Saturday May 13, 2006

First_Name:  Foday Musa
Last_Name:  Daboh
Email_Address:  [email protected]
Comments:  You  said it all Hashim when you mentioned in your piece that that six months of misrule can wreck a nation for decades.

Imagine trying to fix a mess of almost three decades of misrule, bad governance and corruption in our beloved country by APC and the khaki boys. I am not trying to use APC and NPRC as scapegoats but just stating the facts as all Sierra Leoneans know.

One thing is crystal clear Hashim. Your attacks on the persons of Kabba and Berewa only started after your man Charles Margai lost his bid to become SLPP’s flag bearer in 2007.

Hashim, Charles lost an opportunity to become president of Sierra Leone in 1995 and I am not sure he is going to have another opportunity. After Kabba won the party’s nomination  , Charles was under consideration as a potential running mate but his ego wouldn’t let him serve under someone he considered not  SLPP enough. Had he not fled the party like his father did almost five decades ago to join the NUP, he would have been president in 2007.

I don’t see why Charles believes he is the most fit to be president of Sierra Leone. As far as I am concerned the only thing he brings to the table is his family name but I think even that is flawed. The plunder of my country’s resources started with Charles’ father Sir Albert Margai and worse than the plunder was his failed attempt to make Sierra Leone a one party state which inevitably led to the successful introduction of the one party bill in parliament in 1978 by Siaka Stevens.

I am not Baba Fakunle but I want you to know that Charles like Karefa Smart will never ascend to the presidency of Sierra Leone.

I have never claimed that Sierra Leone was a semi heaven and that everything was perfect. What I have been saying Hashim is that this SLPP administration was trying to make the best out of a rotten situation. Hashim, Kabba and Berewa inherited a failed state with no functioning economy and to have turned that around within a short time to an economy with a growth rate of over 6% is to say the least phenomenal. People have not realized the benefits of a buoyant economy because it has not trickled down to the common man. People should realize that it takes time after two successive plutocracies for benefits to start trickling down to the ordinary man in the street.

Sierra Leone does not need a break from the developmental strides already being undertaken by this SLPP administration. What we need now is continuity and completion of multiple projects already underway.

Hashim, you are my brother whether we are in the same camp or not. The only thing that pains me is that you chose the wrong side to belong.

PMDC’s day of destiny today Tuesday April 11, 2006 Today is the Day of Destiny for the new political party that has been making waves in Sierra Leone since its formation last year. The People’s Movement For Democratic Change ( PMDC ) will be handed their final registration this morning by the Political Parties Registration Commission ( PPRC ), thus clearing the decks for a do-or-die battle with rivals the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party ( SLPP )  in next year’s all-important elections . Top officials of the party told COCORIOKO  that they considered today a watershed moment for the PMDC and they predicted that a massive throng of supporters will be available to celebrate with them. The PMDC is regarded as the most credible opposition  party likely to upset the ruling SLPP in the fortcoming General Elections.  Led by Charles Margai, the son of  Sir Albert Margai, he late Prime Minister of Sierra Leone , the PMDC  received their provisional registration on January 19, 2006. The PMDC Spokesman in the Washington D.C  released this statement : The Coming Back of Freedom Tomorrow Statement by Karamoh Kabba PMDC Spokesman, Washington DC Chapter. Charles Margai formed the People’s Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC) in response to the demands of the marginalized people by the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP)?led government for a third force in party politics in that nation. Henceforth, we have been crawling in the shadows of the SLPP roughshod to finally stand up and start the “long walk to freedom” tomorrow. Nonetheless, we at the PMDC USA applaud the ruling SLPP for budging, at last, to the voice of the people. The fierce wind of “Positive Change” that has garnered in the furnace, on the bellies of the peninsular mountains, would be freed to be free to freely blow across the wide plains and valleys and mountains of Sierra Leone tomorrow to free our people from bondage at last. We therefore thank the international and bilateral organizations and all the other nations that cleared their throats when democracy was about to have a hiccup in Sierra Leone. Our reluctant leaders heard you loud and clear when you expressed concerns, when you stood by us, in the name of democracy. We are relying on your commitment to watch democracy’s return to Sierra Leone in free and fair elections so that our people will breathe a sigh of relieve at the coming back of freedom that has long been evasive. By this way, a country as rich as Sierra Leone would get up and walk, go to work and relieve donors to work with poor nations. Only through a firm democratic process would we utilize our bountiful resources to make abject poverty in Sierra Leone a thing of the past.

THE HINGA NORMAN SUBPOENA OF KABBAH : HOW  WILL SPECIAL COURT RULE ?

Friday March 25 , 2006

The following email has been generated by a contact form on your website: www.cocorioko.com. Reporting this email as spam will cause your site to be reported for spamming.

First_Name:  Dr. Baimba
Last_Name:  Kamara, (LAW)
Email_Address:  [email protected]
Address:  7803 Candle green Ln.
City:  Houston
State:  Texas
Zip_Code:  77071
Comments:  THE SIERRA LEONE SPECIAL COURT

While I do not want to second guess how the SPECIAL COURT is going to rule on the subpoena submitted by chief Hinga Norman for President Tejan Kabba to appear before the SPECIAL COURT as his first witness, I can infer with reasonable certainty that, “in the interest of justice and fairness”, and for “the SPECIAL COURT to be looked upon as credible in the international forum”, the SPECIAL COURT may uphold the subpoena for President Kabba to appear for the following reasons:

(a) As Geneva law affirms, there is no exception to the duty to search for those reasonably accused of having comitted relevant violation.

There is no exception to the duty to initiate prosecution or to extradite a party which has made out a prima facie case.

There is, as with customary law, no power in any single state to grant assylum or some other form of immunity with respect to crimes against international community.

There is, as with customary law, no power to avoid such responsibility because of some domestic law or political concern.

Infact, in other resolutions, it was also affirmed that a refusal to cooperate in the arrest, extradition, trial and punishment of such persons, is contrary to the UNITED NATIONS CHARTER, and to generally recognized norms of international law.

Here, chief Hinga Norma and other citizens of Sierra Leone are accused of committing crimes against humanity.

Therefore, their international prosecution and conviction will only be fair if credible evidence is brought against them. So, If the evidence is in the STATE HOUSE of Sierra Leone, let it be presented before the SPECIAL COURT before any convicton.

(b) To satisfy the standing order of the SPECIAL COURT.

“We shall go where ever the evidence takes us”.

That means if the evidence is at the door steps of the STATE HOUSE, then so be it.

If we consider in its entirety the testimonies of Mr. Peter Penfold, the former Bristish High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Mr. Alfred Demby, the former Vice President of the Sierra Leone, Mr. Kenneth Koker, Mr. David Richard, Chief M. T. Collier, and Mr. Osman Vandi, the former CDF Battalion Commander to name just a few, it will be quite clear that the SPECIAL COURT will even get more evidence from the Sierra Leone STATE HOUSE.

(C) Command Control
Responsibility.

According to some of the alleged testimonies, if His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Ahmad Tejan Kabba, was in command and control ie, he provided logistic supplies and finances to the Kamajos to effect the war, but he failed to issue an executive order to the Kamajos to avoid violation of the laws of war, then he must testify before the SPECIAL COURT for clarifications.

And not only President Kabba, but also the Attorney General at that time.

The AG must testify before the SPECIAL COURT for his failure to advice the President to issue the adherance of the WAR EXECUTIVE ORDER

Under direct and indirect command responsibility, it exists under international law that,  when a state has a role in organizing, cordinating or planning military actions of a military group, plus financing, training or providing operational support to that group, “a superior may be held criminally liable”

The superior may be liable not only for planning or instigating criminal acts by his subornates, but for not taking measures to prevent any unlawful conduct of his subordinates; and one of the measures would have been the issuance of an executive order to adhere all international norms during the war.

In this critical moment, I am therefore urged to guesstimate that, the Sierra Leone SPECIAL COURT can not make credible rulings in the Chief Hinga Norma and others’ case without listening to testimonies of President Kabba and e tail if justice is to serve.

How difficult is that?

It not difficult; because, today, history is in the making in West Africa.

The President of the Republic of Liberia, Her Excellency, Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the leader of the moment, has taken a bold and giant step to avail the then former Head of State of Liberia, Mr. Charles Taylor to the Sierra Leone SPECIAL COURT.

If President Sirleaf could do that, what about our own President?

Yes, President Kabba must testify before the SPECIAL COURT.

Either way, the Sierra Leone SPECIAL COURT is going to be a legal drag net that is going to catch many big fishes.

Gravity-fed water supply system for Russsell community

By Chernor Ojuku Sesay

Thursday February 16, 2006

The National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) has handed over a newly constructed gravity-fed water supply system to the Russell community in the York Rural District.

The gravity-fed water project, which is one of four such projects implemented in the Western Rural District by NaCSA, will serve the seven hundred inhabitants of Russell and its surroundings.

At the formal commissioning of the project, the Russell Headman Samuel Mills, while welcoming officials of government and guests said he was extremely delighted to be a part of a development activity which has a positive impact on the lives of his people.  He said that bringing clean water to a community is like giving life to that community, as water is life.  He observed that the Gravity-fed water project is a welcome relief for the inhabitants of Russell and its environs hoping that the handing over of the water project will be the beginning of many other development projects to be undertaken in the Western Rural district.

Commissioning the water project, which has ten standpipes in different locations, NaCSA’s Western Area District Coordinator Madiana Samba said the project was implemented through the government of Sierra Leone/World Bank’s funded NaCSA Community Driven Programme which uses the Direct-Community Financing approach that gives communities the opportunity to own, manage and take control of their development aspirations.

The Western Area District Coordinator assured all that NaCSA has no boundaries in the distribution of projects noting that the Commission was set up by government to address the country’s post-conflict development.

The chairman, Western Area Rural District Council, Mr. Alieu Mansaray said he was happy to be part of an historic occasion which demonstrates governments commitment to meet the needs of its people consistent with Abraham Lincoln’s statement that a  “government is of the people by the people and for the people”.  The District Council Chairman urged the community to observe the culture of maintenance for the sustainability of the project.

Representing the Health and Sanitation Ministry, Mr. Mohamed Koroma said the World couldn’t exist without safe and clean water, noting that water is life when it is safe and clean.  He praised the efforts of government and also the collaboration between NaCSA, the Ministry of Health and Sanitation and the Community for making the project a reality.

The Project Management Committee Chairman, Nathaniel Lakkan said about fifteen communities will benefit from the water Gravity Project and appealed that similar projects be implemented in other ports of the Russel Community as it will reduce the pressure on Kissi Town and Russell.  He gave a commitment that the gravity-fed water supply system will be well maintained at all times.

The Water Gravity Project at Russell brings the total number of NaCSA’s Community-Driven Programmes in the Western Area to twenty-seven (27), including two water projects in Kent and Divil hole.

SOLUTIONS FROM AFRICA CONFERENCE 2006

Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya

19-20 April, 2006

Press Release: Africa takes ownership of its future

The Solutions From Africa Conference 2006 will be taking place on 19-20 April 2006 in Nairobi, Kenya, and intends to show that Africa really means business. This high-profile conference will be the opportunity for African political and business leaders to propose concrete plans to foster further growth and to suggest practical ways with which this objective will ultimately be achieved.

This major event is an answer to the 2005 G8 Summit and will show that Africa is an emerging market where business culture is growing and where local entrepreneurs are mobilising to proactively participate in its development. Africans need solutions for a sustainable development, a process that must start from within the continent itself.

The overall aim of the Solutions From Africa Conference 2006 will be to provide an opportunity for 300 leaders to engage in a constructive reflection on how Africa can sustain this new momentum of transformation kicked off by NEPAD.

This event will bring together speakers of the highest caliber such as President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia, Mr. Donald Kaberuka, President of the African Development Bank and Mr. Louis Michel, EU Commissioner for Development.

When Federal President and former IMF Managing Director Köhler  launched the Partnership with Africa initiative, he declared “There is only one way of helping Africa that will work: it must be an African way, one that is in tune with African culture and also holds an African profile.”. Solutions From Africa Conference 2006 intends to answer this call for action.

The Solutions From Africa Conference 2006 will be hosted by NEPAD-ASET (Africa Social Equity Trust) a public/private partnership that promotes business development in Africa. Mr. Pete Ondeng, Executive Director of NEPAD-ASET said “we need to increase global attention on Africa‘s own resolve and commitment to drive the process of change. The Solutions From Africa 2006 Conference will be about solutions put forward by Africans to further build partnerships.” 

The media are invited to attend the Solutions From Africa Conference 2006 and journalists will soon receive further practical information regarding the media programme and opportunities for interviews. Complementary information will also be available to the press.

For more information please contact: Anoush der Boghossian,

[email protected]

Tel: +32.2.741.62.03    

Fax: +32.2.737.95.01

For more efficient operations, SLRTA changes hands

By Chernor Ojuku Sesay

Wednesday  January  18, 2006

In his 2006 Perspective, the Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Road Transport Authority, J.S. Keifala has disclosed that the SLRTA has made some changes which took effect on 11th January 2006.

Mr. Keifala was speaking at their Annual Orientation which started on the 11th January 2006 at the SLRTA headquarters, Kissy Road, east of Freetown.

“The Technical Services Department has reverted to Transport Department in order to ensure that more premium is put on the development of the Road Transport Laws and the General Services Department is now renamed. Procurement Unit and it will be a complete unit answerable to the Office the Executive Director as directed by the Board”, Mr. Keifala said. He went on to say: “The Planning Unit will now be called Statistics and Data Collection Unit and will be supervised by the Deputy Executive Director. The Deputy Executive Director will now concentrate on the Finance Department to ensure that irregularities are at the barest minimum and to submit monthly reports for the attention of the Board. Our major focus will be directed to Road Safety and we will continue with our theme: Road Safety for Sustainable Development” he said.

The Director further recalled the Authority Act No.3, dated 9th January 1997 to regulate, co-ordinate and promote efficiency in all activities within the road transport sector with a view to enhancing or improving the contribution of that sector to economic development. “Without prejudice to the general public, it shall be the function of the Authority to: design, develop and administer rules and regulations regarding; the registration and licensing of vehicles, whether for private or commercial use, the testing of the fitness of vehicles, the inspection and supervision of vehicle repair and maintenance services, and the routing and monitoring of passengers and goods transportation,” he added.

Mr. Keifala also said that the occasion was to map out strategies. “We should also call on the Roads Authority to give us their work-plan for the year 2006 for us to publicize it to vehicle owners who contribute towards the Road Funds. And I want to remind station officers and heads of departments of the importance of proper record keeping and financial rules and regulations. By keeping our records straight, we shall earn the respect of the Audit Department, the Board and the government”, he noted.

ABDUL MAGBA-KAMARA BLOWS HIS MIND  ON SIERRA LEONE’S PROBLEMS

Friday January 6, 2005

As a Sierra Leonean living in the United States, the only way for me to get a proper perspective as to what is going on in Sierra Leone is through COCORIOKO. And for that, I must commend all of the people involve in putting out the Online edition of the paper. I have been reading with very keen interest on the political and economic situation in the country. I must say, that I am disheartened even to the point of disillusionment that a country such as Sierra Leone with an abundant of natural resources and an abundance of human potential has not been able to pull itself out of the economic mess it is currently in. Once a  shinning beacon of West African political and economic intellectualism, we have now been reduced to nothingness, and we have become  a destitute and foreign aid dependent nation all as a result of factionalism, tribalism and the crooked machination of the selfish, get rich quick political elites.

In my view, it seems that as a nation, we have learnt nothing from ten years of senseless killings, and it seems that we are about to make the same mistake twice, by supporting political elites just because they belong to the same tribe as us. We don’t want to know what will that particular political candidate do in terms of economic development or creating jobs for the millions of unemployed young people; or creating a sound and responsible economic policy; or establishing a universal health care system to take care of all Sierra Leonean; or how best to create an educational system to meet the needs of the country for the 21st century; or how to manage the abundant of natural resources for the benefit of the people as a whole. No! No! No!, those are not the qualities we are looking for in our political leadership, or are they?

Because, if those are the qualities for good political leadership, why not the journalists in Sierra Leone ask the political candidates who are vying for their trusts, what new ideas are they going to bring to the political and economic discuss? Instead, I read about  the names of children of once recognizable political elites trying to secure the part nomination of their political parties, or the names of some old political guards trying to maintain political power by all means. SLPP and APC in my view are made from the same political cloth. Party leadership in both political parties are elitist and centrist, despite how party hierachy portray each party candidate, they are not concerned with the problems of the average Sierra Leonean, but are more concerned with how quickly they can enrich themselves. To the people of Sierra Leone, I wish all of you a prosperous and peaceful New Year. To the political elites, I say, stop playing political games with the lives of your own people. Happy Ridings

Abdul Rahman Seuti Magba-Kamara

http://us.f515.mail.yahoo.com/ym/[email protected]

UK POACHING NURSES FROM SIERRA LEONE

Friday December 23, 2005

24 trained nurses from Sierra Leone have been poached by private agencies in the United Kingdom. The number represents a fraction of nearly 1, 000 nurses recruited from the poorest nations by agencies in Britain, Liberal Democrat MP Andrew George said in London this week.

According to the GUARDIAN  newspaper, the parliamentarian complained that these nurses ..”End up working in badly paid jobs with poor working conditions in private nursing and care homes. ” The recruitment, the MP averred is also costing these poor nations huge repercussions as they have “High burdens of disease and chronically understaffed hospitals.”

The UK  government is against these recruitments and had made efforts to restrict them. However, there are loopholes in the code of practice meant to stop these recruitments which the agencies are exploiting.

Security guard testifies in murder of Italian diamond dealer

By Chernor Ojuku Sesay

Wednesday December 14, 2005

A guard attached to Pentagon Security Agency in Kenema, has testified at the Freetown Magistrate Court No 1. presided over by Sam Margai yesterday, that he was at his post at the Dimass Hotel, where he saw the 1st and 2nd accused persons with an Italian, Mr. Hooke who met him and asked him if they had a Guest house and that he directed them to see the receptionist.

It should be recalled that an Italian diamond dealer, Mr. Hooke was murdered in July this year by armed robbers who attacked him at his Dimass Hotel in Kenema where he put up. The matter is being tried in court presently.

In cross examination yesterday by the defence lawyer A.Y. Brewah with the 9th prosecution witness, Peter Fankawa a worker in the hotel when the incident happened, said he was in the hotel when the incident happened. He further said that three armed men entered the hotel with guns and shot Mr. Hooke and that they also shot at him but that the bullet missed.  The defence lawyer them asked the waiter whether any of the two accused persons were there to which he replied “No”

In cross examination also with the Manager of Dimass Hotel, Solomon Tommy, he said when the incident happened, he knew the 1st and 2nd accused persons as working with the deceased. The matter was adjourned to 14 December this year.

M MMCET admits

UNITED NATIONS MISSION IN LIBERIA START PROBE OF PEACEKEEPING SOLDIER WHO ALLEGEDLY RAPED 2 KIDS

Tuesday November 29, 2005

The United Nations Mission to Liberia ( UNMIL )  yesterday started investigations into an  alleged rape committed by a peacekeeping soldier which has horrified the country. According to reports by the Monrovia Police, the UN Peacekeeping soldier raped two kids, aged 2 and 9.

A  statement released by UNMIL in Monrovia yesterday said : ” On 26 November, a member of one of UNMIL’s military contingents was accused of committing rape. In accordance with the United Nations’ zero-tolerance policy for any kind of sexual exploitation and abuse, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Liberia ordered an immediate investigation, which is being conducted in cooperation with Liberian authorities. ”

The soldier involved in the scandal is from Nigeria. Reports said that he used food to get each kid in succession. The incident happened at Bushrod Island on the outskirts of Monrovia.  Though reports are sketchy, it is believed that he performed the act of sodomy on one of the kids because her anal orifice was said to have been damaged . Fellow Peacekeeping officials on hearing the complaint arrested the Nigerian soldier and took him to the Police Station .

The incident stirred up some bitter anger across the bridge at Bushrod Island and it was the topic of discussion in the Douala buses and taxis. Liberians are enraged because the indiscrimate rape of children was one of the human rights abuses committed by rebel fighters during the Liberian war. People could not understand how a soldier brought in to save the country from these acts could himself be accused of raping such young kids.

GEORGE WEAH AND SUPPORTERS ACCLIMATIZE FOR TUESDAY’S RUN-OFF

Monday November 7, 2005

Monrovia,  the Liberian capital , was brought to a standstill once again last Saturday when supporters of former football wizard, George Oppong Weah, staged a massive rally ahead of Tuesday’s Presidential Elections Run-off , which the ex-soccer maestro has bragged that he will win.

In what one supporters jokingly described as ” a show of force”, thousands of Weah supporters caused huge traffic jams in the capital last Saturday and the turn-out was so humonguous that our reporter , Jlateh Doe , said Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf , Weah’s opponent in the run-off, faces a monumental task to beat the much-adored soccer hero.

Not even all the talks about Weah being an “Elementary school drop-out ” by his opponents have deterred Liberian throngs from supporting the former soccer magician.

And Weah took advantage of his popular support to predict that victory will be his ‘ on Tuesday.

AMPUTEES GIVE THRILLING DISPLAY OF SOCCER IN FREETOWN

Monday October 31, 2005

Yesterday the Single Leg Amputee Football Team, recently back from their
successful tour to Brazil, put on an East vs. West exhibition at the
Mandela Field in Cline Town.

Prior to the game, they had an amputee bicycle race (two contestants); an
amputee tug-of-war, and the youngest amputee, Abu, lip-synced and danced.
He has a prosthetic leg. Comedians also performed before the game and at
halftime.

A number of “patrons” were invited to witness the match and to hand out
prizes. This included the Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, the Director
of Sports,and representatives of several  three other
organizations (including Special Court). A European television crew and
other international journalists, among others, were on hand.

The aim was to demonstrate that amputees are capable of doing (nearly)
anything that persons with both limbs can do, and they made their point
very well. They also showed that life doesn’t end when you are disabled.

LIBERIA BOILS OVER WITH ELECTIONS FEVER

Saturday October 8, 2005

NIGERIA’S PRESIDENT , OLUSEGUN OBASANJO, WAS PRESENT IN LIBERIA THIS WEEK TO SEE HOW PREPARATIONS FOR THE ELECTIONS WERE PROGRESSING. OBASANJO ( LEFT IN FLOWING GOWN ) IS RECEIVED AT THE AIRPORT ON ARRIVAL BY LIBERIAN INTERIM LEADER GYUDE BRYANT ( RIGHT IN BLACK SUIT )

The logo of the Congress  for Democratic Change ( CDC)  led by former World Fottballer of the year, George Oppong Weah.

Ellen JOHNSON-SIRLEAF REMONSTRATES TO CHEERING CROWDS DURING CAMPAIGN

THIS IS U.S ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE FOR AFRICAN AFFAIRS , JENDAY FRAZER , WHO IS LEADING A HIGH-LEVEL U.S. DELEGATION TO LIBERIA TO OBSERVE THE ELECTIONS. THE ELECTIONS ARE VERY IMPORTANT TO THE U.S. WHO ARE LEADING INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS TO RETURN LIBERIA TO COMPLETE NORMALCY

THE ELLEN JOHNSON-SIRLEAF CAMPAIGN

THE ELLEN JOHNSON-SIRLEAF CAMPAIGN

SLPP case takes off at Supreme Court

Friday August 19, 2005

Tamba Borbor reports from Freetown

The legal battle to clarify the issue of electing the leader and presidential nominee of the ruling Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) at the scheduled but now postponed National Delegates Conference will begin to be heard by the Justices of the Supreme Court.

Lawyer Dr Bu-Buakei Jabbi who represents the plaintiff Chief Samuel Hinga Norman is expected to start and end the verbal presentation of his seven-point motion. He will today argue and cite supporting legal authorities to justify his case that “the SLPP constitution makes no provision for the independent existence, nomination or election of the Leader of the SLPP.” He will further argue that “any such election of the said leader takes place only indirectly as a consequence from the process of electing the Party’s Presidential Nominee for the next pending national Presidential election.”

According to the motion also, Dr Jabbi will argue that “the position of Leader of the SLPP is not a free standing office in its own right, but rather, that it is dependent upon the position of Presidential Nominee.” Further that this makes the position of Presidential Nominee “intertwined or associated with the office of State President” thereby making the two “indivisible and inseparable at all times.” Moreover that the two positions – Leader of the Party and State President – “can only be held jointly and relinquished jointly” which in his argument means that an incumbent may not relinquish one and hold on to the other, nor can two different people hold the two positions separately.

The motion also argues that if the Presidential Nominee or Leader of the Party is elected at the Party Conference almost two years before the Presidential and Parliamentary elections of 2007 are due to be held, it will be “grossly premature and incomportant with democratic principles” and also “be grossly unfair to certain individual members of the Party.” This argument is stretched further that this will “prematurely preclude and exclude certain potential aspirants to that position, who for reasons of present untimeliness or prematurity may not yet as at 19 – 20 August 2005 have indicated their intentions.” Also that it will likely deprive the SLPP itself of a possible better quality or more popular Presidential candidate, thereby putting the SLPP at a possible electoral disadvantage vis-à-vis the presidential candidates of other political parties and thus at the risk of losing the Presidential elections of 2007 against the other political parties.

Moreover the motion also argues that this will likely deprive the entire nation itself and the people of Sierra Leone as a whole of a possible better quality Presidential candidate and potential ultimate President of Sierra Leone. Lawyer Jabbi will also argue that by the provisions of sections 14(1) of the political parties Act 2002 and 35(4) and 76(1)(h) of the national constitution, a person who is for the time being the President, the Vice President, a Minister or a Deputy Minister in the Government, may not and must not be and ought not to be either (a) Leader of the SLPP; or (b) a member of the executive body or officers of the SLPP whether national or otherwise or (c) the National Secretary General of the SLPP.

Further that the position of National Secretary General of the SLPP, which is held by, a Minister of Government for the past three years is in contravention of the political parties act and the national constitution. The defence lawyers Messrs Eke Halloway, Shears Moses, David Quee and Anthony Brewah are scheduled to present their own counter arguments tomorrow Thursday.

Charles Margai Camp cries

National Petroleum brings in largest ever petrol consignment

Sunday August 7, 2005

Tamba Borbor reports from Freetown

Tradewind Caribe- a registered vessel in Panama has finished offloading approximately 10,000 metric tons of Petrol which is the largest load ever brought into the country by a single Company.

The Philippino Captain of the Ship- Roberto Bueno said they took two days to load the ship offshore at Lagos and sailed for five days before reaching Sierra Leone. Rommel Amaguin who is the Chief Mate of the Ship complained about the weather; adding that were familiar with the route to Sierra Leone as they had been coming over the years. The offloading of the petrol started Wednesday.

The new Managing Director of the National Petroleum (NP)- Mr. Tunde Cole in an interview with Cocorioko said they decided to bring in such a huge amount of fuel at one go to reassure the people of Sierra Leone that NP was a truly patriotic Company ready to make sure that fuel shortages are a thing of the past. In this light, negotiations are presently ongoing with Government and Oil Companies for an increase in the pump price.

The Oil Companies maintain that though changes have not taken place regarding the other variables, yet the international price of petroleum products has risen by $42 since the last increase in the pump price of petrol and diesel on the 31st March 2005.

SLPP MP questioned over “For di People” Editor’s death

Monday August 1, 2005

Tamba Borbor reports from Freetown

SLPP Parliamentarian Hon. Fatmata Hassan has been invited by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Sierra Leone Police to make a statement on the circumstances surrounding the death of For Di People (FDP) newspaper Acting Editor Harry Yansaneh.

CID sources say she was asked to make a statement after which she was given police bail. According to the Law Officers Act of 1965 section 2 subsection 9, the Police had to inform the Attorney General before inviting the Parliamentarian. This would have been the same procedure for any diplomat, local government Councillor or legal practitioner “alleged to have committed an offence punishable with imprisonment.”

The 32-year-old journalist is alleged to have been severely beaten up on the orders of SLPP parliamentarian Hon. Fatmata Hassan when they sought to forcibly evict the newspaper from the No 1 short street office they had occupied for over ten years. Harry Yansaneh reportedly fell very ill after this incident and subsequently died last Thursday.

A post mortem examination was performed on the corpse by Pathologist Dr Orwizz Koroma on Friday and he attributed the cause of death to (a) Acute or chronic renal failure, (b) Acute tubular Necrosis and (c) Glomerulonephritis (chronic) with Nephrotic Syndrome as a contributing factor. According to those present for the autopsy, it was explained that all other organs were found to be okay, but that both kidneys were found to be damaged. Meanwhile the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists is taking steps to have a coroner’s inquest to clear the air on the circumstances surrounding the death. The Sierra Leone Bar Association has in a press release issued Saturday, joined the call for an inquest. Yansaneh was buried Sunday

Paul Kamara ‘s application for bail rejected by Appeals Court

Wednesday July 27, 2005

Tamba Borbor reports from Freetown

Hopes of the Editor of ?For Di People’ Newspaper Paul Kamara to be granted bail by the Appeal Court were dashed Monday, when Justice Jon Kamanda, assisted by Justice Mrs. Patricia Macauley and Justice J.E. Massally said “we have heard the submissions of both counsel, read the affidavits filed, and reviewed the authorities cited. We do not, however, see any exceptional circumstances in the case to warrant the exercise of our discretion in granting bail.” Justice Kamanda concluded saying, “the application is refused.”

Earlier he said, the court had “ordered that the settling of the records be expedited and the appeal be speedily heard.” Arguing the case for the appellant, Lawyer J.O.D. Cole had relied on Section 67 (2) of the Courts Act 1965, rule 65 of the Court of Appeal Rules 1985 and Section 79 (4) of the Criminal Procedure Act 1965 which provisions he submits gives power to the Court to grant bail pending the determination of the appeal.

Appeal Court Judge Jon Kamanda agreed with defence counsel J O D Cole that “it’s a discretionary power to be exercised judiciously”. Lawyer J O D Cole had relied on the main affidavit sworn to by himself, and two supplemental affidavits by Isatu Paul Kamara and Paul Kamara on 4th and 5th July this year. The affidavits Justice Kamanda said emphasizes the point that if bail is not granted there is strong likelihood that the applicant will complete his sentence or serve a substantial part of it by the time his appeal is heard. Lawyer Cole according to the judgment contends that it constitutes the sort of special circumstances, which must exist for the court to exercise its direction in favour of granting bail.

He also relied on the case of Peter Halloran citing that “there was absence of corroboration of the offence for which the applicant stood trial, and was wrongly convicted; this should increase his chances of success on appeal” he said.

Responding for the State was Lawyer Alusine S. Sesay who cited that the appellant has failed to disclose any special circumstances to warrant bail being granted pending the hearing and determination of his appeal. He also told the court during his legal argument that the court can make an order for a speedy hearing of the appeal especially when it had ordered for the records of the trial to be made available. In April this year, at the Freetown High Court Paul Kamara was refused bail, after he appealed against his conviction of October 5th 2004.

JEWEL HOWARD SEEKS DIVORCE FROM CHARLES TAYLOR

…Another blow to ex-rebel Kingpin

Saturday July 23, 2005

The world of former Liberian rebel kingpin and President Charles Taylor is caving in, despite everything Nigeria’s President Segun Obasanjo is doing to shelter him from justice. Now, the pillar behind him in the good, old days–His wife, Mrs. Jewel Howard Taylor– is divorcing him in a stunning setback for the indicted war criminal. .

According to reports in some Monrovia-based newspapers, Mrs .Taylor filed the divorce with one of Liberia’s legal luminaries, Counsellor Francis Garlawulu Jr. According to further reports, when Charles Taylor received the legal papers, he froze in shock.

Since his first wife during his rebel days , Agnes Reeves Taylor,  left him, her place had been taken by Jewel who is a fascinating  female figure with lots of charisma and social standing. She was an accountant before she was swept off her feet by the playboy rebel leader then. Jewel immediately took over from where Agnes Reeves left, serving as a pillar of support for her husband especially after he became President. But Taylor had many women and this often led to angry quarrels at the Executive Mansion in Monrovia.

Indeed, the then President of Liberia shocked the wotrld in 2003 when he said in a public radio broadcast that he was entitled to four wives and he was about to marry a new woman . Taylor lashed at those who had started criticising him , saying that they wanted to introduce Western culture in Liberia..

Taylor said that it would be an insult to Liberian womanhood if he turned down the new woman. He cited the example of the late President William Tolbert, who though a Preacher, had many wives, according to him. Taylor’s comment made news all over the diplomatic world.

The problem between Taylor and Jewel was exacerbated in Calabar, Nigeria, where the Liberian leader moved with many of his concubines from Liberia and he also fell in love there with the daughter of the Governor of Calabar State. Jewel could have it no more and returned to Monrovia just weeks after departing with her husband for exile.

RAIN CAUSES  MORE DISASTER IN FREETOWN

Four killed, three injured

By Tamba Borbor

Saturday July 16, 2005

As the rainy season continues to wreck havoc on residents of Freetown and it’s environs, another landslide has claimed the lives of four people, injuring three others.

This has occurred barely four days after the landslide disaster at Kissy, where seven people lost their lives. This recent landslide disaster involves some people living in a makeshift shantytown located at the back of Falcon Bridge.

During a heavy downpour in the afternoon of Thursday July 13^th, a rock that was hanging behind the shacks was moved by heavy rain; claiming the lives of four people namely: Poto, Medo, Hawa and an unidentified Liberian lady.

According to relatives, Poto who is a Class 1 pupil just been promoted to Class 2, was asleep when he unfortunately embraced his early death. Hawa who is said to be pregnant was buried in her room by the heavy rock together with the unidentified Liberian lady. The three injured persons who managed to survive the landslide are: Mariatu Kamara, Karamuru Kamara and Pa Bai. However, efforts were made by other residents to remove the rocks atop the remaining corpses but was only possible on Friday 15^th July.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Lands, Dr. Alfred Bobson Sesay has issued a stern warning to residents of shacks within the Freetown environs to vacate these places or face forceful relocation from the Ministry.

MASKITA MADE CHILDREN MINE DIAMONDS FOR RUF/AFRC

Friday July 1, 2005

By Tamba Borbor in Freetown

Led in evidence by the Prosecution team witness TF1-062 told the Special Court Monday 27^th June that the AFRC/RUF members gave orders that the civilians should mine in Tongo. The witness who was testifying in Temne, said that after the coup in 1997 as they were in Tongo, Sam Bockarie (Mosquito) went there and called a meeting and instructed the commanders of various locations that civilians should mine at ?Cyborg’ pit – a land around the playing field.

Before Mosquito could leave Tongo the witness continued, he chose Jamayo Katy to be the next in command but he was later killed on the third day. There was a government workday wherein civilians were asked to mine for the government. They were not provided with any equipment or foodstuff and any diamond found was to be submitted to the commanders of the various locations who would in turn hand them over to Mosquito.

The witness maintained that the pit was so large that it could accommodate well over two thousand men in it.  The witness who said he was a Diamond miner in Tongo had about six boys working for him. He supplied them with equipment; foodstuff and even medical facilities. ” When ever the commanders declare a government work day everyone was tasked to work for them. As I also have my own boys that were working for me I used to send them to work on my behalf because if you refuse to work for them they will beat you up.

They were not supplied with any equipment not even food.”  The Diamond Miner further stated that people were even killed for gravel. “On one occasion, a civilian child was coming out of the Cyborg pit with a bag of gravel, when he was ordered by a soldier to give him the bag, but the child refused – so he was shot. On another occasion, a soldier took his gravel to be washed and went away when he returned; the bag was nowhere to be found so he said he was going to set an example on the civilians. He immediately stated shooting and one civilian was shot dead.” The witness continued, “People were always killed, sometimes inside the pit and sometimes around the pit.

The witness also stressed that when the civilians were washing the gravel, the guards who were armed with Rocket Propelled Grenades, Light Machine Guns and other guns stood there and watched them. “Some of them were small boys between the ages of 12 years. One small boy named junior who was about 12 years even went to my house

CHRISTIANA THORPE WARNED : AVOID INTERFERANCE BY SLPP

By Olu Faulkner in Freetown

Thursday June 23, 2005

The  Chief Electoral Commissioner , Miss Christiana Thorpe, has been warned  by representatives of the various opposition political parties not to allow the  ruling SLPP to interfere  in the operations of the National Elections Commission ( NEC) and  to be independent as Sierra Leone prepares for an all-important General Elections in 2007.

Miss Thorpe received the warning  during her ongoing provincial tour which she and other electoral commissioners  are using to sensitive the nation on the operations of the NEC. The CEC was also in the provinces to unveil the NEC’s  seven-point plan of action.

During the tour, representatives of parties complained to Miss Thorpe that in the past the NEC  had allowed the ruling SLPP to interfere in the decisions of the Elections Commission, thereby compromising the neutrality of the institution. Some of them also complained that the SLPP rigged the last two elections.

In response, Commissioner Thorpe assured the party representatives that she will ensure that there was no rigging of the oncoming elections. She promised to fire any worker who did not discharge his/her duties well, asserting that the commission had the power to do so without consulting the government.

The last Electoral Commissioner , Mr. Eugene Davies resigned in protest against interferance by the government which he accused of coersing him to change some results of the recent municipal elections.

SIERRA LEONE WATER COMPANY DIRECTOR JUSTIN MUSA IN THE HOT SOUP FOR ALLEGED  CORRUPTION

Monday May 2, 2005

Tamba Borbor reports from Freetown

The dragnet of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has fallen on Justin Musa, the Director General of Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO) for alleged misappropriation of public and donor funds.

He is further being investigated for corrupt acquisition of wealth. Dragged along the Director is an accountant at SALWACO. Members of the Anti-Corruption Investigations Department last week executed two search warrants at the office and resident of Justin Musa. He was eventually arrested, detained and subsequently release on bail. This dramatic event took place on the eve of Independence Day.                –

500 Sa. Leoneans have died of AIDS

By Tamba Borbor

Tuesday April 5, 2005

The Public Relations Officer of National HIV/AIDS Secretariat (NAS)- Mr. Abu Bakarr Sesay has said that 500 Sierra Leoneans have died of the disease.

Speaking at the Kallboxx Records HIV/AIDS tour launching at the Old School Entertainment Complex last Sunday, he said that Sierra Leoneans should take this disease very seriously as people are dying not only in Freetown but in other parts of the country that are not even reported. Mr. Abu Bakarr Sesay also reported that about 45,000 Sierra Leoneans have the virus and that NAS is presently treating some 350.

He advised all to know their status because not knowing your status kills; adding that going for a test will prolong one’s life by either being negative or if positive will be treated, thereby prolonging one’s life. Herut Befecadu, the HIV/AIDS focal point of UNAMSIL said that ABCD of AIDS should be taken into consideration. She said that A means- abstinence from casual sex. B – be faithful to yourself. C – conscious and condom use and D- Discipline yourself from engaging in risky behaviour.

She also reported that 43 million people worldwide have the disease and that everybody should be afraid of this dangerous virus that is eating humanity apart. The representative from CARE said that there findings in Sierra Leone have proved that poverty has lead to most cases of AIDS. She said that most of the prostitutes and other sex workers have done so because they are responsible for feeding their families. She stressed the point that if poverty is not eradicated in Sierra Leone, it will be a big problem in tackling the virus.

The Managing Director of Kalleone Enterprises- Mr. Abu Bakaar Conteh aka DJ Boxx said that he and Mohamed Kallon decided to undertake such a venture because they want to identify themselves with the society in fighting the dangerous epidemic. He said that they have put $10,000 into this project, as they want to fight the spread of the disease by organizing musical tours all over the country. He maintained that he is disappointed with the indigenous companies whom they have asked for help but never turned up.

DJ Boxx said that they were able to get support from Celtel, Caddell, Leocem and Guaranty Trust Bank as they have joined them in preaching about the dangerous virus called HIV. Mr. Abu Bakaar Conteh went on to state that they would be visiting Makeni, Kono, Kenema and Bo where the musical groups under KallBoxx records will perform. The theme of the nationwide tour according the Kalleone Enterprise Manager is: “we want to know, we want to live.” Jungle Leaders, DX 3, Daddy Saj, X-Project all performed for guests with different songs about aids, immoral sex etc. The month long tour will end at the national Stadium next month.

_________________________________________

FUEL PRICES TO DOUBLE IN SIERRA LEONE

By Tamba Borbor  in Freetown

Thursday March 24, 2005

Reputable energy analysts in the world are predicting that by the end of the year the price of petroleum products are likely to double. World oil prices jumped from $49 a barrel to a record $55 last week, triggering what oil forecasters call “Petronia”. This is when petroleum traders became irrationally afraid that there wouldn’t be enough oil and gasoline later, so they now buy bidding up prices.

This is exactly the scenario last year before the Iraq war, which caused oil prices to jump to record levels of little above $55 a barrel. Veteran energy price tracker, Peter Beutel wrote in the Cameron Hanover Energy Price Letter that the traders’ fear is being caused by “the continuing sense that Chinese and Indian demand are going to help absorb available supplies more quickly than new ones can be brought on line.” Added to this, “the US dollar has fallen in value recently, and foreign oil sellers who control most supplies want more dollars per barrel to compensate for the weaker dollar.” The Acting Secretary General of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)- Adnan Shihab-Eldin confirmed this speculation when he told the Kuwait daily Al-Qabas that he “would not rule out the possibility oil will hit $80 a barrel within two years.”

The latest surge in prices, were triggered by the shut down for seasonal maintenance of US refineries causing them to operate at below 90% capacity, which is the lowest in four months. However, the higher prices have not affected the strong economies of China and the US though it has caused a drag on weaker economies like Japan and Germany. This analysts say, is sign that the World can withstand higher energy prices.

Back home in Sierra Leone, this can be true because for the last week we have seen the price of fuel doubling to Le16, 000 a gallon in the ?Black Market’ while some people have bought it for even Le20, 000. Whether this can be maintained on a long-term basis is another issue. However, the corresponding rise in prices of commodities would more than triple the present inflation rate. The fall out could be disastrous for a lot of marginal businesses that might just find out that they can no longer operate. The facts however are that the Oil Marketers in Sierra Leone are simply waiting for the availability crisis to end before starting negotiations with the government for an increase. This they say is justified on their part because the world price for fuel has gone up along with the exchange rate to the dollar. We are however hopeful that prices will not be doubled in the immediate future.

Freetown still reeling with chaos , as…

DISGRUNTLED YOUTHS JOIN STUDENTS DEMONSTRATION

Wednesday March 2, 2005

For the second straight day, Sierra Leone university students kept Freetown reeling as they continued their demonstrations against the government with a  a new element introduced  to the conflict when disgruntled youths in the capital joined the students’action .

Chaos broke out between the students and the government on Monday when the students stormed the Youyi Building in a desperate attempt to enter the building to present their grievances to the authorities who included the Minister of Education, Dr. Alpha Wurie. Riot Police repelled the students  with teargas and bullets and the ensuing chaos soon spread to the capital as students tried to exert pressure on the government whom they accused of failing to make good  on the implementation of a new salary structure agreed upon last year for senior lecturers. The lecturers went on strike, prompting the students to take to the streets to force the government to meet their teachers’ demands.

Yesterday, youths who had joined the students action were seen burning tires at Circular Road and Berry Strret. The students had also allegedly set up roadblocks on the hilly road to Fourah Bay College where it was also reported that they were holding two  policemen hostage. A Police officer  told our source that he was nearly captured by students stopping taxis looking for cops as  his plain clothes saved him. The students allegedly wanted to use the captured policemen to bargain for the  release of scores of collegues who have been arrested .

Later, tensions escalated when truckloads of riot police stormed the Fourah Bay College campus forcing hundreds of students to go into hiding or scamper  down the hilly bush to the city using the footpaths behind the student dorms. The Inspector -General of Police, Brima Acha Kamara ( Pictured left above ) later told the BBC  that his troops only went up Mount Aureol to dismantle the students’ checkpoints and that no Policeman entered the campus. Later in the afternoon, reports said students  had regrouped around Kissy Road and were marching on to the city centre.

Two city dwellers told COCORIOKO  last evening that the government was playing  with a potentially dangerous situation. They both rapped the government for its lackadaisical attitude to the students demands and its highhanded approach to the students demonstrations. They faulted the shortsightedness of the government in failing to discern the level of frustration and disgruntlement in the country, especially among the youths who do not have jobs or any alternative means of survival.They warned that with members of the public angry with the government for its monumental failure to alleviate the people’s suffering, such students demonstrations, if left to fester, could lead to mass national protests.

COMING TOMORROW : NOW, FRUSTRATED PUBLIC HASSLE “BORBOR BELLEHS” ( CORRUPT GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS) IN LUXURY CARS AND TOYOTA CRUISERS.

Sierra Visions, Inc 2^nd Annual Business Conference

A Complete Success

Sierra Visions, a non-profit organization founded by four young professionals, held its second annual Business Conference on September 18, 2004 at Howard University.  The theme of the conference was Development Strategies for Sierra Leone, African Minds Speak.  The conference began with an introduction of the organization.  The event then continued with the distinguished speakers that included Dr. John Karefa-Smart, scholar, doctor, and former Sierra Leonean politician; Papa N’diaye, from Emerging Markets Partnership;  and Ester Dassanou from the Corporate Council on Africa.  Along with these speakers, the program also consisted of panelists that discussed entrepreneurship in Sierra Leone.

Mrs. Gail Carew-Edwards introduced Sierra Visions to the audience.  The organization’s mission is to foster social reform and economic development in Sierra Leone.  With this in mind, the members developed a plan in which they feel could contribute to the country’s development.  They called this plan the Five-T Model, which consists of: Training, Trade, Transportation, Technology and Tourism.  The organization strives to accomplish the model by implementing new and innovative development strategies for Sierra Leone.  One of these programs, still under development, is the SVIC program. Pending sufficient funding, this program will provide funds to entrepreneurs who want to start businesses in Sierra Leone.  Another program that the organization has underway is Reverse the Brain Drain.  This program encourages Sierra Leoneans living in the Diaspora to teach a course in their field or expertise when they go home for a visit.  In addition to these programs, the organization also provides scholarships to students attending tertiary institutions in Sierra Leone.  With increase donation, the organization would like to increase the amount of students who receive the scholarship.  Last year, four students received scholarships.  This year, three new students will receive scholarships to attend college.  Moreover, the organization also administers a book drive. Books will arrive in Sierra Leone by December.

Dr. Karefa-Smart was the keynote speaker for the event. He spoke about the “vision” of the organization’s members and his “vision” for Sierra Leone.  He spoke of the Sierra Leone that was once considered the “Athens of West Africa” and his “vision” for it to once again be at the top.  He stated that Sierra Leone was once not only considered the top of West Africa, but of Africa.  Dr. Karefa-Smart continued with his vision and gave the audience guidelines on what they should do to help Sierra Leone achieve this “vision”. These guidelines are appreciation, influence and commitment.

Dr. Karefa-Smart said that in order to help Sierra Leone reach the top again, we should have an appreciation of what is wrong with Sierra Leone.  Only by recognizing the problems that the country faces, could we be able to solve them.  Dr. Karefa-Smart also mentioned that we should become influenced by others, as well as influence others in our development strategy to help Sierra Leone.  Those who want to help the country could learn from others and not repeat the same mistakes.  Furthermore, influencing others will allow the work to expand and encourage more Sierra Leoneans to develop their country.

The third guideline, commitment, is crucial to the country’s development.  He mentioned that without commitment, one could not be successful in helping Sierra Leone.  The country needs committed patriots who are willing to strive for the benefit of the country despite the adversities that may come one’s way.

Ms. Ester Dassanou from the Corporate Council on Africa’s West African International Business Linkages (WAIBL) Program discussed the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and how it applied to Sierra Leone.  She mentioned that in accordance with AGOA, WAIBL matches U.S. and West African companies with potential business partners and covers 18 countries in West Africa.  For more information on Ms. Dassanou’s presentation on AGOA and how it could affect Sierra Leone’s trade, please visit www.sierravisions.org.

The third speaker was Mr. Papa N’diaye, a director from Emerging Markets Partnership. Emerging Markets Partnership is a private equity firm with over $500 million in committed resources dedicated to investing in Africa.  He mentioned the investors of his company, such as AIG and the African Development Bank.  He also provided crucial advice to those who would like to pursue entrepreneurial ventures in Africa.

One of his advices was the importance of regional integration. He encouraged the audience to think regionally when conducting business in Sierra Leone.  Instead of just stopping in your country, entrepreneurs could expand their business in West Africa and beyond.  In addition, Mr. N’Diaye also encouraged the audience to promote Sierra Leone.  Only when we say positive things about our country will others begin to invest and say good things about Sierra Leone.

The success of the event was not only due to our spectacular speakers, but also our panelists.  We had three speakers (Evelyn Lewis, Aiah Fanday and Yaya Fanusie Jr.) who gave their experiences about starting businesses or non-profits in Sierra Leone.  One particular speaker, Mr. Evelyn Lewis gave his experience of starting his IT business in Sierra Leone.  He stated that Sierra Leone is not the negative stigma that the media portrays and developing in business in the country is attainable.

The conference ended with a new found optimism for developing Sierra Leone.  It enabled Sierra Leoneans as well as other Africans to see the opportunities in providing assistance, both philanthropically and entrepreneurially, to their country.

CANADA PROMISE TO HELP REBUILD SIERRA LEONE

By Sampson Cole

Monday June 26, 2004

The Government and people of Canada will continue to
assist Sierra Leone in the country’s rebuilding
process. This assertion was made by the Canadian
Defence Adviser accredited to Sierra Leone Colonel
Desrochers while on a courtesy visit to the Ministry
of Defence where he held discussions with the Deputy
Minister of Defence Joe Blell.

 The Canadian Defence
Adviser expressed his concern over the training aspect
of the restructuring process in the Ministry and
explained that this was why he did all he could to
ensure that at least a slot is made available by his
Government for Junior Staff of the RSLAF to undertake
Command and Staff Courses.

He also pointed out that
the course is the first in a series, and was awarded
to Sierra Leone because of the country’s transparent
selection system. He assured his host that more slots
would be made available depending on funds while
adding that Canada does offer other modest courses
with high performance quality.

 Replying, the Deputy
Minister Joe Blell commended the Defence Adviser on
his interest in the Ministry’s ongoing restructuring
process, with particular concern on the training
aspect , which he has re-established . Joe Blell also
appealed through the Canadian Adviser for Canada to
provide more of such training courses not only for the
military but also to the Civilian staff to ensure
proper co-ordination in decision taking at strategic
level.

The Director General Victor Kamara and the
Director Defence Recruitment and Training, Col.
Bashiru Conteh also took part in the discussion with
the Colonel who is in charge of seven African
countries, during which they explained different
training areas where the Ministry and Military will
achieve standards.