Pepe Koroma, Kempson Fofanah (East End Lions), Abu Suma, Yeami Dunia, George Matta (FC Johansen), Morie Allie (Bo Rangers), Abu Diaby, Alfred Sakilla (Central Parade), Nathaniel Tongo Vulla, Mohamed L. Bangura, Donald Wellington (Ports Authority), Ibrahim Fatoma (Old Edwardians), Mohamed K. Sesay, Amadu Barrie, Brima Jalloh (Wusum Stars), Mohamed Z. Bangura (Real Mark), David Kamara (Mighty Blackpool), Kabbah Tucker ( Anti-Drugs FC) and Mohamed Kamara from Kamboi Eagles.
August 8, 2017 By Sahr Morris Jnr
Sports Minister handing over the document to Hannah Williams Sports Development Officer & Acrobatic teacher
Minister of Sports, Ahmed Khanou and the rest of the National Sports Council has on Monday August 7 bade farewell to 10 Sierra Leonean youngsters who would be heading for a-year-long training and education in Acrobatic sports.
The delighted Sports Minister, who thanked and referred to the Chinese as Sierra Leone’s closest friend in the world, advised the kids to make use of the opportunity and do Sierra Leone proud while in China.
He said: “It is important to train our athletes because a sport is not only for participation but focus on training people to be better citizens of tomorrow. This is part of the President vision for young people.”
According to Minister Khanou, the -year-long Acrobatic sports training for kids is one of the three sports program lined-up between both the sports ministry and the Chinese Embassy.
“We are looking forward to receiving the other package for both table tennis and volleyball,” Ahmed Khanou said.
Xiaokai Shen, the counsellor, Economic and Commercial Counsellor Office of the Embassy Republic of China in Sierra Leone, said they were pleased to give the Sierra Leone sports ministry such program, adding that it is part of the relationship between both Sierra Leone and China.
He advised the kids to hold the training with utmost seriousness, stating that while he was growing up he never had such opportunity.
