Subject: The Triumph of Party Loyalty Over SL's National Interest
From: Patriot
To: All
Date Posted: 09:16:38 01/09/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 64.26.98.90

Message:

http://news.sl/drwebsite/publish/article_20054454.shtml

COMMENTARIES

The Triumph of Party Loyalty Over Sierra Leone's National Interest

By Mohamed A. Jalloh (USA)
Jan 8, 2007, 15:20

In his opinion piece entitled "The Significance of Debt Cancellation to the Socio – Economic Development of Sierra Leone," John Mannah, who now tells us he has a Ph.D. in economics, claims to be an expert on Sierra Leone's debt crisis. However, in the process of proceeding to "examine how we got into this crisis in the first place so as to give our leaders and citizens a road map into the complicated web of international finance, " as he put it, Mr. Mannah, unfortunately, unwittingly demonstrates that he needs much more help in understanding international finance than do the people of Sierra Leone.

In particular, John Mannah proves that he lacks a sufficient familiarity with SL's economy to warrant taking his characteristically copious but simplistic opinions seriously. Even more unfortunate, Mr. Mannah continues to deploy his unacknowledged, but plainly evident, deficiency in economics in aid of his quest to promote the interest of his chosen political party above the much more important interest of his own country. It is a familiar betrayal that I was obliged to document last year, in the interest of accuracy. Please see "The Betrayal of Sierra Leone by its Pseudo-Intellectuals." http://www.sierraleonelive.com/news/templates/politicsnews.asp?articleid=347&zoneid=25

As before, let us duly proceed to examine the latest evidence of Mr. Mannah's unfortunate tendency.

Although Mr. Mannah claimed to be an expert on how SL's debt crisis came into being, sadly, he failed to accurately identify the most elementary fact about that debt, namely, where it came from, in his opinion piece cited above. Specifically, Mr. Mannah misrepresented the sources of SL's foreign debt by claiming, by implication, that SL has never borrowed money from another country. Instead, according to Mr. Mannah, SL's debt came solely from "foreign banks and multilateral organizations." Similarly, Mr. Mannah, by implication, claimed falsely that the current SLPP government of President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah and Vice President Solomon Berewa never borrowed money from any foreign source -- be it a country, a bank, or any other entity. It was upon that transparent fiction that Mr. Mannah brazenly relied to falsely claim that the debt crisis in SL was created exclusively by the APC government.

In other words, Mr. Mannah would have us believe that the IMF and the World Bank -- the SL government's historical lenders of last resort who have largely kept the current SL government from sliding into bankruptcy -- have never lent money to the current SLPP government of SL. As clueless as the APC governments have been, no one -- before Mr. Mannah -- has blamed them for the debts that have been actually incurred by the current SLPP administration during the major part of the nearly fifteen years since the APC last governed SL.

It is from such plumbless lack of knowledge that Mr. Mannah, nonetheless, brazenly set out, as he put it, to "examine how we got into this [debt] crisis in the first place so as to give our leaders and citizens a road map into the complicated web of international finance, with the aim of equipping them with the necessary tools in electing responsible, experienced and informed leaders in the parliamentary and presidential election in July 2007."

Which raises a rather obvious question: Can Mr. Mannah provide anyone with an insight into SL's debt crisis via his "road map into the complicated web of international finance," when he has conclusively demonstrated, albeit unwittingly, that he does not even know where SL's debt came from, or, much less, how it became a crisis? The equally obvious answer is that, clearly, he can not – and, predictably, he did not in his opinion piece.

Which leads to a final question: Why, then, would Mr. Mannah hold himself out to the unsuspecting S/Leonean public as an expert in the very subject – international finance -- in which he has shown himself to be so lacking in knowledge?

The answer is found in a brief exploration of Mr. Mannah's recent background. When we first encountered Mr. Mannah last year (at which time he told us that he was a Ph.D. student in economics), he was posing as an objective commentator on the performance of the current SLPP administration led by President Kabbah. It was a posture which, upon examination, failed to stand up to scrutiny, as I showed in my critique of his performance cited above. Now, Mr. Mannah has finally abandoned his untenable pretense at objectivity and openly identified himself as a political partisan -- specifically, "Director of Communications, SLPP North America."

And that fully explains why Mr. Mannah cravenly sees in the tenure of the SLPP government of President Kabbah and Vice President Berewa, a job well done. Yet, in reality, millions of S/Leoneans who have been the hapless victims of the duo's overlapping incompetence over the past ten years of the SLPP administration have seen their lives needlessly degenerate into a morass of daily deprivations -- no light, no potable water, no jobs, and no hope.

It would no doubt come as a cruel joke to those long suffering S/Leoneans that Mr. Mannah, at the end of his "road map into the complicated web of international finance, with the aim of equipping them with the necessary tools in electing responsible, experienced and informed leaders in the parliamentary and presidential election in July 2007," callously declared that President Kabbah, the chief architect of their decade-long misery, should be rewarded "with a very reasonable retirement package to send him into retirement for the type of job he has done for Sierra Leone ..."

Yet the cruelest joke of all was evident in what the undoubtedly patriotic Mr. Mannah recommends the people of SL do for Mr. Kabbah's close partner in their searing impoverishment. S/Leoneans, urges Mr. Mannah in revealing his true motive for his multiple misrepresentations, should " ... equally promote Vice President Berewa to the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the excellent job he has done, and continues to do as vice president to president Kabbah. This is because he has the requisite training, temperament, know-how and skill, vision, credibility, integrity, accountability and probity, charisma, humility and discipline to keep us on the part of economic and fiscal reform and prosperity." Not surprisingly, Mr. Mannah carefully omitted to set forth any evidence to support his unlikely claims of Mr. Berewa's alleged excellent performance or his possession of any of the wishful attributes Mr. Mannah blissfully ascribed to him.

All of which would prompt the long victimized people of SL to ask a familiar question of their latest SLPP town crier. As those who are familiar with my above-cited rebuttal of Mr. Mannah's unsubstantiated opinions would recall, it is the same question that I was obliged to repeatedly ask of the very same Mr. Mannah last year, namely: Does he really know the meanings of the words that he so carelessly uses to mock the daily suffering of millions of S/Leoneans under the current SLPP government headed by President Kabbah and Vice President Berewa?

© 2007 Mohamed A. Jalloh

Editor's Note: Moh'm Jalloh, Managing Director of Bridgedal Capital Management, LLC, in suburban Washington, D.C., is a native of Sierra Leone resident in Maryland, USA, who has had his views on economics and finance published multiple times since 1994 in The Washington Post, one of the two leading national newspapers in the USA. His first article in Sierra Leone, entitled "Foreign Aid: A Curse or Blessing?" was published in the We Yone newspaper in 1979.

© Copyright 2005, Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Subject: Re: The Triumph of Party Loyalty Over SL's National Interest
From: Sylvester Johnny
To: All
Date Posted: 11:10:16 01/09/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 66.134.73.149

Message:
Here is a response from Dr. Mannah on Kabba Koroma's piece. This might answer or address some of your concerns.

http://allafrica.com/stories/200701090417.html

Subject: Re: The Triumph of Party Loyalty Over SL's National Interest
From: Mohamed A. Jalloh
To: All
Date Posted: 11:45:22 01/09/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.117.8

Message:
Thank you for sharing Mr. Manah's reply to Karamoh Kabba. Here is my response to Mr. Mannah's reply to Karamoh:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SALONEDiscussion/message/2039

Re: Fwd: Article on Sierra Leone's Economy

Mr. Musa:

Thank you for sharing John Mannah's response to Karamoh Kabba's criticism of his recent opinion piece in Awareness Times. Specifically, Karamoh had contended that "... Mr. Mannah is not a credible source of information about the economic, social and political activities of Sierra Leone...." Thereby, Karamoh Kabba echoed my similar diagnosis of Mr. Mannah's lack of credibility which I delivered last year in a published article entitled "The Betrayal of Sierra Leone by its Pseudo-Intellectuals," in reply to Mr. Mannah's self-serving and demonstrably porous encomium to his chosen political party, the SLPP, at the expense of the interest of SL. http://www.sierraleonelive.com/news/templates/politicsnews.asp?articleid=347&zoneid=25

Sadly, it is a testimony to the chronic nature of Mr. Mannah's twin debility that I was obliged, in the interest of accuracy, to repeat the same admonishment to him this year in a published article rebutting his latest baseless opinions about SL's economy which he delivered, this time, as an unabashed political partisan. Please see "The Triumph of Party Loyalty Over Sierra Leone's National Interest." It is from that article that the following relevant quote emanates." http://news.sl/drwebsite/publish/article_20054454.shtml

"In particular, John Mannah proves that he lacks a sufficient familiarity with SL's economy to warrant taking his characteristically copious but simplistic opinions seriously. Even more unfortunate, Mr. Mannah continues to deploy his unacknowledged, but plainly evident, deficiency in economics in aid of his quest to promote the interest of his chosen political party above the much more important interest of his own country. It is a familiar betrayal that I was obliged to document last year, in the interest of accuracy."

Regrettably, Mr. Mannah again unwittingly proves the validity of the above diagnosis in his reply to Karamoh Kabba. As always, let us proceed to examine the latest evidence of Mr. Mannah's twin deficits -- a lack of knowledge in economics and a lack of patriotism. We will do so, in the interest of brevity, by highlighting only a few typical examples of Mr. Mannah's myriad porous statements that he brazenly represents as proof of his expertise in economics.

1. According to the belatedly self-admitted SLPP partisan ("Director of Communications, SLPP North America)," Mr. Mannah, SL's debt crisis is explained by only the actions of the SLPP's traditional rival, the APC -- the governments of which last ruled SL nearly fifteen years ago. Here is how Mr. Mannah put it: "The magnitude of our debt ballooned due to the fact that by the middle of 1980, private lenders were not lending to Sierra Leone anymore because of the volume of our debt" -- thus causing the " ... APC government [to fall] back on our official creditors, notably the IMF.... "

Which, naturally, raises the question that lays bare Mr. Mannah's lack of knowledge of finance, namely: Would SL's debt not have "ballooned" if it had borrowed money from private lenders instead of the IMF?

The answer, of course, is that it would have certainly ballooned. The only open question is the extent of the ballooning. That would be determined by the specific terms of the loans granted by private lenders. So, for instance, if the terms of the private lenders were more expensive than those of the IMF, the same debt from private lenders would balloon more than that from the IMF. If not, the debt from private lenders would balloon less than that from the IMF. However -- and this is the point that conclusively establishes Mr. Mannah's cluelessness about international finance -- the debt would have ballooned whether it was obtained from private lenders or the IMF.

2. Continuing his brazen partisan posturing on behalf of his political party, the SLPP, Mr. Mannah next sought to blame the APC government for precipitating the purely criminal enterprise in SL from 1999 to 2001 that has been misnamed a civil war. Yet, in the course of his moribund quest, Mr. Mannah unwittingly provided cumulative evidence of his well-known lack of familiarity with the contemporary economic history of SL, as well as with the elementary principles of economics. Specifically, Mr. Mannah falsely claimed that privatization "requires drastic reduction in government expenditure which means reduction in military and police spending." Based on that demonstrable display of ignorance of the meaning of the nature of privatization, Mr. Mannah proceeded to concoct an additional self-serving fiction for the benefit of his SLPP party, namely: "This led to the collapse of security in most African countries including Sierra Leone, and thus when the social and political uprisings ensued through the drastic deterioration of the living conditions of the people, the government was unable to maintain law and order because they (sic) had cut the number of police officers and members of the military."

Yet, had Mr. Mannah been familiar with basic economics, he would have readily recognized the error in his above-quoted statement of the requirement of privatization. It is therefore necessary to bridge the gap in Mr. Mannah's knowledge of elementary economics. Privatization does not "require drastic reduction in government expenditure." Programs requiring a government to reduce its expenditure are properly referred to, variously, as "budgetary reform," "deficit reduction" (where the government is spending more money than it receives) or similar terms -- not as a privatization requirement, as Mr. Mannah unfortunately claimed in familiar blissful ignorance. Moreover, Mr. Mannah demonstrates his additional lack of knowledge about SL's economic history by claiming that President Siaka Stevens "cut the number of police officers and members of the military." The porousness of Mr. Mannah's assertion is evidenced by his failure to set forth any evidence -- much less credible evidence -- to support his consequently unsubstantiated opinion.

3. Furthermore, Mr. Mannah demonstrates that he still does not know the meaning of the elementary economic terms, GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and productivity. Naturally, he also demonstrates that he does not know the difference between those two simple terms. Let us go to the evidence evident in his reply to Karamoh Kabba, viz.

"Mr. Kabba, when economists say that an economy is growing, we mean productivity growth, which is Gross Domestic Productivity growth (GDP)."

First, contrary to Mr. Mannah's porous statement, the term GDP used in economics refers only to Gross Domestic Product" -- not "Gross Domestic Productivity growth (GDP)," as Mr. Mannah, who claims to have a Ph.D. in economics, asserted in blissful ignorance. Since no economist worthy of the name would ever confuse Gross Domestic Product (GDP) with "Gross Domestic Productivity growth (GDP)" -- the apparition concocted by Mr. Mannah which he falsely claims economists use -- it is a legitimate question whether Mr. Mannah knows the meaning of the term "economist." It is a familiar debility that I had cause to address last year when I wrote in regard to one of Mr. Mannah's copious errors of fact and logic:

"That is only one of the so many surprising errors of fact and logic committed by Mr. Mannah as to raise very serious questions about his ability to collect data and to draw the correct conclusions from such data. It is a legitimate question, therefore, whether Mr. Mannah's surprisingly shoddy scholarship indicates a need for remediation of the quality of the instruction he received or, sadly, only of his own personal learning skills? In order to answer that question, it is necessary to helpfully identify and analyze John Mannah's myriad unfortunate errors of omission and commission." http://www.sierraleonelive.com/news/templates/politicsnews.asp?articleid=347&zoneid=25

Which leads to the final itemization of Mr. Mannah's latest myriad errors -- a necessary truncation to avoid the spectacle of this posting approaching the excessive length of Mr, Mannah's characteristically simplistic opinions.

4. According to Mr. Mannah, referring to SL, "[o]ur economy did not grow in the past because we did not make the necessary sacrifice to save."

The clear implication from Mr. Mannah's unsubstantiated statement is that domestic savings is a requirement for an economy to grow. In fact -- as real economists know -- nothing could be further from the truth, as attested to by the contemporary experience of the largest economy in the world -- the U.S. economy.

As attested to by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, (FRBSF Economic Letter, 2005-30: November 10, 2005), the U.S. has not only been experiencing a decline in its saving rate, but it actually has been experiencing a negative savings rate -- meaning U.S. consumers did not save a penny of their income:

"In September 2005, the personal saving rate out of disposable income was negative for the fourth consecutive month. A negative saving rate means that U.S. consumers are spending more than 100% of their monthly after-tax income. The recent data are part of a trend of declining personal saving rates observed for two decades. During the 1980s, the personal saving rate averaged 9.0%. During the 1990s, the personal saving rate averaged 5.2%. Since 2000, the personal saving rate has averaged only 1.9%."

However, it would no doubt come as a surprise to the self-styled expert in economics, Mr. Mannah, that throughout the 20-year period of declining and even negative savings, the U.S. economy continued to steadily grow. So, how, can an economy continue to grow when it has declining or negative savings rates? The answer is one that is obvious to real economists -- which means, based on his demonstrably porous writings, that it is clearly beyond the comprehension of Mr. Mannah.

That answer is that the deficiency in domestic savings was offset by the unprecedented, massive inflows of foreign cash into the U.S. economy, during the same period. It is that foreign inflow -- not domestic U.S. savings -- which drove the sustained economic growth in the U.S. economy over the past 20 years of declining and even negative savings.

Once that simple point is finally understood by Mr. Mannah, he would finally understand the arrant folly of asserting in regard to SL economy's -- an economy that he admits lacked saving -- that "our economy's output growth or GDP is not driven by foreign donors or investment, but by the hard work of our own people in our exports of diamonds, Rutile, Bauxite, coffee, cocoa and sugar from the Magbass Sugar company in Magboraka."

As I hope Mr. Mannah has now finally learnt, the SL economy, with its deficient savings rate, no more generated growth from its domestic savings than the U.S. economy, with a similar deficiency, generated growth from its own similarly deficient savings. Just as in the case of the U.S., the savings-deficient economy's growth was driven by foreigners -- through their massive cash inflows into the U.S. economy, so too has SL's savings-deficient economy has been driven by foreigners -- through massive infusions of cash from donor countries.

Therefore, contrary to Mr, Mannah's porous opinion, SL's economic growth has been driven preponderantly by donor funds, a point that Karamor Kabba accurately noted in his rebuttal of Mr. Mannah's unpatriotic propaganda on behalf of his SLPP party. Yet, Mr. Mannah, brazenly insults Karamoh's superior knowledge of economics by churlishly stating that: "Mr. Kabba if you had written this paper for an exam or an assignment, you will get a grade of –F."

In truth, Mr. Mannah, it is your surprisingly porous opinions which you nevertheless compulsively misrepresent as your expert knowledge of economics and SL's economy that truly deserve a grade of at least "F." The incontrovertible evidence thereof is set forth in my above, necessarily abbreviated, analysis of your plumbless lack of familiarity with both economics and SL's contemporary economic history.

Best regards,

Moh'm

Subject: Re: The Triumph of Party Loyalty Over SL's National Interest
From: Truth
To: All
Date Posted: 10:39:15 01/09/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-129-131-41.range86-129.btcentralplus.com at 86.129.131.41

Message:
Patriot, I have to be candid and tell you that i have not read your piece entirely to make this comment. i had to stop short because of this "John Mannah, who now tells us he has a Ph.D. in economics, claims to be an expert on Sierra Leone's debt crisis". it is absurb to write what you do not believe in when you would have had the opportunity to have checked the truism of Mr. mannah's claims. Professor Mohamed jalloh is a poison for Sierra Leone. if he does not believe Mr. Manna's claim to now have a Ph.D, let him ask mr. mannah where he read for his Ph.D. After which he can come and explain to us what he wants without any prejudicial undertones. some will not read it this way but I do. Professor jalloh has no monopoly on knowledge - let others be like you and you can disagree and compliment each other. I wish he understands basic common sense which was and is still the driving force to the education and knowledge we nall claim to have or acquired. EXPLORATIVE REASONING IS THE KEY TO KNOWLEDGE AND PROFOUND WISDOM.

Subject: Re: The Triumph of Party Loyalty Over SL's National Interest
From: Liko
To: All
Date Posted: 12:52:29 01/09/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: f298781.ga.unc.edu at 152.4.31.217

Message:
Is Mannah really an Economist? He hardly writes like one. He appears more of a politician than an economist.

Subject: Re: The Triumph of Party Loyalty Over SL's National Interest
From: Economist
To: All
Date Posted: 14:16:57 01/09/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.117.8

Message:
Liko, true say, talk me -- I agree with you that Mannah 'appears more of a politician than an economist.' so, it is a crying shame that he claims to be an economist. The man does not even know the the first thing about economics. He should go to Jalloh for lessons.

Subject: Re: The Triumph of Party Loyalty Over SL's National Interest
From: Mohamed A. Jalloh
To: All
Date Posted: 11:41:07 01/09/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.117.8

Message:
Truth writes on January 09, 2007:
"Patriot, I have to be candid and tell you that i have not read your piece entirely to make this comment. i had to stop short because of this "John Mannah, who now tells us he has a Ph.D. in economics, claims to be an expert on Sierra Leone's debt crisis". it is absurb to write what you do not believe in when you would have had the opportunity to have checked the truism of Mr. mannah's claims."

I do not hold a brief for Patriot. HOwever, since your comments were about my article that he posted here earlier today, I feel obliged to correct your elementary errors of reasoning.

Sadly, it is clear from your above-quoted statement that you did not understand even the brief portion of my article that you "tell us you have read." Kindly permit me, therefore, to explain the particular error in your reasoning.

To state, as I did in my rebuttal of Mr. Mannah's opinion piece, that "John Mannah, who now tells us he has a Ph.D. in economics, claims to be an expert on Sierra Leone's debt crisis" is nothing more or less than stating the fact. That fact is attested to by the very best evidence -- Mr. Mannah's own voluntarily written words contained in his opinion piece that I duly cited in my article in support of my statements.

It takes a particularly plumbless lack of understanding of the elementary principles of logic to infer from my statement of fact that I "do not believe in" whatever it is that you were attempting to refer to, but which is not evident due to your poor sentence construction.

However, to the extent that you intended to state that by stating what Mr. Mannah undeniably tells us that he has a Ph.D. in economics, I thereby signaled that I did not "believe" it, is as illogical as your irrelevant opinion that I should "have checked the truism (sic) of Mr. mannah's claims."

This is because, as I hope you now understand, the fundamental issue in my rebuttal of Mr. Mannah's opinions is the porousness of his opinions -- not whether he has a Ph. D. -- as he does indeed tell us.

Accordingly, the question of whether or not he is what he tells us he is, is transparently irrelevant -- as any reasonably diligent person who reads my article entirely would readily and easily discover.

It is not a surprise, therefore, that you -- who tells us that you did not do so -- failed to understand that simple point. Accordingly, my humble advice to you is simple: Before you offer a comment on any writing, make sure you first read -- and hopefully understand --it.

I will not dignify the rest of your posting with a response -- because to do so would inappropriately accord dignity to your ad hominem blather.

Subject: Re: The Triumph of Party Loyalty Over SL's National Interest
From: Truth
To: All
Date Posted: 12:00:41 01/09/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-129-131-41.range86-129.btcentralplus.com at 86.129.131.41

Message:
I do not masterly control the english language as you do. I am still learning it, professor, hence my poor sentence construction.

One thing you will have to understand is that appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well. Your regular professes of being an authority makes me wonder what we can actually gain from you on this forum. What have you done - is doing - will do for Sierra leone and her people other than hopeless rantings.

My professor, take heed from the people you are incarnating - they do not behave like you. Adam Smith was not so dismissive as you do to your fellows here. Learn to be modest and not be controlled by pride. If you are a true kodidi - you will be calm in your thoughts to transmit proper knowledge others will listen to and follow.

Professor, can you expressly define how we should construct our sentences on this forum. I live to learn.

Thank you professor

Subject: Re: The Triumph of Party Loyalty Over SL's National Interest
From: Economic Charlatan
To: All
Date Posted: 11:09:28 01/09/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 198.85.59.94

Message:
But why do you call him "Professor" Jalloh? He is an economic charlatan, who stole or squandered funds from the SLPMB in the 80s to attend three US graduate schools in pursuance of one graduate degree. Is that the type of economic quack you would like to compare to John Mannah?

Subject: Re: The Triumph of Party Loyalty Over SL's National Interest
From: Mohamed A. Jalloh
To: All
Date Posted: 11:57:05 01/09/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.117.8

Message:
My obviously deluded anonymous friend, if you have any evidence to support your baleful wishful thinking, I hereby invite you to publish it.

Unless and until you do so, you are not worth my attention -- or that of anyone who is not a defamatory charlatan, as you have shown yourself to be. In time, you learn painfully that there is a consequence from making transparently false allegations about someone of whose record of exemplary service to his country, you are blissfully ignorant, even though it is a matter of widespread public record.

In a probably futile effort to help bridge the yawning gap in your knowledge of readily available public information, please see the link below.

Subject: Re: The Triumph of Party Loyalty Over SL's National Interest
From: Truth
To: All
Date Posted: 12:05:22 01/09/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-129-131-41.range86-129.btcentralplus.com at 86.129.131.41

Message:

'...Who’s Who in Finance in America, as well as Who’s Who in the World'.

Do you want to be in 'Who is Who in Space'? I can get you that for $10,000.00 - if yoiu've got the money - I cant get you in their books. Too self-serving!!!

Subject: Re: The Triumph of Party Loyalty Over SL's National Interest
From: Mohamed A. Jalloh
To: All
Date Posted: 12:22:49 01/09/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.117.8

Message:
Can you also get me "get me for $10,000.00" the following accomplishments of mine ot of those chronicled in my Profile?

1. Membership in the industry elite Million Dollar Round Table (www.mdrt.com)

2. A historic first -- the first S./Leonean to graduate with an honors degree in economics with an accounting major in Fourah Bay College's then 150-year old history?

3. Another historic first -- the youngest student ever admitted to Fourah Bay College?

3. A full page article in the 66-000 employee circulation magazine, "Financial Advisor" of the largest private bank in the world, UBS, attesting to my exemplary performance as a financial advisor who successfully managed millions of dollars in corporate retirement and high net worth individuals' assets?

4. An unparalleled graduate education in America's best business school -- the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University?

My poor, self-denuded friend, whether you like it or not is plainly irrelevant -- the fact remains that each and every statement in my abbreviated profile is a statement of fact. However, it takes an objective and reasonably diligent person to understand that.

It is therefore not at all surprising that such elementary understanding is beyond your grasp.

Subject: Re: The Triumph of Party Loyalty Over SL's National Interest
From: Truth
To: All
Date Posted: 13:09:16 01/09/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-129-131-41.range86-129.btcentralplus.com at 86.129.131.41

Message:
"Rather to be than to see" - my academym motto. Thy Kingdom Come - my college motto - Thanke God for All - my university motto.

Professor, I will make it my pride and vow to unearth the true you. We are all dreamers but yours are extreme or you are deluding yourself in spending money where it should not be spent. Aside paying to hang around the cheats, what else do you do. Do you have a blog on the The Million Dollar Round Table? A $450.00 for imparting folly and vanity can help pay fees for a year for four senior secondary school children. Professor, there are people in your MDRT who do not have a fraction of the qualifications you have - yet are amongst you.

Can others help enlighten the professor. I have spoken to a member of staff at MDRT and they will be sending me an application and my fee will be $450.00 before match or else i'll have to add another $200.00. Anyone with money and the right credentials (working backgroiund a pre-requisite) can be a memebr of your MDRT.

"He that is down need fear no fall..." - Are you afraid to fall?

TO BE OR NOT TO BE!

Subject: Re: The Triumph of Party Loyalty Over SL's National Interest
From: Mohamed A. Jalloh
To: All
Date Posted: 13:25:22 01/09/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.117.8

Message:

My self-deluded tribalistic friend, I am surprised that even after I had helpfully provided you with the web site address for the Million Dollar Round Table, you still failed to accurately discern the stringent qualifications for membership of the industry elite MDRT award.

You claim that membership of the MDRT requires paying only "$450.00 for imparting folly and vanity..." Thereby you conclusively exposed yourself to a valid charge of a lack of diligence. For had you been diligent, you would have found out what any minimally intelligent person would have -- namely, that the payment of an apllication fee is but the final process in obtaining MDRT membership!

So, my indolent, tribalistic friend, go back to the MDRT website where you will belatedly learn what you would have learned had you been minimally intelligent, namely, that in order to become a member of the MDRT, you will have to earn in a single year "a minimum of USD 75,700 of eligible commissions paid or USD 151,100 paid premium credited to the writing agent's account."

Since you are unlikely to discover that elementary fact by yourself -- having demonstrated your inability to obtain elementary information from a website which has already been porovided to you, as I did before you returned with your uninformed rant -- I have helpfully provided below the link to the strignent income requierements for membership of the MDRT.

Now, hopefully, you would understand why only the top 6% of financial services in the world ever qualify in any given year to recive that elite industry award.

So you claim that all you need to become an MDRT member is $450? My friend, your blissful ignorance is truly amusing!

Subject: Re: The Triumph of Party Loyalty Over SL's National Interest
From: Truth
To: All
Date Posted: 13:53:33 01/09/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-129-131-41.range86-129.btcentralplus.com at 86.129.131.41

Message:
I earn more than that my professor. Do not fool yourself. it is not the salaray that matters here, if you earn more to meet, like you said, their requirements - you are in. That does not make you successful.
------------------------------------------------------
Your wrote:

Now, hopefully, you would understand why only the top 6% of financial services in the world ever qualify in any given year to recive that elite industry award.

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This word professor - recive - was it mis-spelt or a new word I need to learn from the master craftsman.

take life easy as a professional - my son earns about $265,000.00 as a real estate broker. I will also implore him to join this EXCLUSIVE CLUB to join your likes (GREAT MEN).

Subject: Re: The Triumph of Party Loyalty Over SL's National Interest
From: Mohamed A. Jalloh
To: All
Date Posted: 14:06:05 01/09/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.117.8

Message:
As usual, you miss the point, my boastful, tribalistic, self-deluded friend. That question is simple enough even for you to understand, namely:

How do you reconcile your transparently ignorant claim that it requires only $450 to become an MRDT memmber, with the simple fact that it requires "a MINIMUM of of USD 75,700 of eligible commissions paid or USD 151,100 paid premium credited to the writing agent's account" to become one?

As I await your timely answer, I again note another instance of your seemingly chronic inability to understand anything you read -- a fcat evidenced by your repeated failure to understand that a MINIMUM earming of $75,000 in commissions or $151,0 in paid premiums" is NOT equivalent to a maximum of $75,000 in commissions or $151,0 in paid premiums!

So, my chronically blissfully ignorant tribalistic friend, MDRT members do not necessarily earn the minimum $75,000 in commissions or $151,0 in paid premiums required to be considered for membership.

But, of course, it takes an understanding of the meaning of the simple word, minimum, to know that equally simple fact. So, no one should be surprised that you do not know that, even after repeated simplified instruction!

Subject: Re: The Triumph of Party Loyalty Over SL's National Interest
From: Ahmed
To: All
Date Posted: 14:22:52 01/09/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ca32-ch01-bl04.ny-newyorkc0.sa.earthlink.net at 207.69.138.6

Message:
Moh'm,

Sengbe and his ilks are just jealous of your academic prowess.Instead of attacking your article,they prefer to attack you personally.That's how little minds operate.On the other hand,thanks for picking apart Dr.Mannah's political diatribe.he should have referred to himself as a political commentator rather than an economist.These are the kinds of "intellectuals" who are craving for power in an SLPP led Government.
SALONE SORRY,OOOH!

Subject: Re: The Triumph of Party Loyalty Over SL's National Interest
From: Truth
To: All
Date Posted: 13:05:08 01/09/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-129-131-41.range86-129.btcentralplus.com at 86.129.131.41

Message:
"Rather to be than to see" - my academym motto. Thy Kingdom Come - my college motto - Thanke God for All - my university motto.

Professor, I will make it my pride and vow to unearth the true you. We are all dreamers but yours are extreme or you are deluding yourself in spending money where it should not be spent. Aside paying to hang around the cheats, what else do you do. Do you have a blog on the The Million Dollar Round Table? A $450.00 for imparting folly and vanity can help pay fees for a year for four senior secondary school children. Professor, there are people in your MDRT who do not have a fraction of the qualifications you have - yet are amongst you.

Can others help enlighten the professor. I have spoken to a member of staff at MDRT and they will be sending me an application and my fee will be $450.00 before match or else i'll have to add another $200.00. Anyone with money and the right credentials (working backgroiund a pre-requisite) can be a memebr of your MDRT.

"He that is down need fear no fall..." - Are you afraid to fall?

TO BE OR NOT TO BE!

Subject: Re: The Triumph of Party Loyalty Over SL's National Interest
From: Or Makey (Jenkin Street)
To: All
Date Posted: 13:01:08 01/09/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 70.237.0.17

Message:
I know Mohamed Jalloh. He was a good kid. He used to come to my shop to fix his shoes. he was one brilliant kid. Too bad he has this SLPMB mud still stuck to his shoes. I wish I was still doing shoes. I know how to remove mud.

Subject: Re: The Triumph of Party Loyalty Over SL's National Interest
From: Truth
To: All
Date Posted: 11:43:01 01/09/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-129-131-41.range86-129.btcentralplus.com at 86.129.131.41

Message:
I do not begrudge anyone. I am calling him such because I believe in giving the highest accolades to any human. I will also call you professor, if you like. Are you happy with that?

Subject: SHELTER FOR SUSTAINABLE WORLD
From: Josep Camps
To: All
Date Posted: 09:02:39 01/09/07 ()
Email Address: pitucamps@terra.es
Entered From: 28.red-213-98-128.staticip.rima-tde.net at 213.98.128.28

Message:
SHELTER FOR SUSTAINABLE WORLD

Today, in the beginning of the XXI century, the vision about the way of future like a citizens in the planet is every day, more and more opaque. Every day passed carries us, slow but of inexorable form, toward the tactical and important no return point, where the capacity to restore the damage and where the clock of our countdown for the health of our home, the planet, starts without stop.
Today, is time to begin to put in practice, the solutions which we support, review them, improve them and if is possible execute them.
Dominated by a powerful and natural instinct of survival, the human being has been transported through the pass of time toward his multiplication, to be able occupy completely some day our big and extensive planet. Two thosand and five hundred years ago, the Roman patricians promulgated the first shelter law (or guardianship) still today effective, that invites the parents to give dress, bed and food at the minors age. With it, many minors could obtain the “liberty” necessary, to be able to stop the activities that often, they were commited to make, being smallers.
Unfortunately for all, imagine the effects of a permanent or bigger shelter for the people who wish to take it, has been until today with the arrival of a occupied world and impossible issue. The urgent mision for all we for today is recognize that with a greater shelter, we can obtain the necessary apparatus to safeguard in a natural way, our demographic levels for the future coming. In second place, with the reform of this simple law of liberty, basic for many citizens, we could get the necessary condition to put the point and end to the social traumas, disorders and sufferings that with the lack of alternatives to live, the present shelter it reports to us: wars, prostitution, consumption, the poverty, the illness, the hunger, drugs, delinquency, pollution, crimes, emigration...
And in third place, with a more human shelter, besides obtaining the fruits of freedom still to discover, we will obtain the natural apparatus able to safeguard and restore with the time, our so dangerous present levels of degradation, pollution and destruction planetary. The necessity to remodel our shelter right, is the correct and urgent exercise, than between all, we must to do with the greater brevity of possible time in order to avoid to make worse the situation with the appearance of new evils.
Urgently, on us it depends.
http://www.leypaz.com

Subject: Health Care System in Mama Salone !!!!!!!!!
From: So-Moi
To: All
Date Posted: 03:22:48 01/09/07 ()
Email Address: kemfatique@yahoo.com
Entered From: at 193.220.2.141

Message:
As I sit on my veranda and watch Freetown go down in ruins, I decided to share this positive reporting of matured jounalism with all that have no time to visit foreign news sites.
Its really damming. What can we do as a nation to improve our heath care system?

Sierra Leone's failing health
By Julia Mackenzie

Around 70% of people in Sierra Leone live below the poverty line
Sierra Leone film

Five years after the end of the civil war and despite a multi-million dollar aid budget, a growing health crisis is developing in Sierra Leone.
This small West African country is heavily dependent on foreign aid, particularly from the UK - with over 60% of its budget supplied from abroad.

It is estimated that up to 40% of the population remain traumatised by the war, yet the country has just one trained psychiatrist.

Despite the aid there is little basic infrastructure, and the largely privatised healthcare system is beyond most people's means, forcing them to seek alternative, potentially dangerous healthcare, such as witch doctors.

New doctrine

The UK's only "successful humanitarian intervention", Sierra Leone continues to be held up by Tony Blair as proof of the success of the "new doctrine of international community" introduced in a 1999 speech which justified later interventions into Afghanistan and Iraq.

In total Sierra Leone receives over $300m per year - although its population is just five million people.

But the country has few roads, little running water and less than 10% have access to electricity.

According to a British assessment Sierra Leone is unlikely to meet any of its Millennium Development Goals.

Life expectancy is 41 years, the 8th worst in the world, and Sierra Leone has the highest maternal mortality ratio and child mortality rates

Life expectancy

The statistics are grim. In 2005 Sierra Leone was ranked 176 out of 177 countries in the UN Human Development Index (HDI). Life expectancy is currently 41 years, the 8th worst in the world, and Sierra Leone has the highest maternal mortality ratio and child mortality rates in the world.

The healthcare system was largely destroyed in the war along with much of the other vital infrastructure. Now the Sierra Leone government is struggling to improve facilities - many of which were burnt down or destroyed.
In some areas there is a skeletal system in place, heavily subsidised by foreign aid, and supplemented by healthcare charities and aid agencies. Foreign non-governmental organisations supply 60% of the Ministry of Health's budget, and spend almost double the amount the government spends on healthcare.

But the system the Government has developed is largely privatised - meaning that patients are charged a fee for treatment they receive. When 70% of the population live below the poverty line, and 26% live in extreme poverty the costs are all too often seen as an unaffordable luxury. Children, pregnant women and the elderly are all supposed to receive free treatment but in practice that doesn't always happen.

Witch doctors

So for many people in Sierra Leone other forms of care have become the norm.

I was taken to visit a local witch doctor, Pa Bassi, on the outskirts of Freetown. The two hour journey to get to his mud built house is regularly undertaken by those who come to visit him. On the day I visited he told me that he had 10 patients waiting to see him. He specialised in the treatment of mental disturbances.

It has been estimated that up to 40% of the population of Sierra Leone have been traumatised by the effects of the war and require psychiatric help. But the country has only one psychiatrist, and only one mental hospital. Only the very disturbed are admitted - so for the many people suffering from less severe mental illness, there is no-where else to go.

Stigma

Pa Bassi offered to show me one of his standard treatments. It was perfume.
At the side of his house his patients waited. Because they were mentally disturbed, many of them had been restrained - chained to heavy objects to prevent them from running away.

Pa Bassi demonstrated - pouring perfume in the eyes of two of the boys waiting to be seen. This, despite their screams, he claimed was good for the brain - as it cleared out the system.

So great is the stigma of mental illness, that people leave their relatives with him, and sometimes never return. My translator told me that Pa Bassi was a humanitarian because he saw patients without charge. A woman I spoke to had paid for treatment by giving vegetables in return.

In a country which is so desperately poor it is little surprise that such forms of health care flourish. People I met in Sierra Leone wonder when life is going to get better. With so much foreign money being committed here one can only hope it is soon.

Subject: Re: Health Care System in Mama Salone !!!!!!!!!
From: Truth
To: All
Date Posted: 10:42:57 01/09/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-129-131-41.range86-129.btcentralplus.com at 86.129.131.41

Message:
Was this not on Newsnight (UK TV. I posted a link yesterday - post below:
------------------------------------------------

Posted by Truth on January 07, 2007 at 04:53:05:

How disturbing to watch our people suffer because we are indifferent to the meek and lowly amongst us. A society that cannot look after its people is doomed! We ned to seriously take ourselves seriously or else we will revisit our past soon. Too much suffering and chaos is going on and we are all not practically concerned.

Subject: Re: Health Care System in Mama Salone !!!!!!!!!
From: Steven N Rogers
To: All
Date Posted: 11:05:02 01/09/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 208-41-8-154.client.dsl.net at 208.41.8.154

Message:
Can I say " A Perfume Healthcare system"?

Subject: ROAD CONSTRUCTION IN SIERRA-LEONE
From: EUROPEAN UNION
To: All
Date Posted: 03:05:49 01/09/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-050.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.50

Message:
General

Masiaka-Makeni Road: The rehabilitation of the Masiaka-Lunsar-Makeni Road greatly improved the road safety on the road and shortened the travel time. The works were finished in mid-2005.

The EC, which has been involved in the road sector in Sierra Leone for decades, is presently funding a number of road sector projects amounting to 90 M€ (with 20-25 M€ in the pipeline), including studies, rehabilitation of main roads and rural roads, and institutional strengthening to the SLRA. The road sector support was interrupted by the civil war for several years, but the interventions have continued all over the country in full speed since the restoration of peace. The EC is by far the biggest donor in the road sector, currently funding 80% of the road rehabilitation activities in the country.

The purpose of the main road rehabilitation is to ensure a country-wide access to promote socio-economic development. A rural roads rehabilitation programme that is starting in 2005, focuses on feeder roads identified to promote access to markets, schools and other social amenities for supporting the socio-economic development of the country. The purpose of the institutional support and capacity building of SLRA is to ensure sustainable management of the road sector also in the future.

Following is the list of the ongoing projects:

7 ACP SL 44, SLRA Support Programme

This project commenced in 1995 but was interrupted by the rebel activities. The total budget of the project is 20.5 M€, and the project is to be completed by 2007. The main purpose of this project is to rehabilitate a number of the dilapidated main roads and to provide institutional strengthening to SLRA through technical assistance in maintenance and finance and rehabilitation of the SLRA regional offices.

The following main roads have been rehabilitated under the programme:

Masiaka-Lunsar-Makeni
Pendembu-Kailahun-Koindu, Kurubola-Koidu
Portions of Regent-Grafton
Panlap-Kamakwie
Kenema-Zimmi-Sulima
Port Loko-Pamelap
Blama-Boajibu were rehabilitated
Maintenance of the Masiaka-Taiama Road which is a major link to the southern region of the country and also a section of the Trans West African Highway.
As the above list indicates, the project has had a crucial impact on the road network in Sierra Leone, connecting numerous main towns and cities and improving the links between Sierra Leone and the neighbouring countries Liberia and Guinea.

With regards to institutional strengthening and capacity building, new SLRA regional offices were built or existing ones rehabilitated in Bo, Kenema and Port Loko. Mile 91 and Makeni offices are still to be rehabilitated. Koidu, Kabala and Pendembu offices were constructed and the SLRA laboratory and headquarters office in Freetown rehabilitated. Technical Assistance has been provided to SLRA since 2001 to date, providing technical and financial advisory services.

8 ACP SL 18, 6 RPR 594, 7 ACP GUI 124, Freetown-Conakry Highway

Freetown-Conakry Highway: The rehabilitation of the Rogbere-Farmoreah section of the Trans West African Highway (I Phase to be finished in 2006) will greatly facilitate access between the two capital cities, Freetown and Conakry. After the Freetown-Conakry Highway project, the EC will have funded the entire road from Waterloo all the way until the Guinean border and beyond.
This road is a section of the Trans West African Highway between Rogbere in Sierra Leone and Farmoreah in Guinea. The works include constructing a new alignment at some sections and rehabilitation of the road to laterite standards. The road length is 86 km, most of which is within Sierra Leone, and the budgeted cost is 17.8 M€. The road works are currently ongoing and expected to be finished in 2006.

This project is expected to be followed by a second phase which will add an asphaltic overlay on the completed laterite road.

9 ACP SL 5, Road Infrastructure Programme

This programme of 42 M€ is aimed at rehabilitating main roads, general road maintenance, and institutional strengthening of SLRA. Among the roads to be rehabilitated is the Masiaka-Taiama-Bo road which is part of the Trans West African Highway and links the capital Freetown to the second biggest city Bo. The works on this road are expected to commence in the first half of 2006.

The Songo-Moyamba Junction road is another stretch of road to be rehabilitated under this programme. The works shall include regravelling and reshaping of the existing road alignment and the maintenance of Mabang Bridge.

Part of this budget is allocated for the provision of Technical Assistance to SLRA in the fields of road maintenance and financial control. The TA will be provided for 3 years.

Road maintenance can be funded under this programme based on prioritised needs.

9 ACP SL 16, Rehabilitation of 650 km of Rural Roads

Kenema-Kailahun-Koindu road: The rehabilitation of the dilapidated district roads, such as the Kenema-Kailahun-Koindu road, has greatly benefited the rural populations and improved access between cities and to markets and social services. Road rehabilitation thus has a great impact on poverty alleviation and socio-economic development. The European Commission is heavily involved in the rehabilitation of the rural and district roads in all parts of Sierra Leone
This 9,5 M€ project is to rehabilitate a total of 650 km of rural roads selected in four districts, namely Kenema, Port Loko, Pujehun and Kambia. The districts were selected with the Government of Sierra Leone to complement other donors' activities and the Government’s efforts. The works shall include regravelling of the roads and maintenance of some road structures like bridges and replacement of culverts. The project is expected to have a significant positive economic impact on the benefiting communities through improved access to markets and social services as well as through decreased vehicle operating costs. It is also expected that the project will considerably reduce road maintenance costs. The project will commence within the first half of 2006 and be completed by end

Subject: European Union Gives Le 17Billion for Road Maintenance
From: GOOD JOB
To: All
Date Posted: 02:50:38 01/09/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-050.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.50

Message:
European Union Gives Le 17Billion for Road Maintenance
Posted by Abu Bakarr Kargbo on Jan 9, 2007, 01:40

The Head of the European Commission in Sierra Leone, Hans Allden has disclosed that improvement of the road and transport sector in Sierra Leone is their primary focus. This, he said, will enable the country to involve in trading systems in Europe.
The Head of Delegation was speaking at a signing ceremony between the EU and Government, for the up-grading of the Songo-Moyamba road, held at the conference room of the ministry of development and economic planning.

“We want to see a quality work within the agreed time frame. We are ready to provide technical and other assistance required” the EU Head said. The minister of works and technical maintenance, Dr. Caesar Boima said the project is part of actualizing his ministry’s mission statement of ensuring reaching all part of the country.

The minister advised that the mabang bridge be given a high concentration so as to prevent much accidents and difficulties faced by drivers will stop. “The road must be made well and much more liable so that it will not be destroyed when the rains come”, Dr. Boima said, hoping that the contractor should employ youths to gain income that will sustain them, and assured that the project will be completed within the agreed time.

The minister of development and economic planning, M.B Daramy said the upgrading of the road is part of government’s support to the people of Moyamba whose dream have been realized. The contract, he said, is a small one supported by the EU to the tune of Le 17,880,000,000 (seventeen billion eight hundred and eighty million Leones) which is about five million Euro.

He warned that the contractors and supervisors be very careful, and to ensure they make use of local materials. Earlier, the Development Secretary, Kona Koroma who chaired the ceremony said the up-grading of the road will help reduce the constrains in poverty reduction and help to achieve food security. The contract was awarded to BAO hinted.

Subject: Lest We Forget ....2006
From: GOOD JOB
To: All
Date Posted: 02:27:33 01/09/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-050.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.50

Message:
Lest We Forget ....2006
Posted by Isaac Massaquoi on Jan 9, 2007, 11:52

I stopped making New Year resolutions many years ago. I have instead been taking stock of those important things of the previous year to build on the good ones and try never to repeat the really nasty ones. Good idea? That’s on the personal level. In the case of the country in 2006; there were certain important events we must keep in mind as we start 2007. I want to take one final look at some of these events before they fade into the mist of time and give my opinion on how I see things shaping up in the New Year on some of these issues.
The truth is that 2006 was dominated by politics. The two major parties held conventions in the northern half of the country towards the end of 2005 to select their leaders. After that the ruling SLPP lost some of its members. Charles Margai the former Internal Affairs minister led a group that believed the convention was rigged and formed what we now know as the People’s Movement for Democratic Change –PMDC.
The APC came back from Port Loko, more divided than ever. They returned to the high court and have remained there since.
Meanwhile the beauty of Freetown continued to be blighted by rubbish. Now it’s rubbish all over- Tengbeh Town, Lewis Street, Aberdeen Road, Lumley, Bombay Street junction, back of the real State House in central Freetown and many other areas.
The Mayor of Freetown is fighting on many fronts including a virtual civil war in the APC-dominated City Council.

Lawlessness took a firm grip of Sierra Leone during the period under review-people got away with murder. Kenneth Moore building inspector, executing a demolition order was set upon by a demented mob, tortured and murdered. At Goderich, to the west of Freetown, commercial vehicle drivers and some students of MMCET went on the rampage and destroyed property belonging to the National Social Security Scheme, NASSIT, stealing three hundred bags of cement and other building materials.

At Mile 91 high school pupils attacked and destroyed a police station after a local misunderstanding. Waterloo also experienced the same. Throughout the year prisoners routinely escaped from prison. From Freetown to Kenema, escaping from jail became almost like the normal thing. The most spectacular escape from a police cell was that of Private Abdul Sesay, the soldier who easily stole a huge cache of arms from Lungi garrison and drove in a stolen vehicle to Freetown, for God knows what. He passed through those money-making checkpoints along the way.
Several tragic events rocked Freetown in 2006. In the far east of the city, a heavy rain storm knocked down a Cotton tree injuring and killing many people, a three-storey building collapsed, killing a few. An unbelievable road accident claimed the life of my FBC classmate Kotay Conteh, who was a lecturer at MMCET, together with a few others.

Parts of Pujehun district in the south of the country was hit by flooding. Lives and properties were destroyed beyond belief.
Charles Taylor, the warlord of West Africa paid a brief stop over visit to Sierra Leone on his way to his prison cell in The Hague. He had made a dramatic escape from his temporary residence in South-eastern Nigeria, only to be arrested, handcuffed and flown to Freetown which he set on fire by remote control in January 1999.

As far as public bodies are concerned, only the Sierra Leone Airports Authority, the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank and the National Commission for Social Action maintained the confidence of the people. The National Social Security scheme promises a lot. But we are waiting. The rest struggled and sailed relentlessly towards irrelevance. The National Power Authority was epileptic for the better part of the year but appeared to come alive in December with serious technical help from the Kingdom of Morocco. Is this sustainable?
Guma Valley started the year with a loud cry that its main water supply dam in the Freetown peninsular was completely empty. Green, red, brown and orange water flowed from the taps. When the rains finally came, Guma shouted Alleluia. Water remains a very scarce commodity for many people.

The moribund Sierra Leone Road Transport Corporation received a fleet of buses from the Libyan government and soon began to behave like some responsible organization after many years in coma. Ferry service between Lungi and Freetown failed to improve-no proper timetable. People did what they felt like doing onboard some of the most filthy ferries in the world. Just visit the toilets.
SLBS, the national broadcaster continued its free fall.

The appointment of a new Director and a Transitional Management Team made little difference. Without a serious bail out package by the government, the situation can only get worse. No foreign government, not even the Chinese will put money in that Lazarus project.

The Paramount Chief elections in Biriwa chiefdom in Bombali district, was a big issue during 2006. The government was accused of imposing an illegal chief on the people. Court after court, threat after threat and demonstration after demonstration, the chief remains on seat. Things were quite by the end of the year but you get the feeling that something is festering just below the surface.

Nigerian movies continued to pour into Sierra Leone uncensored – including the good, the bad and the totally unacceptable. Correspondingly, video houses mushroomed all over the country dealing with Nigerian movies and English Premiership football. The nation is still not alive to the dangers that some Nigerian movies are bringing to our streets.
Like Pademba road prisons, the wild life sanctuary at Regent, also witnessed the escape of more than thirty of its inmates, led by the oldest chimp, called Bruno. By the end of the year, they were still at large.

The UN radio finally found some excuse to axe the popular program, Front Page. An uncharacteristically short UN letter, not quoting any of the normal ‘resolutions’ and thank God for that, said the action was taken because of ‘the climate of the times’. What the hell does that mean?
Over in the Australian city of Melbourne, Sierra Leonean athletes taking part in the Commonwealth games fled their camp and eventually applied for asylum claiming they were running away from West African ‘evils’ like circumcision, forced marriage and whatever they could think of.

The Aussies believed them. Another Sierra Leonean had her case decided by the House of Lords in England. She stays in England because she doesn’t want to be ‘circumcised’. Football-loving people in Sierra Leone saw the national team in action against the highly rated Malians. In the end we got a respectable draw. But that was not before we asked ourselves, who was really in charge of the team – Mohamed Kallon or Jebbor Sherrington? The latter appeared to surrender command and control to the powerful Monaco star even before the match commenced.

Both senior and junior teams were humiliated in Benin and Rwanda two weeks later.
Sierra Leone finally got 90% debt relief in the last days of 2006 but many people are now waiting to see the government’s spending priorities to be outlined in a supplementary budget soon.
I now wish to share my thoughts with you on some of the important issues I have raised. I take full responsibility for my comments.
Politics

SLPP – The 2—5 convention confirmed Vice President Solomon Berewa as the leader of the party, the expressed wish of President Kabbah. So far the party has survived the departure of Charles Margai and others with its support base largely intact for now. Slowly, Mr. Berewa has established himself as the undisputed leader of the party. Two things now threaten the cohesion of the SLPP. Many party members are implacably opposed to what they see as an attempt by President Kabbah to impose the reclusive, Kim-Jong Il-style foreign minister as running mate to Mr. Berewa. I know it on good authority that, Mr. Berewa prefers the NACSA boos, Kanja Sesay. The way the party deals with this should be watched carefully in the early weeks of the New Year. This is where Mr. Berewa must forcefully set the tone for his presidency, if the people endorse it in July. Honestly, even now people see him still trapped in the idiosyncratic management style of president Kabbah.

The other important issue concerns the selection of candidates for the various constituency seats. This is not unique to the SLPP but the party must be very careful and not make the same mistakes they made in Kenema, Pujehun and Moyamba in the local government elections of 2004. It is in their safe seats in the south and east that problems are likely to occur. If the mistakes I am talking about are repeated, the likelihood is that the election will be handed over to the opposition amid massive abstentions at the polls.
Dr. Bobson Sesay is a skilful campaigner but he has a lot of work to do in the Western Area with the core SLPP voters – a local equivalent of Karl Rove is urgently needed.

APC – Under Ernest Krorma, the APC was beginning to once again look like a party capable of running the county. But with his leadership buffeted like a dug-out canoe in a raging storm at sea, things are getting really difficult. His opponents are bold and determined to get him. He should never underestimate them.

The complacency in APC ranks, the feeling that disillusionment with the SLPP translates immediately into real votes for the APC is like the delusion of one hundred years of apartheid.
A quick and satisfactory resolution of the problems of the party, (not in the courts) and a sober campaign machinery that dealt with the real issues would take the party very far. Somehow, I feel the APC looks set to destroy itself unless the political grandstanding on both sides of the dispute ends in January 2007. Many people are really fed up with this powerful struggle.

PMDC – Journalists knew since 1996 that there was a groundswell of opposition to President Kabbah’s approach to internal SLPP Politics. May be I am wrong but even within SLPP inner circles, it was clear before the party convention that a split would emerge should Charles Margai lose and convince himself that the process was flawed. From the outset it was clear that he was the putative leader of this restive group.

The problem with the PMDC now is that it still appears unable to present itself to the people as a political party that is genuinely able to campaign and win an election on its own platform. Frankly many people see the PMDC as a group of disgruntled former SLPP people bent on getting their own back at the party for making them irrelevant.

The PMDC leader, Charles Margai has be careful with the political alliances he is trying to cultivate. For some reason, he will be unable to bring the south and east with him and he appears to have done little or no work in the north. It will however be a costly political mistake to write off Mr. Margai. He could be the catalyst for the kind of political earthquake no one anticipates, six months to the election itself.
Filthy city

In 2007, rubbish will remain the biggest political football ever in Sierra Leonean politics. It’s everywhere now. The situation is worse today than when we first noticed that rubbish was gradually taking over our city. Moving vehicles and a few boys hastily cleaning the city will not help. This idea of a Nanny state that will clear rubbish thrown all over the place is unsustainable. We need a more carefully thought-out plan that made people somehow responsible for the rubbish they generate everyday.

I have read and heard many stories about government providing only half of the money and equipment the Mayor needs to clean Freetown. Some of that is true. I make bold to say however that there is something a little odd about the Mayor’s character.

If Winstanley Bankole Johnson came to office on an opposition ticket, hoping to get one hundred percent cooperation from an SLPP government that had been forced by the voters to share power in this way for the first time since 1996, then we should ask questions of his political judgement. To then go to sleep and do nothing because your opponent ‘frustrates’ your plans is like throwing in the towel in the first of a twelve round bout.

The fact also that the almost all APC Freetown City Council he heads remains bedridden by inexcusable argy-bargy, that has left it completely bereft of ideas as to how to break out of the quagmire, speaks volumes of the Mayor’s leadership style as it does of party discipline in the APC. OK let’s agree that the SLPP is making life difficult for the Mayor in the area of sanitation, what about the schools? I am a product of Fergusson Street municipal school and I still remember what it was like in the mid 70s. When I last visited, the picture was really dark.

Lawlessness
Acts of lawlessness will be common this year as we move towards the elections. The government will be even more timid to take strong action against people because of votes and the ever cynical mob will take advantage of the situation. The government likes to pretend as if everything is hunky-dory but people still remember that the police station in Mile 91 was attacked and destroyed but no one is paying the price for that; NASSIT was badly wounded at Goderich, only poor subscribers like us are paying the price; Kenneth Moore, was captured under the noses of police men, tortured AFRC-style and murdered with no consequences.

It is not enough to say that ‘Police are investigating’ or ‘the matter is in court’. We are talking about real justice – quick, fair and unambiguous. Not the kind in which the real instigators are hurriedly discharged from the case, leaving the hapless foot soldiers languishing in jail.
When drivers teamed up with criminal students at Milton Margai College, Goderich campus to steal and destroy NASSIT property what did the drivers’ union president do?

He marched up to state lodge to ‘apologize’ to the president on behalf of his members. How he managed to get audience with the president on such matters beats my imagination. Two weeks later he launched an illegal commercial drivers strike, embarrassing the whole nation only to go on radio and deny it was strike. He called it a ‘general meeting’. Let’s consider the timing of the so-called ‘general meeting’ – on the first day of school and the fact that there were drivers on the streets under his instructions enforcing the strike against some of his members who totally opposed that illegal strike by the most undemocratic of unions. Watch out for more of such actions this year.

There was a lot of grumbling through out the country when nearly one hundred prisoners strolled out of Pademba Road back into society with all the consequences we now experience – broad daylight armed robbery, rapes, and 419 fraudsters on the loose and so on. No one took any administrative or political responsibility for that. An attempt to send the long-serving Director General of prisons on leave and so give the place a new lease of life was reversed by state lodge.

For twenty years Mr. Conteh has just refused to go on leave. Why? Since then more daring escapes have occurred all over the country. It is this dithering by the government that has caused a lot of disillusionment with politics. This was how the government came into confrontation with the powerful Catholic Church over Saint Joseph’s high school in Freetown. They knew that to take on the Catholic
Church was suicidal.

They acted only when thing were now spilling over onto the streets with Archbishop Ganda leading his people to destroy the Tower of Babel that Saint Joseph’s had become under Madam Eugenia Rogers with the support of Dr. Wurie’s Ministry of Education.

The Media
Many newspapers and radio stations gained registration during 2006.
Community radio stations appeared in many places across the country. The government provided vital support running into millions of Leones in tax and duty concessions. The impact of this development is still being measured. It is in the area of covering news that a lot more is desired. I have argued before that we need to do a bit more than covering the usual statements from politicians and photo opportunities.
Here is an example of what I mean: when the cotton tree disaster occurred in Wellington, politicians took turns to appear in newspapers standing close to people with broken legs, same as when that building collapsed and the flooding in Pujehun. In fact the media went away talking about which politician was first on the scene. We cannot afford this kind of luxury. None of those politicians have since gone back to see how those victims are coping event the media have moved on. If we don’t keep some of these important things in the media during this election year, we would have failed our people miserably.

I wish everybody a happy new year.
End.

Subject: Mayor Of Freetown Exposes SLPP Garbage Politics
From: Mahdi
To: All
Date Posted: 23:43:33 01/08/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: s0106001109118608.wp.shawcable.net at 24.77.242.82

Message:
Mayor Of Freetown Exposes SLPP Garbage Politics
Posted by www.standardtimespress.net on Jan 9, 2007,

I knew and saw it coming all along – from the word “Go”, I have been drumming it into the ears of everyone who cared that this SLPP government was committed to devolution and decentralisation “in words only” – not deeds. But nobody listened. In fact virtually all the pro-government newspaper editors(including Sama Banya,a special adviser to President Kabba) gleefully waved my concerns away as “…the brooding of a new kid on the political block who was too much in a hurry to learn”.

But Sa Lone Times contributor Oswald Hancilles knew far better,when in an article of 2nd July, 2004 – barely two days after our inauguration - he intimated that “……as long as it is Bankole Johnson that the APC has made Mayor, the SLPP must do all in its power to stifle him, failing which they should forget about the 2007 elections”. How disappointed the SLPP will be come post 28th July.

Today I am being proved right by every tick of the clock, that the SLPP government is using every trick of the trade to “frustrate” me. If only they knew what resilience and dogged determination is all about!! There is one thing however that I promised Vice President Berewa when I assumed office on 1st July, 2004, and that was that as I came into politics with my character intact,I will definitely leave politics unblemished – no matter what.

Thankfully with God on my side, thirty months into the job,and with much success over a labyrinth of government conspiracies to impeach or imprison me,I have absolutely no intention of letting Mr. Berewa down. No goblin or foul fiend can daunt my spirit. No “political lion” can frighten me and if it becomes necessary to do so in the interest of the electorate, I can even fight with giants (short or long).

In writing this piece, I will not attempt castigate the entire SLPP government as charlatans because to be honest, most of the robust defenses and critical information updates at my disposal have come from my friends amongst their memberships. This shows that even across the political spectrum, and with a little bit of tolerance, maturity and goodwill, there are still very good Sierra Leoneans refusing to contribute to the further degradation of our nation state out of blind tribal, regional and political ignorance.

I take all of those SLPP friends as the very nucleus group of the much trumpeted “third force” which has to come from within (and against tremendous odds) to make this place better than the lurch we’re in today. So I will not be attacking the SLPP government wholesale. I will however not spare anyone in the SLPP that has allowed him or herself - irrespective of age – to be “scapegoatized” and used as pawns in this game of “garbage politics” – all in the name of continuity.

I listened to that BBC interview with the Attorney General a few days ago and like most people, was able to punch holes of inconsistencies and inaccuracies embellished
through his utterances. And so did the interviewer who was no doubt Sierra Leonean.Either that or the Attorney General wasn’t au fait with the truth. How I wish he’d
ever had the privilege of being supervised by this Mayor! His esteem would no doubt have improved by leaps and bounds because his conscience would have been much
clearer!!
The Radio UNIOSL (FM103) interview with Sidikie Brima, the Local Government Minister on the morning of 5th. January was as usual far from being impressive.It was equally full of gaping holes. For example I have only been in charge of solid Waste for 21 not 30 months – having taken over the assignment on 15th March 2005. Also there is no way he can review Freetown City Council’s (FCC) competence to resume the functions because we are not on board the Task Force in the first place. And for someone stressing the need for accountability,it was absolutely reckless for the minister not to be able to quantify exactly how much money they have expended since re-taking the functions on 21st. December (see below). How I wished I also had such
unchecked access to government finances!!

To the SLPP government, decentralizing specifically to an APC dominated Freetown City Council is anathema. It means losing power and that they cannot afford to do at this crucial time. Participants at the last Hotel Bintumani Decentralization workshop can well remember the chief driver of the programme,Minister Sidikie Brima openly manifesting a lack of faith in the concept by stating that “they say our ministry also has to devolve…..but what we have to devolve I don’t even know but let’s wait and see”. That is why they have been persistently creating Commissions and changing the focus and character of some NGOs under their firm control,transforming them into their counterpart Councils in the various localities.

For example, instead of partnering with Council in the implementation of various projects (in compliance with Sec.23 of the Local Government Act of 2004), some local
NGOs are persistently going it solo, and will always have the Vice President at hand to commission the projects on completion. For example, it was as far back as 2004
that Mr. Berewa, in sensing the management prowess of this Council quickly wrote to advise that “…..NaCSA will not be subsumed by any Local Councils”. Obviously the embargo there was specifically for the Freetown City Council.

The next election must be won at all cost, so no efforts will be spared in denigrating the Mayor. But the more they try – with or without Police intimidation – the more they have goofed disgracefully because you simply cannot bring a good man down!!!

This piece therefore is a credible attempt to illustrate with chronological clarity,documentary evidence that the recent unabated government publicity about their re-taking over the Solid Waste functions of the municipality from the City Council (the best Christmas present I have received in ages though!!)was all a calculated bundle of lies, calumny and subterfuge typical of their administration. I will leave it with you to discern the truth.

A few of my “home based” compatriots believe I should have come out with a counter press release. But that would have simply added value to a man whose ministry is in fact irrelevant and constitutes an impediment to civilization and development. With the re-introduction of Local Councils, the Ministry of Local Government and
Community Development honestly lacks continued relevance and will continue to constitute a political masquerading mischief. How can a hand-picked, pro-government
minister effectively and impartially supervise duly elected Local Government Institutions with “executive and legislative authority”?

From the perspective of the critical majority, the tirade will not be worth an oyster - especially with a government that periodically shoots itself in the mouth.
For example, less than one week after the bogus press release, the now notorious Ministry of Local Government were out again with another radio announcement informing the public that their efforts to sanitize the city were being frustrated by unpatriotic elements engaged in removing garbage from the landfill(“Bormeh”)sites and spewing them back into the main streets. Another abominable lie!!

This government must have been day dreaming to have ever imagined they will go scot-free for attempting to smear my name and character. In the interest of the masses,I will however not be averse to an open public debate between myself and Mr. Sidikie Brima, the Minister of Local Government on the matter at his own convenience, so as
to come out with the whole truth and I hope he will not disappoint “our” people.

But first there are a few simple issues and questions requiring very simple answers and clarifications as follows-:•hy is it that it is only now that they have eight new trucks at their disposal that the government has decided to re-take the functions and not earlier?
• How could a government that has only recently signed-off the much delayed US$2mio
Subsidiary Agreement with the FCC on 9th August,2006 decide (within three months of
signing that agreement) to re-take the functions we have been performing for nearly
two years without prior notification to either us or the IDA/World Bank of their
reasons for doing so?
• Why did the government deliberately fail to forward a copy of the above executed
Subsidiary Agreement to SALWACO, the Project Implementation Unit up the date of
their re-taking the functions? Equally so, why did SALWACO, (PIU) fail to have
forwarded a copy of their own Subsidiary Agreement executed with FCC since 6th
April, 2006 to the IDA/World Bank?
• Why has the government failed to produce documentary evidence from the IDA/World
Bank indicating that unless we partner with GTZ, they will not release the USD$2mio
or part thereof to the FCC?
• In all our deliberations it was categorically made clear that GTZ have expertise
but do not have, and are not committing funds. So why the lying reference in their
press release to GTZ as “also providing funds for the implementation of the
project”?
• If the government was so concerned about the transparent and accountable nature of
our proposed partnership with the GTZ, why did they surreptitiously and prematurely
release US$20,000 from the Consolidated Fund to GTZ without notifying us? – i.e.
prior to suggesting that we open a special account? (Dr. Nour accepted that was a
serious mistake and volunteered to refund the US$5000 already expended)
• Why has the Minister of Presidential Affairs failed to produce on demand,
documentary or any other form of reply evidencing of our reluctance to participate
in any institutional arrangement involving government and the donors?
• If as agreed with H.E. the President and team, overall management, supervision and
control would be vested in the FCC, why was GTZ asking FCC per their letter of 19th
December, 2006 to “nominate a representative” to their “Klin Salone” project?
Aren’t we the ones who should be asking them to do just that?
• Minister Sidikie Brima’s reference to my insistence to operate a special project
account “alone” is a blatant lie and simply exposes his limited knowledge about
basic risk management practices, which preclude sole custodianship over public
corporate assets. The fact of the matter is that most government ministers and civil
servants are so profligate and dissolute with public funds, that every other person
is viewed as innately as corrupt as themselves. But who in his right senses would
believe that a retired Corporate Executive of Head of Treasury rank, would insist on
signing away public expenditure “alone”?
• If anything, to have excluded the City Treasurer and Chief Administrator and
agreeing to my operating the special account jointly with the GTZ representative
would have been more beneficial to me personally. But that would have constituted a
great disservice to both the electorate and the APC Party, and I do not see myself
betraying that trust.
• Minister Sidikie Brima’s reference to Sec.97 (6) as his basis for re-taking the
functions from FCC is bogus because there are mentoring procedures to be followed
before applying that section of the Act. And even where it is applied, it should be
for period of ninety days – not indefinitely as is now the case. The fact that no
time limit has been stipulated indicates that the government has no intention of
reverting the functions to FCC - unless and until as usual, thy have exhausted the
IDA/World Bank support which they are deluding themselves still stands at US$2mio.
• If this government knew that “my actions were persistently beyond my powers” –
(Ref. Sec. 100 (d) of the Act) why did the President not preferably dissolve the
Council using their Parliamentary majority approach? But both the Attorney General
and Sidikie Brima knew that their actions are untra-vires the Local Government Act,
hence their blatant abuse of Sec. 97 (6).
• Can Sidikie Brima produce copy of the letter inviting this Council to collect
sanitation vehicles? And if government was so concerned about the sanitation needs
of this city, why did they not donate one of the US$18mio heavy duty equipment and
vehicles inherited from UNAMSIL, as they did to some other Local Councils?
• And can anyone please ask Sidikie Brima why this Council was neither favoured with
a copy of the Press Release or even a copy of the contractual agreement between GoSL
and GTZ forwarded to the IDA/World Bank identifying the latter as replacement
implementers of the Solid Waste Component under the Development Credit 3045-SL?
• Finally GTZ are not the only post conflict development experts operating in Sierra
Leone. The EU, UNDP, USAID, DFID, UNICEF and even Prince Charles are all experts
that have made caustic comments and reports on the high level of corruption, poor
and weak central governance structures and “a troubled justice sector” in our
country, and have even proffered solutions. But why has the President not thought it
fit to transfer governance to those institutions or replace his ministers with their
country representatives?

So the person to bear the greatest responsibility for these unsavoury developments
is His Excellency the President himself. This is because since December, 2005 when
he first broached the subject of donating trucks and buses expected from Libya to
enhance FCC’s city cleaning and public transportation capacity, up to another
meeting with him on the morning of 10th September 2006 (prior to a general meeting
with the IDA/World Bank Task Team at SALWACO) he never for once mentioned GTZ as
potential partners.

When he eventually did at a subsequent meeting at which myself and our future
President, Hon. Ernest Bai Koroma were present, We consensually agreed that
partnership with GTZ must be predicated on FCC owning management, supervision and
control – not as Task Team members. I believe that as my fountain of honour, equity
and justice he should have intervened at the appropriate time, rather than allowing
issues to deteriorate this far.

In hindsight I can now recall the President volunteering to act as my personal
“bulldozer” immediately after my inauguration, if anybody stood in my path. Many
seasoned journalists had a good laugh when I confirmed my reliance on the
President’s assurances then. I am afraid I’ll have to disappoint them again but I
don’t see why I should not always trust my country’s President and Chief Executive

Before letting you into a synopsis of the solid waste crisis dating back to 2004,
let me ask yet another simple question. Knowing African governments for what they
are, what in your wildest dreams would have been the predominant wish of this very
government that has so much attempted to asperse my character under the
circumstances? Simply taking functions away from the Council and leaving me in peace
would certainly not have been an option. They would have compounded my disgrace for
having the effrontery to challenge them by additionally locking me up for the
GBP1million they alleged I stole from Crown Agents?

I leave it to you to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest. But you have an
obligation to join this crusade for the truth, by disseminating these documents to
the widest community in the diaspora to avoid being classified as “educated morons”.
Send it to everyone on your email list – Sierra Leonean or not. This is your
contribution to help redefine the future of this country called Sierra Leone. It is
not that many here are not aware of our problems, but because of “hand-to-mouth”
syndrome, they are afraid to openly speak against the ills of society.

The intention is to get this SLPP government to stop politicizing everything and
show greater commitment to deepening democracy at local levels. If we allow them to
get away with this they may try something more detrimental to your country in
future. Remember the adage, “give a man an inch and he’ll ask for a yard”? This
country belongs to us all and those who have been duly elected must be given an
opportunity to serve the people who voted them into office.

If on the other hand you are part of the international community, you are morally
obliged, as guarantors of the peace and stability we continue to enjoy at your
expense, to see that all arms of government function according to the prevailing
rules and regulations of the game. You must insist that the grounds for usurping the
Solid Waste functions are both irregular and frivolous, press for those functions to
be reverted to the FCC and supported at the same levels once accorded the Office of
National Security - Le100mio/US$33,000 for a single day (March 25th, 2006) or
Le60million/US$20,000 for a week only (25th Dec. 2006 to 1st January, 2007) to GTZ
as at now. (The GTZ support can be verified from transactions over their Rokel
Commercial Bank Ltd, Foreign and Local Currencies Accounts Nos. 1046737 and
1743763). Throughout the entire 21 months FCC was in charge, only Le40million per
month was received from the government to cover fuel, maintenance/repairs and wages
for over 100 labourers.

Now to the crux of the matter and thanks for your patience for reading this far.

A BRIEF SYNOPSIS OF FCC/GoSL WASTE MANAGEMENT
PROBLEMS

Council was reconstituted 1st. July 2004 to assume full responsibility of various
municipal responsibilities including Waste Management. This function was previously
under control of the Ministry of Youths & Sports (MY& S) and supported Le980mio
annually. Dr. Bright himself confirmed that much in one correspondence refuting my
insinuation of an annualized Le5billion support.

Even with Le980mio annual support, the MY & S, as a government in power- were an
absolute failure and were unable to satisfactorily perform. Thus between October –
December 2000, the Ministries of Health & Sanitation (MoH&S) and Transport &
Communication under World Bank Transport Sector Project committed Le802mio over a
period of three months through the UNDP. The municipality was divided into four (4)
zones as follows-:
• Zone 1 – From Ferry junction to Hastings – Le197mio allocated to John L.Swarray of
Duguray Engineering & Construction Ent
• Zone 2 – From Ferry Junction to East End Police – Le182mio allocated to Mr.
Tunkara of Mabella Youth Company
• Zone 3 – From Clock Tower to Sanders Street – Le198mio – allocated to Alithur
Freeman of Community Development Unit (CDU)
• Zone 4 – From St. John to dead West – Le225mio allocated to SKEMPSM

The entire project failed and the cleaning activity reverted to the MoH&S. The
Accountant General at the time was funding the MoH&S Le60mio monthly to cover fuel
expense only. On the other hand throughout the 21 months period the Freetown City
Council (FCC) was charged with the responsibility of city cleaning, we only received
an average of Le40mio monthly to cover fuel, wages, spares and even medical & death
expenses of the temporary workforce.

A Statutory Instrument of 11/11/04 ceded Waste Management functions from MY & S to
FCC - but actual devolution delayed until Mid-March of 2005.

We held a meeting on 16/11/04 with Dr. Bright and team at his Brookfields office to
discuss handing over of functions. FCC team comprised Deputy Mayor and Chief
Administrator. At that meeting, Dr. Bright’s request for FCC to contribute labourers
to complement and understudy his work force declined. FCC proposed instead a
properly sequenced and phased devolution plan approach of human resources, assets
and funding.

Dr Bright agreed to FCC proposals but did not follow-up. Instead MY & Sports entered
private arrangements with Deputy Mayor regarding funding for use of FCC lorries to
undertake Waste Management functions. I ordered two vehicles back to FCC Works Yard
pending proper arrangements concluded.

By 1st December, 2004, the MY & S had been seeking tenders for the supply of
cleaning equipment and hiring of trucks, front-end loaders and bull dozers – without
reference to FCC. This was a desperate attempt to access and dissipate the IDA/World
Bank US$350 contemplated for an emergency cleaning of Freetown before handing over
the cativity to FCC.

Between 1st. December, 2004 and 10th March, 2005, several meetings held at George St
offices of Minister of Finance (MoF) with J.B.Dauda and his two deputy ministers,
Dr. Bright, Sidikie Brima, including Finance, Youths and Sports and Local Government
ministries’ officials. FCC position at all of such meeting was not to accept
responsibility unless government complies with the following-:

• Sec.47 of the Local Govt. Act – i.e. that “Until and including the financial year
ending 2008, Parliament shall appropriate to Local Councils as a tied grant for each
devolved service, at least that amount necessary to continue the operation and
maintenance of the service at the standard to which it was provided in the year
prior to its devolution” – i.e. Le980mio annually.
• Refund to FCC the amount of Le663mio as per Cabinet Conclusion Paper dated
24/9/2003 on account of illegal withdrawals from the FCC superannuation Fund
• Arrange for the IDA/World Bank grant of $2mio per Development Credit component for
Solid Waste be ceded by a formally executed Subsidiary Agreement to the FCC
• Clearance by Government of Sierra Loene (GoSL) on status of two previous
agreements purportedly signed 19th December 2003 and 19th January, 2004 between MY &
S and Alternative Use Plc UK by which municipal solid waste functions were to have
been taken over by AU Plc UK

GoSL refused to comply with or clarify status of all above unless we first accept
responsibility. FCC declined again because we had no “start up” finance or assets to
kick start operations. In a desperate attempt to relinquish the responsibility, huge
burn fires were set all over Freetown immolating all the skip bins whilst the few
vehicles at their disposal had been comprehensively vandalized and their carcasses
abandoned at our Works Yard.

On Thursady 25th February, 2005, Dr. Dennis Bright caused to be published in a
number of tabloids; a Public Notice captioned “GOVT. CLAIMS MAYOR REJECTS WORLD BANK
FUND”. The body of the press release was extensively aspersive both on my character
and the institution I head, and was calculated at misleading the public into
believing that I had personally rejected an offer of GBP2.3mio. – “….because of my
incapacity to understand simple and commonsensical procedures…”

In between, the previous GoSL facilitator Haroun Sankoh had been frequenting FCC
premises and openly boasting that he would rather “make love to his own mother” than
allow an APC-led council to enjoy the US$2mio IDA/World Bank Grants their SLPP
government had worked so hard to successfully negotiate. It is believed that it was
Haroun Sankoh – rather than Minister Dr. Bright of Youths and Sports who actually
signed the Credit Agreement on behalf of that ministry

Several aborted meetings convened in between at MoF George Street ofices. At one
such at which the World Bank Country Manager convened and volunteered to mediate,
the then minister of Finance (J.B. Dauda) deliberately locked Mr. James Sackey in
his top floor office and instructed his two deputies to deal with us instead below.
That meeting was aborted. Mr. J B Dauda and Bank Country Manager apologized
profusely and agreed to re-convene two days later. That never happened.

In between those aborted meetings there were allegations that by Cabinet decision,
the SLPP government was already showing willingness to commit Le30mio to SLPP Youths
to clean city for one day – instead of genuinely assisting the FCC to expedite take
over of its statutory functions.

By his letter of 25th. Feb, 2005, Local Govt Minister threatened legal action if we
failed to accept responsibility by 1st March 2005. FCC sought clarification from
minister on government position regarding private agreement between MY& Sports and
UK Firm (AU Plc) on Waste Management and how it might affect our take over. As
usual, the government did not respond.

A proposed field trip between 14th and 10th February, 2005 by My & Sports and FCC
officials to examine assets and land fill sites before take over did not materialize
as MY & Sports minister and officials failed to show up at agreed Works Yard site.
FCC conducted independent assessment. Result-: all vehicles skip bins etc. had been
comprehensively cannibalized.

Following further consultations GoSL finally agreed in principle to comply with all
requests bullet-pointedon Page 7 above – commencing with an immediate Le250mio
release as token of commitment. FCC accepted responsibility by 15th. March, 2005.

Within 4 months of taking over the assignment, the IDA/World Bank Task Team
commented thus on Page 3 of their Aide-Memoire dated 25th. July, 2005. “…..The
mission noted with pleasure the improved cleaniness in the city since the mission’s
last visit and complimented the Mayor on this achievement, despite the shortage and
poor shape of the equipment handed over by the Ministry of Youths and Sports”

Throughout 2005 out of Le980mio committed, only Le462mio was paid to FCC for Solid
Waste up to 20th December, 2005. The Le663mio Cabinet recommendation has been
withheld to this day and no effort made by then to sign the subsidiary agreement.

Total amount received by FCC for Solid Waste management throughout 2006 was
Le406mio. Amount paid over to National Security Office and FCC Chief Administrator
for one-day March 25th. City-wide cleaning was Le100mio, whilst amount paid over
direct to GTZ from consolidated fund last November, 2006 to clean the city prior to
the Consultative Group meeting and Prince Charles’ visit was US$20k.

On recommendation from IDA/World Bank Task Team, CEMMATS were contracted to provide
work plans for 4 – 6 months “Interim/Short Term City Cleaning” against $400 funding.
IDA/World Bank team accepted CEMMATS work plans but rejected consultancy rates of
pay. Work again placed into abeyance as CEMMATS would not revise consultancy costs
downwards.

Interventions by State Lodge recommended meetings between J.O.Benjamin, S.Brima &
Mayor to discuss funding possibilities to enhance city environmental hygiene. The
very first and only meeting with John Benjamin aborted as the thrust was to take
over, instead of financing FCC activity. On pressure from H.E, an additional
Le100mio was paid to FCC by 21st. December, – thus taking total amount received for
2005 to Le562mio.

By mid 2005 I had successfully concluded arrangements with Kingston-upon-Hull City
Council, UK for a fleet of 4 compactors (sanitation Vehicles) – with full freight of
GBP20,000 borne by Hull City Council. Our request for customs duty waiver to a
government that purportedly cares for the environmental needs of its citizens was
initially declined. “The Duty Waiver and Permit Committee noted that the Freetown
City Council does not fall under the category of those entitled to duty-free
concessions and accordingly recommended that the permit be denied on the vehicle in
question” (Ref-: MF-REV/100/62/01) from Financial secretary. So even where they
could not provide the resources, they were disdainful of the fact that we could have
done it without their efforts and were going to punish us for that – to the
detriment of the electorate. Duty-free clearance was achieved two months later after
much persistence.

The minutes of another meeting convened 13th January, 2006 at the President’s
request in Sidikie Brima’s office aptly blamed persistent and deliberate government
short financing of FCC as a major constraint which the minister promised to raise up
with his colleague at finance ministry. He never did, nor did he even bother to sign
copies of the document forwarded for our files.

Apart from short financing the FCC into incapacity, the government also spared no
effort to threaten those willing to complement FCC’s efforts – even where they have
been paid to provide the services. For example, the Sierra Leone Roads Authority
(SLRA) recalled their four (4) heavy duty trucks and loader equipment rented and
already fueled by FCC for an operation on what they confirmed were “…orders from
above. More recently, a haulage and construction enterprise was forced to also stop
renting equipment to FCC for fear of being sidelined from government contracts.
Prior to government re-taking the Solid Waste functions, no one risked partnering
with FCC except in the dead of night – for fear of being branded APC.

Following revisions of the closing date to access the IDA/World Bank $2mio grants,
several meetings were held subsequently at State Lodge and Local Government Ministry
in which FCC insisted on GoSL executing the much delayed Subsidiary Agreement making
FCC the implementing agency of the Waste Management component under development
Credit 3945-SL – an IDA/World Bank pre-condition for release of the US$2mio grant.

In one meeting at Ministry of Local Govt. again convened at the behest of the
President, S.Brima, A.R.Turay and J.B Dauda appealed to me to prevail on CEMMATS to
accept lower consultancy rates “in the interest of the country”. CEMMATS conceded,
but GoSL again failed to follow up words with deeds.

That Subsidiary Agreement was eventually duly executed 9th August, 2006.

Prior to that date FCC, with consent of Joe Kallon, Deputy Minister of Finance and
World Bank Country Manager I sent a letter to MoF requesting an extension of the
Sep.1st. 2006 deadline date for the formation of the Freetown Solid Waste Management
Company. That letter was not replied to, nor has that request been considered.

Also, even though they promised to do so, the MoF deliberately failed to provide
SALWACO, the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) with a copy of the Subsidiary
Agreement – on which basis a previous agreement signed between FCC and SALWACO dated
6th. April, 2006 should have become effective.

In none of the Aide Memoirs of the IDA/World Bank prior to Sept 2006 was any
reference made to the German Technical Co-operation Team – GTZ. A detailed analysis
of their proposals for Councillors’ recommendation is reproduced below and captioned
“GoSL/FCC/GTZ Waste Management Partnership Plan and Mayor’s Personal Concerns and
Guidance for Councillors’ Considerations”

Also when promising to provide FCC with 5 – 8 expected trucks and buses from Libya,
H.E the President never made reference to GTZ collaboration. Nor did he ever make
reference to GTZ during our morning meeting of 5th September, 2006 to discuss
handing over of the Libyan trucks and buses to FCC during the week – without
pre-conditions.

It was after that meeting that the H.E President called me later in the evening to
express regret that because of new developments, the Minister of Presidential
Affairs will be writing to apprise me of a new date for the handing over of the
trucks and buses to FCC.

In a letter dated 6th September, 2006 and captioned “REVISION OF OFFER OF SANITATION
EQUIPMENT”, Presidential Affairs Minister Dr.Sheku Sesay stated that because the
President had received indication of FCC’s reluctance to participate in a proposed
institutional arrangement to clean Freetown, they were pursuing alternative
arrangements excluding FCC. My next day’s reply sought information as to how and in
what manner FCC’s reluctance was assessed by, or communicated to H.E. the
President, but I again received no reply. By Thursday of that week, all other Local
Councils were invited to the inspection of the vehicles – except the FCC

The GoSL has failed to ensure GTZ adherence to an agreement made at our mutual
meeting with H.E. the President at the Lodge and subsequently at the ministry of
Local Government, that “ownership, management and control” should be vested in the
FCC. GTZ further failed to consult with FCC in the identification and training of
the various Youth Groups, and instead of restricting themselves to training and the
provision of basic tools such as wheelbarrows, masks, gloves, shovels, and rakes,
they now want to co-sign on FC account. The whole episode now reeks of an attempt to
include the cleaning of Freetown under Vice President Berewa’s SLPP Youth Employment
Scheme – which dream he knew will never be actualized if the grants came under FCC
control.

Whilst FCC was open in nominating its own members to the GTZ-Task Team, we neither
knew who their own nominations were, nor were we consulted on the proposed
door-to-door refuse collection fees structure. GTZ were going it alone – no doubt
with instructions from the GoSL who in late November released $20k direct to them as
“start –up funds” to begin the “Klin Salone” project.

The GTZ is a willing and compliant tool and the GoSL was never sincere about
facilitating release of the IDA/World Bank $2mio grants for which we had long signed
a Subsidiary Agreement. Otherwise the MoF should have sent copies to the local PIU
(SALWACO) and the IDA/World Bank to expedite release. Besides if they had no
ulterior motive, the GTZ should have been located within Council’s premises rather
than at State Lodge as the Hon. Ernest Bai Koroma evidently verified himself.

Apart from the $20k start-up funds released to them direct from the Consolidated
Fund without reference to this Council, GTZ are also seeking $600 over a period of 5
months (see document reproduced below captioned “Immediate Funding Needs Of The
Freetown Waste Management System”) to undertake the very same Freetown “Interim
Solid Waste” programme that CEMMATS had valued at under US$350k. The GoSL is
insisting that unless we work with GTZ, the IDA/World bank will not release the
$2mio. They however failed to produce the relevant correspondence that a sovereign
independent nation cannot access its legitimately contracted Development Grants
without prior overt intervention of a foreign donor agency.

Per their letter of 19th December, 2006 requesting FCC to nominate a representative
to the “Klin Salone Steering Committee, it was clear GTZ and not FCC was in charge
of “management, supervision and control”.

Withdrawal of the solid waste functions from the FCC though an abrogation of Sec.97
(6) of the Local Government Act is “a blessing in disguise”, because the remedial or
corrective measures and procedures in Sec.97 (a) to (d) were not followed. Otherwise
the GoSL would have known that the very reason for the FCC not being able to
“perform adequately” was purely because the government has over the years been
persistently and deliberately under-funding us into incapacity.

By refusing to support FCC whilst at the same time agreeing to provide GTZ with $20k
was totally anachronistic to good governance and sound democratic values. Obviously
GTZ would equally not have been able to perform without the massive financial input
of US$600,000 contemplated from the government over a period of five months. The
question now is why would the GoSL prefer direct financial intervention to GTZ over
and above a duly elected Local Council?

The deceitfulness of government’s intentions are clearly seen in the fact that in
abusing Sec.97 (6) of the Local Government Act, there is no attempt to correct the
“lying” deficiency in Council by developing our capacities, nor was any ministry or
department consulted to do so. The function was withdrawn indefinitely, contrary to
sec. 97 (7).

GoSL/FCC/GTZ WASTE MANEGEMENT PARTNERSHIP PLAN
AND MAYOR’S PERSONAL CONCERNS AND GUIDANCE
FOR COUNCILLOR’S CONSIDERATIONS

UNDATED GTZ AUGUST CONCEPT PAPER

GTZ aware of perennial problems regarding logistics, collection, disposal and
government’s deliberate efforts to stifle Council and admitted “…. Collection can be
hindered by shortages of public funds”

*Youth Employment focus through groups engaged in Solid Waste Management under an
“umbrella organization” to create self-employment potentials for marginalized,
unemployed and uneducated youths whose numbers in the Western Urban areas continue
to multiply even long after the war.

Opportunities for revenues generation through private house to house garbage
collection on fees basis, sorting at landfill sites for potential buyers of saleable
refuse and wastes recycling.

*Guidelines and operating procedures will be introduced by “umbrella organization”
for interested individual youth groups to be registered within the scheme.

*Umbrella Organization/Association already created with its own constitution and
called “Klin Salone” and is seeking “recognition” by the authorities

GTZ is committing no funds, but will muster expertise to-:
• *Train all youth groups for 2-4 months in waste collection (42 groups initially,
whilst another 28 youth groups are collecting city wide data), sorting, disposal
services in accordance with standard guidelines, MANAGE THEIR FINANCES AND
ACTIVITIES AND ENGAGE SUBSCRIBERS. They will also provide basic equipments like
gloves, masks, push carts, shovels, and aprons for hygienic purposes.
• *Redesigns dumpsites to include access roads and sorting areas
• *Eventually phase out direct support to youth groups and will leave exercise to
them for continuity.

GTZ EXPLANATORY LETTER – DATED 16TH. OCTOBER, 2006

• Rehabilitation of Works Yard buildings, Workshop, Garage and Compound
• *Rehabilitation of 18 out of 28 vehicles and generators parked in compound
• Provision of Management Plan
• Logistics Plan for 8 vehicles from Govt.
• Logistics Plan for 18 post- rehabilitated vehicles and generators
• Operational Plan
• *Submission of a 6-month “Emergency Cleaning” Budget/Financial Plan through GoSL
of the FCC to the World Bank for funding
• Preparation of concept document for long term Municipal Waste Management Authority
• *GTZ and THW are offering consultancy services “free of charge”

GTZ NOTE OF APOLOGY FOR GoSL, FCC & WORLD BANK – 20/11/06

• * CG visitors meting by 28/11 is key reason for accelerating “Emergency Cleaning”
operations
• *8 new trucks from Govt could not be handed to FCC because “..there was no
operational plan or budget for their management”
• Because DFID input to rehabilitate King Tom landfill site will be delayed, GTZ
will continue managing dumpsites with existing bulldozer
• *Clearance of Works Yard an imperative so that 8 new trucks can be transferred
there and made operational “…if the corresponding budget is made available”

SUMMARY OF GTZ PROPOSAL DOCUMENT – 20/11/02
• For successful 5-month emergency operations, Works Yard 2 to be rehabilitated to
facilitate management of 8 new trucks and bulldozer pending DFID King Tom landfill
rehabilitation
• *Design long term waste management plan based on private enterprise logic for the
municipality as a compromise between “a local Authority” and the IDA/World Bank
“Freetown Solid Waste Management Company” concepts
• *Immediate of $20,000 by GoSL to GTZ to commence city cleaning operations with the
8 new trucks by 23rd. November.

GTZ IMMEDIATE FUNDING NEEDS FOR 5-MONTH EMERGENCY CLEANING

1. Rehabilitation of Works Yard - $78,000.00 Le231,268,200
2. Works Yard equipment Procurement $132,254.24 390,150,000
3. Cleaning of entire Works Yard $ 15,000.00 44,604,000
4. Rehabilitation of FCC Vehicles/Gen $129,622.03 382,385,000
5. Rehabilitation of Bulldozer $ 8,614.75 25,413,500
6. Functional Bulldozer Plan/Trailer $ 36,020.34 106,260,000
7. Salaries 241 Staff $ 88,559.32 261,260,000
8. Maintenance of 8 Trucks x Months $ 97,840.10 288,628,300
9. Utility/Incidental Costs $ 12,855.93 37,925,000
(Totals USD599,282.71 / SLL1,767,884.00)

“The cleaning of Works Yard (Annex 3) will cost US$15,000, the total cost of the
rehabilitation of its buildings and workshops is US$78,000 (Annex1). The functioning
and maintaining of 8 trucks during the five months emergency phase is $115,000
(Annexes 8 & 8A). The utility bill for Works Yard 11 during 5 months is US$8,000
(Annex 9). The costs of rehabilitation and functioning of the bulldozer (which is
needed to arrange the two final dump sites during the emergency phase) is about
US$65,000 (Annexes 5 & 6). The staff salaries for the entire Waste Management Unit
would be covered during 5 months by a sum of US$89,000 (Please find the details in
Annex 10)

The amount needed to start the operations this week is about $20,000 to $30,000.

The amount needed in order to create the pre-conditions for a functional Waste
Management System in the next few weeks (cleaning and rehabilitation of Works Yard
11) is US$93,000 - plus the cost of acquiring the basic maintenance equipment for
the workshop $132,000.

The amount needed to cover the functioning costs of 8 trucks and a bulldozer for
five months is US$188,000. The amount needed to cover the staff salary costs for
five months is US$89,000

In order to make the Waste Management System function up to the creation of the
“Authority” described in the proposal within a period of 5 months, a global amount
(including all the above mentioned figures) 0f US$600,000 would be needed. This
amount is not to be considered as “costs of consumption” but rather as an investment
in the rehabilitation of the Waste Managemen System which should at the moment of
handing it over to the “Authority” be able of generating income in an orderly way”

*P.13-: The financial resources for the emergency phase can be managed by the “Task
Force”, with the assistance of GTZ under the supervision of the FCC and GoSL
according to a transparent procedure to be agreed upon between the IDA/World Bank,
GoSL,FCC and GTZ

P.14.3 -: Stakeholders Responsibilities
*- GoSL: Adoption of proposals, negotiations with the IDA/World Bank for release of
funding for emergency phase and membership of supervisory body

*- FCC: Adoption of proposals, selection of “Task Force” members, authorization,
membership of supervisory body, weekly monitoring, planning and implementation

*- IDA/W/Bank: Funding and membership of supervisory body

*- GTZ: Technical Assistance to “Task Force” and monitoring and evaluation

*P.14.4 -: Rehabilitation budget for 16 vehicles and 2 Generators recommended to be
placed in abeyance??

MAYOR’S PERSONAL CONCERNS AND GUIDANCE FOR COUNCILLORS’ CONSIDERATION

1. UNDATED GTZ AUGUST CONCEPT PAPER
The concept is excellent, (even though the concerns and constraints highlighted by
GTZ are not new and have been discussed several times in the past) but its
application would appear to be eroding the basis for our acceptance, which is that
overall management, supervision and control of both the “Emergency” and “Long Term”
municipal waste management plans must be vested in the FCC.

For a start, FCC readily embraced the GTZ concept and even easily nominated its
complement to the “Task Force”, but we still do not know (as the Local Authority)
the GTZ personnel attached to the force. Besides, our representatives to the Task
Force were not given any mandate to act for and on behalf of FCC, but simply to
represent and report back to Council for appropriate guidance before decisions are
arrived at.

FCC was neither consulted nor engaged in the identification of the engagement of the
42 Youth Groups to be trained (for between 2-4 months) initially, or in the
identification and engagement of the 28 Youth Groups in city wide data collection.
Have the skills trainings commenced or completed? Most of the Youth Groups listed by
GTZ are synonymous with MYNCOS/Haroun Sankoh, wholesomely pro-SLPP or Junta or
simply no longer exist. Councils’ involvement is crucial to ensure the full
potentials of Ward Committees and exploited.

Council was further not engaged or consulted in arriving at a suitable designate
appellation for the project. How was the name “Klin Salone” arrived at for a project
that will not impact beyond the Western Urban municipality? Why were we not
consulted on the mater of drafting and or implementing a “constitution” for the
umbrella organization that will be supervising all Youth Organizations engaged in
the project? Who is the proper authority to “recognize’ the umbrella organization?
The FCC whose statutory functions is solid waste management and is supposed to
manage, supervise and control the project, or the GoSL?

On completion of the 5-month “emergency phase” and “implementation of the
subscr1ption-based collection and sales of sorted waste systems, GTZ will phase out
of the project, leaving continuity to the umbrella organization. By that process,
FCC would have been exited finally from performing its statutory role, Why?

2. GTZ EXPLANATORY UPDATES LETTER – DATED 16TH. OCTOBER, 2006

The overall amount required under this caption is almost twice what CEMMATS
contracted for the same job PLUS rehabilitation of the King Tom landfill site.

The initial government reason for not releasing the trucks to FCC was because they
wanted GTZ to first rehabilitate 16 vehicles and the 2 generators at the Works Yard,
so that operationalisation can be robust with a fleet of 24 vehicles (16
rehabilitated and 8 new from govt.). But we are seeing now that repairs to all
broken down vehicles and generators will not be first undertaken before release of
the 8 new vehicles to GTZ. What is it that is motivating this government’s
preference for GTZ – a foreign NGO - over a legally constituted local Authority?
(See ensuing commentary)

In terms of Sec.23 of the Local Government Act of 2004, all Inter-Service, Donor
NGOs/CBOs are obliged (and without waiting to be prompted) to consult and partner
directly with the Local Authority in their areas of operations. They must not usurp
the authority of the Local Authority.

The situation is further compounded by the fact that initially, GTZ did not have and
were not making any financial input into the project and their involvement was
restricted to youth mobilization and advice and provision of basic equipments like
gloves, masks, push carts, shovels, aprons to hygienic purposes. How come they have
suddenly been transformed into IDA/World bank Fund Managers on behalf of FCC?

What do GTZ mean by submission of a 6-month “Emergency Cleaning” Budget/Financial
Plan through GoSL of the FCC to the World Bank for funding? We signed a subsidiary
agreement with GoSL on 8th August identifying FCC as the new implementers of the
Development Credit (SL-3945) component dealing with Waste Management of $2mio. What
is the status of that agreement? Why has the Ministry of Finance (MoF) refused to
make a copy of that agreement available to Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO), the
recognized IDA/World Bank Project implementation Unit (PIU)? In the absence of any
correspondence canceling that agreement, the only competent body to authorize
funding release is the FCC. So how and why should the 6-month “Emergency Cleaning”
budget /Financial Plan have to go through GoSL, instead of World Bank PIU
(SALWACO)?

In all this, we are told the GTZ and THW are offering “free consultancy” services
for which we should be very grateful. If true, then we have no need continuing with
the World Bank Pricewaterhouse/Coopers/DHV consultants who as at 31st. July 2006 had
already “overpaid” themselves $189,227.80 (Ref. Page 4 of SLPWP –Water Component –
Third Post-Contract Supervision Mission (Sept4 – 11/06) Reception Report)

In view of the thankfully free consultancy expected from GTZ, the relationship with
Pricewaterhouse/Coopers/DHV needs to be automatically reviewed and exited, both for
prudent economic reasons and to avoid unnecessary duplication of activities and
information. An immediate stock must be taken of what percentage of the bulk $2mio
committed for Solid Waste Management under the Power & Water Project has already
been utilized by the IDA/World bank consultants, and what exactly is left for use,
so we can better appropriate the residue under the GTZ approach. But there is no way
both can go together and GoSL must clarify this status.

3. GTZ NOTE OF APOLOGY FOR GoSL, FCC & WORLD BANK – 20/11/06

For over two years now GoSL has deliberately and persistently under-funded us into
incapacity – no matter what the situation or circumstances. In March GoSL instructed
Office of National Security (ONS) to override our administrative controls and
organized a rather botched one-day city-wide cleaning for a budget of over Le100mio.
As at close of business 30th November we had only received 49% of the annualized
pre-devolution support of Le980,000,000 from MoF for the same purpose.

But let us carefully consider the following contradictions-:

GTZ are saying Consultative Group (CG) visitors meeting by 28/11/06 is key reason
for accelerating “Emergency Cleaning” operations and demanded $20,000 down payment
from GoSL which was promptly released from the Consolidated Fund without reference
or information to FCC. Why was this amount not paid directly into FCC (Solid Waste
Management Account) who in terms of our understanding are supposed to “manage,
supervise & control” all GTZ operations?

GTZ are saying GoSL did not hand over the 8 new trucks to FCC because “…..there was
no operational plan or budget for their management”. But how come that GTZ were so
quickly able to influence release of those same trucks even without evidence of
operational plan or budget? What documentary evidence exists to show that we as a
Council (FCC) have authorized GTZ to manage releases of World Bank funding in
respect of our Solid Waste Management Project to them?

Is it not interesting to note that instead of focusing on the rehabilitation of the
16 vehicles as originally proposed, GTZ are now saying that clearance of the Works
Yard of all derelict vehicle is a pre-condition for the 8 new trucks to be
transferred there “….if the corresponding budget is made available”?

4. SUMMARY OF GTZ PROPOSAL DOCUMENT – 20/11/02

The IDA/World Bank have always been firm in their request for the formation of a
Solid Waste Management Company as the preferred long term solution. Are they now
comfortable with the compromise management plan “…based on private enterprise logic
for the municipality under a local “Authority”? We need to see evidence of this
acceptance, particularly as we know that at the end of the 5-month “emergency
cleaning” period, GTZ plans to phase out of the project, leaving continuity to the
umbrella organization. (See above)

The immediate release of $20,000 direct to GTZ (on demand) to commence the
“emergency cleaning” programme instead of into FCC Account and without reference to
FCC is both disturbing and counter-productive. The result is that instead of us
working together as a unified force and for the same purpose, GTZ staffs are doling
out funds to FCC “Task Force” members for activities we had already provided for
financially. And this does not show that we are truly in charge.

5. GTZ IMMEDIATE FUNDING NEEDS 5-MONTH EMERGENCY CLEANING

The total amount GTZ are requesting ($600k) is twice what the IDA/World Bank Task
Team Leader Moes refused to countenance from CEMMATS, stating among other reasons
that their rates of pay quoted were not for Africans. Even without FCC exiting its
responsibilities under the subsidiary agreement with GoSL/MoF, on what basis will
they release funds previously meant for us to GTZ?

Management of the financial resources by the “Task Force” as proposed by GTZ is
unacceptable. We agree to proceed according to transparent procedure to be agreed
upon between the IDA/World Bank, GoSL,FCC and GTZ, but the “Task Force” should be
reporting to FCC, not control its resources (Ref. Page 13) and even GTZ should be
directly responsible to Council/FCC not State Lodge.

On the basis of the “authority” conferred under the subsidiary agreement, it is FCC
that should be negotiating with the IDA/World Bank for releases of funding for
emergency phase, not GoSL (Ref Page.14.3)

GTZ suggestion (Ref. Page 14.4), to place rehabilitation budget for 16 vehicles and
2 Generators in abeyance is unacceptable because it was their acclaimed
resourcefulness to address such malaise to boost the fleet that enticed GoSL to take
them onboard. It should be noted that one main reason for IDA/World Bank refusing to
consider funds release (at whatever amount) was because of an inability to generate
additional funds to either rehabilitate derelict vehicles or procure second-hand
ones to complement efficiency. So how can they now choose to set that aside?

In summary, I see the whole GTZ influence as a deliberate GoSL policy to rob us
APC-led FCC of our right to perform purely for political reasons. But if you choose
to work with GTZ the following are to be clarified/agreed to in addition to all
other concerns raised above -:
• All drawings from IDA/World Bank or Consolidated Funds must be paid into our FCC
Solid Waste Management Account for our management and control
• FCC must be involved in the entire recruitment process of the 241 “emergency
cleaning” staff apart from those that will ultimately be involved in the long term
FSWMC plan
• GoSL to clarify status of subsidiary agreement for $2mio.- and how much spent to
date.
• GoSL to provide documentary evidence to support their statement that the IDA/World
Bank will not proceed with the project under FCC control unless we take GTZ on
board.
• GTZ to resume operations within FCC purview – not from State Lodge.

Let me finally refresh your memories on recent FCC/GTZ relationship. In July 2004,
they proposed to partner with FCC in the implementation of an EUR1mio (US$1.2mio)
18-month Youths/Street Kids Rehabilitation Project. Our genuine and valid questions
of that project remain unanswered to this day, but the rancour, bitterness and
division that reigned in our council, engendered by their decision to instead
relocate the project to the Western Rural District Council at Waterloo were lasting.
As at now, even 6-months after the project completion date of 30th. June, 2006,
there is virtually no evidence of their input in terms of the positive impact of
that project on that locality. There is also word on their failed USD$14.5mio Rural
Electrification Project.

A word to the wise…………and we should therefore tread cautiously to ensure that
management, supervision and control of the entire solid waste management projects
(both short and long term) remains vested in FCC.

MAYOR’S RSPONSE TO SIDIKIE BRIMA’S REQUEST OF 14TH. DECEMBER TO OPERATE ACCOUNT WITH
GTZ.
MAY/MLGCD/12 14th. December, 2006
Mr. Sidikie Brima
Minister of Local Government
& Community Development
6th Floor, Youyi Buildings,
Brookfields,
Freetown.

Dear Minister Brima,

MUNICIPAL WASTE MANAGEMENT - GoSL/FCC/GTZ

I have discourteously not been favoured with a copy of Dr. Nour’s most recent report
about me, but it would appear you are not abreast with developments.

I had a rather long and frank telephone discussion with Dr. Sheku Sesay on the
matter in which I amply and succinctly clarified my position which is still
unchanged. And it is that as the Mayor of this municipality, I will not under any
circumstances voluntarily operate any joint account funded from the Consolidated
Fund and in whatever name, for purposes related to the execution of statutorily
devolved functions which as a government, you are obliged to continuously fund at
pre-devolution levels up to and including the year 2008.

As you are no doubt aware, it is well beyond your remit as a policy maker to impose
signatories upon this duly elected Council. It is also administratively irregular
for unrecognized third parties to operate this Council’s accounts. Nor am I
authorized within the context of my responsibilities to operate third party accounts
for Council purposes. You may therefore wish to clarify as to why, and in what
capacity you are insisting that Dr. Nour should be taken on board to manage funds
clearly intended for municipal solid waste management, a core responsibility of this
Council.

If it is related to the eventual management of “Other Tied Grants” type of account
which might require inclusion of donor’s signatories, then I have no aversion to
that. But where the funds are coming from the Consolidated Fund, then it is the
regular signatories of this Council that will apply. Government funds are not
intended to be controlled by a Foreign NGO resource, and I am not aware of any
arrangement by which a special account should be opened.

Let me remind you that in all previous discussions with the government regarding GTZ
input, the consensus has always been that overall management, supervision and
control of the project must be vested in the FCC. We are appreciative of the
excellent ideas proposed by Dr. Nour and anxiously await your release of the Le1.7
billion Leones 5-month budgetary support contemplated (through our books of course)
to actualize her short term goals. If however Dr, Nour cannot work with FCC until
and unless she controls or signs over Council’s account and you feel so desperately
that the exercise cannot succeed unless we so concede, then I regret my inability to
progress further.

As our supervising minister, you are no doubt fully siesed of the fact that as with
all other devolved activities, we do have a Solid Waste Management Tied Grant
Account No. 1013401 in the books of the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank Ltd, into which
all funding and subventions from the Consolidated Fund should be paid and I will
respectfully suggest that you pay the local counter value of the $20,000 into that
account without delay.

As the Chief Executive of this Council, I am sure you would appreciate that, it is
of much greater concern to me (more than anyone else) to expeditiously address the
environmental health and sanitation needs of the citizens of my municipality. I
shall therefore be most obliged if you can reconsider your stance and for once be
seen to be supportive of this Councils in line with your obligation.

Ideally you may wish to alternatively relieve FCC of this onerous, persistently
explosive and politically manipulated issue of cleaning Freetown by ceding it
entirely to GTZ or work directly with other resource within this Council. But as a
matter of principles, your approach is wrong and constitutes an abrogation of the
statutes which regrettably I cannot subscribe to and in the process betray the
electorate.

Meantime let me take this opportunity to enquire about the status of the following-:
• The US$2mio Subsidiary Agreement between FCC and GoSL (executed 8th August 2006
between the Mayor of Freetown and the Minister of Finance) confirming FCC as the
implementing partner of the Solid Waste component in WB/IDA D-C SL 3945
• A Subsidiary Agreement between FCC and SALWACO dated 6th. April, 2006 (which
became effective on the date of execution of the above agreement between FCC and
MoF) confirming our acceptance of SALWACO as the PIU in respect of the above
intended project.

It would appear that both above documents (copies attached) which were supposed to
have been forwarded to the IDA/World Bank for their “no objection” responses to
expedite resolution of the emergency and long term municipal waste management needs
of my city have since been placed in abeyance. Your urgent advises as appropriate
for the benefit of my council will be highly appreciated.

In conveying my highest considerations, please accept my sincere wishes for a Merry
Christmas and a bright and prosperous 2007.

Cllr. Winstanley.R.Bankole.Johnson
MAYOR

Copy-: H.E The President Alhaji Dr.Ahmad Tejan Kabbah
Hon. Vice President Mr. Solomon. E. Berewa
Hon. Minister for Presidential Affairs

Subject: Re: Mayor Of Freetown Exposes SLPP Garbage Politics
From: memory Lane
To: All
Date Posted: 04:52:57 01/09/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 139-64-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.64.139

Message:
Time and again, we have seen how the SLPP has used evil plans to create fear and intimidation in our Land. Indecent man like Sidique Brima, who uses witchcraft and evil scemes want to fool us that our abled and moralistic Mayor is not up for the job.
One thing is certain, the evil acts of Sidique Brima nd his SLPP will be exposed at all times. The people os Sierra Leone especially the brave and fearless will not be used and will resist every attak by the SLPP to rig or force itself in power.
The decision to outstrip Freetown muinicipality of its functions is because the APC is controlling its affairs.
Those of us who are enlightened and exposed will not sit by and allow evil infested minds in the SLPP to continue to turn Freetown to a primitive village without water, light and good roads.
God will punish these evil infested SLPP politicians.

Subject: Who Were the Rebels that Destroyed Sierra Leone
From: ok dot
To: All
Date Posted: 17:55:35 01/08/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ca1462-ch01-bl02.ma-cambridg0.sa.earthlink.net at 207.69.137.201

Message:
Click on link below:

Subject: Re: Who Were the Rebels that Destroyed Sierra Leone
From: ok dok
To: All
Date Posted: 00:57:45 01/09/07 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: px2nr.wp.shawcable.net at 24.66.94.141

Message:
OK DOT YOU NA CRASEMAN.YOU BETTEH GO DRINK POYO.

Subject: Re: Who Were the Rebels that Destroyed Sierra Leone
From: seydouba
To: All
Date Posted: 18:24:43 01/08/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-69-143-53-186.hsd1.va.comcast.net at 69.143.53.186

Message:
Ask your SLPP party stalwart Maigore Kallon...You can de-brief him and then you will learn more about the rebel war.
That is initial point of contact, if you want to learn more about the origin of the rebel war;it causes and effects on the lives od Sierra Leoneans.Next point of contact is to seat with Chief Sam Hinga Norman and de-brief him on what grounds did he volunteer to become a Military advise/trainer to the armed wing of the RUF.
In general , ask your Kailahun Folks and Tegloma Executives...Then you will solve the "JIGSAW PUZZLE".
Stay blessed.

Subject: Re: Who Were the Rebels that Destroyed Sierra Leone
From: Sengbe Big Axe
To: All
Date Posted: 12:29:14 01/09/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 198.85.59.94

Message:
Seydouba stated and I quote:

"...Ask your SLPP party stalwart Maigore Kallon...You can de-brief him and then you will learn more about the rebel war..."

And that is why you morda-phockers in the RUF killed his wan mammy brother, Garlia Kallon, in cold blood? And abducted his "sisters" as sex slaves during the war "he started"? And cold-bloodedly murdered his folks in Daru, Jawi chiefdom, and other parts of Kailahun district? And he started the rebel war? Not Foday Laimpaybana, the Themne from Tonkolili district in the North?

U lying ponk-arsed-morda-phocker (sic). U need to crawl back into the hole I placed you in the last time. Don't get me started.

Coming here and making false accusations / innuendoes about my uncle. The bloody nerve of you!!

Do you know the suffering we went through during your war of plunder?

U na basta pikin, Seydouba. Nor ever mek ar meet u face-to-face. Jus lek for Farrah.

Subject: Re: Who Were the Rebels that Destroyed Sierra Leone
From: ok dot
To: All
Date Posted: 20:26:31 01/08/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ca1462-ch01-bl02.ma-cambridg0.sa.earthlink.net at 207.69.137.201

Message:
I am not a supporter of the SLPP or any other Political outfit in Sierra Leone.Have you mistaken me for OK DOK one of the arch-tribalist on this forum.My handle is OK DOT and I am just posing an honest question that needs answer.Were you also one of the monsters?

Subject: Re: Who Were the Rebels that Destroyed Sierra Leone
From: Independent Man
To: All
Date Posted: 18:39:11 01/08/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: new-5000.cadence.com at 158.140.1.25

Message:
You mean the very Kailahun Folks who were slaughtered by the rebels?? Why do you people keep insulting innocent victims of the war? Why do you keep associating the rebels with the SLPP? The rebels joined with the Sobels to kick SLPP out... How is this compatible with the SLPP being the masterminds behind the war?
Oh Salone!!!

Subject: Re: Who Were the Rebels that Destroyed Sierra Leone
From: Memory lane
To: All
Date Posted: 04:30:59 01/09/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 139-64-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.64.139

Message:
It is real. Maigore Kallon, Hinga Norman were architect of the civil war that broke out in Sierra Leone. Those two were jailed by Tolbert when they started clandestine activity to destabilise Sierra Leone.
They formed SOS, Society for the Overthrow of Sierra Leone.
Tolbert a friend of Stevens did not allow it till Doe came to power and then Hinga Norman, Maigore Kallon who found it easier to conduct their evil acts.
Who does not know the role of the SLPP in the war to get rid of the APC, they accused as a Northerner party?

Subject: Re: Who Were the Rebels that Destroyed Sierra Leone
From: Yaya Fanusie
To: All
Date Posted: 18:59:31 01/08/07 ()
Email Address: futatoro@gmail.com
Entered From: adsl-64-175-35-230.dsl.pltn13.pacbell.net at 64.175.35.230

Message:
Independent Man,
Have ever heard about the Frankenstein Monster?
The SLPP created the the RUF to fight the APC Government but the monster went out of control./
Yaya Fanusie

Subject: Re: Who Were the Rebels that Destroyed Sierra Leone
From: Sumanguru
To: All
Date Posted: 12:46:27 01/09/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: s55916678.adsl.wanadoo.nl at 85.145.102.120

Message:
Yaya,

I cannot agree more. The SLPP definately had a stake in the formation of the RUF. That explains why over 80 percent of RUF membership was made up of voluntary youngsters from the then SLPP heartland of Kailahun.

As the war progressed, and the ' frakenstein monster ' went berserk, the Kamagors were unleashed with a tribal mandate.The RUF and Kamagors were both created to serve as a militant wing of the SLPP.

Subject: Re: Who Were the Rebels that Destroyed Sierra Leone
From: CADMUS
To: All
Date Posted: 07:00:38 01/09/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 82.198.250.16

Message:
YAYA...each and everytime you hear the name SLPP it seems your blood boils and you run to distort history.
Is there anything good you can find say about SLPP? I know there is nothing good you can say about APC, but you should not blame SLPP for that either.

Subject: Re: Who Were the Rebels that Destroyed Sierra Leone
From: Yaya Fanusie
To: All
Date Posted: 12:43:30 01/09/07 ()
Email Address: futatoro@gmail.com
Entered From: adsl-75-23-157-115.dsl.pltn13.sbcglobal.net at 75.23.157.115

Message:
CADMUS,
I sent my eight senses(Smell, Feel, visual,etc)sencSENSE OF into hige gear but all report back
that they could not discover any good about the SLPP.
Yaya

Subject: Re: Who Were the Rebels that Destroyed Sierra Leone
From: Independent Man
To: All
Date Posted: 20:56:09 01/08/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: new-5000.cadence.com at 158.140.1.25

Message:
Yaya,
That is pure propaganda, and you know it.

Subject: Re: Who Were the Rebels that Destroyed Sierra Leone
From: Moijue
To: All
Date Posted: 10:58:25 01/09/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-los-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 195.93.21.132

Message:
The rebel war had nothing to do SLPP.Maigore and Norman were disgruntled but to start a rebel war i dont think so.How comes the RUF had not made mention of SLPP at the useless SPECIAL COURT.
Though, i dont want SLPP to win i dont believe they were involved in the starting of the rebel war.The war came about because of APC/SLPP recycled POLITICIANS.

Subject: Re: Who Were the Rebels that Destroyed Sierra Leone
From: RECYCLED POLITRICIAN
To: All
Date Posted: 11:07:51 01/09/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-050.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.50

Message:
And these same recycled politicians are part of the PMDC, right? So what is the difference?

Subject: HOW ABOUT THIS?
From: KING LOGGY
To: All
Date Posted: 17:14:11 01/08/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 144.226.173.69

Message:
.

Subject: Sierra Leone: 'JC' Beats Up Brother's Wife
From: MAMMY JAVOMBO
To: All
Date Posted: 16:56:30 01/08/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-050.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.50

Message:
Sierra Leone: 'JC' Beats Up Brother's Wife

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Concord Times (Freetown)

January 8, 2007
Posted to the web January 8, 2007

James Fallah

Alfred Edison Pratt, JC (Just Cam) from the United Kingdom (UK) was Friday frog-marched before Magistrate Adrian Fisher of Court No 1A to answer to four counts charge for allegedly beating and wounding Valerie Sarah Wright, the wife of his brother.

The accused was indicted for wounding, assault causing to actual bodily harm and abusive language According to the particulars of offences, on Saturday December 23, 2006 at No 101 B Regent Road, Lumley the accused beat and wounded Valerie Sarah Wright thereby inflicting grievous bodily harm on her.

Lawyer Gaquie, counsel for the complainant told the court that he has received a message from his client that her husband has threatened to kill her if she pursues the matter.

"My client has now left her matrimonial home for fear of her lif, therefore I am objecting to bail," Gaquie states.

The accused told the court that he has apologized to the complainant through her pastor who is the mediator who has agreed to settle the matter out of court.

Lawyer Gaquie objected that he is not aware of such development.

The accused was refused bail and remanded in custody.

The matter was adjourned to January 10.

Subject: FBC Student stole my benz ----Lecturer
From: Town Crier
To: All
Date Posted: 16:08:31 01/08/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: dialup-4.186.204.14.dial1.weehawken1.level3.net at 4.186.204.14

Message:
CULLED FROM CONCORD TIMES

Sierra Leone: How FBC Student Stole My Mercedes Benz ....lecturer Narrates in Court

Concord Times (Freetown)

January 5, 2007
Posted to the web January 5, 2007

James Fallah
Freetown

Dr. Kadija Sesay, a (FBC) Fourah Bay College philosophy lecturer Thursday testified before Magistrate Bankole Shyllon of Magistrate Court No 3 against Shar Thomas Freeman also a student of FBC accusing him of stealing her Mercedes Benz car.

Sesay said on 16 August, 2006 she remembered going to bed at 10:30pm leaving her car, a Mercedes Benz car 190E in the garage in her apartment at FBC.

On 17 August, she was on her veranda at around 8:00am when one Edward called her to ask about her car and she replied, "It is in the garage". But Edward responded it was not there.

Sesay went on to testify that on 18 August she asked her watchman the whereabouts of her car and he replied, "The car is not there." She then came down and found out that the car was missen. She went on to say that she then reported the matter to the Central Police station.

She revealed how one Junisa Jamiru gave her information about the accused and others in connection with the stolen vehicle. Upon that information she went back to the police station to inform OC Samura about it.

The police then interrogated the accused person and she was later informed by the police that they have enough evidence against the accused.

Lawyer representing the accused, Said M. Sesay had earlier said he would no longer represent the accused because since his first appearance the accused did not go to his chambers. He suddenly changed his mind and reaffirmed his representation but pleaded with the magistrate to adjourn the matter to enable him prepare to cross examine the witness.

His application was granted and the matter was adjourned to 11 January.

Subject: UNPP Chairman defeats to SLPP
From: GOOD JOB
To: All
Date Posted: 16:03:59 01/08/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-050.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.50

Message:
CONCORD TIMES
UNPP Chairman defeats to SLPP

Abdul Karim Koroma 8/1/2007

United National Peoples Party (UNPP) Chairman United Kingdom/ Ireland Branch, Mohamed Ben Kamara has defected to the ruling Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) citing disunity and internal wrangling within the party. Kamara was presented to the SLPP leader, Vice President Solomon Berewa last Friday at his Spur Road Lodge.

"The problems within the UNPP are endless and I can't continue to stay in such a political organization. It is difficult for any political party that is divided within itself to win any election any where in the world. I can't meddle with such arrangements especially when we are approaching the 2007 presidential and parliamentary elections. The country is prepared for change," he said.

Kamara opined that he has tried to reconcile the factions within the party but to no avail. "Each member has his/her own story to tell, which is not good for any modern democratic setting," he noted and promised that he will take all his supporters to the SLPP.

"I was impressed with the reception they gave me," he said, adding that he will hold a press conference today (Monday) at the SLPP Secretariat at Wallace Johnson Street . The Vice President, he said, received him with open hands.

Subject: Chairman kenema District Council Delivers Budget
From: GOOD JOB
To: All
Date Posted: 16:02:52 01/08/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-050.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.50

Message:
Chairman kenema District Council Delivers Budget
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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The Chairman of Kenema District Council, Councillor Patrick Samu, on MondayJanuary 8 delivered the council's budget at a well attended ceremony at the Council’s Maxwell Khobe Street Meeting Hall in Kenema.

The budget hearing is a nation-wide exercise which requires all 19 Local Councils in the country to deliver budget statements to the public according to the provisions of the Local Government Act of 2004.

In September 2006, the Local Government Finance Department (LGFD), Institutional Reform and Capacity Building Project (IRCBP), completed a country-wide training programme to assist local councils prepare budgets for 2007 to 2009.

Subject: APC North American Branch Chairman heads for Freetown
From: Town Crier
To: All
Date Posted: 16:02:52 01/08/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: dialup-4.186.204.14.dial1.weehawken1.level3.net at 4.186.204.14

Message:
CULLED FROM COCORIOKO

APC NORTH AMERICAN CHAIRMAN HEADS FOR FREETOWN TO HELP SENSITIZE PEOPLE FOR 2007 ELECTIONS

The Chairman of the All People's Congress ( APC) North American Chapter, Mr. Alimamy G. Kargbo, leaves the United States next week for Freetown , to join the sensitization program of the APC , ahead of the July 28 General Elections in Sierra Leone.

Speaking to COCORIOKO in an exclusive interview , Mr. Kargbo told this newspaper that he was heading for Freetown to help sensitize the Sierra Leonean people about the election registration process slated for February 26, this year. Mr. Kargbo said it was necessary to sensitize the people on voters' registration because they have to know that if they do not register, they cannot vote in the elections. The voters registration, he went on, was everybody's project and those who want to exercise their franchise on July 28 have to vote.

Mr. Kargbo , who will also be contesting the Parliamentary Elections for Freetown East 111 ( Zone 4, encompassing Rokupar, Kuntolloh , Jalloh Terrace and Portee in the Wellington Area was asked by COCORIOKO how the APC stood for this much-awaited General Elections. In response, Mr. Kargbo said that from the reports the North American Branch has been receiving, the APC was confident of victory in the elections. "The party is doing very well. It has great momentum When the leader returned toi Sierra Leone from the U.S, he went to Bo, Kenema , Makeni and Port Loko. The enthusiasm of the people was great and he was given a huge welcome .That has indicated to us that he has good standing with the people ", Mr Kargbo explained.

Mr. Kargbo disclosed that the APC has been able now to penetrate the South/East. For this, Mr. Kargbo commended the PMDC which, he said, made it possible , by neutralizing the stranglehold the SLPP once had in this region." Because the PMDC is able to go through the South/East and sensitize the people, we too are now able to do so", he went on. Mr. Kargbo said the APC Leader's next trip will be to Kailahun. He wants to sensitize the people in areas where because of the old system of proportional representation, the SLPP used to go unopposed.

Asked whether the APC was still in court, Mr. Kargbo answered in the affirmative but he quickly clarified that the APC did not go to court;rather the party was taken to court by the Serry Kamal faction. Mr. Kargbo denied speculations that Dr. Abdulai Conteh had gone to Freetown to fight alongside the dissidents. He said Dr. Conteh was one of the peacemakers who had been working hard to keep the party together .He intimated that unless things change overnight, he did not believe that Dr. Conteh went to Sierra Leone specifically to join the Kamal group.

Mr. Kargbo expressed confidence in the Electoral Commissioner, Ms. Christiana Thorpe , who, he said, had been trying to demonstrate so far that she would pursue the objectives of the NEC.

Mr. Kargbo called on all Sierra Leoneans to take the electoral process seriously. He called on them to debunk tribalism and regionalism .He said that Sierra Leoneans had suffered too much and should work for change in the country.

Mr. Alimamy Kargbo lauded the good relations between him and other members of the chapter . He said he had good working relations with members of all the branches .Infact, I came to New Jersey to visit with the APC Branch here to motivate them to seek the way forward.

Mr. Kargbo said that the Washington Chapter of the APC will be holding a fund-raising dance on January 27.

Subject: Re: APC North American Branch Chairman heads for Freetown
From: ALPHA SAIDU BANGURA
To: All
Date Posted: 18:36:29 01/08/07 ()
Email Address: SAIDUBANGSO@AOL.COM
Entered From: cache-mtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.117.8

Message:
Anybody who knows Mr.Alimamy Kargbo(chairman of the APC,North America)very well, will not respect him.Mr.Kargbo was the financial secretary in the Raymond Kabia administration,APC, north America,he was asked to submit his finance books to the party auditors,up till now he refused to that.He then waged a war against Mr.Kabia(a fine gentleman)and got some of his friends to make him chairman.
As chairman he encouraged some of his supporters to unlawfully removed the chairman of the Georgia chapter,Mr.Sheka Kamara(Shekito) because he could not get his way with Shekito.
Recently,Mr.Alimamy Kargbo was given a huge amount of money to take to the National executive in Freetown to help in setting up a campaign committee,when he came back to the USA,the North America branch asked him to present a report on his trip to Sierra Leone,up till now he refused to present that report.
I know Mr.Kargbo very well,because we both served in the P.D.P(SORBEH).He lacks the moral standing needed to hold a leadership position.
He has been away from his people for a long time,therefore he does not understand the problems of his people.
Mr.Alimamy Kargbo how can you represent people you dont even know well?
I am sure that the voters in Freetown East III know better than vote for you.

Subject: Re: APC North American Branch Chairman heads for Freetown
From: BUFORD HWY
To: All
Date Posted: 08:55:59 01/09/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-074-228-219-218.sip.asm.bellsouth.net at 74.228.219.218

Message:
Saidu wrote "As chairman he encourage some of his supporters to unlawfully removed the chairman of the Georgia chapter,Mr Sheka Kamara(Shekito)because he could not get his way with Shekito"

WHO NA SEE,WAY SLPP GA CHAPTER WITH PA BEREWA DON TRY FOR CONVINCE WE CHAPTER FOR BE CORRUPT LEK DEM, AND DEN NOR ABLE,NOW DEN DON START FOR SEND DEN ATTACK DOG FOR POIL WE CHAPTER EH INTEGRITY.Saidu,this is the type of POLITICS that you and your SLPP party are practising,because your party can not articulate on the issues that are affecting our people in Sierra Leone.You were the same person that Shekito used to confine with the secrets of the APC ga, party even though you were not a member of the party, and more so over you were and till are a member of the SLPP ga, and you also stood in front of a podium in our last Symposium with all the civil right groups leaders,dignitaries, professors and fellow Sierra Leoneans at the CARTER CENTER AUDITORIUM and blasted this same person that you are defending(Shekito) THAT HE LACKS CREDIBILITY,EMBEZELLED the funds of the APC GA CHAPTER,and he is not fit to be a LEADER in any organization in the world.It is very hipocritical of you that you know for fact that this man was the only SIGNATOREE of the chapter's account,deposited and cashed checks with his wife,he had an ATM VISA card of the chapter,he was the President and his wife the Vice President,he would not let the chapter members to audit him,and also the chapter was in a defficeipt with all the money given to be deposited,so this lead to his IMPEACHMENT.This is a NEW APC with new VISION,and we would not have any body in our mist with that type of behaviour.When this man that you are now defending was the leader of the party,our registration was a total of 9 members,but since he was impeached,the membership has grown to 35 members.Now while we are talking about NON-RESPECTABLE people,let's talk about the houses that some of your party members in Georgia are buying without holding jobs or doing businesses in the WORLD.Tell us about the house SOLOMON BEREWA JR bought at the height of the war when he went to Freetown and came back even though when he left for Freetown he was struggling with ALAMORRI in GEROGIA?Where did that money came from?How about you,when last you kept a job?We know for fact that your GREEN CARD wife was the one who provided the money for you to go PUT KOLA for her.What a man,who can not provide the basic necessities for his FAMILY writes on this forum about the credibility of Mr Alimamy Kargbo.This man(ALIMAMY) is one of the most straight forward person that anybody would want to meet,and the REV KABBS KANU would attest to that,because he knows him personally even though REV KANU is a non partisan.

"Recently,Mr Alimamy Kargbo was given a huge amount of money to take to the National Executive in Freetown to help in setting up a campaign committee,when he came back to the USA,the North America branch asked him to present a report on his trip to Sierra Leone,up till now he refused to present that report"

CADMUS,this is the type of journalism that your party should be worried about,so when defending SYLVIA please becareful,because that can back to hurt you.I brought you into this conversation,because Saidu is another Sylvia in the making.He needs to get his facts straight before making any claims.Saidu,if you can prove the amount given to Mr Alimamy Kargbo in 24hrs,then I will rebutt to this false claim that you have levied on this find gentleman.Now tell the forum about your chapter President Mr Mohamed Bayoh's recent one week trip to Freetown with a businessman that was introduced to Mr Solomon Berewa sr?Tell us about the DIAMOND smuggling among the SLPP party in Georgia?

We've advised your chapter to talk about the issues and stay away from personal attacks.NOW WHO NA DON PULL WHO NA DROSS DEM NA PUBLIC,SO WE GO TALK ABOUT ALL WHO NA ILLIGAL DEALING WAY DAE GO ON.

Subject: Re: APC North American Branch Chairman heads for Freetown
From: Independent Man
To: All
Date Posted: 16:37:01 01/08/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: new-5000.cadence.com at 158.140.1.25

Message:
The old-timers (on both the APC & SLPP side) are all going back to influence the elections. Do I hear you say: God help Salone????
Some of these folks are the very people who played a big role in ruining that place.

Subject: Re: APC North American Branch Chairman heads for Freetown
From: ok dok
To: All
Date Posted: 01:01:30 01/09/07 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: px2nr.wp.shawcable.net at 24.66.94.141

Message:
Den all na tiffman them

Subject: Credible Elections : One of the challenges facing S/L 2007
From: Town Crier
To: All
Date Posted: 15:59:49 01/08/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: dialup-4.186.204.14.dial1.weehawken1.level3.net at 4.186.204.14

Message:
CULLED FROM COCORIOKO

NEW YEAR’ S MESSAGE

By VICTOR ANGELO
Executive Representative of the Secretary-General
and UN Resident Coordinator in Sierra Leone

Freetown, 1 January 2007

A new year brings hope for better lives, better prospects and better opportunities. But it is only through sustained peace, security, respect for human rights and development that the hopes of every Sierra Leonean will be realised. There are many challenges ahead of us – credible elections, women’s empowerment, tackling unemployment, and creating the conditions for human development.

I am sure that the people of Sierra Leone will build upon the successes achieved so far, and continue to work together to promote and consolidate the existing culture of peace, through dialogue on critical national issues. When there is peace, there are dividends to enjoy. People will feel safe enough to go about their daily lives – to till the land, harvest the crops, develop livelihoods, go to school, invest, create jobs, construct homes and build a future.

2007 is a significant year for Sierra Leone as the country prepares for the Parliamentary and Presidential Elections in July. The experience we have so far with the electoral work has convinced us that the process can remain on track. We salute the independence demonstrated by the National Electoral Commission (NEC), and encourage all the parties to continue to collaborate with the Commission. Adherence to the Political Party’s Code of Conduct will decisively contribute to a constructive electoral climate. It is encouraging that in November 2006, eight political parties signed a Code of Conduct for the Elections.

The establishment of a Media Code of Conduct for election coverage is also vital. So too is voter education and a successful registration, which will start on 26 February.

Other critical tasks call for attention. As we recognise the relevance of being the first country to partner with the newly established UN Peacebuilding Commission, and congratulate the government for this meaningful international commitment, we should keep in mind that the priorities agreed with the Commission require steadfast implementation to consolidate stability and democracy. Youth unemployment remains a major issue. There is a need to harness the young people’s abilities and to sharpen their skills through education, vocational and professional training programmes, and to develop their management skills. Food security is also imperative for the well-being of citizens. Improved agricultural productivity, and adequate post-harvest techniques, will provide better nutrition and health for both rural and urban communities. The growth of small-scale farming and farm-related businesses and industries will generate additional rural incomes. All these will create firmer conditions for private sector growth. Efficient management of Sierra Leone’s natural resources, such as mining and fisheries, will ensure a sustainable future for its people. However, providing regulated access to these resources and markets remain a challenge. This is where public-private sector partnerships are useful for infrastructure and market development.

The United Nations Integrated Office in Sierra Leone (UNIOSIL) and UN Country team remain dedicated to the people and government of Sierra Leone. UNIOSIL’s mandate has just been extended for another year by the UN Security Council, which will see our continued presence in the country until the end of 2007. Furthermore, the UN Country Team will complete, this January, the formulation of its Development Assistance Framework for the period 2008-10, which will further align our work with national priorities and the pursuit of the Millennium Development Goals.

We aim, in an integrated manner, to provide strategic support for national capacity building, by working together with all the other domestic and external partners. The success of this combined effort by the local and international community is determined by the level of good governance and accountability by national institutions. The drive to combat corruption must gain greater urgency. The reform of public services and the transparency of procurement, as part of the Improved Governance and Accountability Pact, will significantly contribute to augment faith in state institutions. Efforts to accelerate the reform of the justice system are also a priority.

We must step up our work to secure a viable future for the men, women and children of Sierra Leone. There are still mountains to climb. The international community must continue to support those negotiating steep inclines to ensure that no key player loses balance.

We believe in the future of Sierra Leone.

As 2007 beckons and as we stand together, the UN staff and I share with the people of Sierra Leone a vista of hope in the year ahead.

*******************************************************************************************

Freetown, 1 January 2007

A new year brings hope for better lives, better prospects and better opportunities. But it is only through sustained peace, security, respect for human rights and development that the hopes of every Sierra Leonean will be realised. There are many challenges ahead of us – credible elections, women’s empowerment, tackling unemployment, and creating the conditions for human development.

I am sure that the people of Sierra Leone will build upon the successes achieved so far, and continue to work together to promote and consolidate the existing culture of peace, through dialogue on critical national issues. When there is peace, there are dividends to enjoy. People will feel safe enough to go about their daily lives – to till the land, harvest the crops, develop livelihoods, go to school, invest, create jobs, construct homes and build a future.

2007 is a significant year for Sierra Leone as the country prepares for the Parliamentary and Presidential Elections in July. The experience we have so far with the electoral work has convinced us that the process can remain on track. We salute the independence demonstrated by the National Electoral Commission (NEC), and encourage all the parties to continue to collaborate with the Commission. Adherence to the Political Party’s Code of Conduct will decisively contribute to a constructive electoral climate. It is encouraging that in November 2006, eight political parties signed a Code of Conduct for the Elections.

The establishment of a Media Code of Conduct for election coverage is also vital. So too is voter education and a successful registration, which will start on 26 February.

Other critical tasks call for attention. As we recognise the relevance of being the first country to partner with the newly established UN Peacebuilding Commission, and congratulate the government for this meaningful international commitment, we should keep in mind that the priorities agreed with the Commission require steadfast implementation to consolidate stability and democracy. Youth unemployment remains a major issue. There is a need to harness the young people’s abilities and to sharpen their skills through education, vocational and professional training programmes, and to develop their management skills. Food security is also imperative for the well-being of citizens. Improved agricultural productivity, and adequate post-harvest techniques, will provide better nutrition and health for both rural and urban communities. The growth of small-scale farming and farm-related businesses and industries will generate additional rural incomes. All these will create firmer conditions for private sector growth. Efficient management of Sierra Leone’s natural resources, such as mining and fisheries, will ensure a sustainable future for its people. However, providing regulated access to these resources and markets remain a challenge. This is where public-private sector partnerships are useful for infrastructure and market development.

The United Nations Integrated Office in Sierra Leone (UNIOSIL) and UN Country team remain dedicated to the people and government of Sierra Leone. UNIOSIL’s mandate has just been extended for another year by the UN Security Council, which will see our continued presence in the country until the end of 2007. Furthermore, the UN Country Team will complete, this January, the formulation of its Development Assistance Framework for the period 2008-10, which will further align our work with national priorities and the pursuit of the Millennium Development Goals.

We aim, in an integrated manner, to provide strategic support for national capacity building, by working together with all the other domestic and external partners. The success of this combined effort by the local and international community is determined by the level of good governance and accountability by national institutions. The drive to combat corruption must gain greater urgency. The reform of public services and the transparency of procurement, as part of the Improved Governance and Accountability Pact, will significantly contribute to augment faith in state institutions. Efforts to accelerate the reform of the justice system are also a priority.

We must step up our work to secure a viable future for the men, women and children of Sierra Leone. There are still mountains to climb. The international community must continue to support those negotiating steep inclines to ensure that no key player loses balance.

We believe in the future of Sierra Leone.

As 2007 beckons and as we stand together, the UN staff and I share with the people of Sierra Leone a vista of hope in the year ahead.

*******************************************************************************************

Subject: SLPP members defect to APC
From: Town Crier
To: All
Date Posted: 15:56:27 01/08/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: dialup-4.186.204.14.dial1.weehawken1.level3.net at 4.186.204.14

Message:
cocorioko

Home Editorial Opinion Newsbeat yesterday's paper Diaspora News Documents Flashfire


Newslight

SLPP MEMBERS DEFECT TO APC

By Joseph Kamanda

Monday January 8, 2007

Barely six month away to the much- awaited Presidential and Parliamentary elections, former Sierra Leone People’s Party Young General Chairman, Mohamed Osman Sesay, Foday Lady Sesay ( both in Kabala) and Alfred Kanu Sesay of Ismaia village in the Koinadugu district on First (1st) of January defected to the opposition All People’s Congress party ( APC) at the Katomba Two Orange plantation Garden in Kabala.

Presenting the APC membership cards to Mohamed Osman Sesay and two others, the Leader and Presidential candidate of the APC in the July 28th elections, Hon. Ernest Bai Koroma said; “By virtues of my position as a leader of the APC, I accept our brothers into the fold of the APC and offer them all the facilities in the party.” He said that Mr. Sesay was a “strong man in the SLPP” but sees all reasons to come over to the APC. "Therefore I want to welcome him to the party.”

Mr. Koroma further stated that the three SLPP men have foreseen the future of Sierra Leone in the hands of the APC, thus their decision of coming over to the party can be beneficial to the entire Koinadugu district. He noted that Foday Lady and his colleagues were tired of hearing news of the unfulfilled promises made by the SLPP government and that is why they have bid farewell to the SLPP.
Mr. Koroma said that people are moving from the SLPP because they believe that in the reformation of the APC and the quality leadership of Hon. Ernest Bai Koroma.

In responses, one of the defected members, Mohamed Osman Sesay, told COCORIOKO.NET that he was disappointed with the leadership of the SLPP for not living up to the expectation of the masses.Sesay , who is of the view that the SLPP has failed, further admited failure on the part of his former party. "That’s why I have made up my mind to come onboard the APC political ban wagon to make the necessary change. "

Subject: APC Resorts to Bribing Voters??????
From: Independent Man
To: All
Date Posted: 12:24:27 01/08/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: new-5000.cadence.com at 158.140.1.25

Message:
Report from Koinadugu and Freetown indicate that the APC have started bribing voters to vote for them.
Any party (SLPP, APC, PMDC, ..) which resorts to bribing voters is not worth voting for. I hope the voters will eat the money and vote their conscience.

Subject: Re: APC Resorts to Bribing Voters??????
From: Yaya Fanusie
To: All
Date Posted: 12:38:28 01/08/07 ()
Email Address: futatoro@gmail.com
Entered From: adsl-64-175-35-230.dsl.pltn13.pacbell.net at 64.175.35.230

Message:
Independent Man,
Please give details about your allegation against APC.
Yaya Fanusie

Subject: Re: APC Resorts to Bribing Voters??????
From: Yaya Fashanu
To: All
Date Posted: 16:10:45 01/08/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: dialup-4.186.204.14.dial1.weehawken1.level3.net at 4.186.204.14

Message:
There are many

Subject: Re: APC Resorts to Bribing Voters??????
From: Thug Buster
To: All
Date Posted: 15:41:18 01/08/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 70.237.0.17

Message:
Oh shut up! APC, bribery, corruption and violence go hand in hand and I guess you would agree with me, you self-proclaimed thug, wouldn't you? The details about APC bribery are all over the place, some couched in the legacy that you and the other Steven henchmen used to build. Now if you would excuse us, we have pressing issues to deal with than furnishing 'details' that you would otherwise get yourslef by searching your own archives. But APC people don't learn from their own actions (or lack thereof). They will continue to languish in their own stupidity and innanity that they are notorious for.

Subject: Re: APC Resorts to Bribing Voters??????
From: Justice
To: All
Date Posted: 16:18:35 01/08/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 22-64-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.64.22

Message:
If the APC is a bribing party, then what it is the SLPP?
Looking back at Sierra Leone's political history, there is something lacking.
The one party APC wascomprised of strong SLPP stalwarts in its making.The growth of Sierra Leone's economy was in a faster pace pre-one partyism, till after 1978, when we had Francis Minah,an SLPP protege, Salia Jusu Sheriff , SB Marah, all were towing with the so-called APC onepartyism.
History will not treat us right, if we fail to give credence to Siaka Stevens' penchant for unity and co-existence. He completely withdrawn from the tribalistic net created by an SLPP he knew.
If history will accouint right, the APC is a cohesive entity that is capable to hold unity in our Country. The PMDC makes it possible to bring Sierra Leone in another stage where civility and the notion of Sierra Leone counts pre-eminently.
As for the lies to paint the APC in a bad light, does not hold any water.
The present SLPP has all the individuals that stained Siaka Stevens legacy. If, the SLPP will clamour for MK Suma, Abbas Bundu, JB Dauda and others, then it shows that there is something wrong in Sierra Leoneans conscience.
The fact of the matter is that conscience is a strong weapon. There is no room for mis placed variables, the SLPP is stinkingly unfit to rule, Period.

Subject: Re: APC Resorts to Bribing Voters??????
From: Thug Buster
To: All
Date Posted: 12:56:11 01/09/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 70.237.0.17

Message:
Don't get me started about the SLPP, Mr Justice. The SLPP has taken off from APC. They are just as selfish and a disaster for the country just like their predecessors. What I was doing is addressing the slef-admitting thug, Yaya Fanusi, and in no way of absolving the SLPP for what they are. Sierra Leone is not about SLPP versus APC. Yes, The APC is a bribing party and the SLPP could very well be. You spoke of APC being a cohesive entity. What APC and what history are you talking about. You see the idea of politcal camps and blaming others blind you people. PMDC? You are all over the place. Get your thoughts together first, Mr Justice.

Subject: Aberdeen namesake market unveiled
From: HARRY NASH
To: All
Date Posted: 06:16:19 01/08/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: user-10878cd.cable.mindspring.com at 64.131.161.141

Message:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Aberdeen namesake market unveiled

The people of Aberdeen have helped to build a badly needed market for an African township of the same name.
The Rotary Club of Aberdeen raised thousands of pounds for the project in Aberdeen, Sierra Leone.

The township's first covered market place and only block of public toilets have now been built.

Rotary Club president David Peters said the scheme had managed to capture the imagination of all Aberdonians who contributed to the appeal.

The previous open air market was badly affected by the rainy season as well as heat and dirt.

Local sanitation was also poor, and the 'Aberdeen for Aberdeen' project was born.

Mr Peters told the BBC Scotland news website: "We in the Rotary Club of Aberdeen were delighted to provide this covered market and toilets.

"This will allow trade to continue in all weathers, sheltered from the sun and torrential rains.

"We have also helped local hygiene by providing the township's only block of public toilets.

"Sierra Leone is amongst the poorest countries in the world and we are trying to help our namesake community of Aberdeen.

"The project has captured the imagination of all Aberdonians in Scotland and they welcome Aberdeen Sierra Leone into the worldwide family of Aberdeens bringing the two communities closer together."

Club members travelled to the official opening to see the culmination of the work, in conjunction with the charity Mercy Ships.

More than £6,000 has been raised for the project.

Harry Nash, team leader for all rotary teams working in Sierra Leone, said: "This is one more example of UK Rotarians working hard and contributing to the improvement of conditions for the people of Sierra Leone

Subject: HASTING DRINK, WATERLOO DRUNK
From: REBEL
To: All
Date Posted: 06:05:23 01/08/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: user-10878cd.cable.mindspring.com at 64.131.161.141

Message:
MP GETS "YES" FROM DOWN UNDER!

Local MP Michael Foster visited Hastings, New Zealand whilst in the country as part of the Works and Pensions Select Committee delegates earlier this month.

The MP met with Mayor Laurence Yule and Church leaders to offer greetings from Hastings, UK and to ask for help.

Hastings, UK will be "twinning" with Hastings, Sierra Leone one of the poorest towns in the world, next February. Local Churches have already raised money to build bridges and are now working towards £100,000 for a communication centre. A health centre is also planned with the assistance of local Doctor, John Geater.

"Although the Government have offered £30,000 towards the project we still need to raise around £40,000," said the MP. "So I thought it was worth asking our New Zealand friends (whose town was named, as was their counterpart in Sierra Leone, after Warren Hastings) if they would help. The Mayor confirmed his council would certainly assist in some way and local churches promised to see what they would do although as I was reminded they already do a great deal for the South Pacific Islands and rather see Africa as our backyard.

"It was well worth spending a day in Hastings to encourage our friends down under to help and I am sure we will be able to make a difference for Sierra Leone in 2007."

24 December 2006

Subject: CONTRACT TITLE:REHABILITATION OF 150KM OF RURAL ROADS IN KAM
From: EUROPEAN UNION
To: All
Date Posted: 18:15:18 01/07/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 64.128.101.179

Message:


GOVERNMENT OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE DELEGATION OF THE
EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Project title: REHABILITATION OF 650KM OF FEEDER ROADS IN FOUR DISTRICTS

WORKS PROCUREMENT NOTICE

CONTRACT TITLE:REHABILITATION OF 150KM OF RURAL ROADS IN KAMBIA DISTRICT

PUBLICATION REFERENCE: 9SL16/RR/KAM/ Wks

The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Sierra Leone Roads Authority, intends to award a works contract for the rehabilitation of 650 KM of Rural Roads in four Districts. These will include 150Km in Kambia district. The works have been divided into two lots and two separate works contracts will be signed. The works shall include general roadworks, drainage works , bridge works, pavement surface works to a laterite gravel road surface with financial assistance from the 9th European Development Fund.

There are three stretches totalling 36.9 km in lot 1 and four stretches totalling 112.5 Km in lot 2. The drainage works will include construction of side drains and ditches, clearing, dismantling, removing and replacing culverts.

The tender dossier can be collected from the National Authorising Office, OAU Drive, Tower Hill, Freetown, Sierra Leone during normal working hours.

The deadline for submission of tenders is Wednesday, 14th February 2007 at 3:00 p.m.

Subject: CONTRACT TITLE:REHABILITATION OF 185KM OF RURAL ROADS IN KEN
From: EUROPEAN UNION
To: All
Date Posted: 18:14:29 01/07/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 64.128.101.179

Message:

GOVERNMENT OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE DELEGATION OF THE
EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Project title: REHABILITATION OF 650KM OF FEEDER ROADS IN FOUR DISTRICTS

WORKS PROCUREMENT NOTICE

CONTRACT TITLE:REHABILITATION OF 185KM OF RURAL ROADS IN KENEMA DISTRICT

PUBLICATION REFERENCE: 9SL16/RR/KEN/ Wks

The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Sierra Leone Roads Authority, intends to award a works contract for the rehabilitation of 650 KM of Rural Roads in four Districts. These will include 185Km in Kenema district. The works have been divided into two lots and two separate works contracts will be signed. The works shall include general roadworks, drainage works , bridge works, pavement surface works to a laterite gravel road surface with financial assistance from the 9th European Development Fund.

There are four stretches totalling 96.9km in lot 1 and three stretches totalling 87.7km in lot 2. The drainage works will include construction of side drains and ditches, clearing, dismantling, removing and replacing culverts.

The tender dossier can be collected from the National Authorising Office, OAU Drive, Tower Hill, Freetown, Sierra Leone during normal working hours.

The deadline for submission of tenders is Wednesday, 14th February 2007 at 3:00 p.m.

Subject: Bellview Airline abandon passengers at Lungi International A
From: Ibrahim Jalloh
To: All
Date Posted: 16:06:34 01/07/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-66-140-44-2.dsl.rcsntx.swbell.net at 66.140.44.2

Message:
I believe this story might be of great interest to you. Saturday 6th January 2007, Belllview flight bound for London decided to abandon over 30 or more of it's passengers including women and children at the Lungi International Airport.

As it's the end of holiday these kids have to return to school on monday 8th January 2007. This is not the first time it's happened. Flights are sometimes cancelled with no explanation given to passengers.

Total lack of respect.According to Bellview staff/officials the flight was overbooked for the simple reason that passengers from Lagos were given priority at the expense of already confirmed bookings from passengers in Freetown.

Correct me if i'm wrong,but i believe Bellview must fullfil it's obligation under the terms and conditions that gave them the rights to land at Lungi International Airport and London Heathrow. They cannot have it both ways.When confronted by by pasengers in Freetown as to what was happenning,officers totally ignored the passengers' plight and to my amazement i was told on the phone that Bellview officers left the Airport through the back gates for the Ferry Terminal.

To put this mildly i'm digusted over their behaviour and i believe something has to be done.Bellview staff left everyone to fend for themselves until Wednesday 10th January. Some of these passengers have left their homes and families with the hope to return back to London the date they've confirmed their bookings after exhausting all their finances in hotels and other projects.

This is sad. All the passengers have now decided to meet at Bellview Head office in Freetown at 9:00am on monday 8th January 2007. Please do something before this tragic incident happen again. With Kind Regards Ibrahim Jalloh (London)

Subject: Re: Bellview Airline abandon passengers at Lungi International A
From: Fatorma Wilfred Gabba
To: All
Date Posted: 14:36:15 01/08/07 ()
Email Address: messiegabba@yahoo.com
Entered From: p58.fortbend.k12.tx.us at 166.102.136.58

Message:
It is unfortunate that Sierra Leonean out-bount passangers have to sufer such inconvinience.This matter should be addressed by the appropriate government agency, in addition to our problems in the US taveling to Sierra Leone.All these years, there is no inter-airline luggage transfer via London on Arstreous airline. We were better off during the days of KLM Royal Ducth Airlines.

Subject: Re: Bellview Airline abandon passengers at Lungi International A
From: Steven N Rogers
To: All
Date Posted: 16:35:54 01/07/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ool-4573708c.dyn.optonline.net at 69.115.112.140

Message:
Governments have a greater responsibility. That is something the government should take up with the airline through its Aviation authority. Once Belview and other airlines realize that there are serious consequencies for unexplained cancellations, they would think twice in the future.

Otherwise, no matter what the passengers do, they would have to wait till Monday or a later date without compensation for lost time and other expenses.

Subject: RE. Sengbe on our Nations Wealth
From: KLA
To: All
Date Posted: 15:39:29 01/07/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 164.82.85.3

Message:

Excuse my tardy response,on a truly important subject.

KLA, don't you mean "diamond dae SaLone" as opposed to "Money day Salone" as the title of your hypertext link?

"It is one thing to have these mineral deposits as natural endowments in Sa Lon, and in Africa as a whole, in general, but quite another to mine, and generate the money needed to convert this endowment into national wealth. This is where our problem has always lied. We neither have the geological manpower, nor the engineering / technological means / resources to facilitate this conversion to our benefit in the development of our nations in Africa." SENGBE

I actually meant that the Mineral Resources of Salone
does represnt Money,Diamonds included.

This is the kind of valuation Resources company Conduct. It involves placing Cash values on Mineral reserves, both proven and implied. This must be substantiated with verifiable Data from field studies.

Sierra Leone is fortunate in having a Cadre of trained Earth Scientist,working with the various Ministries involved in the Resources industry. The
International Community has contributed Expertise in
this regard.

The primary problem for Salone lies in the LAWS pertaining to the Resources sector. There is a pressing need for revision and updates, to reflect the current market prices for these Resources.

BRA me sef nor know watin do Nigeria..Nah dis dem say Want want nor get..........

"LAS VEGAS, Dec. 14, 2006 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Sierra Gold Corporation (Other OTC:SGCP.PK - News) announces that diamonds have been discovered on the Pampana North Property as a result of recent test samples from the company's ongoing bulk sampling program. This discovery confirms geologist, Hendrik Velduyzen's statement in his 43-101 report (2006) that ``certain stones found in the gold bearing gravel are similar to those found in kimberlite and suggest the presence of diamonds''. Because the company needs to do more extensive testing to determine the potential value of the diamonds, the value per share of $7.42 given yesterday only pertains to the gold deposits on the property. The value of the gold reserves is $586,404,000 and with 79,031,973 shares outstanding, the gold reserves have a per share value of $7.42 before calculating the costs of extraction.

Sierra Leone is a major exporter of diamonds and is recognized internationally for the size and quality of its diamonds. The country's major source of hard currency consists of the sale of diamonds. Sierra Leone's production is characterized by a high proportion of top-quality gem diamonds. The county became famous world-wide after the discovery of the Star of Sierra Leone, a magnificent 969 carat diamond. In 2002, a 1440 carat, gem quality diamond was discovered in Kono which was later sold in Belgium for $75 million. Sierra Leone has produced several of the largest alluvial diamonds ever discovered."..SLG

Sengbe, we may have to deal with some of these Corporations from the Shareholder level. Den don Kapu
di Lions share!

tstm
xx

M

Subject: Re: RE. Sengbe on our Nations Wealth
From: Sengbe
To: All
Date Posted: 15:23:05 01/08/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 198.85.59.94

Message:
The statement pasted below from the article reposted by KLA is what I was referring to in my post above, for those of you who might be puzzled:

"...Sierra Leone is a major exporter of diamonds and is recognized internationally for the size and quality of its diamonds. The country's major source of hard currency consists of the sale of diamonds. Sierra Leone's production is characterized by a high proportion of top-quality gem diamonds. The county became famous world-wide after the discovery of the Star of Sierra Leone, a magnificent 969 carat diamond. In 2002, a 1440 carat, gem quality diamond was discovered in Kono which was later sold in Belgium for $75 million. Sierra Leone has produced several of the largest alluvial diamonds ever discovered..."

Now, see if you have been taken for a ride by some of these corporations.

Subject: Re: RE. Sengbe on our Nations Wealth
From: Sengbe
To: All
Date Posted: 17:09:27 01/07/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: nc-71-2-88-145.dyn.embarqhsd.net at 71.2.88.145

Message:
Thanks for the response KLA.

With dar 1440 carat gem-quality diamond daye way dem sell for $75 million, ormoss Sa Lon gofment geh from da sale day?

Based on my understanding of the way the GoSL taxes these mining corporations, at the 3% tax rate, the government got about $2.25 million, a very meagre sum by any stretch of the imagination, and the "corporation" responsible for mining, and marketing that gemstone alone received the rest of the proceeds of $72.75 million.

Even if their overhead is, let us say, $25 million, the net profit made by that "corporation" on that stone alone is about $48 million. This is highway robbery of a nation in broad daylight by "these foreign mining corporations". And that is quite unacceptable in my thinking.

Now u see waetin ar dae torke bort?

If we (GoSL) had the capacity to explore, mine, and market these stones in equal partnership with that "mining corporation", we (GoSL) would have received at least $24 million just for that one stone, after the overhead expenditures by that "corporation", as opposed to the meagre sum of $2.25 million I mentioned earlier.

Maybe, at the present time, we should follow the example Botswana has set, by forming one or two mining corporations / conglomerations, in EQUAL PARTNERSHIPS, so that we may accrue at least 50% of the proceeds from their / our mining endeavours, and marketing activities, until we can go-it-alone in this regard. Afterall, it is our land, and our God-given natural endowments. That is the least we can do for now in Sa Lon, and in Africa, as a whole, for that matter.

The discrepancy in earning power to their advantage is the main reason these brutal wars are instigated in Africa.

Does Angola ring a bell? How about Mozambique? Congo? Sudan? And, of-course, Sa Lon and Liberia?

Did you say; "divide to conquer"?

But of-course.

When we are brutally at each others' throats, they benefit from the natural resources clandestinely. We must guard against this foolishness in the future.

Now, let us address the investment activities we must undertake in these corporations that you alluded to:

How many people of Sa Lonian descent, at home, and in the diaspora, know how to go about investing in these mining conglomerates / corporations? I don't.

This is where people like you come in.

And surely, the Ministries of Trade and Industry [do you hear me Kadi Sesay?]; Natural Resources / Mining [how about you, Swarray-Deen?]; and Economic Development [and you too, Mohamed Daramy?]; can play pivotal roles in educating the masses of our peoples about these investment possibilities / activities.

The functions of the appropriate ministries should not just be about setting policies for the acquisition of licenses, and geological surveys; nor should they merely be about inducing foreign investments; and writing proposals for foreign aid, and the like. They should include empowering the indigeneous folks to actively participate in the generation of wealth. That way, the nation benefits more so than what obtains presently as the status quo.

Subject: Re: RE. Sengbe on our Nations Wealth
From: kLA
To: All
Date Posted: 13:48:24 01/09/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 164.82.85.3

Message:

Sengbe,

Some of us have advocated for Changes in the mining laws.

The PARLIAMENT of Salone must produce relevant changes to the mining code.

Sengbe, Our own Mo Jalloh is an investment adviser of repute. He will be kind enough to explain the workings of publicly traded Mining and Companies.

Please visit link to observe the extent of Corporate
participation in our mining sector.

Subject: Our Forum
From: Progressive Alliance of Sierra Leone ( PASL)
To: All
Date Posted: 15:24:42 01/07/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: h167-156-253.63.chubb.com at 167.156.63.253

Message:
We will this coming week be unveiling our new discuusion forum which will be devoted to Sierra Leonean political and social issues.

You do't have to register to be a member. We have free membership . You will hear again from when we are done.

Subject: FOR MUSA
From: Professor
To: All
Date Posted: 11:10:43 01/07/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ool-44c29146.dyn.optonline.net at 68.194.145.70

Message:
I have read some of your pieces on this forum. You claim to have a doctorate. Can you tell us where you did your doctoral work, your area of study and the title of your dissertation?

Subject: SLPP squanders decentralization opportunity in Freetown
From: Olu Beckley
To: All
Date Posted: 09:12:14 01/07/07 ()
Email Address: mariamab@aol.com
Entered From: at 65.117.246.204

Message:
The December 22nd, 2006, Press Release from the Office of the President regarding waste management in the City of Freetown, is at best another attempt at derailing Sierra Leone’s decentralization process. Sierra Leoneans see this as an attempt by the incumbent government to discredit the opposition led City Council government; hoodwink the youths of Sierra Leone with a blotched employment strategy, all in a bid to garner votes in the forthcoming elections. With a large number of unemployed youths in the city, including a large number of ex- combatants, and all of this coming a few months before the voters registration exercise for the forthcoming elections, we foresee a more sinister plot that threatens national peace and security.

A second popular opinion is that while there is semblance of a commitment to the decentralization process (for the sake of securing donor funding), government ministries are not ready to devolve administrative, functional and fiscal authority, for fear of losing economic benefits from the control they presently exercise. The press release which quotes sub-section 6 of section 97 of the Local Government Act 2004, as the basis for government’s action is a clear misinterpretation of the intentions of the sub-section. That sub-section of the Act states “Where the local council does not have the capacity to rectify the default, the Ministry shall undertake the functions on the Council’s behalf and take immediate steps to develop the necessary capacity of the council and may for this purpose consult any Government Ministry or Department”.

Things need to be put in their true perspective here. Inability and incapacity (not inefficiency) are the reasons quoted for government’s action. Lack of capacity is the key argument put forth by government for the snail pace in the devolution process. This concern may be legitimate and true for all the Municipal, Town, District and other local government authorities. But how do we expect the Councils to build capacity over a period of two years when we have given them little or no opportunity to do so? It’s like interviewing for a job only to be turned down because you lack experience!! How do they expect you to get the experience in the first place? Almost 10 years after this government took over power, and with approximately $600 million dollars of aid annually, the central government is still organizing sumptuous capacity building workshops. Apply the same performance standards to measure the effectiveness of the SLPP government and see if they will not fail the test!!

The Press release should have addressed the inefficiencies of the central government apparatus which has been responsible for waste management in the first place. Instead it picked on an elected, emerging, ill equipped and under-funded city government that took over an overwhelming urban management problem after the municipal elections of 2004; a municipal government which has just started receiving budgetary allocat1ons and trying to build its own administrative, financial and technical capacity. Judging an institution’s capacity to implement a plan designed by another is not a valid measure of the institution’s management capacity. In other words, monitoring the success of local governments can only be meaningful when there is genuine devolution of authority.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports has been the responsible agency for garbage disposal in the City of Freetown. Renowned Sierra Leonean water and sanitation experts in a document titled “Review of the Water Supply and Sanitation Sector by E.T. Ndomahina and I.S. Kabia, Final Report, 2004” point to the fact that “since 1980 the waste management for Freetown was transferred to the Environmental Health Division (EHD) of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MOHS). In 2003 the Waste Management was again transferred to the Ministry of Youths and Sports (MOYS) with both city council and the EHD acting as partners”. The responsible central government ministry spent almost $1.2 million (Le. 900,000,000 per year) over a 4 year period, backed by the provision of other logistics including bulldozers, skip-trucks, front hew loaders, shovels, pickaxes, rakes, wheel-barrows and other utility vehicles for garbage collection in the city. The results of the Ministry’s achievements are evident for all to see. Simply put, the decline in municipal waste management can be attributed to illegitimacy; the absence of a sustainable waste management strategy as part of the National Environment Policy; mismanagement and corruption; lack of accountability and transparency, and a general neglect for the urban management complexities facing Sierra Leonean cities today.

The decentralization objective of the Institutional Reform and Capacity Building Project in Sierra Leone is to support the Government of Sierra Leone to establish a functioning local government system as well as strengthen the policy and implementation capacity of the local authorities. With donor funds, several successful inroads have been made and the foundation for an effective local governance structures have been put in place. Now we should focus on capacity building and the devolution of responsibilities, authority and concomitant resources (funding, personnel, etc). Allow the local authorities to prepare their strategic plans, and let them feel a sense of ownership of the ideas. Fund their plans and provide staff of professional competence (not administrators) to strengthen their base. Develop trust by creating a supportive and co-operative working environment. Use international NGO’s sparingly in advisory capacities and do not devolve authority with strings attached. They may fail at one time or the other but they develop and take ownership of a sustainable system which can pay for itself over time through user fees and taxes. In any case they are accountable to the people at the next municipal elections.

When the newly elected Freetown City Council paid a courtesy call on President Kabbah, their expressed commitment to co-operate fully with the central government has not been reciprocated and now Government is playing the blame game. Instead of making attempts to decentralize, Government is now trying its hands at re-centralization. The task force established by government does not address the capacity building objective of the Local Government Act or the donor funded decentralization process. Sub-section 6 of section 97 of the Local Government Act mandates the Ministry to take the necessary steps to develop capacity of the local authorities. It does not give the Ministry the authority to set up parallel ad hoc institutions or abrogate responsibilities. When politically motivated, non-representative institutions such as the task force are put in place, there is a risk of strengthening their autocracy and weakening democracy.

The real effect of the press release is to continue “business as usual” as follows: Organize a group of unemployed youths under the guise of politically organized “briefcase NGO’s”; provide them with a couple of wheelbarrows, shovels and pickaxes; assign the new Libyan donated trucks to contractors who will transport garbage to the collection points at a fee; all of this will be supervised by a Task Force of Ministers with GTZ giving this illegitimate arrangement a semblance of credibility. $600,000 is spent to repair a few derelict dump trucks that will later be auctioned off; the project covers the administrative costs of the Task Force, and of course Madam Nour’s expatriate fees and GTZ’s overheads. The Central Business District; Hill Station and the west end may see some irregular collections; crude open dumping and burning activities are experienced for the next 6 months; and we are back to square on. It is a win-win situation for the SLPP Government and the few comprised contractors and Executive Directors of the “briefcase NGO’s”. When the money runs out, the citizens of Freetown and their elected government are left dry, with an unsustainable waste disposal system; scattered breeding grounds for flies and vernims; and a disgruntled youth that are back to square one. My fear here is that by using incumbency power and donor money, with the backing of international NGO’s like GTZ, we run the risk of cajoling unemployed youths into unholy alliances that may be worrisome for the smooth conduct of the presidential and parliamentary elections.

Like decentralization “Sierra Leone is unlikely to meet any of its Millennium Development Goals”. (Julia McKenzie, BBC2 News night 01/04/07). The next elections will be Presidential and Parliamentary elections, and not City Council elections. The people of Sierra Leone including of course the Freetonians will be holding the Central Government accountable for 10 years of unfulfilled promises. Leave the citizens of Freetown to deal with the Freetown City Council at the next municipal elections, and do not muddle things up in a desperate attempt to cover up your failures. The public respect for the SLPP has dropped to an all time low nationwide and meddling into the people’s local governance issues is making matters even worse.

Patrick Olu Beckley
Housing Analyst
City of Alexandria, Virginia, USA

Subject: Re: SLPP squanders decentralization opportunity in Freetown
From: ALPHA SAIDU BANGURA
To: All
Date Posted: 20:10:11 01/07/07 ()
Email Address: SAIDUBANGSO@AOL.COM
Entered From: cache-mtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.117.8

Message:
Mr.Beckley,with all due respect to you,let us discuss this decentralization issue with an open mind.Please,detach yourself from the issue.
The central government delegates some of its responsibilities to the local government,that is why all local councils are under the supervision of the ministry of local government.
What do you expect the central government do when the Freetown City Council refuses to discharge it duties?
Do you know that government gave the Freetown City Council funds to help in cleaning up the city?The city council said that the funds were not enough.
Do you also know the city council collects taxes from house owners,market dues,cemetery fees and business houses and that the council is refusing to properly account for these funds?
Government also gave all town councils lorries to help in cleaning the major cities.The Freetown City Council refused to take the lorries because government wants the councils to maintain the trucks.
What should government do after the council neglected its functions?
I want to draw your attention to the APC era,do you remember when government(ministry of health) gave Mr.Agibu Jalloh the contract to clean the city?
Did you or anybody esle complain?
Once again I appeal to every true Sierra Leonean to put aside party affiliation,let us work together to build to better country for our generations yet unborn.

Subject: Re: SLPP squanders decentralization opportunity in Freetown
From: Olu Beckley
To: All
Date Posted: 08:36:24 01/08/07 ()
Email Address: mariamab@aol.com
Entered From: at 206.113.148.2

Message:
Alpha Saidu Bangura, thank you for your constructive points of view which I believe make sense to me. You are a fine gentlemen who means well for Sierra Leone.

We all detested the corrupt Agibu Jalloh contracts of yester years, and we should not repeat the same mistakes again. If we keep on doing what we have always done, we will always get what we've always got.

I agree Government has the right to step in, but under specific conditions as stated in the Act as follows: Section 100 of the Local Government Act 2004 states: "The President may, with the approval of two-thirds of all the members of Parliament, assume the powers of a any local council.
(a) where the local council so requests and if it is in the public interest to do so;
(b) where a state of emergency has been declared in that locality; or
(c ) where it has become extremely difficult or impossible for a local council to function.
(d) where the council persistently acts beyond its powers.

Sub-setion 3 goes on to say “ Unless approved by Parliament for a longer term, the exercise of the power conferred by this section shall be for a period not exceeding ninety days.

Agree with me that the press release quoted the wrong section of the Act as the basis for Government's action; that the press release was not approved by Parliament. We are a democracy and a country of laws so then let us interepret and implement the provisions of the Act correctly.

Subject: Re: SLPP squanders decentralization opportunity in Freetown
From: AFRC MINISTER
To: All
Date Posted: 09:44:50 01/07/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 64.128.101.179

Message:
Hi Rebel,

How are you? You disgraceful piece of trash. You should be in jail right now.You are lucky you are sill around. You are a stinking pathetic fool, and the people of salone did not deserve what you and your fellow coupligans did to them. Dis bloody rebel yah so.Shameful dog.

Subject: Re: SLPP squanders decentralization opportunity in Freetown
From: Olu Beckley
To: All
Date Posted: 10:02:57 01/07/07 ()
Email Address: mariamab@aol.com
Entered From: at 65.117.246.204

Message:
"Bad heart nor mix. Address the issue!!

Subject: SLPP squanders decentralization opportunity in Freetown
From: Olu Beckley
To: All
Date Posted: 09:10:01 01/07/07 ()
Email Address: mariamab@aol.com
Entered From: at 65.117.246.204

Message:
The December 22nd, 2006, Press Release from the Office of the President regarding waste management in the City of Freetown, is at best another attempt at derailing Sierra Leone’s decentralization process. Sierra Leoneans see this as an attempt by the incumbent government to discredit the opposition led City Council government; hoodwink the youths of Sierra Leone with a blotched employment strategy, all in a bid to garner votes in the forthcoming elections. With a large number of unemployed youths in the city, including a large number of ex- combatants, and all of this coming a few months before the voters registration exercise for the forthcoming elections, we foresee a more sinister plot that threatens national peace and security.

A second popular opinion is that while there is semblance of a commitment to the decentralization process (for the sake of securing donor funding), government ministries are not ready to devolve administrative, functional and fiscal authority, for fear of losing economic benefits from the control they presently exercise. The press release which quotes sub-section 6 of section 97 of the Local Government Act 2004, as the basis for government’s action is a clear misinterpretation of the intentions of the sub-section. That sub-section of the Act states “Where the local council does not have the capacity to rectify the default, the Ministry shall undertake the functions on the Council’s behalf and take immediate steps to develop the necessary capacity of the council and may for this purpose consult any Government Ministry or Department”.

Things need to be put in their true perspective here. Inability and incapacity (not inefficiency) are the reasons quoted for government’s action. Lack of capacity is the key argument put forth by government for the snail pace in the devolution process. This concern may be legitimate and true for all the Municipal, Town, District and other local government authorities. But how do we expect the Councils to build capacity over a period of two years when we have given them little or no opportunity to do so? It’s like interviewing for a job only to be turned down because you lack experience!! How do they expect you to get the experience in the first place? Almost 10 years after this government took over power, and with approximately $600 million dollars of aid annually, the central government is still organizing sumptuous capacity building workshops. Apply the same performance standards to measure the effectiveness of the SLPP government and see if they will not fail the test!!

The Press release should have addressed the inefficiencies of the central government apparatus which has been responsible for waste management in the first place. Instead it picked on an elected, emerging, ill equipped and under-funded city government that took over an overwhelming urban management problem after the municipal elections of 2004; a municipal government which has just started receiving budgetary allocat1ons and trying to build its own administrative, financial and technical capacity. Judging an institution’s capacity to implement a plan designed by another is not a valid measure of the institution’s management capacity. In other words, monitoring the success of local governments can only be meaningful when there is genuine devolution of authority.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports has been the responsible agency for garbage disposal in the City of Freetown. Renowned Sierra Leonean water and sanitation experts in a document titled “Review of the Water Supply and Sanitation Sector by E.T. Ndomahina and I.S. Kabia, Final Report, 2004” point to the fact that “since 1980 the waste management for Freetown was transferred to the Environmental Health Division (EHD) of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MOHS). In 2003 the Waste Management was again transferred to the Ministry of Youths and Sports (MOYS) with both city council and the EHD acting as partners”. The responsible central government ministry spent almost $1.2 million (Le. 900,000,000 per year) over a 4 year period, backed by the provision of other logistics including bulldozers, skip-trucks, front hew loaders, shovels, pickaxes, rakes, wheel-barrows and other utility vehicles for garbage collection in the city. The results of the Ministry’s achievements are evident for all to see. Simply put, the decline in municipal waste management can be attributed to illegitimacy; the absence of a sustainable waste management strategy as part of the National Environment Policy; mismanagement and corruption; lack of accountability and transparency, and a general neglect for the urban management complexities facing Sierra Leonean cities today.

The decentralization objective of the Institutional Reform and Capacity Building Project in Sierra Leone is to support the Government of Sierra Leone to establish a functioning local government system as well as strengthen the policy and implementation capacity of the local authorities. With donor funds, several successful inroads have been made and the foundation for an effective local governance structures have been put in place. Now we should focus on capacity building and the devolution of responsibilities, authority and concomitant resources (funding, personnel, etc). Allow the local authorities to prepare their strategic plans, and let them feel a sense of ownership of the ideas. Fund their plans and provide staff of professional competence (not administrators) to strengthen their base. Develop trust by creating a supportive and co-operative working environment. Use international NGO’s sparingly in advisory capacities and do not devolve authority with strings attached. They may fail at one time or the other but they develop and take ownership of a sustainable system which can pay for itself over time through user fees and taxes. In any case they are accountable to the people at the next municipal elections.

When the newly elected Freetown City Council paid a courtesy call on President Kabbah, their expressed commitment to co-operate fully with the central government has not been reciprocated and now Government is playing the blame game. Instead of making attempts to decentralize, Government is now trying its hands at re-centralization. The task force established by government does not address the capacity building objective of the Local Government Act or the donor funded decentralization process. Sub-section 6 of section 97 of the Local Government Act mandates the Ministry to take the necessary steps to develop capacity of the local authorities. It does not give the Ministry the authority to set up parallel ad hoc institutions or abrogate responsibilities. When politically motivated, non-representative institutions such as the task force are put in place, there is a risk of strengthening their autocracy and weakening democracy.

The real effect of the press release is to continue “business as usual” as follows: Organize a group of unemployed youths under the guise of politically organized “briefcase NGO’s”; provide them with a couple of wheelbarrows, shovels and pickaxes; assign the new Libyan donated trucks to contractors who will transport garbage to the collection points at a fee; all of this will be supervised by a Task Force of Ministers with GTZ giving this illegitimate arrangement a semblance of credibility. $600,000 is spent to repair a few derelict dump trucks that will later be auctioned off; the project covers the administrative costs of the Task Force, and of course Madam Nour’s expatriate fees and GTZ’s overheads. The Central Business District; Hill Station and the west end may see some irregular collections; crude open dumping and burning activities are experienced for the next 6 months; and we are back to square on. It is a win-win situation for the SLPP Government and the few comprised contractors and Executive Directors of the “briefcase NGO’s”. When the money runs out, the citizens of Freetown and their elected government are left dry, with an unsustainable waste disposal system; scattered breeding grounds for flies and vernims; and a disgruntled youth that are back to square one. My fear here is that by using incumbency power and donor money, with the backing of international NGO’s like GTZ, we run the risk of cajoling unemployed youths into unholy alliances that may be worrisome for the smooth conduct of the presidential and parliamentary elections.

Like decentralization “Sierra Leone is unlikely to meet any of its Millennium Development Goals”. (Julia McKenzie, BBC2 News night 01/04/07). The next elections will be Presidential and Parliamentary elections, and not City Council elections. The people of Sierra Leone including of course the Freetonians will be holding the Central Government accountable for 10 years of unfulfilled promises. Leave the citizens of Freetown to deal with the Freetown City Council at the next municipal elections, and do not muddle things up in a desperate attempt to cover up your failures. The public respect for the SLPP has dropped to an all time low nationwide and meddling into the people’s local governance issues is making matters even worse.

Patrick Olu Beckley
Housing Analyst
City of Alexandria, Virginia, USA

Subject: Re: SLPP squanders decentralization opportunity in Freetown
From: Komaneh
To: All
Date Posted: 11:48:16 01/07/07 ()
Email Address: komaneh@yahoo.com
Entered From: smith2250.apsc.vt.edu at 128.173.64.123

Message:
Housing director embezzles funds

FREETOWN, August 01 -- The Country Director of the African Housing Fund (AHF)- Sierra Leone, Mr. Patrick Olu Beckley is reported to have fled the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, for an undisclosed locat1on in the United States of America following alleged embezzlement of thousands of dollars from the organisation's funds.

Standard Times gathered that the Kenyan authorities have confiscated Patrick Beckley's assets including his house, cars and some personal effects.

The African Housing Fund (AHF), a Pan African organisation with headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, started operations in Sierra Leone in April 1986 in the Kambia, Bo and Pujehun districts respectively, specializing in rebuilding and refurbishing houses vandalised during the rebel war and also giving out micro credit to small scale enterprises.

It is understood that the sacked director, Patrick O. Beckley, was operating the organisation as a one man's employer, serving as Accountant, Project Manager and Purchasing Officer.

In addition, all external transactions were directly under his tight control until when it became quite evident that the organisation was virtually collapsing that the Ministry of Lands, Housing, Country Planning and the Environment decided to step in in order to salvage the situation.

The ministry signed series of memoranda of understanding with the Nairobi office under successive ministers, including, Alhaji Samura, Capt. (Rtd.) Abdul Rahman Kamara, Haja Hafsatu Kabbah and Dr. John Karimu but with little success as the Kenyan headquarters had already dissolved the entire organisation's operations in Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda and Sierra Leone.

With the collapse of the former management, an interim management committee under the supervision of Shelter Afrique was set up in Nairobi to oversee the activities of the AHF programme and Mr. Patrick Beckley was again appointed Deputy Director leaving behind several hundreds of Sierra Leonean employees jobless and dejected.

Meanwhile, when Standard Times contacted the Director of Housing in the ministry, Mr. Murana to comment on certain allegations levied against him by some aggrieved workers alleging that he had received huge sums of money on their behalf from Kenyan, he stated out that the allegations are untrue, adding that he was on leave during the year in question, that is, between May 1998 and November 1999 and that he had no knowledge of any transaction that may have taken place in his absence.

This press also gathered that in 1999 during the term of office of former Minister of Lands, Haja Hafsatu Kabbah, the sum of $15,000 was sent to the AHF office in Sierra Leone which was reportedly received by Nazralla Kamara, Yusuf Kamara, Mr. Samura and Mr. Sheriff who failed to account to the other members of the organisation which led to a bitter quarrel, causing the minister to expel them from their Youyi Building 3rd floor office.

Documentary evidence presently available to this press confirmed that the Minister of Lands and Housing, Dr. Alfred Bobson Sesay and his Director, Mr. Murana are making frantic efforts to retrieve funds from AHF headquarters in Nairobi to pay their redundant workers in Sierra Leone.

In a letter written to a Mr. L. R. Oluanji of the interim management committee of Shelter Afrique on the subject matter of "Staff Benefit and Liabilities, AHF programme Sierra Leone".

The letter read in part: "I refer to the subject which is of serious concern to the government of Sierra Leone and the ministry in particular. As you are aware, a number of outstanding issues are yet to be addressed since the cessation of the AHF operations in Sierra Leone, principal among these are that of the payment of benefits owed to staff and settlement of liabilities incurred on behalf of AHF.

"As you are aware Sierra Leone has gone through a disastrous ten-year war which has distressed and traumatized a large percentage of the population. In such circumstances the government is anxious to avoid any situation that would cause discontent and ignite social unrest.

I thus take this opportunity to prevail upon you to use your good offices to conclusively address the growing agitation among your staff for their benefits to be paid".

To bring the matter to a close, some disgruntled workers have called upon the Anti-corruption to invite the sacked AHF Director from the states to come to Sierra Leone and face the commission, adding that Mr. Beckley's statement is unbelievable, stating that 80% of the houses constructed by his organisation have broken down. Ministry of Lands officials say they have no official dealings with AHF as all transactions were carried out by their boss, Mr. Beckley when things were going on pretty well and now that the table has turned around they've falsely maligning ministry officials to pay them some money.

Editor's note: Read in our subsequent editions the present financial position of AHF, Present assets and liabilities in Sierra Leone and the invitation of the Anti-Corruption to probe the past activities of the sacked director, Patrick O. Beckley. - Standard Times

Subject: Re: SLPP squanders decentralization opportunity in Freetown
From: Olu Beckley
To: All
Date Posted: 13:01:45 01/07/07 ()
Email Address: mariamab@aol.com
Entered From: at 65.117.246.204

Message:
Libel is the name of the game lap dogs play. The intentions of the writers of this article are very clear. When innuances of rebel collaboration cannot be proved, other means of getting at true and well meaning Sierra Leoneans are found. We willot be detered.

Subject: Re: SLPP squanders decentralization opportunity in Freetown
From: FACT
To: All
Date Posted: 13:12:07 01/07/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 64.128.101.179

Message:
Were you appointed by Johnny Paul Koroma as a member of the AFRC government?

Subject: Re: SLPP squanders decentralization opportunity in Freetown
From: Olu Beckley
To: All
Date Posted: 13:27:16 01/07/07 ()
Email Address: mariamabb@aol.com
Entered From: at 65.117.246.204

Message:
Check the SLPP government's list of "AFRC collaborators" and answer that question for yourself.

Subject: Re: SLPP squanders decentralization opportunity in Freetown
From: REBEL
To: All
Date Posted: 14:26:56 01/07/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 64.128.101.179

Message:
Hahahahaha. Your name was part of AFRC appointed officials according to the press release issued by the former foot of state. You are a shameless charlatan. You nar baster rebel dog. Shameless pieces of trash.Were you not appointed by Johhny Paul as the head od the housing ministry? You shameless trash.

Subject: Re: SLPP squanders decentralization opportunity in Freetown
From: Olu Beckley
To: All
Date Posted: 17:52:10 01/07/07 ()
Email Address: mariamab@aol.com
Entered From: pool-71-252-38-237.washdc.east.verizon.net at 71.252.38.237

Message:
Take that mask off your face and let us know who the true ba***** is!! This discussion is getting out of hand; the facts are getting too hot for some to handle. Visit this forum tomorrow for some more straight talk.

Subject: Re: SLPP squanders decentralization opportunity in Freetown
From: Justice
To: All
Date Posted: 03:37:13 01/08/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 57-64-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.64.57

Message:
Olu, you do not need to answer these retrobates who think Sierra Leone is their property. They hide under a cloak.These guys who want to let you look bad,are the ones who are presently stealing our money.
They milked everything meant for the poor. The truth is a bitter pill to swallow. Bare;y, six months to the elctions, they are now coming up with projectss that are financed by the International Community. Generations yet unborn will have to pay the debts the kleptomaniac SLPP is lending.
These are evil people who killed many Sierra Leoneans innocently because they asked for peace.
The SLPP will pay dearly for its apses. They think that the people are fools this time around.

Subject: Re: SLPP squanders decentralization opportunity in Freetown
From: REBEL
To: All
Date Posted: 17:58:05 01/07/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 64.128.101.179

Message:
hahahaha, answer the damn question. You nar rebel piece of shit. You do not deserve to be among decent folks here. You nar alaki mortal man. Johnny Paul's ass wiper Olu water mouth. Dirty Olu rebel minister. Shame on you. You disgusting wretch.

DID YOU SERVE AS THE HEAD OF THE HOUSING MINISTRY UNDER THE AFRC JUNTA?wERE YOU APPOINTED BY JPK TO HEAD THAT MINISTRY. DIS TIFF EN LIE WRETCHED MAN YAR SO.

Subject: Re: SLPP squanders decentralization opportunity in Freetown
From: Olu Beckley
To: All
Date Posted: 18:11:48 01/07/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: pool-71-252-38-237.washdc.east.verizon.net at 71.252.38.237

Message:
You are so out of touch with your country's history that I wonder what you think with- maybe your elbow!!!

Subject: Re: SLPP squanders decentralization opportunity in Freetown
From: REBEL
To: All
Date Posted: 18:13:42 01/07/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 64.128.101.179

Message:
1.WERE YOU THE HEAD OF THE HOUSING MINISTRY UNDER JPK?

2.WERE YOU APPOINTED BY JPK TO SERVE THE REBEL REGIME AS HEAD OF THE HOUSING MINISTRY?

Rebel, answer these questions, and please stop your rebel tactics.

Subject: Re: SLPP squanders decentralization opportunity in Freetown
From: Olu Beckley
To: All
Date Posted: 18:19:11 01/07/07 ()
Email Address: mariamab@aol.com
Entered From: pool-71-252-38-237.washdc.east.verizon.net at 71.252.38.237

Message:
Were you a member of the "young boys squad" or one of the firing squad executioners?

Subject: Re: SLPP squanders decentralization opportunity in Freetown
From: REBEL
To: All
Date Posted: 18:28:39 01/07/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 64.128.101.179

Message:
Yes, I was. But I did not see you to fire your rebel ass. yOU ARE ONE REBEL ASSHOLE, CONSPIRATOR, afrc/ruf ASS KISSER, JOHNNY P.AULS DROSS LICKER You rebel son of a gun. Dis alaki mortal man yah so. You shameless piece of shit. SWEGBEH

Subject: Re: SLPP squanders decentralization opportunity in Freetown
From: Olu Beckley
To: All
Date Posted: 18:37:18 01/07/07 ()
Email Address: mariamab@aol.com
Entered From: pool-71-252-38-237.washdc.east.verizon.net at 71.252.38.237

Message:
Now I can guess who you. Some of you are now before the special court, and there are still more to come. So hold tight, cause the noose is getting tighter!!

Subject: Re: SLPP squanders decentralization opportunity in Freetown
From: REBEL
To: All
Date Posted: 18:41:16 01/07/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 64.128.101.179

Message:
Ok. You rebel bastard.You are lucky to be in the US after all what you and your gang did to salone. God will definitely punish your ass for that. You are one stinking pathetic trash. You AFrC/RUF ass wiper. JPK's ass cleaner. TIFF MAN.

Subject: Re: SLPP squanders decentralization opportunity in Freetown
From: ok dot
To: All
Date Posted: 19:17:16 01/07/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ca32-ch01-bl05.ny-newyorkc0.sa.earthlink.net at 207.69.138.10

Message:
Man back off Olu,some of your guys who are now parading as SLPP stalwarts were once RUF killers.Eldred Collins and his ilks will be my witness.If according to your logic anyone who worked for the AFRC Government is a rebel then a whole bunch of your operatives are rebels like some present ministers,parliamentarians,soldiers,police and top civil servants.I can name them for you if you want me to.Please back off and try to be intellectual and not personal.The APC,SLPP,RUF,AFRC CAN ALL SHARE THE BLAME FOR DESTROYING SIERRA LEONE.THE EVIDENCE IS THERE FOR ALL TO SEE.

Subject: Re: SLPP squanders decentralization opportunity in Freetown
From: REBEL
To: All
Date Posted: 00:24:09 01/08/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: user-10878cd.cable.mindspring.com at 64.131.161.141

Message:
Olu is a rfebel like Collins. Who told you taht I am SLPP? I hate rebels like Olu and Collins, and I will forever be a thorn in their flesh.

Subject: Re: SLPP squanders decentralization opportunity in Freetown
From: AFRC MINISTER
To: All
Date Posted: 11:54:39 01/07/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 64.128.101.179

Message:
Olu beckley is not only a thief, he is a rebel also. Komaneh, thank you very much for this info. This guy is disgracegul. He was a minister in the AFRc junta regime. Tiffy tiffy jankoliko for true. Rebel piece of trash.

Subject: YOU ARE MISLEADING ME,I AM NOT TRIBALISTIC
From: MUSA
To: All
Date Posted: 08:20:50 01/07/07 ()
Email Address: mpkamara@hotmail.com
Entered From: luna.hypair.net at 194.50.180.4

Message:
Amara this is an open forum you are not communicating with me.Nobody is obliged or forced to read a message.I didn't claim to have a doctorate degree,I own it.Communication circumstances made me to disclose it to you.I know the truth is bitter thats why your rhetoric is becoming hostile.I am not tribalistic and it doesn't exist in our language.I had a lot of Mende friends in school and one of my best friend and my neighbor was a Mende.My cousins were born and bred in Bo.Please dont mislead me.We in the diaspora should use our tremendous experience,living as a foreigner in a different land and a different continent is the greatest education someone can acquire,infact more than a degree or diploma.Therefore,there is a need to use this experience or achievement to unify our people especially the Temnes and Mendes rather than dividing them.I hope you get me right Mr. Amara.

Subject: Re: YOU ARE MISLEADING ME,I AM NOT TRIBALISTIC
From: Amara
To: All
Date Posted: 15:55:48 01/07/07 ()
Email Address: lawlawde80@yahoo.com
Entered From: c-66-30-154-31.hsd1.ma.comcast.net at 66.30.154.31

Message:
MUSA read your post that triggered my response "Please cast your vote for the APC.Other wise the slpp will take us back to the stone age.The mendes are only interested in power not the affairs of the nation and the agony of the ordinary people.They can even make a lebanese a president for them only to cling on power".
So let me address your owned doctoral ass as per each sentence; The first and second sentences do make sense, you are campaigning for APC. I give you that and it is your noble right to exercise your democratic will.
Now read your third sentence, "The mendes are only interested in power not the affairs of the nation and the agony of the ordinary"
what are you trying to imply here mr? who will own a doctoral degree from a recognized university and yet post a mess like this. Tell me if this is not a blatant tribalistic sentiment. So all the mende people you know are politicians right and there interest is to as you put it, augment the agony of the people of Sierra Leone correct?
Musa you are a disgrace, a mere subnoxious bloak. I pity you and my beloved nation for idiots like you. Please go back to school and try hard to defend your pattern of English writing, I AM NOT MISLEADING YOU, fool.

Subject: Re: YOU ARE MISLEADING ME,I AM NOT TRIBALISTIC
From: He owns a doctorate degree
To: All
Date Posted: 08:52:59 01/07/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: nc-71-2-88-145.dyn.embarqhsd.net at 71.2.88.145

Message:
Don't you mean to state that "You are misinterpreting me..." as opposed to "You are misleading me..." in this context?

Subject: SIERRA LEONE'S FAILING HEALTH ON UK TV
From: Truth
To: All
Date Posted: 04:53:05 01/07/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-129-135-33.range86-129.btcentralplus.com at 86.129.135.33

Message:
How disturbing to watch our people suffer because we are indifferent to the meek and lowly amongst us. A society that cannot look after its people is doomed! We ned to seriously take ourselves seriously or else we will revisit our past soon. Too much suffering and chaos is going on and we are all not practically concerned.

Subject: KABBS & SYLVIA
From: Moijue(self appointed peaceseeker)
To: All
Date Posted: 01:55:28 01/07/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-los-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 195.93.21.132

Message:
Forumites,
AS we are now in a new year and pray for good things to us all, can we individually and collectively pls. try and broker a permanent peace between Rev Kabs Kanu & Sylvia Blyden.

For me in thier different ways they have contributed to salone development.I believe people must learn to forgive and forget while at the same time continue to be critical of one another.

In this light i am please appealing to all true and peace loving compatriots for us to settle whatever is disturbing or has brought discord between our sister Sylvia and brother Kabs.

MY question to Kabs & Sylvia is HOW CAN WE SOLVE THIS PROBLEM BETWEEN U TWO? U can email me personally or say your piece on the forum.

P/S I have posted this appeal to both compatriots.
I have decided to make this my goal.Peace between Sylvia(my sister) and Kabs(my brother)

Subject: Re: KABBS & SYLVIA
From: truth
To: All
Date Posted: 04:34:24 01/07/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-129-135-33.range86-129.btcentralplus.com at 86.129.135.33

Message:
Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall see God. I have always admired you - whatever people may call you. You are an embodiment of truth. may God protect and guide you against those who seek to smear you. Continue your good deeds towards our people and please do not forget to further advance yourself for tomorrow will be a different playing field. i know you very well and would be willing to talk to you about yourself. You are a wonderful person Moijue but your delusion to realising your true worth sends mix signals to all. Self advancement can open many doors for you to further enrich what you have in store for your people. may god continue to bless you.

Subject: Re: KABBS & SYLVIA
From: Peace
To: All
Date Posted: 06:34:04 01/07/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: h167-156-253.63.chubb.com at 167.156.63.253

Message:
moijue i believe that Sylvia is not the one posting and kabs is not the one posting against sylvia either. There are troublemakers in the background fanning the flames.

Subject: Forum Update
From: KABS KANU
To: All
Date Posted: 20:05:01 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: h167-156-253.63.chubb.com at 167.156.63.253

Message:
In our quest to keep you informed about everything going on, we want to give you an update. This morning, when I returned from church, I met the forum under the control of a crazed person who was posting under different threads abusing my mother and spewing profanities that would make even Satan blush.

I immediately deleted the ones with mammy cuss and profanities , but since the person was continuing to post, I deployed the IP Indicator and through that got the person's IP and blocked him/her effectively. After being blocked, the person ceased his/her attack. If I had not moved fast today, this forum would have been riddled top to bottom with profanities. The IP Indicator has served its purpose and it has been removed.

Sierra Leoneans, let me ask you a question : Is this the defining character of the average Sierra Leonean ? I ask this question because this habit of trying to destroy forum with mammy cuss and all manners of profanities is becoming too endemic in the Sierra Leone online community. We all remember what happened to SLIS and the NUP Forum.

Frankly, we had good intentions for granting that amnesty and freeing all blocked IPs last week. We thought that our people would have by now attained that level of maturity and patriotism to avoid these disgraceful acts.

Why abuse my mum ? Am I the only person contributing on this forum ? Why single me out ? . I know I own the forum but I do not control what people post. This is a free forum and there are many aggrieved persons out there. I AM A CHRISTIAN AND WILL NEVER MAKE ANY OBSCENE POSTS. I VALUE MY RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD .Besides, I can beat hands down those who torment me, using decent posts. People who are intellectually inferior and limited are the ones who resort to mammy cuss and profanities.I argue my points.

This is becoming sickening. Are we Sierra Leoneans going to sit down and take all these abuses lying down ? The choice is our's. But let us note : The world is watching us and the way we sell ourselves to the world will determine the way our country is perceived by the world.

Subject: ST CLEMENTS UNIVERSITY
From: Professor
To: All
Date Posted: 19:03:09 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ool-44c29146.dyn.optonline.net at 68.194.145.70

Message:
St. Clements University is an unaccredited school purportedly registered in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

According to distance learning writer John Bear, St. Clements was founded in 1995. Bear discusses St. Clements with scepticism, noting that St. Clements is registered in the Turks and Caicos Islands, which do not offer school accreditation, and the school's only recognition come from the World Association of Universities and Colleges WAUC, which Bear describes as an "unrecognized and nonwonderful accrediting agency." According to Bear, St. Clements has some ties to Australia, but removed all references to its Australian administration from its literature after it came under the scrutiny of the South Australian Accreditation and Registration Council. Bear also notes that St. Clements "appears to be aggressively marketed in Sierra Leone, Zambia, Ghana, and Nigeria.[1] "World Association of Universities and Colleges member list do not have St Clements name on that[2]
After 12 years St Clements are found active in Asia, Middle Asia and Africa. The school and professional association lists on their website also shows growing recognition by respected Universities from UK, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, India and more. University also offers degrees in Arabic and Chinese language.[citation needed]

St. Clements has been identified as unaccredited by several states, including Maine[3][4], Michigan [5], and Oregon[6].

St. Clements claims to be a member of the British Learning Association, a United Kingdom-based educational trade group.[1] However, the BLA is not an accrediting body, and membership in the group therefore does not confer accreditation.[2]. St Clements also claims to be a member of International Council of Distance and Open Education.[citation needed]

Subject: Re: ST CLEMENTS UNIVERSITY
From: Truth
To: All
Date Posted: 04:44:06 01/07/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-129-135-33.range86-129.btcentralplus.com at 86.129.135.33

Message:
Where did Dr. Shamsu Mustapha got is doctrate? Is his problem still on with his employers as to the validity or authenticity of his qualifications?

Subject: Re: ST CLEMENTS UNIVERSITY
From: Steven N Rogers
To: All
Date Posted: 21:14:22 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ool-4573708c.dyn.optonline.net at 69.115.112.140

Message:
What is this suppose to mean for our Chief Electoral Officer ("Dr"?) Christian Thorpe?

Subject: Re: ST CLEMENTS UNIVERSITY
From: Truth
To: All
Date Posted: 04:39:35 01/07/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-129-135-33.range86-129.btcentralplus.com at 86.129.135.33

Message:
To be blunt - her qualification is not recognised. However, I read some of her works and hold true to see such works as remarkable, if they originated from her. The world is a confused place - some people and institutions are prejudicially beaten down whilst others have all th accolades. We must understand this!

Subject: The real response for Test.
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 17:57:05 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 216.190.22.151

Message:
what do you think huh! Mind you this is the reason they are called celebrities: they are rich, powerful famous and humanitarians. I am always obssed with people who do not put one down so that they can look down on them because of fame.
I was reading the America Civil War, from Soughtgate Library in Sacramento. In this book I found the photograph and story of Semgbe Pieh from Sierra Leone. Test, slow progress huh!
There is what is called instant gratification and delaid gratification. There is also what is called a contribution to human civilization just as the Renaisance. Had my type not been in the world, savages would continue to run helter skelter. We will change the world, Test, we will. Sorry you can not be an important contributor to this civilization that history will remember.
Stop the hate and jealousy is my message from me to you. Oh please find out what the important people of this world know and are doing. It will help you emancipate from crude and savage thinking to mondane way of thinking because when I see your type of people and their rationalization of this celebrity issue, my blood run cold and feel sorry that we have such a group among the educated Sierra Leoneans. I hate to make that comparison, I do.
Funny!

Subject: How much does free education cost
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 17:34:24 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 216.190.22.151

Message:
Oprah Winfrey opens her school in Sought Africa.

Subject: BEWARE: HE/SHE IS HERE
From: KABS KANU
To: All
Date Posted: 13:19:17 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: h167-156-253.63.chubb.com at 167.156.63.253

Message:
You guys are doing well.The forum is picking on steam and the serious debates have started flowing. That is the way it should be.

But be warned : The mischiefmaker is around to distract you as usual. Just leave the demon to me and go on with your debates. I am taking care.

Thanks topyou all.

Subject: Re: BEWARE: HE/SHE IS HERE
From: Loverboy Kabs
To: All
Date Posted: 13:21:25 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 85.31.48.65

Message:
Kabs the loverboy has panicked bad

Subject: PLEASE HELP KABS KANU TO GET OVER HIS LOVE FOR SYLVIA BLYDEN
From: HELP FOR KABS KANU
To: All
Date Posted: 13:19:03 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 85.31.48.65

Message:
SOMEONE PLEASE HELP KABS KANU TO HEAL HIS SICKNESS

Subject: Ha ha ha ha ha
From: Ha ha ha
To: All
Date Posted: 13:15:01 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 85.31.48.65

Message:
Ha ha ha ha ha

Subject: Raise Your Hands if You Love Sylvia Blyden (secretly or not)
From: Big Fan of Sylvia Blyden
To: All
Date Posted: 12:56:49 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 85.31.48.65

Message:
Kabs Kanu should be the first one to raise his hands up

Subject: Re: Raise Your Hands if You Love Sylvia Blyden (secretly or not)
From: .
To: All
Date Posted: 13:10:13 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: pool-138-88-135-31.esr.east.verizon.net at 138.88.135.31

Message:
.

Subject: Is the Opposition Scared or Paranoid?????
From: Independent Man
To: All
Date Posted: 11:02:16 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: new-5000.cadence.com at 158.140.1.25

Message:
Ernest Koroma has been campaigning (sensitizing the people) in Kabala the last couple of days. I have not heard any cries from the other side (SLPP) with regard to his activities, despite the fact that the Campaign has not officially started.
When Berewa goes anywhere to "campaign" or sensitize the people during this unofficial campaign period, you hear all sorts of cries from APC, PMDC, UNPP, etc etc.
Is the opposition that scared or are they just paranoid????

Subject: Re: Is the Opposition Scared or Paranoid?????
From: KABS KANU
To: All
Date Posted: 13:22:26 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 85.31.48.65

Message:
I love Sylvia Blyden so much. All of these years of suppressing my love for her has sent me mad

Subject: Re: Is the Opposition Scared or Paranoid?????
From: The Real Kabs Kanu
To: All
Date Posted: 13:24:53 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: h167-156-253.63.chubb.com at 167.156.63.253

Message:
She is here, my people. I am not deleting this one.It does not have manny cuss like the others.

Subject: Re: Is the Opposition Scared or Paranoid?????
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 17:41:19 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 216.190.22.151

Message:
Wai man nor know e sad! Can any one tell what Collectivism and indivudalism is?

Subject: Re: Is the Opposition Scared or Paranoid?????
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 17:59:48 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 216.190.22.151

Message:
watch the geroge to the right!

Subject: Re: Is the Opposition Scared or Paranoid?????
From: Sengbe
To: All
Date Posted: 11:32:35 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: nc-71-2-88-145.dyn.embarqhsd.net at 71.2.88.145

Message:
Very good observation indeed, Independent Man.

The "opposition" is SCARED, and PARANOID. Both.

They ain't seen nothing yet.

Subject: Why are our people associating with fake St. Clemens?
From: UK College Professor
To: All
Date Posted: 10:13:11 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: h167-156-253.63.chubb.com at 167.156.63.253

Message:

St. Clemens is not an accredited University in the UK . It is a degree mill.

Faculty / Professors / Academic Counsellors

Academic Council Members

International Academic Council
Sierra Leone Academic Council
Zambian Academic Council

International Academic Council

Professor Dr Godwin Kwaku Nukunya
Deputy Chancellor

Dr D Le Cornu
Administrative Director

Professor Dr David Iornem
Institute of Management Consultants

Professor Dr Lim Shian Ghee
L & G Consultants & Education Services

Dr Johan Potgieter
Design Technology & Management Society International

Professor Iyorwuese Hagher
New Idea Management Consultants

Dr Paul Kamara
Institute of Advance Management & Technology

Dr Geoffrey Njogu
Modern Management Institute

Eyob Habtemariam
Modern Consultancy Service

Dr Jeff Wooller
London Advisory Council

Dr Herbert Blankson
Independent Council Member

Dr Wong Eng Kong
Independent Council Member

Shaun Kerrigan
Latvian Council Representative

Professor Dr Chewe Huggins
Ndola Campus Learning Centre

Dr Phillis Vannuffel
London Teacher Training Centre

Zhao Yu
DTSM China

Musfiq Mannan Choudhury
St Clements University and World University of Bangladesh Academic Collaborative (Joint) Campus

Matthew Chu
International Career Development

Professor H J Manners
Independent Council Member

Dr Tarun Pathak
Guildhall College

Mike Lee
GMDC (Asia) Pte Ltd

Dr Benjamin Angueira
VEC International

Dr Narayanam Narasimha Murthy
IBRF (India)

Nagar Lai
Institute of Supply Chain Management - Hong Kong
South China Technology University - South China

Sierra Leone Academic Council

Dr. Alfred B. Sesay - Chairperson
Honourable Minister of Lands, Housing, Country Planning & the Environment

Dr Paul Kamara - Executive Officer
IAMTECH

Dr David Le Cornu
Board Representative

Dr. Dennis B. Kargbo
Principal, Milton Margai College of Education

Professor Dr. J.A.S. Redwood-Sawyerr
Dean, Faculty of Engineering - Fourah Bay College
(University of Sierra Leone)

Ms. Christiana Thorpe
Forum for African Women Educationalist

TOP

Zambian Academic Council

Dr Blacks Penjani Chondoka BA.Ed, MA (Warwick)
Director of Shekam Business Centre,
Dean School of Technology Copperbelt University.

Dr. Geoffrey Njogu
St Clements University Regional Administrator for East and Central Africa

Professor Dr Chewe Huggins
Executive Officer - St Clements University Campus Learning Centre - Zambia

Dr David Le Cornu
St Clements University - Administrative Director

Stephen Phiri Lungudia BA.Ed (UNZA)

Dr Ridgeway Liwena

Kasonde Faith Chewe (Mrs Kangwa), BSc (Hull)

Professor Dickson Mwansa

Chitabo Mwila

Agness Chewe CT Ed.
Director IBCAL: International Publishing Company

Ballard Zulu

Geoffrey Huggins Chewe

Chitabo Mwila

TOP

Subject: Re: Why are our people associating with fake St. Clemens?
From: wetin?
To: All
Date Posted: 17:41:01 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: nwplpf.nwpl.ca at 204.239.156.10

Message:
There is one Dr. Paul Kamara in the faculty. Una go kill me wit laf.

Subject: AMARA,DO YOU KNOW WHAT IS A FREE SPEECH OR DEBATE?
From: MUSA
To: All
Date Posted: 07:38:26 01/06/07 ()
Email Address: mpkamara@hotmail.com
Entered From: luna.hypair.net at 194.50.180.4

Message:
Amara you possess the African style dictatorship,either you are with me or I eliminate you.As a participant in the discussion you have no right to tell someone to quit.This is frivolous and it is just an indication of the level of your civilization and intellectuality.I mentioned the word Mende for numerous reasons and at the end of the day people vote according to tribal lines or affiliation.It is very difficult to copy a western style democracy to ours where there are cultural,regional and tribal differences.We may take up democracy as an umbrella, but modify it to suit our society because of its complexity.I am not tribalistic as you may think although certain events may tempt you,but I am very reasonable and strong enough not to be tempted.I am a TEMNE fortunately,have lived abroad quite a long time and travelled extensively.I decided to go home in 2002 and settled after my doctorate studies.As a young graduate,enthusiastic,viable and proud to go back to the mother land,after enduring long time racial intimidation in the diaspora.The frustration started right at the port and the ministry of finance to completely or partially waive the customs duties for my belongings books,a car and other personal items which is my constitutional right.To cut it short,the officer who was incharge by then one mr Nalo put it blank point that I wont get the waiver infact he was so adamant as if the ministry is his private property.He forgot about us and started attending to other people who were mendes because there were speaking and laughing at the top of their voices.Mr Amara,this is just one incident among others although I wont like to generalise.I love my country,my people either Temne,Mende,Limba etc but if you are faced with such situation in your home land,how would you feel?In Sierra-Leone Mr Amara, we need a patriotic leader with a clear vision for the people and the nation state.I will support any leader with such qualities it doesn't matter the party he or she belongs.I didn't like some of the policies of late Siaka S.because he encouraged corruption although in other aspects he performed quite well like unifying the regions and the tribes,a bit of infrastructure etc.Kabba despite his criminal records,he did nothing when it comes to infrastructure,with all the foreign aid pumped in after the war he is encouraging the widening division among tribes.The only President, in 1998/99 in a paris hotel where his suit case was stolen with a substantial amount of dollars.Now he has prepared to go back to his ancestral home Guinea for retirement.I am watching carefully the programme of Charles if he can convince me I may support him or Earnest.Unless the indigenous people in Sierra-Leone especially the majority tribes take the lead to work in solidarity as the late Albert Margai said one time that the destiny of our beloved nation lies on us especially the Temnes and Mendes or else me and you will ever remain to be a second class citizen in our land while foreigners will be bullying us.May the soul of a lost son of the soil and a patriot rest in peace,the late Thaimu Bangura.Sierra Leone need such patriotics and I am quite sure we still have them.

Subject: Re: AMARA,DO YOU KNOW WHAT IS A FREE SPEECH OR DEBATE?
From: Amara
To: All
Date Posted: 19:50:03 01/06/07 ()
Email Address: lawlawde80@yahoo.com
Entered From: at 66.30.29.142

Message:
MUSA you just demonstrated again the punitive tribalistic sentiments in you especially against Mende people. I have ascertained that the level of communication with you is a mere waste of my time so this hopefully this will be my last post relative to this issue. As you claim to be a doctoral degree holder i stand to wonder how tribalistic you are to the point that you openly express it, it is a shame brother. Be mindful that you are not the only one in Sierra Leone, i have and will be travelling there every year. Tribalism and sentiments thereoff is not the ultimate solution. You have a choice to vote for who ever but that has nothing to do with your blatant hate for mende people. Enjoy the fruit of your labor and hopefully reality will teach you to be more diverse rather that being myopic and tribalistic.

Subject: UNDER THE COLONIAL RULE, SLPP,APC AND SLPP - WHO TO TRUST
From: Truth
To: All
Date Posted: 04:03:57 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-129-135-33.range86-129.btcentralplus.com at 86.129.135.33

Message:

COUNTRY REPORT ON TRADE UNIONS AND SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM IN SIERRA LEONE - BY MARIAMA JALLOH

Sierra Leone is one of the oldest Countries in the West Coast of Africa. It has a population of about 4 million people and it shares common boarders with Liberia on the Eastern side and with Guinea on both the Eastern and Northern sides of the country. Sierra Leone has 14 indigenous ethnic tribes and it is divided in to four provinces – the Eastern Province, Southern Province, Northern Province and the Western Area.

Sierra Leone has natural resources like Diamonds, Gold, Iron Ore and Bauxite which were the main source of export before the war. About half of the population are engaged in small scale farming like rearing livestock (this is common in the Northern Province), planting of rice, ground nut, cocoa, coffee and kola nuts. Most of these crops planted are for domestic use. But crops like Cocoa and Coffee, before the war, were exported to other countries.

At this moment Sierra Leone does not export any crops and is highly dependent on importation of goods from other countries.

Sierra Leone, among other countries, was colonized by the British and finally got independence on the 27th April,1961 and later became a republican state under the then Prime Minister Sir Milton Margai. Sierra Leone at present has a democratically elected government headed by President Ahmed Tejan Kabba. We have the three main organs of Government which are independent i.e. The Legislature, The Executive and The Judiciary.

TRADE UNION HISTORY IN SIERRA LEONE

Sierra Leone is among the countries on the continent with the oldest trade unions. It is also among the countries, which recorded the earliest strikes on the continent. In 1874, a strike occurred in Freetown harbor and in the years that followed before the formation of trade unions as of today, were years of bitter and violent protest by the workers against the poor working conditions and inhuman treatment in the hands of the employers who enjoyed the full backing of the colonial government.

THE PERIOD 1928 – 1938
Many of the strikes and protests took place during this period. These days any strike action and protests were considered illegal and subversive. But, as a result of these unrest’s which were not only prevalent in Sierra Leone but also in other countries, led to the issuing of a directive by the colonial secretary of the home government to the colonial administrators in 1930 requiring them to enact labor legislation on minimum conditions of employment and trade union organization.

Attempts to form trade unions in Sierra Leone started with workers grouping themselves into departmental and shop organizations. The first such organizations formed at work places were in the Railways Department, Marampa Mines, Pepel and the Sierra Leone Coaling Company (MABELLA).

The organizations were formed purposely to enable the workers to put across their demands to the employers, but due to the fact that the organizations were not recognized by the employers andin the absence of labor laws providing a machinery for negotiations, the organizations were more often used to organize strikes than engaging in negotiations with employers. This situation of unrest lingered on until 1938, when the late I.T.A. Wallace-Johnson returned home from abroad with a wealth of experience he gained during his travels around the world. He preached to people the following ideas:

- how the workers could request for their rights from the employers and
- How the citizens could request for their civil rights.

At a general meeting convened at the King George Farm at Savage Street in Freetown immediately after the MABELLA Strike, he educated thousands of workers who attended the meeting on how to organize themselves into strong trade unions which fight for their rights and be recognized by the government. He in fact introduced the method of organizing trade unions and political parties in Sierra Leone.

THE RAILWAYS’ AND THE “MABELLA” STRIKES
The two strikes occurred before the enactment of the Sierra Leone Labor Laws in 1939. The Railways strike took place in 1926. The strike was as a result of workers’ demands for better wages and better working conditions from the Railways authority, which seemed to have fallen on “Deaf Ears”.

The strike, which began on February 1926, lasted for two months, during which period the workers suffered humiliation, and harassment in the hands of troops who shot at them as they demonstrated and arrested the strike leaders. The Governor of Sierra Leone described the strike as a revolt against the government by its own servants.

The 1938 strike by the workers of Sierra Leone Coaling Company, MABELLA as it was best known, lasted for two weeks. The strike was caused by the same reasons as the Railways strike. But this time, the government intervened by working out a compromise between the raging workers and the management, resulting in the work being resumed after slight changes were made in the working conditions.

Although the work resumed within two weeks, the stranded foreign ships waiting to be loaded with coal incurred huge losses.

The enactment of the Sierra Leone Labor Laws embodying trade union ordinance in 1939, marked a new era of industrial relation in Sierra Leone. The trade unions were registered in large numbers following the enactment of the laws. The first trade union to be registered was the Artisans & Allied Workers’ Union led by the late Brother Marcus Grant as its General Secretary. Brother Grant later figured prominently not only in trade unions, but also in politics. Together with late President Dr. Siaka Stevens, who started his trade union career, as General Secretary of Marampa Mines Union later became the General Secretary-General of the United Mine Workers Union and first Secretary-General of the Sierra Leone Council of Labor (SLCL) at its inception?

Regulation of Wages and Industrial Relations Act Sierra Leone Government

Dr. Siaka Stevens never lost touch with Trade Union Movement even after his resignation from trade union leadership to become a full-time politician. Both Brother Siaka Stevens and Marcus C. Grant were pioneers and heroes of the Sierra Leone Labor Movement. Other trade unions formed that time included the Railways Union, Carpenters’ Union. Some of the unions were very small and weak. The government on the other hand was busy with the establishment of the labor department. But due to lack of qualified personnel, it took a long time before the government could properly start the department.

THE FIRST TRADE UNION LABOUR CENTRE
Efforts by Dupinee a Sierra Leonean and Edgar Parry, a British Trade Unionist who later became the first labor commissioner culminated in the establishment by 1946 of streamlined trade union organization on industrial basis. The Sierra Leone Council of Labor, a trade union co-ordinating body was formed in the same year with Brother Siaka Stevens as its first General Secretary.

The Creoles of Freetown provided almost the entire labor force for the government owned enterprises with which the early trade unions were connected such as the railways, the mines and docks. Not until much later were trade unions formed in most private sectors.

Because of this homogeneity of labor force without marked tribal difference trade union organization accelerated much faster. Of all the British colonies, Sierra Leone enjoyed the enviable position of having the highest reputation in the field of industrial relations and boasted of negotiating machinery, which conformed to that of the United Kingdom.

In 1949 Sierra Leone Labor Congress participated in the formation of the ICFTU the first representatives being the late Siaka Stevens and the late Marcus Grant.

Prior to the 1955 strike, industrial relations in Sierra Leone were presented as something of a model with close cooperation between unions, the labor departments and employers, the existence of wages councils, joint industrial councils and National joint Consultative Committee which acted as a central advisory body on labor legislation and labor policy.

The 1955 Strike
The strike of 1955 by the members of the two unions, the Artisans and Allied Workers’ Union and the Transport and General Workers’ Union was caused by a deadlock at the joint industrial Council over pay demand and a subsequent disagreement at a special investigation committee appointed by the government to look into the dispute and make recommendations.

The strike was described as historical and unique because of the following reasons:
- It was the first to be organized by a registered trade union
- It was the first to occur after exhausting the parties negotiating machinery
- It was the first to affect the essential services in the whole of Freetown as the workers staged sympathy strikes at places like Railway, Electricity, Health, Public works and Water Works.

The situation became so tense with the government threatening to arrest trade union leaders if they did not call off the strike. The threat sent the leaders into hiding for fear of arrest.

As the strike continued to make life difficult for the Freetown residents the Governor was compelled to summon trade union leaders to a meeting at his Fort Thornton residence Now State House to discuss the strike issue. Since the trade union leaders had feared arrest, none of them turned up except Brother Marcus Grant who availed himself for the meeting which ended with a promise by the government to look into the workers grievances should they resume work. Brother Grant was left with no choice but to communicate the government’s decision to the workers. He called a meeting at the Victoria Park. After his address to the workers on the government’s decision, the workers decided to resume work.

After a month, the governor who was also Commander-in-Chief and Vice Admiral of Sierra Leone announced the appointment of a commission of inquiry headed by the late Justice R.B. Marke. Surprisingly enough the terms of reference did not include the workers’ grievances. The aim of the government was to find someone to blame for the strike.

MERGERS AND SPLITS IN THE LABOUR MOVEMENT
The Sierra Leone Council of Labor formed in 1946 remained the only central trade body until 1962 when as a result of a rift; a rival organization was formed known as the Sierra Leone Labor Congress. The two organizations merged in 1964 under the name Sierra Leone Federation of Labor. But the merger was short-lived. A group broke away from the Federation in the same year to form yet again the Sierra Leone Council of Labor. In 1966, unity was restored again and the tow organizations formed yet another Sierra Leone Labor Congress. In 1971, there was another split. Differences in opinion and policy arose between those who broke away to form Sierra Leone Labor Congress. This division caused many harms to the workers during the period 1971-1976.

On the 22nd July 1976, the Sierra Leone Labor Congress and the Sierra Leone Council of Labor merged again to form the present Sierra Leone Labor Congress.

The late President, Siaka Stevens, whose association with labour movement in Sierra Leone never ceased, was a guest of honor at the inaugural ceremony of the Congress held at the Parliament Building on 16th September, 1976 to which he delivered an inaugural speech.

In his speech, among other things, he congratulated all those who were involved in negotiations for the long hoped for but long deferred unity. He noted with appreciation that one of the aims of the Sierra Leone Labor Congress was to reduce the number of trade unions in the country to a meaningful proportion, since the country was small and would be better off with fewer but strong and viable trade unions than with many weak ones. He re-assured the trade unions of the Government’s continued assistance to the movement to improve the lot for the workers. He noted that the government and trade unions have a common goal of putting all their energies together for the development of the country. He concluded by wishing the trade unions every success in their endeavors and hoped that they would not fail the workers.

The 1981 National Strike

The economic difficulties of the 1980’s which resulted in serious inflation and deteriorating economy prompted the Sierra Leone Labor Congress in 1981 under the leadership of late J.B. Kabbia, as Secretary-General, to make strong appeals to the Sierra Leone Government to take drastic measures in order to arrest the situation which the trade unions saw a running out of control.

The Sierra Leone Labor Congress in its two letters addressed to the Head of State, the last one dated 14th August, 1981, contained far reaching suggestions by the Congress on measures the government should take which ranged from the reduction of the price of rice, the Sierra Leone staple food, to the overall reorganization and institution of action on prices, unemployment, housing, hospitals and drug provisions, roads, delay in paying salaries and gratuities, transportation costs, reduction and control of government expenditures, income tax, foreign exchange control, farm produce prices, import licenses, investment loan system and the land tenure system.

The government did not respond to the first letter but took action on the second letter by appointing an eighteen-man committee, nine from government and nine from trade unions under the chairmanship of the late Vice President Hon. C.A. Kamara-Taylor.

The Committee held two successful meetings but the third meeting broke down as representatives of the trade unions led by Brother I. Langley walked out protesting against the failure by the government to implement issues agreed upon during the first meeting which included the reduction of the price of rice. The trade union representatives reported back to the Congress Executive Council, which decided to issue a strike notice effective from 1st September 1981. The government on the other hand suggested the appointment of a Commission of inquiry comprising representatives of government, Employers Federation and the trade unions.

The Congress Executive Council did not respond to the offer as was expected by the government. As a result of this, the President went on the air on 31st August 1981 on a broadcast to the nation. In the broadcast, after recounting the events, which had taken place up to that time, he declared a State of Emergency throughout the country with effect from 1st September1 1981 in the interest of public order and safety. In spite of this, the strike took place as planned and in some cases lasted up to 11 days. During the strike, over two hundred trade unionists including leaders of the Sierra Leone Labor Congress were arrested and detained at the Pademba Road Prison, but were later released after the strike had been called off.

The following events occurred after the strike

1. The government appointed a Commission of inquiry headed by Mr Justice M.O. Taju-Den on 15th October 1981.

The Commission’s terms of reference were as follows:

i. to enquire into the status, administration and activities of the Sierra Leone Labor Congress from 1976
ii. To Enquirer into all aspects of industrial relations in Sierra Leone and to make recommendations for any improvements which it may consider necessary.

2. The Commission of inquiry dissolved the entire Congress Executive Council on 10th March, 1982, replaced it with a caretaker committee, ordered the suspension of late J.B. Kabia from the office of the Secretary General of the Congress and further recommended that he be banned from participating in trade union activities for the next three years form 10th March, 1982
3. The Commission of inquiry ended its sitting on the 11th February 1982 and adjourned ‘sine die’ to compile its report.
4. The report, which made far-reaching recommendations on the labor laws on the structure of the Sierra Leone Labor Congress was later published, and most of its recommendations accepted by the government.
5. The Delegates’ Conference of the Congress took place on 2nd October 1982, bringing an end of the Caretaker Committee.
6. The Delegates’ Conference under the new constitution elected the Congress Executive Council Members with Bro. I. Langley as President. The new Executive subsequently appointed Bro. K. Yilla as the Secretary-General.
7. Immediately after the Congress elections, the late President Dr. Siaka Stevens offered to the Congress one parliamentary seat to which he appointed Bro. I. Langley on the recommendation of the Congress Executive Council.

SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEME

Sierra Leone has at present no policy on this scheme. The Sierra Leone Labour Congress has since 1993 requested government to give this matter urgent attention as most workers are not benefiting from whatever paid to them on retiring from their employment. Similarly, there are no provisions in any of the trade group collective agreement for old age coverage with respect to medical and regular monthly income as pension as against those employed in the public service.

In 1996, the government delegation to the ILO Annual Meeting made a representation to the Director General of ILO for Technical Service. This took a little bit of time and in 1999, another arm of the Ministry of Labour was created to the present name – Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Industrial Relations.

Presently, the ILO has given its consent to provide all the technical service required in establishing this social security scheme. Parliament has also endorsed the decision. A parliamentary committee has been set up with the participation of the Labour Congress (representing the workers), Employers Federation (representing the Employers) and the Government. A tripartite committee is been headed by Hon. Alex Koroma.

Subject: Re: UNDER THE COLONIAL RULE, SLPP,APC AND SLPP - WHO TO TRUST
From: Alpha Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 13:23:34 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 85.31.48.65

Message:
forumites should step in and help Kabs kanu with some counselling. His love for the beautiful sylvia blyden has sent him over the edge.

Subject: Freetown Streets are Now Being Cleaned on a Regular Basis
From: Independent Man
To: All
Date Posted: 02:10:12 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: new-5000.cadence.com at 158.140.1.25

Message:
I have been reliably informed that the city of Freetown is now being cleaned on a regular basis. Places such as Lumbley where people typically throw their waste on the streets is cleaned every day. This confirms the posting made by APC man a couple of days ago.

While I applaud the government for taking over the cleaning task, I believe that they should also try to educate people not to throw waste on the streets. Garbage throwing sites should be provided in most locat1ons, much like it used to be so many many years ago (God I am old). Further more, the laws stating that no one should liter the streets should be enforced vigorously. Until we get people to stop throwing garbage on the streets, the issue of keeping the streets clean will be tough to do in the long run.

Subject: RE: Greetings to all My Brothers & Sisters.
From: musa Kalawa
To: All
Date Posted: 02:17:53 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-69-230-217-19.dsl.irvnca.pacbell.net at 69.230.217.19

Message:
I see there was serious battling going on in this forum yesterday... Can some one give me head's up?

Thank you.

Subject: APC & PMDC Supporters Trying to Sabotage SLPP????
From: Independent Man
To: All
Date Posted: 01:59:33 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: new-5000.cadence.com at 158.140.1.25

Message:
2 Men have been arrested in Freetown for attempting to cut electrical wires from poles on the streets. Theft of Electrical cables is not new, but the audacity of these 2 individuals in light of the fact that these cables were just changed to make the street/house lights function again raises the question of sabotage. Several people have intimated that they believe the opposition parties are trying to sabotage the government before the elections. They anticipate these incidences to increase as the election draws closer.

Government should punish anyone trying to steal state property to the fullest extent of the law. If one or two people are made examples, others will be deterred from doing similar things in the future.

Subject: SLPP's Historical Lies.
From: Pajavombo
To: All
Date Posted: 00:16:30 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-66-56-36-91.hsd1.ga.comcast.net at 66.56.36.91

Message:

Saidu,
I came across this historical lies that your SLPP is parading as "Historical facts" on your Party's official website.
A party claiming to be a party of education should never ever distort history.
Now I know where you are getting polical "facts" from.

Why the lies?

"SLPP HISTORICAL FACTSHEET"
"1951-1961 - SLPP was the majority party in the Legislative Council."
"1961 - SLPP won Independence for Sierra Leone from the then colonial power Great Britain, through peaceful negotiations. This was a remarkable feat given that many other countries at the time resorted to violence and bloodshed to gain independence."

"With the collapse of the governance infrastructure after almost 30 years of APC / NPRC misrule, the party both reaffirmed its belief and re- committed itself to rebuilding the institutional capacity of the state."

The assertion on the SLPP website that "1951-1961 - SLPP was the majority party in the Legislative Council," is patently WRONG. As usual, distortion of history teems in this statement. The colonial lawmaking body was in the 1950s called the Legislative Council up to 1957. But the 1957 constitutional amendments changed it to the House of Representatives. What if a student of government in Sierra Leone saw this wrong statement on the SLPP website? Will she have confidence in the webmaster that she is civic competent? It is hardly necessary to say that a secondary school student in Sierra Leone would look yonder at this demised website and frown and wonder whether he or she should vote for a party misleading the public in elementary history of the nation.

Next, the website claims,

"1961 - SLPP won Independence for Sierra Leone from the then colonial power Great Britain, through peaceful negotiations. This was a remarkable feat given that many other countries at the time resorted to violence and bloodshed to gain independence."

This claim is palpably WRONG. The Lancaster House Constitutional Conference held in London in 1960 for two months, comprised the UNITED NATIONAL FRONT of all existing political parties. The historical record and the official Report of the talks all state the comity of the coalition of these political parties negotiating first among themselves and then with the British delegation led by the Secretary of State for the Colonies. To now assert that the SLPP alone "won" independence is typical of the exaggeration of SLPP fanatics which is now commonplace and legend. All over the British colonies, including as recently as South Africa and Rhodesia in the expiry of the British empire, it was COALITIONS of parties rather than one organization achieving such national objects as Flag-Independence.

A great book to read about the Lancaster House Constitutional talks is that by Gershon Collier - Sierra Leone: Experiment in Democracy in an African Nation (New York University Press, 1970). Collier attended the Conference and took notes. He also represented the Peoples' National Party (PNP) led by Sir Albert Michael Margai. Collier was also Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. And we are confident he speaks with authority more than that website.

There is one more: Repeating the often-told lie about how long the APC ruled Sierra Leone, the errant and error-laden SLPP website claims with fatuity:

"With the collapse of the governance infrastructure after almost 30 years of APC / NPRC misrule, the party both reaffirmed its belief and re- committed itself to rebuilding the institutional capacity of the state."

Every record and history book has accounted for only 24 years of APC rule. The NPRC subsisted for about 4 years. These combined years as the website lumps them together do not even amount to 30 years as the error-prone webmaster misinforms the public.

We have already said a number of these errors are being made by fanatics. But it is embarrassing to find them on a seeming campaign website making grandiloquent claims. As we have already said, the SLPP has many fine thinkers who should have been writing the information for such websites or public fora. Left in the hands of ignorant fanatics, the official history of Sierra Leone is wrecked.

A political party's OFFICIAL website, wrought by slothful thinkers and crafted with mediocrity that Paramount Chiefs are party members in Parliament among the distortions we have pointed above, makes a mockery of giants and great men and women who once dominated the SLPP. We must tell our detractors this before we go:

One need not go forth to the library after seeing this on Leonenet after dinner, to find materials to correct these sorrowful errors. You need only be a Form Three pupil at a good secondary school and you see these factual mistakes as they stand out on what the SLPP OFFICIAL website calls "SLPP HISTORY FACTSHEET" It is more sheet than facts for the befuddled.

Best regards,

Subject: Re: SLPP's Historical Lies.
From: ok dok
To: All
Date Posted: 21:01:46 01/06/07 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: px2nr.wp.shawcable.net at 24.66.94.141

Message:
Mr Daboh,you were given news in mende at the SLBS AND DURING THAT TIME YOU WERE DIE HARD SLPP so becareful and dont lie because you have got another place.I hope you stay there forever.

Subject: Re: SLPP's Historical Lies.
From: ALPHA SAIDU BANGURA
To: All
Date Posted: 15:23:04 01/06/07 ()
Email Address: SAIDUBANGSO@AOL.COM
Entered From: cache-mtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.117.8

Message:
Cilaty,Do not allow your sentiments or your bias against the SLPP to surpass your reasoning ability.As I have been saying on this forum,everybody is free to join any political party of his or her choice.Because of this freedom, that is why you were in the SLPP,but you are now in the PMDC,that is your right.
But regardless of what party we belong to, we must always be willing to speak the truth at all times.
All the historians in this world know that,it was the SLPP,led by Sir Milton Margai,that brought independence to our country in 1961.
If the Cilaty Daboh history book has anything different then something is surely wrong with you.
You need help.

Subject: Re: SLPP's Historical Lies.
From: Moijue
To: All
Date Posted: 01:40:32 01/07/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-los-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 195.93.21.132

Message:
Saidu what was the purpose of thr UNITED NATIONAL FRONT led by Sir Milton Margai?

Subject: Re: SLPP's Historical Lies.
From: Victor Horatio Camberwell
To: All
Date Posted: 13:26:13 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 85.31.48.65

Message:
Kabs Kanu needs help. He lost it when he saw his beautiful Sylvia Blyden once again on the screen. Please can someone get Dr. Nahim's equivalent in New Jersey to assist the poor man

Subject: Re: SLPP's Historical Lies.
From: NYA NGAA TIKEKEH
To: All
Date Posted: 06:44:34 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.117.8

Message:
This is what happens when the forum gets serious. Ideas and opinions clash, with various aspects of the "truth" given from different perspectives. I love that. Pa Javombo almost sounds like the former principal of CKC, Gabriel Amara. Mr. Javombo, like G.A., looks at Sierra Leonean history from practical expereince. "Facts" given by "authoritative" sources are challenged by practical experience acquired by witnessing, rather than reading, the history of Sierra Leone. Little wonder history is, in general, almost always open to controversies and counter-interpretations.

The Big Axe described my candidate as ignorant. LOL! If I were his press secretary, this descr1ption of him could have afforded me the opportunity to compare my candidate with the other side's. That's how democracy grows--assaults and counter-assaults with ideas and personalities either defending themselves or leading the charge.
Pa Javombo, I thought you were an SLPP brother. Was I wrong? Did you change your political preference?

Subject: Re: SLPP's Historical Lies.
From: James Thorpe
To: All
Date Posted: 13:24:43 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 85.31.48.65

Message:
Kabs Kanu says he is serious about his love and deep desire for Sylvia Blyden. He wants you all to discuss Sylvia Blyden all the time in a bad way on this forum.

Subject: Re: SLPP's Historical Lies.
From: Sengbe Big Axe
To: All
Date Posted: 11:23:54 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: nc-71-2-88-145.dyn.embarqhsd.net at 71.2.88.145

Message:
Bra E, nyahi yaegbor lor gi kekeh ar biyae? Qwa mu na?

Bra E, people like Javombo will distort the political history of our country in order to score political points, thinking they will gain the support of the people of the land through such distortions. But the people are wide awake. And we are here to educate them about the truth, and nothing but the truth, so help us God.

The same "practical experience" you think Javombo has in distorting said history is what I, and many others, have in setting the record straight. For we wuz there in the land, as small boys, in our very early teens, and we remember this history.

While Sir Milton was courting my father, politically, in the SLPP, Sir Albert, on the other hand, was courting my Uncle Maigore (my mother's wan mammy brother), politically in the PNP, too. So I know that aspect of our national history quite well. Javombo, and others, cannot fool us. No matter how hard they try.

Nor mehn the Pa befoe ee moniker oh, na mi Bo School chuneh - #1895 compared to #20--. Ar go mek ee drill jisnor.

Like the political sore-loser he and others are, they switched their loyalty to your benevolent dictator, CFM of pmdc, thinking that the "SLPP has changed", which is really the code phrase for; "we do not like Kabbah and Berewa, dem don cater to peeple dem from the north too mus, ehn don bring in non-traditional SLPPers, ehn don gee dem powerful positions nar the party, ehn we no lek dat".

This sort of thinking is a load of crap. They would not stay within the confines of the SLPP and FIGHT for what they want, and believe. As soon as they do not get their way in the "traditional sense" of getting power, they abscond to form their own clique using that arrogant/ignorant boy as their Messiah. It is just like the boy who owned the football, but was not good enough to be picked to play for the team, so he took his ball and left the field.

We ain't about that in the SLPP. We know that people come, and people go, but the institution always stays alive.

What we do as true SLPPers is to stay within the party, and fight for what we believe in. So if y'all do not like Kabbah based on his policies, y'alls should have stayed, and fought him tooth and nail, until he succumbs, but y'alls did not do that.

Y'alls think that Charles is the Messiah, coming in to save y'alls. What has he been doing all these 36 years in politics? Being nepotistic like his daddy before him?

What?

Subject: Re: SLPP's Historical Lies.
From: NYA NGAA TIKEKEH
To: All
Date Posted: 16:36:29 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.117.8

Message:
Ka'amor, ow bodi?
Some of us left the SLPP because of the issues you touched above. I was in Sierra Leone when Tejan Kabbah and his cabal came to take over the SLPP. And indeed, they took over and proved us right. From the youngest foot soldiers like me, to the faction of Ka'amor Norman, reservations were expressed about the way Kabbah took over. Ka'amor Norman was not openly talkative, but his aversion to the Kabbah cabal ran deep. And I was with him on that score! Little wonder Kabbah threw him to the wolves in order to pave the way for Berewa.

I am not a fanatical idealist. I know that Ngor Margai is NOT a saviour. However, he is the closest I can get in terms of what I lost by rejecting the SLPP. This may make me sound like a tribalist, but this is one of my reasons for being a "Ngor Margai-ist." The SLPP has since negated your argument that conflicts can be settled from within. They won't let us fight from within without facing the dangers of victimization. Ngor Margai barely escaped being victimized. The only reason the Kabbah cabal spared him "Pademba Road Time" lies in the fact that a southern blacklash could aliented the party. Those of us with relatives deep in the South know that Kabbah is being ungrateful to the Margais. You know it just as I do. For some reasons, I cannot elaborate on that point. But you should know, my dear. Biologically, I am SLPP. Born and raised by a fanatical SLPP dad in an SLPP district, no one can be more SLPP than me. I knew those initials {SLPP} before I could speak Creole. I can regain membership by a single telephone call to Freetown. But the Kabbah SLPP, now being "inherited" by Berewa, goes against the SLPP I know. {I hope you know what I mean. I could have said something in Mende: Alas, this is a public forum. It can be translated to non-Mende speakers.}
I am not normally this expressive about why I walked away from the SLPP. Nuff said.

Subject: Re: SLPP's Historical Lies.
From: Sengbe Big Axe
To: All
Date Posted: 17:40:29 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: nc-71-2-88-145.dyn.embarqhsd.net at 71.2.88.145

Message:
Bra E, if I followed your line of thinking along these lines I would be an anti-Kabbah-SLPP extremist.

Do you know what he did to us - our chieftaincy rights - in Bagbo chiefdom?

He imposed a candidate on us that was rejected in an earlier chieftaincy election who is NOT of that lineage. An infirmed old man who can barely see, with "bosson". The elections were rigged for him to win. This man can barely sit through a meeting without falling asleep. That is how infirmed he is in his late eighties to early nineties. Even his kids were of the opinion that he was too old, and unqualified to run for that chieftaincy. But the Kabbah-SLPP prevailed and we lost that election. Just like it happened in Biriwa chiefdom, Nimikoro chiefdom, to the Yumkellas, the Dabohs, and many other chiefdoms, and heirs to the chiefdom "thrones" during the local / native elections for paramount chiefs, a few years ago.

This is NOT about Kabbah and his cohorts in the SLPP. My SLPP politics are not about any individual. They are about the democratic priniciples inherent in the SLPP doctrine as laid down by the founding fathers of the party. Thus, Kabbah being ungrateful to the Margais is of no consequence to me.

Kabbah is no longer at the helm of the SLPP, eventhough he is very influential in the party at the present time. And his term, as president of Sa Lon, expires in six months time. Solo B is now at the helm, as the elected leader of the SLPP. Let us see how he governs, or rules.

This is what I mean by; people come, and people go, but the institution stays 'forever'. In other words, the institution is more important than the individuals who participate in it.

We should NEVER shy away from fighting the forces of "evil" that undermine our democratic partisan principles in the face of victimization, and what not.

Do you know how my maternal grand-uncle, Mana Kpaka, and my uncle, Maigore Kallon, survived during those many years of apc misrule, without budging an inch of their partisan stance / integrity, in the face of hateful victimization? Perhaps, I take after them.

Kabbah or no Kabbah, I would remain SLPP.

Can you imagine how formidable Charles would have been as a political force had he stayed in the SLPP to fight fire with fire? I would have been in his camp, as I am in the camp of Bra Hinga. No amount of hateful victimization would have changed that fact.

Bra Hinga is still SLPP to this day, and he will not change either. In fact, he has encouraged his followers to support the SLPP candidates during the 2007 elections, and I am quite sure that he will vote for Solo B, from his cell in detention.

Madiba / Mandela came out of Robben Island after 27 years of incarceration by the apartheid regimes to govern Azania / South Africa as the first elected Black President of that nation. Pa Demba's house will be like going to a picnic if the Kabba-led SLPP had dared to put Charles there in the first place. They would NOT have survived for this long, his backing from the Brits notwithstanding.

Kabbah will be gone in a few months. We shall see what Berewa is made of.

Bra E, let us be brave in the truthfulness / honesty we practice in our politics. Speak your mind in Mende, Krio, or English, no matter what folks may think of you. Do not be afraid to communicate your thinking as effectively as I know you can. Let the chips fall where they may.

I would respect you more so for that, than hiding behind opaque political correctness. I do not respect that. So what if someone else thinks that "you sound like a tribalist"? That is their problem / prerogative. You, and I know that you are NOT. That is all that matters. At least you are honest, and as they say; honesty is the best policy.

And always remember that truth crushed to earth shall arise, no matter how long it takes.

Subject: Re: SLPP's Historical Lies.
From: NYA NGAA TIKEKEH.
To: All
Date Posted: 18:39:43 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-rtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 152.163.101.8

Message:
Bra AXE,
Ar enjoy the above posting. You touch am with dee real Bo Skool phylosophy. Ar nor gree with everything you say, but you logic dae in line.
Nar dis side of the professor ar lek for see.
Dis nar satiday net. Leh man go link up with one soul sista for some plejor.
Peace out, Bra.

Subject: Re: SLPP's Historical Lies.
From: Pa javombo
To: All
Date Posted: 09:10:54 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-66-56-36-91.hsd1.ga.comcast.net at 66.56.36.91

Message:
Nyaa gaa tikekeh,

I was. But the party changed so did I.

Subject: Re: SLPP's Historical Lies.
From: NYA NGAA TIKEKEH
To: All
Date Posted: 16:41:56 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.117.8

Message:
Now I know, Bra Javombo. Some of us saw it coming in 1995, and changed well ahead of time.

Subject: Re: SLPP's Historical Lies.
From: ok dok
To: All
Date Posted: 07:33:30 01/06/07 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: px2nr.wp.shawcable.net at 24.66.94.141

Message:
He has no plce in the SLPP so i guess he is going around APC AND PMDC

Subject: Re: SLPP's Historical Lies.
From: Pa javombo
To: All
Date Posted: 09:08:28 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-66-56-36-91.hsd1.ga.comcast.net at 66.56.36.91

Message:

Ok dok wrote:

"He has no place in the SLPP''''"

In the south we say

You'r dog gon right!

Subject: Re: SLPP's Historical Lies.
From: ok dok
To: All
Date Posted: 20:56:22 01/06/07 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: px2nr.wp.shawcable.net at 24.66.94.141

Message:
And you,r goat don right pa javombo

Subject: Re: SLPP's Historical Lies.
From: Sengbe Big Axe
To: All
Date Posted: 02:56:09 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: nc-71-2-88-145.dyn.embarqhsd.net at 71.2.88.145

Message:
Can 24 years of apc misrule be strictly categorized as almost 30 years, or almost 20 years? In my understanding of basic mathematics, the former is more appropriate than the later.

The "United National Front of all political parties" 'metamorphosized' into the SLPP for the most part at its inception.

Was the PNP even part of the negotiations at the Lancaster House Constitutional Conference held in 1960 in London? I strongly doubt this assertion.

The PNP came into existence in 1963, or thereabouts, after independence was negotiated, and granted by the Brits, when Sir Albert, just as in the case of his PMDC son, could not stand being a loser to his revered elder half-brother, Sir Milton, for the leadership role of the SLPP.

He subsequently colluded with Pa Shaki to found the PNP (just as Charles aspires to amalgamate his pmdc with Ernest Koroma of the apc to form the proverbial third force, in comparison, in 2006), but Pa Shaki taught him a bitter political lesson, so he (Sir Albert) shamelessly returned to his roots in the SLPP, after the APC was founded. Needless to state that the apc ultimately won the 1967 elections through blatant lies promulgated to the peoples of Sa Lon, and based on the capitalization of Sir Albert's blatant folly in terms of nepotism, corruptive practices, and tribalism, thereby allowing the SLPP to wander in the political wilderness for almost 30 years. And now you narrow-minded sore losers in the pmdc would like for history to repeat itself in 2007 through his arrogant and ignorant son, CFM, the benevolent dictator of the pmdc.

Will the peoples of Sa Lon fall for this political anomaly / gimmick again during the 2007 general elections? I don't think so.

Please bark up another tree.

The people of Sa Lon know this history quite well, and they will not allow a repetition of it. Mark my words.

With the exception of a few pragmatic ones who are quite wise, your clan seems to ALWAYS be on the wrong side of the political spectrum, and this is a bloody shame considering your background.

I strongly believe that the Tegloma Organization needs a new VP. This one is full of political "kaka", and he is my "cousin".

Subject: A great project to help people in Sierra Leone
From: cameras for healing
To: All
Date Posted: 21:19:09 01/05/07 ()
Email Address: camerasforhealing@rogers.com
Entered From: cpe00195b053c53-cm0014f85e7ea8.cpe.net.cable.rogers.com at 74.106.12.223

Message:
My friends started this great project called cameras for healing. If you need more info, I created a video that can be viewed here.

www.youtube.com/camerasforhealing

Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Subject: Re: A great project to help people in Sierra Leone
From: Onliner
To: All
Date Posted: 06:02:13 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-66-140-44-2.dsl.rcsntx.swbell.net at 66.140.44.2

Message:
Awsomely great project! Keep up the good work.

Subject: FOR THE GOOD OF ALL AND THE GENERATION YET UNBORN VOTE APC
From: MUSA
To: All
Date Posted: 16:32:01 01/05/07 ()
Email Address: mpkamara@hotmail.com
Entered From: luna.hypair.net at 194.50.180.4

Message:
Please cast your vote for the APC.Other wise the slpp will take us back to the stone age.The mendes are only interested in power not the affairs of the nation and the agony of the ordinary people.They can even make a lebanese a president for them only to cling on power.

Subject: Re: FOR THE GOOD OF ALL AND THE GENERATION YET UNBORN VOTE APC
From: Amara
To: All
Date Posted: 19:45:20 01/05/07 ()
Email Address: lawlawde80@yahoo.com
Entered From: c-66-30-236-52.hsd1.ma.comcast.net at 66.30.236.52

Message:
MUSA you should stop mentioning the word MENDE. SLPP is not only a party for the mendes, when u mention the word MENDE you basically are referring to people like us who are otherwise fortunate to be a mende. No one has mentioned so far in this forum that APC is a limba or temne party cause i believe there are other tribal members within APC. The simple concept is APC lacks leadership and has shown to be a tyrannic party. I dont know the tribe that you certainly belong to but u are a disgrace to civilization. when u say mende is like refering to a black man as a negro/nigga. We are far past that, we are looking to bigger and better things, if u really cannot debate rationally for your party then QUIT. Your party has and will ever continue to loose. APC is a nightmere in Sierra Leone believe it. Please debate or comment tolerably and with some sense of humor.

Subject: Re: FOR THE GOOD OF ALL AND THE GENERATION YET UNBORN VOTE APC
From: ok dok
To: All
Date Posted: 20:04:20 01/05/07 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: px2nr.wp.shawcable.net at 24.66.94.141

Message:
Amara, the history of mendes been jeloused by many sierra leoneans is as old as hunger and they will never stop that.The only reason is this tribe is so laied back about what the other tribes look for {money,corruption,etc}Dont worry they will be ahead all the time.

Subject: Re: FOR THE GOOD OF ALL AND THE GENERATION YET UNBORN VOTE APC
From: Nya Ngaa Tikekeh
To: All
Date Posted: 20:49:47 01/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.117.8

Message:
Sierra Leonean and African culture in particular teaches that having a big heart that gives, loves and opens up unconditionally, leads to a bountiful harvest.
My maternal tribe is so open to non-members that the God of Creation returns our generosity in more ways than one. Little wonder that in the darkest hour, we will find water to drink just when people elsewhere are drought-stricken. We are so quick to give tracts of land to a stranger that our generosity is often mistaken for idiocy. Yet, the God of Creation gives back so much in return that we can't help but keep being liberal in our day to day contacts with people who merely tolerate us.

Open up, love your neighbour, guard against treachery but maintain your generously big heart, and God will pour an abundance of riches on your land.

Subject: Re: FOR THE GOOD OF ALL AND THE GENERATION YET UNBORN VOTE APC
From: ok dok
To: All
Date Posted: 22:39:03 01/05/07 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: px2nr.wp.shawcable.net at 24.66.94.141

Message:
Yes thats a mende belief.

Subject: Re: FOR THE GOOD OF ALL AND THE GENERATION YET UNBORN VOTE APC
From: Independent Man
To: All
Date Posted: 16:57:43 01/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: new-5000.cadence.com at 158.140.1.25

Message:
We did that (vote for APC) 25 or so years ago, and look what it brought us. I regret the role I played back then campaigning for APC and getting so many to vote for that party. Never again will I vote for APC, and I will see to it that others do not

Subject: Re: FOR THE GOOD OF ALL AND THE GENERATION YET UNBORN VOTE APC
From: Pa javombo
To: All
Date Posted: 21:57:20 01/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-66-56-36-91.hsd1.ga.comcast.net at 66.56.36.91

Message:
Indepnedent man,
I agree with you that people should not vote for APC.
But let me ask you. if someone was part of what happened under the APC which you now "regret" but now belongs to another party, will you vote for that party or ask someone to vote for that party despite the fact that you regret your role in helping that person in the name of party to destory our country?

Folks a party is only as good as those who lead it.

Subject: Schwarzenegger's inauguration speech
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 16:07:18 01/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 216.190.22.151

Message:
It is best to listen.

Subject: Re: Schwarzenegger's inauguration speech
From: TEST
To: All
Date Posted: 23:30:10 01/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-76-20-101-62.hsd1.ca.comcast.net at 76.20.101.62

Message:
Your obsession abour celebities is an important factor for your slow or lack of progress in this country. It seems that you spend all your time finding articles about these people. A huge percentage of all postings on this forum are either irrelevant or a ponographic in nature. WHAT A SHAME!You should better spend your spare time improving your lot than galvanizing all your energies in following these people. Ironically, Sacramento is not the place rich in celebrities. Who cares about Scwarzenegger inauguration.

Subject: Re: Schwarzenegger's inauguration speech
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 17:25:53 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 216.190.22.151

Message:
Greetings my brothers and sisters. Test, we are not poised or at the same wavelenght in viewing issues. This is proven by Psychological theories that I would want you to know in helping you to trangress from your stage of thought to where the celebrities and I have arrived at, the "Formal Operational thought stage." Bellow is help from Jean Piaget please read to know how we differ with regards to your traditional assesment in comparison to "my obsession with celebrities and why. It will be very helpful, emjoy!

"Although there is no general theory of cognitive development, the most historically influential theory was developed by Jean Piaget, a Swiss Psychologist (1896-1980). His theory provided many central concepts in the field of developmental psychology and concerned the growth of intelligence, which for Piaget, meant the ability to more accurately represent the world, and perform logical operations on representations of concepts grounded in the world. The theory concerns the emergence and acquisition of schemata—schemes of how one perceives the world—in "developmental stages", times when children are acquiring new ways of mentally representing information. The theory is considered "constructivist", meaning that, unlike nativist theories (which describe cognitive development as the unfolding of innate knowledge and abilities) or empiricist theories (which describe cognitive development as the gradual acquisition of knowledge through experience), it asserts that we construct our cognitive abilities through self-motivated action in the world. For his development of the theory, Piaget was awarded the Erasmus Prize.
Piaget divided schemes that children use to understand the world through four main stages, roughly correlated with and becoming increasingly sophisticated with age:

Sensorimotor stage (years 0-2)
Preoperational stage (years 2-7)
Concrete operational stage (years 7-11)
Formal operational stage (years 11-adulthood)
[edit] Sensorimotor stage

According to Piaget, this child is in the sensorimotor stage and primarily explores the world with senses rather than through mental operations.Infants are born with a set of congenital reflexes, according to Piaget, in addition to a drive to explore their world. Their initial schemes are formed through differentiation of the congenital reflexes (see assimilation and accommodation, below).

The sensorimotor stage is the first of the four stages. According to Piaget, this stage marks the development of essential spatial abilities and understanding of the world in six sub-stages:

The first sub-stage occurs from birth to six weeks and is associated primarily with the development of reflexes. Three primary reflexes are described by Piaget: sucking of objects in the mouth, following moving or interesting objects with the eyes, and closing of the hand when an object makes contact with the palm (palmar grasp). Over these first six weeks of life, these reflexes begin to become voluntary actions; for example, the palmar reflex becomes intentional grasping. (Gruber and Vaneche, 1977).
The second sub-stage occurs from six weeks to four months and is associated primarily with the development of habits. Primary circular reactions or repeating of an action involving only one's own body begin. An example of this type of reaction would involve something like an infant repeating the motion of passing their hand before their face. Also at this phase, passive reactions, caused by classical or operant conditioning, can begin (Gruber et al., 1977).
The third sub-stage occurs from four to nine months and is associated primarily with the development of coordination between vision and prehension. Three new abilities occur at this stage: intentional grasping for a desired object, secondary circular reactions, and differentiations between ends and means. At this stage, infants will intentionally grasp the air in the direction of a desired object, often to the amusement of friends and family. Secondary circular reactions, or the repetition of an action involving an external object begin; for example, moving a switch to turn on a light repeatedly. The differentiation between means also occurs. This is perhaps one of the most important stages of a child's growth as it signifies the dawn of logic (Gruber et al., 1977). Towards the late part of this sub-stage infants begin to have a sense of object permanence, passing the A-not-B error test.
The fourth sub-stage occurs from nine to twelve months and is associated primarily with the development of logic and the coordination between means and ends. This is an extremely important stage of development, holding what Piaget calls the "first proper intelligence." Also, this stage marks the beginning of goal orientation, the deliberate planning of steps to meet an objective (Gruber et al. 1977).
The fifth sub-stage occurs from twelve to eighteen months and is associated primarily with the discovery of new means to meet goals. Piaget describes the child at this juncture as the "young scientist," conducting pseudo-experiments to discover new methods of meeting challenges (Gruber et al. 1977).
The sixth sub-stage is associated primarily with the beginnings of insight, or true creativity. This marks the passage into the preoperational stage.

[edit] The role of imitation
Piaget postulated that imitative activity is the forerunner of mental symbolism.[1] Bodily activity, imitating the action of perceived phenomena, actually builds bodily/behavioral signifiers that stand for phenomena in a comparable way to that by which mental symbols will later stand for these phenomena. Such imitative formations provide the basis upon which mental symbolic activity can later build. The symbol is, according to Piaget, an internalized imitation.

For Piaget, even perception of an object is an imitative activity; the eye tracing the shape of an object is forming a pre-symbolic concept of the object. Piaget suggests that the motions experienced here may be repeated by the child in an abbreviated fashion when recalling the object; this bodily image symbolizes the object that was perceived earlier.[2]

The formal operational stage is the fourth and final of the stages of cognitive development of Piaget's theory. This stage, which follows the Concrete Operational stage, commences at around 11 years of age (puberty) and continues into adulthood. It is characterized by acquisition of the ability to think abstractly and draw conclusions from the information available. During this stage the young adult functions in a cognitively normal manner and therefore is able to understand such things as love, "shades of gray", and values. Lucidly, biological factors may be traced to this stage as it occurs during puberty and marking the entry to adulthood in Physiology, cognition, moral judgement (Kohlberg), Psychosexual development (Freud), and social development (Erikson). Some two-thirds of people do not successfully complete this stage, and "fixate" at the concrete operational stage.[1]

[edit] General information regarding the stages
These four stages have been found to have the following characteristics:

Although the timing may vary, the sequence of the stages does not.
Universal (not culturally specific)
Generalizable: the representational and logical operations available to the child should extend to all kinds of concepts and content knowledge
Stages are logically organized wholes
Hierarchical nature of stage sequences (each successive stage incorporates elements of previous stages, but is more differentiated and integrated)
Stages represent qualitative differences in modes of thinking, not merely quantitative differences

[edit] Challenges to Piagetian stage theory
Piagetians accounts of development have been challenged on several grounds. First, as Piaget himself noted, development does not always progress in the smooth manner his theory seems to predict. 'Decalage', or unpredicted gaps in the developmental progression, suggest that the stage model is at best a useful approximation. More broadly, Piaget's theory is 'domain general', predicting that cognitiveaq maturation occurs concurrently across different domains of knowledge (such as mathematics, logic, understanding of physics, of language, etc). However, more recent cognitive developmentalists have been much influenced by trends in cognitive science away from domain generality and towards domain specificity or modularity of mind, under which different cognitive faculties may be largely independent of one another and thus develop according to quite different time-tables. In this vein, many current cognitive developmentalists argue that rather than being domain general learners, children come equipped with domain specific theories, sometimes referred to as 'core knowledge', which allows them to break into learning within that domain. For example, even young infants appear to understand some basic principles of physics (e.g. that one object cannot pass through another) and human intentionality (e.g. that a hand repeatedly reaching for an object has that object, not just a particular path of motion, as its goal). These basic assumptions may be the building blocks out of which more elaborated knowledge is constructed."

Subject: Re: Schwarzenegger's inauguration speech
From: Test
To: All
Date Posted: 01:31:52 01/07/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-76-20-101-62.hsd1.ca.comcast.net at 76.20.101.62

Message:
I am too busy to read your thesis. All I am saying is that you should try harder to develop and better yourself than concentrating on looking for celebrity news. I have met you twice and I could tell from my brief discussion with you that you are still dreaming. Living in California is different from east coast. This place is expensive relative to other places. Please take the time to visit San Francisco and see the number of homeless people.The state average income is distorted because of the few celebrities we have. Workers are still paid minimum way "$7.65" when the average home price is over $400k. There are too many Sierra Leoneans in this state who have been here for years but have very little to show for it.I do not want you to fall into that trap. You do not need to post on this and every fora every day.
Do not not just go to school here for the sake of it. You have to choose a profession that will help you make the break that you deserve. You are a fine human being but you appear to lack the drive to concentrate on the things that are important to you. Do not try to be popular. That will not help you. As my great financial adviser "SUZE ORMAN" always says "People first (yourself),then money and things".
Just a quick information about myself. A professional who have lived in this country between 6-8 yrs. Moved to California after a year in New York. Was earning $6.50/hr in 2001 and now makes over $120k per annum. Own a home and a rental property in sacramento.

Subject: This Forum will flourish
From: KABS KANU
To: All
Date Posted: 15:20:25 01/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 0-2pool4-88.nas32.newark2.nj.us.da.qwest.net at 65.131.4.88

Message:
We want to respond to your concerns. As time goes on, people will learn that it is futile to waste their time on irrelevant people and issues on this forum and switch to better things. We are praying about that.

We want to express our regrets to you for some of the posts which are unpalatable. We will endeavour to start limiting the existence of these posts if the writers do not heed our warnings. Right now, we want to give everybody the opportunity to get used to the complete freeness of the forum. Deleting or blocking people just after we granted everybody amnesty will send a wrong message that we did not mean our good gesture. I have left posts where I was insulted myself. However, if our warnings about posting on irrelevant people is not stopped , we will reintroduce the showing of IPs and through that block the stubborn ones.

I frankly believe that this forum has flourished and its future is bright. Exchange of insults has always been the feature of Sierra Leone forums. Wait and see when the other forums being promised us are opened. It will be the same CUSS-CUSS BUBU GANG. And some will be forced to close again .

Let us endure for a short while and see if the culprits will change.Some of you believe that some posts are made by the same irrelevant people to provoke volatile responses that seem to sate the same people's psychosis for cheap popularity and attention. We will investigate such claims and if they are found to be true, we will block the IPs of these people so that they do not post here anymore. Right now, we have no evidence and we cannot act on mere claims ( Though we are not saying that we do not believe you).

Let us give the amnesty chance to settle down and hope that people return to better and important ussues. This forum will never founder. It will continue to flourish .

We thank you all for your input.

KABS KANU

Subject: Re: This Forum will flourish
From: Slept with a Baboon
To: All
Date Posted: 13:29:54 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 85.31.48.65

Message:
Kabs Kanu is sick. How will anyone write that a woman slept with a baboon? Kabs go get yourself some help. You are sick man

Subject: Re: This Forum will flourish
From: Psycho
To: All
Date Posted: 13:15:57 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 85.31.48.65

Message:
Kabs Kanu is a sick bastard using cocorioko to heal his sickness he inherited from his mother's syphilis infested vagina

Subject: What you guys do not know about Sylvia Blyden
From: Fan of INIP 11
To: All
Date Posted: 12:35:38 01/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 71.250.218.196

Message:
She thrives on all this notoriety.She loves the attention. She her own self comes to the forum and writes stuff to stir you up and then sits back to enjoy the attention you give to her with your attacks. She came and posted that piece : "Sylvia Blyden is a very powerful woman" . She does the same in Freetown. When the coast is clear, she stirs up trouble by attacking a major personality then she lays back to enjoy the responses from Neville, I.B.Kargbo and others. You guys need to be smart. Do not allow this woman to use you to gain the notoriety she is seeking for her own ends. She has guessed that she will never be famous by doing good. Ony by doing bad and you guys are not smart to catch the drift ? Let us forget about her.If she comes and posts again, just ignore her.You will see. Everything will cool down. The woman is using you all to gain cheap popularity. Pity you guys. Look also at the picture she posted. That is not her real looks. She worked on it and did you see the Bible near her keyboard ? What do you all think Sylvia is doing ? Self-advertisement for the future. I hate it when people are not smart

Subject: Re: What you guys do not know about Sylvia Blyden
From: Sick Kabs Kanu
To: All
Date Posted: 13:16:59 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 85.31.48.65

Message:
This is none other than sick kabs Kanu who cannot hide his hate (deep love) for the powerful and dynamic Sylvia Blyden

Subject: Re: What you guys do not know about Sylvia Blyden
From: Enjoyer of Kabs Kanu
To: All
Date Posted: 12:59:02 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 85.31.48.65

Message:
This is none other than Kabs Kanu himself writing just as he wrote all the other postings. Kabs Kanu is in love with the powerful Sylvia Blyden and this is the only way he knows how to express his frustrations

Subject: Re: What you guys do not know about Sylvia Blyden
From: SYLVIA HERSELF
To: All
Date Posted: 13:54:56 01/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.117.8

Message:
Most of the trash being put here is done by Sylvia herself. What a cheap popularity contest.

Subject: Re: What you guys do not know about Sylvia Blyden
From: CADMUS
To: All
Date Posted: 12:58:48 01/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-130-52-147.range86-130.btcentralplus.com at 86.130.52.147

Message:
My Brother...
What ever she may be, Syvia has provoked a very important debate in our country, ie the the criminal libel act within the Public order Laws of Sa Lone.
To some this is affecting the very basis of the democratic freedom that we now enjoy,to peopl like myslf,I say not so fast, I believe that our Journalists are not mature enough to leave our hard earned freedom to them without a replacement sanction...we cannot leave that freedom on a wing and prayer to the mercy of rogue journalists in Sa Lone at the moment.

I invite you to join this debate, you dont have to be a Lawyer. take a side and put your point of view..forget about Sylvia's looks..deal with her Brains instead.

Subject: Re: What you guys do not know about Sylvia Blyden
From: Pa javombo
To: All
Date Posted: 14:10:05 01/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 209.214.214.3

Message:
Camdus,
Don't we have civil law in Salon?
The only way you can punish a libel is not through
jails but through the pocket book.

With the Public order act What makes us different from North Korea?
It is interesting that most of us want the best for where we live but then our country is not matured enough to have the same privilege for our people to enjoy. Interresting, very intersting.

Subject: Re: What you guys do not know about Sylvia Blyden
From: CADMUS
To: All
Date Posted: 15:25:49 01/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-130-52-147.range86-130.btcentralplus.com at 86.130.52.147

Message:
Pa Javombo.
That is a good point...the civil law and subsequent fines would work if the newspapers have assets to meet liabilities in cases of a defamatory action.However most new papers barely exixt on a hand to mouth basis. How would they afford a substantial libel damage?especially if the damages are aggravated, plus cost.

The answer to your question is this, instead of the likes of North Korea, why can't we just be like America or the United Kingdom, where newspapers simply tell the truth, they do their investigations and their researches before publishing..with controversial topics, they even usually let their Lawyers proof read them first.

The answer is competent journalism or splash dash journalism.

Our newspapers cannot be so afraid of the truth, or are they.

Subject: Re: What you guys do not know about Sylvia Blyden(4 Cadmus)
From: David Mahdi
To: All
Date Posted: 23:52:11 01/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: s0106001109118608.wp.shawcable.net at 24.77.242.82

Message:
The answer to your question is this, instead of the likes of North Korea, why can't we just be like America or the United Kingdom, where newspapers simply tell the truth, they do their investigations

Cadmus...you got it all wrong brother I don't think you are aufait with the media here in North America.If you've been following the operations of the media here then you'll know that just like Sierra leone we have the good and the bad with respect to the press.And not every story they publish here is true, they also practise sensationalism and yellow journalism.There are lots of examples...stories been published here that are referred to as tabloid junk. Even The Democrats "Rock Star" Senator Barrack Obama has described some media stories written about Harold Ford Jnr as slash and burn journalism.So the talk about yellow journalism is not only limited to journalist in Sierra Leone it obtains all over the world my friend.

Subject: Re: What you guys do not know about Sylvia Blyden
From: Pa Javombo
To: All
Date Posted: 21:45:49 01/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-66-56-36-91.hsd1.ga.comcast.net at 66.56.36.91

Message:
Camdus,
I am not sure if attorneys in America first have to approve of reports before they are published. We have people called editors.
And to say that newspapers in America and Britain
"simply tell the truth" is simply not true.

Was is it true Camdus when newspapers in these countries were reporting that there were WMDs in Iraq?

Subject: Re: What you guys do not know about Sylvia Blyden
From: Savisman
To: All
Date Posted: 16:22:03 01/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: sph16-144.harvard.edu at 128.103.16.144

Message:
Two quick points Cadmus. They do sue newspapers here in the US so I wonder how we could "be like America" as you suggest. Not all news papers tell the truth. Secondly, your argument about the limited assets owned by newspapers fails to address a fundamental issue related to libel in Sierra Leone: How do we hold journalists accountable for what they write? Owning few assets does not give them a right to defame a person’s character.

Subject: Re: What you guys do not know about Sylvia Blyden
From: Steven N Rogers
To: All
Date Posted: 18:37:02 01/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ool-4573708c.dyn.optonline.net at 69.115.112.140

Message:
We need seditious Libel law for those supermarket tabloids in America. I hope Sylvia will help us craft one. Because everybody knows that 90% of what those gossip papers write(The Equirer, Sun, The Globe, Weekly News etc)are false and mostly bizzare (some would say apocryphal) stories. And they are mostly about the most influential people in America (celebrities), just like our own new-found celebrity - Sylvia Blyden. Sylvia, we definitely need that seditious libel law so that we can sue all these tabloids that are particularly notorious for the over-the-top sensationalization of stories, the facts of which can be called into question.

The "daily news" is the most notorious for this. If it doesnt have a news, it would simply make one up, and use a photograph staged by the newspaper staff, then use an editing technique called "composograph". Guess my "beautiful" Sylvia must not have heard of that. As a celebrity myself, I am ready to sue these papers as soon as Sylvia writes the American version of the'Seditious Libel Law".

Subject: The Wealth of our Nation!!
From: KLA
To: All
Date Posted: 10:45:09 01/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 164.82.85.3

Message:

If some of the musings on this forum are viewed as the Salone thoughts, we may remain a Charity dependent Nation, with a Violence wracked past.

Mineral rich Salone presents lucrative opportunities for Intrepid Companies willing to make things happen for their investors and shareholders. There is a Global resource boom going on, and Salone is a part of it all.

Indeed the MRU region of Africa is creating tremendous wealth for investors. It is possible to purchase stock in some of these listed companies,thus
having a say on how these companies are impacting their client countries.

Please follow links provided. Visit the listed company sites for detailed info.

TSTM
XX

Subject: Re: The Wealth of our Nation!!
From: Sengbe
To: All
Date Posted: 12:32:36 01/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 198.85.59.94

Message:
KLA, don't you mean "diamond dae SaLone" as opposed to "Money day Salone" as the title of your hypertext link?

It is one thing to have these mineral deposits as natural endowments in Sa Lon, and in Africa as a whole, in general, but quite another to mine, and generate the money needed to convert this endowment into national wealth. This is where our problem has always lied. We neither have the geological manpower, nor the engineering / technological means / resources to facilitate this conversion to our benefit in the development of our nations in Africa.

Let me illustrate this point with three examples:

Naija is the eighth largest exporter of crude oil in the world, but they constantly have fuel shortages over there for the general populace.

Liberia has very large deposits of gold, bauxite, iron ore, rubber, etc. But Liberia cannot afford to buy mosquito nets for the suffering masses afflicted with malaria.

In addition to diamonds, Sa Lon has large deposits of rutile, gold, bauxite, iron ore, etc. But we (the GoSL) charge only 3% in taxes for the exploitation of these natural resources by the foreign companies exploring and exploiting these natural resources in that country.

Clearly something is amiss, and that relates to the fact that for all these years we have NOT invested in the training of the manpower (geologists, mining engineers, business people, economists, etc.) needed to explore, exploit, and market these natural resources for the benefit of the development of the nation, in terms of the funding finance needed for this aspect.

The success stories in this regard are:

Botswana, South Africa, and Libya are doing quite well relative to this issue.

May be we should ask Pa Kabbah to visit these countries again to find out why they are so successful, and apply his findings to Sa Lon before he departs in July 2007. Or maybe he will instruct Solo B to do so.

It is NOT too late, but we must start now, or never shall we reap the benefits of our natural endowments to the fullest.

Subject: Re: The Wealth of our Nation!!
From: MUSA
To: All
Date Posted: 16:43:46 01/05/07 ()
Email Address: mpkamara@hotmail.com
Entered From: luna.hypair.net at 194.50.180.4

Message:
Having a large deposit of natural resources is one thing and utilising them efficiently is another aspect.We lack good governance,organised and well established institutions either political,economical or social.Unless we are matured to that stage then there will be a light at the end of the tunnel.Dont expect a foreigner to do it for you.I think you should be very naive to think that way.

Subject: Re: The Wealth of our Nation!!
From: Sengbe
To: All
Date Posted: 19:47:02 01/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: nc-71-2-88-145.dyn.embarqhsd.net at 71.2.88.145

Message:
"...Dont expect a foreigner to do it for you.I think you should be very naive to think that way..."

The gross naivete regarding this matter lies in your court, since you did not comprehend the gist of what was written in that article. This means that my response to you regarding this matter is over.

Read my response to Patriot-in-training below. Your comprehension may be enhanced.

Subject: Re: The Wealth of our Nation!!
From: Patriot in training
To: All
Date Posted: 15:58:11 01/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 70.88.146.222

Message:
you missed the point! its quite clear by observation that when vital info is posted or vital resource posted there is little or no ingenuity in the responses. Think outside the box. The post has all to do with how we as sierraleoneans, especially in the diaspora can affect policy change in the diamond sector by investing in stocks and possibly even owning shares listed by these different consortiums that mine our resources. For example in addition to working from the ground up like you have suggested, we can also work from the boardroom down by owning shares or stocks. Depending on the % of shares or stocks you can influence policy change within these consortiums.

"The success stories in this regard are:

Botswana, South Africa, and Libya are doing quite well relative to this issue"????????????????

The consortiums that work in these countries are the success stories. None of the countries you have listed have majority control of their mines. As recently as this summer, South African government was working towards raising their diamond export tax from the african standard 3% dictated by the diamond high councli in belgium to 6%.

Subject: Re: The Wealth of our Nation!!
From: Sengbe
To: All
Date Posted: 19:35:59 01/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: nc-71-2-88-145.dyn.embarqhsd.net at 71.2.88.145

Message:
Did I really miss the point?

Please identify the part in that piece where it was stated that I am in disagreement about owning shares/stocks in "these different consortiums that mine our resources" in order to "influence policy change within these consortiums"?

Indeed, "the consortiums that work in these countries are the success stories." (I presume you mean Botswana, Libya, and South Africa).

"...None of the countries you have listed have majority control of their mines..."

Well, let us look at Botswana, as the example to illustrate how a country derives maximum benefit from one of its natural endowments for the good of the nation, and her nationals. Let us use mining as the sector in this illustration.

There are two major mining companies that operate in this nation of 1.76 million people; Debswana and Bamangwato Concessions, Ltd. or BCL.

Debswana was formed by the government of Botswana and South Africa's De Beers in EQUAL PARTNERSHIP, and BCL, also with SUBSTANTIAL GOVERNMENT EQUITY participation.

Now, you ought to know that Botswana is the world's largest producer of gem-quality diamonds since the 1980s. In fact Bostwana, through the auspices of these two conglomerates / companies, exported $2.9 BILLION worth of diamonds, nickel, copper, coal; and through diversification and agriculture; tourism, textiles, construction, beef processing, chemical products production, food and beverage production - in partnership with the EU, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

Mining accounted for 38% of GDP, while Tourism and Agriculture accounted for 12% and 2.1% of GDP, respectively. These sectors have helped to propel the development of this small nation to the tune that the nominal per capita GDP in 2004/5 was a very respectable $5336. This means that even the poorest Bastwanan earned $5336, through the efforts of their government, and her partner companies.

I will leave out Libya (vast resources in low sulfur crude oil) and South Africa (vast mineral deposits / resources, and a very highly literate manpower / population - the whites?) out of this discussion for now, since you undoubtedly know that these two countries have first-world economies.

How are we doing in Sa Lon along these lines? Afterall, we also have diamonds, in addition to the world's largest deposits of rutile, plenty of iron ore, bauxite, gold, agricultural products, etc. How have we benefitted from these endowments as a nation?

We all know that the foreign companies / nationals exploring, exploiting, mining, and exporting these natural endowments in /from Sa Lon are taking us for a ride, through the ill-structured agreements / arrangements we have with them since the 1930s, as a consequence of our ignorance / cluelessness, and perhaps, our ineptitude in governance, and the lack of the appropriate technical manpower / resources.

And what are we doing about it? What can we do about obviating these shortcomings?

If we can form indigeneous companies from the ground-up through the investements needed to train our own mining engineers, civil engineers, geologists, business people, economists, financing / banking professionals, and the like, etc., etc., we would be on the road to securing the funding finance needed to develop our nation in the future and beyond.

I am not stating that this will happen in a limited timeframe. I am stating that we must start to implement this vision for the benefit of our nation and her nationals for her future development.

Why must we solely rely on a measely 3%, or 6%, for that matter, mode of taxation for the natural endowments God has blessed our nation with? Why not have it all, if that is possible. And that is quite possible, if we take the fullest control of our natural resources. This is the vision I was trying to perpetuate in that article of mine in response to KLA's.

Sure enough, we must invest as nationals of the MRU at affordable / conducive rates in the companies currently formed to exploit our natural resources. But are we going to be "allowed" to do so beneficially to our advantage? Considering the fact that these foreign companies operate from the stock options in the stock markets / houses of London, New York, Melbourne, Ontario, Tokyo, etc.? Our history does not yield a positive portrayal in answering this question.

And why must we continue to allow the yields of the diamond exports from Africa to be "dictated by the diamond high council in belgium" at the "african standard" of 3% - 6%? Do we have any say in this? I should think so.

Subject: THIS FORUM IS GOING TO THE DOGS
From: CADMUS
To: All
Date Posted: 10:36:20 01/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-130-52-147.range86-130.btcentralplus.com at 86.130.52.147

Message:
Why do people behave on this forum like little two year old kids? I am tired of it all...How can grown ups use words like those I have just read about MS Sylvia Blyden? oh why? oh why? oh why?

What ever she may be, the fact is that she has a stand, like her stand on the Criminal libel Laws in the opublic order act in Sa Lone. Why don't you take her up on that? why don't you for example put sensible arguements to her on important matters of state .Mamie cuss ect makes me ashamed to be a Sierra Leonean.

What ever she may be she has a right to put accross her own openions.Let us take her on that.if you have a personal issue with her, please e-mail her and discuss it with her, personal issues are not for public forum..we want to talk about SA Lone here.

Looks and beauty are relative and subjective who decides who is the most beautiful woman?is the last Miss USA the most beautiful woman in the states? ofcourse not..After seen her photograph for the first time..I do NOT to my mind believe that Ms Blyden is ugly.For her age she can beat many of your young girls hands down.

This forum will be better served if we start discussion issues again,like why I believ we should still retain the criminal Libel laws in Sa lone at least for the time being ect...any takers? ofcourse not...they will be doing mamie cuss instead.

Bring back the standard...or the forum is going to the DOGS

Forget Sylvia, in a democracy, there are and will be many Sylvias. Everyone has a right to be.
Take her on on issues, forget her looks.

Subject: Re: THIS FORUM IS GOING TO THE DOGS
From: Mad Crazy Kabs
To: All
Date Posted: 13:18:17 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 85.31.48.65

Message:
Cadmus, it is none other than kabs kanu himself allowing those posts on the forum. The man is obsessed with his love for sylvia blyden. he tries to hide it as hatredness but he deeply loves her.

Kabs Kanu is MAD over sylvia's love.

Subject: Re: THIS FORUM IS GOING TO THE DOGS
From: Fan of INIP 11
To: All
Date Posted: 12:23:24 01/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 71.250.218.196

Message:
It is camera beauty. Ms. Blyden is very ugly in person. Albeit, you are right about the forum .Whoever started this whole thing by posting : Sylvia ia very powerful woman started everything. I think it provoked those who hate her. I read that Sylvia herself wrote it. If true, she invited all these negative comments on herself.

Subject: Kabs, just keep doing well
From: Forum Veteran
To: All
Date Posted: 08:15:26 01/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 71.250.218.196

Message:
Do not get discouraged. To be the success you are, you have to face these problems. There is no easy road to success. Just keep on doing what you are doing .

Subject: Re: Kabs, just keep doing well
From: Enjoyer of Kabs Kanu
To: All
Date Posted: 13:00:12 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 85.31.48.65

Message:
Kabs Kanu himself is the one making all those postings and counter postings. He panicked when Sylvia announced she was opening a discussion forum. He took one look at her face and the rest is history

Subject: WHY ARE ADULTS BEHAVING LIKE KIDS?
From: BRA ENVIABLE
To: All
Date Posted: 06:04:41 01/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-rtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 152.163.101.8

Message:
Why are some people loking a gift-horse in the mouth by posting absolute nonsense on a forum meant for lively debates, conversations and other forms of communication? Admittedly, there is no free lunch in America. Well, this forum is free, and its utility goes beyond the conversational posts and repostes made through the opinions expressed during deabates. A mind, they, say, is a terrible thing to waste. Depending on one's ability to separate wheat from chaff, a forum like this can be informative, and therefore, edifying to the mind. Class room education alone cannot make a consciously disabused mind. If educated Sierra Leonean adults can be as unhinged as the infantilism shown here, one must stop wondering why our country has always produced leaders with INFERIOR political acumen.

When supposedly full-grown adults spend all day trading sheepish comments, their level of sobriety rings hollow. How can citizens from a suffering country like Sierra Leone have nothing to discuss but insulting recriminations? Some people make me wish they were not my compatriots!

Subject: IF ONLY WE CAN DISCUSS BETTER THINGS.......
From: KABS KANU
To: All
Date Posted: 03:02:01 01/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 0-2pool4-16.nas32.newark2.nj.us.da.qwest.net at 65.131.4.16

Message:
If only we are mature enough to discuss better topics, it will be good for Sierra Leone.You advice people to discuss better things but they don't listen. You block them, you get all the blame. It is not easy to own a forum. I can see why many people do not get involved in this noble exercise .

We are lucky we have lasted nearly 2 years.But just watch, even I too will be attacked just now . I hope I made the right decision yesterday .

Subject: Re: IF ONLY WE CAN DISCUSS BETTER THINGS.......
From: Dr. Nahim
To: All
Date Posted: 13:20:34 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 85.31.48.65

Message:
Kabs Kanu is crazy. People should pray for this fake reverend to get better. Even Dr Nahim cannot cure this man of his love for sylvia Blyden

Subject: Re: IF ONLY WE CAN DISCUSS BETTER THINGS.......
From: Dr. Nahim
To: All
Date Posted: 13:20:10 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 85.31.48.65

Message:
Kabs Kanu is crazy. People should pray for this fake reverend to get better. Even Dr Nahim cannot cure this man

Subject: Re: IF ONLY WE CAN DISCUSS BETTER THINGS.......
From: Enjoyer of Kabs Kanu
To: All
Date Posted: 13:00:49 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 85.31.48.65

Message:
Kabs Kanu you are such a joker.

Subject: Re: IF ONLY WE CAN DISCUSS BETTER THINGS.......
From: ok dok
To: All
Date Posted: 08:38:10 01/05/07 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: px2nr.wp.shawcable.net at 24.66.94.141

Message:
Kabs to be honest we sierra leoneans are very hard to change and i guess we will never change.With all the bad experience we had for the past 20-30 years,we still cant imagine.What was really the reason why most of us came overseas when we have become worst than those living back home.Non of us is thinking of any better development for that country and so we eat and die here.

Subject: TO BRA KABS
From: BRA ENVIABLE
To: All
Date Posted: 21:50:02 01/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-rtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 152.163.101.8

Message:
Kabs, Is there an explanation why I am fiding it difficult to post on this forum? Isn't it interesting that I cannot post on the forum on the same day a general amnesty was declared for all those convicted and sentenced to be banished by Chief Kabs Kanu? This particular posting, like previous ones that never materialized, is a test.

Subject: Re: TO BRA KABS
From: KABS KANU
To: All
Date Posted: 22:15:54 01/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 0-2pool4-16.nas32.newark2.nj.us.da.qwest.net at 65.131.4.16

Message:
Bra Enviable,
The forum is very free. There is no block on anyone . Could it be due to another problem ? You have no reason not to be able to post.

Subject: Liberia scolded for trying to uproot Weah's statue
From: FOOTBALLER
To: All
Date Posted: 21:17:02 01/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 64.128.100.182

Message:
Liberia
Politics | Society | Culture - Arts
Liberia scolded for trying to uproot Weah's statue

Football star George Weah on a 2004 UNICEF charity mission to Liberia

© afrol News / Unicef / Christine Nesbitt
afrol News, 4 January - "Why was the image of the late President William Tubman not uprooted as well? We should learn to respect talents. George Weah is the first Liberian and perhaps the first African to win the 'World Best', 'Europe Best' and 'Africa Best' accolades in his career, and as such, we should honour him for putting Liberia on the world soccer map," a former lawmaker of Liberia, Joseph Kornomia, protested today.

For the purpose of beautifying the streets of the capital Monrovia, the Liberian government planned to uproot the statue of the country's soccer legend and 2005 presidential contester George Weah. Authorities had demolished everything including buildings in Broad Street except Mr Weah's statue. The beautification, which is aimed at changing the face of the capital, costs over US$ 200,000.

As part of the project, trees and grasses would be planted on the streets. The idea was among the numerous reform plans by Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, the first woman President of Liberia and Africa.

But political analysts described the move as a mere political vendetta aimed at discrediting Mr Weah, who stood against Ms Johnson-Sirleaf in the war-ravaged country's bitter second round presidential elections in 2005.

The second polling round between the two contesters became a bitter and narrow fight, with militants of the two political blocs issuing threats of violence. Mr Weah, after being presented with his challenger's win, claimed to be a victim of election fraud but bowed into massive international pressure not to jeopardise the fragile peace in Liberia.

Despite the political affairs one year ago, Mr Weah remains a very popular and respected man in Liberia. Former lawmaker Kornomia thus argued that Liberian authorities lacked justification to uproot Mr Weah's effigy. "The authorities should have thought twice before taking the action," Mr Kornomia concluded.

George Weah could be remembered for raising the name of Liberia to the highest zenith through football. Until getting into trouble with Liberia's former dictator Charles Taylor, Mr Weah sponsored and captained his country's national team in several international competitions in Africa.

Mr Weah also has used his fame as one of the world's best-ever football players to do much charity work, fighting poverty and promoting education. He was appointed goodwill ambassador for the UN's Children Fund UNICEF, travelling to Liberia several times to urge parents to send their children to school.

By staff writer

© afrol News

Subject: African amputees play for peace
From: FOOTBALL
To: All
Date Posted: 20:51:48 01/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 64.128.100.182

Message:
African amputees play for peace
Ledgerhood Rennie
BBC Sport, Monrovia

Sierra Leone beat their Liberian counterparts 2-0

Another milestone in Liberian football has been reached as the first international match between amputees was successfully played in Monrovia.

The recent civil wars in Liberia and neighbouring Sierra Leone did not only kill thousands of people but it left many people maimed.

Now though, with peace finally a reality, those most affected by the violence have turned to football to help them recover from the trauma of war.

As a result football clubs made up amputees from the war were formed in the aftermath of both conflicts, which led to the formation of national teams.

Liberia President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was joined by thousands of her fellow countrymen on Sunday to watch the maiden international match of their country's amputees' when they clashed with their counterparts from Sierra Leone.

Even though the players are physically challenged they managed to produce moments of dizzying skill that wowed the fans.

And despite the 2-0 defeat suffered by the home side, the result was not important for both sides.

"We are so happy for our brothers in Liberia," Victor Musa, Sierra Leone captain told BBC Sport.

"This match is for the building of peace between Liberia and Sierra Leone and we are happy to be a part of bringing peace in the Mano River."

But during the game it was clear that Liberia was the least experienced side after being formed in November 2006.

"These are our brothers and we are happy that they came to play with us," the Liberian captain Boye Khykie said.

"We just started two months ago so we are not discouraged."

The visitors, who formed their team in 2001, wasted no time by imposing themselves on the game and took the lead in the 2nd minute thanks to a penalty converted by star player Amadou "El-Hadji Diouf" Kamara after he was brought down.

The Sierra Leoneans doubled their lead in the second half after tormentor-in-chief Kamara outwitted two Liberian defenders for Maxwell Formah to score.

Kamara, who was part of the Sierra Leone team that toured England in 2004, was thrilled to have passed his experiences to the Liberians.

"This is my first time to Liberia a country I love so much as we are one people and I'm happy I scored as I did when we travelled to England" the left-footed Kamara said.

Liberia President was thrilled that football is being used by the single-leg footballers after a series of horrifying events and scarring rebel incursions in which amputation was common practice.

"It was an awesome effort to bring our respective societies disadvantaged to show that they too can be normal and they too can contribute in whatever way to their societies."

"It is a win-win situation for both countries and these ex-combatants who now know that they are fully accepted in society can be constructive."

The teams are seeking further development and more international competitions.

Subject: COMPLAINING
From: POLITICAL
To: All
Date Posted: 20:45:43 01/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ip70-162-167-106.ph.ph.cox.net at 70.162.167.106

Message:
SINCE THE OWNER HAS DECIDED TO LET OUR OWN GRIEVANCES HEARD BY UNBLOCKING OUR IPs, I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS CHANCE TO REGISTER MY ANGER FOR BLOCKING MY IP WITHOUT DOING ANYTHING INAPROPRIATE IN THIS FORUM. KABS KANU OR WHO SO EVER IS RESPONSIBLE BLOCKED ME FROM THE FORUM WITHOUT ANY WRONG DOING. I CANNOT ASK WHY BECAUSE I DONT THINK IT'S IMPORTANT FOR NOW TO ASK. WHEN KABS WANTED SOMEONE TO RECREATE A PROFESSIONAL WEBSITE FOR COCORIOKO AFTER TRANSFERRED TO HOMESTEAD, AND POSTED THAT INFO TO THIS FORUM, I WAS ONE OF THE PEOPLE WHO OFFERED TO HELP BECAUSE I WANTED TO HELP. I AM A SOFTWARE ENGINEER AND I THINK I COULD HELP TO MAKE THE SITE PROFESSIONAL WITHOUT ASKING FOR A PENNY.IT'S CLEAR UP TO THIS TIME THAT THE SITE IS STILL STRUGGLING TO MEET PROFESSIONAL COMFORMITY AS A NEWS SITE. I REALIZE THAT IF SOMEONE POST AN ARTICLE TO THE SITE, THE WEBMASTER HAS TO UPLOAD IT MANUALLY AND EVERY TIME, THERE IS A MISALIGNMENT(PIP).

SINCE I WAS BLOCKED AND WANTED TO CONTRIBUTE TO SIERRA LEONEAN DISUSSIONS, I DECIDED TO BUILD MY OWN FORUM WHICH WILL BE UP RUNNING VERY SOON. I HOPE KABS KANU WILL KNOW WHO TO BLOCK BECAUSE IT'S UNFAIR TO BLOCK SOMEONE WHO DOESN'T DO ANYTHING WRONG AND ALLOW THOSE WHO MISUSE AND ABUSE THIS FORUM IN A DAILY BASIS. I THINK IF SIERRA LEONE FORUMITES HAVE MORE THAN ONE FORUM TO MEET AND DISCUSS, THAT WILL BE A GOOD THING.

FORUMITES, PLEASE STAY TUNE FOR THE NEW FORUMS ON THE PIPE LINE.

Subject: WELCOME TO HEAVEN
From: LAWYER
To: All
Date Posted: 20:44:14 01/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 64.128.100.182

Message:
THE INDEPENDENT
Assistance for Africa: 'Don't turn your back on my country'

One year after she was sworn in, Liberia's President, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, faces an increasing struggle to maintain stability in her impoverished nation. One of her biggest worries, she tells Leonard Doyle in Monrovia, is that much-needed international aid may be about to dry up
Published: 03 January 2007

For a democratically elected leader, Liberia's President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf's daily commute to work borders on the unusual.

First come the armed outriders who order cars to the gutter. Then comes a blare of sirens as the President's convoy, complete with decoy limousine, barrels down the once-grand Tubman Boulevard. Nigerian United Nations soldiers armed with heavy machine guns take up the rear: the international community is taking no chances with Liberia's best hope of democratic leadership in decades.

When a fire gutted the executive mansion on Liberia's independence day in July, almost claiming the lives of four west African presidents - including Liberia's - everyone suspected a plot. Rebels loyal to the former leader, Charles Taylor - by then in detention - were suspected. A South African forensic team found that dodgy wiring rather than foul play was responsible. Air conditioners and chandeliers switched on specially for the visiting presidents of Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone and Ghana overloaded a dilapidated system.

For the President struggling to put her put her Humpty Dumpty-like country back together again, the fire was one more burden to bear.

Graham Greene, in his seminal travel book, Journey Without Maps, describes crossing Liberia with a chain of porters in 1935. In the republic founded for freed American slaves he found one of the few areas of Africa untouched by colonisation. Some 70 years of misrule and war has left much of the country in as desperate a situation as he found it. So poor is the country that finding a simple bed net to keep off the hordes of malarial mosquitoes is a almost impossible. Equipped with his vials of quinine, Greene had better access to health care than many Liberians do today.

Beyond the veneer of civil society in the capital, Monrovia, almost everything seems on the verge of collapse. There is no mains electricity for most of the capital and a few miles outside entire sections of the main road have been washed away. The UN has restored some sewage and water, but most are still without.

There is no national television. TV masts, donated by Japan some 20 years ago, were stripped clean by looters who also took the electrical cables. The Defence Ministry is a squalid tenement occupied by squatters - unpaid former soldiers. The Interior Ministry is home to war refugees.

One bright spot is the national football stadium, which Chinese workers are busy restoring. Doubtless Beijing miscalculated that the football star George Weah rather than Johnson-Sirleaf would now be in charge. And Africa's first woman president would doubtless have preferred refurbished hospitals to a football stadium. But with her country flat broke, its economy in ruins and 15,000 UN soldiers providing a veneer of security, she is grateful for all the help she can get.

Sitting down to talk to The Independent in her temporary quarters in the Foreign Ministry, topmost of her mind was the worry that the international aid was about to dry up. She has good reason to worry. Several aid agencies have already left and the Global Fund has recently rejected funding for malaria and tuberculosis drugs for the coming year.

Now there are fears that post-civil war Liberia is dropping off the radar of Western countries more interested in fighting the "war on terror" than in propping up a predominantly Christian country of three million.

President Johnson-Sirleaf, the Harvard-educated economist who defeated Weah last year in the presidential campaign, fears that aid to her country is taking second place to the assistance being given to countries which the West fears could become havens of Islamic extremism. "It will be catastrophic if aid is to be reduced," President Johnson-Sirleaf said. "If the promised aid does not arrive, especially for our health services, it will have serious consequences for Liberia." Liberia remains a tinderbox after the civil war, where rebels used cannibalism and rape as weapons of war. Its towns are filled with young unemployed ex-fighters which the UN describes as "a very serious source of tension". Poverty is everywhere. Half of the population gets by on less than half a dollar a day. It is one of the poorest places on the face of the earth.

She fears a fresh crisis as the increase in aid promised at last year's Gleneagles G8 summit goes to Iraq, Somalia and Afghanistan as well as Darfur in Sudan. London and Washington dispute this. The UK points out that its bilateral aid to Africa has gone up from £826m in 2004-5 to £1.1bn in 2005-6 and will be £1.25 bn in 2006-7. In the US, aid to Africa under President George Bush has gone up from $1bn (£506bn) to $4bn and is projected, Congress permitting, to rise to $8bn by 2010.

There has, indeed, been a substantial increase in aid as was promised by Tony Blair and the other G8 leaders in their undertaking to double financial assistance to Africa by 2010. But in the first year much of the extra money has been spent in the form of debt relief for Iraq and Nigeria. To keep the Gleneagles promise of doubling aid to Africa by 2010, another big increase must be confirmed by the G8 at their annual meeting in Germany, and the Democrats in the US Congress must also vote for the large aid increase.

Inexplicably the Global Fund is also refusing to fund Liberia's malaria and TB programmes for the year, although these are two of the country's biggest killers. To make matters worse, now that the civil war is over, some aid agencies which specialise in providing emergency relief are leaving. The fear is that there are no long-term development agencies to take over from them. Demand for the services of those staying on, such as the British medical charity Merlin, are ever increasing.

"Liberia is a fragile state," Sonja van Osch, Merlin's country director, said. "Without continued support for at least another five years, people will continue to die unnecessarily from easily preventable diseases like malaria, diarrhoea and measles."

But the government is crippled by $3.7bn of debt, most of it in arrears, and none has yet been forgiven under the Gleneagles deal.

The 66-year-old President remains widely admired, at home and abroad. She has kept corruption at bay by sacking officials and demanding transparency in contracts and has appointed experienced women to run the top ministries - Finance, Justice and Commerce - all her ministers follow punishing work schedules. Ms Johnson-Sirleaf appears determined to do things differently from other African governments. Her close relatives fly economy class, an attempt is being made to break down the tribal nature of Liberia's politics and the country has a lively, inquisitive press. But as the President's actions threaten vested interests in the country, her life remains closely guarded by the Nigerian troops.

She has learnt from her World Bank days not to upset donor countries, which have helped to rescue Liberia. But she expressed undisguised irritation at the Global Fund for its refusal to fund the fight against malaria and TB.

"It was a decision by functionaries and bureaucrats," she said. "They do not know the consequences of their actions, we will do everything to get [the decision] reversed." The Global Fund has agreed aid to Liberia in principle. But its technical review panel says that Liberia's detailed proposals are inadequate. Privately some people hint that the fund, normally one of the more agile international development agencies, fears that corruption in the healthcare system has not been sufficiently curbed.

Shortly afterwards, at a meeting of international donors for Liberia, the President appealed to the world not to turn its back on the country in the misguided belief that its crisis is over.

Jeffrey Sachs, who advised the G8 as head of the UN's Millennium Project, said the Global Fund's decision to deny funding for malaria and TB "defied belief". "What this country needs is to be flooded with bed nets impregnated with insecticide to fight malaria as well as all the drugs it needs to combat TB and Aids," he said.

The civil war left Liberia's population traumatised and its infrastructure looted and burnt to the ground. There is no economy to speak of and most people do not live beyond 40. But as Liberia's democracy sends out its fragile roots, that recovery is jeopardised by increasing violence, insecurity and poverty. Attacks on civilians by armed robbers - often former child soldiers - are frequent in Monrovia. Gang rape, another legacy of war, is also common. Schooling is almost non-existent; at least 87 per cent of the population is illiterate.

Liberia is so poor that as little as $5 per person - $15m a year - is all that is needed to provide adequate health care. All the government can afford is $3m - and that is donated - the result of which is that health in Liberia is "among the worst in the world, and may soon get worse", says a report from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

"Most of the African countries are concerned that the level of aid promised [by the G8] has not been reached," Ms Johnson-Sirleaf said. "Much of it has been made conditional on each government's own political and economic performance."

In July, Hilary Benn, the Secretary of State for International Development, visited Liberia and announced that British aid to the country would rise from £6m in 2006 to £10m in 2007 - a significant increase given that Liberia's total budget is only $100m.

Although 20 countries have Gleneagles debt cancellation, allowing them to increase spending on health and education from a combined $6bn to more than $13bn, Liberia is not one of them - because the country had not yet put in place good governance requirements which are a condition of debt relief.

Médecins Sans Frontières left Liberia this week. It leaves a network of clinics that doctors fear will soon be looted. It had hoped to hand the clinics over to the government or to agencies funded by the international community. "We work on the front line where people are being killed and wounded," said Jean Michel Piedagnel, a senior MSF doctor. "We need others to take over our work."

Liberia: the statistics

Population: 3.3 million

Life expectancy: 41 years. Malnutrition is widespread with 39 per cent of children under five suffering from stunted growth. Biggest killers are malaria, cholera, TB and HIV/Aids. There are 30 doctors (300 before the civil war).

Unemployment: 85 per cent

Illiteracy rate: 87 per cent

Economy: Liberia has plenty of gold, diamonds, iron ore, wood and extensive rubber plantations. The country's diamond and timber exports have been blocked by UN sanctions to prevent money flowing to rebel groups in countries such as Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone.

History: Founded by freed former slaves from America who settled on the coast of west Africa against the wishes of the indigenous population. The first native president was Master Sergeant Samuel Doe, who overthrew President William Tolbert and publicly executed him in 1980. In 1989 Charles Taylor began an uprising leading to more than a decade of civil war.

Subject: Re: WELCOME TO HEAVEN
From: ok dok
To: All
Date Posted: 00:58:07 01/05/07 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: px2nr.wp.shawcable.net at 24.66.94.141

Message:
I can even finish reading this news.Some sierra Leoneans earlie on has been comparing precious kabba SLPP Govt. efforts to Liberia.Some of us are so cheap that we cant even figure how we look like.

Subject: ERNEST KOROMA NEED A BRAIN
From: Amara
To: All
Date Posted: 20:41:32 01/04/07 ()
Email Address: lawlawde80@yahoo.com
Entered From: c-66-30-236-52.hsd1.ma.comcast.net at 66.30.236.52

Message:
Why is it that each time this so called idiot who pose to be the leader of APC speaks, he makes fabricated stories about the ruling party. Where are the evidence about SLPP's plan to rigg the coming elections as you mentioned to the people of Koinadugu. Who gave you this info?? can you proof it beyond all reasonable doubts? Mr wanna be a thug leader Koroma and your sidekick Margai, why are y'all so naive about the coming elections? VP Berewa has never wasted his time talking about you chickenheads and your party. He thinks, plans and talks about progress and what he intends to do if elected to office, however you people spent endless time attacking and fabricating stories that are rather baseless, senseless and of no use. Honestly ya just feeling a taste of the smoke, Sierra Leone is gonna triump over all you evil-doers. The progress you see now is a tip of the iceberg, the best is yet to come after Berewa take full control of the country just wait and see. My advice to you Koroma, go clean up your house and put your people including the mayor, Victor Rebel high-barb Foh and all your cucumbines in order, hopefully when your great grand-children are ready to run for leadership eight years from now maybe you would have gained some leadership skill to be considered worth voting for as a party leader.

Subject: Re You need a brain not Earnest
From: MUSA
To: All
Date Posted: 16:15:57 01/05/07 ()
Email Address: mpkamara@hotmail.com
Entered From: luna.hypair.net at 194.50.180.4

Message:
I think you dont have self-esteem.I am not surprise charity starts at home.You should know the type language you are using for a respectable, honored and patriotic citizen.You should like closely the health condition of your mende slpp man.He looks very unhealthy and want him to be a leader then that will be the end of the chapter.Sierra-Leone wont at the bottom of the undp index but back to the stone age.You mendes who are ready to even give power to a lebanese for just to cling on power.You not interested in the affairs of the nation only to cling on power.Your Berewa always sleeps in conferences with his smoking addiction.Is he a leader or a town cryer.Please pick your words and think twice before writing nonsense.A word for the wise is quite sufficient.

Subject: Re: Re You need a brain not Earnest
From: ok dok
To: All
Date Posted: 20:08:09 01/05/07 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: px2nr.wp.shawcable.net at 24.66.94.141

Message:
My friend you hate mendes naturally apart from there connection with SLPP.

Subject: Re: Re You need a brain not Earnest
From: Amara
To: All
Date Posted: 19:20:06 01/05/07 ()
Email Address: lawlawde80@yahoo.com
Entered From: c-66-30-236-52.hsd1.ma.comcast.net at 66.30.236.52

Message:
MUSA did u really step foot in a class room?? see there is something to learn whenever u write, that is to proof read. what do u mean by this statement "Sierra-Leone wont at the bottom of the undp index but back to the stone age.You mendes who are ready to even give power to a lebanese for just to cling on power.You not interested in the affairs of the nation only to cling on power". For your racist and tribalistic paradigms i will leave that to others to trash u on it. Basically u are the most useless character that have ever made an appearance on this forum. I cant believe there are people like your type who still claim to be Sierra Leoneans, it is a paradoxical disgrace to civility.

Subject: Re: ERNEST KOROMA NEED A BRAIN
From: ok dot
To: All
Date Posted: 13:31:18 01/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ca32-ch01-bl05.ny-newyorkc0.sa.earthlink.net at 207.69.138.10

Message:
Please Amara,I advice you to take an English 101 class before you make your next criticism because it seems as if you need a new brain.

Subject: Re: ERNEST KOROMA NEED A BRAIN
From: BUFORD HWY
To: All
Date Posted: 08:40:25 01/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-074-228-219-218.sip.asm.bellsouth.net at 74.228.219.218

Message:
Amara wrote "Where are the evidence about SLPP's plan to rigg the coming elections as you mentioned to the people of Koinadugu"
Amara,firstly,your SLPP party is the only party that had refused to sign the PPRC resolution for a FREE AND FAIR elections.
Secondly,when an Africa American in Atlanta,Georgia who is the president of an organization call "COALITION FOR A FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS IN AFRICA" asked the Vice President on how can the Africa American civil right groups help to ensure a free and fair elections in Sierra Leone"? Mr Berewa's answer was "KNOW YOUR ROOT" because Sierra Leone can monitor her own elections.
So Amara,if your party and leader cannot agree to sign the resolution or answer a simple question,one must start to wonder what is your SLPP upto and more so ever,why was Mr Berewa's answer as a leader of our country never gave the gentleman a direct answer and open an invitation for the monitoring of the elections? Is not like the country is going to pay for the monitoring of the forthcoming elections.The NDI would be responsible to reimburse each and every monitoring organization through the UN and EU funds.

"hopefully when your great grand children are ready to run for leadership eight years from now maybe you would have gained some leadership skill to be considered worth voting for as a party leader."

Firstly,he does not have great grand children,and more so ever,if he does has great grand children,they would be too young to run for leadership eight years from now taking the average age of a woman to get pregnant is 13yrs and his daughter is not a mother yet.
Secondly,eletions in Sierra Leone are held every 5yrs and if you MULTIPLY it by 2 terms,you will come up with 10yrs and not 8yrs.
So please check yor ARITHMETICS before you start telling us that ERNEST KOROMA NEED A BRAIN.

Subject: Re: ERNEST KOROMA NEED A BRAIN
From: Amara
To: All
Date Posted: 19:31:15 01/05/07 ()
Email Address: lawlawde80@yahoo.com
Entered From: c-66-30-236-52.hsd1.ma.comcast.net at 66.30.236.52

Message:
I dont know which Hwy u repping, i simply will state that to satisfy a fool is to merely agree with him. Your ascertion about Berewa refusing to honor a request is total gabbage. We all know that except for the tyrannic APC elections that were held maybe in the 70's, but all elections that i have witnessed in Sierra Leone had always attracted both local and international observers, so the act of some agent being refused an observing right is stupid. Your unwanted for calculation is also baseless cause the point i was trying to make was basically equate Ernest Koroma to cronies that are 50 times less that his age, so please go teach someone else your waste thinking arithmetics mr.

Subject: Re: ERNEST KOROMA NEED A BRAIN
From: BUFORD HWY
To: All
Date Posted: 09:07:59 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-dtc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 205.188.116.198

Message:
"Your ascertion about Berewa refusing to honor a request is total gabbage"
Amara, a video tape of the townhall meeting that was held by the SLPP for the Vice President will clearify what I wrote about your leader,so please do not defend a statement that you do not have the facts of,and if you want to rebutt this claim,ask your party leadership in Georgia.The statement about the refusal to sign the FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS RESOLUTION,I refer you to the NEC and PPRC websites.

"but all elections that i have witness in Sierra Leone had always attracted both local and international observers,"

Amara,using the word observers shows how naive you are of the election process in Sierra Leone and Africa as a whole.Observing an election is not enough any more, as most elections are won during or way before the registration starts.What I wrote was MONITORING and not OBSERVING.

Subject: Re: ERNEST KOROMA NEED A BRAIN
From: njai
To: All
Date Posted: 12:11:38 01/05/07 ()
Email Address: njai@COMCAST.NET
Entered From: static-70-20-197-79.phil.east.verizon.net at 70.20.197.79

Message:
The last time I entered a polling booth in Freetown each and every political party has a rep on the table where I picked up my ballot paper. I presented my national ID and a voting slip that was given to me way back when I registered. All the reps were satisfied with my credentials and I was allowed to vote.As far as I am concerned that is what is known as self monitoring.Now the question is DO WE NEED AMERICANS TO MONITOR OUR ELECTIONS WHEN WE ALL KNOW WHAT HAPPENED IN FLORIDA IN 2000, IN THE BLACK NEIGHBORHOODS IN MOST BIG CITIES?
The next question is, if all parties have reps at the voting booth how about the counting room?
I have never been fortunate to witness vote counting, so I stand to be corrected.
More questions to come.

Subject: Re: ERNEST KOROMA NEED A BRAIN
From: ok dok
To: All
Date Posted: 01:01:08 01/05/07 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: px2nr.wp.shawcable.net at 24.66.94.141

Message:
Election is comming closer so weak parties always false foul.There is no need for SLPP to rig election since they own the country and its people.

Subject: Re: ERNEST KOROMA NEED A BRAIN
From: BUFORD HWY
To: All
Date Posted: 08:57:37 01/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-074-228-219-218.sip.asm.bellsouth.net at 74.228.219.218

Message:
"There is no need for SLPP to rig elections since they own the country and its people".

ok dok,I know you are a well educated brother,but I beg to differ on your statement.SLPP does not own the country and its people,because in a DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY as claimed,the political party that is in the leadership of her country is a servant to the people of the said country.I know you know this phrase " A GOVERNMENT FOR THE PEOPLE,BY THE PEOPLE, AND OF THE PEOPLE".So please do not take us back to the days of slavery when man was owned by his fellow man,because of COLOR,MONEY AND POWER.

Subject: Re: ERNEST KOROMA NEED A BRAIN
From: ok dot
To: All
Date Posted: 13:33:37 01/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ca32-ch01-bl05.ny-newyorkc0.sa.earthlink.net at 207.69.138.10

Message:
Buford,ok dok and educated do not go in the same sentence.They are opposite and therefore they negate themselves.Try uneducated.

Subject: Re: ERNEST KOROMA NEED A BRAIN
From: ok dok
To: All
Date Posted: 20:11:35 01/05/07 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: px2nr.wp.shawcable.net at 24.66.94.141

Message:
Thrash my friend{LOOK WEH YOU BANFAH}

Subject: Re: ERNEST KOROMA NEED A BRAIN
From: ok dot
To: All
Date Posted: 20:36:17 01/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ca32-ch01-bl07.ny-newyorkc0.sa.earthlink.net at 207.69.138.12

Message:
Ar banfah lek you mama im kuleh.

Subject: THOUGH WE HAVE GIVEN AMNESTY, DON'T TAKE US FOR GRAN
From: KABS KANU
To: All
Date Posted: 20:01:08 01/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 0-1pool13-16.nas32.newark2.nj.us.da.qwest.net at 63.235.13.16

Message:
We have noticed that instead of using well the amnesty given today , certain people have started the same things again that forced us to impose restrictions and enforce the rules.

We want to be honest with you. Some of us are too busy and have no time to sit near a forum watching it whole day and night to make sure people do not post the wrong things , like the posts on that lady.

If we are pushed , we will withdraw the amnesty .We did not mean bad today when we decided to unblock the IPs and allow the forum to be free. We had good intentions , but be honest with yourselves : Are these the kinds of posts we want in a forum read internationally by people from sensitive places like foreign embassies, the UN, the U.S Department of State, the U.S.Senate , schools and universities ?

Only people who have no standards will allow their forums to be used like this.

I reiterate the appeal made earlier today. Please recharge your patriotic batteries and think about your country and her people. Let us behave like people from a respectable country .

Somebody suggested that one person is writing all those trash about herself using different monikers as usual. We hope not, because we don't want to start blocking people again.

Please let us be responsible .I hope this appeal will not fall on deaf ears.

Subject: Re: THOUGH WE HAVE GIVEN AMNESTY, DON'T TAKE US FOR GRAN
From: Analyser of Kabs Kanu
To: All
Date Posted: 13:03:25 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 85.31.48.65

Message:
Kabs Kanu ask yourself why you left those shameful postings about Sylvia Blyden on your forum. You yourself made those postings about her. It is such a god damned shame that you call yourself a reverend. You are a psycho my friend. A psycho of the worst order.

Subject: Re: THOUGH WE HAVE GIVEN AMNESTY, DON'T TAKE US FOR GRAN
From: ok dok
To: All
Date Posted: 01:02:45 01/05/07 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: px2nr.wp.shawcable.net at 24.66.94.141

Message:
Thanks God its not me.

Subject: Re: THOUGH WE HAVE GIVEN AMNESTY, DON'T TAKE US FOR GRAN
From: POLITICAL
To: All
Date Posted: 20:16:47 01/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ip70-162-167-106.ph.ph.cox.net at 70.162.167.106

Message:
test

Subject: DID BABOON HAVE SEX WITH YOUR MUM ?
From: Sylvia Blyden
To: All
Date Posted: 18:18:46 01/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 0-1pool12-38.nas32.newark2.nj.us.da.qwest.net at 63.235.12.38

Message:
Why you so ugly, Sylvia ? Baboon sexed your mother ?

Subject: Re: DID BABOON HAVE SEX WITH YOUR MUM ?
From: Sylvia's Fan
To: All
Date Posted: 07:03:08 01/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host81-154-181-33.range81-154.btcentralplus.com at 81.154.181.33

Message:
That was extremely nasty.
I find her quite charming, and intelligent.In a way, I have fallen in love with her.
I do not know, what is your parameter of beauty.

Subject: Re: DID BABOON HAVE SEX WITH YOUR MUM ?
From: Sylvia moniker
To: All
Date Posted: 08:18:00 01/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 71.250.218.196

Message:
Sylvia, please leave this forum alone. You have littered it with all kinds of nonsense. I wish Kabs had not unlocked your IP.

Subject: Re: DID BABOON HAVE SEX WITH YOUR MUM ?
From: ok dot
To: All
Date Posted: 19:24:29 01/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ca32-ch01-bl05.ny-newyorkc0.sa.earthlink.net at 207.69.138.10

Message:
Stop all the jealousy,she is indeed beautiful.She reminds me of my mum.
Just click and see beauty.

Subject: Re: DID BABOON HAVE SEX WITH YOUR MUM ?
From: Yaya Fanusie
To: All
Date Posted: 23:38:10 01/04/07 ()
Email Address: futatoro@gmail.com
Entered From: adsl-75-20-216-227.dsl.pltn13.sbcglobal.net at 75.20.216.227

Message:
ok dot,
By responding to the trash you make that trash feel important. I am really shocked at some the things some say in this forum. I do not like Sylvia but she does not
deserved all the garbage thrown at her.
Yaya Fanusie

Subject: Re: DID BABOON HAVE SEX WITH YOUR MUM ?
From: power
To: All
Date Posted: 02:52:51 01/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 0-2pool4-16.nas32.newark2.nj.us.da.qwest.net at 65.131.4.16

Message:
yaya,i like her myself but to me it is 50-50.The Sylvia too ninvites this filth.

Subject: SYLVIA BLYDEN IS A STINKING WHORE
From: ANGRY FORUMITE
To: All
Date Posted: 18:08:07 01/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 0-1pool12-38.nas32.newark2.nj.us.da.qwest.net at 63.235.12.38

Message:

Sylvia Blyden is a whore. She is a stinking whore.She is not powerful. How dare you call a slut , a pisstail powerful ? It is Sylvia herself posting about herself, now that everybody can post here. We are ready for Sylvia Blyden on this forum and her forum. Kabs, dont stop this fun. Passmark ting nor good.

Subject: Re: SYLVIA BLYDEN IS A STINKING WHORE
From: Anita King
To: All
Date Posted: 13:31:24 01/06/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 85.31.48.65

Message:
Kabs Kanu, You are ready to disgrace your upbringing and your poor mothers and sisters but you think you are disgracing sylvia Blyden.

Subject: Re: SYLVIA BLYDEN IS A STINKING WHORE
From: ANGRY FORUMITE
To: All
Date Posted: 00:32:00 01/09/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: dialup-4.184.86.113.dial1.weehawken1.level3.net at 4.184.86.113

Message:
Kabs Kanu did not write this. I did and I am writing from inside Freetown. You in the diaspora don't know the troubles Sylvia is causing in Sierra Leone hence your tendency to defend her. Wherever this Sylvia goes, others must cry. See how she has split SLAJ ? And you think that is the end.You wait and see Sylvia bring another war to Sierra Leone.

Subject: Re: SYLVIA BLYDEN IS A STINKING WHORE
From: KABS KANU
To: All
Date Posted: 02:07:15 01/09/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: dialup-4.184.86.113.dial1.weehawken1.level3.net at 4.184.86.113

Message:
Judgement Day will tell if I wrote this trash. If you go through the forum you will see places where my mother was abused with the worst obscenity imaginable. It seems to be that all the sleepless nights I am having to make sure that people read news this is the reward I am getting. It is very hard to serve the Sierra Leone community.

We have not removed these posts and the ones where my mother was abused for people to see why we block IPs and to understand that we do not want to limit free speech but people do go overboard. And when you keep deleting the irrelevant things they write, they turn on you again to blame you.

May God give me the courage to continue this bondage.

Subject: Testing
From: Test
To: All
Date Posted: 17:50:06 01/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-66-140-44-2.dsl.rcsntx.swbell.net at 66.140.44.2

Message:
Testing

Subject: SYLVIA BLYDEN IS A VERY POWERFUL LADY
From: Admirer Admirer
To: All
Date Posted: 16:34:50 01/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 85.31.48.65

Message:
You have to give it to her.

Subject: Re: SYLVIA BLYDEN IS A VERY POWERFUL LADY
From: APC NOW
To: All
Date Posted: 16:41:45 01/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-dtc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 205.188.116.198

Message:
Is this Sylvia coming to this forum with different Monicas like she is known to do?

Subject: Re: SYLVIA BLYDEN IS A VERY POWERFUL LADY
From: Fan of 1N1P
To: All
Date Posted: 16:36:00 01/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 85.31.48.65

Message:
You like her or you hate her, you got to respect her. She has gotten Kabs scared out of his pants with her new forum announcement

Subject: Re: Kabs to circumcize SYLVIA BLYDEN IS A VERY POWERFUL LADY
From: Fan of INIP 11
To: All
Date Posted: 10:35:47 01/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 71.250.218.196

Message:
Kabs afraid of Sylvia ? You are not serious. Kabs, the Mendekunda warrior, will circumcize Sylvia in her own forum.

Subject: Re: SYLVIA BLYDEN IS A VERY POWERFUL LADY
From: Another Fan of Sylvia Blyden
To: All
Date Posted: 18:11:39 01/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 0-1pool12-38.nas32.newark2.nj.us.da.qwest.net at 63.235.12.38

Message:
Yes, she is powerful at Katacumbey . Sylvia who is sleeping with different politicians here and there in Sierra Leone ? That is power.You right , dude.

Subject: Re: SYLVIA BLYDEN IS A VERY POWERFUL LADY
From: SHAMELESS
To: All
Date Posted: 18:21:00 01/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 0-1pool12-38.nas32.newark2.nj.us.da.qwest.net at 63.235.12.38

Message:
calling yourself powerful ? You go, girl. Pisser can be powerful.

Subject: Re: SYLVIA BLYDEN IS A VERY POWERFUL LADY
From: Forum Veteran
To: All
Date Posted: 17:36:09 01/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 0-1pool12-38.nas32.newark2.nj.us.da.qwest.net at 63.235.12.38

Message:

Kabs made a mistake to lift all the suspensions. He should have lifted it only for decent people. You see what is happening now ? As if it was reopened for Sylvia Blyden. Watch for the porn and mammy cuss from Lumley Beach.Com later . Even freedom has its limits.

Subject: Prehistoric Salone
From: BBC
To: All
Date Posted: 14:59:19 01/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ca32-ch01-bl05.ny-newyorkc0.sa.earthlink.net at 207.69.138.10

Message:
Click on link below

Subject: THE 1ST IMPORTANT DEATH IN 2007.
From: ALPHA SAIDU BANGURA
To: All
Date Posted: 13:52:17 01/04/07 ()
Email Address: SAIDUBANGSO@AOL.COM
Entered From: cache-mtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.117.8

Message:
The death is reported of the PROLONG MOVEMENT FOR DISGRUNTLED CITIZENS(popularly known as P.M.D.C.),on Wed.Jan.3rd.2007.aged 10 months.
She is survived by her children-Mostly former selfish and disgruntled members of the SIERRA LEONE PEOPLES PARTY(who believe that politics is the only way by which they can enrich themselves at the detriment of the nation).
Brothers and Sisters-The entire membership of the ALWAYS PREPARED CRIMINALS(commonly known as the A.P.C.)
Due to the inavailability of funds,burial service will take place some time in July,2007.

Subject: Re: THE 1ST IMPORTANT DEATH IN 2007.
From: Pa Javombo
To: All
Date Posted: 21:57:49 01/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-66-56-36-91.hsd1.ga.comcast.net at 66.56.36.91

Message:

Saidu,
I can now safely agree with those who have long ago diagnosed you as needing psychiatric help.

"who believe that politics is the only way by which they can enrich themselves at the detriment of the nation)"

Are you talking about yourself?
It has now become clear that your only salvation is through the corrupt, innept Sierra Leone People's Problem.
Saidu, PDP is still argistered political party why are you still not a member?

Subject: Re: THE 1ST IMPORTANT DEATH IN 2007.
From: ALPHA SAIDU BANGURA
To: All
Date Posted: 17:12:18 01/05/07 ()
Email Address: SAIDUBANGSO@AOL.COM
Entered From: cache-mtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.117.8

Message:
PA Javombo,Do you know any sober minded person who will say ,he left the SLPP because the government of Sierra Leone did not repair the road leading to his mother's house?There is a difference between the government and a political party.The government of Sierra Leone is made up of the SLPP,APC AND PDL(parliament)cabinet ministers, the civil service(some senior government officials are not members of the SLPP)and the court system(some court officials are not members of the SLPP).Dont forget that your leader Charles Margai was a minister of government(who failed to perform)but not a member of the SLPP.
What kind of a sober minded person will refuse to understand that,it takes time and money to rebuild a country out off a war that destroyed every fabric of our development?
Why dont you go to your village,start a self help project(raise funds) to repair the road to your mum's house? S.I.KOROMA AND AKIBO-BETTS did it for their people,they did not wait for government to provide the funds.That is how right-thinking citizens who care about their people, act.I am sorry, talk is free(I wish it was something you pay for,so that, people will think before they talk).

Subject: Re: THE 1ST IMPORTANT DEATH IN 2007.
From: Pa javombo
To: All
Date Posted: 23:10:17 01/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-66-56-36-91.hsd1.ga.comcast.net at 66.56.36.91

Message:
Saidu asked?

"PA Javombo,Do you know any sober minded person who will say ,he left the SLPP because the government of Sierra Leone did not repair the road leading to his mother's house?"

The answer is NO. But I am one who holds people to their promises and when they do fall short, I will not respect them and this is the case.
Saidu, you are just coming into the SLPP. Some of us have everything to gain perssonally from the SLPP if we stayed there and before you came some of us were alreday patron members and many people in Atlanta will tell you that. Unlike you you some of us belive that the country's inetrest is far greater than our personal interets.
It will be nice if you tell us why you left the PDP for the SLPP.

What I do for my area is not something that I have to publicize.But may be you should ask those who know. Your political knowledge about Salon is so minimal that it is hard to hold any discussion with you on it.

It is a shame that you can actually come to this forum and heap praise on the so-called self help projects undertaken by S.I Koroma and Akibbo.
How would you consider using public funds for personal
political gains as a self-help project?
Self-help projects are undertaken through personal sacrifice and not from public funds.
Well that is excatly what your party is doing using donor funds for a last minute development to gain political mileage.

"your leader Charles Margai was a minister of government(who failed to perform)----"

His non-performance is another indictment of the SLPP ineptness.IF my employee fails to perform I fire him. Why did the SLPP not fire Charles?
In his letter to Charles,that led Charle's resignation the president did not question Charles performance but his ambiton to run against him.
Waht does that say if this so-called about this so called govt. that you belive is the best to Salon since Bai Bureh?

Saidu your problem is that you claim to know things which are just a figment of your immagination. It will
be nice to ask people who know instead making you look so stupid.

Subject: Re: THE 1ST IMPORTANT DEATH IN 2007.
From: ALPHA SAIDU BANGURA
To: All
Date Posted: 07:58:08 01/05/07 ()
Email Address: SAIDUBANGSO@AOL.COM
Entered From: cache-mtc-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.117.8

Message:
Cillaty Daboh,If there is anybody in this world who needs psychiatric help, all reasonable people will agree that you need it the most.In 1996 the PDP agreed to form a union with the SLPP.If at this point a few ill-motivated people think they can change the decision of the party,I dont want to be part of that non-sense.At the back of my life are principles that I will never compromise.Go examine your group,you will see that 95%of you are former members of the SLPP(who left the party because your personal needs were not met).I am not looking for any personal gains,I joined the SLPP because I believe in it.I know for sure that at this difficult times in Sierra Leone's history, it is the only political party that has the capacity to continue to take our country forward.

Subject: Re: THE 1ST IMPORTANT DEATH IN 2007.
From: MUSA
To: All
Date Posted: 15:55:58 01/05/07 ()
Email Address: mpkamara@hotmail.com
Entered From: luna.hypair.net at 194.50.180.4

Message:
Please just keep quiet.You the mendes are ready to even make a Lebenese a president just for you to cling on power.You are not interested in the affairs of the nation and the agony of the ordinary people.You are so power thirst from the odogbor wusu days to the rebel incursion.You think Sierra leone is your property.Try to think twice.

Subject: Re: THE 1ST IMPORTANT DEATH IN 2007.
From: PROZAC
To: All
Date Posted: 12:43:53 01/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-los-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 195.93.21.132

Message:
SO LETS TALK ABOUT YOUR USE OF PROZAC. WE UNDERSTAND THAT YOU ARE ON THE DRUG AND A FEW OTHER VERY POTENT ANTI PSYCHOTICS. IS THIS TRUE? WE ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT YOUR MOTHER IS JUST AS MUCH A POLITICAL PROSTITUTE AS YOU. DO YOU KNOW WHO YOUR MOTHER IS SLEEPING WITH NOW? she is known as a big time SLPP whore

Subject: Re: THE 1ST IMPORTANT DEATH IN 2007.
From: CADMUS
To: All
Date Posted: 13:12:40 01/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-130-52-147.range86-130.btcentralplus.com at 86.130.52.147

Message:
AS I said this forum has gone to the DOGS.
Stay firm Saidu, dont let the buggers get to you..mamie cuss mamie cuss mamie cuss, what a political discussion.
You must all be the States produce of Geoge W Bush.

Subject: Re: THE 1ST IMPORTANT DEATH IN 2007.
From: BRA ENVIABLE
To: All
Date Posted: 16:38:48 01/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-dtc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 205.188.116.198

Message:
Bra Saidu, Nar so yu funny?
Watch the Orange Revolution
take power in Sierra Leone.
We are alredy making plans to
reawaken the enormously
endowed country called
Sierra Leone.
PMDC is the way forward.

Subject: Re: THE 1ST IMPORTANT DEATH IN 2007.
From: BRA ENVIABLE
To: All
Date Posted: 16:18:53 01/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-dtc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 205.188.116.198

Message:
Bra Saidu, Nar so yu funny?
Watch the Orange Revolution
take power in Sierra Leone.
We are alredy making plans to
reawaken the enormously
endowed country called
Sierra Leone.
PMDC is the way forward.

Subject: Re: THE 1ST IMPORTANT DEATH IN 2007.
From: BRA ENVIABLE
To: All
Date Posted: 16:16:46 01/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-dtc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 205.188.116.198

Message:
Bra Saidu, Nar so yu funny?
Watch the Orange Revolution
take power in Sierra Leone.
We are alredy making plans to
reawaken the enormously
endowed country called
Sierra Leone.
PMDC is the way forward.

Subject: Re: THE 1ST IMPORTANT DEATH IN 2007.
From: Aye BO
To: All
Date Posted: 12:47:08 01/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-los-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 195.93.21.132

Message:
enviable de man nor funny oh nar crase e crase. we wae dae nar hotlanta know say de man dae on some hard crase man drugs. if you tink ar lie ask buford highway we don get im medical records en im prescr1ption

Subject: Re: THE 1ST IMPORTANT DEATH IN 2007.
From: CADMUS
To: All
Date Posted: 13:15:16 01/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-130-52-147.range86-130.btcentralplus.com at 86.130.52.147

Message:
Is that Legal? maybe only in America, only in America.

Subject: Re: THE 1ST IMPORTANT DEATH IN 2007.
From: Steven N Rogers
To: All
Date Posted: 14:36:13 01/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 208-41-8-154.client.dsl.net at 208.41.8.154

Message:
... And all other funeral arrangements will be announced later. However, mourners and other well wishers can visit the Steady Lunantic People's Podium, commonly known as SLPP office where most of the bereaved families and survivors congregate to plan another attack on an already defunct state during the July funerals through embezzling funds for the funeral arrangement, rigging the funeral service, and overcrowding the "berri-grun". The service will be officiated by the Right Reverene "Brewer" of the Pegapak factory industries, who is also a 'foul-bearer' of the deceased SLPP.His sermon would be titled " If I did it, how I would have rigged the election" an apt adaptation of OJ Simpson's new never-was bestseller "if I did it". The Reverend's godfather, his-not-so-excellency, president Kebab will give the eulogy in honor of the reverend's extinguished performance while in office as the vice-of-all-presidents. May their souls restlessly rest in perfect pieces.
Amen and Awomen.

Subject: NEW YEAR AMNESTY : ALL BLOCKED IPs RELEASED: FORUM NOW FREE
From: KABS KANU
To: All
Date Posted: 12:27:26 01/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 0-1pool13-161.nas32.newark2.nj.us.da.qwest.net at 63.235.13.161

Message:
As a New Year gesture --New Year, New Visions and new temperament, we hope-we have unblocked ALL the IPs of people who were banned from participating in this forum. The forum has been set completely free and anybody can participate now.

We at COCORIOKO FORUM hope people will make use of this opportunity to discuss matters of dire concern to Sierra Leone and desist from the acts that forced us to block IPs , like posting PORNOGRAPHY , spam, trying to clog and bring down the forum by flooding it millions of spam and mammy cuss unleashed at once , unnecessary mischief and other acts designed to drive away serious forumites. You know that we could not have blocked IPs without a good cause.

This is a New Year. Let us recharge our patriotic batteries and seek the good of our nation , our fellow citizens and other people. Enemity , strife, mammy cuss and other anti-social and ungodly acts should not be part of us . Let us copy from the Ghanaian, Nigerian, Gambian and Liberian forums .We were not cursed in Sierra Leone. We are equally blessed people but let us show this by the things we do .

I hope you enjoy the free, free forum.

No more showing of IPs too .

Subject: Re: NEW YEAR AMNESTY : ALL BLOCKED IPs RELEASED: FORUM NOW FREE
From: testing
To: All
Date Posted: 12:39:25 01/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-los-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 195.93.21.132

Message:
testing

Subject: Re: NEW YEAR AMNESTY : ALL BLOCKED IPs RELEASED: FORUM NOW FREE
From: Admirer Admirer
To: All
Date Posted: 16:33:40 01/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 85.31.48.65

Message:
Sylvia Blyden is a POWERFUL lady

Subject: Re: NEW YEAR AMNESTY : ALL BLOCKED IPs RELEASED: FORUM NOW FREE
From: ok dok
To: All
Date Posted: 13:26:55 01/04/07 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: px2nr.wp.shawcable.net at 24.66.94.141

Message:
Guys did you all see Pretty Dr. Sylvia Blydin,s photo posted by awearness paper?{Wow}

Subject: Re: NEW YEAR AMNESTY : ALL BLOCKED IPs RELEASED: FORUM NOW FREE
From: Dot
To: All
Date Posted: 15:01:23 01/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ca32-ch01-bl05.ny-newyorkc0.sa.earthlink.net at 207.69.138.10

Message:
Ok dok,did she remind you of your mum.

Subject: Re: NEW YEAR AMNESTY : ALL BLOCKED IPs RELEASED: FORUM NOW FREE
From: okdok
To: All
Date Posted: 16:56:05 01/04/07 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: px2nr.wp.shawcable.net at 24.66.94.141

Message:
No you own mom.By the way why did you mention my mom because of my compliment? Your dog dam ass hole.

Subject: Re: NEW YEAR AMNESTY : ALL BLOCKED IPs RELEASED: FORUM NOW FREE
From: Sylvia's Partner
To: All
Date Posted: 14:53:49 01/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 208-41-8-154.client.dsl.net at 208.41.8.154

Message:
I loved Sylvia's Photo,it was as beautiful as John Bolton. When she smiled, it even made her more beautiful and reminded me of another Golgotha. For once I thought we were in 2008, because 2007 can't be that beautiful. Imagine waking up on January 1 and seeing that face on your screen saver - throwing-up would definitely be an understatement, because her beauty is astonishingly contageous and would send you to the bathroom in a heartbeat. Honestly, looking at Sylvia's picture, it reinforces Ayi Kweh Armah argument that "The Beautyful ones are not yet born"...at least not while Sylvia is alive. But for me, she is "Beating-ful". Now, my new year is going to be soooo beautiful. Thanks Sylvia.

Subject: Re: NEW YEAR AMNESTY : ALL BLOCKED IPs RELEASED: FORUM NOW FREE
From: Sylvia Herself
To: All
Date Posted: 09:42:04 01/05/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-dtc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 205.188.116.198

Message:
Sylvia please leave ths forum alone with such cheap tricks. You are so idle to post and then talk to yourself.

Subject: Re: NEW YEAR AMNESTY : ALL BLOCKED IPs RELEASED: FORUM NOW FREE
From: Boff Man
To: All
Date Posted: 14:27:29 01/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host-155.robertsoncollege.com at 66.46.23.155

Message:
Man are you blind...you called that pretty dat nar worworliwor pas mark

Subject: Re: NEW YEAR AMNESTY : ALL BLOCKED IPs RELEASED: FORUM NOW FREE
From: SIERRA lEONEAN
To: All
Date Posted: 12:47:13 01/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: pool-138-88-142-193.esr.east.verizon.net at 138.88.142.193

Message:
I cautiously support the amnesty but the follwing statement I cannot agree with:

"Let us copy from the Ghanaian,
Nigerian, Gambian and Liberian
forums"

Fact is, those forums are as bad, probably worse, than ours pertaining to anti social behaviours. The only thing going for them is enforcements of their rules.

Subject: Re: NEW YEAR AMNESTY : ALL BLOCKED IPs RELEASED: FORUM NOW FREE
From: Moijue
To: All
Date Posted: 12:39:49 01/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-los-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 195.93.21.132

Message:
Why was my IP NUMBER blocked in the first place?
I made several representation but no joy.

Subject: Re: NEW YEAR AMNESTY : ALL BLOCKED IPs RELEASED: FORUM NOW FREE
From: KABS KANU
To: All
Date Posted: 14:21:06 01/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 0-1pool13-161.nas32.newark2.nj.us.da.qwest.net at 63.235.13.161

Message:
We are sorry about that, Moijue. Enjoy the forum now.

Subject: Re: NEW YEAR AMNESTY : ALL BLOCKED IPs RELEASED: FORUM NOW FREE
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 13:57:20 01/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 216.190.22.151

Message:
Rev. Kabs Kanu do you actually believe in Justice as God wants it? Just a question. Do you even believe in God or you are an image and female seeking Reverend? Just asking!

Subject: Re: NEW YEAR AMNESTY : ALL BLOCKED IPs RELEASED: FORUM NOW FREE
From: Bobson
To: All
Date Posted: 14:27:24 01/04/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 67.63.2.157

Message:
Whats wrong with you? Are you HIGH? Just a question....

Subject: Re: NEW YEAR AMNESTY : ALL BLOCKED IPs RELEASED: FORUM NOW FREE
From: ok dok
To: All
Date Posted: 13:22:49 01/04/07 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: px2nr.wp.shawcable.net at 24.66.94.141