Subject: State House Race: Who will be Sierra Leone’s next President?
From: www.standardtimespress.net
To: All
Date Posted: 01:23:32 12/12/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: s0106001109118608.wp.shawcable.net at 24.77.240.244

Message:
Presidential and Parliamentary Race 2007
The Race for State House: Who will be Sierra Leone’s next President?
“It is not the question of how but when I become President”, the PMDC Interim Leader blows his own horn, to a cross-section of Sierra Leoneans in Indiana – US. To his Diasporan base and critics alike, whilst reaching out to the International community for support, Margai is stumping one message; “Positive Change”.
Media analysts have placed his debut tour as a huge success. The planners of this tour demonstrated competence and good organization skills, for which they must be commended. Feedbacks pouring out so far indicate that Margai succeeded in energizing the Diasporan base, winning over new converts, some of whom have been away for long time, and yearn to return home. These men and women were mesmerized by Margai’s raps and vision for dear Salone.
PMDC reports also point to some cross carpeting by other Party faithful into their rank and file, a situation they describe as signs of victory. On a more personal note, Margai can take home with pride the conferment of an honorary Georgian citizenship bestowed upon him by the Georgian Deputy Secretary of State.
From New Jersey, to Atlanta, Washington, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Philadelphia, the PMDC campaign slogan has been loud and clear: Change the Course; we can do better. Margai says he has solutions to the many perennial problems the country is grappled with; from providing electricity, to job creation, poverty alleviation, free trade, good governance, access to healthcare, education, water and sanitation delivery systems; the very basic of necessities the SLPP government failed to provide.
Margai’s preference for a female Vice President, a Northerner and a Muslim, and his cabinet composition of one third of women, is a strategic move to court female electorates, who form the majority, and are a potent force?
Many however see these rhetorics as lofty promises, throwing wide open the debate over reality and empty promises (or mere campaign slurs). Win or no win, Margai will be held accountable for every promise, and commitment made to the electorates. Now that he has set timelines on his deliverables, it will be easy to hold him accountable, and damn him when those pronouncements are not met.
The fact of the matter is that these agendas are really not different from that of SLPP flag bearer – VP Solomon Berewa, and the APC Presidential hopeful, Hon Ernest Koroma. They have all promised moving the country forward to another level, if voted into office.
Political Analysts are really not impressed with these chimes. What is at stake goes beyond mere problem statement, familiar to every aspiring compatriot. Empirical solutions to these problems, is what is demanded. Sierra Leoneans are genuinely interested in the “How”, not the “What”.
This election is going to be defined by how the many issues are dealt with and resolved, by each of these contenders. Again, our Presidential hopefuls are telling us that our problems will be dealt with by external intervention, through deals and negotiations on our behalf, as a way of honoring on their campaign pledges. These kinds of solutions do not strike cord with a good number of us. What our nation needs is honest leadership. For far too long, we have been deprived of a true patriot, a leader who has love, and concern for his people. We need someone who will think and feel the pains of the masses. I desire to see a Leadership that will carry the burdens of his people. In any case, we have to do with what is at hand, so the choice is going to be the lesser of two evils. And just who is this one eyed-king in the blind man’s land? Is it Berewa, Margai or Ernest? You tell me.
Election 2007 will see yet again, campaign promises read as mere scr1pts. Our politicians tell us what they want to do to improve our lots. But, they do not own up? Why? Momoh’s vision (May his soul rest in peace) for a greener economy was never accomplished. Strasser (and the NPRC) dream of a corrupt free Sierra Leone was short lived by greed and selfishness. They became tangled in the very corruption they set themselves to curb.
What happened with Pres. Kabbah’s promise of food security to all by 2007? The railway was to be revived, and a bridge linking Lungi and Freetown? Just what happened with those inspirational visions? And corruption and poverty were to be fought with vigor, but these wars are yet to be defeated. Damn these Politicians for their vociferous speeches, talking the talk but not walking the walk. Sierra Leone Politicians disengage themselves from the people, as quickly upon returned to power. Instead of being servants, they become masters and demigods, answerable to yours truly?
Answers are now demanded. Questions are being asked and will be asked in the future. We are now an enlightened society. Our ears are propped for answers and specifics, not vibes! Sierra Leoneans are asking for timelines on every commitment, or policy. Give us an agenda framework, with measurable indicators, to enable us measure your performance. Those aspiring for leadership have to be accountable at all fronts.
That is why in one of Margai’s open house question session in Indiana, he was asked to state in clear terms, what he’s got that the others do not have, and why he thinks he is the most fit for the job. “Integrity”, he said. “I will bring integrity to the Presidency, which the current administration lacks”.
Integrity! Read my lips. Where is the proof? Don’t give me that crap that contracts provided to your wife and cronies were not wrong or illegal? Something definitely was not right? There was a conflict of Interest. Don’t you see it? This is cronyism at its worst. Your wife’s performance or non-performance as far as the award of contract goes, is nothing to write home. I beg to differ on this, and so do many. What guarantee could that present for such re-occurrence, when given the coveted position of an elder statesman? Where is the guarantee? A simple admission of some mistake will have closed the issue long time ago. Your stands as at now do not connote Integrity. Is this your measurement of Integrity? Anyway, many have already excused you for political witch hunting, as this practice is ingrained within the current administration. Not one SLPP Minister or Government Official will be left off the hook in a contract probe?
If the PMDC stands for ‘Integrity’ as Margai puts it, then the singular thing that will leave some of us convinced, will be for PMDC to make public all funds raised from their leader’s Trans-Atlantic Tour for Positive Change (T-AT for Positive Change). You want leadership, then lead by example. Party faithful should be asking their leadership to be a beacon of accountability and transparency. Do not turn back on this. If SLPP and APC fall short on an opportunity, be innovative here?
Pundits have started asking questions over Margai and his party’s overconfidence on victory in 2007. Are we not seeing the same spirited confidence exuded by Margai going down the SLPP Leadership contest? Margai maintains that victory was stolen from him at the last minute by some political gimmick from Solo Bee, blotting his chances of victory. Politics is about advantage. Berewa has got political capital, and he is going to use it, to maintain a strong grip on power. I wish I could bet on this, but Berewa is not going to sit by and allow a defeat, not from Charles Margai. All what I am saying is that Margai and his PMDC (with Ernest) should desist from underestimating an incumbent, leading a traditional party, with a very loyal constituent.
Solomon Berewa is bestowed with an incumbency power, and in African politics, we know exactly what that translates to. The VP commands the respect of every State Institution, and he does wield control over them. Time and again, the police have demonstrated loyalty to the GOP, and have used the public order act to suppress every discontent. In the guise of public security, repressive laws are implemented to ban even peaceful demonstrations. Don’t you know that the IG has his job to protect, like the Army boss? Neutrality is compromised when there is conflict between duty and loyalty. The voters are now caught between a would be biased Police and a partial Judiciary. Are you saying that the Judiciary is independent? Hell No. This judiciary is broken. Real broke, with key judicial appointments bankrolled upon Kabbah’s retired buddies, answerable to him alone. Growing number of people are now saying that they can’t bank on the Army and Police staying clear and being neutral in Election 2007?
Many have said that this judiciary is anti-people. Every case brought before the Appeals or Supreme Court has been adjudicated on behalf of the Administration. From the Norman and the SLPP leadership saga, to that of the PMDC vs. SLPP, unto the Biriwa Chieftaincy election; has all gone contrary to Sierra Leoneans expectations? The Special Court has not helped lighten things either? What was the reason for blocking Kabbah’s appearance to be 1st defense witness in the ongoing war crimes tribunal?
And who do you think the NEC chairman will salvage, when desperation sets in? Don’t tell me it’s Margai or Ernest? Every Election Chairman, all around the world, particularly in Africa, has sworn loyalty to the powers that be. Christiana Thorpe will play act neutrality, make noise; but deep down, she will play balls with SLPP, in due season.
Did I hear correctly that PMDC/APC will be relying on International observers for a free and credible election? Election monitors should not be trusted, from experience, so why are you underpinning your hope on them? Don’t you know that monitors have never seen election results differently from the incumbency? You hear what they will report: “There were irregularities in the election process, but not on a scale to impact the overall outcome”. It becomes history the sooner this is said. The judiciary will add salt to injury by demising genuine claims as unfounded. Whoever thought that the February 2006 elections in Uganda will return Musheveni to power, when pundits had it polled for Kizza Besigye?
In Zambia, the opposition front runner Michael Sata tipped for victory was defeated by incumbent Levy Mwanawasa in September 2006. These election machinations are happening under the watchful eyes of Election monitors. There is really no level playing field in African politics. The Carter Foundation, neither Election Monitors will stop the SLPP from playing games, should they wish? The only assurance the APC or the PMDC should fight for and hold dear is the voter’s loyalty. This election will be salvaged by the voters resolve and will.
A PMDC or APC victory has to be a clean sweep to avoid any unforeseen unpleasantries. Anything other than that, particularly a close outcome will swing the polls in Berewa’s favor. A huge voter turn-out naturally depicts gloom for the incumbency. And if the clarion call for change is heralded, it will mean Berewa’s demise. Only an emboldened electorate will change the country’s political landscape.
Right minded compatriots are now asking whether the much anticipated change is in fact a reality or speculative. Is the country indeed poised for a change? And is this change inevitable or a media blitz from the PMDC camp? How prepared are we to embrace this change when it comes, and which party, or crops of men and women should lead that momentum? Is it PMDC or a third force, yet unidentified? Or are we saying that PMDC is in fact the third force? And lastly, does PMDC have what it takes to mobilize the people in solving Sierra Leone’s problem?
Depending on who you talk to, messages could be mixed. Ardent SLPP supporters will hint of victory, much like the APC, as is it with the PMDC. Our disagreement of course lies in how we want to move the nation, and in which way. What is seen manifested is a polarized electorate, engaged in partisan politicking. Voters are hibernating along party idiosyncrasies. Regionalism, sectionalism, religion, and cronyism are variables impacting the change concept. The nation is 80-90% split along party and tribal lines.
Primitive loyalty to parties and individuals have overshadowed constructive and informed dialogues bordering on socio-economic issues affecting us all. The choice is ours to change the political goal post, by voting PMDC for change or SLPP for continuity.
Sierra Leoneans yearn for a change. But when it comes to taking that bold step in effecting the change, people develop cold feet. The nation is also divided at all stratums. And we have a civil society movement that has not helped either in galvanizing this change. Donor money is being spent in building their capacity, but it seems for now these efforts are in vain. What we have instead is a civil society making empty noise, and barks without biting. Tell me what these organizations have accomplished since their formation? As long as their leaderships are having jolly good time, receiving free money, and trotting the globe on “talking shops”, they will not act. The Charles Mambu’s and Minah’s are mere talking points. Imagine, a civil society movement adjudicating for public flogging as punishment for corrupt officials? If these guys have nothing to offer as solutions in fighting corruption, then they better shut up. Who ever told them that Sierra Leone is under a Sharia law? We have laws, Mr. Mambu, but what our nation needs is honest leadership. For far too long, we have been deprived of a true patriot, a leader who has love and concern for his people. We need someone who will think and feel the pains of the masses. I desire to see a Leadership that will carry the burdens of his people. In any case, we have to do with what is at hand, so the choice is going to be the lesser of two evils. And just who is this one eyed-king in the blind man’s land? Is it Berewa, Margai or Ernest? You tell me.

Subject: I.P. INDICATOR SWITCHED ON
From: KABS KANU
To: All
Date Posted: 19:17:54 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.117.8

Message:
I am tired of foolish accusations .I have personally switched on the IP indicator so the IPs of people who debate this Sylvia Blyden issue will be shown. Mr. Moderator, sorry I did not go through you. I am sick and tired. I could have put down the whole forum, but I am going to show that I am more matured .

Let the IP indicator do its work now and show those making the posts.

May God have mercy on you, Mr. False Accuser.

Incase, you don't know.I am one man ready to take you bastards on anytime. I don't need to go under a false name.

Subject: Re: I.P. INDICATOR SWITCHED ON
From: ALPHA SAIDU BANGURA
To: All
Date Posted: 09:12:16 12/12/06 ()
Email Address: SAIDUBANGSO@AOL.COM
Entered From: cache-mtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.117.8

Message:
Kabs,please,do not bother yourself with people who use false names to say wrong things about you because they are cowards.Do not descend to the level of the satanic people on this forum,please,continue your good work.Thank you for putting the I.P.Indicator on.
Because,some of us are sure that what we post is true, that is why we will always use our correct names.I encourage all God fearing people to do the same.

Subject: Re: I.P. INDICATOR SWITCHED ON
From: APC Man (The real One)
To: All
Date Posted: 00:42:36 12/12/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-68-126-149-235.dsl.pltn13.pacbell.net at 68.126.149.235

Message:
Kabs,
Calm down. Sometimes it is good to ignore people.
When you engage them, you sink to their level.

Subject: Re: I.P. INDICATOR SWITCHED ON-AND YES, THE BIBLE TOO USES
From: KABS KANU
To: All
Date Posted: 19:33:00 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.117.8

Message:
HEBREWS 12: 8

"But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons."

I used the word BASTARD consciuosly in the Biblical sense. The Word of God says that anybody who does not take correction is a bastard and not a child of God.

Somebody tried to correct somebody else. It might be God using the person to correct you. Instead of accepting the correction, you decided to falsely accuse me.

I have no business with Miss Blyden on this forum. I can attack her in my newspaper at will and I can also attack hypocritical SLPP members. Why do I have to make myself a slave and use false names.

God go pay you for falsely accusing me. .

Subject: Re: I.P. INDICATOR SWITCHED ON-AND YES, THE BIBLE TOO USES
From: APC DUMBEH
To: All
Date Posted: 19:53:19 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac90e646.ipt.aol.com at 172.144.230.70

Message:
Thank you, Kabs-Kanu. Do not mind the fools. They always do that when they don't been defeated or exposed.

Subject: STOKES HAS SEEN OUR DRIFT
From: APC DOUMBEH
To: All
Date Posted: 17:33:54 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.117.8

Message:
You can see that many Sierra Leoneans have no political direction. Can you imagine that even those who used to hammer Sylvia Blyden seriously ( For good reason) are now supporting her because she is now an SLPP bootlicker ?

STOKES, one of the most outspoken , critical and objective minds at Leonet-TAMU has asked Marda :

" My adjoining building, with permission, will be built on this foundation: Why are you so desperate to separate Blyden's and SLAJ's past with the present "debate"? Is it because she is fighting on the side of your SLPP?"

Sylvia Blyden is very smart. She knows that the most vocal AND OUTSPOKEN forumites are SLPP supporters and that APC supporters especially are dumb and poor debaters . She therefore has pitched her net with the SLPP.She can do anything in Sierra Leone now, become notorious and get only thumbs up. Only SLPP supporters debate seriously .And they will support anybody who is on the side of the SLPP. Therefore even if Sylvia tears Sierra Leone up now, she will get only praise.

Does anybody see what Stokes has seen ?

Sierra Leone is pitiful. Our country has no hope. I am going to resign from my job in Canada and go to Sierra Leone and begin to bootlick the SLPP.Who knows, I might get a top job.

Subject: Re: STOKES HAS SEEN OUR DRIFT
From: KABS DETECTOR
To: All
Date Posted: 18:52:38 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
I am seeing Kabs Kanu all over the place. Oh God, help this so called man of God. Hell fire go burn you oh. Hehehehe

Subject: Re: STOKES HAS SEEN OUR DRIFT
From: APC DUMBEH
To: All
Date Posted: 19:06:49 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.117.8

Message:
Kabs ? Are you serious ? You must have been spending plenty of time under the sun.

Subject: Re: STOKES HAS SEEN OUR DRIFT
From: ok dot
To: All
Date Posted: 17:52:35 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ca208-ch02-bl07.il-chicago0.sa.earthlink.net at 207.69.137.26

Message:
Well said you hit the nail on its head,if she was sympathasing with APC or PMDC,the way she is doing now with the ruling party,I bet you she would be facing justice before the special court because she was part and parcel of RUF decision making in Abidjan in 1997.She can never deny this because I was a witness to this.You see what happened to her buddy Omrie Golley.

Subject: Re: STOKES HAS SEEN OUR DRIFT
From: APC Man
To: All
Date Posted: 18:02:39 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.117.8

Message:
We know what is going on, but I don't think we are dumb or poor debaters as you said. We just don't want to waste our time on unnecessary arguments .We know that the SLPP is using Sylvia Blyden, but we believe that her cup will get full. She played Foday Sankoh against the country.She played Johnny Paul against SLPP.IF today, it is to play SLPP against SLAJ, you just wait. By the way, SLPP will be sorry one day when she plays APC or PMDC against them. They don't know Sylvia

Subject: Re: STOKES HAS SEEN OUR DRIFT
From: APC Man (The real One)
To: All
Date Posted: 00:39:01 12/12/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-68-126-149-235.dsl.pltn13.pacbell.net at 68.126.149.235

Message:
Please stop using my handle.
I have done nothing wrong to you or anyone else on this forum. Please, pLease find your own handle.

Thank you
APC Man (The real one)

Subject: Re: STOKES HAS SEEN OUR DRIFT
From: KABS DETECTOR
To: All
Date Posted: 18:53:33 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
This is definitely not APC man. The mischieve maker is Kabs-Kanu himself. This man is pathetic.

Subject: Re: STOKES HAS SEEN OUR DRIFT
From: APC Man
To: All
Date Posted: 19:08:28 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.117.8

Message:
Smart man. Call me Kabs.

Subject: Re: STOKES HAS SEEN OUR DRIFT
From: APC Man (The real One)
To: All
Date Posted: 00:40:38 12/12/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-68-126-149-235.dsl.pltn13.pacbell.net at 68.126.149.235

Message:
For the last time I am warning you to stop using my handle.

Subject: Buchanan, Ganta Road Projects Face Sectback
From: WORLD BANK
To: All
Date Posted: 16:24:39 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
Buchanan, Ganta Road Projects Face Sectback

Monday, 11th December 2006
By Morrison O.G. Sayon From Buchanan City

Contrary to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s recent promise that major roads in the country will be rehabilitated during the dry season, the President has admitted that there is a major setback in the rehabilitation of two of the major highways in the country.

Speaking to reporters in Buchanan City during her tour of Grand Bassa County, President Sirleaf said that the road project should have started but there has been a major setback because of the underestimation of the Monrovia-Buchanan, Monrovia-Ganta Highways.

The Liberian Leader said a high-power World Bank delegation is presently in the country to meet with authorities of the Public Works Ministry to find a solution. “They will start, but the delay is unfortunate; government will shortly disclose what led to the setback, where we are now and what next,” President Sirleaf noted.

President Sirleaf said consultants who estimated the two roads did so under emergency basis. “They wanted to upgrade the Ganta-Monrovia, Monrovia-Buchanan Highways by repairing all the segments that have been spoilt but told them that we want the roads to be better conditioned and this is the dilemma now,” the President averred.

President Sirleaf disclosed that though the World Bank has made available some funds for the rehabilitation of the major highways in the country, the money is not enough to embark on the work therefore, the government is presently meeting with world bank officials to either lobby for additional funds or leave one of the highways.

“The money is not enough to do the work the way we want it to be done because we want it done professionally. Discussion is now ongoing with our partners so as to find a favorable solution in undertaking our road projects.

The Monrovia-Buchanan Highway is one of the deplorable roads in the country and if nothing is done in the shortest possible time, Grand Bassa County may likely be cut off from the rest of the country.

Subject: For Fan of Bambay and Sylvia's Boss.
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 15:58:23 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 216.190.22.150

Message:
Fan of Bambay and Sylvia's Boss,thanks for responding but sorry I do not have ample time to respond to you, with regards to the specific subject: Dr. Sylvia Blyden today. I will try to do so tomorrow.
However, I would like you to know that my response will involve an endeavor to allow an avenue for democracy to flourish and less about the interest of a single individual, Dr. Sylvia Blyden. I would want it known that I am not an advocate for her but in the interest of change and inclussion, I do believe that a single mistake, a minute mistake will breed many more and it is high-time we disalllowed loopholes for the destruction of the democratic symbol that might further destroy the fabric of a society.
But I cannot come to the computer and do not acknowledge your response. That will sound uncivil.
Thanks for responding.

Subject: Did I see this picture somewhere?
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 15:47:19 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 216.190.22.150

Message:
Scroll to 15 December:

Subject: This is very important!
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 15:44:36 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 216.190.22.150

Message:
13 September, 2000
U.S. Congressman Tony Hall urged the House Ways and Means Committee Wednesday to moved swiftly to approve the CARAT Act, designed to curb the problem of diamonds fueling conflicts in Africa. Hall, in testimony before the Trade Subcommittee, noted that Americans buy two thirds of the world's diamonds, and suggested the possibility of a consumer boycott if the problem were not addressed. "Over the past decade, our government has sent a significant amount of humanitarian aid to Angola, Liberia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sierra Leone — at the same time $10 billion in diamonds was smuggled out of those countries, turned into weapons, and turned against their suffering people," Hall said. "As long as any criminal can capture diamond mines that generate that kind of money, we will be stuck in this vicious cycle of wars...A system that encourages responsible business people to prevent wars, and makes it harder for everyone to deal in smuggled diamonds, will go a long way to break this cycle." Hall told the subcommittee that until recently the diamond industry hadn't considered atrocities funded by the purchase of conflict diamonds to be their problem. He called recent moves by the diamond industry to prevent the sale of conflict diamonds "promising, but incomplete. "My bill gives an incentive to inventors who may be able to put diamonds on the same footing as other products — so that consumers can know where they were mined and make their own decisions about what to buy," Hall said. "It sends a strong message to the smugglers and thugs who count on governments and industry to look the other way. Those days are over, it says. It's time to write that into law." The bill, HR 5147, or "Consumer Access to a Responsible Accounting for Trade," is co-sponsored by Rep. Frank Wolf and Rep. Cynthia McKinney.

U.S. Congressman Tony Hall urged the House Ways and Means Committee Wednesday to moved swiftly to approve the CARAT Act, designed to curb the problem of diamonds fueling conflicts in Africa. Hall, in testimony before the Trade Subcommittee, noted that Americans buy two thirds of the world's diamonds, and suggested the possibility of a consumer boycott if the problem were not addressed. "Over the past decade, our government has sent a significant amount of humanitarian aid to Angola, Liberia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sierra Leone — at the same time $10 billion in diamonds was smuggled out of those countries, turned into weapons, and turned against their suffering people," Hall said. "As long as any criminal can capture diamond mines that generate that kind of money, we will be stuck in this vicious cycle of wars...A system that encourages responsible business people to prevent wars, and makes it harder for everyone to deal in smuggled diamonds, will go a long way to break this cycle." Hall told the subcommittee that until recently the diamond industry hadn't considered atrocities funded by the purchase of conflict diamonds to be their problem. He called recent moves by the diamond industry to prevent the sale of conflict diamonds "promising, but incomplete. "My bill gives an incentive to inventors who may be able to put diamonds on the same footing as other products — so that consumers can know where they were mined and make their own decisions about what to buy," Hall said. "It sends a strong message to the smugglers and thugs who count on governments and industry to look the other way. Those days are over, it says. It's time to write that into law." The bill, HR 5147, or "Consumer Access to a Responsible Accounting for Trade," is co-sponsored by Rep. Frank Wolf and Rep. Cynthia McKinney.

12 October 2000:
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Susan Rice told a Senate subcommittee Wednesday that American support for the peace process in Sierra Leone has been "hands on and continuous." Rice told the African Subcommittee that the U.S. had "played an important role" in bringing about last year's Lomé Peace Accord because, she said, "the killing had to cease." But Rice said U.S. involvement in the Lomé talks was limited to participation in a facilitating committee set up by the government of Togo, which included representatives of international organisations, governments and civil society groups asked to make recommendations to be used in the negotiations. She added that the U.S. also had played an important part in establishing the United Nations peacekeeping force in Sierra Leone. But Rice stressed that while it was important to maintain UNAMSIL's troop strength, an increase in the force's size without a strengthening of its mandate would not produce results. "Thus, we will continue to work for a new UNAMSIL resolution that provides a mandate to support the Sierra Leone Army in compelling RUF compliance with its obligation to disarm, demobilise, and reintegrate into society," she told lawmakers. "UNAMSIL's U.S.-trained and equipped West African battalions, once deployed, will form a key component of the enhanced UNAMSIL, and we expect will play an assertive role in countering the RUF. The United States is committed to the success of this mission." Rice also pledged U.S. support for British efforts to train the Sierra Leone Army, which she called "critical to stabilising the situation in that country."

*******************************************************
This is what the United States and the International Community was doing all along. What is your beef?
*****************************************************88
Go to the link bellow and choose a date and scroll down to the date

Subject: Sierra Leone: U.S. Lawyer Appointed Chief Prosecutor for UN-
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 15:29:18 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 216.190.22.150

Message:
UN News Service (New York)

December 7, 2006
Posted to the web December 7, 2006
Read in the link bellow:

Subject: Picture of the Day
From: Onliner
To: All
Date Posted: 13:34:49 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-66-140-44-2.dsl.rcsntx.swbell.net at 66.140.44.2

Message:
Lest we forget....

Subject: Big fat lies!
From: JOURNALIST KARAMBA-COKER
To: All
Date Posted: 11:10:42 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
Big fat lies!
CONCORD TIMES
Sarh Musa Yamba 9/8/2006

When perusing the local tabloids, as I normally do, Friday August 4 th Edition of Standard Times was one of the newspapers that caught my eyes.There was this screaming headline captioned “Nigeria recovers Abacha's US$ 700 million loot,” and another front page story captioned “Presidential Spokesman fails ‘Communication test' in Parliament…Allieu Kamara ‘Territorial Integrity' may replace Kanji Daramy.”Of course there was another story, which had to do with the just announced 2007 election date by President Kabbah, but it was no news to me. What was newsy was the Presidential Spokesman failing a “Parliamentary Communication test.”

Reading through the first paragraph of the story about the Presidential Spokesman, I sensed something very sinister, the source of the story was highly questionable to me with a journalistic eye.The story read and I quote verbatim: “Reports has implicated the Presidential Spokesman Alhaji Kanji Daramy that he has failed a communication test in Parliament. The report went further to state that the Presidential Spokesman appeared before the appointment Committee in Parliament for the Chairmanship of the Communication Commission instituted by the President Alhaji Dr. Ahmad Tejan Kabbah.However, the failure of the Presidential Spokesman to get the assembly accept his appointment has been viewed by so many political analysts as something appropriate since he is not knowledgeable in such a capacity. In addition, it is the assumption of some members of the Parliament that he would rape the commission as he did at SALPOST that led to the crumbling of the nation's courier service…”As I finished reading the story I knew from my heart of hearts that it was aiming at something mischievous. I was convinced it was nothing but a big fat lie by Phillip Neville, Executive Editor of Standard Times newspaper. The key things that I asked my self were, when did the Presidential Spokesman appear in Parliament before the Appointments Committee? Was it a closed-door sitting that did not attract other journalists for it not to have the necessary coverage by the Press? If it was a Parliamentary sitting, why was no one quoted to lend credence to the story? Did the Committee sit in space? Because that would have been a story that would have spread like bush fire in the dry season. Interestingly, it was only Standard Times newspaper that carried the story. Were they (Standard Times) the only ones present in Parliament at the time of the purported appearance of Kanji Daramy? Another very critical look at the newspaper revealed there was no by-line. Mischief! I thought to my self. Another hard look brought out the unprofessional manner in which the story was written. There was no mention of the Presidential Spokesman's side of the story. Nothing! Just sources. Which source?

The issue became a subject of discussion in our newsroom. One of my senior editorial staff members, Ibrahim Seibure, immediately dialled the Minority Member of Parliament of the Opposition All Peoples Congress, Hon. Ernest Bai Koroma to substantiate the Standard Times Publication by virtue of the fact that he is a key member of the Appointments Committee in Parliament. His response, “I am not aware that the Presidential Spokesman appeared before the Appointments Committee.”I still could not accept what I heard, so I used the opportunity to call the Chairman of the Appointment Committee Hon. Fofanah who also doubles as Leader of the House, as the Presidential Spokesman's phone earlier rang incessantly without him picking it up.“Good day sir, my name is Sahr Musa Yamba, Editor of Concord Times. I want to enquire whether the Presidential Spokesman, Kanji Daramy has appeared before the Appointment Committee in Parliament and was rejected,” I asked with my ears glued to my mobile phone's earpiece itching for an answer.“Mr. Yamba,” Hon Fofanah responded, “Mr. Kanji Daramy has never appeared before us at the Parliamentary Appointment Committee.” I could not believe my ears. “Say that again sir, are you saying the Presidential Spokesman, Kanji Daramy has never appeared before your Committee for approval to the Telecommunications Commission?” I responded thinking my ears had deceived me. “Yes you heard me right. Mr. Kanji Daramy has never appeared before us.”

To say I was stunned is an understatement.

I still wanted to dig up some more about the story. So I called the Presidential Spokesman again for further confirmation. “Sir, is it true that you appeared before the Parliamentary Committee and you were rejected to become Chairman of the Telecommunications Commission?” I asked.“Standard Times' story was a blatant lie, grossly unprofessional and fallacious. Phillip Neville is a liar,” Kanji Daramy retorted. He added, “how can Parliament reject me when I have never been before them?”

So having all these facts, and as a journalist's guide, in Joe Hills' words ‘two sides to my story… Your side and my side,” I published the reaction of the Presidential Spokesman in our Monday 7 th August edition: “Presidential Spokesman calls Phillip Neville a “liar,”but not without Neville's side of the story. I had called him, as a colleague and classmate in college, to inform him the Presidential Spokesman had branded him a “liar,” and wanted his reaction before going to press. Neville's reaction was he has his “source” and started talking about Allieu Kamara going to the Presidential Lodge. He continued, “I know Kanji Daramy is your man.” I replied Phillip in the affirmative but stressed that Daramy being my “man” does not in any way influence my editorial policy. We hung up and I went to press.But much to my consternation, I saw Neville publish in his Tuesday 8 th May edition under the column One Thing and Another by Phillip Neville an article captioned “Kanji: The cat of SALPOST” some things I regard as greatly personal and not the issue under the spotlight.He wrote: “…whether he (Kanji Daramy) has special arrangements with the editor of that paper (not Kingsley Lington the owner) but Sahr Musa Yamba, an employee of the paper is really not the issue…”If it is not the issue, why does Phillip Neville mention it? If I may ask. Is this style not typical of attack journalism schemes; attack-collect, threaten-collect and blackmail-collect vampire journalism?

Neville went further to bring me in the picture, but I am afraid he missed the boat.Neville wrote: “…At any time he (Kanji Daramy) opens his mouth to speak on behalf of the President, the result is always very disastrous. But he is there in the office, surfing the Internet in search of articles on telecommunication, and would reproduce them verbatim in the pages of the Concord Times, sometimes bearing his by-line and in most cases would use fake names…”I must stress that I am no defender of Kanji Daramy and will never be as insinuated by Neville in his attack journalism piece he wrote. I only intend to put the facts straight as the age-old cliché states, facts are sacred, and opinions are free. Period! As that is the quest of journalists, not attack, blackmail and collect. It has never been my style and will never ever be.As I insist I am not a defender of Kanji Daramy, going back to the wrong insinuation Kanji Daramy writes articles published in Concord Times under fake names is not only misleading the public into a malicious gimmick, but a calculated attempt to drag my name into the mud. And it is only because of mention of me in his article that I am compelled to react. Neville did it with Pious Foray of the Democrat press, he smeared Sayo Kamara of Awareness Times, now, because I have lay bare the falsehoods in his publication, he has turned his threat-arsenal on me.

The telecommunications articles published in Concord Times have nothing to do with Kanji Daramy, the earlier Phillip Neville gets that up his head, the better. I had told him that over the phone, but why he went on to publish falsehoods is any body's guess. The telecommunication articles published in Concord Times are written by no less a person than a guru, Maxwell Massaquoi, whom I am sure Neville is referring to as a ‘fake' name. We (Concord Times) have even got emails from overseas trying to contact Maxwell Massaquoi for the brilliant telecommunications articles he writes. If Neville wants his number for confirmation, Concord Times will readily make it available. So please, please Phillip, Kanji Daramy does NOT write the said articles. Yes, Kanji Daramy is my friend. I cannot shy away from that fact. But to suggest he is using Concord Times to project his image and “using” me is farfetched. We (Concord Times) have on many occasions damned Kanji Daramy and will continue to do so when the need arises. You just need to reflect on the ‘Pa Kabbah: Man den nor gladdy oh' publication of Concord Times early this year wherein the Presidential Spokesman was given a pen-lashing for his rebuttal of that publication in Concord Times; You don't need to go beyond yesterday Tuesday 8 th August publication to read our lead story “PDL calls on Kabbah to resign” and realise that Kanji Daramy's friendship with, me Sahr Musa Yamba, does not in any way what so ever influence our publications. But that is not to say we don't give them (Kanji Daramy and his cronies) the opportunity to say their bit. We (Concord Times) do not run a hate campaign. We do not blackmail or attack to collect as suggested by the Standard Times publication of 8 th August 2006 “Kanji: The SALPOST cat,” which was highlighted as a warning at the tail end: “Caution- Kanji Dramy! Be prepared for a long and sweet battle.” Does that suggest threat? Hate? Attack and Collect later? Food for thought!

Hon. Fofanah and Hon Ernest Bai Koroma of the Parliamentary Appointment Committee have said it all; let me not waste my precious time. Phillip Neville's publication ‘Presidential Spokesman fails Parliamentary test' is nothing but a big fat lie!

Subject: SYLVIA BLYDEN....THE HONEST FACTS
From: CADMUS
To: All
Date Posted: 10:25:18 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 82.198.250.9

Message:
Amist the hullabaloo about Ms Blyden, I want to make a person observation....

Why are sierra leonean so worked up about Sylvia, the answer is simple. This woman has taken the Sierra Leone men at their own game and has beaten them hands down, The African man heats nothing more than a strong independent womam who knows what she is doing. They are simply afraid of Sylvia.

Take the current debate..(Sylvia is expressing her openion which she entitled to do ) Sylvia is saying that we should think carefully ,very carefully before we remove the one protection the people of Sa lone have against rogue journalists and so-called reporters. Most of them have no qualification in the field of journalism what so ever. All most of these so-called Jourmalist do is insult, abuse, and Blackmail the people to gain favours.There is nothing Democratic for anyone to be given the freedom to gratuitously insult, abuse, defame and blackmail another citizen.That is not freedom.The Government has the responsibility to protect its citizens.
Our Journalist are not mature or deciplined enough to be let lose on the populance.Untill safeguard are put inplace it will be irresponsible for the government to abolish the only protection the people of Sa lone have against rogue reporters.

Sylvia's Pass record ?... I think this is becoming an old record becoming overplayed...If we look at the past records of all Sierra leoneans, there will be no one left in the government, or the establishment.The Leader of the Sierra Leone Journalist should look at his own records..is he guilty of anything, I would say no,and neither is Sylvia, that past has gone.

I have not met Sylvia, but from the photos I have seen she seens very beautiful to me...so why are people so obsessed with her beauty or lack of it? the answer is simple,we are like kids in the play ground, when we cant get the girl we want we call the worwor..
That is a game 5-year year old kids play... Lets call it a day.Talk about the substance.

What has Sylvia done, apart from the obiously old reply? Please someone tell me.

I am seriously thinking of setting up a trust in London to raise money to help Sylvia fight her stands as far as this law is concern.

As the song says...'what have you done today to make you proud..' Not waht did you do yesterday.

Most contributors on this Forum could do us all a favour by saying they hate sylvia because she says the truth about the SLPP and its achievements. Well she is a honest person, I know that is unheard of in Sa Lone.
So Please leave her alone.

Subject: Re: SYLVIA BLYDEN....THE HONEST FACTS
From: Observer
To: All
Date Posted: 17:40:43 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-66-140-44-2.dsl.rcsntx.swbell.net at 66.140.44.2

Message:
Cadmus,

Beauty lies from within, and where ugliness is concerned, I generally refer to the inner traits of one’s persona when operating with the word "worwor", although I should confess that in this case, the descr1ption is an ironical match for both.

Foday Sankoh and his ragtag adherents were able to cause the damage they did, because otherwise good people like you had become defficient in the principles upon which the structures of the good old do-right culture was once grounded.

Like maggots feeding on Laimpay Sankoh’s rotten skull today, hypocrisy, dishonesty, lies, and deception have eaten the axis upon which your bearings of good citizenry rotate.

The vacuum has created an ethical disequilibrium therein that has crippled all operational mechanisms for a balanced reasoning.

When the rebel wahala was started, the likes of you were among those characterizing the RUF as an oppressed people that were fighting their oppressors.

Resources that could have been used in positive ways to benefit people were instead channeled to creating rebel websites, trust funds, etc, etc for them.

You made an inference that most of the journalists are rogues with no qualifications in the field of journalism. Unless your heroine she has qualification in that field, you have just characterized your heroine as a rogue.

You refer to her record as being overplayed. Actually, playing her record is a lighter punishment for the deceptiveness she should be sitting in jail for today.

The damage caused when she ran the NINJA website from Atlanta will never replace the lives lost from their deceptive propaganda which still continues to plague the conscience and integrity of many who associated with them thinking they were legitimate journalists.

While taking refuge in the green grass of the very SLPP party she was attacking, the viper recycled the NINJA website to the tabloid she now runs, but her venomous ways remain the same.

"Show me your friends, and I’ll tell you are", they say, and coming out here to tell us of your intention to set up a trust fund for Babu Blyden tells a lot about you.

Subject: Re: SYLVIA BLYDEN....THE HONEST FACTS
From: ok dok
To: All
Date Posted: 12:05:45 12/16/06 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: px2nr.wp.shawcable.net at 24.66.94.141

Message:
OBSERVER bookman.OH YEH

Subject: Re: SYLVIA BLYDEN....THE HONEST FACTS
From: Observer
To: All
Date Posted: 17:36:56 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-66-140-44-2.dsl.rcsntx.swbell.net at 66.140.44.2

Message:
Cadmus,

Beauty lies from within, and where ugliness is concerned, I generally refer to the inner traits of one’s persona when operating with the word "worwor", although I should confess that in this case, the descr1ption is an ironical match for both.

Foday Sankoh and his ragtag adherents were able to cause the damage they did, because otherwise good people like you had become defficient in the principles upon which the structures of the good old do-right culture was once grounded.

Like maggots feeding on Laimpay Sankoh’s rotten skull today, hypocrisy, dishonesty, lies, and deception have eaten the axis upon which your bearings of good citizenry rotate.

The vacuum has created an ethical disequilibrium therein that has crippled all operational mechanisms for a balanced reasoning.

When the rebel wahala was started, the likes of you were among those characterizing the RUF as an oppressed people that were fighting their oppressors.

Resources that could have been used in positive ways to benefit people were instead channeled to creating rebel websites, trust funds, etc, etc for them.

You made an inference that most of the journalists are rogues with no qualifications in the field of journalism. Unless your heroine she has qualification in that field, you have just characterized your heroine as a rogue.

You refer to her record as being overplayed. Actually, playing her record is a lighter punishment for the deceptiveness she should be sitting in jail for today.

The damage caused when she ran the NINJA website from Atlanta will never replace the lives lost from their deceptive propaganda which still continues to plague the conscience and integrity of many who associated with them thinking they were legitimate journalists.

The viper has recycled the NINJA website to the tabloid she now runs but her venomous ways remain the same while taking refuge in the green grass of the very SLPP party she used to attack.

"Show me your friends, and I’ll tell you are", they say, and coming out here to tell us of your intention to set up a trust fund for Babu Blyden tells a lot about you.

Subject: Re: SYLVIA BLYDEN....THE HONEST FACTS
From: Observer
To: All
Date Posted: 17:34:54 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-66-140-44-2.dsl.rcsntx.swbell.net at 66.140.44.2

Message:
Cadmus,

Beauty lies from within, and where ugliness is concerned, I generally refer to the inner traits of one’s persona when operating with the word "worwor", although I should confess that in this case, the descr1ption is an ironical match for both.

Foday Sankoh and his ragtag adherents were able to cause the damage they did, because otherwise good people like you had become defficient in the principles upon which the structures of the good old do-right culture was once grounded.

Like maggots feeding on Laimpay Sankoh’s rotten skull today, hypocrisy, dishonesty, lies, and deception have eaten the axis upon which your bearings of good citizenry rotate.

The vacuum has created an ethical disequilibrium therein that has crippled all operational mechanisms for a balanced reasoning.

When the rebel wahala was started, the likes of you were among those characterizing the RUF as an oppressed people that were fighting their oppressors.

Resources that could have been used in positive ways to benefit people were instead channeled to creating rebel websites, trust funds, etc, etc.

You made an inference that most of the journalists are rogues with no qualifications in the field of journalism. Unless your heroine she has qualification in that field, you have just characterized your heroine as a rogue.

You refer to her record as being overplayed. Actually, playing her record is a lighter punishment for the deceptiveness she should be sitting in jail for today.

The damage caused when she ran the NINJA website from Atlanta will never replace the lives lost from their deceptive propaganda which still continues to plague the conscience and integrity of many who associated with them thinking they were legitimate journalists.

The viper has recycled the NINJA website to the tabloid she now runs but her venomous ways remain the same while taking refuge in the green grass of the very SLPP party she used to attack.

"Show me your friends, and I’ll tell you are", they say, and coming out here to tell us of your intention to set up a trust fund for Babu Blyden tells a lot about you.

Subject: Re: SYLVIA BLYDEN....THE HONEST FACTS
From: ok dot
To: All
Date Posted: 13:52:53 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ca1462-ch01-bl02.ma-cambridg0.sa.earthlink.net at 207.69.137.201

Message:
Cadmus,we know you to be a certified apologist for the SLPP therefore I don't think your arguments in support of Sylvia will be taken seriously on this forum .Sylvia is one of Sierra Leone's best known opportunist,she has the bloods of innocent people on her hands just by dancing with the devil-Saybana.Those of us who know her are not surprised that she is a classic bootlicker,it's in her genes because her father is a professional sycophant.

She was once against libel laws,now she is for it.She was once against SLPP,now she dances with Solobee.She was once a staunch supporter of Ghankay Taylor,now she is against him.This is the character of the lady you are supporting,a consumate flip-flopper.She blows with the wind.When I was in sixth form with her at POW,I used to respect her but once I proved that she was actively involved with the RUF,I lost all respect for her.She can do anything to enhance her image or push her agenda.Her actions against SLAJ is perfidious to say the least.We all know that Sierra Leonean journalist are not perfect but to maintain colonial libel laws in the books is assinine.Even the british who promulgated the law have no such laws in their books.
Cadmus,you claim to be a lawyer but I am questioning your intelligence because of some of the illogical arguments that you have initiated on this forum.What law school did you go to;are you a practising lawyer.I pity your clients.Try to be objective,I know that you have a one tracked mind.

Subject: Re: SYLVIA BLYDEN....THE HONEST FACTS
From: CADMUS
To: All
Date Posted: 05:42:22 12/12/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 82.198.250.3

Message:
Ok dot...
I am not sure who you are,you must be new to this forum.
Firstly,I am a Lawyer of over 15 yeras experience in the United Kingdom.I do not claim to be, I am and a very successful one too.

Secondly, you may wish to consult a Lawyer on this, but every major developed Country in the world has some sort of Criminal Libel Laws in one for or another.

I am not defending Sylvia, I am defending her rights to say what she feels.

Subject: Re: SYLVIA BLYDEN....THE HONEST FACTS
From: Sierra Leonean
To: All
Date Posted: 12:47:14 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 71.250.218.196

Message:
you Cadmus,or whatever you call yourself, do you really understand the issues ? Do you really know Sylvia Blyden ? Be careful,my man. Nobody hates her.She isher own enemy. She always has some dishonest and unpatriotic project going . Our country is unblessed if these are the kinds of people we have to determine our future. She comes across as an irritating, self-seeking rebel ? Check your facts, bro, before you make wild allegations.

Subject: Re: SYLVIA BLYDEN....THE HONEST FACTS
From: Mahdi
To: All
Date Posted: 11:02:38 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: s0106001109118608.wp.shawcable.net at 24.77.240.244

Message:
CADMUS... you miss the point.Do you know what the debate is all about?Its about Press Freedom....Are you familiar with the operations of the media in North America?Do you think they are in the good books of every Americans?My friend grow up... we see people criticizing the media here everyday when they are not satisfied with any publication they go to court.But in our country any half-baked politician can locked up a journalist.If politicians like Sahr Fillie Faboe can locked up a journalist without any fear...then something needs to be done.

Subject: Re: SYLVIA BLYDEN....THE HONEST FACTS
From: CADMUS
To: All
Date Posted: 05:45:31 12/12/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 82.198.250.3

Message:
Please name me the Journalist that has been locked up by A POLITICIAN without recourse to the Courts of Sierra leone? Then I will take you seriously.

Subject: Re: SYLVIA BLYDEN....THE HONEST FACTS
From: QUESTION
To: All
Date Posted: 11:08:13 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
If this debate is about freedom of expression, then whu expel one of your own members because he holds a view that is diiferent from the one supported by SLAJ. Does that individual has the freedom to express his thoughts freely? Or freedom of expression only matters when it comes to you, but it does not apply to others.

Another question David Mahdi Koroma, since you are the creator of the Standard Times website, and you reside in Canada, don't you think that Neville and his paper behave recklessly sometimes? Did you read what Neville wrote about Kanji appearing before parliament and he was rejected. He even quoted people like Ernest Koroma, which turned out to be false. How can you make up stories to destroy other people? My friend, I support freedom of expression, but you guys should start behaving responsibly.

Subject: Re: SYLVIA BLYDEN....THE HONEST FACTS
From: Mahdi
To: All
Date Posted: 14:37:21 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host-155.robertsoncollege.com at 66.46.23.155

Message:
Journalists are not super humans...I do agree that we make mistakes and their are some rotten eggs in the profession but prove me wrong....every profession or trade has rottens eggs.From the lawyers,doctors,politicians you name it.If the story about Kanji was false as you claimed then let him go to the courts.Matter of fact not every story published by Standard Times is written by Philip Neville.So if Kanji has any beef or score to settle with Neville the courts of the land are always there.On the issue about Sayoh....I think SLAJ made it clear in their press release why they suspend the editor of Awareness Times.By the way "Question" why the mask?

Subject: Re: SYLVIA BLYDEN....THE HONEST FACTS
From: Observer
To: All
Date Posted: 12:40:23 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 71.250.218.196

Message:
Cadmus,
Your analysis is completely wrong. Our creole people say : Udat troway ashes, ashes go falla am ".I think this Sylvia Blyden lady is carving out a name for notoriety in Sierra Leone and that is the backlash she is suffering from presently . She is not the only woman active in public life. What about other women like Zainab Bangura, Dr. Nemata Blyden-Eshun ,Mrs. Abator Thomas, Dr. Christiana Thorpe and others ? Why are they not arousing public hatred and disgust like this Sylvia Blyden woman ? The answer is that the women mentioned above think of the public interest first. Whatever they are doing is for the public good. This does not seem to be the same with Sylvia Blyden.She is fighting the Public Order Act for selfish reasons. And she is so ingenious she could not help exposing herself today when in her website she threatened to use the same law to sue the SLAJ President just for saying she has houses in Atlanta and Maryland. How many persons have these allegations not been levied against ? Are they quick to jump to make threats that they will sue ? Don't this give you a clue that this woman is only trying to protect her past and her hidden agenda ?

My 50 cents on this topic is this Sylvia woman is not fit for public office. She is too selfish and immature and she cannot stand the heat of the kitchen. She is a crybaby and crybabies have no place in politics. She cannot get along with anybody and she is alwaysmaking enemies .

After this wretched woman would have antagonized everybody , who will she rule ? YOU ?

Subject: Re: SYLVIA BLYDEN....THE HONEST FACTS
From: CADMUS
To: All
Date Posted: 05:55:14 12/12/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 82.198.250.3

Message:
Observer,
I will make this simple,
If you say some one has a house which they do no have,and if what you say could cause or creat problem or difficulties to the person, then they have a right to sue you.It will be a matter for the person to take the action or not.
Freedom does not mean that you have a right to defame someone and when they take action you call them bad..Just think about it.

Subject: Re: SYLVIA BLYDEN....THE HONEST FACTS
From: I. B. Kargbo
To: All
Date Posted: 12:45:31 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
You keep bringing Sylvia's past, but you are forgetting that I.B. Kargbo is also an idiot. The man was a minister in the sobel gov't. Infact Kargbo in the presence of Momoh and other Ekutay members declared that he was not Temne but Limba in 1988 in Makeni in the presence of Momoh, just to be in the good books of the APC. If you are going to talk about the past of others, do not only talk about Blyden What about the rebel/sobel politician and sycophant called I. B. Kargo?

Subject: Re: SYLVIA BLYDEN....THE HONEST FACTS
From: RUF
To: All
Date Posted: 12:48:54 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 71.250.218.196

Message:
Kargbo may be what you are saying but he did not sleep with Foday Sankoh or be his spokesman

Subject: sierra leonean passport to foreigners
From: concern citizen
To: All
Date Posted: 08:02:03 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: p54a7f063.dip.t-dialin.net at 84.167.240.99

Message:
Oh ya this land of sierra leone is no more land of the sierra leonean we used to be.When you enter most of our embassies,first question you will be asked is weither you are a madingo,mende or fullah why? because the leader we have is madingo by tribe.As a sierra leonean we are not in the habit of asking individual tribes rather were you come from.Countries national like guinean,gambian,madingos,fullahs are in the habit of this act.This people must stay away from sierra leone politics or face the unexpected,because this tribes are from minority,pls treat the majority with full respect they deserved.may the lord bless us all.

Subject: Ernest Koroma in Oakland
From: M. Alieu Iscandari Esq
To: All
Date Posted: 07:42:54 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-66-140-44-2.dsl.rcsntx.swbell.net at 66.140.44.2

Message:
Ernest Koroma addressed a cross section of sierra leoneans in Oakland the other day and these are some of the ideas that he espoused.

OUR NATURAL RESOURCES AS A BASIS FOR INCREASED EMPLOYMENT.

Ernest says that part of his platform would be to ensure that none of our natural resources leaves sierra leone in their natural state but rather that they are refined in the country before they are sent out ofthe country. He cited examples of Diamonds. He believes that diamonds from sierra leone should be cut and policshed in sierra leone and that we should develop be able to develop secondary industries from our diamonds and in so doing, develop more skilled jobs in sierra leone. Ernest does not believe that Every new industry must be located in Freetown. He rather believes that we can aleviate the unemployment in freetown, by creating more jobs and locating more industries in the provinces. He mentioned that diamonds fopr example should be cut and polished in industries located in the dianmoniferous areas. Agricultural concerns were addressed also. He mentioned that although it would be a task, his government would immediately begin to address the issue of land ownership in sierra leone with a view to reforming the laws such that every sierra leonean should be able to own land in fee simple any wqhere in the country of his birth. He believs that this will open the doors to the mass utilization of the gfreat agricultural potential that the nation has and will transform our present subsistence faring mechanisms into a mechanical large scale operations which would have as one of its bye products, more available jobs.

He said a lot more and I will dwelling on it in the following weeks.

Stay Blessed and Bite on this.

Subject: Re: Ernest Koroma in Oakland
From: Albert Moinina
To: All
Date Posted: 21:45:00 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 218.248.0.178

Message:
This is an excellent idea and hope this is transformed into reality by any party that wins. A friend has given me thousands of dollars to buy him a diamond ring for his wife only to be told that I cannot buy him a polished one, because we do not have the technology to do so.

Subject: Re: Ernest Koroma in Oakland
From: Big Talk
To: All
Date Posted: 11:51:06 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 164.82.85.3

Message:

Bai Koroma can add a dose of realism to his aspirations....Simply emphasize the all important role the INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY has to play in movig Salone from a failed Nation,to one with a serious future.

Politicians who promise the sky..After 40 plus years of Independence are only taking Us for a ride!!

Can we all say a Loud thank you to KOFFI ANNAN an th UN?

Subject: Re: Ernest Koroma in Oakland
From: APC ACts now
To: All
Date Posted: 08:27:46 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 174-64-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.64.174

Message:
Ernest Koroma including Charles Margai should not be silent over the wicked and calculated effot by the Tejan Kabbah governmnet to arm foreigners with our ID.
If the two opposition giants keep silent on this matter, then there is a cause for alrm by those who want to see Sierra Leone develops.
The passport issue is a serious one and both the APC and PMDC must put their weight against those who are selling it to foreigners. We have allowed this to happen in the past. This is a new era in our political history. The same mistake we had must not be repeated.
The so-called remittence will not benefit Sierra leone as strangers and foreiggners alike are busy diverting money into Guinea, and other Countries whom citizens used devious means to have Sierra Leonean nationality
Enough is enough.

Subject: WHO's Dr. Luis Sambo Concludes Visit to Sierra Leone
From: THANKS
To: All
Date Posted: 07:02:10 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
WHO's Dr. Luis Sambo Concludes Visit to Sierra Leone
Dec 6, 2006, 16:47

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The WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr. Luis Gomes Sambo has concluded his visit to Sierra Leone after touring some of the major health facilities in the Bombali District Northern Sierra Leone.
Addressing students of the newly established Northern Polytechnique Nursing School in Makeni, Dr. Sambo said he was appreciative of the visit and encouraged the trainees to work towards minimizing the brain drain in the nursing profession.

He reminded them about volunteers presently providing health care services in the region, hoping t hat after training they would be seen filling the gap for posterity.

The Vice Principal, Northern Polytechnique, Mr. S.S. Kamara described the visit of the Regional Director as laudable and highlighted some of their current constraints and vision.

He expressed the need for additional classrooms, Nursing Tutors in different specialties including Ethics, and the speedy conclusion of an existing structure at Masuba with a view to having a separate campus of the Polytechnique for the training of both State Enrolled Community Health Nurse (SECHN) and Midwifery.

At Makolor Village in the Mapaki Masanbong Chiefdom, Bombali District, the Paramount Chief Masa Kpaki Kanbon-bo II during a visit at the Maternal Health Post outlined numerous problems relating to sanitation, high rate of malnutrition and maternal and child morbidity and mortality in the community with transportation for referral being one major cause for maternal deaths.

The WHO Country Representative, Dr. Felicitas Zawaira noted the problems highlighted and urges all Paramount Chiefs in the region to compliment the efforts of the Ministry of Health through what she referred to as the culture of educating the men, women and children on the importance of being healthy by effectively using the present facilities.

The high profiled WHO and Ministry of Health team during the tour also visited the 240 Beds Makeni Government Hospital Project under construction at Makama, the Primary Health Care and Onchocerciasis programme at Masuba where they were received by the District Medical Officer, Dr. Samuel Smith.

© All Rights Reserved by the Government of Sierra Leone

Subject: Sierra Leonean passport go to foreigners
From: Diplomat
To: All
Date Posted: 06:17:33 12/10/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 47-67-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.67.47

Message:
It has come to our attention that Kabbah is posting people with madingo background at all the important diplomatic missions in the West. This is to create a Madingo fiefdomThis madingo guys with despicable background are giving cover to other madingoes who really come from Guinea, Gambia and other places.
In Germany, the madingo clique are issuing Sierra Leonean passports to foreignmers in a bid to help them get resident permits. I know a foreigner of madingo extract from Guinea who paid a large bribe to get a passport from Sierra Leone. We were told by the SLPP government that the embasy abroad will not issue passport, but what is alarming now is the rate at which strangers are having Sierra Leonean passports abroad.This is serious.
The civil society groups, opposition parties, religious leaders and all well meaning Sierra Leoneans must stop this gross corruption.
If this trend continues, our Country name will be in the mud as most of these foreigners who are having Sierra Leonean identity are crooks and rogue businessmen. Some are even involved in 419.
The electorate must be informed about this naked thievery of our passport.

Subject: Re: Sierra Leonean passport go to foreigners
From: Politician
To: All
Date Posted: 03:30:19 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 194.78.45.163

Message:
This has been happening since NPRC time, so why blame Kabbah now.NPRC sold Passports at USD25000 each, and now, it is sold for USD200-300 only.

Subject: Re: Sierra Leonean passport go to foreigners
From: Concern Sierra Leoneans
To: All
Date Posted: 06:24:29 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-69-230-190-166.dsl.irvnca.pacbell.net at 69.230.190.166

Message:
Shouldn't there be an end to a bad pratict? Why continuing on the wrong path because others have done in in the past. Enough is Enough...!!!!! This day light robery must end. Again do not compare a past Junter (NPRC) system of government to what we now today considered a multy party system of government, though it still have it leakages.

Subject: Re: Sierra Leonean passport go to foreigners
From: Politician
To: All
Date Posted: 14:29:10 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 195.24.223.154

Message:
multipqrty democracy, hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Subject: Re: Sierra Leonean passport go to foreigners/pathetic.
From: Concern Sierra Leonean
To: All
Date Posted: 14:05:04 12/10/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-69-230-190-166.dsl.irvnca.pacbell.net at 69.230.190.166

Message:
This is a catastrophic blunder on the side of the SLPP. Knowing very well that these odds will eventually prevail, The Greedy and unwarranted SLPP stalwart disregard to see the dangers this may lead to.

They intrude and violated the constitution of Sierra Leone that bar an individual from obtaining any official position in the state.

President Kabba has been accused and found guilty of embezzled Government funds during his days working as a civil servant.

The SLPP being power Thirsty, never care who they have as leader of their party, disregard all this facts that disqualified President Kabba of being the leader of the party in the first place. They shielded all others who appeared to be well suited for the candidacy of the party (SLPP). To ask the question, wasn't Charles Francis Margai around in 1996 aiming for the same position...I mean that of the Leadership?

This Man, KABBA is prepared of imposing a Mandingo empire in the nation of Sierra Leone. If not true, look at his materialistis and power thirst boldness he displayed during the conflict in Sierra Loene. The imposition of a mandingo chief at the people of Biriwa Limba Chiefdom is also another living example.

When he went into exile in Guinea, He stated that anyone who is in freetown/Sierra Leone is a Rebel collaborator. After the incursion which he spearhead, he further went on saying again that who ever remains in Guinea is also a collaborator to the rebels ousted in Sierra Leone. Did this man, Kabba ever knew what he was up to? So if he there lead the way of dishing out our national pride (Passport), should that really be a major surprise to you...I guess not.

The SLPP who appointed him to head our nation must be badly rewarded come July 2007 Presidential and Paliamentary election.

Subject: IF ONLY PRESIDENT BUSH HAD CONSULTED HIS FATHER !
From: Dr. CHARLES CURTIS-THOMAS
To: All
Date Posted: 04:41:33 12/10/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 63.85.149.251

Message:
In his booK, PLAN OF ATTACK, Bob Woodward relates what happened when he asked President Bush if he asked his own father for advice about going to war against Iraq. According to Woodward, Bush replied that he had not asked his father for advice because, "He is the wrong father to appeal to for advice, the wrong father to go to, to appeal to, in terms of strength. There is a higher father that I appeal to."

It is common for a president of the USA to appeal to God for advice and strength. However, under normal circumstances, if a president of the USA was considering invading Iraq, and a living ex-president had once done that, he would ask that ex-president FOR ADVICE! NOT SPIRITUAL ADVICE, BUT PRACTICAL ADVICE, like how to interact with your generals and your middle East experts,how to deal with the different ethnic and religious factions in Iraq, how to work with traditional allies, and how to win over "fence sitters".

Pushing our thoughts a few notches higher, it is not hard to guess what George Bush the father would have advised his son had he been asked. In 1998, the first President George Bush coauthored a book with his National Security Advisor, Brent Scowcroft, entitled " A WORLD TRANSFORMED. In chapter nineteen they wrote about the first Gulf War,"... trying to eliminate Saddam, extending the ground war into an occupation of Iraq...would have incurred incalculable human and political cost. Apprehending him was probably impossible...we would have been forced to occupy Baghdad and, in effect, rule Iraq. The coalition would instantly have collapsed, the Arabs deserting it in anger and other allies pulling out as well. Under the circumstances, there was no VIABLE EXIT STRATEGY we could see, violating another of our principles...had we gone the invasion route, the USA could conceivably still be an occupying power in a bitterly hostile land...."

The father had it right, while the son had it wrong. George W. Bush's ill-advised attempt to outdo his father led to the deaths of thousands of Americans and tens of thousands of Iraqis, the loss of U.S credibility around the world, and the creation in Iraq of a terrorist training ground where none existed before.

IF ONLY PRESIDENT BUSH HAD CONSULTED HIS FATHER!

Subject: NO,I AM NOT "PREACHING GENOCIDE" !
From: Dr. CHARLES CURTIS-THOMAS
To: All
Date Posted: 03:33:17 12/10/06 ()
Email Address: rnmdtwo@yahoo.com
Entered From: at 63.85.149.251

Message:
My recent preoccupation has been with the thought, " could a nonviolent popular uprising by Sierra Leoneans long time ago have lead to Sierra Leone making a successful transition to freedom and democracy before Foday Sankoh ruined the country?"

There is no question that, when successful, overthrowing a dictator/tyrant/corrupt and inefficient government when the leader cannot be removed by the ballot box because the incumbent government manipulates the voting outcome may sometimes result in positive outcomes. It also helps enormously if foreign countries are prepared to provide both moral and financial support. Let's do a survey and NOTE how NONVIOLENT POPULAR UPRISINGS have shaped freedom and democracy around the world.

For twenty years, Ferdinard Marcos ruled the Philippines with iron fists and well-lined pockets. In February 1986, he claimed victory in an election that was clearly frudulent. Philippine citizens gathered in the streets in protest and to support the real winner of the election, Corazon Aquino, the widow of a politician assassinated in 1983. Leaders of the Catholic Church an high ranking members of the military sided with the demonstrators.

When the Communist system collapsed in Eastern Europe in 1989, nonviolent protests forced the resignation of the Communist leadership in Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, East Germany, and Bulgaria. These nations all made a successful transition from authoritarian states to democracies. In Romania, the dictator, Nicolae Ceausescu, was harder to bring down.Finally forced to flee the capital after a mass uprising, he was hunted down (like an animal) and ececuted by by members of the Romanian military. Every one of these countries, including Romania, established multiparty democracies.

In Chile, another longtime strong-arm dictator, General Agusto Pinochet, gradually lost control of his country as popular opposition spread,and in 1990 he was actually voted out of office after twenty-six years. Chile is now a solid democracy. Indonesia's authoritarian dictator, Suharto, was overthrown when widespread demonstration and rioting forced him to to resign in 1998 AFTER THIRTY YEARS IN POWER. Indonesia now holds multiparty elections, although the military remains an important force in the nation's political life.

Serbia's horrible dictator, Slobodan Milosevic, tried to ignore the results of national elections in 2000, but mass demonstrations forced him to give up power. He was arrested for war crime and crimes against humanities and forced to stand trial in the Hague, where he died in prison. Serbia is now a multiparty democracy.

All of these happy tales may give the impression that once a nation's populace joins together to demand their dictator's/tyrant/ ineffective/corrupt government's resignation, he or it will leave and all will be well. Unfortunatel, it does not always work that way. The Iranian revolution of 1979 is a cautionary example. The Shah of Iran was reviled by almost all segments of the population. The demonstrations against him were huge, and when he was overthrown, jubilation in Iran was widespread. However, the Ayatollah Khomeini and other religious leaders who gained power in Iran created a constitution that ensured that they would retain ultimate control over all aspects of the nation's operation no matter how people voted in elections.

In Burma and in China, massive pro-democracy demonstrations did not lead to the over-throw of those nation's dictatorial governments. In Burma, nationwide protests in 1988 forced the military government to hold an election in1990, which it lost in in dramatic and overwhelming fashion. The military refused to recognize the election results and arrested opposition leasders. What should have been a celebration of democracy in Burma failed. Among the contributing factors in this failure was was that none of the members of the ruling Junta chose to side with the pro-democracy movement. The opposition movement was almost too diverse. In addition, foreign governments, although sympathetic in words, showed very little interest in actually supporting the pro-democtacy movement.

So, then, if things does not improve in Salone, WILL AN INEVITABLE NONVIOLENT POPULAR UPRISING BY "WE THE PEOPLE" CHANGE THINGS FOR THE BEST, OR (given the rebel experience), WILL A POPULAR NONVIOLENT UPRISING BE COUNTERPRODUCTIVE FOR "LAND THAT WE LOVE"?

Subject: Re: NO,I AM NOT "PREACHING GENOCIDE" !
From: seydouba
To: All
Date Posted: 10:59:49 12/10/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-69-143-53-186.hsd1.va.comcast.net at 69.143.53.186

Message:
Mr Thomas,
Pleaase note that those who believed in non-violence during the Stevens' ere were executed and the lucky ones fled for dear life.

Most recently, those who oppose the behaviour of the so called SLPP led Government were termed collaborators, rebels, sobels etc.

Until the time comes, when the so called politicians becomes the "Servants and not the Masters", Sierra leone will never become a stable state.

At the moment ,they the politicians are the Masters and not the Servants.Its so sad that we have so many
corrupt politicians running the affairs of state.

Is the judiciary independent of the executive arm of goverment?
Is the present Chief Justice above corruption?

Is the opposition has enough clout to carryout its duties without intimidation from the government?

These are questions were have to address before the next election.
Cheers

Subject: Re: NO,I AM NOT "PREACHING GENOCIDE" !
From: Dr. CHARLES CURTIS-THOMAS
To: All
Date Posted: 04:46:04 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 63.85.149.251

Message:
Seydouba:
I appreciate your comment and your participation.

Subject: RE: Scandal-hit Jefferson wins Louisiana runoff
From: musa Kalawa
To: All
Date Posted: 03:33:10 12/10/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-69-230-190-166.dsl.irvnca.pacbell.net at 69.230.190.166

Message:
POSTED: 2:40 a.m. EST, December 10, 2006

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (AP) -- U.S. Rep. William Jefferson easily defeated his fellow Democratic opponent in a runoff election Saturday, despite an ongoing federal bribery investigation.

In complete but unofficial returns, Jefferson, Louisiana's first black congressman since Reconstruction, received 57 percent of the vote over state Rep. Karen Carter, who had 43 percent.

Carter was unable to capitalize on a scandal that included allegations the FBI found $90,000 in bribe money in Jefferson's freezer.

In a concession speech, Carter embraced family members and pledged to work with Jefferson, especially on the area's recovery from Hurricane Katrina.

"I guess the people are happy with the status-quo," she said.

Jefferson was forced into the runoff against Carter when he failed to win 50 percent of the vote in a crowded open multiparty primary. Carter had sought to become the first black woman from Louisiana elected to Congress.

He described his win as "a great moment, and I thank almighty God for making it possible." He called for regional unity to focus on the hurricane recovery and in bringing back evacuees who are still scattered across the country.

His presence in Washington could be embarrassing for Democrats, who won control of Congress on a platform of cleaning up corruption.

In June, incoming House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, led a successful effort to remove Jefferson from the powerful House Ways and Means Committee as the probe unfolded.

He was accused of taking bribes from a company seeking lucrative contracts in the Nigerian telecommunications market. He has not been charged with any crime and denies any wrongdoing.

The scandal turned the race into a debate largely divided along racial lines, an age-old dynamic in this city that has intensified since Hurricane Katrina displaced large numbers of blacks and upended their demographic and political dominance.

Whites, who overwhelmingly voted for Carter in the primary and have been her most enthusiastic financial backers, believed a Jefferson win would confirm this city's image as corrupt and untrustworthy as it asks the nation to fund its recovery from Katrina.

City Councilman Oliver Thomas said Jefferson's success would make the recovery more difficult.

"People are watching this election all around the country, and I can only imagine what they are thinking," Thomas said. "It will be very difficult to go back to them and ask them to trust us with the money we need here."

'Too dirty'
Carter's campaign spokesman and father, Ken Carter, said he felt they had done all they could to compete against Jefferson, but regretted the tone of the campaign in the final stages.

"Race is all too often a factor in campaigns in New Orleans," Ken Carter said. "Here we had a candidate that tried to paint this young African-American woman as a pawn of the white establishment."

One white voter, George Christen, a registered independent, cast his ballot in a predominantly white precinct in the Algiers neighborhood, just across the Mississippi River from the French Quarter.

"I just didn't want Jefferson in. Period," said Christen, 42. "Jefferson is an embarrassment. He needs to be out."

Jefferson did get a vote from Jene Allen, who is black.

"He started the job. Let him finish it," said Allen, who wouldn't give her age. "I know Karen Carter would be the first black woman, but I think she played it dirty, too dirty."

Jefferson drew widespread support among blacks who are skeptical of the federal government's motives in its investigation of him. He repeatedly suggested the probe is groundless because he has yet to be indicted more than a year after the FBI raided his home in New Orleans.

Carter, 37, raised nearly five times as much money as Jefferson, but she was largely outflanked in the endorsement game. Jefferson picked up the backing of Mayor Ray Nagin and other prominent black politicians.

The endorsements spoke to Jefferson's solid footing in New Orleans politics. He arrived here in the 1970s as a Harvard-educated lawyer from rural north Louisiana, the sixth of 10 children brought up in a three-room country home.

By 1980, he represented New Orleans in the state Senate. At 42, he became the first black from Louisiana in the House since Reconstruction.

The law firm Jefferson founded became the largest black-owned practice in the South. He created a political organization, the Progressive Democrats, which fielded candidates for the school board, assessors' races, state House seats and mayoral contests.

Before the bribery scandal erupted, Jefferson had climbed to the pinnacle of the Democratic Party. He was a confidant of former President Bill Clinton and held a seat on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee.

Subject: Johnny Paul
From: Gods Man
To: All
Date Posted: 03:31:51 12/10/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 112.196-247-81.adsl-dyn.isp.belgacom.be at 81.247.196.112

Message:
According to Bishop Bismark of Ghana, Johnny Paul will succeed President Kabbah.
This is a news item from Awareness Times.

Subject: RE: Candidate for Sierra Leone's next presidency on Radio
From: musa Kalawa
To: All
Date Posted: 16:38:10 12/09/06 ()
Email Address: muskalawa@yahoo.com
Entered From: adsl-69-230-190-166.dsl.irvnca.pacbell.net at 69.230.190.166

Message:
You are welcome to listen to an Audio Player of an interview by the National Public Radio(NPR)of the Sacramento subdivision. An interview with Presidential hopeful Ernest Bai Koroma, leader of the APC party.

Please click on Link below for your audio listening:

Subject: Saddam Hussein's nephew escapes prison, police say
From: BRIMA ACHA KAMARA
To: All
Date Posted: 16:26:56 12/09/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
Saddam Hussein's nephew escapes prison, police say
POSTED: 1:32 p.m. EST, December 9, 2006

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) -- A nephew of Saddam Hussein serving a life sentence for making bombs for Iraq's insurgency escaped from prison Saturday in northern Iraq, authorities said.

Ayman Sabawi, the son of Hussein's half brother Sabawi Ibrahim Hassan al-Tikriti, fled the prison some 45 miles west of Mosul in the afternoon with the help of a police officer, according to local police Brig. Abdul Karim al-Jubouri.

Interior Ministry spokesman Brig. Abdul-Karim Khalaf confirmed the escape but declined to elaborate.

Sabawi was convicted of illegally crossing the border from Syria and sentenced to 15 years in prison late last year by an Iraqi court. He was sentenced to life in prison in an earlier case for possession of illegal weapons and manufacture of explosive devices.

He was captured in May 2005 by security forces during a raid on Tikrit, the former leader's hometown. His father, who served as a presidential adviser before the U.S.-led invasion, was captured there two months earlier.

Copyright 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Subject: "Blood Diamonds" - a vindication for the Kamajors?
From: Steven N Rogers
To: All
Date Posted: 13:34:18 12/09/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: acc4150f.ipt.aol.com at 172.196.21.15

Message:
I watched "Blood Diamonds" last night. It was a very well documented motion picture of the artrocities that took place in Sierra Leone. I think Hollywood is now doing what international diplomats have failed to do - bringing the issues to the international community. I am sure this movie is going to do more than just earn big bucks for hollywood. It is definitely going to change consumers mind about the diamond industry.
In an effort to give the actual picture of the veracity and ferrociousness of the sierra leone conflict, there were lots of violence. The movie covered virtually everything one would be interested in knowing about our conflict - child soldier, arms trade, dogs of war (executive outcomes), international media coverage of the war, corrupt politicians etc etc. I am sure it is going to get a good review and I wont be surprised if it bags many oscar nominations.
In the midst of all these however, there was some sanity. The director/writer tried to impress on movie goers' mind that inspite of all these mayhem, there were people who were dedicated to the freedom of their land. At this point, the kamajors were shown defending their land, welcoming strangers as well as children. And for the first time, we saw children taking classes and singing the national anthem in a small land of sanity surrounded by an island of insanity.
I will recommend that everybody give this movie a shot. It will definitely be worth your money.At least it was worth mine.

Subject: Sylvia Worworliwor Blyden is a stinking hypocrite
From: Leonenet -UMBC
To: All
Date Posted: 12:53:25 12/09/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: h167-156-253.63.chubb.com at 167.156.63.253

Message:
I was at Leonenet-UMBC when it just started when Dr. Kelfala Kallon began this argument about keeping the Criminal libel law but only repealing it to a certain degree .Sylvia Blyden was adamant that the law should be repealed and she and Professor Kallon got into it. Is this the same Sylvia now calling for the law not to be repealed ? This is a lesson to us, that is those of us who learn from the past. People are just stinking hypocrites. They have no political vision or national agenda. All they have is personal agendas. Their perspectives change with the wind , depending on where it blows and whether it butters their bread.

Subject: Re: Sylvia Worworliwor Blyden is a stinking hypocrite
From: True say Talk me
To: All
Date Posted: 14:08:40 12/09/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: h167-156-253.63.chubb.com at 167.156.63.253

Message:
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and its partners take great exception to the unprofessional behaviour of Ms Sylvia Blyden of Awareness Times who is not a journalist by profession and who by all indication has entered the profession with a hidden agenda.

Subject: Re: Sylvia Worworliwor Blyden is a stinking hypocrite
From: CADMUS
To: All
Date Posted: 08:02:31 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 82.198.250.73

Message:
The Fact of the matter is that this woman has taken the men of Sa lone on at what they thought was a male preserve and has beaten you hands down.Good for you Sylvia.

Sylvia is right about the Criminal libel laws, our Journalist are not mature enough to be let lose without pretection for our people, untill then,there must be that safety net, from blackmail and insults and abuse, from people most of whom had no qualification in what they are doing: calling themselves journalists.

Sylvia worwor? You people don't know what you are talking about. Because you know you cannot beat her her at anything else, you have to resort to school boy tactics and call her names like worwor, things kids do at play grounds when they are 5 years old.I think she is very beautiful.

What about the real issues? If Sylvia does not own a house in either London or Atlanta then she has got an actionable case in Law against the so-called President of the Sierra leone Journalists.She can take him to the cleaners... It is a matter entirely for herself to decide if she wish to preceed.

Sylvia's past is not important is not important anymore.If we go by history, there will be no one left in government today or the establisment. Everyone has a history.

The question is as the song goes.... 'what have you done today to make you proud'?

Subject: BLOOD DIAMONDS??? Leh dem lef we safull nah HOLLYWOOD!
From: KLA
To: All
Date Posted: 12:43:13 12/09/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 164.82.85.3

Message:
The current Hollywood fascination with the BLOODY DIAMONDS from Salone and other African hotspots,must be of concern to all interested in how AFRICA is seen around the Globe. Africa is not all about poverty and violence.

Africa is on the move, been that way from way back...Do
not forget that all of Humanity are of AFRICAN descent,till proven otherwise.Salone is still the Land of Human Beauty,to go with her INCOMPARBLE NATURAL beauty! IF ONE ever tenap nah Kingtom, Be en POW en look left en right ,dem go see watin ah mean!!

By di way u dat day buy all dis so call BLOODY DIAMOND
DEM? MAY BE SOME OF DI HOLLYWOOD Star dem for tell we oosie dem pull all dem valuables way dem kin lek for flash.

Ah know say CHARLES TAYLOR day insie day, but he go get for tell who dat he bin day sell to.

Now way African folks dem yaye day open bout di kine Money way day pan dis DIAMOND BUSINESS....BILLIONS.,
DEM WAN Turn African Diamond to Blood Diamond, so dem go keep African people dem out of di Business. Befoe
dat day happen we go call name,or dem know themsef, the MAFIA like DIAMOND CARTEL.

African people dem get for learn for take dem Mineral resources seriously..NAH DAH BUSINESS DAY DAY BRING BAD PEOPLE DEM NAH DI CONTINENT, WIT DEM OJUKOKORO en bad hat.

Subject: The SLAJ vision culled from State House Online
From: Durosimi
To: All
Date Posted: 12:00:50 12/09/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-66-140-44-2.dsl.rcsntx.swbell.net at 66.140.44.2

Message:

Talking about the theme of the newexecutive "Restore Respectability to the Profession," Alhaji Kargbo said the executive is concerned about the quality of people in the profession. He said that his dream is to have a journalism profession that has credibility like other professional organizations like the Bar Association, the Medical Association and some others.

SLAJ President Kargbo also made mention of the numerous problems the Association is having with some media colleagues. He noted that there is a crop of people who roam about the country professing to be journalists, but in fact do not belong to any media institution, be it print or the broadcast media. He promised to take steps so that those people that are presenting a bad image of the profession and the country can be sensitised to the need to be more positive and objective in their reporting.

Mr. Kargbo said that the new executive lays great emphasis on self-regulation of the profession and takes great exception to the unprofessional reports being carried in some of our newspapers. He said that the executive is elected to seek the welfare of its membership and at the same time has the responsibility to safeguard the ethics of the profession.

Talking on the relationship with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the SLAJ President promised to continue working with the Minister, particularly in beefing up the standards of Journalism in the country. He said that they would rely on his assistance in the area of training. "Colleague journalists need to know how government operates to be able to write objective reports about government," he said.

Alhaji I.B. Kargbo also promised collaboration with the Independent Media Commission (IMC), but added that the IMC needs to be made more vibrant. He also told President Kabbah that Journalists are also members of civil society and therefore SLAJ will from time to time be coming out with press statements in areas where government is doing very well, and in other areas where they believe government has made a mistake, which needs to be addressed immediately.

He also informed the President Kabbah that some Ministers and government officials are using media colleagues to tarnish the image of their colleagues for selfish motives. These Ministers and officials must be warned to desist from such acts, and that if they continue, the names of such culprits will be forwarded to the President in due course. The SLAJ President said that they will not allow their colleagues to abuse Press Freedom by breaking the law with impurity. "We should not allow anybody just because he owns a newspaper or radio station to harass public officials," he said.

Alhaji I.B. Kargbo assured President Kabbah of their continued collaboration, but reminded him of the Press House Project, for which government promised giving some assistance. The Press House is still at its infant stage and Mr. Kargbo said that the rationale for a Press House cannot be over-emphasised as journalists need a meeting place where they can address and resolve some of their problems.

Congratulating the new executive, President Kabbah said he was particularly impressed with the SLAJ policy of retaining the outgoing President as an executive member. He told the SLAJ executive that the press is a vital component of the democratic process and pointed out that if we want to put a good democratic process in place we must ensure that we have a vibrant press.

He, however, expressed concern over some misleading articles that appear in newspapers. For a country just emerging from war the press should play a very pivotal role in efforts to bring about national cohesion but also expressed concern over the image of the country the press is presenting both locally and internationally. The press, he said, should help to portray a positive image of the country by highlighting achievements made, instead of reporting only negative themes.

The President said he is willing to cooperate with the new executive but advised them to address issues as an institution, not as individuals.

President Kabbah informed the SLAJ executive that government is currently working on a policy geared towards improving the information sector, and that the SLAJ President should appoint representatives to liaise with Vice President Berewa who will head a small committee to look at the Policy Advisory Paper of NPAC and the Information Ministry, and see how they can be developed further in order to improve the information sector.

Subject: Sierra Leoneans, why are you not working in Antwerp
From: Justice
To: All
Date Posted: 11:34:15 12/09/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 146-64-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.64.146

Message:
Sierra Leone's diamonds mostly are taken to Antwerp for polishing by fullah and lebanese traders.My question is why there are many Indians trading in gem stones and the people of Sierra Leone who have large diamond fields are not operating wityhin this sector.
I hope President Kabbah will help me here or supporters of SLPP who has ruled for the past eleven years.
Does Sierra Leone has a curse

Antwerp diamond sector closes its doors
- The Antwerp diamond sector is not working today. Diamond traders are indignant about what happened yesterday, when one of their colleagues died during a house search. PM Guy Verhofstadt has called for an investigation into the matter.

What happened on Thursday morning? A 46-year-old Indian diamond trader gets a heart attack when police inspectors call at his house to carry out a house search.
the diamond district
(picture Belga)

It is unclear what happens immediately afterwards (diamond industry sources claim police waited ten minutes to call an ambulance; police sources deny that and say they called for help after no more than 90 seconds) but medical assistance comes too late and the man passes away.

However, the most shocking thing for the diamond industry is that after the man's death, police simply continued searching his house.

"They went too far," Philip Claes of the Antwerp Diamond Council told reporters.
PM receives diamond industry representatives

Some 300 diamond traders, most of them of Indian origin, downed tools yesterday to launch a protest action (photo).
diamond traders protest
(picture VRT)

They were received by PM Guy Verhofstadt (Flemish liberal).

Mr Verhofstadt said he was shocked by what happened and promised an investigation would be held into the matter.

The Antwerp judicial authorities, who would not comment on the case, did say a reconstruction will be held.

Today, the whole diamond industry in Antwerp is on strike.

There is no import or export of diamonds as the four trades centres are also being closed.

Indian diamond traders will probably continue the strike until Monday evening.
Illegal diamond trafficking?

Yesterday's house search was part of an on-going investigation into financial fraud. It's not the first time premises across the Antwerp diamond district are being raided. Diamond industry sources link the raids to illegal diamond trafficking.

By importing and exporting diamonds without notifying the authorities, diamond traders can evade taxes. It is thought several hundred million euros in taxes may not have been paid.

Antwerp is a world-known business centre for diamond trading, but things apparently don't always go according to the book.

The majority of Antwerp diamond traders claim they are doing nothing illegal and support the police actions as they want cheating colleagues to be dealt with. Only in that way, the reputation for the sector as a whole can be restored.

Subject: Re: Sierra Leoneans, why are you not working in Antwerp
From: KLA
To: All
Date Posted: 12:57:57 12/09/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 164.82.85.3

Message:

The gems business has done her best to exclude Africans from the value added end of cutting and polishing.

Some of this exclusion is is responding to demand from African producers for more local jobs in a Industry that has a significant African input. Progressive BOTSWANA and South Africa are using their clout to make things happen. Salone should follow suite.

All man don tell salone folks dem say dem for reform the MINERALS and Reources Business so dat di country
go gain. Way di JOHNBULL,LEBANESE en di ohdah hustler dem day make money nah di land, grumble day commot!!

Nah di word dat!!

TSTM
XX

Subject: windfall for Sierra Leonean consul
From: Passport
To: All
Date Posted: 09:32:00 12/09/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 154-64-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.64.154

Message:
This needs to be brought to light. The Sierra Leonean embassy in Germany is making big request for passport.
Miss Kamara, the Immigration Officer needs to be on the al3rt. Gambians, Guineans and Nigerians have begun to pay hefty bribe to get Sierra Leonean passport inorder for them to qualify to have resident permits.
The corrupt Sierra Leoneans are teaming up with crooks to take ourpassport to people wiht different batinality.
Miss Alice Kamara, we will provide evidenmce to the authorities concerned if your office channel passports to false people. A word to the wisde is quite sufficient

Subject: Re: windfall for Sierra Leonean consul
From: concern citizen
To: All
Date Posted: 13:05:29 12/09/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: p54a7e248.dip.t-dialin.net at 84.167.226.72

Message:
HAHAHAHA,this was what i was waiting for to hear this menace, this has been going for long time even the time of bonn wurie now roaming embassador knew about it but when you inform authorities they will tell you there is noevidence to proof it.Now come Mr.sesay the new embassador designate collaborating with a madingo man by the name of kallon in the helm of the deal.He is ready to sell the whole of sierra leone passport to this crooked guinean,gambian ghanian and nigerian for their own self interest.This people are demon not good for sierra leone society,go away you foreigners,spoilers evil doers.The next government most do something about this great mafia ring at the helm of the sierra leone embassy in germany lonta.

Subject: Allieu Iscandri please call me or email me
From: Alie Formeh Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 08:02:02 12/09/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.117.8

Message:
I need you to please call me.

Subject: If Sylvia B lyden is like this, she is heading for a fall
From: Sierra Leone Sorry
To: All
Date Posted: 06:35:08 12/09/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: h167-156-253.63.chubb.com at 167.156.63.253

Message:
When some of us said that this Sylvia Gongoli is just a pawn going from rebel movement to junta to government to be used to harm innocent people, some on this forum said something else. Gongoli is always involved in these kinds of things. She joined Foday Sankoh and the RUF She joined Johnny Paul and the AFRC.

Her book will get full.

People thought she had reformed when she opened AWARENESS TIMES , But Habit nar smoke. E nor dey hide. You see what she is now doing to SLAJ ? This is a vindication and victory for those of us on this forum opposing the baboon. But you just wait. Hypocrites with no moral scruples whatsover will soon race off the blocks to defend her , just because she is now bootlicking their party.

Subject: Re: If Sylvia B lyden is like this, she is heading for a fall
From: Steven N Rogers
To: All
Date Posted: 12:30:56 12/09/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: acc4150f.ipt.aol.com at 172.196.21.15

Message:
There had been the writing on the wall for quite sometime now. Everybody knows that Sylvia Blyden had been the news rather than the one reporting the news. She had used her "awareness times" as a front to promote her underground activities, propagate for the government (didnt really matter which govt), and attempt at damage control.

Those of us at Leonenet know how she disgracefully exited that grand stage about two years. She stole passwords and impersonated a couple of Leoneneters after she was expelled from the e-group for clandestine activities and "mammy cuss". Now she is a bussom-pal of the powers that be. Like you mentioned, "habit na smoke". You can only hide it for sometime, but it will always resurface, and sometimes more dangerous than before. Another "Silver" in a "Bly" ready to be thrown to the Lion's "den".

Subject: SIERRA LEONE'S LOST PATRIOTS
From: ROBIN
To: All
Date Posted: 00:43:54 12/09/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: s55916678.adsl.wanadoo.nl at 85.145.102.120

Message:
Sierra Leone: Sierra Leone’s Lost Patriots.
- Wednesday 6 December 2006.
Commentary

By Alpha Rashid Jalloh, Freetown.

His Excellency president Alhaji Ahmad Tejan Kabbah has apologised to James Sanpha Koroma(photo), 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 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 malevolence 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 or refuse to realize is that among the big guns there are those who honestly and arduously strive to reach the upper rungs of the society’s ladder. They are few, but failing to project their image would be a disservice to humanity and history. It would be a boon 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 to the 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. That bank rose to a high peak during Mr. Koroma’s tenure of office and not surprisingly its success plummeted when he left.

Many Sierra Leoneans keep their wealth abroad and dare not risk investing in malevolence 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 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, he found himself in a country characterized by malevolence where 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 had severe implications for the country and worst of all,the accused, being a Governor of the central bank, 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 this 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 came 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 "the toughest bad man", 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.There was no toughest bad man in this case, only an innocent victim of tremendous malice and evil.

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 valiant 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 grabbed 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 accused. 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 accusations 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 message 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 human examples that symbolise the glory of Sierra Leone.

e-mail article | print article | discuss

Subject: Re: SIERRA LEONE'S LOST PATRIOTS
From: Chief Bomborlai
To: All
Date Posted: 00:53:26 12/09/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: s55916678.adsl.wanadoo.nl at 85.145.102.120

Message:
THE TRUTH DOES NOT SPRINT, IT MARATHONS. THERE ARE MANY MORE SAMPHA KOROMAS WHO DESERVE SO MUCH APOLOGY.

Subject: Re: SIERRA LEONE'S LOST PATRIOTS
From: Critical Thinker
To: All
Date Posted: 11:57:05 12/09/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-rtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 152.163.101.8

Message:
I will have to agree with you. The sad part is that many of these "Sampha Koromas" are now living productive lives in other parts of the world.

Subject: SLAJ’s Press Release on Sylvia Blyden
From: www.standardtimespress.net
To: All
Date Posted: 22:45:53 12/08/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: s0106001109118608.wp.shawcable.net at 24.77.240.244

Message:
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and its partners take great exception to the unprofessional behaviour of Ms Sylvia Blyden of Awareness Times who is not a journalist by profession and who by all indication has entered the profession with a hidden agenda.
We further wish to state clearly that as a professional body, SLAJ has the mandate to defend press freedom and freedom of expression as well as protect its members in the course of their duty. While SLAJ pursues this goal, no one individual with any agenda can succeed to deter the association from pursuing that goal.
SLAJ has observed in recent times that Sylvia Blyden has been using her newspaper, Awareness Times consistently to undermine SLAJ’s effort as it agitates for a repeal of the 1965 Public Order Act. The association takes exception to it and wants to assure the Awareness Times proprietress that SLAJ will use every means available to take action against her if she continues to put the association in a bad light.
It is further understood that a member of the association, Sayoh Kamara, a staff of Awareness Times, has been part of Ms Blyden’s damning campaign against the association.
The Executive of SLAJ therefore has no alternative but to order the indefinite suspension of Mr. Sayoh Kamara from the association with immediate effect.
Meanwhile, SLAJ is surprised that the Independent Media Commission (IMC) continues to condone a media house that promotes anti-media activities.
Let it be made clear that the fight to promote the concept of freedom of expression in Sierra Leone as part of the enhancement of the democratic process is so central to SLAJ that if it becomes clear that Sylvia Blyden is being used as a front for political reasons, then SLAJ has no alternative but to withdraw its support and participation in all IMC activities and other government programmes.
Our determination to pursue the Public Order Act to the Supreme Court level is to utilize the instrument of the State to correct a backward legislation, and this does not preclude the possibility of pursuing the same matter at the level of the Law Reform Commission.

Subject: Re: SLAJ’s Press Release on Sylvia Blyden
From: Justice
To: All
Date Posted: 11:25:14 12/09/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 146-64-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.64.146

Message:
SLAJ must hold its barrel unashamedly to weed any undesirable elements that want to stifle its avowed mission to enhance free speech and information.
Sylvia Blyden action to cchallenge the action to get the libel law erased from the constitution,sends a gloomy picture around the world .
Only a devil incarnate can fight with everybody including, people who were supporting her. The problem with her is that she believes in superstitious acts like sacrificing lamb and using amulet. She thinks those things will save her!
SLAJ must use every legitimate means to shield her from contributing towards the noble profession.
A house that is divided is a curse and its foundation will crumble. Sylvia has betrayed the trust of civility and she must be barred from all activities organised by SLAJ and SLAJ must go all out to boycott any program that awarenesstimes is represebted at.
This is needed to send a clear signal to anyone who is working clandestinely to destroy democratic institutions.

Subject: Re: SLAJ’s Press Release on Sylvia Blyden
From: Patriot
To: All
Date Posted: 12:59:34 12/09/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: h167-156-253.63.chubb.com at 167.156.63.253

Message:
I cannot agree with you more, my dear. The problem with our country is we are toooo stupid. Why did they not know from the onset that this woman is a devil and wherever she goes, she causes problems ? Why did they give somebody with such strong rebel ties licence to operate a newspaper ? These are the things that have made us the most backward country in the world. We don't screen people .We act like we have nothing to lose. Sylvia Blyden a journalist ? Man, you people in that country need a doctor.You are all sick.

Subject: Re: SLAJ’s Press Release on Sylvia Blyden
From: Critical Thinker
To: All
Date Posted: 11:53:41 12/09/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-rtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 152.163.101.8

Message:
What Sylvia is advocating sounds like what some respectable people on this forum have advocated in the past. As I recall, the argument was that the criminal libel law should be abolished but that other measures, such as introducing high insurance premiums for newspapers, should be introduced in order to make journalists accountable for what they write. In simple terms, the point is to make libel a civil rather than a criminal matter.

There is no need to through the baby out with the bath water. Do she have a questionable past? Yes she does, but in spite of this, her suggestions need to be evaluated on the basis of their merits.

Subject: Re: SLAJ’s Press Release on Sylvia Blyden
From: Steven N Rogers
To: All
Date Posted: 12:49:19 12/09/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: acc4150f.ipt.aol.com at 172.196.21.15

Message:
Critical Thinker, I would rather suggest that you look critically again at Sylvia proposal which in my opinion doesnt seem to resonate with what you just mentioned.
Sylvia is advocating that the Libel Law be repealed ONLY after introducing insurance premiums for journalists, knowing fully well that this is an imposibility. I am not sure SLAJ is against insurance premiums and what have you. But having insurance premiums should not be a condition for repealing that draconian act. In her most recent argumment, she insists that civil prosecution will not solve the matter because many journalists "are too poor to pay their rents, let alone pay civil fines'. This even adds to her confusion about what she is really proposing. Sylvia basically takes any controversial position that is starkly in opposition to the majority, as long as it favors the government. She is the only "private citizen" concerned with this controversial government position.
As a matter of fact, there are many other contititutional provisions that apply to seditious and libel publication. These do not only apply to journalists, but they apply also to me and you who could also write unfounded defamation against another citizen of Sierra Leone. A careful reading of that ACT would reveal to you that it is a political tool aimed at putting people like Paul kamara (who are very critical about any corrupt government) behind bars for ever.
I do not want to go into Sylvia's background, because she already has enough present to deal with. Besides we all have our own skeletons in our little cupboards. The less said, the better. But I definitely find this her odd position appalling.

Subject: Re: SLAJ’s Press Release on Sylvia Blyden
From: Leonenetter-UMBC
To: All
Date Posted: 12:37:39 12/09/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: h167-156-253.63.chubb.com at 167.156.63.253

Message:
When we drove this same ugly duckling from our forum, some of you blamed us. You have not seen nothing yet from Sylvia Baboo Blyden. She will s destroy your press union like she wanted to do to Leonenet. That witch is not fit to be in any decent society. Sylvia's ways are as ugly as her baboo face.

Subject: Re: SLAJ’s Press Release on Sylvia Blyden
From: SHAMELESS CLOWNS
To: All
Date Posted: 11:59:16 12/09/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
Critical T,

You are the man. Sylvia is not the only one with a questionable past. I. B Kargbo the president of SLAJ was a well known member of the AFRC/ RUF government. Kabs Kanu was a well known supporter of Sylvia Blyden. Remember when Kabs use to accuse people of tribalism because they use to question Sylvia's motive? Kabs use to call people mende tribalist for taking on Sylvia. They are all the same shameless clowns.

Subject: Re: SLAJ’s Press Release on Sylvia Blyden
From: So where does Kabs come in here, idiot ?
To: All
Date Posted: 12:32:04 12/09/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: h167-156-253.63.chubb.com at 167.156.63.253

Message:
I see why they say Sierra Leoneans are fools that is why their country is so backward.How can you leave the main issue and attack people who have nothing to do with it ? Bra, dis fool in don passmark pan unu .

Subject: Re: SLAJ’s Press Release on Sylvia Blyden
From: SHAMELESS CLOWNS
To: All
Date Posted: 11:41:12 12/09/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
Justice my foot. I. B Kargbo is a very well known AFRC/RUF sympathizer. He appeared with Johnny Paul and other Junta members on radio and TV during the junta days. He was even given a position by those guys. Please stop it. They are all the same shameless clowns

Subject: Re: SLAJ’s Press Release on Sylvia Blyden
From: And what are you? Shameless Fool ?
To: All
Date Posted: 12:33:16 12/09/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: h167-156-253.63.chubb.com at 167.156.63.253

Message:
HOHOHOHOHOHOHO

Subject: Re: SLAJ’s Press Release on Sylvia Blyden
From: okdok
To: All
Date Posted: 10:27:42 12/09/06 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: px2nr.wp.shawcable.net at 24.66.94.141

Message:
I think sylvia has a point.That libel law must stat until journalist get to know what jounalist work is.

Subject: Re: SLAJ’s Press Release on Sylvia Blyden
From: joe blow
To: All
Date Posted: 10:13:57 12/09/06 ()
Email Address: joeblow@hotmail.com
Entered From: px2nr.wp.shawcable.net at 24.66.94.141

Message:
Slag president is himself a very nasty secret politician{ref.junta time in sierra leone}I dont trust him.

Subject: Re: SLAJ’s Press Release on Sylvia Blyden
From: Steven N Rogers
To: All
Date Posted: 12:56:45 12/09/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: acc4150f.ipt.aol.com at 172.196.21.15

Message:
The truth stands independet of whoever professes it. It is not about the SLAJ president, it is about the issue on the table - should the Libel law be repealed? I think it should, what do you think Joe Blow.?

Subject: Re: SLAJ’s Press Release on Sylvia Blyden
From: We are vindicated
To: All
Date Posted: 06:31:25 12/09/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: h167-156-253.63.chubb.com at 167.156.63.253

Message:
When some of us said that this Sylvia Gongoli is just a pawn going from rebel movement to junta to government to be used to harm innocent people, some on this forum said something else. Gongoli is always involved in these kinds of things. She joined Foday Sankoh and the RUF She joined Johnny Paul and the AFRC.

People thought she had reformed when she opened AWARENESS TIMES , But Habit nar smoke. E nor dey hide. You see what she is now doing to SLAJ ? This is a vindication and victory for those of us on this forum opposing the baboon. But you just wait. Hypocrites with no moral scruples whatsover will soon race off the blocks to defend her , just because she is now bootlicking their party.

Subject: Re: SLAJ’s Press Release on Sylvia Blyden
From: Observer
To: All
Date Posted: 08:38:22 12/09/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-66-140-44-2.dsl.rcsntx.swbell.net at 66.140.44.2

Message:
If encouraged around SLPP circles, Babu Blyden may well be one of the contributing factor to Berewa's fall come the 2007 elections.

Subject: Re: SLAJ’s Press Release on Sylvia Blyden
From: okdok
To: All
Date Posted: 10:23:57 12/09/06 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: px2nr.wp.shawcable.net at 24.66.94.141

Message:
You only wants to talk.My friend SLPP has so much people.You are stock in USA and cant easily go home either because of your status etc. and talk about Govt.

Subject: Re: SLAJ’s Press Release on Sylvia Blyden
From: Observer
To: All
Date Posted: 11:09:20 12/09/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-66-140-44-2.dsl.rcsntx.swbell.net at 66.140.44.2

Message:
Okdok, your inability to write proper English makes you sound naively daft and probably deprived of the fundamental capabilities of analytic reasoning.

Subject: Re: SLAJ’s Press Release on Sylvia Blyden
From: CADMUS
To: All
Date Posted: 09:40:00 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 82.198.250.9

Message:
What has that got to do with anything, especially dealing with the problem in issue? Mr know it all, or so you think..

Subject: Re: SLAJ’s Press Release on Sylvia Blyden
From: Immoral politician
To: All
Date Posted: 12:44:26 12/09/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: h167-156-253.63.chubb.com at 167.156.63.253

Message:
ok doc will embrace a snake if it has the SLPP PALM TREE painted on it. He has no morals. How can you say Sylvia is right ? Did you read the argument at Leonenet between her and Dr. Kelfala Kallon over this Libel law ? Kelfala wanted the law to stay but my, Sylvia wanted the law repealed. How can she now want it to stay because she wants to use it against those justifiably calling calling her Foday Sankoh's spokesperson ? And you say she is right ? You all are nothing but stinking hypocrites , moving with the tide only when it favors your criminal agenda.

Subject: Re: SLAJ’s Press Release on Sylvia Blyden
From: okdok
To: All
Date Posted: 12:08:09 12/09/06 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: px2nr.wp.shawcable.net at 24.66.94.141

Message:
My friend i have got this too much but i take care of myself may be better that you with the problem you mentioned.All to say go with yur education and your nasty life.I will say what i want.

Subject: Re: SLAJ’s Press Release on Sylvia Blyden
From: Observer
To: All
Date Posted: 12:57:06 12/09/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-66-140-44-2.dsl.rcsntx.swbell.net at 66.140.44.2

Message:
You're depriving some poor village of its idiot, and Cocorioko is doing a great job providing space where ignorami of your calibre can come out and expose your asininity.

Now, that's what I call freedom of expression.

Subject: Re: SLAJ’s Press Release on Sylvia Blyden
From: ok dok
To: All
Date Posted: 09:20:37 12/10/06 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: px2nr.wp.shawcable.net at 24.66.94.141

Message:
I dont care about your talent but only mine which i think my life is still better than yours i guess.It is not what you know but what you can do.I cant support you because you have PHD which is just letters.

Subject: Re: SLAJ’s Press Release on Sylvia Blyden
From: Mahdi
To: All
Date Posted: 13:15:48 12/09/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: s0106001109118608.wp.shawcable.net at 24.77.240.244

Message:
You guys are shying away from the point.The issue here is about the criminal libel law not about I.B Kargbo's past.Politicians have used and abused that law to jail journalists who don't dance to their tune.The majority of Sierra Leoneneans are behind SLAJ in their quest for press freedom.

Subject: Re: SLAJ’s Press Release on Sylvia Blyden
From: Fan of Bambay
To: All
Date Posted: 15:22:29 12/09/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: h167-156-253.63.chubb.com at 167.156.63.253

Message:
MAHDI, nothing but evil-mindedness, vindictiveness and jealousy are ruining this Syvia girl. She is so intent on wickedly using the system to jail--Astafulai.Nar wan go be--people she is so envious of using the criminal libel law that she cannot bear the thought of the law being repealed. Can you imagine that ? It is not because of any national agenda. ME,ME,ME,ME,ME I,I ,I,I I MYSELF .That is all it is about.

Subject: Re: SLAJ’s Press Release on Sylvia Blyden
From: Patriot
To: All
Date Posted: 16:05:51 12/09/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: h167-156-253.63.chubb.com at 167.156.63.253

Message:
You are so right about this. Blyden is a criminal.

Subject: Re: SLAJ’s Press Release on Sylvia Blyden
From: KABS DETECTOR
To: All
Date Posted: 15:34:46 12/09/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
For some reason, you sound very much like Kabs. Oh revo, lie nor de pay oh. Hell fire go burn you. Hehehehe

Subject: The refugees are here!
From: True say tork me
To: All
Date Posted: 21:16:08 12/08/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 144.226.173.69

Message:
The worst among Sierra Leonean women in the diaspora came after the war as refugees. They care less about progress and spend time having more than one sex partner. What a shame!

Subject: Re: The refugees are here!
From: Steven N Rogers
To: All
Date Posted: 16:13:07 12/09/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: acc4150f.ipt.aol.com at 172.196.21.15

Message:
Yet in the midsts of all that, the majority of them used their refugee status to better their compatroits back home.

Subject: Re: The refugees are here!
From: NAR U SABI
To: All
Date Posted: 05:16:07 12/09/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host81-153-196-125.range81-153.btcentralplus.com at 81.153.196.125

Message:
How do you know are you one of them

NAR U SABI

Subject: Vespas off to help farmers in Africa
From: J. LAMIN ISCANDRI
To: All
Date Posted: 20:07:54 12/08/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
Vespas off to help farmers in Africa

NICHOLAS DINKA

GUELPH (Dec 8, 2006)

The Vespa motor scooter may be an iconic image of Euro-style chic, beloved by cappuccino-drinking urbanites and hipster aficionados of 1960s culture.

But a Guelph man who won a his-and-hers pair of the sleek and pricey steeds in a contest organized by the Guelph Mercury has committed them to a different destiny altogether.

His Vespas are being sent to the West African nation of Sierra Leone, where they'll deliver supplies, including live chickens, to needy farmers.

"I guess it's a bit strange," admitted Danny Butler, 66, of the image of the high-fashion motorbikes plying rocky rural paths in one of the world's poorest nations. "But it's a good cause."

Butler, a retired veterinarian who taught for more than 30 years at the Ontario Veterinary College, was automatically entered in the contest along with other Mercury subscribers. He was thrilled by the news that out of 29,000 entries, his was drawn as the winner of the two $5,000 scooters.

Then he thought things over.

Butler's wife Beth is disabled, and Butler himself isn't quite in the condition of Phil Daniels when he starred in "Quadrophenia," the 1979 scooter-gang movie that put the Italian-made Vespas on the pop culture map.

He's had an angioplasty to deal with blocked coronary arteries. "My cardiologist says to walk every day, but if I had a Vespa in the garage, it would've been a temptation," Butler said.

Though he'd already had offers to buy the scooters, Butler called a number of charities, ultimately hooking up with Ancaster-based Christian Veterinary Missions of Canada, run by his former vet student Dr. Conrad Van Dijk.

In a happy coincidence, the veterinary missions group was looking for scooters and motorcycles to help rural poultry farmers in Sierra Leone by supplying them with equipment and live baby chicks that the farmers can raise to sell or to eat themselves.

The program, which started in 2003, a year after the end of a brutal civil war in Sierra Leone, currently helps about 50 farmers. The goal is to eventually serve more than 1,000.

"There are few highways in Sierra Leone, and on the back roads the conditions are very rough," said Van Dijk. "The two-wheelers are far better at getting around bumps and rocks than cars. They're just what we needed."

In another bit of serendipity, the charity had just enough room left in a 12-metre container of equipment it plans to ship to Sierra Leone in January.

The Mercury contest, which ran from Sept. 16 to Nov. 18, was a promotion for the paper's new Here section and as a way to reward subscribers. Vespa K-W in Kitchener provided the two scooters.

"This is a winning situation for everybody, and especially for the people who are going to get these scooters to use," said Mercury circulation manager Peter Hill.

Butler agreed.

"I could've just sold it and banked the money, I guess, but I wanted to do something better than that," he said.

"It's the right season."

ndinka@guelphmercury.com

Subject: Highlights of the visit of the World Bank Mid Term Review Te
From: DEVELOPMENT
To: All
Date Posted: 19:46:07 12/08/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:

These photographs show some of the activities of the Mid Term Review team in Makeni and Magburaka, and the initial meeting held in Freetown on December 4

Subject: Sierra Leone: Colleges Discuss Middle East Issues
From: J. Lamin Iscandri
To: All
Date Posted: 19:34:58 12/08/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
Sierra Leone: Colleges Discuss Middle East Issues

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The Independent (Freetown)

December 8, 2006
Posted to the web December 8, 2006

Alpha R. Jalloh

The Middle East crises have become topical issues around the world and even in the West African state of Sierra Leone.

On December 6, students and lecturers of the Fourah Bay College in the capital Freetown converged at the campus to discuss the issues and proffered ideas on how tension could be reduced in the beleaguered region. The general notion was that the crises were rapidly having a geopolitical effect on other parts of the globe including Africa.

Dr. Leopold Fullah a theology lecturer said there was a need to find peaceful means of resolving the conflicts. He noted that most of the countries engulfed by current crises had been great nations since ancient times. He said the Palestine-Israel conflict revolved over land or what he called an "issue of survival". He added that if the land issue were resolved the conflict would be over. He suggested that UN resolutions on the land issue adopted no matter how long ago, should be implemented. He said, "Those who serve as stooges for external agents are also to be blamed for conflicts in their home countries".

Dr. Sylvia Ceesay a philosophy lecturer said, "Someone has to step in to diffuse the tension", adding that some of the factors contributing to the crises engulfing the Middle East countries were external. She said most strategies adopted in conflict resolution lacked objective principles, making the affected countries relapsing to their former situations very fast. She opined that any strategy adopted in resolving the conflicts must be based on objective principles.

The cultural chancellor of the Iranian cultural centre in Sierra Leone Mohamed Gezel Sofla noted that the Middle East hosts the world's largest religions that mainly included Judaism, Christianity and Islam. He said the Islamic countries engulfed by the crises were Lebanon, Iraq, Palestine and Afghanistan. He attributed the root causes of the conflicts on neo-colonial interests.

A political science student Saffa Kanneh also attributed the causes of the crises to neo-colonial ambitions., adding that they were implemented through divide and rule policies or strategies.

Many of the students suggested that the Middle East crises could be resolved through diplomacy. Globalization was also pointed at as one of the causes of violent conflicts in the Middle East. Students said changes accompanied by globalisation were bound to meet resistance from traditionalists and radicals. The more support the traditionalists get and the more force is applied to drive home the change, the stiffer the resistance until it became politicised and erupt into a violent conflict.

Subject: Sierra Leone: Loans for Rural Women
From: J. Lamin Iscandri
To: All
Date Posted: 19:34:04 12/08/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
Sierra Leone: Loans for Rural Women

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The Independent (Freetown)

December 8, 2006
Posted to the web December 8, 2006

Isata Lebbie

In its cooperation with the government to reduce poverty in Sierra Leone, the National Commission for Social Action, a government development agency has launched a micro credit scheme in the rural parts of the country.

Seventy percent of the population of the coastal West African country live on less than one dollar a day. Sixty five percent are illiterate and the country is among those with the highest child mortality in the world. It has also been ranked as among the last in the Human Development Index.

But its seems government and some of its institutions are determined to change the ugly picture of the country.

Market women in Port Loko, north west of the country, have benefited from the micro credit loans provided to boost their trading activities.

A total of twelve million Leones has been paid to forty women, with many more expected to benefit from the revolving loan scheme.

Addressing the market women Deputy Commissioner of NaCSA, Justin Bangura said the provision of micro-credit marked another milestone for development in the district, stating that the two markets built by NaCSA at Port Loko provided a good environment for the traders to conduct their business.

Mr. Bangura encouraged the women to make good use of the funds and repay the loans in good time so that others could benefit. He reiterated the need for parents to educate their children and for teachers to play a role in instilling good morals in students.

The chairlady of the market women, Ya Posseh Sesay promised to use the funds properly.

Subject: Sierra Leone: Water Starvation Ends
From: J. Lamin Iscandri
To: All
Date Posted: 19:33:01 12/08/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
Sierra Leone: Water Starvation Ends

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The Independent (Freetown)

December 8, 2006
Posted to the web December 8, 2006

Isata Lebbie

Water has become one of the most difficult things to get not only in the capital Freetown, but also in many parts of the rural areas where streams are far away or non- existent, but the provision of wells seem to be alleviating the situation.

The people of Njaluahun in the Koya chiedom in Bo, the southern administrative headquarter of the country, are the proud beneficiaries of a gravitated water supply system, the first in their history.

The water supply system, which serves the entire township and surrounding villages, was implemented through the National Commission for Social Action's Community-Driven Programme.

Commissioning the water supply system, NaCSA Commissioner Alhaji Kanja Sesay said, "The successful completion of the project demonstrates government's commitment and concern to meet the need of its people, especially those in rural areas". He stressed the need for improved social services.

He also expressed satisfaction with the appreciation and warm reception shown by the beneficiary communities. "It is an indication of gratitude and support for government's efforts", he said. Commissioner Sesay noted that clean water supply would reduce the risk of contracting water-borne diseases and urged the people to work assiduously with their local councils so as to attract more development projects.

He said, "Government's strategy of providing schools and health facilities for communities is to ensure that poverty is reduced or eradicated". He encouraged the people of Njaluahun to send their children, especially the girl-child, to school He congratulated the project Management Committee for the successful completion of the project and acquiring the skills of project implementation and management.

A representative of the Energy and Power Ministry from the Sierra Leone Water Company (SAWACO), Gregory Lahai warned against misuse of the facility and environmental degradation, which he said, would affect the dam and render it useless. He assured them of his organisation's support, especially in providing technical assistance, when necessary.

Subject: Sierra Leone: Government Gives North Hope
From: J. LAMIN ISCANDRI
To: All
Date Posted: 19:31:57 12/08/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
Sierra Leone: Government Gives North Hope

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The Independent (Freetown)

December 8, 2006
Posted to the web December 8, 2006

Isata Lebbie

The Northern province of Sierra Leone, which has been the least developed in the country, has started gaining from development projects.

Bombali District, which was the worst affected in the north during the country's decade long war, has now got a new modern multi-purpose centre and community market complex. It has been handed over by government to the people of Makeni the northern administrative headquarter of the country. The National Commission for Social Action constructed the two community infrastructures.

At the commissioning, the Vice-President of Sierra Leone Solomon Berewa congratulated residents of Makeni said Bombali District deserved more socio-economic infrastructures. He noted that the construction of the multi-purpose centre and market were indications of government's fulfilment of the people's expectations.

Mr. Berewa said, "A responsible government endeavours to meet the needs of the people and hopes". He added that the market would enhance the empowerment of women and the multi-purpose centre if utilized for its intended purpose would enhance social life in the district.

The Vice President called on the people to support government in the fight against poverty and also imbibe the culture of maintenance.

In his brief statement, NaCSA commissioner Kanja Sesay noted that government was paying attention to the Northern region because it was the last to become accessible after the civil war.

Mr. Sesay commended all those who cooperated to make the two projects a reality and pledged that regardless of tribe, religion, or region. NaCSA would continue to carry out its post- conflict mandate, as long as there was need.

The chairman of the Makeni Town Council, Andrew Kanu praised the efforts of government. He said the two facilities were only a few of several government interventions in the Bombali District, citing the ten Public Water and Sanitation (WATSAN) facilities that were commissioned recently. .

The Resident Minister, North, Alex Alie Kargbo explained that the visit of the Vice President to the north demonstrated government's commitment to the people of the country, and expressed thanks.

Subject: Do journalism and politics mix?
From: news
To: All
Date Posted: 16:47:35 12/08/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 173-64-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.64.173

Message:
Do journalism and politics mix?

The first thing I want to say here is that I do not consider Foday Fofana, Sylvia Blyden, Totongi or any others of their ilk journalists. Their value is in their opinions and in their slant, not in their ability to present facts.

Right, on with the question.

Do journalists have the duty or the right to question authority?

Is the journalist's job to present the facts, whatever that means, and just the facts, and to remain as non partisan as possible or is their job to provoke and question what they see and present the idea as fully as they can?

My issue with "non partisan" news, history, or facts is that I do not believe they exist. I do not believe that any one fact can exist without being colored by perception. Maybe elemetry maths is exepmpt from this statement, but even then, the possibility of other conceptions of math, non binary math, for instance preclude its absolute truth. What do you think? Not about math, but about Journalism.

Perhaps the major issue here is defining public interest and the form that the presentation thereof takes. People's opinions on what defines relevant news varies, and objective presentation, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. Hyperbole is maligned by some, praised by others. It's less a matter of what is objective than it is of who can determine what is objective.

Journalists have the duty to seek and present the truth, so inherently they must question authority, but their questioning must be based on contrary information, or to inquiry about verification. Challenging authority should never be about egos. Illegitimate questions come at the expense of integrity.

NY Times stories can be examples of keeping gov powers in check. Those leaked info on wiretap, surveilance programs...etc. Imagine gov having full control so no one can know how exactly our own gov is performing. That's problem but NY Times is so controversial because some consider their stories treason. But no one was ever charged with that. In China, kind of stories NY Times published will certaintly mean jail time or death.

Whole media bias thing may be bit overblown by bloggers and outspoken columnists and analysts (type of people you mention there). You have to remember lot of human factors are involved in any business too. People have opinions and one way or other their opinions are manifested in form of arts or journalism as well.

Jounalists in free country do have some responsibility to ask hard questions since they don't work for government, but should really be serving public. Many will argue its not only their right, but its their responsibility.

Subject: Re: Do journalism and politics mix?
From: okdok
To: All
Date Posted: 10:19:35 12/09/06 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: px2nr.wp.shawcable.net at 24.66.94.141

Message:
You are a true sierra leonean eventhough i dont know you.Journalist are going beyound there limit in sierra leone.You cant force any Govt. to do what you want.

Subject: Re: Do journalism and politics mix?
From: For OK DOK
To: All
Date Posted: 13:25:41 12/09/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: s0106001109118608.wp.shawcable.net at 24.77.240.244

Message:
My friend where do you live?In North America or in the bush.I guess you live in the bush cause its like you are not aufait with what obtains in journalistic cirle in North America and you're talking about journalist are going beyond their limits in Sierra Leone.Don't you watch CNN or read the newspapers here...what do you know about journalism in the first place.Better you pack up and head back to your origins:the bush before you start talking about journalism.

Subject: Imagine
From: Remember John Lennon
To: All
Date Posted: 16:30:30 12/08/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 173-64-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.64.173

Message:

Imagine

Imagine there's no heaven, it's easy if you try,
No hell below us, above us only sky,
Imagine all the people, living for today.
Imagine there's no countries, it isn't hard to do,
Nothing to kill or die for, and no religion too,
Imagine all the people, living life in peace.
You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one,
I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one.

Imagine no possessions, I wonder if you can,
No need for greed or hunger, a brotherhood of man,
Imagine all the people, sharing all the world.
You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one,
I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will live as one.

Subject: Who Authorized John Lennon
From: Remember John Lennon
To: All
Date Posted: 16:14:36 12/08/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 173-64-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.64.173

Message:
Who Authorized
The Assassination
Of John Lennon?

by Mark R. Elsis, Lovearth.net, December 8, 2002

"Laurel and Hardy, that's John and Yoko.
And we stand a better chance under that guise…
Because all the serious people like
Martin Luther King and Kennedy and Gandhi got shot."
John Lennon

Monday, December 8th, 1980 was the warmest December 8th in the history of New York City. The temperature reached a balmy record of 64 degrees Fahrenheit that fateful day. At around 5 p.m., John and Yoko left their apartments in the historic Dakota on Central Park West and 72nd Street. They were to go to the Record Plant recording studio to supervise the transfer of some of the "Double Fantasy" album numbers to singles.

As they were leaving the Dakota to enter their limousine, they were approached by several people who were seeking autographs. Among them was a man who would be later identified as the assassin. John was asked by the assassin, to sign his copy of the album Double Fantasy, John did. There is a famous photograph of John signing Double Fantasy for the assassin.

At least three witnesses, Jose Perdomo, the outside doorman for the Dakota, an elevator operator and a cab driver who had just dropped off a passenger, saw the assassin standing in the shadows, just inside the archway of the Dakota. You can add my name, Mark Elsis, to this list also. I saw the assassin lurking in the darkness while I was driving my taxi in Manhattan that evening.

I was traveling without passengers, going north on Central Park West and made a slow left turn on to 72nd Street. As soon I made the left turn, I sensed something was wrong. I quickly slowed down to a crawl in front of the Dakota. I looked right at this guy lurking in the darkness, and I felt he was bad energy. I very nearly stopped. It was almost 10:00. I'm so sorry, forgive me John. I should have stopped. I knew there was something terribly wrong with this guy, the assassin. I was ever so close to stopping, I went back and forth, should I stop or not a couple times in the few seconds in front of the Dakota.

John and Yoko left the Record Plant at 10:40. They were on their way back home from their recording / mixing session for Yoko's song Walking On Thin Ice. At 10:49 their limousine pulled up in front of their apartments at the Dakota, they were home. It stopped at the curb. It was an absolutely beautiful evening in Manhattan, so there was no need to be driven into the courtyard, to be let off next to the safety of the lobby entrance.

Jose Perdomo, the front doorman, leaves his post to open the limousine door for John and Yoko. Yoko Ono stepped out of the limousine first and John Lennon who is carrying a tape recorder and some cassettes followed a few steps behind. As Yoko passes him the assassin, says "Hello". Just as John passes him, the man steps from the sidewalk and from his pocket he takes out a 5 shot .38 revolver armed with hollow tip bullets. He drops into a combat stance, knees flexed, with one arm supporting the other at the wrist. He says, Mr. Lennon?

Just as John turns, about 15 feet through the large arch with iron gates of the Dakota, the assassin fires two shots into the left side of his back. There's a crash of shattering glass as the bullets that pass through John's body smash into the Dakota's glass frontage. These two shots spin him around. He is now facing his assassin.

Blood is already pouring out from the first two bullets and the four wounds, as the assassin takes aim at John again. He fires three more shots. Two of the bullets smash into John's left shoulder. The other goes astray. The greatest singer songwriter and the most influential political artist of our time staggers up six steps to the room at the end of the entrance used by the concierge, said, "I'm shot," then fell down.

I'm shot he moans lying on the floor. John's been shot, screams Yoko. Jay Hastings the security man reaches under his desk and presses the alarm button, notifying the police from the nearby 20th Precinct. He then rushes to John's side and removes his blood stained glasses. Then he takes off his uniform jacket to cover him. He wants to use his tie as a tourniquet, but can't decide where to apply it. John is dying, blood pours from his chest and mouth, his eyes are open but unfocused, and he is gurgling and vomiting blood.

The first policemen at the scene were Officers Steve Spire and Peter Cullen, who were in their patrol car at 72nd Street and Broadway when they heard a report of shots fired at the Dakota. The officers found the assassin standing "very calmly" where he had been. The police said the assassin had dropped the revolver after firing it, and said he had a paperback book, J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye."

The second police team at the Dakota, Officers Bill Gamble and James Moran, realizing John Lennon was critically injured, didn't wait for an ambulance, and took John Lennon to Roosevelt Hospital in their patrol car. Officer Moran said they stretched Lennon out on the back seat and that the singer was "moaning." Officer Moran asks, "Are you John Lennon?" and that Lennon had moaned, "Yeah." The patrol car makes a left through the red light on to Columbus Avenue and speeds down the 13 blocks to 59th Street, where it swings into the entrance of Roosevelt Hospital.

Roosevelt hospital's emergency trauma team has already been al3rted. John is brought into the emergency room with virtually no pulse. The two bullets that hit him on the left side of the back had both pierced a lung and passed through his chest. A third bullet had shattered his left shoulder bone, and a fourth had hit the same shoulder and ricocheted inside his chest, where it severed his aorta and windpipe.

After an unsuccessful attempt at cardiac massage, a medical team of seven people led by Dr. Stephen Lyman labored to save John using every device and technique available. Nothing work. John Lennon the greatest singer songwriter and the most influential political artist of our time was pronounced dead at 11:15 p.m. on December 8, 1980. The official cause of death is shock produced by massive hemorrhaging. Dr. Elliott M. Gross, the Chief Medical Examiner, said after the autopsy that Lennon had died of shock and loss of blood and that no one could have lived more than a few minutes with such injuries.

Yoko Ono, crying "Tell me it's not true," was taken to Roosevelt Hospital and led away in shock after she learned her husband was dead. David Geffen later issued a statement in her behalf: "John loved and prayed for the human race. Please do the same for him."

Within minutes of the first broadcasts of the news of the shooting, people began to gather in front of the Dakota, reciting prayers, singing Lennon's songs and burning candles. I first got to the Dakota at 11:45. I was there longer than anyone on Earth that evening - 9 hours, from 11:45 p.m. till 8:45 a.m. the next morning. (Read John Lennon Day Petition)

On December 14, all around the world, people paused to stand alone or come together in silence, heeding a plea from Yoko Ono that they take 10 minutes to remember John.

CIA -- FBI -- Deranged Lone Nut Fan -- Manchurian MKULTRA Candidate

The assassin was a brainwashed hit man carrying out someone else's contract, writes Bresler, "he is in many ways as much the victim of those who wanted to kill John Lennon, as Lennon himself."

The Manchurian MKULTRA candidate assassin dropped the gun and proceeded to take out a copy of J. D. Salinger's Catcher in the Rye, and calmly started reading. The Dakota doorman, Jose Perdomo, shouted at the assassin, "Do you know what you've done?" "I just shot John Lennon," he replied, accurately enough.

"He walked past me and then I heard in my head, 'Do it, do it, do it,' over and over again, saying 'Do it, do it, do it,' like that," recalled in a BBC documentary several years after going to prison. "I don't remember aiming. I must have done, but I don't remember drawing a bead or whatever you call it. And I just pulled the trigger steady five times." The assassin described his feeling at the time of the shooting as "no emotion, no anger dead silence in the brain."

His unnatural tone sounded all-too-familiar for British lawyer and journalist Fenton Bresler, who wrote the book, Who Killed John Lennon? The assassin was a brainwashed hit man carrying out someone else's contract, writes Bresler, "he is in many ways as much the victim of those who wanted to kill John Lennon, as Lennon himself."

Prosecutors were at a loss for motive, so they opted for the cliché, the assassin did it for the attention. The troublesome American preoccupation with grabbing that elusive fifteen minutes propels many a daily-newspaper-journalist-cum-pop-sociologist into raptures of sanctimony. But Arthur O'Connor, the Detective who spent more time with the assassin immediately following the murder than anyone else, saw it another way.

"It is definitely illogical to say that [the assassin] committed the murder to make himself famous. He did not want to talk to the press from the very start. It's possible somebody could have used him. I saw him the night of the murder. I studied him intensely. He looked as if he could have been programmed."

Detective O'Connor was speaking to Bresler, and publicly for the first time. Bresler's book, Who Killed John Lennon? -- Offers the most cogent argument that the assassination of John Lennon was not the work of yet another "lone nut."

At nearly three hundred pages, John Lennon's Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) file reveals that he was under "constant surveillance." His apartment was watched, he was followed, and his phone was tapped. The FBI did not keep a particularly low profile around the ex-Beatle, apparently attempting to harass him into silence or at least drive him nuts, similar to the tactic they had used on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., just a few short, but eventful years earlier.

In late 1972, when the "surveillance" was at its peak, John Lennon told humorist Paul Krassner, "Listen, if anything happens to Yoko and me, it was not an accident."

The FBI and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) tracked John at from at least his "Free John Sinclair" concert in 1969 until 1976, even though by then John had won his immigration battle and dropped out of not only political activism but public life altogether. This turned out to be a five-year period of seclusion to raise his newly born son, Sean. Sean Lennon was born on October 9, 1975, his dad's 35th birthday.

Placing a person under "constant surveillance" and ordering that person executed are admittedly two very different things. Nevertheless, Bresler's point is that the government did not consider John Lennon a harmless rock 'n' roller. John's political publicity stunts such as in his and Yoko's Montreal "Bed-In" and "War Is Over" were always capable of seizing the spotlight and speaking directly to tens of millions of young people who venerated him. With unfettered access to the world's media, his power truly was immense. Because of this, in some circles he was correctly viewed as the most dangerous radical who needed to be stopped. John Lennon was the most dangerous person in the world, to those whose interest is a world under corporate military rule.

John Lennon was assassinated only four years after the intense FBI and CIA surveillance ceased. In those intermittent years, James Earl Carter was President, a Democrat who kept the two agencies more or less in check. Matter of fact, about 1000 CIA was let go under James Earl Carter's Presidency.

But on November 4, 1980, when John Lennon's first album (Double Fantasy) in half a decade was climbing high on the charts, James Earl Carter became a lame duck President. I discovered a very interesting fact about the last three major assassinations in the United States. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Robert Francis Kennedy and John Winston Lennon were all executed during the time of a lame duck Presidency.

President Lyndon Baines Johnson became a lame duck on March 31, 1968 when he said to a national television audience; he would not run for reelection even if the Democrats wanted him to. Four days later Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Sixty-three days later, Senator Robert Francis Kennedy was assassinated after winning the California Democratic primary (RFK would have been the Democratic Presidential candidate against the Republican Presidential candidate Richard Milhouse Nixon, and RFK would have won the Presidency). On November 4, 1980 President James Earl Carter lost the Presidential election to Ronald Wilson Reagan, thus becoming a lame duck President. Thirty-four days later, the heartbeat of music for his generation, John Winston Lennon was assassinated.

In every single major assassination these black-op conspirator killers have actually had the balls to blame it on some poor deranged lone gunman. They have had a patsy or a mind controlled Manchurian candidate fall guy for the last four assassinations. President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Senator Robert Francis Kennedy, and the founder and leader of the most influential musical group The Beatles, the person who was his generations and about to be another generations leader for peace and love, John Winston Lennon.

Reagan's campaign was managed by career secret agent William Casey, who under President Reagan became the CIA's most freewheeling chief since Allen Dulles (who JFK fired). The new far-right administration would reassemble the intelligence services and grant them a cheerful carte blanche. Something quite interesting about William Casey, who just happening to die very quickly from a supposed brain tumor on May 6, 1987. He died without ever testifying in the scandal, which most certainly originated with him, the Iran Contra Affair.

The forces that tried desperately to neutralize John Lennon for at least seven years lost power in November of 1976. The Lennon's government dossier ends in that year. In 1980, as those forces were preparing to retake control of the government, "the most dangerous extremist" John Lennon emerged from retirement with the best selling album, Double Fantasy, and was promptly assassinated.

The paper trail that helps support this is the airline ticket found in the assassin's hotel room, a Hawaii to New York connection departing December 5, 1980. But the assassin had actually purchased a Hawaii to Chicago ticket to depart December 2, 1980 with no connecting flight. The ticket found after his arrest had apparently been altered. None of his friends knew that he traveled on to New York. They thought he went to Chicago for a three-day stay. Where was the assassin from December 2 through 5, 1980?

Bresler concludes that the Lennon assassination, which, as the assassin himself noted in a rare interview, "ended an era," bears similarities to another assassination that took place twelve years earlier: the murder of Robert Francis Kennedy.

Robert Francis Kennedy's apparent lone assassin, Sirhan Sirhan, and John Lennon's assassin just happened to have shared the same defense psychiatrist. But while Dr. Bernard Diamond couldn't skirt the obvious fact that Sirhan was under hypnosis (Diamond wrote it off as self-hypnosis), he labeled John Lennon's assassin a "paranoid schizophrenic."

The court disagreed. The assassin, even now, has never had more than routine psychiatric care since entering his guilty plea. He was not sent to a mental hospital, but to Attica State Prison. He was judged legally "rational."

Bresler clears up a few widely disseminated misconceptions about John Lennon's assassin. While any mention of his name is now accompanied by the phrase "deranged fan," John's assassin was anything but. He was no more or less an ardent Beatles / Lennon fan than anyone of his generation. His real rock hero was Todd Rundgren, a cynical studio craftsman who could not be further from Lennon in artistic sensibility. Notwithstanding his announcement months after the murder that he "killed Lennon to gain prominence to promote the reading of The Catcher in the Rye," he never exhibited strong feelings about the novel until shortly before the shooting. Catcher, Bresler muses, may have been used as a device to trigger the assassin's programming."

After the murder, major media ran bizarre stories of the assassin's supposed growing identification with John Lennon - at one point he even "re-baptized" himself as Lennon, according to Newsweek. These stories were all quite fascinating, but there was no evidence to back any of them up. What is true is that when the assassin quit his last job he signed out as "John Lennon," then crossed the name out.

The assassin of John Lennon was not a "loner." He was for most of his life a normally social individual and a camp counselor who had a special rapport with kids. Bresler also notes that when the assassin signed up for a YMCA overseas program, he selected an odd destination: Beirut - a perfect place, says Bresler, for the assassin, a once gentle soul, to be "blooded," that is, desensitized to violence.

A final note to the mystery of the assassin: As he was ready to go to trial and his diligent public defender was winding up six months spent assembling his defense, the accused killer suddenly decided to change his plea to guilty. His lawyer was perplexed and more than a little perturbed. But the assassin was determined. He said he was acting on instructions from a "small male voice" that spoke to him in his cell.

Bresler interviewed Arthur O'Connor, the lieutenant who was commanding officer of the 20th Precinct of the New York Police that dealt with John Lennon's murder. He quotes O'Connor as saying, "As far as you are trying to build up some kind of conspiracy, I would support you in that line. Like I said originally over the phone, if the [assassin] wanted to get away with it, he could have got away with it. There was the subway right on the corner and no one around to stop him." Instead, once the assassin had accomplished his task, he calmly sat reading Catcher In The Rye and waited for the police to come.

"Why one method rather than the other, the amateur as against the professional? Because that way you avoid any awkward questions, and everyone seems to fall for it anyway. If a professional killer had gunned down John Lennon, the whole world would have known. Such swift expert assassinations carry their own individual hallmark. It would have been obvious what had happened, and with Lennon's history of War Is Over, peace and love political activity, there would have been [an in-depth investigation]." "But if you program an amateur to do the job, a so-called 'nut', very few questions are asked."

Hinckley, Bush, Reagan Assassination, World Vision And The Assassin

Ronald Wilson Reagan was sworn into in Presidency on January 20, 1981. On his sixty-ninth day in office, March 30, 1981, Reagan was nearly killed by an assassin. The person named as the assassin was John Hinkley. His family ties were to oil. Through that oil connection, Neil Bush - Vice President George Herbert Walker Bush's son, who worked in oil [later to steal hundreds of millions through Silverdo in the Saving and Loan crisis] -- knew Scott Hinkley, (brother of John) who also worked in oil.

"Scott Hinckley, the brother of John Hinckley Jr., who is charged with shooting President Reagan and three others, was to have been a dinner guest Tuesday night [March 31, 1991] at the home of Neil Bush, son of Vice President George Bush, The Houston Post has learned."

The two families lived close to each other. They knew each other socially and financially. When the Hinkley oil company started to fail in the sixties, Bush's Zapata Oil financially bailed out Hinkley's company. It went from being Vanderbilt Oil to Vanderbilt Energy or Vanderbilt Resources in the 60s after Bush intervened. The Hinkley's had been running an operation with six dead wells but then they were making several million dollars a year after the Bush bailout. Was this some sort of a money-pass front where they were laundering money through on this phony oil operation but actually operating some type of an intelligence pay-off?

The father in that family, John W. Hinkley Sr., was also the president of the board for World Vision. World Vision is a far-right evangelical missionary operation that does missionary and "good work" operations in countries where there is a political purpose for it to be there. From its inception, it was rabidly anti-Communist and it focused on refugee populations of people running from countries that had been taken over by Communism. This was from the fifties on.

World Vision had a hand in the movement of the Cubans into the United States and other refugees of revolutionary regimes. When you're a refugee you're cut loose, basically, and pretty much fair game to be manipulated by whoever is willing to give you a hand because you don't have a home or any place to stay and somebody has got to accept you.

World Vision was able to recruit out of these mercenary populations, people who could be politically turned to their intelligence purposes. World Vision served as a penetration force -- not as visible as the military actually going in or the CIA going in - but going in as missionaries and working among the people.

This link between missionary and intelligence for capitalistic infiltration operations goes way back. It was part of the internationalism with the Rockefellers. It's talked about in the book, Thy Will Be Done, about Rockefeller, Venezuela, and Latin American Oil, the Summer Linguistic Institute, World Vision and others. But they operated in this way for a long time.

They were paid by the CIA for a long time during the Vietnam War and went into South East Asia -- Cambodia and Laos. Throughout Vietnam they were given U.S. military equipment to use. They still maintain a budget under USAID, (Agency for International Development), which was just a pass-over in order to give the CIA more cover. They ran operations through USAID. The current cover replacing that is the NED (National Endowment for Democracy), which is supposed to be how we're exporting democracy around the world.

But of course, we're exporting exactly the kind of corrupt democracy we have here, which is rigged and manipulated elections and press manipulation in order to keep in power or put in power the people that we want to be in those countries for the purpose of having our investments protected and milking what we can out of the resources and the labor available in any of those countries.

World Vision was part of that scheme and they did some nasty things. They ran the refugee camp in Sabra-Shatilla where the fascist Phalange was allowed in to kill the Palestinians. They ran the Cuban and Thai refugee camps in the United States. The assassin -- who eventually shot John Lennon -- worked at the Thai refugee camps out in Arkansas that World Vision operated there. They ran these camps brutally, forcing people into political education against Castro, refusing to feed people, beating people -- by many reports -- and bringing in Alpha 66 and Omega 7 people (the worst of the killing teams -- or murder squads -- of the anti-Castro Cubans in the United States) to run the camps in Florida, Fort Chafey in Arkansas and other places where the Cuban exiles were. These people came in and there were eventually riots in the Cuban refugee camps against their treatment there. And the eventual assassin of John Lennon just happened to work there.

Who Authorized The Assassination Of John Lennon?

Subject: One by one,
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 13:49:18 12/08/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: sccinstr194233.scc.losrios.edu at 165.196.194.233

Message:
They stepped forward. Have you stepped forward?

Subject: Stable Roots!
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 13:44:36 12/08/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: sccinstr194233.scc.losrios.edu at 165.196.194.233

Message:
If the gods can sing.

Subject: Books about Famous African-Americans
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 13:33:51 12/08/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: sccinstr194233.scc.losrios.edu at 165.196.194.233

Message:
You just do not read but wish to be told everything. There are books out there. Read and arm yourself with knowledge. When you pretend to know but does not know, you will act contrary to the way civilization requires.

Subject: Defense secretary laments Abu Ghraib in farewell
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 13:25:10 12/08/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: sccinstr194233.scc.losrios.edu at 165.196.194.233

Message:
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Leaving office, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld bade a sometimes emotional farewell Friday, saying the single worst day of his nearly six years there was when he learned of the Abu Ghraib prisoner abuse in Iraq.

Subject: Employment opportunity
From: memory lane
To: All
Date Posted: 13:15:47 12/08/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 18-67-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.67.18

Message:

Program Coordinator, Sierra Leone (Based in Freetown, with frequent travel to Kenema, Kailahun and Kono field sites)
Closing date: Monday, 01 January 2007

International Rescue Committee (IRC)
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is one of the largest humanitarian agencies in the world, providing relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict reconstruction support to victims of oppression and violent conflict. IRC has worked for over seven decades and today is involved in over 25 conflict zones in the world. We address both the immediate, life saving needs of conflict affected people in an emergency and the reconstruction needs in post conflict societies.
locat1on: Sierra Leone (Based in Freetown, with frequent travel to Kenema, Kailahun and Kono field sites)
Closing date: 01 Jan 2007
Job Descr1ption

The International Rescue Committee currently seeks a Program Coordinator for its Sierra Leone program, based in Freetown with frequent travel to the field, Freetown including the Kenema, Kailahun and Kono field sites.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position is a key one. Working under the direction of the Country Director, act as a member of the senior management team alongside the Finance Controller, Deputy Director of Operations, and Health Coordinator; Ensure programmatic quality among the education, child protection, gender-based violence (GBV), governance, human rights, agriculture, economic livelihood and community development programs, liaising with the Technical Units in IRC Headquarters, and ensuring quality integration among programs (both health and non-health programming). Act as the IRC Program Framework Focal Point, responsible for the dissemination of the Program Framework throughout IRC Sierra Leone, and also overseeing its use by all field programs. Ensure DM&E best practices are adopted throughout all programs (working in close collaboration with the Health Coordinator vis-à-vis DM&E in the Health Programs); Responsible for all programmatic compliance with donor regulations; Expected to work closely with Field Coordinators (FCs) and liaise with local authorities, national and international NGOs. He/she supervises the education, child protection, GBV, governance, human rights, agriculture, economic livelihood and community development programs, including the CYCLE Coordinator, GBV Coordinator, Education is the Platform for Peace (EPP) Coordinator, Community Development Coordinator and District Participation Coordinator who in turn are responsible for program staff, social workers and volunteers; Responsible for supervising the Freetown-based Program Officer and Advocacy and Research Officer.

REQUIREMENTS:

Degree in Development Studies, International Relations, Social Sciences or similar field; Master’s preferred; Minimum 3 years international supervisory experience working in a humanitarian or development setting (in a conflict and/or displacement situation); 3 years’ program management experience in refugee settings, complex emergencies and/or post conflict situations; Experience: developing training materials and conducting training & capacity building of local partners; English fluency; Familiarity with US and European donors; Organized approach with ability to work on several different projects under pressure; Ability to work and be flexible under difficult circumstances in a stressful environment; Strong leadership, motivational and team-building skills; Able to lead a team consisting of both international and national staff and work in an environment where there are ongoing security issues.

Length: 2 years. Accompanied

Please apply on-line at www.IRCjobs.org and let us know in your cover letter how you initially learned about this vacancy. Please note that IRC does not set closing dates/deadline dates for applications, recruitment is ongoing until the position is filled. The IRC reviews all applications. Applicants will be contacted only if they are selected as a candidate.
Vacancies Contact
We request that all applications be completed on line at www.IRCjobs.org
Please indicate in your cover letter how you initially became aware of this vacancy. IRC does not set closing dates/deadline dates for applications, recruitment is ongoing until the position is filled. The IRC reviews all applications and you will be contacted directly if you are selected as a candidate.
Reference Code: RW_6VZLDR-29
Source: Reliefweb

Subject: Employment opportunity
From: memory lane
To: All
Date Posted: 13:15:00 12/08/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 18-67-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.67.18

Message:

Program Director, Sierra Leone (Based in Sierra Leone will also work in Liberia, Cote D'Ivoire, and Guinea)
Closing date: Monday, 01 January 2007

International Rescue Committee (IRC)
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is one of the largest humanitarian agencies in the world, providing relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict reconstruction support to victims of oppression and violent conflict. IRC has worked for over seven decades and today is involved in over 25 conflict zones in the world. We address both the immediate, life saving needs of conflict affected people in an emergency and the reconstruction needs in post conflict societies.
locat1on: Sierra Leone (Based in Sierra Leone will also work in Liberia, Cote D'Ivoire, and Guinea)
Closing date: 01 Jan 2007
Job Descr1ption

Program Director: Education is a Platform for Peace in West Africa

The International Rescue Committee currently seeks a Program Director for its Education is a Platform for Peace in West Africa project based out of Sierra Leone.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Overall project management, supervision, administration, and implementation of project; Establish and maintain core operational systems; Develop project specific material for external representational use by IRC; Work closely with project team and IRC Country Directors and Education Coordinators to develop an innovative project strategy; Manage needs and resource assessments in each country and supervise production of baseline assessment reports; Develop multi-year regional and country specific workplans based on assessment results; Hire and supervise staff to complete planned operational research. Oversee publication of operational research and develop communication plan to disseminate results to key implementing partners and other external stakeholders; In coordination with project and country management teams, identify, assess, and monitor work of IRC’s project stakeholders; Oversee preparation and submission of progress and financial reports and manage program budget for regional initiatives; Coordinate quarterly cross-border project meetings of project staff and develop regional workshops for project stakeholders to share lessons learned; Serve as lead focal point with external actors for advocacy, research, and donor outreach; Ensure communication flow between project management, country programs, and NY headquarters; Provide regular project updates for internal IRC publications and IRC web page; Ensure internal IRC deadlines are met and targets achieved; Develop new proposals to complement EPP initiatives; Prepare and submit required internal and external reports.

REQUIREMENTS: Master’s Degree or higher in education, sociology or related human development field with minimum of 6 years professional experience in a leadership role in implementation of complex education programs in developing countries; Experience: managing multi-country, multi-sector regional grants, education policy; improving educational quality and access, educational assessment of disadvantaged students; development of community participation in the improvement of basic education for disadvantaged students, designing and developing innovative youth programs/vocational education programs in developing countries and monitoring and evaluation of education and youth livelihood projects desired; Strong writing and editorial skills; Able to work under pressure; Strong interpersonal and intercultural skills; Demonstrated leadership and management background; willingness to travel and work in insecure environment; Multi-lingual skills preferred, particularly in French.

Length: 2 years. Accompanied

Please apply on-line at www.IRCjobs.org and let us know in your cover letter how you initially learned about this vacancy. Please note that IRC does not set closing dates/deadline dates for applications, recruitment is ongoing until the position is filled. The IRC reviews all applications. Applicants will be contacted only if they are selected as a candidate.
Vacancies Contact
We request that all applications be completed on line at www.IRCjobs.org
Please indicate in your cover letter how you initially became aware of this vacancy. IRC does not set closing dates/deadline dates for applications, recruitment is ongoing until the position is filled. The IRC reviews all applications and you will be contacted directly if you are selected as a candidate.
Reference Code: RW_6VZKLM-42
Source: Reliefweb

Subject: Employment opportunity
From: memory lane
To: All
Date Posted: 13:14:14 12/08/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 18-67-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.67.18

Message:

Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator, Sierra Leone (Freetown)
Closing date: Monday, 01 January 2007

International Rescue Committee (IRC)
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is one of the largest humanitarian agencies in the world, providing relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict reconstruction support to victims of oppression and violent conflict. IRC has worked for over seven decades and today is involved in over 25 conflict zones in the world. We address both the immediate, life saving needs of conflict affected people in an emergency and the reconstruction needs in post conflict societies.
locat1on: Sierra Leone (Freetown)
Closing date: 01 Jan 2007
Job Descr1ption

The International Rescue Committee currently seeks a Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator for its Sierra Leone program, based in Freetown with travel to Liberia.

RESPONSIBILITIES: In collaboration with the Project Director and Education Specialist: Train CYCLE staff on M&E tools and plans; Train IRC local NGO partners and community-based organizations in best practice M&E techniques; Review key monitoring indicators for new programs, redesign existing M&E systems/indicators for on-going programs; Put in place community child labor monitoring system and train IRC staff, local partners and relevant community structures on how to use system; Monitor program performance in meeting established objectives and carry out regular field visits to give support; Liaise with program technical specialists of partner organizations and government agencies and participate in ongoing activities relevant to program objectives; Develop databases and create relevant analysis; Support the Data Analysts in reviewing and updating project data bases; Prepare project progress reports; Prepare for any program audits to be done by the donor; Develop tools for Mid-term review, Market survey, and other monitoring tools as requested; Produce quarterly monitoring reports; Perform internal midterm and final evaluations of program activities as directed; Give administrative support.

REQUIREMENTS: Master’s Degree or higher in education with minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible experience in monitoring and evaluation of international development programs, preferably in education and training or related field; Experience can include strategic planning and performance measurement, indicator selection, quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methodologies, database management, and knowledge of Government Performance and Results Act; Demonstrated ability to build capacity of project team and partners in these domains preferred; Strong writing and editorial skills; Able to work under pressure; Strong interpersonal and intercultural skills.

Length: 2 years with option to extend an additional year. Accompanied

We request that all applications be completed on line at www.ircjobs.org Please note that IRC does not set closing dates/deadline dates for applications, recruitment is ongoing until the position is filled. The IRC reviews all applications and you will be contacted directly if you are selected as a candidate.
Vacancies Contact
We request that all applications be completed on line at www.IRCjobs.org
Please indicate in your cover letter how you initially became aware of this vacancy. IRC does not set closing dates/deadline dates for applications, recruitment is ongoing until the position is filled. The IRC reviews all applications and you will be contacted directly if you are selected as a candidate.
Reference Code: RW_6VZKGM-84
Source: Reliefweb

Subject: Employment opportunity
From: memory lane
To: All
Date Posted: 13:13:21 12/08/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 18-67-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.67.18

Message:

Environmental Health Program Manager, Sierra Leone (Kono District, with travel to other Districts)
Closing date: Monday, 01 January 2007

International Rescue Committee (IRC)
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is one of the largest humanitarian agencies in the world, providing relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict reconstruction support to victims of oppression and violent conflict. IRC has worked for over seven decades and today is involved in over 25 conflict zones in the world. We address both the immediate, life saving needs of conflict affected people in an emergency and the reconstruction needs in post conflict societies.
locat1on: Sierra Leone (Kono District, with travel to other Districts)
Closing date: 01 Jan 2007
Job Descr1ption

The International Rescue Committee currently seeks an Environmental Health Program Manager for its Sierra Leone program, based in Kono district with regular travel to other Districts where IRC EH projects are implemented.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The current focus is on hygiene promotion, water supply, and Lassa Fever prevention and control Liberian refugee camps and surrounding host communities in Kenema and Bo Districts, and a community driven water and sanitation development project in Kono District as part of an integrated Linking Relief, Rehabilitation and Development (LRRD) program supported by the EC.

The Environmental Health Program Manager will be expected to provide technical guidance and support to the national program managers in the assessment, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of all environmental health projects in Kono, Kenema and neighbouring districts; Coordinate and integrate disparate interventions in these sectors to assure project objectives are met & and expand program interventions; Provide technical guidance and support to each project to assure use of best practices in EH programming; Build capacity of national and international staff through knowledge transfer and targeted training and supervise all EH personnel and budgets in close cooperation with the Financial Controller, Field Coordinators, the LRRD Community Development Coordinator and the Health Coordinator; Ensure program resource management.

REQUIREMENTS:

University degree: public health engineering, water & sanitation and /or public health; Masters Degree in above strongly preferred; Training skills & knowledge and skills in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies; Program and budget management; Demonstrated ability in specialized EH design survey and planning software; Developing and managing M&E frameworks and health information systems; Strong communication skills and proposal writing and reporting ability; Highly developed cultural sensitivity and willingness to live in remote area and travel to other project sites; Good data management skills and proficient in Excel, Access, EPI Info, SPSS or other statistical programs; Min. 5 years management and supervision of community based water, sanitation, hygiene promotion and /or environmental health programs; Work experience in developing world, preferably in Africa and with an NGO or UN agency, conducting EH surveys and quantitative and qualitative research; Experience: conducting training needs assessments, preparation of training modules and organizing training programs & strong performance management and staff development.

Length: 12 months. Unaccompanied.

Please apply on-line at www.IRCjobs.org and let us know in your cover letter how you initially learned about this vacancy. Please note that IRC does not set closing dates/deadline dates for applications, recruitment is ongoing until the position is filled. The IRC reviews all applications. Applicants will be contacted only if they are selected as a candidate.
Vacancies Contact
We request that all applications be completed on line at www.IRCjobs.org
Please indicate in your cover letter how you initially became aware of this vacancy. IRC does not set closing dates/deadline dates for applications, recruitment is ongoing until the position is filled. The IRC reviews all applications and you will be contacted directly if you are selected as a candidate.
Reference Code: RW_6VZKRP-11
Source: Reliefweb

UNjobs Association of Geneva - C.p. 322 - 1211 Geneva 21 - Switzerland
Not an official document of the United Nations
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Subject: Employment opportunity
From: memory lane
To: All
Date Posted: 13:12:34 12/08/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 18-67-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.67.18

Message:
Agriculture and Livelihoods Technical Consultant, Sierra Leone (Koidu, Kono District, Sierra Leone with frequent travel to field sites)
Closing date: Monday, 01 January 2007

International Rescue Committee (IRC)
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is one of the largest humanitarian agencies in the world, providing relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict reconstruction support to victims of oppression and violent conflict. IRC has worked for over seven decades and today is involved in over 25 conflict zones in the world. We address both the immediate, life saving needs of conflict affected people in an emergency and the reconstruction needs in post conflict societies.
locat1on: Sierra Leone (Koidu, Kono District, Sierra Leone with frequent travel to field sites)
Closing date: 01 Jan 2007
Job Descr1ption

The International Rescue Committee currently seeks an Agriculture and Livelihoods Technical Consultant for its program in Koidu, Kono District, Sierra Leone with frequent travel to field sites.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assess current status of agriculture and livelihood program; Identify gaps in implementation and design measures to address them; Assess implementation guiding strategy and plans used to guide implementation including community projects; Discuss implementation strategies and plans with team, the Community Development Coordinator and Field Coordinator and develop a strategy to address gaps; Work with team to implement suggested changes; Design three-day training program to address capacity issues and enable staff to understand strategic changes; Assess implementation of cocoa production and marketing initiative, include improvement suggestions and training; Address issues of monitoring and evaluation pertaining to agriculture sector and produce simple tools to track progress and achievement of set indicators; Over 3 months identify specific needs of national team, mentor them and recommend support measures to enable them to manage program & carry it forward on their own; In coordination with Community Development Coordinator, draw up final report, outlining work done and indicating recommendation for further improvement,.

REQUIREMENTS:

MSc: Agriculture or other relevant field; Experience in: agriculture programming in conflict and post-conflict situations; improvement and transformation approaches to developing agrarian economies; improvement in livelihood and food security field; working in developing countries, preferably Africa; Excellent English communication and writing skills.

Duration: 3 months starting October 2006.

Unaccompanied.

Please apply on-line at www.IRCjobs.org, and let us know in your cover letter how you initially learned about this vacancy. Please note that IRC does not set closing dates/deadline dates for applications, recruitment is ongoing until the position is filled. The IRC reviews all applications. Applicants will be contacted only if they are selected as a candidate.
Vacancies Contact
We request that all applications be completed on line at www.IRCjobs.org. Please indicate in your cover letter how you initially became aware of this vacancy. IRC does not set closing dates/deadline dates for applications, recruitment is ongoing until the position is filled. The IRC reviews all applications and you will be contacted directly if you are selected as a candidate.
Reference Code: RW_6VZK3E-18
Source: Reliefweb

Subject: Employment opportunity
From: memory lane
To: All
Date Posted: 13:11:38 12/08/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 18-67-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.67.18

Message:

Capacity Building Consultant, Sierra Leone (Freetown, with frequent travel to the field, including Kailahun, Kenema and Kono Districts)
Closing date: Monday, 01 January 2007

International Rescue Committee (IRC)
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is one of the largest humanitarian agencies in the world, providing relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict reconstruction support to victims of oppression and violent conflict. IRC has worked for over seven decades and today is involved in over 25 conflict zones in the world. We address both the immediate, life saving needs of conflict affected people in an emergency and the reconstruction needs in post conflict societies.
locat1on: Sierra Leone (Freetown, with frequent travel to the field, including Kailahun, Kenema and Kono Districts)
Closing date: 01 Jan 2007
Job Descr1ption

The International Rescue Committee currently seeks a Capacity Building Consultant for its Rainbo Initiative project, an innovative post-conflict component of IRC’s GBV Program, in Freetown, Sierra Leone with frequent travel to the field, including Kailahun, Kenema and Kono districts.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The objective of the consultancy is to assess technical and organizational capacity of key actors to eventually assume full responsibility for all aspect of the Rainbo Initiative project, which aims to provide holistic and quality post-sexual assault medical, psychosocial, and legal services to survivors through three sexual assault centers in Sierra Leone; to deliver community education and raise awareness about sexual violence; and to work with governmental and non-governmental agencies to help develop responsive and protective policies and strategies to address the problem of sexual assault at a national level. The assessment will provide a thorough analysis of required capacity building components necessary to ensure a sustainable national sexual response network.

The Consultant Will:

Conduct the assessment in a participatory way; Develop a detailed three-month work plan designed to ensure quality outputs are delivered in a manner; Develop an appropriate tool (s) to ensure a comprehensive institutional capacity assessment; Closely work with GBV staff to review and discuss current and previous trainings and other capacity building activities completed by IRC Sierra Leone to date; Assess existing institutional capacity building systems and their utilization and propose detailed and practical alternatives aimed at developing and strengthening these including a focus on IRC GBV’s approach materials; Design a 5-year capacity building framework, informed by IRC’s Global Strategy that meets the priority needs of a multi-sectoral approach including mechanisms for implementation and benchmarks for best practice; Design an effective participatory monitoring and evaluation systems for measuring effectiveness of capacity building activities including training efficiency and effectiveness; Meet with the relevant staff in Freetown and in the field; Review GBV program training and capacity building materials and activities, and other relevant documents; Research any other relevant documentation; Develop an assessment methodology; Meet with key stakeholders including MOHS, FSU, MSWGCA and MOJ; Work with the Rainbo Initiative Coordinator to finalize the assessment activity timeline schedule for the duration of the consultancy.

Deliverable:

Detailed 3 month work plan, tool(s) to ensure comprehensive institutional capacity assessment, Bi-monthly reports documenting progress on agreed activity timeline, detailed report of the findings, capacity building framework to include the following components: Strategies for capacity building of partners and the International Rescue Committee staff, Recommendations on role and accountability of all partners & prioritization of needs and proposed timeline, Inventory of capacity building resource person in-country, a workshop with key partners and International Rescue Committee staff to disseminate the findings and recommendations and discuss resources needed to
implement the developed plan.

REQUIREMENTS:

M.A/Sc. in social science or relevant field of study; Experience in organizational assessments, capacity building related to gender and/or reproductive health, capacity building of local staff and partners, preferably in post-conflict or development environments, and working in developing countries, preferably in Africa; Excellent communication and writing skills in English and ability to work as part of a team.

Duration: October 2006 – December 2006. Unaccompanied.

Please apply on-line at www.IRCjobs.org and let us know in your cover letter how you initially learned about this vacancy. Please note that IRC does not set closing dates/deadline dates for applications, recruitment is ongoing until the position is filled. The IRC reviews all applications. Applicants will be contacted only if they are selected as a candidate.
Vacancies Contact
We request that all applications be completed on line at www.IRCjobs.org
Please indicate in your cover letter how you initially became aware of this vacancy. IRC does not set closing dates/deadline dates for applications, recruitment is ongoing until the position is filled. The IRC reviews all applications and you will be contacted directly if you are selected as a candidate.
Reference Code: RW_6VZL6P-70
Source: Reliefweb

Subject: Journalism: Investigative Journalism
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 13:11:04 12/08/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: sccinstr194233.scc.losrios.edu at 165.196.194.233

Message:
Investigative journalism
* For more information, see Investigative reporting.

Investigative journalism, in which journalists investigate and expose unethical, immoral and illegal behavior by individuals, businesses and government agencies, can be complicated, time-consuming and expensive — requiring teams of journalists, months of research, interviews (sometimes repeated interviews) with numerous people, long-distance travel, computers to analyze public-record databases, or use of the company's legal staff to secure documents under freedom of information laws.

Because of its inherently confrontational nature, this kind of reporting is often the first to suffer from budget cutbacks or interference from outside the news department. Investigative reporting done poorly can also expose journalists and media organizations to negative reaction from subjects of investigations and the public, and accusations of gotcha journalism. When conducted correctly it can bring the attention of the public and government problems and conditions that the public deem need to be addressed, and can win awards and recognition to the journalists involved and the media outlet that did the reporting.

Please read the link bellow and see what profactually is. But make sure you read these links I provide other wise you will miss the whole point and waste your time on forum.

Subject: Employment opportunity
From: memory lane
To: All
Date Posted: 13:10:34 12/08/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 18-67-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.67.18

Message:

Maternal Health and Blood Safety Program Coordinator, Sierra Leone (Kenema District)
Closing date: Monday, 01 January 2007

International Rescue Committee (IRC)
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is one of the largest humanitarian agencies in the world, providing relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict reconstruction support to victims of oppression and violent conflict. IRC has worked for over seven decades and today is involved in over 25 conflict zones in the world. We address both the immediate, life saving needs of conflict affected people in an emergency and the reconstruction needs in post conflict societies.
locat1on: Sierra Leone (Kenema District)
Closing date: 01 Jan 2007
Job Descr1ption

The International Rescue Committee currently seeks a Maternal Health & Blood Safety Coordinator for its program in Kenema district.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide appropriate technical guidance and support to Program Managers in assessment, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of all aspects of Kenema Emergency Obstetric Care Program and Blood Safety Programs; Ensure technical quality of project, achievement of program objectives and further expansion of IRC-SL Reproductive Health Program; Dedicate 40-50% of time to training and capacity building of national IRC program managers and supervisors, including staff of the District Health Management Team and Hospital in direct provision of emergency obstetric care services and supportive supervision at hospital and six basic EmOC centers, and monitoring appropriate use of blood & infection control at hospital.

REQUIREMENTS:

Ob/Gyn with appropriate surgical skills; Training knowledge, skills and experience; Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies & strong communication and analytical skills; Knowledge of developing and managing health information systems and quality assurance; Demonstrated proposal writing and reporting ability; Excellent data management and proficiency; Experience: in technical management of Emergency Obstetric Care and/or Blood Safety projects in Africa and conducting training needs assessments, preparing training modules and organizing training programs; performance management and staff development and primary and secondary research; program and budget management; Minimum three years implementing and managing health programs at district and/or provincial level in developing countries/post-conflict or development setting.

Length: 12 months. Unaccompanied.
Vacancies Contact
We request that all applications be completed on line at www.IRCjobs.org
Please indicate in your cover letter how you initially became aware of this vacancy. IRC does not set closing dates/deadline dates for applications, recruitment is ongoing until the position is filled. The IRC reviews all applications and you will be contacted directly if you are selected as a candidate.
Reference Code: RW_6VZLB6-34
Source: Reliefweb

UNjobs Association of Geneva - C.p. 322 - 1211 Geneva 21 - Switzerland

Subject: Employment opportunity
From: memory lane
To: All
Date Posted: 13:09:43 12/08/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 18-67-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.67.18

Message:
Health Systems Capacity Building Consultant, Sierra Leone (Kenema)
Closing date: Monday, 01 January 2007

International Rescue Committee (IRC)
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is one of the largest humanitarian agencies in the world, providing relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict reconstruction support to victims of oppression and violent conflict. IRC has worked for over seven decades and today is involved in over 25 conflict zones in the world. We address both the immediate, life saving needs of conflict affected people in an emergency and the reconstruction needs in post conflict societies
locat1on: Sierra Leone (Kenema)
Closing date: 01 Jan 2007
Job Descr1ption

The International Rescue Committee currently seeks a Health Systems Capacity Building Consultant for its Sierra Leone program, based in Kenema.

Responsibilities: The main objective consultancy is to assess the DHMT and PHUs procedures and guidelines in financial, human resource and supervision management and propose management tools in these areas. The Consultant will also provide a one week ToT training to a team of trainers composed of DHMT and IRC staff in basic financial and personnel management and principles of supervision depending on the findings of the assessment. The consultancy will be carried out in a participative way, by taking into consideration the different parties involved at different levels concerned by the project
Scope of work: Assess the DHMT/PHUs financial, human resource and supervision management systems and tools, staff training needs in financial, human resource and supervision management; Develop a strategy and action plan to address needs; Propose staff placement relationship between DHMT/MoHS and IRC; and carry out one week training of trainers (ToT) session in basic financial and personnel management and principles of supervision for a team of trainers composed of DHMT and IRC staff; Meet with IRC Health Coordinator and Country Director in Freetown; Review project document, logical framework, and other available documents; Research any other relevant documentation; Develop an assessment methodology; Meet with key stakeholders including the District Medical Officer, Hospital Superintendent, Hospital Board Members and the District Council; Conduct field visit to selected Peripheral Health Units (PHUs) to meet with in-charges and support staff and witnessmanagement practices in the areas of finance, human resource and supervision.

Deliverables: Submit specific documentation and reports in accordance with an agreed activity-time schedule for the duration of service, including: Analysis and report on health sector financing in Kenema District in particular and Sierra Leone in general, review of existing financial and human resource management systems; 3 year district health sector development strategic plan including financial estimate required for implementing the plan; detailed 1 year district health budget (capital and recurrent costs) for the fiscal year 2007 for Kenema Hospital and the DHMT; review of the Cost recovery System in Kenema District in comparison to successful cost recovery models known to have worked in developing country context; Detailed recommendations on the above including an outline of practical implementation strategies in accordance with the current context and future trends in health service management in Kenema District (and Sierra Leone at large); Synopsis of various placement strategies of DHMT staff in IRC implemented health projects and recommendations on the most viable and potentially sustainable placement strategy; consolidated report on all of the above must be submitted by the end of the agreed consultancy period.

Requirements: Post graduate degree in Health Service Management, Health Economics or General Management with experience in financial and human resource management as well as developing health budgets at the district or national level; Skills and experience in organizational capacity assessment and training in general, and in cost recovery and revenue management in the public sector in particular; Excellent knowledge of different health sector financing mechanisms as well as modalities for staff placement, capacity building and motivation; Minimum 3 years experience in participatory assessment, planning, monitoring and evaluation as well as developing strategic plans; Knowledge of health sector development and health project implementation in Sub-Saharan Africa, preferably the Western African region considered an important asset Knowledge of English, spoken and written, and computer skills (MS Office).

Length: 6-8 weeks. Unaccompanied

Please apply on-line at www.IRCjobs.org and let us know in your cover letter how you initially learned about this vacancy. Please note that IRC does not set closing dates/deadline dates for applications, recruitment is ongoing until the position is filled. The IRC reviews all applications. Applicants will be contacted only if they are selected as a candidate
Vacancies Contact
We request that all applications be completed online at www.IRCjobs.org
Please indicate in your cover letter how you initially became aware of this vacancy. IRC does not set closing dates/deadline dates for applications, recruitment is ongoing until the position is filled. The IRC reviews all applications and you will be contacted directly if you are selected as a candidate.
Reference Code: RW_6VZKBU-41
Source: Reliefweb

Subject: Employment opportunity
From: Memory lane
To: All
Date Posted: 13:08:07 12/08/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 18-67-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.67.18

Message:
rogram Officer, Sierra Leone (Based in Freetown, with frequent travel to the field)
Closing date: Monday, 01 January 2007

International Rescue Committee (IRC)
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is one of the largest humanitarian agencies in the world, providing relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict reconstruction support to victims of oppression and violent conflict. IRC has worked for over seven decades and today is involved in over 25 conflict zones in the world. We address both the immediate, life saving needs of conflict affected people in an emergency and the reconstruction needs in post conflict societies.
locat1on: Sierra Leone (Based in Freetown, with frequent travel to the field)
Closing date: 01 Jan 2007
Job Descr1ption

The International Rescue Committee currently seeks a Program Officer for its Sierra Leone program, based in Freetown with frequent travel to the field.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Program Officer is responsible for providing support to the field staff in compiling project proposals and donor reports, monitoring internal monthly program reports, and the management of sub-grants. Work with the Program Coordinator and the Health Coordinator to develop DM&E systems for use in the field and to train field staff on their use. He/she will also work with the Program Coordinator and as necessary the Health Coordinator to improve the quality of program monitoring, data collection and analysis and report writing skills of field program staff. The Program Officer reports directly to the Program Coordinator, and liaises with the Health Coordinator as necessary. The Program Officer supervises the Grants Intern.

REQUIREMENTS:

Degree in Development Studies, International Relations, Social Sciences or similar field; Excellent writing skills. Experience of report writing, proposal writing and knowledge of relevant IRC donor policies preferred; Excellent working knowledge of computer software packages – MS Word, Excel and email applications; Clear communication, presentation style as well as good interpersonal skills; Flexibility and willingness to spend extended periods working in field locat1ons.

Length: 2 years. Accompanied

Please apply on-line at www.IRCjobs.org, and let us know in your cover letter how you initially learned about this vacancy. Please note that IRC does not set closing dates/deadline dates for applications, recruitment is ongoing until the position is filled. The IRC reviews all applications. Applicants will be contacted only if they are selected as a candidate.
Vacancies Contact
We request that all applications be completed on line at www.IRCjobs.org
Please indicate in your cover letter how you initially became aware of this vacancy. IRC does not set closing dates/deadline dates for applications, recruitment is ongoing until the position is filled. The IRC reviews all applications and you will be contacted directly if you are selected as a candidate.
Reference Code: RW_6VZLK5-55
Source: Reliefweb

Subject: V P HELP WOMEN TO TAKE PART IN THE NEXT ELECTOIN.
From: concern citizen
To: All
Date Posted: 13:00:26 12/08/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: p57a750e9.dip.t-dialin.net at 87.167.80.233

Message:
SLPP led gov.leave the people of sierra leone to die or let the people go hungry,no infracture,no good roads or neither clean water to drink.Instead using that money,i mean the national cake,our money,to campain win the next election,is there any logic? the only logic is to continue destroying our beloved land.Please kabbah and your cohort leave the land you destroyed to the peace loving sierra leone.UNA GO HEAR AM BEFORE UNA DIE.

Subject: I am Truly Confuse
From: SHYKH Tunis
To: All
Date Posted: 12:46:26 12/08/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 199.219.129.91

Message:
I am truly confuse
For he shows clearly that this irrepressible violence is neither sound nor furry
Nor the resurrection of savage instincts, nor even the effect of resentment
It is man re-creating himself I think we understood this truth at one time, but we have forgotten
The war, was a reaction…right or wrong we all suffered
It is true that no gentleness can efface the marks of violence; only violence itself
The illiterate cures himself of academic neurosis by thrusting out the political through force of arms
When his rage boils over, he discovers his lost innocence and he comes to know himself in that he himself creates his self.
Far remove from his war, we consider it as a triumph for barbarism; but of it own violation it achieves slowly but surely the emancipation of the rebel
For bit by bit it destroys in him and around him the academic gloom. Once begun, it is a war that gives no quarter.
You may fear or be feared; that is to say, abandon yourself to the dissociations of a sham existence or conquer your birthright of unity.
When the peasant takes a gun in his hands, the old myth grow dim and the prohibitions are one by one forgotten. The rebel’s weapon is the proof of his discontent.
In the first day of the revolt you must kill; to kill two birds with one stone, to destroy an oppressor and the man he oppresses at the same time there remain a dead man and a free man; the survivor, feels a national disillusionment.
They did not die They still hang on power and doing the same thing
His condition remains the same!!! Poor, sick, hungry, unsheltered, unclothe and sleeping with my mother in law in the same room.
They are ride Benz and, living in mansions and eat three times a day.
I hate to do this…But They had to GO…How and Where …I don’t Know

Subject: The Persistently Poor
From: M. Alieu Iscandari Esq
To: All
Date Posted: 11:18:28 12/08/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198

Message:

The Persistently Poor
An Internal Report Criticizes World Bank's Efforts on Poverty

By Peter S. Goodman
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, December 8, 2006; D01

NEW YORK, Dec. 7 -- Despite an intensified campaign against poverty, World Bank programs have failed to lift incomes in many poor countries over the past decade, leaving tens of millions of people suffering stagnating or declining living standards, according to a report released Thursday by the bank's autonomous assessment arm.

Among 25 poor countries probed in detail by the bank's Independent Evaluation Group, only 11 experienced reductions in poverty from the mid-1990s to the early 2000s, while 14 had the same or worsening rates over that term. The group said the sample was representative of the global picture.

"Achievement of sustained increases in per capita income, essential for poverty reduction, continues to elude a considerable number of countries," the report declared, singling out programs aimed at the rural poor as particularly ineffective. Roughly half of such efforts from 2001 to 2005 "did not lead to satisfactory results." During that period, new World Bank loans and credits aimed directly at rural development totaled $9.6 billion, or about one-tenth of total bank lending, according to the group.

In a statement distributed with the report, World Bank management rejected its assessment as "overly bleak," arguing that the overall trend is improving in every region except Africa. Bank administrators noted that reducing poverty requires economic growth, something they said the world has been enjoying: Over the past two years, developing countries collectively grew by about 5 to 6 percent a year, excluding swiftly developing China and India. Even sub-Saharan Africa has grown by more than 4 percent annually over the past five years.

But the study found that growth has rarely been sustained, exposing the most vulnerable people -- the rural poor -- to volatile shifts in their economic fortunes. Per capita income rose continuously from 2000 to 2005 in only two in five of the countries that borrowed from the World Bank, the study reported, and it increased for the full decade, from 1995 to 2005, in only one in five.

The study emphasized that economic growth is, by itself, no fix: How the gains are distributed is just as important. In China, Romania, Sri Lanka and many Latin American countries, swiftly expanding economies have improved incomes for many, but the benefits have been limited by a simultaneous increase in economic inequality, putting most of the spoils into the hands of the rich and not enough into poor households, the study concluded.

In Georgia, the bank has helped foster growth by lending in support of the oil industry, but this has created few jobs and had a negligible impact on poverty, the study found. In Brazil, on the other hand, there has been little growth but significant advances against poverty because wealth has been distributed more evenly.

"For a sustained reduction in poverty over a period of time, it really pays to worry about both growth and distribution," said Vinod Thomas, director-general of the Independent Evaluation Group. "It has been a mistaken notion that you can grow first and worry about the distribution later."

Overall, from 1990 to 2002, the percentage of the world's people who subsist on less than $1 per day declined from 28 to 19, according to World Bank research. But officials with the evaluation group noted that much of the advance was registered in China, which has rejected many of the tenets of the development model advocated by the West and barely relied on the largesse of the World Bank.

"If you take out China, the numbers would be unfavorable," Thomas said. "The sheer numbers of people living under the $1-a-day definition of poverty has been stubbornly high." By the bank's reckoning, 1.1 billion people subsisted at that level in 2001.

Some of the report reads like an amalgam of the criticisms that have been leveled against the World Bank for years by outside activists. The report chides the bank for failing to help cushion poor people against price and currency liberalizations, for focusing on the fiscal sustainability of pension systems to the detriment of the poor and for promoting the privatization of power industries without thinking enough about wiring up the indigent.

It criticizes the bank for failing to tailor projects to local conditions and for sometimes attempting to accomplish more than national governments can handle. In Uganda, the bank assisted the government with an ambitious effort to increase school enrollments but failed to plan for sufficient teacher hiring or classroom construction. By last year, Uganda's schools had an average of 94 students per classroom, and each book was being shared by three pupils.

Critics of the bank used the report to claim vindication and call for change in the institution's policies -- in particular, loan conditions that sometimes force poor countries to slash spending on social services and reduce price controls on food. "At a certain point, you have to say, 'This is policy failure,' " said Mark Weisbrot, an economist and co-director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research, who has long argued that the bank's emphasis on austerity and privatization has increased poverty.

World Bank administrators said it would be simplistic to view rising poverty rates as a sign that their projects do not work, noting that the worst-off borrowing countries are grappling with war, famine and natural catastrophes.

"There's a lot that has to go right for country-wide incomes to improve other than just good projects financed by the World Bank," said Vikram Nehru, director of the bank's economic policy and debt department. "These countries are in very difficult circumstances."

Still, Nehru said the bank could benefit from greater consideration of what is actually possible in any given country.

"We need to be much more sober in our assessments," he said.

© 2006 The Washington Post Company

Subject: Daily Advice
From: M, Alieu Iscandari Esq
To: All
Date Posted: 11:16:12 12/08/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198

Message:
dont burn your bridges after you cross them, You just might need them to cross over back.

If you was you han clean you go disom eat with big man dem.

Blama Blama look motocar

Gbangba betteh pass wateman meresin for men crase

Subject: Re: Daily Advice
From: BRA ENVIABLE
To: All
Date Posted: 20:22:20 12/08/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.117.8

Message:
Bra, how you kin talk so lek upline man?
"Blama Blama look... taxi/motocar" is how we say it in upcountry. Freetong man leka u should have said something like "Waterloo Waterloo look bus." Abi?
Chances are u nar kontry boy.

Subject: Re: Daily Advice
From: CADMUS
To: All
Date Posted: 09:52:16 12/11/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 82.198.250.9

Message:
Here, here, I agree with you....I am constantly ,but pleasantly surprised by Alieu's knowledge of UP-Line.
For your information Alieu, Blama is a real town..It is the Junction town near Kenema, where I turn left to go to my home town. Well done, Alieu, next we are going to find he has a secrete Mende girl friend some where, still not a bad idea..

Subject: Re: Daily Advice
From: M. Alieu Iscandari Esq
To: All
Date Posted: 01:35:47 12/09/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198

Message:
Bra E we all nar kontry boy you know we country nem sa lone. Freetong man nor any differen from oo comot behen Koya bra.

Subject: "Water Pass Flour" for Worworliwor
From: Jumu
To: All
Date Posted: 08:09:50 12/08/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-66-140-44-2.dsl.rcsntx.swbell.net at 66.140.44.2

Message:
Sylvia Blyden.... The self appointed Press Attaché
Posted by Philip Neville on Dec 7, 2006, 01:27

Sylvia Blyden has clearly demonstrated what she is convinced is her role to the public, especially those who had doubts as to where she belongs and where she comes from. In fact, her historical background is evidently an open sesame to most people.

She has transformed herself and her tabloid into a public relations outfit for government ministers and certain well placed individuals in society. Of course the public is less bothered over what she roundly thinks could be her source of livelihood. What perhaps is a cause of concern to the public is the leading role she has adopted in attacking certain colleagues of the profession.

It is an indisputable fact that Sylvia Blyden is neither a medical doctor nor a journalist, but her objective of establishing a tabloid, using the poor and unsuspecting Saryoh Kamara as a front, is very well documented in the archives both within and outside Sierra Leone.

It would be worthwhile to make a further introduction of Sylvia Blyden at this juncture so that a clear and comprehensive assessment of her split personality could be made. But before delving into that exercise it is necessary to jog the memory of the public relating to the numerous attacks Sylvia Blyden have launched against Philip Neville and the rationale for doing what she is doing and hopes to do in the future.

It may sound ridiculous or a fruitless endeavour to even contemplate the person of Sylvia Blyden, just the same way Foday Sankoh and his band of rag-tag rebels had engaged in a futile exercise which product ended in a big disaster for him and his likes.

Sylvia Blyden started a battle with Olu Godwin and received serious punches from the fierce, critical and fearless journalist. With a bloodied nose, she later turned her attention to Philip Neville in an effort to gain victory, but when she failed she could not relent nor even keep her distance as her objective was to present Philip Neville in a bad light to the public.

This article is divided into two parts. One will focus on the role of Sylvia Blyden during the 1997/98 political instability in the country and the second part deals with her lobbying Vice-President Berewa and transforming herself and her newspaper into a self styled public relations firm in the process, though not fully qualified for such status.

It is only Solomon Berewa who would accommodate the likes of Sylvia Blyden in his office, and it is stated, because of his determination to become the next president of Sierra Leone. Owing to such desperation he wants a newspaper in the newsstands at all costs, irrespective of its contents and circulation to project his aspirations.

Contrastingly, President Kabbah would never encourage the likes of Sylvia Blyden considering her role as a Ninja Operator when Kabbah and his government were in exile in Guinea.

It was the Ninja that propagated and published defamatory materials via the internet about President Kabbah in just the same way she is now concocting trash about Philip Neville.

Apart from the bitter experience of President Kabbah, Hon John Benjamin, the current Minister of Finance has also been affected by the bitter taste of Sylvia Blyden’s nasty attitude. It is for this same reason John Benjamin has distanced himself from her.

Innocently, John Benjamin thought that he had employed the services of a confidential secretary without the faintest idea that she was a ‘Jezebel’ in human skin.

She downloaded personal information from John Benjamin’s computer and passed it on to The Pool newspaper for publication and when the editor, Chernor Ojuku Sesay noticed that Sylvia was using his medium to settle love matters, he discontinued publishing information supplied to him by ‘Jezebel’ Blyden.

The current Chief Justice, Dr. Ade Renner Thomas was targeted by Slyvia Blyden for various reasons among which he refused to give in to her numerous amorous advances. By the way, when the Chief Justice cancelled a contract that was awarded wrongly, and which anomaly of a transaction was exposed by Standard Times, Sylvia Blyden became pissed-off and was ready to bite every one including Philip Neville, the Publisher and Executive Editor of the Standard Times press.

The list is endless, but for the benefit of the public, the life and activities of Sylvia Blyden should be made an open book. Since the publication of the dubious contract by this press Sylvia Blyden went berserk and has been on the warpath ever since.

In addition to the contract of the Judiciary, the Ministry of Health contract awarded to her was exposed as it too was done outside the procurement rules and regulations. It proved that Sylvia Blyden could not sleep, stand or witness the week of SLAJ’s elections.

Because it was during that week when Sylvia Blyden launched another attack on Philip Neville, damning him and claming that he was not fit for the position of vice president. Rather shamefully another devastating blow was dealt again on Sylvia Blyden, when colleagues of the profession gave her the lie and voted overwhelmingly for Philip Neville. But this other creature of God’s creation would not sober up!

In addition to the above, it was Standard Times that exposed the fish mafia activities of Mrs. Blyden (mother of Slyvia Blyden) when she was the permanent secretary at the Ministry of Marine Resources at that material time. That publication prompted her transfer to the Ministry of Finance where she proceeded to do the worst thing in her life. She had wanted the late Thaimu Bangura to sign a document that could have incriminated the late man, but fate could stand none of it. So it never materialized.

The history of the Blydens to most people, including this writer, is nothing new. Little wonder why Slyvia Blyden would want to see some of us dead.

One has to only pity Sayoh Kamara who has allowed himself to be led by the nose to be used and misused because of several reasons lurked only in Sylvia Blyden’s bosom. That is why journalist Theophilus Gbenda, who would not allow himself to be used the way Sayoh Kamara is being misused, resigned from the Awareness Times Newspaper, a medium without a policy and focus.

Candidly, Sylvia Blyden is one individual that should be monitored and watched regularly. It would be in the best interest of Solomon Berewa to deal with her cautiously. In spite of the litany of seemingly genuine impressions she is giving to him she is also known for playing the double agent while pretending to be supporting him. She can also divulge sensitive information to his opponents without him knowing about it. Whether you like it or not, double dealing and intrigues are her stock in trade.

At the moment Sylvia Blyden has almost assigned a reporter to the Vice-President’s office. And I will make bold to say her conduct is not the result of genuine political considerations for Mr. Berewa, but is geared towards what she would benefit as a result of her despicable exploits and reward for same.

Lately, Sylvia Blyden traveled to Liberia to establish contacts with Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf since Charles Taylor is no more around, Foday Sankoh is dead, Maskita and Superman are also dead. The overriding motivation is the establishment of new contacts and fronts.

In the case of the Gambian president, his personal secrets are in Sylvia Blyden’s blemished laptop and can use that data to get what she wants from President Yayah Jammeh. Blackmailing is sometimes not so much at a distance when you put Sylvia Blyden on the microscope. But one thing that is known about Yayah Jammeh is that he is a no-nonsense president.

At any time he discovers that information about him has reached public domain Slyvia Blyden would not live to tell the story and that would also mean henceforth she would cease going to Banjul. With this bit of expose there is every need for Mr. Solomon Berewa to always treat her with great caution using open eyes and ears.

We must now make another leap and try to decipher the rationale behind the attacks on Philip Neville. To Sylvia Blyden, Philip Neville has exposed her a lot to the public, and this also includes her relatives, who had worked in the civil service. For this she would always fight to discredit him in the eyes of the public.

The question is will she succeed?

At anytime Standard Times publishes a story about somebody, with all unbiased investigations thrown in, and whether the article was published by Philip Neville or not Sylvia Blyden would always attack the Executive Editor and publisher.

This clearly shows the depth of grudge she has nurtured against the editor. A case worth mentioning is that of the PPRC workshop held few weeks back. Sylvia Blyden, rather than reporting the alleged interview with the Acting Chairman R.A. Caesar, she and her tabloid attacked Philip Neville. Another case was the Monday publication on Kanji Daramy.

Several questions keep bugging the minds of people as to why should Sylvia Blyden continue to attack Philip Neville for any publication on Kanji Daramy. The answer to the question is very obvious, which the public would not take much pain to understand.

One would not even bother to examine the injury often done to the Queen’s language, which is greatly mutilated by Sylvia and attack pawns, since the focus of the article is to expose the level of venom Sylvia Blyden has accumulated and would always be too ready to splash around.

Subject: STATE HOUSE WEBSITE.
From: concern citizen
To: All
Date Posted: 06:17:39 12/08/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: p54a7f079.dip.t-dialin.net at 84.167.240.121

Message:
Is the state house MADINGO workers there no more?if you are there tell us what is going on the house.Or you are tired ,you know your NFA time is up.But for us concern citizen we want to knowwwwww.

Subject: Light a candle and fight AIDS
From: M. alieu Iscandari esq
To: All
Date Posted: 01:35:26 12/08/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-dtc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 205.188.116.198

Message:
Hello Everyone.
Bristol-Myers Squibb is donating a dollar to AIDS research every time
someone goes to their Web site and moves the match to the candle and
lights it.

It literally takes a second to raise a dollar.

Please do this and tell everyone you know.

https://www.lighttounite.org/

Thanks!

Subject: PA JAVOMBO--U TAKE ME DONG MEMORY LANE
From: BRA ENVIABLE
To: All
Date Posted: 01:19:26 12/08/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-rtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 152.163.101.8

Message:
Ka'amor Javombo, Talking about MANOWA FERRY has taken me back in time. As one of the routes linking Kailahun district with Kenema and Kono, MANOWA FERRY was a well-traveled road. Although barely safe, MANOWA FERRY was memorable for some of the best "cookery" that served travelers with mouth-watering "cassada leaf" and its leafy counterpart, "peteh teh leaf." You retrospectively took me back to the good old days. Like me {Nya Ngaa Tikekeh}, you are a South-Easterner in the truest tradition. Nar you nar dee Mahei.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Posted by Pa javombo on December 07, 2006 at 16:49:47:

In Reply to: Re: ONE FOR THE SLPP posted by John E. Leigh on December 07, 2006 at 06:48:41:

I also know a former APC minister who spearheaded the beating of villagers at the Monowa ferry in the East and that minister is now the minister the SLPP Resident minister of the East. Thanks to the the intervention of E.T. Kamara that situation would have resulted into anarchy.

Subject: Human Rights Hour at UN Radio Sierra Leone
From: Human Rirgt Commisioner
To: All
Date Posted: 20:45:24 12/07/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
UN Radio News

Human Rights Hour at UN Radio Sierra Leone
13 October 2006 | UNIOSIL/Human Rights & Rule of Law Section

The human rights and Rule of Law Section believes there is enormous strength in information especially for the purposes of promoting human rights and lasting peace. Subsequently, the Section has designed a special radio programme on the UN radio called the ‘Human Rights Hour’. The human rights hour is aired on Tuesdays at 10am. A repeat broadcast is transmitted on Sundays at 8pm. Staff of the Section fully controls the content of the radio programme. The broadcast usually kicks off with the reading of the Section’s weekly review. Initially the reading of the weekly review was done in English but now it is done in Krio by a Section staff member, so that the message would reach every nook and cranny of the grass roots. This is followed by a radio panel discussion.

The topics for the radio discussions are normally chosen based on emerging issues of human rights concern. In fact, it is the topics that determine the panelists, as the programme itself seeks to bring stakeholders to sensitize, clarify and educate the people on matters affecting them. The public also participates by calling in via telephone and sending text messages. A staff of the Section always moderates the radio discussions.

In the month of September, four radio discussions were held. In the first week, the newly elected executives of the Freetown Human Rights Committees were invited to inform the public on their plan of activities and how these activities will positively impact on the human rights situation in the Western Area. The following week, staff of the Sierra Leone Court Monitoring Programme was called upon to discuss the 15th edition of their newsletter where they published articles on the need for the implementation of the TRC recommendations, the abolition of the death penalty and the decriminalization of seditious libel.

Following those, the Society for Democratic Initiatives was invited to discuss the status of the Freedom of Information Act they had tabled before Parliament. The fourth discussion was on child trafficking. Here, various stakeholders were invited from human rights organizations concerned together with the Family Support Unit of the Sierra Leone Police to discuss what constitutes child trafficking and the trend of the offence in the country. By and large, these discussions embark on awareness raising and public debate on issues related to the consolidation of peace and democracy in post-conflict Sierra Leone. The Section thanks the public and stakeholders for their usual cooperation and implores on them for a continuity of the same spirit

Subject: Interview with Paramount Chief Alhaji Yembeh Mansaray III
From: PARAMOUNT CHIEF
To: All
Date Posted: 20:43:58 12/07/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:

Interview with Paramount Chief Alhaji Yembeh Mansaray III. of Wirawara Yagala Chiefdom, Koinadugu District
02 October 2006 | UNIOSIL/PIO/UN Radio

The following is a near verbatim transcr1pt of a UN Radio interview with the Paramount Chief of Wirawara Yagala Chiefdom (Koinadugu district), Alhaji Yembeh Mansaray III., about his understanding of his role as impartial leader and the present security situation in his Chiefdom. The interview was aired by UN Radio on Monday, 2 October 2006.
UN Radio: Chief, welcome to the United Nations Radio.

Chief: Thank you very much.

UN Radio: How would you describe the current security situation in your chiefdom?

Chief: Hmm, good.

UN Radio: Good in what sense, Sir?

Chief: No problem, because I have got no threats because people are doing their farm work without any hindrance. People are doing their cattle trade no hindrance - people are doing their business day and night - no problem. So, with all these mentioned I say it’s good.

UN Radio: You’ve just started fasting you know this is the month of Ramadan has that changed anything?

Chief: Not yet because most of the Limba people, some are Christians, and then we are mixed they are still continuing their farm work. Mostly now, the swamp work is being done because the dry season is yet to come

UN Radio: Chief, how do you see your role as Chief leading up to presidential and parliamentary elections next year?

Chief: How do I see what?

UN Radio: How do you see your role as Chief ?

Chief: As Chief I feel pleased, I will support the person or the group that is expected to do well for the people.

UN Radio: What does that mean?

Chief: What I mean? Anybody who does well and who, thinks well for the needy is the person or group my people hope to stand for.

UN Radio: Now, political and religious tolerance is part of democracy. How much have you done to sensitize the people of your Chiefdom about it?

Chief: Well, anybody has the right to do something. Any political party has the right to do sensitization; any political party has the right to do sensitization in my Chiefdom when the time comes for political parties to campaign then they will do what the law says.

UN Radio: How do you respond to those who argue that the constitution forbids Chiefs from influencing their subjects in a partisan manner in the period leading up to the general elections?

Chief: Well - I don’t think any Chief has the right to influence his people – the Chief is the leader of his people. He is elected to safeguard his people, he is elected to guide his people and if that guidance is sought by the people. I think the Chief has his right to tell the people what the right thing is but he has nothing to do about forcing his people's right.

UN Radio: So, is it true that, you are planning to seriously deal with anyone who wears a party color different from that of the SLPP?

Chief: That is news to me. We don’t have that in our vocabulary.

UN Radio: How would you advise the people to behave to each other – in the months leading to the elections?

Chief: Peacefully and amicably, so that we – we give the - the electoral commission the right perspective.

UN Radio: Have you any programmes lined up for such situations?

Chief: When the time comes I will have.

UN Radio: Thank you very much, Chief.

Chief: It’s a pleasure.

(The interview was conducted by Samuel Valcarcel, Associate News Coordinator, UN Radio Sierra Leone)

Subject: Interview with Carlos Valenzuela: UN Chief Technical Advisor
From: CHIEF ELECTORAL COMMISIONER
To: All
Date Posted: 20:42:01 12/07/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
UN Radio News

Interview with Carlos Valenzuela: UN Chief Technical Advisor on Elections to Sierra Leone
17 November 2006 | UNIOSIL/PIO/UN Radio

Interview with Carlos Valenzuela: UN Chief Technical Advisor on Elections to Sierra Leone.

Samuel Valcarcel: Today I am talking to Carlos Valenzuela, UN Chief Technical Advisor on Elections in Sierra Leone, who has been working with the National Electoral Commission (NEC) for the past three months. Carlos, welcome to One On One.

Carlos Valenzuela: Thank you very much.

Samuel: Now Carlos, tell us what does your job entail?

Carlos: As my title says, I’m a Technical Advisor. I’m sent here by the United Nations because of my background in what we call elections under difficult circumstances. Basically, post-conflict elections where the situation remains fragile; particularly now, when the electoral institutions are new and are not consolidated enough. My job in Sierra Leone is to support this kind of electoral processes by providing technical advice; that’s exactly what I’m doing here. I work with a team of wonderful people at the National Electoral Commission, which is very good and enthusiastic, though new to the work. They have been training and working a lot during the last year, but they still require some support from people that had done elections before, and that’s what I do. I liaise with the senior management of the Commission. We have a small team that we want to grow substantially to support the operational activities particularly of the Commission.

Samuel: How do you support the Commission technically?

Carlos: Technically, what we have been doing in Sierra Leone is assess the situation and recommend to NEC for action, focusing on developing basic planning tools for the election; a concept of the operations that would take the Commission from the beginning of preparations through voter registration, to the polling and counting, and the announcement of the results. Once we have a concept of operations developed then you can come up with an approximated electoral budget. Note that the Commission did not have a budget that reflected operational considerations. And of course, part of the basic planning tools is an estimated timeline. Now having done that and supported the Commission in developing these planning tools, we also support it to go ahead and implement the work. At this stage, the main focus is the preparation for voter registration, which is the major first electoral event.

Samuel: OK, we shall come to that later on. You have worked in several places including Iraq. How tough is it to work in a country, especially like Iraq?

Carlos: Well, Iraq of course, was going (when I was there), through circumstances that were very difficult. I remember laughing with one of my colleagues over working in Post-Conflict Situations. We were discussing the electoral planning in Baghdad one day and we just heard a couple of bombs, and the helicopters running around. And we said to ourselves well, this is different from post-conflict elections; rather, it is conflict during elections. The conflict was really there. And the most difficult thing about supporting the elections in Iraq was that we were confined because of security situations. Normally we’re very much out there with the electoral officers, with the people, and with the community, understanding the context, so that we can provide adequate advice. In Iraq we were pretty much confined to the green zone of Baghdad under stringent security considerations; we couldn’t move freely.

Samuel: How different is Sierra Leone from other places you’ve worked?

Carlos: Each place is always different. Each place has its unique characteristics, and context, but there are certain features that are shared in Post-Conflict Situations and the electoral context of these situations. One of them is the fact, as I mentioned earlier, that there are institutions, but they are new, and have not had experience in the job of conducting the elections. I think Sierra Leone is particularly fortunate for having a very good electoral institution. The Government did very well in restructuring the Commission, giving it an independent character, and supporting it in their first year of business. Now of course is the test of organizing and conducting a very challenging process. But I think that they’re up to the task, and that’s what makes it very hopeful here in Sierra Leone as compared to other places. You have an institution that’s very enthusiastic, that is very committed to what they are doing, and I think that bodes well for the success of the election.

Samuel: Now considering the fact that apart from a handful of others, the electoral staff is quite new, and has never conducted a national election before, what are some of the challenges that NEC is yet to be faced with?

Carlos: Well you know an election is all about credibility. A successful election is an election that is accepted as credible by all the different partners and stakeholders. So the first part of the process is to have a credible institution that organizes the election. It has to be politically credible. And so far I think that the National Electoral Commission has won the battle. I think overall the Electoral Commission is seen as an independent body, as a transparent body and as a body that is trying to do things professionally. Now comes the second part of the challenge; for a credible Electoral Commission, it’s important not just to be transparent and neutral, but it’s also important to be able to deliver the goods. It’s important to be able to produce an election that runs smoothly and efficiently. That’s going to be their major challenge; it’s an operational challenge. And that’s why we are supporting particularly the operational capacity of the NEC. Many people will think that things will go wrong because there is intent of manipulation or trying to move the process one way or the other. That’s really not the case; the biggest challenge of organizing an election is a major logistical exercise.

Samuel: So what brought you to the conclusion that the National Electoral Commission is credible?

Carlos: It’s credible so far because it’s established itself on the political ground. It has been seen as not being partisan, but as a public institution, rather than a government institution. It has strong leadership, and I think it has proven that it works in a professional manner and as transparent as possible. Now of course comes the big test, which is the operational. The Commission has done a very important work in the boundary delimitation exercise that they performed brilliantly. But now is the moment for major electoral operations such as voter registration, which pose a very important test for the operational capacity of the Commission. I think their credibility in terms of neutrality and independence is there, and they need to build on that. It’s not just something that you acquire and you leave, they have to keep working.

Samuel: NEC is now being regarded as an independent institution. You have been working with that body for the past three months, what does independence mean?

Carlos: Independence means different things. I think strictly speaking, and that’s the big difference between this Commission and its predecessor. This Commission has its own budget for example and though the leadership has been appointed, they have a free hand to appoint its own permanent staff. If you think of 2002 and 2004 in Sierra Leone the Commissions were staffed by personnel seconded from government. And the moment that you have personnel from government working in an electoral institution people might have the perception that the Commission is working in support of the government. That’s one of the main reasons why in many countries there’s mistrust. In this case, the model of an independent Commission is adopted. In many countries of the world, the government organizes the elections and nobody raises an eyebrow. But those are regions where there is trust, where there are no major problems. Here that does not exist, and has to be built on. I mean it is important that the electoral institution is seen as independent from the government. It is also important that is seen as independent from any other partisan influence. And actually it is also very important, and we are very, very careful of that, that they are seen as not being dependent from even international actors. So we in the international community are very careful that in our support of the Commission, we do not impose our views, and we do not manipulate the Commission, and most importantly that we’re not perceived to do so.

Samuel: So how do you make your presence felt?

Carlos: Well, in this case it’s very clear. I am leading a team of Technical Advisors. We do not make decisions and we are not accountable for the decisions that NEC takes. We appreciate that the Electoral Commission is a Sierra Leonean institution. And it is up to the people that manage that institution to make their decisions. We advise them on those decisions, and we sometimes make recommendations. But they can, and it’s their right to do so, go against our recommendations because they feel otherwise. What we do is that we bring our know-how and experience from different places and we say, ‘we think this is the way to go, and not this’. But the actual decision as I already mentioned is not made by us; it is made by the Commission, and they are the ones who are accountable for that. So we are very careful to respect their decision-making rights.

Samuel: OK, one of the most important steps taken by NEC was the constituency boundary delimitation. What are your views on that exercise?

Carlos: Again, I’m a technical person, I’m an electoral bureaucrat, so I look at it very much from the administrative, organizational and operational aspects, and I think NEC did a wonderful job. They were very careful in organizing a very difficult and very politically sensitive project of drawing up constituency boundaries. They requested and accepted international assistance. We provided some assistance with international experts. But the process was done completely by the Commission. They were very engaged. They were very professional. We had always recommended that they be very transparent and that’s exactly what they did. They went about it in a consultative manner. All stakeholders at both national and community levels were involved; so the process was very transparent and very credible. And we think that the product is a very credible one, and we congratulate the Commission for a job well done.

Samuel: And you don’t think that the exercise made some constituencies much smaller than what they used to be?

Carlos: Oh certainly it did; but that’s part of the situation. The Commission had very clear criteria. And as long as you have your criteria defined on how you do things, then your decision-making is very straightforward. You can always be able to justify your decision in terms of the criteria used. They were not political mumbo-jumbo; they took into account all of the international practices and standards, and they follow them through. It’s not possible in all cases to make everybody happy. There’s always somebody who’s bound to be unhappy. That’s why it is so important for an institution like the Electoral Commission to always be able to justify its decision making on solid criteria.

Samuel: So how is such exercise going to take place?

Carlos: Well, according to the constitution it should take place roughly every five years. It hadn’t been taking place for a long, long time. And that’s why the Commission decided to be very professional and very meticulous about it. That’s still not the last of it. The Commission is still to engage in the drawing up of boundaries for the local elections. The wards that have not been re-drawn since 1956 are clearly outdated and that was seen in the 2004 elections. So after, one of the immediate tasks, after the National Elections in July 2007, for the NEC will be to engage in a very complex exercise of defining the boundaries for the local elections.

Samuel: With less than a year to go before polling day, and with not much having been done yet, is the National Electoral Commission well on course?

Carlos: I think it is. And in fact election is not very far away; it’s a few months away, but as I mentioned, voter registration is even closer. That’s going to happen a few months before polling takes place. While the Commission is new, and preparations have been slow in picking up pace, I think that the Commission has made long strides, particularly in the last couple of weeks. It’s prepared itself quite well. The Commission needed to strengthen itself in terms of moving to an enabling facility that would allow it to work, and they did that. They went about it through a very transparent process of hiring additional core staff for the Commission. And on the first of November approximately 35 new staff members chosen very transparently on merit came on board. Basic decisions have been made and development of procedures is very much ongoing as we speak. All of the technical preparations for the procurement processes for the data center that the elections will require in order to process information for voter registration is quite ahead. There are still a lot of preparations ahead, but I think the Commission is well on its way, in what I call the operational mode.

Samuel: Are there any anticipated flash points?

Carlos: Oh, there are always anticipated flash points.

Samuel: And what are they?

Carlos: You know there are many different things that could go wrong that’s why one of the axioms of electoral planning is to have alternate plans. You have plan ‘A’ but you always need plan ‘B’ as a contingency. You have to be flexible to allow things to happen. And particularly in circumstances like in Sierra Leone, where the infrastructure is not as strong that it could support what the Commission would like to have. While the political landscape is still a little bit bubbly I don’t foresee major happenings that will stop the Commission from actually fulfilling its mandate. I think if they continue as they are they will be able to do it.

Samuel: Let’s talk about registration of voters. What plans are there at the moment?

Carlos: The Commission in its concept of operations has established a model for registration of voters that will, like in the past, suppose that illegible voters will come to registration centers established throughout the country to present themselves and register as legible voters. Following the legal framework, there are a number of documentary proofs that will be required, et cetera. The Commission has been working on that and they will come in a timely manner to tell all Sierra Leoneans exactly what the requirements are, where they have to register and why. The field work, which is very important, of defining the number of registration centers per section, and per constituencies is ongoing, and the district offices are very concerned, looking at their situation, and they have been given clear guidelines as to how to go about the issue of defining how many centers they need based on estimated voter population, and other criteria like accessibility et cetera. So that’s ongoing. The procurement process for the electoral materials have also started, and as mentioned the development of procedures and the manuals for training, which is an essential part of the process, is also ongoing; so there is a lot of different motors already running in the Commission in preparation for voter registration.

Samuel: One has to be 18-years old in Sierra Leone before you have the right to exercise your franchise.

Carlos: That’s correct.

Samuel: And what happens to those who turn 18 after the closing date of registration.

Carlos: Yeah, I think that the Commission has accepted an international standard which is that because the constitution establishes that in order to vote you have to be 18, and then the cutting off date is the date before the polling date. So you still have to prove, and every Sierra Leonean will have to prove that they were born on or before that cutting date, but that’s the way that the Commission has decided to go along. But I think that all of these details on what the modalities are will come in a systematic manner from the Commission itself so that every Sierra Leonean knows exactly who is entitled to vote, what documents you need to bring, and more importantly, where you have to go to register.

Samuel: And when it comes to documents, many people especially those who live in the provincial areas can’t produce birth certificates. What happens in the absence of a birth certificate?

Carlos: Well based on the legal framework the Commission has decided on a number of documents that they feel are acceptable to prove either identity or eligibility. It is not my place to come out and disclose those documents in this interview, but the Commission will in a timely fashion come out on that. A birth certificate is one of them, but it’s not the only one, and not even the most important one. So there are a number of different possibilities for documentary proof of identification or eligibility, but there are other instances, which have been used; all of that will be presented in due course by the Commission.

Samuel: So how regular is the voter register going to be updated?

Carlos: The electoral commission had made a decision to try to establish a permanent electoral role. As you know, the practice in the recent past in Sierra Leone is that before each election, a new voter register is established. That happened in 2002 and 2004. That’s why you call it periodic register. The commission decided that it would be a good idea to try to establish a permanent register. However, in the preparations, the technical preparations for this registration exercise, it has become clear that the commission doesn’t yet have the full capacity establish a permanent register. So the main concern right now is that the register that is developed this time around it’s good not only for the 2007 elections, but the 2008 local elections. That complicates technically the process, but I think it’s a very responsible decision of the commission to do that. However the commission has also requested the United Nations international assistance to present a proposal as to how the country can go in the medium term on establishing a permanent register. So to determine what are feasible options, and more to the point, what are the requirements that the commission needs to start working? The commission and other public authorities need to start working on in order to be able to have a permanent register.

Samuel: Thank you very much Carlos.

Carlos: Thanks for having me here.

(The interview was conducted by Samuel Valcarcel, Associate News Coordinator, UN Radio Sierra Leone)

Subject: SLPP GO AND HAVE REST.
From: concern citizen
To: All
Date Posted: 13:50:37 12/07/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: p57a74ad3.dip.t-dialin.net at 87.167.74.211

Message:
SLPP UNA GO LAYDOM SLEEP UNA NOR GET NATTIN FOR TELL SALONE PEOPLE THEM.SLPPparty is not democratic you only pretend to, but in reality not .If so, allow all political parties to campain the way you do to make sierra leone a better place to live.

Subject: Re: SLPP GO AND HAVE REST.
From: ok dok
To: All
Date Posted: 21:55:25 12/07/06 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: px2nr.wp.shawcable.net at 24.66.94.141

Message:
SLPP will never sleep since they are only the party to make the country better.

Subject: PDL Congratulates President Hugo Chavez!
From: Sierra Leone People People's Democratic League (PDL)
To: All
Date Posted: 13:07:47 12/07/06 ()
Email Address: salpedel@caramail.com
Entered From: at 65.91.140.140

Message:

Congratulations, HUGO CHAVEZ!

From: The Sierra Leone People’s Democratic League (PDL).
To: His Excellency, Dr. Hugo Chavez,
President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Venezuela,
Caracas.
Date: 5th. December, 2006.
Your Excellency:
The Sierra Leone People’s Democratic League (PDL) heartily congratulates Your Excellency on the resounding victory at the just concluded Presidential election, internationally judged as most democratic, peaceful, honest and transparent, especially your election for the third term, to continue the mantle of leadership as President, and Commander In Chief of the Armed Forces of Venezuela.
Your Excellency re-election is a victory for continuity of the vision and mission of the great Bolivarian Revolution, for freedom and dignity. It is a testimony to Your Excellency qualitative leadership by example, and a devastating blow to imperialism and its manifestations.
As a third alternative force to the anti-Sierra Leone system imposed on our country, Sierra Leone, we have no doubt that Your Excellency leadership in the next six years, will do more to help African countries whose economies have in the last three years jumped from the frying pan into the fire due to the souring prices in petroleum products arising out of the American led holocaust war in Iraq; and as well as the unquenched parasitic syndrome and extreme imperialist terrorism of the continent’s economic base resources.
Wishing you success in all your endeavors as you steer the affairs of Venezuela.
Long live Bolivarian Revolution!
Long live Africa-Venezuela Solidarity!

Faithfully Yours,
Alimamy Bakarr Sankoh
Leader and Chairman of the Sierra Leone People’s Democratic League (PDL)
For PDL Members.

Subject: COMAHS certifies 12 Doctors and 7 Pharmacists in Sierra Leon
From: GOOD JOB
To: All
Date Posted: 13:02:57 12/07/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
COMAHS certifies 12 Doctors and 7 Pharmacists in Sierra Leone
By Juliet Ansumana
Dec 7, 2006, 16:47

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The College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS) on Saturday, 2nd December 2006 certified twelve Doctors and seven Pharmacy Technicians at a grand ceremony at the Kossoh Town Campus of the college.

The ceremony was graced by a galaxy of dignitaries among which was the Vice Chancellor of the University of Sierra Leone, Prof. Aiah A. Gbakima, and an array of Doctors, Ministers and Deans of Faculties from across the University’s spectrum.

In his overview, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. S.M Gevao noted that since the inception of COMAHS, some eighty-eight Doctors and twenty-one Pharmacists have graduated from the institution most of who are currently delivering health care services to the nation. According to him, the "magnificent performance of the college, is the collective efforts of the high calibre staff, which includes Sierra Leoneans and expatriate Lecturers.

He went on to acknowledge the contributions of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, which he noted, recently donated a 240 KVA generator to the college to facilitate electricity on campus, and the British High Commission also for donating computers and accessories. He noted that these inputs have contributed a lot for the impressive output of the college.

The Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Sierra Leone, Prof. Aiah A. Gbakima in his speech expressed gratitude for what he referred to as the "the second such ceremony under my leadership as Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Sierra Leone," adding that he was overwhelmed with the feeling of joy which he cannot explicitly express in words at such occasion. According to him, this against the back drop of all odds against the country and higher institutions of learning are facing, yet its people and institutions of learning continue to register successes.

He also thanked the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Health and Sanitation for their continued support to the college.

Prof. Gbakima disclosed that since he took over the reigns of the University of Sierra Leone, he has always laid emphasis on standards in the University.

"Our institutions of higher learning must deliver quality tuitioning to their charges. We must keep up to international standards so that students are given the right type of instructions/lectures," he emphasized. According to him, he has urged his colleague tutors to offer their best at all times, and assured that much effort is being applied by all concerned in this regard.

He disclosed that his administration is working vigorously to computerize the entire University so that students as well as tutors can access information from the internet.

Prof. Gbakima spoke on the change of status of certain lecturers at the college from full time to associate lecturers, pointing out that this disadvantage is likely to dampen the enthusiasm of the staff which could have negative impact on results as a result of their demotivation.

He said many students have passed through the college who have been flag bearers and implored the graduands to follow their fine examples. He also called on the graduands to resolve to the commitment to serve their nation "for at least two years before going for specialist training" before they leave the country because according to him, "the government supports about 95% of each class through their medical education for six years." He however encouraged them to return, stating, that the country still needs their services."

A representative from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST), Mr. S.M. Kuyateh, congratulated the graduands on their achievements, but cautioned them against leaving the country so soon; rather, they should be ready to work for their nation in order to improve her state of health care delivery.

The Director of Medical Services in the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Dr. Arthur Williams disclosed that a bill has presented to Parliament by the Minister, Mrs. Abator Thomas which is suggesting an improvement in the condition of service of Doctors and other workers in the health sector.

"This is aimed at attracting people like you to work and save the lives of the people of this country," Dr. Williams said.

Dr. Baimba Bayoh who presented the granduands for the swearing-in ceremony pleaded with them to take their work seriously, noting that the medical profession is one that is principally responsible for saving lives. He impressed on the need for professionalism, which entails putting as priority the saving of lives, rather than putting money and other considerations ahead.

Some of the newly certified Doctors are: Dr. Alissous Joe Jackson, Dr. Angela Olubum, Dr. Emmanuel Hanciles, Dr. Osman Kakay and Dr. Esther Ngorgor. The ceremony was climaxed by the signing of certificates by all twelve Doctors and seven Pharmacists.

© Copyright by Awareness Times Newspaper in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Subject: Worwor Blyden aims NINJA gun at SLAJ
From: Durusimi
To: All
Date Posted: 12:44:53 12/07/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-66-140-44-2.dsl.rcsntx.swbell.net at 66.140.44.2

Message:
After taking unsuccessful shots at credible personalities worldwide and labeling U.S. Ambassador Hull as a lying "Kongosah" Boy, ex RUF internet liaison and self-styled journalist, Worwor Blyden, now aims Ninja gun at SLAJ.

Borrowing her very words, "As the Creoles will say, "Water done pass flour", and reminds of the adage "Da pekin wae wan werr in pappa in trossis..."

Subject: Re: Worwor Blyden aims NINJA gun at SLAJ
From: WORWOR MONKEY
To: All
Date Posted: 13:05:01 12/07/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
I may not like Blyden worwor, but if this is the attitude of SLAJ to punish any member who has a view that is contrary to what they believe in, then they are no different than the dictatorships we have in Africa and other parts of the world. This is very shameful.

Subject: Re: Worwor Blyden aims NINJA gun at SLAJ
From: Justice
To: All
Date Posted: 14:52:24 12/07/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 138-67-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.67.138

Message:
The headlines to blast that "SLAJ Vice President is a liar" is a gross contempt for the institution. The democracy is about respecting Institutions.
awarenesstimes.com shifted from the principles of ethics. The write did not do his homework well. He should have focused his attack on the personality of Philip Neville.
There is no justification to attack the institution of the journalists Union.
SLAJ made the right decision to suspend the editor.

Subject: Re: Worwor Blyden aims NINJA gun at SLAJ
From: WORWOR MONKEY
To: All
Date Posted: 14:58:35 12/07/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
"The democracy is about respecting Institutions."

Wow, you just made a case for the politicians. So Paul Kamara was indeed wrong in disrespecting the presidency right? What do you mean by respecting institutions? Well Neville and SLAJ are guilty of that offence. Neville as SLAJ VP and his fellow JOINDALIST have no respect for the practice of journalism. Forget about worworliwor for once, and focus on these wretched wannabe JOINDALIST.

Subject: Re: Worwor Blyden aims NINJA gun at SLAJ
From: Worwor Baboo
To: All
Date Posted: 15:44:21 12/07/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.117.8

Message:
Wowor Monkey, go shove your bias for Neville up your ass .Why does Sylvia Blyden think she can cut from behind SLAJ and abuse others for trying to get rid of the libel law affecting our democracy ? What is her problem with freedom of speech ? Is she afraid of something ? Neville is , to me, a far better and patriotic person .

Subject: Re: Worwor Blyden aims NINJA gun at SLAJ
From: JUDGE
To: All
Date Posted: 14:55:43 12/07/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-054.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.54

Message:
Neville is a liar, full stop. The guy is pathetic, and for the fact that he is the VP of SLAJ says a lot about that organization. I do not like Sylvia Worwor at all, but the likes of Neville are destroying that profession. He is a complete wretch who is devoid of any sense of decency. SLAJ is a useless organization anyway.

Subject: Re: Worwor Blyden aims NINJA gun at SLAJ
From: What you don't know about Philip Neville
To: All
Date Posted: 01:13:14 12/08/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: s0106001109118608.wp.shawcable.net at 24.77.240.244

Message:
Neville has been a journalist for more than a decade. Since he founded Standard Times in 1994, he has endured government reprisals for his paper's independence and hard-hitting reporting. He has been arrested and detained numerous times between 1994 and 1996. After the overthrow of the elected government of President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah in May 1997, the AFRC military regime targeted the journalists of Standard Times. Neville and his staff went underground, but continued to publish the newspaper. He was attacked, and eventually fled into exile in the United States.
Neville returned to Sierra Leone after the restoration of the Kabbah government in 1998. But after the rebels invaded Freetown in the first days of 1999, they targeted Neville's newspaper for reprisal. On Jan. 9, 1999, rebels burned the offices of Standard Times and murdered Paul Mansaray, Standard Times's news editor, as well as Mansaray's wife, his children, and his nephew. Neville again went into exile in the United States and returned to Sierra Leone in July 1999. After two years back in Sierra Leone, Neville and several other Sierra Leonean journalists received death threats, forcing Neville back into exile in the United States.

In September 2000, World Press Review named Neville and two other Sierra Leonean journalists, David Tam-Baryoh and Paul Kamara, International Editors of the Year. After learning of his return to the United States, World Press Review caught up with Neville for his insight into the situation in Sierra Leone today.

WPR: What brings you back to the United States?

PN: Well, you know I own a newspaper in Sierra Leone [The Standard Times], so when I'm there it's just a question of supervising what is going on there, but basically I am in the United States. But at times I go to Sierra Leone to see what the people are doing, what the problems are, and to give the journalists at the paper assistance so that the paper can continue.

But recently, it was rather unfortunate that some of us received a letter from… certain unidentifiable people threatening to take our lives because we have been very critical [of the government]. Or I should say, these people thought we had been critical of the SLPP [the ruling Sierra Leone People's Party]. We really were not critical of the party; we were only bringing problems in the country to light, trying to correct the SLPP's approach. But the letter said [the senders] would make sure we wouldn't live to see the coming election. Some of us did not take the letter too seriously, but others of us took it very seriously because we know what people there are capable of doing.

From first-hand experience?

Some of us at the paper had problems in 1997, in 1999… You know, there are lots of things the government of Sierra Leone does to journalists—we were locked up, even tortured, as journalists we were put in containers, they beat us mercilessly—so we know what these people are capable of doing. That's why I took the threats seriously. I contacted international organizations and media outlets like World Press Review and allAfrica.com, and they told me that they had heard about the threats, and that they also were not going to take [the threats] lightly.

In the past, we heard quite a bit about the dangers of being a journalist in Sierra Leone, but lately the Western news media have devoted less attention to the topic. From what you're saying, though, it sounds like things haven't become much safer for journalists in Sierra Leone.

If I could jog your memory back, you'll recall that in the year 2000, when we won [World Press Review's International Editor of the Year] award, [co-recipient] David Tam-Baryoh and I agreed that working as a journalist in Sierra Leone is one of the most difficult things on Earth, since when you write certain articles that the government sees as negative, they say you are preaching the gospel of the RUF, and when you write something that approves of the government, the RUF says, "Well these people are not on our side." When you find you are between the devil and the deep blue sea, you have to go! … But, despite all these difficulties, journalists have been doing their best to bring out the ills [of Sierra Leonean society] so that people can correct them.

What ills? The consensus in the American press, and indeed, the international press seems to be that all of Sierra Leone's problems are solved: The RUF has disarmed, fair and peaceful elections are scheduled for May 14, 2002. Sierra Leone seems to be emerging from a dark chapter in its history. Is this accurate?

This is very, very ridiculous. Whatever stories suggest this are not true, the reports need to be revisited. Because the editor of the New York Times, or whatever paper it was where you read these things, cannot just sit in New York and make a telephone call to Sierra Leone and really know from that what is happening there. They should go there and see what is happening. For the New York Times or any other publication to say everything is peaceful is very ironical. In fact, the RUF has not disbanded, it has not been disarmed, they are still holding on to their guns. I was just talking to [reporters at the Standard Times] the other day, and they told me that members of the RUF recently told the government that they would not hand over their guns unless the government paid them US$30,000. Not everywhere in Sierra Leone is absolutely free, as those papers may have written… For the Sierra Leonean government to know all this, and to still be prepared to conduct an election… I find it incredible. One can only conclude that the government is very insensitive to the plight of the people.

I've heard reports that the RUF has merely moved back to their patron state Liberia. Have you seen evidence that this is true?

This is true. You ask for evidence. As I'm speaking to you, most of Sierra Leone's troops have been stationed on the boundary between Sierra Leone and Liberia. And most of these guys [in the RUF], they've gone to Liberia. We don't know whether they're waiting to return until after the election, we don't know what they are going to do. We don't know how many of them have gone into Guinea. You see, the situation is very threatening. The only thing of which we can be certain is that most of them have gone to Liberia.

So in your view, they're still a threat to the security of Sierra Leone.

Of course! Of course, especially when we cannot lay hands on them. Neither have we laid hands on [senior RUF military commander] Gen. "Mosquito" Sam Bokari, who is one of the main players. We don't know what he is up to. We don't know where he has gone. We do know that he has acquired a lot of wealth during this 10-year war; he has acquired a lot of diamonds. So the RUF is really a threat, we cannot underestimate the power and the strength of the RUF, especially when we know that these people have connections outside. The RUF is a terrorist group with connections to international terrorist groups. When so many of them are still at large, and have such wealth at their disposal, it would be folly to underestimate their destructive capabilities. We don't know what they're waiting for now, but we must not underestimate them.

When you say they've been doing business with international terrorist groups, you mean…

Osama bin Laden. In fact, there was an article in the [Nov. 1] Washington Post that made a lot of revelations about the business that Sam Bokari and the RUF had been doing with Al-Qaeda. [Based on specific information from unnamed U.S. and European intelligence sources, Post journalist Douglas Farah outlined how suspected Al-Qaeda and Lebanese Hezbollah members allegedly raised and laundered money though trading in RUF-mined diamonds].

You said that you don't know if the RUF is waiting to strike until after the elections. Are you concerned that if the elections don't go well, the RUF might seek to capitalize on the instability?

The RUF isn't the only potential source of instability in Sierra Leone. We also must worry about the politicians. They are determined to stop the elections because they have seen the fraudulent manner in which the elections are to be conducted. They say that if this is what the Kabbah government and the electoral commission plan to do, then they're going all out to see that the elections don't take place in May. [On Dec. 20, 2001, the Sierra Leonean parliament approved the "District Block" voting system (DBVS), whereby parties will submit names of candidates in each electoral district and the election of party representatives will be based on the percentage of votes won by parties in the district. Opposition MPs said that the electoral commission itself had not been approved by Parliament, and so the laws it wrote outlining the new system were meaningless.—WPR].

I've seen reports in the Sierra Leonean press claiming that the structure of the coming elections is unconstitutional. Do you agree?

The manner in which [the elections] are to be conducted is very fraudulent. The system [the electoral commission] has adopted is unconstitutional and illegal; it has not gone through the proper channels to implement the system. In the past, we had the Proportional Representation (PR) system, which operates on a "first-past-the-post" basis. [The government] thinks the people don't know, that they're illiterate, and so they can just introduce whatever system they want to, just as long as the people they want to put in power are in power.

To repeat, the Constitution prescribes a "first-past-the-post" voting system. It's really shocking that the government has decided to put aside the system laid out in the Constitution to bring in a system that is very new to the people. A recent poll published by [the Freetown-based, non-governmental] Campaign for Good Governance found that nearly 82 percent of Sierra Leonean respondents said they did not understand the new voting system. So you see how the government is confusing the people.

Supporters of the DBVS say that the PR system would be impossible to implement, that realistically, on the ground, they can't guarantee the security of the polling stations, it's too much work to implement on such short notice. How would you respond to them?

It's true—some people have been saying that. Others say that if the country isn't ready for elections, we shouldn't hold them. Let us have an interim government instead, a caretaker government for three months, six years, however long it takes. We must put all the mechanisms in place to have truly representative elections. Let us make sure the disarmament process is complete; let us resettle the refugees [forced to leave their homes in the civil war] in their own districts. Let us rebuild our country and ourselves first. This is what some people are saying. But you see, holding the elections now would be to President Kabbah's advantage.

In what way?

According to him, the opposition parties are not prepared, so he is the only one who is prepared now. And since he is the only one who is prepared, going into an election now would help him and hinder the opposition. That is why he decided to hold an election now. And here we are, hearing that the "international community" has pressured him so that they can withdraw from the region! This is ridiculous.

How so?

How can the "international community" in Sierra Leone pressure anyone? Civil society and international aide organizations are the people feeling the pinch. This is only the excuse the government is circulating. But we all know President Kabbah is very inconsistent. He can say one thing to you, turn around, and say the opposite is true.

Why do you think the international community, and by this I mean the United Nations and countries like Britain and the United States, why do you think they're pushing ahead for elections when there's such evidence the country simply isn't ready to conduct them?

Well, there's the rub. Why is it that Britain—and you know that at one point [the year 2000] Britain had 5,500 [peacekeeping] troops there—why is it that they are pushing for elections now? We don't know. We have heard that there are a lot of mining concessions going to British companies. But we don't know if that is true or not. But if, after the elections, people there begin to see British mining companies mining in Sierra Leone, they will begin to draw conclusions...

Britain has spent a lot of money on Sierra Leone. We had expected that since Britain has spent a lot of money, they would have had an interest in securing a stable situation before having elections. But this is not so.

So you think it's a question of putting a fresh coat of paint on the Kabbah regime, making it appear as if it has a democratic mandate so that people…

Exactly. They're putting a new bandage on the sore so that people will say that everything is fine [in Sierra Leone], when, in actual fact, this is not true. Some people out here who write very beautiful articles… Well, they should know there are those of us who are not happy.

So what do you see as the proper solution to these problems?

My personal opinion is that elections should not be held now. Let us have an interim government.

Now, President Kabbah has said that the idea of an interim government is unconstitutional. In the same way, there is nothing in the Constitution that talks about the DBVS. So why is he accepting the DBVS? If something is not good for him, then he will say it is unconstitutional. If it is good for him then, oh, that is good.

But we are saying, in the interests of the nation, let us postpone this election and create a caretaker government. You know, the country is just coming out of war. We are expecting this kind of innovation. We should not rush into elections now. And I tell you, if we rush into this election, and then it comes out that it was conducted fraudulently—and mind you, we haven't even had the elections and they've already been exposed as fraudulent—there are going to be some problems.

What sort of problems?

There will be some fights. In fact, the attorney general [Solomon Berewa], one of the craftiest people in Kabbah's government, is presenting a bill to Parliament that says that if during the election, there is any confusion—fights or what have you—President Kabbah has the right to cancel the elections immediately and step in as president for another four months. This is what I understand the attorney general is working toward.

And do you believe that the UNAMASIL force in place now is sufficient to insure that there won't be any violence?

If the attorney general is presenting this bill, that indicates [the government] is also worried the elections might not be peaceful. If they were sure that the elections are going to be peaceful, there would be no need for them to prepare such a document.

Your colleague David Tam-Baryoh has told us about some of the more glaring cases of corruption in Sierra Leone, and has written about the many cases Sierra Leone's Anti-Corruption Commission [ACC] has tried. Are they making headway?

The ACC is just a political weapon. That is how I describe the ACC. It's just a political weapon for the president. That is, if the president wants this person to be dealt with, he sends the ACC there. The ACC has not been independent. In fact, the ACC is partially funded by the government. So he who pays the piper, calls the tune…

Have you heard of cases of corruption that have gone uninvestigated by the ACC, or have been thrown out by the justice minister once they've been presented to him?

Yes, there are many cases. Let me just give you a typical one, which involves a Nigerian businessman named Ade Otusana. Now this Otusana is an intimate friend of President Kabbah, which no doubt helped him to win many contracts with [Sierra Leone's recently privatized phone company] Sierratel. Anyway, it came out that he wasn't performing on some of these contracts, but that he was still getting paid… for work he never did. The ACC got wind of this and started investigating. After some investigation, they determined the allegations were true. Whether or not Otusana had done any work, he would present his bill to the government, and the government would deposit money in a special bank account Otusana kept for this purpose.

…But when Otusana heard the results of the investigation, he went to Attorney General Berewa to give his version of the story. As he was leaving the attorney general's office, he ran into someone from the ACC and was taken down to the ACC's office. The ACC called the president's office because they knew Otusana was a friend of Kabbah's. Someone at the president's office responded that they should free Otusana immediately, that he was on important business. So they left him! They let him walk free! The following day, he flew out of the country for business in London.

After a month or so, he returned to Sierra Leone, and he was given an escort, a bodyguard. So we [in Sierra Leone] began to say, "Why is this kind of thing happening? Why?"

And there are other cases. There is a case against the income-tax department. Now that income-tax department was headed by a Ms. Commons, the daughter of Berthen Macaully Sr., a prominent London lawyer. Ms. Commons was doing her bit to improve the efficiency of the department. But because somebody from the SLPP wanted her position, they [the ACC] had to bring her up on charges of corruption. They said that she was bribed with Le 1 million, about US$500. Do you think somebody of that caliber, of that quality, would accept US$500 as a bribe? Even though the country is sick, that amount is so small! So now the woman has been removed and somebody else is there now. This is the injustice system going on in that country!

So is there no hope? Do you see any chance of curbing corruption?

The only way that the ACC can be viable, can be productive, is if it is staffed with independent people. We need expatriates leading that commission. We need money, not from the Sierra Leonean government, but from donor organizations, and this money should be monitored thoroughly to make sure it goes where it was meant to go.

If I had my own way, elections would be postponed. And now there's a kind of bitter confrontation between Kabbah and Charles Magai. Charles Magai is also competing for the leadership of the SLPP. Magai recently resigned from his position as minister of safety and security. Since then, he's been a gadfly buzzing around the SLPP.

So he's somebody we should definitely keep an eye on.

Yes, that is it. So Kabbah is not comfortable with Charles Magai and Magai is not comfortable with Kabbah. So they are looking at each other with opposite eyes.

How has this manifested itself? Can you tell us more about Magai?

Well, Magai's father [Milton Margai] was the first [democratically elected] prime minister of Sierra Leone. Just as in the United States we have Bush Jr., who felt entitled to be president because his father, Bush Sr., used to be president, so Charles Magai wants to rule because he feels, "This is my country. My father has been in the office, so I'm also capable of going there."

And he has a following within the SLPP?

Yes, he has a following within the SLPP. That it is the funny thing there now. The SLPP has divided. Those who used to support Kabbah are no longer with him now. Because they see that the man is not for the country, the man is for himself, he is one of the greatest opportunists in the country. He has so many houses…

Where are the Sierra Leonean people in all this? What's your impression of what most people want?

Well you see, the average Sierra Leonean man or woman wants the elections postponed. Why? If you go to that country, you'll see how sorry it is. People are still in the camps [for the internally displaced]. People are still in the refugee camps. People don't even have a square meal to eat every day. So for them, they want something to eat and somewhere to sleep. Politics? Some of them don't know anything about politics. And these are the people who are suffering in that country.

Most Sierra Leonean politicians don't ever talk to the people. They would be happiest if the elections were called off today and the people were told to go back to their places and be quiet. But the people have no alternative. [The politicians] don't listen to the people. You see, African politics are different than Western politics. In Africa, the government dictates. It tells you what it wants to do. In the Western world, you know, it's the people's power. If the people say no, the government listens. But in Africa, no! That is quite different.

You know, the current corrupt state of Sierra Leone should come as no surprise. Toward the end of 1995, the military was in power. [As the military government opened the country to elections], rhe SLPP was in the midst of a leadership crisis—they needed somebody to lead the party. Fortunately, Kabbah was in town, enjoying his retirement, as he used to say [Kabbah had worked as a district commissioner for the British colonial government in Sierra Leone from 1959-1961. After Sierra Leone won its independence in 1961, Kabbah stayed on, eventually becoming a permanent secretary, a position he held until 1969. Throughout most of the 1970s, he worked for the United Nations Development Program in New York, Tanzania, and Lesotho.] In 1995, he made his position very clear: he wanted to retire and enjoy his life. During the election, he claimed he had only been forced into politics. Apparently he felt then that there were competent people who could rule the country. So I wonder why he is trying so hard to stay in power now?

Now Kabbah left the country some 20, 25 years ago after a commission of inquiry found him guilty [in 1967] of pocketing proceeds from the sale of Sierra Leone's cocoa to a U.S. company. At the time he was working at the ministry of trade and factories. His property was seized; he left the country.

So he had already been found guilty of corruption?

Yes the man was corrupt… The commission found that he was "very intelligent, but could easily lapse into corrupt practices." But when he left, most of us were kids, you know; we never knew him! It was only when he came back to Freetown to retire that we started hearing about "Tejan Kabbah, Tejan Kabbah…" He has been pretending as though he is Mr. Clean, but unfortunately, a videocassette has revealed his true nature. The videocassette offers evidence of what the Sierra Leonean press is calling the [Canadian diamond mining company] Diamond Works deal. [In 1997, Momodu Koroma, who had been minister of presidential affairs in Kabbah's government until it was ousted by Major Johnny Paul Koromah's junta, approached Thai businessman Rakesh Saxena, who is currently in jail in Canada for embezzling US$88 million from the Bangkok Bank of Commerce, to see if he would contact South African mercenary firm Sandline International and ask them to unseat Koromah's government. Sandline, which was run by former British colonel Tim Spicer and staffed primarily by former members of the South African Defense Force, had gained notoriety for its role in crushing a March 1996 rebellion in Bourganville, Papua New Guinea so that copper mining there could resume. A report from Washington-based think-tank The Center for Defense Information, Tony Buckingham, Sandline's chairman, was also the largest shareholder in Diamond Works—WPR]. When the SLPP was trying to get back into power, they needed some kind of [financial] backing. According to the videocassette, they signed a deal whereby Kabbah granted them 25 to 30 percent of the [Kono] mining area, at a value of about US$200 million. The company spent about US$100,000 to get him back into power. Not everybody knows about that videocassette. In Sierra Leone, very few people know. A report ran in [independent Freetown newspaper] The Concord Times, but beyond that, I'm not sure how widely it has been distributed. But Diamond Works' agreement still stands.

The current deputy defense minister, Samuel Hinga Norman, is also in that video, he's not happy. In the video, he said, "Why should Kabbah sign this kind of contract?" He's not happy.

Now Kabbah is not a bad man, but he's not a good ruler. He's made so many promises. When he came to power, the first promise that he made was that he was going to construct a bridge between Changing and Lugi. That never materialized. He said he was going to give duty-free concessions. That never materialized. Then came December 1998. He said the war was going to come to an end. And on Jan. 6, 1999, the RUF attacked Freetown and occupied the city for three months, raping and massacring the population.

And Kabbah promised micro-loan schemes, so that people could build houses and rebuild their lives…. He was playing the political game, thinking that that was the way to control the people…. but he never gave the people the loan schemes. But people are beginning to ask, "Why is this man telling lies?" We all expect leaders to tell lies. But we expect them to tell lies for the benefit of the people, not lies that will harm them. This man is just for himself; he's not for the people

Subject: Re: Worwor Blyden aims NINJA gun at SLAJ
From: Jumu
To: All
Date Posted: 14:59:38 12/07/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-66-140-44-2.dsl.rcsntx.swbell.net at 66.140.44.2

Message:
The name is Sylvia Worworliwor or Worwor Blyden, take note.

Subject: Re: Worwor Blyden aims NINJA gun at SLAJ
From: okdok
To: All
Date Posted: 21:52:47 12/07/06 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: px2nr.wp.shawcable.net at 24.66.94.141

Message:
In the first place there is no ugly woman in the world.If you dont like her just go as there are others intrested.Sylvia is a woman among women.

Subject: Re: Worwor Blyden aims NINJA gun at SLAJ
From: Bo go siddon with you hypocrite
To: All
Date Posted: 06:48:54 12/08/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 71.250.218.196

Message:
It is because she is now bootlicking SLPP with the hope of getting a job if Berewa wins. You a-hs WILL NEVER LEARN.

Subject: Re: Worwor Blyden aims NINJA gun at SLAJ
From: ok dok
To: All
Date Posted: 12:08:53 12/08/06 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: px2nr.wp.shawcable.net at 24.66.94.141

Message:
Well i am sure i never said anything about her boot licking OF SLPP but simply she is a great woman with her own beauty created by God. For me she is a woman like any other with all good functions.Pleae dont be upset but i admire her.Lunta

Subject: Re: Worwor Blyden aims NINJA gun at SLAJ
From: Baboo Woto
To: All
Date Posted: 12:28:01 12/08/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 71.250.218.196

Message:
You just love ugly women. Period.

Subject: Re: Worwor Blyden aims NINJA gun at SLAJ
From: ok dok
To: All
Date Posted: 12:32:13 12/08/06 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: px2nr.wp.shawcable.net at 24.66.94.141

Message:
I guess they can also solve the proble.{wowoh woman is only when she is standing but when she lies down,no problem}

Subject: Re: Worwor Blyden aims NINJA gun at SLAJ
From: Steven N Rogers
To: All
Date Posted: 12:26:40 12/08/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: acc4150f.ipt.aol.com at 172.196.21.15

Message:
Ha ha ha...Ok dok. I dont mean to enter into this Sylvia Blyden saga. Guess I am too old for this. But you mentioned something about her "with all good functions" Have you tried those functions to see if they are good? Maybe these guys are only talkng from the outside. Please give us an insider view.

Subject: Re: Worwor Blyden aims NINJA gun at SLAJ
From: ok dok
To: All
Date Posted: 12:34:54 12/08/06 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: px2nr.wp.shawcable.net at 24.66.94.141

Message:
Ha ha ha but me friend how can everyone saying she is ugly.I get upset when they say a woman is ugly.I guess if i have the chance,i will.

Subject: Re: Worwor Blyden aims NINJA gun at SLAJ
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 17:12:38 12/08/06 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ws-lib251.lib.csus.edu at 130.86.14.92

Message:
Greetings my brothers and sisters. I am concerned about the Sierra Leonean journalistic situation that if not controlled, will bring the profession further down and make the semblance of democracy that our people enjoy now denigrate into fascistic-democracy or worst, despotism.

I have not met Dr. Sylvia Blyden in person though we have had few telephone conversations in 1997, 1999 and 2001. These conversations cannot qualify the fact that I know her. What I know of Dr. Sylvia Blyden is that we contributed on AfricaOnline forums and the NUP forum. Even that does not qualify that I know her. However, I became curious to find out about her because she was having disagreement with contributors, mostly men, some of whom were using words against her that I felt were inappropriate, and based on the discussion on these forums at the time, the topics that were being discussed were far different from the responses to her opinions, which to me was inappropriate also, therefore, I thoght I had a responsibility as a man who was born by a mother and has sisters, to caution these men to shoulder their responsibilities as men by targeting Dr. Blyden's opinions not her person especially, when the discuss did not warrant such attacks. Most importantly, that they refine the wordings against her because such jagons when used by a man against a woman in a public setting, would only shame the Sierra Leonean image and professionality being that most contributors were educated persons, predominantly men.

However, the Sierra Leonean Association of Journalists must realize that they will be fighting on two fronts should they concentrate on Dr. Blyden and not the Sierra Leonean issues. Facts