Monday March 13, 2006

Your organization Is Cordially invited to attend our Forum on the 12th of March In maryland. For the first time ever we at youth for Sierra leone will bring All the Leadersfrom the Apc part, The SLPP Party and The newly form PMDC Party in the diaspora to answer question about their party’s.

Y S L I

YOUTH FOR SIERRA LEONE IMPROVEMENT

EXECUTIVE OFFICES:

408 Augusta Drive/ Marietta, Georgia, 30067, Tel: 404-447-5607

Youthforsierraleone.com/ Email:[email protected]/

                                             Sierra Leone Local Office:  5 Sinkunia Drive, Wilkinson Road
Sierra Leone Contacts: Mr. Maxwell Sessay @ 33-524197

To All Concerns;

We at Youth For Sierra Leone Improvement  (YSLI) want to in advance thank;

Mr. M. Magao, Chairman of the Slpp Party Washington Metro area, Mr.Momodu Sheku, Secretary General SLPP Washington Chapter
Mr. Almamy Kargbo- National Chairman of the APC Party, Mr Abubakar Koroma- President of the Apc Party Washington Chapter.
Dr. Sorie Kamara-National Chairman of the PMDC Party and Mr. Sidie Tunis- Secretary General PMDC Party
Party’s are allowed to bring their members for support. Please dress properly for we plan on video taping the events.

For their commitment to attend our meeting this upcomming weekend, Sunday, March 12th at 6PM Sharp in Maryland.

All Party’s will be given opportunity to address the youth and our organization. After the address, there will also be a question and answer dialogue given each party’s the opportunity to answer some of the members questions..This is somewhat of a representation of what is planned for June 23 in Freetown, Sierra Leone at the Miatta Conference where invited guest The Vice President,Hon.Solomon Berewa Slpp Party Leader, Hon. Ernest Koroma, Apc Party Leader and Hon. Charles Margai, PMDC Party Leader will address the Youth concerning their manifesto and the upcomming election after the Keynote address by the U.S.Ambassador, Mr. Thomas Hill III. about the importance of democracy.

Below you’ll find The address and telephone number to contact for direction if needed.

New VENUE: Meeting will take place at Langley Gardens complex Hall below the building
The address is : 1100 Lebanon Street ,Silver Spring, MD 20903.

Contact Kadija Jalloh for  information @ 301-910-9912

Direction:
From I-495 North toward Baltimore/College Park:

Merge onto MD-650 S/New Hampshire Ave via Exit 28B toward Takoma park and then turn right onto Lebanon Street

From New Hampshire Avenue (MD 650 North) toward MD-410/ East-West Highway, turn left onto MD-192 W/ University Boulevard East, then turn right onto Lebanon Street.

. Once again meeting will start at 6pm Sharp.

Thank you
Dr. Michel Sho-Sawyer
Board President
National Chairman

EKUNDAYO COLE TAKES EX-AMBASSADOR LEIGH TO TASK ( Article edited to remove objectionable words . As always, views expressed by our readers do not represent the opinions of this newspaper )

Monday March 6, 2006

First_Name:  Ekundayo
Last_Name:  Cole
Email_Address:  javascript:parent.ComposeTo(“[email protected]”,%20″”);
Address:  141A Lambourne Road
City:  United Kingdom
State:  NA
Zip_Code:  IG11 9PZ
Comments:  John leigh is  no different from Golley.
How can he refer to our people as “In all these places his support is
contracting and is limited to mostly low grade noisemakers – san san boys, honda
drivers, ex-combatants, carwash boys, etc.”

Clearly he is doing this just to lick Kabbah and his failed counterparts – the
executioner’s (Berewah) boots. Do you want to join J.B Dauda to fan Kabbah all day
long?  Na dem all pwel we country. You fill say we gladi lek you?

This is why you are not fit to be President!!!

PAUL KAMARA HEALTH DONATIONS TO BE DISBURSED THIS WEEK   Wednesday January 25, 2006

After waiting for a while for more pledges to be fulfilled, COCORIOKO  will be disbursing to FOR DI PEOPLE Editor , Paul Kamara , all that has been collected so far by this newspaper in connection with the ‘Special Paul Kamara Health Fund ‘ sponsored by COCORIOKO.

The COCORIOKO Correspondent in Freetown, Mr. Chernor Ojuku Sesay , would make the presentation to Mr. Kamara on  behalf of this newspaper and all the contributors. So far , $ 700  has been collected from pledges of  $ 2, 000. A second presentation will be made when others fulfill their pledges . TOMORROW, we will publish the names of those who have pledged and those who have made payments.

We want to thank everybody who responded to our call to assist a brother who was victimized by the undemocratic and fascist government in Sierra Leone.

SULAIMAN TEJAN-JALLOH  UNDER FIRE FROM SLPP UK BRANCH

Tuesday January 10, 2006

Sent in by Moijueh KaiKai

The Chairman of the SLPP UK branch Mr. Tamba Lamina recently delivered a very interesting speech in which he highlighted some of the problems of the branch,the party itself and the country as a whole. But he also uncharacteristicaly took a swipe at Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner in Britain Sulaiman Tejan-Jalloh. We publish below Mr. Lamina’s entire speech:

Ladies and gentlemen, I must first of all start by wishing every one of us and our Party a very happy and prosperous New Year. The year 2005 would go down in history as a year of tremendous political activity amongst all political parties in Sierra Leone. More so it will be remembered as the year of the Conventions that have made an indelible impact on the political scene of our country. We remain thankful to the almighty that despite this array of activity our beloved country is still at peace with itself. Peaceful co-existence must remain the central theme that dictates all our activities and no political activity should be allowed to undermine this utmost expectation. We all have a key responsibility to our Party and Country in ensuring that peace is at no time undermined. I shall come back to this later in my address.

This address will fall far short of my expectation if I fail to mention that 2005 was the year when a very prolific but conscientious, witty and selfless member of our Branch Party passed away. Mr Musa Moriba commonly known to all of us as ?Pa Moriba’ died on the 31 December 2005 at the Whittington Hospital here in London. Pa Moriba was well respected for his ability to mix with young and old and always had the ability of inducing an infectious laughter with his use of Latin and English jargons to describe situations. I admired his great commitment to his work. He was an invaluable member of the community and I know that all of those who worked alongside him are saddened by his death. Our meetings will never be the same again because as Chair I always looked forward to him walking through those doors to stamp his mark on all our deliberations by making very useful contributions. Funeral arrangements are underway and it is hoped that our Branch Party will play a key role in giving him a very befitting send off. Our role will be discussed and agreed by membership at a later part of this meeting.It is also with a heavy heart that I convey our heart felt condolence to our Vice President and Leader of our Party and his family for the sad loss of his wife. These very challenging and difficult moments for the grieving family and our prayers are with them at this time of great loss. Her passing has no doubt left a huge void that cannot be filled or replaced. On behalf of the Branch Party, we have already sent out a condolence message and the Vice Chair who is currently in Sierra Leone will present a wreath on our behalf. Mrs Berewa will be buried on 10 January 2006.

May I please ask members to stand and observe a minute’s silence in memory of Pa Moriba and Madam Berewa.

May their souls rest in perfect peace.

Ladies and Gentlemen, nearly twenty months ago, I wrote and stood in front of you asking for your support in my bid to become chairman of this Branch Party. My genuine motive at the time was to serve and to help bring about changes that this Branch has always craved for. I would not be asking you for a further mandate because it is my opinion that serving for two years in a voluntary capacity of this nature and considering the things that get thrown at you is enough time to remain sane. I have had no regrets and I have served passionately and learnt a lot from this experience.

Our key objective at the time of assuming office was to provide accountable and transparent leadership for the Branch through effective communication; and open, responsible and constructive discussions. If there is a single achievement that I’m most proud of during my tenure, it is that of restoring integrity to the Branch leadership through openness. The current Branch leadership is not a foolish and self aggrandizing one. There has been a historical background of people wanting to become Chair of this Branch in order to propel themselves into high offices in Sierra Leone. In an effort to achieve this aim they end up pursuing their own personal interests rather than that of the Branch. The main purpose of their coming to office is to fool around national politicians even when they are of no good in their bid to gain favours from them. This Executive or should I say part of it has been different. We have supported the Party in various ways and at various times when we think that our support will be rightly placed. This brings me to the challenges we have faced as an Executive since coming to office.

Ladies & Gentlemen, we came to office during a period when few of our members were bent on brushing the Branch Constitution aside to serve their own purpose. Months of deliberation by this house that resulted in a revised version of the constitution was about to be thrown to the gutters. The then Chairman refused to participate and tried to use all tricks in what is usually referred to as the “APC book” to maintain his position as Chair. This was not going to be allowed and would never have been allowed by people of a sound mind and with integrity. We stood up to him and demonstrated that our collective muscle gives us the strength to defeat evil. You voted for principle and you now have the sweetest reflection that your vote was never lost. This same cancer continues to show its head in this Branch’s activities. Negotiations were done at that time in good spirit and with a desire to bring all on board. His Excellency, the High Commissioner had his own agenda. He always wants to control the affairs of this Branch even though he is not a member. We have always respected him as an elder statesman hence our effort to put him at the centre of events. But he has not given the Branch the reciprocal respect that it deserves. Instead he is bent on stewing discord amongst members aimed at getting his own way. He believes in the old adage of divide and rule and if this Branch succumbs to that the hard earned integrity would be washed away in no time.

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is with the greatest courage that I address you today; courage because I nurse an element of fear as to the repercussions of my pronouncement here today but as Abraham Lincoln puts it ” to sin in silence when they should protest makes cowards of men”. I have never been a coward and would not start being one now. What is wrong in being principled and having respect for oneself? What is wrong with believing in something and dying for it?

Events leading to the National Party Convention and its aftermath have left this Branch Party in a much traumatised position. Prior to the convention this Branch Party took a principled position to mandate its two delegates to analyse the situation on behalf of the Branch and vote for our national leaders of the Party. Prior to this a cross-section of the Party had an ample opportunity to meet with the VP and question him about his proposed bid for the leadership of the Party. It was a constructive meeting and I believe it was all conducted with the decency that it deserved. While in Freetown we made attempts to pay a courtesy visit to the President and VP but the SLPP Vs. Hinga Norman trial affected all political diaries. When I learnt that the VP had taken offence over the matter of not meeting him, I was perplexed. Didn’t the then Secretary General inform him that we tried through him but to no avail because of his busy schedule?

I’m led to believe that the anger towards me is for something else. I was asked to form a campaign group for VP Berewa at out initial meeting with the VP in London but with me being what I am this was considered to put my position in direct conflict with being fair to the other aspirants. I couldn’t have done that. I have stayed away from the two campaign groups formed in London and believed that now that the Convention is over the Berewa campaign group now called “Friends of Berewa” would cease to exist because the leader of the Party automatically becomes our leader and a friend of all of us. This has not happened ladies and gentlemen. The situation now is that the ?Friends of Berewa’ have now usurped the role of the Executive and the High Commissioner continues to undermine the Executive in every way possible. Is this the sort of Branch Party that we want to see?. One that operates only on the whims and caprices of the High Commissioner? I do not think so. I have received several phone calls from within and without informing me of the nefarious activities of this group. We must not allow people of this nature and calibre to come close to the governing apparatus. They are up to no good and would only seek their own personal interest. The former Chairman’s personal tragedy is that his ability to use the pen does not translate into a genuine desire to change the plight of the suffering people in Sierra Leone. In fact it sometimes blatantly exposes him as very dishonest.

It is a priori that the activities of this Branch are greatly affected by situations in Sierra Leone. Recent political activities in Sierra Leone have been most divisive. A huge chunk of our members have either defected or are in the process of defecting to other political parties or yet to be formed parties. As chairman, I have been put in a very uncomfortable position. No true politician can be satisfied with only observing events. The late Robin Cook states that we are driven by a compulsion to comment on them, to interpret them and to shape them to our political perspective. I have wrestled with the thoughts of how it all came to this. How could a formidable political party like ours come to this?. Some people say to me that those who have left should be castigated because they have proved to be disloyal. I have received a letter from the former Chairman to expel two of our members for writing in the press and discrediting the Party. What an opportune moment to do that. This letter was written at a time when the Presidential entourage was visiting London. If Mr Jonjo can talk about discipline, then the word itself ceases to carry its true meaning. Here is a man that confiscated the Branch documents and gavel and wrote to the Bank not to recognise a legally elected Executive out of pique and continues to hold on to the Branch’s property. What more could warrant disciplinary action?. It is like the kettle calling the pot black. Prior to receiving his letter, a joint council of Elders and Executive meeting made a decision to write to these two members to resign their executive positions. But after careful consideration and legal consultations, the Secretary and I decided to withhold the letters until the General Membership decides a course of action. To tell you the truth, I have sympathy for some of our members who have become so angry to the extent of writing negatively against a Party that is their natural home. Events leading to the convention were shrouded in secrecy and the speed of events had implications for due process prescribed in the National Party Constitution.

There has been no structured attempt to mollify the disgruntled but an atmosphere of arrogance and wilful deceit pervades the leadership of our Party in Sierra Leone aimed at treating those who have genuine concerns with disdain and contempt. I am very conscious of the growing impatience within the Party as a whole at a lack of a radical agenda to change the lives of our people. It is like we no longer believe that we have to win elections. For a while the Branch Party has remained truculently silent to the extent that some have interpreted it as discourteous. I think we should get praise for standing up for what we believe in. I have a caution for all those branding others who have genuine concerns as being unpatriotic. Patriotism is not about sycophancy. Patriotism should be about caring for your fellow Sierra Leonean and working ardently to change their lives through giving to them what they rightfully deserve. It has definitely become impossible to do this job with my current feelings because it is like defending the insupportable. The old SLPP culture of dissent and truthful discussion is being stifled. The current instincts of the National Party Leadership is at complete odds with the values that had brought me into this Party. Nonetheless, I believe that running away is not the right answer. That is why the position of this Branch is so crucial. This Branch can continue putting the pressure and advocating the Party’s beliefs. We should strive hard to ensure that we do not return to the era when dictatorship prevailed in our country. We need to think what democracy means for us and the marginalisation of our citizenry is surely not the way forward. Our peace is still fragile, more so with the departure of the UN forces on December 31. Our people want to remain in peace and nobody’s selfish agenda should bring us to the bitter experiences of even thinking that our country is unsafe. There is an increased impetus towards this as Sierra Leoneans have an opinion on issues but more and more of them no longer feel ownership of the democracy or believe that the political culture can solve the problems in their lives.

If you have a conscience like I do then my pronouncements will be food for thought. It has been a long time since Kwame Nkrumah expressed the need for the type of African citizenry that would change our plight. We still continue craving for a dedicated, modest, honest, and an informed individual: a man who submerges himself in service to his nation and mankind; a man who abhors greed and detests vanity; a new type of man whose humanity is his strength and whose integrity is his greatness.

I would want the house to begin the process of electing a new branch executive and this process should be completed no later than March 2006.

I thank you all for your support and hope that we develop an understanding and the true meaning and purpose of our being in politics.

.

SIERRA LEONE NETWORK HOLDS INTERESTING SYMPOSIUM 

Tuesday November 8, 2005 

The Sierra Leone Network Presents a Symposium on “Diaspora Sierra Leoneans and How they

can Impact Real Change’ in the Country”

3:30 -3:35 p.m. Opening remarks and the introduction of the Host by Mr. Cecil “CJ” John,

Chairman of the Board of Directors,

3:35 – 3:40 p.m. A brief explanation of the program and introduction of speaker, by our host Mr.

Abdul Iscandari. (Abdul to introduce all subsequent individual speakers)

3:45 – 3:55 p.m. Presentation on the Sierra Leone Network, focusing on key strategic areas to

include Education, Healthcare, Trade and Finance and Advocacy by Ms. Isata

Kabia, Member of the Board of Directors

3:55 – 4:05 p.m. Introduction of the panelists by the Moderator Mr. Oluniyi Robbin-Coker, Member

of the Board of Directors

4:05 – 5:30 p.m. The Panel Discussion and Questions and Answers Session.

5:30 – 5:37 p.m. A brief presentation on the Sierra Investment Fund (SIF) by Mr. Jesmed Suma,

the Financial Executive of The Network,

5:37 – 5:44 p.m. A brief presentation on the Real Change Fund. By Ms. Gail Carew-Edwards

Member of the Board of Directors,

5:44 – 6:00 p.m. Closing remarks speaker, the President of The Network, Dr. Hilton Gbolie,

including summary, introduction of the Network members and appreciations

6:00 – Until Networking, cross-networking and an option to take pictures with Emmerson and

the Borbor Belle entourage.

PICTURES TAKEN AT THE GRAND RECEPTION IN LONDON FOR THE VICE-PRESIDENT SOLOMON BEREWA

Rescheduling of GAB Awards to Sunday November 6

Following the sudden unavailability of the West Ham United Quality Hotel for our 7^th Annual Gathering of Africa’s Best (GAB) Awards, we have been forced to reschedule the date of the 7^th GAB Awards by two weeks to Sunday November 6 2005.

This is as a result of the rescheduling earlier this week, of the West Ham United vs. Middlesborough match to Sunday October 23. We regret the inconvenience this date change may cause but remain strongly committed to organising a bigger and better GAB Awards this year.

We are taking the advantage of this rescheduling to extend the deadline on the early bird discounted tickets. The discounted tickets would be sold on a first come first served basis – so please book now by calling 020 8522 6600 or visiting www.gabawards.com

For the purpose of clarity, these are the current details about the event:

The 7^th GAB Awards 2005 holds

On:                       Sunday November 6, 2005

At:                        West Ham United Quality Hotel

Boleyn Ground, Green Street, London E13 9AZ

From:                    5pm – 12.00 Midnight

Tickets:                 ï¿½75 per head (�100 when discounted tickets are exhausted)

VIP Tickets:          ï¿½150 per head (�200 when discounted tickets are exhausted)

Group Tickets:      ï¿½750 per table of 10 or �1500 per VIP table of 10

Trumpet

44a Selby Road, Leytonstone, London E11 3LT

Tel: 020 8522 6600 / Field: 07956 385604 / Fax: 020 8522 6699

Join us at the 7th GAB Awards on Sunday November 6 – www.gabawards.com

EDITOR INVITED TO SEVENTH GATHERING OF AFRICA’S BEST( GAB) AWARDS ) IN BRITAIN

Monday September 19, 2005

The Editor-In-Chief of Cocorioko, Rev. Leeroy Wilfred Kabs-Kanu , has been invited to the 7th.gathering of Africa’s Best (GAB) Awards , which will be held  at the West Ham United Quality Hotel in London  Sunday October 23, 2005 .Below is the formal invitation letter .

It gives me great pleasure to invite you to the 7^th Gathering of Africa‘s Best (GAB) Awards which holds on Sunday October 23 2005.

The GAB Awards, founded in 1999 by The Trumpet newspaper (Britain’s largest distributed Black publication); is the most prestigious ceremony within the UK African community. The main objective of the GAB Awards is to reward excellence among distinguished sons and daughters of Africa who are contributing to the positive image of Africa and Africans worldwide, especially in the UK.

Previous GAB Awards ceremonies have attracted the presence of the likes of Prince Bola Ajibola, Chief  & Chief (Mrs) J.K. Randle, Chief & Chief (Mrs) Oluwole Adeosun, John Fashanu, Rt.Hon. Simon Hughes, Rt. Hon. Dianne Abbott (both of the British Parliament), William Hague (then leader of the Conservative Party), Erelu Lola Ayonrinde – two-time Mayor of the London Borough of Wandsworth; John Bowis (MEP), but to mention a few. Previous recipients of the GAB awards include Nelson Mandela, Professor George Kirya, Henry Annan, Anthonia Okonma of Bad Girls, Cyril Nri of The Bill, Paralympics medallist Ade Adepitan, Dele Momodu, Ishola Akay (MBE), Most Rev. Father Olu Abiola (OBE), Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Patti Boulaye, and the late Professor Thomas Adeoye Lambo.

The 7^th GAB Awards 2005 holds

On:                       Sunday October 23, 2005

At:                        West Ham United Quality Hotel

Boleyn Ground, Green Street, London E13 9AZ

From:                    5pm – 12.00 Midnight

Tickets:                 ï¿½75 per head (�100 after September 30)

VIP Tickets:          ï¿½150 per head (�200 after September 30)

Group Tickets:      ï¿½750 per table of 10

There are also unique opportunities for businesses and organisations to market and advertise themselves at the event:

�        Exhibition Spaces from �250 +VAT

�        Advertisement spaces in the event’s programme souvenir:
1/8 A5 Page (Business Card size) at �50 +VAT         Quarter A5 Page at  ï¿½100 +VAT

Half A5 Page at �200 +VAT                                  Full A5 Page at �400 +VAT

�        Advertisement slots on the Event’s Audio-Visual display:

30-second slot           ï¿½120 +VAT                   1-minute slot            ï¿½200 +VAT

2-minute slot            ï¿½400 +VAT                   3-minute slot            ï¿½600 +VAT

4-minute slot            ï¿½800 +VAT                   5-minute slot            ï¿½1000 +VAT

�        Insertion of your business card or promotional literature in the event’s pack which will be handed out on the day at �100 +VAT for up to 500 items.

�        Sponsorship packages to suit every budget

Further information is available at www.gabawards.com

Or telephone 020 8522 6600 / 07956 385604 / 07944 419565 / 07939 534833

?Femi Okutubo

Founder / CEO, Trumpet GAB Awards

Trumpet

44a Selby Road, Leytonstone, London E11 3LT

Tel: 020 8522 6600 / Field: 07956 385604 / Fax: 020 8522 6699

We are giving away a number of free tickets for a play titled: “Mother of the Virgin” which holds on Saturday September 24 at the Broadway Theatre, Catford.

Please Email: [email protected] if interested or call 07944 419565

SIERRA LEONE FOUNDATION FORMED IN THE U.K

Wednesday September 14, 2005

The Sierra Leone Foundation is an organisation that is aiming to bring together Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad to work towards promoting and improving the health and sanitation in Sierra Leone, developing strategies that would improve adult learning and active citizenship. The organisation would also work towards promoting community development issues.
The focus is on what we can do for our country and not what the country can do for us. We do not intend to waste time and energy in criticising others, instead we will concentrate on how we can contribute to the development of our beloved country Sierra Leone.
Sierra Leone needs us. The process of rebuilding the country after the rebel war is proving to be a mammoth task and a challenge to its citizens. It is a struggle to meet the basic needs.

LAUNCH OF SIERRA LEONE FOUNDATION

The Sierra Leone Foundation was officially launched on Saturday 13 August 2005 at the River Mead Leisure Complex in Reading UK.

In welcoming the guests who have travelled from as far as Leeds in the North, Bristol in the West and London in the South East, the Chair lady Jackie Turay Katter emphasised that Sierra Leone Foundation does not belong to a particular individual, a political organisation, nor is it to divide and rule. She said “it would be na�ve for anyone to personalise or even think that Sierra Leone Foundation belongs to a particular individual, or a group of individuals or a political group”. Instead, “it intends to work with all, regardless of tribe, age, colour of skin, sexual or political orientation, social status and disability, level of education or understanding.”  As long as they are thinking what we are thinking i.e. ?Making sierra Leone a better place to live in’.   She gave a special welcome to the speakers and entertainers who without much ado agreed to participate in the launch.

Jackeline Turay Katter – Chairlady               

The speakers included the acting Sierra Leone High Commissioner to the UK, Mr. James Allie, the member of parliament for Reading West Martin Salter, Councillor Tony Page who represented the Mayor of Reading, Mr. Francis Dumbuya who presented “Waste disposal in Sierra Leone’ on behalf of Dr. Abdul Sesay who was away on an official engagement in Northern Ireland, Dr. Mohamed Koker who gave a talk on health and sanitation in Sierra Leone, Dr Columba Blango who gave a talk on the ?role of Sierra Leonean in developing their country and Sarah Snow, a representative of the Medical Assistance to Sierra Leone (MSL), which is a registered UK charity working in Sierra Leone. The host of entertainers included a Ghanaian acrobatic performer, lady dancers, the legend Bonnie Mark (Sierra Leonean), John Gbla (Sierra Leonean) and the master entertainer King Masco (Sierra Leonean)

Lady dancer                                                                                           Acrobatic performer

In his speech, the acting High Commissioner Mr. James Allie who deputised the High Commissioner and other Sierra Leoneans living in the UK congratulated members of the Foundation for such a successful function and for committing themselves to actively participating and contributing to the national development of their country.

Martin Salter MP, Reading West                         Cllr. Tony Page – Reading Borough Council

He also expressed appreciation on behalf of the Government and People of Sierra Leone to the M.P. for Reading West for the generous assistance of the British Government and the people of the UK to our nationals, our country and our Government over the years. Similar sentiments were also expressed by Mr. Allie to the Reading Borough Council which has promised to be associated with the foundation’s activities, projects and programmes.

Mr. James Allie                                                                          Ms. Sarah Snow

In her speech, Sara Snow announced that her charity- Medical Assistance Sierra Leone has identified four areas they will be actively involved in Sierra Leone in the long-term. These include: 1. Provision of medical and other support for women with vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF) – a severe internal tear which usually occur in child birth and often result in permanent incontinence. It is estimated that every year 5000 new cases of fistula occur in Sierra Leone.

2. Reducing maternal mortality. About 2% of women die in child birth due to lack of services to manage emergency obstetric care, harmful traditional practices, inadequate trained staff, a weak referral system and high hospital in patient costs. 3. Provision of support to people with HIV/AIDS. 4. Facilitating access to treatment for people with rear and complex medical conditions.

Her charity’s current activities are aimed at addressing immediate health needs and building long-term capacity which include:

�        Providing support to a rural health clinic in Dasse Chiefdom, Bo District

�        Distribution of mosquito nets to pregnant women and mothers of under 5s in villages

�        Supporting the training  of health personnel at nursing college and medical school

�        Facilitating access to essential drugs at Cottage Hospital in Freetown

�        Negotiating access to medical expertise for people  with rare conditions

�        Raising awareness of the key health and development issues facing Sierra Leone.

Active citizenship

Central to the speech of the chair lady was the idea of active citizenship among Sierra Leonean. Active citizenship she emphasized is about citizens taking up responsibilities for social change in their country.  Many countries have had corrupt and disruptive leaders, yet they never gave up; they plodded on, today we admire them for what they.  They achieved their goal through active citizenship.  Supporting the Foundation in developing Sierra Leone she argued “Is not only acts of charity, but justice to the poor and powerless that are the direct recipients of disadvantage and inadequacies of the system”.

Why was Sierra Leone Foundation formed?

The chairlady said many would be asking why yet again another organization. She reminded   the audience that the ten years rebel war in Sierra Leone had an adverse effect on every fabric of life. The process of rebuilding the country is proving a mammoth task and a challenge to all its citizens. It is a struggle to meet the basic health, educational and developmental needs of its citizens.

The increase in population resulting from rural-urban migration has overwhelmed the infrastructure that is in place to cope with waste disposal. This has led to the piling up of waste at collection sites. Some of the streets are strewn with waste as tall as buildings. There is concern about the impact this would have on the health of the people.

Waste dump in a street in Freetown                                                Massive waste dump near the Highway

There is also lack of primary health care, teaching materials and equipment in educational institutions.

Concerned members of the Sierra Leone community in the UK set up a steering group with the task of establishing an organisation that would work towards promoting and improving the health of the people and the sanitation in Sierra Leone. It would also develop strategies that would facilitate and develop adult learning and active citizenship. That organisation was named Sierra Leone Foundation.

How you can contribute to help development in Sierra Leone?

Chair explained that you can contribute to the development of Sierra Leone by contributing a minimum of �3.00 (three pounds) a month for those living in the UK, $5.00 (five US dollars) for those living outside the EU and five Euros (5) for those living in the EU  to fund projects carried out by the foundation.

For the citizens, if you are a professional eg teacher, lecturer, nurse, doctor, engineer, ICT expert, accountant, civil activist, business manager etc. inform the association of your availability to do a minimum of four weeks voluntary work in Sierra Leone. This could be done as a one off period or spread out weekly or two weekly. You will be allocated to an area or section you can make a contribution. The work will be fully participatory and it would involve working with schools, colleges, hospitals, clinics, hospitals, offices, businesses and public places.

Trustees and a coordinator will run the Foundation. The coordinator shall be in charge of running the day-to-day affairs of the Foundation,

Projects Sierra Leone Foundation intends to carry out.

�        Sanitation in the City of Freetown – Keeping all-public places clean through rapid litter clearing and proper disposal of all rubbish. Keeping residential areas clean by providing rubbish skips.  Refurbishing and building public toilets.

�        Sanitation in other areas – Encourage and promote environmentally friendly and sustainable waste management programmes. Building toilets in rural areas and major road junctions.

�        Health clinics and basic hygiene education – Provision of mobile health clinics, basic hygiene and nutrition education, and health education programmes. Provision of 24 hours solar electricity for all government hospitals in the 12 districts and in the Western Area.

Education – Adult education, citizenship education, ICT centres, text books and bursaries

The event was attended by over two hundred Sierra Leooneans and members of the public. It was described by many as the first of its kind in Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom

TEGLOMA INTERNATIONAL ELECTS NEW LEADERS

Saturday September 10, 2005

Tegloma, the largest and probably the oldest Sierra Leonean organization elected new leaders at their 30^th annual convention held in San Jose, California from September 2^nd -5^th.

The election process was transparent and well coordinated. There were eight open executive positions and one hundred and forty five voting delegates.  The contest for the presidency was between Aloysius Foh (AKA Ali Foh) of the Southern California Chapter and Sam Saidu the incumbent of the Philadelphia Chapter. For the first time in the 30 year history of Tegloma has an incumbent lost a re-election bid. The rest of the results are as follows:

President:

Ali Foh (81 votes) defeated incumbent Sam Saidu (64 votes)

Vice President:

Cillaty Daboh (79 votes) defeated Alfred Jamiru (66 votes)

Secretary General:

Joe Ngoajia (75 votes) defeated Denis Saidu aka. Seiko 5 (70 votes)

Asst Sec Gen:

Mr. Pokawa (unopposed)

Financial Secretary:

Mustapha Sheriff [incumbent] (73 votes) defeated Sylvester Johnny (70 votes)

Treasurer:

Mrs. Catherine Kpaka (unopposed)

Social Secretary:

Henry Gegbe (Unopposed)

Asst Soc Sec:

Mrs Rose Mustapha Unopposed

The newly elected executive will serve a two year term.

Tegloma is a predominantly Mende organization that is open to all Sierra Leoneans. It is run as a federation with chapters exercising some form of autonomy. The Tegloma group comprises 22 chapters in the United States, Canada, UK and Sierra Leone. The have been discussions about opening chapters in Germany, Australia and The Gambia.

LET TRY AND BUILD UP OUR MOTHER LAND SO THAT WE WILL RETURN HOME SWEET HOME. THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME

First_Name:  Hadja Aminata
Last_Name:  Kabba
Email_Address:  [email protected]
Address:  4c clareview village
City:  Edmonton
State:  Alberta
Zip_Code:  T5a3p2
Comments:  LET TRY AND BUILD UP OUR MOTHER LAND SO THAT WE WILL RETURN HOME SWEET HOME. THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME.
I don’t care who will be the next president of Sierraleone the  things i would like that Government to provide is sufficient food so that the poor people can eat,electricity,
good water facility,clean environment so that people will not die of diseases,good doctors and nurses and enough of medications and to round it all, good security if sierraleonean can get all these facilities, BINGO Sierraleone will be just like the days of The N.P.R.C. Flowing with milk and honey.

First_Name:  Formeh Alie
Last_Name:  Kamara
Email_Address:  [email protected]
Address:  471 Central Avenue
City:  Albany
State:  NY
Zip_Code:  12206
Comments:  A CALL FOR APC TO SETTLE DISPUTE AND REFOCUS ENERGIES

The internal strife within the APC is a wakeup call reminding party officials that their moves are been watched with a microscope. Lessons from the internal strife is good political education that, if placed in the proper context and understood, will help the personal self development of all of those involved and help the party grow. Nevertheless, this is a lesson with a huge price tag.

Some politicians would see this experience as anything but a lesson to learn from. Such politicians are only concerned about winning and taking over leadership for all that would mean to them.

The strife within the APC is over constitutional principles.  Its persistence over several years demonstrates how far drawn out such battles could become. The crux of the issue is whether the former APC constitution was violated and replaced with a new constitution. To resolve the problem one has to understand the activities that took place and what the constitution says about those activities.

Sometimes, constitutions create problems. When constitutions are vague there are often problems with interpretations. At other times, the problems with constitutions are the things they fail to address. For example, how does the APC constitution address crises situations such as rebel takeover? What emergency system can be put in place when the executive is spread over five countries, running from persecution? Furthermore, what decisions can this emergency body be allowed to make without sparking a conflict with other parts of the constitution.

At stake are the positions of the present executives of the APC. Because so many people have stakes in what the ultimate outcome becomes, very often these kinds of fights become protracted. But one would expect the APC to pull its self together, summon the elders and members with high reputation in the party so as to negotiate an end to the problem without letting the courts decide. The APC must have a system in place to resolve issues of discord amongst its members. This is a mark of a mature and organized party.

There appears to be a malaise rather than a genuine effort to resolve the problem. After one or two failed attempts to resolve the issue, the leadership with folded arms akimbo relied on promises by the United Nations to intervene. This reminds me of the saying ?You can take a cow to the stream but you cannot force it to drink.’ Similarly, you can give independence to some people but you cannot force them to keep it. Does anyone really think that the United Nations has jurisdiction or any leverage, whatsoever, to resolve the conflict within the APC? And is anyone so na�ve to think that the United Nations care about the APC?

Many party members have taken sides already. Some take sides by making the argument that it is in the interest of the party for the plaintiffs to drop the issue. But when the issue is one of respect for the constitution/law it is wrong to argue that the party should be above the law and not held accountable to it. The constitution is the will of the people and it should consequently remain supreme. We should be guarding the constitution and hail its defenders against those who willfully or out of sheer political immaturity violates it. If we don’t have respect for the law, how then can we hold others accountable to it?

Incidentally, corruption, which is one of the most talked about problems in Africa, is rooted in the lack of respect for the law. For a party to demonstrate the readiness to lead Sierra Leone in this millennium that party should show its readiness by example. If there has been any violation of the APC constitution, the leadership of the APC should go back to the drawing board and repair it. If the violation was caused by a genuine mistake in interpretation of the constitution then the APC leadership should be willing to accept its mistake and compromise with Edie Turay and even to the point of compensating him for damages suffered.

The APC has lost valuable time that could have been used to develop strategies for winning the next general elections. All of the splinter parties that are now talking about forming a purported third force could have been targets for assimilation into the APC. There is still time, however, to bring the splinter parties home again but that depends on whether the party is ready to bite the bullet and compromise. Too much time spent on infighting is taking the APC away from its agenda. There is so much corruption the ACC is exposing that the SLPP is not held accountable for. There is so much the APC can demand from the courts and from the SLPP government after each finding of embezzlement or corruption that is not presently been done. Frankly, the APC is losing touch and should regroup in order to fight the good fight. History is on its side and if its performance in the past ten years is a predictor of things to come then the APC is on the right path and on its way to winning the next elections. This is not time to be complacent.

MEDIA ADVISORY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                       CONTACT

JULY 4, 2005                                                              JUDY ROGERS/LES RICKFORD

212 862-9703-OFFICE

646 319-4503 JUDY’S CELL

WAR WEARY CHILDREN, LIKE OUR YOUNG RETURNING FROM IRAQ, NEED R & R

NAH WE YONE AND MANHATTANVILLE COLLEGE HOST A CAMP FOR AFRICAN REFUGEE CHILDREN

WHAT:  Camp De Fambul V will gather 40 African children for three days of pure fun, African culture and healing. This year’s theme “Three Suitcases” will help them explore the acculturation experience through art, poetry and workshops.  African dancing and drumming and African songs and games will create a safe, homey environment for children who have experienced and witnessed horrific events that caused their families to flee.

WHO:  Nah We Yone, which means “It belongs to us” in the Krio language of Sierra Leone, formed eight years ago in response to the brutal civil war that was raging in that country.  Now we serve Africans from sub-Saharan Africa who are fleeing war and other trauma.  We provide a wide range of social services for all age groups.

Manhattanville College, which has a mission for community service, graciously hosts the camp.

WHEN: July 8- 10, 2005.  Sunday (7/10/05) is Family Day.  There will be a talent show and closing ceremony from 1:30 to 3:00.  It all ends with a buffet dinner at 3:00.  Children, families and volunteers will be available to reporters at this time.

WHERE: Manhattanville College, Purchase, New York

WHY:  The experience of war weighs heavy. The camp was started 5 years ago by two Columbia University Social Work Interns.  They wanted to create a safe experience where children can heal and make up for missed fun.  It has become so popular that we have a waiting list of twenty children anxious to get in.

VISUALS:  Wonderful photo op of African children and families enjoying the beautiful Manhattanville campus and each other.

###

SAMFORAY ON HINGA NORMAN COMMUNICATION SUSPENSION

Friday June 10, 2005

Blind Leading the Blind

By now you are probably aware that the nonesensity known as the special court for Sierra Leone, otherwise known as Kabbah’s Folly, has banned all personal visits and communications with former Regent Chief, Sam Hinga Norman.  The ban, we are told, is a result of a letter recently written by Chief Norman, Mr. Alieu Kondewa and Mr. Moinina Fofana allegedly advising SLPP delegates to the party Southern Convention not to have any thing to do with the candidacy of would-be successor to President Kabbah, Vice President Solomon Ebema Berewa.

The Kabbah administration which is intimately tied with the Registrar, Robin Vincent, apparently asked the court to punish Norman, a possible political rival to the Vice President.  It is well noted that even though the letter was signed by all three CDF detainees, only Chief Norman was held responsible for the letter which was clearly a matter dealing exclusively with Sierra Leone political issues.  This by itself gives further credence to the secret confessions of Defence Counsel, Charles Francis Margai, to Chief Norman that the court was brought to Sierra Leone to banish Mr. Norman from the political scene.  Margai has since apologized to Norman for his participation in the charade and now vows to dissolve the court if elected President.

The ban on Mr. Norman was issued by the court at the request of the Registrar, Robin Vincent, who is presently in the United States scrounging for funds for his twenty-five million dollar budget for this year.  Norman is accused, according to the Rules of Detention, for acts which could disturb the maintenance of the security and good order in the Detention Facility.  Vincent who is now apparently Governor General of Sierra Leone, believes that a citizen of Sierra Leone and a senior member of the SLPP who participates in the political process is a threat to the corrupt and inept government of Tejan Kabbah and the equally corrupt and mismanaged gulag run by Vincent at New England.

No One is Responsible

Efforts by friends and family to clarify the banning order have fallen flat.  Robin Vincent is on a Safari in the US.  His deputy is too busy to answer questions.  The lady on the other end of the phone refers us to the Chief of Detention, who, of course, is only carrying out the orders of the judge.  Like everything else about this sad excuse for a tribunal, no one is responsible for this bastardization of international jurisprudence.

Not Kabbah, who invited the court.  Not the Sierra Leone Parliament which circumvented their own rules and the Constitution of Sierra Leone to ratify the agreement with the UN.  Not the Vice President and former Attorney General, who negotiated for the court on behalf of Mr. Kabbah.  Not the judges who accept carte blanche every foolish argument by the Prosecutor or the Registrar to humiliate and Mr. Norman and make the conditions of his detention hard and miserable.  Certainly not Kofi Annan who keeps wasting the world?s meager resources on this silly tribunal.

Prosecution Runs Out of Steam

Meanwhile, with the majority of his nearly two hundred paid witnesses all but vanished into thin air and only three more witnesses left, lame duck  Prosecutor, David Crane, is soon to rest his case.  Apparently, one of his witnesses and former Kamajor chieftain, Daramy Rogers, has denied in court that he and Mr. Norman ate human beings as alleged by David Crane and his junior Ayatolah, Alieu Iscandari.

Crane who is due to leave Sierra Leone at the end of this month without concluding the trial, has apparently and with the consent of the court, refused to amend the Consolidated Indictment after the Appeals Chamber recently ruled that Mr. Norman and his colleagues had not been properly served and sent the matter back to the Trial Chamber for further consideration.  Punishing Chief Norman for a letter he and others wrote to the delegates of the SLPP Convention is not only a diabolical attempt to interfere into Sierra Leone national politics, it is a very feeble attempt to divert attention from the failures of this court to win the hearts and minds of Sierra Leoneans outside Mr. Kabbah?s inner circle.

A Word to the Wise

To the extent that family and friends are not able to visit or communicate with Chief Norman for the duration of the ban, we would like to remind Mr. Vincent and Mr. Kabbah that the physical and mental well being of Mr. Norman is still their collective responsibility.  And for that matter, so are the physical and mental well being of all Sierra Leoneans under the custody of the so-called special court.

On that fine point, we will end this discussion for now.

. READ THE STORY THAT WILL MAKE YOU PROUD Local family receives National Guard honor for service Feb. 17, 2005 by Jeffrey K. Lyles Staff Writer   SGT. David Bangura & family The Bangura family of Bladensburg, MD was named the District of Columbia Army National Guard Family of the Year. Pictured from left are: daughter Hawa-Maya, Rene, son Amadu and husband, SGT. David Bangura. While Sgt. David Bangura was in Iraq serving in the 547th Transportation Company, his wife, Renee, wasn’t simply lighting a candle in the windowsill awaiting his return.   She was serving as a volunteer with the Army National Guard, encouraging families who had loved ones overseas.   As a result of their efforts, the Bladensburg residents were named the District of Columbia Army National Guard Family of the Year. The award is presented to a family that has one member in the guard and another dedicated to working with the families serving the guard. Renee Bangura was the lead volunteer for the 547th Company and was responsible for helping families deal with the difficulties of deployment. Those tasks included ensuring families were familiar with the paperwork they needed, such as health care and commissary benefits, and organizing recreational activities, including parties and outings with their children. The Banguras were presented a plaque in honor of their service. “It’s exciting. When you receive recognition for doing work that you do from your heart, we enjoyed doing it,” Renee Bangura said. “There was no payment as it was strictly volunteer work. It’s just really a true blessing.” David Bangura, a high school teacher, was called to active duty on Jan. 19, 2003 and was sent to Baghdad on April 9, 2003, as a member of the 547th Transportation Company. His responsibilities included pro -viding rations, ammunition and transportation to soldiers but he also had field assignments where he served as driver, assistant driver and gunner. “It felt good knowing that while I was in Baghdad my wife was here getting the information about what was going on, helping the other wives and doing whatever she could to support my mission,” he said. Renee Bangura felt just as much pride for her husband during his nine-month stint in Iraq. “It was a challenge yet it was exciting to know that we were a part of history and this was something my spouse was seeing and experiencing firsthand,” she said. “The scary part of it was that it is war and there was the possibility that he could have been killed or injured.” Renee Bangura’s fears were confirmed when her husband was injured in the line of duty and was sent to Walter Reed Army Medical Hospital in Washington, D.C., in December 2003, where he remained until February 2004. After a bout of post traumatic stress disorder, David Bangura has returned to his former occupation as an accounting/economics teacher at Friendship Edison Charter School in the District. He also joined his wife in the volunteer effort until Renee was hired as the family readiness group coordinator in late December where she works with families on aspects of ‘pre- and post-deployment issues. “With my husband being in the guard since 1991, I have a lot of experience as a guard’s wife,” she said. E-mail Jeffrey K. Lyles at [email protected].   Additional Info: Name:                                 David Abu Bangura Born:                                  Freetown, Sierra Leone  (18-c Blackhall Road, Ashobi Corner)  Tele: 22-224982 Elementary School:         Saint Teresas Primary, Blackhall Road Secondary School:           Prince of Wales,  (Form 1-2) Albert Academy, Form 3 – Form 6 1983 College:                                            Stillman College, Tuscaloosa, Alabama USA,   BA Accounting 1989 University                          Southeastern University,   MBA  Financial Management 1999 Military Academy:          Material Control Accounting Specialist-Logistics 1991 E-mail:                               [email protected]   or [email protected]

ALEX MANSARAY ASPIRES FOR FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP COUNCIL SEAT IN BIG BOOST TO SIERRA LEONEANS IN NEW JERSEY Popular  Somerset community activist, socialite and businessman, Mr. Alex Mansaray, has said that the interest of Sierra Leoneans in New Jersey was his paramount  concern in accepting an invitation from the Franklin Township to run for a seat in the 5th ward of  the district. Speaking with the Editor-in-chief of this newspaper, Rev.Wilfred Leeroy Kabs-Kanu last Wednesday in an exclusive interview in his office , Mr. Mansaray said he wanted to help Sierra Leoneans in the township achieve their lofty ambitions in the community where there is a large concentration of citizens from the Lion Mountains country. Presently, Alex is also a member  of the Planning Board of Franklin Township.He is also Chairman of the APC Branch in New Jersey. If he gains the council seat, he will be the first African ( not to mention Sierra Leonean ) who will hold that office. At the moment, Mansaray is the only black man in the Police/Black Community relations . Here are excerpts  of the interview : KANU : Why do you want to run for the council seat ? MANSARAY : First of all, I was asked to contest  by the Municipal Chairman., based on what he had seen me accomplish, like mobilizing Sierra Leoneans for community projects . Also as former President of the Lions International Club , we were able to donate 80, 000 pairs of optical eyeglasses to the governments of Guinea, Gambia and Sierra Leone , in appreciation of what they did for refugeees during the war. I also attended the Democratic Party dinner where I donated 1, 000 dollars. KANU : If you win, what do you plan to accomplish ? MANSARAY : If I win, I aim to accomplish a lot of things. I will help the Sierra Leonean community  not only in New Jersey but beyond. I guess you know , however, that apart from Maryland, Washington D.C, and Virginia, New Jersey is the next most-densely populated state for Sierra Leoneans. There are lots of refugees here and I will extend assistance to them too.    I will also act as a bridge between the African and American communities.I will also bring the city closer to Freetown and West Africa . Right now, I am doing many things for Sierra Leoneans here; for instance, through my initiative, I have sponsored students at Vorheees College in South Carolina. I have also adopted to sponsor the Dunnett Preparatory School at Fergusson Street in the West End of Freetown. I sent them toys; three containers to the African Kind Heart Charity Organization which distributed the books and toys that were donated by Bermuda through my initiative. As a businessman, I have also employed 9 Sierra Leoneans and I still help other Sierra Leoneans who need help. I am also working on a plan to bring to America Sierra Leonean kids with the necessary requirements.    Right now, I am also working with  business people and employers to seek employment opportunities for Sierra Leoneans. I am asking Sierra Leoneans to send in their resumes and applications. KANU : What is the level of support you are receiving from Sierra Leoneans ? MANSARAY : Oh, I am receiving massive support from my fellow countrymen and women. Last week, after the Eid-Ul-Ahda prayers, a big meeting was held at my place to determine how best the Sierra Leonean community would help me achieve my goal. They asked me to stay here and serve them instead of going to Freetown to aspire for the Mayoral position. KANU ; What about the American community ? I  almost forgot to ask you what you would do for them if you win ? MANSARAY : I will act as a liaison between them and the Police , the township of African-Americans and especially Sierra Leoneans. One of my first objectives will be a community centre for African-Americans. My position as Chairman of the planning board of the township will also enhance my capability to deliver. I will be able to approach developers for projects . Right now , I am working with  a multi-millionaire who is planning to build factories here .These people come to see me to help them co-ordinate their plans. MANSARAY : Do you have any plans for police brutality ? Fortunately here, we do not have police brutality. We have good relations with the Police. We have one of the best Police leaders who are always co-ordinating with us .But if it happens, I will do something about it. KANU : Do you have any message for Sierra Leoneans ? MANSARAY : I am calling on all of them to come together and let us all work for the benefit of our country and our people. They are free to contact me. This also applies to the African-American community. Sierra Leoneans must realise that this is a good opportunity and a stepping stone to greater accomplishments.

 CONGRATULATIONS FOR  HAJA JARIEU BONA FOR SUCCESSFUL PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO)  of the AA Air Services of Somerset, NJ, Mr.Alex Mansaray wishes to  congratulate his sister, Mrs.Jarieu Bona , for a successful pilgrimage to the holy land of Mecca.

Also congratulating Mrs Bona for her pilgrimage to Mecca on behalf of his company is Mr. Foday Mansaray, CEO  of the Dollar Savings Bank and Express Homes.

Local family receives National Guard honor for service

by Jeffrey K. Lyles
Staff Writer

SGT. David Bangura & family

The Bangura family of Bladensburg, MD was named the District of Columbia Army National Guard Family of the Year. Pictured from left are: daughter Hawa-Maya, Rene, son Amadu and husband, SGT. David
Bangura.

While Sgt. David Bangura was in Iraq serving in the 547th Transportation Company, his wife, Renee, wasn’t simply lighting a candle in the windowsill awaiting his return.

She was serving as a volunteer with the Army National Guard, encouraging families who had loved ones overseas.

As a result of their efforts, the Bladensburg residents were named the District of Columbia Army National Guard Family of the Year.

The award is presented to a family that has one member in the guard and another dedicated to working with the families serving the guard.

Renee Bangura was the lead volunteer for the 547th Company and was responsible for helping families deal with the difficulties of deployment.

Those tasks included ensuring families were familiar with the paperwork they needed, such as health care and commissary benefits, and organizing recreational activities, including parties and outings with their children.

The Banguras were presented a plaque in honor of their service.

“It’s exciting. When you receive recognition for doing work that you do from your heart, we enjoyed doing it,” Renee Bangura said. “There was no payment as it was strictly volunteer work. It’s just really a true blessing.”

David Bangura, a high school teacher, was called to active duty on Jan. 19, 2003 and was sent to Baghdad on April 9, 2003, as a member of the 547th Transportation Company.

His responsibilities included pro -viding rations, ammunition and transportation to soldiers but he also had field assignments where he served as driver, assistant driver and gunner.

“It felt good knowing that while I was in Baghdad my wife was here getting the information about what was going on, helping the other wives and doing whatever she could to support my mission,” he said.

Renee Bangura felt just as much pride for her husband during his nine-month stint in Iraq.

“It was a challenge yet it was exciting to know that we were a part of history and this was something my spouse was seeing and experiencing firsthand,” she said. “The scary part of it was that it is war and there was the possibility that he could have been killed or injured.”

Renee Bangura’s fears were confirmed when her husband was injured in the line of duty and was sent to Walter Reed Army Medical Hospital in Washington, D.C., in December 2003, where he remained until February 2004.

After a bout of post traumatic stress disorder, David Bangura has returned to his former occupation as an accounting/economics teacher at Friendship Edison Charter School in the District.

He also joined his wife in the volunteer effort until Renee was hired as the family readiness group coordinator in late December where she works with families on aspects of ‘pre- and post-deployment issues.

“With my husband being in the guard since 1991, I have a lot of experience as a guard’s wife,” she said.

E-mail Jeffrey K. Lyles at [email protected].

Additional Info:

Name:                                 David Abu Bangura

Born:                                  Freetown, Sierra Leone  (18-c Blackhall Road, Ashobi Corner)  Tele: 22-224982

Elementary School:         Saint Teresas Primary, Blackhall Road

Secondary School:           Prince of Wales,  (Form 1-2)

Albert Academy, Form 3 – Form 6 1983

College:                                            Stillman College, Tuscaloosa, Alabama USA,   BA Accounting 1989

University                          Southeastern University,   MBA  Financial Management 1999

Military Academy:          Material Control Accounting Specialist-Logistics 1991

E-mail:                               [email protected]   or [email protected]

First_Name:  Rashid
Last_Name:  Jalloh
Email_Address:  [email protected]
City:  Silver Spring
State:  MD
Zip_Code:  20904
Comments:  Dear Rv Kabs-Kanu,
Please allow me space in your esteemed media to express my outrage over the conduct of the Fullah Progressive Union ‘Dance’ in Washington on New Years day.

This dance sadly i must state plays exactly into the stereotypical image of the fullahs as a price-gouging ethnic group who will stop at nothing to enrich themselves.Generally as far as i know the gate fees for a dance in this area is about $20. FPU is the first organizatiopn this year to charge people $30. To make matters worse we were not issued with any tickets at the entrance. This is the kind of corruption that has left our country at the point that it is today.

If i choose to patronize a non-profit like the FPU, I want to make sure there is accountability. Secondly the occasion was advertised as a dance and not a comedy show and for the  organizers to spend two hours putting on a show for which people didnot bargain for was a disgrace. Everybody in this community knows that sierra Leonean occasions usually get into high gear between the hours of 1 am and 3.This was the very time that this organization chose to deprive its patrons of the opportunity to enjoy their $30. Please don’t get me wrong, i am not against anybody trying to promote Sierra leonean artists, however it was the wrong time and the wrong occassion.
I am therefore imploring the organization to make a public apology to all the people who could not enjoy their money. Secondly the organization should immediately donate the profiteered sums to a worthy charity in Sierra Leone. Finally the organization should show its remorse by charging people below market rate for their next Dance.Before anyone starts to crucify me as a fullah basher, may i tell you that this writer served as a Social Secretary of the FBC brach in the late 80s under the dynamic leadership of S.S. Bah.

_____________________________________________

First_Name:  CHARLES
Last_Name:  CURTIS-THOMAS, ., RN, MD
Email_Address:  [email protected]
Address:  DEPT. OF EPIDEMIOLOGY  & BIOSTATISTICS, SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, CASE WESTERN RESERVED UNIVERSITY
City:  CLEVELAND
State:  OHIO
Comments:  ENCROACHING ON MY IV AMENDMENT RIGHT BY THE CLEVELAND POLICE:
——————–
AGITATE!  AGITATE! AGITATE! These were the famous bywords of my role model, Frederick Augustus Douglass, the means by which he believed black americans (and by extension sierra-leonean- americans) must unconditionally struggle for equal rights in the USA. I love this country for all the good things that the Lord has helped me enjoy. In 1986 (on boxing day to be exact) I arrived in this country with the hope (faith, according to Hebrews 11) to read medicine. I had $350 in my pocket when I arrived at JFK in New York. $ 300 was spent to learn to drive and to procure my driving papers. So then I had six months of visitor’s visa and fifty dollars. Can anyone read medicine in the USA with $50 and six months visa. Well hebrews 11 did it for me. Today I am a citizen of ( as my dear late friend and “brother” Coulson Thomas of SLBS fame would say) THIS GREAT NATION. Blacks have historically been suffering in this country. Mind you I am no Martin Luther King, or fred douglass, or Malcolm x. (note folks that no mention is made of jessie Jackson, since I regard him as a TOOTHLESS BULLDOG)

Long ago blacks where lynched by hanging or various other means. Today blacks are lynched in a high tech fashion and you need your wits about you to know that you are being lynched. Today lynching is done psychologically. In other words white people f..k with our minds. As black people, we must fight against this. Douglass said “…the struggle may be a moral one, a physical one…but it must be a struggle…power concedes nothing without a demand”  

 I arrived in cleveland, notorious for racial injustice three nonths ago, it was my first time in Ohio. someone told me that knowing me it will not be long before I go on a head-long fight with the police, and this individual was right. It all started a couple of weeks ago about 8pm on my way home from case western reserve university. I do not live too far from campus so I usually walk home. On this day I was walking home, books in hand and all that good stuff when I was stopped by a white police officer. Where are you going he inquired. Are you my father I responded rather angrily. He got out of his car, gun drawn, and told me not to move, and proceeded to search my person. Nothing illegal was found. I want to see your ID he said. I gave him my US passport. after he examined it he said that the passport was expired ( august 2004) and for that reason he was not going to return it. I proceeded to lecture this officer that it was ultra vires for him to do that, that only a judge can seize a US citizen passport and a judge can only do that after a hearing. And for a Judge to do that i must have comitted a serious crime and I am a flight risk. The officer was not happy with my eloquence and said one more word he will arrest me. For what reason I asked . He took my passport and I still have not received it. I have since filed a law suit, reported him to the American Civil Liberty Union and the US COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS.

The IV amendment rights says ” the rights of the people to secure in thier persons, houses, papers and effects , against unreasonably searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularlydescribing the place to be search, and the persons or things to be seized”   Don’t you just love this great nation. IN THE NAME OF BLACK PEOPLE THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES.  ETERNAL VIGILANCE IS THE PRICE THAT WE HAVE TO PAY FOR OUR LIBERTY IN THE USA AS SIERRA-LEONEAN-AMERICAN.

Popular  Somerset community activist, socialite and businessman, Mr. Alex Mansaray, has said that the interest of Sierra Leoneans in New Jersey was his paramount  concern in accepting an invitation from the Franklin Township to run for a seat in the 5th ward of  the district.

Speaking with the Editor-in-chief of this newspaper, Rev.Wilfred Leeroy Kabs-Kanu last Wednesday in an exclusive interview in his office , Mr. Mansaray said he wanted to help Sierra Leoneans in the township achieve their lofty ambitions in the community where there is a large concentration of citizens from the Lion Mountains country.

Presently, Alex is also a member  of the Planning Board of Franklin Township.He is also Chairman of the APC Branch in New Jersey. If he gains the council seat, he will be the first African ( not to mention Sierra Leonean ) who will hold that office. At the moment, Mansaray is the only black man in the Police/Black Community relations .

Here are excerpts  of the interview :

KANU : Why do you want to run for the council seat ?

MANSARAY : First of all, I was asked to contest  by the Municipal Chairman., based on what he had seen me accomplish, like mobilizing Sierra Leoneans for community projects . Also as former President of the Lions International Club , we were able to donate 80, 000 pairs of optical eyeglasses to the governments of Guinea, Gambia and Sierra Leone , in appreciation of what they did for refugeees during the war. I also attended the Democratic Party dinner where I donated 1, 000 dollars.

KANU : If you win, what do you plan to accomplish ?

MANSARAY : If I win, I aim to accomplish a lot of things. I will help the Sierra Leonean community  not only in New Jersey but beyond. I guess you know , however, that apart from Maryland, Washington D.C, and Virginia, New Jersey is the next most-densely populated state for Sierra Leoneans. There are lots of refugees here and I will extend assistance to them too.

   I will also act as a bridge between the African and American communities.I will also bring the city closer to Freetown and West Africa . Right now, I am doing many things for Sierra Leoneans here; for instance, through my initiative, I have sponsored students at Vorheees College in South Carolina. I have also adopted to sponsor the Dunnett Preparatory School at Fergusson Street in the West End of Freetown. I sent them toys; three containers to the African Kind Heart Charity Organization which distributed the books and toys that were donated by Bermuda through my initiative. As a businessman, I have also employed 9 Sierra Leoneans and I still help other Sierra Leoneans who need help. I am also working on a plan to bring to America Sierra Leonean kids with the necessary requirements.

   Right now, I am also working with  business people and employers to seek employment opportunities for Sierra Leoneans. I am asking Sierra Leoneans to send in their resumes and applications.

KANU : What is the level of support you are receiving from Sierra Leoneans ?

MANSARAY : Oh, I am receiving massive support from my fellow countrymen and women. Last week, after the Eid-Ul-Ahda prayers, a big meeting was held at my place to determine how best the Sierra Leonean community would help me achieve my goal. They asked me to stay here and serve them instead of going to Freetown to aspire for the Mayoral position.

KANU ; What about the American community ? I  almost forgot to ask you what you would do for them if you win ?

MANSARAY : I will act as a liaison between them and the Police , the township of African-Americans and especially Sierra Leoneans. One of my first objectives will be a community centre for African-Americans. My position as Chairman of the planning board of the township will also enhance my capability to deliver. I will be able to approach developers for projects . Right now , I am working with  a multi-millionaire who is planning to build factories here .These people come to see me to help them co-ordinate their plans.

MANSARAY : Do you have any plans for police brutality ? Fortunately here, we do not have police brutality. We have good relations with the Police. We have one of the best Police leaders who are always co-ordinating with us .But if it happens, I will do something about it.

KANU : Do you have any message for Sierra Leoneans ?

MANSARAY : I am calling on all of them to come together and let us all work for the benefit of our country and our people. They are free to contact me. This also applies to the African-American community. Sierra Leoneans must realise that this is a good opportunity and a stepping stone to greater accomplishments.