Subject: Koroma's Visit to Los Angeles
From: Adam Galla
To: All
Date Posted: 18:43:34 12/05/06 ()
Email Address: abgalla@yahoo.com
Entered From: adsl-70-136-155-35.dsl.irvnca.sbcglobal.net at 70.136.155.35

Message:
A big shout-out to the members of the APC,Los Angeles branch. A job welldone in organizing and coordinating the visit of the next President of Sierra Leone, the Hon.Earnest Koromo.

Subject: Re: Koroma's Visit to Los Angeles
From: Barber
To: All
Date Posted: 19:32:41 12/05/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 144.226.173.69

Message:
Why don't you APC people give Victor Foh a modern hair cut?

Subject: Re: Koroma's Visit to Los Angeles
From: Barber
To: All
Date Posted: 19:32:41 12/05/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 144.226.173.69

Message:
Why don't you APC people give Victor Foh a modern hair cut?

Subject: DISTORTIONS AND WISHFUL THINKING
From: PMDC Tour
To: All
Date Posted: 15:37:01 12/05/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 65.105.36.243.ptr.us.xo.net at 65.105.36.243

Message:
A recent article by Alpha Saidu Bangura could only be described as full of distortions, half truths, fabrication and wishful thinking of gloom and doom for the People’s Movement For Democratic Change (PMDC)’s tour. The total number of Bangura’s years of sojourn in the United States is unknown by this writer. It is known that he once resided in the Washington DC area but has now relocated to Atlanta, Georgia. That is the benefit of residing in a country as developed as the United States; you could move from the capital city, hundreds of miles away inland, without having to worry about the availability of basic amenities at your new point of relocat1on.

Wish it were so in our major cities and towns in our beloved Sierra Leone. It is well documented that, under the SLPP, even in the capital of Freetown, such basic amenities are non-existent; electricity, pipe borne water, good roads, an environment that is not refuse strewn, basic health care and premium equipped schools. The availability of the basic human needs is what Mr. Bangura has taken for granted in the Washington DC area and anywhere he wishes to live the entire United States when he relocated to Georgia.

Mr. Bangura could then, in the comfort of his new home in Georgia, perhaps waking up in the middle of the night, dream up the article in which he espoused that Charles Margai had refused to answer questions about the alleged award of contracts to his relatives, including his wife and friends. Of course, Mr. Bangura, if he had paid his electricity bill was enjoying readily available light and energy to power up his computer. Under those circumstances he was stimulated to distort the reality of the moment in the PMDC town hall meeting, in Atlanta, Georgia. Mr. Bangura’s article is a figment of his imagination and as such full of half truths.

He started off by indicating that “In all of his town hall meetings in the Untied (sic) in all of the town meetings in the United States Of America, the leader of the Peoples Movement For Democratic Change(PM) (sic), Mr. Charles Margai refused to agree that it was unethical for his ministry to award a contract to his wife without using the correct procedures”. This is such an absurd statement.

In the first place by the time Bangura decided to rush his article to Concord Times, the PMDC successful tour across several states in the United States had not yet even been half way completed. So where did Bangura get the exaggerated untruth that in all of the town meetings in the USA, Margai had refused to admit unethical behaviour, when Bangura had by the time he published his article only attended one meeting, the one in Atlanta. The reality and not fiction, is that this was a tour of which every Sierra Leonean should be proud, no matter what your party affiliation. There had only been town hall meetings in New Jersey and Atlanta, at the time of Bangura’s fantasy story.

Prior to the town hall meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, at Clark-Atlanta University, Charles Margai was granted a honorary citizenship of the State of Georgia, by the Assistant Secretary of State of Georgia and was made a goodwill Ambassador of the African Growth and Opportunities Act Commission (AGOAC) of the State of Georgia. There was also a fundraiser, in the form of a banquet at which a cross section of the Sierra Leonean Community in Atlanta was present, including Roland O. Davies, the former Commissioner of Income Tax and other American dignitaries from the Atlanta area.

Following, Atlanta, Georgia, Charles Margai and his entourage visited Washington DC, in which he gave a speech at the Howard University Law School, the law school which produced Thurgood Marshall, the first black Supreme Court Justice in the United States.

By the way Margai’s visit to the HU Law School brought out the fact that Thurgood Marshall’s maternal grandfather was from Sierra Leone. After his speech, Margai was peppered with questions, by well-meaning and well-heeled law students, knowledgeable about Sierra Leone. As usual the interim leader of PMDC performed brilliantly. So brilliantly, that the Dean of the Law School, Curt Schmoke, the former Mayor of Baltimore, one of the cities in the State of Maryland, in his vote of thanks, invited Margai to return to the HU Law School once he becomes the President of Sierra Leone. There was no lackluster performance that would bring disrepute to Sierra Leone or put us in bad light. Deans of accredited law schools in the United States do not go out of their way to invite for a return visit, rambling speakers.

The tour then continued to Fort Wayne and Indianapolis, Indiana. In the capital city of Indianapolis, there was a huge gathering of African American political leaders and church leaders, some of whom had visited Sierra Leone before and who were very impressed with the performance of Charles Margai and promised to definitely participate in the reconstruction and development of Sierra Leone. As of the writing of this article they have put together a team to start the ground work to bring their promise to fruition.

The tour then moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where there was a dinner and dance combined with a town meeting. There again Charles Margai was at his best, questions about the award of contracts were asked and answered in a calm, respectable and professional manner. Just as in New Jersey and Atlanta, it was clear that not only did Margai not participate in the award of contracts to his relatives and friends, the contracts were satisfactorily performed. There were above the board dealings in the award of the contracts. The contracts were opened for competitive bidding, Margai took no part in the award of the contracts, exercised no undue influence on the individual(s) responsible for the award of the contracts and no one has come up with any contrary facts.

From Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the next stop was Stow, Ohio, where a cross section of Sierra Leoneans met at the home of Dr. Milton Harvey, formerly Chairman of the Geography Department at Fourah Bay College and currently Chairman of the Geography Department at Kent State University, in Kent Ohio.

There was a town hall meeting at that locat1on, even though there were no specific questions about the infamous contract, there were questions about how Margai will make sure that members of the PMDC government, especially cabinet members, conform to ethical behavior. Margai made it clear that there would be “no sacred cows when it comes to corruption and that the performance of his ministers would be reviewed every six months.” Additionally, “there would be no recycling of ministers”. Once a minister is found wanting, he or she would be dismissed from the cabinet. No dead wood in a PMDC administration.

Charles Margai, his wife, Vivat and Bamidele Thompson, the Chairman of the Media Committee then visited Tampa, Florida on Friday, November 24 at the invitation of Dr. Donald Temple, a medical doctor for many years in the Tampa area. He had heard about the PMDC tour and had done some research on PMDC and Charles Margai and was pleased with the results of his research. Present at the reception that Friday evening were professional Sierra Leoneans, who heretofore had severed connections with the political system in Sierra Leone.

They had been frustrated when their efforts to contribute to the development of Sierra Leone had been rebuffed by various governments of Sierra Leone, including the current regime of Tejan Kabbah. An example was given by Dr. Walwin Metzger, who is a board member of St. Joseph’s Hospital, in Tampa. He had secured some beds from the hospital and contacted the government of Sierra Leone to offer the beds. Instead of jumping at the opportunity to obtain state of the art hospital beds for the people of Sierra Leone, the government wanted Dr. Metzger and his other colleagues, Dr. Temple and Dr. Abibu Conteh to pay $30,000 for the shipment.

In Tampa, Charles Margai, of course, as everywhere he had visited in the United States, emphasized the importance of the role of Sierra Leoneans in the Diaspora, including the vital contribution to the economy. By remitting funds to their relatives and friends, Sierra Leoneans certainly aid the economy. Margai, in his usual insightful manner gave the audience the clear impression that he fully understands that there has been a huge brain drain from Sierra Leone and that people in the Diaspora have a vital role to play in Sierra Leone’s development. An offer such as that, concerning the hospital beds from Dr. Metzger, would certainly have been followed through by PMDC, as the people of Sierra Leone are uppermost in PMDC’s agenda.

There were copious questions and answers, all in a professional manner and exhaustive. Questions ranged from ethics in government to what contribution could they as Sierra Leoneans in the Diaspora make in the development of Sierra Leone. Margai, in his responses demonstrated that he is yearning to be the president of Sierra Leone to make a real positive difference in the lives of the people of Sierra Leone, not only in Sierra Leone, but in the Diaspora. The medical doctors gave their undertaking that in a PMDC government they would be willing to contribute in their own way to revamp and upgrade the health care system in Sierra Leone using the expertise and knowledge acquired over the years in the United States. Margai mentioned plans to set up medical regional boards to handle the health care in the regions as part of the decentralization plan of PMDC in the delivery of health care.

Margai’s eagerness to lead Sierra Leone is not just to be called President Charles Margai. Berewa has pronounced in the east of Freetown some months ago, that he cannot wait to be called President Berewa. While Berewa is drooling, grandstanding and tripping over the name President Berewa, Margai is eager and cannot wait to go to work as President, to repair the broken down system in Sierra Leone. His first order of business would be to restore law and order and energy as everything else revolves around those issues. The Tampa gathering inspired people, to make generous contributions to PMDC’s election efforts in 2007. Sierra Leoneans, who prior to the meeting with Margai, had been nonchalant about the affairs of Sierra Leone.

The trio returned to Washington DC on the morning of November 25, for the fundraiser at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Cherry Hill Road in Silver Spring, Maryland that evening. That was indeed a night of revelry and Margai just wowed the crowd with one of his usual eloquent speeches. Sierra Leoneans came from as far away as Arizona, Atlanta, Philadelphia, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Indianapolis, Texas, Ohio, Wisconsin, California, North Carolina and of course the Washington DC area (Maryland, Washington DC and Virginia).

On Sunday, November 26, there was a town meeting in the chambers of the Takoma Park Municipal Center, in Takoma Park, Maryland. This was the last public event for Charles Margai and his entourage. After delivering his speech, which by then, his audience has come to expect nothing but excellence, Margai opened himself to questions and even at the end of the session Charles pleaded with the moderator, Mr. Bah to give a Sierra Leonean lady, Mariama Turay, an opportunity to ask her question. It turned out that Ms. Turay had been dying to question Charles Margai about the restoration of the railway system. Charles’ response was that bringing back the railroad was a medium to long term goal in the PMDC agenda. He underscored the importance of the railroad to the restoration of the viability of the agriculture sector and that railroad in development is not a money making venture, but necessary to meet the social needs of the people.

A significant event at the Town Hall meeting in Takoma Park was the resignation of Mr. Samuel G.E. Tucker from the ruling SLPP, where he had been a member for 56 years and the first paid secretary general. He pointed out that the SLPP under the leadership of Sir Milton Margai and Sir Albert Margai was not the same party under Tejan Kabbah and Solomon Berewa. He continued that under the leadership of Tejan Kabbah and Solomon Berewa, the SLPP had been polluted and without the core values of helping the people of Sierra Leone; that it was time for him to leave the SLPP and join the PMDC, a progressive party, which incorporates the values of SLPP under the leadership of the first two Prime Ministers of Sierra Leone.

It is against this backdrop that Mr. Bangura wrote an article trying to discredit Charles Margai and the tour in the United States.

Mr. Bangura’s article is so devoid of the truth that he attempts to embellish the real facts. In Mr. Bangura’s attempt to rehabilitate Solomon Berewa, the leader of his party, the SLPP, he engages in falsehoods. PMDC has nothing to do with the failure of Berewa to perform as one seeking public office in Sierra Leone should, when addressing an audience, either in Sierra Leone or in the Diaspora. PMDC is in no way responsible for Berewa bringing shame and disgrace, by his performance, not only to the SLPP, but to Sierra Leone at large. We cannot loose sight of the fact that he is our Vice-President. When he treats the questions of Sierra Leoneans who have burning issues to be addressed, with levity and disrespect, he demeans the office of the Vice-President and clearly exposes the fact that he does not have what it takes to be a president in our beloved Sierra Leone.

Mr. Bangura’s failed attempt to vilify the interim leader of the PMDC, who has demonstrated by his performance, both in Sierra Leone and the Diaspora, that his claim to the presidency of Sierra Leone is justified, points him [Mr. Bangura] out as a blind unpatriotic loyalist, who would stop at nothing to engage in the “pull-him-down” syndrome, which the erstwhile leader of Mr. Bangura’s party and the current President has claimed to despise. Bangura was only present at the Atlanta town hall meeting, yet he talks about every town hall meeting in the United States. Mr. Bangura openly declared himself SLPP. In the spirit of political tolerance, which is the mantra of the PMDC, Mr. Bangura was given more opportunities to quiz Charles Margai than anyone else in the audience was. For him to then resort to yellow journalism demonstrates his caliber.

When Berewa visits the United States, he reluctantly appears before audiences only to be preoccupied in making assurances that he is not an old man. What that has to do with the people’s craving for someone who will raise Sierra Leone from the ashes and restore hope and dignity to its people, is anyone’s guess. Instead of dealing with the issues raised in questions, he responds with flippant and disrespectful remarks, such as “Why don’t you go and clean the filth in the streets of Freetown, as that is not my job”; that a lady who is concerned about the mail delivery or non-delivery of mail system in Sierra Leone, should blame herself for not knowing how to address letters she sent back home. This is the history of Berewa’s visit to Sierra Leoneans in the Diaspora.

It would therefore behoove Mr. Bangura to do a post mortem on his leader’s responses to legitimate and burning questions and issues including his leader’s demeanor, than attempting to paint the wrong picture of Charles Margai’s performance in the United States.

In closing, Mr. Bangura needs to do a fact check before embarking on taking his story on the information super highway. He is misquoting Charles Margai’s pronouncement that “no man born of a woman would stop him from being president this time around”. There is nothing contained in that utterance that mentions, Sir Milton Margai or Sir Albert Margai. What is wrong with being confident? It serves as a motivating factor for some people to set a goal they want to achieve and then put it out in the public domain.

Bangura’s recitation of events after the convention is so tortured and shows that he is not au fait with the facts post Makeni.

Lastly, Charles Margai has not imposed himself as the leader of the PMDC; he was invited to serve as interim leader, the fact that he repeats at every gathering. He has said time and time again that anyone who is a PMDC member is free to challenge him for the leadership at the conference early next year.

PMDC has too many strong willed indefatigable, patriotic, democratic members in its hierarchy to allow anyone to impose himself as a leader, much more a dictator. So Mr. Bangura your attempt at distortion and wishful thinking about gloom and doom of the PMDC USA Tour just went up in smoke.

PMDC is unstoppable. Take time out and learn this SLOGAN: ONE FOR ALL! ALL FOR ONE! PMDC! POSITIVE CHANGE! POSITIVE CHANGE ALL THE WAY NOW NOW NOW!

Raymond Bamidele Thompson
PMDC Interim National Chairman Media Committee

Subject: RE: Photos of the Visit of APC Leader in Los Angeles.
From: musa Kalawa
To: All
Date Posted: 13:32:18 12/05/06 ()
Email Address: muskalawa@yahoo.com
Entered From: adsl-69-230-190-165.dsl.irvnca.pacbell.net at 69.230.190.165

Message:
This is a Clip of a private reception/ fund raising Lunch organized for the APC Leader, ERNEST BAI. KOROMA at the hills of "Palos Verdes" in Los ANgeles.
Note: Video Clip will soon be available for your viewing.

Please Click on Link below to view Photos:

Subject: RE: Sierra Leone Musician at OPRAH's Show.
From: musa Kalawa
To: All
Date Posted: 12:47:47 12/05/06 ()
Email Address: muskalawa@yahoo.com
Entered From: adsl-69-230-190-165.dsl.irvnca.pacbell.net at 69.230.190.165

Message:
Please enjoy Our Musician Brothers at the OPRAH Show.
Click at the link below:

Subject: RE:Brothers from Sierra Leone Performed Live on Oprah's Show
From: musa Kalawa
To: All
Date Posted: 12:41:04 12/05/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-69-230-190-165.dsl.irvnca.pacbell.net at 69.230.190.165

Message:
It's about time the World/We appreciate our brothers trying to promote Sierra Leonean Musicians.
Bravo Oprah.....Go Oprah... we aplaugh you for your thought.

Please check on link below to view photos.

Subject: interview with solomon berewa
From: concern citizen.
To: All
Date Posted: 08:16:53 12/05/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: p54a7f1a5.dip.t-dialin.net at 84.167.241.165

Message:
Is a shame to have a vice president like this now.Is it that sierra leonean are blind or do not know what is going on in the world to have a vice president like the one we have is a shame shame the man is a sleeper pls try to wake him up come 2007 election

Subject: Re: interview with solomon berewa
From: CADMUS
To: All
Date Posted: 14:45:09 12/05/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: proxy2.dmu.ac.uk at 146.227.11.233

Message:
Concern Citizen...what is the Shame? Tell me...

Is it a Shame that we have a man who has been an able and successful VP for the past 9 years.

Is it a shame that the VP has guided Sa lone to achieve raving reviews and receive world recognation in the past 9 years?.

Is it a Shame to have one of the best Lawyers that Sa lone has ever produced to be our VP for the past 9 years?

Is it a shame that his ability as the lead negotiator enabled him to conclude the peace treaty and brought the peace that we are today enjoying in Sa lone?

Is is a shame that his great ability to negotiate has managed to convience the world not only to reduce our debts but to have confidence in Sa lone once again?.

WHAT DO YOU DO MY FRIEND? and as a matter of fact where do you live?

People like you are the SHAME...a sad SHAME that a great Country like Sa Lone can produce IDIOTS like you.
Never mind, afterall it is democracy and you are entitled to your own openion..but like OSCAR WILDE once said:...'sometime it is better to keep your mouth shut to let people think you are stupid, than open it and remove all doubts...'
Sierra Leoneans know what is good for them, come 2007 they will vote to confirm that.

Subject: Evidence that Berewa promises light!
From: memory lane!
To: All
Date Posted: 07:13:23 12/05/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 175-67-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.67.175

Message:
Electricity
The government is presently
rehabilitating the Kingtom power
station, and has secured funding
to develop the Blackhall road power
station. These programs will restore
electricity to all of Freetown by
September 2006. The Bumbuna Hydro
dam that was started over twenty
years ago is scheduled to be
completed by August 2007, and
hence total electricity will be
restored to the nation.

Subject: URL source. Before click, get powerful anti virus software
From: memory lane
To: All
Date Posted: 07:30:59 12/05/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 175-67-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.67.175

Message:
They had installed powerful virus trail here. Becareful
www.solo-b.com/News.html

Subject: SLPP lies
From: memory lane!
To: All
Date Posted: 07:12:04 12/05/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 175-67-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.67.175

Message:
The Achievements of the
SLPP Government.
by LK
The SLPP government successfully
ended the 13 year old brutal civil war
and restored peace and state
authority across our nation. The
government successfully disarmed,
rehabilitated and integrated over
72,400 rebels and civil militias into
the society. The Kabbah -Berewa
government has developed various
programs or services to restore
stability and even improve the
quality of life in the areas
devastated by the war to pre-war
or better levels.
Electricity
The government is presently
rehabilitating the Kingtom power
station, and has secured funding
to develop the Blackhall road power
station. These programs will restore
electricity to all of Freetown by
September 2006. The Bumbuna Hydro
dam that was started over twenty
years ago is scheduled to be
completed by August 2007, and
hence total electricity will be
restored to the nation.
Education
The SLPP Government has
constructed or rehabilitated over 1000
schools, and 300 more schools are
under construction. Every chiefdom
has at least a Junior Secondary school.
The Government has also introduced a
free primary school education
nationwide. The students of primary
and secondary schools in Sierra
Leone can now sit to national WAEC
exams at the government’s expense i.
e. NPSE, BECE, and WASCE.
The SLPP government has
introduced free primary education in
public schools. In a bid to reduce
the illiteracy rate of the women of
Sierra Leone , the government is
presently undertaking a pilot project(
SABABU project) in the Northern and
Eastern provinces to ensure that the
women and girls in these regions
have all the basic necessities to
ensure their successful completion
of school. The government pays their
school fees, provides books and
uniforms for these students until
they reach JSS1.
At the tertiary level, two separate
Universities have been created and
the Njala University that was
destroyed during the war is
presently being rehabilitated. To
ensure middle level training for
students who can not enter the
universities, the government has
developed various polytechnics in the
provinces.
Health
The SLPP Government has
rehabilitated the major hospitals in
Freetown, and is rehabilitating Makeni
and Serabu hospitals to
international standards. Over 700
health clinics or health centers have
been rehabilitated or constructed.
Thus exceeding the pre-war levels of
528. Each district or major city has a
health care facility or a clinic. The
government is also closing the gap
in the shortage of health care
professionals by employing staff
from Cuba and Nigeria.
Economy
The real GDP growth was 7.3% in
2005 compared to a -17.6% in 1996.
The Foreign reserve of Sierra Leone is
presently $170.43 million compared to
the $26.5 million reserve in 1996.
The government has developed a
better pension/retirement system to
ensure that it’s citizens can
maintain a good standard of living
even after retirement. All employers
in Sierra Leone are required to
participate in the National Social
Security and Insurance Trust (
NASSIT) program.
The revenues collected from the
mining sector has improved to over
200% compared to the pre-war levels.
The government has developed
policies to ensure that a portion of
the mining sector resources are
returned to the local community
for agricultural and other
developments in the mining areas.
The number of commercial banks in
the nation has increased from five
(5) in 1996 to twenty seven (27) in
2007, and six (6) community banks
have been formed in the rural
areas.
The government has rehabilitated the
customs and income tax agencies
to improve the tax collection system ,
and to enhance a more effective
customs and tax collection system.
Law and order.
The SLPP Government has
constructed courts or local court
barries in the areas devastated by
the civil war, and they have also
developed new systems to improve
the legal sector. A court barrie or a
law court has been built in almost
every major city in Sierra Leone.
The SLPP government has
developed the legal system and the
Anti-corruption commission (ACC)
which is responsible to fight the
decades of corruption in our nation.

Road network
The Masiaka-Makeni, Waterloo-Kent
road and Lumley Kent roads have been
completed. The following road projects
are presently under rehabilitation or
construction: Rogbere Junction -
Pamlap highway and the Ashobi
corner-Calaba town road are
presently under construction.
The government has also negotiated
with donors and the world bank for
the funding for the development of
1000km feeder roads.
The SLPP Government has
acquired the resources for the
construction of the following projects:
Masiaka-Bo highway, Kenema-Koindu,
Makeni-Matotoka road. , Bo- Kenema,
Makeni-Matotoka, Matotoka- Kono,
Bandajuma-Gendema( Liberia road),
Hillside road bye-pass Kissy( ashobi
corner) roads, and the Lumley-
Goderich by-pass roads and the
bidding or the surveying of these
road projects are ongoing.
Agriculture
The agricultural sector has
developed tremendously as
evidenced by the domestic food
production levels of 69%
compared to pre- war levels. The
government has distributed tractors
nationwide to enhance large scale
farming. The government has a
program to ensure that tractors are
kept were they are most needed
by the farmers, and poor farmers
can have tractors at no extra cost.
Democracy
The people of Sierra Leone have
the best democratic environment
ever in the history of our nation. The
number of private newspapers has
increased to 48, and we presently
have 32 private radio stations and
7 publicly owned radio stations. The
2002 parliamentary and presidential
elections, and 2004 local elections
were free and fair , and there was
no report of violence or intimidation
of voters. The government also
successfully conducted Paramount
Chieftaincy elections in 2004-2006.
There are presently numerous non-
governmental organizations in Sierra
Leone to seek and monitor the
benchmarks of the success of
government.
Decentralization
The SLPP government has taken
power to the people in the form
of local government councils. This
system ensures that government
resources are equitably distributed
at local level based on the needs
and the resources of the local
community.

Subject: interview with Mr. Solomon Berewa
From: memory lane!
To: All
Date Posted: 07:05:35 12/05/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 175-67-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.67.175

Message:


SIERRA LEONE - INTERVIEW
Interview with Mr. Solomon Berewa
VICE-PRESIDENT

Summit Communications: In late June, the conference on Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration and Stability in Africa was held here in Sierra Leone, a clear sign of the international community's confidence in your return to peace and stability. Many nations around the world are attempting to reconcile recent tragedies with modernisation and stability. Sierra Leone has been particularly successful and is held up by some people as a model for emulation in terms of the DDR process. Vice President, we are keen to understand why you feel that the peace has taken root here, while in many other countries, it has failed.

Vice-President Solomon Berewa: Well, my simple answer to that is that the leadership in Sierra Leone - the political leadership was highly committed to the achievement of peace and because of that commitment, it was prepared to go to any length to achieve peace; even including making concessions within reasonable terms to the rebels, to the recalcitrant members of the forces and also it succeeded because we put the issue of national reconciliation at the centre of it all. We did not embark on a vendetta against those who had taken up arms against the people and the country. We were determined to bring them all into the fold and live together with them as Sierra Leoneans. They saw the good intention of the government; they saw the commitment of the government; they saw that the government's policies leading up to the signing of the peace and even there after, was not discriminating against those who were against the government or who had taken up arms against the government. So we tried to build confidence that way; and I think that's the cornerstone of whatever success that we've achieved. If for instance we had tried to be high handed and not conciliatory; not allowed the participation of those who had taken up arms, it would have been a little more difficult and if they were not sure that we were committed to achieving peace and building the nation and getting everybody within it and everybody participating in it, I don't think we would have made much head way.

Summit Communications: There are also some innovative measures that have been taken within Sierra Leone such as the Special Court and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Vice-President Solomon Berewa: This is all part of it. We founded the Truth and Reconciliation Commission; we provided for and reintegrated combatants into civil society and civil functions, like the Military and the Police. These are the details of the government policies, which were geared towards reconciliation and the reunification of the country.

Summit Communications: As mentioned; the U.N. peacekeepers are set to be phased out completely by the beginning of next year. Vice President, are you confident that Sierra Leone can take care of it's own security once the international troops leave?

Vice-President Solomon Berewa: We have no doubt for the moment, and I hope that our confidence is well placed. There are strong reasons to think so. The internal security of this country in all the regions has for sometime now been handed over to our own security forces. The maintenance of security at our borders has also for sometime, been handed over to our military forces and, so far, they have acquitted themselves well. Both the military and the police are displaying real professionalism. Their standards have improved considerably thanks to IMATT. Their orientation too seems to have improved and above all they are better equipped with the tools of their trade - communications equipment and vehicles and so forth - than they have ever been before. All this gives us good reasons to hope that they will be in the position to give us more sustained security than ever before.

Summit Communications: Another issue that we wanted to talk about was agriculture. Two-thirds of the working population are involved in agriculture and the country has massive potential for export going forward. More specifically, we wanted to deal with the food security plan. We know that in co-operation with the U.N. Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) and various NGOs, the government is really working to achieve President Kabbah's pledge that no Sierra Leonean will go to bed hungry by 2007. Could you please share with the readers of the New York Times, your ideas and strategies to achieve that pledge?

Vice-President Solomon Berewa: Well of course, as you've pointed out, the potential for agriculture in this country is massive. We have rich and abundant lands. We have an extensive river system; we have rain fall and dry season evenly divided throughout the year. So the raw materials are there. Because of the war, much agricultural infrastructure and many crops, even the cash crops were destroyed or left to lie fallow without being attended. Even the tractors and machinery that were used in agriculture were deliberately destroyed. So when we came back after the war, all those things no longer existed. The government believes that of all its economic activities, the one that we stand to make the greatest success of is agriculture. So President Kabbah made a pledge to do everything we could by 2007 to ensure that no Sierra Leonean goes to bed hungry. That's what we are engaged in now. How are we going to achieve that? Well, there are many countries, which are helping considerably and also international organisations; the FAO being one. The Germans are doing a lot; the Chinese too are doing a lot. We're hoping that other countries including the Egyptians will come in to help. Many people who are well disposed to our plans in this sector, international NGO's such as World Vision are helping. The provision for agriculture in the national budget is at its highest, this time and farm inputs also generously provided for. For the first time we have a large quantity of tractors and farm machinery in the fields. Of course, there is also a re-organisation in the Ministry of Agriculture itself so as to make it more effective and efficient. So with all those things, we think the pledge will be achieved. There are incentives for farmers to return to the land, and increase the size of their farms. We then assist them so as to increase their yield. Stores have been built so as to ensure that the storage of grains so that they don't waste away. All these things are geared towards the attainment of food security by 2007. So we are very hopeful.

Summit Communications: And so you are confident that you will fulfil the President's pledge?

Vice-President Solomon Berewa: Yes, I am very hopeful. Of course, the weather is the one variable in all the equations. Take this year, for instance. There was no clear-cut demarcation between the rainy season and dry season and that obviously effects the farming cycle. These are the types of things that we have no control over. But barring these variables, I'm very hopeful.

Summit Communications: It is testament to the renewal of your country that there are so many people now looking to invest here, not just in agriculture but also in mining. Vice President what do you think that these investors who are coming to Sierra Leone, say about the country and also what are the main misconceptions or challenges that you face when you're trying to attract investment to Sierra Leone?

Vice-President Solomon Berewa: Well the fact that the investors you've named and many more who are coming have chosen to invest here, says a lot about the present state of affairs in Sierra Leone. The confidence they have in Sierra Leone now; the fact that security is being sustained and that there is peace assures that we've the proper environment for investment. We're increasingly investor friendly as a nation; and are putting all the laws and regulations in place to reassure anyone looking to invest here. We have that type of democratic and economic system and the kind of open door policy that attracts investors. Also, we are working hard to provide electricity round the clock to the western area of Sierra Leone including Freetown. We are working hard to upgrade the Hotel facilities so that investors have somewhere to stay. We are working hard on the roads. Much of our infrastructure was destroyed by the war but the good thing is that by the day we are working day in and day out to put it right.

Summit Communications: Foreign investors have made to us in interviews that the change even in the last two years let alone the last five years has been incredible.

Vice-President Solomon Berewa: That's it. If you had seen the extent of the destruction in this country in 1999 to 2000 you would not believe how far we have come. We urge them to come and see it all change with us. There are also complaints about governance and corruption. One cannot blame them for that. The government that was in place for years before our time was notoriously corrupt and its record of governance was so bad that Sierra Leone acquired some notoriety for that particular reason. Now since 2000 when the war was about to end, we started putting in place actively, mechanisms to combat corruption. It was taboo but now everybody talks about it freely. Before, it was more or else sanctioned by the highest level of government. Now we are trying to root it out wherever we see it. We have already exposed a lot of corruption matters which ironically can count against us as it suggests we are a very corrupt country. However, before it was all always hush hush and only now is it coming to the surface. Our record in terms of governance was similarly bad but now, I can assure you, but now we are putting in place a number of mechanisms to ensure that there is transparency and accountability.

Summit Communications: It's interesting that you mentioned the governance, because just in July there was the very historic decision by the G8 to cancel 40 billion dollars worth of debt. Unfortunately, Sierra Leone missed out on the first round of debt relief. How, would you convince the G8 and others that Sierra Leone 's improvements in governance merit debt relief in the coming years?

Vice-President Solomon Berewa: We have put many mechanisms in place to promote good governance, transparency and accountability starting with public procurement of goods and services. That has been the source of the bulk of the corruption. We have now put together a National Procurement Act with rigid procedures on how to carry out procurement for government. Through that single act, we're hoping to be able to eliminate a huge percentage of corruption. We have an independent Auditor-General's Department which audits all financial and other transactions in parts of the government. It used to be a department of the government but now it's an autonomous and wholly independent department, not subject to government control. That will help massively in the accountability process. Then of course we've introduced other measures. We've a system called Public Expenditure Tracking Survey where amounts released by government to go to the provinces for various projects and services are tracked by University students and other people who are traditionally fairly critical of the government, to pursue those amounts to see whether they really get to their destinations and whether they are used for the purpose they were intended. None of these measures would ever have been considered in the times before us but these are new things and although some are already working very effectively, some have teething problems and some are still to really make an impact.

Then to address the corruption itself we now have an Anti-corruption Act which excludes nobody from its purview because we want it to be really effective and transparent. We even have Judges from the United Kingdom who sit on those corruption cases. No local Judge sits on them as ours is such a small society that we have brought foreign Judges to sit on them who don't know any of the possible accused persons appearing before them. We even have foreign Prosecutors who work partly with the Anti-Corruption Commission and together with the Attorney-General's Office to decide which matters, after investigation, deserve to be taken to court or the ones that have no merit. All these are measures that will help in the fight against corruption in the country. All these things are there and many more; all aimed at enhancing accountability, transparency and governance.

Summit Communications: The World Bank recently approved Sierra Leone's Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper. How does this fit into this general progress towards better governance, more transparency and economic growth?

Vice-President Solomon Berewa: The PRSP is divided into several pillars dealing with governance and transparency, of course, agricultural development and security. This shows the importance we give to those first few topics. They take centre stage in the PRSP by emphasising them we want to be able to tackle these within the first three years of the implementation of the PRSP.

Summit Communications: Obviously our reports are going to be published in the New York Times, which is considered to be the most powerful print audience in the United States. The United States has been a very strong supporter of peace, stability and development in Sierra Leone and outside of Europe, is the largest bi-lateral trading partner for Sierra Leone. My question to you Vice President is, what do you feel are the most important opportunities to highlight for U.S. How can donor aids and cooperate investment best be used for Sierra Leone?

Vice-President Solomon Berewa: The last area you mentioned corporate investment is the most important. I want to be able to get as many U.S investors to come and invest in Sierra Leone. Now is the right time. You can see many Chinese investors are coming here. We would love the U.S Citizens and corporate bodies to come as well.

Of course we want to be able to trade in our own commodities with the US. We're beneficiaries of AGOA Programme in the US. Because our agriculture was damaged in the war it will take us some time to benefit fully from the AGOA programme. We would also want the US to continue to be supportive of us in financing and discussing in Sierra Leone in International Financial Institutions because if we're not able to meet the expectations of our people, to provide for their needs and fulfil the expectations they had after the war, the peace dividend they were looking forward to; if we're not assisted to be able to provide that for them, we may have a number of discontents again that may even endanger our peace and security. We need more assistance to revamp our economy and to improve our social infrastructure. Of course, the US has done quite a lot in that area. They have built a lot of schools, in Kabala and Kailahun and USAID has put up a hospital in Kono and Kailahun. Of course you know if you are asking for assistance from your big brother, then you expect more than if you were asking for assistance from a pure stranger. So we expect the US to really help us on the path to economic development and social transformation.

Summit Communications: There is something else that we want to touch on within the interview. As you can see from the previous reports we don't only interview the institutions, the ministries or the companies in a country. We are also very interested in speaking to the leading personalities. Vice President, you are mentioned as the leading candidate for the Presidency for the elections in 2007. Please share with the readers of the New York Times which of your achievements so far in your political career, be it as a Vice President; be it as Attorney-General, has given you the most satisfaction?

Vice-President Solomon Berewa: Satisfaction in terms of meaning accomplishment? Well, I think the one single thing which I look upon and feel quite satisfied about is, the way I handled the Peace Process. It was not an easy task and the fact that it has stuck, the way it has given comfort to every Sierra Leonean and the way it has made Sierra Leone become normal gradually again is the one thing that gives me most satisfaction. Of course, as Attorney General, I succeeded in re-establishing democratic order back in Sierra Leone after the military coups and so forth. You know, we came in just after a Military Junta. So that means we had to remove all the decrees of the Military Junta from our laws and introduce democratic governance. As Attorney General, I was very much responsible for that and again that is something that I feel satisfied about. The way I went about it has helped to sustain us as a democratic country and we are just improving upon them now. Then of course, as Vice President, I am very satisfied working with the President very closely; in trying to articulate his policies and in helping to develop them. They are policies, which I believe, need to be continued with which is one of my motivations for going into the presidential race. Most of them are good policies but they could not all materialise in the term of office of the present President, President Kabbah. His two terms have expired. He has to go and he wants to go. If he goes and a strange new person comes who might wish to dismantle his legacy then we won't be going forward. It would be a retrogression. So that is one of the things I wish to be able to see through.

Summit Communications: I am approaching the end of my interview, I would like to introduce my next question with the words of another great statesman, Nelson Mandela. He said and I quote "After climbing a great hill, one only finds out that there are many more hills to climb." You've travelled a long way since you began your political career and it may be you have a much longer way to travel in the future. What are your hopes and aspirations for Sierra Leone in the coming years and what is the political legacy you personally would like to leave here in this country?

Vice-President Solomon Berewa: My hope for Sierra Leone really is that Sierra Leone continues to be a peaceful and secure country, without sectarian divide; either tribal or religious. I want it to remain as a united country with every Sierra Leonean being able to live anywhere in Sierra Leone without any hindrance. I also wish to see Sierra Leone developed and prosperous. We want all our citizens to feel that they have a stake in the nation and for them to all share in the benefits that could flow from development to be able to have a good standard of education for their children; good medical services and good transportation. Those things which one accepts as normal in any modern state mean that you won't allow somebody to come and trouble your country and send you running as asylum seeker somewhere else. That is the type of country I would like Sierra Leone to be. You go to bed; you sleep fine. You wake up in the morning, have breakfast, have lunch. You have dinner. When members of your family are ill, there is a hospital to go to. There is school for your children that you are able to afford. That is the sort of vision I have for this country. I have no doubt that if we continue the way we are going, we will be able to achieve them before long. It is a small country so it is very easy for these things to happen. We are a very wealthy country in terms of minerals and arable land. We have a young population.

Summit Communications: I would like to give you the opportunity to send a last direct message of friendship or of invitation to the readers of the New York Times. Please go ahead.

Vice-President Solomon Berewa: Well it has been a great privilege and opportunity for me to talk to any body who might read this interview and of course, I hope the things that I'll ask for will not fall on deaf ears. We need assistance. Our country could easily become a small Switzerland in West Africa; but if we are abandoned now, we stand the risk of losing even the small gains we have made. It would be a real disaster for a country that has made so many strides towards peace to slide back into insecurity for want of international support.

Subject: MODERATOR
From: ONENESS
To: All
Date Posted: 05:52:49 12/05/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: r75-110-98-117.rmntcmtc01.rcmtnc.ab.dh.suddenlink.net at 75.110.98.117

Message:
Hey Moderator its been a while since ive been here. How are you? I see the forum is still going strong. Take care.

Subject: SL is not SERIOUS about TOURISM. $100 is already VERY HIGH
From: Albert Moinina
To: All
Date Posted: 21:46:19 12/04/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 218.248.0.178

Message:
$500 Visa FeeTo Enter Sierra Leone....MP Expresses Concern
Posted by Saidu Kamara on Dec 5, 2006, 23:58

Parliamentarians have concluded the debate on the financial year 2007 budget presented by the Minister of Finance, John O. Benjamin.
In his contribution the SLPP Member of Parliament for Moyamba District, Hon. Jonathan Dambo explained that the five hundred United State dollars ($500) per tourist visa fee is too exorbitant, noting that it will prevent tourists from coming to Sierra Leone in high numbers, thereby depriving the tourism sector.
He said if the National Revenue Authority (NRA) is insisting that the $500 must be paid by any tourist some may even say that it is because of the insecurity in the country and the fragile peace.
The MP suggested that NRA reduce the fees to $150 or $200 per tourist, and assured the House that there will be an influx of tourists from various parts of the world, for as he put it, “Sierra Leone has a beautiful scene which will attract tourists.?br /> Commenting on Statistics Sierra Leone, Hon. Damba said that the unit was formed to coordinate, collect, compile, analyse and disseminate high quality and objective official statistics to assist informed decision making and discussion within the government, business and the media, as well as the wider national and international community.
He said in order to execute those functions effectively the unit must be empowered.
He said the required support was lacking especially considering the enormity or importance of the work it must do.
The SLPP MP suggested that to make Statistics Sierra Leone an institution of excellence, the following must be fulfilled; structural reforms, staff training and development, organizational expansion and capacity building.
On the structural reforms for financial year 2007, he said the organization will undertake structural reforms to establish:
1. An internal audit with the aim of enhancing internal controls and better financial and accounting procedures and practices as instructed the Ministry of Finance.
2. A publicity and marketing unit with the goal of improving customer service delivery, improved information dissemination to all regions of the country and reach out for more surveys, especially from cooperative entities in areas such as marketing research and motivational research.
Hon. Damba said during the last census exercise both UNFPA and the EU heavily financed the operations of Statistics Sierra Leone and its 13 districts offices throughout the country.
The support, he went, on, includes among other things the procurement and running of a 110 kva generator for the supply of electricity, payment of leases for the 13 district offices, procurement of more than 60 micro computers, setting up of the Data processing and geographic information system (GIS) centres and payment of salaries to census and data processing staff and external consultants for GIS and census data processing.
The MP revealed that with the cessation of support from UNFPA and the EU Statistics Sierra Leone is in urgent need of financial support from government to establish and implement the above stated reforms and development programmes.
He said the key areas that urgently require attention for funding are establishing and equipping the internal audit, procurement, publicity, marketing and administrative units for the purposes stated above, and secondly, the establishment of the National Data Processing Centre.
He said if this Centre should be fully operational, effective and sustainable, it should be provided with regular electricity supply, which underscores the need for funding for regular fuel and lubricant supply.
He said the budget for 2005 financial year did not make any provision for staff at the National Data Processing Centre, but noted that management is of the view that if the highly skilled data processing staff are asked to stay at home for the remaining period of the year, there is every possibility that Statistics Sierra Leone would lose them to other organizations.
As a result, all avenues are being explored to retain the more effective and efficient ones.
Hon. Jonathan Dambo observed that with the ongoing decentralization process, the council and the management of Statistics Sierra Leone see the need for collaborative work between the district statistics offices and the local councils on the compilation, analysis and dissemination of high quality and objective official statistics to assist informed decision making at both local and national levels.

Subject: Re: SL is not SERIOUS about TOURISM. $100 is already VERY HIGH
From: 2007 BUDGET
To: All
Date Posted: 07:28:15 12/05/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
Revenue Projections
143. Mr. Speaker, total domestic revenue is projected to
increase to Le 674.9 billion (13.4 percent of GDP) in 2007 from
Le 544.0 billion (12.7 percent of GDP) in 2006. Total revenue
including grants will increase to Le 1.2 trillion (23.4 percent of
GDP) in 2007 from Le 921.4 billion (21.5 percent of GDP) in 2006.
47
144. Of the total domestic revenue, Income taxes are expected
to contribute Le 198.1 billion (3.9 percent of GDP). Of these,
Company taxes and Personal Income taxes will amount to Le 90.8
billion and Le 83.4 billion, respectively. Customs and Excise
Duties will contribute Le 364.5 billion (7.2 percent of GDP). Of
this amount, Import duties are projected at Le 256.6 billion or 5.1
percent of GDP, and Excise duties on petroleum products are
projected to amount to Le 77 billion or 1.5 percent of GDP.
Domestic Sales Taxes are projected at Le 19.0 billion or 0.4
percent of GDP. Revenue from the Mines Department, mainly
royalties on rutile, bauxite and diamond mining licenses, will
amount to Le 30.0 billion or 0.6 percent of GDP.

Royalties and
licenses from the fisheries sector are projected at Le 11.6 billion
or 0.2 percent of GDP. Revenue from other Government
departments is expected to amount to Le 21.8 billion or 0.4
percent of GDP. Dividends from parastatals are projected at Le
11.7 billion. Road user charges and vehicle licenses will amount
to Le 37.3 billion or 0.7 percent of GDP. Receipts from the
privatization of public enterprises are projected at Le 25 billion.
145. Total grants are programmed at a level of Le 503.7 billion
or 10 percent of GDP. Of this amount, external budgetary support
from our key donors (DFID, the European Commission and the
World Bank) is projected at Le 197.7 billion. Interim debt relief
under the enhanced HIPC Initiative is projected at Le 47.2 billion
or 0.9 percent of GDP. Project grants will amount to Le 258.9
billion or 5.1 percent of GDP.

Revenue Measures
146. Mr. Speaker, Government continues to undertake
structural reforms in the tax system in order to enhance its
efficiency. The National Revenue Authority has continued to
institute measures aimed at maximizing revenue collection and
improving organizational performance. In general, the reforms
48
have been motivated by the desire to create a more competitive
fiscal environment that encourages investment, risk-taking and
entrepreneurship, as well as providing enhanced incentives for
labour effort.
147. Despite these reforms, the tax effort remains low at 12.7
percent of GDP in 2006, compared to other post conflict countries
at a similar stage of development, where the tax effort is estimated
at an average of 18.0 percent of GDP. An evaluation of the factors
responsible for this situation indicates that there remains
substantial untapped potential for expanding the tax base and
considerably increasing revenue collection. The revenue policies
I am going to announce are therefore aimed at further expanding
the revenue base, facilitating taxpayer compliance, and minimising
revenue leakages.
148. Mr. Speaker, one of the main reasons for the resource
constraint in our budget is the proliferation of various revenue
streams that are currently administered off-budget by several
MDAs. In most cases, the quantum of resources involved is far in
excess of the operational requirements of the MDAs concerned.
Due to existing administrative inefficiencies in collection, the
actual revenues collected from some of these off-budget revenue
streams is far below what is collectible under existing legislation.
There is therefore an urgent need to institute efficiency,
transparency and accountability in the management of these
resources. To achieve this objective, we need to consolidate all offbudget
revenue streams into the Consolidated Revenue in order
to enhance expenditure efficiency and optimize the allocat1on of
resources to priority areas of public service delivery.

With this in
mind, my Ministry will be presenting appropriate proposals for
legislative amendments to this House.
49
149. Mr. Speaker, there are also certain generous tax and duty
concessions, embedded in bilateral agreements between
Government and private sector entities, which continue to
undermine revenue collection. Most of these agreements were
negotiated and agreed by Government from a relatively weak
position, especially immediately after the war when economic
conditions in the country were still precarious and fraught with
uncertainties. Both the conditions under which these agreements
were entered into and the assumption on which certain
concessions were granted have changed substantially over the
past few years. In addition, it has become clear that some of the
concessions have had a distorting effect on the investment
environment, while some are being abused in various ways. In
view of the above, therefore, my Ministry, in collaboration with
the relevant line ministries, will in the coming months initiate
action with a view to reviewing these agreements to ensure a level
playing field in the investment environment, and to reflect best
practice and existing realities.
150. Another area of serious concern over the years has to do

with the behaviour of certain tax-exempt organizations with
respect to their privileges and obligations under our domestic tax
laws. We have observed over time that some of the exemptions
conferred on international organizations have been subjected to
varying degrees of misapplication, leading to abuse of privileges
and revenue leakages. To minimize these abuses, the NRA will
be instituting mandatory tax audits of organizations that are
statutorily exempt from taxation, starting January 2007. Even
though these organizations may be exempt from import duties
and other taxes, this does not in any way exempt them from
certain responsibilities. These include the responsibility to
withhold certain taxes, including PAYE, in accordance with the
50
Income Tax Act. In this regard, Mr. Speaker, from now on, NRA
will link the granting of privileges, including tax waivers, to
compliance with the provisions of existing protocols and
international agreements regarding the obligations of these
institutions under our domestic laws.
151. Furthermore, the NRA will continue to ensure the granting
of tax and duty waivers is limited within the bounds of statutory
entitlements. Following the transfer of the administration of duty
waivers to the NRA, duties waived fell significantly, from Le 27.4
billion in the first half of 2005 to Le 20.9 billion in the same period
in 2006. This trend is set to continue.
152. Honourable Members would recall that Government had
announced its intention to introduce a system of taxation of
goods and services, which is called Value Added Tax or VAT in
some countries, or the easier-to-understand Goods and Services
Tax or GST in other countries, with the aim of further rationalizing
the tax structure and expanding the tax base. I am pleased to
announce that preparation for the introduction of the GST is well
underway and on schedule.

My Ministry and NRA, with support
from DFID, has been working in close collaboration with the
private sector to ensure that the process is participatory.
153. Mr. Speaker, it would be recalled that in the Budget
Speech and Statement of Economic and Financial Policies for
Financial Year 2006, I announced that the NRA would take steps
to include Local Councils and private sector participants in the
anti-smuggling effort. In this regard, I am happy to announce
that NRA has initiated a programme of close collaboration with
the councils and other relevant stakeholders including the navy
and the police to intensify the fight against smuggling.
51
154. Honourable Members would also recall that as a country,
we started the implementation of the ECOWAS Common External
Tariff (CET) in 2005. The NRA will continue the implementation
of the CET in 2007 as it has done in 2006.
155. The illegal importation of cigarettes represents a major
problem for our domestic revenue effort, mainly due to the
disparity between the import duty rates on cigarettes applicable
in Sierra Leone and those in neighbouring countries.

To ameliorate
this problem, I am proposing a lowering of the import duty rate
on cigarettes as a temporary measure. The new rate will be
communicated to stakeholders in the Financial Year 2007
Finance Bill. I am aware that a lower rate will be ultimately
inconsistent with the CET rate. However, unless implementation
is uniform among neighbouring countries, our economy will be
unduly affected. I must stress that implementation of the revised
tariff will be predicated on clear terms and conditions to be
determined by NRA and to be complied with strictly by all
cigarette importers.
156. Mr. Speaker, it would be recalled that sales tax was
extended to certain selected services at the rate of 10 percent,
effective January 2005. I have proposed a further extension of
that tax in the Finance Bill for 2007, to include hotel and guest
house accommodation at the same rate to reflect international
best practice.
157. Mr. Speaker, in view of the presentations made by key
stakeholders on the levying of a processing fee of 1.25 percent of
the CIF value of imported goods for which duty waiver is sought,
I hereby replace the ad valorem fee with a flat processing fee of
Le 500,000 per application. This is to defray the cost of duty
waivers.
52
158. Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, in a bid to encourage
investment in the telecommunications sector of our country in
the immediate aftermath of the war, Government adopted a
policy of granting import duty waivers on setting up and expansion
equipment and infrastructure to facilitate the growth of
communication services throughout the country. However, this
facility has been misinterpreted to be open-ended and of unlimited
coverage by some of the beneficiaries. In this regard, I have
decided to bring the facility to a closure, effective January the 1st
2007. The NRA will not, therefore, entertain any further requests
for duty-free importation of any telecommunications equipment
whatsoever beyond fiscal year 2006. Furthermore, license fees
for mobile phone service providers are now increased to US$1
million for new companies and renewal fees to US$500,000
annually. The renewal fees must be paid by January the 1st
2007.
159. Mr. Speaker, mining is a complex and specialized sector.
Its contribution to domestic revenue has remained far below its
potential, despite our unique natural endowment in mineral
resources. To address the problem of elusiveness of the mining
sector, especially the diamond industry, I have proposed an
amendment to the Income Tax Act to extend the provisions
therein regarding the withholding of taxes to that sector as well
as to change the tax structure applicable to mining. NRA will
further review its tax administration methods to reflect the need
to fully bring the mining sector within the tax net.
160. In the meantime, the National Revenue Authority will
continue to deepen reforms and modernization of tax
administration. In particular, pre-shipment inspection of certain
categories of imported goods is being replaced with destination
inspection and this will be extended to all eligible goods in the
medium term. This is expected to reduce transactions cost for
importers and hence improve tax compliance.

Subject: Re: SL is not SERIOUS about TOURISM. $100 is already VERY HIGH
From: M. Alieu Iscandari Esq
To: All
Date Posted: 06:56:09 12/05/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.117.8

Message:
what tourist will pay $500 per visit to watch people urinate in the streets, defacate on the sand at the beach, dump trash on the streets and in streams? You've gotta be kidding. 100 dollars for visa fee is about right. Tourists do not want to come to an environment where the infrastructure is poor and there are no laws that protect them from crime.An environment where the closest emergency hospital is at Lakka and the road to get there is the equivalent of off road driving. An environment where there is no medical emergency system and where if a tourist falls ill they have to rely on a taxi which continuously blows its horn in place of a siren to get them to the nearest medical clinic which in all probablity is ill equipped to handle their medical emergency. A country where there are only two major routes from the west to the east and those are more often than not totally jammed only because unrully commercial drivers see fit to stop their vehicles in the middle of the road to pick up a fare and theres not a dawgonne thing that the government can do about that.

What the government must do in order to control foreign exchange is TO CONTROL it. If every one is by law compelled to make their exchanges of foreign currencies at Governmental institutions where the exchange rate is regulated then government will have an idea of how much foreign exchange comes into the country.

The amount of fake dollars and pounds floating in Freetown particularly during the ced exchange regieme that in part to the uncontrolled exchange regieme that is now existent in the country. Harnessing the exchange of foreign currency is a key economic issue.

My two penny worth

Subject: Re: SL is not SERIOUS about TOURISM. $100 is already VERY HIGH
From: ALPHA SAIDU BANGURA
To: All
Date Posted: 08:32:57 12/05/06 ()
Email Address: SAIDUBANGSO@AOL.COM
Entered From: cache-dtc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 205.188.116.198

Message:
Alieu,with respect can you please,tell us what your father did to improve our tourism industry, when he was minister of tourism for 5 years and 7 months?Please,dont forget that I have an insider information.I am patiently waiting for your reply,rest assured that if your reply is not correct, I will give the public the well detailed facts.

Subject: Re: SL is not SERIOUS about TOURISM. $100 is already VERY HIGH
From: Pa Javombo
To: All
Date Posted: 15:18:44 12/05/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 209.214.214.3

Message:
Saidu,
What has Allieu's Dad got to do with what is operating in Sierra Leone?. Has he not been out of office for more than a decade?

Success of a government is not measured by what the govt before it did, but by how it fulfills the promises it made to the people.

So comparing the success of the APC which was removed for failure is admission of failure on the part of the SLPP.

Subject: Re: SL is not SERIOUS about TOURISM. $100 is already VERY HIGH
From: Albert Moinina
To: All
Date Posted: 07:07:00 12/05/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 218.248.0.178

Message:
You summarized it to the point. I hope our policy makers realise the consequencies of their decisions. My experience shows that most of the popular tourist destinations around the globe provide visa free access for citizens of certain countries. This is even if the other country may not provide the same to SL citizens.

One thing our leaders should realize is that SL has very few embassies around the world. They should consider issuing landing visas for a fee. I just got a visa for my wife and son last week, it is very inconvenient with the present situation.

Subject: Re: SL is not SERIOUS about TOURISM. $100 is already VERY HIGH
From: FINANCE
To: All
Date Posted: 07:17:35 12/05/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
Albert, I sent the tourist board an email about a year ago, and Cecil Williams who is the manager replied to me. This is his reply.This email is a year old.

Just got this info in from NTB...

------------------
A new development in the country is government’s approval for visas to be issued on arrival at the Lungi International Airport for Visitors/Tourist coming to Sierra Leone up to 30days. This will attract a visa fee of $40 or £25.
------------------

Subject: Re: SL is not SERIOUS about TOURISM. $100 is already VERY HIGH
From: FINANCE
To: All
Date Posted: 06:59:58 12/05/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
There is nowhere on the budget that said so. Increment were made to acquire new licences for mobile companies. Becareful of Gorgorlee and Mumbo Tumbo Munku journalism. I will try to post a link here to our budget.On another note, our exchange rate has almost been the same(for dollars and pounds) for the past 4 years now. Bravo., Bank of salone.

Subject: ARCHIVED OLD SITE
From: COCORIOKO.COM
To: All
Date Posted: 20:10:51 12/04/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: aca86c46.ipt.aol.com at 172.168.108.70

Message:
COCORIOKO.COM

Subject: COCORIOKO.COM ( OLD WEBSITE ) BACK ON LINE
From: KABS KANU
To: All
Date Posted: 20:06:25 12/04/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: aca86c46.ipt.aol.com at 172.168.108.70

Message:
In addition to the new site, COCORIOKO.NET, our old site COCORIOKO.COM is back online. All your old articles are back. Those using this newspaper to do research can now do so .

We will keep COCORIOKO.COM online as archives and continue with COCORIOKO.NET.

Thank you for your support

Subject: Time for the test
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 18:49:53 12/04/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ws-lib232.lib.csus.edu at 130.86.14.75

Message:
Test on!

Subject: Sierra Leone: Premium Placed On Education
From: PROFESSOR
To: All
Date Posted: 17:01:16 12/04/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
Sierra Leone: Premium Placed On Education

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The Independent (Freetown)

December 4, 2006
Posted to the web December 4, 2006

Isata Lebbie

At the Commissioning and launching ceremonies of a Community Health unit and a Primary School at Madina Loko in the Gbendembu Ngowahun Chiefdom, Bombali District north of the country, Commissioner of the National Commission for Social Action Mr. Kanja Sesay said Government placed premium on health and education.

He stressed that health and education were key components of sustainable development which guaranteed poverty reduction. Mr. Sesay said Madina Loko, like any other Community affected by the war, deserved such intervention. The NaCSA boss told the people that health and education were the best investment of a responsible government and called on the people to make full use of the facilities.

The Paramount Chief, the traditional ruler, of Gbendembu Ngowahun, Kandeh Saio, on behalf of his Chiefdom thanked government for the gesture, noting that though there are other needs, the health and education facilities will make a big difference in the lives of residents. He praised the efforts of government, through NaCSA, saying that it is a Commission worth emulating. Chief Saio appealed for more interventions in his chiefdom, especially the road network.

The Community Health Post which was one of seven NaCSA -supported projects in Gbendembu Ngowahun Chiefdom. It has furniture, water well with hand pump and a staff quarter while the primary reconstruction is currently underway.

Chaiman Bombali District Council, Eric Dura Sesay said communities should appreciate government's interventions, noting that there are other areas in dire need. He said the creation of NaCSA by government was a blessing, emphasizing that NaCSA and Councils were working together to deliver basic services. Councillor Sesay commended the Commissioner and his team for working closely with the Bombali district Council in allocating projects without prejudice. The Bombali District Chairman called on residents to imbibe the culture of maintenance, as it would make way for future projects.

The Bombali District Medical Officer, Dr. Samuel Smith, who said he was delighted to be part of the occasion thanked government, through NaCSA, and the Madina Loko Community, for msking the Health Project a reality. He said the construction of health facilities in remote areas is part of government's commitment to meet the objectives of the millennium development goals benchmark for a health facility to be available and accessible within a five mile radius.. Dr Smith assured all that the District Management Team would continue to support communities by providing good quality drugs and staff to reduce maternal mortality and other health-related hazards

Subject: ACTING BIRIWA CHIEF SAYS THANKS TO SLLPP
From: BIRIWA LIMBAS FOR DEVELOPMENT
To: All
Date Posted: 17:00:14 12/04/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
Sierra Leone: Development Projects Assessed

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The Independent (Freetown)

December 4, 2006
Posted to the web December 4, 2006

Isata Lebbie

The National Projects Approval Committee (NPAC) of the National Commission for Social Action ( NaCSA) recently undertook a four - day visit to project sites in the Eastern and Northern Regions of Sierra Leone.

The four- member team inspected implementation of projects approved by the multi- sectoral Approval Committee in six districts.

At the Northern Regional headquarters, Makeni, NaCSA Civil Works Manager, Christian Tucker stated that NPAC members were in the region to inspect the locat1on and terrain of projects and see how they impact on cost.

NaCSA Regional Coordinator, North, Peter Bundu, implored NPAC members to pay special attention to the riverside areas where supervision and project implementation were difficult and communities felt they were being marginalized.

NPAC Member Iyesha Josiah said they wish ed to hold discussion with communities so as to get feedback on how they perceived the projects and ensure that projects approved were actually implemented as planned.

The NPAC team later inspected BDEC Primary School, where a three -classroom block was already under construction and the community Health posts at Madina Loko in the Gbendembu Gowahun chiefdom.

In the Biriwa Chiefdom, Acting Paramount Chief Alhaji Amadu Mansaray expressed appreciation to government for development projects undertaken in his chiefdom, stressing that the experiences gained in implementing the projects themselves had enhanced confidence in their abilities.

Other projects in the Kambia, Port Loko, Tonkolili and Koinadugu districts, were visited .

In the Kono District, the team Visited the SDA primary school under construction at Sunga in the Kamara section, the completed Sawakor Community Centre in Gbane Chiefdom and the Motema Community Market which was already in use.

According to NPAC member Joseph Thorton the visit to project sites was 'impressive' and afforded them the opportunity to get first - hand information. He said he was moved by the appreciation of the people as regards the priority needs in their communities. He aid the trip helped the approval Committee to fast - track project approval, having seen the project sites. Hje expresd the hope that the NPAC would be in a better position to consider project components, transportation, total cost and duration.

The National Project Approval Committee is a multi-sectoral committee, which approves projects exceeding twenty-five thousand dollars.

Subject: Re: ACTING BIRIWA CHIEF SAYS THANKS TO SLLPP
From: Alie Formeh Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 19:51:45 12/04/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.117.8

Message:
What is he Acting chief of? He has no power to do anything and cannot function because he is not recognized by anyone.
He is a chief without a chiefdom and no subjects.
When 90% of the people do not want you, what can anyone do about it?
This is no news my freind.
We in Biriwa had been living peacably with our strangers and now see what this Kabba has done. I suspect that the Limbas and the Mandingoes are been cautious with each other now. What a mess?
Neither the Limbas nor the Mandingoes like what is happening.
Is this the troubled legacy Kabba wants to be remembered for? What a shame.

Subject: Sierra Leone: Sierra Leone's Lost Patriots
From: Sanpha Koroma
To: All
Date Posted: 16:58:13 12/04/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
Sierra Leone: Sierra Leone's Lost Patriots

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The Independent (Freetown)

OPINION
December 4, 2006
Posted to the web December 4, 2006

Alpha R. Jalloh

His Excellency president Alhaji Ahmad Tejan Kabbah has apologised to James Sanpha Koroma, managing director of the Union Trust Bank, for the wrongful accusations levied against him by the Anti -Corruption Commission, but the question many have been asking is; what does that imply?

Many have commended the president, as being the first to be so frank as to apologise to a man subjected to nightmarish ordeals and defamation by a government institution. The apology to Sanpha Koroma indicates that there are still upright men in the country, who arduously strive to promote the glory of Sierra Leone. But they are not identified and motivated and the prevalence of malevolence has militated events against them. I could still remember as if it were today when some years ago, Eric James, a prominent businessman in Sierra Leone, showed us an English version of an article headlined "Last of the Patriots," originally published in a German newspaper. Several newspapers in Sierra Leone republished it. It was in praise of Eric James, cataloguing his patriotic deeds in Sierra Leone. But was he the last of the patriots? Were there no more patriots? There were, of course, and there are, but it was merely a pointer to the fact that identification of patriots in a malevolent ridden country like ours is rare. It's a country full of bad guys and characterized by so much disparity. And in the midst of poverty and suffering, usually, the big guns are those classed as the bad ones. But what Sierra Leoneans fail to realize is that among the big guns there are those who honestly and arduously strive to reach the upper rungs of the society ladder. They are few, but failing to project their image would be a disservice to humanity and history. It would do a good to history if we bring to light the achievements of people like the late Abu Noah, Eric James , Alfred Akibo Betts and James Sanpha Koroma.

But one of the phenomena that men who have achieved in Sierra Leone are incessantly grappling with is what is called the PHD (Pull Him/Her Down) phenomenon. It is an acronym for malevolence that has destroyed many innocent people and will destroy more if it continues to prevail in the country, if we fail to identify our patriots and fail to imbibe a national concept , which should be the guiding spirit of the nation. In America, you hear of Americanism, in Europe, you hear of Europeanism and there is Germanism. What about Sierra Leoneanism?

James Sanpha Koroma of the Union Trust Bank is one of the few self- made men in the country. He joined the civil service and rose to a high peak. He rose up to post of deputy financial secretary in the ministry of finance. He left there with an unblemished record and became managing director of the National Development Bank. The Bank rose to a high peak during Mr. Koroma's tenure of office and not surprisingly its success plummeted when he left there. Many Sierra Leoneans keep their wealth abroad and dared not risk investing in malevolent ridden Sierra Leone, but Sanpha Koroma took that risk. He lured other Sierra Leoneans to come together and put up the first truly indigenous Bank in Sierra Leone known as Union Trust Bank. Today, the Bank is spreading its tentacles far and wide in the country. Many banks have collapsed but it has stood the test of time.

By dint of his hard work, probity in service and altruism, he was appointed as Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone, the country's central bank. He used his initiatives to lift the once beleaguered economy of the country from the doldrums to a level that reflected signs of hope. But alas, in a county characterized by malevolence those who achieve find it difficult to be safe. The PHD syndrome started militating against him. The Anti-Corruption Commission levied allegations against him that were never proved and that caused no less a person than His Excellency Alhaji Ahmad Tejan Kabbah to recently apologise to him in public. However, no matter what critics say, he is the first President to have done so. It indicates that the spirit of Sierra Leoneanism has started gaining control and has entered into even the highest placed man in our society.

The Anti- Corruption Commission in 2003 accused James Sanpha Koroma of misappropriation of public funds and property, which was a very serious crime. The allegation itself projected severe implications for the country and worst of all, being a Governor of a central bank, it portrayed a bleak picture of the country.

Between March 4 and March 13 2003, the ACC under the auspices of its controversial boss Valentine Collier served all the central bank's directors notices.

Sanpha Koroma was asked to surrender his documents including his passport. But what baffled those who were observing what was going on was that Sanpha Koroma was never interviewed pertaining to the allegations, which runs contrary to the spirit of natural justice; audi ultra partem (the other side should be heard). ACC spent billions both in and out of the country claiming to carry out an investigation.

The ACC even went to the extent of recruiting foreign consultants from Britain to aid in the investigation. It was the biggest investigation in the history of the coastal West African country.

Mr. Tony Robey, who was recruited from London, took three years trying to dig up evidence but could not come up with anything. And then the investigation team was beefed up. When Mr. Andrew Felton, another Brit, was recruited as deputy commissioner of the ACC in Sierra Leone, he joined Tony in the investigation. The search for evidence against Sanpha Koroma continued.

It was the biggest legal man - hunt in Sierra Leone's history. To get evidence so as to lay hands on this man was like finding a needle in a haystack. The Serious Frauds Office of the UK went to Sierra Leone on several occasions to dig deeper for evidence but none was seen. And that was not all, two forensic auditors were hired in London to travel to Sierra Leone to trace any iota of evidence that would put Sanpha in the net, but like the proverbial saying in Krio, the country's lingua franca, "fol white 'E' white" (A white chicken is a white chicken, that is, you cannot change a natural colour.) No evidence was traced. But that did not make the investigation team relent. Like a Hollywood actor looking for what youths in Sierra Leone call a "the toughest", so as to end the film, they travelled to New York and Washington DC between March 2003 and June 2005 to peep into certain accounts. No evidence was discovered.

Back home, contractors, friends of Sanpha Koroma, officials of the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank, Bank of Sierra Leone , KPMG, First Discount House and Union Trust Bank were all interrogated. Computers were even checked and carted away from some institutions. In all of it, Sanpha Koroma like an Ancient warrior coming from a war after subduing other states, stood up with his head held high.

What was the conclusion? No evidence! And what happened? Like a prisoner of war having an advantage and turning against his captor, Anti - Corruption Commission, which was searching for a fugitive called Sanpha Koroma, was itself held by Sanpha Koroma and taken to the High Court to answer a case of misuse of power. The High Court ruled in favour of Sanpha Koroma. The ACC had to pay cost to a former fugitive. This contradicted the Shakespearean theory that 'justice has gone to brutish beasts'. The failure to prove that Sanpha Koroma was corrupt was an avid pointer to the fact that there are still patriots in Sierra Leone and he is one of them.

Today, whenever he thinks of his victory over the PHD syndrome, he definitely would say 'Veni, Vidi, Vici ("I came, I saw , I conquered). At the time when evidence was searched for like a needle in a haystack so as to nail Sanpha to the case against him, some journalists asserted in their headlines , 'This Governor must go to jail' . But today, what has been proved points to the contrary. They must have a change of heart and eat their words. The indication now is, 'This governor should not go to jail' . Why ? He is one of the last patriots.

It is time for Sierra Leoneans to identify such people and use them as edifices that symbolise the glory of Sierra Leone

Subject: Re: Sierra Leone: Sierra Leone's Lost Patriots
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 18:46:47 12/04/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ws-lib232.lib.csus.edu at 130.86.14.75

Message:
Before hailing Mr. Sanpha Koroma as a patriot, it is deserving to first foremost, hail Mr. Alpha R. Jalloh for his patriotic move to charismatically voice his opinion on this significant incidence in our country's history, an addition to World civilization.
My favorite words on this forum have always been what I learned in Anatomy and Physiology, that what distinguishes humans from lower class animals is that humans have conscience while lower class animals do not. The possession of conscience is what makes an individual realizes wrongdoing and apologizes for it and or make atonement for it as His Excellency President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah has done openly to Mr. Sanpha Koroma. But why we need to thank Mr. Alpha R. Jalloh is that, it takes courage and love to redirect a nation and a peoples focus through enlightenment of their past, bringing to limelight patriotic deeds of certain people within that setting to the whole. It is this patriotic deeds, when mentioned daily, would allow a huge majority to emulate, which is a path to peace, progress and prosperity.
It takes years to build a good reputation but it takes a minute to tarnish such a reputation. Every business-minded individual or corporation rely on the reputation of such a corporation and their members.
What President Kabbah did in apologizing for a wrong done to a reputable personnel, Mr. Sanpha Koroma who has made sacrifices to uplift Sierra Leone, is a move desired to rebuild the reputation of a corporation named Sierra Leone. His effort to do so, appologise to Mr. Sanpha Koroma, is a manifestation of good leadership and a distinguished esteem. This move must be emulated by all Sierra Leoneans should we desire to have a reputable and prosperous country by apologizing first and foremost, to our traditional practices or societies if you will, whose rules and regulations we have disobeyed, in that the swearing on our societies, which in most cases are uncalled for, in that most of these societies had forbidden us from revealing our membership to non-members, which is why their ceremonies are mostly held at dusk: sometimes at midnight, to our forefathers particularly, Bai Bureh whom most schools sang against, in a provocative manner and to all Sierra Leoneans whom like Mr. Sanpha Koroma, we have tried to pull down. We have lived in wrong, we have offended our culture, we have offended our brethren thus, we have offended God.
We cannot, I repeat, we cannot develop as a nation in a spirit of the pull him down (PHD) Mr. Jalloh has just talked about. If this idea of pulling people down continues, and as Mr. Jalloh has mentioned that many Sierra Leoneans are hesitant to invest in Sierra Leone, which is also true that most Sierra Leoneans are hesitant to identify themselves with the Sierra Leonean community because of this Pull Him Down syndrome in the Diaspora, then what is left of the nation; how can we develop as a nation?
Honestly, I regrettably questioned myself today, as to "why was I born in Sierra Leone? Most of you by now know my motive for asking this question. I am using myself as an example to corroborate Mr. Jallohs article that indeed, this is the practice that we, Sierra Leoneans have been known for around the world. 1997 -2006 is an ample time for us to have learned about ourselves. Do we want to develop as a nation? Then we must stop leading the way to see our brothers pull-down. What has it ever paid us in our relentless efforts to pull our fellowmen down? Have we learned lessons yet?

Subject: Re: Sierra Leone: Sierra Leone's Lost Patriots
From: IBZZO
To: All
Date Posted: 18:06:33 12/04/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-24-62-160-126.hsd1.nh.comcast.net at 24.62.160.126

Message:

I personally have the impression that had it been the early stages of his reign, his action would have been completly different from what it is now. The president is looking for favour and security since he is aware that power is slowly dodging him. That's a nice one Pa. Kabba!!

Subject: Traffic Report
From: Forum Statistics Bureau
To: All
Date Posted: 16:30:31 12/04/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-66-140-44-2.dsl.rcsntx.swbell.net at 66.140.44.2

Message:
Today's Analysis

Subject: Piaget's Stages of development.
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 13:27:42 12/04/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cat43.liblab.csus.edu at 130.86.14.143

Message:
Concrete Operational and Formal Operational thought Stages.
Say one has just finished seeing these and you turn around to make believe that you matter order than what you are, what is wrong with you?

Or that they are seeing an individual who has the right to work, go to school, has completed college, has other college credits but you insists that he must respect you first, what stage of development do you belong?
Or that because they are not present therefore they do not exist, what stage of development are you in.
Or that because what you expect to happen has not happened yet therefore, will never happen, what stage of development are you in?

Remember I am in America, a country of Laws.

Subject: Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales is in Sierra Leone on a
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 13:17:00 12/04/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cat43.liblab.csus.edu at 130.86.14.143

Message:
The Prince and the President are at State House, Freetown, Sierra Leone, West Africa. Thank you.
Check this out!
http://www.statehouse-sl.org/yamm-pics-oct3.html

Subject: MENDES ARE VERY UNPATRIOTIC
From: TIRED OF THEM
To: All
Date Posted: 09:05:57 12/04/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: jou105gcb9.gsu.edu at 131.96.203.86

Message:
Under the Mende administration Sierra Leone has been taken over by foreigners. From Tejan Kabba to many other people in the government foreigners are now ruling our country.
All this is happening because the unpatriotic Mendes are jealous of Temnes. They would rather give our country to foreigners than let us all rule our country.
I am tired of the Mendes and I want a Bush to throw them away.

Subject: Blood Diamond
From: Onliner
To: All
Date Posted: 08:51:06 12/04/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-66-140-44-2.dsl.rcsntx.swbell.net at 66.140.44.2

Message:

"It came from the heart of the earth. A stone so rare men will do anything to possess it. And all who touch it are left with blood on their hands..."

Set against the backdrop of the chaos and civil war that enveloped 1990s Sierra Leone, "Blood Diamond" is the story of Danny Archer (Leonardo DiCaprio), an ex-mercenary from Zimbabwe, and Solomon Vandy (Djimon Hounsou), a Mende fisherman. Both men are African, but their histories and their circumstances are as different as any can be until their fates become joined in a common quest to recover a rare pink diamond, the kind of stone that can transform a life...or end it.

Solomon, who has been taken from his family and forced to work in the diamond fields, finds the extraordinary gem and hides it at great risk, knowing if he is discovered, he will be killed instantly. But he also knows the diamond could not only provide the means to save his wife and daughters from a life as refugees but also help rescue his son, Dia, from an even worse fate as a child soldier.

Archer, who has made his living trading diamonds for arms, learns of Solomon's hidden stone while in prison for smuggling. He knows a diamond like this is a once-in-a-lifetime find—valuable enough to be his ticket out of Africa and away from the cycle of violence and corruption in which he has been a willing player.

Enter Maddy Bowen (Jennifer Connelly), an idealistic American journalist who is in Sierra Leone to uncover the truth behind conflict diamonds, exposing the complicity of diamond industry leaders who have chosen profits over principles. Maddy seeks out Archer as a source for her article, but soon finds it is he who needs her even more.

With Maddy's help, Archer and Solomon embark on a dangerous trek through rebel territory. Archer needs Solomon to find and recover the valuable pink diamond, but Solomon seeks something far more precious...his son.
"Blood Diamond" opens nationwide on December 8, 2006, and will be released by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Subject: Re: Blood Diamond
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 12:30:30 12/04/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cat43.liblab.csus.edu at 130.86.14.143

Message:
This is the effect on our poor people.
Where is your heart?

Subject: Re: Blood Diamond
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 13:10:04 12/04/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cat43.liblab.csus.edu at 130.86.14.143

Message:
Greetings my brothers and sister. Onliner, thank you for posting this humanitarian effort to bring to light, in order to inform the entire World about our riches though we suffer. http://www.ONE.org and other Philantropists have done more than enough to salvage the Third World crises and reasons for poverty and human sufferings around the globe, especially in Third World countries; for that we are thankful.
As proven, Africa has riches in human and natural resources but she is the one that suffers the most. In Sierra Leone for example, we are blessed with gold, diamond, bauxite, aluminium kimberlite to name a few and a possibility of oil but see how we are the least in international human an financial index? The reason for that is explained right here on this forum viz-a-viz what importance we put into human elevation as oppose to self-elevation. Though what is responsible for this sufferings: human greed, human selfishness, ignorance and egocentrism has still not been conceptualized though repeated efforts have been made to explain the reasons for ours and our people's sufferings.
To clear explain the reasons why it has been heard to conceptualized the efforts and explanations made to make the world understand the reasons for our sufferings by a few is explained in the excerpt following:
As I have learned in Psychology, and I an trying to add a voice to Jean Piaget's theory of the stages of development, that the stages of development is not akin to children within the ages he submitted but rather, and as I am sure there are mentions about that, that these stages of development are never complete in certain humans, if a not a whole groups of people, until death, pending on their experiences and environment or the perceived conception of people or peoples in these environments. Particularly the The concrete operational stage which is the third of fourth stages of cognitive development in Piaget's theory. Why I have chosen these two stages is because the incomplete development in adults that I have been observing is rooted right here, and our situation is not resolved because the individuals responsible for our sufferings are stocked rith within those two stages of cognitive development but because some can dress themselves, drive cars and interact with community, it is presumed that they are fully developed until one sees their action and compare the reasoning to what is actually to be the case.

This stage, which follows the Preoperational stage and occurs from the ages of 6 to 11, according to Piaget, though I have seen adults stocked in this stage, is characterized by the appropriate use of logic. Important processes during this stage are:
Decentering - where the child takes into account multiple aspects of a problem to solve it. For example, the child will no longer perceive an exceptionally wide but short cup to contain less than a normally-wide, taller cup.
Reversibility - where the child understands that numbers or objects can be changed, then returned to their original state. For this reason, a child will be able to rapidly determine that 4+4 which they can answer to be 8, minus 4 will equal four, the original quantity.
Conservation - understanding that quantity, length or number of items is unrelated to the arrangement or appearance of the object or items. For instance, when a child is presented with two equally-sized, full cups they will be able to discern that if water is transferred to a pitcher it will conserve the quantity and be equal to the other filled cup.
Serialisation - the ability to arrange objects in an order according to size, shape, or any other characteristic. For example, if given different-shaded objects they may make a colour gradient.
Classification - the ability to name and identify sets of objects according to appearance, size or other characteristic, including the idea that one set of objects can include another. A child is no longer subject to the illogical limitations of animism (the belief that all objects are animals and therefore have feelings).
Elimination of Egocentrism - the ability to view things from another's perspective (even if they think incorrectly). For instance, show a child a comic in which Jane puts a doll under a box, leaves the room, and then Jill moves the doll to a drawer, and Jane comes back. A child in this stage will say that Jane will still think it's under the box even though the child knows it is in the drawer.

Formal Operational stage

The formal operational stage is the fourth and final of the stages of cognitive development of Piaget's theory. This stage, which follows the Concrete Operational stage, commences at around 11 years of age (puberty) and continues into adulthood. It is characterized by acquisition of the ability to think abstractly and draw conclusions from the information available. During this stage the young adult functions in a cognitively normal manner and therefore is able to understand such things as love, "shades of gray", and values. Lucidly, biological factors may be traced to this stage as it occurs during puberty and marking the entry to adulthood in Physiology, cognition, moral judgement (Kohlberg), Psychosexual development (Freud), and social development (Erikson). Some two-thirds of people do not successfully complete this stage, and "fixate" at the concrete operational stage.[1]
I do not have time to tie it to reasons for our problems as I am going to see and show the world what I mean, but as "educated people," who are "fully developed," I would live it to all to see the connection, presuming that one who is fully developed has the ability to conceptualize.
Once again, thank you Onliner for this essential posting. I am proud of you.
For more information on this go to:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_development#The_role_of_imitation

Subject: Conflicting reports on Vice President’s campaign trail in th
From: J. LAMIN ISCANDRI
To: All
Date Posted: 08:08:52 12/04/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
Conflicting reports on Vice President’s campaign trail in the north

Barely a month after he last visited Makeni, the headquarters of the Northern Province and political bedrock of the opposition APC, conflicting press reports have emerged on the visit there last Friday of the Vice President and presidential hopeful of the governing SLPP, Hon. Solomon E Berewa. The Spectator on its part reports on the critical issue of running mate to the presidential flag bearer, which has been rocking the solidarity of the party with accusing fingers being pointed at HE the President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah for imposing a candidate on Mr. Berewa.

The Paper says that at last Friday’s campaign trail,in which tens of thousands of northerners came to welcome him, the northern membership of the party vehemently ruled out the candidature of the President’s choice, the minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development, Mr. Momodu Koroma, on the basis that he is little known in the north from where he purports to hail. Independent Observer also reports likewise. In a somehow related development, New Vision reports that women in the north went haywire in displaying their firm support for Mr. Berewa’s presidential bid in the upcoming 2007 polls.

Dr. Kadi Sesay, minister of Trade and described as first lady of the north, read a declaration of support on behalf of SLPP chairladies in the northern districts of Bombali, Port Loko, Tonkolili, Kambia and Koinadugu. She disclosed that the objective of the meeting was for women of the north to take the lead in the campaign to elect Vice President Berewa as the next President of Sierra Leone.

It is important to note that such campaign activism clearly violates the timing of the National Electoral Commission (NEC) as regards campaign activism, a trend that earlier triggered the formulation of a Code of Conduct for Political Parties, supported by the UN system in the country.

Subject: NEC Chairperson reaffirms free, fair and transparent electio
From: J. LAMIN ISCANDRI
To: All
Date Posted: 08:06:59 12/04/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
NEC Chairperson reaffirms free, fair and transparent elections

The Chairperson of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), Dr. Christiana Thorpe, has assured Sierra Leoneans that the 2007 elections would be conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner and that no foul play will be tolerated.

In an exclusive interview with Awareness Times Dr. Thorpe reaffirmed that the outcome of the 2007 polls would represent the will of the people and stressed that a level playing would be created for all political parties and that no party would be allowed to take undue advantage over the others, regardless of their status.

Ms. Thorpe expressed her delight for the overwhelming vote by Parliamentarians for the boundary delimitation stating, it was an indication of the good work that NEC was doing. Dr. Thorpe said it never crossed her mind that the report would be rejected by Parliament as she was with the firm belief that national interest would triumph over self aggrandizement.

Subject: Will golley suffer the same fate as sankoh.
From: Concen citizen
To: All
Date Posted: 07:26:12 12/04/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: p54a7f90a.dip.t-dialin.net at 84.167.249.10

Message:
Hello mr musa p kamara,are you a citizen of sierra leone or you are the half baked sierra leonean that are there to destroy our beloved land.You seem to be a lunatic to support the mende betrayal of the nation to the so called sierra leonean,think twice no sierra leonean can be defended in Guinea,Gambia or Mali as the way you defend foreign national in sierra leone or sierra leone is U N for foreigners are you okay?

Subject: Re: Will golley suffer the same fate as sankoh.
From: Durusimi
To: All
Date Posted: 09:08:38 12/04/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-66-140-44-2.dsl.rcsntx.swbell.net at 66.140.44.2

Message:
Who cares a rat's ass about what happens to Golley?

Like Foday, he should be left to shrink like satin in hot water.

Subject: Re: Will golley suffer the same fate as sankoh.
From: M. Alieu Iscandari Esq
To: All
Date Posted: 11:40:44 12/04/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.117.8

Message:
A societies laws and rules are best judged by how we treat those who are our opponents. Omrie Golley is entitled to proper medicval care while in the custody of the state.

Although I understand your frustration with him as a person, we mustn't allow our dissapointment and frustration at his former associations blind us to the fact that while in custody charged with capital crimes he must still be treated with dignity.

Maybe if we had a judicial system that reviews the evidence and brings matters to trial in an expeditious manner, his case would have been adjudicated a long time ago. It seems to be the case here that the government is not prepared to bring forth the evidence against Mr. Golley and have the matter expeditiously adjudicated. It is appearing as if the government first arrest on a whim and then looks for the evidence to prosecute. Thats not the way it should be done. First the investigation then the prosecution. It appears as if the delays are all or mostly government controlled and induced.

EVERYONE should have a right to a free and fair trial.

Subject: Re: Will golley suffer the same fate as sankoh.
From: Steven N Rogers
To: All
Date Posted: 11:54:59 12/04/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 208-41-8-154.client.dsl.net at 208.41.8.154

Message:
I absolutely agree with you Iscandari. Everybody (including Omry Golley) deserves a fair trial. That does not translate into condoning what he did. It is just a demonstration of a civilized country with the rule of law reigning supreme. Golley, in my honest opinion deserves something worse than Foday Sankoh, because as an educated lawyer, he used his education, influence, financial resources, to bring mayhem and demise on the people of his country - this is my opinion based on what I hear him say over radio stations at a time when Sierra leone was at its all-time low. Yet I still believe that inspite all of these, he deserves a trial that is free and that is fair. In essence, only a court of law can corroborate and validate what we believe about him. It is not so much about the criminal here, its about the criminal justice system that we have.

Subject: Re: Will golley suffer the same fate as sankoh.
From: JUROR
To: All
Date Posted: 15:24:26 12/04/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
Where in the world have you seen bail been granted to someone accused of treason? please una stop it.

Subject: Re: Will golley suffer the same fate as sankoh.
From: M. Alieu Iscandari Esq
To: All
Date Posted: 23:28:30 12/04/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198

Message:
But where does he say that he is entitled to BAIL?

Subject: Re: Will golley suffer the same fate as sankoh.
From: JUROR
To: All
Date Posted: 00:30:09 12/05/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
I was reffering to what Sam Kargbo wrote. The original article posted here about Golley written by one Sam Kargbo argued that bail must be granted to Golley.

Subject: Re: Will golley suffer the same fate as sankoh.
From: M. Alieu Iscandari Esq
To: All
Date Posted: 06:39:24 12/05/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.117.8

Message:
My bad!!!! I would oppose bail also for someone who is on trial accused of a capital offence. But doesnt it seem odd that there seems to be absolutely no movement in the prosecution of Mr. Golley? Seems to me that if the evidence is there to move the prosecution forward that it should be presented by now.

Subject: Re: Will golley suffer the same fate as sankoh.
From: Kailondo
To: All
Date Posted: 14:33:39 12/04/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 158.223.33.61

Message:
Omrie Golley bears the greatest responsibility of the mayhem our people suffered during the terror reign of Foday sankoh. I have no sympathy for him and i believe he should also have a taste of his bitter medicine. people like him should face mob justice rather than fair trail.

Subject: New Biriwa organization in NorthAmerica formed
From: Alie Formeh Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 06:49:04 12/04/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-rtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 152.163.101.8

Message:
A REPORT ON THE FIRST MEETING OF BRIWAS IN NORTH AMERICA

The first meeting of Biriwas in North America was convened on November 25, 2006 in Maryland at the residence of Dr. Panda Kamara. The meeting which was attended by a handful of descendants of Biriwa was necessitated by the need to create a support system for the Biriwa community in Sierra Leone which has been plagued by harsh political decisions.

It was acknowledged that members of the Biriwa community in Sierra Leone and abroad are astounded over the recent decision by the Government of Sierra Leone to circumvent traditional laws and practices when it imposed a member from a non ruling house as Paramount Chief in the Biriwa Chiefdom. This behavior by the Government of Sierra Leone is considered unacceptable and a betrayal of trust from the people.

Participants of the first meeting of Biriwas in North America came from Maryland, New York, Pensylvania, and Virginia. Spurned by the recent harsh political decisions which has plunged the Biriwa people into a legal battle with the Government of Sierra Leone, participants expressed solidarity in the need to advance ‘self help’ in Biriwa not only in view of the harsh political decision but also of the harsh social and economic realities in the Chiefdom.

A proposal to vote on the establishment of an organization for Biriwas in North America was tabled by Alie Formeh Kamara and seconded by Mohamed Kamanda Conteh. All participants unanimously voted in favor of the proposal. It was acknowledged that the affairs of the Biriwa Chiefdom cannot be suitably handled by an Organization of Limbas in North America called Mabohanday because of its broad objectives and that in fact the Biriwa chiefdom is home not only to Limbas but to other minor ethnic groups of which the Mandingoes, Lokos, Fullahs and others reportedly constitute about 10% of the population.

A name for the newly formed organization of Biriwas in North America was deferred for the next meeting scheduled for January 20, 2007. It is anticipated that the next meeting would be multi-ethnic and would be well attended in view of the publicity generated by news events on the subject of Biriwa.

The following interim positions were created:

Interim Chairman/President - Lansana Conteh
Interim Vice Chairman/Vice President – Mohamed Kamanda Conteh
Interim Secretary – Alie Formeh Kamara
Interim Assistant Secretary – Vincent Kanu
Interim Advisory Council Members – Dr. Panda Kamara, Musa Kamara, and Ali Condah

The following resolutions were reached:
1. It was agreed that in subsequent meetings of Biriwas a constitution would be developed and Executive officers would be voted in.
2. It was agreed that the sum of $2000 was to be immediately dispatched to Sierra Leone for the 100 years celebration of King Suluku’s death and additional funds would follow in due course.
3. It was agreed that a member should draft a speech on behalf of members of the Biriwa North American Community for a reading on King Suluku’s celebration.
4. Members are urged to tell as many people as possible about the newly formed organization and to attend the next scheduled meeting on January 20, 2007.
5. It was agreed that Mabohanday would be kept abreast of Biriwa activities and a report of the first meeting would be communicated to the elders and sons and daughters of Biriwa.

Subject: Third report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations
From: VICTOR ANGELO
To: All
Date Posted: 20:48:23 12/03/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
Third report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Integrated Office in Sierra Leone
01 December 2006 | UN Security Council | SG Report

I. Introduction
1. The present report is submitted pursuant to Security Council resolution 1620 (2005), by which the Council established the United Nations Integrated Office in Sierra Leone (UNIOSIL), and requested me to keep it regularly informed of the implementation of the mandate of the Office. The report covers major developments in Sierra Leone and the activities of UNIOSIL since my report of 29 August (S/2006/695).

II. Major developments and governance issues
2. Sierra Leone continued to make progress in its peacebuilding efforts during the reporting period. Further gains were made in reforming the security sector and building the capacity of the national institutions responsible for conducting the 2007 presidential and parliamentary elections. Those advances notwithstanding, the Government continues to face profound capacity constraints, the pace of civil service reform remains slow and poverty and unemployment still represent pressing challenges.

3. On 12 October 2006, Vice-President Solomon Berewa addressed the Peacebuilding Commission of the United Nations during its meeting on Sierra Leone in New York. The Vice-President elaborated on the key priorities for peacebuilding in Sierra Leone, stressing that the problem of youth unemployment and marginalization remained the most immediate threat to the country’s fragile stability. He acknowledged the capacity constraints facing the country and highlighted the need to keep the reform of the judicial and security sectors on track. The Vice-President also informed the Commission that his Government was determined to promote good governance practices and to consolidate the nascent democracy in the country. To that end, the Government continued its efforts to enhance transparency and accountability in state institutions and to ensure the efficient use of public resources.

4. The Peacebuilding Commission endorsed the priorities identified by the Government of Sierra Leone and took note of the national strategies and frameworks already developed by the Government and its partners, in particular the poverty reduction strategy and the peace consolidation strategy. In that regard, the Peacebuilding Commission called on the international community to maintain its engagement in Sierra Leone, including by providing the necessary assistance. The Commission also declared Sierra Leone eligible to benefit from the Peacebuilding Fund, which had been launched on 11 October 2006.

5. On 24 October, the Office of the President of Sierra Leone issued a statement announcing the establishment of a Constitutional Review Commission with a mandate to bring the Constitution adopted in 1991 into conformity with the new political, social and economic realities in the country. The statement also confirmed that proposed constitutional amendments would be included on the ballot during the 2007 elections. In that regard, it is important for the Government and the National Electoral Commission to clarify, without delay, the implications of the proposed constitutional referendum, including the cost of its conduct, so that those issues could be addressed in a timely manner.

6. All political parties, including the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party, the All People’s Congress and the People’s Movement for Democratic Change, are intensifying their election-related activities well in advance of the 2007 elections. In that regard, as was indicated in my report of 29 August to the Council (S/2006/695), the general culture of political intolerance emerging in the country is a cause for great concern. The perception among opposition parties that the ruling party may be using its incumbency by leveraging public resources to its advantage while denying the opposition a level playing field remains and may lead to heightened tensions if not addressed at this early stage.

7. The socio-economic marginalization of a large segment of society, in particular young people, renders them susceptible to manipulation by political leaders during the electoral process. The political atmosphere is polarized and the three main political parties have displayed a “winner takes all” attitude. As yet, none of the parties has articulated a clear political platform.

8. The participation of paramount chiefs in partisan politics has become the focus of national debate, with the citizenry generally supporting the role of the traditional leaders. However, there have been reports indicating that opposition party representatives have been prevented from conducting electoral activities in some chiefdoms. While it is obvious that electoral campaigning should be conducted by all in an orderly manner and with respect for the law, there are concerns that the existing legislation prohibiting meetings without prior approval from the relevant paramount chiefs and the police may be abused during the pre-electoral period.

9. Following the controversial election of the paramount chief in the Biriwa Chiefdom, which was conducted without the involvement of the National Electoral Commission, members of the Limba ethnic group filed a petition with the Supreme Court to challenge the legality of the election. On 10 November, the Supreme Court ruled against the petition on the grounds that the election of a paramount chief was not a public election and, therefore, did not require the involvement of the National Electoral Commission.

10. In spite of continued logistical constraints, Parliament continued to improve its oversight functions. During the reporting period, ministers and heads of government agencies were invited to Parliament to provide information on the implementation of their respective mandates. There remains, however, a need for sustained capacitybuilding of Parliament to strengthen its various oversight committees, which would bring to the fore its role in promoting accountability and transparency in the public service.

11. Three new bills have been prepared to address practices affecting women’s rights, including the Devolution of Estates Act 2006, the Registration of Customary Marriage and Divorce Act 2006 and the Domestic Violence Act 2006. The enactment of these bills by Parliament will require concerted advocacy, as they seek to legislate issues that touch on a number of deeply entrenched traditional and cultural practices.

12. The Anti-Corruption Commission has concluded investigations into several high-profile cases, involving senior civil servants and parliamentarians and has forwarded them to the Attorney General for prosecution. Prompt action on the cases would attest to the Government’s political will to deal with corruption in a resolute way. This would also help dispel the perception that the anti-corruption drive, which was encouraging some time ago, may have stalled.

13. The national anti-corruption strategy was discussed at a conference of the main stakeholders in Freetown on 16 November. The conference decided to establish a review mechanism to remedy identified flaws. Upon completion of the review, the strategy would be consistent with the priorities and actions contained in the Improved Governance and Accountability Pact, agreed by the Government in July 2006, with the Department for International Development of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the World Bank and the European Commission.

III. Security situation

14. During the reporting period, the security situation in Sierra Leone remained stable, but still fragile. The most serious threats to the tenuous stability in the country continued to be related to the high level of youth unemployment, the poor social and economic conditions of the people, and the general public perception of the Government’s mismanagement of public resources.

15. The national security sector is generally functioning well. The capacity of the Sierra Leone Police to maintain law and order and discharge its security responsibilities continues to develop. On 30 and 31 August, UNIOSIL and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) organized a national conference on the role of the Sierra Leone Police in the 2007 elections. Participants expressed confidence that the Sierra Leone Police is a credible institution capable of maintaining law and order during the electoral process.

16. In recent months, incidents of student demonstrations and industrial actions by junior and middle-level employees in schools have increased. In many cases, the riotous and sometimes destructive behaviour of the students has spilled into the streets, straining the limited resources of the Sierra Leone Police. Many of these incidents are related to the deplorable conditions in the schools and colleges across the country, as well as the poor conditions of service of teachers. The situation has been further exacerbated by the activities of the three major political parties on college campuses.

17. From 6 to 10 November, the country’s Cabinet participated in the third regular national security exercise, the purpose of which was to test the capability of Sierra Leone’s security agencies to effectively manage security emergencies that could be externally or internally generated. The exercise was supported by the United Kingdom-led International Military Advisory and Training Team, UNIOSIL and other international partners. In addition, from 11 October to 5 November, the United Kingdom and the partners from Sierra Leone’s Armed Forces conducted major military amphibious exercises in Sierra Leone, involving some 3,000 military personnel. The objective of the exercises was to enhance the capacity of Sierra Leone’s security sector.

18. In the meantime, Sierra Leone and Guinea have taken further steps to resolve their ongoing border dispute. The ministers of the interior of both countries met on 18 and 19 September in Freetown and decided to request the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to provide boundary demarcation experts to work with the technical committees of both countries. I would like to reiterate my appeal to President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah and President Lansana Conté to expedite the peaceful resolution of this matter.

19. The Sierra Leone’s security agencies, the United Nations Mission in Liberia and Liberian security agencies continued to conduct concurrent patrols in the areas along the border between Sierra Leone and Liberia. UNIOSIL played a facilitating role. At the same time, the Office continued to discuss modalities of joint border patrols between the Guinean and Sierra Leone’s security agencies.

IV. Security sector reform
A. Office of National Security

20. The capacity of the national security architecture in Sierra Leone continues to develop. The Office of National Security has further strengthened its role as the agency responsible for the coordination of all national agencies and government departments on security-related matters. During the reporting period, this important body and the UNIOSIL Military Liaison Team organized a series of workshops aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the provincial and district security committees in information collection, analysis and reporting. The Office of National Security has also established an elections threat assessment committee to identify potential threats to security during the electoral process and to develop a plan for a coordinated response.

B. Sierra Leone Police

21. During the reporting period, the programme for building a new Sierra Leone Police force passed a major milestone when the full strength of 9,500 trained police personnel, established by the Government, was achieved. A recruitment programme for 2007 has been developed for a further 250 officers. To ensure that the police training programme remains operationally relevant, the Sierra Leone Police and the UNIOSIL Police Section have reviewed the training curriculum, adding key updates on basic crowd control and maintenance of public order.

22. The UNIOSIL police personnel, in cooperation with other international partners, have also developed a special training programme aimed at further enhancing the ability of the Sierra Leone Police to respond to possible civil unrest during the electoral period. United Nations police personnel further suggested the development of a beat policing training programme, in which over 3,000 local police personnel of various ranks have participated. In addition to UNIOSIL’s efforts, the Sierra Leone Police benefited from considerable support provided by the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development and UNDP.

C. Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces

23. The planned downsizing of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces has been completed and its current strength stands at some 10,300 military personnel. However, Sierra Leone is unlikely to be able to sustain an armed force of this size. The Government is therefore currently discussing the appropriate size of the army in the medium term. The Government will be mindful of the delicate socio-economical situation in considering any further retrenchments of armed forces personnel.

24. UNIOSIL conducted a survey of morale within the armed forces. The findings indicated that recent improvements in the training and welfare of army personnel had resulted in a corresponding improvement in morale. There remained, however, a critical shortage of housing for military personnel, in particular in the outlying and border areas. The survey also showed that battalions suffered from an acute lack of adequate equipment, confirming the need to continue adjustments to the Armed Forces. At the same time, logistical support capabilities remained weak.

V. Strengthening the role of the UNIOSIL military and police components

25. Currently, 13 of the 20 authorized United Nations police personnel are deployed to the countryside in regional advisory support teams to advise and support four Sierra Leone Police regional command teams. The Western Area, including Freetown, is covered by five United Nations police officers, given the operational demands of serving the capital with its large population and high crime rate. The workload of UNIOSIL’s police personnel has increased considerably, as the Sierra Leone Police prepares to support the 2007 elections. In that respect, the UNIOSIL Police Section is shifting its focus to training Sierra Leone Police officers to perform election-related tasks.

26. In particular, it is envisaged that, during 2007, UNIOSIL police personnel, in cooperation with other partners, will continue to coordinate the development of a Sierra Leone training taskforce that will deliver public order management training to 5,500 Sierra Leone Police officers throughout the country at locat1ons that have been identified as possible hot spots, based on the threat assessments developed by the Sierra Leone Police and the Office of National Security. Furthermore, the UNIOSIL Police Section will continue to support the capacity-building of the Sierra Leone Police by training an additional 25 officers to become a part of the Force’s newly formed Evaluation Team to conduct inspections of police performance throughout the country. In order to address the issue of prisoners escaping from police custody, the United Nations police will increase their support to the Sierra Leone Police for the improvement of corrections facilities and training of their management personnel.

27. Given the increased scope of the tasks of the UNIOSIL police personnel, I would like to propose, subject to the Security Council’s decision concerning the mandate of the Office, a temporary increase of an additional 10 United Nations police personnel to bring their strength to 30 police personnel. This reinforcement would enable the UNIOSIL Police Section to provide adequate support to the Sierra Leone Police’s preparations for its election-related tasks. The additional 10 personnel would be withdrawn in the second half of 2007, after the elections.

28. The 2007 elections will also involve a considerable increase in the workload of the UNIOSIL Military Liaison Team of 10 officers. In particular, there will be additional tasks related to security needs in the provinces, including additional information-gathering in all 12 administrative districts. Another area of focus will be further capacity-building of the provincial and district security committees, whose roles in the electoral process will be critical. The Team is currently involved in assisting the Office of National Security in the preparation of the electoral security plan and will participate in monitoring of the plan in liaison with the Armed Forces’ brigades deployed throughout the country. In addition, the Military Liaison Team will continue its daily tasks of liaising with and supporting the Sierra Leonean security forces, especially the Office of National Security, and other stakeholders, including the International Military Advisory and Training Team, and diplomatic missions in Sierra Leone. The Military Liaison Team also maintains close coordination with the Special Court for Sierra Leone. I would therefore propose a temporary increase in the current strength of the UNIOSIL Military Liaison Team of an additional five military advisers, who would also be withdrawn during the second half of 2007.

VI. Preparations for the 2007 presidential and parliamentary elections
A. National Electoral Commission

29. The National Electoral Commission, with United Nations assistance, continued to prepare for the voter registration exercise, which is expected to commence between late February and early March. The Commission recently shifted the focus of its efforts to the development of its operational capacity. In that regard, additional core personnel are being recruited, while an advance team of four United Nations technical advisers has already been assigned to support the Commission.

30. A voter registration operational taskforce has been set up, including working groups on such critical areas as data management, procedures and training, public outreach, field coordination, procurement and logistics. The working groups have identified immediate priorities in requirements and activities. Specifications for voter registration equipment and personnel were finalized and the procurement process was effectively launched at the end of October.

31. With United Nations technical assistance, the National Electoral Commission developed its database of estimated voter population per constituency. The field guidelines for distribution of registration centres in the districts have been finalized and the work for distribution and selection of registration centres is under way in the districts. Given the estimated total of over 4 million voters, it is projected that there will be a maximum of 2,700 voter registration teams, which is the current basis for procurement of materials and training plans.

32. Now that the basic modalities for voter registration have been determined, the National Electoral Commission is gearing up for its public information and voter education campaign. The Commission is already engaged in a broad civic education programme, the Basic Electoral Administration Course, targeting youths from 18 to 25 years old. The programme is expected to reach several thousand youths in its first phase, which started in October and will be completed in December.

33. The United Nations support to the electoral process will continue with the further strengthening of the United Nations electoral advisory team in the coming weeks. International advisers to the National Electoral Commission’s headquarters will reach 10 by the end of the year and 18 United Nations Volunteers will arrive during the same period to support the electoral district offices. At its maximum strength, the team is expected to reach the level of 44 advisers by the end of January 2007.

34. In the meantime, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the European Commission and UNDP have agreed to increase their contributions to the budget for the elections. The financial gap for the elections is consequently expected to be reduced to approximately $7 million. I would like to reiterate my appeal to Member States for the urgent provision of additional funding in order to facilitate the successful conduct of the elections.

B. Political Parties Registration Commission

35. UNIOSIL also continues to assist in developing the capacity of the Political Parties Registration Commission. The Commission continues to face serious staffing and resource shortages, as well as a leadership problem. On 2 November, President Kabbah nominated Justice Sydney Warne as the new Chairman of the Political Parties Registration Commission. The appointment will require confirmation by the Parliament. It will be critical for the Government to honour its pledges to support the Commission to ensure that it has the technical, human and other resources necessary to function effectively.

36. In a positive development, on 23 November, the leaders of eight political parties signed an electoral code of conduct. The code had earlier been adopted by representatives of the political parties during a workshop organized by the Political Parties Registration Commission, with the support of UNIOSIL and UNDP, which was held in Freetown on 19 and 20 October. The Political Parties Registration Commission will play a key role in ensuring that political parties comply with the code of conduct.

C. United Nations electoral assessment mission

37. An interdisciplinary electoral assessment mission, led by the Electoral Assistance Division of the Department of Political Affairs of the Secretariat, visited Sierra Leone from 15 to 23 October to conduct a comprehensive review of electoral preparations and to consult with the Government on the assistance the United Nations system could provide to support the electoral process. The assessment mission met with a broad cross section of national and international electoral stakeholders, including representatives of the Government, civil society, political parties, electoral authorities, the United Nations country team, technical assistance providers, donors and the diplomatic community.

38. The assessment mission identified serious though not insurmountable challenges to the successful conduct of presidential and parliamentary elections, which are scheduled to be held on 28 July 2007. The National Electoral Commission has developed a draft law on boundary delimitation, following a process that was broadly participatory. Passage of the law is delayed in Parliament, however. A final package of amendments to the legal framework for the elections is also in the process of being finalized by the Commission. In addition, the mechanism for resolving electoral disputes (the electoral offences court) has not yet been established. This matter requires urgent attention, including adequate resources for the envisaged court.

39. The assessment mission concluded that, despite these considerable challenges, the elections could be conducted on time and in a generally credible manner, provided that the national electoral institutions receive financial and technical support from the Government and donors in a timely manner; outstanding laws, including on boundary delimitations, are passed expeditiously by the Parliament; the overall security situation remains stable and the national security agencies can meet their responsibilities to secure the electoral process; and all necessary measures are taken to strengthen the electoral dispute mechanisms and the electoral offences court is established quickly, while being broadly acceptable and credible across the political spectrum. In addition, the independence of the electoral institutions should be protected, while international and domestic observation should be strongly encouraged.

D. Recommendations for the Government of Sierra Leone

40. In view of allegations made by opposition parties and some civil society groups, the assessment mission recommended that the Government should avoid creating a perception that state resources were being used to promote the electoral interests of one party. Additionally, as indicated earlier, it is critical that all partieshave equitable access to the state media and that paramount chiefs are encouraged to allow free campaigning and political expression in their areas of control.

41. With regard to establishing the necessary legal framework for the conduct of the elections, the Parliament should expedite the passage of the proposed law on boundary delimitation. It should also ensure that the amendments to the legal framework governing the elections are adopted in a timely manner, given the tight time frame in which preparations for the elections must be conducted.

E. Recommendations on the role of the United Nations system in preparing for the elections

42. UNIOSIL and UNDP have established electoral assistance programmes to support the conduct of the elections. Although staffed with qualified experts, the UNDP project team faces considerable challenges in ensuring the procurement of more than $15 million worth of registration and electoral materials, which should be completed in a very short period of time. The assessment mission therefore recommended that the United Nations system provide substantial technical support to the voter registration exercise. As the inclusion of the constitutional referendum on the ballot is expected to complicate the conduct of the elections, the United Nations will need to support the identification of the related technical challenges as soon as possible.

43. Furthermore, the assessment mission recommended that the United Nations system and the international community, in particular African organizations, consider providing long-term observers to the electoral process. The United Nations communications Group is expected to provide coordinated support to the media coverage of the electoral process.

VII. Human rights and the rule of law

44. Sierra Leone continues to make progress towards adherence to international norms and standards on human rights. However, progress in the area of economic and social rights remains limited.

45. During the reporting period, further work was accomplished in preparing the child rights bill, which is an overarching compilation of laws and policies on children in Sierra Leone that supersedes all existing laws on child rights. The bill has been approved by the Cabinet and the Parliament is expected to pass it by the end of the year. It will be a landmark document, representing the country’s compliance with the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (General Assembly resolution 44/25, annex), which was ratified by Sierra Leone in 1990.

46. At the same time, progress was made towards the establishment of the national human rights commission. On 3 October 2006, the Parliament confirmed the nomination by the President of five commissioners to serve as members of the commission. When fully operational, the commission is expected, among other activities, to act upon individual complaints concerning human rights violations, encourage ratification and implementation of international human rights instruments and promote awareness of human rights through information, education and research.

47. The mandate of the commission, as provided for by the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, is comprehensive and has raised high public expectations about its work. The commission will therefore face significant challenges, including the need to quickly demonstrate its competence, so that it may win the respect of the population. In this regard, I am very concerned that the $16,000 allocated by the Government for the start-up phase of the commission in the 2006 budget is not adequate to ensure the effective functioning of this important institution. The cost of the commission’s operations for the first two years is estimated at $1 million.

48. Meanwhile, implementation of other recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission continued to make slow progress. In particular, the reparations fund for amputees and war-wounded and communities seriously affected by the war is yet to be established. The Government recently nominated the National Commission for Social Action to lead the implementation of this important recommendation.

49. The judiciary system continues to suffer from capacity constraints. Prolonged pretrial detentions, large case backlogs and excessive remand of cases continue in courts around the country. In the Northern Province, a new high court registry has been established and a high court judge has been assigned exclusively to the region to expedite the processing of cases before the court.

50. UNIOSIL, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, has completed a nationwide assessment of the corrections system in Sierra Leone, with a view to assisting the Government in formulating a comprehensive reform agenda. The corrections system still suffers from poor conditions, which seriously undermine prisoners’ human rights. The Justice Sector Development Programme, supported by the United Kingdom and UNDP, continues to facilitate improvements in this area.

VIII. Economic recovery and socio-economic aspects

51. While the post-war macroeconomic development indicators continue to show steady economic stability and even growth, widespread poverty remains pervasive throughout the country. In order to meet the Millennium Development Goal of reducing poverty to 35 per cent by 2015, Sierra Leone will have to shift its focus from reliance on donor aid to wealth creation by the private sector. As an estimated 80-90 per cent of the workforce is employed in the informal sector, major policy changes will be required to bring informal enterprises into the mainstream economy.

52. At the same time, the restoration of commercial extraction of rutile and bauxite in the second quarter of 2006, with the assistance of foreign investors, is very encouraging. This development is expected to push export earnings up by almost four percentage points of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2006.

53. External and domestic public debts continue to place a heavy burden on Sierra Leone’s economy, impeding the Government’s ability to channel resources into vital infrastructure development. As at the end of 2005, the external debt, including arrears, stood at $1.69 billion. In the meantime, interim external debt relief for Sierra Leone from March 2002 to October 2005 amounted to $131.3 million, including unconditional delivery of debt relief under the World Bank’s Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative. Sierra Leone is expected to reach the completion point of the Initiative by the end of the year and it is anticipated that creditors will grant further debt relief.

54. On 9 October, the Government launched a youth employment and empowerment scheme as part of its efforts to address growing youth unemployment. However, its implementation is constrained by lack of resources, as well as institutional capacity constraints. Significant external assistance will be required, including targeted infrastructure and quick-impact development projects aimed at promoting economic growth, development and job creation.

IX. Subregional cooperation

55. Pursuant to the decision taken by the African Union at the level of ministers and Heads of State, a logistics depot for ECOWAS will be established in Sierra Leone. The Government of Sierra Leone and ECOWAS have concluded a headquarters agreement and on 11 October the Government formally handed over to ECOWAS the facility at the Hastings Airfield that will serve as the logistics depot.

56. Efforts are being made to revitalize the Mano River Union secretariat, located in Freetown. UNIOSIL and the United Nations country team in Sierra Leone have provided some logistical assistance to build the capacity of the secretariat. UNDP funded the renovation and furnishing of the office building and also supplied office equipment and stationery to support the operations of the secretariat, and UNDP and the United Nations Population Fund donated two vehicles for its official use. Nonetheless, the financial and logistical problems of the secretariat remain acute. In addition, its human resource capacity needs to be enhanced to meet the growing demands of development and conflict management in the subregion. In that regard, additional support, from both the member States of the Union and the international community, is needed to make the secretariat operational and effective.

X. Implementation of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on women and peace and security

57. During their consultations on 7 September 2006, members of the Security Council requested UNIOSIL to develop an action plan for the implementation of Council resolution 1325 (2000) and to present it in a report. In that regard, in October 2006, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations of the Secretariat sent an expert to Sierra Leone to assist UNIOSIL and the United Nations country team in preparing the plan, who identified activities that could be implemented by UNIOSIL and the country team during 2007.

58. The action plan seeks, in particular, to strengthen the capacity of the Family Support Unit of the Sierra Leone Police to address sexual and gender-based violence. It targets key areas such as training, public education and information campaigns on sexual and gender-based violence. Under the plan, UNIOSIL will work with partner agencies to strengthen the capacity of the Family Support Unit, organize monthly radio programmes to raise public awareness of sexual and genderbased violence and advocate for the incorporation into domestic law of the provisions of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and other international human rights instruments (1).

59. The action plan also emphasizes the inclusion of gender issues in the concept of operations for the electoral process, in particular in the key areas of voter education and voter registration. The plan further commits UNIOSIL to invest considerably in building women’s confidence and capacity to participate in the political process and to develop a strategy to increase women’s representation and participation in the upcoming election by March 2007. It is envisaged that these initiatives, together with continued support to local women’s groups, including women’s wings of all political parties, will enhance opportunities for women, both as candidates and voters, in the 2007 national elections.

60. The action plan also requests the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) to develop a standardized capacity-building module on HIV/AIDS for all agencies to address the issue. In addition, the plan stresses that all necessary action should be taken to empower Sierra Leonean women economically and, to that end, calls for funding of microprojects, with special focus on women, which would provide the much-needed resources, in particular for women, in rural areas.

61. In keeping with the action plan, UNIOSIL will assist the newly established Human Rights Commission in drafting a national action plan on human rights for Sierra Leone, with particular emphasis on the rights of women. The action plan requests UNIOSIL to support the Government of Sierra Leone in finalizing by December 2006 a draft report on its implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and to work closely with the Law Reform Commission of Sierra Leone to review and repeal discriminatory laws against women by December 2007. In that regard, UNIOSIL and the United Nations country team will continue to make every effort to ensure that the three bills, which will address practices affecting women’s rights, currently under consideration by the Office of the Attorney General, are expeditiously submitted to Parliament and approved by the legislature at the earliest possible date.

62. The plan also calls for greater collaboration between entities of the United Nations system, governmental institutions and civil society organizations in the implementation of related activities and lays greater emphasis on building local partnerships with women’s organizations, capacity-building of national institutions and civil society organizations, support for advocacy, influencing policies and raising national awareness of resolution 1325 (2000).

63. In this regard, the plan emphasizes the need for regular consultations among local non-governmental organizations and women’s groups and encourages their role in conflict prevention and resolution. The action plan further outlines specific interventions that will be undertaken by the United Nations and provides for a midterm review to assess the progress and impact of implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) by United Nations bodies in Sierra Leone. Effective implementation of the plan will require the establishment of a full-time post of gender adviser in UNIOSIL. In addition, the United Nations has developed a comprehensive communications strategy for the promotion of the action plan.

XI. Public information

64. The Public Information Section of UNIOSIL continues to facilitate the outreach work of the Office and its substantive sections. The Section leads and coordinates the activities of the United Nations Communications Group, which has been established at the initiative of UNIOSIL and comprises public relations components of all United Nations entities operating in Sierra Leone. United Nations Radio is currently broadcasting 60 hours of programming per week, ranging from news bulletins to interactive panel discussions on many critical issues, such as sexual exploitation and abuse, women in politics, national security and accountability of the Government.

65. As a first step towards its strategic goal of transferring United Nations Radio to national ownership, UNIOSIL plans to convert it into an independent public access radio station, through a project managed by the Swiss Hirondelle Foundation, which provides for the production of news and information programmes and journalism training in partnership with Fourah Bay College, University of Freetown. It is thus expected that a team of qualified radio journalists will be prepared who would constitute the core staff, once United Nations Radio’s transformation into a national independent radio station has been completed. UNDP has played a critical role in the process.

XII. Personnel conduct

66. UNIOSIL has continued to actively train all its personnel on the United Nations
standards of conduct and the code of conduct. The United Nations country team joint taskforce on the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse, in collaboration with United Nations Radio, maintained the weekly series of radio panel discussions and call-in programmes to increase public awareness about sexual exploitation and abuse-related issues. The three allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse made against civilian personnel in 2006 are under investigation.

XIII. Observations and recommendations

67. While Sierra Leone continues to make progress in its peacebuilding efforts, the country still faces major challenges and will need the sustained support of the international community for the foreseeable future, especially in its efforts to address the root causes of the past conflict. I am, therefore, pleased with the outcome of the 12 October Peacebuilding Commission meeting on Sierra Leone, in particular its decision to declare Sierra Leone eligible to benefit from the Peacebuilding Fund. I urge the Government of Sierra Leone to seize this unique opportunity and work closely with the Peacebuilding Commission to make further progress in consolidating peace in the country.

68. Progress made in enhancing the capacity of the security sector is encouraging. However, there is still a need to further strengthen and rationalize the security architecture of Sierra Leone, so that both the Sierra Leone Police and the Armed Forces could be sustainable in the long term, and also carry out their tasks effectively, in particular in connection with the 2007 elections. The efforts to promote good governance and fight corruption should be stepped up. Also, much more needs to be done to transform the private sector in Sierra Leone into a driving force of the economy, which generates wealth and employment opportunities. Greater attention should also be paid to the urgent needs of the judiciary and the promotion of human rights, especially those of women.

69. The successful conduct of the 2007 elections and the wide acceptance of the outcome will be important indicators of the sustainability of peace and stability in the country. Sierra Leone needs considerable technical and material support from its international partners to ensure the success of the elections. In this regard, the $7 million electoral budget shortfall remains a source of major concern. I therefore appeal to Member States to contribute the resources required to close this funding gap.

70. I also recommend that the Security Council approve the increase of the strength of the UNIOSIL Military Liaison Team by 5 additional officers and that of the Police Section by 10 additional police officers to ensure effective support for Sierra Leone’s security sector in carrying out its election-related responsibilities. In calling upon Sierra Leone’s partners and other stakeholders to stay the course and do all they can to support the electoral process, I also wish to reiterate the importance of the Government of Sierra Leone honouring its obligations to support the electoral institutions, the National Electoral Commission and the Political Parties Registration Commission, with the necessary staffing and other resources.

71. Overall, the period beginning in early 2007 will be critical for the electoral preparations. All technical support from the United Nations and other donors will need to be delivered in a timely manner in order to help the National Electoral Commission and national security agencies fully meet the significant electionrelated challenges facing them. It would also be important for the international community to contribute in a major way to the observation of the elections.

72. UNIOSIL has made a significant contribution in assisting the Government of Sierra Leone to consolidate peace and address the root causes of the conflict over the past 12 months. The July 2007 elections will be a major milestone, which should help define an exit strategy for UNIOSIL. In that regard, it would be important to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the role of the Office, closer to the election date, with a view to defining its exit point after the elections. In the meantime, I recommend the extension of the mandate of UNIOSIL for an additional 12 months, until 31 December 2007.

73. In conclusion, I would like to express my appreciation to the Government of Sierra Leone and its international partners for their close cooperation with UNIOSIL and the United Nations country team. I also extend my gratitude to the countries contributing military and police personnel to UNIOSIL for their continued support. I would also like to thank my Executive Representative, Victor Angelo, and all the personnel of the United Nations in Sierra Leone, for their tireless efforts to help ensure that Sierra Leone achieves lasting peace, security and sustainable development.

(1) United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 1249, No. 20378.

Subject: Reporter
From: A Day in the Slums of Freetown
To: All
Date Posted: 20:38:24 12/03/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-66-140-44-2.dsl.rcsntx.swbell.net at 66.140.44.2

Message:
Reporter’s s Notebook: A Day in the Slums of Freetown

By Muctaru Wurie

Grim Future: Children at a Freetown slum

Kampala and Susan's Bay are growing communities, the demographic changes of the last six years has caused the expansion of these once vacant areas now mostly inhabited by a youths (Almost 65% of those who live in these areas are youths). Ambitious and desperate for a place to live, but lacking the resources to afford decent housing. To get a picture of life in these communities I visited Savage Square [Kampala] and Big Wharf in the east of Freetown.

My first encounter in the morning was with Lamin Turay, a 29 year old man standing in his recently built shack at the edge of the sea who complained that as a boy he never thought anybody would be living in the conditions he now lives. “It was unthinkable that one would dare live here," Turay said. But the reality now is that the tiny seafront at the back of Bishop's Court (Lower Kampala, adjacent to the Queen Elizabeth II quay) is filled to capacity.

Like the majority of other youths here, Lamin is unemployed. He confessed that he was a “pirate,” but that after seeing the brutal demise of two of his colleagues at sea, he has now decided to drop that career. He declined to define the word “pirate.” Asked what he would like to do, he replied, “I want to fish, but I don't have the money to purchase fishing nets.”

Not too far from Lamin's shack is a much livelier scene from which reggae music came. Some young men were asleep on the benches while others argued animatedly. A huge cloud of marijuana smoke filled the air. Some of the young men were bemused by the presence of a stranger; it took me few minutes to assure them that I am not a police officer. Though the men were in the majority, there were some women.
Isatu, 17, who struggled to talk to me as she smoked marijuana, told me that she has not seen any of her relatives since the war divided them in 1997. Asked what she did for work, she quickly replied: “me na rarray gyal” (I am a prostitute). “Why can't you go back to your village?" I asked. Two reasons, she replied "I don't know whether my people are still alive and I don't even have the transport to go back.”

Osman, 21, who was awoken by our conversation told me after I asked him why he was sleeping in mid-day, that he has no place to sleep. The owner of the “ghetto” ( a place where pot is smoked), a former combatant named John said that most of the young men here don't have a place to sleep, they only need to purchase marijuana and have a rest. The sprawling community of lower Kampala has now been merged with that of Moa Wharf, which has also witnessed a rapid population increase over the past six years.
Only ten years ago, the government removed the relatively small settlement of Moa Wharf with bulldozers. The residents were relocated to the far east of Freetown. Citing environmental risks and other dangers, the government argued that the area is unsafe. The aftermath of the war however, which witnessed a breakdown of law and order and the destruction of several houses by the rebels and also the massive movement of refugees and internally displaced people meant that the limited and underdeveloped housing infrastructure of Freetown could not cope with the growing demand. The result is that most people have built shacks in socially and environmentally dangerous areas like mountain zones and wharves.
The dangers and negative features of these communities are evident for all to see. Mamadi Kargbo a 33 year old former teacher from Makeni has been ill for the past nine months. A rebel attack in 1998 forced him to flee to Freetown where he tried to get a job as a primary school teacher, but failed because he has no formal qualifications. He has not received any modern medical treatment since he fell ill and relies on traditional herbs and other local remedies. As he showed me a photo of himself taken six years ago, I could see the drop in condition of a once respectable and physically fit primary school teacher who was now reduced to a mere skeleton.

Just a few meters from where Kargbo lives, three other young men were publicly defecating near the water. One has to be strong to live here, remarked one of the guys, as I covered my nose with a handkerchief. The little stretch of soil between the settlements and the sea is strewn with garbage and the sand is hardly visible. Torn clothes, tins, waste and paper bags, are everywhere. Dead dogs, cats and human feces also littered the scene. Most people went about their business as if immune. Laborers offloaded fish from the canoes, fish mongers haggled over prices and children played hide and seek.
As I was leaving Moa Wharf I met an old man, a long time resident. When I asked him about his opinion of the area, he told me that he finds it difficult to live in the area. "If I have another option, I could have moved to another area". He said to me that most of the young men around are a menace to the society, some of them are pirates, others are pick pickpockets and some robbed people at night. He pleaded for anonymity. The government must try and do something about these boys if not "we've another crisis in the making" he concluded.

If the slums of Moa Wharf and Kampala are grim, those of Marbella and Big Wharf are grimmer. Most of the houses in Big Wharf are built on piles of refuse. The local head of Big Wharf, Chief Pa. Alimamy summed up the condition of his area saying that the people are suffering because there is no water, no health facility, and no toilet. He also said that it is difficult to transport goods and other items into the community because there are no roads. The only job here the chief said is a laborer's job. “At times I found it difficult to comprehend my position as chief in such a deprived community. We've been promised help several times by NGO's and politicians who sometimes come down here to do surveys. But as you can see there is nothing like development here,” the chief said. Even the chief is affected by the social decadence of his community, his house is not much different from the others. Like many other families here the chief has lost one of his children, infant mortality is very high.

Dalton M. Koroma whose house was burnt by the rebels and who now grinds cassava leaves and groundnut for his survival has lost six out of fourteen children by his two wives, four of them he said died at birth whilst two others died during infancy. There is hardly a family here that has not lost a child. The fact that Sierra Leone has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the world is more evident in this community more than any other. Those who are lucky to survive face a rather tough life.

Abdul Mansaray is only 14, but with his mother dead and father paralyzed, he ekes out a living as a porter carrying loads on his head. He showed me bruises and marks sustained in the course of his rough trade. Only a week ago, he was injured when he fell with a pile of wood on his head.
Amidst the deprivation and poverty in the Big Wharf and Marbella communities, crime is also a big issue. Sergeant 2446 Alikali Kargbo is the head of the police unit for Marbella and Big Wharf, he told me that crimes like common assault, larceny and pick pocketing are on the rise. Officer Kargbo said that most of the young people are unemployed so the only way some of them feel they can survive is by robbing people.

Prostitution is rife also in this community. Two prostitutes, Tima 14, and Mbalu 15, complained that they are being intimidated by the police to pay 'regular dues' and whenever they fail to comply, they are threatened and sometimes arrested. When I asked them about HIV/AIDS, they both dismissively waved their arms saying that HIV/AIDS is a non-existent disease.

In these blighted neighborhoods, the residents have found ways to entertain themselves. There is the video centre that shows both Nigerian movies and European football. Another spot frequented by most of the idle youths is the tiny football field at the edge of Marbella fish harbor that once housed a thriving fishing industry, which served as the source of livelihood for hundreds of youths around the Marbella community. Now that industry is no longer here, its infrastructure lies in ruins as it has been replaced by small scale fishing. As I left, dozens of unemployed youths were doing what they do everyday: gamble, play football, smoke marijuana and sleep.

Subject: Double Standard Or Fighting Corruption
From: A.B Dolley
To: All
Date Posted: 20:27:01 12/03/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
Double Standard Or Fighting Corruption
Dec 2, 2006
Author:A.B Dolley

If the Ellen Administration failed to fulfill its promise of bringing electricity and water to the citizens of Monrovia, then it is winning on another front; fighting corruption but the tactic it is using is now under scrutiny, some calling it nothing short of double standard. This administration, they say, is picking on easy target leaving the big fish to ply as usual.

Yesterday, news broke out that former Finance Minister, Lusiene Kamara, was arrested by the CID and was being held at the National Police Headquarter awaiting charges. Unconfirmed reports also came out that while in the custody of the police, he was physically mad handle. He was release on bail a day after his arrest.

Sources say the arrest stemmed from an ECOWAS audit, though, similar audit and recommendation by the United Nation has been equally turned down or ignored, such as the United Nation recommendation that the asset of Charles Taylor and his associates be frozen. The administration refusal to carry out UN decision caused a major set back in the willingness of donor countries to release funds promised to Liberia. The Lone Star Cellular Company and other major businesses are still own by individuals close to the disgraced President, Charles Taylor.

In reaction to arrest of the former finance minister, many Liberians expressed concern about the decision to arrest Mr. Kamara for allege corruption while at the same time appointing people that were accused of similar corruption into high government positions.

Gudye Bryant, the say, the head of the former corrupt government is a free man in Monrovia using his looted money to bid government contract.

Also, Former Vice Chairman to Bryant, Wesley Johnson, was awarded an attractive Ambassador position by the president despite allegations that he was one of those responsible for embezzling million of dollar from the public treasury.

Harry Greaves, the former Economic Adviser to Bryant and one time accused of misusing U.S 250,000 dollar was appointed as LPRC Managing Director. Recently, Greaves was caught in a daylight bribery scandal; the president stepped in, and the allegation was put under the carpet.

The Ellen Government is also during business as usual; many expressed eyebrow on how the rice monopoly was taken from the Lebanese and awarded to one man, Allen Brown, the president’s cousin.

Moreover, a recent LIMANY’s survey also indicates that 75 percent of those appointed at top government position since the Unity Party took over are Americo-Liberian or people associated with the pre-1980 regimes.

According to a source close to the American States Department, who described the Ellen Administration as “Business as usual” stating that few individual mostly Americo-Liberian are still in control of most government functionaries, the result of which, he say, will not permit the American to release fund pledged to Liberia during the donor conference. “The Americans are looking to see if the present administration is ready to work but for now it is business as usual,” the source said.

Recently, there has been an unexpressed diplomatic roar between the American and Chinese over influence, but the administration has been pulling toward China since the American has refused to release funding. Speaking recently to the development specialists group in Washington, DC, Liberian President Sirleaf said that with her short term in office, “I have learned that China always delivers fast on its promises”. The source who spoke to this reporter on condition of anonymity, said the American will not back down unless the administration change they old way of doing business in Liberia, “Nepotism”.

As it now, the Liberian government is facing a severe financial crisis the result of which is causing the lack of funding to pay government employees and to carry out developmental projects.

Subject: QUESTION FOR VICTOR FOH
From: QUESTION
To: All
Date Posted: 19:47:44 12/03/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
How can a bill be passed overwhelmingly in parliament(unanimously in this case), if the SLPP did not support it/ I thought the SLPP had the majority in the house, and if they do not support a bill, then the bill would not be passed. I thought NEC designed the boundary de;limitation documents and Thorpe presented it to parliament. How did Koroma spearheaded this bill? Is Victor Foh normal?

Subject: Re: QUESTION FOR VICTOR FOH
From: Amman
To: All
Date Posted: 21:01:51 12/03/06 ()
Email Address: lawlawde80@yahoo.com
Entered From: at 146.189.230.159

Message:
Highbab FOH is still on mediaction remember, so dont mind what he says. Cant believe this old-chronic politician dont even understand how parliament operates, what are shame. Bro your question should be enough to keep his mouth shut.

Subject: Re: QUESTION FOR VICTOR FOH
From: krio boy
To: All
Date Posted: 22:54:56 12/03/06 ()
Email Address: krioboy@yahoo.com
Entered From: px2nr.wp.shawcable.net at 24.66.94.141

Message:
I think he decided to reduce the barb after AFRC junta Govt.Can you belive a Dad abandoning the only daughter,s weeding for politics that they cant win.Must know how much is chopping.

Subject: Re: QUESTION FOR VICTOR FOH
From: concerned
To: All
Date Posted: 06:44:18 12/04/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 67.63.2.157

Message:
Foh oh Foh.. You go suffer for de students dem wae you kill on August 18.. You just begin talk nonsense.

Subject: Will Golley suffer the same fate as Sankoh?
From: culled news
To: All
Date Posted: 16:13:58 12/03/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 61-64-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.64.61

Message:
Will Golley suffer the same fate as Sankoh?

Sam Kargbo

Recently, Richard Dicker, the Director of the International Justice Programme at Human Rights Watch (HRW) in America , made a rather poignant statement about the former Liberian President, Charles Taylor, who is now in The Hague awaiting trial for alleged war crimes. Dicker said that although his organisation was strongly opposed to Taylor being tried in The Hague instead of Freetown , there was a positive advantage in the relocat1on of the trial because Taylor would have easy access to medical care.Dicker said: "Charles Taylor is entitled to and should receive high quality medical care for the period of his detention awaiting and during trial. It would be a source of enormous concern if Mr. Taylor's health was neglected while he's in detention awaiting trial."
The fact that Dicker sees a positive advantage in Taylor 's removal from Freetown must be viewed critically. Is he implying that prison conditions in Sierra Leone are not up to standard and that prisoners' health are at risk because of poor medical services? This would seem to be the case.It is in this light that we come to the case of Omrie Golley who has been charged with treason for allegedly plotting to overthrow the SLPP government. Golley's health is deteriorating fast as a result of the appalling conditions at Pademba Road Prison.

We are not interested in discussing the merits or demerits of the case. What we are interested in is the humanitarian aspect. Golley's lawyers have failed to get bail for their client who is in need of immediate medical attention. Given the poor conditions at Pademba Road , if Golley does not get treatment soon, he could well die.Golley's lawyers are calling for better medical treatment for their client because there is only one doctor for 900 prisoners at Pademba Road . How could it be possible for sick prisoners to get proper medical attention in such a situation? It is not surprising that prisoners continue to die due to lack of proper health care.One notable detainee at Pademba Road who died as a result of his incarceration was Foday Sankoh, leader of the Revolutionary United Front. He died in July 2003 in hospital after complications arose out of the stroke he had suffered earlier. Sankoh's Senegalese wife, Fatou Mbaye Sankoh, was convinced that her husband would not have died then if he had received proper medical attention.This is the same situation Golley has found himself. Ironically, Golley used to be close to Sankoh, having been a spokesman for the RUF. Are we right to think that the powers that be are deliberately placing similar obstacles in the way of Golley for him to suffer the same fate as Sankoh?We hope not. But the cavalier attitude in which the court has handled the bail issue does not tell well for the justice system in Sierra Leone . After all, it is the duty of the authorities to ensure that apart from making sure that Golley has a fair trial, he should also “receive high quality medical care for the period of his detention awaiting and during trial,” as HRW's Dicker put it in the case of Taylor.

However, it is clear that the Golley bail issue is causing concern not just in Sierra Leone but also abroad. The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office have made several representations to the government but these appear to have fallen on deaf ears.UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, in his last report on Sierra Leone to theSecurity Council, said that Golley's case appeared to have been politically motivated. This was one of the many interventions that the UN has made on behalf of Golley since he was arrested in January this year. During his visit to Sierra Leone last month, Annan brought up Golley's case during discussions with President Kabbah but nothing came out of this.The problem with this recalcitrance on the part of the government is that it does not have a good record when it comes to prison deaths. Quite a few Sierra Leoneans who have knowingly or unknowingly tangled with this government have ended up dead.Take, for example, Conrad Roy. He was a journalist with a reputation for fairness and objectivity and someone who lived for his job. But when the Nigerians ousted the AFRC in 1998 he was arrested and sent to Pademba Road where he died.

Another who suffered a similar fate was Abdul Salami Williams, who served as Secretary of State for Labour under the AFRC. By the time he was released from prison by the SLPP government, Williams was in dire need of medical attention and when his German ex-wife attempted to get him out of Sierra Leone for urgent medical attention, the government refused to allow him to travel. Needless to say, he died from medical complications brought about by his imprisonment at Pademba Road .The recent death of the Chief Immigration Officer, Gloria Newman-Smart, is another example of how failure to provide proper medical care could turn out to be fatal. Ms Newman-Smart, who had a medical condition, also died as a result of complications brought about by her detention at Pademba Road .Local human rights groups, such as the New Alliance Foundation, have regularly pointed out the folly of the government's inaction over Golley's health concerns. The government might argue that the matter is now in court and that it is down to the judge to decide whether or not to allow bail forGolley. But we all know that this government does intervene in the judicial process when it sees it fit to do sot.

Take the case of Harry Yansaneh, the editor of For Di People newspaper, who died a year ago as a result of a beating he received from assailants associated with a Member of Parliament representing the SLPP. Nothing has been done to bring the culprits to justice.This prompted the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) to issue a statement recently calling for justice to prevail in Yansaneh's case. "It is outrageous that one year after our colleague's death, the state appears to have dropped this case. An official judicial inquest found that Yansaneh died as the result of a brutal beating, and a ruling party parliamentarian was implicated in the crime," said the CPJ's Africa Programme Coordinator, Julia Crawford."A serious attack on a journalist should not be allowed to go unpunished, especially if it contributed to his death," Crawford said in a statement marking the first anniversary of Yansaneh's death.

So, it is obvious that even though the government is doing its best in terms of democracy, there is a huge deficit when it comes to respect for human rights. It does not augur well for Kabbah. What sort of legacy does he want to leave behind when he steps down from power next year: a regime that was impervious to human rights considerations?

Subject: Re: Will Golley suffer the same fate as Sankoh?
From: Al Lans
To: All
Date Posted: 09:11:08 12/04/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-dtc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 205.188.116.198

Message:
I do not belive the majority of Sierra leoneans are so shallow, as often depicted in this formum. Mr kargbo, post was to the point and none of the reply pertained to the subject, why are you guys so shallow, if USA or UK was strictly for the white race, I wonder where some of you will be today. We are urge to return home, home to what, when the so called wanner bees cannot even hold or debate on issuse that may one day affect you or someone you know. A mans freedom and health is at stake and all you guys do is mendes and what not bashing. What has that got to do with human right violation, by the current goverment and those in power. Sierra leone will continue suffering from brain drain so longs as we continue in this same stupidness. For some of us who have being previlage to be exposed to the West, it is a pity that we still live in abject poverty of resoning just as the county suffer form abject black out. When the so called Presedent stated that his people were vicious we raised hell, but he will calling it as he sees it. we have a long long way to go.

Subject: Re: Will Golley suffer the same fate as Sankoh?
From: M. Alieu Iscandari Esq
To: All
Date Posted: 11:43:06 12/04/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.117.8

Message:
You have made a VERY important observation of the issues here. I thank you for that.

Subject: Re: Will Golley suffer the same fate as Sankoh?
From: MUSA P.KAMARA
To: All
Date Posted: 17:46:25 12/03/06 ()
Email Address: mpkamara@hotmail.com
Entered From: luna.hypair.net at 194.50.180.4

Message:
The mendes are ready to sell the country to another foreigner for them to just cling on power.The next president will be a lebanese under the mende party

Subject: Re: Will Golley suffer the same fate as Sankoh?
From: CADMUS
To: All
Date Posted: 14:43:44 12/04/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: proxy1.dmu.ac.uk at 146.227.11.232

Message:
MUSA P KAMARA says ...'The Mendes are ready to sell the Country to another foreigner for them to just cling on to power.The next president will be a Lebenese under the Mende Party....'

You see Mr KAMARA, people like you make me puke.I am not sure what it is that you lack..is it Brains, or Education? The discussion here is about GOLLEY's health,what has a tribe got to do with it.There is so much in and about Sa Lone that we should be talking about, and then people like detract from the reality.

I was going to make a proper reply to your rubbish, but was told by my six yaers old daughter(yes six years old and has more brains than you) that it was not worth it.

I will just make a couple of points thus:
1 The Mendes have never sold Sa lone to any Foreigner.Anyone who is in the SLPP is there because they are Sierra leoneans.
2 The SLPP is not a Mende Party.
3 If a Lebanese is also a Sierra leonean with all the rights of a citizen and he is elected leader of the SLPP, I will vote for him.

This is a sincere advice to people like, Please see your Doctor, take your Tablets before coming out in public,that will save us all good meaning Sierra leoneans from Idiots like you.

Subject: Re: Will Golley suffer the same fate as Sankoh?
From: ok dok
To: All
Date Posted: 22:59:03 12/03/06 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: px2nr.wp.shawcable.net at 24.66.94.141

Message:
But remember that they too are citizens.

Subject: Re: Will Golley suffer the same fate as Sankoh?
From: Amman
To: All
Date Posted: 20:58:10 12/03/06 ()
Email Address: lawlawde80@yahoo.com
Entered From: at 146.189.230.159

Message:
MUSA P.KAMARA, it is a pity that people like u are still identified/associated with our beloved nation. I wonder if there is any sense of civilization in u less i mention education. I cant believe u could be so low minded to publish such a statement over this forum. where is/was the said police forum that allowed such a maniac to publish whatever he wrote. Please for the sake of love, respect which i think u probably lack, avoid generalized tribalistic approach to making your voiced heard. We live in a descent world where tolerance is highly acceptable irrespective of political differences. Let us disagree to agree for the better good of Sierra Leone.

Subject: Re: Will Golley suffer the same fate as Sankoh?
From: Albert Moinina
To: All
Date Posted: 19:59:37 12/03/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 59.160.169.14

Message:
Please count this Mende man out of that lot and I believe thousands more. From the foregoing, is it right to say the Mende are selling the country? Please let us be VERY CAREFUL in generalizing and classifying issues by tribe. Thank you.

Subject: Re: Will Golley suffer the same fate as Sankoh?
From: MOSE FAKEH
To: All
Date Posted: 20:06:39 12/03/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
Please count this mende man in. I am Albert Moininanon this forum. My real name is Moses Fakeh.

Subject: Biriwa Chiefdom
From: Concord Times news
To: All
Date Posted: 16:07:32 12/03/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 61-64-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.64.61

Message:
C. J. Hughes 5/9/2006

I first came across the Biriwa Limba chieftaincy quarrel a couple of months ago in the New Citizen newspaper, which had published a petition from the Limba ruling houses. I have been inclined to follow the story attentively. Government has given its verdict that the case is now closed with the election of Dr. Idriss Sheriff as Paramount Chief. It is obvious that a good number of Sierra Leonean are not heeding that verdict.In assuming to close the Biriwa chieftaincy case Government has anchored in a Press Release from State Lodge one key defense. Government says that the election of Dr. Idriss Sheriff was procedurally correct. It is procedural correctness that Government attests in its affirmation of the powers of the Local Government Ministry to conduct Paramount Chieftaincy elections, and in references to previous elections that the Sheriffs had contested.

On the obverse, procedural correctness has also been the main counter-argument in the hands of those who do not agree with the election of Dr. Idriss Sheriff. One argument from the National Electoral Commission, several editorials and an article by J.B. Jenkins – Johnston is that it was constitutionally improper for the Local Government Ministry to conduct the Biriwa elections. The fact that only one-fourth of the ‘electors' (tribal authorities) voted has also been raised as problematic. In between these key arguments have come questions of ethnic majority, the right to contest, perceived drive at Mandingo hegemony.Procedural correctness will remain relevant in explaining the Biriwa chieftaincy issue. I am however disturbed by the over-arching dominance it has been given in foreclosure of all others sources of interpretation choices. It is certainly good to enquire procedural correctness in the matter in respect of eligibility of contestants, conduct of elections, and so forth. But even if government did the right thing procedurally to conduct the elections, the election of Dr. Idriss Sheriff is still dubious.

Elections are not ends in themselves. Elections are mere instruments towards ends. Where an election is held but the ends are compromised then the election cannot be trumpeted as a triumph. Elections are instruments to capture a people's predominant choice of leadership, to pursue a given aspiration and interest. Elections as a numbers game capture predominant choice. People confer predominant choice on a leader on the platform of shared aspirations and interests. The nature of Paramount Chieftaincy is such that it is not possible for a Mandingo to be Paramount Chief in a predominantly Limba chiefdom. It can only be possible with serious fidgeting and infringement. People's governance aspirations and interest in chiefdoms are enmeshed in culture. The 1991 Constitution talks about Paramount Chieftaincy “as established by customary law and usage”. It is simply not possible for Limbas to appropriate to a Mandingo leadership that is supposed to be enmeshed in cultural mores, values, habits and practice. As far as Limbas are concerned Dr. Idriss Sheriff, a Mandingo is illegitimate. In customary rule, under Paramount Chieftaincy legitimacy is ascr1ptively conferred. You don't speak our language, you are not a member of our secret societies, you are not related to us from the ‘male line', we don't see you as one of us, then you are not legitimate to rule us. That's the Limbas point.Government and some of its supporters have these notions about democracy, tolerance, correct procedures, and Dr. Sheriff's development work in Biriwa, among others. A generalized employment of reasoning like this is mischievous. In Paramount Chieftaincy, ‘electoral reasoning' must be at level with the cultural horizon of the people. All this talk about generalized principles of democracy, tolerance, Dr. Sheriff's development work, correct elections procedure has little or no relevance. This is not the reasoning that informs the Limba people's objection to Dr. Idriss Sheriff. The Limbas' reasoning seeks relevance from another horizon. The Limba people in their reasoning tap exclusive cultural and symbolic notions of identity, entitlement and conceptions of legitimacy. Let us stop using our own logic as if the Biriwa people have an obligation to live by it.

Paramount Chieftaincy with its ascr1ption and cultural overhangs is seriously problematic for elections–based democracy. One problem is that a majority group in bipolar ethnic chiefdom has greater power leverage. Another problem is that history can be a greater lever of power than personal contributions to society, education or otherwise. A drunkard grandson from a ruling house can easily be a Paramount Chief, whereas a PhD holding millionaire, and development provider from lesser, non-ruling house background has no chance. It is Paramount Chieftaincy's cultural overhangs that prevent women from being Paramount Chiefs in Temne areas. If a woman can survive “Kantha”, let her stake her claims.Paramount Chieftaincy is like this. We cannot be selective about where to accept or not to accept it as it is. If Paramount Chieftaincy, is like this let the Limbas enjoy the majoritarian, cultural, historical privileges that it holds. I know someone is going to say that ruling houses like the Kai-Kai and Dabo were initially from non-Mende backgrounds. Those people only became chiefs in the initial instance by conquest or by the Mendes acquiescence as prize for protection. And a couple of generations down the line the descendants of the Kai-Kais and Dabos became Mendes for all cultural and customary intent and identity.

Subject: Re: Biriwa Chiefdom
From: Alie Formeh Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 04:58:54 12/04/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-rtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 152.163.101.8

Message:
Your points are well taken.
If the Sherriffs are not from a ruling house they dont have a right to the Paramount Chieftaincy.
Ironically, after the sham elections, Dr. Idriss Sherrif chose the name King Moseray the 2nd. The question everyone in Biriwa asks is who was King Moseray the 1st? For no such King ever ruled in Biriwa. Was King Moseray the 1st a King in Guinea?

Isn't this action to install as Paramount Chief the Sherrif's not dai light robbery?

Subject: Re: Biriwa Chiefdom
From: Alie Formeh Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 05:03:43 12/04/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-rtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 152.163.101.8

Message:
INJUSTICE FOR ONE IS INJUSTICE FOR ALL – THE CASE OF THE BIRIWA LIMBA CHIEFDOM ELECTIONS

Justice has not prevailed in the Biriwa Limba Chiefdom elections and any Chief and person that does not see that injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere is setting a bad precedent that can be replicated in any Chieftaincy election.

The Supreme Court of Sierra Leone has decided that it is the Government not NEC that is responsible for the conduct of Chieftaincy elections but even that is subject to interpretation and reasonable minds would beg to differ. The Supreme Court failed to examine the historical practice and to tie that practice with the intent of policy makers. Instead they went on a theoretical journey to arrive at a controversial decision which only placed a stain on the character of the deliberators and their profession.

Chieftaincy elections have been conducted by NEC and by the government many times over. The mere practice of sharing the duty of conducting Chieftaincy elections should be a red flag indicating some confusion inherent in the constitution with regards to the interpretation of the Policy Makers intent. By granting NEC, in some situations, the power to conduct Chieftaincy elections, the Policy makers themselves are making their own interpretation of the constitution. Does this mean therefore that all previous chieftaincy elections conducted by NEC should be declared null and void now that the Supreme Court has made this controversial interpretation of the Sierra Leone constitution. Therefore the failure of the Supreme Court to acknowledge the inherent confusion in the constitution as regards the practice of conducting chieftaincy elections is a political decision that clearly exposes the court to ridicule.

Even with the interpretation that Chieftaincy elections is the province of the Government and not NEC the Supreme Court could have examined the conduct of the Government in the exercise of that duty because the constitution grants them that power. A failure to do so is a total abdication of its duty and a blow to democracy and the rule of law. The Government is supposed to conduct itself in a manner that ensures equity and fairness in all its undertakings and should refrain from practices that give the semblance of unfairness. It is this constitutional declaration that provides the connecting link for the Supreme Court to see itself as having jurisdiction in examining any practice of the Government that is challenged on grounds of fairness and equity.

So when the Government asked NEC to intervene in the Biriwa debacle and to investigate the problem prior to the elections, the head of NEC, Christiana Thorp, dutifully complied. In her investigation she discovered a number of irregularities with the voters list which was enough for her to recommend a postponement of the elections and a review of the voters list. For the government to ignore NEC’s recommendation and to proceed with the elections without the participation of the Limbas is a travesty and that the Supreme Court cannot argue is not within their jurisdiction to rule on.

With or without the backing of the Supreme Court the current disposition of the Biriwa Limba people is clearly one of civil disobedience. Before there was the Government of Sierra Leone there were tribal Chiefs. Incidentally, the year 2006 marks the hundred year celebration of the reign of Chief Suluku of the Biriwa Limba Chiefdom and the Biriwa Limba people will grace the occasion with a style never before seen in Sierra Leone.

The Biriwa Limba people have gone as far as they can go in the legal arena and have lost but all is not lost as long as there is a will. Before there was a government of Sierra Leone there were Limba Chiefs, Mende Chiefs, Temne Chiefs and other tribal Chiefs. Say what you want about the British Colonial regime but they never tampered with tribal customs and laws. The Mendes and all other tribes continue to be ruled by their own tribal authorities despite the multitude of political leaders that have come and gone in Sierra Leone. For sure there were irregularities but definitely not in the magnitude or proportion as that felt by the Biriwa Limba people today. What if Bo or Kenema is ruled by a Limba? What would be the general reaction of the Mendes? You guessed it. They would be up in arms against what would properly be termed subjugation.

It is precisely the feeling of subjugation that the Biriwa Limba people feel presently and are poised to repel no matter what. This modern day Jesse James with a camouflage as the President of Sierra Leone has plunged the government into an impasse with the Biriwa Limba’s over traditional laws and customs and by extension to all other tribes in the country. For injustice to one is injustice to all.

The contract with government was not supposed to be one to be flouted with impunity. The conduct of this government to impose a Mandingo as Chief in Biriwa Limba land is unacceptable. Out of a total of nine regions in the Biriwa chiefdom, our strangers from Guinea, the Mandingoes, occupy only one and a second region is shared by both Limbas and Mandingoes and in our customs and traditions they own no land save for the benevolence of the Limbas who allow them to stay in that territory.

According to recent statistics in the region, the populations of Limbas in Biriwa is 90%, Mandingoes 5% and all other tribes including Lokos make up the remaining 5%. Despite tribal intermarriages over the years because of the patriarchal lineage and traditional laws if you are a member of the ruling class then you are a Limba that is linked to the crown through the male lineage. So there may be Limbas who have Mandingo connections through the mothers but are Limbas by virtue of their father’s lineage. And giving traditional laws Limbas have no objection to Limbas with Mandingo relatives having ties to the chieftaincy even if they decide to call themselves Mandingoes. Is this action by the Sierra Leone Government to impose a Mandingo with no right to the chieftaincy as Paramount Chief in Limba land not a sure recipe for disaster and an attempt by the government to circumvent traditional laws? You be the Judge.

Subject: Re: Biriwa Chiefdom
From: Alie Formeh Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 05:15:13 12/04/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-rtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 152.163.101.8

Message:
It is reported that Dr. Idriss Sherriff is in self exile in Germany. He left the Biriwa Chiefdom immediately after the elections and never returned.

NMow what?

Subject: Where is Sierra Leone heading for now?
From: PAUL B Silma
To: All
Date Posted: 16:03:57 12/03/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 61-64-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.64.61

Message:
Where is Sierra Leone heading for now?

PAUL B Silma

Building on the powerful foundation I laid during the preparation period for the 2002 campaign for the SLPP Leadership Convention which was later disturbed by some of the party scribes like Dr. Prince Alex Harding and others, I undertook a research on the political activities of the SLPP (June 2002 to June 2005). This research report was put in the form of suggestions; some of which the party has already worked on, and some they are working on now. I made this weapon in my capacity as the PRO (I) Central (I) constituency at that time in a bid to prepare, promote and project the advent of an excellent party leader ever produced in this country. Mind you, the voice of God is the voice of the people and vice versa. I have therefore decided to reveal the report of my comprehensive study of the country as a whole on the topic “Where is Sierra Leone Heading for Now” in my new capacity as an Ambassador of Development to the people of Sierra Leone .

This report could have not been revealed without the many false promises and failures in delivering the goods of this nation. As we grow in understanding some small measures of all that the Bible tells us as Christians and the Holy Quran as Muslims about suffering, affliction, persecution, and tribulation, it is extremely important to listen to another Movement”, so to speak, if one is thinking of my study as a piece of music. There is another aspect to be considered, in order to reach a more balanced understanding.

Not only are times of victory, in our sufferings, hard-stresses, strains, accidents, and sorrows; important in recognizing something of what is going on as we see behind the curtains, but we see something of fact that in the pain of drudgery of it all, one thing is emerging, patience and endurance. However, there is much more to that theme before we reach a base for balance so that posterity will not hold us responsible. So it is time we start signaling to those nefarious prigs that enough is enough. And one way of doing this is by taking a broad look at the situations of the people of this country and finding possible and genuine solutions to solve the problems of No Social Justice, less focusing on the welfare of the poor, little or no growth and efficiency, no political legitimacy and declining progress towards the Millennium Development Goals.

From examining how best to make new technologies work and old ones to improve for rich people and poor people alike, to highlighting the critical importance of strengthening human rights and deepening Democracy to protect and empower the most vulnerable, the simple answer is Mr. Charles F. Margai. This man has prepared himself with all resources humanly possible with the help of the Human Development report which has steadily widened the intellectual frontiers of the human partners on the ground in all these critical areas.

They have played an indispensable catalytic role in helping frame and forge concrete responses to the key development policy debates of our times. Today, as this report makes clear, the single greatest challenge facing this country and arguably other developing countries is the challenge of meeting the M.D Gs by the target date of 2015. But as this report persuasively argues, that agenda simply will not succeed unless we can decisively resolve bottle necks currently retarding progress at the pace and scale that are needed over the next decade in four broad areas; Aid, Conflict, Corruption and Trade. Across each of these critical areas, this report takes a fresh look at the fact and delivers a compelling and comprehensive analysis on how this can be done and by whom?

The year 2005 will be remembered as a year of choice, when world leaders had the opportunity at the United Nations (UN) September Summit to turn pledges and promises into concrete actions to help eradicate extreme poverty in the world. It is an opportunity we cannot afford to miss if we are to bequeath a safer, more secure and more just world to our children and future generation.

Now, let us take a look at the Sierra Leone Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (SLPRSP). The Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) is a document that describes a country's macroeconomic structural and sartorial policies and programmes to promote growth and reduce poverty, as well as associate external financing.

In September 1991, the Internal Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB) decided that all Concessional Lending and debts under the Highly Indebted poor countries (HIPC) initiatives to developing countries should be based on PRSP. Therefore, PRSP or IPRSP is a condition for HIPC to reach decision point for World Bank Concessional loans and approval of IMF programmes. The core principles are; country driven and country owned, prepared in participatory manner involving all, result oriented, owned compressive-ness partnership, and long term perspective for poverty reduction.

The Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (IPRSP) was prepared to bridge the human assistance, the alleged achievement of the IPRSP were as follows; Disarmament, Demobilization and Resettlement (DDR) concluded, Security Restored, Economic Recovery with low inflation, decentralization commenced, Government Authority re-established with low inflation, Decentralization Commenced, Government Authority Re-Established, Governance Structure, safety nets for war victims, and Substantial Budgetary improvements.

After these alleged achievements of the IPRSP, the SLPRSP was then prepared including Institutional Arrangements through the Poverty Alleviation Strategy Coordination Office (PASCO). The acronyms have in the last two years been transformed into Political Arrangement source for Campaign Operations. One would want to ask, how then are we moving along the number line of the Human Development Index? There are two possible answers, upwards or downwards. But I would ask a short question, where is Sierra Leone Heading For? You may have observed that everyday, stop pain, stop aches, panadol and other headache tablets make the highest sales at the pharmacies in this country than any other tablets. This research discovered the reasons which I have summarized into eight (8) eye opening instruments as follows:-

1. All efforts have been made by the UN September Summit to eradicate extreme poverty in our world. Yet, under the Human Development Index, our Gross Domestic Product Index (GDP) is 0.28 which is least among the 177 countries considered. And mind you, “No society can be flourishing and happy if a greater part of its members are poor and miserable” “Adam Smith”.
2. The country has allegedly achieved nine (9) major goals of the IPRSP which gained us access to the PRSP proper. Yet, under the Human development Index, our Gross Domestic Product per capital is 548 ( PPP , US $)) with a high inflation rate and above all, the least in the HDI. This is however not reflective of a country with about 26 different kinds of minerals marketable all over the world.
3. We have succeeded in constructing schools through timely interventions of Non Governmental Organizations and the SABABU Project. Yet, our teachers are still disgruntled with the payment of salaries; a good number of graduates are in the streets and ghettos frustrated in their pursuit of jobs. And above all, our Education Index is 0.35, which makes us the 173 rd country in the Human development Index Ranking.
4. Almost all the time, we hear of the road construction works all over the radios of this country. Yet how is the peninsular roadwork going? Where is the huge amount that was launched for the Hill-side road construction? Is Salcost prepared to pay kick-back to SLRA this time around?
5. The food security programmes is being broadcast everyday over the radio and television. Yet rice is Le 66,000 per bag and under the Human Development Index, the difference in terms of share of income and consumption between the rich and the poor is 43.1% which under scores an uneven distribution of a country's cake. Hence the progress of the (FSP) still stands to be questionable let alone its success.
6. The alleged provision of health facilities is now enough to upgrade the life expectancy rate of our people in this country. Yet, under the Human Development Index, our life expectancy Index is 0.26; which makes us the 172 nd country in the HDI ranking. And our life expectancy at birth in years is 40.8. That is about 40.56 years in males and about 39.60 years in females.
7. The Human Rights Organizations have been operating very seriously in every part of this country with low access to monitor the proceedings of the Sierra Leone Court of Law (SLCL). How then do we expect the poor to enjoy their rights? Everyday the people of this country are frustrated with the too much bribery and corruption in the judiciary and the conversion of rights to wrong. Not even the Journalist of this country is allowed to exercise their functions with effectiveness. Mind you Sierra Leoneans always learn to give Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God.
8. After the war, both the military and police were restructured to increase the strength of the security in the country. Yet, their salary payments are not compatible and under the Human Development Index, the current population victimized by crime is as follows:

Total Crime %

Property Crime (%)

Robbery (%)

Sexual Assault (%)

Assault (%)

Bribery (corruption (%)

58.6

27.0

15.5

4.8

2.5

19.5

Which is not a good drive towards achieving the eight (8) MDGs set ahead of us. And over and above all, Sierra Leone is ranked as the 176 th country in the HDI out of a total of 177 countries most of whom have a lesser amount of mineral deposits as compared to ours.

Finally, I call on all well meaning Sierra Leoneans; young or old to be a mouth piece of Mr. Charles F. Margai today, so that he will be ours tomorrow in providing solutions to our problems and hence making a safer drive towards the eight (8) MDGs set ahead of us for the year 2015.

Subject: RE: APC STORMED LOS ANGELES
From: APC MAN
To: All
Date Posted: 04:53:12 12/03/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-69-230-190-165.dsl.irvnca.pacbell.net at 69.230.190.165

Message:
Remakable Performance: The APC Southern California Chapter Dinner And Dance Party was superb. Next follow up will have photos and Video clip of event.

Subject: Re: RE: APC STORMED LOS ANGELES
From: okdok
To: All
Date Posted: 23:07:31 12/03/06 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: px2nr.wp.shawcable.net at 24.66.94.141

Message:
APC is just finding a way to enjoy the money that is given to them by supporter in the U.S. Ngo Victor enjoy boy

Subject: Re: RE: APC STORMED LOS ANGELES
From: NOT SURPRISED
To: All
Date Posted: 18:46:30 12/04/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198

Message:
If your comments were positive I would have been surprised

Subject: Re: RE: APC STORMED LOS ANGELES
From: APC Man (The real One)
To: All
Date Posted: 13:01:36 12/03/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-69-105-38-220.dsl.pltn13.pacbell.net at 69.105.38.220

Message:
Please stop using my handle (APC MAn, APC Man - capitalized or not). Call yourself APC fanatic or APC Supporter, or whatever hell you please.

Thanks

Subject: Were is Mr Ibrahim M Kamara former SL ambassador to the U.S.
From: Med
To: All
Date Posted: 04:08:34 12/03/06 ()
Email Address: alziz2002@yahoo.co.uk
Entered From: host217-43-103-126.range217-43.btcentralplus.com at 217.43.103.126

Message:
I would like to know whether Mr Ibrahim M Kamara former SL ambassador to the U.S has been transfered, retired or sacked.

Subject: Re: Were is Mr Ibrahim M Kamara former SL ambassador to the U.S.
From: IM not Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 12:11:46 12/03/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 84.54.21.148

Message:
He has been transferred as High Commissioner of Sierra Leone to Addis Abbaba, and is doing well.Such Patriots and Loyals are never retired or sacked

Subject: Re: Were is Mr Ibrahim M Kamara former SL ambassador to the
From: Memory lane
To: All
Date Posted: 14:54:27 12/03/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 61-64-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.64.61

Message:
Whats Patriot?
How can we forget Ibrahim kamara who was one of Sierra Leone's longest Energy Minister.
His deeds like others during the one party system spelled doomed in the lifes of many people in the Country. But again, it is Sierra Leone, where the saboteurs and bootlickers always have a field day.

Subject: Re: Were is Mr Ibrahim M Kamara former SL ambassador to the
From: ALPHA SAIDU BANGURA
To: All
Date Posted: 10:59:39 12/04/06 ()
Email Address: SAIDUBANGSO@AOL.COM
Entered From: cache-rtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 152.163.101.8

Message:
Ambassador I.M. Kamara has being transfered to Ethiopia.He was never appointed minister of energy and power,he was minister of lands,housing and country planning during the Stevens era.

Subject: Re: Were is Mr Ibrahim M Kamara former SL ambassador to the
From: Almamy Seray-Wurie Si
To: All
Date Posted: 06:27:24 12/04/06 ()
Email Address: almamysi@hotmail.com
Entered From: 24hrpc6.cpmc.columbia.edu at 156.111.18.145

Message:
"In Sierra Leone, leaders have false friends and good enemies"...President Kabbah

Are you H.E. I Kamara served as Energy minister?

Subject: Re: Were is Mr Ibrahim M Kamara former SL ambassador to the U.S.
From: Moijue
To: All
Date Posted: 09:49:50 12/03/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-135-83-230.range86-135.btcentralplus.com at 86.135.83.230

Message:
Still in service at Addis Ababa

Subject: Re: Were is Mr Ibrahim M Kamara former SL ambassador to the U.S.
From: ok dok
To: All
Date Posted: 23:10:23 12/03/06 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: px2nr.wp.shawcable.net at 24.66.94.141

Message:
Thanks PMDC Moijue.

Subject: THE HARDER THEY COM
From: THE HARDER THEY COM
To: All
Date Posted: 21:48:31 12/02/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 144.226.173.69

Message:
.

Subject: Re: THE HARDER THEY COM
From: THE HARDER THEY COME
To: All
Date Posted: 23:20:12 12/02/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: pool-141-156-33-91.res.east.verizon.net at 141.156.33.91

Message:
.

Subject: The Sierra Leone Energy Sector:Prospects & Challenges
From: ALBERT JAMBAI
To: All
Date Posted: 21:02:28 12/02/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
Summary

The policy goal of the energy sector in Sierra Leone is to ensure energy security forsustainable development by providing an enabling environment for the effective andefficient management of the country’s indigenous energy resources.Such indigenous energy resources of a renewable nature that the attention of the Ministry of Energy and Power is currently focused on include biomass, solar, wind and hydropower.

With respect to biomass, 656,000 tonnes of crop wastes are produced annually, with a total annual energy potential of 2,700 GWh that can be exploited for cooking, lighting and motive power applications.

With an annual solar radiation of between 1460 kWh/m2/yr and 1800 kWh/m2/yr, solar photovoltaic solutions can be implemented in a decentralized configuration across the country for lighting and water pumping, among other applications.

Subject: Re: The Sierra Leone Energy Sector:Prospects & Challenges
From: APC Man
To: All
Date Posted: 21:29:08 12/02/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-69-105-38-220.dsl.pltn13.pacbell.net at 69.105.38.220

Message:
Good stuff.
Now let us follow through on it!!!

Subject: IS BAMBAY LANS KAMARA NORMAL?
From: HELP
To: All
Date Posted: 18:21:28 12/02/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-rtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 152.163.101.8

Message:
Is Bambay normal?

Subject: Re: IS BAMBAY LANS KAMARA NORMAL?
From: roots
To: All
Date Posted: 18:25:54 12/02/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 86.149.160.105

Message:
Ofcourse he is normal! Our problem is that we abhor what we do not understand. Bambay may write or speak in a way that depicts a madman to you but his words have a profound intrinsic value to a wise person. He has had his ups and downs but that is not sufficient enough to think of him as a madman. His sanity is more than sane.

Subject: Re: IS BAMBAY LANS KAMARA NORMAL?
From: you ade nor dae
To: All
Date Posted: 06:41:34 12/04/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 67.63.2.157

Message:
Bo lef me yah. de man Crase. U kin normal person go rant lek this with no ade nor tail. The fellow im talk nor get any roots... Pass for bragg but Im GREEN CARD.. Ar think nar im wan get this card yah...

Subject: Re: IS BAMBAY LANS KAMARA NORMAL?
From: Talk to yourself good, Bambay
To: All
Date Posted: 18:28:34 12/02/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: h167-156-253.63.chubb.com at 167.156.63.253

Message:
You are normal. Talk to yourself , Bambay

Subject: The Sierra Leonean Debacle
From: M. Alieu Iscandari Esq
To: All
Date Posted: 13:34:44 12/02/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-66-140-44-2.dsl.rcsntx.swbell.net at 66.140.44.2

Message:
ttt

Subject: Re: The Sierra Leonean Debacle
From: REBEL
To: All
Date Posted: 14:34:20 12/02/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
Alimamy Bakarr Sankoh,

Just don't bring anoher RUF back to salone. As a member of Foday Sankoh's murderous gang OF rufIANS, you are lucky to be walking around in peace in Freetown.

Subject: COCORIOKO GETS AWARD FROM SLPP FOR OUTSTANDING JOURNALISM
From: DEMOCRAT
To: All
Date Posted: 08:56:57 12/02/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: h167-156-253.63.chubb.com at 167.156.63.253

Message:
COCORIOKO GETS AWARD FROM SLPP FOR 'OUTSTANDING JOURNALISM'Cocorioko is very proud to announce to its thousands of avid readers and fans all over the world that it did receive an award from the ruling Sierra Leone People's Party ( SLPP) for outstanding journalism. The award , given in expensive glossy certificate resplendent with the green SLPP colours and the party symbol, the palm tree, was given to COCORIOKO not only for outstanding journalism but for "Brilliant community service , Prolific writing and Objective journalism " .

The amazing thing about the award from the New York Chapter of the party is that it was given long before this newspaper's exemplary coverage of the recent Sensitization Tour of the United States by the Sierra Leonean Vice-President and SLPP Presidential candidate, Mr. Solomon Berewa, for which the Vice-President himself commended COCORIOKO.
Therefore it does not seem like the award was given for the coverage given the party's many fundraising ceremonies and other sensitization programs for the V-P. but for the paper's overall performance in the community and the objective coverage it has given the SLPP and other parties before. .
The award was signed by the now indisposed leader of the branch, Mr. Mohamed Tunis.

Receiving the award only yesterday at the COCORIOKO offices from the CEO of the newspaper, Mr. Alex Mansaray, through whose hands it was delivered, the Editor-In-Chief , Rev. Wilfred Leeroy Kabs-Kanu , said he valued the accolade highly because it came from one of the oldest and biggest and most durable political parties in West Africa .

"Whether people realise it or not", he said , "The SLPP is a political bastion not only in Sierra Leone but in West Africa. It has not only outlived or outshone many other parties in the sub-continent formed at the same time , but it was the political party that led Sierra Leone to Independence in 1961. and that makes it a very important political institution. To get an award from the party is a source of pride. "

The Editor also said that the award from a party he had criticised so much in the past , would go a long way to accomplish what he had been trying to establish since he founded COCORIOKO --prove that it is non-partisan and that it is independent and objective and was only concerned about the welfare of the nation.

The Editor thanked the SLPP for the award and said that it reflected the party's respect for good and objective journalism. He plans to frame the certificate and display it at the newspaper's office. He also promised to work even harder to give every political party in Sierra Leone the opportunity to have their views heard at home and abroad

™

Subject: Re: COCORIOKO GETS AWARD FROM SLPP FOR OUTSTANDING JOURNALISM
From: CONGRATULATIONS
To: All
Date Posted: 15:25:33 12/02/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: h167-156-253.63.chubb.com at 167.156.63.253

Message:
At last. Congrats.

Subject: Re: COCORIOKO GETS AWARD FROM SLPP FOR OUTSTANDING JOURNALISM
From: CADMUS
To: All
Date Posted: 14:53:52 12/04/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: proxy1.dmu.ac.uk at 146.227.11.232

Message:

Well done,REV so far,but how long can you keep up the 'independence' will you be allowed to remain this independent when the election campaign proper starts in the new year? we will see, but till then, the Jury is out.

Subject: Coexistence between mendes and temnes
From: Mr.Sa.lone
To: All
Date Posted: 05:59:38 12/02/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: p57a7626f.dip.t-dialin.net at 87.167.98.111

Message:
Good day,i am still on my point,that is mendes prefer a second class citizen to rule sierra leone than their true blood sierra leonean to be on the throne.One example if you are with this tribes in places like guinea and gambia is easily identifing them that they are not real sierra leonean and they can even tell the citizen there that their parent came from there.Secondly,if a madingo or fullah meet their tribes men from this countries in another land they felt free than their so called sierra leonean counterpart,how do you guys call that?this is not discrimination or tribalism is the mere fact you take it or leave it.Not that we are sierra leone in sierra leone you pretend to be part of us inanother country you not.The notion of a sierra leonean man is 90% pretender.

Subject: Re: Coexistence between mendes and temnes
From: MUSA P. KAMARA
To: All
Date Posted: 17:32:44 12/03/06 ()
Email Address: mpkamara@hotmail.com
Entered From: luna.hypair.net at 194.50.180.4

Message:
That is a fact,the mendes are ready to sell the state to a foreign for them to just cling on power.Our next President under the mende party will be a lebanese.They are afraid to work with the Temnes because the Temnes are proud and patriotic tribe,they will never sell their birth rights.Infact that is the reason many immoral foreigners dont like the temnes.We missed our hero the late Thaimu Bangura,may his soul rest in peace.Unless the majority tribes work together our country will remain the way it is and foreigners are jubilating for exploitaion and helping to corrupt the hopeless and so called leadres

Subject: JOHN LEIGH FURTHER WROTE
From: ROBIN
To: All
Date Posted: 03:43:00 12/02/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: s55916678.adsl.wanadoo.nl at 85.145.102.120

Message:
"In Mr. Leigh’s view, the Oil Agreement drafted under Mr. Berewa’s supervision is exactly the type of commercial agreement that has subjugated Sierra Leoneans in deep poverty and must never be subscribed to again "

Subject: Re: JOHN LEIGH FURTHER WROTE
From: Bobson
To: All
Date Posted: 10:32:44 12/02/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 67.63.2.157

Message:
john Leigh is not running for political office---Prezzo, VP. So these missiles are been wasted as far as i'm concerned. If UNA talk but the Party Bras, then we have a discussion but this man no get any political capital. But again when you continue to attack the same person, he becomes important. So e look lek Una dae help Bra leigh...

Subject: JOHN LEIGH WROTE.......
From: ROBIN
To: All
Date Posted: 03:29:50 12/02/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: s55916678.adsl.wanadoo.nl at 85.145.102.120

Message:
"Fifth, a failed attempt was made at the 2002 Bo Nominating Convention to humiliate and discredit Ambassador Leigh. When Mr. Leigh rose to correctly point out that those individuals purporting to be the genuine delegates from SLPP North America were, in fact, self-serving crooks, Ambassador Leigh was told to “Shut Up” and “Sit Down” by the officials conducting the crooked convention. President Kabbah, VP Berewa and other top officials were present but remained silent leaving the distinct impression that the whole exercise had been rehearsed. Only two courageous members objected from the floor while other shocked members later went to Mr. Leigh’s lodgings to offer their sympathy".

Subject: Re: JOHN LEIGH WROTE.......
From: ALBERT MOININA
To: All
Date Posted: 08:40:01 12/02/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
I have changed my handle. From now on, I am Robin.

Moses Fakeh

Subject: Re: JOHN LEIGH WROTE.......
From: Real Albert Moinina
To: All
Date Posted: 10:04:26 12/02/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 59.160.169.14

Message:
Get a life, my dear friend. You will soon get a heart attack if you continue like this. Moinina does not have to use another handle when communicating with John Leigh.

Or are you the thug and useless fellow with nothing to contribute but misbehave?

Subject: Re: JOHN LEIGH WROTE.......
From: APC Man
To: All
Date Posted: 03:59:10 12/02/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-69-105-38-220.dsl.pltn13.pacbell.net at 69.105.38.220

Message:
You people simply do not know when to quit. You have attacked this man from every angle, but each time he has humiliated you guys and sent you running for cover. You have resorted to using handles to attack him, but that has not worked either. Handles or not, he has manhandled you and exposed you as a bunch of empty-headed fools. Have you no damn shame? Don't you people have anything better to do?
Please stop wasting space and our time. If you have nothing better to contribute besides attacking John Leigh, simply shut up and spare us from your crap!!!!
I am really tired of the level of childishness and downright stupidity which some of you are displaying on this forum. Enough is Enough!!

Subject: Re: JOHN LEIGH WROTE.......
From: Chief Bomborlai
To: All
Date Posted: 03:50:18 12/02/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: s55916678.adsl.wanadoo.nl at 85.145.102.120

Message:
JOHN LEIGH NAR CAMALEON. E NOR JUST CHANGE COLOUR, E ALSO CHANGE KANDA.

Subject: Traffic Report
From: Forum Statistics Bureau
To: All
Date Posted: 22:11:11 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-66-140-44-2.dsl.rcsntx.swbell.net at 66.140.44.2

Message:
Today's Report

Subject: ARISTOCAT
From: KING LOGGY
To: All
Date Posted: 21:45:43 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 144.226.173.69

Message:
I DON'T REMEMBER THE WHOLE EMAIL ADDRESS.
I CAN ONLY REMEMBER THE SANDA PART.
ANY WAY SEND ME ONE AT aisha229@yahoo.com

Subject: Liberia: Two Newspaper Editors Receive Death Threats Over Cr
From: FREEDOM
To: All
Date Posted: 21:23:30 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
Liberia: Two Newspaper Editors Receive Death Threats Over Critical Reporting On Security Chief Following Agent's Murder

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Center For Media Studies and Peace Building (Monrovia)

PRESS RELEASE
December 1, 2006
Posted to the web December 1, 2006

On 1 December 2006, two editors of the independent "Public Agenda" newspaper in Liberia's capital Monrovia complained of threats on their lives by people believed to be agents of Special Security Service (SSS) Director Chris Massaquoi.

Managing Editor Gibson Jerue and Editor-in-Chief Lyndon Ponnie said the agents have been threatening to "get rid" of them if they continue critical reporting on the SSS Director.

"Public Agenda" newspaper has been investigating a shooting incident at the home of Director Massaquoi, which left SSS officer Emmanuel Williams dead.

According to the newspaper, hours after the newspaper published an interview with Ophelia Williams, sister of the murdered SSS officer, the two editors began receiving separate anonymous calls on their mobile phones from individuals said to be in defence of the SSS director.

One caller reportedly warned Jerue to stop "besmearing the reputation of Director Massaquoi or else (. . .)."

Another caller, according to the report, threatened to kill Ponnie if he did not stop investigating and reporting on the Williams case.

The murdered officer's sister, in the interview, described the recent report released by the Government of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on the death of her brother as "a mockery."

Relevant Links

West Africa
Press and Media
Sustainable Development
Human Rights
Liberia



Reacting to the threats, Jerue said they are intended to scare the newspaper to discourage it from further investigative reporting aimed at finding the killers of Officer Williams.

He said his newspaper will not be perturbed and will continue to engage in professional journalism by following up on stories.

A formal complaint has been filed by the management of the "Public Agenda" newspaper with the Press Union of Liberia.

Subject: RE: Blood Diamond Preview.
From: musa Kalawa
To: All
Date Posted: 21:05:45 12/01/06 ()
Email Address: muskalawa@yahoo.com
Entered From: adsl-69-230-190-165.dsl.irvnca.pacbell.net at 69.230.190.165

Message:
I hope I transfer the file correctly.
Please click at link below for a movie preview of Blood Diamond.

Subject: Re: RE: Blood Diamond Preview.
From: Ibrahim Fofana
To: All
Date Posted: 21:11:40 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
It has been out for more than a month now. Take your trash back to your mud hut. You waste of space. How you munku so.

Subject: Re: RE: Blood Diamond Preview.
From: Appreciate Musa
To: All
Date Posted: 04:47:48 12/03/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 59.160.169.14

Message:
My friend, is this statement necessary? You now how many people visiting this forum who may never have never heard of this movie even though you may seen it before it was acted? Is your statement justified in light of the aforesaid? If you don't appreciate it others do. Thank you

Subject: RE: Are People still unclear Of Norman's Being Gulty?
From: musa Kalawa
To: All
Date Posted: 20:12:55 12/01/06 ()
Email Address: muskalawa@yahoo.com
Entered From: adsl-69-230-190-165.dsl.irvnca.pacbell.net at 69.230.190.165

Message:
Remember, with the help of this people, Innocent people like KOMMEH were burnt alive with rubber tyres and many more on the list. Should they go free means justice has not being served.

I am not advocating a tit-for-tat. However, I believe they should never be previledge to assimilate in a peace loving society of Sierra Leone like nothing never happened.

Please click on link below for more detail.

Subject: Re: RE: Are People still unclear Of Norman's Being Gulty?
From: APC Man
To: All
Date Posted: 04:04:47 12/02/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-69-105-38-220.dsl.pltn13.pacbell.net at 69.105.38.220

Message:
Musa,
Hinga Norman is a Hero in my book, and in the book of decent Sierra Leoneans. Without him, the CDF, and ECOMOG, Sankoh or some other goat will be our leader right now. Mind you, ECOMOG alone would not have saved us.
It is high time for you people to recognize national heros and give them their props.
By the way, I am APC to the core, but I always put my country first.

Subject: Re: RE: Are People still unclear Of Norman's Being Gulty?
From: APC TO THE ROOTS
To: All
Date Posted: 10:45:16 12/02/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.117.8

Message:
By the way, I am APC to the core.

AARE YOU REALLY? ONE COULDNT TELL BY YOUR RESPONSES IN THE ARCHIVES. LOL

Subject: RE: Refresh your Memory. The History of Sierra Leone is Here
From: musa Kalawa
To: All
Date Posted: 19:46:51 12/01/06 ()
Email Address: muskalawa@yahoo.com
Entered From: adsl-69-230-190-165.dsl.irvnca.pacbell.net at 69.230.190.165

Message:
Sierra Leone

HISTORY
European contacts with Sierra Leone were among the first in West Africa, and Sierra Leone was one of the first West African British colonies. Foreign settlement did not occur until 1787, when the British prepared a refuge within the British empire for freed slaves; that year, the site of Freetown received 400 freedmen from Great Britain. Disease and hostility from the indigenous people nearly eliminated the first group of returnees. Thousands of slaves were returned to or liberated in Freetown. Most chose to remain in Sierra Leone. These returned Africans--or Creoles as they came to be called-- were from all areas of Africa. Cut off from their homes and traditions by the experience of slavery, they assimilated British styles of life and built a flourishing trade on the West African coast.

In the early 19th century, Freetown served as the residence of the British governor who also ruled the Gold Coast (now Ghana) and the Gambia settlements. Sierra Leone served as the educational center of British West Africa as well. Fourah Bay College, established in 1827, rapidly became a magnet for English-speaking Africans on the West Coast. For more than a century, it was the only European-style university in Western Sub-Saharan Africa. The colonial history of Sierra Leone was not placid. The indigenous people mounted several unsuccessful revolts against British rule and Creole domination. Most of the 20th century history of the colony was peaceful, however, and independence was achieved without violence. The 1951 constitution provided a framework for decolonization.

Local ministerial responsibility was introduced in 1953, when Sir Milton Margai was appointed Chief Minister. He became Prime Minister after successful completion of constitutional talks in London in 1960. Independence came in April 1961, and Sierra Leone opted for a parliamentary system within the British Commonwealth. Sir Milton's Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) led the country to independence and the first general election under universal adult franchise in May 1962. Upon Sir Milton's death in 1964, his half-brother, Sir Albert Margai, succeeded him as Prime Minister. Sir Albert attempted to establish a one-party political system but met fierce resistance from the opposition All Peoples Congress (APC). He ultimately abandoned the idea. In closely contested elections in March 1967, the APC won a plurality of the parliamentary seats. Accordingly, the governor general (representing the British Monarch) declared Siaka Stevens--APC leader and Mayor of Freetown- -as the new Prime Minister. Within a few hours, Stevens and Margai were placed under house arrest by Brigadier David Lansana, the Commander of the Republic of Sierra Leone Military Forces (RSLMF), on grounds that the determination of office should await the election of the tribal representatives to the house. A group of senior military officers overrode this action by seizing control of the government on March 23, arresting Brigadier Lansana, and suspending the constitution. The group constituted itself as the National Reformation Council (NRC) with Brigadier A.T. Juxon-Smith as its chairman. The NRC in turn was overthrown in April 1968 by a "sergeants' revolt," the Anti-Corruption Revolutionary Movement. NRC members were imprisoned, and other army and police officers deposed. Stevens at last assumed the office of Prime Minister under the restored constitution. The return to civilian rule led to bi-elections beginning in the fall of 1978 and the appointment of an all-APC cabinet. Tranquillity was not completely restored. In 1970, a state of emergency was declared after provincial disturbances, and in March 1971 and July 1974, alleged military coup plots were uncovered by the government. The leaders of the plots were tried and executed. In 1977, student demonstrations against the government disrupted Sierra Leone politics.

Following the adoption of the republican constitution in April 1971, Siaka Stevens was appointed President of the Republic by the House; he was inaugurated for a second five-year term in April 1977. In the national election that followed in May 1977, the APC won 74 seats and the opposition SLPP 15. The next year, Stevens' Government won approval for the idea of one-party government, which the APC had once rejected. Following enactment of the 1978 constitution, SLPP members of parliament joined the APC. The first election under the new one-party constitution took place on May 1, 1982. Elections in about two-thirds of the constituencies were contested. Because of irregularities, elections in 13 constituencies were canceled by the government. Bi-elections took place on June 4, 1982. The new cabinet appointed after the election was balanced ethnically between Temnes and Mendes. It included as the new Finance Minister Salia Jusu-Sheriff, a former leader of the SLPP who returned to that party in late 1981. His accession to the cabinet was viewed by many as a step toward making the APC a true national party. Siaka P. Stevens, who had been head of state of Sierra Leone for 18 years, retired from that position in November 1985, although he continued his role as chairman of the ruling APC party. In August 1985, the APC named military commander Joseph Saidu Momoh as party candidate to succeed Stevens; he was Stevens' own choice. Momoh was elected President in a one-party referendum on October 1, 1985. A formal inauguration was held in January 1986; new parliamentary elections were held in May 1986. In October 1990, President Momoh set up a constitutional review commission to review the one-party 1978 constitution with a view to broadening the existing political process, guaranteeing fundamental human rights and the rule of law, and strengthening and consolidating the democratic foundation and structure of the nation.

The commission, in its report presented January 1991, recommended re-establishment of a multi-party system of government. Based on that recommendation, a constitution was approved by parliament in July 1991 and ratified in September; it received presidential assent in September and became effective on October 1, 1991. There was great suspicion that Momoh was not serious, however, and APC rule was increasingly marked by abuses of power. The rebel war in the eastern part of the county posed an increasing burden on the country, and on April 29, 1992, a group of young RSLMF officers launched a military coup which sent Momoh into exile in Guinea and established the NPRC as the ruling authority in Sierra Leone.

source: U.S. State Department Background Notes 1994

Subject: Re: RE: Refresh your Memory. The History of Sierra Leone is Here
From: Ibrahim Fofana
To: All
Date Posted: 20:04:28 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
We are not interested. you dummy. Why can't you take your trash and shove it in -------------------.

Subject: Re: RE: Refresh your Memory. The History of Sierra Leone is Here
From: musa Kalawa
To: All
Date Posted: 20:30:58 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-69-230-190-165.dsl.irvnca.pacbell.net at 69.230.190.165

Message:
Haven't you deviate from your childish behavior? I notice you disappeared a while, or is it the computer that disappear? It will be worth while you refrain from attacking people in this forum. Listen I am only going to say this to you once!! Do not, I repeat Do Not EVER use any course words on me in this forum. If you will like to interchange knowledge with others including me, I will welcome that.

If you continue the madness, I will trace the source of your IP address, or call 411 and match your name and address. If it cost me to board a plane and face you, I will. Remember last, you claim to reside in New York, if that is true I will know.
So I am asking you to stop the madness or else you will face me in person which will not be advisable for you.

Subject: Re: RE: Refresh your Memory. The History of Sierra Leone is Here
From: Ibrahim Fofana
To: All
Date Posted: 21:12:57 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
Musa Fake Kalawa,

Please be my guest. You too munku for tinap near me. I am too civilized to hand out with a moron like you. Go hang out with your fellow baboons. Monkey Man.

Subject: Re: RE: Refresh your Memory. The History of Sierra Leone is Here
From: sibilize munku
To: All
Date Posted: 10:43:43 12/02/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.117.8

Message:
I am too civilized

dont just say it, ACT it.

Subject: Re: RE: Refresh your Memory. The History of Sierra Leone is Here
From: First yeoman
To: All
Date Posted: 20:25:44 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198

Message:
how about he shoves it up YOUR ass. You even bigger dunce

Subject: For Fan of Bambay
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 17:53:00 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cat14.liblab.csus.edu at 130.86.14.114

Message:
Fan of Bambay, sorry I am taking this route. But any one who contributes in stopping this mayhem on another human being, be it your father or mother, relative or not, such a person deserves respect from civilized people.
But what is more irritating is when somebody who does not know shit, comes in your face with rudeness and animalism to disrespect you because celebrities, celebrities "respect you for the good of mankind and to prove their humanity in contrast to barbarism perpetrated by some individuals, one wonders what is human and what is low-class animal.

What has all those who expect to be admired and respected done for mankind? What contributions have they made towards even their communities?

So what are they suppose to be proud of one wonders. Especially when they are irresponsible to the observance of the Rule of Law.

I am perturbed by their actions. Then they want to play mind games over something they have no idea.
You know what some ignorant fool would have done?

When some fools see a picture like the one bellow and starts giggling at the sufferings of other people, your people, my people because they are Black, what would you think; love such a person? How crude and savage is such a person who thinks this is funny or associate it to any joke? See how selfish and heartless people can be! So what do I care what they do to me. It is in History. It is nothing new.

We have tolerated a lot of nonesense believe me; and some members here think that was funny!

Subject: Fan site of Nicole Kidman
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 17:15:03 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ws-lib230.lib.csus.edu at 130.86.14.73

Message:
Ah ah ah!

Subject: When gentility fails.
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 17:09:29 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ws-lib230.lib.csus.edu at 130.86.14.73

Message:
Exactly.

Subject: Re: When gentility fails.
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 17:20:21 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ws-lib230.lib.csus.edu at 130.86.14.73

Message:
Yah!

Subject: Re: When gentility fails.
From: you ade nor dae
To: All
Date Posted: 10:24:13 12/02/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 67.63.2.157

Message:
bo you crase. you need for go check in nar a rehabilitation center. I think it is free or the US GOV go pay pickup de Tab...

Subject: Picture of the Day
From: Onliner
To: All
Date Posted: 14:45:57 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-66-140-44-2.dsl.rcsntx.swbell.net at 66.140.44.2

Message:
Pic of the Day:

Subject: Picture of the Day
From: Onliner
To: All
Date Posted: 14:05:14 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-66-140-44-2.dsl.rcsntx.swbell.net at 66.140.44.2

Message:
Pic of the day:

Subject: coexistence between mendes and temnes.
From: Mr.sa .lone
To: All
Date Posted: 13:10:08 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: p54a7d10c.dip.t-dialin.net at 84.167.209.12

Message:
I havent seen any coexistence between mendes and temnes,all have seen is devision,because mendes do not like temnes to rule the country rather prefar a madingo or fullah to ruleis a shame to see two main ethnic group that suppose to sit and think about the improvement of the country,rather prefer a second class citizen to rule and rip off our wealth.

Subject: Re: coexistence between mendes and temnes.
From: okdok
To: All
Date Posted: 22:59:34 12/02/06 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: px2nr.wp.shawcable.net at 24.66.94.141

Message:
Talking about mendes dont like temnes but who was S.I.KOROMA who took tugs in 1977 to Bo with the plan to wipe out mende trib? So who hates the other?

Subject: Re: coexistence between mendes and temnes.
From: ALPHA SAIDU BANGURA
To: All
Date Posted: 15:39:50 12/01/06 ()
Email Address: SAIDUBANGSO@AOL.COM
Entered From: cache-rtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 152.163.101.8

Message:
Mr.Sa.Lone, It pains my heart when ever I see or hear Sierra Leoneans being divided into tribes and regions because the Almighty God said that he made us into tribes and nations so that we can know each other and become one people(brothers and sisters).
I am saying it again, only people who do not have any thing to offer to our country talk about tribes.
We have been divided for a long time, and that division have created a lot of problems for us as a nation.
At this point it will be best for us to cement all the cracks among us and be united.

Subject: Re: coexistence between mendes and temnes.
From: Nonsense
To: All
Date Posted: 19:59:14 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 144.226.173.69

Message:
Alpha Saidu Bangura you are not making any sense bro.

Subject: Re: coexistence between mendes and temnes.
From: M. Alieu Iscandari Esq
To: All
Date Posted: 14:50:34 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198

Message:
NO AFRICAN IS OR SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A SECOND CLASS CITIZEN IN HIS HOME LAND. ARE MADNIGOES REALLY SECOND CLASS CITTIZENS? HOW ABOUT YALUNKA'S, VAIS, AKUS, KRIOS, AND OTHER MINORIES IN SIERRA LEONE. WE REFUSE TO BE DIVIDED ACCORDING TO TRIBE

Subject: DEBT RELIEF FOR SALONE
From: MOSES FAKEH AKA ALBERT MOI NINA
To: All
Date Posted: 11:42:52 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
US$600m off Sierra Leone’s debt
By John Mansaray
Dec 1, 2006, 17:30

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The World Bank Country Representative, Mats Karlsson has disclosed in Freetown that a whooping US$ 600million would be slashed from the total debt owed by Sierra Leone to her international partners come December 15. He made this disclosure during the close of the two day Consultative Group meeting held at the Lagoonda complex between the Government of Sierra Leone and its development partners.

According to Mr. Karlsson, come December 15, 2006 the World Bank will sign off the said amount, pointing out that it would be preceded by another round of consultative meeting at the bank’s headquarters in Washington to be scheduled any time from now.

The World Bank man indicated that the cancellation of the debt is coming as a result of Sierra Leone’s satiafactory performance so far in the implementation of the benchmarks set by the bank, among which is the successful adoption and implementation of a home-grown poverty reduction strategy.

According to Mr. Karlsson so far Sierra Leone has "proved well which is why the bank is making this move in order to assist the government continue to record more successes, noting that Sierra Leone was improving in the areas of good governance, security and peace, pro-poor sustainable growth for food security and job creation, and human resource development.

The Vice President Solomon Ekuma Berewa on behalf of the government of Sierra Leone thanked the World Bank in advance for the news. He however impressed upon the partners not to adopt "the wait-and-see policy" in effecting the cut, because the country is preparing for elections. He urged the partners to do what ever they intend doing now, rather than waiting for according to him "the people of Sierra Leone are anxious for development".

Subject: Re: DEBT RELIEF FOR SALONE
From: Vamboi Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 01:47:58 12/02/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 218.248.0.178

Message:
For fear of public embarrassment...Three Minister’s boycott Dialogue Forum
Posted by Edward Marah on Dec 1, 2006, 00:49

It has now become crystal clear that this government lacks transparency and accountability, as members of the civil society groups in Sierra Leone where last week Thursday, 23rd November 2006 embarrassed and disappointed with what many described as unpatriotic attitude of three minister’s in President Kabbah’s government, namely Dr. Denis Bright Minister of Youth and Sport, Dr. Kadie Sesay Minister of Trade and Industries and Minister of Education, Science and Technology Dr. Alpha Wurie.
All deliberately boycotted the Dialogue Forum for civil society and government organized by Action Aid International Sierra Leone at the Miatta Conference Hall Brookfield in Freetown.
The dialogue forum was aimed at bringing both parties together to dialogue on the development programmes and problems facing the country for collective solutions.
The three ministers, invited to the forum, according to the organizes, where to explain their stewardship to the civil society groups on the successes and challenges they face in their respective offices or ministries, and their contribution to the development of the country.
The forum was also to help them understand local issues from the civil society that are bothering on the development of the country, and to map out the way forward in addressing such issues.
But unfortunately the three ministers failed to turn up without even informing organizes and participants with reasons of their absence.
A member of a civil society group representing Calaba Town, Mr. Mohamed Kamara expressed his dismay over the attitude of the ministers noting that it is unpatriotic and shows that they just don’t want to be accountable to the people.
Another civil society member, Mr. Alfred Baryo said, “I feel bad sometimes when our authorities continue to hide from us the truth. This is a total attack on democratic values.?br />

Subject: Re: DEBT RELIEF FOR SALONE
From: LIELONDO
To: All
Date Posted: 08:16:13 12/02/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
Sierra Leone: Civil Society Summons SLPP Ministers

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Concord Times (Freetown)

November 29, 2006
Posted to the web November 30, 2006

Mohamed Massaquoi
Freetown

Minister of Energy and Power Lloyd During, Minister of Labor Alpha Timbo, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Karim Sesay and the Deputy Minister of Health and Sanitation Ibrahim Sesay including the Vice President Solomon Ekuma Berewa were Thursday summoned to a one-day forum for policy makers organized by ActionAid International Sierra Leone (AAISL) to keep abreast civil society groups and the general public on government activities since they were elected in 2002 and the challenges that lay ahead.

The ceremony was held at the Miatta Conference Hall in Freetown.

In his keynote address, Vice President Solomon E Berewa maintained that the SLPP government believes in democratic dispensation, and that his government is answerable to the people. He said his government has embarked on series of developmental activities to ensure that people live in a peaceful and a democratic atmosphere.

Said Berewa: "After the declaration of the president Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, stating the end of the war in 2002, he also stated that even though we have collected arms and ammunitions from the fighting groups, yet there was another war which is poverty and ignorance, because of this therefore, we prioritize among the most pressing needs of the people for which we decided to address the general security situation of the country, health facility and education.

Because there was no means one would have compromised these major issues as these institutions were totally destroyed by the civil conflict.

"Some of our critics may say the government has not performed, but there are certain invisible achievements we have made. Take the country's economic growth before, during and after the war, you will realize that we are doing extremely well." The Vice President said that now that there is peace and stability, they will address other areas of development.

The Country Director of ActionAid International Sierra Leone, Tennyson Williams applauded government for horning their invitation as it is very difficult for a third world country to organize such a forum in which government comes forward to explain their activities.

He cautioned civil society groups to be dynamic in their approach to government officers as the event will create positive impact on the development of the country.

Dr Julius Spencer, chairman of the occasion reiterated the fact that the occasion is significant as the forum as it will bring the government closer to the people.

He assured that the forum will open the minds of Sierra Leoneans who do not have access to policy makers. He thanked ActionAid for supporting such a wonderful programme.

Minister of Labor and Industrial Relations, Alpha Timbo maintained that since his appointment, his ministry has embarked on series of activities, of which most of them have yielded a lot of benefit to the people of Sierra Leone "The establishment of NASSIT, is one of the major steps which my ministry has done," he said adding that the NASSIT programme is very sustainable and it will create major impact on the life of Sierra Leoneans.

Energy and Power Minister, Lloyd During also cataloged the activities of his ministry and promised that they are working very hard to ensure that there is a reliable electricity supply to the people.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture II Karim Sesay, enphasized the role of government in ensuring that there is food self sufficiency by 2007 and that by so doing, his ministry has donated planting materials including tractors to farmers in order to achieve the dream of the president which is food security.

Deputy minister of Health and Sanitation, Ibrahim Sesay assured the general public of their frantic effort in the reduction of maternal and mortality rate in the country

Subject: Re: DEBT RELIEF FOR SALONE
From: S Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 01:45:30 12/02/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 218.248.0.178

Message:
Sierra Leone’s Leadership and Management Gap
Posted by Kenday S. Kamara on Dec 1, 2006, 23:59
After 45 years of independence, Sierra Leone faces challenges of an unprecedented scale, complexity and importance. Sierra Leone officially ended its 11-year brutal civil war four years ago, and has since benefited from substantial international investment. But its leaders and people must deal with popular dissatisfaction with a public service operating in an environment bedeviled by a culture of corruption, fraud, financial mismanagement, scandals, and civil service apathy; environmental degradation; an under-developed financial system; an inadequate health-care system; a marginalized rural population; urbanization on a massive scale; and deep social inequality. All of these problems, of course, had existed during the 24 years of poor governance under one party rule before its brutal civil war that started in March 1991; but four years after its war officially ended in 2002, thanks to the United Nations Peace Keeping Force, the current government has still not shown the ability to manage needed reforms.

Focusing on any “snapshots?of the isolated parts of these problems would make it hard for them to be solved. A systems approach is required to deal with the interconnectedness of these problems at once. Because the national character is known to be apathetic with minimal popular participation, success depends on the energy and ideas of its leaders. Strong and visionary leadership can be trusted to determine what cultures are conducive to better management practices and what represents a threat to basic public administration. Because any civil service reform cannot be disengaged from the issues of improved governance as they affect accountability, rule of laws, and transparency.

Yet the current Sierra Leone government has no system in place to attract, develop, and retain talent. There are no appropriate organizational structures, processes, resources, and management styles that would make it possible for its workforce to perform to the best of their talents and skills. Graduates from the country’s universities are not appropriately trained to deal with the country’s problems. What is not also there is the capacity to train in technical areas such as surveying, draughtsmanship, architecture, mechanical engineering, accounting, and medicine to meet its needs in these technical areas. A UNDP study group recently reported that “IPAM is claiming to have the capacity to meet 90 percent of the training requirements of the public source despite the fact that there is no factual information on the magnitude of training requirements since there has been no training needs assessment done for the public service.?What is clear, the ability of the universities and IPAM to meet national training needs is limited due to resource constraints.

Moreover, most talented Sierra Leoneans are instead choosing to pursue careers abroad where there are opportunities for them. Due to low salaries, poor working conditions, and to some extent, political interference with the professionalism of the public service, senior experienced civil servants have left the civil service for the private sector, international organizations, and greener pastures in other countries. Worse, many Sierra Leoneans who remain, and the few returning home after many years abroad to accept government or political appointments, become corrupt, eroding the government’s effectiveness and feeding popular discontent with the system.

Of all Sierra Leone’s challenges, none is more critical—or more daunting—than that of nurturing a new generation of leaders who are skilled, honest, committed to public service, and accountable to the Sierra Leone people as a whole. Unless Sierra Leone manages to produce or attract such leaders, any government in power will fail to meet the country’s challenges and its public promises of a more prosperous and democratic future will remain unfulfilled.

The Talented and Opportunities Abroad

For much of Sierra Leone’s history, the government has never genuinely tried to attract the country’s best and brightest. The famous Public Service Commission (PSC) has no proven system in place for identifying the talented; if it claims to have one, it is under-utilized, and is short of a merit-based route to social advancement. Instead, the fastest path to government service is personal connections and keen political skills. There is a lot of political influence in the appointment of senior civil servants. The political leadership has a final say in the appointment of permanent secretaries. One can say that the recruitment and promotion process is based on several factors including seniority, sex, politics, merit, and ethnicity. Also, the size of the public service is still unnecessarily bloated out especially at lower levels for political and patronage reasons, just as it was during the good old days of the APC one party rule.

Sierra Leone’s educational system is not doing much either to identify the best minds to better prepare them for government service. The university system has no courses designed to prepare the country’s talents for government work. Top graduates from Fourah Bay College, Njala University College, IPAM or the MMCE prefer overseas study and jobs in international organizations to government posts. Many ambitious Sierra Leoneans, especially the best minds, have therefore not regarded a government job as the best route to success. Because some of these best minds who want official positions in government find it difficult to get them, also due to the low salaries, poor working conditions, and to some extent, political interference, they rather choose to pursue international scholarships and fellowships for overseas study, and jobs abroad. Many of those who do manage to enter public service do not stay there for long. For their part, young officials can expect to quintuple their salaries in the private sector. Thus, even as the need for reform grows harder, the leadership talent pool is becoming shallower.

However, most of these best minds who have chosen to pursue greener pastures abroad are strongly patriotic and often justify working abroad as a way to prepare themselves for a future in public service. This assumes, of course, that they will be able to enter the government later in their lives. But power in Sierra Leone is still firmly in the hands of political careerists. There remains a virtually impermeable wall between those who are what the Sierra Leoneans call “the politicians?(inside the system) and those who are the experts and do not want to mix politics with their professionalism, hence (outside the system).

There is also no clear mechanism to attract experienced and qualified Sierra Leonean expatriates. According to a UNDP study group findings, “the PSC has written letters of invitation to such Sierra Leoneans asking them to come back and join the public service. The responses to such invitations have been minimal due to mainly low salaries and unattractive civil service incentive system. However, the Department of Finance has succeeded in recruiting some qualified and experienced Sierra Leonean expatriates who have been appointed to key positions in the department.? But again, the experiences of these returnees have been difficult. They work surrounded by “lifers,?who see them as a threat. None of them has been a conspicuous success in terms of driving social change in Sierra Leone.

There is also a noticeable decline in the quality of lower-level officials, on whom the success of reform policies depends. Eight percent of the civil service is said to be made up of lower level staff that are not productive. Most of the staff is being brought in for political and patronage reasons just like how it was done during the APC rule.

The difficulty returnees face is only one aspect of the structural problems of Sierra Leone’s bureaucracy. Another is that senior officials are often asked to take on roles for which they are unprepared. There are no defined goals to be accomplished; the structure of work and authority relationships are not made clear; incentive systems, accepted management practices, and communication channels, are also not clear. Evidently, there is no enabling work environment, and the essential physical resources (e.g. desks, vehicles, pencils, equipment, telephones) to facilitate the performance of individuals are simply inadequate.

Compounding the difficulty, many high-level officials are moved from post to post too quickly. To some degree, such movement represents the government’s hunger for talent and its willingness to put leaders wherever they are needed. Such job-hopping, however, limits the effectiveness of leaders, since they have little time to learn about their positions or see initiatives through, and they face resistance from subordinates who know they will soon be gone. Middle level officials, who are generally speaking educationally qualified and some have a lot of experience in the civil service, manipulate these senior officials (the returning expatriates) who come through the revolving door to their advantage.

Confucian Paradigm, Corrupt Reality

Despite such systemic flaws, by some objective standards Sierra Leone’s current leaders are far more qualified—Tejan Kabbah with degrees in technology, economics, and law from Cardiff College of Technology and Commerce and the University College of Aberystwyth, Wales; Solomon Berewa; with a law degree from Durham; Dr. Kadi Sesay; Dr. Sama Mondeh; Dr. Prince Harding; Dr. Caiser Boima; Dr. James Rogers—than those who ran the country a generation ago—Siaka Stevens with just a diploma in trade unionism from Ruskin College, Oxford; S.I. Koroma, a high school diploma from the Bo Government School; C.A. Kamara-Taylor, a diploma in business methods from the London School of Accountancy; P.C. Tamba Songu M’biriwa, a high school diploma from Bo Government School. As previous studies observe, in the 1970s, less than 35 percent of public officers had more than a high school education. Today, over 81 percent of such officials hold advanced degrees. Even at the local level, it is not uncommon for the mayor and council chairmen to hold bachelors or masters degrees.

At its best, the marriage of talent and power realizes the ancient Confucian ideal of the scholar-official. But although Sierra Leone’s current leaders are better educated than their predecessors, they are not necessarily more upright. They are even worse than some of “the educated men and women who later prostituted themselves before the altar of Siaka Stevens?kleptocracy.?Consequently, Siaka Stevens knew how to ridicule them with his famous aphorism “nar sense dehm take mek book, nor to book dehm take mek sense,?translated as “people use their intelligence to write books; books do not create intelligence?) Nonetheless, some talented and honest officials stay in government out of a deep sense of responsibility, but others are motivated by a desire for status and power. As a result corruption is rife. Growing national anger at the official venality of the current SLPP-led government of Kabbah does not as such belie in any way the old APC maxim that condones corruption?oosai den tie cow, na dae ee dae eat,?literally, “wherever they tie the cow, that’s where it eats.?br />
According to the 2003 Anti-Corruption Report, one of the most corrosive—and pervasive—forms of malfeasance in the country occurs where “the public and private sectors interface—especially where there is a direct responsibility for the provision of a desired service or the application of specific regulations or levies. This includes, for example public procurement and contracting, licensing activities such as the granting of import or export permits, the rezoning of land and the collection of revenue, whether through taxation or customs duties. Again, at the basement of the pyramid, but one that directly and seriously affects the public, corruption involves incalculable unpaid services such as the granting of driver’s licenses, passports and business permits. Such activities which unfortunately have been practiced on a colossal scale have effectively hampered the socio-political and economic wellbeing especially of the already powerless and marginalized sectors of the society.?

The government of Kabbah, with assistance from the DFID has set up the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) with a mandate which includes powers to prevent and investigate all corrupt practices in the country. With reference to the most recent ACC’s 2005 Caseload in its Annual Report presented by ACC Commissioner Prof. Joko-Smart, who was recently appointed to the post, 587 cases were reported to the ACC out of which 91 were investigated, 13 prosecuted, 113 cases rolled over to 2006 and 370 cases were not investigated. But there is scant evidence that these efforts have had much effect. Despite high-profile examples of local authorities being tried, but hardly convicted, many officials simply calculate that the payoff from malfeasance is worth the risk of being caught.

There are clear indications that public dissatisfaction with government incompetence and dishonesty is growing. This is evidenced by the frequent strike actions frequently spearheaded by the Sierra Leone Labor Congress which constituted workers, including teachers, using non-violent means to protest against government incompetence and to advocate for their needs as demonstrated by the downing of tools.

Political Careerism to Talent

President Kabbah and Vice President Berewa understand the importance of bridging the chasm between what Sierra Leone needs from its leaders and what the country is receiving. Both have publicly taken steps to do so. In a statement by Berewa to the Peace Building Commission at the ECOSOC Chamber at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on October 12, 2006, he talked about the capacity weaknesses of all areas of the economy, and the effects evident at all levels especially in the public service. Berewa added “the government has therefore put this as one of the priority areas of action. Beginning with the civil service, a major reform program is under way to modernize the service, streamline activities, and rationalize institutions and reform pay scales.?br />
Having a capable corps of public-sector leaders of course appears to be critical for the presidency of Kabbah to achieve its goals, including its stated ambition of broadening public participation in Sierra Leone’s governance. During his August 2006 statement on the presentation of the Anti-Corruption Annual Report, President Kabbah said that he has “observed the increasing marshalling of a range of community forces acting as deterrents to corruption [and] the realization of [the] people that corruption is odious, shameful, a real hindrance to national development and as [he] said some time ago in Parliament, a threat to national security.?

What precisely Berewa and Kabbah have in mind is still not clear, perhaps even to them, because a recent forecast by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) tells a different story. The EIU predicts that if “the Sierra Leone People’s Party is going to remain in power, with the president, Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, to be succeeded by the vice president, Solomon Berewa, after the July 2007 presidential election, the tailing-off of post-conflict economic recovery is expected to result in a slowdown in real GDP growth in 2006-07. Why, because, inflation is expected to remain high, at 13 percent in 2006 and 14 percent in 2007, owing to continued fiscal laxity, food shortages and high oil prices. The leone is [also] forecast to depreciate to an average of Le2,977: US$1 in 2006, and Le3,230: US$1 in 2007, reflecting low foreign reserves.?br />
It is probably pertinent to suggest, therefore, that the fight against corruption is not only limited to the activities of making hopeful speeches. A program of “government self-improvement?needs to be considered by the government. It is imperative to build a contingent of public servants who are politically reliable, professionally competent and clean and honest and have a good work style. The president and vice president should be warning ministers and heads of parastatals against covering up problems or trying to pass the buck by blaming the presidency to cover up their incompetence. There should be recurring educational campaigns for ministers and public servants, which exhort them to live plainly, struggle hard and warn them not to wallow in luxuries and pleasures. The goal is for all to understand that the quality of leadership needs to be raised. Government has to seek ways to build greater responsiveness and accountability to citizens. Such reforms would likely include a more robust and independent Anti-Corruption Commission, and more reliable sources of information about how people feel about public servants and policies—and presumably some ability for people to affect one or both.

Encouraging popular participation and strengthening official accountability are essential elements of the transformation that Sierra Leone must undergo if its modernization is to succeed. It cannot continue to rely solely on its current top-heavy political structure. Because the size of the current pool of government leaders and managers in Sierra Leone is not sufficient to carry out any serious reforms, government has to tear down the wall between the government and the private sector that currently keeps many talented professionals out of public service. By opening up the leadership to new members, Sierra Leone could unlock the potential of those existing leaders who are often frustrated by the competing demands of politics and effectiveness. Only by freeing its managers and leaders from the shackles of organizational political careerism and old-line thinking will Sierra Leone be able to find a dynamic but stable path toward the democratic future lip-serviced by Kabbah and Berewa, and aspired to by ever-larger numbers of their fellow Sierra Leoneans.

About the Author: Kenday is a native of Sierra Leone, in West Africa, where he grew up attending Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, 1982-1986. He was a political science major. He also has diplomas in small business management and social work/psychology. He graduated with a master's degree in organizational management from the University of Phoenix, Colorado Campus, as 2004 graduate student of the year. For that award, Colorado’s Sixth District Representative, Tom Tancredo, paid a tribute to him on the Congress Floor in Washington, DC, on July 22, 2004. The award marked a great story of Kenday overcoming adversity and doing whatever it took to reach a goal. Kenday fled from a long, drawn-out violent civil conflict in Sierra Leone to resettle in Denver, Colorado (USA) with his wife, Princess, and his children in 1998 to October 2004. Kenday is currently an educator in the Prince George’s County education system in Maryland and an organizational development consultant for Medcall Staffing and Management Consultants, Inc. He is also a Ph.D. scholar-practitioner in Applied Management and Decision Sciences at Walden University specializing in Leadership and Organizational Change. Kenday can be reached at kkama002@waldenu.edu

Subject: Re: DEBT RELIEF FOR SALONE
From: SLPP KEEPING BEGGING
To: All
Date Posted: 01:08:24 12/02/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 218.248.0.178

Message:
There is more joy in giving than in receiving. For how long can we depend on others generosity? SLPP dependence on handouts is horrible and a disgrace.

Subject: Heap Of Garbage!
From: MCC
To: All
Date Posted: 11:37:48 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
Heap Of Garbage!
-Fiamah Residents Sandwiched With Filths
-What Solution Is MCC Providing?

One of the justifications of the demolition of makeshift and somewhat decent structures in areas are not designated for the erection of structures is that government says it is executing the zonal and city ordinances laws. Apart from breaking down structures from Broad Street and other areas, the Monrovia City Corporation is collecting garbage. But what seems to be an insensitive act by the city authority to the health concerns of the residents of Fiamah, in Sinkor, is that the MCC is dumping all the filths in the community. As our News Editor Ernest S. Maximore reports, the people are worried and are calling the MCC to clear up the mess it has created.

Little Jesse contacted malaria recently that nearly cost his life in the Fiamah community. The Mosquitoes are all over the place and it appears mosquito coil or spray gun is no longer the best companions to destroy the insect.

Jesse’s problem came from the huge pile of garbage in the community by garbage collectors of the Monrovia City Corporation. The filths are causing all the stinging scent and a huge number of flies may soon over take the community.

That is the fear of Stephen Barconi. “What do they think we are? They dump the garbage here and go and then we get the diseases.”

The adage that “cleanliness is next to godliness is far fetched from reality for residents of 21 Street, Fiamah, Sinkor that have been enveloped with huge compilation of garbage deposited daily by Monrovia City Corporation and other private sanitation entities.

Residents thought the recent construction of a bridge by the Liberian government connecting Fiamah to Matadi would have paved the way for the complete beautification of the route that has been the melting point for garbage deposit over several years now.

“We were happy when President Sirleaf came to dedicate our bridge more than 5 months ago. We were thinking that the road leading to the bridge would have forever remained spotless as it was hurriedly paved by MCC for President Sirleaf’s visit,” Paul Gbah, a resident of Fiamah averred.

Before the turning over ceremony of the bridge, MCC clear both ends of the road by pouring sand to cover the filth and even stop dumping there nearly two weeks in anticipation of the visit of the president. This was however a mere smokescreen of the reality, as the president departure from the scene was directly proportional to the immediate dumping of more and more dirt.

The Fiamah-Matadi route has become a major sickness-contracting den for pedestrians, commuters and meanly residents. Plums of smoke evaporating from the colossal garbage are seen dispersing day and night over the community. Usually it is not residents that set the garbage on fire. “When MCC bring their dirt here, most times the dirt is already on small fire because they collect dirt from all over the streets, including from those who roast meat, fried fish or do fire work. The chunk of fire can still be in some of the filths when they are brought here and the garbage right away blaze with fire”, classroom teacher Joseph Weh indicated.

Mrs. Theresa Zor lives at the ingress of the dirty road. “We and flies share the same food together because we eat in the same plate because of this, we cannot eat outside anymore”, she said, adding, “the horrible smell from the toilet (human wastes) and the garbage are killing me and my children; if we were renters, we would have left this place a very long time ago”. She further said that because of the danger the filth poses to her family health and community as a whole, she is asking the government of Liberia to straight away halt the dumping of dirt to the place.

Also at the far horizontal side of the Fiamah road, particularly on Barclay Avenue , a terrible health hazard front line also looms. The danger is easy to recognize. Column of smoke pollutes the air. The smoke is a hodgepodge of human feces and garbage. The huge garbage towers over the Fiamah community.

One has to hold his or her nostril before passing on the road. The stench of the dumping site is too horrifying beyond descr1ption. Hordes of flies are seen whizzing over the community. Rats and mosquitoes reside in the garbage spot, day after day touring the community, and unleashing illness on residents.

The Williams family has their house at the mouth of the garbage. “Mosquitoes and flies are causing grave health problem for us. Feces and garbage odor always make us sick; even my son has been sick for some times now”, Bendu William expounded. She further explained, “We have to cook between the hours of 5 and 6 pm, at least at that time, the flies might had gone to bed”. Asked why they cannot leave the place, she responded, “this is our house that was built more than 5o years ago before the garbage being dumped here and we have no where to go. We have incessantly complained and complained to MCC about this rotten place, but it is like put water on duck’s back, so we are just sadly living with it as if there is no government to hear our cries”.

The Top International School and the Trumpet of Praise Tabernacle Church have their share of the foul-smelling trash pie. The Principal of the school, Mrs. Ada Zuu-Kormah said that for three days in last week, the kids at her school did not go to school because of the smoke and odor from the garbage. ”Most of the students got affected with cough and some vomit, most times, during classes. We have been contacting MCC, Public Works Ministry and the Ministry of Health to ensure that proper mechanism be put in place to discontinue the compilation of dirt here, but the more we talk, the more dirt they would bring here”, the principal narrated.

She elucidated that last Tuesday, the school took into service a bus that drove them to the Monrovia City Hall protesting about the trash, but nothing concrete came to fruition about their remonstration. “We are frustrated about the insensitivity of the government to help us in this regard. “It has been two years now we have suffered this problem”, she lamented.

The garbage, she said, was piled up from the bottom of the road and then extending in front of the church and school, but "we have to use strong measure by digging gutter in the path of the trucks that usually bring dirt here”. She continues, “When we dug the passageway, MCC refilled the place and brought other consignments of dirt, but we then dug it again until authority comes to our aid”.

For his part, the chairperson of the Future Intellectual Discourse, located in Fiamah, Mr.Cebrum Hall has issued a two week ultimatum to MCC authority to immediately halt the entire process. “The community members will blockade any truck that comes into the area for the purpose of dumping dirt, if nothing substantial is done to hold back the continuous waste, that is slowly harming our community”, Hall vowed.

City Mayor Ophelia –Hoff Sattumah could not be contacted as she is out of the country. Sources from the MCC, however told us that she has been dragging her feet on the issue as if the people are not human too. Each time she is told, there is always an excuse from her that the government has no money to carry on a complete clearing of those places, sources said.

The issues of health and sanitation, observers believe, should not be taken for joke. A healthy people make a health society. The collective productivity of the entire working force of the country is folk-pinned on a healthy population.

The garbage; however appears to be favorable for some people. Kids were seen digging into the dirt in search of scraps to sell. Nine year-old boy Emmanuel Peter, a first grader told Public Agenda that he has to sell what he gets from the garbage to make some money for he and his mother, brother and sisters to eat. “I will not go to school for few weeks because Christmas is near and I have to struggle to purchase my own clothes”, little Emmanuel indicated.

He wore a smutty short trouser with no shirt and half-cut slipper, exposing his feet stepping on the garbage. Whether or not his presence in the pile of garbage could endanger his health does not matter to him.

Ten years old girl, Lisa Toe also enjoys digging in the garbage. She sees it benefiting than the health hazard that some community members think the garbage poses. She told this paper that she is not in school. “Things are hard on my parents and I have to go from garbage to garbage to feed my family”, adding, “I think I will never go to school in my life, because my family are poor”. Dressed in what supposed to be a white skirt, but canopied with dirt, Lisa then appeal for help to get her in school.

The fates of the residents and the kids are much to worry about, observers believed. Everything, they said must be speedily done to provide remedies for the problems.

Subject: FOR KING LOGGY: ENLIGHTEN ME ON THE MENDE--TEMNE "PLABER"
From: BRA ENVIABLE
To: All
Date Posted: 10:54:04 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ln3-52-77or981.gsu.edu at 131.96.15.22

Message:
LOGGY, You have simply hijacked my initial topic with a red herring. Giving economic power to Sierra Leoneans should not have anything to do with the perceived problems between Mendes and Temnes. If anything, I do not see the Mende--Temne fissures you find so prevalent as to attract national attention. My best friends and study mates at the heart of Mendeland in CKC, BO, were Temnes. I still remember their names with all the conviviality that marked our friendship. Thorlu Banguara and Isatu Kabia were my Sixth Form friends, not Lahai Moinina and Baindu Banya.

The relatively fewer number of South-easterners in the North is largely due to the scarcity of mineral resources in that part of Sierra Leone. The schisms that probably exit between Mendes and Temnes are not discernible enough to prevent a South-eastern migration to the North. By sheer dint of climate and Georgraphy, South-easterners have all the incentives to keep them tied to their lands. There were fewer enticements to "seduce" me into Makeini during my days as a school boy. There was no way I could have left the lucrative "coffee season" in the East for anything else. Kono District is a stone's throw from my part of Kailahun. Yet, NOT even the ritzy attraction of diamond wealth could goad me into leaving Kailahun for that part of the East. In short, the scarce presence of South-easterners in the North, has more to do with ECONOMICS, than your perceived Mende/Temne dispute.

The "voting" habit of Mendes to which you alluded, is a natural state of affairs. Even the Western democracies--with all their characteristics as enduring political establishements---have voting patterns based on regionalism, race, and religious affiliations. As a naturalized American, I may find it more hellish to get White votes in an American election, than a naturalized American of, say, Belgian extraction. Mendes, like Temnes, are more likely to vote for candidates with a familiar ethnic oreintation, than the other way round. Still, I remain blinkered, and therefore cannot see, the Mende/Temne problems that are stirring the kittens in your belly! Nor falla dee bad heart nar dis forum. We all nar wan.

Subject: Re: FOR KING LOGGY: ENLIGHTEN ME ON THE MENDE--TEMNE "PLABER"
From: KING LOGGY
To: All
Date Posted: 12:36:32 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: pool-141-156-33-91.res.east.verizon.net at 141.156.33.91

Message:
"LOGGY, You have simply hijacked my initial topic with a red herring."

This is not new to me my friend, I have been accused of this so many times I lost count. All I have to say is "make all man stay wit him perception
-------------------------------------------

"Giving economic power to Sierra Leoneans should not have anything to do with the perceived problems between Mendes and Temnes."

You see Bra E, you are flip-flopping.
This is probably why you think I hijacked my initial topic with a red herring
You are now excluding POLITICS from your initial statement. The following is your earlier take on this issue:

"A political manifesto that does
not discuss BREAD and BUTTER issues
is a disservice to the nation it
aims to democratize."

In response, when Temnes and Mendes discuss their political differences and find a solution, BREAD AND BUTTER (ECONOMIC VITALITY) issues will automatically follows. Sierra Leone will NEVER come out of its poverty status as long as the two major tribes cannot see eye to eye in national politics.
------------------------------------------
"My best friends and study mates at the heart of Mendeland in CKC, BO, were Temnes."

Porooooo! My wife is Mende, Sengbe is my branlaw
and I am Temne so what? Lol!
------------------------------------------
"In short, the scarce presence of South-easterners in the North, has more to do with ECONOMICS, than your perceived Mende/Temne dispute."

Again, don't put words in my mouth. My perceived Mende/Temne dispute as I stated emanated from political differences.
Besides, Sierra Leoneans cannot live by coffee alone; there is also something called rice and if the Mendes are the farmers they think they are, there is abundance of boli lands in the North. Why can't they take advantage of it instead the government had to bring the Chinese in. What ever happened to all those Njala students with training in agriculture?
--------------------------------------------
"The "voting" habit of Mendes to which you alluded, is a natural state of affairs. Even the Western democracies--with all their characteristics as enduring political establishements---have voting patterns based on regionalism, race, and religious affiliations."

Avoid comparing the west with Sierra Leone in political matters my friend. In Sierra Leone, tribe is more important than regionalism, race and religion.
--------------------------------------
"Nor falla dee bad heart nar dis
forum. We all nar wan."

I agree 100%. But when e cam pan politics, we all nor to wan oh en de more yu accept dat de betteh for we all.

Subject: Re: FOR KING LOGGY: ENLIGHTEN ME ON THE MENDE--TEMNE "PLABER"
From: Sylvester Johnny
To: All
Date Posted: 13:57:17 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host-66-134-72-65.covad.com at 66.134.72.65

Message:
Dear Bra Enviable,

Given your take on the political affiliation of Sierra Leoneans,please try to predict my political party in Sierra Leone and US.
Dad:Kissi
Mum:Mende
Wife:Temne

Subject: Re: FOR KING LOGGY: ENLIGHTEN ME ON THE MENDE--TEMNE "PLABER"
From: BRA ENVIABLE
To: All
Date Posted: 14:05:23 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-dtc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 205.188.116.198

Message:
Bra Johnny, you nar me brother for true.
It's hard to be accurate in this case. My guess is that you nar Palm tree man. Otherwise, you could be a "Ngor Margai-ist". I am a "Ngor Margai--ist" today, and will be so for the forseeable future. If he lets Sierra Leone down, I will become a free political thinker without party affiliation.
In the USA, WELL, that's even more dificult.
And I am NOT going to try.
Do you speak Kissi?
Please let me know. My lips are itching to speak PURE Kissi language.

Subject: Re: FOR KING LOGGY: ENLIGHTEN ME ON THE MENDE--TEMNE "PLABER"
From: Sylvester Johnny
To: All
Date Posted: 23:48:26 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-76-20-101-62.hsd1.ca.comcast.net at 76.20.101.62

Message:
Sorry to say that your theory does not apply to me.I do not currently hold membership in any of the major political parties.I don't know what the future holds since I am not actively involved in Sierra Leonean politics. In the US, I am a REPUBLICAN.

Subject: Re: FOR KING LOGGY: ENLIGHTEN ME ON THE MENDE--TEMNE "PLABER"
From: FARRAH MARRAH
To: All
Date Posted: 12:44:47 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 134.113.4.207

Message:
KING LOGGY,

En Suck moo intha?
One believes in subjugation, the other in Freedom.

Subject: Parliament ratifies boundary delimitation
From: APC MINISTER FORMEH-KAMARA
To: All
Date Posted: 08:36:02 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
Parliament ratifies boundary delimitation

The long awaited parliamentary debate on the constituency report presented to Parliament by the National Electoral Commission (NEC), has reportedly taken place yesterday, laying to rest wide speculations that Members of Parliament were against ratifying the document, which recommends a reversion to constitutionally prescribed constituency based elections, report several tabloids including The Standard Times, Awoko and Concord Times.

Subject: Re: Parliament ratifies boundary delimitation
From: Alie Formeh Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 13:25:31 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 198.22.236.230

Message:
Would you please refrain from using my family name.

Subject: Re: Parliament ratifies boundary delimitation
From: ok dok
To: All
Date Posted: 09:27:29 12/01/06 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: px2nr.wp.shawcable.net at 24.66.94.141

Message:
Berewa is ready for a change of life in that country.I have know him for a long time so trust him .This is the first SLPP showing the country that the party needs all tribes.

Subject: PMDC a new force of hope in Sierra Leone
From: Soja Tong
To: All
Date Posted: 05:08:23 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 147-64-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.64.147

Message:
Britain interest in Sierra Leone must be preserved at all costs. The British have proven to be a genuinue helper in changing the status quo in our Country. However, Britain has to extend its help to every sector.
Sierra Leoneans have suffered immensely and continue to face an uncertain future. So, it is important for Britain to maintain neutrality and imaprtiality in the next Presidential elections. We the ordinary people will want to see a free and fair elections in Sierra Leone.
And in order to achieve it, the International Community must not impose any leader through vote rigging and foul play.
The forces of good must allay the fear of the British, that they will not nationalise any mining activities in Sierra Leone. If any party is to darken Britain policy, it is the SLPP.
Barely two months in power, Kabbah first visit was in Iran, after the west has poured twenty million dollars to conduct the 1996 elections. In recent times, we have seen Solomon Berewa opted for Cuba at a time he should be in the west to request for funding.
The only party that will guarantee Sierra Leoneans renewed life and prosperity is the PMDC. Our party when elected will give total independence to the anti corruption unit. This is to send a clear signal to our detractors that we are serious to develop oir Country. Cabinet members of the PMDC will declare their assets and we will be able to set up a consolidated fund through contributions of PMDC supporters to give equal opportunities to Sierra Leonean children. The PMDC government will be the first in our nation's history to keep a cabinet not more than nine Ministries. Every government ministry will have a technocrat who is trained in his discipline. There will be no square peg in a round hole. The PMDC will bring power back to the people. Sierra Leoneans will be positioned to conduct their own affairs. Every constituency will be rewarded with bounty to improve their societal problems. The PMDC wil encourage indigenous Sierra Leoneans to instill within themselves civil responsibility and obligation to te public.
The PMDC is a credible third force and it is surrounded by the young and old. We all have one motive; to bring back Sierra Leone lost glory!
So, those who are hiding under the cloak of deception to thwart the wishes of the people of Sierra Leone need to reconsider their diabolical plan to derail the PMDC bandwahon of Positive change.
The PMDC is not a vindictive party.We hope to institutionalise ethics and honesty in Sierra leonean mindset. Our government will adopt new curriculum for our hapless kids. The modules content will open their eyes to speak the truth and learn to be honest.
There are many positives in a PMDC administration. Immediately, the whistle is blow to start electioneering,the radio waves will re-echo the above points in the ears of our less fortunate compatriots.
Go PMDC.

Subject: Adversity to triumph. The John Leighs should read this!
From: Jay Z
To: All
Date Posted: 04:00:00 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 147-64-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.64.147

Message:

Jay-Z: from Brooklyn to boardroom
By Alvin Hall
Presenter, BBC

Jay-Z and Alvin
Jay-Z and Alvin Hall
Given his street-entrepreneurial past, the language he uses in his songs, and his stage persona, you would think the rapper Jay-Z would be a bit rough, a bit egomaniacal, a bit standoff-ish.

Not so.

Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter has gone from being a drug dealer in one of the roughest areas of Brooklyn to being both the head of a record label and a spokesperson for worldwide brands like Hewlett Packard and Budweiser.

Yet, he remains casual and chilled, turning up for our interview without a big entourage in tow. There is no posturing. No paranoia. No defensiveness.

Determined to make it

When Jay-Z talks about his career and his business interest, it becomes clear that this guy has absorbed one of the oldest adages of the financial markets: wealth is built through concentration; it is held on to through diversification.

We'd play our music loud in the cars, and people would be like 'yo, what's that?' and we'd sell it right out of the trunk
Jay-Z

How does he know this?

Many people have to go the business school for an MBA to learn this lesson and Jay-Z is a high-school drop out.

In Jay's case, he has lived it.

"I don't have a template on how to be a [chief executive], I'm still myself. I'm still a straight shooter," Jay-Z says.

As a young rapper he worked hard on getting his flow perfect, on making his lyrics full of the right references, on never writing down a lyric.

When he couldn't get a record deal for this first CD, he and friends used the same street entrepreneurial skills they had used to sell drugs in Brooklyn's Marcy Projects.

"We knew we had something the people wanted, so instead of quitting we built it ourselves," says Jay-Z.

They sold copies of his first CD out of the boot of their car next to Gray's Papaya, a famous hotdog store on 6th Avenue and 8th Street in Manhattan.

Jay-Z was determined to become the rapper with the best flow, and if selling his CD himself on the street was necessary to achieve success, so be it.

Roc-A-Fella website
Jay-Z launched Roc-A-Fella and took control of his music

"We'd play our music loud in the cars, and people would be like 'yo, what's that?' and we'd sell it right out of the trunk," he recalls.

And it worked.

Business brains

Jay-Z was not so hungry that he felt compelled to grab the first record deal that came along.

He and his business partners had learned from other black entertainer's mistakes - an important element of his success.

Together they established their own record label, the audaciously named Roc-A-Fella Records, a shout-out to one of the richest families in the US.

They held out for a deal that gave them the sun, the moon, and the stars, yet did not bankrupt the record company.

Everyone made money, but Jay and his partner made the lion's share.

Big dreams

Jay-Z admits that he doesn't know everything - hard to imagine given the swagger, bold braggadocio that seems genetically a part of rapper's music and lives.

Rocawear website
Rocawear clothes sales have soared

When his clothing line, Rocawear, was floundering, he asked Russell Simmons, the original founder of Def Jam Records, for help.

He learned from his near tragic mistake and went on to develop a line of clothing that clocked up sales of $90m (£45m) in its first year.

This is a pattern that you see over and over his Jay-Z's career.

He may not always get it right the first time, but he knows who to ask for help, he learns from other people's experiences, he knows how to avoid being trapped by his mistakes, and he knows how to be smarter the next time around.

Jay-Z believes the greatest threat to his future success is "dreaming too big".

Yet he continues to do so.

And other people find his success at fulfilling these dreams infectious, both on CD and in person.

Subject: RE: 2007 Elections Boundary Delimitation - Chaos in SL.
From: musa Kalawa
To: All
Date Posted: 03:11:57 12/01/06 ()
Email Address: muskalawa@yahoo.com
Entered From: adsl-69-230-209-73.dsl.irvnca.pacbell.net at 69.230.209.73

Message:
Is this an effort to censor democracy in the upcoming 2007 election in Sierra Leone By the SLPP.
Please click on link below and read on.

Subject: Re: RE: 2007 Elections Boundary Delimitation - Chaos in SL.
From: Alie Formeh Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 08:08:39 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 198.22.236.230

Message:
These SLPP guys have started again. Like in the days of the late Sir Albert Margai, they can sense trouble ahead and are trying all sorts of manipulation to give themselves an advantage in the coming general elections.
The CONBENTION was an example of things to come.

Subject: Re: RE: 2007 Elections Boundary Delimitation - Chaos in SL.
From: APC MINISTER FORMEH-KAMARA
To: All
Date Posted: 08:32:00 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
Parliament ratifies boundary delimitation

The long awaited parliamentary debate on the constituency report presented to Parliament by the National Electoral Commission (NEC), has reportedly taken place yesterday, laying to rest wide speculations that Members of Parliament were against ratifying the document, which recommends a reversion to constitutionally prescribed constituency based elections, report several tabloids including The Standard Times, Awoko and Concord Times.

Subject: Re: RE: 2007 Elections Boundary Delimitation - Chaos in SL.
From: SPEAKER
To: All
Date Posted: 08:19:07 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
Speaker Supports Constituency Elections

Reports have it that the Speaker of Parliament, Hon Justice, Edmond Cowan last Monday, 27 November, said in parliament that they were not against the NEC report and the constituency -type system of elections. According to report, parliament was to debate Tuesday, 28 November, the report on the Electoral Constituency Boundary Delimitation prepared by the National Electoral Commission, but the Speaker adjourned the debate to Thursday, 30th November, citing agreement with the National Electoral Commission to do so.

Subject: On Norman's Verdict
From: Mohamed Serwo Feika
To: All
Date Posted: 02:59:11 12/01/06 ()
Email Address: serwofeika@hotmail.com
Entered From: at 195.224.246.226

Message:
I hope Chief gets a positive verdict so he can work on to the streets of Freetown with his head high. There are some of us who think that had it not being for his timely intervention the RUF/AFRC would have bunt us alive. Because they lauch an opration code name " no living thing" in Bo town.

May God help Chief through this trying times. I have always kept in touch with his family. I hope he will take a positive political steps upon his release. Those that stood by him whilst in prison should be considered his loyal friends. He should be mindful about those that will come round him, to say that they were playing roles behind close doors. Such people are not worth their salt. Chief is definately a matured man who can ascertain who was good or evil.

I am definately not interested in anything from him but to thank him and his troops for the significant role they played to protect my life. I was a cripple for six month of the nine month of the RUF/AFRC TERROR.

Subject: Re: On Norman's Verdict
From: Seviceman
To: All
Date Posted: 08:57:16 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 67.63.2.157

Message:
Bra U bobor dae.. NUC- Econs- Barrons...daniel

Subject: Re: On Norman's Verdict - Thanks' Serviceman' Fekus
From: Chief Bomborlai
To: All
Date Posted: 06:03:54 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: s55916678.adsl.wanadoo.nl at 85.145.102.120

Message:
Serviceman,
I am moved by your kind words for the Chief. It is very sad to see a man who went the extra mile all in the name of SLPP, now fighting to get out of a hole dug by the same SLPP. Mek God help amm !

Subject: Re: On Norman's Verdict
From: Special Court
To: All
Date Posted: 05:34:47 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 147-64-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.64.147

Message:
RIN interview with David Crane, Prosecutor of the Special Court for Sierra Leone

FREETOWN: The Special Court for Sierra Leone was created through an agreement between the United Nations and the government of Sierra Leone to try people responsible for violating international humanitarian law during Sierra Leone's 10-year rebel war.

In an interview with IRIN in Freetown, capital of Sierra Leone, Prosecutor David Crane discussed its mandate, jurisdiction and other issues.

QUESTION: What is the mandate of the Special Court for Sierra Leone?

ANSWER: The mandate of the Court is really quite simple and quite specific: to try those who bear the greatest responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity in violation of international humanitarian law.

Q. What is the extent of your jurisdiction? In other words, whom can you prosecute?

A. The statute of the Court gives us a rather broad jurisdiction [geographically] and is not held within the limits of Sierra Leone. We have a broad statutory jurisdiction. Our current jurisdiction limits us to crimes that took place after 30 November 1996 to the present.

The statute very clearly allows us to follow the evidence where it may lead, to investigate those who bear the greatest responsibility in Sierra Leone, the region and internationally.

Q. How then would you compare this Court with the International Criminal Court (ICC)?

A. The ICC is a very important institution and has very broad-based jurisdictions that are wide but are, of course, defined in the statute. Each Tribunal is currently working - be it the ones of Rwanda, Yugoslavia, here in Sierra Leone or the ICC - and their jurisdictions, plus their limits, are statutorily based. The international community writes into the statute the jurisdictional limits of whatever tribunal it may be.

[...] The Special Court for Sierra Leone war crimes should not be perceived just as a Sierra Leone-specific war crimes tribunal but [as one mandated] to try those who bear the greatest responsibility for the tragedy that took place there for the past 10 years. We've been investigating these, certainly in the regional as well as the international context.

Q. How independent is the Special Court?

A. Absolutely independent. I work for no one other than the 4.5 million people of Sierra Leone. My job as a Chief Prosecutor is to represent those who are not with us any more: 100,000 or so dead; 250,000 maimed, raped [or otherwise violated] and 2.5 million people who were forcibly displaced.

I represent them and I represent the other citizens of this country. I am an absolutely independent international prosecutor.

Q. What would you say about the cooperation you are receiving from various arms of government in doing your work?

A. The cooperation we are getting within the law and within the reality has been good and very helpful. The United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) has been very helpful and the government was certainly helpful in the question of setting up the Court: its physical creation. It has also been working very closely with the registrar in the trials and the administration of the court.

But as far as my work as the prosecutor is concerned, I have no links with the government of Sierra Leone. It is very judicious about the court and is trying to avoid any appearance that they are trying to involve themselves in it. And this is very important for the Court.

We get support from them and also from other countries. The Special Court exists because of contributions from other countries from all over the world and the government of Sierra Leone. We appreciate the work that our contributors have done for us.

Q. Investigations are ongoing. Is the Court working to a particular timetable? Do you have a set number of persons you would like to try and is there a time frame for this?

A. There is a court strategy that we began to develop last summer. Then, in August, we began to refine that strategy. We began to follow the evidence wherever it might lead. It is important to realise and understand that we had no set agenda as far as who we were looking at was concerned.

It became very apparent, quickly, that we were looking at those who bear the greatest responsibility, so we began to develop our cases around them. Then we narrowed our field down to possible defendants. Now, we have a very set timetable as to when we are doing things.

The execution of our operation of justice on 10 March [when the Special Court made its first indictment, that of seven people who are to stand trial for crimes against humanity] was a specifically planned operation, which was started back in October last year. So we have a very specific timetable and we are meeting this timetable.

Q. What is the Court's life span?

A. The Court was set up to finish its mandate in three years. So we have a very set time to do this [work]. We don't have a lot of time but, if we properly manage our assets as we work with the plan, we can get to the end as scheduled.

Q. With some indictees at large and who knows how many more likely to follow suit, how feasible is this timetable?

A. We know there are people we are not going to get our hands on immediately but again, over time, I'm sure we will. You know, whoever is indicted of war crimes, international law requires that the countries in which they are either prosecutes them for those crimes themselves or turns them over for prosecution.

So, if we know where somebody is, we can put maximum pressure on the UN Security Council to exert diplomatic pressure on such countries. Harbouring an [alleged] international war criminal is a very dangerous thing for a country to do and they will pay a heavy political price to harbour somebody [under indictment and at large].

Q. So far there have been some arrests of those who allegedly bear the greatest responsibility for crimes against humanity. What happens to those who actually committed the crimes? Are they going to go scot-free?

A: We have to follow the law. The law says that we try those who bear the greatest responsibility so I can only try those who bear the greatest responsibility. As a matter of fact, there are people who did terrible things - behaviour I cannot condone - but my task from the international community is to try those who bear the greatest responsibility so I will do that.

But there are going to be people out there who may not be prosecuted because of lack of evidence. If we have a case on which we have information, we will turn it over to the authorities. Yes, some people will not be prosecuted [by us] because we cannot prosecute thousands and thousands of people.

So what do we do with them? Do we keep them or reconcile and move forward. It is true some of them did terrible things but we have to face reality: the Special Court is designed to try those who bear the greatest responsibility. We have to do that, but I can't speak for the others because they would need another jurisdiction.

Those are some of the issues that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TCR) would probably handle.

Q: What is the linkage between the Special Court and Sierra Leone's TRC?

A: The Special Court and the TRC have to succeed together. They are complementary institutions - each with a different mandate, each with a different objective but moving in the same direction: to achieve just and sustainable peace for this country.

The TRC was set up to look at the history of what happened. Through that process, to bring out the truth, and the truth will bring peace and reconciliation. The Special Court is a criminal court set up to prosecute and to convict those who started this terrible tragedy.

Together, the two have this important ability to help the country move forward to a just and sustainable peace.

Q. What would you say is the Court's role in Sierra Leone's peace and reconciliation process?

A. In order for this country to move forward and have long-term peace, we have to stop impunity and the circle of people coming forward and seizing what they think is theirs, and terrorising the country.

The Special Court is to stop this impunity and to see the start of a new circle of the rule of law versus the rule of the gun.

Q. What would your comment be on the notion that the Special Court offers justice and not genuine reconciliation?

A. I believe that once people see justice being done in front of their eyes - and it is transparent and that no one is above the law - that they begin to realise that the rule of law is where they should go.

That, in itself, is the peace and reconciliation process. That the common man will have returned to the rule of law rather than the rule of the gun will definitely help in the restoration of peace, and reconciliation.

Q. It might turn out that some of those arrested may not be in a position to meet the legal fees for their lawyers. Does the court have any back-up arrangements for these kinds of cases?

A: Absolutely. We are trying to show the people of Sierra Leone that justice is fair, open and transparent, but that there is no one above the law. We also want to show that if you are accused and brought before a court of justice, you have a right to a fair trial and can be confidently represented by an attorney.

And so the court has put in place a system to ensure that defendants can get a proper attorney, either on their own or through the help of the court. The court registry deals with this.

All in all, people have to realise that this is a success story: that the Special Court for Sierra Leone is going to do fulfil mandate and is going to do it fairly.

It is going to prove that international criminal justice can succeed in Africa - and particularly in West Africa.

Subject: Re: On Norman's Verdict
From: Unhero
To: All
Date Posted: 05:26:32 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 147-64-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.64.147

Message:
The innocents who were hacked to death and some killed in an executed style in the hamlets of Sierra Leone, will not rest in peace, if their accusers are set free.
Norman is not a saint! He headed a crude so-called civil defense force that punished innocet people. Let justice prevail!
His act was despicable and according to David Crane, he must not see light again.

Subject: Re: On Norman's Verdict/ AR' SUPPORT U' BRAH.
From: Patrotic Sierra Leonean.
To: All
Date Posted: 10:24:29 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-69-230-190-165.dsl.irvnca.pacbell.net at 69.230.190.165

Message:
The Wan them wae get we people den blood na den hand, 4 pay 4 den actions.
Norman, and others nor to excempt......then hand E' stain with we people den blood.........Next, E' go be the big fish wae na been the chief of defence. E' go also taste D' bitterness wae we people den go through.

Again HINGA NORMAN en' wash en' hand with we people den blood....so E' 4 pay 4 dat.....!!!!!!!

This Man and his CO-murderers were nothing but people who were in a quest to promote the SLPP by all means possible. He may have helped few others to escape death from his possible wish list. However, it dosen't mean he should slip away to account for the hundreds of sierra leones he help orchastrated their death by the help of the so-call BRA.
Let him pay the price for his actions. No excempt..Next time before becoming his sympathizer, view some video clips and do better rearch on his role in this war sierra leoneans suffer.

Subject: SIERRA LEONE NEEDS ECONOMIC DEMOCRACY AS WELL
From: BRA ENVIABLE
To: All
Date Posted: 02:07:03 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-rtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 152.163.101.8

Message:
As Sierra Leone prepares for presidential elections, there is hope--at least faintly-- that political thuggery is becoming a thing of the past. So far, the kind of violence that once marred Sierra Leonean politics has not shown signs of resurgence. However, none of the presidential candidates has made an attempt to address a very important issue. Sierra Leoneans do not have access to their wealth, let alone control it. Our economy is run by racist Lebanese merchants who treat Sierra Leoneans with uninhibited contempt. The Lebanese as a people have no loyalty to Sierra Leone. As far as they are concerned, Sierra Leone is an exploitable land of Africans fit only for a "smash-and-grab" relationship.

None of the presidential candidates has been pinched by nationalist feelings to tell us what they will eventually do to put Sierra Leone's wealth under indigenous control. I do not expect any Sierra Leonean leader to uncouple the Lebanese from Sierra Leone in the chaotic way Idi Amin expelled the Asians from Uganda. The economic disorder that ensued left Uganda limping for quite some time. However, the naked exploitation of Sierra Leone by the Lebanese, has been so punishing that we can no longer pretend to be unhurt by our exploiters' greed. Sadly, there is no political brain among the so-called aspirants with the slightest inclination to discuss this aspect of our national problem.

Democracy without its economic counterpart means nothing to the PEOPLE. The holding of elections is only the first phase of democratization. A political manifesto that does not discuss BREAD and BUTTER issues is a disservice to the nation it aims to democratize. Alas, this is Sierra Leone. Political idiocy is so rife that rubbish can be displayed as wisdom. Only a few months ago, the Governor of our Central Bank was quoted as saying that Sierra Leone's economy is one of the fastest-growing economies in the sub-region. How do you tout an economy as "fastest-growing" when it cannot provide basic amenities like electricity and clean drinking water to its citizens?

For the sake of Sierra Leone, let the presidential candidates tell us how they plan to economically take Sierra Leone from racist Lebanese exploitation to Sierra Leonean, national control.

Subject: Re: SIERRA LEONE NEEDS ECONOMIC DEMOCRACY AS WELL
From: KING LOGGY
To: All
Date Posted: 02:58:47 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: pool-141-156-33-91.res.east.verizon.net at 141.156.33.91

Message:
"A political manifesto that does
not discuss BREAD and BUTTER issues
is a disservice to the nation it
aims to democratize."

Very true!
But first things first: let's leave the Lebanese alone and concentrate on getting the Temnes and the Mendes to get along through similar, if not identical, political pathways.

Subject: Re: SIERRA LEONE NEEDS ECONOMIC DEMOCRACY AS WELL
From: BRA ENVIABLE
To: All
Date Posted: 06:20:53 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-dtc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 205.188.116.198

Message:
Orlangba LOGGY,
Is there really a noticeable disagreement between Mendes and Temnes? If it exists, I am yet to see it. I have been all the South-East of Sierra Leone, but I never noticed tensions between Mendes and Temnes. There are lots of Temnes all over the Southeast, and when I lived in Sierra Leone, I saw them coexist. Are you taking the raw hate on this forum to judge inter-ethic relations in Sierra Leone? I am a Southeasterner, and my future wife will probably be Yaabome Bangura.

Subject: Re: SIERRA LEONE NEEDS ECONOMIC DEMOCRACY AS WELL
From: KING LOGGY
To: All
Date Posted: 07:51:08 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: pool-141-156-33-91.res.east.verizon.net at 141.156.33.91

Message:
"Orlangba LOGGY,
Is there really a noticeable disagreement between Mendes and Temnes?"
-----------------------------------------
Indeed Bra E, there is a noticeable disagreement between Temnes and Mendes: their voting patterns.

Read part of my original statement again and pay attention to the word POLITICS:

"...concentrate on getting the
Temnes and the Mendes to get
along through similar, if
not identical, political pathways."

I kind of understand when a South/East-erner, especially those from big cities, cannot see this.
There are Temnes who hold local political offices in the South/East indeed. But these people are only Temnes by ancestry. They were either born, raised, or have been living the better part of their adult lives in the South/East. But we are talking national politics here. Can you imagine a qualified Temne from the North carry with him the APC banner to the South/East to campaign for the presidency? They will laugh at him. Lol
-----------------------------------------

"There are lots of Temnes all
over the Southeast, and when
I lived in Sierra Leone,
I saw them coexist."

Now, how many Mendes are in the North?
Why are they not in the North?
If we are going to talk about the Lebanese, or how to get our country forward, these are the issues we must discuss.

Subject: Re: SIERRA LEONE NEEDS ECONOMIC DEMOCRACY AS WELL
From: seydouba
To: All
Date Posted: 02:58:36 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: gateway.cyberstar.com at 209.239.66.36

Message:
"SEEK YE FIRST THE ECONOMIC KINGDOM AND ALL GOOD THINGS SHALL COME AFTER".
It is a dog eat dog world ,Bra Enviable.

Subject: MASIBO TENDAY - NORMAN'S POLITICAL DECISION SOON
From: Albert Moinina
To: All
Date Posted: 01:53:34 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 218.248.0.178

Message:
Commentary
By Alfred Munda SamForay, CDF Defence Fund & Sierra Leone Working Group.
30 November, 2006

¡§Hinga Norman is not a war criminal; he is a war hero,¡¨ H.E. Peter Penfold, former British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone.

The defence in the matter of Prosecutor versus Sam Norman, Moinina Fofana and Alieu Kondewa today gave the final and closing arguments for the three CDF defendants. Counsel for Mr. Norman, Dr. Bubuakei Jabbi, began his closing arguments on Tuesday and concluded on Wednesday. Counsel for Mr. Fofana, Dr. Steven Powles and Counsel for Dr. Kondewa, Mr. Yada Williams, closed their cases today.

The three-judge Trial Chamber did not set the date for the verdict as originally planned. Chief Norman(photo) reportedly boycotted the Tuesday morning session of the proceedings to draw the court¡¦s attention to the cavalier attitude the court has expressed towards his proposed treatment for injuries he incurred during his transfer to Bonthe Island following his arrest in March 2003.

He was later present in the Tuesday afternoon and Wednsday sessions as well as today¡¦s final session. Our courtroom observers noted with regret that counsels for Norman and Kondewa were less than spectacular in their closing arguments considering the historical significance of the trial. Counsel for Mr. Fofana, Dr. Steven Powles, on the other hand was reported to be magnificent, carrying the day for the CDF Defence team. Powles reportedly debunked the prosecution¡¦s case point by point, leaving nothing to chance.

Our observers were also of the opinion that the prosecution¡¦s case against Norman and his two CDF co-defendants are at best weak and possibly a mere exercise in futility. Three and half years after their arrest, three Chief Prosecutors, and over 50 million dollars later, the prosecution appears to have no case against the CDF leaders. After it is all said and done, this may well be the most ridiculous exercise in international jurisprudence in history.
One can now begin to understand why former Pentagon spy chief turned prosecutor, David Crane skipped town before his promise to teach Africans the rule of law came to fruition. More so why Crane¡¦s successor, Desmond de Silva QC, who defended Chief Hinga Norman in Sierra Leone¡¦s first coup trial nearly forty years ago also left town promising to return if he was ever needed to try the real culprit of the Sierra Leone civil war, Charles Taylor, now being tried in the Hague.

The three CDF defendants are being tried for eight counts of alleged violations of Article III Common to the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocol II (known as War Crimes), crimes against humanity and other serious violations of international humanitarian law. Charges include murder, looting, terrorizing civilians, placement of minors in combat and the most ridiculous of all, cannibalism. Mr. Norman, himself a child soldier in the colonial Boy¡¦s Platoon, is the first person in history to be charged with recruiting and enlisting persons under fifteen years of age for combat.

The prosecution alleges among other things, that Norman, Fofana and Kondewa, as leaders of the Kamajor Wing of the Sierra Leone Civil Defence Forces (CDF) either authorized or failed to stop persons under their command from committing the alleged offences contrary to the rules of command responsibility. The UN tribunal in an apparent case of selective justice, however failed to indict Mr. Norman¡¦s superiors including President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, who is Minister of Defence and commander-in-chief. The court also refused to effect a subpoena on Mr. Kabbah who was Defence Witness No.1 for Mr. Norman and Mr. Fofana to testify.

Although the Kamajors were only one wing of the government-sponsored Sierra Leone Civil Defence Forces (SL-CDF), which fought alongside the West African defence force, ECOMOG to twice return constitutional rule to Sierra Leone, the Prosecutor only charged the Kamajors with bearing the greatest responsibility for violating the protocols of war. The 1999 Lome Peace Accord brokered by the UN and the United States stated that ¡§To consolidate the peace and promote the cause of national reconciliation, the Government of Sierra Leone shall ensure that no official or judicial action is taken against any member of the RUF/SL, ex-AFRC, ex-SLA or CDF in respect of anything done by them in pursuit of their objectives as members of those organisations, since March 1991, up to the time of the signing of the present Agreement.¡¨

Notwithstanding the Prosecutor in collaboration with the government of Sierra Leone set aside the immunity provision of the Lome Accord and went after Mr. Norman and his colleagues. Both the Lome Accord as well as the agreement for the so-called special court for Sierra Leone were negotiated by Kabbah¡¦s then Attorney General and now Vice President, Solomon Berewa.

So the CDF case, weak as it might be has, however, apparently put a permanent rift between Mr. Kabbah and his heir-apparent, Solomon Berewa, on one hand and Chief Norman and the Kamajors on the other. The Kamajors blame Kabbah and Berewa for either engineering the arrest of the CDF leaders, failing to safe guard them or for failure to support their families once they were arrested.

For this and other reasons, Norman has apparently refused to endorse or support Mr. Berewa¡¦s bid to replace Kabbah as President, twice taking the ruling SLPP to the Sierra Leone Supreme Court in an effort to disallow the election of Mr. Berewa as Party Leader citing violations of various provisions of the national constitution.

On both occasions the high court refused to hear the case claiming lack of jurisdiction in the matter. Norman has now apparently released the Kamajors from any previous obligations to support their traditional allies, the SLPP. The SLPP, for its part, desperately needs the support of Mr. Norman and the Kamajors to fend off a vicious challenge for the presidency by another former SLPP leader, Charles Francis Margai, and his newly registered PMDC party for the South-Eastern vote.

Norman and his two CDF co-defendants have apparently reached their own political decisions which may or may not include the SLPP, and are expected to make a public statement to that effect very shortly.

http://www.thepatrioticvanguard.com/article.php3?id_article=900

Subject: SO MUCH WITH DEMOCRACY
From: KING LOGGY
To: All
Date Posted: 20:07:13 11/30/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: pool-138-88-128-174.esr.east.verizon.net at 138.88.128.174

Message:
He promised to take the oath to office with the Quran and others in this religious tolerance nation are complaining.

Subject: BEREWA'S RUNNING MATE
From: ROBIN
To: All
Date Posted: 18:14:52 11/30/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: s55916678.adsl.wanadoo.nl at 85.145.102.120

Message:
Politics: Momodu Koroma to be running mate to Solomon Berewa

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Momodu Koroma has finally informed the public in the diamondiferous district of Kono that come 2007 elections he is to be running mate to Vice President Berewa of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). The issue of running mate to Solomon Berewa has being the topic of the nation. The SLPP party had been split as to who is the most favoured candidate. Since the party’s controversial election which saw the party being divided into two with the breakaway group forming the People’s Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC) led by Charles Margai, more than six names have come up amongst government ministers. The SLPP has being searching for a more likable running mate who will win the hearts and minds of the electorate, given the fact that Berewa himself is becoming too difficult to sell to the electorate. Press reports however state that this latest announcement by Momodu Koroma, if true, will only further split the party’s fragile hegemony, “because when it comes to who is more popular, Momodu Koroma is not an iota better-off than the Vice President, Solomon Berewa, ” Concord Times newspaper writes.

Subject: Re: BEREWA'S RUNNING MATE
From: Almamy Razak Seray-Wurie Si
To: All
Date Posted: 14:00:32 12/01/06 ()
Email Address: almamysi@hotmail.com
Entered From: at 199.219.165.45

Message:
In SL like many other places, politics involves seeking the interests of religious/regional/ethnic groupings. Also, the character of the particular leader (though less considered).
I think most preference was given to religious interest. The SLPP would remain as far as for 2007, what happens later is anyone's guess....

Subject: Re: BEREWA'S RUNNING MATE
From: Sylvester Johnny
To: All
Date Posted: 20:32:32 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 66.134.73.17

Message:
Is this Seray- Wurie who attended Govt School Jimmi?

Subject: Re: BEREWA'S RUNNING MATE
From: Almamy Seray-Wurie Si
To: All
Date Posted: 12:57:41 12/04/06 ()
Email Address: almamysi@hotmail.com
Entered From: hsl11.cait.osr.columbia.edu at 156.111.18.66

Message:
Yes, one of my many schools....

Subject: Unbrought-up?
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 16:12:00 11/30/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: lexis4.lib.csus.edu at 130.86.14.18

Message:
As a Permanent Resdient, you have the right

....To be protected by all of the laws of the United States, your state of residence and local jurisdictions.

This is what is the issue you cannot understand or the laws of civility.

If all means all, law against discrimination is a violation.
Any form of abuse is a violation of the Law, which includes medical abuse.

All of you contributors here are not United States born citizens but enjoy these rights that I am entitled to, being that the Permanent Resident Card that is not issued by one else but by the Government of the United States and specifically by Homeland Security, should have told you that you are to stand-up for what is right or shjut-up when your brains cannot casrry you far to understand what civilized people are doing because they do not just do things out of stupidity and arrogance but they do things to change wrongs done. And you called yourselves educated people because of a criminal act by a Racist General District Court when even the Supreme Court has condemned their acts in the very telivission that you were so obsessed with.

Is that you were not understand what Georges of the Supreme were saying or you just cannot understand simple logic? Then you called yourselves trying to be funny!
Yah, you are really funny. No wonder why most were not capable of reponding to my views logically.
I am ahamed for you and does the world.
You mean you do not know what intelligent and responsible people call serious.

You consider what concerns the White House, the Congress, the Senate and the United Nations carelessly? You have to be told that it is a very serious issue? aND YOU CALL YOURSELVES EDUCATED who want to find out if somebody is serious? It is a shame! You think a violation of human Rights in a situation, where even the said persons are watching is not serious because they did not name a specific person's name?
How educated were some of you! Then they are wondering why I do not value whatever some of them are trying to show-case.

Dummy, I learned from home to school to working for a President that certain things you need not be told. Iyt is like your child doing something wrong in a crowd where you do not want to say anything, some simply look at the child, make comments that relates to what the child is doing or make certain face to stop the child. A chiuld who cannot understand these body languages is said to be unbrought-up.
Gush! They have to be told!
I am not reading over.
Then they expected that they would convince, whomever they wish to convince they do not know.
An intelligent person first and foremost, thinks of what the laws of that land says about their actions before they do it.
This is why I am not mad at you. You just don't know.
Munku!

Subject: Time for the test
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 15:16:25 11/30/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cat11.liblab.csus.edu at 130.86.14.111

Message:
With what goes on, where do you stand?

Subject: Re: Time for the test
From: Fan of Bambay
To: All
Date Posted: 16:08:46 11/30/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: pool-138-88-128-174.esr.east.verizon.net at 138.88.128.174

Message:
Bambay, why don't you take a break from this forum at least for a while?

Subject: Re: Time for the test
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 16:26:08 11/30/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: lexis4.lib.csus.edu at 130.86.14.18

Message:
Thank you fan of Bambay.
My presence here is vital because we need to civilize the uncivilized and show the difference between humans and simple animals.
Thank you for your concern. I am actually enjoying the forum as I have been enjoying fools make clown of themselves for years even when I tried to change the perspective in which they have been held by educated and serious people around the globe. But they cannot understand English and Chineese to know what these people were saying with regards to their foolsih an inconsiderate actions. Did I just say Chineese!
Then they have the tenacity to come to ones face with nonesense. With all seriousness, now is my turn. I gave them chance to let the world see how informed they were, in that they were acting rude, crude and imbecilic. Now is fact time. What I am doing is to let most of these crudes know that I am least interested in foolish Sierra Leone politics, for which they have nearly caused me my life, thinking that some one want me to become President of Sierra Leone as if people don't have better things to think about.
Thank you fan of Bambay.

Subject: Re: Time for the test
From: Fan of Bambay
To: All
Date Posted: 16:37:58 11/30/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: pool-138-88-128-174.esr.east.verizon.net at 138.88.128.174

Message:
But bambay how justifiable or vital your presence here with this kind of posting?

Subject: Re: Time for the test
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 17:04:35 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ws-lib230.lib.csus.edu at 130.86.14.73

Message:
Greetings my brothers and sisters. Fan of Bambay asked, "But bambay how justifiable or vital your presence here with this kind of posting?"
Fan of Bambay thank you for asking a key question. If nothing else, the fact that you asked is an indication that my presence here is vital. In that, the posting has created a sense of curiosity, which can open a window of opportunity for an enlightenment.
In that vain therefore, and as a majority of the forumites, since the AfricaOnline days have been so unbraced in their attempt to create a euphoria of hate and disrespect for me, with regards to celebrities or the idea of concealing the actions and activities of the mentioned people from me. In that Verge, they, the mentioned forumites have effortlessly tried by varied actions to create avenues for me to be disrespected or defamed. Even in recent postings, I have seen attempts by most of them to create the same spurious inertia of hate generation to accomplish the pre-mentioned task. But what was most annoying was when they were doing so with the conviction that they were fooling or instigating people by creating the fallacious notion that 'because I do not know about these activities, therefore, is an indication that I was mentally ill. To this effect, I saw a brutal mistreatment from people who assumed that these posting here were the celebrities. The accelerated mobs of people started repeating what most of these contributors were saying on the said forums and most of these mobs even took it steps higher by depriving me of my natural rights, not knowing that most of the ones they have been imitating are the ones who were either present decapitating my people or contributing financially to inflame the war in Sierra Leone, where forty seven thousand people lust their lives. I see no reason why a Sierra Leonean by birth will be so angry at me and use words against me the way people did on the said forums especially, after a war that caused so much backwardness in our country had ended. Particularly when most of them were friendly, writing daily to me when I was working for the University of Virginia, at a time when the war was brutally flaming in Sierra Leone, at a point I made recommendations for the war to come to an end and explained what would happen should the war continue. Some of them vehemently denied by analysis until when the rebels went to Freetown, which most Sierra Leoneans doubted would ever happen because they did not know about rebel or gorilla warfare therefore, underestimating the will and tactic of rebels. I told them then that I have studied rebel movements and the damages they can cause for years and that the only way we could have come to peaceful terms was by negotiation. Soon after the war ended, rather than thanking me, if it is something in their blood or living me alone, they resorted to mockery and degradation as if I had held anyone from reading and listening to news. But what irked me the most was when they started blaming me for what Janet Jackson and other celebrities were doing for me. Most annoying was when they even tried to make me believe that I was not fit for Janet Jackson nor any of these celebrities who are all over the world. I asked many questions, silently and publicly as where in the world has anyone been scold for what somebody has not done for you? But as it was their aim to defame me, they went with the maligning that is reminiscence of people with poor souls. That brutality of actions and the people they were trying to convince that they were in charge or responsible for the issues that are circumventing the International celebrity acclaim are who will learn the most from posting these pictures. As they were telling people that for Janet Jackson and the other celebrities are why I was being seen naked; these people who have heard them make these pronouncements, by seeing these images will confirm that the said hatters do not know a thing about they professed to know.

I know, as the world do, that there is nothing proficiency or professional about this forum; there is nothing religious, respectable or justifiable about this forum taking into consideration the many unjust actions taken here, in a bid to make me look bad. So in essence, their actions has made them look worst because they did not manifest integrity by their actions. I am in California, am I not?

I understand your frustrations or concerns but guess what I do not give a fuck about somebody who wised for my innocent life to vanish with my eyes open. I have no respect for such a person and do not give a dam about them.

Nonetheless, I am grateful for your concerns but what did not take my life will only make me stronger. That is why I was ready to take it, my life for their greed and selfishness and I am still ready now. What these animals did to me must be atoned for. That is why I am not calling names but who the cap fit, let them wear it.
I do not have time to read over.

Subject: Re: Time for the test
From: TEST
To: All
Date Posted: 21:16:56 12/02/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.117.8

Message:
TEST

Subject: Presidential Candidate of A.P.C. at New Jersey, U. S. of A.
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 15:11:44 11/30/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cat11.liblab.csus.edu at 130.86.14.111

Message:
APC held their town hall meeting here in New Jersey. I was at the
meeting and manage to record most of the speeches. The whole
program was about three hours and as such the size of the file was
huge. I manage to extract the most important speech, the one by
Ernest Koroma the current presidential hopeful for APC. You can listen
to the speech with our player as the downloadable part of the
podcasting software is not currently working here.

I took a lot of photos during the meeting and at the dance that later
followed. If you are a registered member of our forums please visit our
galleries for the APC album.

Click on the play button to listen.

Subject: WE GO TEACH UNA LESSON.
From: Kamaremba Samory Sakho
To: All
Date Posted: 12:18:14 11/30/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: p54a7f83a.dip.t-dialin.net at 84.167.248.58

Message:
We are going to teach you people a lesson that you will never forget just wait the time is almost ripe.Election is just eight months to come,and as i have told unless a MALINKE or mix blooded madingo can bring peace to that country if not we let you fight each other we all ready finish making the plan is easy.

Subject: Re: WE GO TEACH UNA LESSON.
From: Steven N Rogers
To: All
Date Posted: 13:45:32 11/30/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 208-41-8-154.client.dsl.net at 208.41.8.154

Message:
Research indicates that stress is a major contributory factor to ill-informed statements such as this. This is a serious medical problem that could go undiagnosed for years. Talking to your psychiatrist could put this under control.

Subject: Re: WE GO TEACH UNA LESSON.
From: Njai
To: All
Date Posted: 12:56:26 11/30/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: static-70-20-197-79.phil.east.verizon.net at 70.20.197.79

Message:
Please lets think positive about Sierra Leone if we cannot physically contribute positively

Subject: Freetown - One of the safest city in Africa
From: Steven N Rogers
To: All
Date Posted: 11:41:49 11/30/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 208-41-8-154.client.dsl.net at 208.41.8.154

Message:

Quoting Sylvia Blyden (Awareness Times)"...Sierra Leone’s capital is now one of the safest cities in Africa and Sierra Leone coming out of a post-war situation is considered a success story as far as national policing goes."

I wonder where Sylvia is getting these statistics from. I only hope she is speaking for Sierra leoneans. It pretty much sounds like a wishful thought. Because situations on the ground speak to the contrary.Hmmm another tragic sourjourn with journalism.

Subject: Re: Freetown - One of the safest city in Africa
From: KLA
To: All
Date Posted: 17:45:55 11/30/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 164.82.85.3

Message:

Oh Freetong! Can we join Dr.Blyden in expressing some positive love for OUR BELOVED FREETONG?

Tin bad so tay but some good tin den day for tell GOD Tenki for but FREETONG.

LEH WE GO!!. .WATIN UNNAH LEK BUT FREETONG,EN WATIN FOR DO BUT DI TIN DEM WAY UNNAH NOR LEK. DIS NAH HOSE TALK!!

Me yone take... leh all di political party dem join Hade for make FREETONG EN SALONE GO BEFOE.

I WILL NEVER LOOSE MY ADMIRATION FOR lEADERS who solve pressing national problems with excellent results?

TSTM
XX

Subject: Re: Freetown - One of the safest city in Africa
From: Mathew Bob Williams Jusus
To: All
Date Posted: 12:10:39 11/30/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
I wonder how did you know about the things on the ground when your idle ass is in the united state.Oh saloneman, always wishing bad for his country because of politics. By the way.

Subject: Re: Freetown - One of the safest city in Africa
From: Steven N Rogers
To: All
Date Posted: 13:36:29 11/30/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 208-41-8-154.client.dsl.net at 208.41.8.154

Message:
Mathew! Like I told another contributor on the forum, sticking to the issue will better give anyone an idea of what you really want to say. If you understood my posting (which I very much doubt), I categorically stated that "situations on the ground speak to the contrary..."I am surprise how that phrase metamorphosed into a "wishing bad for his country because of politics". I understand the political euphoria in your head which has literarily transformed any critical writing about Sa. Lone into a political statement/gimick.
The notion/idea that Freetown is unsafe is not a new one. What seems to be new to me is the fact that nobody should say it now that we are getting close to election year. What i infer from your statement implies that you are satisfied with the status quo as far as safety of Freetown in concerned... and as a matter of fact you believe that Freetown is "one of the safest cities in Africa. I beg to defer not only based on my own experiences, but from the many articles I read in the newspapers. Just to give you a headsup, any city that does not have basic electricity is automatically classified as high security risk environment. Once again, you are again free to believe otherwise as far as the parameter of security are concerned. But it definitely wont hurt if you tell us what you really understand about security and how Freetown fits within that definition. Again, if you are really smart and know what you are talking about, stick to the issue without rigmaroling and attacking me. You know I am definitely not interested and I refuse to be dragged down that path.

Subject: Re: Freetown - One of the safest city in Africa
From: Let him be
To: All
Date Posted: 15:28:42 11/30/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: pool-138-88-128-174.esr.east.verizon.net at 138.88.128.174

Message:
Steven N Rogers, ignore him.

Subject: Re: Freetown - One of the safest city in Africa
From: ok dok
To: All
Date Posted: 11:54:34 11/30/06 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: s0106000ce551c061.pp.shawcable.net at 24.78.66.188

Message:
So what do you say? And what are your plans to make it more safe?

Subject: Re: Freetown - One of the safest city in Africa
From: Steven N Rogers
To: All
Date Posted: 13:40:53 11/30/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 208-41-8-154.client.dsl.net at 208.41.8.154

Message:
I have just said what I wanted to say. All I said was that I wasnt sure whether that statement is correct. problem definition does not amount to problem solving. Do not say otherwise if you cannot substantiate.

Subject: Re: Freetown - One of the safest city in Africa
From: Bad Journalism. Period
To: All
Date Posted: 13:54:56 11/30/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.117.8

Message:
Sylvia Blyden is making another tragic sojourn, this time into journalism. How can any sensible person describe Freetown as one of the safest cities, with no light, all those trash and filth on the streets , hard times and the armed robberies ? Instead of abusing Steven, bring up arguments to contradict his conclusion.

Subject: Re: Freetown - One of the safest city in Africa
From: ok dok
To: All
Date Posted: 14:34:15 11/30/06 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: s0106000ce551c061.pp.shawcable.net at 24.78.66.188

Message:
Your points mentioned has nothing to do with security.Your village has no light,no pipe burn water but still safe.I ask you to give other reasons why its not safe.

Subject: Re: Freetown - One of the safest city in Africa
From: Pa javombo
To: All
Date Posted: 17:05:44 11/30/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-66-56-36-91.hsd1.ga.comcast.net at 66.56.36.91

Message:
Safety of an enviroment entails many variables.
Health, crime, etc.
My village may be safe from crime but not safe healthwise. They say the absence of guns does not mean peace.

Subject: Re: Freetown - One of the safest city in Africa
From: ok dok
To: All
Date Posted: 23:08:28 11/30/06 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: px2nr.wp.shawcable.net at 24.66.94.141

Message:
But this writer is spesifically talking about crime,safety life, etc and not health safety from water,food etc.Sierra leone has never been a dangerious country apart from the war,please lets be honest and forget about politics.Beside many of us grew up in the country side and still today in any oversease country,we are phisically fit that the very white people that habour us or the others.

Subject: Re: Freetown - One of the safest city in Africa
From: Steven N Rogers
To: All
Date Posted: 08:47:16 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 208-41-8-154.client.dsl.net at 208.41.8.154

Message:
Ok dok, I am sure we are all talking about the same thing - crime, safety etc. That is what we are referring to when we talked about safety. What I guess others are saying is that Freetown is not safe because all the variables- electricity,proper policing, gun-controls etc are still non existent in Freetown. You cannot have a secured urban area like Freetown without putting some of those variables in place.

Again, The title of the discuss has been about Freetown as a safe city. I am not sure why you keep mentioning the rural areas.

Subject: Re: Freetown - One of the safest city in Africa
From: ok dok
To: All
Date Posted: 09:12:34 12/01/06 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: px2nr.wp.shawcable.net at 24.66.94.141

Message:
Ok Mr. Rogers,lets pray about things in our country and ask all to think positively about things.The problem is we talk about people in power to go or not doing well but when the new ones come,its get more bad than the former.Light,water problem in that country needs education like consumers paying ther bills for using them.I see people going to electric comp. office asking if they dont get bills in time.People report things that make security bad or unsafe.So sierra leoneans needs to forget about politics and change first.Sorry i may be out on context but we all talk morethan what we do.

Subject: Re: Freetown - One of the safest city in Africa
From: Steven N Rogers
To: All
Date Posted: 10:14:49 12/01/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 208-41-8-154.client.dsl.net at 208.41.8.154

Message:
you probably right.. we talk a lot sometimes. But again that is what this forum is really about. It is for us to make comments just about everything on Sierra Leone. Whether some of those comments are translated into realistic action is a different thing. But, I am sure we will not lynch anyone for merely identifying a problem in Sierra leone, without coming up with a suggestion. If it were an academic paper, that person will definitely get a D or worse, if there are no solutions with policy implications to those problems identified.

Subject: ARMY TAKES OVER IN FIJI
From: ROBIN
To: All
Date Posted: 05:48:28 11/30/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: s55916678.adsl.wanadoo.nl at 85.145.102.120

Message:
Monday, 29 May, 2000, 13:49 GMT 14:49 UK
Fiji army takes power

Soldiers await orders after the army declared martial law

The Fijian military has seized power, declaring martial law and imposing a total curfew.
Armed forces chief Commodore Frank Bainimarama assumed executive authority and deployed large numbers of troops on the streets, reportedly with orders to shoot to kill anyone breaking the curfew.

The whereabouts of the country's president was not known, but his office said he had agreed to step aside until the crisis is over.

The army's move came 11 days after businessman George Speight plunged the country into political crisis by seizing parliament and taking the prime minister hostage.

Commodore Bainimarama: Took power with "reluctance"

Commodore Bainimarama declared martial law at a news conference at military headquarters in the capital, Suva.

Military officials said President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara had resigned to make way for the army take-over.

President Mara's spokesman said he had stepped aside for 21 days, and had "gladly given up the reins of power" to facilitate an end to the crisis.

He was said to be in a safe place. The independent website Fijilive.com reported that he was on a naval vessel.

'Saddened'

Earlier, soldiers took up positions at key installations including fuel depots and radio and television stations.

A 48-hour curfew was declared at 0600 GMT on Monday.

A statement released by Commodore Bainimarama said: "All the nation has been saddened by the extent to which the country has fallen during the last week.

Fiji in crisis
19 May - George Speight seizes parliament and Prime Minister Chaudhry
20 May - Speight swears himself in as prime minister
27 May - President Mara sacks Chaudhry to try to end crisis
28 May - policeman killed as pro-coup supporters take to the streets
29 May - Army chief declares martial law
"I have therefore, with much reluctance, assumed executive authority."

Little is known about the armed forces chief, a naval officer who took over as head of the Fijian military in February.

Fiji has been immersed in a deepening political crisis since George Speight seized parliament.

He is still holding the country's prime minister, Mahendra Chaudhry, who has since been sacked by President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara. At least 30 other hostages are also being held.

On Sunday the crisis claimed its first life, when a policeman died as supporters of Mr Speight took to the streets of Suva. A television station was also ransacked and its equipment damaged.

Foreign nationals move

The governments of Australia, New Zealand and the US told their citizens to leave the capital.

"The situation remains highly volatile and other similar disturbances could break out without notice," said a warning from the US embassy in Suva.

Australia said it was drawing up plans to evacuate its citizens from Fiji if necessary.

President Mara is said to have stepped aside willingly

Some foreign journalists also moved from Suva as the Mr Speight's supporters went on the rampage.

The rebels are demanding a monopoly of political power for the country's indigenous population, at the expense of its large ethnic Indian community.

Coup plotters had earlier rejected moves by President Mara to bring the crisis to an end.

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29 May 00 | Media reports
Fiji martial law declaration
29 May 00 | Asia-Pacific
Analysis: Coup threatens Fiji's unity
29 May 00 | Asia-Pacific
Fiji army takes to streets
28 May 00 | Asia-Pacific
Policeman killed by Fiji rebels
27 May 00 | Asia-Pacific
Fiji prime minister sacked
19 May 00 | Asia-Pacific
Who is Fiji's coup leader?
26 May 00 | Asia-Pacific
Fiji troops defect to coup leader
19 May 00 | Asia-Pacific
Ethnic split haunts Fijian politics
29 May 00 | Asia-Pacific
Cook condemns Fiji violence
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Subject: Africans who score in Europe. No Sierra Leonean name among!
From: Sport news
To: All
Date Posted: 03:28:12 11/30/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 29-64-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.64.29

Message:
I'll be trying to post this news for eight weeks to assess the performance of Sierra Leonean players in Europe. If at all, players from Sierra Leone do not score within this period, we all must pressure the authorities to encourage the local players to develop.
Many of our so-called professionals are not playing in their first team. Some are playing for lower divisions. It is absurd to include mediocre players in Leone Stars if we are to improve our rankings.

Last Updated: Monday, 27 November 2006, 12:18 GMT
E-mail this to a friend Printable version
African goals in Europe: 25-26 Nov
Italy

Nigeria and Chievo Verona's Victor Nsofor Obinna
Nigeria's Victor Nsofor Obinna scored for Chievo Verona

Nigeria's Victor Nsofor Obinna scored both goals as Chievo Verona defeated Udinese 2-0. Despite Obinna's brace, Chievo are still struggling in 17th place in Serie A.

Spain

Nigerian Ikechukwu Uche scored for the third weekend in a row for Recreativo Huelva, but it was not enough as his side lost 4-3 to Racing Santander.

England

Senegal's Abdoulaye Faye scored the opening goal for Bolton who went on to beat Arsenal 3-1. The result pushed Bolton up to third in the Premiership.

But there was disappointment for his Senegalese counterpart, Henri Camara, who gave Wigan the lead at Tottenham Hotspur, who fought back to win 3-1.

France

Algerian midfielder Karim Ziani was on the score sheet for Sochaux who came from behind to beat Lorient 3-1.

Guinea's Ismael Bangoura remains the top scorer in the French league with eight goals, following his opening goal for Le Mans in their 1-1 draw with Lens.

Ivory Coast striker Bonaventure Kalou gave Paris Saint-Germain the lead in the opening minute against Nantes. The match ended 1-1.

Cameroon international Joseph Desire Job scored for Nice in their 2-2 draw against Sedan, one of whose goals came from the Ivory Coast's Bakari Kone. The result failed to lift either side out of the bottom four in the standings.

Holland

Ivory Coast striker Arouna Kone grabbed the fourth goal for PSV Eindhoven as they trounced Utrecht 5-0. Kone has now scored seven goals in the Dutch league.

Morocco's Adil Ramzi scored an 81st-minute winner for Roda JC who beat NAC Breda 3-2. It was Ramzi's sixth goal this season.

Belgium

Mali striker Mahamadou Dissa scored for Beveren who twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with visiting FC Brussels.

DR Congo midfielder Dieudonne Kalulika had given Brussels a 33rd-minute lead.

Senegal striker Alioune Kebe was red-carded after 75 minutes but his side Mouscron hung on for a 2-2 draw with Genk.

Nigerian Bobsam Elejiko was on target for Westerlo in their 2-0 win over Lierse.

DR Congo striker Mohamed Tchite and Moroccan Mbark Boussoufa both hit the back of the net for Anderlecht who beat Roulers 3-2.

Portugal

Senegal midfielder Dame Ndoye got the second goal for Academica Coimbra who defeated Beira Mar 3-1.

His Senegalese compatriot Modou Sougou was also on target as he scored for Uniao Leiria in their 2-1 win at Nacional.

Turkey

Guinea striker Kaba Diawara was shown a red card early in the second-half as his side Gaziantepspor lost 2-1 to Kayserispor.

Nigerian striker Victor Agali scored a last-minute goal for Ankaragucu who beat Antalyaspor 1-0.

Ghana captain Stephen Appiah gave Fenerbahce the lead as they beat Trabsonzpor 2-1 to stay top of the league.

Greece

Cameroon striker Joel Epale scored the only goal of the game to give Iraklis Saloniki victory over Kerkyra.

Egypt defender Ami Azmi Megahed was sent-off in the second-half for Paok Saloniki who succumbed to a 1-0 defeat at Xanthi Skoda.

Nigeria's Haruna Babangida was on target for Olympiakos in their 4-nil thrashing of Larissa.

Subject: Don't do as I do,
From: Nollywood
To: All
Date Posted: 03:15:57 11/30/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 29-64-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.64.29

Message:

Drug disgrace for Nollywood star
By Senan Murray
BBC News website, Abuja

Hassanat Taiwo Akinwande
The scandal is said to have boosted interest in her films
Fans of popular Nigerian actress Hassanat Taiwo Akinwande are still shocked by her fall from grace.

The star of Nigeria's film industry, known as Nollywood, appeared in court last week charged with trying to smuggle drugs to the UK.

Some of them say they will now boycott films she has starred in "because she has disgraced her fans and country".

Miss Akinwande, who uses the stage name Wunmi, was arrested in September by officials of the Nigerian National Drug Law Enforcement Agency while trying to get on board a London-bound Virgin Atlantic flight from Lagos.

After a few days in detention Wunmi, who is famous for her roles in Nigerian movies that preach morality, had excreted 92 wraps of high-quality cocaine weighing in at 1.214 kg, according to the prosecution.

Reaction

"I am really disappointed in her," Jide Osinowo, a taxi driver in Abuja told the BBC.

It's the work of the devil
Fan Kemi Makoju

"I and my family used to watch her films because they taught children lessons about how to grow up and become responsible citizens and now this! I even heard that she was crying in the court and saying she was not guilty. Well, we shall see."

"With this whole cocaine business, I have no reason whatsoever to watch any of her movies," Nollywood film buff Sola told the BBC.

But some of Wunmi's fans are sympathetic.

"It's the work of the devil," Kemi Makoju, a self-confessed Wunmi fan said at a video rental store in Abuja.

"She is not the kind of person to do something like this. I'm not going to stop watching her films just because of this small thing."

Disrepute

Wunmi's colleagues in Africa's fastest-growing film industry were not so sympathetic.

Filming a Nollywood movie
Nollywood films are usually distributed by video and DVD

Following her arrest, the Association of Nigerian Theatre Practitioners quickly suspended Wunmi from its ranks saying her conduct had brought the industry into disrepute.

Wunmi's fans and fellow actors now appear to be avoiding her.

When she was charged before Lagos high court last week, her fans and colleagues uncharacteristically avoided the court premises.

Abandoned and alone, Wunmi wept freely and told the judge she did not speak any English.

Her confession was greeted with subdued sniggers from the gallery who clearly thought Wunmi had taken her acting to the court room.

"Mi o jebi, sir" - Yoruba for 'I'm not guilty, sir' - she responded when the one-count charge of illegal drug possession was read to her.

Pioneer

Wunmi, a single mother of two was a Nollywood pioneer with a career that dates back to the 1980s when she first appeared in a popular Yoruba language soap opera called Feyi Kogbon, Yoruba for 'Learn from this'.

It's a good advert for us because more people are now asking for her films
Pirated film seller

She's starred in over 50 low-budget Nigerian home videos which are usually shot in six weeks or less.

One of the Yoruba language movies Wunmi starred in is Ajeniyonu, Yoruba for 'making money is a risky venture.'

It is indeed a big risk Wunmi may have taken, for if convicted she faces spending the rest of her acting career in jail.

However, her arrest, ironically, has reportedly led to a renewed interest in movies she starred in.

"It's a good advert for us because more people are now asking for her films," Uchenna Obiefuna who sells pirated CDs and DVDs in Abuja's central Wuse Market told the BBC.

"Yes, I feel sorry for her, but our people also say one man's downfall may be the opportunity another is waiting for to rise."

"No be my fault, na God - it's not my doing, it's God's," he adds in Nigerian Pidgin English, shrugging.

Nigeria is reputed to be the hub of African drugs trafficking.

Although marijuana is the only drug cultivated in the country, Nigerians have been caught in the past smuggling South American cocaine to Europe and other parts of Africa.

A recent United Nations report which studied drug trafficking in West Africa found that Nigerians were responsible for most of the cocaine smuggled into the UK by the so-called "stuffers and swallowers" who swallow drugs wrapped in condoms for later retrieval.

Subject: Re: Don't do as I do,
From: Steven N Rogers
To: All
Date Posted: 11:46:27 11/30/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 208-41-8-154.client.dsl.net at 208.41.8.154

Message:
If boycotting is the answer, then nobody will be watching movies in America. This news is routine in Hollywood. Nollywood is just starting. Snoop is the latest in the series...

Subject: Max Bailor Passes Away
From: APC Man
To: All
Date Posted: 02:30:54 11/30/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 72-254-135-242.client.stsn.net at 72.254.135.242

Message:
I just read from Cocorioko that Max Bailor has died. Max was the principal at AA when I was a student there many many years ago. I am greatly saddened by his passing.
This is a great loss to Sa. Lone.
May his soul rest in peace.

Subject: Re: Max Bailor Passes Away
From: ALPHA SAIDU BANGURA
To: All
Date Posted: 12:37:44 11/30/06 ()
Email Address: SAIDUBANGSO@AOL.COM
Entered From: cache-mtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.117.8

Message:
The death of pa Bailor is indeed a big loss to Sierra Leone.Pa Bailor will always be remembered for his many,many years of faithful and devoted service in the field of education.He started as a teacher,then went through the ranks and became a great principal of the Albert Academy school.Pa Bailor was very popular in the entire Moyamba District where he came from,but he realized that he can make a meaningful contribution in the life of Sierra Leone and its people without entering into politics.Pa Bailor, did far more than a lot of the so called"politicans",we had during his days.
I remember when the corrupt APC appointed him as the chairman of the Electoral commission,he told the ex-president that "I will conduct a free and fair election, because I have a reputation to defend".
I hope and pray that other Sierra Leoneans will copy the good examples of PA BAILOR.
I have no doubt in my mind that he will enter the paradise of the Almighty God(heaven) for all the good things he did to his fellow mankind.
I extend my heart felt sympathy and condolences to his children and his family.
MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PERFECT PEACE.AMEN.

Subject: Re: Max Bailor Passes Away
From: M. Alieu Iscandari Esq
To: All
Date Posted: 09:28:15 11/30/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198

Message:
A great los indeed. I was not fortunateto attend the great Albert Academy school but "Pa Bailors" Legend extended even to us who were notstudents at his school. One of the last great educatos in sierra leone. The likes of him and his wife will not come back to sierra leone in a long time.

A few weeks ago I was at a church in San Jose where the pastor at a funeral for a sierra leoneaan had also been a peace corps volunteer who taught at Albert Academy school. The theme of the sermon was " Count your blessings" He told the story of a fire at the Albert Academy Boarding school and of Pa Bailor and Mama Bailors concern for the students. He mentioned that when Mami Bailor came to the scene she took time to count all of the students. After she had made doubly sure that all of the students were accounted for, she broke into the well known christian hymn " Count your blessings name them one by one" The whole congregation broke into the hymn simultaneously and this story brought tears to my eyes because it reflects a strong emotional bond that only a MOTHER would have for her children. For Pa Bailor and Mama Bailor evereyone of us were their children Academicians or not. Today we count Pa Bailor as one of our blessings in Sierra Leone.

Subject: Re: Max Bailor Passes Away
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 14:47:25 11/30/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cat11.liblab.csus.edu at 130.86.14.111

Message:
May his soul rest in perfect peace. Pa Max Bailor was recognized not only in Moyamba and Freetown but all over Sierra Leone.
I remember a story about a student strike at Albert Academy in the Seventies, where students went hey-wild. A blind student, Dauda, was very friendly and a man of action. He was wherever the action was. On this day he joined the crowd but heard that the Principal, Pa Bailor of course, was approaching. Actually, somebody whispered, "Pa Bailor is coming." Dauda therefore decided to hide. He was hiding by a car to prevent the Principal from seeing him because he was a popular guide, whom even the Principal knew by name. While hiding by the car, a voice thundered, "Dauda what are you doing over there?" Dauda, to prevent the voice from drawing the Principal's attention to him, whispered: "shiiiiiii, don't let Pa Bailor know I am here." Go to my office," the voice said. Dauda replied, "oh, it is you?" He was hiding by the door at the driver-side of Pa Bailor's car, who was about to enter his car but Dauda was in the way.

A descent man works for a legacy, and Pa. Bailor remarkably left an unforgettably impressive legacy. Amidst the pump and pagentry, the clamor for fame and wealth, regardless of the impact such will cause mankind, Pa. Bailor, in his whole adult life, set his mind on bringing-up young people, with discipline, to arm them with an everlasting power, education of course, a seed so enviable that when achieved the way he intended and had planted it, these young brains can bank-on this seed through-out their lives and if properly managed, something they will enjoy after death.
I agree that Pa. Bailor planted a seed that keeps on giving the Sierra Leonean community, at home and abroad. May his soul rest in perfect peace. May the seed he planted and the selflessness he employ to plant this seed be harvested for his solace in Heaven.

Subject: SLPP feeds the nation contaminated Rice. 2007 we Go belful?
From: M. Alieu iscandari esq
To: All
Date Posted: 20:50:52 11/29/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198

Message:
24 November 2006
M2 Presswire
English

FOE Africa calls for immediate recall of all tainted rice food aid, and commercial imports

Accra (Ghana), Freetown (Sierra Leone).

A genetically modified (GM) rice not allowed for human consumption originated from the United states has been found in food aid and other rice supplies in West Africa. The findings were revealed today by Friends of the Earth at simultaneous press conferences in Ghana and Sierra Leone where the environmental campaign group urged the governments of Sierra Leone and Ghana to immediately recall the contaminated products.

In August this year the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the presence of LLRICE601, an unapproved genetically modified (GM) rice variant owned by Bayer CropScience in the food chain. Contaminated rice has been found in more than 15 European countries, and supermarket chains including UK-based Tesco, and Sainsbury have withdrawn American rice from their shelves. The European Union is now testing all rice imports coming from the US (1).

In September/October 2006 Friends of the Earth Ghana and Friends of the Earth Sierra Leone collected samples of US long grain rice in their countries and sent them to a US laboratory for independent testing. The results show that there is LL601 contamination in Ghana and Sierra Leone.

"We are shocked that unapproved genetically modified long grain rice has been sent to our country through food aid channels," commented Arthur Williams, a GM campaigner with Friends of the Earth Sierra Leone. "We are a nation just recovering from years of civil war and now to attack us in this manner is now making our people once more vulnerable."

Ghana is among the top 10 importers of rice from the USA and it is feared that the contamination may have spread across the West African sub-region and beyond. Ghana's rice imports from the USA stood at 78.900 metric tonnes (MT) in 2001/2002, 117.600 MT in 2002/2003 and 166.400 MT in 2004/2005.

In 2002 East African countries such as Zambia rejected GM corn as food aid despite food shortages. In Latin America, contamination of the food chain through food aid was also found when illegal corn strain, such as Star Link, was found there in 2002 and 2005.

Friends of the Earth said that serious efforts must be made by governments and international agencies such as the World Food Programme (WFP) to endure that food aid does not become the popular channel for GM contamination around the world.

"We cannot accept a situation when food aid becomes a secret channel to ambush our peoples with illegal genetically modified food. We refuse to be used as guinea pigs in big business's experimentations," said Nnimmo Bassey of Friends of the Earth Africa. "With the confirmation of this contamination, it is very likely that a large number of African countries are already contaminated. Africa is facing a lot of challenges and cannot afford to add this man-made problem. It must be halted at its roots."

Reacting to the contamination, Cheryl Agyepong GM campaigner with Friends of the Earth Ghana said: "We don't want genetically modified rice in our fields and we call on our Government to take all necessary measures to prevent any possible contamination of our seeds." She further added that African governments must preserve "the African environment in order to secure the future of humanity."

LLRICE601 is engineered to tolerate an herbicide called glufosinate which is sold under the brand name Liberty Link. This tolerance was introduced through a Streptomyces hygroscopicus gene that codes for phospinothricin acetyl transferase (PAT), a glufosinate-inactivating enzyme. The GM rice, produced by German-based biotechnology company Bayer, was field tested between 1998 and 2001 but the contamination of commercial long grain rice has only just come to light. The US exported more than 3 million tonnes of rice in 2005.

Friends of the Earth Africa calls on the government to immediately halt untested long grain rice food aid and commercial imports from the USA. The public does not want this illegal rice and even rice growers in the USA were shocked to learn that they were cultivating an unapproved rice strain, the environmental group said. The USDA must take immediate steps to examine protocols for the containment of field trails and also to ensure that every shipment to Africa is adequately screened to ensure they are free of contamination.

Subject: Re: SLPP feeds the nation contaminated Rice. 2007 we Go belful?
From: Sengbe Big Axe
To: All
Date Posted: 09:22:45 11/30/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 198.85.59.94

Message:
Yeah! Well the SLPP fed the Ghanaians and the folks in 15 European countries, including our former colonizers - the Brits - this tainted rice too.

Typical apc LIE- LIE mentality.

SLPP nor dae lie!! SLPP nor dae tiff!!! SLPP nor dae knowingly feed we peeple dem tainted rice.

Nar dat mek we sen the ress nar the USDA lab nar Greenbelt, MD, for test befoe we shaibe ahm to the peeple dem.

Tell we orda lie, akarta man.

Subject: Re: SLPP feeds the nation contaminated Rice. 2007 we Go belful?
From: M. Alieu Iscandari esq
To: All
Date Posted: 09:41:33 11/30/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198

Message:
Are you back to calling names? I believe that you could have addresed that post if at all you must without calling names my friend. What do you think. I stand by what I said

Subject: Re: SLPP feeds the nation contaminated Rice. 2007 we Go belful?
From: J. LAMIN ISCANDRI
To: All
Date Posted: 21:07:28 11/29/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
EDITORIALS &
OPINION
View Archive | Printer Version

Let Them Eat Cake
INVESTOR'S BUSINESS DAILY

Posted 11/28/2006

Science: Would environmentalists rather let the hungry in Africa starve than give up their goal of eradicating genetically modified foods?

Wish we didn't have to ask such a question. But how could we not after hearing the latest demands from the Friends of the Earth?

The environmental group held news conferences Monday in Ghana and Sierra Leone to express its concerns about genetically modified organisms and ask the governments of those nations to recall food aid containing genetically modified rice originating in the U.S.

The organization also is urging African governments to immediately stop accepting untested rice food aid and commercial imports from the U.S.

The comments of Cheryl Agyepong, a foe of genetically modified foods and an activist with Friends of the Earth Ghana, were representative of the environmentalists' myopia toward what they derisively call "frankenfood."

"We don't want genetically modified rice in our fields," she said, "and we call on our government to take all necessary measures to prevent any possible contamination of our seeds."

Arthur Williams, of Friends of the Earth Sierra Leone, went his colleague one better by resorting to hyperbole. "We are a nation just recovering from years of civil war," he said, "and now to attack us in this manner is now making our people once more vulnerable."

It gets sillier. Nnimmo Bassey, who's with Friends of the Earth Africa, wants the world to believe the West sees starving Africans as cheap research tools for corporations. "We refuse to be used as guinea pigs in big business's experimentations," he said.

Friends of the Earth claims the genetically modified rice that is intended to stave off mass hunger is not fit for human consumption. It also insists that the rice — known as LLRICE601 by its maker, Bayer CropScience, and marketed under the brand name LibertyLink — is illegal.

Did the environmentalists just move from embellishment to outright lies? Just Friday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture formally approved LLRICE601 for use.

"The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service today announced that after a thorough review of scientific evidence it will deregulate genetically engineered LLRICE601 based on the fact that it is as safe as its traditionally bred counterparts," the USDA said in a statement.

The statement also said that the Food and Drug Administration "has concluded that the presence of LLRICE601 in the food and feed supply poses no safety concerns."

This wasn't some secret decision arrived at overnight. The inspection service published a notice Sept. 8 in the Federal Register that Bayer was petitioning the USDA to deregulate LLRICE601 and asked for public input. A public comment period followed and was closed on Oct. 10.

No environmentalist can point to a single person who's been killed or even injured by a genetically modified food. Yet the entire world knows Africans die in large numbers due to starvation from famine, despotic governments and other preventable complications. In sub-Saharan Africa alone, 34% of the population — 194 million people — reportedly goes hungry every day.

Friends of the Earth? Maybe. Friends of Africans? Not a chance. If they were, they wouldn't do something so morally reprehensible.

Subject: Are you funny?
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 18:31:20 11/29/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ws-lib233.lib.csus.edu at 130.86.14.76

Message:
Yah! You are funny!

Subject: BAN ME FROM THIS FORUM!
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 18:28:33 11/29/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ws-lib233.lib.csus.edu at 130.86.14.76

Message:
Lord have marcy! Do not act, especially when your actions are fowl, because you assume someone wants you to do something that they did not categorically write to you or tell you distinctly that is what they would like you to do.
I am ashamed for Sierra Leone and the human race. I deserve to be banned for good.

Subject: Re: BAN ME FROM THIS FORUM!
From: KABS KANU
To: All
Date Posted: 21:01:58 11/29/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-rtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 152.163.101.8

Message:
Mr. Moderator, over to you. Block Bambay for now .

Subject: Traffic Report
From: Forum Statistics Bureau
To: All
Date Posted: 15:34:49 11/29/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-66-140-44-2.dsl.rcsntx.swbell.net at 66.140.44.2

Message:
Traffic Report

Subject: JOKE OF THE DAY
From: PETER TOSH
To: All
Date Posted: 13:10:22 11/29/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:



A family is at the dinner table. The son asks his father, "Dad, how many
kinds of boobies are there?

The father, surprised, answers, "Well, son, there's three kinds of breasts. In her twenties, a women's breasts are like melons, round and firm. In her thirties to forties, they are like pears, still nice but hanging a bit. After fifty, they are like onions."

"Onions?" "Yes, you see them and they make you cry."

This infuriated his wife and daughter so the daughter said, "Mum, how many kinds of 'willies' are there?"

The mother, surprised, smiles and answers, "Well dear, a man goes through three phases. In his twenties, his willy is like an oak tree, mighty and hard. In his thirties and forties, it is a birch, flexible but reliable. After his fifties, it is like a Christmas tree."

"A Christmas tree?" "Yes, dead from the root up and the balls are for decoration only

Subject: Re: JOKE OF THE DAY
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 17:57:12 11/29/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ws-lib111.lib.csus.edu at 130.86.14.81

Message:
Outch!

Subject: The Kingdom Will Prevail
From: Kamaremba Samory Sakho
To: All
Date Posted: 12:53:29 11/29/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: p54a7cab2.dip.t-dialin.net at 84.167.202.178

Message:
The malinke or madingo empire is oncurse,as you have seen Presi.Kabbah and the will be vice president Kanja Sesay,and other high profile madingo politician in sierra leone will help to achieve those goals and the people we are expecting to join us are the mendes,inreturn we will give them our blessing in the mere future political dispensation of our MALINKE empire.President Kabbah have pave the way so far.

Subject: Re: The Kingdom Will Prevail
From: Waraba
To: All
Date Posted: 16:31:07 11/29/06 ()
Email Address: futatoro@gmail.com
Entered From: pool-70-21-13-211.res.east.verizon.net at 70.21.13.211

Message:
Brah, yu dey play craise? Or you Craise?
Waraba

Subject: THE MYSTERY SURROUNDING PRIVATE SESAY
From: MAMMY JAVOMBO
To: All
Date Posted: 12:06:24 11/29/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
Police Nab Private Sesay in Sierra Leone
By Abu Bakarr Munu
Nov 29, 2006, 17:12

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The Sierra Leone Police yesterday confirmed the re-arrest of fugitive soldier, Private Abdul Sesay in the early hours about 1:00am as a result of a tip off by two civilians (a man and a woman) whose identities have not been disclosed, with whom the fugitive soldier was travelling on board a taxi cab, from the Far East towards the central of Freetown.

Private Abdul Sesay as he was rearrested yesterday

Acha Kamara: the police have kept to their promise

Investigations conducted by Awareness Times reveal that Private Sesay while on board the taxi was suspected having a rifle which was hidden underneath a jacket he was wearing, which alarmed the two civilian passengers with him. He was at that moment suspected to be a robber who was on a mission at that time of the night. The driver was reportedly secretly notified who reportedly sped up right in front of the Calaba Town Police Station and the alarm was raised. It was during the scuffle that ensued that he was identified by a Sergeant of the police as being Private Abdul Sesay the police is looking for.

During the Police’s weekly briefing yesterday afternoon, Assistant Inspector General of Police in charged of Operation (AIG-OPS) Richard Moigbeh, he confirmed the arrest and described the two civilians who aided the process as "patriotic citizens", but fell short from disclosing their identities.

According to him, the police are withholding the identities of the civilians "because of security reasons" as they are yet to establish the rationale behind the arrested fugitive’s intention and motive for carrying a weapon when in fact he been sought by the police for a serious crime he had earlier been arrested for.

Speaking further on the achievement of the police over what had apparently given the police "bad name" as far as their capability to maintain security is concerned, noted that they would be treating the investigations this time round on the basis of three scenarios. Firstly, looking at the main offence of theft of arms and ammunition from the Lungi Garrison arms depot, secondly, the escape of Private Sesay from the Delta detention at Jui, and thirdly, looking at the wider perspective to ascertain whether there is conspiracy in the whole issue surrounding Private Sesay.

It would be recalled that early this month, Private Abdul Sesay was arrested on board a stolen jeep carrying quantities of arms and ammunition which he had stolen from the Lungi Garrison. He was under investigation and detained at the maximum detention centre of the paramilitary wing of the Sierra Leone Police, from where he escaped under dubious circumstances.

The escape provoked series of calls from the public for the Inspector General of Police, Brima Acha Kamara to resign, accusing him of "negligence and incompetence".

The police during those days of turbulence had assured the general public that the fugitive would be arrested and went to place a Le 10 Million reward for information that would lead to his arrest. The police had also assured that Private Sesay was being tracked as he had no where to go being that the police across the country and at entry points have been al3rted about the escape.

What is now the question on the lips of most Sierra Leoneans is; why was Private Sesay again perambulating with a gun when in fact he was being sought by the police? Most people contacted by Awareness Times are of the opinion that Private Sesay is on an uncompleted mission, that could be disastrous either the security of certain persons or the state in general. They opined that this time round, the police and the security agencies in general put shoulder to the wheel to unravel what they now consider as "a mystery" surrounding this ex-RUF combatant turned soldier.

Subject: Re: THE MYSTERY SURROUNDING PRIVATE SESAY
From: Detective
To: All
Date Posted: 08:00:46 11/30/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: s200_83-229-114-62.wireless.iptelsl.net at 83.229.114.62

Message:
A fugitive, travelling from Far east of Freetown, toward central Freetown?????Quite unpalatable.

Subject: Liberia's truth commission broke, suspends work on war atroc
From: AGE
To: All
Date Posted: 11:21:41 11/29/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
Liberia's truth commission broke, suspends work on war atrocities

Tue Nov 28, 2:16 PM ET

MONROVIA (AFP) - Due to lack of funds, Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) has been forced to suspend work recording evidence on atrocities committed over more than two decades, an official said.

"After three weeks of work in the field, we have recalled statement-takers because we have not been able to pay them," the TRC's acting chairman Deddeh Dolopai told reporters.

"We have decided to take this decision because of lack of funds," she said.

Several hundred workers had been deployed across the war-battered west African country from October 10 to document evidence from victims and perpetrators of atrocities in civil crises spanning 24 years until peace in 2003. The information gathered was to have set the groundwork for reconciliation.

Since October more than 3,000 people have given evidence to the TRC, and hearings were expectd to start next year.

"Some of the donors have not up to now been able to translate their pledges into physical cash," Dolopai said, adding that "our needs are enormous."

A commission official told AFP that expenses for the recording of evidence expected to last three months were estimated at two milion dollars.

Main donors so far have been the Liberian government, the United Nations Development programme (UNDP) and an international non-governmental organisation Open Institute of west Africa (OSIWA), set up by American George Soros.

Doloplai said the TRC has completely run out of cash.

Modelled on South Africa's TRC, the commission is to investigate rights violations including murders, extra-judicial killings, economic crimes and sexual abuse committed by all parties to the country's conflicts.

Liberia's unrest started with food riots in 1979 followed by a coup in 1980 that toppled former president William Tolbert.

A decade later, the conflict intensified with a rebellion led by warlord Charles Taylor and the subsequent ouster and assassination of then president Samuel Doe.

Taylor, later elected president and now under arrest awaiting trial, stepped down in 2003 in the face of an insurgency and international pressure to quit.

The commission formed under a 2003 peace deal has been given two years to conduct its business, but can seek an extension if necessary.

Subject: GUINEA: Malnutrition cases double in Conakry children’s hosp
From: AGE
To: All
Date Posted: 11:04:33 11/29/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
GUINEA: Malnutrition cases double in Conakry children’s hospital

[This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]

© Nicholas Reader/IRIN

Malnutrition among children is soaring in cash-poor Guinea Conakry

CONAKRY, 28 Nov 2006 (IRIN) - Children are sometimes being packed in two to a bed in the dark, airless wards of Conakry’s only children’s hospital as the facility copes with double the number of starving children now than three years ago.

There were 623 malnourished children admitted to the Donka Hospital Institute of Nutrition and Child Health between January and the end of September, the last time the quarterly records were compiled.

In 2005, 601 children were admitted in the whole year, almost 150 more than in 2004, and over 300 more than in 2003. Hospital staff said they expected the 2006 figure to break 800 by the end of the year.

The Donka Hospital institute is the only children’s hospital in Conakry, and the largest specialist unit in the country.

The hospital’s records, seen by IRIN on Friday, do not distinguish between severe and acute malnutrition. Both forms result in sudden weight loss and can lead to death if not treated quickly with specialised foods. Even after the child’s body has filled out, the boy or girl may still suffer a lifetime of physical and mental retardation.

“There are many more cases in Conakry that still do not get reported or seen,” said a nutritionist as she totted up the monthly numbers meticulously listed in frayed, well-thumbed notebooks.

Guinea has rich mineral wealth, fertile land and no shortage of above-ground water, setting it apart from its sandier, drier and hotter neighbours to the north and east.

However, the country’s donors say decades of financial mismanagement have wrought havoc on Guinea’s economy, while corruption has ensured what little profits are made get siphoned off by the country’s elites. Despite the abundance of agricultural land and waterlogged areas suitable as rice paddies, most rice is imported from abroad.

“We are getting many more severe cases of children with malnutrition now,” Mamadou Cellou Balde, the centre’s director, confirmed over the cries of wailing babies. “We have seen a significant increase during the last three years.”

Poverty to blame

Salimatou Camara, a gaunt man in his 30s, who pushes a coffee cart around Conakry and sells scrap electronics on the side, brought his 23-month-old daughter, Fatima, and her mother to the Donka Hospital institute last Wednesday when the child’s stomach started ballooning - a telltale sign of extreme hunger.

For Camara, like most other worried parents that IRIN interviewed at the Donka Hospital, price rises forced him to reduce the family’s rice rations by a third. Rice makes up the mainstay of the family’s diet, with chicken, fish and vegetables rare luxuries.

Only when the children cry from hunger do the adults give them food from their plates and go hungry themselves. “All the family is making sacrifices. My wife has stopped asking me to get things because she knows it’s not possible,” Camara said.

Inflation in Guinea has pushed 30 percent in the last two years, fuel prices have rocketed by 288 percent in the same period, and unemployment has boomed even among the fortunate, educated minority.

The centre’s staff agreed rising prices are blocking parents from access to the variety of foods that would nourish their children properly. But they also said widespread lack of education had left many people ignorant about the need to give their children a range of foods, not just to fill their stomachs with grains such as rice.

Small numbers of schools and a lack of cash by most to pay fees or buy uniforms means 70 percent of Guinean's are illiterate, according to the UN.

“Very often parents do not diversify their children’s diets or they introduce the diversity too late. Before six months most children do get breast milk, but then their parents start too late with diversity,” director Balde said.

Subject: Liberia: Jail Breakers Pose Threat
From: PRIVATE SESAY
To: All
Date Posted: 10:57:36 11/29/06 ()
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Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
Liberia: Jail Breakers Pose Threat

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The Analyst (Monrovia)

November 28, 2006
Posted to the web November 28, 2006

Edwood Dennis

Margibi County Representative Saah Gborlie has declared that the breaking of jail by criminals at the Monrovia Central Prison in Monrovia poses serious threat to citizens in the country.

In an interview with journalists in Monrovia yesterdays, Rep. Gborlie stated that those criminals who have broken jail at the prison compound were not returning to their respective communities with good motives. He said the criminals, some of whom were jailed for various reasons ranging from death to other offences, would return only to pursue those considered enemies.

Besides, Rep. Gborlie furthered that though their presence in the communities do not pose grave threat to national security, though creating scene of vulnerability to residents, the security was on the al3rt to track them down.

In accentuation to the fact, the United Nations Mission in Liberia - UNMIL has since been on al3rt to forestall any criminal activity especially at night, by deploying its men throughout the city.

Speaking further on the action of the criminals, Rep. Saah Gborlie who formerly served as Assistant Minister of Justice, though with latter name always associated with the hard-core and popularly-known disciplinarian, "25-Gborlie" of Camp Belle Yella, he blamed the Liberian government for the criminals' action.

He said the law enforcement arm of the government continues to arrest criminals who were jailed at the prison compound without good facilities, urging that government provides vocational training opportunities for the prisoners to make them become useful citizens upon release.

According to Rep. Gborlie, when the criminals are trained and have vocational education, they will return to the larger society with a qualification that would prevent them from engaging into ugly acts in society.

Besides, he pointed out that there was a need for the Liberian government to remove the function of the Correction system (prison) under the Ministry of Justice and make that body independent in the country, underscoring that when this is done, criminals breaking prison centers in the country would be curtailed.

Emphasizing that the independence of the correction system would provide the opportunity for those who are working with the system to remain committed in serving the system and society, he singled out the receiving of funds from the Ministry of Justice as quite problematic.

Rep. Gborlie was candid in revealing that those assigned at the various prison centers throughout the country were not using uniforms and lack the proper incentive that most times lead to their reluctance in performing their duties. He promised to introduce a bill seeking the independence of the Correction System in Liberia.

Govt. Fumbles With Cause Of Jail Break

Since last Sunday morning, the Liberian government has not been actually able to provide concrete cause of the jail break of about 57 detainees from the Monrovia Central Prison on Center Street, but is however calling on the public not to panic in the wake of the situation and further craves the cooperation of the public in re-apprehending jail breakers that are still at-large.

There are discounting accounts regarding what may have led to the incident. Other accounts say only two guards were on duty when the detainees were let of jail in the morning hours while it is also said that the Nepalese Civilian police who man the prison were playing tennis when the accident occurred.

But whatever is the accurate information, analysts say the jail breaking is not in the interest of security harmony as most of the breakers are hard-core criminals who could torment peaceful citizens in different parts of the city.

Providing what he called update on the incident, Information Minister-designate Laurence Bropleh told journalists yesterday at the Information Ministry that the cause of the incident is not readily known but that the government is awaiting the conclusion of investigation currently ongoing, noting that as soon as the investigations are concluded, the public will dully informed about what led to the jail break.

According to him, two officers of the guards are presently being detained in line with the incident and helping with the investigations. The information Minister-designate noted that in order for the public to help in re-arresting the jail breakers, they were trying to list their names, photographs and place of residents prior to their detention.

But whether this will work and yield results is still a myth. He said there was need for the public to know what was going on regarding the situation so that they can disabuse their minds of wrongful thinking and conclusions.

At the same time, Minister Bropleh said all is set for civil servants to get two months salary for the season. According to him, the Ministry of Finance has accrued enough revenue in the last months to be able to pay salaries to government employees.

Subject: PRINCE CHARLES VISITS YAYA FANUSIE'S SCHOOL
From: MBHS
To: All
Date Posted: 19:26:53 11/28/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
HRH visits a boys' school in Sierra Leone
28th November 2006

On his second day in Sierra Leone, The Prince of Wales visited the Methodist Boys’ School in Freetown to meet teachers and pupils and see the work of charity ActionAid first-hand.

The school, which was founded in 1874, is in the Kissy district of the capital city.

ActionAid, of which The Prince is Patron, helped to improve the facilities at the school, including renovating one of the school’s buildings and installing a new hand water pump.

Tennyson Williams, ActionAid’s Director in Sierra Leone, talked The Prince through the charity’s work at the school.

He said: "In 1998 this area saw some heavy fighting between the rebels and opposing forces and there was a lot of shelling. One of the school buildings was badly damaged and our first job was to get it back in a working condition.

"ActionAid spent about £10,000 rebuilding the roof and refurbishing the interior and providing furniture.

"The Prince's visit is important because it sends a message to the international community, non-governmental organisations and investors that Sierra Leone is safe and they can do business here.

"To have a member of the British Royal Family here to see what the country has been through and realise the assistance they need and also what the people are doing to help themselves is also important."

The Prince met the head boy, 18-year-old John Kallon, who showed him around the school. His Royal Highness visited an English language class and chatted to teacher James Fatoma and many of the pupils, who were aged between nine and 15-years-old.

The Prince then visited the school’s peaceful vegetable patch where students grow sweet potatoes, cassava, cucumber and maize plants.

The Prince and John, the head boy, walked through the rows of plants. The Prince also spent time examining the maize plots which grew to head height.

Afterwards John said: "The Prince was asking me about the botanical names of the plants and I told him what they were and the local ones too."

"He noticed some of the maize plants were dry and some of them were green and asked what the problem was and I said 'the patches of ground had different ph levels'."

As The Prince approached the piggery, a small collection of wooden huts covered with a corrugated iron roof, he heard the animals squealing and began to laugh.

The Prince keeps Tamworth pigs, a breed of pig native to the UK, at the Duchy Home Farm near his family home Highgrove.

Once inside the cramped buildings Sanpha Kallon, head of agriculture at the school, described how the 20 pigs are raised by the pupils and their meat eventually sold.

Before leaving, The Prince planted a mango tree at the school and unveiled a plaque commemorating his visit.

Later in the day The Prince visited the Guma Valley Dam and the Jungle Warfare School. Tomorrow His Royal Highness will visit Nigeria for three days.

Subject: Re: PRINCE CHARLES VISITS YAYA FANUSIE'S SCHOOL
From: Yaya Fanusie
To: All
Date Posted: 22:05:31 11/28/06 ()
Email Address: futatoro@gmail.com
Entered From: pool-70-21-13-211.res.east.verizon.net at 70.21.13.211

Message:
MBHS,
Great School and in a few years we are going to make it greater. Anecdote; do you recall how few of us went into the forest during recess-lunch-and climbed Palm wine and drank the palm wine? And a few could not stay awake in class so they bought sunglasses.
Eventually Mr. Hill uncovered the cover up. Thsoe were great days. Hey! where are the following now?
Abu Bakarr Tafawa Belewa Kamara, Tully Bakilokoh Wales,Joseph Margai, Pius, Hakim Gibril, Mum Kallon, Brima Conteh, Bassie Bangura, Mohamed Awolowo Conteh,
Christopher Cole alias Figaro-his refrain when messed with " I will kick my to you face". Michiel Pover, Noel Williams, Olu Coker, Emeric Thomas, Eric Turner
There were so many interest characters in that school.
And me; the best behaved student the school ever had.
Did you remember you student number?
Mine was 3955
Yaya

Subject: Re: PRINCE CHARLES VISITS YAYA FANUSIE'S SCHOOL
From: ok dok
To: All
Date Posted: 22:21:34 11/28/06 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: px2nr.wp.shawcable.net at 24.66.94.141

Message:
My admission number 6696 at high school

Subject: Re: PRINCE CHARLES VISITS YAYA FANUSIE'S SCHOOL
From: ok dok
To: All
Date Posted: 09:39:45 12/01/06 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: px2nr.wp.shawcable.net at 24.66.94.141

Message:
How? I was there why roy macauly leftand pratt took over.

Subject: Brain Functions
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 19:25:56 11/28/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ws-lib251.lib.csus.edu at 130.86.14.92

Message:

Perception, behavioral sequences, reflexes, instincts, emotions,
thinking and other integrative activities.

The many nuclei, circuits, systems and networks which make up the
brain provide animals with numerous functional repertoires. Brains
evolved complex sets of circuits that allow them to detect and evaluate
the relevance of myriad physical energies in the environment and to
plan and execute appropriate reactions to them.

Because most major neural circuits present in mammals also exist in
other vertebrates, it seems that the basic adaptive neural functions had
been worked out early in vertebrate evolution. Thus, there exist in all
verterates: 1. detection and perception of five general types of physical
energy, 2. organized and integrated postural and locomotor activities,
3. Instincts, reflexes and fixed-action patterns related to procreation of
young, ingestion and elimination, escape and defense, and
maintenance of homeostatic esquilibria, 4. selective attention and
orientation toward specific environmental stimuli, 6. learning and
forgetting, 7. capabilities for multitasking and parallel processing, 8.
elaborate social repertoires, and 9. timed ontogenetic development of
the behavioral repertoire.

It is the aim of this page to explore what is known about the brain
mechanisms of all the functions listed above and below.

The senses; sensation, detecting features of the external & internal
environments:
Olfaction (smell)
Sight (vision)
Touch

Hearing (auditory)
Taste
Pain

Basic integrated postural and locomotor movement sequences:
Diversity and complexity of musculature, and the structure and
importance of the skeleton and its components.

Basic instincts and emotions:
Hunger
Love, lust and sex
Anger, hate & fear
Territoriality, possessiveness
Dominance/submissiveness; Irritability and serenity.
Sociality, parenting & family ties
Growth of emotions during ontogeny

Cognitive capabilities:

Arousal, Attention, Thinking, Evaluating, Insight, Abstraction,
Creativity, Choice, Purpose, Seeking, Planning, Generalization,
Judgement, Introspection, Programming, Introspection, Interest,
Preference, Discrimination, Learning, Habituation, Memory,
recognition, retention, Knowledge,

Basic Behavioral repertoire
Reflexes
Basic Action sequences
Instincts; integrated action sequences
Learned and experientially modified percepts and action sequences.
Play
Exploratory behavior
Goal Directed behaviors

All the terms listed above refer to brain functions expressable by the
circuitry of the brain of any mammal. The jobs of neuroscientists
involve identifying which brain components, circuits and networks are
responsible for every function that can be defined.

Subject: Functions of the Skin
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 19:22:38 11/28/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ws-lib251.lib.csus.edu at 130.86.14.92

Message:
The integumentary system, consisting of the skin, hair and nails, act as
a barrier to protect the body from the outside world. It also functions
to retain body fluids, protect against disease, eliminate waste products,
and regulate body temperature.

OBJECTIVES:
1. Describe the functions of the skin.
2. Distinguish between the two layers that form the skin.
3. Identify two types of glands found in the skin, and describe their
functions.
4. Describe the structure of nails.
5. Describe the structure of hair.

SKIN (Figure 45-15)

1. SKIN AND ITS ACCESSORY ORGANS-THE HAIR, NAILS, AND A
VARIETY OF GLANDS, MAKE UP THE INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM.

2. The Skin is the human body's Largest Organs.

3. The word INTEGUMENT comes from a LATIN word that means to
COVER.

4. THE MOST IMPORTANT FUNCTION OF THE INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM
IS PROTECTION.

5. IT PERFORMS THIS FUNCTION BY: (The FIVE Main Functions of the
Integumentary System)

A. SERVING AS A BARRIER AGAINST INFECTION AND INJURY.

B. HELPING TO REGULATE BODY TEMPERATURE.

C. REMOVING WASTE PRODUCTS FROM THE BODY.

D. PROVIDING PROTECTION AGAINST ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION
FROM THE SUN.

E. PRODUCING VITAMIN D.

6. Because the skin contains several types of Sensory Receptors, it
serves as the gateway through which Sensations such as PRESSURE,
HEAT, COLD, AND PAIN ARE TRANSMITTED TO THE NERVOUS SYSTEM.

7. The Skin is composed of Two Main Layers - The EPIDERMIS and
DERMIS. (Figure 45-15)

EPIDERMIS

1. The OUTER most layer of Skin is known as the EPIDERMIS. It is
composed of many sheets of Flattened, Scaly Epithelial Cells. This is a
thin outer layer of skin.

2. Its layers are made of Mostly DEAD CELLS.

3. Most of the cells of the Epidermis undergo rapid cell division
(MITOSIS).

4. As new cells are produced, they push Older cells to the surface of
the skin. The older cells become Flattened, Lose their Cellular
Contents and begin making KERATIN.

5. KERATIN IS A TOUGH FIBROUS PROTEIN AND FORMS THE BASIC
STRUCTURE OF HAIR, NAILS, AND CALLUSES.

6. In animals keratin forms cow horns, reptile scales, bird feathers, and
porcupine quills.

7. Eventually, the Keratin-producing Cells (KERATINCYTES) DIE AND
FORM A TOUGH, FLEXIBLE WATERPROOF COVERING ON THE SURFACE
OF THE SKIN. Our thickest Epidermis in on the palms and soles.

8. THIS OUTER LAYER OF DEAD CELLS IS SHED OR WASHED AWAY ONCE
EVERY 14 TO 28 DAYS.

Subject: NAME THEIR 1975 CLASSIC
From: KING LOGGY
To: All
Date Posted: 18:43:11 11/28/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 144.226.173.69

Message:
.

Subject: Re: NAME THEIR 1975 CLASSIC
From: Indian Fan
To: All
Date Posted: 10:33:41 11/29/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.117.8

Message:
The main actor is Shashi Kapur, I hope spelling in correct

Subject: Re: NAME THEIR 1975 CLASSIC
From: Tangainse
To: All
Date Posted: 20:08:36 11/28/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: pool-141-156-239-239.res.east.verizon.net at 141.156.239.239

Message:
Paddyman,

Look lek say u don ole en u dae shame for die ehn?

Subject: Re: NAME THEIR 1975 CLASSIC
From: KING LOGGY
To: All
Date Posted: 21:26:52 11/28/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 144.226.173.69

Message:
Na true yu tork so paddy man....die na shameful tin.

Subject: Re: NAME THEIR 1975 CLASSIC
From: Sholay
To: All
Date Posted: 20:41:20 11/28/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: s0106001109118608.wp.shawcable.net at 24.77.240.244

Message:
Man back in the day...Sholay

Subject: Re: NAME THEIR 1975 CLASSIC
From: KING LOGGY
To: All
Date Posted: 21:23:26 11/28/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 144.226.173.69

Message:
Yes man back in those days....Sholay.
Those days when man kin cut school for be the fos for watch any new movie.
I just bought a copy today at the neighborhood Idian store.

Subject: Hydro Work on target...Stator halves transported from Freeto
From: PETER TOSH
To: All
Date Posted: 17:46:05 11/28/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
STANDARD TIMES

Hydro Work on target...Stator halves transported from Freetown Port to Bumbuna Site
Posted by on Nov 29, 2006, 15:52

On Sunday 19th November, 2006 SALCOST successfully carried out the transfer of part of the main equipment for the installation of the Bumbuna Falls Hydroelectric Project, stored at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Freetown since 1996.
The Unit #1 Generator stator, divided into two halves each by 40 tons individually crated, has been moved by the Freetown harbour shed #3 early in the Sunday morning, after handling operation with cranes lasted two days.
The equipment has been loaded onto two lowbed trailers and transported through the road to Mabonto, via Makeni, in a very delicate 9 hours trip. The convoy was led by the Sierra Leone Police, in order to control the traffic all the way to the Bumbuna Site. This transportation exercise on that day drew the attention of the civilian population along side the road eager to know the type and size of equipment on the trailers and their destination.
The Bumbuna Falls Hydroelectric Project has the capacity to produce an average annual production of energy of about 300 GWh by means of two 25 MW Francis turbines coupled to synchronous electric generator units, linked to Freetown with a 205 km long high voltage transmission line.
The Main Contractor Salini will like to take this opportunity to express his profound thanks and appreciation to the Government, the port and harbour management, the Police Authority and the entire people of Sierra Leone for their cooperation.

Subject: Measles and malaria campaign in Sierra Leone reaches 800,000
From: GOOD JOB
To: All
Date Posted: 15:18:23 11/28/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
Measles and malaria campaign in Sierra Leone reaches 800,000-plus
By Alusine Savage

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone, 28 November 2006 – A national measles and malaria campaign has been successfully carried out in Sierra Leone. An estimated 800,000 children under five have benefited from life-saving interventions during this major nationwide health initiative.

At the launch ceremony in Freetown earlier this month, the Minister of Health and Sanitation, Abator Thomas, said the effort would result in reducing illness and deaths among children.

“The campaign will contribute to the efforts exerted by Sierra Leone to deal with the high rates of child and maternal mortality and for Sierra Leone to reach the Millennium Development Goals,” Ms. Thomas said.

Package of health interventions

The week-long campaign, which complemented routine immunization services here, involved more than 10,000 volunteers from the Sierra Leone Red Cross. The volunteers were deployed in all health centres, community health posts, vaccination points and referral hospitals across the country.

They provided a four-pronged package of interventions, including:

- Measles vaccination

- Distribution of long-lasting insecticide treated mosquito nets

- Vitamin A supplementation to boost immunity

- De-worming with Mebendazole tablets.

The landmark initiative was launched by the Government of Sierra Leone and supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the Canadian Red Cross, civil society groups and private-sector health partners.

Highest under-five mortality

The mortality rates for children under five and mothers giving birth in Sierra Leone are the highest in the world, with measles, malaria, vitamin A deficiency and worm infestation remaining the biggest enemies of young children.

Measles accounts for 48 per cent of deaths from vaccine preventable diseases. Malaria accounts for 33 per cent of all under-five deaths.

Only 15 per cent of children under five sleep under a mosquito net to prevent malaria, but with this new initiative the number is expected to increase dramatically.

Growing stability

War was a major blow to immunization activities in Sierra Leone. By 1999, the child immunization rate was as low as 5 per cent, and the infant and maternal mortality soared.

Now, growing stability and peace is creating an environment where health interventions can take hold across the country. Today, UNICEF is assisting the Government of Sierra Leone to implement a National Health Policy and a Human Resources Health Policy aimed at reducing the mortality rate for infants, children under five and mothers.

“In meeting this objective, UNICEF has strategically refocused the country programme and strengthened the link with the Millennium Development Goals,” said UNICEF Representative in Sierra Leone, Geert Cappelaere. “We need to ensure every child’s right to life, survival, development and protection.”

Subject: BIG MANNISM
From: M. Alieu Iscandari Esq
To: All
Date Posted: 14:44:06 11/28/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198

Message:
http://www.journeyman.tv/?lid=10190

Subject: Liberia's Prison Facilities in Dire Straits: After Inmates F
From: FPA
To: All
Date Posted: 14:32:02 11/28/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
Liberia's Prison Facilities in Dire Straits: After Inmates Flee, Prisoners On Way to Zwedru
11/28/06 - FPA Staff Report

Two days after the now infamous jail break at the Monrovia Central Prison, the Government of Liberia is to shortly transfer hardened criminals and other convicted prisoners to the Corrections Palace situated near Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County.

Fatumata Sherif, Assistant Minister for Rehabilitation and Corrections at the Ministry of Justice addresses the media in Monrovia Tuesday. Sherif says the lack of corrections staff greatly attributed to the escape of the prisoners.
The Assistant Minister for Rehabilitation and Corrections at the Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Fatumata Sherif speaking today at a press briefing said the lack of corrections staff greatly attributed to the escape of the prisoners.

However, she said the Corrections Palace Compound which contains 180 rooms is nearing completion. Upon the acquisition of basic items to make the palace functional including a new generator to pump water into the facility, these prisoners will be transferred to the refurbished facilities.

Fifty-seven inmates escaped from two of the cell blocks at the Monrovia Central Prison early Sunday morning. Thirty-one inmates escaped from Block-A, while 26 inmates escaped from Block-B. Those who escaped were charged with crimes ranging from armed robbery, theft of property, rape, among other lesser crimes.

However, to date nine of the escapees have been re-arrested and are at the Liberia National Police headquarters.

Early Stages of Development

Though the Monrovia Central Prison was erected to host between 190 to 200 inmates, instead 501 prisoners were detained at the compound before the jail break on Sunday.

Stephen Johnston, Head of the Corrections Unit at UNMIL makes a point as Assistant Minister Sheriff and UNMIL official look on.
Mrs. Sherif said while there are about 150 corrections officers in the system. About 70 have been trained so far by UNMIL in the security sector reform process which includes corrections officers; however, because they are paid less compared to their national police counterparts and those of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), most of the trained officers have left the profession after being trained.

Also speaking at the press briefing, the Head of the Corrections Unit at UNMIL, Stephen Johnston expressed his regret about the escape of prisoners from the Monrovia Central Prison; but noted that the corrections system in Liberia is in its early stages of development.

He said escape from a developed system is unacceptable; however, escapes from a developing system, “while unacceptable, one should choose to understand the reasons behind it.”

Mr. Johnston noted that correctional officers at the Monrovia Central Prison are under tremendous pressure as there are very few to manage an over-populated prison. “The over-crowding currently at the Monrovia Central Prison is vast; the conditions for prisoners are very poor; as staff do the best they can in really demanding circumstances,” he said.

He reiterated that there has been tremendous development within the correctional system since UNMIL began its security sector reform activities. Already, over 70 correctional officers have been trained; likewise, correctional facilities are being rehabilitated throughout the country.

“Until such a time those sustainable resources for the correctional system can be provided then there will be incidents while the system is developing,” Mr. Johnston reiterated.

Currently, another cell block is being built by the United States Government at the Monrovia Central Prison which will hold between 150 to 160 prisoners which will also provide internal sanitation for prisoners.

No Ventilation, Sanititation in Prisons

Lack of Resources

“Until such a time those sustainable resources for the correctional system can be provided then there will be incidents while the system is developing."

Stephen Johnston, Head of the Corrections Unit at UNMIL.

He said the sanitary conditions constrain prisoners to be let out of their cells before time to help clean up their waste in the morning. Some cells had up to 15 prisoners with no ventilation and sanitation in them.

At the Monrovia Central Prison where the jail-break occurred, Mr. Johnston said it is not only important to improve humane conditions of the prisoners but it is also a security aspect. “Those prisoners escaped on Sunday morning because they had to be let out of their cells to enter their waste; 15 people in one cell using the same bucket as a toilet. Of course at some point, they need to be let out. They needed to clean their cells including themselves,” which he noted was also a security issue.

He said by international standards, the size of the cells should hold no more than three; however, some of them at the Monrovia Central Prison had 12 while some of them had 15. Likewise, the Head of the Corrections Unit said with regards to staff ratio, by international standards that there should be one correction officer per three prisoners. Unfortunately, that is not the case in Liberia.

Though some of those who have been trained by UNMIL are leaving the profession because of low salaries, the Corrections Unit of UNMIL has recommended to the Liberia Government to increase the salaries of those corrections officers that have been trained by UNMIL. “Corrections are a very important component of the rule of law and it’s a very important component to the security sector. As such a correction officer should be paid a comparative salary with their counterparts in the Liberia National Police and the AFL.”

He confirmed that at this time it falls far short. When their salaries are improved, it will improve their attendance at prisons as well as staff that will choose to stay. “Over 25 percent of trained correctional officers who were trained using donor contributions have left the prison system already because they can find better salaries at other places including AFL or Mittal Steel,” Mr. Johnston said.

Subject: RATHER LONG BUT INFORMATIONAL
From: M. Alieu Iscandari
To: All
Date Posted: 13:46:25 11/28/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198

Message:

Print this Article | Return to Article

Cocaine and Cutouts: Israel's Unseen Diplomacy
by: Jane Hunter
January - March 1989
The Link - Volume 22, Issue 1

The revelations came, in April 1988, when nobody wanted to hear them. By then the Iran-contra affair had been neatly tied up, with its celebrated perpetrators moving toward their day in court.

Public attention had turned to Gen. Manuel Antonio Noriega, strongman of Panama, and to the flood of narcotics engulfing the United States. In February a Florida grand jury had indicted Noriega for taking bribes to make Panama a haven for the Medellin Cartel, Colombia’s leading narcotics syndicate. Some U.S. officials said he was responsible for most of the cocaine entering the country.1 Much of the information on which the indictment was based had been supplied by Jose Blandon, a former intelligence aide to Noriega.

In April, Blandon testified before a Senate subcommittee, telling how Noriega made millions selling protection to Colombian drug traffickers. Through a translator he talked about the Harari Network, a group of Israeli, U.S. and Panamanian citizens assembled in 1982 by Mike Harari, a top aide to Noriega. The group’s purpose, said Blandon, was to provide arms to the contras, a force assembled by the CIA to overthrow the Nicaraguan Government. In addition to bringing East Bloc weapons to Central America, Blandon testified, the Harari Network also moved narcotics from Colombia to the thriving U.S. market, using the same Costa Rican airstrips and aircraft it employed to deliver arms.

Sen. John Kerry, (D-MA) chair of the Subcommittee on Narcotics, Terrorism and International Operations of the Foreign Relations Committee, asked Blandon if it was a matter of the guns going in one direction and the drugs in the other. “Exactamente,” answered Blandon. “Did the drugs sometimes go alone?” asked Kerry. “Exactamente.”2

Soon after, reporters, aided by a disaffected Mossad agent and a Harari Network pilot, pieced together more of the story. The Harari operation had been set in motion by the Reagan Administration and the government of Israel,3 which, in 1982, had established a secret military cooperation program for Central America.4 The operation was loosely connected to a second network, dubbed the Arms Supermarket, set up in Honduras by:

operatives of the Israeli Mossad, senior Honduran military officers now under investigation for drug trafficking, and CIA-connected arms dealers.5

In closed-door testimony before Senator Kerry’s subcommittee and in interviews, Richard Brenneke said that start-up funds, aircraft and pilots had been supplied by the Medellin Cartel.6 ABC Televisi