TRACE JOENAL

The pluralities of harmful traditional practices, which has caused untold sufferings to many families are still been practiced and that government have all the right to intervene in mitigating the practices so that able youth with the strength and ability to contribute in the development of their communities will continue to create gap for youth participation in the development of the communities. Due to these barbaric acts, many youth who have become converted in the Christianity and Islamic faiths have resorted to escape for their lives in other countries especially so when elders in their communities continued to uphold the norms and practices of the Poro secret society in enforcing the line of succession from father to son. It could be recalled that before the general elections last year 2012, the chairman national council of Paramount Chiefs P.C. Charles Caulker of Rutifuk made a nationwide proclamation for the suspension of all secret societies which suspension is still in fo...

It was a great moment for Trace to reach the home of the almighty Bumbuna. Indeed I was at home watching a Nigerian movie title 'True Story'. The movie itself was centred around love and how a man lost his happiness at his home but when he went to the bush to hunt animals he eventually found happiness with a female farmer. At the farm, they usually spend time telling stories through which the man eventually discovered that he eases his stress. As he got used to that he began telling lies to his wife. As that movie was played, I reflected on how life is treating people in this country and how people are unfaithful to their work and loved ones. Clearly there is light in any area where there is darkness if only we want it to happen, I said to myself. That brings to mind how it was for residents of Freetown when about five years ago Freetown was described as the darkest city in the world. Here I am to day watching movies after a stressful work. I said to myself again but on...

The Sierra Leone National Petroleum Company (NP) has recently been making waves in the corporate world as it unveiled its new logo. The new logo was designed to give the company its own image and has letters n and p in small letters and coloured green. The green colour is seen as the symbol of growth with abundance of product replenishing the vegetation that is being destroyed on a daily basis. The swoosh protruding from the top of the letters np symbolizes the dynamic nature of the business model. The swoosh can also be equated to the boldness of company’s attitude in taking business risks and the swiftness of its decision making process in order to satisfy the needs of its customers. NP business patrons are already familiar with the company’s green and yellow which are also part of the company’s inheritance. Apart from being popular colours, green and yellow are an attractive combination and easily identifiable and appealing to the eyes. The yellow colour signifies energy wh...

Sierra Leone’s biggest and finest GSM operator africell has again taken lead in awarding football fans 2,000 on-net units to enjoy the African nation’s cup tournament. Africell predict and win allows both pre-paid and post-paid subscribers to predict the winning team or draws from the football matches in the African nations cup by texting the name of the football team to 777. Draws will be conducted on radio talk shows after every match or the following day if match is played late. Africell Media Relation Supervisor TommyTerry Coker said africell deem it fit to add more value in the African Nations Cup by involving their subscribers to it. He said subscribers can make unlimited number of predictions and every correct prediction will give the subscribers a chance to qualify for the live raffle draw immediately after the match. “All predictions for the match will be 15 minutes to the end of the match,” He disclosed that during the live raffle draw at Skyy and Kallene radio station...

After stressful weeks of a seemingly fuel shortage in their towns, passengers travelling from Kabala to Freetown were left stranded at the bus station, because of the unavailability of transport. According to some of the passengers TRACE spoke to at the bus station in central Freetown, they alleged that despite their early presence at the bus station, the bus had always failed to pick them up earlier. "We have been here since 6.00 a.m. and until now there is no bus to take us to Kabala," said Foday Marah. He said at times the bus will pick passengers at 9.00 a.m. as the earliest time, by which time all other buses would have almost reached their destinations whilst they are left under the hot burning sun. This situation they went on is becoming unbearable for them as they too are working on schedules in their various places of work. They alleged that when such situation arises, the authorities failed to explain to them the cause of the delay. "Considering the dista...

One of Sierra Leone leading GSM operators Comium is gradually reaching the end of it carnival promotion. The promotion which is of total class, professionalism and innovative style has helped improve the lives of subscribers. This promotion started with an official launch on the 26th October, 2011 at the prestigious SHANGRI-LA restaurant at beach road. In that event the Managing Director of the company deliberated that subscriber’s satisfaction was his priority and encouraged Sierra Leoneans to get their money’s worth. Comium Marketing Officer who served as MC on that day John Toure reiterated that $50,000 was not a small amount and demonstrated that if exchange rates permit the lucky winner is talking about Le 225,000,000 (Two Hundred and Twenty Five Million Leones) . The launching of the Comium Carnival promotion was later transformed into float parade along the beach road, Lumley and Wilkinson road area to give subscribers the taste of the promotion. The promotion also fo...

After a successful massive cleaning, painting, planting of decorative flowers and maintenance of the road as a way of welcoming the New Year, Tengbeh Town Youth Organization has embarked on a monthly cleaning exercise to give the community a facelift. The youths were spotted over the weekend cleaning the streets of Tengbeh Town. The chairman Tengbeh Town Youth Organization Oju Moses said they decided to embark on a monthly cleaning as a way of keeping the environment free from diseases and for it to be healthy at all times. According to him they have been doing such exercise for over ten years now but at that time it was occasionally. “But now we want to do it every last Saturday in every month. It is our way of giving back to the community as youths,” he said. When asked about political backing, Mr. Moses said they have not yet received any political backing "All what we are doing is from what individuals in the community are giving us..We wrote to the politicians but t...

Reports reaching SALONE TIMES indicate that President Ernest B. Koroma will not later than next month reveal the name of his running -mate. The issue of the President's running mate came into the spotlight after a fracas in Kono when it was alleged that Daina Konomaini invited the Minister of Internal Affairs Musa Tarawallie in order to introduce him to the people of Kono as the next Vice President. Then came the time the Vice President Samuel Sam Sumana was allegedly involved in an illegal timber issues. Now that the rumours are rife it is strongly believed that the president will decide whom he will choose as his running-mate. Many names have surfaced to take up the position. Amongst them are the Information and Communication Minister Ibrahim Ben Kargbo, Honorable Chenor Bah, Foreign Affairs J.B Dauda, Kadi Johnson Cole, Diana Konomani and the controversial Minister of Internal Affairs Musa Tarawallie. SALONE TIMES learnt that while some Kono people want the present ...

People, the world over are waiting in anticipation for the Christmas holidays which bring fun to families; but not so with the devoted staff members of the Freetown City Council who are in doubt over the payment of their salaries. It is over four months now that salaries of staff of the council have not been paid, a staff disclosed to SALONE TIMES. The devoted FCC staff went on to say that all the departments are in full operation working very hard and there is no need for their salaries to be delayed. "The departments are in full operation but there is no logistics," they say. The workers are calling on the central government to intervene pleading that they should not be punished for the sins of the Mayor. He went on to say they also have their families to take care of and asked how they without can being paid salaries for the past four months" lamented one of the staff member. Most of the staff members SALONE TIMES spoke to were almost in tears. "We did not...

The disgusting sight and smell of brown sewage water along King Jimmy market and Government wharf is causing a big embarrassment to traders and visitors as well. Government wharf and King Jimmy which is situated in the central business district of Freetown hosts over a thousand visitors a day. Near the Maritime House, there is a giant pipe pouring brown sewage directly into the sea. This situation has caused big embarrassment for market women along King Jimmy and officials of the Marine time administrator along Government Wharf as sight and smell is no more unbearable for them. Investigation gathered by SALONE TIMES indicated that the sewage directly comes from offices and domestic houses in the central business district of Freetown. "For us to eat our food where we are selling our business is a problem. The smell has taken over the entire market. We are tired of this situation," Fatu Kargbo one of the traders at King Jimmy market told SALONE TIMES. She went on to sa...

The long awaited road construction in Koidu City, Kono district has again kicked off. SALONE TIMES discovered that the strike has now been called off by Well Group after receiving 30% from the Government. But the work so far has been condemned from all sectors of the society and blaming Well Group of causing security threat in the city. "How can a city be like this with lots of holes?" one of the 'Okada' riders , Musa Conteh asked. Well Group has been blamed for the delay of the completion of the road due to lack of materials and equipment. According to some of the sub contractors , they are always in the readiness to work but they mostly ldiscouraged due to lack of materials which should have been provided by the group "One mixer machine is being used by three sub contractors. Some of them allege that the materials are coming in an disorderly manner as if the company is buying on retail rather than wholesale. "Today we will have sand but no granite....

SALONE TIMES has learnt that the acting Administrator of the Freetown City Council (FCC) is planning to establish officers in the east and west of Freetown. According to the Public Relations Officer of FCC Cyril Mattia, the acting Administrator called a general staff meeting to brainstorm on the development of the city and it was after that meeting that he said the idea came up for council to establish officers in those areas. Mr. Mattia went on to say that they have been viewing with great concern the huge traffic congestion in central Freetown. "We want to ease the cost of transportation for Freetonians, instead of them coming to the City centre only to pay their taxes they would pay at those branches," he said. He pointed out that the central office will be meant to administrate and also act as a check and balance in the other offices. He added that the two offices will be fully equipped to meet the needs of tax payers. Mr. Mattia also disclosed that the Free...

Fire broke out in the early hours of Tuesday morning January 24, 2012 at the Borbor Comboh community situated at the Siaka Stevens Street- Krootown axis in central Freetown. Property worth millions of Leones was destroyed as a large part of the Shanty Town community mostly made up of makeshift zinc structures was burnt to rubble. The National Fire Force found it difficult to access the burning site, since the community is surrounded by hills and the access roads were hardly motorable. Speaking to SALONE TIMES Foday Turay, a resident of the community whose house was gutted down by the fire said they thought they could put the fire out when it started because they have a lot of water in their midst. “We later realized that the fire was beyond our control, so we quickly called the fire force to come to our aid.” He said. Fire Class Fire Man of the National Fire Force Abdul Akim Hamid said the area was difficult for them to access when they arrived at the scene. “We only have acce...

Marking the death anniversary of the Holy Prophet Mohammad and Imam Hassan Mujjabah (A.S.) – 2nd Imam’s Martyrdom Muslims in Sierra Leone speak about the Holy Prophet’s success in the world. The event which took place at the hall of the Cultural Center of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Freetown brought together scholars and Muslims from various mosques in the country. The theme was ‘Legacies of the Holy Prophet’ (SAW). Chief Imam of the Freetown Central Mosque Sheik Ahmed Tejan Sillah said Allah called mankind to obey and worship him. Noting that the trend of which Islam is now going is like political issues has entered due to selfishness of some Muslims. “Let us follow the principle of the Qur’an.” He went on to say if Muslims are protecting those in the ghetto then why are they fighting each other in the name of Islam? “Islam is not by sword or because you know how to talk but to save mankind.” He urged others to forget about sentiment as wisdom surpasses every thing on ea...

An Islamic organization, Sisters of Deenul-Islamic (SOD) made up of students and ex-students of various university in the country, prior to the end of the Holy month of Ramadan donated clothing and shoes to the less unfortunate people. The donation was made to communities which include Ten House, Orphanage Home, CRS Community all located in the Grafton and the Kissy Town Koya Rural District, Waterloo. Speaking immediately after the distribution, the Amiral for the organisation Mariatu Kamara stated that the entire donation was made out of what they gathered within themselves. She said that the organization’s aim is to boost Muslims at the end of Ramadan. She stated that they distribute the items alongside massive sensitization, education and information about Islamic dress code especially the use of hijab for women. She noted that Muslim women should always be proud of their Islamic culture and the way and manner in which they talk in public and do things. She pointed out that Muslim...

It was in 2008 when I first stepped my feet on the soil of Kabala, the capital and largest town of Koinadugu District in the Northern Province of Sierra Leone located about 300 km from Freetown (the national capital). It was indeed an amazing moment for me when I made my first trip to that District, since that time I have taken upon myself to visit Kabala annually. What I first discovered on my first visit was that Kabala is a tourist potential area in Sierra Leone. As I was driving along the most talked about SS curve, I began to realized how rich that place is nevertheless anothe thought that came to mind. When I was a little boy I heard people threatening others who cross their path saying, " I will visit Kabala for you" others will say "I am a Kabala born" sooner one hears that, he or she will gripped in panic because the name of Kabala was synonymous to mystical happenings. One day I decided to ask a woman why people always use the name of Kabala to thre...

“Is any of you ill? You should send for the church elders, who will pray for them and rub olive oil on them in the name of the Lord. This prayer made in faith will heal the sick; the Lord will restore them to health, and the sins they have committed will be forgiven.” James 5:14&15. Upon these scripture the man of God, Founder and Senior Pastor of Sanctuary Praise Church Evangelist Victor Ajisafe performed God’s work by healing hundreds of worshipers on the first day of December 2011 edition of ‘Let My Gate Be Opened’. The three days event took place at the Solution Cathedral, which housed over three thousand worshipers with the theme Closing Demonic Gates. As the world was celebrating World AIDS Day that day hundreds of worshipers received their divine healing. In his preaching, Evangelist Victor Ajisafe advised his worshipers not to pay attention to problems as the more they pay attention to them the bigger they become. He went on to say that they should have faith in he...

It was indeed five days ago after a stressful working day that I returned home thinking of what the next day will be. After my supper, I relaxed in my bed listening to the BBC, a minute after 20:00 hours the news break about testing the next generation 4G network with 02's Derek Mc Manus. That breaking news left me wondering about the rapidly new technology the world is advancing to and what the world will become in the next fifty years. I sat there thinking about that technology report sent by the BBC correspondent Rory Cellan-Jones. He said countries ranging from Sweden to Germany and the United States, are moving ahead more rapidly with rolling out the new technology. He continued to say that there is mounting concern that the United Kingdom could be left behind. "I have down loaded an episode of David Attenborough's Frozen planet in about a minute and viewed You Tube videos in the middle of London without a hint of buffering. I have even tested a live broadcas...

Shouts of jubilation rocked the Administrative building of the Freetown City Council(FCC) on Monday when the news broke about the arrest of Mayor Herbert George Williams and nine others. "The end surely justifies the means" one of the staff told SALONE TIMES at the FCC administrative building. Most of the staff members that celebrated that day said they have been under bondage by Mayor Williams for the past four years. They went on to say that their expectation was turned down by Mayor Williams considering the plans the council outlined for the development of the city. Most of the staff that was is in council before Mayor took office said they were expecting the best from Mayor Williams from what he was talking when he was acting Mayor of Freetown. "I was surprised to see a drastic change from him, what came over him, only God knows," one of the staff said. Besides, Mayor Williams, some of the staff said they were shocked at the names that emerged on the ACC ...

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 ...