TRACE JOENAL

The conviction on Monday of the Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA) Philip Lukulay spelt another disaster for the Anti Corruption Commissioner and his team. This time around out of a one hundred and ninety four (194) count indictment charges levied against Mr. Lukulay by the ACC only thirteen were found tenable. Mr. Philip Lukulay was charged by the Anti-Corruption Commission on charges including indictment for wilfully failing to comply with rules and regulations relating to the management of public funds, misappropriation and conspiracy. He was barely convicted of twelve (12) counts of misappropriation of public funds and one (1) count of failing to comply with a requirement under the Anti-Corruption Act 2008 by the High Court of Sierra Leone. The Hon. Justice Browne-Marke fined the accused a total of One Hundred and Twenty Five Million Leones (Le125, 000,000) and ordered him to repay the misappropriated sum of One Hundred and Thirty Nine Million...

What should have been a morale booster for the country turned out to be a disappointment especially the Deputy Minister of Health and Sanitation Tamba Bobor Sawyer. The Deputy Minister who served as the Keynote speaker at the West African Health Organisation’s (WAHO) 24th anniversary celebration waited for over an hour waiting for the programme to kick off. The minister though visibly agitated, waited patiently until he was given the microphone to officially launch the celebration. It was then that he lambasted the organizers. “I am not impressed with the way things happen here. We all aware of what is happening in the Health sector especially on the Free Health Care service,” he said. The first statement of the deputy Minister made his audience pay more attention to him. The deputy minister went on to say since he was appointed as deputy Minister of that ministry over five events he had attended had turned out to be not only a disappointment but a disaster. He said the message...

The Ministry of Health and Sanitation and the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) over the weekend celebrated the 24th anniversary of WAHO at the Atlantic Hall National Stadium in Freetown. The theme of the programme was Attaining the Millennium Development Goal (MDGs), the challenge of Multisectoral Approach. The celebration brought together stakeholders from all sectors of the society. In his address the Chairman of the event Dr. Samuel Kargbo said the organization was born due to the misunderstanding of the English and French speaking countries in addressing health issues in the West African region. He said WAHO is a collection of 15 West Africa countries that came together to help achieve the MDGs. He emphasized that the MDG’s will not be achieved if the country continues to get bad roads as bad roads lead to health problem among other things. “We will not achieve the MDG’s if we continue to have bad roads in the country. We need to look at all area related to health and ...

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has described waiting for the re-appearance of Imam Mahdi (AS) as an integral part of Mahdaviat. Ayatollah Khamenei said Mahdaviat is among the main religious teachings of Islam, adding the main goal of sending prophets was to establish a world based on monotheism, justice abd all capacities that human beings enjoy. “The era of Imam Mahdi’s re-appearance is the era of establishing the genuine rule of monotheism, spirituality, religion and justice over the different individual and social aspects of the life of human beings.” The Leader said, “If Mahdaviat did not exist, all efforts and struggles of divine prophets would be fruitless and futile.” Ayatollah Khamenei said, “In all divine religions general points have been mentioned about the essence of Mahdavit, but in Islam this issue is among undeniable realities. “And among Islamic denominations Shia Islam discusses the issue of Mahdaviat with clear examples and detai...

In a message to the International Conference on the Global Fight against Terrorism, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei referred to hegemonic powers’ history of terrorist acts and their support for the terrorist Zionist regime and their long list of monetary and propaganda support for organized terrorists and at the same time their current meeting is providing a clear and precise definition of terrorism and the Islamic Republic of Iran considers the fight with this evil phenomenon as unavoidable responsibility and will continue with strength its efforts inthis great fighting.” The full text of the Leader’s message reads as follows: “It gives me great pleasure to express to you all my sincere welcome and utmost appreciations for your participation in this importanct gathering to discuss and examine terrorism which has turened to be one of the most disastrous phenomena in the world community. “Undoubtedly, meetings and events like this must continue to prep...

The incidence of military officers taking the law into their hands is becoming more and more rampant these days. One day they will be beating up innocent civilians, the other day they will be acting unruly. Reports have been made over and over to the authorities that be but this eyesore continues. Peaceful citizens were left awestruck last Wednesday when a military officer fully clad in military fatigue, driving a military truck with registration 14 SL 16 was seen unashamedly harassing and insulting youths at PZ in the central business district of Freetown. Witnesses told SALONE TIMES that the officer having noticed a temporary road sign put up by the Traffic Police indicating no entry into Sani Abacha Street via PZ forcibly tried to enter the no go area. When his attention was drawn to the sign by pedestrians and traders he started insulting the youths, proceeded to remove the road sign board and drove his vehicle along Abacha Street despite the intervention of the traffic p...

As part of their contribution to the community , one of Sierra Leone’s finest modernized digital sound system Vibrator Power Mix in celebrating the country’s 50th anniversary awarded 50 members of the Wilberforce Community for their proficiency and outstanding performance in the municipality during the course of 2010 to 2011. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Vibrator Power Mix Alexander Elick Ayodele-Manley said Vibrator power mix is a social and entertainment registered youth organization with its main operations in Wilberforce Community and its environs. He went on to say in the past month, they have completed their first project, which is the acquisition of a modernized digital musical system. “Over the years there have been people, organizations and groups that have worked tremendously for the development of the community. In this light as a social organization, we decided to acknowledge fifty (50) individuals and organizations for proficiency and outstanding performance in ...

Staff members of the Freetown City Council practically have their hearts in their mouths this rain season as the two storey building which was constructed nearly two years ago has turned into a death trap. The ‘new’ building which was constructed during the tenure of Mayor Herbert George Williams and his Chief Administrator Bowson Philips currently displays numerous cracks from within and without. Most of the windows are in a deplorable state while the floor tiles have been uprooted making it extremely difficult for one to take a smooth walk to any of the offices. Rust has overtaken the railing especially the top floor of the building which can fall at any time from now. The roof leaks profusely leading to the destruction of document belonging to the Validation department. Toilets are in deplorable state due to lack of water supply, improper electrification has left half of the offices in the building without power. The air conditioners work intermittently, more off than on, causin...

Millions of Muslims over the world yesterday marked the appointment of Holy Prophet Mohammed (Peace and Blessing be Upon Him) by Allah the creator of the universe as the seal of all prophets in the world. In Sierra Leone hundreds of Muslims converged at the Islamic Republic of Iran Cultural Centre for a day seminar in observance of the day. Speaker after speaker gave their contributions on the theme ‘The Philosophy of MAB’ATH’ and spoke about the Holy Prophet and the importance of that day. In his address to the congregation, the Iranian Cultural Consul to Sierra Leone Mohammed Sofla described the teaching of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (SAW) as one that is done in stages. He pointed out that Allah sent different prophets because of the nature of human and their growth. “All of the other 11 Prophets came to prepare the ground for the Holy Prophet Mohammed who is the last and the seal of all prophets Almighty Allah sent in the world,” he said. He further pointed out that each...

In order to protect their community from violence, community organizations Kiss Angel and Kiss Emulate have launched the Kiz World of Fashion in Non Violence Campaign at their Upper Tengbeh Town community. The campaign which official kicked off last Saturday with a football match will be followed by members of the group embarking in a house to house sensitization about fashion in non violence. Chief Executive Officer of Kiss Angel and Kiss Emulate Jida Kiss said that as 2012 elections is drawing closer there is a need for them to start their non violence campaign for it to be reflected in the minds of their people that violence should not be the order of the day but that they should strive for peace at all time. “Election time is the only time the politicians will come around us and the youth will be their targets. We want to call on them now to tell them that elections should not divide us or cause fighting among us,” he said. He went on to say that their campaign will start wi...

The newly elected Chairman for Constituency 96 in Freetown Samuel B. Conteh has said that there is a need for beefing up of the police personnel at his constituency. The constituency which covers Allen town, Jui and its environs lack adequate police personnel. “For the police to meet the challenges of the constituency there is a need for adequate personnel,” he said. He pointed out that the police are short of personnel even though they want to carry out their operational functions. He also pointed out that there is a need for upgrading the police post such as the one at Jui and Waterloo because Allen town is as important as those at Waterloo and Jui. Explaining what prompted him to take such a position, Mr. Conteh said when the former chairman, James Kargbo died in January this year he was asked to act in that capacity while on his new appointment as Public Relations Officer. “I saw the need as a person with my kind of Public Relations to serve people to move the comm...

As part of her own contribution to in commemorating this year the Day of the African Child Marian Kamara winner of Ms. Liverpool and Ms. Queens’s beauty pageant stole the heart of children when she took the stage at the National Stadium in Freetown . Ms. Liverpool was viewed on the stage in a live Musical performance which brought much happiness to the children signalling signs of better days ahead of them. “I feel very proud to give my contribution to the children of this our beloved nation and to ride away some of their worries,” she said. She pointed out that the children need love, care and protection and they can only achieve that through the support of the elders. Determining to unleash her talents, Ms. Liverpool promised to continue her modelling and dancing dream at the same time pursuing her dream of becoming a Lawyer. “Modelling is part of me. I started it from my childhood days and I want to continue it,” she said. Marian Kamara was the runners up for Ms. Wilberforce...

Sierra Leone biggest GSM operator, africell in commemorating this year’s Day of the African Child embraced children from all walks of life braving the wet weather. The event which took place at the National Stadium fore court was done in collaboration with Music Makers and Children Forum Network with the theme: “Girl Child Education Is A Must”. The event brought together government ministers, children, parents together with staff of africell. Officially launching the event, the Minister of Youths, Employment and Sports Paul Kamara sensitized the children about the work of his ministry. He thanked africell for such an initiative of bringing the children together and prayed for God’s protection and guidance for africell to continue to do more for the children of this country. The minister asked the children to join him in singing the National Pledge as a sign of pledging loyalty to the nation. Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Dr. Soccoh Kabbia said he is pleased to join...

The increase in discrimination against women with head scarves on their heads in the country have become a great concern for authorities and women themselves. Education Officer Amina Bawoh and President of Sisters of Deenul Islam (SOD) Mariam Kamara want to see an end to discrimination In line with the Islamic norms and values Sisters of Deenul Islam (SOD) a newly established organization of young girls has been set up to bring an end to discrimination on women with head scarf (Hijab). The organization’s Motto “Restore Islamic Pride” focuses on Islamic values. President of SOD Mariam Kamara a student said they mostly face discrimination based on their Islamic dress code. “At times people frown at us for our dress-code and embarrass us in public,” she said. Sister Kamara went on to say that some women with head scarves have lost their jobs while others were asked out of institutions or are not allowed to participate in some activities. “Some say that we are inferior in the soc...

In a bid to foster proper health care in their communities, Partners for Community Transformation (PACT), one of UNICEF’S implementing partners have trained a total of one hundred natural leaders in toilet sanitation. One of the participants from Kayessie Community Francis K. Sesay described the training as very educative. “We now understand that to toilet in the bush is not good because that causes sickness. With or without government’s support, we should dig toilets for ourselves,” he said The training opened post triggering workshop took place at Safroko Limba and Makari Gbanti Chiefdom Bombali and Tonkolili Districts respectively. The hundred leaders were taken from various communities in those chiefdoms. PACT acting Coordinator Mrs. Mabinty Samura said the organization was set up to help the country and its people because the government cannot do every thing for them. She said the Non-Governmental Organization which is based in Makeni, started in 2007. “From the words ‘...

P eople from all walks of life have expressed dissatisfaction over the present economic and social situation in the country. Most people have attributed the lack of basic amenities in the country to the inability of the governing All Peoples Congress (APC) to meet the needs of the people. Abu Mansaray a banker said that the current fuel situation in the country that has amounted to the erratic rise in transportation cost is due to the government not stamping its authority on the fuel dealers. He said the government is taking a soft stance because they are weary of taking action that will militate against them come 2012. Fatmata Bundu complained that there is a drastic rise in the prices of basic commodities. She stated that a bag of rice currently cost Le 165,000.00 (One Hundred and Sixty Five Thousand Leones).  “What do they expect us to do?” she asked. “No light, no water, no fuel and the cost of living has soared very high,” she concluded....

By Ibrahim Joenal Sesay An electronic mobile Top up voucher thief identified as   Ishmail Sannoh has been caught in the very act.   Ismail’s luck ran out yesterday when he tried to steal electronic vouchers from one Chernor Ibrahim Bah’s Tele Centre at his 64 Mountain Cut stall. Ishmail of 40 Water Street Congo Cross is alleged to have previously stolen units up to the tune of 20 thousand from Chernor’s Tele Center. Explaining how Ishmail was tracked down, Chernor said some days back Ishmail went to his tele center to buy 50 units Electronic Voucher. While he was entering his personal code, Chernoh continued,   Ishmail who was behind him stealthily spied his code. “After sending the voucher, Ishmail later requested to make a one minute call using my phone not knowing that he has transferred 20 thousand units to his phone,” he explained. He said at first he thought that Africell had robbed him. “I quickly reported the matter to the Police station and later I reported to Af...

By Ibrahim Joenal Sesay Residents of Kabala in the Koinadugu North of Sierra Leone are currently facing the worst hardship in their lives as things gets tough every day. Most of the children cannot stand the test of time in that community but   go in search for their living. Children whose parents cannot afford to take care of them abandon their schools for their daily living. Mohamed Kuyateh a ten year old boy and of class four of the DEC Primary School Yogomaia Sengbeh Chiefdom Kabala district lost his parents sometime last year but currently lives with his aunt said he stopped attending school because his aunt cannot afford to pay and provide food and clothing for him.   Kuyateh joined his friends to go in search of scrap metal so that they can survive for the day. "He used to sell 1 kilo weight of iron Le200.00 whilst aluminum costs Le1,000 per kilo" he said. Looking very tired under the mango tree after searching for iron Kuyateh said they don't only use the money ...