SLPP Keeps Mute About Number of Registered Flagbearer Aspirants

August 29, 2017 By Patrick Jaiah Kamara

Chairman Kapen could not tell the number of registered aspirant

The National Executive of the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) has been mute and refused to make public, the exact number of flagbearer aspirants that have registered to contest in the Kenema delegates conference slated for September 15, 16 and 17, 2017.

While the deadline of Friday, 25th August, 2017, for interested aspirants to register has been extended for a week, Concord Times yesterday pressed on to know the exact number of people that have so far been registered against the Friday deadline.

As speculations are rife that a good number of intending aspirants could not register because there is a forgone conclusion that the conference would be an endorsement of Julius Maada Bio, who has been openly supported by some executive members of the party, the party hierarchy yesterday refused to make public, the number of flagbearer aspirants that have already registered for the coveted position.

When Concord Times asked Chairman Sumano Kapen, on phone, about the number of registered flagbearer aspirants, he referred the reporter to the National Secretary General,Ambassador Alie Badara Kamara, who in turn declined talking on the issue and also referred the reporter  to the Administrative Director ,Alhaji Koroma.

For Koroma, he told Concord Times that he could not tell the exact number of aspirants that have registered because he was bereaved and was out of office.

He again referred the reporter to the National Publicity Secretary, Lahai Lawrence Leema,who finally granted interview at his office on Wallace Johnson Street in Freetown.

Responding to interview from Concord Times, the Publicity Secretary also declined knowledge of the exact number of fully registered flag bearer aspirants, stating that he was not in a position to provide such details because the head of admin was bereaved.

 “The head of admin is bereaved and not in office today, therefore, I can’t ascertain the exact number. But the moment that is clarify, I will inform the public about it,” he said.

When asked that rumours were making the rounds that many people were afraid to pay the registration fees because they thought the contest in Kenema would be a Maada Bio convention, as several national officers have endorsed him, the PRO stated that the aspirants were ‘afraid of their shadows’ and that the party was going to conduct a free, fair and credible elections in Kenema.

As the party has gazetted Le100 million as registration fees for those that would want to contest for the position ahead of the 2018 multitier elections, Leema said, “The fees were prescribed by a legitimate body of the SLPP and that by implication it formed part of the laws of this country pursuant to Section 170 of the 1991 Constitution. Whether it is one person that register, we will go ahead to conduct the election,”

He said they deferred the time for the registration of aspirants  not because of the fees, but to give ample time to other people in the Diaspora  that have interest in the race, to contest.

The party has initially set past Friday as the last day for the registration of the flagbearer aspirants, but apparently deferred the time and gave it a week extension.

About 600 delegates are expected to converge in the eastern city of Kenema to elect the standard bearer that would lead the party in the March 7, 2018 election, as well as elect national officers that would run the activities of the party.

Prior to now, the party has over ten people who made their intention known to run for the flagbearer position.

August 29, 2017 By State House Communication Unit

Little  people felt belong after  interacting with President Koroma

President Ernest Bai Koroma on Friday, 25th August, 2017 hosted the Sierra Leone Association of Little People at State House where they discussed the marginalization and discrimination they face across the country.

The objectives of the organisation include increasing the capacity of little people through training, workshops, seminars and community development programmes, among others.

Sierra Leone Association of Little People founder and chairperson, Sheriff Abass Koroma, said  they  needed to be supported to enable them start their own businesses and projects, saying that it is difficult growing up in an environment of continuous discrimination and marginalization.

Their visit to State House, he said, was to introduce their executive as well as engage government on issues affecting them in Sierra Leone.

Sheriff Abass Koroma noted that, “When I was told that President Koroma wanted to see us, I almost went crazy. We left State House with a huge sense of belonging as the President made us feel very tall.”

According to Abass Koroma, the immediate needs of their association includes  office space that would be served  as learning centre for them nationwide, registration  and launching of the association, and funding of project proposal.

President Koroma as father of the nation welcomed the association to State House and noted that they were entitled to freedom of association and movement like any other citizen of Sierra Leone.

“It’s unfortunate that you have to go through such experiences of mockery and marginalisation, but my government will always remain not only open and inclusive, but will also defend the rights of little people and other vulnerable groups,” he promised.

He assured them that he would be holding regular meetings with the association and encouraged them to contact the Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs for matters relating to their welfare.

August 29, 2017 By Ishmael Sallieu Koroma

 Deputy Minister of Information and Communications,  Cornelius Deveaux , has on Sunday, 27^th August ,2017,vowed  that  government would  be transparent in the handling of relief items donated by individuals, local and international partners.

“The issue of transparency and accountability is a thing that the government lays premium on in the handling of relief items,” he said.

Speaking during a one day tour with Journalists at the Freetown International Airport, Minister Deveaux  said government has appointed a fiduciary agent that would  be dealing with the money.

“Everyone in the Country has started their calculations on some of the money so far been received by the country and citizens expect Government to be accountable and transparent,” he said.

The Minister reiterated that accountability and transparency in the use of foreign aid is one of the ten pillars of the Open Government Partnership.

“We are keeping attention to all issues regarding relief items.”

 He extended thanks and appreciation to the Airport authorities, local residents, and Office of National Security (ONS), for providing the enabling environment.

Chief of Staff Office of National Security (ONS) ,Dr. Ahmed Sannoh ,whilst speaking on behalf of the security coordinator, thanked the Airport authorities  and the security sector players for their good job in the handling  and offloading of relief items in the country.

“So far, the Office of National Security is satisfied with the handling of relief items .It has been a great deal of transparency on everything and the coordination has been quite impressive,” he said.

He added that as the lead of the disaster management, the ONS was encouraging all partners to be committed and transparent in receiving relief items as the international community is looking at the country.

Terminal building Manager, Sierra Leone Airport Authority, ,Mohamed Said Kamara, said the authority has done a lot in the support of handling of relief items .

He thanked the Minister of Transport and Aviation and team for their good work, stating that he has been working with the minister all these while and  hoped that the good work that the airport officials have so far displayed since the start of the receiving of relief  items,  would continue.

Minister of Transport and Aviation, Leonard Balogun Koroma ,said immediately after the August  14^th mudslide and flood incident , President  Ernest Bai Koroma assigned him to Lungi International Airport to receive all foreign flights that  transported all donations to Freetown.

 “We have received flights from Qatar, Ghana, Nigeria, Turkey, JAICA and several delegations from overseas including Nigerian President Olusegun Obansanjo,Tony Elumelu ,delegations from Belgium and all over the world,” he  said .

He disclosed that the biggest relief donation flight has come from Ghana which he said  contains over seventy-nine (79) tonnes of 2,000 bags of rice ,1,500 mattresses ,10 generators, including clothing and medical supplies .

Minister Koroma said they have provided mechanisms to make sure that the process is transparent, as they have deployed police and other officials to escort all trucks moving out with relief items to Port Loko.

August 29, 2017 By Memunatu Bangura

Magistrate Albert J. Moody of Court No.1 has committed to High Court an alleged theft matter at Africa Young Voices (AYV) Media Empire, involving popular Disc Joker, Master Bitutex and seven others.

Mohamed Kanu, aka Master Bitutex, Laurence Peters, Alieu Vandy, Lamin Kanu, Mohamed Idressa Dumbuya, Suliaman Conteh, Aruna Momoh and Saidu Dumbuya made their eighteenth appearance before the court on two counts of conspiracy and office breaking contrary to the laws of Sierra Leone.

The prosecution had alleged that all accused persons on 27^th February, 2017, conspired with unknown persons to commit a crime to wit office breaking.

The prosecution also claimed that on the same date at Ayv compound, broke into and entered the media house and stole properties belonging to the AYV Proprietor, Antony Navo Jr.

The prosecution had led two witnesses including the Head of Breaking and Larceny Syndicate at the Headquarters of the Criminal Investigation Department, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mohamed Kugba Alieu and the Station Manager of AYV radio, Mamajah Jalloh aka DJ Base.

ASP Mohamed Kugba Alieu had earlier presented a recorded CCTV exhibits which was played in court and witnessed by both Defense and Prosecuting counsels, in the presence of all the accused persons.

In the CCTV recording footage that was played in court, the first accused Mohamed Kanu alias Beetus, second, fourth, and sixth accused persons, were identified by the said Police investigator.

While the recording was played, the first accused was seen in the footage coming from the radio room to the reception parlor, where he stood for a while, entered towards the toilet corridor and quickly came out to the same reception parlor where he again stood for a while and entered back into the radio room.

The second accused that was also identified by the police was seen half naked with a boxer and brushing his hair, disguised himself with white paint all over his body climbing the stairs.

The accused persons made their first appearance on 14^th March, 2017, after being arrested and detained in police custody for over fifteen days and later charged to court.

However, the accused persons were granted in the sum of Le160 million and two sureties each.

Praises For Social Welfare Minister

August  29, 2017 By Emmanuel I. Kamara

. District children boarding safe buses for Karene and having fun along various provincial highways

The umbrella body of all children in Sierra Leone, the Children’s Parliament, better known as the Children’s Forum Network (CFN), has on Monday 28th August 2017 commenced a four-day Annual General Meeting in the newly established Karene district. The event is happening in the remote location of Kamakwie which is now the Karene district headquarters as recently promulgated by  President Koroma.

It was in solidarity with the President who is seeking to take development and progress to all previously remote parts of the country, that the children all unanimously chose the new Karene District as the location for this year’s meeting. The event is expected to end on Thursday 31 August.

Meanwhile, speaker after speaker, both adults as well as children, used the occasion  to praise the leadership skills of Honourable Minister responsible for Children, Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden.

Elected CFN President, Ms. Paulina H. Bangura, who chaired the event, saluted her child colleagues, who travelled from afar to grace the occasion and called on them to remain focused throughout the 4 days training as the  meeting will enhance their ability to be able to become effective participants in all governance issues. She eloquently described Minister Blyden as a “kombra” who relates well with children.

To a loud  applause from the room packed with children from Falaba, Karene, Bombali, Tonkolili, Koinadugu, Port Loko, Kambia, Bonthe, Moyamba, Bo, Pujehun, Kono, Kailahun, Kenema, Western Rural and Western Urban areas, the President of CFN said, “ I am thanking the Honourable Minister, Dr. Sylvia Blyden for her relentless support to the Children of Sierra Leone and to CFN.”

CFN President continued to motivate her fellow companions to act as positive children because they “own the future and our future must be positive for our country”.

Amongst the over 100 children who travelled  to Karene, includes children victims from the Regent mudslide disaster and from Kaningo/Kamayama flood sites. Also invited to the AGM is Mamie Sam, the famous teenager who had suffered from overgrown breasts and been kidnapped from Kailahun but who, through the efforts of Minister Sylvia Blyden, is now happily reunited with her mother and two sisters. Mamie Sam and her younger sister Nancy Sam are both happily attended  the AGM.

Host Paramount Chief Alhaji Kandeh Luseni III of Sella Limba Chiefdom heartily welcomed the children from all over Sierra Leone into Kamakwie and assured them of his support throughout their AGM in his chiefdom and new district. He pointed out that the motto of CFN was correct and urged them that it is from childhood that one starts to lay a good foundation for life. He also had high words of praises for the Minister Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden, a woman of substance in Sierra Leone.

Coordinator, Women’s Forum in the new North-Western Province, within which Karene is now placed, Madam Mariatu Songo-Kanu expressed sincere gratitude to Minister Sylvia Olayinka Blyden for supporting and encouraging children especially the large number that was chosen from all the 13 chiefdoms of the new Karene District.

The eloquent woman saluted the Government of President Koroma through Social Welfare Minister Blyden for supporting the children to choose Karene district to host such an important event for Children from all around the country.

Also speaking, the Head of Professional Services at the ministry, Chief Social Services Officer, Joseph Sunday Sinnah, extended apologies from the Honourable Minister whose recent illness made it impossible for her to travel to remote Karene to grace the Opening but who sent him to represent her as her Deputy Minister was also busy with the recent disaster relief efforts.

Mr. Sinnah said the ministry will always work with CFN to tell children about their rights and responsibilities. He said that is the more reason this year’s theme of “Enhancing Child Participation Across all Governance Issues” was carefully selected. He went further that Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Children, clearly states that it is a child’s right to participate in all aspects of community development and progress. Mr. Sinnah said AGM is not only about giving reports on the challenges children faced across the country but also an opportunity to build capacity of children on how to articulate, lobby and respectfully negotiate with authority.

“You are not here only to move and interact with each other but also to be capacitated in fruitful engagement to be good citizens” he charged.

He added that children should grow up with good morals to effect positive change in their various districts and the nation.

Other speakers all made meaningful contributions including Deputy Chairman of Bombali District Council, Director Ibrahim Kamara of the MSWGCA and the Local Police Commander who assured of excellent security throughout the four days until the children safely return.

 August 29, 2017  

     Plain Ink—– By Spear Man

     Email:alphaspearman17@yahoo.com

After the Flag bearer Aspirants have spoken, one was left without any doubt they had attended the meeting out of their own volition. That they were truly committed to the peace that was being brokered by their ordinary membership, was another matter altogether.

And if facial expression would be used to measure sincerity, then I would go for Dr. Bond Wurie as I want to believe he was genuinely more passionate and concerned about the challenges they face as a party. Months earlier, I happened to be nearby as Dr.Wurie and a onetime SLPP patron were discussing the party’s debacle and he almost broke down. It was the first time I knew who he was and it took place at the SLBC/ TV drive way, after he had just been hosted on the programme, the Podium. The next and last time I saw him again before the meeting, was at this peace meeting and his expression was as radiant as that of a boy who had been invited to a celebration he had always dreamed about.

And when his turn came to speak, you could tell his sincerity of purpose. I am not saying here the other men could not be sincere, but you could tell watching him speak that he was genuinely troubled by events within their party.

I would return in the concluding lines, to my personal observation of some of these key figures vying to lead the country’s main opposition in the 2018 polls. So as the peace process progressed, they went into groups, with a good number of the party Parliamentarians and other key figures showing up as well, the likes of  Hon. Rado Yokie, Hon.Mustapha Brima, former Education Minister, Dr. Alpha Wurie,Dr. Abass Bundu,Mr. Kanja Sesay and Ambassador Daboh .The group discussions would eventually lead to the communiqué which among other considerations, specifically stated that all court cases be withdrawn,the re-run of the contentious 39 lower tier elections and that all should have access to all party offices. At some point in the deliberations, tempers flared up between proxies of the Flag bearer Aspirants, notably Rtd. Brig. Maada Bio’s Dr. Alex Prince Harding and Dr. Yumkella’s Ambassador Daboh. Dr. Abass Bundu and Hon. Rado Yokie both staunch Bio supporters were sometimes were quite livid on certain issues. Things got heated up in the hall and at a point, there was this vivid threat of the talks collapsing altogether, were it not for the intervention of the organisers and senior party members, who eventually succeeded in pacifying the atmosphere. By the time the signing of the communiqué got underway, Mr. Benjamin had already left with the understanding that he would sign later and which he did.

Sitting there and watching/overseeing the proceedings, was the former first lady who by all indication, has certainly become an influential figure in the SLPP.”You all go out now and march together up to the Cotton Tree’’ she bellowed out to the eleven men. That was how the much publicised Peace March by the Aspiring Presidential Candidates came about. Did the peace last? We all know what has happened since then. In that hall, I took in everything note worthy and to be honest I initially felt perhaps peace had indeed come to stay at the SLPP, going by the concluding happenings that day. Most of them were charismatic looking and with the exception of Maada Bio, Ndomahina, Bond Wurie, Alpha Timbo and Munda Rogers, I was seeing the rest in person for the first time.

Yumkella has got a charming and urbane personality and has that air of confidence about him, that I want to believe his critics consider as arrogance and which might be given some room for argument, based on some of his media or public speaking engagements. His positives or shortcomings would be reserved for another day but zeroing on this peace meeting, I realized he got on well with Andrew Keilli. As the communiqué was being drafted, Yumkella  walked to a window and from there watched the seafront, slightly moving his end and tapping his feet to music drifting in from a pub close to the ferry jetty.

Bio, in his case was standing at the other end, surrounded by a couple of Parliamentarians and party figures, talking and he looked stoic, obviously cutting out the picture of a soldier. You could hardly pick out something from his expressionless face.

Alie Kabba was for me, the most eloquent of the lot that day and someone who could attract an audience quite impressively.He looked much younger and handsome in person than on photo, understandably why some women could find his persona so irresistible!

Andrew Keilli immediately sends home the gentleman aura and that he manifested during the deliberations, upon being confronted and pointed finger at by an irate Prince Harding. He calmly went to his seat and ignored the “bullet”!

Jonathan Tengbeh has quite an affable personality, so too is Francis Lahai. On the whole, the party has quite an impressive stock of products but like a business Conglomerate bedeviled with rancour, disorganised system and power struggle, they cannot even now market their products. Their preoccupation is who takes control and the business is taking a hit as prospective clients(voters) are doubtful patronising with them altogether! We all know that Peace meeting has virtually collapsed.

The Peace meeting Chairman, Dr.Dennis Bright has since resigned from the SLPP to join an emerging party whilst Yumkella has suspended his Presidential candidate aspiration in the party. Franklyn Rogers has decamped to the ruling All Peoples Congress. Bright in his opening statement during the peace conference said so much has passed under the bridge as he entreated all to end the divisions.From that February,2017 gathering,it’s been a torrent indeed under that bridge, which shockingly has not even spared Bright himself!.

August 29, 2017 By Sahr Morris Jnr 

Christian Moses on fire two in two matches Photo: TorbenHansenHjorring

Christian Moses scored his second goal of the season in five days for Vendsyssel in the Denmark 1st Division league in Monday night’s clash 1-2 defeat to Viborg at the Hjørring Stadion, Hjørring.

The 24-year-old level things up three minutes after Mikkel Jespersen gave the visitors the lead in the 28th minute, but Pierre Dahlin Larsen ensured the victors walked away with maximum points before the break.

Monday’s strike was Moses’s second in five days as he scored his first goal of the season last Wednesday to help Vendsyssel secured 1-2 away win over Thisted and it was also the night Moses countrymen, Mamadu Khalil Jalloh made his debut since joining the club last month.

However, it was a sad debut day for Sierra Leone international striker in Sweden, Victor Mansaray, who was sent off just five minutes after his cameo for Umeå FC as they defeated Sollentuna 3-1 in the Swedish Norra, the third-tier league.

The former Seattle Sounders youngster, who was only granted work permit last week, was introduced in 58 minutes, replacing Mikael Wikström, but a hard tackle saw him received the matching order and in the Superrettan, Mohamed ‘Poborsky’ Bangura returned from injury to help Dalkurd secured 2-1 win over Örgryte.

Bangura has been on the sideline for over three weeks due to trouble foot injury, but he was given a run-out in the 58 minutes after replacing Rashidi. Attacking midfielder, George Davies was the other Sierra Leonean, who made 58 minutes cameo for his side, St. Pölten who were beaten 2-1 on the road by Wolfsberger AC.

In England, Amadou Bakayoko rescued a point for Walsall after they were held to a 3-3 draw at home by Bradford City. Bakayoko’s  strike came in the 87minutes.

Down in the Non-league, Abdulia Bell-Baggie replaced Pettefer 14 minutes from time as his Poole Town were defeated 1-0 by Bath City. Former Sierra Leone captain, Ibrahim ‘Obreh’ Kargbo and his Dulwich Hamlet side were given a surprise as a dramatic 90th minute equaliser helped Leiston salvaged a point in the Bostik Premier Division clash at Victory Road.

Midfielder, Hassan Sesay was in full time service for Lahti as they went down 0-1 to PS Kemi at home while Abdul Sesay saw his JS Hercules also suffered 4-2 defeat to Kufu 98 Mela.

Striker, Mustapha Bundu replaced Sana in AGF goalless draw against AAB in the Denmark topflight league but his countryman, John Kamara continued to keep his starting spot for Kaisar in their 1-1 draw with Ordabasy ,while Michael Lahoud’s Miami walked away with a 0-2 away victory over Puerto Rico in the U.S second tier league.

Elsewhere, Issa Kallon, Alfred Sankoh and Kei Kamara all see yellow cards over the weekend in Holland, Turkey and U.S. Major League.  Kallon, who got his first start in the 2-0 defeat to De Graafschap was booked in the 26 minutes before substituted in the 76th minutes.

Sankoh, who was limited to 60 minutes of action as he received his second successive yellow in the 28 minutes in Denizlispor 2-2 draw with Eskişehirspor  while Kei Kamara New England Revolution suffered 1-0 defeat to D.C United and the veteran Sierra Leonean  striker was cautioned in the 65 minutes.

August 12, 2017 BY: Ishmael Sallieu Koroma

The smell of dirt and piles of garbage form part of the daily troubled experience of people living in the Magazine and Mabella communities. The scattering of garbage and human filth in these communities have become a familiar thing at this time and all other time.

Lack of proper toilet facility continues to be a major problem in most part of country, not least the capital city of Freetown. The influx of people from the provinces to the city has only helped to exacerbate the social problem. The slum communities are susceptible to lack of proper toilet facilities in the country. These slum communities most often than not have makeshift toilet facility, with little or no proper disposal facility in the environment, which affects the health and wellbeing of inhabitants. The reality is that, these toilets are cheap to construct while inhabitants empty the faeces and urine into the sea. The high cost of housing leaves poor and unemployed people, mostly from the rural communities, vulnerable to erect makeshift buildings as home for dwelling.

Adama Kamara is a resident in the Magazine Wharf community. She has lived almost all her entire life in the slum community. She lives in the seaside area between Mabella and Magazine slum community. She, like dozens of residents, uses a makeshift toilet facility, which her husband made for the family and neighbours in the slum areas.

“Living in the slum community is risky especially during the rainy season” she says.

Kamara confesses to sometimes being worried about the situation in the wharf community. She says that before this time there was not many people in the slum communities of Magazine and Mabella Community, but that by the end of war in 2001 the slum community saw an increase in the number of people living in the community. And an increase in inhabitants means more problems endemic to the Magazine wharf slums.

“We have no other means of toilet facility, it’s only these makeshift ones,” she says matter-of-factly. “Our children are diagnosed most times with stomach ache and diarrhoea and other water-borne diseases”.

“Our lives are at risk and we are asking the government and partners to help us build decent housing facilities and toilet facilities in our community,” she further appeals.

Her husband, Alusine Kamara, a grain grinder in the Mabella community market, was himself born and raised in this slum community and is accustomed to open defecation.

“If you want to use a proper and appreciable toilet facility, you have to go a place called showers, or down Mabella; you pay about two-thousand Leones which most people in the slum community cannot afford,” he narrates.

In these slum communities children are at risk of contracting water-borne diseases like diarrhoea, cholera and many others. They play in the open areas where the water has either dried or is polluted. These children do not wash their hands after playing and using the open defecation toilet facility and most times complain of stomach ache.

According to UNICEF, in 2013 more than 340,000 children under-five died from diarrhoeal diseases due to lack of safe water, sanitation and basic hygiene – an average of almost 1,000 deaths per day.

In addition to this, about 2.4 Billion people do not use improved sanitation and 663 million do not have access to improved water sources.

This report by UNICEF indicates that children are most vulnerable as they lack knowledge and ability to take care of themselves whenever they use the toilet and after playing with dirt.

This situation becomes critical during the rainy season as most children and young people do not wash their hands after defecating, putting their lives at risk.

Hand washing, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), prevents diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera and many other water borne diseases.

In 2012, the country experienced the worst cholera outbreak in history which left 229 people dead and many more hospitalised, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The government launched the Presidential Delivery Team for post-Ebola recovery, targeting different areas in enabling a healthier and safer environment in the country. There has been cleaning exercises in different communities accross the capital city of Freetown and its environs. The presidential delivery team has set up local groups to collect garbage from local communities and in return ask locals to pay a meagre sum for disposing the garbage.

Councillor representing the Magazine and Mabella Communities, Abu Asif Kamara, says that his community’s health and environmental problems are real and that he has brought the concerns of residents to the government and non-governmental organisations.

“I have brought this concern to the NGOs and they have really helped the community in fighting some of these problems,” Councillor Kamara reveals, identifying interventions by the Freetown City Council, GOAL SL, Concern World Wide             as laudable. He says the ward has community health workers, blue flag volunteers that are supported by Concern World Wide.

He advised residents to keep their homes clean, dispose their garbage properly, especially when there are a team of people working to clean the environment in the slum communities.

Public Relations Officer of the Freetown City Council, Cyril Mattia, in an interview with Concord Times, claims that the municipal council has constructed lots of public toilets across the sprawling capital.

“In fact in the first place we are not building public toilets for community people, it’s for the public,” he says and adds that members of slum communities, especially those that do not have access to toilets in their homes, can use them.

“When Ebola struck and during the Cholera Outbreak in 2012 and 2014 respectively the sea side settlements of Magazine and Marbella were the most affected communities,” notes, without conceding that inhabitants have poor sanitary facility.

Despite the best efforts of non-governmental organisations to complement the Freetown City Council in building more public toilets, challenges still abound.

Accordingly, the Freetown City Council needs more funding allocation to help in alleviating the problem of good toilet facility, especially in the slum communities of Marbella and Magazine Wharf Community.

Though the government, through the Freetown City Council, has been building public toilets, the slum communities need more toilet facility as hundreds of people are living in these communities.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which were enunciated in 2016, are very stout towards achieving a healthier and peaceful environment in the world. Goals three and six of the SDGs speak to good health and wellbeing, clean water and sanitation respectively to be achieved by all countries by 2030. The Inter-governmental Open Working Group on the post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) have recommended that the new goals include a target of achieving adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and ending open defecation by 2030. This is a step in the right direction and Sierra Leone should work with development partners to harness more resources for the provision of proper toilet facility across the country.

Though Sierra Leone is still struggling to rebuild her water and sanitation systems, more than a decade after the civil war, it is hopes that gains made by the Presidential Delivery Team on post-Ebola Recovery and the presence of WASHNET would help alleviate the problems of hygiene and sanitation in these slum communities and the country as a whole.

August 29, 2017 By Sahr Morris Jnr

What Next for Leone Stars?

Sierra Leone’s national team, Leone Stars, will no longer face The Flames of Trinidad and Tobago in a proposed international friendly encounter due to date disagreement.

Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) last June confirmed that the national team would play an international friendly encounter against the T & T in United Kingdom between 28th August and 5th September, 2017.

But according to SLFA media officer, Ibrahim Kamara, the proposed friendly match will never be materalised due to disagreement between both associations on date.

“The date was the problem; we want to play the match on a FIFA calendar date but the Trinidad and Tobago officials want the match to go on outside FIFA date because they are occupied with other engagement,” the SLFA media officer said, adding that they (SLFA) cannot play such a friendly in U.K. outside FIFA calendar time.

Despite the SLFA made public the proposed match in June 2017, timing has always been the fear if the match could go on as plan and the T & T F.A president, David John-Williams earlier confirmed to Wired868, via Whats App that the timing could be an issue based on their World Cup qualifier on September 1.

August 30, 2017 By Patrick Jaiah Kamara

The World Bank Group Country manager, Parminder Brar has yesterday  told a presser that the Bank has provided 13 million United States dollar as part of its immediate response to the flood and mudslide disaster that killed hundreds of people in Freetown and left thousands homeless.

The World Bank chief was addressing newsmen yesterday at the head office on Howe Street about the financial response from the Bank.

He said earlier this month the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development approached the Bank for financial support for dealing with the crisis as well as a request for undertaking an immediate disaster and loss assessment that would inform the recovery process.

He disclosed that the Bank has deployed a Specialist Disaster Management Team in Freetown to work with the government, United Nations Agencies and local organisations in a coordinated way to assess the immediate needs in short and medium term.

He noted that they have tracked the growth of Freetown from 1974 to 2017 using a satellite maps.

He said the Bank was doing a multi city hazardous assessment for three cities-Freetown, Makeni and Bo and that the study would be completed in November this year and it would be presented to the presidency.

“The Bank is concern. We are preparing two reports- one is the immediate Disaster and Loss Assessment and the second one the longer term multi city hazardous assessment. Two World Bank Disaster Management Specialists are leading the team. Around twenty other World Bank sector specialists are working on this assignment along with experts of other agencies. The team will conclude its work on September 8, 2017 and present its recommendations to the government,” he said.

He noted that the initial report that the Bank has offered $500 million to support disaster in the country was not true.

“On the side of the World Bank, we have offered $13 million as part of the immediate response to disaster. And some people say it was reported that the World Bank offered $500 million for disaster, not that, it is not the case,” he said.

He stated that an additional $3 million would be provided from existing projects which would meet immediate needs as well as be used for rebuilding critical infrastructure.

He said $10m of the said fund was part of the budget support as many has provided support but in the form of supply and very little money went to the government for relocation purposes.

“For the World Bank Group as a whole-IBRD,IDA,IFC and MIGA, the over all funding available for Sierra Leone will be in excess of US$500 million in the next three years. This includes grant, loans, and guarantees,” the Bank chief said.

Accused’s  Fate to be Determined Today

August 30, 2017 By Memunatu Bangura

Magistrate Albert J. Moody of court No.1 is set to determine whether to discharge or grant bail to eleven accused persons that are in court on allegation of conspiracy to defraud contrary to the laws of Sierra Leone.

 “On the next adjourned date I will consider the application made by the defence counsel whether to discharge or grant bail,” Magistrate Moody said.

 Lead Counsel, H. M. Gevao, has earlier applied for the matter to be discharged because the offence for which the accused persons were before the court was ‘bad in law’ and the particulars cannot be amended

Lawyer S. M. Sesay had also applied that documents including Bank identity cards, passports and other travelling documents and mobile phones that were seized from the accused persons be returned to them.

In his response, the magistrate ordered the police to hand over all documents that were seized from the accused persons.

“All Bank identity cards, passports and other documents and mobile phones that were confiscated be returned to the accused person with immediate effect. I so order,” Magistrate Moody ordered.

He told the prosecution that it was unfounded for the police to charge the accused persons with conspiracy to defraud, noting that such offence cannot stand in isolation without the principal offence.

Police prosecutor, Assistance Superintendent of Police- Samuel Kamara argued that some of the confiscated documents and mobile phones were part of the investigation and cannot be handed over to the accused persons.

Cecilia Fatola Annie Ben-Carew, Abdul Ibrahim Sama, Komba Gbolie, Rebecca Kosonikeh Fuller, Yayah Hamid Gabreel Kamara, Dankawallie Mansaray, Solomon Caulker, Patrick Massaquoi, Albert Jabatti Fortune, Francis Alimamy Sesay and Charles Eric Wilhelm, are  before Magistrate Moody on one count of conspiracy to defraud contrary to law.

The particulars of offence stated that the accused persons on a date between 1st April, 2017 and 12th July, 2017, at Bank of Sierra Leone, with intent to defraud the Government of Sierra Leone of its needed revenue, conspired with other persons unknown and facilitated the unofficial movement of the Leones and foreign currency (United States Dollars and British Pounds Sterling) out of the said Bank to the hand of private individuals by making false representation that the Bank was engaged in its normal auction exercise, knowing the same to be false.

The Defence team including Lawyer M. E. H. Sesay, S M Sesay, M Dumbuya, H. M. Gevao, B. Pratt, A K Musa, P. T. Bear, J Kapuwa, V. Lansana and O. S Kamara among others.

The matter comes up today.

August 30, 2017 By Memunatu Bangura

Global Operational Manager at Credit Recovery Agency-Sierra Leone, Festus Brima Damba Mbayo, was on Monday before Magistrate Hannah Bonnie of Court No.2 on one count charge of Domestic Violence contrary to law.

The police alleged that the accused person on a date from August and December, 2016, psychologically abused one Aminata Turay with whom he was cohabiting.

Testifying before the court, Aminata Turay recognised the accused person as her boyfriend and recalled the date stated above, adding that the accused deflowered her when she was fourteen years old.

She told the Bench that after the accused person deflowered her, she became pregnant and that the former gave her the sum of ninety thousand Leones to abort the pregnancy, which she did.

Aminata said after the abortion, the relationship continued and that she became pregnant   for the second time, adding that the accused person also gave her the sum of one hundred and fifty thousand Leones to abort the said pregnancy, but she refused to do so.

According to her, the accused person refused to take responsibility for the pregnancy and the child, noting that she struggled to bring up the child who was now thirteen years old and has been promoted to J.S.S 1.

Aminata said when the child was twelve years old, the accused person asked for forgiveness while they renewed their relationship, adding that she later noticed she was again pregnant, but the former declined responsibility.

“When I told him I was pregnant, he gave me the sum of two hundred thousand Leones to abort it, but I also refused to do so,” she said.

Aminata said the accused person used abusive languages on her whenever she called and informed him about the pregnancy, and that she later reported the matter to the Central Police Division.

While cross examining the victim, Lawyer J .J. Campbell asked as to whether she was aware that the accused was married and that he had other children, she replied that she had no prior knowledge about that.

She admitted however that she knew that the accused person already had two children with different women.

However, Magistrate Hannah Bonnie ordered that the accused person pay the sum of five million Leones to Aminata Turay as maintenance fee until she delivers and also ordered that a DNA test be conducted to prove whether the accused was responsible for the pregnancy.

The accused was granted bail in the sum of twenty Million Leones and one surety in like sum and should be gainfully employed.

Meanwhile, the accused yesterday paid the five million as ordered on Monday by the magistrate.

The matter was prosecuted by Police Sergeant 678 Sherrif.

August 30, 2017 BY Ibrahim K.Turay

Magistrate Santigie Bangura on Monday remanded a lady, who allegedly washed her boyfriend with acid after he destroyed her mobile phone.

Esther Isata Kamara was brought to court for wounding with intent and wounding contrary to Section 18 & 20 of the offences against the Persons Act of 1861.

Prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) T.M Bangura, claimed that the accused on Monday, 28^th August, 2017, at Sesay Drive, Peninsular-Freetown, poured  acid on Frederick ben Bangura with intent to do him grievous bodily harm.

Explaining his ordeal, the victim who appeared as the first prosecution witness identified the accused as his girlfriend and that on the day of the incident; he gave her some money to prepare him food.

He said the accused person had told him she was going to live the phone at home whilst she went to the market.

“The route she used to the market was different from the actual one. I met her with the phone she had told me she was going to live at home. I asked as to whether that was the route to the market,” he said.

The witness said he took the phone from the accused person and smashed it on the floor , adding that his action angered the accused person.

“She left the house. In about an hour, I heard some banging on my door .As I was about to see who was it, she splashed acid on my face,” he narrated.

Trying to escape from the danger, the witness said he tried running through the window, but the accused person followed him and poured the acid all over his body.

He explained that he could not recall anything since that moment and he only found himself the following day at the hospital.

The accused person was unrepresented and the matter was adjourned to the 29^th of August, 2017.

…says SLPP aspirant

 August 30, 2017 By Regina Pratt

SLPP aspirant for the position of national Secretary-General, Mohamed  Massaquoi aka Ngo Mass, has noted that if voted into  the said office, his immediate moves  would be  to initiate reconciliatory drive with those who may want to think differently of the outcome of the National Delegates’  Conference.

He made the above statement to journalists at his Waterloo Street office last Wednesday August 23^rd, 2017, that he was not silent, but working towards the party’s victory.

“However, since my office is central to all party programmes and activities, we will build and strengthen existing endeavours to keep the party well focused in winning the 2018 elections”, he said, adding that he would strengthen the party’s structures with a view to making them more functional to meet the challenges that are dictated by the 2018 elections and beyond.

He further said he and his executive members would make party programmes participatory, with strong youth and gender consideration to ensure they own such programmes, ensure party discipline and promote party values through the relevant structures with respect for elders, who are upholders and guarantors of the party.

Mr.Massaquoi further reiterated that he was not  silent and that he was in the race and had  been very active in programmes that would help increase the chances of the party winning the 2018 elections, noting that such programmes include participating and contributing to the initiatives that have greatly united the party, supporting the promotion of internal democracy through the conduct of lower level elections that would culminate into the National Delegates’ Conference, supporting party programmes that continue to assure and retain maximum degree of trust among the citizenry of this country in the SLPP.

“I have always emphasised and assured my party members that I will give them a more responsible, reliable, efficient and accountable leadership that will attract more people to the party”, he stated, adding that he would retain party membership and growth as  he boasted that he can deliver those aspirations with ease.

Regarding his relationship with the flagbearer aspirants of the party, Mr. Massaquoi said, “I have an excellent relationship with all of them and we relate very well with trust and respect. I have known them all as responsible Sierra Leoneans for a very long time, qualified in their respective disciplines and have individually and collectively contributed to the socio, economic and political development of this country they wish to head as president of the republic.”

August 30, 2017 By Regina Pratt

Bales of used clothing from PPASL

The Planned Parenthood Association of Sierra Leone (PPASL), has on Friday, August 18, 2017, provided relief items to displaced family members at the worst affected Regent community disaster site in the outskirt of Freetown.

The relief items include ten bales of used clothing provided by the Japanese Family Planning Association.

Making the presentation, Executive Director of PPASL, Mr. David Williams, on behalf of the organisation, expressed profound condolences to the survivors for the irreparable loss of their loved ones.

 He said Planned Parenthood Association is a non- governmental organisation committed to the promotion of Sexual Reproductive Health Information and services.

He said the organisation was saddened because the natural calamity would have definitely affected the association’s clients, who are residing in the Western Area.

He  said the donation was not measured by its quantum but how it would address the most pressing needs of the people, adding that the association will  provide other relief items to  affected family members whom he considered as brothers, sisters, sons and daughters, and  encouraged all to pray for   the country.

The Deputy Headman at Regent, Mr. Ansumana Kamara, thanked the association for coming to the aid of the community at that  difficult and trying times, and prayed that such disaster will not occur again.

Representatives from the Offices of National Security and Social Welfare   Ministry, expressed appreciation to the association for their donation.

Also, PPASL has provided free sexual and reproductive health services for pregnant women at the association’s reproductive health clinic located at no 2 Wesley Street.

The services were provided free of charge to pregnant women, who had gone through the traumatic experience occasioned by the August 14 mudslide and flooding disaster at Regent, Kaningo and Kamayama.

August 30, 2017 By Ibrahim K.Turay

Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Court No.1 on Monday 28^th August, 2017, remanded one Abu Mariah at the male Correctional Centre.

The accused was charged with three counts of wounding with intent and Assault Occasioning  Actual bodily harm  contrary to Section  20 &47 of the Offences Against the Person Act of 1861 and trespass contrary to section 15 (1) (a) of the public order Act No 46 of 1965.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) T.M Bangura, alleges  that the accused on Monday 28^th August, 2017, at Mansaray Drive, Regent in Freetown, wounded Maada Maiwa Massallay with intent to do him grievous bodily harm.

Magistrate Bangura however remanded the accused in custody and adjourned the matter to 30^th August, 2017.

August 30, 2017 By Ibrahim Tarawallie

Vice President Victor Bockarie Foh has called for more support from partners, organizations and individuals to assist the government in its quest to build thousands of affordable homes for victims of the August 14, 2017 mudslide and flooding disaster.

According to him, some 200acres of land have already been identified by the government at Mile 6,just as the outskirt of the capital of Freetown, for the construction of the homes, which will ensure that people, especially survivors of the disaster move from vulnerable places to that area.

He was speaking at his office as he received cash donations of over one billion Leones and food items from organizations, institutions and individuals, including Sierra Leone Mining Company, Airtel, Nigerians in Sierra Leone Social Media Community and the Turkish Coordination and Cooperation Agency.

The flooding and mudslide in the early hours of august 14, 2017, left hundreds of Sierra Leoneans in various communities, including Mount Sugar Loaf and Kaningo dead with some three thousand currently homeless. The disaster is the worst to have struck the country for decades. Over 500 bodies have so far being buried at Waterloo with several hundred yet to be seen.

“This is a national tragedy that has befallen our nations. We are still mourning the loss of lives of hundreds of our compatriots. We are looking forward to partnerships and support that will help us build affordable homes for the effected victims,” he said.

He said they intend to carry out the construction of homes in phases, starting with the first one thousand, which is why they want more support from those that have already donated and donor partners to ensure success.

While stressing that the government would not rest until people in disaster prone areas were moved to safer places, VP Foh disclosed that some 5,000 affected victims have already been registered.

Representatives from the organizations expressed sympathy to the government and people for the unfortunate tragedy and unforgettable disaster which resulted to the loss of hundreds of life.

They pledge to continue supporting the government in its effort to ensure safe homes are built for those in disaster prone areas, while mourning the death of the fallen heroes.

August 30, 2017 By Sahr Morris Jnr

Sierra Leone Women’s Under 20 team in Morocco 

Sierra Leone national Women’s Under 20 team will face their Moroccan counterpart today in friendly cash in Rabat, Morocco.

The encounter between the two sides will serve as a build-up for both nations in their bid to secure a place in the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in France.

Sierra Leone has already reached the second round of the qualifiers after Tunisia pulled-out, but Morocco will have to get pass West Africa opponent, Senegal in a two-legged tie on 15 & 29 September, 2017.

However, ahead of Wednesday’s friendly, the Sierra Leone head coach, Victoria Conteh is optimistic that her team will shine in the friendly clash.

“This match is very important to us in many aspects. It will help us build the physical and confidence level of the team as well as gives the players international exposure. We will use this match to test our game plan and see whether we are in the right direction or not.

In the end, we will come out of this match with our heads raised up,” coach Conteh said. “We have trained a lot and ready to showcase our talents. We will make Sierra Leone proud and be a force to reckon with,” she assured.

This will mark the first team both nation comes face-to face in a friendly clash and the second international friendly for a Sierra Leone women’s team since the inception of women’s football in the country in 1985.

Sierra Leone’s first outing was a 0-0 draw in Freetown against Liberia to commemorate the International Women’s Day in 2014.

August 30, 2017 By Sahr Morris Jnr

D.C. United goalkeeper, Bill Hamid

D.C. United goalkeeper, Bill Hamid is the latest international star to engage in fund raising drive for victims of flood disaster in Sierra Leone.

The 26-year-old shot-stopper, whose parents emigrated from Sierra Leone to the U.S., confirmed he still has family living in Sierra Leone which has moved him to team up with his club and ‘School for Salone’ organisation to help raise money for the victims.

“Seeing this affected, my family from grandmother, to my aunts and uncles and cousins,” Hamid said, adding that: “It makes me want to do something about it.”

Hamid together with D.C. United and Schools for Salone are raising money by auctioning off game-worn, autographed jersey and will match dollar-for-dollar all funds raised through the auction up to $2,000 for those in need.

“Schools for Salone is a nonprofit I’ve worked with throughout the years and is currently on the ground in Sierra Leone providing water filtration systems, food and emergency supplies,” Hamid said. “Any help you can give to help the people of this country would be greatly appreciated.”

Sierra Leone international, Kei Kamara is also raising fund for the same venture, while Turkish based duo, Alfred Sankoh and David Simbo all donated millions of Leone to victims of the August 14 disaster.

Minister charges claims are ‘frivolous’

August 31, 2017 By Patrick Jaiah Kamara

Deputy minister of Information and Communication, Cornelius Devaux

Deputy Minister of Information and Communications, Cornelius Deveaux, has described as frivolous and lack any iota of truth, claims made by Mohamed Kamarainba Mansaray  that the inferno which  gutted his office on Tuesday morning was ‘politically motivated’ and masterminded by the ruling All Peoples Congress (APC) government.

The APC cabinet minister said Mr. Mansaray has to provide sufficient evidence that would point directly to the ruling party and not just allegations that are not substantiated.

“In as much as I didn’t have the authority to tell the cause of the fire, but I can categorically say that the claims made by the ADP leader are frivolous and do not have any iota of truth,” he said.

When asked that the claims could have been emanated from the fact that Kamarainba  has been the only opposition leader, who  has been critical and  attacking  government on issues of national importance, Mr. Devaux said Kamarainba is  just a ‘small fish’ in an ocean of big fishes that are worth  chasing.

“We are not worried about opposition, not even the likes of Kamarainba. These are smaller parties. We are not a government that is averse to criticism. We have always welcome criticism because our government prides itself as a listening government,” he said.

The deputy minister said  government has always welcome a vibrant opposition that would help them correct their wrongs, noting that the ADP headquarter was gutted down by fire, and that only the national Fire Services that has the authority to tell the cause of the fire.

Meanwhile, the National Fire Force was yet to make public the cause of the fire, although Kamarainba had claimed that two unidentified men sent a petrol bomb into his office and set it ablaze.

According to Minister Deveaux, the office might have allegedly been set ablaze by the very party members as there were series of internal wrangling in the party.

“And we must also not forget about the fact that the ADP is currently engulfed in series of internal  wrangling that could have made it possible for one of their members to have involved in such a diabolic action,” he said.

It could be recalled that a two-story-building that housed the Headquarters of the Alliance Democratic Party on Rawdon Street was burnt  down on Tuesday, 29, August 2017.