Pope Francis, Politic and the Mabnata Boy Book To Hit Sierra Leone’s Market

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One of Sierra Leone’s best and popular book Pope Francis, Politic and The Mabanta Boy will be available for sale in Sierra Leone come October this year.

Pope Francis, Politic and the Mabanta Boy is a book Written by acclaimed Sierra Leonean Journalist, former government official and member of the UK’s National Union of Journalists, ShekaTarawalie commonly known as Shekito.

Pope Francis, Politics and the Mabanta Boy is ShekaTarawalie’s autobiography tracing his early life in Sierra Leone, through imprisonment and being declared a `wanted man’, before his exile to the UK. The book also remembers his political appointment. Working through continual conflict and confrontation with his government colleagues and the President who appointed him, Sheka still managed to be within the system for several years and at the same time make landmark inputs. In addition – while recounting the circumstances of his meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican in his official capacity – Sheka delves into the history of the Church, the powers of the Pope, the child sex abuse scandals – even the historical `sins’ of the Crusades, the Transatlantic slave trade and the sale of indulgences which led to the Reformation. A book that is likely to stir debate, Pope Francis, Politics and the Mabanta Boy goes on to confront the many delicate issues around contemporary Islamic fundamentalism, Al Qaeda and Islamic State.

The book will be available in different part of Sierra Leone sale. The ordinary copies will be sold at Le 100,000 and VIP signed copies for Le 250,000 each.

To book for your copy now, please contact the following:

John ShekaTarawalie- +23276760935

John BaimbaSesay                                                    – +23279369395

Sahr James Bangah (SLAJ, Makeni)                        – +23276816768

MilicentBoromaKoroma                                         – +23231463572

Dr. MomoduTuray (FBC)                                          – +23278513296

Rev. MomoduConteh                                                – +23276610017

Emmanuel Samura (OMFA)                                      – +23279227941

Diamond Suma (Parliament)                                    – +23278650100

Rev. AlimamyPapsoKargbo (Freetown)               – +23276643186

Rev. Warren Fornah (TECT, JUI)                               – +23278604975

Ibrahim Jalloh                                                              – +23276865510

Rev. Karim Kalvin Koroma (Makeni)                       – +23276720391      

Asmieu Bah (SLAJ National)                                     – +23278445300

Pharmacy Board Trains Interns on Drug Safety Monitoring  

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As part of its constitutional mandate to regulate both pharmaceutical products and Pharmacy professionals, the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone (PBSL) through its Pharmacovigilance and Clinical Trial Department has on the 9th and 10th September 2020, conducted training on drug safety monitoring and Adverse Drug Reaction reporting for interns who have completed B. Pharm. Hons degree in Pharmacy at College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS-USL)

In his opening remarks, the Acting Registrar of PBSL, Dr. James P. Komeh, told the interns that one of the many ways they will be productive in their professional careers after their studies is the act of imbibing the tenet of Drug Safety Monitoring and ADR reporting.

He said, “You will be going out there to serve as the intermediary between the general public and the regulatory agency. In other words, we will entrust you with the health of the public as far as drug safety monitoring and Adverse Drug Reaction reporting are concerned. We will be utterly relying on you to raise the awareness on drug safety monitoring and the need to report adverse drug reactions. This is because as professionals and custodians of drugs, you are charged with the responsibilities to provide first-hand information about any possible adverse events on drugs or any other drug related issue. In light of this you are currently being trained on how to detect and report adverse drug reactions as enshrined in the Pharmacy and Drugs Act 2001.”

Dr. Komeh, however, implored the interns to take the best out of the training, as the facilitators are well trained and are amongst the best performing employees at PBSL.

In his statement at the end of the training, the Head of Department of the Pharmacovigilance and Clinical Trial department, Dr. OnomeAbiri, tendered his appreciation to all the interns and optimized that the training will change their narratives in order to see the need for reporting adverse drug reactions and other adverse events.

He stated that he was with the conviction that the two days training capacitated the interns on the understanding and concept of medicine safety, the acquisition of knowledge on how to fill the adverse drug reactions forms, amongst others.

 “It is also my belief that you are now knowledgeable about how to detect and report ADR and adverse events following immunization (AEFI) or drug administration. Furthermore, you have also known your clinical roles and responsibilities in hospitals during ward rounds as well as the importance of patient care,” he highlighted.

Dr. Abiri concluded by advising the internees to put into practice all what they have learnt during the two days training.

One of the interns that benefited from the training, Mohamed Lamin Kamara, highlighted that the two days session helped him to appreciate what Pharmacovigilance is, and the history of how it was established in Sierra Leone, adding that he was also schooled on Adverse Drug Reaction and where to report about same.

 “I am also pleased about the fact that we now know how to fill ADR forms and in addition, I am privileged to be among those that have benefited from this training because I have learnt a lot, and I also promise to replicate all of the objectives of the training into my professional work,” he said.

PRA Boss Emerges Global Impact Award

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The Executive Chairman of Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA), Dr. Brima M. BaluwaKoroma on Wednesday 16th September, 2020 received the Global Imapct Award as the most outstanding Executive Chairman of the year by King’s Foundation International (KFI). The dynamic and astute Executive Chairman who introduced series of reforms since he took over at PRA, opening up the market, restoring fairness in the industry for all players to make the petroleum industry a compelling place to invest, was also awarded by KFI as the government agency of the year.

KFI is an indigenous organization which continues to blaze the trail in employing a multi strategy approach to address its core issues- community development, social reformation, capacity building and relief work amongst the underprivileged.

The Master of Ceremony, Patricia Ganda in outlining the key achievements of PRA Executive Chairman said his leadership in the downstream petroleum sector has responded well to develop the present inadequate petroleum industry infrastructure and improved regulatory compliance to petroleum laws and tax commitment.

She furthered that petroleum compliance has improved dramatically with government revenue jumping by over 50% in 2019 contributing to about 15% domestic revenue.

According to her, Dr. BrimaBaluwaKoroma’s excellent and diligent

performance has increased efficiency, transparency and improved service delivery thereby the agency has attracted investors in the Sierra Leone downstream sector.

The Chief Executive Officer of KFI, Reverend Beulah Michaels reiterated on the usual adage which says give honour to whom honour is due them.

She said that KFI is a registered NGO since 2014 with the vision geared towards empowering women and giving them a source of livelihood.

In doing that she said that KFI is also engaged in honouring people whom they realize has impacted positively in the lives of people like the Executive Chairman and his agency.

PRA Executive Chairman, Dr. BrimaBaluwaKoroma thanked the President for identifying the leadership in him to transform the downstream petroleum sector in the country.

He said that the award received will inspire, motivate and challenge his team at PRA to achieve better results in the sector.

According to him, he always challenges his team to strive hard to ensure the agency is visible as it is now in contributing to domestic revenue generation for the state.

He further expressed gratitude and impression to KFI for the activities and values they stand for, changing lives of the under privileged in society.

SLCS DG Set to Bows Out

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The Director General of the Sierra Leone Correctional Service has expressed willingness to retire from the Department when his term of service “comes to an end on the 9th October, 2020”.

He made this statement while addressing members of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Oversight Committee in Parliament.

The DG updated the august body on key achievements and challenges in the SLCS, especially ones under his reign.

“Inmates now receive training from trained SLCS staff in vocational skills, and adult literacy, business/ entrepreneurship skills, agriculture, among others.”

Pointing to the fact that inmates are engaged in industry work, he said stripends were being provided to inmates which would eventually be used to help in their reintegration and resettlement into society.

Mr. Lamboi also mentioned that the University of Makeni stood out,  in terms of all other tertiary institutions in the country, in helping inmates with University education.

“Other institutions like the United Nations Development Programme, International Bureau of Narcotics and Law Enforcement, Don Bosco Fambul, among others, have played important roles in the reformation drive of the SLCS.”

Commenting on structural developments, DG said his administration had ensured the construction of a conference hall, senior officers’ mess, child- friendly centre, the establishment of the North- West regional headquarters in Port Loko, and the construction of a clinic which will be devoted to officers and their families.

Having underscored key successes in the Department, the DG shifted the discourse to challenges faced.

“We sometimes struggle to get allocation from the Ministry of Finance to run the Department; we are also under- staffed by over a thousand. Above all, we are still grappling with issue of the relocation of the Pademba road Correctional Centre.”

Responding to some of the issues raised by the DG, the Chairman of the Committee said the SLCS “is a very important institution in the country”, adding government should pay utmost attention to it.

He offerred to summon a meeting with the Ministry of Finance in order to impress on them to be releasing funds due the SLCS, and to also provide funds for recruitment of personnel.

Govt. To Rebrand Connaught Hospital

Health Minister

By Mohamed Massaquoi

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Minister of health and sanitation making statement

Minister of Health and Sanitation, Prof. Alpha Tejan Wurie has disclosed that government has refocused more on one of the oldest hospitals in the West Africa Sub-Region, the Connaught hospital  for effective and efficient service delivery thus damned social media claimed  that the hospital lacks it credentials.

The hospital provides medical and surgical services; treatment for HIV/AIDS, TB and Leprosy; ophthalmology, physiotherapy, oral health and an outpatient department for emergency care.

The Ministry of Health and Sanitation’s (MOHS) Health Sector Recovery Plan for 2015-2020 placed significant focus on improving Connaught Hospital with the aim of making it a key component in a new national teaching hospital complex. To accomplish this, Connaught has attainedthe standard required for accreditation for postgraduate training, and to firmly establish the hospital as a hub of quality care, setting standards nationally.

Only recently, Prof. Wurie was at Connaught to hand over additional truck load of assorted supplies of medical commodities including Oxygen Concentrators, Beds, Uniforms and other consumables to the Connaught Teaching Hospital Complex on Thursday September 10, 2020 at the hospital grounds in Freetown.

” I feel very happy, I want  them to  know that President Julius Maada Bio initially described the year 2020 as he year for deliverable and so our commencement is to  rehabilitate  facilities within Connaught hospital, and that work is currently ongoing at the Duty House.

Also by October this year, we will  rehabilitate  the Annex Unit and the costing will involve three to four other facilities in this  hospital,” he said  added that the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is  to be re-classified to a standard unit.

 The Minister urged health practitioners to handle the hospital well and informed them that they are developing a policy for doctors on contract to fully come onboard and provide services to the people.\

The Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Thomas Samba also  reiterated that the donation is to motivate healthcare workers in service delivery to their patients.

He noted that they do associate with problems and challenges they are facing, and the Ministry will work with them to ensure that these challenges and problems are resolved, and urged them to work together on changing the narratives.

The Managing Director, National Medical Supplies Agency (NMSA), Dr. Lawrence Sandi said their vision remains in the pandemic to protect the frontline workers who are the nurses, doctors, pharmacists and all auxiliary staff.

ACC ENGAGES ROAD SAFETY CORPS IN KAMBIA

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The Public Education team of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in the North-West Regional office has on Wednesday 9th September 2020 engaged staff of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) in Kambia on various issues bothering on corruption and also solicited their support in the fight against bribery.

Welcoming the ACC team, the Acting Head of Station of SLRSA in Kambia, Ibrahim T.  Sarto described the meeting as timely and appropriate particularly when he was just coming in as the new Head of Station. He expressed firm conviction that the meeting would help guide their conduct and operation and also build on their existing knowledge on corruption.

In an interactive meeting, the Regional Manager in his statement informed the Road Safety Corps of the presence of the ACC in the region with a regional office located in Port Loko City to lead the fight against corruption and to put in place anti-corruption measures to address graft and bribery.

He explained related corruption offences and warned them in very strong terms to desist from those corrupt practices or face the full force of the law. Staff of the authority were also educated on key highlights of the 2019 Amendment Act of the ACC. Manager Sesayemphasised that the amendment laws have made corruption a very expensive and risky venture to undertake. He cautioned them to be mindful of the law and their interaction with the public, citing a video that went viral on social media wherein a Road Safety Corp was filmed receiving bribe from a tricycle rider. He noted that in the line of duty, the SLRSA officers are liable to face public resistance particularly when enforcing the law and enhancing road safety guidelines and precautions.

Public Education Officer Mohamed Thullah encouraged personnel to maintain high ethical standards and to be mindful of the ACC laws, adding that with the presence of the ACC in the region it will no longer be business as usual. He accentuated corrupt issues prevalent in the traffic sector particularly in checkpoints, pointing to a perverse system of extortion from the public.

He highlighted various methods of reporting corrupt practices to the ACC and encouraged them to resist and reject demands of corruption.

A question and answer session and the presentation of IEC materials on corruption formed part of the engagement.

ACC SENSITIZES MAFFS STAFF IN KAMBIA ON CORRUPTION

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The North-West Regional office of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has on Thursday 10th September 2020 held a sensitization meeting on corruption with staff of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry at the Ministry’s Conference Hall in Kambia.

The customized meeting was one of the many public education engagements undertaken by the Commission to educate the public on the evils of corruption as well as building public support.

Addressing staff of the Ministry, the Regional Manager Al-Hassan Sesay described the agricultural sector as the backbone of the economy that provides the basic ingredients to citizens and raw materials for industrialization and makes considerable contribution to the economic prosperity of the country. Agricultural sector being strategic to the economic development, he said, provides sustainable livelihoods, income and employment to rural communities and contribute substantially to the overall development of the state. Commenting on the strides made in the fight against corruption, the Regional Head emphasized that the sustained presence of corruption has adversely affected the achievement of the aforementioned benefits and the development and growth of the sector in Sierra Leone.

Giving an overview of the offences in the Anti-Corruption Act as amended, the Regional Manager said the 2019 amendment Act has enormously strengthened the ACC and has made corruption very expensive and risky venture for public officers to undertake. He explained various corruption offences but not limited to misappropriation of public funds and property, protection of public revenue, abuse of office and position and influencing a public officer among others. “Avoid being part of a corrupt syndicate and sanitize yourself from corruption. You will face the wrath of the ACC if found wanting for a corruption offence,” he warned.   He informed them that the ACC in 2012 and 2016 had made interventions in the ministry that resulted to putting together an institutional anti-corruption policy and monitoring for compliance at the Ministry of Agriculture respectively. The latter, he said, pointed out key corruption issues relating to forestry funds mismanagement and accountability, problems with seed loan recovery, late supply of seed, tools and other implements, poor stores and records management etc.

In his statement, the Public Education Officer Mohamed Thullah encouraged the leadership of the ministry to establish and operationalize Integrity Management Committee to internalize the fight against corruption. He further went to state that  an effective and efficient IMC will promote strong internal system to controlling corruption on a sustainable basis for the efficient management of resources and maintaining best practices. He also underscored the significance of maintaining high ethical standards and integrity and cautioned them to resist and reject demands of corruption and to be mindful of their interaction with the public as well as supporting the fight against corruption.

Welcoming the ACC team, the District Agriculture Officer, SaiduBamayange thanked the ACC for considering the Ministry of Agriculture to benefit from the Commission’s public education drive that will immensely serve as a guide to the workforce of the ministry. He expressed conviction that getting the agriculture sector right means getting the economy right and eventually will impact the development of the state. 

Giving the vote of thanks, JigbaMariamaJabbie thanked the ACC team for sensitizing the staff on various issue of corruption and promised that moving forward, it will be of meaningful help to guiding their activities and operations.

Mines Minister Caution Mining Companies For Effective Operations

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By Mohamed Sheriff

The Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources and his team have concluded two-day familiarisation tour to three mining companies in  Southern and Eastern part of the country. Sierra Diamonds Limited in Tongo, Kenema District, Sierra Rutile Limited and Sierra Mining Holdings Limited ( Vimetco) in  Moyamba District.

The purpose of the visits was to know, discuss, and find ways on how the Government can help the mining companies in this difficult time when the Corona virus  has put every sector backward.

The said mining companies warmly welcomed the Minister and his entourage in their mines. The three companies expressed similar sentiments on how hard they have been hit by the COVID-19 pandemic .

They expressed their gratitude to the Minister and his Government for taking special time to visit them and to know how they are faring on during this challenging period.

They highlighted some of their plans in the next coming years and social responsibilities they’ve fulfilled in their different mining locations before and during the pandemic in order to help curb the Coronavirus out of their operating areas and the country at large.

Karl Smithson, Executive Director Sierra Diamonds Limited said that the company is pleased with the way the Government is allowing them to operate in the country.

“Tongo Kimberlite diamonds are hybrid in nature, they are among the best diamonds in the world. The Tongo Diamond Project is one of the highest diamond  project in West Africa. The company has planned to provide over 700 jobs for the locals. The landscape of Sierra Leone and Liberia are unique in terms of Mineral in Africa”, he ended.

Theuns De-Bruyne is the Acting Chief Operations, Sierra Rutile Limited said over the past two years the company have contributed immensely towards human capital development via training of the locals and as well as giving them scholarships to further their education in various tertiary institutions in the country.

BasudebDatta is the General Manager, Vimetco maintained that they will continue to pay taxes and requested for the Minister to consult with the appropriate bodies to see how best the taxes can be reduced for them during this Corona period.

The Minister of Mines and Minerals Resources, Mr. Timothy Kabba expressed his thanks and appreciation to the companies for adhering to his call in a short time.

He commended the companies for their activities both in the mining sector and to the community people as well.

He added that the companies should up their game so as to be able to kick off mining in full scale for the benefit of their companies and the people, since the virus has started subsiding in the country and the world.

The Minister noted that the ministry will ensure to provide the required help/aid so that the companies will be able to stand the test of time.

” I want to see the companies succeed so that the  lives of the people will be better because they own the land and the minerals”, he said.

He commended the companies for the scholarships and training they’re giving to the locals and other citizens; he pleaded with the companies to continue the kind gesture to the community people.

” I want to encourage the companies to ensure that the communities and the country at large benefit from the ongoing mining process so that the country will not be a total loser amidst the plenty of resources it has”, he noted.

While addressing the workforce of Sierra Diamonds Limited (SDL) Sierra Rutile Limited (SRL), and Vimetco, the Mines Minister thanked them for accepting to work for the companies.

“I want to  encourage you to work hard, be patient, law abiding, loyal to your country and be supportive to your family for a better life and a better economy of Sierra Leone”, he said.

He commended the companies for creating job opportunities for the locals and the country at large. He promised that the Government of President Bio will stop at nothing to making sure that their rights are protected from abuse.

 He asked them to always feel free to use the right approach in case they have any issues with their employers. He promised to always be an intermediary between the workers and the companies so that the two will be winners since all of them are working for the country and for-profit purposes.

Some of the workers at SDL,SRL and Vimetco  assured the Minister and in extension the Government of their continued support and be law-abiding for the good of the country.

TOURISM MINISTRY & UNDP  TRAINS COASTAL WOMEN IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP

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The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs (MTCA) with support from United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Saturday 12th September, 2020 provided training on the theme ” Climate Change Resilience for Women Entrepreneurs in  Tourism Coastal Risk Areas” on Banana Island, one of Sierra Leone’s Colonial legacies dotted along Freetown’s Atlantic Ocean.

In his opening statement, the Chairman of the programme –Hon. Deputy Minister of MTCA. Mr. William I.K. Robinson– stated the essence of the gathering, noting that “This is the first time in the history of this country for a Government Minister and his Deputy to be in the Island at the same time.” he further sensitized the locals on the importance

of unity and respect for authority, adding that “Tourism is here to empower women on an alternative livelihood.” He assured them of the relevance of the training in their career while encouraging them to put it into good use.

Madam Veronica Shuaiba, Head Woman of the village in her welcome  address, expressed delight over seeing a sitting Hon. Minister on the said island and for the first time, exclaiming that it is a blessing to them. She further informed the Hon. Minister about the challenge her community faces working with some proprietors of the tourism facilities operating on the Island, whom she believed, normally fail to comply with their cooperate social responsibility mandate. Madam Vero also revealed the unfortunate trend of guests harassment by some residents of Kent village, which according to her recommendation, the Ministry should take strategic action to stifle it in order to ensure reasonable tourism proceeds from visitors.

Chairman National Tourists Board, Mr. AlieuKokobay, assured the locals of looking into their concerns as he confirmed to them the urgency and huge interest Government has in developing these islands.

Mr. Mohamed Jalloh while reiterating the purpose of the training, said His Excellency the President Rtd. Brig. Julius Maada Bio prioritizes the Tourism Sector as a driver for economic diversification. He continued that “We are here today to prepare the women with training on tourism and climate change as it will help them improve on the community in terms of handling tourists that may visit Banana Island.”  The training, Director Jalloh concluded, was to stimulate their minds to have an alternatives in  livelihood.

In her keynote address the Hon. Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu B. Pratt, expressed satisfaction over the   historic event as she expressed thanks and appreciation to  President Bio for prioritizing her sector being among the leading vehicles for the nation’s economic growth and development. She took them through the historical significance of the said Island and explained: “We all have relevant things that would have made the story of the Island different.

She briefly  highlighted some of the immediate attractions needed on the Island ranging from protection and preservation of the jetty to fixing up  solar lights panels. She promised to collaborate and partner with relevant stakeholders to get some of these projects in motion.

She concluded that “about 70% of women makes up the Tourism sector and capacitating them is a must.”

Bike Rider Jailed 15 Years For Rape

 By FeimaSesay

A convicted bike Rider Mohamed Jah Nallo has started counting his jail term at the Pademba Road Correctional Holden Center of fifteen years for penetrating a twenty-four-year-old woman without her consent. 

The convict was on Thursday 17th September 2020 convicted by the Hon. Justice Monfred M. Sesay of the High Court after been found guilty of rape.

Prior to sentencing the convict, the trial Judge said the prosecution called four witnesses including the victim and three police officers who testified in Court and were cross-examined.

He said the victim told the court that he came from Moyamba and settled at Rokel where she started love relationship with the convict and things were going on well when the convict accused her of being in another love relationship with one of his neighbours.

 Justice MonfredSesay continues that the victim in her testimony said base on that allegation the convict invited her over to his house which she agreed and the convict took her inside his room and started beating her and he forcefully raped her, the convict also cut her hair with old zinc and after that, the accused burned her pant.

Justice MonfredSesay said due to such treatment, the victim said on the following day she and her grandmother reported the matter to the Rokel police post.

Furthermore, the Judge said other witnesses also testified including the exhibit clerk who tenders in court some exhibits which includes, one black Itel mobile phone, hair of the victim that was cut by the accused, zinc that was used to cut the victim hair and picture showing swollen eyes taken by the victim after been beaten by the accused.

He said based on the evidence adduced and the exhibits tendered in court the accused is guilty of the offence of rape.

Defence counsel from the Sierra Leone Legal Aid Board, Morrison Karimu made plea mitigation on behalf of the convict that he is very remorseful and have learnt his lessons, noting that the incident arose out of jealousy.

He beseeched the Judge to temper justice with mercy and not to impose custodian sentence on the convict but a minimum one.

Having been listened to the plea, Justice MonfredSesay sentenced the convict to fifteen years imprisonment.

It could be recalled that the accused was arraigned on a count of rape contrary to section 6 of the sexual offence Act, 2012.

The indictment states that the accused on 24 September 2018 at Rokel Western Area in Freetown had sexual intercourse with a twenty-four-year-old woman without her consent.

As RMF Chief Boost Constituency 109

…more praises to President Bio 

By: Mohamed Massaquoi

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Residents of Constituency 109 in the West End of Freetown have commended President Julius Maada Bio for appointing a philanthropic and businessman as  head the Road Maintenance   Fund (RMF) adding that his appointment has added value towards the smooth operations of their community.

Only recently, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of RMF, Mr. Mohamed Kallon   donated a 10,000 liter   Milla water tank to the Oba Funkia community in order to improve on water facility for members of that community.

The donation was made after several appeals from community members for a sustainable water source which has been lagging   for a very long time within their area.

While handing over the item to members of the community   Kallon said he is pleased to embark on such donation as the community was seriously challenged in getting water for domestic purposes adding that the 10,000 litter tank will address the issue of water shortage in that part of the city.

“This is the beginning of some of the good plans government have for this community.

We are ready to facilitate more developmental projects and to  show that  the  Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP)  lead government cares for its people.

We are not doing this for political reason but to demonstrate how serious we are as government in addressing the needs of the people. The main focus of government are infrastructural and human capital developments and these have yielded alit in our endeavors,” he said and reiterated that he will ensure that all the roads leading to that community are rehabilitated.

Additionally, the Commissioner of the National Commission for Social Action ( NaCSA)  Mr. Abu  Kokofele said he was pleased to have witness the handing over ceremony  of the community water project.

He commended Kallon for his efforts and commitment in boosting his community.

Chairlady of the Oba Funkia Community,  Madam Esther Matthews thanked the Kallon  for coming to their  aid  as several efforts were made during the previous administration but to no avail. “We want the CEO to do more as the community is lagging behind in developmental activities.

MoPED facilitates the Donation of USD45,000 Worth of Items  

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The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development has facilitated the donation of items worth forty-five thousand US dollars, courtesy of the Catholic Relief Service (CRS), to the Western Area Urban and Falaba District COVID-19 Emergency Response Centres ,respectively, to augment government’s efforts in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic in Sierra Leone.

The items included: computers, printers and toner cartridges, motorbikes with helmets, megaphones with batteries, thermometers with batteries and rain gears among others.

In giving the background, DrAzeezOseni,  Head of Programmes CRS said they mobilised resources internally to respond to a call made by MoPED to NGOs (national and International) to support the Government in fighting the corona virus disease. DrAzeezOseni praised the Minister for the visionary leadership he displayed within a short period to change the NGO landscape that has been very conducive for development implementation. 

He went on further to say that what motivated CRS and the INGOs was the coordinated approach MoPED employed in engaging them to respond to the COVID-19 Response, which he said, had paid off immensely as there was avoidance of duplication of efforts and wastage of resources.

The CRS Regional Director for West Africa, Jennifer Overton applauded the Minister for his leadership in coordinating the NGOs. She said it was novel and strategic as it helped to minimise the chaos that happened in previous crisis situations in which NGOs were running like wild geese with no coordination and often, wastage of resources and less impact. She commended Sierra Leoneans for their resilience in surviving various crisis that had befallen the country.

In his statement, The Minister of Planning and Economic Development Dr Francis Kai-Kai praised CRS for their support to Sierra Leone since Independence in all facets of society. He noted President Bio’s proactive measures taken when the world became aware of the Corona virus outbreak in China. He said some of the measures involved mobilising development partners in a coordinated manner to ensure all hands were on deck with a united strategy. Dr. Kai-Kai said the donation from CRS was a pleasant but open surprise due to the nature of relationship between Sierra Leone and the CRS that had now been recently elevated to diplomatic level. He called on all present to applaud and celebrate CRS for their demonstration of continued support to development initiatives in Sierra Leone.

Dr Kai-Kai went on to say that the donation from CRS to the DICOVERCs of Falaba and Western Urban was appropriate as Western Urban was the epicentre of the COVID-19 and Falaba, a new and deprived district.

The DICOVERC Coordinator for Western Urban, Miatta French, on behalf of NACOVERC appreciated CRS for their continued support to the COVID-19 response in the country. She said such donations from NGOs have helped them in the fight against COVID-19 which has massively contributed to the fall in COVID-19 cases in the country.

The National NGO Coordinator, Eric  Massallay commended CRS for responding to the call of the Government of Sierra Leone through MoPED. He said CRS had continued to demonstrate strategic leadership in mobilising other NGOs in the two districts they oversee to fight against the COVID-19. Mr. Massallay noted that Falaba, being a very new district would appreciate the donated items in the COVID fight.

Alleged Theft…

State House Staff in Court

BY FeimaSesay

Salamatu Bah State Counsel attached to State House, her house was ransacked and property worth over thirty million Leones were stolen.

The accused Milton Sowa a mason by profession on Wednesday 16 September 2020 appeared before Magistrate Hannah Bonnie of Court No.1 Pademba Road Freetown on a count of Burglary and Larceny Contrary to Section 25 (1) and 13 (a) of the Larceny Act 1916.

According to the Particulars of offence the accused Milton Sowa on Saturday 29 August 2020, at No.8 James Macarthy Drive off Spur Road Freetown with intent to steal broke and entered into the dwelling house of Salamatu Bah State Counsel attached at State House and stole therein one Apple laptop computer value one thousand six hundred dollars, equivalent to the current exchange rate of sixteen million five hundred thousand Leones, one X-R I phone mobile phone value eight hundred dollars equivalent to the current exchange rate eight million nine hundred and forty thousand Leones and fiscal cash of six million five hundred thousand Leones all to the total value of thirty million nine hundred and forty thousand Leones property of Salamatu Bah.

When the charge was read to him no plea was taken and no legal representation made on his behalf.

The accused was remanded in prison and the matter adjourned to25 September 2020.

ASP Ibrahim Sheik Mansaray is Prosecuting the matter.

CHIEF MINISTER BOOSTS FOOD SECURITY IN SIERRA LEONE

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Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister,  Professor David John Francis, has embarked on agriculture in line with President Julius Maada Bio’s ambitious priority for sustainable food self-sufficiency in the country.

This move, according to the Chief Minister was not only to motivate other state actors but to use agriculture as an engine for economic growth.

Yesterday, 12/09/2020, Chief Minister, Professor David Francis visited his 444 acres of Inland Valley Swamp rice farm in Blama in the Small Bo Chiefdom, Kenema District.

His visit was to start the new rice harvest of the 3-months rapid yield hybrid nutritious variety that is now available in the market for the affordable price of Le200,000 for 50kg.

ECO Rice is now the cheapest, affordable high-quality and nutritious rice in Sierra Leone today. This has also created job opportunities for Sierra Leoneans.

Today, a huge number of young people have gained employment as a result of this investment.

Radisson Blu Manager, EPA & Co on Warrant 

By FeimaSesay

The Chief Justice of the Republic of Sierra Leone Justice Desmond BabatundeEdwa Herds yesterday ordered  Warrant of Arrest of the heads of the Environment Protection Agency, the Chief Administrator at the Freetown City Council and the Managing Director of Radisson Blu Hotel for failing to comply with Court orders; allowing staff from their institutions to serve as Jurors in the ongoing Criminal Session holden in Freetown at the High Court presided by him, the Hon. Chief Justice.

The chief Justice said according to the Criminal Procedure Act of 1965 when jurors are absent in court it is punishable by law either by paying fine or even imprisonment because it is contempt of Court.

He then asks the undersheriff if the absent jurors gave him reasons for their absence in court. In response, the  Under Sheriff informed the Court that they did not give him any reasons.

The Chief Justice, who is presiding on the Call Over Session then made an order for a Warrant of Arrest for the heads of the said institutions for derailing the course of Justice.

However, eighty-two cases of various criminal offences are set in the September Session at the High Court. On the list of cases,  Robbery with Aggravation and Violence top the list with seventeen cases, followed by Sexual Penetration fifteen cases, Murder cases six with the other offences trailing at the bottom.

It could be noted that among the eighty-two accused persons, only twenty-six are on remand whilst the remaining are on Bail.

IN KABALA; 62 CRIMINAL CASES TO BE TRIED & 4 MAY FACE DEATH PANELTY

Description: C:\Users\P R O\Downloads\IMG_0554.JPGEffective Justice Delivery was his Promise to the People of Sierra Leone

The Criminal Session of the High Court in Sierra Leone holden in Kabala commenced hearing on the Monday 14th September 2020 with sixty-two (62) cases to be tried and four (4) among the aforesaid may face the death penalty if convicted. 

The court presided over by His Lordship the Hon. Justice Abdula Rahim Mansaray will run for two weeks and will expeditiously try sixty-two (62) cases of which four are murder, five sexual penetration, four robberies with aggravation, thirteen woundings with intent and others.

Public Relations Officer of the Judiciary of Sierra Leone Moses Lamin Kamara said, the return of the holden of the Special Criminal Session of the High Court in Kabala is provided for in Statuary Instrument No. 21 of 2019 and the said instrument according to him; gives the Hon. Chief Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards to hold criminal Sessions of the High Court in new locations such as Kabala and Tonkolili added to Port Loko in the north, Pujehun and Mattru Jong added to Moyamba in the South and Kailahun in the East.

“Since his appointment as Hon. Chief Justice of the Republic of Sierra Leone, the Judiciary has for the first time in history; held two criminal sessions of the High Court without funding from any donor and has tried over five hundred criminal cases which many considered a huge success.” Said Judiciary PRO- Moses Lamin Kamara. 

Mr Kamara said, the aim of the session is to ensure that those who supposed to be in prison are kept there and those who are not found wanting by law and evidence are either acquitted and discharged or discharged.

Commenting on those who are standing trial for murder and sexual penetration, Mr Kamara said the law is very clear- as to whosoever is convicted for murder shall face death by hanging and for sexual penetration, it depends on the age of the convict. If the convict is between twelve to seventeen years, he will be sentenced to a minimum of five and a maximum of ten years imprisonment. From eighteen to twenty-three years, the convict will be sentenced from a minimum of ten to life imprisonment and if someone is twenty-three years and above, he will be sentenced to a minimum of fifteen years to Life imprisonment.

Mr. said the aforementioned sentencing guidelines are not applicable to sexual penetration cases committing from the 8th October 2020 to now.

Police Officer Testifies In Kamarainba Alleged Sexual Scam

By  FeimaSesay

Detective Sergeant 13168 Ibrahim Kallie Sesay attached to the Sexual Assault Syndicate  CID HQ has yesterday testifies against the leader of Alliance Democratic Party Mohamed KamarainbaMansaray and Marion Arouni testify before Justice Samuel Taylor presiding over the alleged the sexual penetration saga of a 15-year-old girl.

The witness Led in evidence by state prosecutor UmuSumaray said he knew the complaint Fatu Banya and also the victim.

He also recognized both accused persons in the dock and recall the 20 July 2020.

He said on that day he was on duty when a case and enquiry file was transferred from the sexual Assault Syndicate Family Support Units Tankoro Division Headquarter at Koidu district to CID HQ for an alleged offence of sexual penetration of a child for the continuation of the investigation.

He said the alleged case and enquiry file was handed over to Detective Sergeant 9293 HawanatuDumbuya as lead investigator and he served as an associate in the investigation.

The witness further that on the same day the case and enquiry file was was recorded in their criminal record and the file contain the statements of the complainant and the victim including an endorsed medical report form of the victim which has since been in the custody of the police.

The statement of the victim was produced in court for identification and was mark as A1-A21.

He further that the birth certificate of the victim was also in the file which he re-identify.

He further that on that same day a team of detectives headed by Detective Supreteindent of police Thomas Robin Mansaray and himself onboard a vehicle with registration number AAT 913 and Left the station to arrest the first accused person and also to gain access into his premises.

He said they were at the Regional headquarter Freetown West Lumley when Thomas Robin Mansaray informed the team that first accused has arrived at the CID, adding that base on the said information they  received from the Head of Family Support Units superintendent  FatmataJebbehDaboh Kamara 

 they returned to the office.

The witness said upon their arrival a contemporaneous interview was conducted from the accused person in respect of the alleged case of sexual penetration of a child by observing the judges rule and the first accused person was detained and the interview was suspended.

He further that on 23 July 2020 himself, the victim together with a team of detectives headed by the head of family support Units boarded a vehicle with registration number AAR 543 and left the station for Kono district for clarification of some ambiguity.

He said upon their arrival at Kono district having informed the Local Units Commander Chief Supreteindent of police Sankoh about the purpose of their visit to Kono,  they went to the Diamond Lodge Hotel situated along the Kono high way.

He continued that whiles at the hotel upon the instruction of Thomas Robin Mansaray the Manager of the hotel Tamba Henry Fomba was arrested and was taken to the Tankoro police station for questioning but he refused to make a statement in respect of the allegations and prior to that he was detained.

The witness also states that on the 24 July 2020 statements were obtained from several witnesses and on the next day, the team together with the victim visited one of the crime scenes at John Kelly street and upon their arrival, they could not gain access to the scene and the said scene of the crime was an unfinished building in a fence compound Lock with a gate alleged to be the house of the first accused person and since they could not gain access into the said compound the scene of crime officer Sergeant 11322 Conteh M M took some snapshot of the outside view of the crime scene and after that, the team proceeded to Diamond Lodge hotel another alleged crime scene and they were able to speak with the receptionist.

One Binta Kamara Neesaw, adding that she was interrogated in respect of the management of the hotel about the receiving of the guest into their hotel and she produced a blue book as the guest registration ledger which was examined page by page. 

He further that On examination of the said book, he found out that there were turn out pages and the said ledger was taken to the police station with the consent of the receptionist. 

He said between the months of February and March, they observed that the information in respect of the guest registration was changed. He said they discovered that before February 14, the names of guests were registered in the book including the nationality, room number, the purpose of visits and occasions, arrival date, department date, room rate, total amount and comment were automatically changed, adding several other vital information on the pages were removed.

Upon these findings, the receptionist was arrested and the victim identified two separate rooms of which photographs were taken by the scene of crime officer. Detective Sergeant 11322 Conteh M. M, the receptionist was taken to the Tankore police station and she was contemporaneously interviewed together with Detective Sergeant 9292 HawanatuDumbuya,  he said the receptionist was arrested for the alleged offences of conspiracy to commit a felony in respect of sexual penetration of a child and perverting the course of justice. 

The witness further that, Binta told the investigating team that she was not the receptionist but one AminataSellu who was also arrested on the same day and brought to the station where the statement was obtained from her and later detained due to the inconsistency found in the ledger book.

He said whiles in Kono, the head of FSU DSP FatmataDaboh gave instructions to Inspector LansanaTawarally to arrest the 2nd accused and her husband which was done.

While in Kono also, they moved to the Koidu government hospital in Kono together with the head of the FSU to the births and death department to confirm the originality of the birth certificate produced to the investigating team. He said the team contacted the medical nurse known as Messi and showed her the document, and she confirmed that the said birth certificate was issued by one nurse whose name he could not recall in a village where it was issued. 

He continues that the investigating team split into two with one headed by the head of FSU together with D.Sergeant 8526 Kamara I and DS 9293 DumbuyaHawanatu and the other team were headed by ASP Thomas Robin Mansaray and himself headed to the said village to confirm the originality of the birth certificate. 

He said on arrival, they looked through the documents that were produced by the medical coordinator in the said village and he told them that the nurse in question had retired and that they didn’t find anything of police interest in respect of the birth certificate nor a certain cereal number was not found in any of the documents produced. 

The witness said they wrote a letter to the medical officer in charge at the births and deaths, to confirm the originality or authenticity of the birth certificate.

Continuing his testimony, the witness said on 23 July 2020  the head of FSU wrote a letter to the head of Koidu hospital district requesting for the verification of birth certificate with serial number 030735 and that the purpose of requesting for verification of the birth certificate was because the one given to them at beginning of investigation was a photocopied one and the letter of request was tender in court to form part of the evidence.

He continues that on their arrival at Koidu government hospital with the said letter the medical nurse that was on duty nurse Messi checks their record and confirmed to them that the birth certificate number e/k0035 is in their record and on the same day they returned to the station and asked the biological mother if she has any other documents that can confirm the age of her daughter and she gave them the under five-card of her daughter who is the victim and after the victim mother gave them the under five-card they asked her for the original birth certificate and it was a photocopy and it has since been in their custody and if seen he would be able to identify it.

He said as a course of receiving the original birth certificate statements was obtained from her in respect of the said documents and the statement has also been in their custody.

He said upon receiving the original birth certificate and statement confirmed to them by the nurse at Koidu hospital they then moved to Bangadu village and the nurse in charge told them that the stob of the birth certificate is at the health centre of the said village.

He said on 26 July 2020 statement was obtained from the current  Manager of Diamond Lodge HotelTamba.

At this juncture state prosecutor sought for an adjournment to lead her next witness.

Led defence counsel Charles Francis Margai said they are not averse to that but however renewing their application for bail on behalf of first accused pursuant to section 79(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act No 32 of 1965.

He said no serious risk of escaping from justice would abide.

He said the prosecution also has a duty as officers of the court and if they opposed to an application for bail it beholds the prosecution to show from the proof of evidence or by affidavits evidence fact which may show strong probability of the guilt of the accused person or that the accused may not be available to stand his trial or jump bail.

He said the factor he has alluded to is as a result of judicial president base on past experience in dealing with cases and those facts are not exhausting.

He then congratulated the Judges for his elevation and said he hopes he will make a difference in the justice system as the people of Sierra Leone are disappointed in the justice system.

He said the first accused is leading one of the political party in the country.

He then said the first accused went to the station on his own without been arrested and that shows he is not a flight risk.

He said the prosecution has the habit of objecting to bail without any grounds.

He said the case of the prosecution has collapsed and if the accused persons are discharged there will be no compensation for them.

He said he hopes the judge will make a difference from other judges in the judiciary.

He said this is not a murder case it is a bailable offence.

He said if he has been the Attorney General and Minister of Justice seven judges would have been charged to court.

He said this is a deserving case for the accused to be granted bail.

In reply, UmuSumaray for the state said her landed senior has given the court a lecture instead of bail application as he indicts the judiciary as this as been the Criminal justice system in Sierra Leone.

She said on that note she relies on her affidavits file before the court sworn on 19 August 2020 in opposition to bail and she vehemently opposed to the bail application made by the defence in its entirety, noting that all the point he raises regarding his strength is unfortunate that he did not peruse the judges note to adduced the evidence unfolds in court and he only came in after six witnesses have been led.

She said if he has gone through the evidence he would have left the court and with that evidence alone bail cannot be granted. She said in the aspects of health there is nothing before the court in a form of the medical report to show that the accused person is ill and cannot come to court.

The accused were refused bail and the matter adjourned to 18 September 2020.

 No, recognized Beach Football Association in the country

…Costello Kamara

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By Athanasius Wisdom Kamara

The coordinator for beach football in Sierra Leone Sulay Costello Kamara has told the Public Review sport that there is no recognized Beach Football Association in the country.

He said people go to the beach every Sunday to play football and do other exercises for them to keep fit.

He revealed that he has been working as a coordinator for the past six months with other sporting bodies across the world to help develop beach football in Sierra Leone.

He further revealed that when SLFA announced that beach football will be receiving five thousand dollars from the FIFA COVID-19 funds set of people came up and started championing a course that they are a body responsible for beach football. He furthered that there is no beach football recognized body in the country. 

He asked that SLFA should hold on to such funds for them to have a responsible and recognized body, noting that if SLFA gives out the funds to the other set of people, they must give a detailed account. 

Adamson foundation looks forward to develop stars

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The CEO of the Adamson foundation has told Public Review sport that the Adamson foundation is one of the most nurturing football foundations in the country.

He said the foundation has a football team which they are looking forward to developing young stars in the country, noting that they cater for boys and girls under the age 10-20years old and the foundation currently stays at the Grafton community.

As a football-loving community, we thought that we should bring young people to develop them in their football career.

He noted that as someone who loves football he must play his own part to help people who want to take football as their career. 

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