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YOU ARE CURRENTLY AT THE WEBSITE OF SIERRA LEONE'S FASTEST SELLING, HIGHEST SELLING AND MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER.
Source of above information: Sierra Leone News Vendors Association
NEWS
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, President Koroma Commissions African Minerals Locomotive Train
It was a scene of wild jubilation and dancing at Sierra Leone’s Queen Elizabeth II Water Quay last Friday September 3rd 2010 as supporters of President Koroma exclaimed their belief that the APC has brought back the Railway that SLPP promised to bring but never did. The supporters were referring to a Locomotive Engine that African Minerals has imported into the country to transport Iron Ore from Tonkolili hills to the Sea for onward shipment to Europe and to China.
Sep 6, 2010, 14:00
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Politics
Over the Spirit & Letter of Section 32(3) SLPP Undresses APC’s Claims
The main opposition Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) has laid bare, claims by the ruling All People’s Congress functionaries that the President did not have to sit with and consult with political party leaders in order to appoint Electoral Commissioners. The Spirit and Letter of Section 32(3) of the National Constitution has been the subject of much debate culminating in the official position of the Government being that the President could hire and fire as & how he felt.
Sep 6, 2010, 13:58
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, 34 Military and Cottage Hospitals benefit from ACC’s Input
Against the backdrop to ensure the sustainability of the free health care services for pregnant women and young children in the country, the Princess Christian Maternal Hospital (PCMH) and the 34 Military Hospital have on Thursday 2nd September 2010 benefited from 9 newly launched dynamic systems procedures known as Service Charter Delivery which was commission alongside staff of the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) at an auspicious ceremony held at the ACC Building in Freetown. In his Statement, Deputy Commissioner of ACC, Mr. Morlai Buya Kamara disclosed that the motive behind the introduction of Service Charters was to encourage and support public institutions so that they could become more transparent and dynamic in dealing with the public and to also serve as a good initiative for evaluating performance on various service deliveries.
Sep 6, 2010, 13:56
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, Six More Presidential Nominees Face Parliament
Members of Parliament on the Oversight Committee on Appointments and the Public Service on Friday 3rd September 2010 interviewed and scrutinized six Presidential nominees for approval to various positions. Addressing the nominees, chairman of the committee, Hon. S.B.B Dumbuya of the APC cautioned that as an oversight committee with responsibility to interview all presidential nominees, it was but fitting to always adhere to their mandate.
Sep 6, 2010, 13:54
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Local News
30 Sierra Leone, 9 Liberian Army Cadet Recruits Commissioned.
In keeping with the Strenthening of diplomatic ties and sustaining bi-lateral relationships, His Excellency the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma on Friday 3rd September 2010 commissioned 39 combined recruits of Sierra Leonean and Liberian army cadet officers at the Armed Forces Training Centre, Benguema outside Freetown. The officers comprising of 8 men and 1 female from Liberia joined 28 Men and 2 females of the RSLAF entered for a one-year cadet training at Benguema on the 9th July, 2009.
Sep 6, 2010, 13:52
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Politics
In Sierra Leone, Standard Chartered Partners with Sight Savers, Volunteers to Save Sights
In pursuance of its strong history of supporting the communities in which it operates with recognition of their corporate social responsibility, Standard Chartered Bank on Saturday 4th September 2010 undertook Employee Volunteering activities at the Western Area Eye Clinic, Wallace Johnson Street in Freetown, facilitated by their Blindness Prevention Partner, Sight Savers International to support the bank’s “Seeing is Believing” global community initiative established in 2003; which is driven by Standard Chartered staff who fundraise, volunteer and raise awareness of avoidable blindness issues.
Sep 6, 2010, 13:49
COMMENTS & OPINIONS
News Vendors, Sedition & Defamation Offences
As I highlighted in my last Thursday’s edition, there are significant differences within Sierra Leone’s Penal Code insofar as the offences of Sedition versus Defamation. See Page below for that reproduced article. One other important difference that should be highlighted in this treatise is the issue of the protection of innocent sellers (Eg: Vendors). Innocent news vendors are protected by Section 31 of the Public Order Act of 1965 from being found culpable in charges of Criminal Defamation unless it is proven that those vendors know that particular newspaper is in the habit of publishing defamatory materials against others but yet they still continue to sell that particular newspaper.
Sep 6, 2010, 13:47
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Politics
SLPP Councilor Funds Le.60m Project in Goderich
In his usual strive to attend to the needs of his Goderich Community coupled by ready support from the village headman and community people, the only opposition SLPP councilor in the Western Rural District Council on Saturday 4th September 2010 launched the construction project of a community bridge he singularly funded that links Funkia to the rest of Freetown. Now a household name in Funkia, Councilor Ibrahim Kabba aka ‘Small Borbor’ of Ward 331 in Constituency 92 actualized a long awaited dream of the locals when he decided to provide Le.60, 000, 000 (Sixty Million Leones) funding for the project.
Sep 6, 2010, 13:45
SATIRE
Years ending in ‘2’ are Horror Years for APC
In 2007, people predicted that superstition means that years ending in ‘7’ are bad for SLPP. Well, years ending in 2 are equally bad years for APC. 1962 - After Shaki tried to make himself a stakeholder with his Elections before Independence Movement (EBIM), he was sidelined and e make bad hart en form APC in 1962.
Sep 6, 2010, 13:43
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, UNFPA Ends Training for 300 TBAs in South/North
As part of their agender in complementing government’s effort in the area of maternal mortality reduction, teenage pregnancy, Gender Based Violence, HIV/AIDS prevention in the country, the United Nation Population Funds (UNFPA) has completed the training of three hundred (300) Traditional Birth Attendants in Bo and Bombali Districts respectively. The training programe which is a pilot phase took place between the 21st to 25th August in Bo District, and from the 26th to 31st August in Bombali District. The sessions were organised for stakeholders and TBAs on how to take forward the UNFPA Rural Community Empowerment within programe 18 of the UN joint mission, which is expected to be implemented between August and December.
Sep 6, 2010, 13:41
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, Lebanese President Disclaims Citizenship Agitator
The President of the Lebanese Community in Sierra Leone, Samir Hassanyeh has disclaimed one Ayoub Nasser said to be a Palestinian agitating for the right of Lebanese to grant them citizenship in Sierra Leone. At his Rawdon Street office on Friday last week, the president told newsmen that the man who has been publishing articles in local tabloids purporting the right to citizenship guarantee to Lebanese nationals in Sierra Leone is not speaking on behalf of the Lebanese community in this country.
Sep 6, 2010, 13:39
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Local News
Awareness Times News Briefs from Sierra Leone
* V.P Sam Sumana launches IEC & Resource mobilization *Hajj Visas to be issued Locally *NACSA Conducts Micro Finance Training in Bo *Mercury takes Journalists to Egypt *SLPP to shock APC 2012 * Hunter Guns down Palm Wine Tapper *Police Boss Warns OSD Officers.
Sep 6, 2010, 13:37
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, Kabala Records 2 Alleged Raped since December 2009
As part of the massive sensitization on Gender Based Violence in that part of the country, Officers of the Family Support Unit in the Kabala police station have since December last year recorded only two cases of allegations of rape in the entire district. Speaking to the Awareness Times Newspaper on Thursday 1st September 2010 in an exclusive interview with the Line Manager of the FSU at his Kabala Police office, Inspector Alex Mohamed Conteh said since last December they have recorded only two cases of rape.
Sep 6, 2010, 13:35
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, “Salieu M. Turay is an Educated, Wife-Beating, ‘Gbos-Gbos’ Thug”
Mrs. Hawa Turay, the wife of the former Ambassador of the Republic of Sierra Leone to Russia says her husband is educated but a common thug wearing suits who beat her up so badly one time in Russia that the Russian Police had to be called in to the Embassy with an ambulance taking her covered with blood to hospital. Currently, the former Ambassador, Dr. Salieu M. Turay is presently being investigated by the Lumley Police Division for allegedly hiring the services of five gallant, well-muscled thugs to execute a thorough physical beating on his legally wedded wife in their matrimonial home at 36 Minah Drive, Off Juba Hill, yesterday Thursday 2nd September 2010 following a period of several weeks hot impasse between the couple that had been monitored by this presshouse over the last three weeks.
Sep 3, 2010, 17:20
NOTICES & DOCUMENTS
Invitation To Press Briefing & Interactive Media Session In Freetown
All Full, Associate and Prospective Members of SLAJ and other interested Media Stakeholders are invited to a Press Conference and Interactive Session on the SLAJ National Constitution.
Sep 3, 2010, 17:18
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, New Army Boss Promotes 91 Officers
The Public Relations and Information Officer of the RSLAF, Lieutenant Yayah Sidi Brima on Tuesday 31st August, 2010 disclosed to Awareness Times that about Ninety-one (91) personnel of various ranks within the force have been promoted. This new promotion arrangement has come in the wake of a dramatic change of guard in the Armed Forces with the appointment of a new Chief of Defence Staff. According to Lieutenant Brima, the recent promotion was in addition to twenty-nine officers earlier promoted who he said have already been decorated with their new ranks at the Myohaung Officers’ Mess at the Wilberforce Army Barracks in western Freetown.
Sep 3, 2010, 17:16
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, School for the Deprived Boosts Pupils
The Management and Board of Charli-Ann-Nursery and Preparatory School, a non-profit making institution on Thursday 2nd September 2010 donated school materials to vulnerable pupils of the school at their 70 Regent Road Lumley address in Freetown. The ceremony attracted parents and guardians, religious and community leaders, the press and other well wishers. The theme of the ceremony was ‘Help the vulnerable children for a better nation’. Addressing the gathering, the chairman of the ceremony Mr. Tamba David Makieu, a human rights activist said the purpose of the gesture was to enhance the education of the vulnerable pupils of the school, adding that educating the citizenry of Sierra Leone was very essential especially at free cost.
Sep 3, 2010, 17:14
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, Mines Ministry Pays 3.5 Billion to Mining Communities
The Ministry of Mineral Resources and Political Affairs has ended a tour of the four provincial cities of Kenema, Bo, Kono and Makeni on the 30th of August, making payments to beneficiary chiefdoms of the Diamond Area Community Development Fund (DACDF) totaling 3.5 billion Leones. The tour was headed by the supervisory ministries of the extractive industries, Hon. Alpha Kanu and local governments, Ambassador Dauda S. Kamara.
Sep 3, 2010, 17:12
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, Women’s Group Launch Attack Against Alcoholism
A move to tackle Fatal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) was recently launched by White Ribbon Vocational Institute at Adesanya St, Brookfields in Freetown in collaboration with Christian Women Temperance Union. According to the organizers, they are set to sensitize women countrywide about the hazards of alcoholism especially during pregnancy. According to the Director of the Institute, Pastor Jeremiah Georgestone, pregnant women that indulge in alcoholism cause the death or deformity of thousands of new-born babies.
Sep 3, 2010, 17:10
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, Hajj Committee Explains Government’s Position
The Chairman for the newly constituted government committee on Hajj affairs with office in the Vice President’s Office, Alhaji Salieu Mansaray has outlined reasons why government decided to take over the affairs of Hajj from the disbanded independent organizations that have been operating in that capacity for decades now. Addressing the press on Thursday at the weekly government briefing at Youyi Building, the chairman informed that government has decided to centralize the process of Hajj business in the country in order to help intending pilgrims go and perform their religious obligation without let or hindrance as it used to be by certain unscrupulous individuals posing as hajj agents.
Sep 3, 2010, 17:08
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, Hotel Owners’ Federation Ready to Create Impact
The interim chairman of Hotel, Catering and Entertainment Employers’ Federation (HCEEF), Tamba Allieu-Kokobay on Thursday 2nd September 2010 outlined developmental strategies to be undertaken by the organization in the coming months. In an exclusive interview with the Chairman at his Kimbima Hotel Office in Freetown, he said the federation was now ready to tell people that their 20 years of existence can bring meaning to development of hospitality in the country. He regretted to say that during those years little progress was made by the federation because of lack of commitment by both the membership and the succeeding executives.
Sep 3, 2010, 17:06
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Local News
Awareness Times News Briefs from Sierra Leone
* Two Arrested for Money Doubling *Consumers Blast GST Registered Shops *UK Firm to Provide Specialist Medical Care in Salone *Health Officers Disuss HIV/AIDS Strategy *Student Collapses in Court *Mano River Union Youths Search for Peace *CSVs Decry Financial Support on Security. *Journalists Schooled on Early Warning Responses.
Sep 3, 2010, 17:04
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, 50th Year Independence Committee Updates Press
The chairman of the 50-Year-Independence Anniversary Committee recently set up by APC government has briefed the press on their activities. In the usual Thursday Information Ministry press briefing, Chairman William Conteh told newsmen this week that as a special committee for the purpose of strategizing for the independence occasion in 2011, their mandate falls within four areas, namely to revive the season of national pride in diversity, rebrand and showcase the virtues of Sierra Leone both locally and internationally, consolidate peace and foster development as legacies that Sierra Leoneans will leave to remember.
Sep 3, 2010, 17:02
COMMENTS & OPINIONS
Immunization & Childhood Diseases Vaccine For Typhoid Fever!!!
Immunization is a scientific means of making people particularly children resistant to deadly or killer diseases by activating their own immune system (the body’s defence to diseases). Scientists have succeeded in getting vaccines or chemical substance which can be injected into a person or given orally to act as protection against diseases. Vaccines aim to prime the immune system to the antigens of a particular microbe so that a first infection induces a secondary response. “Never in the history of human progress” wrote the pathologist Geoffrey Edsall, “has a better and cheaper method of preventing illness been developed than immunization at its best”.
Sep 3, 2010, 17:00
NEWS
Guinea, Sierra Leone Presidents arrive in Tripoli
Tripoli, Libya - The interim president of Guinea, general Sekouba Konate, and the president of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma, on Tuesday arrived in Tripoli to attend the festivities marking the 41st anniversary of the Libyan 1 September revolution of 1969. Sources say that General Konate, who is accompanied by a high-powered delegation, is making his second visit to Libya since he became acting president of Guinea following the Ouagadougou talks signed on 15 January this year under the aegis of presiddent Blaise Compaore of Burkina Faso, also mediator in the Guinean crisis.
Sep 2, 2010, 17:30
COMMENTS & OPINIONS
As Ugandan Court Scraps Seditious Libel Laws but maintains Criminal Libel Laws... Seditious Libel versus Criminal Defamation
The Constitutional Court in Uganda has ruled that Uganda’s Seditious Libel Laws are in variance with the democratic constitution of that country but it is very important to note that the Courts, made up of five Judges sitting on a Panel, did not rule against the validity of Uganda’s Criminal Defamatory Libel Laws. This effectively means that whilst the Constitutional Court in Uganda recognised the rights of citizens to freely criticise the Government and Government functionaries, it also recognised the right of private Ugandan citizens to have a means of having a deterrent that protects them from criminally-minded journalists impinging on their reputations with published falsehoods.
Sep 2, 2010, 17:28
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, Free Health Care Drugs Arrested in Kailahun
Personnel of the Sierra Leone Police attached to the Kailahun Police Division, Eastern Province of Sierra Leone, have intercepted over twenty (20) cartoons of medicines meant for the Free Health Care service allegedly stolen from the district medical store. In a telephone interview with the Police Support Officer in Kailahun ASP Patrick Songa, he told Awareness Times that the arrest came about after a tip off in the early hours of Wednesday 1st September 2010.
Sep 2, 2010, 17:26
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Politics
SLPP Flagbearer Application Dr. Bu-Buakei JABBI (GRAND CHIEF PATRON, SLPP: Membership No. 0005) STATEMENT OF FLAGBEARER FITNESS (As per Clauses 1 & 2 of the Rules and Regulations, 2010)
The Rules and Regulations of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) for the election of its Presidential candidate for the national Presidential elections of 2012 stipulate the submission of prescribed documents and compliance with certain basic criteria by an Aspirant/Applicant. They include a sealed letter of declaration of intent, a profile of the Aspirant’s life and history of membership of the Party, and a statement of his/her Flagbearer fitness and contribution to the Party.
Sep 2, 2010, 17:24
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Politics
“I’m trustworthy, capable and mature”-Dauda Tombo Bangura
Sierra Leonean politician Dauda Tombo Bangura has two new assignments. He has been mandated by the leadership of the ruling All People’s Congress(APC) to unite all members of the party in North America. The other assignment is to be in charge of fundraising as the party heads towards the 2012 elections. DTB, as he is popularly known, is a founding member of the People’s Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC), who, like many of his colleagues, decided to join the APC a couple of months ago. PMDC was an APC ally in the 2007 elections.
Sep 2, 2010, 17:22
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Politics
New People Online to Utilize New Technology
In what has now become a unique fixture in the New People Online style of journalism, “the double tag approach” the Editor and CEO interviewed SLPP Flag bearer candidates Alhaji Usman Boie-Kamara at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, August 17th 2010, Lawyer Alpha O. Timbo at 10:00 pm on the same date and Dr. Kadie Sesay on Thursday August 19th at 8:30 pm. We will feature the interviews from these candidates over the next three weeks in our series “Meet The Candidates For SLPP Flagbearers”.
Sep 2, 2010, 17:20
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, Zain To Zain – 9 Units; Zain To Other Networks – 12 Units, All Day
Zain today announces a further ‘slash’ of tariff to 9 units per minute for on-net calls (Zain to Zain) and 12 units per minute for off-net calls (Zain to other networks), all day. This has enabled its subscribers to enjoy up to 70% reduction in call charges made within the network (Zain to Zain or on-net) and to other networks (off-net). The company still maintains its free calls within the hours of 2 am to 5 am. All these come in the wake of a 60% drastic reduction of off-net tariff about a month ago. With this tariff, customers can call for 9 units on-net and 12 units off-net throughout the day.
Sep 2, 2010, 17:18
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Local News
China Assures Sierra Leone
The Government of China has assured the people of Sierra Leone of their country’s continuing support in various areas of need. This was disclosed by the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone His Excellency Mr. Qiu Shaofang in a news release issued on Wednesday 1st September 2010. According to Ambassador Shaofang, the Chinese Government will continue with its assistance to Sierra Leone to ensure socio economic development .
Sep 2, 2010, 17:14
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Local News
Sierra Leone tourists to build their own eco-resort
(CULLED FROM CNN WEBSITE) — For many people, the name Sierra Leone still conjures up images of the country’s decade-long civil war and subsequent war crimes trials. However, eight years after the end of the war, the country is hoping that tourism will be the key to its future prosperity.
Sep 2, 2010, 17:12
NEWS
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Local News
Awareness Times News Briefs from Sierra Leone
*Iron Ore Discovered at Tunkia Chiefdom *UNICEF Donates to Eastern Radio * Minister Hands Over Diamond Area Development Fund *Le 10 Million for Kenema Pupils * Baboon Rapes Woman to Death *3 Days Communication Training for Police and Prisons *Finance Minister Opens Budget Policy Hearings *Shortage of Essential Drugs in Moyamba Government Hospital.
Sep 2, 2010, 17:10
NEWS
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, 76 Subscribers Grab Africell ‘Find the Missing Treasure’ Prizes
One of the leading GSM providers in Sierra Leone, Africell-Lintel on 1st September 2010 presented over Le.17 Million to about 76 lucky winners of the ongoing ‘Find the Missing Treasure’ Promotion at the company’s Wilberforce headquarters in Freetown. In his presentation, the Head of Section Event and Sponsorship Mr. Arthur B. Kallon noted that they consider each and every subscriber of Africell as part of their family which is one of the reasons why they are always organizing promotions to build up the lives and expectations of their subscribers.
Sep 2, 2010, 17:08
NOTICES & DOCUMENTS
Sierra Leone Association Of Archivists, Librarians And Information Professionals (SLAALIP)
The attention of the Association has been drawn to a ‘letter’ in the July 29 edition of one of the local tabloids insinuating that the Association is engaged in discussion of national politics. This is absolutely unfounded and malicious, intended to distract the Association from its serious objective of working towards the improvement of professional standards within the library and information profession. This is what it has been engaged in doing over the years. SLAALIP is a completely professional body.
Sep 2, 2010, 17:06
NOTICES & DOCUMENTS
PRESS Release Concerning Closure of the LWF Sierra Leone Program
The Lutheran World Federation Department for World Service (LWF/DWS) has been operating a humanitarian and development aid program in Sierra Leone since 1999, at the invitation of and in close cooperation with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sierra Leone (ELCSL) and the Government of Sierra Leone.
Sep 2, 2010, 17:04
NOTICES & DOCUMENTS
SLAJ urges Government to follow Uganda’s example
Freetown – Uganda’s Supreme Court has ruled that the country’s Seditious Libel Law is inconsistent with Freedom of Expression which is guaranteed by its constitution. The five-member panel said the law did not fall within the acceptable limit of free speech and struck seditious libel off the country’s law books. This is exactly what SLAJ was trying to prove when in February 2008 the association took a similar move to have our Supreme Court do what their Ugandan counterparts have done.
Sep 2, 2010, 17:02
NOTICES & DOCUMENTS
Commonwealth Forum For Government Ministers And Senior Civil Servants
The Public Sector Reform Unit (PSRU) in collaboration with the Governance and Institutional Development Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat will be organizing a three-day forum of Government Ministers, Deputy Ministers and Permanent Secretaries on the priorities and operations of Government with a view to, amongst others, understanding the importance of leadership roles, negotiation skills values that are required for the achievement of our national development objectives.
Sep 2, 2010, 17:00
NEWS
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Politics
Relief for APC as Koinadugu Chiefs Forgive Party Strongman
Yesterday ended the month of August but it also saw what could possibly be the end of a longstanding problem that had been giving the ruling APC party some quiet headaches. It is reported that when his Minister of Internal Affairs & Local Government reported that the brou-ha-ha that had threatened to split the APC party’s support within Koinadugu District has now been resolved, President Koroma, who also doubles as APC Leader, heaved a sigh of relief. The resolution of the Koinadugu impasse was done with the intervention of the Minister of Internal Affairs, Local Government & Rural Development, Hon. Dauda Kamara and his ministry officials and resulted in district stakeholders in the largest district in Sierra Leone yesterday publicly burying the hatchet following the APC Strongman and Local Council District Chairman, Councillor Bayuku Conteh going down on his knees to beg for forgiveness from the Koinadugu Paramount Chiefs.
Sep 1, 2010, 17:20
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Politics
As they pay Le230,000,000 in cash... SLPP Aspirants thank Awareness Times
A significant number of the 23 successful aspirants for the SLPP Flagbearer position have told Awareness Times yesterday that they were very grateful to this newspaper for our independent coverage of their party’s activities over the past few years. However what also came out very clearly from many of those who had been formerly recalcitrant to pay a non-refundable deposit to the party, was the fact that one of our recent news articles jolted them into realising they had been on the wrong path. Many aspirants now report that our last month’s article on how the failed SLPP Freetown Mayoral candidate for 2008 Elections had published a pamphlet calling for the party to take steps to avoid nominating men and women of straw (i.e: penniless) to contest elections, had made them realise the importance of what the party’s Executive had been trying to do with their laid-down Rule for non-refundable deposits.
Sep 1, 2010, 17:18
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Politics
Kadi Sesay & Alpha Timbo Resign to Contest Presidency
The erudite and charming erstwhile Deputy Leader of the Sierra Leone People’s Party, Dr. Kadi Sesay and the smart and eloquent erstwhile SLPP Assistant Secretary-General, Lawyer Alpha Timbo, yesterday August 31st 2010 have both tendered their resignations from the SLPP National Executive in order for them to qualify for the position of Flagbearer/Presidential Candidate for the party in the 2012 Elections. They will be contesting against each other in a contest slated for next March 2011 for which a total of 23 aspirants have now passed the preliminary stage for contesting. Both of them are amongst the leading candidates so far who have a well-structured Campaign team in place advocating for them.
Sep 1, 2010, 17:16
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, As Agric Min Concludes District Launchings… ‘Farm For Bizness’ Gathers Steam
Sierra Leone’s district headquarter towns were agog with activity last week when the Minister, Deputy Minister-2 and officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security entered the districts to simultaneously carry out well coordinated official launchings of the country’s new five year flagship programme on agriculture – the Smallholder Commercialization Programme (SCP), dubbed ‘Farm for Bizness.’ The exercise which among other things sought to raise awareness among Sierra Leonean farmers succeeded in igniting positive reactions and a sense of ownership from rural folks who appeared quite inclined to move from the rather non-profitable subsistence system of farming to commercialized farming where they could raise their income levels and contribute to the general growth of the economy.
Sep 1, 2010, 17:14
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, 100 Women Receive Training in Forestry Management
One Hundred (100) women have successfully graduated in forestry management in Kamakwie, northern Sierra Leone after a two-day intensive workshop organized by a non governmental organization, Young Green Women-Sierra Leone (YGW-SL). The training which targeted women between the ages of 18 and 35 was based on the topic ‘Sustainable Forestry Management for Community Development and Participation.’ The training facilitator, Mr. Santigie Momoh stressed to participants the importance of sustaining the forests, citing the Otamba Kilimi National Park that serves as tourist attraction as an example of the benefits for preserving our forests.
Sep 1, 2010, 17:12
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Politics
Lawyer Dr. Bu-Buakei Jabbi Assures SLPP
What their recent exercise in Declaration of Intent has proven is that the main opposition party in Sierra Leone has men and women of ‘timber & calibre’ as they say in neighbouring Nigeria. Lawyers, Engineers, Medical Doctors, University Lecturers, former Cabinet Ministers, Religious Leaders, a Paramount Chief, Ph.D Chemists, Administrators and other professionals have been lining up to pay the mandatory, non-refundable fee to lead the party as Presidential Candidate for the 2012 Elections. One of these great Sierra Leoneans is a Ph.D holder in Law, Dr. Bu-Buakei Jabbi, Esq. who in his Letter of Declaration of Intent issued yesterday stated, “In all the present circumstances of the national political situation in Sierra Leone, I assure the Party that my candidature will surely reap overall victory for it in the presidential and parliamentary elections of 2012”.
Sep 1, 2010, 17:10
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, PPA-SL Wants Abortion Laws Repealed
Plan Parenthood Association of Sierra Leone (PPASL) has called on the Government of Sierra Leone to review the existing Abortion Act. In a workshop organized by the organization at the Grassroots Gender Empowerment Movement (GGEM) building on John Street in Freetown on Tuesday 31st August 2010 for media practitioners, the Advocacy Manager PPASL Mr. Brima V. Kamara told newsmen that the present law which governs abortion in Sierra Leone is found in the Offences Against the Persons Act 1861.
Sep 1, 2010, 17:08
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, ‘Zain Still Leads in Mobile Technology’- Subscribers
A prominent recharge cards retailer and a long gluer to the Zain network, Mr. Ishmeal Turay on Tuesday 31st August confided in our reporter that Zain is still leading whilst others follow in mobile telecommunication technology. Mr. Turay who was well relaxed in his kiosk at PZ said there are certain qualities in Zain which other mobile companies do not possess. He said simply put, Zain network is the best in the country. “In fact Zain in terms of network coverage is present in most places across Sierra Leone,” he opined, adding that the competition advantage over other networks puts Zain second to none.
Sep 1, 2010, 17:06
NEWS
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Local News
Awareness Times News Briefs from Sierra Leone
*China Offers 23 Scholarships to Salone * Police Prosecutor Thrown Out of Court *Commonwealth to Organise Leadership Forum *New Jersey Hosts SLPP Aspirant *SLAJ Prezo Commends Africell * 50\50 President decry low Participation in Politics *Education Minister Warns Principals.
Sep 1, 2010, 17:04
NEWS
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, Amnesty International Co-ordinator meets with members in Kenema
The Campaigns and Growth Coordinator of Amnesty International-Sierra Leone (Al–SL), Solomon Sogbandi has told members in Kenema to voluntarily continue working for the organization on humanitarian grounds. In a meeting held at their No. 16 Sannoh Street in Kenema last weekend, Mr. Sogbandi impressed on the importance of their membership cards and the payment of subscriptions which according to him, qualified an individual to vote or to be voted for in the national general assembly.
Sep 1, 2010, 17:02
NOTICES & DOCUMENTS
The 50th Independence Anniversary Committee is the sole and official entity responsible to plan and implement Sierra Leone’s 2011 Celebrations
Sierra Leone will be celebrating her 50th Independence Anniversary on 27 April 2011. The general public is hereby informed that the 50th Independence Anniversary Celebrations Committee appointed by His Excellency Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, is the only entity officially recognized by the government of Sierra Leone with the mandate to plan and implement public events for Sierra Leone’s 50th Independence Anniversary Celebrations. Any organizations, associations, companies, agencies, or individuals interested in having events recognized, acknowledged by or to be a part of the official calendar must request written permission from the 50th Independence Anniversary Committee.
Sep 1, 2010, 17:00
NEWS
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Politics
SLPP's John Benjamin Commends Hon. Elizabeth Alpha-Lavalie
Mr. John Oponjo Benjamin, National Leader of the Sierra Leone People’s Party, has yesterday commended sitting parliamentarian, Hon. Elizabeth Alpha-Lavalie for the position she publicly took against the woman slated to conduct the 2012 Elections, Dr. Christiana Thorpe. Benjamin said as National Leader, it was gratifying to him that a party member could so eloquently put the precise position of the party across.
Aug 31, 2010, 17:26
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, Journalists Apologise to Makeni Magistrate
Mohamed Kabba corresponding for Awareness Times from Makeni, has yesterday issued a personal apology to the Resident Magistrate in Makeni, Komba Kamanda for his article published in our yesterday edition that erroneously cited that Kamanda had discharged an alleged 35 year old rapist much to the chagrin of human rights activists in the township . The reality is that the alleged rapist had indeed been discharged by the Makeni Courts but not by Magistrate Kamanda but by an earlier Magistrate whom Kamanda replaced.
Aug 31, 2010, 17:24
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, Zain’s Affordability Is Second To None
There is no doubt that the products and services of Zain affect the life of every Sierra Leonean. It affects the economy of this country and it affects our relationship to the outside world. The world of telecommunications from Zain has greatly evolved in the past few years, and now such facilities are available that make personal and business communication easy and effective. Zain has got tremendous capacity for transmission of digital signals over their network. They have an explosion of products in computers, in telephone equipments, in faxes, in voice mail, in all of the products that just 10 years ago we as consumers in Sierra Leone couldn’t even imagined.
Aug 31, 2010, 17:22
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Politics
Dr. Alpha T. Wurie Declares for SLPP Flag Bearer
The former Minister of Education, Science and Technology in the erstwhile SLPP government, Dr. Alpha Tejan Wurie on Monday 30th August 2010 made public his intention to contest for flag bear position of the party ahead of the National Delegates’ Convention slated for 2011. The auspicious ceremony took place at the Harry Yansaneh Hall of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists [SLAJ] Headquarters, Campbell Street in Freetown. Taking the podium to make his formal declaration, Dr. Wurie revealed that the name Alpha Tejan Wurie rings a bell in both the SLPP and national circles, a household name he said that reverberates in every corner of the country whenever it is mentioned.
Aug 31, 2010, 17:20
FEATURES
Rekindling Islamic Golden Age in Sierra Leone
The Youth Arise!!! programme, “Rekindling Islamic Golden Age in Sierra Leone”, started at 10.45 a.m. (fifteen minutes after the 10.30 a.m. scheduled time; because there was a brief wait for the Chief Imam of the Central Mosque of Freetown, Sheikh Tejan Sillah) at the Bishop Broshanan Hall, Santonno House, Howe Street, in the heart of the business district in Freetown. The Islamic prayer to open the ceremony was said by Sheikh Ibrahim S. Kamara; who was dressed in pinkish-reddish lace robe, with corresponding fez cap.
Aug 31, 2010, 17:18
FEATURES
Is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) a mere Expression of Western Values?
The universality of human rights is often defended by cosmopolitan scholars in light of the need for universal principles of justice to be applied cross-nationally. This ever-expanding concept of universal human right has led to the creation of countless human rights organizations whose aim is to monitor the state of human rights around the world and to prevent human rights abuses. However, not every nation appreciates the work that these organizations do. Some countries do not believe in the universality of human rights or in the primacy of what they see as a western ideology imposed on them.
Aug 31, 2010, 17:16
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, UNFPA Trains 50 TBAs in Bombali
As part of their community empowerment activities within ‘Programme 18’ of the United Nations Joint Mission in Sierra Leone, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has concluded a two-day stakeholders’ planning and training workshop for 50 Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) in the Bombali District, northern Sierra Leone, as one of the selected areas for the August/ September pilot phase of the programme. The two days’ training session that took place from the 26th to 28th August, 2010 at the Amza Hotel in Makeni catered for community birth attendants, health personnel of Primary Health Units, line Ministries, the Family Support Unit of the Sierra Leone Police and the media within the northern province.
Aug 31, 2010, 17:14
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, Acute Water Shortage Hits Soja Tong
Something very unprecedented and unusual for communities living around Guma Valley reservoir areas has gripped Soja Tong in central Freetown, with the settlement living for several weeks now with acute water shortage. This appalling situation is a threat to the lives of children and women as they are forced to get up at night to go in search of water in faraway communities. A youth leader who identified himself as Sahr Musa Mondeh told our reporter that they were astonished that their community which is very close to the Guma reservoir is going without water at this time of the season.
Aug 31, 2010, 17:12
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, Four Presidential Nominees Face Parliament
In line with their constitutional mandate to interview and scrutinize all presidential nominees, members of parliament on the Oversight Committee on Appointment on Friday 27th August 2010 started the process of scrutinizing the four recent presidential nominees for various appointments. The four presidential nominees included Francis Munu as the new Inspector General of Police, Mr. Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara as commissioner to the Anti-Corruption Commission, Madam Harriet K Sillah and Kabba Franklin Bangura as board member for the National Youth Commission.
Aug 31, 2010, 17:10
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Local News
Awareness Times News Briefs from Sierra Leone
*Quranic Competition ends at Iranian Cultural Centre *48,000 Living with HIV * Former PMDC Strongman Turns APC Fund Raiser *Minister Warns Sand Miners *100 Police Officers leave for Darfur *Salone-London Flight Catches Fire in Mid-air.
Aug 31, 2010, 17:08
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, Lawyer Debunks Wealth Builders’ Claim
The legal counsel for the disbanded financial institution, Wealth Builders Network, Pious Sesay has rubbished claims made by a representative of the organization that he misled and deceived them. He said he never knew of the existence of the organization until recently when the CEO, Peter Ayilla was arrested and charged to court with the offence of operating a business without license for which he was fined and told not to operate any more in the country. “Wealth Builders called me to serve as their lawyer so my duty was to solicit on their behalf to see that their business became legal,” he told pressmen yesterday at his Lamnina Sankoh Street office.
Aug 31, 2010, 17:06
NOTICES & DOCUMENTS
Invitation To Press Briefing & Interactive Media Session In Freetown
All Full, Associate and Prospective Members of SLAJ and other interested Media Stakeholders are invited to a Press Conference and Interactive Session on the SLAJ National Constitution.
Aug 31, 2010, 17:04
NOTICES & DOCUMENTS
Official Launch of the National ICT Advisory Council
Freetown, 30th August, 2010 – The Ministry of Information and Communication wishes to inform the general public and invitees, that the proposed official launch of the National Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Advisory Council by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma which was originally scheduled for Tuesday, 31st August, 2010 at the Taia Resort Conference Hall, has been postponed to Friday, 3rd September, 2010 at the same venue.
Aug 31, 2010, 17:02
NOTICES & DOCUMENTS
ONS Leadership Still Enjoys Presidential Confidence
THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT HAS NOTED WITH CONCERN RECENT MEDIA MATERIALS THAT PURPORT TO UNDERMINE THE LEADERSHIP AND INTEGRITY OF THE OFFICE OF NATIONAL SECURITY (ONS) AND THE SECURITY SECTOR AS A WHOLE.
Aug 31, 2010, 17:00
FEATURES
Sierra Leone Christiana Thorpe is a Fraud who Forges Signatures on Documents
Hon. Elizabeth Alpha-Lavalie is one of the leading aspirants for the position of flagbearer and Presidential Candidate for Sierra Leone’s main opposition party during the elections slated for 2012. She paid her mandatory, non-refundable Le10million deposit to the Party last Friday August 27th 2010, following which she gave a full-length exclusive interview to Awareness Times at her Hill Station residence. We will publish the full interview later this week. Meanwhile, here are extracts from her no-holds-barred, hard-hitting interview. When asked if her views on Dr. Christiana Thorpe had changed, she was firm in her reply.
Aug 30, 2010, 17:36
FEATURES
MORE EXTRACTS FROM CLOSING ARGUMENTS ON BEHALF OF HAJA AFSATU O. E. KABBA
It is the prosecution’s theory that the sum of Le.230,000,000.00 was handed to the Accused in Parliament. The Defence for the Accused submits that this is a crucial piece of evidence in the Prosecution’s case. The Prosecution at page 22 of the address submitted that:
Aug 30, 2010, 17:34
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, SLBC New Deputy Director-General Speaks to Awareness Times
The newly appointed Deputy Director General for the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), Mr. Sana Bernard Samura has on Saturday 28th August 2010 spoken exclusively to Awareness Times newspaper. Awareness Times travelled all the way up the northern-most District of Koinadugu where the new Deputy Director-General is an indigene and resident. Awareness Times newspaper is the only newspaper in Sierra Leone that goes regularly into Koinadugu District and our reporters are always welcomed with good hospitality.
Aug 30, 2010, 17:32
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Politics
Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) Complains Over Northernisation
The main opposition Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) is continuing to lament what they see as continuation of a Northern Agenda in the operation of the country. SLPP Leader John Benjamin is complaining that the SLBC Board seems to be repeating the ‘Northernisation’ agenda of President Koroma by first recommending as Director-General, a man who grew up in Bombali, up North and then appointing an indigene of Koinadugu, up North as Deputy Director-General. According to John Benjamin, he had “nothing personal” against Sana Samura whom he said “might be fully qualified”. He however asked “why should appointments now in this country come only from the North, the North, the North?”
Aug 30, 2010, 17:30
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, Acha Kamara is Leaving a Proud Police Force Behind
The outgoing Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Brima Acha Kamara has expressed pride in the Police Force he was leaving behind for the people of Sierra Leone in so far as their international standing in peacekeeping missions was concerned. He was speaking whilst addressing contingent of one hundred (100) police personnel of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) who yesterday Sunday August 29th 2010 left the shores of the country on a peacekeeping mission in Darfur, southern Sudan. The contingent comprised of sixty-one men and thirty-nine women, and they are expected to serve initially for the period of six months.
Aug 30, 2010, 17:28
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, UNICEF Empowers Health for all Coalition Monitors
As part of their efforts to effectively monitor the ongoing Free Health Care initiative, Health for all Coalition has over the weekend distributed 53 Bicycles to all their monitors in 53 chiefdoms in the Northern Province. The distribution ceremony which took place at the coalition’s regional office in the city of Makeni drew various stakeholders including representatives of the civil society, local council and the media. In his statement, the director of the coalition, Mr. Charles Mambu gave a brief background of the composition of the coalition which he said has over 150 membership strength working with government to support the free health care service by ensuring that the process was sustainable.
Aug 30, 2010, 17:26
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, Muslim Leaders Cry Foul over New Hajj Policy
Following the dramatic decision by the APC government to centralize Hajj arrangements by banning all former organizations from dealing with intending pilgrims to the Muslim holy land of Mecca, members of the Sierra Leone Hajj Committee on Saturday 28th August 2010 expressed their grave dissatisfaction, and vowed to challenge the decision if government does not include them in the process. In a press briefing convened at the committee’s, 70 Fourah Bay Road headquarters in Freetown, Chairman Alhaji Ahmed Swaray Deen informed that the decision by government was not in their interest, and that it aimed at undermining their credibility in a process they had been involved in for several years now with relative success.
Aug 30, 2010, 17:24
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, Chief Imam Embraces ‘Youths Arise!’
The Chief Imam of the Freetown Central Mosque, Sheik Tejan Sillah on Thursday 26th August 2010 commended the initiative of a locally based Non Governmental Organization, ‘Youths Arise!’ for rekindling the Islamic ‘Golden Age’ in Sierra Leone. He was speaking at the formal launching ceremony of the Islamic Golden Age at Santana House in Freetown. He prayed for the organization to ever remain united in their positive search for knowledge and national development.
Aug 30, 2010, 17:22
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, First Lady Explains ‘WISH’ Project
The First lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Mrs. Sia Nyama Koroma has recently explained to the public the rational behind the formation of what were now her very successful projects undertaken in her strides to combat maternal and child morbidity and mortality in Sierra Leone. Addressing her audience during the official launch of the United Methodist Church (UMC) ‘Imagine No Malaria’ campaign at the Hotel Bamoi in Aberdeen Freetown, the First Lady Mrs. Koroma said she thought it wise that good health is the most fundamental human right.
Aug 30, 2010, 17:20
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, Investment Pipeline Records Success
Since the end of the Sierra Leone Investment Conference held in London in November 2009, The Sierra Leone Investment and Export Agency (SLIEPA) has recorded tremendous successes with the investment pipeline in the country flying high above 210%. This was disclosed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Sierra Leone Investment and Export Agency Mr. Patrick Caulker during the launch of SLIEPA’s quarterly newsletter at Tower Hill in Freetown on Friday 20th August 2010.
Aug 30, 2010, 17:18
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, MMCET Students Complain College Lecturers
Students of the Milton Margai College of Education and Technology have tendered a protest letter to the Anti Corruption Commission [ACC] against their tutors for allegedly extorting money from them and absenting themselves from classes without any just cause. A score of the students stormed the Awareness Times Office recently to express frustration over the manner their college authorities are treating them during which visit they presented a copy of the said letter. The letter demands the quick intervention of ACC or otherwise the situation will go beyond control and such will be difficult to address.
Aug 30, 2010, 17:16
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, Ministry of Health ‘Balance’ Cripples
A very dramatic scenario on Friday 20th August 2010 occurred at the Ministry of Health and Sanitation at the Youyi Building in Freetown, when the entire ministry’s officials including the Deputy Minister ‘Balanced’ a group of irate physically handicapped persons who were being owed monies for services rendered to the Ministry. The Emerson song ‘Na for Balance’ was tactically applied by all Ministry staff as the cripples launched a fierce attack for their four months backlogs wages which the government still owes them for a contract that was awarded to them by the Vice President Sam Sumana to label or stamp the free health care drugs.
Aug 30, 2010, 17:14
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, Red Cross Engages MPs on Legislative Review
In compliance with international standards which demands that every localized Red Cross Society reviews its Act by 2010, the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society (SLRCS) on Friday 27th August 2010 engaged Members of Parliament on the review of their Act after 48 years of operation in Sierra Leone. In his presentation, the Acting Secretary General of the Society, Mohamed Sanusie Mansaray gave a brief history of the emergence of the organization which he said started when a business man called Henry Dunant came across victims of war while traveling in Europe in a battle between France and Austria.
Aug 30, 2010, 17:12
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, SLEPA Trains 25 Ozone Technicians
The Sierra Leone Environmental Protection Agency (SLEPA) in collaboration with the Government Technical Training Institute at Kissy Dock Yard in Freetown recently ended a two day training for members of the Refrigeration Engineering Technicians Association on how to replace ozone depleting gases to none depicting gas on a ceremony held at the institution’s campus. Addressing the trainees, the SLEPA Ozone Officer John Solomon Kamara cited that that during the 70s, two prominent scientists from the University of California recorded that certain man-made chemicals were damaging the ozone layer.
Aug 30, 2010, 17:10
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Local News
Awareness Times News Briefs from Sierra Leone
*Military Impersonator Arrested in Kenema *Government in search of missing Guineans *4 Sent to Prison for Conspiracy *Women’s Group against Alcoholism *Youths Attempt at Arson at Krootown *Concern Worldwide Supports African Traditional Day *43% Increase in Diamond Export *Tension in Sanda Loko Chiefdom.
Aug 30, 2010, 17:08
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, Milla Group donate to landslide victims
Milla Group Sierra Leone Ltd an industrial company that produces plastic containers has donated food, drinks, buckets and physical cash to victims of the Blackhall Road landslide victims. It could be the recalled that a mudslide occurred at Benz Garage in the east of Freetown causing two deaths and lots of injuries. Handing over the items MILLA GROUP coordinator Alhaji Ibrahim Kamara said it was incumbent on the management to console with the victims and their relative because they live in the same community where their company is located. He maintained that their donation was meant to share the plight of the victims. He informed that, the company has always come to the doors of the community with regards employment and many other concerns.
Aug 30, 2010, 17:06
NEWS
Sierra Leone Has Lost John Karefa-Smart
Honourable Dr. John Karefa-Smart, (shown in photograph), a towering national figure of legendary proportions, who is believed by his supporters as haven won the March 1996 Presidential Run-Off Elections but whom, in the interest of peaceful cohesion, decided not to challenge those 1996 results as announced, has passed away peacefully last night of August 26th 2010 at the Bintumani Hotel in Freetown where he had spent the last few weeks of his life being medically cared for.
Aug 27, 2010, 17:24
NEWS
Liberia’s Immigration Chief Commends Sierra Leone’s Immigration Officials
The Commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalisation and Deputy Attorney-General of the Republic of Liberia has heaped praises on Sierra Leone Immigration officials whilst vowing to ensure he did everything possible to maintain the excellent relationship that should always exist between two countries that were not only neighbours but sister countries with similar Culture and History. Hon. Christian Clarence Massaquoi was speaking during a recent exclusive interview he granted to Awareness Times journalist Bampia James Bundu jnr. at the Immigration Headquarters in Monrovia on August 18th 2010.
Aug 27, 2010, 17:22
NOTICES & DOCUMENTS
Meet Mr. Sana Bernard Samura, the newly appointed SLBC Deputy Director-General
The General Public is hereby informed that, pursuant to the provisions of Section 14(1) of the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) act of 2010, the Board of Trustees of the said Corporation has appointed MR. SANA BERNARD SAMURA TO THE POSITION OF DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF SLBC effective October 1, 2010.
Aug 27, 2010, 17:20
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Politics
SLPP Aspirants Pay One Hundred Million Leones
The race for the well coveted SLPP Flagbearer position has really heated up with aspirants falling in line to pay the stipulated initial deposit of Ten Million Leones each to a Special Bank Account before the candidate will be recognised as an aspirant. As of the close of Banking Business yesterday, August 26th 2010, Dr. Kadi Sesay, Lawyer Alpha Timbo, Engineer Usman Boie Kamara, Engineer Andrew Keili, Brigadier (rtd) Maada Bio, former Foreign Minister Momodu Koroma, former Energy Minister Emmanuel Grant, Paramount Chief Somanen Kapen II, Retired American Civil Servant Umaru Dumbuya and one other unidentified person had all paid the sum of ten million leones thus automatically swelling the Special Bank Account to the tune of Le100,000,000.
Aug 27, 2010, 17:18
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Politics
Tayyib Bah, SLPP’s Publicity Secretary Resigns
A long-expected resignation of the National Publicity Secretary of the main opposition Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) occured yesterday when he penned down a letter stating his resignation. The Letter, as shown to Awareness Times by a source within APC Government circles, was addressed to the SLPP Chairman John Benjamin but when this paper contacted Benjamin last evening, he expressed surprise over the issue saying he had not received any such letter even though he was at the SLPP Party offices until late last evening.
Aug 27, 2010, 17:16
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Politics
Judiciary says Journalist was in Contempt
The Master of the Law Courts, Elwyn Bailor, has yesterday August 26th 2010, told this writer that the August 18th FOR DI PEOPLE newspaper article misrepresenting the age of an 18 years old convict to be a 15 years old juvenile was contemptuous of the court as it made Magistrate Shyllon appear as having jailed a mere juvenile when the person jailed was considered to be an adult at the age of 18 years. He however confessed that, Judiciary “would have preferred for the Contempt matter to have been tried by another member of the Bench rather than by Magistrate Shyllon himself”.
Aug 27, 2010, 17:14
FEATURES
Extracts of Interview with Dr Kadi Sesay in Texas!
Christian Sesay: How proud are you for your daughter, Isha Sesay? Dr. Kadi Sesay: I feel very proud. I think she has stood out to be a very professional journalist. As a mother, I feel very proud for what she has done for herself. I hope she has made Sierra Leoneans proud all over the world.
Aug 27, 2010, 17:12
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, Zain’s ‘All Man Kin Win’ Promo Holds its first live draw Today
To continuously engage their customers and build affinity and loyalty and engender a flawless brand equity transfer, Zain will hold the first of its weekly draw in its ‘All Man Kin Win promo’ to he held live at the Kalleone Radio and transmitted through various radio stations country wide. The promotion called All Man Kin Win is a Three-in-one promotion which targets all segments of our valued subscriber base and also potential subscribers.
Aug 27, 2010, 17:10
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, Africell Presents Prizes to 67 winners
One of the leading telecommunication companies in Sierra Leone, Africell on Wednesday 25th August 2010 presented over Le 15 Million to about 67 winners of the ‘Find the Missing Treasure’ Ramadan Promotion, at the company’s headquarters, Wilberforce in Freetown. Presenting the prizes to the winners on behalf of Africell, the Head of Event and Sponsorship Mr. Arthur B. Kallon reiterated the company’s relentlessness in honoring its social corporate responsibility over the years, and that there was no going back from that direction.
Aug 27, 2010, 17:08
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Local News
In Sierra Leone, Councilor ‘Small Borbor’ Mobilizes Support for Health Center
SLPP Councilor Ibrahim Kabbah aka Small Borbor representing Ward 331 in Constituency within the Western Area Rural District has pledged the sum of Le.100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Leones) monthly to the development of the Goderich Community Health Center Councilor Kabba made this pronouncement while addressing community members from various wards within the constituency in a community development meeting held on Sunday 22nd August 2010 at the village Community Center.
Aug 27, 2010, 17:06
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Local News
In Sierra Leone Bio Support Group Makes Le.10m Bail Out
The support group of one of the youth-favoured intending aspirants for the Position of flag bearer for opposition Sierra Leone Peoples’ Party (SLPP) ahead of the 2012 presidential race, Rtd Brigadier Julius Maada Bio has made an advance payment of Le.10, 000, 000 (Ten Million Leones) to the party’s secretariat on behalf of their candidate out of the Le.50m declaration fee demanded by party executive. Presenting a paying-in-slip issued by the depositing bank to the Secretariat in a short but impressive ceremony at their 15 Wallace Johnson Street National Headquarters, Freetown on Thursday 26th August 2010, the Head of Campaign for Maada Bio, Ex-Councilor John B.S. Tucker revealed that they thought in compelling to make such a presentation to serve as a commitment to their candidate in seeing him through important required documentation processes and registration.
Aug 27, 2010, 17:04
NEWS
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Local News
Awareness Times News Briefs from Sierra Leone
*Mass Demolition at Crab Town- *4.5 Billion Leones for Kenema City Hall *Imminent Cabinet reshuffle Panics Ministries * Seven Day Ultimatum for Photographers *2 Return from Rota-virus Symposium *NEC Ends Consultative Meeting in Kenema * Three Players Depart for Turkey.
Aug 27, 2010, 17:02
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Local News
In Sierra Leone Lands Minister Cautions Grabbers
The Minister of Lands, Environment and Country Planning Dr. Denis Sandy has cautioned land grabbers that government plans to properly streamline the city for future development. He made this disclosure on 26th August 2010 at the government weekly press briefing held in the Conference Room of the Ministry of Information and Communication in Freetown. Dr. Sandy made a clear spell out of his ministry’s stance in ensuring that by December this year nobody would be allowed to construct or live in disaster prone areas in the western area.
Aug 27, 2010, 17:00
NEWS
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Breaking News
Another SLPP Executive Member Resigns... Tayyib Bah Calls it Quits
Mr. Tayyib Bah, the elected National Publicity Secretary of the Sierra Leone People's Party has resigned from office today August 26th 2010 citing a number of reasons. More details in tomorrow's edition.
Aug 26, 2010, 22:47
NEWS
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Breaking News
Sierra Leone's John Karefa-Smart Passes Away
Sierra Leone's Dr. John Karefa-Smart has passed away peacefully this evening at the Bintumani Hotel in Freetown. He died at 20:25GMT with all the members of his immediate family gathered around him shortly after his dear wife conducted episcopal prayers. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Full details in tomorrow's edition.
Aug 26, 2010, 22:40
NEWS
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Politics
APC Has Failed PMDC & Sierra Leone Women
The Women’s Leader of the People’s Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC), Madam Rosalyn McCarthy has told the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation’s Women’s Programme hosted by Haja Kadi Johnson yesterday August 25th 2010 that “the APC has disappointed us”. Pressed further as to what she meant, she explained that when the PMDC was signing the alliance with the ruling All People’s Congress three years ago, they outlined certain policies that it was expected the APC-led Government would strictly abide with and one of these, she said concerned Women’s issues.
Aug 26, 2010, 17:16
COMMENTS & OPINIONS
Sierra Leone’s Useless Internet Service
I see some excitement with Minister I.B. Kargbo making some sounds of pride over the so-called first position that Sierra Leone scores in some questionable Poll conducted by some obscure entity who have probably never had to suffer the pains of trying to access the Internet from within Sierra Leone. I really do not know what people are being gleeful over. We are living in the Dark Ages in this country as far as Internet Access is concerned and the Communications Minister should actually be hanging his head in shame than showcasing what he believes is a source of pride!
Aug 26, 2010, 17:14
FEATURES
Journalist Cries Out Against ‘Tyranny’ in Judiciary
A young promising Sierra Leone journalist has cried out for help from what seems to be a developing pattern of outright tyranny as practised by certain Magistrates in the Sierra Leone Judiciary. Arthwah Maddie is a journalist writing for the local tabloid FOR DI PEOPLE who was locked up on the orders of Magistrate Bankole Shyllon under highly questionable circumstances. He is not the first journalist to be subjected to such. Less than a year ago, female journalist Manjia Balema Samba was subjected to similar maltreatment at hands of a Kenema Magistrate. She was abandoned by Sierra Leone Association of Journalists despite a SLAJ AGM Resolution to probe the matter. It appears this abandonment of Manjia Balema Samba’s righteous cause by SLAJ has emboldened latest development on Arthwah Maddie.
Aug 26, 2010, 17:12
EDITORIALS
National Judiciary Deserves to be Heard
This writer has been subjected to sustained calumny from that local tabloid which seems to be determined to bring down the image of the Judiciary by any means; fair or foul. My only crime has been to own a newspaper that has publicised the Judiciary’s own side of some serious allegations that were being levied against our Judiciary only to be later proven as unfounded. It appears as if some people do not only wish to destroy the Judiciary but also intend to intimidate colleague journalists who dare to give air to the Judiciary’s own side. Thankfully, some of us are not only independent-minded but we are also thick-skinned enough to take the insults being thrown. No-one will intimidate us from defending the right of the Judiciary to be heard.
Aug 26, 2010, 17:10
NEWS
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Local News
Zain Sierra Leone Offers Free Mobile Internet
The digital and data leader, Zain Sierra Leone has taken Cellular Mobile Telephone System (CMTS) technology in Sierra Leone to a more affordable step further with its recent introduction of free internet on mobile phones or WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) service for one month. This free internet service for one month will allow phones with WAP access to browse the internet in terms of searching for information - for students, browsing for football scores, logging onto facebook and much more. There are two forms of configuration (remotely and manually).
Aug 26, 2010, 17:08
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