TRACE JOENAL

President Ernest Bai Koroma officially opened Solution Cathedral of Sanctuary Praise Church over the weekend at Off King Harman Road in Freetown. While coagulating the church, the president described their journey as one filled with commitment. “I am very happy that the Pastor indicated that it is out of the effort of the congregation fund you built this Cathedral,” he said. He added “Where there is commitment and direction, things will happen. It is a moment for you to commit yourself to do anything and get result out of it.” President Koroma went on to say that he hopes and prays that the church will be a blessing to its congregation and the country. With faith nothing is impossible.” The President ended his keynote address by praying for the church and those present. He led the congregation into to chorus. “Have Faith in God.” Founder and senior Pastor of Sanctuary Praise Church Evangelist Victor Ajisafe disclosed that the church is 10 years and has been a blessing to ...

Drama unfolded on Wednesday 16th November 2011 when traders of Sani Abacha Street stormed the Registrar General's Office at Walpole Street Central Freetown to stop a wedding. This situation saw a standstill at the Registrar till the police intervened. Haja Kadi Kalokoh Chairlady of Abacha Street traders said she was told a day before, that her husband will be marrying the following day. Upon that tip-off she acted and eventually in the morning hours she went to the Registry where she saw her husband waiting for his bride to take the oath. "I rushed at him and asked him to go home." She disclosed that her husband met her at Makeni Northern Sierra Leone some 12 years ago with out a job. "He asked me to come with him to Freetown for 9 years he had been without a job. I pleaded to Mayor for him to have a job after three years of working he wants to pay me back with an other woman." Haja Kalokoh alleged that her husband took three thousan...

Hundreds of Muslims converged at the Islamic College in Freetown to celebrate Ghadir- Khom with the theme 'The Holy Quran, Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) and Ghadir- Khom. In his address the Iranian Ambassador to Sierra Leone Dr. Nusratullah Malike while congratulating all Muslims for the great ceremony said the formal declaration of Imamat of Imam Ali (A.S) at Ghadir- Khumm has been unanimously described by the learned historians and scholars of both sects. "Here a brief account is given to show what great arrangements were made to declare Imam Ali (A.S.) as the successor to the Holy Prophet (S.A.W). Ghadir- Khumm had occurred between Makkah and Madinah. When the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) was on his way home, after performing his last pilgrimage, Jibrael brought him this urgent command of Allah: O Prophet! Deliver what has been sent down to you from your Lord; and if you do it not, then you have not delivered His message; and Allah will protect you from the people…" He went on...

Over a week after the Mayor of Freetown City Council Herbert George Williams launched 'Operation Push Back' nothing has been happening to rid the city of street trading. The operation has only resolved the determination of the traders stronger than before. This has made Freetonians come down very heavily on the Mayor, to the extent that some have referred to him as weak. "We are frustrated with the Mayor's launching of one operation and another," said Foday Bundu of Kissy Road. The rampant street trading is causing a serious embarrassment to the country. Traders are at the door steps of Law Court Building and State House making the issue street trading worst and putting the country in disrepute. "The operation will only waste the time it was launched. As I am tired of the Mayor sitting in his office talking politics. What do you think the outcome should be?" Musa Foday asked. Some traders SALONE TIMES spoke to, said they refused to adhere t...

Consumer Welfare Association, a body responsible for disseminating information concerning goods, services and immovable property has alerted the Freetown City Council Environmental Unit to urgently do something about a building along Kissy Road found to be a death trap. The building along Kissy Road by Easton Street SALONE TIMES discovered that it was burnt down during the rebel war in 1999. The President of the Association Haja Kadi Sawyer described the building as a house where criminals and people engaged in immoral acts such as the sale of drugs, prostitution among others have their sanctuary. "The people that go there are our concern and the young men that are destroying their lives with drugs as they are our future leaders," she said. She said they alerted the Freetown City Council because they are the authority charged with the responsibility of making it known to the law enforcers." An urgent action needs to be put about that building. 'We want it to be...

Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Mrs. Victoria Saidu has said she is very much impressed with Miss West Africa Sierra Leone Stella Bangura. She made these remarks at a fund raising dinner over the weekend at the Light House Hotel. She went on to say that she has put measures in place to ensure that Stella Bangura gets first class hospitality in the Gambia for the Miss West Africa Pageant. She maintained that Stella Bangura has the potential to bring the crown home as Pageant is not all about beauty but speaking as well. “My Ministry and Government are strongly behind her,” she said. She boasted that Sierra Leone has been turning heads in the world of beauty referring to a Sierra Leonean born Natasha Beckley who she said ranked among the 10 beauties in the world a feat that has which made her to win lots of international contracts. “Tourism industry needs publicity like this, to tell the world that Sierra Leone is open for business. We want to compete in all aspects in the...

The Living Hope Records is pleased to present Pastor Alim Sesay in launching a new music Album entitled ‘Na God.’ The launching of the Video and Audio albums which will be will be graced by eminent men of God will take place at the Sanctuary Praise Church on Sunday 18th December 2011 at 5.00 p.m. In an exclusive interview with Pastor Alim Sesay he said the album consists of 10 tracks. He explained that he named the album after carefully consideration of the one that carries the strongest gospel message. He described music as a God’s given gift to him. “For the past 17 years I have been playing instruments, singing and practicing,” he said. He pointed out that he decided to do his second album based on the request of God and his fans. As a way of giving free access to the our programme, Pastor Alim Sesay said the entrance fee is for everyone to buy an album through that he said they can have access to the album and be part of the launching. “I am encouraging my fans to fo...

As a way of empowering women in the community, One Family People over the weekend solicited the support of husbands for women empowerment. The dialogue which took place at the Dworzak community brought together mindful husbands who want the best for their families. African women have been taught respect and obey their husbands and notify them on issues affecting them; Sierra Leonean women are not exempted. To demonstrate this obedient to their husbands, the women asked One Family People to first engage their husbands for them to get the good news the Family is bringing for them and how they can benefit from it before they can participate. Programme Manager, One Family People, Hadiatou Diallo said the decision to involve their husband explained to the men that their wives can contribute to economic well being of their home. She said there have been cases wherein some men can steal their wives’ money. While on the other side, some men lack trust in their wives. "Some w...

The Sierra Leone Youth Coalition on HIV/AIDS (SLYCHA ) on Friday 11th November 2011 launched their first National HIV/AIDS Action Plan for 2012-2013 at the Presidential Lounge, National Stadium in Freetown. /b> Giving a welcome address, the Deputy Programme officer at UNAIDS Bockarie Samba said the entire process started like a dream which has been transformed into reality. He spoke about the five pillars of the infection adding that it helps to achieve the goal in fight for zero new infection by 2015. He pointed out that by 2015 there shall be no new infection in the country based on the set target. He noted that they have identified the sources of the new infection which has led to the high rate of HIV/AIDS cases among youth. Representing the UN team Chair Madam Mulu from UNAIDS said people especially the youth should know their HIV status and keep their blood clean. She said by 2015 there is going to be a zero new infection and zero discrimination. Speaking at the ceremon...

Residents of Kono district east of Sierra Leone have expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of development of their district. "We expect to benefit a lot from the All Peoples Congress government but they have been a big let down and a big slap on our faces" said Unisa Momoh a 45-year-old man in Koidu City. The view of Mr. Momoh is being reechoed by many residents in that district. According to them Kono can boast of three big names in governance who were born in that district, namely, the Vice President Alhaji Sauel Sam Sumana, the First and Second ladies of the country. Investigations carried out indicate that Kono district has the worst roads to and from the district and the poor road network have frustrated many investors, both foreign and local from investing in that district. One can hardly get a five-minute drive without entering a pothole from Matotoka to Koidu city. "The poor road network in Koidu City is causing a lot of pain for us and also delaying ou...

Minister of Information and Communication, Ibrahim Ben Kargbo was quick to spot the invisibility of Airtel at the landing of the fibre optic cable at the Lumley beech. "Airtel is invisible at this event today," the Minister said. His comment came as a result of the ceremonial dress put on by Comium and africell to grace that historic occasion which spelt out a new earn of the country. The Minister who was commending the GSM Company for their tremendous work in the country and how happy they are to see such venture to call them by name but unfortunately for Airtel their absence was not felt. Besides, Airtel the Minister failed to mention the name of Sierratel in the entire programme and their absence was not felt too. Soon after the Minister's comment people were looking around to confirmed his comments after some confirmations they began to ask why Airtel was absent. Some of the views that Airtel may not be happy because of the competition that lies ahead. ...

The piles and piles of filth that has overtaken the Freetown municipality have not only left city dwellers fuming at the Freetown City Council but also the Freetown Waste Management. The situation has left residents of Freetown to wonder where the responsible authorities are taking them. Some say that at the country’s independence celebration there was a sigh of relief as there was continuous cleaning and city dwellers breathed in fresh air and even the mosquitoes were quiet. “This situation is a serious embarrassment to us as a nation of 50 years of independence. We should have grown more than this,” said Ramatu Conteh a resident of Tengbeh Town. Some residents especially those living close to the refuse disposal sites around the city say they hardly breathe fresh air and the stench embarrasses them. “I hardly open my window because of the odour coming from the refuse dump and the ever present mosquitoes. I most times prefer to stay in the heat in the house than to be bitten by...

A mysterious fire break out late yesterday morning at the Project and Data Office of the Ministry of Lands as well as the NRA section of the ministry, both located at the east wing of the third floor of Youyi Building in Freetown. The Data Office is the office responsible to handle all projects and project documents of the Ministry and to process all lands documents. According to report the inferno destroyed properties worth billions of leones and a massive number of land documents. Reports gathered by SALONE TIMES state that the fire 'accident' happened a day after backed up files that had been retrieved from the project's computers by the Geographic Information System Adviser Jombo Samba were returned to the office. The sensitivity of the offices that were affected has raised eyebrows casting aspersions that the fire was not accidental but was done purposefully. It could be recalled that the Data Section of the Ministry has been facing press reports for the ...

Just within an hour when Sierra Leone biggest and finest GSM operator africell advertised free access to the third generation mobile phone technology in Sierra Leone, subscribers wasted no time but to rushed for their phones to be activated for that service. "africell is here with freshness and a change in the telecommunication industry, it is my belief that I should be the first to enjoyed it because we are their subscribers," said Abu Dumbuya of College Road who went to configure his phone to the new 3G. The free services did not come as a surprise to many as they believe that africell is the only GSM operator that can consider its subscribers most. "When it comes to affordable tariffs, africell is number one; number one in promotions, customers care and now 3G. Their position is unshakable.Thank God to africell," said Fanta Conteh a student at FBC. Some thanked God for africell for making Sierra Leone not to lack behind in development but to checkup with t...

As a way of creating equal rights and opportunities for girls and young women in Sierra Leone One Family over the weekend embraced residents of the Dwarzak community. Programe Manager of One Family People (OFP) Hadiatou Diallo said OFP is a local advocacy Non Governmental Organization established in 2008 with the sole aim of restoring the dignity of children with disabilities especially girls and young women in Sierra Leone. She pointed out that they strive to enhance the quality of their lives by advocating for their inclusion into the development agenda of the country. "To accomplish this goal, OFP promotes participation and access to cultural opportunities through music, dance and theatre arts to integrate marginalized groups into the creative, artistic and social life of their communities. OFP also provide safe and accessible space for them to explore, define, and celebrate their culture. Our strong conviction is that disability issues are human rights issues and by under...

Past Friday 5th August, 2011 it was a moment of joy in Lunsar Town as the ongoing Africell Hajj promotion first winner emerged in a draw held at the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC). Kemoh Camara a 27 year-old excavator operator at the African Minerals Limited (AML) with cell phone number 077 216754 and of 40 Father Peter Street, Lunsar past Sunday 7th August 2011 gave a vivid testimony. Kemoh Camara expressed confidence and satisfaction over africell for such opportunity more especially in the Holy month of Ramadan rendering rewards to subscribers to fulfill one of the pillars of Islam to perform Hajj in the Holy Land of Mecca, noting, “Africell really shows its transparency and sharing with its subscribers than any other GSM operator in country.” He stated that Africell is the GSM operator he hooked up with due to its numerous services and continue to be loyal to Africell for its generosity to subscribers and its immense contributions to the development of the country,...

By Josephine W. Lagawo Alhaji Wattu a Mount Everest Security officer together with one Akmed Kawal has been arraigned before Magistrate Johannes O. Wellington for stealing property worth over Le 16 Million belonging to the Union Trust Bank. The accused persons made their first appearance at the Freetown Court No. 2 yesterday 9th August, 2011. They were charged on two counts of office breaking and lareny on August 3rd this year, at Union Trust Bank Office at Main Motor Road Brookfields. It is alledged that the accused persons break and entered into a Union Trust Bank store and stole one KV generator valued Le16 million. Prosecution witness (PW1) Rtd. Captain Moses Hassan Kamara identified the 1st accused Alhaji Wattu as a Mount Everest Security attached at the Union Trust Bank, Bus Halt. Defence Counsel Christiana Davies-Cole made an application for bail on behalf of the 1st accused Alhaji Wattu while Police Prosecutor Woman Inspector A.F. Heals objected to bail saying t...

The Liberia FA has invited the Sierra Leone senior national team Leone Stars to play a friendly match against Lone Stars in Monrovia, Liberia on Saturday. In connection to the above friendly match, the FA has invited five foreign based players. The FA Spokesman, Sorie Ibrahim Sesay said three of the invited foreign based players have assured them, that they will travel to Liberia for the match. The three confirmed players are Ibrahim Teteh Bangura who is presently the hottest striker in Sweden, David Simbo and Christian Caulker. He said Marcel is in doubt for the above friendly. But notwithstanding the technical team of Leone Stars has invited 27 home based players who started training on Monday. The acting General Secretary of the FA Abdul Rahman Swaray said the above friendly is very important for the two countries in that it will help to improve their FIFA ranking as the match will be played on a FIFA calendar date. The above match will also serve as a preparation for the 201...

The Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation (SL) Branch in collaboration with the Cultural Consulate of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Sierra Leone on Monday 8th August 2011 engaged over 30 journalists drawn from both print and electronic media at Cultural Centre Office, Howe Street in Freetown. Speaking at the programme the Iranian Cultural Chancellor, Mohamed G. Sofla stated that the purpose of Iftar is to bring practicing Muslim journalists together and break fast wherein discussion and sharing of Islamic ideas will be of topic. He stated that 8th of August is observed in Iran as reporter’s day. He explained the reason behind the observation of the day. He pointed out that as a result of the good relation his Centre have with journalists he therefore decided to observe it. He pointed out that the work of journalists is significant and explained the challenges, constraints involve in searching for news. He also cited their commitment in national development and the impact journalist...

By Komba Fillie The Ministry of Information and Commuication on Monday 8th August 2011 organised a five day intensive orientation seminar for all newly recruited staff of the Sierra Leone News Agency (SLENA) and the Ministry of Information and Communication at the Miatta Conference Hall Youyi Building in Freetown. Speaking at the ceremony, the State House Chief of Staff, Kaifala Marah stated that the seminar is for the newly recruited staff to know their roles and responsibilities. He commended the Ministry for the way in which they have been executing the ministry’s activities. He noted that with the calibre of people they have recruited, the ministry will surely move ahead. He pointed out several successes which the ministry has undertaken describing them as pro-active measures being taken by the government. He maintained that the role of the staff is to work in the interest of the ministry and if any one fails to perform according to the expectation of the civil servic...