Subject: WHY JOHN LEIGH'S ROTO-RATA SHOULD
From: Francis Pa Santhikie Bangura
To: All
Date Posted: 23:22:29 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: gateway.cyberstar.com at 209.239.66.36
Message:
WHY JOHN LEIGH'S ROTO-RATA SHOULD
BE DISMISSED
Francis Pa Santhikie Bangura Acting Secretary General,
APC party North America Branch
President Kabba got fed up with Leigh’s acid tongue and
did the right thing - fired him. Now he is at it
again. This time with adrenalized juvenile disposition
that is quite plainly petty and unbecoming for a
former ambassador. Why this man was placed on my
country’s diplomatic pay roll defies convention. As
former ambassador with the loco-standi to protect and
serve the Sierra Leone community in the US, common
sense would have dictated to this man to rise above
poly-tricks and be the honorable statesman we took him
for. Disappointingly he is not.
It’s ok to be partisan, well that is what got him the
job in the first place. But being an apologist for a
system whose ineptitude and misappropriation of funds
is perpetuating our dependence on foreign hand-outs is
criminal. Leigh forgets his former role as ambassador
for all Sierra Leoneans does not sits well with his
wanna-be status as Berewa’s man in the US. Some things
are exclusively incompatible. Just like oil and water
is. The two just do not mix no matter what you do. No
one disputes your partisan leanings, but you cannot
now be an SLPP mouth-piece after being mr spokesman
for all Sierra leoneans at this very locat1on.
Your colleagues are on the ground campaigning - which
is what politicians do. But you want it the easy way
out. Fact is there is no easy way in politics. Even
the easy way doesn’t come easy - very reason why you
caught my attention.
You call me “over-ambitious political mental juvenile”.
Well, great leaders start off with great ambition. On
the other hand, my youthful looks should not be
misconstrued with naivety. I am a political being: I
read politics with honors, practice it with vision and apply it in the pursuit of a better Sierra Leone. The juvenile part is way out of the mark. Except, I can do a lot with the
adrenaline rush, now that I have been declared
juvenile.
If standing up for a better alternative political
dispensation for my country is wrong, I certainly don’t
want to be right!
SLPP will loose this elections not for what the regime
did, but for what they failed to do - which is, uplift
this nation from the abys! They had the resources at
their disposal to do the job. Do it? They did not. It’s
time for a change! You can spend time blaming APC for
the past, when in fact crucially, the ball is on SLPP’s
court. They woefully have not delivered even on the
basics of everyday living. Pipe-borne water,
electricity, health and sanitation. Jobs? You have to
belong to the wutehteh elites. Education, roads and
youth unemployment? The list goes on.
The most compelling argument for SLPP to pack up and
go is: the conditions that fueled the war are still
glaringly prevalent, despite being marinated in
unprecedented good will and donor cash. Like him or not, Ernest Bai Koroma will make that “Turn Around” in our nation’s history.
Subject: Re: WHY JOHN LEIGH'S ROTO-RATA SHOULD
From: Cornelius Hamelberg
To: All
Date Posted: 23:41:23 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-078472d5.01-32-73746f42.cust.bredbandsbolaget.se at 213.114.132.7
Message:
Why does Leigh deliberately misspell the great man’s name?
He is not “Dr. Davidson Nicole” (a name which name if googled throws up very wrong information about DR. DAVIDSON NICOL – who never called anyone flunkey, fulmuku, etc)
He is indeed – a distinguished scientist and educator and an accomplished diplomat of very high status. Someone who helped everyone that he could.
Davidson Sylvester Hector Willoughby Nicol
http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=Davidson+Sylvester+Hector+Willoughby+Nicol&btnG=Search&meta=
Subject: DR. PRINCE HARDING SHAMES PRESIDENT TEJAN KABBAH
From: Momoh Pujeh
To: All
Date Posted: 22:58:14 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: gateway.cyberstar.com at 209.239.66.36
Message:
DR. PRINCE HARDING SHAMES PRESIDENT TEJAN KABBAH
Whatever may be said of President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, one sure fact about him is his fatherly love and loyalty to his cronies. Kabbah has certain people he loves so much that in his eyes they do no wrong. And even when they get into trouble, the Presidential Big Stick is always available to fish them out of it, even at the peril of his name being maligned by his critics. Throughout the years, Kabbah has shunned all appeals by the nation to reshuffle his cabinet because he has some ministers who are the apples of his eyes. and he dare not touch them. Even the bad reputation the SLPP has that it uses kid gloves to fight corruption could be traced to Kabbah's unflinching loyalty to his cronies whom he must protect in all circumstances.
However , it now appears as if there is one of his cronies that Kabbah had had to strengthen his resolve to abandon, according to insiders talking with COCORIOKO yesterday. He is none other than the Minister of Transport and Communication, Dr. Prince Harding, whom people close to President Kabbah yesterday accused that he threw scum into the old man's face, for all the love he has shown him and all the breaks he has given him since he catapulted him from the obscurity of his colorless university teaching job at Fourah Bay College to national and international prominence.
We have all blasted President Tejan Kabbah for his apparent hypocrisy in getting really mad for the helicopter crash at the Lungi International Airport, Sierra Leone, two weeks ago that brought the nation international embarassment when 19 fans and officials of the Togolese national team were killed few hours after their side defeated the Sierra Leone nationa team , Leone Stars, 1-0 , in the Africa Nations Cup in Freetown. We have all argued that Kabbah and his government shared collective responsibility for the disaster and it was double standards to single out the Transport Minister and few officials for punishment in connection with the accident , which the public has blamed on negligence and recklessness .
However , facts now emerging before the Sierra Leone Police and the Anti-Corruption Commission clearly demonstrate the enormity of Prince Harding's alleged involvement in the negligent and reckless conduct being attributed to the crash. If these facts are proven beyond a reasonable doubt, Kabbah is right in his reactions and there could be grounds for the public to conclude that Prince Harding not only betrayed the trust reposed in him by President Kabbah, but he put the old man to shame.
A government statement on Friday disclosed that Dr. Harding and four men , who have all been arrested and detained were alleged to have received bribes from two commercial airlines in the country "To remove a safety-related flight ban" . It must be recalled that several months ago, helicopters plying the Freetown-Lungi International Airport route were grounded by the government for safety reasons. Though the ban was widely announced and also supported by the public, it was stunning that a short while later, the helicopters were seen flying again. On Sunday June 3, a helicopter belonginging to one of the airlines that allegedly bribed the minister for the ban to be lifted , crashed at Lungi Airport with the Togolese football contigent, killing 22 passengers in all : 19 Togolese , a Gabonese and a pilot
We make bold to publish the beliefs of the insiders that Harding shamed Kabbah because though the allegations are yet being investigated, it had been no secret that Harding had some suspicious connections with the airlines. Infact, some members of the public think that Prince Harding has shares in the two airlines.
What Harding should have known is that human lives were involved as well as the reputation of the government and the President. According to insiders talking to COCORIOKO, President Kabbah is really angry over the matter and is blaming himself for putting so much trust in people like Prince Harding, who truth be spoken, was directly responsible for ensuring that aircrafts flown in the country adhered to international safety standards. One of the insiders said that though indeed, the principle of collective responsibility could be applied to this case, "Prince Harding was the President's and the government's Eyes and Ears .That was why he was placed there--To make sure that the interest of the government was protected. But Dr. Harding threw sh---in the President's face by seeking his own greedy and selfish agenda, knowing fully well that whatever disaster came from it would reflect on the President and his government .For a man that the President loved like his own son, this is a big slap in the face".
It was said that Prince Harding was one of the ministers trusted most by President Kabbah. The President trusted him so much that he did not think it was necessary to monitor how he executed his duties. Prince Harding, according to the insiders knew this fact and the insiders said he should have governed himself to avoid betraying the trust of the old man.
Now, the insiders predicted yesterday that unlike the other President's "Blue-eyed Boys", like Okere Adams and Momoh Pujeh, who strangely escaped prosecution for corruption, Kabbah will likely leave Dr. Harding to stew in his own juice.
Web site designed & hosted by Leeroy Wilfred Kabs-Kanu © 2007 at Homestead™
Subject: CADMUS ( corrected
From: Cornelius Hamelberg
To: All
Date Posted: 19:55:49 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-078472d5.01-32-73746f42.cust.bredbandsbolaget.se at 213.114.132.7
Message:
I prayed this prayer today, a part of which goes (in translation) I pray that God rescue me
“from brazen men and from brazenness, from an evil man, from an evil companion, from an evil neighbour, from an evil mishap, from the destructive spiritual impediment, from a harsh trial and a harsh opponent….”
“Master of the Worlds!
Not in the merit of our righteousness
do we cast our supplication before You
but in the merit of Your abundant mercy.
What are we? What is our life?
What is our kindness what is our righteousness? What is our salvation?
What is our strength? What is our might?
What can we say before You
Hashem, our God, and the God of our forefathers –
are not all the mighty like nothing before You,
the renowned as if they had never existed,
The wise as if devoid of wisdom
And the perceptive as if devoid of intelligence?
For most of their deeds are desolate
And the days of their lives are empty before You.
The pre-eminence of man over beast is non-existent
For all is vain.
The prayer then invokes the event known as THE AKEIDAH
And therefore we are obliged to thank the Almighty, to praise Him , to glorify Him to bless, sanctify and offer praise and thanks to His Name………
Cadmus,
For me, “The beginning of wisdom is the fear of HASHEM”
I am just emerging from the Holy Sabbath….what a loss!
Re- your letter to me:
http://www.hwforums.com/2179/messages/31021.html
No, I do not intend to get my fingers burnt not in your world of duniya and certainly I am not going to hell, to burn with some of the wicked people who are probably already there.
First of all I must thank you (and I am no hypocrite) for bringing certain matters to my attention …. Yes I notice people dying everywhere, but don’t forget Who is in charge…..
1. You say that I am “particularly anti-SLPP”. I am not. I am only particularly anti-corruption and I congratulate my former Latin teacher Henry Joko-Smart for his latest smart moves. I must add that but for the prevalence of rampant corruption and the execution of those 24 soldiers – even though the whole world begged Mr. Kabbah for mercy – Mr. Kabbah or Al-hajj Kabbah if you like , would in my opinion have been the best head of State that Sierra Leone has ever had.
Your words:” you (me?) have lost and outlived your usefulness” Who are you Cadmus? Passing judgment on me?
Let me assure you that I will not be intimidated by you or any of your exalted bosses – although I might remove myself from this Forum should you become the enemy of my soul, to save you unnecessary suffering, because should you become such an enemy then Who do you think will become your adversary?
I am not living on extra or borrowed time. Having identified yourself so vaguely as “Cadmus” the second worst thing that you can do is to threaten me, whether you live in London or Bo Town.
2. You write, “You can try to take me on if you so wish, I am ready.” You are nothing to take on. No challenge. Take on about what? Do you think that I have nothing better to do with my time? You are not that important. I see no intellectual opponent in you, worthy of wasting my time, when you are probably not even up to reading and understanding the tenor of my very simple and very ordinary thoughts.
3. You write, “as you know I live in London where I have been for the past 20 years, after studying and now practicing here”
No, I did not know that and I still don’t know whether you are a man or a woman, especially when you start saying things like “John Leigh is a greater man than you will ever be.” – it seems that he could have been giving you something which you think is beyond my capacity. This is also an area in which a man should not boast. So you have lived in London the past twenty years. Well, I arrived in London for the first time in August 1952. You mention studying. Studying what? I hope that you were very successful and distinguished yourself in your studies. You announce to all that you are “now practicing here”. Where? Practicing what? Who are your clients? I hope that your practice is a very successful one.
“John Leigh is a greater man than you will ever be.” Wow! As a Muslim you should know what TAQWA is. I am not disputing whatever greatness you subjectively or objectively would like to attribute to Johnny Leigh. I myself have never claimed greatness. In the London that I know, there are a few people that I call great or wonderful people. In my own view I know who belongs to that category – even of musicians, but you have your own taste, your own understanding your own moral integrity etc. your own religion, the paradise to which you aspire. I do not envision any of those that you have appointed as “Great”, knocking on the door of paradise and qualifying themselves as fit to enter on the grounds of their greatness.
4. You wrote: “You must secretely admire John Leigh, how he takes on allcomers on this forum.” What is there to admire about him, secretly or openly? Please tell me. With the galaxy of your SLPP big shots that assembled in what Leigh called the Makeni ConBention, he failed to get a nomination. Do you think that if I wanted to go to as far as Makeni, I would not have got a nomination?
5. “My advise to you old man Cornie” Who are you calling “old man Cornie”? I am younger than your old half-Mendeman Johnny’s younger half brother Evelyn (the son of Mr. & Mrs Leigh) and I notice that your boy Leigh has studiously avoided giving us his date of birth, the point at which most biographies begin. I am younger than Blyden Jenkins-Johnston , Abdulai Conteh, Cecil Blake.
“Cadmus” Since I joined the Leonenet Forum on 17th January 2003 and started trucking with Sierra Leoneans in cyberspace, I have only met two of my contemporaries and peers, who knew me in Sierra Leone, namely Professor Cecil Blake, who Mr. Kabbah appointed his Minister of Information when he and the SLPP were in dire straights, and recently here in Cocorioko through a letter from my classmate and friend Blyden Jenkins- Johnston. If you want to know the kind of guy I was when they knew me, please ask them. I was not your typical or average Sierra Leonean and neither were they. I have changed consdierably since those days. You could also enquire from Gipu Felix-George our drummer in those Cacademic days, who I am / was.
In so far as Johnny Leigh in all honesty is fighting for the good of Sierra Leone, I am with him. I am with anyone who is for the good of Sierra Leone (and by the way this is not my “intellectual forum” where I find solace. I get that from my wife, my family and friends – lots of intellectual and social stimulation and satisfaction through the pursuit of intellectual interests
This is your Mr. Johnny’s rather tall claim: “Ambassador John Ernest Leigh aspires to become the next Leader of the Sierra Leone Peoples Party in succession to President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah. We believe that Ambassador Leigh has done more for the Party and the country than any other aspirant for Party Leader”
What is this mago-mago maniac talking about? Does his donating a few crumbs or loaning a few dollars to the SLPP translate into “Leigh has done more for the Party and the country than any other aspirant” ?
If that is the case let me refer you to the notes on the last sentence of Parashat Korach
(Numbers16-18.32) for this Sabbath. The STONE CHUMASH note on page 837 to verse 32 reads in part
“Just as one should not make his contribution to a good cause contingent on his receiving something in return – as in this case – so one should not perform good deeds in order to curry favour with others, or for some other ulterior motive. If a farmer or anyone else needs help, it should be rendered without regard to whether it will result in future profit or favours.”
The Haftarah (it’s Rosh Chodesh and the 1st of Tamuz) and the Haftarah is from the last book of Isaiah 66 1-24
The Chumash notes on page 1208 read (in part):
“The chapter gives hope and comfort to the Jewish people, as Isaiah foresees the ultimate downfall of the nations that will do battle against one another and against Israel in the climatic War of Gog and Magog, the war that will precede the final redemption. Isaiah speaks of the defeat of the nations and the universal recognition of God and His people.”
Subject: Re: CADMUS ( corrected
From: Cornelius Hamelberg
To: All
Date Posted: 21:48:20 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-078472d5.01-32-73746f42.cust.bredbandsbolaget.se at 213.114.132.7
Message:
Talking about leaders- here is one. He was recently re-elected leader of the labour Party - not exactly my party.
He also happens to be the most decorated soldier ever, in Israel's history.
Subject: Re: CADMUS ( corrected
From: Cornelius Hamelberg
To: All
Date Posted: 01:15:56 06/17/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-078472d5.01-32-73746f42.cust.bredbandsbolaget.se at 213.114.132.7
Message:
Here's a real man
Subject: Cadmus
From: Cornelius Hamelberg
To: All
Date Posted: 19:23:06 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-078472d5.01-32-73746f42.cust.bredbandsbolaget.se at 213.114.132.7
Message:
I prayed this prayer today, a part of which goes (in translation) I pray that God rescue me
“from brazen men and from brazenness, from an evil man, from an evil companion, from an evil neighbour, from an evil mishap, from the destructive spiritual impediment, from a harsh trial and a harsh opponent….”
“Master of the Worlds!
Not in the merit of our righteousness
do we cast our supplication before You
but in the merit of Your abundant mercy.
What are we? What is our life?
What is our kindness what is our righteousness? What is our salvation?
What is our strength? What is our might?
What can we say before You
Hashem, our God, and the God of our forefathers –
are not all the mighty like nothing before You,
the renowned as if they had never existed,
The wise as if devoid of wisdom
And the perceptive as if devoid of intelligence?
For most of their deeds are desolate
And the days of their lives are empty before You.
The pre-eminence of man over beast is non-existent
For all is vain.
The prayer then invokes the event known as THE AKEIDAH
And therefore we are obliged to thank the Almighty, to praise Him , to glorify Him to bless, sanctify and offer praise and thanks to His Name………
Cadmus,
For me, “The beginning of wisdom is the fear of HASHEM”
I am just emerging from the Holy Sabbath….what a loss!
Re- your letter to me:
http://www.hwforums.com/2179/messages/31021.html
No, I do not intend to get my fingers burnt not in your world of duniya and certainly I am not going to hell, to burn with some of the wicked people who are probably already there.
First of all I must thank you (and I am no hypocrite) for bringing certain matters to my attention …. Yes I notice people dying everywhere, but don’t forget Who is in charge…..
1. You say that I am “particularly anti-SLPP”. I am not. I am only particularly anti-corruption and I congratulate my former Latin teacher Henry Joko-Smart for his latest smart moves. I must add that but for corruption and the execution of those 24 soldiers – even though the whole world begged Mr. Kabbah for mercy – Mr. Kabbah or Al-hajj Kabbah if you like , would in my opinion have been the best head of State that Sierra Leone has ever had.
Your words:” you (me?) have lost and outlived your usefulness” Who are you Cadmus? Passing judgment on me?
Let me assure you that I will not be intimidated by you or any of your exalted bosses – although I might remove myself from this Forum should you become the enemy of my soul, to save you unnecessary suffering, because should you become such an enemy then Who do you think will become your adversary?
I am not living on extra or borrowed time. Having identified yourself so vaguely as “Cadmus” the second worst thing that you can do is to threaten me, whether you live in London or Bo Town.
2. You write, “You can try to take me on if you so wish, I am ready.” You are nothing to take on. No challenge. Take on about what? Do you think that I have nothing better to do with my time? You are not that important. I see no intellectual opponent in you, worthy of wasting my time, when you probably not even up to reading and understanding the tenor of my very simple and very ordinary thoughts.
3. You write, “as you know I live in London where I have been for the past 20 years, after studying and now practicing here”
No, I did not know that and I still don’t know whether you are a man or a woman, especially when you start saying things like “John Leigh is a greater man than you will ever be.” – it seems that he could have been giving you something which you think is beyond my capacity. This is also an area in which a man should not boast. So you have lived in London the past twenty years. Well, I arrived in London for the first time in August 1952. You mention studying. Studying what? I hope that you were very successful and distinguished yourself in your studies. You announce to all that you are “now practicing here”. Where? Practicing what? Who are your clients? I hope that your practice is a very successful one.
“John Leigh is a greater man than you will ever be.” Wow! As a Muslim you should know what TAQWA is. I am not disputing whatever greatness you subjectively or objectively would like to attribute to Johnny Leigh. I myself have never claimed greatness. In the London that I know, there are a few people that I call great or wonderful people. In my own view I know who belongs to that category – even of musicians, but you have your own taste, your own understanding your own moral integrity etc. your own religion, the paradise to which you aspire. I do not envision any of those that you have appointed as “Great”, knocking on the door of paradise and qualifying themselves as fit to enter on the grounds of their greatness.
4. You wrote: “You must secretely admire John Leigh, how he takes on allcomers on this forum.” What is there to admire about him, secretly or openly? Please tell me. The galaxy of your SLPP big shots that assembled in what Leigh called the Makeni ConBention, he failed to get a nomination. Do you think that if I wanted to go to as far as Makeni, I would not have got a nomination?
5. “My advise to you old man Cornie” Who are you calling “old man Cornie”? I am younger than your old man Johnny’s younger half brother (the son of Mr. & Mrs Leigh) and I notice that your boy Leigh has studious avoided giving us his date of birth, the point at which most biographies begin. I am younger than Blyden Jenkins-Johnston , Abdulai Conteh, Cecil Blake.
“Cadmus” Since I joined Leonenet Forum on 17th January 2003 and started trucking with Sierra Leoneans in cyberspace, I have only met two of my contemporaries and peers, namely Professor Cecil Blake, who Mr. Kabbah appointed his Minister of Information when he and the SLPP were in dire straights, and recently here in Cocorioko through a letter from my classmate and friend Blyden Jenkins- Johnston. If you want to know the kind of guy I was when they knew me, please ask them. I was not your typical or average Sierra Leonean and neither were they.
In so far as Johnny Leigh in all honesty is fighting for the good of Sierra Leone, I am with him. I am with anyone who is for the good of Sierra Leone (and by the way this is not my “intellectual forum” where I find solace. I get that from my wife, my family and friends – lots of intellectual and social stimulation and satisfaction through the pursuit of intellectual interests
This is your Mr. Johnny’s rather tall claim: “Ambassador John Ernest Leigh aspires to become the next Leader of the Sierra Leone Peoples Party in succession to President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah. We believe that Ambassador Leigh has done more for the Party and the country than any other aspirant for Party Leader”
What is this mago-mago maniac talking about? Does his donating a few crumbs or loaning a few dollars to the SLPP translate into “Leigh has done more for the Party and the country than any other aspirant” ?
If that is the case let me refer you to the notes on the last sentence of Parashat Korach
(Numbers16-18.32) for this Sabbath. The STONE CHUMASH note on page 837 to verse 32 reads in part
“Just as one should not make his contribution to a good cause contingent on his receiving something in return – as in this case – so one should not perform good deeds in order to curry favour with others, or for some other ulterior motive. If a farmer or anyone else needs help, it should be rendered without regard to whether it will result in future profit or favours.”
The Haftarah (it’s Rosh Chodesh and the 1st of Tamuz) and the Haftarah is from the last book of Isaiah 66 1-24
The Chumash notes on page 1208 read (in part):
“The chapter gives hope and comfort to the Jewish people, as Isaiah foresees the ultimate downfall of the nations that will do battle against one another and against Israel in the climatic War of Gog and Magog, the war that will precede the final redemption. Isaiah speaks of the defeat of the nations and the universal recognition of God and His people.”
Subject: What happened to the Justin Musa article?
From: Nasultan
To: All
Date Posted: 18:56:45 06/16/07 ()
Email Address: nasultan@yahoo.com
Entered From: pool-71-250-23-234.nwrknj.east.verizon.net at 71.250.23.234
Message:
Why has the Justin Musa article dissapeared from the Cocorioko website? Why should a vauge article be posted in the first place when there are no backup facts. Cocorioko should get their facts right before posting any article.
Subject: Re: What happened to the Justin Musa article?
From: Alie Formeh Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 20:53:27 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
The name Justin Musa became synonymous to Swegbe. He was the rogue shown in the news under handcuff while been taken to prison. He tried to escape from the country while under interrogation but was later caught.
His name became headlines in all news papers and his became the face of a villain.
He is an example of what is bad about Sierra Leone.
I do not feel that he acted alone. I believe that he has co-conspirators who would not want his case to blow out.
Many people have sighted Justin Musa in New York and if true that will be a major source of embarrasment for Sierra Leone's Judiciary. It was common knowledge that the man was a flight risk. How then could he have obtained permission to leave the country with his passport and traveling documents.
But may be Cocorioko's Insider would shed some light on the puzzle.
Woudn't it be nice if the Insider would tell us how Justin Musa maintained his home and family in New York for the past seven years.
I guess he had to have been spending a minimum of $2000/Month for the upkeep of his home and that wouldn't include mortgage, if he had any mortgage to begin with.
For a Civil Servant, Justin Musa was simply too loaded financially. His, was a case that aroused suspicion.
The man was planning to retire no sooner he turned 55. It seemed like an opportuned time for him to grab on to all he could, thinking that he could continue to outsmart everyone for the remaining months leading up to his retirement.
He had big plans. He was planning to retire in Colonie, New York. Remember the elegant house shown on Cocorioko worth more than $500,000? That was his crib. For a Sierra Leone Civil Servant this is too much of a stretch.
Justin had three houses in New York that he bought while a Civil Servant in Sierra Leone and supposedly earning within the range of $10,000 a year salary.
Wouldn't it be nice if the Insider tell us where Justin Musa is presently?
Subject: Re: What happened to the Justin Musa article?
From: Alieu sesay
To: All
Date Posted: 20:02:04 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-75-66-114-24.hsd1.tn.comcast.net at 75.66.114.24
Message:
My friend chill. There was no article on Justin Musa. According to KABS,there was an intended article to be published when the facts are ascertained and corroborated.
Subject: Re: What happened to the Justin Musa article?
From: KABS KANU
To: All
Date Posted: 20:52:20 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: h167-156-253.63.chubb.com at 167.156.63.253
Message:
The main article is coming in our Monday edition. Because the traffic of readers is slow on weekends, I decided to bring the bombshell on Monday --What you read was just a preview.
The articles on Musa will come in series with supporting documents.
Subject: Re: What happened to the Justin Musa article?
From: Alieu sesay
To: All
Date Posted: 01:57:52 06/17/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-75-66-114-24.hsd1.tn.comcast.net at 75.66.114.24
Message:
thanks bra for clarification.
Subject: YAYA FANUSIE'S STATISTICS OR LIES
From: APC
To: All
Date Posted: 18:51:49 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-75-66-114-24.hsd1.tn.comcast.net at 75.66.114.24
Message:
John,
"My periodic statistical survey revealed that 90% of the dailing postings were attributed to you. Unless you tell me you read your own postings on line; then you are lying again about ignoring 85% of postings".
How did you come up with these percentages?
What method did you use to gather your Raw data?
How long did it take you to conduct this survey?
And in your own words how accurate are these results?
Please answer these questions and accurately.
If not your founding member/senior status on this forum will be severely damaged.
Thanks
Subject: BEREWA TO BAN SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES
From: kroobaymom
To: All
Date Posted: 10:17:48 06/16/07 ()
Email Address: kroobaymom@yahoo.com
Entered From: at 206.113.148.2
Message:
If rumours are anything to go by, the SLPP front runner for the position of President intends to ban smoking in public places, government offices, hospitals, schools, restaurants, bars and public transport!!
Subject: Re: BEREWA TO BAN SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES
From: Alieu sesay
To: All
Date Posted: 13:13:17 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-75-66-114-24.hsd1.tn.comcast.net at 75.66.114.24
Message:
"SLPP-Front Runner"
Definition of Front Runner--The front-runner is most often anointed by the media who are following the race, and is written about in a different style than his or her challengers. The term is used in the U.S. Presidential primary process to label the potential nominee with the lead in the polls, the most name recognition, or most funds raised (or a combination of these).
Thank you if this is what you mean.
Subject: Re: BEREWA TO BAN SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES
From: Gstring
To: All
Date Posted: 18:58:49 06/16/07 ()
Email Address: gstring @ draws.net
Entered From: c-69-143-224-34.hsd1.md.comcast.net at 69.143.224.34
Message:
including you pott head, we know its you and stop using phony names. crack jack, and you claiming to be a doctor.
Subject: Re: BEREWA TO BAN SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES
From: Alieu sesay
To: All
Date Posted: 02:06:33 06/17/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-75-66-114-24.hsd1.tn.comcast.net at 75.66.114.24
Message:
Claiming to be a Doctor? Who? Me? bra lef bo.
You are trying too hard to know me. Hope you are not GAY.
those who matter on thgis forum know me.
But my advice for you is to keep trying.
Subject: Re: BEREWA TO BAN SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES
From: kroobaymom
To: All
Date Posted: 06:05:32 06/17/07 ()
Email Address: kroobaymom@yahoo.com
Entered From: at 65.117.246.251
Message:
There is nothing wrong with Berewa the smoker. He should set the example by restraining himself from smoking in his office and embassies. That is what we call leading by example
Subject: Sierra Leone aviation officials arrested over helicopter cra
From: AVIATION DIRECTOR
To: All
Date Posted: 09:14:01 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 38.119.107.79
Message:
Sierra Leone aviation officials arrested over helicopter crash
The Associated PressPublished: June 16, 2007
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone: Police have arrested four government officials, including the transport minister, in connection with a helicopter crash earlier this month that killed 22 people, Sierra Leone's government said.
A statement late Friday said the four men were arrested and detained "to assist with the investigations" into allegations that officials accepted bribes to remove a safety-related flight ban on two commercial airlines. One of those companies, Paramount Airlines, operated the helicopter that crashed on June 3.
The other officials arrested were the transport minister's permanent secretary, Sierra Leone's civil aviation director and the deputy director.
It was not immediately clear whether any of the arrested men had been charged with a crime.
The helicopter was ferrying a group of Togolese soccer fans and sports officials — including Togolese Minister for Youth and Sports Richard Attipoe — to Sierra Leone's main airport when it exploded in flames. The Togolese were returning home after cheering their team's 1-0 victory over Sierra Leone at an African Cup of Nations qualifying match.
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Helicopters are used as the main transport between the airport and the capital, which sits across a bay on the Atlantic Ocean.
The Russian-made Paramount helicopters were grounded in January because of concerns about engine malfunction. The ban was lifted in March.
Transport Minister Prince Harding, Civil Aviation Director George Gbongbor and Deputy Director Badara Alieu Tarawallie were suspended soon after the crash. The fourth detainee, Transport Ministry Permanent Secretary Abdul Rahman Wurie had not been suspended.
Wurie had previously told the Associated Press that the ban was lifted after an air-worthiness review by the International Civil Aviation Organization. ICAO spokesman Denis Chagnon said this report was incorrect, and that the organization had performed no such survey.
The government officials are being held in police stations in the capital, Freetown.
After the crash, the government grounded all commercial helicopters operating in the country. The only other way to get to the airport from Freetown is via sea ferry.
In 2001, a U.N. helicopter traveling from U.N. headquarters in Sierra Leone to the airport crashed into the bay, killing all seven aboard. The U.N. said at the time a mechanical problem appeared to have been the cause.
Subject: Re: Sierra Leone aviation officials arrested over helicopter cra
From: CADMUS
To: All
Date Posted: 09:58:20 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 82.198.250.67
Message:
This confirms and goes to shows and indeed it is a good indication of the fact that when the SLPP government gets EVIDENCE (as oppose to rumour) of corruption anywhere even against one of its own senior Ministers, the Party will act swiftly.That is Democracy for you.
Subject: Re: Sierra Leone aviation officials arrested over helicopter cra
From: SLPP
To: All
Date Posted: 13:02:12 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-dtc-aa14.proxy.aol.com at 205.188.116.18
Message:
"This confirms and goes to shows and indeed it is a good indication of the fact that when the SLPP government gets EVIDENCE (as oppose to rumour) of corruption anywhere even against one of its own senior Ministers, the Party will act swiftly."
Cadus:
As usual, you blind SLPP apologists fail to understand what you read!
The ONLY reason the corrupt SLPP took action in this single case following 10 years of corruption by its ministers and parliamentarians with IMPUNITY, s that it was FORCED to do so by people who it can't ignore --foreigners.
We know this fact because the dead victims of SLPP corruption this time are NOT hapless S/Leoneans like the journalist who, evidence at his inquest showed, was killed at the instigation of an SLPP Parliamentarian, Fatmatta Hassan, but the corrupt SLPP Attorney General refused to prosecute.
It is time you traitorous SLPP apologists stopped betraying the interest of your own country for the puny interest of your corrupt party and its selfish, unpatriotic hangers-on.
Subject: Re: Sierra Leone aviation officials arrested over helicopter cra
From: APC
To: All
Date Posted: 13:08:30 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-75-66-114-24.hsd1.tn.comcast.net at 75.66.114.24
Message:
You are really full of it. What wil really make you see the light? Put fire nar you waise?
We have arrested senior ministry officials including the Minister, still you think it is not enough.
When was it ever done oin your APC's 200yr rule? Tell us.
YOU CORRUPT APC KID.
Subject: Re: Sierra Leone aviation officials arrested over helicopter cra
From: SLPP
To: All
Date Posted: 13:18:25 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-dtc-aa14.proxy.aol.com at 205.188.116.18
Message:
Try to understand what you read, blind SLPP apologist.
Your corrupt SLPP govt. was FORCED to arrest their minor league minister and his even more minor underlyings ONLY because the victims of the latest SLPP corruption were FOREIGNERS, not defenseless Sierra Leoneans.
We know this because when the corrupt SLPP's parliamentarian was implicated with far more evidence than in this case, the corrupt SLPP Attorney general BLOCKED tghe case from going forward against the SLPP parl,iamentarian.
That shows that the massiovely corrupt SLPP condones corruption unless and until it involves foreigners.
Do you now get it, you traitor of Sierra Leoneans for the blood-stained benefit of the most corrupt govt. in the history of Sierra Leone??
Subject: Re: Sierra Leone aviation officials arrested over helicopter cra
From: APC
To: All
Date Posted: 13:52:56 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-75-66-114-24.hsd1.tn.comcast.net at 75.66.114.24
Message:
Thats your usual anthem- "try to understand what you read".
I did and i understood exactly what the heck you mean.
My point remain valid that you APC are ungrateful.
The SLPP is busy cleaning after you. This is your mess and we are doing our utmost to get the country out of this combolo, yet all you do is cry down good job and good intentions.
My question for you: WHEN DID THE APC IN THEIR 200yr rule ever arrest a sitting minister or deputy minister?
NEVER.
Subject: Re: Sierra Leone aviation officials arrested over helicopter cra
From: Question
To: All
Date Posted: 14:51:36 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-dtc-aa14.proxy.aol.com at 205.188.116.18
Message:
"My point remain valid that you APC are ungrateful.
The SLPP is busy cleaning after you. This is your mess .."
So the SLPP minister and SLPP party official, Prince Harding has now all od a sudden been transformed by his arrest for corruption into a minister of an APC government that has not been in power for more than 15 years??
You SLPP liars will do and say anything to hide from the truth about your corrupt party that has been putting Salone on the map as the most corrupt corrupt country under any govt. from the time we got ndependence.
Subject: Re: Sierra Leone aviation officials arrested over helicopter cra
From: GO SCHOOL
To: All
Date Posted: 02:09:30 06/17/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-75-66-114-24.hsd1.tn.comcast.net at 75.66.114.24
Message:
Comprehend my friend. Read AI's reply.
Dan DOGO
Subject: Re: REMEMBER VOUCHERGATE AND SQUANDERGATE
From: M. Aleiu Iscandari Esq
To: All
Date Posted: 14:35:36 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
VOUCHERGATE AND SQUANDERGATE WERE INVESTIGATIONS OF CORRUPTION BY THE APC WHICH BAGGED MANY WITHIN ITS HEIRACHY. REMEMBER AKIBO BETTS, HE WAS THE LONE VOICE IN THE JUNGLE THEN. WHO IS THE LONE VOICE IN YOUR JUNGLE?
Subject: Re: REMEMBER VOUCHERGATE AND SQUANDERGATE
From: APC
To: All
Date Posted: 18:37:09 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-75-66-114-24.hsd1.tn.comcast.net at 75.66.114.24
Message:
Bra. I would admit you are the the voice of reasoning in the APC for the way and manner in which you understand what you read and reply. Now!
Lef me en da bor-ge-dor mek we dance small.
Please.
By the way how is VICTOR VOUCHERGATE FOH?
Subject: Re: Sierra Leone aviation officials arrested over helicopter cra
From: SLPP
To: All
Date Posted: 14:35:29 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-dtc-aa14.proxy.aol.com at 205.188.116.18
Message:
"I did and i understood exactly what the heck you mean."
If you did, this discussion would have ended with your understanding of the corrupt record of the SLPP a long time ago.
The fact that you did not makes it necessary to remind you -- as it has always been necessary to do so -- to try and understand what you read. Once you do, there would be no need to keep reminding you.
But as long as you conrinue to demonstrate to us that you do not understand what you read, I have a duty to try to help you understand that you need help.
Whether you finally get such needed help, of course, is up to you.
Subject: Re: Sierra Leone aviation officials arrested over helicopter cra
From: APC
To: All
Date Posted: 18:39:55 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-75-66-114-24.hsd1.tn.comcast.net at 75.66.114.24
Message:
Are you going to answer my question? or will you dodging like you normally do.
Name a minister in the APC government that was arrested and jailed for corruption.
Do not give me your usual answer with many directions.
Subject: Re: Sierra Leone aviation officials arrested over helicopter cra
From: SLPP
To: All
Date Posted: 19:46:09 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-dtc-aa14.proxy.aol.com at 205.188.116.18
Message:
Your question is irrelevant on a very obvious ground: The SLPP's corruption is one of its kind in the history of Sierra Leone. The SLPP govt. has received more foreign aid than all the other governments combined -- more than $1.5 billion.
Yet, even though it ruled during the civil war, like the APC, and the NPRC, it has overseen the most consistent degradation of life in the history of Sierra Leone, with the country at or next to the bottom of the human development index in the world.
No other Sierra Leone govt. has dragged the people so low, and so consistently -- only the most corrupt govt. in the history of Sierra Leone, the SLPP has ever done so.
Subject: Re: Sierra Leone aviation officials arrested over helicopter cra
From: APC
To: All
Date Posted: 19:55:37 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-75-66-114-24.hsd1.tn.comcast.net at 75.66.114.24
Message:
So. Whe you can't come up with any answer, the issue becomes irrelevant. Aye. APC.
Before the APC left/was kicked out, sa lone was at a distant last in everything.
So the index is not new.
Unless if you have another index you are looking at.
Subject: Re: Sierra Leone aviation officials arrested over helicopter cra
From: M. Alieu Iscandari Esq
To: All
Date Posted: 11:05:24 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
Cadmus talk about democracy to the relatives of the Togolese officials who lost their loved ones. This is evidence of corruption that is endemic my friend and thats the issue here. Could the crash have been avoided? You damn right it could have been avoided if the slpp had given some "TEETH" TO THE INVESTIGATORY, AND PROSECUTION arms of the ACC rather than tying to create a shadow organisation in an attempt to fool the British and the people of sierra leone.
Does the SLPP claim to not know of corruption within its ranks? If so then you guys are blinder than we ever thought you were.
Give us a break brther that could have been you on the helicopter.
Subject: Re: Sierra Leone aviation officials arrested over helicopter cra
From: Cadbod
To: All
Date Posted: 12:17:06 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-69-140-42-143.hsd1.md.comcast.net at 69.140.42.143
Message:
Allieu,don't bother yourself with that "cletch"a.k.a Cadmus.The eyes of the world is on them they have no other option but to take action so that the can appear to be righteous.
Subject: Re: Sierra Leone aviation officials arrested over helicopter cra
From: MUSA KAMARA
To: All
Date Posted: 10:27:46 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: luna.hypair.net at 194.50.180.4
Message:
This is just an indication of a reckless and corrupt government.The bribery of higher government officials within the ministry of transportation would not have come to light,if the crash didn't happen.This is just the tip of the iceberg.Endemic corruption and greed has left the nation in misery.Kabbah and Berewa will give account of the millions of dollars poured to the country for development immediately after the elections.
Subject: Re: Sierra Leone aviation officials arrested over helicopter cra
From: Independent Man
To: All
Date Posted: 10:35:59 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-68-127-105-250.dsl.pltn13.pacbell.net at 68.127.105.250
Message:
You are really making an ass of yourself. You know absolutely nothing about S. Lone and you make such idiotic statements.
It has reached the point where any sane individual will be ashamed of themselves. But oh ya, you are not sane. So I will leave you in your crase world.
Subject: Re: Sierra Leone aviation officials arrested over helicopter cra
From: Borbor Beleh
To: All
Date Posted: 13:11:27 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-dtc-aa14.proxy.aol.com at 205.188.116.18
Message:
You are really making an ass of yourself. You know absolutely nothing about S. Lone and you make such idiotic statements.
_________________________________
No one expects you to realize this, but you have written an autobiograhical statement of your failings as a Sierra Leonean.
Like the blind SLPP follower you have shown yourself to be, you imagine that by making basesless accusations against courageous and patyriotic Sierra Leoneans, you can sweep the SLPP's rotteness under the rug.
Well, I have news for you: As Emmerson sang, in the song he made against almost 10 years of SLPP corruption, "those days are gone! We go deal with dem tiffman" in the the worst government ever in Sierra Leone
Subject: Re: Sierra Leone aviation officials arrested over helicopter cra
From: Independent Man
To: All
Date Posted: 13:18:09 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-68-127-105-250.dsl.pltn13.pacbell.net at 68.127.105.250
Message:
You just proved my point.
Calling this SLPP Govt, the worst government ever tells me you are an unobjective idiot.
But then again, I do not expect much from people suffering from MDTF (Mumdo-Dumbo-Tumbo-Foolumunkuism)
Subject: Re: Sierra Leone aviation officials arrested over helicopter cra
From: Borbor Beleh
To: All
Date Posted: 13:26:15 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-dtc-aa14.proxy.aol.com at 205.188.116.18
Message:
"You just proved my point.
Calling this SLPP Govt, the worst government ever tells me you are an unobjective idiot."
The only thing I proved is that you know nothing about the hsitory of the corrupt SLPP.
The one thing YOU have just proved is that you lack any reasoning ability. And that you are unpatriotic -- and rude. And acking in elementary English grammar skills.
Subject: MODERATOR : Re: Mohamed Jalloh
From: KABS KANU
To: All
Date Posted: 21:15:11 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: dialup-4.186.198.193.dial1.weehawken1.level3.net at 4.186.198.193
Message:
Dear Moderator,
Please delete the exchanges between Messrs Mohamed Allie Jalloh and Farrah Marrah. Mr. Marrah made damaging allegations against Mr. Jalloh that he did not substantiate with evidence.
Thank you very much in advance and thanks too for your great work.
Subject: Re: MODERATOR : Re: Mohamed Jalloh
From: foday mansaray
To: All
Date Posted: 21:40:35 06/15/07 ()
Email Address: fmansaray@aol.com
Entered From: host-24-225-160-74.patmedia.net at 24.225.160.74
Message:
Please guys be civil or we have no choice but to send you home for good.
Subject: Re: MODERATOR : Re: Mohamed Jalloh
From: Observer
To: All
Date Posted: 00:13:55 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
The exchange was between Alieu Iscandari and Farrah Marrah who Iscandari says his real name is William Bangura. Jalloh was not involved in it. His name was mentioned by the two who were involved during their exchanges.
Subject: Re: MODERATOR : Re: Mohamed Jalloh
From: Moijue
To: All
Date Posted: 03:25:23 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 89.243.181.231
Message:
I hope it will not be selective justice.U are setting a precedent which u must follow.
Subject: Re: MODERATOR : Re: Mohamed Jalloh
From: MODERATOR
To: All
Date Posted: 21:38:47 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-66-140-59-137.dsl.rcsntx.swbell.net at 66.140.59.137
Message:
Please reference the message numbers, like Cornelius did, for easier identification and the entire thread will be deleted. Cheers!
/Mod
Subject: What is Swegbe, Justin Musa up to?
From: Alie Formeh Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 19:07:26 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-rtc-ae10.proxy.aol.com at 152.163.101.14
Message:
Why caption the headline 'Justin Musa was victim of witch-hunting' even before posting the article? Not only is the headline itself judgemental but it is been pushed down readers throats without the benefit of assessing the strenght of the argument making the claim.
Even if there was witch hunting, the issue is whether Justin is guilty of corruption.
Where is Justin now? Has he been tried or has he been allowed to escaped?
I think that Cocorioko should report the news rather than make the news.
Subject: Re: What is Swegbe, Justin Musa up to?
From: KABS KANU
To: All
Date Posted: 21:19:21 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: dialup-4.186.198.193.dial1.weehawken1.level3.net at 4.186.198.193
Message:
Mr. Formeh Kamara, I believe the quote about Mr. Justin Musa being a victim of witch-hunting was qualified by an indication that it was said by an Insider.
Subject: Re: What is Swegbe, Justin Musa up to?
From: Alie Formeh Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 07:09:00 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-rtc-ae10.proxy.aol.com at 152.163.101.14
Message:
In all fairness to Cocorioko, Mr. Kabs Kanu, you are correct.
I suspect the insider may want to draw a connection between been set up and innocence.
We shall see.
Subject: Re: What is Swegbe, Justin Musa up to?
From: Police
To: All
Date Posted: 09:42:21 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: sph16-204.harvard.edu at 128.103.16.204
Message:
The insider should also tell us how Musa was able to afford to by a house in New York.
Subject: MAKE THE CASE WARM( FOR ALLIEU)
From: G STRING
To: All
Date Posted: 16:25:58 06/15/07 ()
Email Address: GSTRING @OVERDRIVE.COM
Entered From: at 198.133.139.165
Message:
the msg i posted is for you geek
Subject: THE SIERRA LEONE ARMY
From: DAN DOGO
To: All
Date Posted: 16:17:54 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-dtc-aa14.proxy.aol.com at 205.188.116.18
Message:
The picture of the soldiers of the Sierra Leone army on COCORIOKO makes me feel sad. The soldiers look hungry, undefed, and holding a very old gun.
This is Kabbah's legacy. Millions of foreign currency in aid to Sierra Leone, yet there is NOTHING in the country to account for all that money. I see why first Charles Taylor, now Guniea, is messing with Sierra Leone. No army, no food. Hunger all the way.
Subject: Re: THE SIERRA LEONE ARMY
From: foday mansaray
To: All
Date Posted: 17:07:20 06/15/07 ()
Email Address: fmansaray@aol.com
Entered From: at 74.8.30.110
Message:
This is what I am talking about.Liberians came in took over our mines and Guniea came in and exploited as much
resources as possible and now they have to wait to harvest there cassava before leaving.
Does Berewa knows anything about land owership? This is the property of sierra leone.Why should they wait to harvest there cassava.
You need a leader that can stand firm on issues like this.Not somebody who is sleepping every 5 minutes and when they wake up they don't even know were we left off.
Subject: Re: THE SIERRA LEONE ARMY
From: Colonel JAMES
To: All
Date Posted: 22:48:49 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 38.119.107.79
Message:
Gallant men and women of the RSLAF
Subject: Re: THE SIERRA LEONE ARMY
From: Confused
To: All
Date Posted: 03:10:51 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-129-149-167.range86-129.btcentralplus.com at 86.129.149.167
Message:
What is the point, sending 2 years old news????What is so gallant, about receiving free aid, and most of these vehicles are being misused???
Subject: Re: THE SIERRA LEONE ARMY
From: foday mansaray
To: All
Date Posted: 23:11:37 06/15/07 ()
Email Address: fmansaray@aol.com
Entered From: host-24-225-160-74.patmedia.net at 24.225.160.74
Message:
So what does this mean?These same very trucks will disappear in someone's backyard and become san san boys
trucks just like the 320,000 million pounds in 6 years.
Now that we have seen some of these beatiful trucks ,I hope they are accounted for to the transition committe.
Please we need the serial# for these trucks because our military needs it to for there sole use and not Berew campaign tool.
LUNTA ! You have been warned.
Subject: Re: THE SIERRA LEONE ARMY
From: ARMY MAN
To: All
Date Posted: 22:38:45 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 38.119.107.79
Message:
RSLAF
Subject: MAKE THE CASE WARM
From: G _ STRING
To: All
Date Posted: 16:03:55 06/15/07 ()
Email Address: Palampo@gstring .com
Entered From: at 198.133.139.165
Message:
What don't we know. Allieu i heard farrah got you jilted and that's the main reason for hate here, no need to booh just suck it down and leave with it brother. he is mine and mine forever
Subject: Re: MAKE THE CASE WARM
From: M. Alieu Iscandari Esq
To: All
Date Posted: 17:52:32 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
hehehehehehehe Thanks its always good to have a nice laugh at the end of a long week.
Subject: One of the wealthiest people in Washington D.C.
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 14:21:31 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: sccinstr204090.scc.losrios.edu at 165.196.204.90
Message:
Well then.
Subject: Re: One of the wealthiest people in Washington D.C.
From: Question
To: All
Date Posted: 02:59:20 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-129-149-167.range86-129.btcentralplus.com at 86.129.149.167
Message:
Is he a Sierra Leonean??
Subject: LOOK AT THE CONTEXTUAL NATURE OF FODAY MANSARY ARTICLE NOT
From: POLITICAL
To: All
Date Posted: 13:22:30 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 207.108.136.241
Message:
Actually, the statement or question by Foday Mansary about Sierra Leoneans flying Nigerian planes was a rhetorical one but what we should concetrate in his article is the fact that our hard working soldiers have not been given the respect they deserved from the government. This is a fact that is undisputable by anyone except John Leigh may be.
Many people were blaming the army for their actions during the war and I am not here to defend them. However, one thing we have to bear in mind is that the war was fought in the nastiest way by the rebels, supported by some of you here in diaspora who provided financial support to them. There was a time when no one can tell who was a rebel and who was a soldier because rebels wore the same army uniform as the soldiers. The people believed who ever wear army uniform was a soldier and the rebels took advantage of that confusion to draw a wedge between the people and the army.
I was a victim of this confusion at one time when I was doing business in one of the villages around Rutile area. My friend and I went there to buy grind cassava (Garri). One fruitful afternoon we were sitting out side playing music. Two trucks of well armed, well dressed soldiers or I may be right to say presumable soldiers came to the village. I thought they were our soldiers because their uniforms were very neat. They all jumped down from the trucks. Their commander was a female named Josephine who I met the first time. A little boy among them, probably about 15 years old ordered me to catch a ducks for him. I was so incensed and told him no because the ducks was not his. I was in a very dangerously ignorance of who these guys really were. My friends who have been in the area so many times and knew who those guys were looked at me into my eyes signalling something to me. I started to grow suspicion that may be these are not the regular soldiers I thought they are despite their uniforms. The boy drew close to me and cocked his gun and asked me where I was from "Freetown" I answered with a shaky voice. That is why you are behaving this way he said and for the last time I want you to catch that ducks for me he ordered again. I ran after the ducks and caught it for him. On the process the ducks had to scratch my hand and blood was profusely Oozing out my hand. After they've captured a lot of goats, sheep and other pets Josephine ordered them to leave. After they left my friends told me how lucky I was because the boy could have definitely going to shoot me dead. They were RUF rebels and the lady was the commander.
I share this with readers to reduce their perception against the army based on what they saw or heard about them during the war.
Where those uniforms were coming from? From most of you in the diaspora. As most people know the NPRC overthrow of APC was engineered by some disgruntled former APC and defnitely SLPP folks like Tejan Kabbah, John Benjamin, Berewa and a lot more. Tejan Kabbah was working for the very UN that was advocating against military rule in the world, but when the NPRC took over, he supported them and came to work for them. When he was overthrown by the same military, he cried foul. Hypocricy?
This was the same president who, before the AFRC take over went to Makeni and urged Northerners to appologize to the Southerners for starting this war. Sectionalism? I hope he had since regret his statement. The TRC findings indicated that Kabbah was either supporting the formation of the RUF or complicence of their initial planning when he was at the UN. PAN AFRICAN UNION (PANAFU) was an organization that was used to breed RUFists. Now you know why these guys are not to be trusted.
Subject: Re: LOOK AT THE CONTEXTUAL NATURE OF FODAY MANSARY ARTICLE NOT
From: EX NPRC
To: All
Date Posted: 14:42:07 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
There was a time when no one can tell who was a rebel and who was a soldier because rebels wore the same army uniform as the soldiers.
THANKS TO TOM NYUMA, MAARDA BIO, KOMBA MONDEH, KOMBA KAMBO AND OTHERS
Subject: From The HOUSE OF COMMONS Funding to the SLPP
From: M. Alieu Iscandari Esq
To: All
Date Posted: 12:59:47 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
House of Commons (UK)
Sierra Leone: Health Services
John Barrett (Liberal Democrat):To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what support his Department has provided to health systems in Sierra Leonein each of the last five years. [142760]
Hilary Benn:Since April 2002 the Department for International Development (DFID) has provided Ł5,284,945 to support health systems in Sierra Leonethrough direct projects.
Please see following table for a breakdown for each financial year.
Ł
2002-03 1,038,361
2003-04 2,322,258
2004-05 320,302
2005-06 162,335
2006-07 1,441,689
Some of the projects we have funded include:
Support to UNICEF to help children, families and communities to provide care and protection for orphans and other vulnerable children;
Malaria prevention and treatment;
Support to UNICEF for Immunisation;
Reproductive health;
Rehabilitation of the Primary Health Care System in four Chiefdoms in Tonkolili District; and
Establishing access to emergency Primary Health.
DFID also supports health systems in Sierra Leonethrough Direct Budget Support to the Government. Of the Ł59.5 million that has been provided through Budget Support over the last five years, approximately 11 per cent. or Ł6 million has been spent on the health sector.
In addition, in 2006 DFID provided $30 million through the Africa Catalytic Fund to fund the World Bank’s accelerated Child Survival Programme in Sierra Leone. This is in its early stages of implementation. DFID is also working with the Government of Sierra Leone to prepare a 10 year programme aimed at strengthening the Health System to increase access to quality sexual, reproductive and child health services. It is expected this programme working closely with the World Bank will begin in 2008 and DFID will contribute Ł50 million over 10 years.
John Barrett:To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will take steps to encourage the provision of healthcare free at the point of access in Sierra Leone. [142761]
Hilary Benn:The 2006 Department for International Development (DFID) White Paper commits the UKto “help partner Governments abolish user fees for basic health services”. DFID is fully committed to supporting the Government of Sierra Leone to ensure that this is achieved.
DFID’s position is shared by our partner agencies working in Sierra Leone, including WHO, European Commission, World Bank, United Nations Population Fund, United Nations Children’s Fund, World Food Programme and International NGOs. Recent Health Development Partners meetings in country have established a common position: we would like to see user fees abolished and want to help the government to reach that position for themselves, including helping them to understand how to fund the cost of health services.
The first step towards abolishing user fees is to establish the cost of providing basic health services and how to make this cost sustainable when user fees are removed. Currently fees collected by the government go towards funding the provision of services.
DFID is therefore funding preparation of National Health Accounts through World Health Organisation (WHO) to help establish how much money is currently being spent on health services in Sierra Leonefrom all sources (donor, International non-government organisations, private sector etc.). In addition DFID, along with other Health Development Partners, is planning to finance a study on options for pro-poor health financing. Once DFID has this Options paper it will be able to discuss with government the best way forward.
Subject: Re: From The HOUSE OF COMMONS Funding to the SLPP
From: Doctor
To: All
Date Posted: 03:00:45 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-129-149-167.range86-129.btcentralplus.com at 86.129.149.167
Message:
What health support????Is it to IMATT or Sierra Leone, as there are no health facilities in Sierra Leone anymore.
Subject: Re: From The HOUSE OF COMMONS Funding to the SLPP
From: DFID
To: All
Date Posted: 13:46:03 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 129.49.7.126
Message:
I am a bit disappointed with these figures. With all this talk about corruption DFID has only given peanuts to salone.
2002-03 1,038,361
2003-04 2,322,258
2004-05 320,302
2005-06 162,335
2006-07 1,441,689
Of the Ł59.5 million that has been provided through Budget Support over the last five years, approximately 11 per cent. or Ł6 million has been spent on the health sector.
Some of the projects we have funded include:
Support to UNICEF to help children, families and communities to provide care and protection for orphans and other vulnerable children;
Malaria prevention and treatment;
Support to UNICEF for Immunisation
And only a small portion was given to uur gov't. I wanted to beat on the SLpp so bad that, these figures presented by DFID disappointed me.
Subject: Re: From The HOUSE OF COMMONS Funding to the SLPP
From: DUMB
To: All
Date Posted: 13:53:58 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
Even though the word "health systems" appears at least 3 times in the report Iscandari posted, you still failed to understand what you read. For example:
"John Barrett (Liberal Democrat):To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what support his Department has provided to health systems in Sierra Leonean each of the last five years."
Why are you SLPP apologists so dumb?
Every sober S/Leonean knows that the British government has given more than $1 billion to the very corrupt SLPP government over the past 5 years! And the kleptomaniacs Kabbah and Berewa have squandered it. That is a fact, even though you don't know it. And they will be held accountable for that theft, even though they don't know it.
Subject: Looking for Family Members This is NO JOKE
From: M. Alieu Iscandari Esq
To: All
Date Posted: 12:43:42 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
A BBC programme is looking for relatives of a lady called Winifred Modu James who married an Englishman, William Jessen in the 70’s and settled in Cornwall– both deceased. They are looking for her relatives as she died intestate. She apparently had a brother called Ben Coker and a sister, Dorcas Kindly or Kiely – not sure. Do you know any of these people? Otherwise, the UK Govt will have her money - Ł32,000 or so. That would come in handy for some relatives in Freetown.
Subject: KABBAH,BEREWA,WHERE IS THE MONEY?
From: MUSA KAMARA
To: All
Date Posted: 12:07:52 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: luna.hypair.net at 194.50.180.4
Message:
Millions of dollars funded by the international community for development went in vain.Where is the money Mr Kabbah and Berewa?Both of you should give an account or you pay back the stipulated sum.Mind you everything is on records.Kabbah,you are not a leader but you forced yourself to be one,then misery,chaos and anarchy followed.Now you are attempting to force the sick and irresponsible Berewa to continue your shortcomings and failures,because you have no sentiments,love and respect for Sierra-Leone and her people.
Subject: KABBAH,BEREWA SHOULD BE INDICTED AFTER ELECTIONS
From: MUSA KAMARA
To: All
Date Posted: 11:51:45 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: luna.hypair.net at 194.50.180.4
Message:
Kabbah and his sick,irresponsible Berewa should stand infront of a criminal court.Kabbah was the first individual to pay a mercenary group with our limited financial resources to bring him back to authority.He is a criminal who forced himself to be a leader and Sierra-Leone paid a heavy price for that.Misery,pooverty,endemic corruption,tribal divide and suspicion.They should give account of the millions of dollars poured to the country for reconstruction.
Subject: Re: KABBAH,BEREWA SHOULD BE INDICTED AFTER ELECTIONS
From: Man on the Street
To: All
Date Posted: 03:02:58 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-129-149-167.range86-129.btcentralplus.com at 86.129.149.167
Message:
You may say, whatever you wish to about them, but I just cannot understand, how did he force himself as our Leader.Didn't we all vote for him in 1996, and again in 2002??
Subject: Re: KABBAH,BEREWA SHOULD BE INDICTED AFTER ELECTIONS
From: nor men nan
To: All
Date Posted: 08:20:53 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 82.198.250.67
Message:
nor men nam
Subject: Re: KABBAH,BEREWA SHOULD BE INDICTED AFTER ELECTIONS
From: M. Alieu Iscandari Esq
To: All
Date Posted: 13:06:38 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
Kabbah was the first individual to pay a mercenary group with our limited financial resources to bring him back to authority.
No he was not. If you are talking about Executive Outcomes? It was the NPRC with kabba as one of its advisers who called the executive outcomes in first
Subject: Re: KABBAH,BEREWA SHOULD BE INDICTED AFTER ELECTIONS
From: Neutral Observer
To: All
Date Posted: 05:44:00 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-129-149-167.range86-129.btcentralplus.com at 86.129.149.167
Message:
Sir, I am no fan of Kabbah, but I know for sure,that Executive Outcome was contracted by NPRC in 1994.The gallant NPRC was busy stealing and diggin diamonds, and had no time to prosecute the War.
Subject: Re: KABBAH,BEREWA SHOULD BE INDICTED AFTER ELECTIONS
From: MUSA KAMARA
To: All
Date Posted: 14:10:00 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: luna.hypair.net at 194.50.180.4
Message:
Be it executive outcome or sandline international,it was the heartless kabbah and his power thirst hench men,who orchestrated the contract.The blood of the innocent will haunt them and their families.
Subject: Re: KABBAH,BEREWA SHOULD BE INDICTED AFTER ELECTIONS
From: APC
To: All
Date Posted: 14:52:32 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 67.63.2.157
Message:
What evidence do you hav that Kabba and Berewa orchestrated and signed the contract of EO?
Produce it or shut up.
Subject: Re: KABBAH,BEREWA SHOULD BE INDICTED AFTER ELECTIONS
From: foday mansaray
To: All
Date Posted: 16:52:21 06/15/07 ()
Email Address: fmansaray@aol.com
Entered From: at 74.8.30.110
Message:
You want evidence that kabba and company did not contract EO to kill as many sierra leoneans as possible
to restore them?
Is that your question? If that is your question get kabba on national TV and I will bring every last economic HIT-MEN (Mercenaries) hired to confessed publicly.Do you know who is an economic HITMAN? Please stop and don't go there.
Subject: Re: KABBAH,BEREWA SHOULD BE INDICTED AFTER ELECTIONS
From: Labo
To: All
Date Posted: 18:54:41 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 65-78-54-33.c3-0.upd-ubr7.trpr-upd.pa.cable.rcn.com at 65.78.54.33
Message:
Bo nar LABO you de par. C'mon post the evidence.
Subject: Re: KABBAH,BEREWA SHOULD BE INDICTED AFTER ELECTIONS
From: APC
To: All
Date Posted: 01:56:51 06/17/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-75-66-114-24.hsd1.tn.comcast.net at 75.66.114.24
Message:
Usai ba. nar so so lie lie. some man nor kin get nartin nar im waise den dae rap boku boku.
Let mansaray produce the evidence or like his partner in crime kamara, shut up.
Subject: Re: KABBAH,BEREWA SHOULD BE INDICTED AFTER ELECTIONS
From: MUSA KAMARA
To: All
Date Posted: 15:21:23 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: luna.hypair.net at 194.50.180.4
Message:
Unless you are an idiot as you are.Maybe you signed it?
Subject: Re: KABBAH,BEREWA SHOULD BE INDICTED AFTER ELECTIONS
From: Alieu Sesay
To: All
Date Posted: 15:44:43 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 67.63.2.157
Message:
Hey! stop calling people IDIOTS on this forum. What is wrong with someone asking for proof? You are making a serious claim and you do not think one should ask for proof?
is that how the APC behaves? Is that what you call objectivity?
The next tem you call anybody IDIOT nar dis forum, de beat wae are go gee you, you nor go ever forgt me.
You duumbeh.
Subject: Re: KABBAH,BEREWA SHOULD BE INDICTED AFTER ELECTIONS
From: MUSA KAMARA
To: All
Date Posted: 16:09:16 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: luna.hypair.net at 194.50.180.4
Message:
At times I am impatience for some dumbs on this forum and I am forced to use the right adjective for them.WE APC NOR DAE FEGHT,WE DAE USE WE BRAIN.
Subject: Pro APC ariticle by Foday Mansaray
From: Pedantic
To: All
Date Posted: 10:45:34 06/15/07 ()
Email Address: pedantic@not really.com
Entered From: cache-los-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 195.93.21.132
Message:
I dont mean to be pedantic (I am not an SLPP supporter either) but in response to the question in this article (http://www.cocorioko.net/Wednesdayjune132007p8.html) asking if we know any Sierra Leoneans who are flying Nigerian planes, the answer is YES I actually know TWO: Plummer Bailor (Buffy's brother) and Tayo Asgill.
(I believe Plummer still flies for a private Nigerian airline)whereas Tayo is back in Freetown now.
So never underestimate Sierra Leoneans in the name of scoring a political point!!
Subject: Re: Pro APC ariticle by Foday Mansaray
From: foday mansaray
To: All
Date Posted: 16:41:29 06/15/07 ()
Email Address: fmansaray@aol.com
Entered From: at 74.8.30.110
Message:
To qualify my statement.Our Army was subjective to the Nigerian soldiers throughout this odeal.Our Port was turned over to Ghanians to head.Nigerian will never put100% sierra leonean in sensitive positions.
Americans will tolarate immigrants to pursue there abilty as far as they can go.My nice flies a fighter jet for the United States and my younger brother and many, many cousins were and still in the US Army.
Subject: Re: Pro APC ariticle by Foday Mansaray
From: kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 20:34:12 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: pool-71-187-165-28.nwrknj.fios.verizon.net at 71.187.165.28
Message:
Brother Foday,Please take of your partizan glasses and be realistic. The credibility and lost confidence of the Sierra Leone army had occured long before SLPP or Berewa dreamed of winning elections in Sierra Leone. The army was purposely emasculated and decimated by SIAKA STEVENS because he feared an
overthrow of his Govt.This is why certain military men changed out of the military uniforms when the rebels advanced.(lack of disipline, sense of duty and respect of the profession)
The military establishment had been corrupted by Siaka Stevens the same way he corrupted the moral fabric of Sierra Leone. Confidence will be regained in the army and other establishments in Sierra Leone when we have leaders who will fairly enforce the
law of the land and follow the constitution.
Subject: Re: Pro APC ariticle by Foday Mansaray
From: WASHINGTON POST
To: All
Date Posted: 21:05:26 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 38.119.107.79
Message:
Siaka Stevens, president from 1968 to 1985, "corrupted the entire political class to the point it was impossible to believe what any politician said," Opala declared in an interview. "He dismantled all the country's institutions, totally destroyed the civil service and the army and ruled over a one-party state.
WASHINGTON POST--1996
Subject: Re: Pro APC ariticle by Foday Mansaray
From: ABK
To: All
Date Posted: 11:09:48 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-69-140-42-143.hsd1.md.comcast.net at 69.140.42.143
Message:
To add to your point I know Sierra Leoneans who are flying American fighter jets and U.S. commercial airplanes.
Subject: Re: Pro APC ariticle by Foday Mansaray
From: M. Alieu Iscandari
To: All
Date Posted: 11:24:38 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
To add to YOUR point I know sierra leonenans who are engineers that design Fighter jets for the US air force, and commercial jets for Boeing.
Subject: Re: Pro APC ariticle by Foday Mansaray
From: Tamba Menjor
To: All
Date Posted: 10:58:15 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-142-2-137.range86-142.btcentralplus.com at 86.142.2.137
Message:
To add to your point i know a sierra leonean who is a top engineer at British Aerospace.
Subject: CAMPAIGN TO BRING DOWN AIR FARES TO AFRICA
From: Jacques Sotero Agboton
To: All
Date Posted: 09:51:44 06/15/07 ()
Email Address: jacquesagboton@yahoo.com
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
http://www.mathaba.net/0_index.shtml?cmd%5B40%5D=i-43-&x=552451
BRING DOWN YOUR AIRFARES OR GET OUT OF AFRICA
By Jacques Sotero Agboton
Author of Philosophy of Engagement (An ideological basis for the liberation of African people)
American and European airlines are bilking African passengers
There are no reasons for airlines to charge African passengers 4 to 5 times higher airfares than passengers of Europe, Asia and the Middle-East for the same duration of flights.
It is apparent that the prohibitive airfares are to limit African passengers from crossing frontiers where they can explore personally environments so far denied them by white racists and their institutions under so-called immigration laws.
Also, beneath the veneer of the language of public relation used by these airlines which has fitted in very well with the sordid hypocrisy practiced by whites or their corporations since their incursions into Africa, no one should wonder now that free circulation of persons, free trade and globalisation are but meaningless statements shown to be false not in some but in all respects.
It is not only the racism of whites we should condemn but the unbridled greed of directors behind their corporations left to operate on our soil and defraud our people.
DELTA AIRLINES, NORTH AMERICAN AIRWAYS, AIR FRANCE, IBERIA, LUFTANSA, SN BRUSSEL AIRLINES, TAP of Portugal and BRITISH AIRWAYS are charging African passengers for cross-Atlantic flights between 1200 to 2200 Dollars for economy passengers while these fares would have been First Class between North America and Europe. Fares between North America and Europe can be as low as 200 Dollars.
It will be spurious for anyone to talk about market forces since as many as 30 cities in Africa and to name a few: Dakar, Banjul, Freetown, Monrovia, Accra, Lagos, Abuja, Douala, Bamako, Libreville, Addis Ababa, Kampala, Nairobi, Mombassa, Harare, Luanda, Maputo, Johannesburg serve as gateways to as much as 200 million potential customers. That is, only if they were not Africans or rather, except they were Blacks.
It seems that more than 10 years later, the legacies of Apartheid have yet to vanish since the notorious South African Airlines, carrier of these renegade racists who are still important shareholders; SAA cannot adjust its fares in spite of having a CEO who is Black and Black managers posted in but symbolic positions. Illogically, the fare New York to Dakar is the same as the fare New York to Johannesburg. You will be amused of the reasons Ghost SAA experts give in the computation these fares. Alas, some combatants of the liberation struggle in the hierarchy have forgotten the sacrifices in lives of entire generations so as to be cosy with their oppressors for crumbs of a pay check, a bonus…and sometimes bribes. That is not to say, the hand that gives in not as corrupt as the hand that takes. But, the betrayal is painful, and costly.
Beside that, we have in every metropolis in Africa, the embassies of these whites expropriating entire roads or avenues under their schizophrenia that some dialysis-ridden Bin Laden will terrorize them while our people queue before their consulates to suffer indignities of rejection and the extortion of their money for some cracked-up application fee. Meanwhile hordes of these Europeans and white North Americans do not pay for visas when entering African countries.
Instead of whining or complaining, it is time for Africans on the continent as well as in the Diaspora to begin targeted boycotts, airline by airline, until their fares are reasonably lowered or until these corporations leave our continent. For once, let there be a generation of men and women who will not allow that more than 500 years of brutal exploitation and inhumane slavery continues in Africa.
Firstly, a global campaign has begun with advice to the management of these airlines they are being monitored and advised to lower their air fares. Secondly, public protesting will begin before their local and regional offices as well as the homes of their senior staff until their total operation ceases or fares are lowered.
Conscious African Brothers and Sisters are called to adhere strictly to the boycotts which are to be announced and to use every media possible to spread the word.
Send a copy of this campaign to the following:
- Travel agencies
- Churches/Mosques/Temples
- Local organization
- Friends and relatives
- Black Radio Hosts
- Local Newspapers
- Broadcast on webcam/internet sites
- University bulletin boards
- Internet forums
- Conference/Seminar/Workshop Venues where Blacks meet.
Subject: The Kambia Appeal, UK
From: James Dowling
To: All
Date Posted: 09:34:13 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-050.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.50
Message:
The Kambia Appeal, UK
Achievements since June 2006
1. We have now changed the name of the charity from The Kambia Hospital Appeal to The Kambia Appeal, UK, to reflect the widening of our support beyond the hospital to some of the district’s health centres, and to allow us to support other projects beyond “health”, such as school education, if we so wish in the future.
2. The Kambia Appeal now has a new Project Manager in Sierra Leone. Mr Moses Kabba, former head teacher at Kolenten School has been working for us since September and has made great progress in working with the Ministry of Health and the Kambia District Council on our behalf.
3. We are in the process of registering the Kambia Appeal, UK, as an international NGO in Sierra Leone. Although we have been a registered charity in the UK since our inception in 1992, it is now necessary to register locally as well. As an NGO we will have automatic duty-free status on all consignments of goods we send.
4. We are also about to have a permanent base in Kambia, the house and compound previously occupied by MSF. From 8 June we will be able to offer visiting medical staff and students from the UK a comfortable place to stay, close to the hospital. With MSF leaving Kambia this week, there will be an even greater need for medical personnel to help at the hospital, so we hope to establish a rolling programme of visits by doctors, nurses and midwives over the coming years. All those who wish to apply..............
5. Our project to renovate the health centre at Barmoi, a town about 16 miles from the Kambia hospital, is now underway. The contractor has started work on the staff quarters, and the local paramount chief is providing alternative accommodation during the work so that the staff can remain close to the clinic. The work should be finished within two months. This is a Ł15,000 undertaking, and we are very grateful to Polly Boyd and Lizzy Pelly for helping to raise over Ł3,000 toward this for us at the Delrey House Christmas Shopping Emporium.
6. We now have six motorbike ambulances in Kambia. The vehicles were donated to us by the E-Ranger Production Company, and are worth a total of Ł32,000. The ambulances will be based at the health centres in Barmoi and Maselleh, and will provide a vital transport link for pregnant women between rural villages, the clinics and the hospital. Travelling 30km on one litre of fuel, the ambulances should provide a low-cost means of helping the poorest women gain access to healthcare. We are currently working with the communities to establish how the bikes will be used and managed locally.
7. Another new initiative for us is the running of the Maternity Waiting House in Kambia Town. Originally a Cheltenham idea, the Waiting House has been run by MSF to provide “at risk” mothers with somewhere to stay close to the hospital prior to giving birth. The House will also be used to accommodate VVF patients prior to their fistular operations in Freetown at the Mercy Ships hospital.
8. We now have two Cheltenham Scholars hard at work studying for new qualifications. Joseph Kalokoh, the theatre assistant at the Kambia hospital, is about to complete his first year at Njala University in Bo, training to become a Community Health Officer. Once qualified, Joseph will be in charge of a health centre in Kambia, with skills and responsibilities similar to a doctor. Francis Pieh, the Laboratory Assistant at the hospital is now at the Medical School in Freetown, studying for a Diploma in Laboratory and Allied Medical Skills. It is hoped that we will be supporting more scholars on the CHO course in the coming year.
9. Two medical students from the UK completed their medical electives in Kambia: Olly Harvey in November and Alison Holman in April. Three more students, Toyin Ajayi, Patrick Howlett and Robert Hughes, will be working in the district from August through to October.
10. The Appeal purchased three foetal heart monitors for use in the hospital maternity ward.
James Dowling
June 2007.
Subject: For the attention of Rev Kanu:
From: Cornelius Hamelberg
To: All
Date Posted: 09:30:37 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-078472d5.01-32-73746f42.cust.bredbandsbolaget.se at 213.114.132.7
Message:
dEar Rev Kanu,
A word to the wise>
I am politley reuqesting that you delete the following items that have been maliciously posetd under my name in your Cocorioko forum:
1. http://www.hwforums.com/2179/messages/31000.html
2. http://www.hwforums.com/2179/messages/30999.html
When it comes to resourcefulness and imagination, there is almost nothing that cannot be done.
Please remove those mails.
Subject: Re: For the attention of Rev Kanu:
From: MODERATOR
To: All
Date Posted: 10:10:20 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-66-141-186-66.dsl.rcsntx.swbell.net at 66.141.186.66
Message:
Request fulfilled and imposter jailed. Cheers!
/Mod
Subject: Re: For the attention of Rev Kanu:
From: Cornelius Hamelberg
To: All
Date Posted: 13:16:28 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-078472d5.01-32-73746f42.cust.bredbandsbolaget.se at 213.114.132.7
Message:
Thank you very much. Lots of respect.
Subject: Re: For the attention of Rev Kanu:
From: Cornelius Hamelberg
To: All
Date Posted: 09:32:36 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-078472d5.01-32-73746f42.cust.bredbandsbolaget.se at 213.114.132.7
Message:
Dear Rev Kanu,
A word to the wise>
I am politely requesting that you delete the following items that have been maliciously posted under my name in your Cocorioko forum:
1. http://www.hwforums.com/2179/messages/31000.html
2. http://www.hwforums.com/2179/messages/30999.html
When it comes to resourcefulness and imagination, there is almost nothing that cannot be done.
Please remove those mails.
Subject: TO ALIEU ISCANDRI: OPEN WARFARE
From: FARRAH MARRAH
To: All
Date Posted: 09:11:20 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 134.113.7.99
Message:
Alieu
"Oh and on the issue of Mohm J wanting to kick your rinky dinky rebel ruf supporting ass at the DC area Pub, I have confirmed that from other people who were around there then that it is true."
Comparable to your A.P.C. YOUR SOURCES ARE INACCURATE. I DO NOT OFFER THREATS, BUT FROM THIS DAY BE FOREWARNED.
THIS IS ONE OF THE REASONS I SUPPORTED THE REVOLUTIONARY UNITED FRONT. On March 23, 1991 we attacked Bomaru which led to the EXPULSION OF YOUR APC and the MURDER OF A.P.C'S GOEBBEL (Bambay Kamara).
Is it a COINCIDENCE that AKT died in June?
One begins to WONDER.
Subject: Re: TO ALIEU ISCANDRI: OPEN WARFARE
From: Historian
To: All
Date Posted: 03:07:30 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-129-149-167.range86-129.btcentralplus.com at 86.129.149.167
Message:
I do recall, when Bomaru was attacked, atleast 200 Northeners, were butchered, and dozens amputated.Do you take any personal credit, as to how many of these did you personally handle???Ofcourse, the whole objective was to remove APC, and kill Bambay Kamara.
Subject: Re: TO ALIEU ISCANDRI: OPEN WARFARE
From: M. Alieu Iscandari Esq
To: All
Date Posted: 12:52:36 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
BUT FROM THIS DAY BE FOREWARNED
Like I promised you, the tactics of the RUF will no longer be tolerated in a united sierra leone. people like you will have to face the music someday. Crimes against the people of sierra leone WILL NEVER go unpunished.
Shaking in my boots? I'm Afraid NOT.
And this is my last response to you. I do not Engage Rebels in any discourse. My ONLY goal is to put them behind bars where they belong.
Subject: Re: TO ALIEU ISCANDRI: OPEN WARFARE
From: Question
To: All
Date Posted: 09:34:35 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-129-152-107.range86-129.btcentralplus.com at 86.129.152.107
Message:
Is it a confession that you are a member of RUF, and that you were involved in attacking Bomaru??
Subject: Re: TO ALIEU ISCANDRI: OPEN WARFARE
From: M. Alieu Iscandari Esq
To: All
Date Posted: 10:27:41 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
isnt it OBVIOUS that he has admitted hat against his own penal interest. This information must be turned over to the FBI for investigations. If Mr. William Bangura is a citizen of the US then that Citizenship MUST be taken away from him dependng on how he answered the questions for his citizenship papers.
I am so scared that I am shaking in my boots. Jes clearout before me face you damn rebel
Subject: Re: TO ALIEU ISCANDRI: OPEN WARFARE
From: FARRAH MARRAH
To: All
Date Posted: 10:50:36 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 134.113.7.99
Message:
Alieu,
FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigations), CIA (Central Intelligence Agency), DIA (Defense Intelligence Agency), NSA (National Security Agency) et cetera, et cetera YOU CAN HELP YOURSELF.
Subject: Re: TO ALIEU ISCANDRI: OPEN WARFARE
From: M. Alieu Iscandari Esq
To: All
Date Posted: 11:20:08 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
They will help themselves Mr. William Bangura who works in house keeping at the IMF.
Subject: Re: TO ALIEU ISCANDRI: OPEN WARFARE
From: FARRAH MARRAH
To: All
Date Posted: 13:03:50 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 134.113.7.99
Message:
Alieu,
It is very AMUSING that you are one of the VERY FEW that is "EDUCATED" and have a "DECENT EMPLOYMENT".
There is not a William Bangura that works in house keeping at the IMF.
As I have REITERATED YOUR SOURCES ARE ALWAYS WRONG.
Subject: Re: TO ALIEU ISCANDRI: OPEN WARFARE
From: M. Alieu Iscandarii Esq.
To: All
Date Posted: 07:13:46 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
it might not be your william bangura then, but you are not the only william bangura that lives and works in the dc area are you?
I have been told for certain that there is a william bangura that works in housekeeping at the imf, who has a free reign of imf computers and uses it to post trash on the cocorioko forum.
btw do you know this trash talking person who posts on the coco forum and works at the imf in housekeeping and goes by the name of william bangura is short has bad breath and not too long ago was suffering from malaria and typhoid when his lil short ass was almost kicked in a wash DC bar?
might he be a CLOSE relative of yours? When the APC wins in August, I am personally going to bring you your APC membership card and then have you arrested for crimes against humanity and prosecuted, found guilty and sent to jail for a very long time. At least until you begin for grow minjee en jonjo pan you dorty rebel skin.
Subject: For the Attention of Rev. Kabs Kanu
From: Cornelius Hamelberg
To: All
Date Posted: 09:11:50 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-078472d5.01-32-73746f42.cust.bredbandsbolaget.se at 213.114.132.7
Message:
Cadmus and the entire SLPP government is nothing to me. There is nothing that I want from them or from the APC or PMDC.
I DID NOT POST THIS
http://www.hwforums.com/2179/messages/31000.html
Please don't misuse my name. Use your own name.
I'm talking about the world, not Sweden.
I am not a freemason etc.
Kabs please check the IP of the guy who posted under my name.
That is not my language or way of expressing my thoughts......
I AM AGAINST ANYONE USING MY NAME.
Subject: Glad to hear
From: LADIPO
To: All
Date Posted: 08:34:03 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-151-4-13.range86-151.btcentralplus.com at 86.151.4.13
Message:
I am glad to hear that Ernest Koroma intends to set up in his first 100 days in office the proceedure to buying land in Sierra Leone. A good source close to him says that all buying of land has to be done between to lawyers. The seller has a lawyer and the buyer has his or her own lawyer. When both lawyers agree that the land is owned by the seller the deeds change hands. I this way 'tif land nor go day'
My contact also says that a lands court will be set up which would be able to settle cases quickly. I hear Pa Kabba intended to set such a court up but Bobson Sesay had gone and built his house on stolen lands at Milton Margai and could not see himself been brought in front of a Lands Judge.
I hope what i have been told is implemented as it would cut out a lot of hassle for people trying to buy land.
Subject: Re: Glad to hear
From: M. Alieu Iscandari esq
To: All
Date Posted: 12:47:31 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
Ladi,
The APC under Ernest Koroma is an entirely different party from the APC of the 70's. There is new blood in the party and a new leader that LISTENS to the people. Sierra leone under Ernest Koroma is in for a "FACELIFT' of a positive nature.
Subject: Re: Glad to hear
From: new APC fan
To: All
Date Posted: 08:48:46 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 88-65-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.65.88
Message:
Ladipo, hope what you have heard is true. Ernest Koroma will be the most popular President if he starts to defend the rights of ordinary Sierra leoneans. I would like to see Freetown in particular is full of green trees.
Gone are the days , when the FBC surroundings is full of trees. Even the PWD quarter, where Alieu grew up is also being deforested.
I will be a great Ernest Koroman fan if he can help to bring back Freetown's beauty.
APC has always been the party that has helped Freetown to prosper and its citizens.
Bravo Ernest Koroma
Subject: Sierra Leone: Corruption threatens aid
From: Cornelius Hamelberg
To: All
Date Posted: 07:49:30 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-078472d5.01-32-73746f42.cust.bredbandsbolaget.se at 213.114.132.7
Message:
This corrupt system in Sierra Leone is long overdue for change as you can read here:
Corruption threatens aid
Britain could hold back Ł15m for impoverished Sierra Leone, the jewel in Blair's foreign policy crown
Alex Duval Smith, Freetown
Sunday June 10, 2007
The Observer
Senior sources in Sierra Leone believe Britain is about to freeze a Ł15m payment to the West African nation amid evidence of endemic corruption that has seen millions of pounds in aid line the pockets of dishonest officials while ordinary people struggle in conditions of catastrophic poverty .
Britain, as the single largest donor country, gives the small country more than Ł50m a year, including Ł12m for its armed forces and the Ł15m direct payment to the Treasury, which is due in July to cover public servants' sa
A Foreign Office source claimed that the July payment will not be released. But a source for the Department for International Development (Dfid) disputed this last night, insisting the 'payment will be released' but admitted that some concerns remain about the ability of the Sierra Leone government to meet certain requirements such as accounting for the aid they receive and reaching certain benchmarks.
Ten days ago Blair visited the country on his farewell Africa tour and said things were 'a darn sight better' than five years ago. But people in Freetown were disappointed that he did not travel to the decrepit capital, opting instead to limit his six-hour visit to the area around the international airport at Lungi.
Morlai Kamara, a good-governance campaigner with the Network Movement for Justice and Development in Freetown, said corruption was widespread. 'It permeates every level from the office of the President lawyer to the cleaner. It takes the form of people embezzling funds, appointing people they know and abusing resources. Endemic corruption was one of the main reasons for the war: the government could no longer meet its side of the social contract. Now we are back at pre-war levels.'
In the past few years, chiefly thanks to British lobbying, Sierra Leone has benefited from more international concern than almost any other country. Towards the end of the war it had the world's biggest UN peacekeeping presence - more than 17,000 troops. Britain's high-profile military engagement involved the Paras, Navy, Gurkhas and the SAS and, at the time, was the most expensive British military campaign since the Falklands. Later millions of pounds were pledged to create an army and police force and see through disarmament programmes for 56,000 combatants, including children.
Yet Freetown remains a metropolitan slum, without electricity or drinking water, where living conditions are worse for many than they were during the war. Promised plans by the government - for which aid was paid - to kick-start agriculture in the interior of the country have not materialised. Next month's planned presidential and parliamentary elections have been delayed until August and the reason given - the expected weather - has failed to convince the people.
In the diamond-rich Kono district, miners are still sifting river beds for elusive gems. Diamond exports are now taxed but the revenue is not, as was promised, being spent on building schools and clinics.
Just as before and during the war, Sierra Leone has the worst children's and maternal mortality figures in the world. Life expectancy stands at 41.
Val Collier, former commissioner of the country's Anti-Corruption Commission, said Britain and other aid donors were hypocritical: 'When money is given, checks and balances should be imposed. A large share of the money is spent on sending foreign consultants here to write reports; they come with their laptops in their slingbags, like intellectual mercenaries. Such spending does not put food in the bellies of the people of Sierra Leone.'
The new commissioner, Henry Joko-Smart, is seen as government-friendly and his work has proved timid. A Dfid report on the commission last month found that, of 64 cases examined in 2006, 15 were pursued, including a case against a hospital payroll officer and another against a headmaster. Corruption at other levels was ignored.
A Foreign Office official confirmed the freeze on Dfid's Ł15m payment, due next month, to the Sierra Leone government's 'consolidated fund', which pays public servants' salaries. 'We want accountability,' said one source. But a spokesman would only confirm that the matter was under discussion.
Corruption threat to aid
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/world/story/0,,2099506,00.html
Subject: Re: Sierra Leone: Corruption threatens aid
From: CADMUS
To: All
Date Posted: 08:27:31 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 82.198.250.2
Message:
What are we looking at here....another hopeless attempt to make SLPP look Bad.
The reports says...'Senior sources in Sa Lone believes that Britain was about to freeze a Ł15 million payment to the west African country......
.....'A foreign Office source claimed that the July payment will not be released.....'
....However the Department for International developement (The department that actually pays the money) ......'Disputed this last night..'.
..... Insisting that payment will be released..'
So what are you saying?
Now I know why John Leigh gets angrey with you people here.
Subject: Re: Sierra Leone: Corruption threatens aid
From: Cornelius Hamelberg
To: All
Date Posted: 08:56:33 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-050.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.50
Message:
Cadmus,
I know powerful people in this world, and here in Sweden.Your SLPP Gods are not part of the powerful group. Cadmus, do not mess with me. I will bring you , your SLPP, and your mendedorm down in a few minutes. Cadmus, Fuck you.
Subject: Re: Sierra Leone: Corruption threatens aid
From: Cornelius Hamelberg
To: All
Date Posted: 09:16:57 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-078472d5.01-32-73746f42.cust.bredbandsbolaget.se at 213.114.132.7
Message:
THis is worse than bearing false witness. This is impersonation. Plesae read the DISCLAIMER.
Cadmus and the entire SLPP government is nothing to me. There is nothing that I want or need from them or from the APC or PMDC.
N. B. I am not a Mende-phobe or tribalist.
I DID NOT POST THIS
http://www.hwforums.com/2179/messages/31000.html
Please don't misuse my name. Use your own name.
I'm talking about the world, not Sweden.
I am not a freemason etc.
Kabs please check the IP of the guy who posted under my name.
That is not my language or way of expressing my thoughts......
I AM AGAINST ANYONE USING MY NAME.
Subject: Re: Sierra Leone: Corruption threatens aid
From: Cornelius Hamelberg
To: All
Date Posted: 09:01:54 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-078472d5.01-32-73746f42.cust.bredbandsbolaget.se at 213.114.132.7
Message:
I DID NOT POST THAT.PLease don't msisues my name. Use your own name.
I'm talking about the world, not Swden.
Kabs plaese check the IP of the guy who posted under my name.
That oi not my langauge or way of expressing my thoughts.
Subject: Re: Sierra Leone: Corruption threatens aid
From: Cornelius Hamelberg
To: All
Date Posted: 08:53:02 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-078472d5.01-32-73746f42.cust.bredbandsbolaget.se at 213.114.132.7
Message:
Cadmus, whoever you are,
I know people in this world who are much more powerful and organised than anybody in Sierra Leone. Don’t start a war that you will not be able to finish.
Take it up with the Observer's reporters and stop bothering me about people like Leigh.
WHO do you think Leigh is to me, in the world of Human affairs? Sierra Leone’s little toe? Perhaps he is your moral authority or he gives you money? He is your professor? There are hundreds of thousands of professors my dear fellow.
If we go ballistic what can Kabbah, Berewa, Leigh or you any of your cohorts do about it? Get real man. You talk about Leigh as if he is a man of substance, influence intellectual or financial power. This doesn’t have anything to do with Makeni ConBention or your own limited linguistic conventions. In the world of which I speak people like Leigh are next to nothing. Understand that.
You seem to be living in another world. Tune in to another wavelength if you want to communicate with me and never mind all the mindless bubble about me on Cocorioko – that’s just some more bushman talk about pariah, outcast etc.
Now you know why John Leigh gets “ angrey" with people here. What’ is Leigh’s anger to me? Less than his passing wind through his mouth.
Who was it that said “There is no terror, Cassius, in your threats; for I am arm'd so strong in Honesty, that they pass by me as the idle wind, which I respect not." ?
Subject: Re: Sierra Leone: Corruption threatens aid
From: CADMUS
To: All
Date Posted: 11:43:12 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 82.198.250.2
Message:
Cornelius Hamelberg,
I have always wondered about you, and now I know better.I did honestly respect you once on this forum,for sometimes supplying useful information, but since you had thought it fit to go poltical, particularly anti-SLPP, my friend, you have lost and outlived your usefulness.
You can try to take me on if you so wish, I am ready. You live in Europe,as you know I live in London where I have been for the past 20 years, after studying and now practicing here.I do not own SLPP or John Leigh anything, Isupport them because at this particular moment in time, it is the right thing to do.
I see you read the Private Eye magazine to which I am also a contributor, maybe that is why I had enjoyed your jokes.
I am my own man I make up my own mind.The only people who influenced me were those who thought me Law some 15 years ago.
John Leigh is a greater man than you will ever be.He has achieved positions and represnted his country at the highest level.What have you ever done for your country.You must secretely admire John Leigh, how he takes on allcomers on this forum.He has been attacked right, left and center, and he fires back at each one of them....you must honestly admire the man.There is nothing shameful to admire a great man.John has a lot to offer Sa lone, and the Powers that be knows that, Just waut till after August 11.
My advise to you old man Cornie, is that you go back to doing what you did best, be a social commentator, which you were quit good at.You being a Jew and me being a MUSLIM did not matter I laughed at all your jokes inpite of....however attacking SLPP gratuitously as you have been doing matters to me . That can be calculated as been mendacious and you will get your fingers burnt.
Subject: Re: Sierra Leone: Corruption threatens aid
From: Cornelius Hamelberg
To: All
Date Posted: 13:15:08 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-078472d5.01-32-73746f42.cust.bredbandsbolaget.se at 213.114.132.7
Message:
Cadmus,
(Corrected and I stand for my views)
I wish you and yours, a pleasant weekend.
About Judaism, understand this:
http://www.torah.org/advanced/mishna-berura/S61.html
I just got back from the heart of the City where I went to get some Kosher Wine
I posted a news item from the Observer. If you are upset about the contents of the report, then you should write a letter to their editor and not to me. You could also get Leigh to do it, if you so prefer. My life does not depend on Sierra Leone nor does my thinking rotate in that orbit.
I don’t request your respect. Respect Kabbah, Berewa, your Imam, and so on. I have lived all my life without your respect and I don’t ask you to like or love me. It’s not every man and woman in Sierra Leone that was my best friend.
If you are from Sierra Leone, as far as I’m concerned irrespective of whether you are from the North or South, East or West, this or that tribe, you are supposed to be my brother. You will not ask me for bread and I will give you a stone – or a blow with a machete.
Most of my relationships are voluntary.
I do not intend to get close to anyone who exhibits primitive behaviour or mentality. In the circles in which I move here or in London, we are used to more civilised norms of behaviour.
You who live in the world of great and greater (including the literary world) you should know your positions in relation to the axis.
If John Leigh who you know, is a “great man” then who are you?
This is what I mean by we live in two different worlds.
Yes, London is my base.
I have lived in Sweden since 1971. I do not think that I was as Sierra Leonean in mentality as you were in the few years that I lived in Sierra Leone. Don’t get me wrong, I was friends with people like AKT, Remi Johnson etc but I have never been of the type of parochial mentality that is usually on display on this forum. Leigh is not and cannot by any stretch of the imagination be) a star in my heaven. I’m too far away from that kind of thinking, being, wanting to please.
My world, even my literary world is not divided into SLPP and APC.
My interests are far far removed from the petty squabbles that keep Sierra Leone at position 176 / 177 in human development terms. Even music – instrumentation is among the most backward in Africa – when you take away a few innovative guys like Abdul Tee-Jay. Listen to the lyrics “ Cee O Ley Ley “ and “Wele Kpeku” in his “PalmwineA Go-Go”
Try to understand this, because this is the main problem in Sierra Leone today:
http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=Transparency+International+%3A+Sierra+leone
I am concerned about the suffering of the majority of the people in Sierra Leone. At the same time I have family and friends and many interests that fill and fulfil my life. Leigh and Cadmus, Berewa and Kabbah and the biggest and baddest that Sierra Leone can produce are not “the anchor of my purest dreams”. Cocorioko and Sierra Leone forums are not the centre of my gravity, please try to understand that too.
Here’s my son in a discussion in yesterday’s Dagens Nyheter: Click on the link “läs mer”:
http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=Dagens+Nyheter+%3A+P%C3%A5+Stan%3A+Nathan+Hamelberg&btnG=Search&meta=
Subject: Re: Sierra Leone: Corruption threatens aid
From: Cornelius Hamelberg
To: All
Date Posted: 12:55:36 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-078472d5.01-32-73746f42.cust.bredbandsbolaget.se at 213.114.132.7
Message:
Cadmus,
I wish you and your, a pleasant weekend.
About Judaism, understand this:
http://www.torah.org/advanced/mishna-berura/S61.html
I just got back from the heart of the City where I went to get some Kosher Wine
I posted a news item from the Observer. You should write a letter to their editor and not to me. My life does not depend on Sierra Leone nor does my thinking rotate in that orbit.
I don’t request your respect. Respect Kabbah, Berewa, your Imam, and so on. I have lived all my life without your respect and I don’t ask you to like or love me. It’s not every man and woman in Sierra Leone that was my best friend.
If you are from Sierra Leone, as far as I’m concerned irrespective of whether you are from the North or South, East or West, this or that tribe you are supposed to be my brother. You will not ask me for bread and I will give you a stone – or a blow with a machete.
Most of my relationships are voluntary.
I do not intend to get close to anyone who exhibits primitive behaviour or mentality. In the circles in which I move here or in London, we are used to more civilised norms of behaviour.
You who live in the world of great and greater (including the literary world)
If John Leigh who you know, is a “great man” then who are you?
This is what I mean by we live in tow different worlds.
Yes, London is my base.
I have lived in Sweden since 1971. I do not think that I was as Sierra Leonean mentality as you were in the few years that I lived in Sierra Leone. Don’t get me wrong, I was friends with people like AKT, Remi Johnson etc but not of that parochial mentality.
My world, even my literary world is not divided into SLPP and APC.
My interests are far far removed from the petty squabbles that keep Sierra Leone at position 176 / 177 in human development terms. Even music – instrumentation is among the most backward in Africa – when you take away a few innovative guys like Abdul Tee-Jay. Listen to the lyrics “ Cee O Ley Ley “ and “Wele Kpeku” in his PalmwineA Go-Go”
Try to understand this, because this is the main problem in Sierra Leone today:
http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=Transparency+International+%3A+Sierra+leone
I am concerned about the suffering of the majority of the people in Sierra Leone. At the same time I have family and friends and many interests that fill and fulfil my life. Leigh and Cadmus, Berewa and Kabbah and the biggest and baddest that Sierra Leone can produce are not “the anchor of my purest dreams. Cocorioko and Sierra Leone forums are not the centre of my gravity, please try to understand that too.
Here’s my son in a discussion in yesterday’s Dagens Nyheter: Click on the link “läs mer”:
http://www.dn.se/DNet/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2800&a=660982
Subject: Re: Sierra Leone: Corruption threatens aid
From: micro-econ
To: All
Date Posted: 11:55:12 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: pool-71-174-135-79.bstnma.east.verizon.net at 71.174.135.79
Message:
"I support them because at this particular moment in time, it is the right thing to do."
The right thing to do is to call wrong wrong and right right. So let's hear it from you on corruption and mismanagement by the SLPP government. While you at that let's also hear from you on the SLPP convention. After that, tell us about all the good things the SLPP has done. Go ahead and do the right thing.
Subject: Re: Sierra Leone: Corruption threatens aid
From: Cornelius Hamelberg
To: All
Date Posted: 08:54:47 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-050.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.50
Message:
Cadmus,
Go fuck yourself. You son of a b--------------.Ypu SLPP and mende bastards. F--you, Cadmus
Subject: Re: Sierra Leone: Corruption threatens aid
From: SLPP
To: All
Date Posted: 08:40:17 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
Cadmus:
As you were told yesterday, stop acting stupid!
The salient point in the report is that the British Department for International Development has concluded that the SLPP government is thoroughly corrupt.
There is no dispute in the report about that most important point. So, whether as one source stated the SLPP's corruption has led DFID to stop its latest cash payment to the corrupt SLPP, or another source it would not does not change the FACT that DFID is on record -- along with the UN, the World Bank, the G*, and the European Union -- as finding that the SLPP IS A COPRRUPT GOVERNMENT.
That is a fact that no SLPP apologist who can't write correct English like John Leigh, Koker, or yourself can change!
Subject: Are you Kono or from Kono? 8-11 is here
From: Karamoh Kabba
To: All
Date Posted: 07:16:48 06/15/07 ()
Email Address: karamohslylhorg@aol.com
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
It suffices to agree that God left the Kono land a long time ago with the advent of foreign Manichaeism that conveniently combines religion and imperialism to which God gave way. Yes, God gave way: He gives humanity the two choices of good and evil and thus the "Wages of sin is death." And, without doubt, we saw the death field crammed with the dead, between 1991 and 2002 when God looked the other way to humanity's choice of evil over good against its own kind in Sierra Leone, especially in the Kono land.
(Karamoh Kabba, Sidie Yahya Tunis, Ibrahim Conteh and Maria Gutierrez, December 22, 2006)
What will you do about it?
Subject: Re: Are you Kono or from Kono? 8-11 is here
From: Cornelius Hamelberg
To: All
Date Posted: 07:53:13 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-078472d5.01-32-73746f42.cust.bredbandsbolaget.se at 213.114.132.7
Message:
Is it time for us to go ballistic?
Just give the word.....
Subject: Re: Are you Kono or from Kono? 8-11 is here
From: NAR U SABI
To: All
Date Posted: 08:45:38 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host81-153-195-162.range81-153.btcentralplus.com at 81.153.195.162
Message:
NAR U SABI U KIN GO ANY WHERE NOT ONLY BALLISTIC
Subject: Flashback: SIERRA LEONE: THE PRE AND POST WAR OVERVIEW;
From: M. Alieu Iscandari Esq
To: All
Date Posted: 04:46:42 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
*Briefing Published By:*
*African Analysis International*
*(A Research,Advocacy and Information Resource Group)*
Written By: *Ibrahim Bangoura And Nhinson Williams*
*Senior Research Associates, Africa Analysis International- AAI, Field
Service Network, Freetown, Sierra Leone. **BRIEFING NO: 0013. *April 20,
2003
*SIERRA LEONE: THE PRE AND POST WAR OVERVIEW; A COMBINATION OF TRAGEDY,
THREAT AND INSECURITY. ***
After a decade of one of the world most deadly civil wars in Africa, which
took away hundreds of lives, both in the urban and rural regions of the
country, post- war Sierra Leone still faces imminent danger and glaring
national insecurity. This realistic threat has potentials to wreck its
democratization, and the support and cooperation that the country has and
continues to receive in both its human and technical development sectors.
There are several underlying existing and evolving factors that stand
responsible for this very serious national threat in what supposed to be
post- war Sierra Leone. This West Africa state ten years (1991-2001) bloody
and brutal civil conflict generated political witch-hunt, social misery,
economic disorder, judicial ineptitude, and corruptible law enforcement
tendencies. In addition to these, the country is still under a serious
threat of a renewed blood bath.
PRE-WAR PERIOD
The Republic of Sierra Leone is one of the British colonies in West Africa
that obtained its independence in the 1960s. At independence, the country
was ruled by the Sierra Leone's people's party under the stewardship of Sir.
Milton Magai.
Sir Milton was succeeded by his brother Albert Magai. Both Milton and Albert
had lineage and relevant social ties with the Mendes and Sherbro speaking
groups of the Country's east and southern regions.
Soon after independence, the SLPP had urged the population of the country
for a one party state ideology; but did not succeed in achieving same.
Internal disunity within the SLPP, which drew its partisans and loyalists
largely from the Mendes and Shebros, breaded a vital political vacuum at the
national level. Consequential of this national opening emerged an
alternative political perspective which derived its strength from the
country's trade union movement and affiliated civil society groups. One of
the workers' unionists, Siaka Stevens, eventually rose as the leader, and
since the SLPP focus was in the east and south, the APC chose to put its
energy and concentration to the northern region of the country amongst the
Temne, Limba, Mandingo and Fula related speaking groups under the banner of
democracy and social change.
Both the SLPP and APC divided the country's political mechanics on tribal
and regional lines, even though each had and still have connections in one
another's stronghold in terms of partisan affiliation.
As the country infancy political development unfolded, the APC took over the
realm of state power from the SLPP, with Siaka Stevens as prime minister and
later on as president.
Stevens who had earlier on opposed the idea of one party state under the
SLPP proposed and argued that the concept of a one party state was a noble
venture, and that in fact, the SLPP meant well for the unity and progress of
the country with that notion.
So in furtherance of the SLPP brilliant ideology, the APC, which he, Stevens
headed as leader and president of the country, campaigned and intimidated
opposing views for the realization of a one party state under the APC in the
1970s.
In a bid for continuity in the APC's rule of the country, Stevens had to
hand pick a military man and a northerner, General Joseph Saidu Momoh, to
succeed him at the disatisfaction of key and forceful outstanding
politicians in the persons of his first vice president S.I. Koroma, 2nd vice
president Francis Minah, who was also Minister of Justice, Salia Jusu
Sheriff, Thaimu Bangura, amongst others.
With such, the APC ruled the country over two decades. Stevens' hand picked
successor, General Joseph Saidu Momoh, then commander of the Sierra Leone's
Army, worsened the country misery during his half decade rule from
1984-1992.
Although there was disorganized corruption and organized gangsterism under
Stevens' rule, the situation under General Momoh was quite the opposite.
Under General Momoh and his period of the APC's leadership of Sierra Leone,
corruption was very rampant, organized and persistent at every level while
political gangsterism was disorganized but ruthless.
General Momoh's 1st vice president, Francis Minah and others, became victims
of the country political pettiness and witch-hunt. Accused by the APC on
allegation of trying to topple the regime and kill President Momoh, these
men were set by the northerners in the regime and killed.
Conditions subsequent were unbearable for the Country's population. The
economy was deplorable and weak as a result of loot, mismanagement and bad
governance. In view of this, the quest for change surfaced and the need for
change became embelled in every sector of the country.
Opposing groups (including the SLPP) and individuals to Momoh and the APC
regime in the country soon began galvanizing options for the dethronement of
the status quo. This led to the facilitation of some exiled Sierra Leonean
nationals, including Foday Sankoh and others, into Libyan and Qaddaffi's
sponsored rebels training camps near Tripoli.
Outstanding opposition figures both in and outside of Sierra Leone then were
in for a change of regime in the country at all cost so that they too could
participate in the dividend of the aftermath political equation.
Obviously, that became real after the NPRC's rule. Current president Ahmed
Tejan Kabbah, Lawyer Solomon Berewa, Dr. Joe Demby, Dr. Abass Bundu, Hon.
John Kerefa Smart and Chief Hinga Norman were all amongst a long list of
those who had this impulse and wished the change so dearly.
The usual predicament was the question of the most appropriate and effective
medium to use in obtaining this change. This became an eventually unanswered
dilemma for most of them, especially those of them who had links to the
international community, current president Kabbah inclusive.
Then came the Libyan supported war in Liberia against an internationally
unaccepted regime. The Samuel Doe government.
The Liberian war spearheaded by an American Criminal Law fugitive, Charles
M. Taylor and his notorious but brutal NPFL rebel group, nurtured the
formation of the deadly RUF rebel group in Sierra Leone.
Although there were already dissidents for Sierra Leone, trained and in
readiness; the RUF as a full fledge rebel movement was established in
Liberia with the full knowledge, participation and overriding logistical
support of the then NPFL rebels leader Charles Taylor, now president of
Liberia.
WAR TIME PERIOD* *
The RUF rebel group was established in Gbarnga, Bong County, Liberia. The
group launched its rebel attack on the APC regime and people of Sierra Leone
in late 1991. From the onset of the RUF incursion into Sierra Leone, there
was an overwhelming empathy and indirect solidarity from the silent Sierra
Leonean opposition and the largely Mende and Sherbo tribes, respectively,
for the rebel group.
The SLPP then in the opposition at the time mounted serious anti regime
sentiments against the ruling APC governing party which was and is still
dominated by the Temnes, Limbas and others from the north of the country.
As the war raged on into the Eastern region of the country, the RUF soon
began inheriting a track record of mayhem and destruction. The Easterners at
the time had no real dislikeness for the RUF as they did with the APC regime
under Momoh and his northern gang.
Coincidentally, the APC regime was overthrown by a team of young soldiers
from the Sierra Leone Army, calling themselves the National Provisional
Ruling Council (NPRC) Government. The NPRC military regime, though led by a
young officer, Captain Valentine Strasser, was influentially dominated by
easterners who were led by the late Captain Solomon A.J Musa, and had
officers like General Maada Bio, Colonel Tom Nyumah and Colonel Kumba
Mondeh, among others.
The activities of the NPRC regime was overwhelmed by irresponsibility and
latent human right violations which were largely due to the youthful tenets
and inexperience found in the Council's membership.
Nonetheless, the NPRC government pursued the RUF defensively and at least
the war was contained from reaching the capital, Freetown and other bigger
city-towns like Kenema, BO and Makeni.
The regime of the NPRC marked the turning point in the APC – SLPP agitation,
and Sierra Leone's Socio -political and tribal alignment chaos.
Strasser was overthrown by his immediate deputy, General Julius Maada Bio,
who had replaced sacked Captain Solomon A.J. Musa. Bio's coup was successful
because of the support of his fellow easterners in the Council.
General Bio had based his take-over rationale on Stresser's desire to
distort democratization in the country. In the interim, politicians and
intellectuals were gearing up for active participation in a post-NPRC
democratic environment. The NPRC leadership under Maada Bio conducted what
many, including international organizations, described as a "Free and Fair
Multi -Party Election". The Election Commission was chaired by Dr. James
Jonah, a respectable Sierra Leonean diplomat and former Under Secretary
General of the United Nations for Political Affairs.
The SLPP candidate, Dr Ahmed Tejan Kabbah, won the Presidential Elections,
giving the SLPP the authority of state control. Kabbah, a Mandingo and
northerner by patrimony, has a Mende mother from the east of the country. He
was selected by the SLPP in order to divide the vote of the predominately
APC north, since in fact, the SLPP saw the APC as an uncompromising
challenger in the country.
President Kabbah and the SLPP regime were dethroned by the Sierra Leone Army
in 1997 under the command of Major Johnny Paul Koroma. Koroma and his SLA
group called their regime the Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC) which
popularly became known as AFRC Junta. The AFRC Junta invited the RUF into
the Government as well as some key members, like the late Captain Solomon
A.J. Musa, of the defunct NPRC regime.
According to the AFRC leader, Major Johnny Paul Koroma, the idea was to
conclude the war and end the suffering of the civilian population throughout
the country as well as repartriate the country's refugees.
Many including the international community, particularly ECOWAS, viewed the
AFRC venture as anti democratic and unconstitutional, since in fact the
junta had overthrown an elected and constitutional government.
ECOWAS Peace Monitoring Group, ECOMOG and militia loyalists of the SLPP
launched attacks on the AFRC regime in Freetown through combat activities.
President Kabbah and most of his cabinet and other officials were now
refugees in Guinea and other West African states. Despite their refugee's
status, the SLPP officials were operating government in exile, with Dr.
Kabbah as both President and Minister Of Defence.
Kabbah as President and Minister Of Defence had approved the formation of
the Kamajor militia, largely composed of ethnic mende hunters, villagers and
SLPP loyalists, to fight restore his regime and democracy in Sierra Leone.
In order to give legitimacy to the Kamajors and allow them obtain state and
international funding indirectly, the group was placed under the direct
control of the Country's Ministry Of Defense, and the National Defence
Headquarters' operations.
President Kabbah and his vice president then, Dr. Joe Demby, became fully
responsible for the country military operations against the brutal RUF
rebels and AFRC Junta. And they both received operational and tactical
briefings on the activities of the polarized and complex military groupings,
which included the Kamajor militia, the South African mercenary group called
the "Executive Outcome" and the youthful "Special Forces" group which had
comprised exiled Liberian ex-combatants who fought for Kabbah on hired
basis.
In the Ministry Of Defence, Chief Sam Hinga Norman, as the then deputy
Minister Of Defense took charge of the country's military activities on
President Kabbah's instruction. The military operations at the Ministry Of
Defence during the Sierra Leone's war involved the administrative
supervision of the Sierra Leone Army, the Kamajors, the Special Forces and
the Executive Outcome's relations.
At the National Defence headquarters, President Kabbah appointed General
Maxwell Kobe, a Nigerian soldier and commander of ECOMOG Task Force, as
Chief Of Defence Staff with jurisdiction over the Sierra Leone Army, the
Civil Defence Forces like the Kamajor militia, the Executive outcome and
Special Forces, which then comprised of Liberian and Sierra Leonean youth.
Under the Ministries of Finance and Defence, the SLPP government allotted
and spent millions of dollars on the Executive Outcome and the Civil Defense
Forces in cash and logistical support. At the Ministry of Finance, President
Kabbah also instructed the then deputy Minister Of Finance, Momoh Pujeh, to
handle the budgetary activities of the various militarized groupings which
were pro SLPP and his regime. Also, at the Ministry Of Defence, President
Kabbah employed and appointed Mustapha Lumeh to supervise the logistical
support of the Civil Defence Forces.
President Kabbah and the vice president, Dr. Joe Demby, had regular military
meetings with and received full briefings from the senior operatives of the
Civil Defence Forces through his deputy Minister Of Defense, Hinga Norman
and his Chief of Defense staff, the late Gen. Maxwell Kobe.
At some point Kabbah and Demby ordered specific military instructions based
on briefings they received.
The SLPP government paid the Executive Outcome. On the contrary, the
government did not pay the Kamajor militias and the exiled Liberian
ex-combatant who were seeking refugee in Freetown as a result of the
Liberian regime witch-hunt against perceived enemies.
The Liberian ex-combatants largely came from rival fractions to the NPFL
rebel group of Charles Taylor. They had to escape Liberia after Taylor won
the Liberian elections, took over state power and started to witch hunt
perceived opposition.
Like the Kamajor militia, the SLPP government provided periodic feeding,
medical care and other basic needs for the Special Forces. In addition, the
Special Forces were provided housing by President kabbah at the Brookfields
Hotel complex. This was after ECOMOG and the Civil Defence Forces had
restore Kabbah and his regime back in Freetown.
DISARMAMANT AND THE PEACE PROCESS
Like the RUF rebels, the Civil Defence Forces did not disarm, de-mobilize
and re- integrate in full. Both groupings stored up arms and ammunition in
their former strongholds. These arms and ammunitions are stored in secret in
preparation for eventualities etc.
What the internationally supported disarmament and Peace- building process
did in Sierra Leone was to influence the cessation of physical combat
activities throughout the country as well as reduce the proliferation of
arms and halt the commission of human right abuses, war crimes and crimes
against humanity. But the cells of destructions were not disbanded. They do
exist and can emerge anytime in any part of the country, and this time the
conditions could be far worst and difficult to conclude.
Some members of the RUF and Civil Defence Forces gave up their arms and are
making efforts to adjust in other life situation other than combat
activities. On the other hand, many of the RUF and Kamajor fighters are
active in combat activities in neighboring Liberia and the Ivory Coast where
there are wars at the moment. This is one of the reasons why Sierra Leone is
still under legitimate threat and faces national insecurity.
One source interviewed at Lungi, Sierra Leone, indicated that President
Kabbah and the SLPP government acted ungrateful to the membership of the
Special Forces after he Kabbah and his SLPP regime had "consolidated" power
and security control to some extent. The source stated further that In an
attempt to induce President Taylor's friendship and failed protection,
President Kabbah and the SLPP regime decided to reward the Liberian
dominated Special Forces' youth, who had fought, wasted blood and died for
the regime, with harassment, arrests and detention; threatening them with
deportation etc.
In view of this all, many of the Special Forces' members fled the country to
other West African states and do hold this mistreatment against the SLPP
regime.
In essence, the Kabbah regime used the exiled Liberian ex combatants in
vain. The President, according to our sources, opted to sweetie relations
with Taylor who supported the RUF rebels that ravaged the population of
Sierra Leone so much so that the country has inherited one of the world's
worst social predicaments. Thousands of people are amputated and others
maimed throughout the country.
* ATTROCITIES *
One of the memorable things that characterized the Sierra Leonean civil war
is the level and degree of atrocities committed by all sides in the
conflict.
The RUF committed unimaginable mayhem, mass murder and calculated massacres.
They introduced and practiced the amputation and maiming of civilian body
parts as well as the burning of houses, raping of women and infants and
massive extra jusdicial executions.
This became particularly rampant when the RUF and AFRC Junta were retreating
after being dislodged from power and the capital, Freetown. For the RUF,
their atrocities were committed indiscriminately against civilians and
others. The AFRC Westside Boys later on became no different from the RUF in
everything until they were disarmed at Juba Hill by the British soldiers
based in Freetown then.
The Executive Outcome and the Special Forces focus in most of their combat
operations were on the RUF and the AFRC remnants who had engaged them in
battle. Sources interviewed maintained that a number of human rights abuses
were committed by these groups against civilians. This included harassment
and intimidation which were motivated by the greed for loot and pleasure.
In addition, the Executive Outcome did illicit and disorganized diamond
mining. The Special Forces were complained about on issue of occasional rape
and raiding of properties from civilians on periodic basis.
The Kamajors militia committed liked atrocities too. But at least theirs was
not rampant and glaring against the civilian population. However, the
reality remains that the Kamajors also killed civilians, mainly northerners
in the Kenema, Bo and other regions of the country.
Information from sources interviewed throughout the country and in refugees
camps in neighboring countries where there are many Sierra Leonean
eyewitness, says the Kamajors beside fighting the RUF rebels, targeted
supporters and sympathizers of the elstwhile APC and AFRC regimes which drew
and continue to maintain support and loyalty from the northern region of the
country, particularly amongst the Temnes, Limbas and Lokos.
These became the victims, in actual fact, of most of the atrocities the
Kamajors militia committed against civilians in the war.
Sources interviewed by AAI's researchers also mentioned that in Freetown,
the West Africa Peace Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), did commit awful atrocities
against the civilian population, especially during the fall of the AFRC
Junta. Civilians were shot on site from one place to another by some
ECOMOG's soldiers for what the soldiers called "Collaboration" with the
RUF/AFRC Junta.
ECOMOG soldiers' atrocities were high around the Congo Cross, Kingtom, Kissy
and Hasting areas of Freetown. Although some of the civilians killed by the
ECOMOG soldiers were sympathizers of either the AFRC or RUF; many others
were perceived as such and maligned by others civilians. The situation
increased the civilian atrocities perpetrated by ECOMOG, particularly the
Nigerian contingent.
At a certain point in time, it was difficult to differentiate the original
Sierra Leone Army (SLA) from the RUF/AFRC Junta. Particularly, when the AFRC
was composed of SLA's ring leaders.
Of course, it was from the SLA that a loyalist sect to former AFRC leader,
Johnny Paul Koroma, emerged.
The sect or group known as Westside Boys eventually translated their actions
into rebel's activities. Thus separating them from the main stream SLA which
was commanded by the Nigerian General Maxwell Kobe in his then capacity as
Chief of Defence Staff of the Country Army.
The SLA splitter group - Westside Boys - carried out mayhem similar to that
of the RUF rebels at a certain point in time, mainly when they were forced
to dwell up the hills over Freetown in opposition to the Kabbah government,
ECOMOG and the SLPP.
Eventhough the Westside Boys carried out indiscriminate killings and torture
of civilians, they obtained no glaring record of maiming and amputating of
civilians.
Maiming and amputating of civilians were activities of the brutal RUF
rebels. The Kamajors militia, ECOMOG and the Westside Boys have no such an
opened track record, at least so far as generic testimonies revealed.
However, these various groups harassed and inhumanely tortured and killed
civilians in some parts of the country, too.
POST "DISARMAMENT" AND ELECTIONS* *
After the reaching of what was called a " Peace Deal" by all sides in the
country conflict, the international community facilitated a disarmament
program that at least halted the sound of guns and commission of widespread
atrocities and looting.
The RUF under a new leadership transformed itself from an official armed
group to a political party; and like other political parties in the country,
had the vital chance to participate in the country's democratic process
through the just held elections of 2002 which gave President Kabbah a second
term of continuity.
The Country's post disarmament situation had looked forward to a genuine
national reconciliation process for the healing of bad memories induced from
the war throughout the country. But this has not been the case, instead an
International Special Court assumes correctives measures against those
responsible for the commission of crimes against humanity during the
country's decade long war.
Many sources interviewed in the country applauded the initiatives of the
United Nations in setting up the Special Court, but say it is too untimely
in view of the level of disunity in the country and the general
proliferation of arms and insecurity in the Mano River Union basin.
Many, including diplomats, in the sub region see the present war situation
in Liberia as a threatening and dangerous reality to the establishment of
real peace in Sierra Leone. Particularly so when the U.N. Special Court on
Sierra Leone has put in place an indictment process for some of the same
figures who still have control over militia that fought one another in the
country deadly civil war. The issue, for example ,of Chief Hinga Norman,
raises a threatening concern.
A few Kamajor's fighters interviewed mentioned that the SLPP regime and
Kabbah in particular, do not want the suffering of Sierra Leonean to end.
They opined that apart from the SLPP government, President Kabbah and Vice
President Solomon Berewa befriending of Charles Taylor, who also uses them;
both men are using the UN Special Court to get at their perceived political
rivals within the rank and file of the ruling SLPP, and even in the country
main opposition.
Some say President Kabbah does not understand the political chemistry and
evolving intricate militarized situation in the Mano River basin, because he
is always a prime beneficiary of its end result in political terms.
Many also find it disheartening why President Kabbah should befriend Taylor
to the point of lobbying for him, and assisting him with so-called
intelligence information, when this same Taylor is considered the prime
engineer of the regional calamity which has ruined Sierra Leone and the
entire Mano River Union terrain.
The contradiction here is that, Taylor is the god father of the RUF and a
good patron for the jailed RUF leader, Foday Sankoh. This same Taylor is a
personal friend and political security adviser to president Kabbah ad even
the SLPP regime at a higher level.
The Kamajors feel betrayed by Kabbah and the leadership of the SLPP. This is
a big danger for the party and the country because the Kamajors are the
armed wing of the very party. The question then is, what happens when the
international body reduces its miliatary and security presence in Sierra
Leone?
CONCLUSION
The war in the Republic Of Sierra Leone is still very far from being over.
The country is basically under threat; and this threat is and provides room
for national insecurity and regional social and economic distortion.
The country is under a serious threat and is really unsecured because the
disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process did not meet its aims
and objectives.
There are still arms hidden in the country and various stakeholders in the
war or conflict situation are to some extent still maintaining cells of
their movements. In addition, many adherents and actors, key ones too, in
the war have left the country and are actively engaged in combat activities
in the West African sub region; in Liberia and the Ivory Coast to be
specific.
A key element to the threat that Sierra Leone faces is the situation of war
in neighboring Liberia. Peace and security in Sierra Leone at this moment is
largely contingent on the developments in Liberia and other neighboring
states.
Liberia is the breeding ground for the West Africa regional destabilization
plan, and considering that Liberia was and still hosts some elements that
are the principal actors in the war in Sierra Leone, the situation in Sierra
Leone remains threatening. More so, when the country healing and national
reconciliation process is ineffective, and over shadowed by political
manipulation, witch-hunt and hypocrisy at the highest level of the present
regime, and in the opposition.
RECOMMENDATIONS
*To the international community: *
1. That the international community examines the current activities, timing
and operating locat1on of the UN Special Court on Sierra Leone;
2. That the international community considers peace and security in Sierra
Leone in the context of peace and security in the Mano River basin,
particularly by addressing the Liberian question; and
3. That the international community fully supports the national
disarmament, demobilization and reintegration program in Sierra Leone with
the view that the program will leave no storm unturn in achieving its
objective.
*To the Sierra Leone Government: *
1. That the government calls for and supports a national conference with
all stakeholders to the Sierra Leonean equation participating so as to sort
out and identify unresolved issues and matters that threaten the country's
peace and national security;
2. That the government and all political parties and interests support the
recently setup Truth and Reconciliation process in sincerity and honesty;
and;
3. That the SLPP government engages the country's civil society groups for
the promotion of national unity and healing.
Subject: Re: UNA NOR DAE READ?????
From: LARDA MARCI OH
To: All
Date Posted: 11:18:21 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
Like the RUF rebels, the Civil Defence Forces did not disarm, de-mobilize
and re- integrate in full. Both groupings stored up arms and ammunition in
their former strongholds. These arms and ammunitions are stored in secret in
preparation for eventualities etc.
Subject: Sierra Leone: Le 28 Million Electric Cables Missing At BKPS
From: Mr L.A.During
To: All
Date Posted: 01:58:53 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: gateway.cyberstar.com at 209.239.66.36
Message:
Sierra Leone: Le 28 Million Electric Cables Missing At BKPS
Concord Times (Freetown)
14 June 2007
Posted to the web 14 June 2007
Mohamed Massaquoi
Freetown
District Crime Officer of the Kenema Police Station, Jonathan Mattia Tuesday disclosed to Concord Times that copper cables valued at Le 28 million have reportedly been stolen from the Bo/Kenema Power Service (BKPS) transmitting lines.
He said the development will seriously affect certain communities in Bo/Kenema from getting electricity supply after the completion of the Dodo Hydro Dam in few months time.
Mattia's disclosure came after Bal Ram, an Indian trader was arrested with a large quantity of BKPS copper cables.
"BKPS has submitted to us a list of their transmitting lines that have been disconnected by some members of the public," he said adding that the Police have invited the suspect for further investigation but that progress is very slow.
Local Unit Commander (LUC) at the Kenema Police Station, Vincent Nabieu denied claims made by the Board Chairman BKPS, Chief Brima Kargbo that the police are not making any effort to pursue the matter.
"As police officers we are investigating the matter. It is incumbent on us to refer state matters to the State Council for advice before we could proffer charges," he said.
Subject: Guinean Troops Depart Yenga...Nar True???
From: PMDC
To: All
Date Posted: 01:48:57 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: gateway.cyberstar.com at 209.239.66.36
Message:
Guinean Troops Depart Yenga
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After a long dispute over Yenga, a border village between Guinea and Sierra Leone, Guinean troops are reported to be gradually relocating to Norgowa in their country with all their military equipment.
According to the second in command at the 1st Battalion in Kailahun, Major A.K Kamara, “only eight Guinean personnel are currently occupying Yenga as compared to resent past when over 200 Guinean troops were deployed there”. He said the eight personnel were waiting to harvest their cassava farm before crossing over to Guinea. Unlike previous time when people including security personnel from Sierra Leone were restricted to Yenga, now there is free movement of people in and out of that once disputed village from both countries.
Major Kamara further revealed that, “the Battalion still maintains one company at the forward patrol base at Koindu with deployment at Baidu and Buedu”.
Subject: Re: Guinean Troops Depart Yenga...Nar True???
From: Independent Man
To: All
Date Posted: 02:22:17 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-68-127-105-250.dsl.pltn13.pacbell.net at 68.127.105.250
Message:
Tejan Kabbah, Berewa & the SLPP were right from the onset: Their approach (DIPLOMACY) has worked.
Thank God Foolumunku Margai or Inexperienced & Incompetent Ernest is not in Charge. They would have done something dumb!!!!
SLPP POWER
BEREWA FOR PRESIDENT.
Subject: Re: Guinean Troops Depart Yenga...Nar True???
From: Troops
To: All
Date Posted: 09:50:04 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-129-152-107.range86-129.btcentralplus.com at 86.129.152.107
Message:
dem don fraid Berewa!!
Subject: Re: Guinean Troops Depart Yenga...Nar True???
From: slpp
To: All
Date Posted: 03:22:57 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
Is this the same Kabbah, Bereewa's boss who did the dumbest thing ever in Salone when he became the only Sa Lon president to run away to Guinea from them and leave them to die, and then he had bombs dropped upon them, killing thousands?
But when Guineans occupied Sa lon for the past several years and use d our Yenga to harvest their crops, and chase out our people, Kabbah the coward did nothing all those years.
And you call that doing something not dumb?
Are you that dumb? Or, just unpatriotic?
Subject: Re: Guinean Troops Depart Yenga...Nar True???
From: kambo
To: All
Date Posted: 14:02:50 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 67.63.2.157
Message:
when we went to kabassa lodge where did momoh go? Guinea.
So Kabba is not the first.
Una too lie.
Subject: Re: Guinean Troops Depart Yenga...Nar True???
From: slpp
To: All
Date Posted: 19:34:37 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
Please try to understand what you read. The statement did not merely state that Kabbah went to Guinea.
Had you understood what your read, you would have noticed three separate things that Kabbah did which no other president has done. Please have someone explain to you the meaning of the word "and" -- it might help you see understand what you failed to understand on your own reading of the following statement:
"Is this the same Kabbah, Bereewa's boss who did the dumbest thing ever in Salone when he became the only Sa Lon president to run away to Guinea from them and leave them to die, and then he had bombs dropped upon them, killing thousands?"
Did Momoh do all 3 of the things above Kabbah did? So, what makes you think Kabbah is not the first president to do all of them?
Why are you SLPP apologists so dumb?
Subject: APC WILL "HANDPICK" PARLIAMENTARY CANDIDATES ON FRIDAY
From: Independent Man
To: All
Date Posted: 01:21:27 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-68-127-105-250.dsl.pltn13.pacbell.net at 68.127.105.250
Message:
Bo Victor Foh en Ernest Koroma oonar nor make ar laff. Oonar nor get any democratic process for select oonar parliamentary candidates dem. Nar the executive day handpick the candidate dem --- oodat put more money nar im oonar day select. So lef for lie pan we.
Oonar nor day lef thief.
............................................
Friday 15th and Wednesday 20th June 2007 respectively will be hectic and never to be forgotten moments for aspirants of the main opposition, the All Peoples Congress (APC).
Party sources have revealed to this reporter that both the award of symbols to the parliamentary contestants and the naming of the presidential running mate would be done in order to put the minds of party supporters at rest.
As news of these activities became public yesterday, there was jubilation among members especially those expecting to receive party symbols.
It would be recalled that it was the PMDC, in keeping with its promise that it would name its running mate after the party convention did fulfill the promise when party announced Dr. I.I. Tejan-Jalloh as the running mate followed by the award of party symbols.
The National Secretary General Mr. Victor Bockarie Foh disclosed that modalities are underway for the occasion which he described as historic.
Meanwhile, the ruling SLPP is almost concluding that chapter of the political exercise in the entire country.
The APC scribe explained that most of the applicants for symbols fulfilled the requirements “We carried out background checks on each and every applicants, and we are very satisfied with the outcome” Foh Remarked. He promised that the party would not handpicked candidates but choose them democratically in accordance with the party constitution. “We are not hand picking candidates, because we want good people to represent their various constituencies and will produce credible and proper candidates of men and women who would take nation forward” Mr. Foh promised
Source: Standard Times (June 14, 2007)
Subject: Good Bye Mr Sleepy Experience
From: M. Alieu Iscandari Esq
To: All
Date Posted: 00:50:10 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
Adverts Past Issues
SPEECH DELIVERED BY HON. ERNEST BAI KOROMA, LEADER AND PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE OF THE APC TO THE NUAS MMCET, GODERICH
Monday 11, June 2007.
THEME: The Significance of the APC Peace Accord in the forward match to victory in August 2007.
INTRODUCTION: Chairman
Distinguished Guest, Ladies and Gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to be here to meet with you, members of NUAS, in one of our major institutions of Higher Learning, the Milton Margai College of Education and Technology, Goderich.
I should have made this journey much earlier as I myself live in the neighbourhood of the College. But, as the saying goes, “God’s time is the best.” I believe as well that no time could be better than now, only 62 days to the August 11, election appointment.
PEACE ACCORD:
Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen, The Party had difficulties – we worked within the democratic process and channels. Eventually, compelling public interest ushered in a political solution.
What is remarkable is that no body left the APC for another Party.
- It is now peace time. We are together. We will stay together and we will fight together and win the August 11, 2007 elections as a united party.
- The people of Sierra Leone wanted peace and we have given them that peace.
- This peace has permitted us to build on the strengths of the party and muster the necessary resources, human and financial, to render the APC, the only electable party in August this year.
Chairman, you have all witnessed, participated in or heard of the very successful peace marches we have staged in Freetown, Makeni, Kenema, Sefadu and Kailahun. The unprecedented crowds that turned out were remarkable in their orderliness and there was an absence of any incident injuries to persons and property.
For that, and on behalf of the entire membership of the party, I express my profound appreciation to you all, for this exemplary conduct.
This is indeed, a true manifestation of the APC spirit. During these occasions, our detractors were disappointed to see all of the APC Leadership processing in unity to demonstrate the camaraderie existing within the APC family. It is said “If there are cracks in the walls, lizards will enter the house”.
The peace accord has now sealed these cracks. No more LIZARDS are allowed to enter. Those already inside cannot get out. They will be annihilated by the intensity of the energy radiating from a re-invigorated APC Leadership.
Mr. Chairman, I will not tire of saying once again that the APC is now a united party and the executive members are all working assiduously towards one goal and one goal only. The resounding first round victory in the Presidential elections on August11, 2007.
This leads me, to the much trumpeted question of ‘experience’
EXPERIENCE: Solomon Berewa has been constantly bragging about his vast experience.
Let me use the opportunity to ask Mr. Berewa, what experience he is claiming to have that Sierra Leoneans desire enough to vote for him.
Mr. Chairman, let me say that there is no school or college you will attend to learn how to be President.
A good President is made, not born. If one is lucky to have a good pupil master, the chances are that he will make a good President.
Unfortunately for Solomon Berewa, his pupil master H.E. Alhaji Ahmed Tejan Kabba is the worst performing President this country has ever had. He has woefully failed the nation and Solomon Berewa, being his running mate cannot be absolved of any complicity in the conspiracy to misdirect, misinform, misrule and mislead this nation.
This is the experience Solomon Berewa has acquired in his five-year internship under President Kabba.
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen, you must have learnt that the government declared itself bankrupt last month. It is incapable of servicing its budgetary allocat1ons because DFID withheld budgetary support funding totaling Le85billon until after the elections.
The IMF through the debt relief exercise brought in Le524 billion, with a lid over it. Again, this money, although it is lodged with the Bank of Sierra Leone, will not be disbursed until September. Again, only after the elections.
The IMF has also threatened to pull out of Sierra Leone. The International Donor Community has totally lost faith in the government of Tejan Kabba and Solomon Berewa.
This infact has prompted one Member of Parliament of the S.L.P.P supported by the Minister of Finance to say that the International Community is seeking a regime change. This, I find naďve although I know that regime change in Sierra Leone is inevitable. The SLPP, in looking for a scapegoat to blame for their expected poor showing in the coming elections, may anger some of our development partners with such baseless utterances. I cannot guess at the intentions of the donors. However, the facts on the ground are that billions of Leones have been made available to the SLPP government since 2001. Indeed, Britain has spent over Ł232m in the past six years. The European Union, the IMF, the World Bank, the ADB, IDB, etc have all poured large amounts of money into Sierra Leone.
Disappointingly, International financial experts say and I quote
“Sierra Leone is making little progress in tackling corruption and is squandering foreign aid, leaving its most vulnerable citizens as destitute as they were before the civil war.
“Since the guns fell silent after more than a decade of conflict, our country of less than 5 million people, rich in diamonds, iron and gold remains the poorest nation on earth. Britain alone has spent $180 million on non-military aid in the last two years and a further $80 million will be spent this year. But endemic corruption has gone largely unchecked.
“Things are as bad, if not worse, today than they were when the war started in 1991.”
Ladies and Gentlemen, the MMCET students can attest, the FBC students can testify, the Njala students can confirm, students of COMAHS, and IPAM, will affirm that the conditions under which they are living on campus are sub-standard and fall far short of conditions that existed in the years preceding the APC overthrow in 1992.
The statement of the International Community has vindicated the APC. It has confirmed that any APC government is better than the best SLPP Government.
Solomon Berewa boasts of experience
What experience?
The experience that has grounded the economy with
- No electricity, no water, poor health and education facilities?
- Highest maternal and infant mortality rate in the world?
- Growing youth unemployment currently about 60%?
- Transforming criminals into saints?
Or is it
- The experience of somnolence?
- The experience of somnambulism?
- The sleepy eyed experience of an aspirant who
can hardly stay awake during crucial meetings?
What experience?
- The experience of endemic corruption?
- The experience of giving contracts and jobs only
to SLPP card holders?
- The experience of politicizing micro credit?
- The experience of embezzling public funds?
No, indeed the donors have resolved not to release a single cent more until a full and proper account of the funds doled out to the Tejan Kabbah/Berewa led government is given.
And you know what, the International Community is right. Any more funds released to the SLPP will be squandered and stashed away especially now that “SLPP dae pack for go”.
As we say goodbye to Mr. Sleepy experience. I Invite you all to join the APC team, fresh, dynamic with a clear vision to take Sierra Leone to the next level.
I thank you.
Subject: Re: Good Bye Mr Sleepy Experience
From: Independent Man
To: All
Date Posted: 01:30:57 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-68-127-105-250.dsl.pltn13.pacbell.net at 68.127.105.250
Message:
Ernest Koroma is nearing the end of his political career. After Berewa pistol-whips him on August 11, he will be done for good. Others in the APC will want to be the flag bearer in 2012.
So Goodbye Fine Boy Arata!
Noto all man go be president.HEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEH
Subject: Re: Good Bye Mr Sleepy Experience
From: BUFORD HWY
To: All
Date Posted: 09:51:00 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-074-228-219-218.sip.asm.bellsouth.net at 74.228.219.218
Message:
WORWOR BEREWA GO GET CHANCE FOR SLEEP AFTER ERNEST KOROMA SEN NAM NAR CATAKUOBAY OR LONG STEP.
Solomon Berewa boasts of experience
What experience?
The experience that has grounded the economy with
- No electricity, no water, poor health and education facilities?
- Highest maternal and infant mortality rate in the world?
- Growing youth unemployment currently about 60%?
- Transforming criminals into saints?
Or is it
- The experience of somnolence?
- The experience of somnambulism?
- The sleepy eyed experience of an aspirant who
can hardly stay awake during crucial meetings?
What experience?
- The experience of endemic corruption?
- The experience of giving contracts and jobs only
to SLPP card holders?
- The experience of politicizing micro credit?
- The experience of embezzling public funds?
No, indeed the donors have resolved not to release a single cent more until a full and proper account of the funds doled out to the Tejan Kabbah/Berewa led government is given.
And you know what, the International Community is right. Any more funds released to the SLPP will be squandered and stashed away especially now that “SLPP dae pack for go”.
As we say goodbye to Mr. Sleepy experience. I Invite you all to join the APC team, fresh, dynamic with a clear vision to take Sierra Leone to the next level.
I thank you.
Subject: Re: Good Bye Mr Sleepy Experience
From: abdul
To: All
Date Posted: 03:06:26 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
The octengenarian Berewa will be the goner in his brief political set-up by Kabbah the Incompetent.
Subject: APC HAS ALREADY STARTED WORKING FOR THE PEOPLE
From: M. Alieu Iscandari Esq
To: All
Date Posted: 00:21:13 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
Curled from Awareness Times:
Tengbeh Town Hails APC Lawyer Chernor Bah in Sierra Leone
By By Abu Bakarr Munu
Jun 12, 2007, 22:30 Email this article
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Residents of both Upper Tengbeh Town and Lower Wilberforce Communities in the West of Freetown on Sunday 10th June, 2007 showered words of praises on Lawyer Chernor M. Bah esq. of the B & J Partners Law Firm for the construction of a water dam in the foothills between Tengbeh Town and Wilberforce known as 'Water side Road". The dam has been estimated at being worth millions of Leones.
Lawyer Bah and his Constituents at the cutting of the tape
The Freetown based legal luminary, Chernor M. Bah is aspiring for a Parliamentary seat under the All People's Congress (APC) party for Constituency 110, which comprised the two communities in the forthcoming Presidential and Parliamentary elections scheduled for August 11.
By providing this source of drinkable water for the two communities, Observers have opined that Lawyer Bah's move has alleviated the longstanding sufferings of the people in that regard and as such, has "unquestionably won their hearts and minds".
Lawyer Bah a.k.a 'Chericoco' said in his statement during the handing over ceremony of the water dam which attracted hundreds of people from both communities that his gesture was out of "humanitarian feeling".
Lawyer Bah (aka Chericoco) raps to his people with fine words of assurances
He said he was particularly moved by the sight of young children and women late at night in queues to fetch water for their families. He observed that as a result of this, school-going children, most of whom are engaged in the exercise of fetching water do not have time to study or do their home works.
He noted that the water dam was therefore to ensure that these children are given adequate time for their school works at home since the problem of staying out late into the night was now a thing of the past.
He admonished the people of the communities to make good use of the dam and assured them of his continued assistance at all times.
The Chairman of the Temgbeh Town Community Development Organisation, Peter Ado, in his remarks expressed thanks and appreciation to Lawyer Bah for his gesture. He recalled how the problem of water has been troubling for them, noting that Lawyer Bah has "provided life sustaining means for them and their children yet unborn." He disclosed that Lawyer Bah was approached with the problem on a very short notice, and that once the issue was explained to him, he immediately made available the funds with which materials and labour were paid for.
The National Secretary General of the APC, Mr. Victor Bockarie Foh in his contribution disclosed to the gathering that based on records at his disposal regarding aspirants for the party's symbol for Constituency 110, Lawyer Chernor M. Bah is expected to go unopposed. According to him, as at his moment of speaking, no other candidate has declared his or her intention to run for the party's symbol for the constituency.
Mr. Foh therefore called on the Constituents to throw their weights behind Lawyer Bah, whom he described as "a young man with dynamic features and capabilities". He assured the people that if they ensure the victory of Lawyer Bah in the coming elections, he will not disappoint them.
"As you have seen, he has already started demonstrating some of his qualities of a good leader, a good representative and a man with vision." According to him, Lawyer Bah has the ability and competence "to deliver the goods much more to the desire of you his people," he remarked.
Other speakers including Hon. Kemoh Sesay and Mr. Alimamy P. Koroma, all senior members of the APC, expressed similar sentiments of confidence in Lawyer Bah's ability and competence to not only enter parliament but to also represent the area.
© Copyright by Awareness Times Newspaper in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
Subject: Re: APC HAS ALREADY STARTED WORKING FOR THE PEOPLE
From: SP
To: All
Date Posted: 05:30:46 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ool-457cb4d6.dyn.optonline.net at 69.124.180.214
Message:
Alieu this is not something new, it is a common practice for african politician or politicians in general to start doing favors for their people close to election time. i 100% believe he lives close to that neighborhood' so he is bantering for their vote. in USA election time as you know is kiss the cute babies time, or attending a black church time etc; but in Africa it is outright bribery for vote and in both places they all disappear after they have won.
Subject: Re: APC HAS ALREADY STARTED WORKING FOR THE PEOPLE
From: Mohamed A. Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 22:20:10 06/15/07 ()
Email Address: Saghinosoccerworld@yahoo.com
Entered From: ool-457951c4.dyn.optonline.net at 69.121.81.196
Message:
Would you rather have him get his constituents confused with an AWUJOR, fire water, addictive herbs and pocket change ( the common vote hustling trend); than providing them with a source for quenching their thirst?
Subject: Re: APC HAS ALREADY STARTED WORKING FOR THE PEOPLE
From: Independent Man
To: All
Date Posted: 01:26:29 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-68-127-105-250.dsl.pltn13.pacbell.net at 68.127.105.250
Message:
From way oonar win Freetown City Council Elections, nar now oonar begin do the wok way the council for don begin do lon lon tem?????
Bo leff we yah. We nor impress.
Subject: Re: APC HAS ALREADY STARTED WORKING FOR THE PEOPLE
From: apc
To: All
Date Posted: 03:04:21 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
If that is true, it is far better than SLPP govt. Berewa and his boss Kabba have never started worked for the people. Before that they steal Salone's money and make the people have no water, no light, no jobs.
You SLPP supporters have no shame or you will go hide from the public.
Subject: Re: APC HAS ALREADY STARTED WORKING FOR THE PEOPLE
From: APC
To: All
Date Posted: 13:55:35 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-75-66-114-24.hsd1.tn.comcast.net at 75.66.114.24
Message:
stay away from that handle. Fen you yone.
moderator please.
Subject: How Bush is taught how to speak in public
From: BLACKOUT
To: All
Date Posted: 20:41:53 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ip70-162-167-106.ph.ph.cox.net at 70.162.167.106
Message:
Do we have such powerful speech writers for our leaders in Africa?
Subject: How Bush is taught how to speak in public
From: POLITICAL
To: All
Date Posted: 20:34:28 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ip70-162-167-106.ph.ph.cox.net at 70.162.167.106
Message:
Do we have such powerful speech writers for our leaders in Africa
Subject: Africa Oh Africa
From: Ijahman Levi
To: All
Date Posted: 18:45:56 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-050.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.50
Message:
Oh Sweet Africa By Ijahman Levi
Subject: African Talking Point: Sierra Leone Football In A Mess?
From: Dabo
To: All
Date Posted: 16:49:24 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-050.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.50
Message:
African Talking Point: Sierra Leone Football In A Mess?
Sierra Leone Football In A Mess; Who Should Be Blamed?
In this edition of African Talking Point, we’ll focus on issues affecting the affairs of football in Sierra Leone, which is greatly hindering the progress of the national team, Leone Stars. We also welcome your valuable comments and possible solutions to the problem.
zoom - galleria Football in Sierra Leone does not seem to be that which many can proudly talk about today compared to the 90s when the country made their first African Nations Cup appearance in Tunisia in 1994.
Although they made a first round exit during their first outing, the disappointment did not have a huge impact on the team spirit as they again made a second appearance in the tournament in South Africa two years later.
Unfortunately, they have since failed to capitalize on those good days and things have never been the same.
For many people, talking about Sierra Leone football today is a sad issue.
“Sierra Leone football was more organized in the 90s as we had some committed people seeking the interest of the game but things have taken a sad turn today,” says Alpha Dumbuya, a football faithful who has been monitoring the progress of Sierra Leone football.
“The football association is now being dominated by greed and selfishness, which is a huge disappointment to the progress of the game in Sierra Leone.”
And what is a way forward then? “The present SLFA should be dissolved or Sierra Leone football will only continue to tumble. Take for example countries in the sub-region; they are all improving while Sierra Leone continues to go down in the Fifa Ranking. We are now 46 out of 52 in Africa and 156 in the world,” Alpha added.
The national team has failed to excel, especially when it comes to international tournaments.
Poor preparation seems to have become a norm for the Sierra Leone Football Association. Many fans of Sierra Leone football, and even the players, are hurt by the way the country’s football is being administered.
In an exclusive interview with Goal.com, Belgium-based Sierra Leone striker, Paul Kpaka, earlier on echoed sentiments that much change is needed for the development of football in his native land.
“I honestly think we need a football revolution in a true sense if we are to ever achieve or win something in African football to say the least,” said the Roeselare striker.
“It’s truly frustrating and disappointing to see how the [Sierra Leone Football] association runs football. I still believe they are living in the past and football has changed so much over the past years that they simply can't catch up at all.
“Talk about commitment, passion, professionalism and organization and these are things you hardly find with the national team. I am afraid people in the association are still living in the past.
“It’s a shame we can't even learn from countries like Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, Senegal to name but a few. These countries are where they are now simply because they have made huge strides to bring up their football up to date in terms of modernization and organization.
“People will say we wasted time because of the war. To some extent yes, but we've had enough time since the end of the war to put things right. I am afraid people using those excuses are just ignorant and refuse to accept or implement changes. Until we do that, our football will just go down the doldrums as it is now and we will always be playing catch up.
“Like I mentioned earlier, we need a true football revolution in every sense of the word, from grass-root to the top and even with the people in power. Let’s hope and pray we find people with the will and vision to implement such changes.”
Another Sierra Leone player, Monaco striker Mohamed Kallon, also blamed the football association for poor preparation ahead of the qualifiers for the 2008 African Nations Cup.
“Yes, I will blame the entire [Sierra Leone Football] Association and the entire Sports Council for the lack of communication and lack of understanding because football is something that has to be programmed,” Kallon last told Goal.com in an exclusive interview.
“You need to have a project and for a national team, a country needs to have a project that they can build on. Say for example, 'we want to take the team to the Nations Cup or the World Cup’ and we say ‘this is our programme, this is our project'. You then make it known to the entire country; everyone has to be involved in that programme and know the basics of the national team.”
Many people are demanding transparency in the activities of the SLFA and a comprehensive plan on the way forward for football in the country.
Details of issues such as coach contracts need to be handled in a transparent manner so that the fans will be well informed about developmental steps the FA is taking towards the progress of the game.
Recently, Sierra Leone acquired the services of England-based coach Leroy Rosenior. He guided the team in a 4-2 win over English side Leyton Orient in a friendly match and was also in charge during a Nations Cup qualifier defeat against Togo early this month.
Rosenior’s departure from Freetown to England after the game prompted speculations as to whether or not he will return to guide Leone Stars in their remaining Nations Cup qualifying fixtures.
Sierra Leone will not qualify for next year’s Nations Cup finals in Ghana, as they currently languish at the bottom of Group 9 following poor results since the qualifiers began last September.
Their latest result was a 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Togo in Freetown on 3 June.
Things seem to be taking a different turn now that the Ministry of Youth and Sports is calling for an extra-ordinary congress to be held within six weeks.
Important matters affecting Sierra Leone football will be discussed.
There needs to be a solution to the crisis in Sierra Leone football. SLFA many times complain about lack of finance. That is why a comprehensive plan needs to be drawn with much transparency involved as well. Only committed people who are seeking the interest of the country’s football should hold official positions within the Sierra Leone football fraternity.
With that and many other factors, we only hope that things will change so that Sierra Leone can possible merry on prospects of the team qualifying for the 2010 African Nations Cup.
It now time to hear from you, the followers of Sierra Leone football, on issues hindering the progress of the game and possible ways forward.
* Who should be blamed for the failure of Sierra Leone football?
* Is the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), led by Nahim Khadi, doing enough to develop and promote the game?
* Are the players showing commitment to the national cause?
* Are there other factors affecting the team, such as players’ influence?
These are some of the questions that need to be examined.
Use the form below and take this opportunity for your voice to be heard.
Ibrahim Dabo
Goal.com's Africa Editor
Subject: Sierra Leone FA Boss Given Govt. Ultimatum
From: ALIE BITTAR
To: All
Date Posted: 16:48:05 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-050.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.50
Message:
Sierra Leone FA Boss Given Govt. Ultimatum
The Minister of Youth and Sports in Sierra Leone has mandated his Director of Sports, Saidu Mansaray, to write an official letter to the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) for an immediate extra-ordinary congress to be held within six weeks.
zoom - galleria The congress will be held to discuss pertinent issues affecting football in Sierra Leone.
The ultimatum is in accordance with the provisions of article 8 (1) of the National Sports Council of Sierra Leone Act No. 64 of 1964, which states that “The Council may in accordance with the provision of this
act, do all such things as it may consider necessary and expedient for the promotion, encouragement, development or control of sports in Sierra Leone.”
The agenda for the said meeting inter alia, should be made to include an address by the Hon. Minister of Youth and Sports/chairman of the National sports council.
Notice of the meeting and copies of the financial and Activities Reports should be sent to the office of the Director of Sports 14 days prior to the meeting.
The three-page letter from the Ministry of Sports dated 8 June 2007 was signed by the Director of Sports, Saidu B. Mansaray, and addressed to the President of the SLFA, Nahim Khadi.
It is stated that the recent promotional match on 7 May 2007 with Leyton Orient in London, as well as the Group 9 2008 CAF African Nations Cup qualifier at home to Togo, which was played on 3 June 2007, must be accounted for by the SLFA.
The letter further went on to confirm that the ministry had requested SLFA to provide details of the contractual agreement with Leyton Orient but the FA declined and instead went ahead to honour the fixture.
They also secured the services of a London-based professional coachľMr. Leroy Roseniorľfor the team without seeking government clearance.
According to the letter, the SLFA President single-handedly contracted AFRICELL mobile company to undertake the funding for the match against Togo on the 3 June without reference to the Sports Ministry or any information regarding the terms and conditions of such contract/agreement which included the publicity, printing and marketing of entrance tickets, raffles, etc.
In addition, a United Kingdom based Telecommunications Co. MEDIATEL [SL] was engaged by the football association for various reasons including the promotion of the National team, Leone Stars, and its players locally and overseas.
The Ministry also received various representations from stakeholders, expressing concern over the activities and financial management of the Association, which in most cases, are discharged outside the due SLFA statutory process that could guarantee transparency, accountability and probity.
Public interest has also been drawn by the media to Sierra Leone’s involvement in the West African Football Union WAFU impasse which is threatening to cast a slur on the integrity of the football association in particular and Sierra Leone in general and therefore needed to be fully investigated and addressed.
Based on these issues, the Sports Ministry has asked that the 2007 Annual Congress of members be conveyed within 6(six) week in a venue, which should be decided by the SLFA.
Important issues to be addressed include: “The mandate of the Association and its Statutory organs; SLFA local and international programmes and activities for 2006-2007 with particular reference to the aforementioned issues; The Management of funds provided by FIFA, government and other sponsors during the tenure of the present administration including the Leyton Orient, AFRICEL and MEDIATEL (SL) promotions.”
The Sports Ministry has urged the SLFA to take appropriate action without delay also taking into consideration the financial and other logistical support the ministry is providing for matches involving the national football teams, as well as in the interest of the public.
Alie Bittar
Subject: Sierra Leone's Presidential Office Leaving Certificate
From: dont ask me where I got this from
To: All
Date Posted: 16:08:51 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
_________________________________________________________
Name of Student: Ahmed Tejan Kabbah
Class: Presidency
Year of Graduation: 2007
_________________________________________________________
Subject Score Grade
Selling Out True Patriots 200 A+
Licking Oyinbo/Muzungu Boots 200 A+
Subordinating S/L Institutions 200 A+
Women Affairs 200 A+
Globe Trotting 200 A+
Helicopter Presidency 200 A+
Human Rights Abuse 100 A
Fuel Price Hike 100 A
Energy 10 F+
Agriculture 10 F+
Education 15 F+
Credible Elections 15 F+
Poverty Eradication 14 F+
Transparency 14 F+
Potable Water 5 F+
Fighting Corruption 0 F+
Accountability 0 F+
Getting Yenga From Guinea 0 F+
Reforms 0 F+
Crime Fighting 0 F+
Performance: Epitome of Outstanding Failure, Gross Incompetence, Gross Impotence, and Gross Idiocy
Teacher's Remark: Promoted to Bormeh Cleaning Crew
Signed: Sierra Leoneans at Home and Abroad
Subject: After almost four Decades Army gets new service conditions
From: APC
To: All
Date Posted: 14:35:56 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-75-66-114-24.hsd1.tn.comcast.net at 75.66.114.24
Message:
Categories: June-14-07
Date: Jun 14, 2007
Title: after almost 4 decades Army gets new conditions of service
New terms and conditions of service have been approved by the government for the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF).
New terms and conditions of service have been approved by the government for the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF).
This was disclosed yesterday by the forces’ spokesman, Brigadier Alfred Nelson-Williams, during a press briefing held at the Defence Ministry in Freetown.
Brigadier Nelson-Williams stated that the terms and conditions of service themselves “[are] a holistic package but as at now due to financial constraints on government certain crucial issues were looked into,” while disclosing an increment in rice allocat1on from Le41, 000 to Le65,000 monthly.
This means, “both the current transport allowances (Le40, 000) and the new rice allowance will be incorporated into the basic salary for all personnel to beef up terminal benefits (gratuity and pension).”
The Deputy Chief of Defence Staff (DCDS) further informed the media that, “all ranks of the RSLAF are now entitled to pay allowance of one month net salary of payment annually,” and indicated that, “from Warrant Officer Class 1 to the highest rank are entitled to pay domestic assistant on monthly basis.”
This according to the DCDS, “is to discourage the deployment of service personnel to act as Bat-Men,” and lauded President Tejan Kabbah and his government for their support to the army.
Commenting on the would-be role of the army during the forthcoming parliamentary and presidential elections, Brigadier Nelson-Williams said, “it transcends voting rights to other duties in support of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) for elections.”
Brigadier Nelson-Williams went on that, “following a request from the SLP and it be so desired by the appropriate authority, the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces may be deployed to support the police through the provision of specific Military Aid to Civil Power (MACP).
Explaining further he said, “the MACP does not deal with the employment of the RSLAF in support of the civil power in conditions of relative peace, stability and normality,” and opined that there were media speculations that the army would not be neutral during the elections as evident in enhancing NEC’s mobility through the provision of vehicles.
“We unequivocally deny this assertion and emphasize that the RSLAF will not meddle into the conduct of the general elections come 11 August 2007,” he noted, stressing further that, “as our constitutional roles are clearly defined, as we have admonished our men to steer clear of politics in any form and under any guise.”
However the DCDS stated that, “as stipulated in the codes of conduct for RSLAF personnel during elections, we will ensure that all soldiers who registered on Election Day exercise their franchise in civilian dress, and not in uniforms neither in barracks across the country”.
The military spokesman affirmed further that although their role was usually contingent, they were fully prepared for any assistance in area of control or any problem beyond the police, if the need arose.
Subject: Re: After almost four Decades Army gets new service conditions
From: M. Alieu Iscandari Esq
To: All
Date Posted: 17:55:53 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
would you place your life on the line for a mere $30 extra a month?
Give us some tangible improvements not no crap like this.
Subject: Re: After almost four Decades Army gets new service conditions
From: Question time??
To: All
Date Posted: 05:47:10 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-129-149-167.range86-129.btcentralplus.com at 86.129.149.167
Message:
Place your life on line???Are you being cynical???No one in our Army places his life on line.They just carry guns, use it or misuse it, claim salary,rice,house etc etc.
Subject: Re: 1967 Rigging all over again man
From: M. Alieu Iscandari esq
To: All
Date Posted: 16:16:24 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
“following a request from the SLP and it be so desired by the appropriate authority, the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces may be deployed to support the police through the provision of specific Military Aid to Civil Power (MACP)"
Subject: Re: After almost four Decades Army gets new service conditions
From: APC
To: All
Date Posted: 14:36:43 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-75-66-114-24.hsd1.tn.comcast.net at 75.66.114.24
Message:
courtesy of AWOKO.
Subject: Few of the Wealthiest in California
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 13:33:14 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: sccinstr194115.scc.losrios.edu at 165.196.194.115
Message:
ank Name Net Worth ($bil) Age Residence Source
4 Lawrence Joseph Ellison 19.5 62 Redwood City, CA Oracle
12 Sergey Brin ($bil)14.1 33 Palo Alto, CA Google
13 Larry E Page ($bil)14.0 33 San Francisco, CA Google
26 Kirk Kerkorian ($bil)9.0 89 Los Angeles, CA investments, casinos
27 Donald L Bren ($bil)8.5 74 Newport Beach, CA real estate
35 Sumner M Redstone ($bil)7.5 83 Beverly Hills, CA Viacom
42 Eli Broad ($bil)5.8 73 Los Angeles, CA investments
45 Eric Schmidt ($bil)5.2 51 Atherton, CA Google
49 Steven Paul Jobs 4.9 51 Palo Alto, CA Apple Computer, Pixar
50 David Geffen ($bil)4.6 63 Malibu, CA movies, music
50 Charles R Schwab ($bil)4.6 69 Atherton, CA discount stock brokerage
52 Charles Bartlett Johnson ($bil)4.5 73 San Mateo, CA Franklin Resources
59 David Howard Murdock ($bil)4.2 83 Los Angeles, CA investments
61 Bradley Wayne Hughes ($bil)4.1 73 Malibu, CA Public Storage
68 Rupert Harris Johnson Jr ($bil)3.7 65 San Mateo, CA Franklin Resources
70 George Lucas ($bil)3.6 62 Marin County, CA Star Wars
77 Gordon Earle Moore ($bil)3.4 77 Woodside, CA Intel
77 Patrick Soon-Shiong ($bil)3.4 54 Los Angeles, CA generic drugs
83 Steven Udvar-Hazy ($bil)3.1 60 Beverly Hills, CA International Lease Finance
85 Roland Arnall ($bil)3.0 67 Holmby Hills, CA mortgage banking
85 A Jerrold Perenchio ($bil)3.0 75 Bel Air, CA Univision
94 Steven Allen Spielberg ($bil)2.9 59 Pacific Palisades, CA movies
98 Haim Saban ($bil)2.8 61 Beverly Hills, CA television
103 Riley P Bechtel ($bil)2.7 54 San Francisco, CA engineering, construction
103 Stephen Davison Bechtel Jr ($bil)2.7 81 San Francisco, CA engineering, construction
Rank Name Net Worth ($bil) Age Residence Source
322 Alec Gores ($bil)1.2 53 Beverly Hills, CA leveraged buyouts
322 William H Gross ($bil)1.2 62 Laguna Beach, CA bonds
322 Robert Allen Naify ($bil)1.2 84 San Francisco, CA movie theaters
322 Margaret C Whitman ($bil)1.2 50 Atherton, CA Ebay
354 Jonathan Lovelace Jr & family ($bil)1.1 79 Los Angeles, CA mutual funds
354 Alexander Gus Spanos & family ($bil)1.1 83 Stockton, CA real estate
354 Joyce Raley Teel ($bil)1.1 75 Sacramento, CA supermarkets
354 Elizabeth S Wiskemann ($bil)1.1 NA San Rafael, CA mutual funds
374 Thomas J Barrack ($bil)1.0 59 Santa Barbara, CA Colony Capital
374 Weili Dai($bil) 1.0 45 Los Altos Hills, CA Semiconductors
374 L John Doerr ($bil)1.0 55 Woodside, CA venture capital
374 William Barron Hilton ($bil)1.0 78 Los Angeles, CA hotels, casinos
374 George Joseph ($bil)1.0 85 Los Angeles, CA insurance
374 Sehat Sutardja ($bil)1.0 45 Los Altos Hills, CA Semiconductors
Subject: Re: Few of the Wealthiest in California
From: okdok
To: All
Date Posted: 23:16:39 06/14/07 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: wnpgmb11dc1-16-111.dynamic.mts.net at 207.161.16.111
Message:
Any Sierra Leonean ?{like E.T kAMARA ETC}
Subject: Re: Few of the Wealthiest in California
From: BUFORD HWY
To: All
Date Posted: 12:33:44 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-074-228-219-218.sip.asm.bellsouth.net at 74.228.219.218
Message:
Yes. Pa Ahmed Tejan Kabbah,Solomon Berewa,Prince Harding and the rest of the SLPP TIFF TIFF cabinet members.
Subject: Re: Few of the Wealthiest in California
From: APC
To: All
Date Posted: 14:10:16 06/16/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-75-66-114-24.hsd1.tn.comcast.net at 75.66.114.24
Message:
Buford should be amongst them. Since you are here on APC's stloen money. APC TIFI TIFI
Subject: Re: Few of the Wealthiest in California
From: M. Alieu Iscandari Esq
To: All
Date Posted: 16:12:45 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
Bambay You are banned from this forum for wilfully redacting my name from the list. That was not nice.
Subject: Re: Few of the Wealthiest in California
From: Boy o Boy
To: All
Date Posted: 15:59:17 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-24-127-131-140.hsd1.pa.comcast.net at 24.127.131.140
Message:
So what has this got to do with this forum?
Subject: Re: Few of the Wealthiest in California
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 14:07:49 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: sccinstr204090.scc.losrios.edu at 165.196.204.90
Message:
Oops! M. Alieu Iscandari Esq, I was being technical, emulating you Attorneys. Let us keep that a hush hush affair; do not let every one know that you are one Wealthiest in California. You come and go between Atlanta and California. If and when I put people in your area, I will definately have your name as Um'maro you know (in that language it means #1.)
So how is everything with you?
Subject: Is Congress an Executive or Legislative Branch of gov?
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 13:18:38 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: sccinstr194115.scc.losrios.edu at 165.196.194.115
Message:
What is the U.S. Congress?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Overview of Congressional Structure & Leadership
“All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and a House of Representatives.”
—Article I, Section I, U.S. Constitution
Congress is the governing legislature of the U.S. comprised of two chambers: the Senate and House of Representatives. The Senate is composed of 100 members, two from each state, who are elected to serve for a term of six years. Senators were originally chosen by the state legislatures. This procedure was changed by the 17th Amendment to the Constitution, adopted in 1913, which made the selection of senators a decision for the people. There are three classes of senators. A new class is elected every two years.
The House of Representatives is composed of 435 members. The number representing each state is determined by population, but every state is entitled to at least one representative. Members are elected by the thier constituents for two year terms, all terms running for the same period. Both the senators and the representatives must be residents of the state from which they are chosen. In addition a senator must be at least 30 years of age and must have been a citizen of the United States for at least nine years. A representative must be at least 25 years of age and must have been a citizen for at least seven years.
Officers
The Vice President of the United States is the “presiding officer” of the Senate; in his absence the duties are performed by the president pro tempore. The presiding officer of the House of Representatives is the “speaker” who is elected by the House members. The Speaker may designate any member of the House to act in his/her absence.
The positions of Senate “majority and minority leaders” have been in existence only since the early years of the twentieth century. These leaders are elected at the beginning of each new Congress by a majority vote of the senators in their political party. In cooperation with their party organizations, leaders are responsible for the design and achievement of a legislative program. This involves managing the flow of legislation, expediting non-controversial measures, and keeping members informed regarding proposed action on pending business. Each leader serves as an ex officio member of his party’s policymaking and organizational bodies, and is aided by an assistant floor leader, or whip, and a party secretary.
The House leadership is structured essentially the same as the Senate, with the members each political party responsible for the election of their respective leader and whips. For a directory of the current members of Congress, their committee assignments, and leadership roles, visit http://thomas.loc.gov/links/.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Learn more about Congress:
Staff Members
Committees
Legislative Process
Regulatory Process
Authorization & Appropriation
Federal Budget
Annual Calendar
Contact Committees
FAQ's
Subject: Re: Is Congress an Executive or Legislative Branch of gov?
From: AGAIN
To: All
Date Posted: 16:04:21 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-24-127-131-140.hsd1.pa.comcast.net at 24.127.131.140
Message:
What is your point? What do you really want to put across? All what you have pasted is already known.
Subject: Govt. Dismantles Investment Hurdles
From: NEW CITIZEN
To: All
Date Posted: 12:07:27 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-050.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.50
Message:
NEW CITIZEN NEWSPAPER
Govt. Dismantles Investment Hurdles
Dr. Kadie Sesay stated that the Parliament of Sierra Leone had passed the Sierra Leone Investment and Export Promotion Agency Act 2007, the Business Registration Act 2007 and the General Law (Business Start-up) Act 2007.
She informed the media and representatives of business houses at Parliament Building yesterday that the key features of the new business registration Act and the General Law Act are found in the following:
1. There would now be only a three-step company registration process, thereby reducing the bureaucracy that had discouraged investors in the past.
2. The new system would now insist on abolishing the exchange control permission as a company registration requirement
3. The new system for investment now insists on the removal of the mandatory requirement to engage a solicitor for the preparation of the Memorandum and articles of Association (M&A) for the registration of a company as the investor himself or another knowledgeable person can put together the details of a company without going through a lawyer.
4. The new investment also insists on abolishing the need for an annual renewal of Business Licenses obtained from the Registrar General.
5. The questionable payment of advance tax as a precondition for registering a business in Sierra Leone has also been eliminated.
6. The putting in place a significant reduction in cost and time to allow an investor to set up his business in Sierra Leone without unnecessary hurdles.
Dr. Kadie Sesay dilated on the creation of the Investment and Export Promotion Agency Act 2007 when she stated that SLEDIC, otherwise known as the Sierra Leone Export Development and Investment Corporation, which was established in 1993 now needs to be abolished, as it has failed to meet the high expectations associated with investment and trade promotion for a number of reasons.
To justify the formation of a new body with a strong Board and the necessary legal authority, the Investment and Export Promotion Agency Act 2007, Dr. Kadie Sesay said that SLEDIC was not blessed with strong powers of a Board to control management and that the management of SLEDIC had largely remained unaccountable.
She further complained that SLEDIC’s mandate was confused to the extent that an export promoting agency was in the business of promoting imports i.e. Iranian Exhibition.
She stated about the absence of legal requirements to allow SLEDIC to undertake operational planning prior to the commencement of every financial year was also a clear weakness that made SLEDIC near non-functional.
She also argued that a change in the name of the organization was necessary as could reflect its actual functions and that the expansion of the functions of the new organization could include investment promotion as an explicit function of the agency.
The administrative system of the newly created Investment and Export Promotion Agency Act 2007, includes the appointment of two Deputy Executive Officers, one of whom would be responsible for export development and the other for investment promotion.
The putting in place of a new structure to attract investors into Sierra Leone, according to Dr. Kadie Sesay, was the collaborative effort between her Ministry, other Ministries of government and DFID.
According to Dr. Kadie Sesay and the Minister of Labour, Alpha Timbo, the new government policy on investment is also aimed at removing all the administrative hurdles and the unnecessary bureaucracy that had made it difficult for the private sector to expand in Sierra Leone.
The Managing Editor of the New Citizen, I. B. Kargbo, in his contribution asked the rhetoric question as to whether after all these beautiful policies, poor access to Sierra Leone, due to a very archaic airport system at Lungi, would not discourage investors and tourists from investing in the country.
The Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Prof. Septimus Kaikai, who chaired the press conference, assured members present that the laws passed by Parliament, to quicken the business of investing in Sierra Leone, should be seen as just one step in addressing those issues related to investing in Sierra Leone as issues relating to the infrastructure should be seen as a next step in government’s effort to attract business people into the country
Subject: SLPP primary election ends in Kailahun
From: SYMBOL
To: All
Date Posted: 11:46:59 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-050.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.50
Message:
AWOKO NEWS
SLPP primary election ends in Kailahun
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Out of six contestants, in the just concluded primary election for the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) symbol in Constituency One in Kailahun district, Alice Mamie Foyah, wife of Sierra Leone’s ambassador to Liberia Patrick Foyah, secured 58 votes out of 108.
The main contender, Navo Kaikai, bagged 22 votes slightly above the incumbent Hon. Sallu Ndoleh with 20.
Though with a heavy heart, Novo Kaikai admonished her supporters at the end of the election to team up with winner Mamie Foyah in the spirit of “one people, one country”.Before he declared the polls opened the returning officer who is SLPP chairman in Kailahun District, Sahr Gevoa, requested every contestant to come up with any objection but there was none. Prior to the election tension was mounting between Navo Kaikai and Mamie Foyah but towards the eve and subsequent day of voting, the tension dissipated.
Subject: ADVICE TO BEREWA
From: FARRAH MARRAH
To: All
Date Posted: 11:44:57 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 134.113.7.99
Message:
Please be prepared to take all necessary actions against the A.P.C. when they eventually lose the elections come August 11.
As being reported below by the Patriot Vanguard newspaper the A.P.C. will stoop to any recourse when they are vanquished.
http://www.thepatrioticvanguard.com/article.php3?id_article=1343
Subject: Re: ADVICE TO BEREWA
From: M. Alieu Iscandari Esq
To: All
Date Posted: 15:51:11 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
farrah marrah I see that your stupid genes have become active for today. Pray teel me what you need to calm you down? Do I need to callMohmJ the man that almost kicked your "Rinky dinky short stunted growth ass" in a washington DC bar, or would you rather just shut the hell up and dont invite any trouble for yourself. You have already shown great disrespect for the dead and that is against our culture. That single act alone has distanced you from many on this forum who like me, now believe that you are a real ASS.
Subject: Re: ADVICE TO BEREWA
From: FARRAH MARRAH
To: All
Date Posted: 17:01:28 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 134.113.7.99
Message:
Alieu,
Please COMPREHEND that even if I have MALARIA there is no way in the world Mohm J and you will f--- with me.
As they used to say in my neighborhood "IM MAMA BORN AM FOR NARTIN".
Since YOUR A.P.C. NEVER RESPECTED OUR DEAD, WE HAVE TO RECIPROCATE.
Come August 12, Solomon Berewa will DISPENSE what you and YOUR FECKLESS A.P.C. SUPPORTERS DESERVE.
Need I say MORE.
I don't think so
Subject: Re: ADVICE TO BEREWA
From: FARRAH MARRAH
To: All
Date Posted: 16:52:07 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 134.113.7.99
Message:
Alieu,
You are very aware that even if I have MALARIA there is no way in the world that Mohm Jalloh can f--- with me. Or better yet both of you.
Come August 12, Solomon E. Berewa will give you and your FECKLESS A.P.C. SUPPORTER what you ALL DESERVE.
Since your A.P.C NEVER RESPECTED OUR DEAD, YOUR'S DESERVE ANY. Need I say more.
Subject: Re: Farrah marrahs E mail Address
From: M. Alieu Iscandari esq
To: All
Date Posted: 19:12:44 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
williambangura@yahoo.com
You are no longer a phenom hiding behind monikers to attack other people just because they do not subscribe to your usual bullshit. May be people can send you private mail.
Subject: Re: Farrah marrahs E mail Address
From: RUBBER DUCK
To: All
Date Posted: 03:50:43 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host81-153-195-162.range81-153.btcentralplus.com at 81.153.195.162
Message:
VERY PETTY
Subject: Re: ADVICE TO BEREWA
From: M. Alieu Iscandari esq.
To: All
Date Posted: 18:58:40 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
I believe that at the time of his death Mr. AKK was a member of the SLPP, I stand to be corrected. assuming that is the case, does his corps now deserve your respect which is the cultural thing to do?
Oh and on the issue of Mohm J wanting to kick your rinky dinky rebel ruf supporting ass at the DC area Pub, I have confirmed that from other people who were around there then that it is true. I guess you must be suffering from malaria and Typhoid Combined.
With regards to me getting involved in any fighting, as a general rule, I do not fight. as a child my mother taught me the following poem and I have lived by it.
"Let dogs delight to bark and bite for God hath made them so
Let bears and lions growl and fight for tis their nature too
But little children we should never let such ANGRY passions rise
your little hand were never made to tear each other eyes"
EXCEPT OF COURSE IF YOU ARE AN AVOWED RUF SUPPORTER who make up the majority of the SLPP.
So you see my friend as a general rule I would not get involved in a fight but as a personal matter if I feel like my life is in danger then I will just Blow you freaking ass away with any of my numerous fire arms that I keep around me for just people like you that are wont to create a climate of violence.
Now you get my point DAWG or is it CHICKEN LITTLE. CHUMP!!!!!! Now go tell Berewah that I called you bloody ass a chump. CHUMP!!!!!
Subject: Re: ADVICE TO FARRAH
From: William Banguras Uncle
To: All
Date Posted: 19:06:13 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
You are about to get demolished, if I were you I would stay away from a cyber fight with the tougest baddest cowboy on cocorioko forum. I can just tell when Alieu is getting riled up for a fight, it becomes a free for all.
Warning before wounded man
Subject: Allege SLPP officials steal phones, election materials
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 11:39:15 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: sccinstr194109.scc.losrios.edu at 165.196.194.109
Message:
Alleged… SLPP officials steal phones, election materials
Abdul Karim Koroma & Rachel Horner 28/3/2007
Acting Southern Region Coordinator of National Election Watch (NEW), E F John Tuesday alleged that some officials of the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) stole mobile phones and election materials at a registration centre in Bo.John made this disclosure during a press briefing at the Sierra Leone News Agency hall, Wallace Johnson Street in Freetown .He said the accused SLPP members also carted away valuable necklaces, adding that the police are investigating the matter.Spokesperson of NEW, Ngolo Katta said his organization condemned the intimidation of electoral officials, registrars, party agents by government officials.
He called on political parties to train their members on democracy and electoral process, claiming that party leaders are silent on the issue of intimidation and interference, which seriously affected the outcome of the just concluded voter registration exercise.“Political parties must adhere to the Rule of Law and ensure commitment to the Political Parties' Registration Commission (PPRC),” he said.Katta enquired whether the basket fund administered by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) was solely for the use of the National Electoral Commission or for the entire electoral process.However, Publicity Secretary of the SLPP, Hon. Victor Reider told Concord Times that he was not aware of any SLPP member stealing mobile phones and electoral materials at registration centres.“I am at the Vice President's office now,” he said and promised to call after his meeting with the VP but never called back.
“SLPP deserves third term”....…Hon Victor Reider
Mariama Kandeh 22/1/2007
Publicity Secretary of the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) Hon. Victor Reider Saturday in a buoyant mood told Concord Times that his party deserves a third term from the people of Sierra Leone come July.Hon Reider who was speaking at his Wallace Johnson Street office, Freetown echoed that the SLPP in the last five years constructed over 500 schools and more than 300 health facilities in all chiefdoms in the country.“There is not a chiefdom in this country that does not have junior secondary school, primary school and health centre,” he said and disclosed that it is their regime that acquired a total of US$140 million from donors at meetings held in London and Paris to be injected into the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP).
He maintained that it is the SLPP that has projected Sierra Leone as a model state to conflict driven countries.“The SLPP has attacked lasting poverty through the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT),” he pointed out and noted that records have shown that the National Revenue Authority (NRA) established by the SLPP made over 500% in revenue collection compared to other regimes.He further stated that to improve on freedom of expression 39 community radios and 49 newspapers are presently operating in the country without any censorship, and that the human rights record of the country has improved tremendously.“There are no political prisoners as was the case before,” Hon Reider stated adding that although there is high rate of unemployment in the country, the government is making efforts through the youth employment scheme to create more jobs for young people.“The tourism industry has employed more young people.The government in exercising political tolerance has encouraged the setting up of more political parties to allow a fair play in Sierra Leone 's young democracy.
SLPP exposes PMDC's attempt ‘to discredit elections'
Abdul Karim Koroma 17/1/2007
Publicity Secretary of the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP), Hon. Victor Reider Tuesday said his party has unearthed the Peoples Movement for Democratic Change's (PMDC) hidden attempt at discrediting the electoral process ahead of the 2007 elections.“It has come to the notice of the SLPP that members of the opposition parties and a cross-section of the press have embarked on a systematic calumny campaign to discredit the electoral process by giving the impression that the SLPP is harassing and intimidating opposition party members,” he fumed.He explained that Concord Times newspaper Monday has as its lead story captioned “PMDC alleges harassment, intimidation: Regent Chief orders to beat up Margai”.
Hon. Reider referred to allegations by PMDC Southern Region public relations officer, Lagacy Sankoh, as baseless and unfounded.The PMDC executive recently claimed that the ruling SLPP has been intimidating PMDC supporters in the southern province.Dismissing the allegation Hon. Reider maintained, “The aim of the opposition is to deceive voters while it gives the impression that the forthcoming elections will be characterised by harassment and intimidation,” adding that the opposition is building a case to justify further claims because they know they are going to loose the elections.“The Regent Chief of Njama Kowa Chiefdom, Moyamba is Mr. Alie and not JP Lappia as was alleged. There is a procedure through which local taxes are collected in Chiefdoms. Usually a tax evader is expected to be fined and not to be brutalised,” he said, adding that there were no evidence to prove that the so-called Mr. Margai was ruffled as was shown on photograph.
SLPP retreat: “No running mate debate,” says Hon. Reider
Abdul Karim Koroma 10/1/2007
Publicity Secretary of the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP), Hon. Victor Reider Tuesday said the party's forthcoming retreat scheduled to take place in two weeks time is not to produce a running mate for the flagbearer Vice President Solomon Berewa.He said the retreat would plan the way forward ahead of the elections.Hon. Reider stressed that the prerogative to appoint a running mate is the sole responsibility of the party leader in consultation with the National Executive Council (NEC).“I have followed with amazing interest the speculation of the press and individuals alike on the issue of the SLPP running mate. Even after the leader of the SLPP Hon. Solomon Berewa in April last year in a press release clarified the constitutional provision of the issue vis a via the SLPP constitution,” Hon. Reider said, adding that the retreat is one of the party's numerous strategies to win the 2007 presidential and paramilitary elections.
He noted that the SLPP is the oldest and largest political outfit, which has the largest pool of human resource that can be constructively tapped for the good of the country.The SLPP, he said, over the years has injected a culture of seriousness into the politics of the country.“The SLPP has an obligation to the people of Sierra Leone being the government's party to positively transform their lives. Consequently from time to time it's becomes necessary to take some time to review success and lapses,” he states, adding that the issue of politics can not be treated in isolation.The issue of naming a running mate has been a controversial one in the past months. Concord Times gathered that the party among the various contenders. It is speculated that President Tejan Kabbah supports Foreign Minster Momodu Koroma while VP Berewa is sympathetic to the candidacy of NaCSA Commissioner Kanja Sesay. Others like Dr. Kadi Sesay, Dr. Alfred Bobson Sesay, Justin Bangura, Alie Bangura and Amadu Wurie have also been mentioned as possible names for the position.
There is no need to vote in SLPP,' Hon. Khanu says
Mohamed Massaquoi 9/12/2006
All Peoples Congress (APC), Hon. Alpha Khanu Thursday accused the ruling Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) of failing to provide basic amenities for the people of Sierra Leone, therefore there is no need to vote them, come 2007.He made this statement at a political debate organized by the Political Science Society at Fourah Bay College .The debate was to create a dialogue between political parties, as a way of fostering sustainable peace and democracy in the country.
Hon. Khanu was very critical of government activities citing corruption and other issues.He delved on these issues not only to win the debate but to woo the minds of students ahead of the 2007 elections.“APC is now a well reformed party with a dynamic leader. We have succeeded in weeding out those who were creating problems for the party. I would thank the SLPP for bringing peace to Sierra Leone ,” he said.The APC, he said, is a government in waiting.“We have put in place mechanisms to ensure that the country's educational system is up graded. We will ensure that we educate all of our sons and daughters and provide employment for them,” he promised.Hon. Dr. Alusine Fofanah of the SLPP cataloged the achievements and challenges of his party.He said the SLPP government inherited most of the problems they are faced with.
“We are fighting very hard to ensure that the needs of the people are met. Sierra Leone was a dead state at the time we took up power. All state institutions were destroyed by the APC and the National Provisional Ruling Council. During the APC era no body had the gut to question them on state matters,” he said, adding that the government has a lot of success stories.
35 SLPP supporters return to SLPP
Mohamed Massaquoi 13/9/2006
Former Sierra Leone Ambassador to the United States , John Ernest Leigh Monday disclosed claiming that 35 Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) supporters, who had earlier defected to the People's Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC), have returned.Leigh claimed they were led by one Sam Smith of Gerehun in the Bambawo section of Baoma Chiefdom, Bo district who publicly denounced their membership with PMDC.The lawyer cum politician who made this claim during a press briefing at the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) headquarters, Wallace Johnson Street in Freetown , said the defected group abandoned PMDC on the grounds that they were misled by some PMDC supporters staying abroad.
He said he has spent considerable time in several towns in the Baoma Chiefdom because the area had voted an independent candidate during the 2004 Local Council elections.“I was informed that a newly formed political party had been seeking to exploit the grievances of the people in the area by lying to them that Chief Hinga Norman, Dr. James Jonah and others have joined their political party,” he said adding that in Yamandu a large crowd of people turned up at the courthouse to expose PMDC lies.The SLPP mogul claimed that the said supporters have declared their support for the presidency of Vice President Solomon Berewa ahead of the 2007 elections.He maintained that the award of party symbol to candidates for the Parliamentary and Local Government elections will be done by the community in public meetings.
SLPP assures of 80% victory in 2007
Mariama Kandeh 5/9/2006
Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) National Chairman, Alhaji U N S Jah has assured the party's membership and supporters of 80% victory far above other parties in the 2007 presidential and parliamentary elections.He gave this assurance at their Wallace Johnson Street headquarters, where the party national women's conference was being held.“Having moved around to all districts and headquarter towns in the country, we are sure of having 80% of the all vote casts in the forthcoming elections,” Jah stated adding that it is about time they broke the culture of silence on women by allowing them participate in the political process without marginalization.
Chairlady SLPP women's wing, Hon. Bernadette Lahai said the women's conference is to al3rt leaders of the party on the new political wind that is blowing in the sub region.“Women are expected to play a pivotal role in next year's election” she urged maintaining that they should be gender sensitive and must innovative strategies towards enhancing their full and equal participation in the democratic process.Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Kadi Sesay claimed women were marginalized by past governments which to some extent contributed the war.She alluded that democracy is about representation and equitable distribution of resources, and that women should be empowered morally and financially, so that they could rise to the highest ranks in politics.Jebeh Forster from the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNFPA) said the rights of women must be upheld and respected and noted that it is their civic and political rights to vote and be voted for.
“SLPP will not intimidate anyone,” JJ Saffa claims
Mariama Kandeh 1/9/2006
Secretary General of the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP), Jacob Jusu Saffa Tuesday refuted claims by the interim Leader of the People's Movement for Democratic Change Charles Margai that the SLPP is guilty of intimidating defectors from their party, at his party head quarter, Wallace Johnson Street .“The SLPP will never intimidate anyone,” he stated adding that they are not aware about any intimidation by their party.
He said that the various people that were suspended operate in an administration and if the authority decides to terminate them it is strictly an administrative decision. On the issue of Chief Suwu's suspension Saffa stated that it was a chiefdom matter and that he understands that chief Suwu had a problem with the chiefdom authority and his suspension was a chiefdom matter. He highlighted that Vice president Berewa intimidating a head master will never be true, he said that the vice president cannot do such a thing and that it is unimaginable.“How can you imagine a whole vice president threatening a Principal?” He asked noting that the story is a farce. Saffa maintains that the Biriwa matter was the business of the local council and not an SLPP affair.
People ‘angry' with SLPP government
Regina Pratt 1/9/2006
Many people within the Freetown general area and its environs continue to raise concerns over the state of affairs under the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) government. A random sample of opinions instituted by this medium revealed some people still consider the situation in the country as not favorable citing, as example, the current status quo. Others claim that much is not being done to address important issues affecting the lives of the citizenry.One observer in central Freetown said; “the SLPP may continue to loose favour day by day if adequate measures are not put in place to address issues bothering the citizenry. It is about time we did a countrywide survey to ascertain the feelings of the people. They are not happy with the situation in the country but I believe a countrywide survey could authenticate such claims.”Mohamed Bangura, a petty trader in Freetown believes: “the SLPP government still have important unsettled national issues but have resorted to addressing such issues as would promote the interest of the party and its members in the run up to the elections in 2007.He said the government had promised free education when in fact parents continue to face more problems in getting their children educated.“The Minister of Education Science and Technology, Dr. Alpha Wurie would dare not stand in the face of this nation to pretend that he is not aware of the high costs of fees taken by principals of Secondary Schools to admit children who could not score grades within a set out threshold following the basic and primary schools exams.
A cobbler, Amadu Jalloh said, “the incredible spate at which armed robbery takes place could not be unconnected to the lack of electricity in strategic areas. With light around, it is easy to identify robbers,” he said adding that government is seemingly very lenient with those people who deliberately tamper with the light system at odd hours.Another citizen suggested that those people that are entrusted with public offices should be monitored so that government gets to know whether they are working in conformity with standardized procedures.He said: “most people are not happy with the situation in the country, especially the high cost of living, poor sanitation, blackout in the city, school charges, injustice and more.”
Parents vow not to vote SLPP
Mohamed Massaquoi 18/8/2006
Aggrieved parents whose children have successfully passed the National Primary School Examination (NPSE) in Freetown and the provinces have vowed not to vote for the Sierra Leone People Party (SLPP) come 2007, if they fail to prevail on school authorities to reduce charges for the coming academic year.Fatmata Kanu a trader, with three children, and a host of others who's children took the NPSE intimidated Concord Times Wednesday that they will not cast their vote for the SLPP if schools charges remain as it is.Some complained that Principals are asking them to pay admission fees of Le250, 000 that they cannot afford considering their present economic status in the country.. “ We are disappointed in the SLPP led government, for misleading us that they will pay school feels for our daughters while principals are bent on asking us to pay huge amount,” they expressed.The parents appealed to the government to monitor all the schools across the country and adequately inform them as to how much should pay in order to gain admission for their children into the JSS programme.
SLPP Vice Chairman seeks women's welfare
Abdul Karim Koroma 16/8/2006
Vice Chairman of the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) York District Constituency; Pastor David chambers have disclosed that seeking the welfare of the grassroot women cannot be over emphasized. Pastor Chambers who was speaking last Thursday at the Hamilton Community Center said SLPP under Vice President Solomon Berewa is the only way out. While presenting a large consignment of assorted items including used clothing to grass root women at the Peninsula Area Chambers told the beneficiaries that the party has in its agenda a plan to elevate the status of women in the country.
Pastor Chambers admonished the recipients and the people in that constituency to give their fullest support to the SLPP. “Vice President Solomon Ekuma Berewa positive initiatives will go a long way towards bringing sustainable development in Sierra Leone ,” he said. SLPP Chairman York and Mountain Rural District, Sylvanus Pratt states that the gesture by Pastor Chambers was meant to augment and improve the well-being of the grassroot women.
He says the gift was a sign of good will, which is the culture of the SLPP. Pratt maintained that all other political institutions have failed to exhibit such gestures, as the grassroot women are an integral part of society. “Women are a very important category of people that have been marginalized by selfish and ill motivated politicians over the years,” he said, adding that they are determine to ensure that grassroot women regain their lost glory in the past. The chairlady Martha Kanagboh advised the women not to be misled by misguided and hungry politicians.
Youths say SLPP has failed them
Mariama Kandeh 15/8/2006
President of the National Youth Coalition (NYC), Al Sankoh Conteh Saturday claimed that the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) led government has failed to create a level playing field for youths in the country.He made these comments during a discussion programme marking the International Day of Youths themed; “Clarion call for Youths Representation in Parliament,” organized by NYC at the Young Men Christian Association (YMCA) hall, Fort Street .“Our situation in Sierra Leone is very pathetic,” he lamented, adding that the rush to seek employment in Iraq by hundreds of Sierra Leonean youths is as a result of inequitable distribution of resources. He called on government to change the lives of the youths, as problems facing youths are deep-rooted and must be considered a national issue.Chairperson of the occasion and Publisher of Awareness Times Newspaper, Dr. Sylvia Blyden says, “the number of brain cells reduces, as one gets old. Therefore young people must be actively engaged in the decision making process of the state”.She pointed out that the presence of old people in Parliament is causing social lapses such as in the field of Information and Communication Technology.
Discussant and Managing Editor Peep Magazine, Richie Olu Gordon blamed political parties for neglecting the youths.He urged youths to infiltrate all political parties contesting the 2007 elections, making sure that female youths are included in the decision-making.Paul Kamara, Managing Editor of For di People newspaper says the problem of youths can only be solved when the government seeks the interest of its people.He said the present political ethos does not care about young people.Lecturer at the Mass Communication Department of Fourah Bay College , Isaac Massaquoi warned that youth must not depend on other peoples' pocket but must be conscious of their progress.
APC plots against SLPP exposed
Regina Pratt 15/8/2006
Minister of Tourism and Culture, Okere Adams Friday alleged that some supporters of the All Peoples Congress (APC) are plotting to assassinate the good image of the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) by asking that potential micro credit beneficiaries pay Le 10, 000 to 15,000 as registration fees which should not be the case.The minister made the allegation while addressing market women and traditional leaders in Lungi, Kafu Bulom chiefdom, Port Loko district.“Supporters of APC organized and presented themselves as representatives of the grass roots. They collected money from people from various communities on the pretext that they will be giving Le 500, 000 per person as micro credit,” he claimed.Minister Adams warned: “Those who come purporting to be ‘Grass Roots' representatives are not sent by the government. They have been collecting the said money for their own interest, which could be another plot to assassinate the hard earned reputation of the ruling SLPP. Government cannot ask you to pay any money as registration fees for micro credit loans. You will recall that the government gave micro credit loans to people across the country.”He maintained that the APC would always develop new strategies to discredit this government, adding that neither the President nor the Vice President has ever announced about Le 500, 000 micro credit loans.
Chairman of the occasion, Kandeh Yillah said the SLPP government has great respect for women and youths which is why they would ensure that all strategies are put in place, not only for the development of the Lungi community but also the entire country.
SLPP launches continental Europe branch
11/7/2006
The official launching ceremony of the SLPP (Sierra Leone Peoples Party) Continental Europe Branch took place on 9th of July 2006 in Rotterdam , the Netherlands under the auspices of Ambassador Fode Dabor. “The motive was to educate Sierra Leoneans this time round about the good side of politics which most of us had been missing for quite a long time,” a statement from the interim executive states.
The main theme of the discussion was centered on Diaspora participation in the propagation of the clean side of democracy in Sierra Leone . The SLPP Continental Europe Branch is primarily being formulated to liaise with all other SLPP branches within the Diasporas and at home in order to ensure good governance in Sierra Leone .
The aims and objectives of the group include: Sensitizing Sierra Leoneans in the Diaspora; Promoting the good image of the SLPP within the Diaspora community; Creating a way for the Diasporas to participate in the political process of Sierra Leone.; Create a voice within the Diaspora that represents mediation between the government of Sierra Leone and Western Counterparts in development; and Create a political base where in all Sierra Leoneans could have a chance to discuss political issues about their country.
An interim committee was formed and mandated with the responsibilities to run the SLPP Continental Europe Branch. The committee includes:
Mr. Solomon Baimba Mansaray - Chairman
Mr. Ernest Smith - Secretary General
Mr. John Massaquoi - Deputy Secretary General
Mr. Ibrahim Kargbo - Financial Secretary
Mr. Mohamed Sesay - Deputy Financial Secretary
Mr. Abdul Conteh - Publicity Secretary
Mr. Hakawa Foday - Deputy Publicity Secretary
Mr. Sadiku .M. Fofanah - Organizing Secretary
Ms. Sarah Kamara - Deputy Organizing Secretary-
SLPP councilor, Deputy beaten to coma
Mohamed Vandi 11/7/2006
Irate workers of the Kenema Town Council (KTC) Monday went on the rampage beating up the Council's chairman, Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) chairman, Evans Gbemeh, his Deputy Margaret Shaka and locked them up in their offices. The protesters were agitating for their backlog salary that the council owed them for a long period of time. The KTC Chairman and his Deputy escaped death in the hands of the aggrieved workers through the swift intervention of the police who came to their rescue.
The irate workers attacked the KTC office Monday morning demanding their backlog salary. They chanted anti SLPP slogans and attacked the office of the KTC Chairman and his deputy barricading it and beating the inhabitants to coma. Reacting to the strike action, Assistant Inspector General of police Elizabeth Turay expressed dissatisfaction over the continuous strike action of the council workers, as it will undermine the security of the community. She called for an immediate investigation into the alleged misappropriation of council's funds by senior officers of the council. The chairman Gbemeh after recuperating from the beating maintained that they are putting all mechanisms in place to ensure that the workers' salaries are paid.
Regional Secretary, municipal and local government employees Tamba E. Ngekia says the workers threaten they will not relent until their salaries are paid. He asserts police are investigating the strike action. The KTC workers have been agitating for the payment of their backlog salaries since last year when 88 of them were retired. They claim KTC has to pay them four mounts backlog salary amounting to millions of leones .
SLPP was the Lone Debate Dodger 29/6/2006
Debates bring candidates agenda to the people: In his recent article entitled Berewa Escapes from Debate , John L. Musa’s suggestion; “ For PMDC’s interim leader to condition his appearance at a debate on Berewa’s attendance is irrational,” is equally irrational. Evidently, Earnest Bai Koroma and Abdul Kadi Karim, leaders of the APC and UNPP respectively, did not represent their parties, which, apparently, led to the organizers to reduce the debate into a less than presidential debate.
Charles F. Margai’s resolve to debate only other presidential candidates in the Youth for Sierra Leone Improvement (YSLI)-organized debate was a well thought-out political position meant to equate the dignity of standings amongst the presidential candidates themselves rather than a presidential candidate sharing the podium with the representatives of other candidates. He felt that this was specifically in tune with respecting the needs of the people to hear directly from the candidates themselves rather than their representatives. Just ask yourself, whom will the people hold responsible for what a representative would say in the debate, would it be himself or the presidential candidate he is representing? The SLPP ’s decision to dodge the debate was, apparently, not only in fear of defeat, but also in a premeditated contempt in an effort to diminish the political significance of the value of the debate to the nation and the youths .Being privy to the debate arrangements, I am knowledgeable about other commitments Charles F. Margai, the Interim Leader of the PMDC had in place, including a sensitization meeting that had been scheduled for Kono District a month before the youth national debate notice and press release were made available to the debaters and published as well. Yet, Charles Margai accommodated the youth national debate in full preparedness to debate Earnest Bai Koroma, Abdul Kadi Karim and SLPP's Solomon Berewa. When he was told of the lower level representation, he decided to resume his normal hectic schedule.
Sensitizing the people of Kono District about the PMDC, for Charles F. Margai, is as equally important as educating the people through a national youth debate. Charles F. Margai, before reactivating his already postponed Kono District sensitization trip, ensured that the national Interim Secretary General of the PMDC, Ansu Lansana, stayed in Freetown to debate the secretary-generals of the other parties.Unlike Charles F. Margai, Solomon Berewa assigned the SLPP Secretary General, JJ Saffa, to debate, only for him, according to the YSLI chairman and founder, Dr. Michael Sho-Sawyer, “JJ Saffa called, at the last minutes, to say that he will not debate” – he also dodged the debate in fear of another defeat. He had been defeated in a previous debate, in the state of Maryland , USA , about a little over a month earlier. In Freetown, “ The organizers, YSLI told the gathering that they have been communicating with the Secretary General of SLPP, Jacob Jusu Saffa and no reason was advanced for his absenteeism,” Mohamed Massaquoi reported for the Concord Times newspaper.
The impression created by SLPP's absence. To be the oldest, the seating and the ruling political party, and yet offer nothing to the people in terms of what SLPP intends to do for the nation in Berewa’s administration, is utter disregard for voter need to be informed. Too many questions can come to mind as to why SLPP was absent, the least of which is whether the SLPP just does not have a record to run on besides ending the war, or whether the SLPP want to prevent the people from making a sound objective decision about which party should rule the nation next.The impression about the SLPP is, simply, that the party does not care what the nation thinks about it, so long as it is in charge. SLPP refuses to reckon with the fact that it is crucial for the people to know, so that they can get the best candidate to rule them. This is the epitome of arrogance and taking the people for granted.As if it is not enough that they have very little to show for the past 8 years of dismal leadership, Berewa and the SLPP do not seem to feel that they are responsible or obligated to the nation enough to take part in the debate to enlighten the nation on their deeds.The SLPP did not show up, it was not represented, and it did not care.
It will only be fair that if the nation cannot hear from the SLPP as to what Berewa intends to do for the people, then the people should not be obligated to vote for Berewa and the SLPP.Foreign observers have the same concern that the conditions that caused the war still exist. According to the Concord Times newspaper; “ In his opening statement US Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Thomas Hull said the reason for organizing the debate is to bring together youths and political parties in order to share common interests. He pointed out that the conditions responsible for the decade civil war still exist. Hull maintained the only way of addressing youths' problems is by taking positive steps. He highlighted that one of the major problems in the country is access to justice.Youths bring energy and new ideology to democratic process,’ he said and maintained that even though there is improvement in formal education, more attention should be given to vocational education.
If the nation cannot hear from the SLPP as to what it intends to do for the people in the next five years, it is only fair that the people vote for the PMDC whose political philosophy is a “Positive Change .
Karamoh Kabba
Director of Media & Comm. “ PMDC
“SLPP has lots of failures” UNPP aspirant charges
Abdul Karim Koroma 14/6/2006
Mohamed Ben Kamara, aspirant for United National Peoples Party (UNPP) leadership Sunday vowed that if elected to lead the party he would launch a massive campaign on the demerits of the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) to ensure that the latter is ousted from power through the ballot box during the 2007 elections.Kamara who doubles as UNPP Chairman for United Kingdom/Ireland Branch says he would initiate a crusade to sensitize Sierra Leoneans about the ten years of SLPP misrule, which has made the country to go through a generation of compounded troubles and a state of chronic economic hardship.“The SLPP has a lot of shortfalls, which is an open book. I want to tell all Sierra Leoneans and the international community that the solution to all the woes of this country is the UNPP,” Kamara said and called on the delegates to vote with their conscience during the party's Delegates' Congress at the Atlantic Hall.He appealed to the delegates not to elect a stranger or a political ‘jay cee' to lead the party, as they must vote in someone who is appealing to the electorates in order for the UNPP to form the next government after the 2007 elections.“The UNPP has been in the opposition for a long time we don't need a leader who is difficult to sell politically or who the public are not conversant with,” Kamara.
As Freetown continues to be deforested: Guma Valley to run out of water
Ibrahim Seibure 13/6/2006
General Manager of Guma Valley Water Company, Darrell Thompson Monday confirmed that with the massive deforestation and construction around the river catchments in the Freetown area, the water supply to the city would run out in the future.He said the continuous deforestation and erection of illegal structures in the Freetown area has become alarming and life threatening for people living in the city.“We supply water from the Guma dam and from other sources in the west and east of Freetown ,” Thompson disclosed and added that the Guma dam alone cannot supply the city, therefore it is augmented by the smaller catchments at Hill station, Thunder Hill and at the Foot of Fourah Bay College.
The General Manager revealed that serious damage has been caused to these catchments hence they decided to close down three of these water sources as a result of construction and deforestation.“The problem is more acute at Hill Station as the catchment that used to supply is no more, as such we are now pumping water from Spur Road,” he states and continued that Thunder Hill in the east is almost getting destroyed as it is being used for laundry that has polluted and defecated the water, blocked the pipes and brings debris into the water.Thompson pointed out the problem is acute and growing because the population in the city is increasing therefore a method should be put in place to protect the catchments before they are destroyed.“When you take off the trees and the forest cover that serves as a shade to prevent rapid evaporation from the soil the water continues to sip into the river destroying the water sources,” Thompson stated and noted that the relevant authorities must be proactive and that there is also need for the Ministry of Lands and Country Planning to consult with the water suppliers before they give out land for construction, so that they don't encroach on catchments' areas.He concluded that this ugly development in the city is paving the way for Freetown to run out of water in the future and stressed that people living around these catchments should be discouraged from doing so.
Sierra Leone to incorporate Stock Exchange Market
Tanu Jalloh 13/6/2006
Resident consultant with the Bank of Sierra Leone, Martin Maruff Monday told a press conference that the initiative for Sierra Leone to have a Stock Exchange Market now is very appropriate.“It could be a new phenomenon but very important too. It basically looks at how share market works and, why buy or sell a share but is quite different from the usual banking transactions that existed,” he explained adding the essence of having a capital market could not only be limited to restoring pre-conflict market systems but also to catch-up with existing modern corporate interactions.
Nat Wellington, Adviser to Governors, Capital Market Unit explained the level of involvement of both the government and international forces saying they may not be actively involved but very necessary as oversight and supervisory mechanisms.“Besides we are operating an interim structure and the necessary framework that would establish the whole system should be provided by the government which does not in any way intended to impact negatively on whatever involvement of the private sector,” he explained.Acting Director, Development Coordination Department, Rosaline Gobio-Lamin emphasized the need to have the idea explained to and by the media given the fact that the initiative is a complex and new phenomenon. She encouraged the media not only to dwell on immediate benefits and challenges but should endeavor to sustain their effort to explaining how the system operates.
“That's why issues like the reduction of tariffs and taxes as entrusted with the National Revenue Authority would be harmonized in the not too distant future to meet the trend of an integrated regional market. But it takes time for these already targets set for the harmonization of tariffs and taxes,” she narrated.
Thuggery: SLPP complains PMDC to Police
Abdul Karim Koroma 13/6/2006
National Secretary General of ‘Friends of Solomon Berewa,' Melvin Rogers Monday said they have lodged two complaints to the Ross Road and Congo Cross Police Stations regarding some of their members terrorized by some members of the newly formed Peoples Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC).‘Friends of Solomon Berewa' is an SLPP campaign outfit for the Vice President and leader of the SLPP, Solomon Ekuma Berewa.Rogers claims that one of the chieftains of PMDC, Sitta Turay recently attacked one of their members Jimmy Rogers at Wilkinson Road after the latter returned from Moyamba with the Vice President to inspect government projects.“After Jimmy Rogers dropped down from the bus, Sitta Turay attacked Jimmy and beat him up,” Rogers claims and noted that in the scuffle Jimmy sustained serious injuries all over his body.He says during the fracas four police officers arrived at the scene and arrested Turay.“The police obtained statements from the duo and Jimmy was issued asked to get a medical report,” he said and continued, “ some of the officers at the station ordered that Sitta should be released because it is a political matter. And the culprit is now on the run after the police issued a warrant for his arrest.”
Meanwhile, a PMDC supporter reportedly manhandled Joseph Demby, a member of ‘Friends of Berewa' a fortnight ago at his residence at Cline Town , other reports claim.Rogers alleged after Demby returned from witnessing a programme at the SLPP office where the Teachers and Grassroots Women declared their support for Berewa, he was explaining the success of the ceremony when a member of the PMDC with whom they are living together at the same house assaulted him.“The police at the Ross Road Police Station had obtained a statement from him. Demby was seriously damaged and initially after the incident for some time he lost his senses,” Rogers claims.Rogers threatened that if PMDC supporters do not stop attacking their (SLPP) supporters, they would stop at nothing but start reprisal attacks.The police at Ross Road have however confirmed the alleged incident, which they say is under investigation.Interim Publicity Secretary of PMDC, Alusine Kamara contacted for reactions Monday said he is not aware of the alleged incidents of assault
SLPP Georgia Chapter elect new executive
Saidu Bangso 6/6/2006
At a well-attended meeting on Saturday 06-03-06 held in Atlanta , Georgia , members of the Sierra Leone People's Party (S.L.P.P.) Georgia chapter, elected a new executive to superintend the affairs of the party.Dr. Mohamed Bayoh was elected chairman while the position of vice-chairman went to Dr. Lahai Rogers.Solomon Berewa II and Edward Arkpan were elected secretary-general and assistant secretary- general respectively.
Alpha Saidu Bangura was elected publicity-secretary, the position of organizing and social secretary went to. Amadu Jabbie.Mrs. Marie Carew was elected women's leader and Mrs.Miatta Smith was elected assistant women's leader.Ahmed Banya was elected youth leader. The position of treasurer went to Mrs. Yvonne Arkpan.The following people were elected ex-officio members: Patrick Goba, Amos Lansana, Alfred Kamara, Kahlil Kargbo and Martin Berewa.In his post election address, the new chairman,Dr. Mohamed Bayoh thanked members for the confidence reposed on him and his executive. He assured members that he would do all in his power and ability to push the SLPP forward. Vice-chairman Dr. Rogers also, thanked members for electing him and called on all members to work together in the interest of the party.
SLPP leadership treats people as expendable… Dr. Blango
31/5/2006
Concord Times' Abdul Karim Koroma spoke to the former Mayor of Southwark in England , Dr. Columba Blango to know his reasons why he resigned from the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) and the way forward for the country.
CT: Again, why did you quit the SLPP?
BLA: As I said in my resignation letter, I quitted because I believe the SLPP has, in all shape and form, lost the fundamental values and principles of politics and has become very remote from, and lost complete touch with the ordinary people of Sierra Leone . The SLPP, in its present state, has become a party of the past, controlled by mostly spent politicians and supported by people who are either blind to the party's ineptitudes or have personal interest.
Having practiced politics for over 10 years at a high level within an established political party in Britain , I think I am experienced and skilled enough to give safe analysis on the party's predicaments. My view is that the SLPP lacks vision and direction hence has lost sense of purpose to govern Sierra Leone . I do not believe for a moment that the SLPP means real business for the country.
Almost every week I read about members of government commissioning and delivering or opening projects and programmes here and there all over the country; promising people heaven on earth every where they go. I believe this is bad politics and disingenuous of the SLPP leadership.
Politically aware and conscious as I may be, I am bound to ask myself these questions and I argue every Sierra Leonean to ask themselves too: Were all these projects and programmes part of a long term development plan? Why only now those frantic efforts are made to deliver them? What are their long-term benefits for the people and impact on their communities? Are they affordable and sustainable? Who runs and manage them? What is the long-term management plan for their sustainability? How relevant are these projects and programmes to present circumstances? What are the alternatives? Have they been budgeted for? Where is the money coming from and what is the guarantee for long term funding, transparent and accountable management? Above all, is there anything tangible the SLPP can really show to justify their 10 years in power? I mean stuff that has made a real difference and significant impact on the lives of the majority of the people and communities in Sierra Leone .
The speed and time at which these projects and programmes are announced and commissioned make me believe they are fly-by-night, makeshift, politically motivated actions. They appear to be a knee jack reaction to the emergence of the People's Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC) and the not surprising massive support PMDC is gathering inside and outside Sierra Leone . In short, the SLPP continues to give lip services on a short sighted, short term and unsustainable basis. To me, the SLPP leadership treats people as expendable and this is very wrong.
As I also said in my letter, I am a conviction politician and I have very strong political beliefs, values, standards and aspirations. I am guided, as every politician should be, by a set of political philosophy and ideology by which I benchmark myself. I believe in Civil Liberties and the freedom of the individual. I believe in less power to government and more power to the people. I believe in strong community politics and equality of opportunities. I believe in building and safeguarding a free, fair, open and just society in which we should seek to balance the fundamental values of liberty, equality and community. In short, I believe in a liberal and democratic principle of government, which is contrary to the principles, methods and practices of SLPP politics. In short, I belong to the center-left of politics.
I do not believe in a system where only the poor and the voiceless go to prison or jail while the powerful and influential are set free to continue to plunder the country at the expense of the underprivileged and underrepresented. I do not believe in a system that promotes class divide. I will not continue to be part of a system that does not respect or protect individual liberty. I do not want to be part of a system that does not care to listen, that is arrogantly and deliberately out of touch with the feelings and aspirations of the people, totally remove from reality and manipulate for its own self-interest.
CT: Which other political party haveou seen as an alternative?
BLA: I have observed the members and activities of the People's Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC) and I have also read their manifesto and constitution. Based on what I have seen, read and observed about PMDC, I believe it is a party that is geared up for reforms and one that has a progressive agenda. Unlike all other parties, the PMDC, in my opinion, demonstrates interest in and understanding of the common struggling people. The PMDC manifesto caters for people at the bottom of the scale, especially petty traders, business people, the youth, women, the disadvantaged, underprivileged, underrepresented and the voiceless. I also see the leadership of PMDC made up of people who will be selfless in their effort to make a difference and equally determined to bring about socio-economic and political changes. Being that APC, SLPP and all the old and recycled politicians have ran out of steam and ideas, PMDC, I believe, is the political party of the future. I see PMDC as a political party that will provide a clear, transparent, accountable, responsible and visionary leadership. Above all, like it or not, I believe PMDC, one way or the other, will definitely change the political map of Sierra Leone, will surely have an impact on the political landscape of the country, hold its own and influence the political dynamics forever. In short, PMDC will be a vital, highly needed ingredient and value added factor to democracy in Sierra Leone .
CT: You have a wealth of experience, which other ways do you think you will help the country move forward?
BLA: I have been involved in Sierra Leone issues and affairs in this part of the world for a very long time and I still continue to do so. I will attempt to list some of the most important and fundamental things I have been engaged in with regard to Sierra Leone .
When the British Labour Government sent troops into Sierra Leone in May 2000 against the Westside Boys, it was my MP who tabled the debate on Sierra Leone in the House of Commons on my request; a debate many Sierra Leoneans went to listen to in the House of Commons. And for the benefit of many who do not know this, the three main political parties had different stance on the issue with the Conservatives against sending troops, Labour in favour of sending troops but for a short period and the Liberal Democrats (the political party I belong to) arguing to send troops to stay until the job of making Sierra Leone safe and secure is complete. This is why today we have a strong and permanent British military presence in Sierra Leone .
Working with Harriet Harman MP QC, I organized and led a vibrant debate between Sierra Leoneans in the UK and the Parliamentary Select Committee on the Commission for Africa report on Sierra Leone in Southwark Council Chamber in 2004. Over a hundred Sierra Leoneans and friends of Sierra Leone participated. The report was part of the official report on the Commission for Africa .
Currently, I am the Vice President of the Sierra Leone Task Force Group in the United Kingdom . The group is formed to defend the interest of, advocate and lobby for resources to build the capacity of local authorities in Sierra Leone that have twinning or friendship relationship with local authorities in the UK.
In December 2003, my office sponsored the then Mayor of Bo and her team for a three week working visit and workshops in the London Borough of Southwark. The idea was to help capacity building in the Bo Town Council ahead of local elections in Sierra Leone in May 2004.
On the same note, in November 2004, my office also sponsored the Minister for Local Government and Community Development in Sierra Leone and his team for a two-week capacity building workshop on local governance and community engagement in the London Borough of Southwark. The Chairlady of Koidu New Sembehun Town Council was also in the minister's team. In an official ceremony at the end of the visit, Southwark Council and Koidu New Sembehun Town Council signed a friendship agreement in the presence of the Minister and the Chairlady.
In December 2005, my office also invited the Chairman and Secretary General of the Sweissy group in Freetown to Southwark for a four-week workshop on Youth, Culture, Commerce and Sports. They were accompanied by the Minister of Youth and Sports.
The above are just a few of the significant things I have done in regard to Sierra Leone . I believe I could do more if given the chance and opportunity. Here are just some of the projects I am working on at the moment as far as Sierra Leone is concern.
London being the Cultural Capital of the world, I am currently on the London Culture and Tourism Board, a board that ensures London provides world-class facilities for tourist and opportunities for investors. At the moment, I am working with a group of experts on tourism development and investment programme in Sierra Leone . This will include river and air transports. The plans, which will be based on the London South Bank development, has been discussed with the outgoing Sierra Leone High Commissioner to the UK and have informed him that the project would be ready for presentation to him in July of this year. If politics does not kick in, it should be a unique opportunity for developing and investing in tourism, heritage and culture in Sierra Leone from a different angle and perspective.
For the past three years, I have been responsible for developing and implementing Sport, Leisure and Culture strategies in Southwark and I am on the London Local Government Representatives Board for the London 2012 Olympics Games. I have almost put in place a plan to bring to Freetown two top footballers in the UK to help boost the game and promote sport generally in the country. This idea has been discussed with the Minister of Youth and Sports when he was here with the Sweissy boys in December last year. But I am still waiting to hear from the minister on the matter. Again, this is a programme that would be materialized if we keep politics out of it.
The next project I am working on at the moment is how to maintain and promote youth programmes between Sierra Leone and Southwark. Taking it from the visit of the Sweissy boys to the London Borough of Southwark, we need to develop an exchange programme around youth, business and commerce, education, sport and culture. And again, all these would be possible if we keep politics out of it and do it for the benefit and common interest of the country.
Another way I think I can help Sierra Leone is to speak out. Speak out against what I feel is wrong for our country; such as injustice and intolerance; and stand up for the voiceless, disadvantaged, underprivileged and underrepresented. Not many people are prepared to do this but someone has to do it. I am not trying to be a hero but I would want someone to speak out and stand up for me if I find myself in any of the categories described above. I simply want to do for others, as I would wish them to do for me.
However, I believe I am in a unique position to help Sierra Leone and I have the will to do so. Within a short space of time I have done so much, which is indicative of my track record. Given the opportunity and backing and with politics out of the equation, I am confident I will do more.
CT: Where is your constituency base; do you have good relationship with your people?
BLA: My constituency base is Sierra Leone and my people are every Sierra Leonean. Sure I do have relationship with the people of Sierra Leone as made evident in my answers to your questions.
If you mean my hometown Moyamba where my father comes from and where I received most of my primary education at St. Columba's School, I definitely have a warm relationship with the people. I was there in February 2004 and March 2005 on official visits and even visited relatives in the surrounding villages, communicated with them in my native language, and I feel very proud that the people remembered me and gave me a respectable warm welcome. My dad runs a prominent pharmaceutical store at Moyamba Junction and I have been trying hard to raise some money for the new secondary school there. I am glad to say that I have so far managed to raise a few million leones for them which I will proudly donate to them on my next visit some time this year.
My motherland, Pujehun, is where I started my secondary education at St. Paul 's Secondary School. I have many things to be proud of about Pujehun and St. Paul 's. Firstly, I am proud that my mother is a true, true original Kaikai. Secondly, I feel privileged to have attended St. Paul 's. Thirdly, I feel honored that in many ways than one, people still remember that I did the school and town proud while I was there.
I was born in Bo Town, did part of my primary education in Bo at St. Francis School and completed my secondary education in Bo at Christ the King College . Beyond all reasonable doubt, I have a passionate relationship with Bo and the people of Bo Town. Bo speaks for itself so I leave it at that.
For many years, both my mother and dad worked as senior staff in Tongo Field and Kono (with influential connections in Kenema) for Sierra Leone Selection Trust (SLST), which later became National Diamond Mining Company (NDMC). I literally grew up in those areas and I still have relatives and friends there. My last two official visits to Kenema in 2004 and 2005 reminded me of what it means to be home. The people were warm, kind and, as usual, very pleasant.
While I was at school in CKC, I often went to Makeni and Magburaka for sporting competitions during which I made many friends. This led me to more visits and I am happy I am still in touch with people from those areas.
Freetown has always appeared to be a natural base for me since that is where I spent my last couple of years after my ‘A' levels at CKC; working as a laboratory assistant at the Methodist Boys High School in 1979-1981 while progressing my sporting and community activities before traveling abroad in 1982.
Anyway, I have to say that I cannot be too bothered about base or no base. I love Sierra Leone ; I am very proud of the country and feel fortunate that I am from there. I see myself as a proud Sierra Leonean who is always ready to serve his country.
CT: When do you hope to actively involve in Sierra Leonean politics?
BLA: I believe I am, in many ways, currently very active in Sierra Leonean politics. If you mean when I will come to practice politics in Sierra Leone , my answer to that is when the time comes and only God knows when.
I have to be honest to you and your readers that it has never seriously crossed my mind to go into Sierra Leone to practice politics. I did say publicly last year (when I visited the country with my family in honour of the Sweissy group) over the national radio, in the news papers, at public meetings in Freetown, Bo, Kenema and Moyamba that I was not interested in standing for any public office come 2007. My main interest at the moment is to participate, promote, help and engage in a process that will make Sierra Leone a better place to live and work in. I will certainly be involved in the political debates, engage with the issues and place myself where the bolts and spanners meet in politics.
I would like to use this opportunity to address an article titled: ‘SLPP exposes Mayor' that came out in a certain newspaper in Freetown called The News . The article claims that I resigned from SLPP because I could not get a high profile job I wanted from the party; because I cannot compete with those in Sierra Leone and that I want to enter the system through the back door.
Even though this is actually addressed in my resignation letter, the writer of the article whose name is undisclosed failed to pick it up. In fact the article is written in such jumbled English that I found it difficult to understand the real message.
But coming back to the article, this is another SLPP shameless and despicable lie and high-class nonsense. I am not surprised because it shows what the SLPP stands for and how they operate and what they are capable of doing; the more reason why I quitted. I openly challenge every single individual in the SLPP from top to bottom to publicly prove when I have ever asked for a job or any position in the country. If there is still any honest person left within the SLPP let him or her say publicly if I have ever solicited or lobbied for any job or position in or outside Sierra Leone . Integrity counts in my world of politics and I will never stoop that low. Those in the SLPP government whom I have worked with or had dealings with will testify that I have done so with dignity, pride and respect and for nothing else but for the sake of Sierra Leone . So, whoever came up with such a blatant paradigm of a lie should burry his or her head in the sand.
I am very content with my political job in the UK . I control a huge portfolio department with a credible workforce of about one thousand people and a decent budget of over twenty million pounds. I am part of a ten man cabinet team that runs the London Borough of Southwark, which has a population of almost four hundred thousand people. Our annual budget, both capital and revenue, is about four billion pound. The cabinet is responsible for virtually everything in the Borough from street cleaning, garbage collection, social services, education, housing, the environment to community safety and making laws in certain areas. Without making any comparison to Sierra Leone , my responsibilities are enormous and expectations are high in terms of deliverance and accountability. And of course such responsibilities demand a highly skilled, committed, motivated and visionary team of individuals.
In terms of competition, I believe British politics is one of the most fiercely contested the world over. Having fought a tough parliamentary elections in 2004, after just a couple of weeks ago being elected in local elections for the third time, and having just won a fierce competition for a cabinet position on Southwark Council, and for an SLPP approved writer of that article to say I am afraid of competition tells you exactly the frame of mind of people the country is dealing with.
On the approval of the SLPP, the writer also claims that I want to enter the system through the back door. Can someone please tell me through what other door, under the SLPP, can one enter into the system? Only through the back door I believe. That is why I have never been motivated to jump into the politics of SLPP Sierra Leone because one has got to go in through SLPP/APC style – though the back door. And under SLPP/APC administration, when the back door (which is the only door) is closed, even the windows are slammed at your face and that's it.
On a more serious and sober note, I have always said that one does not have to be a minister or a top official in government to help your country. One could still do so from a position of influence from anywhere. All it takes is the love for your country and the will to do something for its people.
CT: Which positions have you held within the SLPP, what do you have to show for your stewardship?
BLA I happened to be on the first SLPP executive in 1991 in the UK . This was the time when the country was making its way back into a multi-party system of government. By then, the SLPP had been in the political wilderness for over three decades; so it needed vibrant, hard working and vociferous people to bring it back on its feet. A million thanks to the late Ambrose Ganda (may his blessed soul continue to rest in perfect peace) who was so instrumental in organizing the first SLPP democratic elections in the UK after thirty years. Mr. John Saad, who has most recently resigned from the SLPP and joined the PMDC, was elected chairman then. Along with many others, I was elected organizing secretary. I went on to be elected deputy propaganda secretary and Vice Chairman in subsequent elections.
I would refer to myself as always been on the centre-left of politics - outspoken most of the time and never afraid of facing issues and challenging problems. I always made sure I held my colleagues to account while at the same time making myself more proactive on SLPP matters. I made sure dignitaries within the British establishment, MPs and other influential people attended and donated to SLPP functions while I was a member. I spent most of my best time within the SLPP fighting for a change, which some time really put me in straight confrontation with ministers and top officials.
CT: In your resignation letter you said the SLPP lacks cohesiveness; did you ever attempt to bridge the gap?
BLA: Yes, the SLPP is not cohesive. I believe the SLPP has no comprehensive, well thought through, sustainable and achievable programme/plan of action for Sierra Leone ; otherwise they would not be dashing left, right and center of the country, in panic, to launch and commission all those fly-by-night, wishy-washy programmes and projects. These are all politically motivated actions and I hope the electorate will remember that come 2007. I would have liked to see the SLPP administration go to the people to say what they have delivered on their 2002 election manifesto pledges and what they would deliver if they win in 2007. At the moment, it seems all they pledged in their 2002 manifesto would be delivered in 2007. What have they been doing then all this time? Playing ball? I will call this taking the nation for a ride and manipulating people with lip services and empty promises.
In regard to bridging the gap, the answer on my contribution to Sierra Leone and my feature plans for the country explains it all.
CT: You said again in your letter you still have respect for some people in the SLPP. Would you like to work with them in another political platform?
BLA: Indeed, I have respect but no affection for some members of the SLPP. I believe many of them have the skills and commitment to deliver good service to the nation but unfortunately they are caught in a deep, thick, political web they can hardly do anything about. They have the responsibility and freedom to speak out or quit the party but vindictive as the SLPP is, and in a system that thrives on a dependency culture and with the prospect of such people falling into the poverty trap, I can hardly see how they can escape. Such people are still needed in our society today but they can only be useful again under a new and different political setup and platform with new ideas, methods, practices and attitude. Sure, I will feel comfortable working with them because they would have been refined and working within a political environment that is stable, well defined with clear expectations, high aspirations and agenda.
CT: What is your opinion about Sierra Leonean politics?
BLA: I indeed do not envy those bodies that enter the political mind fields of Sierra Leone because it is a mucky and gray area that can cost an arm and a leg. In my opinion, the politics of Sierra Leone is without doubt unstable, unclear, ambiguous, and confusing, certainly tough and raw, definitely challenging and exciting, largely inconsistent and incoherent, to a huge extent corrupt and unfortunately based on disastrous selfish motives. The primary factors for this are poverty, ignorance, inequality and lack of or the absence of opportunities.
I have always held the view that without political stability there will be no economic prosperity. Elected representatives are expected to make good and effective laws, sound and relevant policies and judgments for the country. They also must ensure the laws are respected and policies are implemented. To achieve this, there must be a clear philosophical and ideological divide between or among political parties, which should help them develop distinctive policies. The lack or absence of such a divide as in the case of the SLPP and APC does not only affect the ability of elected representatives to make meaningful, relevant and futuristic policies but also leaves the electorate very confused, uninformed or ill-informed thus leaving them with no other choice but to follow their instincts which are most times guided by personal motives.
This is the difference I see in the PMDC. PMDC has a clear philosophy and ideology. One can hardly distinguish between SLPP and APC in terms of what they stand for. There are more similarities between the two parties than differences, which are not very helpful to themselves and the country, let alone the electorate. A clear philosophical and ideological divide among political parties will therefore ensure political stability thus helping elected representatives make sound decisions particularly on the economy with a view to achieving prosperity.
CT: How do you help Sierra Leoneans in England who are always in trouble with British Immigration authorities?
BLA: Sierra Leoneans in the UK are not always in trouble with the British Immigration authorities. I believe most Sierra Leoneans in the UK are here, one way or the other, legitimately. Having said that, some Sierra Leoneans are however going through tough times in their effort to regularize their status.
Returning to your question proper, I have been involved in standing in for Sierra Leoneans awaiting deportation, picking up immigration cases, advising on various immigration and asylum issues, acting as mentor for some people and adviser to some Sierra Leonean organizations in terms of setting them up and building their capacity. I have to say I am very proud of the success rate so far.
The fact of the matter is that our High Commission should be proactive in dealing with these issues but unfortunately that is not the case. Our mission is not only extremely remote from the citizens it should be representing in the UK , it is absolutely oblivious of the plights of Sierra Leoneans and totally disinterested in the wider Sierra Leonean community.
Sierra Leone is a beautiful country with huge potentials to become one of the finest countries, if not the finest country in the world. I believe the vast majority of us living in the UK and the Diaspora would prefer to be in Sierra Leone where we belong. The main reason most Sierra Leoneans chose to live abroad can be explained by the conditions in the country and the absence of opportunities for developing the individual to reach his/her potential.
CT: What is your relationship with the Sierra Leonean community in the United Kingdom ?
BLA: There are a host of Sierra Leonean communities in the United Kingdom some of which I don't know, a few I have heard about but not engaged with yet and a good number I have had dealings with one way or the other. Generally, I think I have a cordial and respectable relationship with a good number of Sierra Leonean communities, especially those in the South East of London, specifically in Southwark where we have the highest number of Sierra Leoneans; twenty five thousand of them approximately. I am a member of a number of Sierra Leonean organizations, a trustee for some, sponsor and adviser for others. Many Sierra Leonean organizations often invite me to their functions as either guest of honour, guest speaker or a special guest. I always do my best to respond to such invites. My main objective for all these organizations is building their capacity within the voluntary sector.
On a personal level, I act as a mentor for some individuals. Politically, I have mentored, sponsored and motivated some Sierra Leoneans who have in fact gone on to participate in politics and a couple of them are today local councilors in their respective Local Authorities or Boroughs. In many cases, I do act as a reference point for those seeking jobs or wanting to do other things like further studies.
CT: How does it feel for a Sierra Leonean to be elected as a Mayor in England ?
BLA: It is a privilege and a unique experience to be the first citizen of an outstanding and spectacular borough in London . Being the first African and Sierra Leonean to be elected Mayor in the London Borough of Southwark was a pride not only for me but for Africans in general and Sierra Leoneans in particular.
Being Mayor is a very high profile job with massive responsibilities characterized by complex protocols. Basically, as the Mayor, I was the Queen's representative in the Borough. In July 2003, I received President Putin of Russia into my Borough on behalf of the Queen. I did get a letter two weeks later from Buckingham Palace thanking me for an outstanding and professional work done on behalf of the Queen. Meeting various members of the Royal family, having tea with the Queen in Buckingham Palace , meeting and dinning with foreign dignitaries and leaders, engaging with high profile people and politicians, knowing, understanding, helping and supporting your local communities and chairing council assembly meetings are all opportunities that exposed me to learning high, complex skills and gaining enormous knowledge in politics. As an African and a Sierra Leonean, I should say this was a wonderful opportunity achievement. And what I still do and enjoy doing as a past Mayor is, on behalf of the Queen, give British Citizenship to qualified candidates in a citizenship ceremony.
CT: After you stepped down as Mayor, what are you doing for a living?
BLA: I am a full time politician and that is how I earn my living. The position of Mayor is just one of the few full time political positions within a Local Authority. After my term of office as Mayor I went on Southwark Council Cabinet holding the cabinet portfolio for Equalities, Culture, Sports and International Development. This portfolio area also covered Heritage, Museum, Tourism, the Art and Libraries.
You may be aware that local elections took place in the UK just a few weeks ago. Proud to say that I was again reelected for another four years, which will bring my stewardship to twelve years of committed service to the people of Southwark as a Councilor. You may be interested to know that I have been again given a new cabinet portfolio for Citizenship, Communities, Equalities and International Development Strategies. I will be responsible for the Voluntary Sector, Community Cohesion, Integration and Inclusion, Community Councils and ensuring equality among Southwark's diverse communities and workforce. I will also be responsible for developing Southwark's International Development Strategies.
Over and above my cabinet job, I do a lot of work in the voluntary sector as a volunteer. I also sit on various committees and panels, on London wide outside independent bodies in the capacity as either chair, vice chair, trustee, board of management team or as a member. I have enough on my plate to deal with.
CT: How do you perceive the leadership of the SLPP and its chances of winning the 2007 elections?
BLA: A very interesting question that deserves an interesting answer. I perceive the SLPP leadership as complacent and intolerant, short sighted and disingenuous, lacking vision, conviction, focus and direction, completely blind and indifferent to their own inadequacies and ineptitudes. This is how I will summarize the SLPP leadership for you.
It is often said that when you find yourself in a hole, stop digging. But I am afraid that with the SLPP leadership, they dig the hole and then jump into it. They travel all over the country with bleeding legs and telling people they did not know the guns were loaded.
As to the chances of SLPP winning the elections in 2007, the people of Sierra Leone (the electorate) will decide and hopefully, with a collective sense of purpose and justice. The SLPP may go on unjustly using the country's resources on their endless campaign which has now made government and governance dysfunctional. But my message to the people of Sierra Leone is this; please do not be afraid of change. It is not always easy to embrace changes but considering the situation in Sierra Leone today wherein things are not getting any better, people's personal circumstance are going from bad to worst, the majority can no longer figure out what the future holds for them irrespective of all their hard work and effort, there is little or no hope for children and the youth reaching their full potential, communities are set against each other in the midst of corruption and the leaders playing politics with people's lives, then, everyone must realize and know it is time for a change and must not hesitate to embrace it. There is no point sitting in your little corner complaining, grumbling and winging about the government and its leaders for that will never help. An action for change is the only answer. I believe that only a political change in 2007 will redeem Sierra Leone . If we allow the current leadership to continue to carry the mantle of power, we should not complain later about anything when we see no significant development in our life and no future for our children. We would only have ourselves to blame.
I believe that under a strong, determined and visionary leadership (which the SLPP and APC have failed to provide and incapable of providing), Sierra Leone can be turned around in a short space of time. I very strongly believe that one year should be enough to provide light at the end of the tunnel and two years is long enough for people to begin to see and feel significant changes in their lives and in their communities. I also believe these can only happen with a change in the country's leadership, direction and focus. We need a fresh start for a better Sierra Leone . Let us be brave and bold enough to change the system, which we all know, is rotten to be backbone and a leadership, which is incompetent beyond redemption. We will do injustice to our nation, our selves and future generations if we fail to bring the radical changes the country so badly deserves. It will be on our consciences if we fail to act against those who have bastardized the country and still continue to plunder the nation with impunity from their Ivory Towers, with their children and relatives enjoying the splendor of comfort overseas and while the rest of the nation and majority of Sierra Leoneans suffer from abject poverty, filth, injustice and the despicable consequences of endemic corruption. SO, COME 2007, PLEASE GO FOR A POSITIVE CHANGE FOR A BETTER SIERRA LEONE.
“SLPP leadership is short sighted” … Dr. Columba Blango
Abdul Karim Koroma 31/5/2006
Erstwhile Mayor of Southwark in England , Dr. Columba Blango has told Concord Times from London that the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) leadership is complacent and intolerant, short-sighted, disingenuous and completely blind and indifferent to their own inadequacies and ineptitudes. Dr. Blango, who resigned his position from the SLPP recently, said the party's leadership is digging a hole, which it would end up jumping into.
“They are traveling all over the country with bleeding legs and telling people they did not know the guns were loaded,” he said, adding that the SLPP may go on unjustly using the country's resources on their endless campaigns, which has now made government and governance dysfunctional. “As to the chances of SLPP winning the elections in 2007, the people of Sierra Leone (the electorate) will decide and hopefully, with a collective sense of purpose and justice. But my message to the people of Sierra Leone is this – please do not be afraid of change,” Dr. Blango states.
People's personal circumstance, he said, are going from bad to worst, and that the majority can no longer figure out what the future holds for them irrespective of all their hard work and effort. “There is little or no hope for children and the youth reaching their full potential, communities are set against each other in the midst of corruption and the leaders are playing politics with people's lives,” he said.
“An action for change is the only answer. I believe that only a political change in 2007 will redeem Sierra Leone . If we allow the current leadership to continue to carry the mantle of power, we should not complain later about anything when we see no significant development in our lives and no future for our children,” he charged.
SLPP Scribe calls for open books
Tanu Jalloh 26/5/2006
Secretary General of SLPP (Sierra Leone Peoples Party), Jacob Jusu Saffa, Wednesday challenged civil society to open their books for scrutiny.
Saffa who was speaking at a panel discussion at the Mary Kingsley Auditorium, Fourah Bay College came under stinging attacks from students and civil society participants at the panel discussion.
Saffa in his response to criticisms of civil society members said his government pursues viable policies and these are evident in current post war development strategies.
“Since this government came into power, we can now boast of over five hundred health centers and hundreds of schools in the country as compared to those days when there were virtually few,” Saffa appraised the audience. He promised that should the SLPP win the 2007 elections, they will ensure government and non governmental organizations alike to pursue an open book policy so that donor funds pumped into this country will be strictly monitored.
National Director Civil Society Alternative Processes in Sierra Leone , Fallah Ensa-N'Dayma and Executive Director, Network Movement for Justice and Development urged that there should be a redefinition of internal government policies after 2007 elections.
“We have failed in most our ventures as a government and a nation because we have deliberately ignored and abandoned home grown policies and development initiatives for Western imposed ones. As a result, any government whatsoever that happens to win in the 2007 elections must make it a duty to redefine existing government national (local) policies,” N'Dayma charged arguing that the 5.8 growth rate in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) should reflect on the standard of living of the citizens.
The panel discussion, which was organized by the Department of Economics and Commerce is third in a series of discussions on the topic; “The Leadership Dimension of Sierra Leone's Development.” The UN Executive Representative of the Secretary General who is head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Sierra Leone (UNIOSIL), Victor J Agenlo, chaired the session that was attended by panelists from the SLPP, Peoples Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC) and heads of reputable civil society organizations.
Meanwhile, the All Peoples Congress was conspicuously absent from the discussion.
SLPP Port Loko disregards Momodu Koroma
Abdul Karim Koroma 18/5/2006
Speakers at a meeting of the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) in Port Loko Saturday disregarded Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Corporation, Momodu Koroma by identifying those who have implemented developmental projects in the north.
Different speakers of the SLPP Port Loko branch named individuals that have contributed positively to development of the district, ignoring the Foreign Affairs Minister who was seated at the high table.The occasion, which took place at the Port Loko Court Barri was attended by Vice President Solomon Ekuma Berewa and other SLPP dignitaries.
The speakers, Port Loko District Fullah Chief, Alahji Wurie, SLPP Youth Leader, MS Kanu and Santigie Bangura, Chiefdom Speaker of Port Loko district praised Trade Minister Dr. Kadi Sesay, Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu (Just Kam), Lands Minister Dr. Alfred Bobson Sesay, Deputy Commissioner National Commission for Social Action, Justin Bangura and Yayah Deen Kamara as the people that have been in the centre of bringing development in the north.Some SLPP members told Concord Times the statements made by the above speakers clearly depicts they want a running mate to Berewa form among the afore names mentioned.
“The SLPP delegation from Freetown was introduced by Tourism Minister Okere Adams,” a SLPP member Musa Kamara who witnessed the ceremony said and continued, “ what happened in Port Loko can be construed as a slap on the face of Momodu Koroma as the person who has been tipped as the President's choice for running mate during the 2007 elections.”However, another SLPP stalwart who attended the meeting confided in Concord Times that some contenders for running mate to Berewa influenced the proclamations in Port Loko. But that is yet to be independently confirmed.Momodu Koroma is a strong contender to be running mate to Vice President Solomon Berewa under the SLPP ticket. But many have criticized him as unpopular though some see him as an SLPP loyalist.
Alleged: SLPP government undermines food security in Kailahun
Tanu Jalloh 16/5/2006
Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) District council chairman in Kailahun, Augustine Kourtu recently told Vice President Solomon Berewa and his entourage in Kailahun that the government is making a mockery and undermining their efforts to achieve food security.
“The government should not make mockery of us and our efforts to achieving food security. We here in Kailahun district are making frantic efforts to achieve that vision by 2007. Our problem is that the government recently sent us two tractors with no implements. The machines since their arrival could not be used for their intended purposes as a result. They are a mere white elephant,” Kourtu alleged in front of a throng of SLPP supporters who turned out at the town barri.
Reacting to the vexation and complaint of the chairman, Vice President Solomon Berewa claimed his government is not aware of the lack of implements for tractors sent to Kailahun. He immediately called on the resident District Agricultural Officer to proffer reasons and ordered that he joins his convoy back to Freetown where he may be queried and implements apparently given for the district.
“The agriculture officer did not let us know about the lack of implements for the tractors, why?” Referring to the agric man he continued, “in fact you go and get ready, you are coming with me to the city to explain what went wrong so that the implements can be provided for the tractors,” Berewa said adding that the district is very strategic to the country's development because of its agricultural potential, especially the production of cash crops like cocoa and coffee which increase government's foreign earnings.
SLPP's deadly mistakes committed by erudite lawyers
Abrahim Alimu Jalloh. MD, USA . 16/5/2006
The Sierra Leone People's Party, which was formed in 1951 under the auspices of the most revered medical doctor, Sir Augustus Strieby Margai, gained independence for Sierra Leone from British colonialism in 1961. Sir Milton became active in politics immediately after the Second World War when he joined the Sierra Leone Organization Society. His reign has been described as the golden age of Sierra Leone .
Sierra Leone 's woes started when Lawyer Sir Albert Margai succeeded his brother, Dr. Sir Milton Margai in 1964, which saw the demise of the SLPP in 1967. For 29 years the SLPP wallowed in the political wilderness. Its members started to change political colours from green to blue, to red, to yellow, and back to green like chameleons to regain the SLPP'S Miltonic glory. The 1996 general elections overseen by the NPRC military junta saw Alhaji Dr. Ahmad Tejan Kabba, a legal luminary who had served the United Nations for about two decades, as leader of SLPP and head of state of the republic of Sierra Leone .
With corruption and " I don't care attitude" still rife in the Sierra Leone society, there are two regrettable mistakes that would haunt the SLPP for years committed by two legal luminaries, Pa Kabba and Solomon Berewa, heading the SLPP and the Nation.
It was Pa Kabba as president and Solomon Berewa as Attorney General and Minister of Justice who requested the United Nations to institute the Special Court for Sierra Leone to try those who committed atrocities and crimes against humanity during the RUF/AFRC massacre against Sierra Leoneans.
The government of the United States of America as one of the financiers for the Special Court clearly indicated that none of its citizens would face the Court either as victims, witnesses or perpetrators. It was the prerogative of Pa Kabba as president of Sierra Leone and host for the Special Court , and Solomon Berewa as Attorney General and Minister of Justice to spell out their own interest for all those who fought to restore the SLPP government to be excluded from the trials. The United Nations excluded Ecomog (Economic Community Monitoring Group) from the trials.
It is a thought provoking debate that will last decades for two legal luminaries to sign a document that landed their own SLPP kith and kin (Hinga Norman, Allieu Kondowa and Moinina Fofanah) in jail. It is a bitter lesson to be noted by every Sierra Leonean that even when your neighbour's house is in danger, you would sit back and watch. Because trying to save him or her would land you in jail. Regrettably, the incarceration of Norman and his colleagues is going to cost the SLPP dearly its Mende and civil defense forces' vote in the 2007 general elections!
Hinga Norman has named Pa Kabba as a potential witness in his Special Court trial. Lawyer Carew as Attorney General and Minister of Justice is feigning defense on behalf of the Pa even when the Pa himself has on many occasions stated that no body is above the Special Court . Why then is the Pa shying away from the Special Court he so requested for?
Just like running from one's evil deeds, one regrettably mistakenly follows another to the detriment of the SLPP. I wonder if the Pa and his vice Solo B. were aware of the 1991 constitution, which states that no member in government service will run for an office in the party without resigning his government post a year prior to the party's convention.
Hinga Norman (Norma in Mende stands for stubbornness, pressing or agitating for something) is still hell bent that Solo B. and members of the SLPP conclave violated the SLPP constitution to vote in Solo B. as party leader while he was and still is the vice president of the republic of Sierra Leone .
How are these two legal luminaries (Pa Kabba and Solo B.) going to convince Sierra Leoneans to vote for CONTINUITY. A continued bastardization of the constitution? A continued ungratefulness to members of the party who sacrificed their lives, energy, money and time for the party's interest? A continued calculated humiliation of potential party candidates for the presidency?
Sierra Leoneans need CHANGE to uphold the tenets of their party and the Nation's constitutions. Pa Kabba must face the Special Court he created. A cook must taste his food! Solo B. must respect the SLPP constitution for him to become president. When Napoleon and Squealer in George Orwell's magnu opus ANIMAL FARM were constantly bastardizing the constitution, it came to a boiling point that even Benjamin the donkey could not stand it any more when a clause was added to the seventh commandment overnight which read " All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others". There was huffing and sniffing in Animal kingdom!
Is that the scenario we are facing in Sierra Leone ? It is the moral duty of lawyers, especially political lawyers, to interpret the constitution, not to misinterpret it for their morbid interest. How long sweet mother Salone?
“SLPP may win 2007 elections,” PLP PRO predicts
Abdul Karim Koroma 15/5/2006
Erstwhile Spokesman of the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) and Public Relations Officer (PRO) Peace and Libration Party (PLP), Amadu Bah Saturday predicted that the “Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) may win the 2007 presidential and parliamentary elections” but did not rule out the possibility of a runoff. Bah told Concord Times that from his observation, he is not sure whether any political party will win the elections in the first round.
“Although there are other parties like the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), United National Peoples Party (UNPP), Peoples Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC), All Peoples Congress (APC) and the Revolutionary United Front Party (RUFP) and the SLPP, as the incumbent they (SLPP) will do everything within their powers to win the elections,” Bah predicted and added that after that first round of votes, many parties would form coalitions.
The former AFRC mouthpiece says a lot of people are asking whether he is still a member of the PLP. “In the next two weeks, I am going to my hometown Kenema. It is from there that I am going to issue a statement about my political plans. After my public pronouncement people will know my political direction. For now I will not say I am certain that I will join any party,” he states. According to Bah, Johnny Paul Koroma, an indictee of the Special Court , is still the leader of PLP. He said Koroma could only be replaced as leader of the party at a National Delegates' Conference.
Suspected Special Court spy, 3 others charged
Sahr Musa Yamba 12/5/2006
Michael Chemidline, an American citizen, a suspected spy nabbed around the Special Court April 29 th has been charged to court together with three other Sierra Leoneans. They were charged with conspiracy to engage in a purpose prejudicial to the interest of Sierra Leone contrary to law.
The three Sierra Leoneans are Felix Rogers, Damascus Kamara and Collins Kamara. They were arraigned before Magistrate Adrian Fischer at court No. 1A Thursday on a three-count charge of conspiracy.
Defense counsel for the accused, Africanus Sesay objected to the first count on the grounds that they were charged under a law that was nonexistent at the time of the alleged incident. “There is no law dating back as far as common law, which the accused have violated for the prosecution to proffer charges as contrary to law,” Counsel Sesay submitted. His second objection was on the grounds of jurisdiction arguing that the court (magistrate court) had no business trying people who allegedly took snapshots of the Special Court , which, he submitted, is an international territory that came into existence by an agreement between the government of Sierra Leone and the United Nations. “The government of Sierra Leone cannot bring an action on behalf of the Special Court ,” counsel Sesay submitted.
His third objection was based on arguments that the Special Court is not a prohibited place and there is no inscr1ption around there stating it is a forbidden area.
He cited Section 61B of the constitution arguing further that the Special Court is an international ground like any embassy or High Commission.
Responding to the objections, state counsel, Gerald Soyie submitted that conspiracy to commit any offence is prescribed under common law citing Section 6 of the constitution. He submitted that any body acting contrary to the interest of the state in the case of espionage could be charged. He submitted that at the material time of the alleged incident, the offence of conspiracy existed and subsisted up to date. “That been the issue, the laws of Sierra Leone have been violated,” he argued.
On the issue of jurisdiction, prosecutor Soyie submitted that the Special Court is an institution “living in Sierra Leone .” He maintained it is an international body, but the purpose of the Special Court is that it is trying prisoners in the interest of justice, prisoners who every body in this country has an interest in and submitted that any one taking photographs as alleged in charges and thereby creating an impression that the prisoners tried at the Special Court might be rescued, the state has the right to be concerned. He argued it is the “paramount duty of the state to maintain law and order.”
Soyie completely disagreed with the defense counsel. He submitted that it is the business of the government of Sierra Leone to take necessary action in connection with any entity within its jurisdiction if government after due consideration establishes that its interest and security are endangered. He submitted the accused were engaged in an action prejudicial to the state.
The accused were refused bail by the Magistrate who is to make a ruling on the objections raised later. The hearing was adjourned to Monday May 15 th .
For lateness: SLPP, APC fined in USA
Representatives of the ruling Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) and opposition All Peoples Congress (APC) were fined $20 for late attendance of a debate in the United States of America .The debate, which took place on May 7, 2006 in Maryland USA, was a day of grandiose assembly of Sierra Leoneans from all works of life, in partisan rapture for the leading political parties that are contenders of the upcoming 2007 general elections in post war-torn Sierra Leone .The debate was the second in a series that was organized by the Youth for Sierra Leone Improvement (YSLI).
In attendance were the hegemonic ruling Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP), the paternalistic All Peoples Congress (APC) that ruled the nation for twenty-four years (from 1968 until it was ousted in a military coup in 1992,) the splinter People's Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC) from the SLPP when Charles Margai, the party leader, claimed foul play in the November 2005 SLPP convention at Makeni, and the Unity National People's Party (UNPP) that has been hanging on tin thread for two five-year terms without much success.The SLPP high-profile representatives Hon. Victor Reider, a Member of Parliament and SLPP national Publicity Secretary and Jacob Jusu Saffa, the National Secretary General, who happened to be in the United States on other matters of resolving internecine problems amongst the SLPP chapters in the Diaspora, came about an hour late to represent the ruling SLPP in the debate. Although the APC representatives were late as well, they came a bit earlier than the SLPP representatives.
Meanwhile, the UNPP and the PMDC representatives waited, agitated in little groups, especially, over the representatives of the ruling party's lack of attention to time.One PMDC official stated; “these people think this is Sierra Leone where they sit around doing nothing, some of us have to go on our eleven-seven shifts.”
In a separate meeting with the debate participants and their executives before the commencement of the debate, Dr. Michel Sho-Sawyer, Chairman and Founder of YSLI, who was also the moderator of the debate, slapped the SLPP and the APC with twenty dollars fine each for tardiness. Both party participants refused to honor the fine. J. J. Saffa charged, “we did not have to honor your invitation,” to which Dr. Sho-Sawyer charged back, “this exercise isn't in the interest of our organization, but in the interest of the youth at home, Mr. Saffa.”The APC members put up a somewhat logical argument to dodge the fine when its Chairman stated; “We waited for more than an hour during the last debate and no one was fined.” Upon this argument, Dr. Sho-Sawyer relented.
Representing the other sides were Hon. Victor Foh and Osman Yasaneh for the APC, Mr. Tejan Savage and the mercurial youth Secretary General, Sidie Yahya Tunis for the PMDC and Mr. John Turay for the UNPP. The latter was a lone debater.The tenseness of the night could be felt by the ensuing side debates amongst supporters of all sides. It made the exercise even more so beneficial to opposing supporters who now had the opportunity to meet face-to-face with their political opponents and former war-time tormentors to sweat out their indifferences in heated exchanges, but peacefully.
At the meeting, people from different backgrounds met, shook hands and hugged known rebels and rebel sympathizers, harmoniously, in a way words could not explain, for only bearing witness to the show of civility and forgiveness could.Before the debate actually started, Dr. Sho-Sawyer gave Mr. Osman Turay of the UNPP a chance to state his party's political manifesto since the UNPP had no representation in the first debate: “If my mathematics can treat me right, 55 years since independence…”, he stated and the audience burst out in a boisterous laughter.Indeed his mathematics failed to treat him right. It was quite an amusing start. Mr. Turay's demeanor throughout the debate was akin to that of rich man Ross Perot of the United State 's 1992 presidential campaign: Constantly, he amused or shocked the people in the audience. He had no in-betweens.
To the following question to all the parties: “ A new generation of Sierra Leoneans are eager to put fighting and war behind them but the lack of jobs and the legacy of messed up education, are driving many of the youths to crime and violence that could destroy peace. One youth states, "Life is very rough because we are even suffering for food. What are your parties' plans for food security and youth education?”The SLPP Secretary General conceded his party recognizes youth unemployment, but further stated that there are robust youth agricultural programs underway to address and support youth unemployment.UNPP's representative, Turay stated that school was free in the 60s and they in fact got allowances to attend school. “How can students focus on education when at FBC they have to fetch firewood to cook food? This is a place where we learned to sit on tables and eat with folk and spoon,” he stated.
The PMDC's Tejan Savage fired back that food security is an endemic problem—cannot be solved through youth unemployment. He explained that the PMDC would introduce a complete infrastructural development in a complete overhaul of the agricultural sector to ensure food security not only to depend on youth unemployment.The APC's Victor Foh reminisced on the massive APC infrastructural projects of the past: “When the APC came to power in the 60s, there were only five schools in the whole of the northern province . The northern province had 50 schools by the time the APC was ousted out of power in 1992,” he stated.Like the first debate, much finger pointing was between the APC and the SLPP with the UNPP man betwixt, constantly calming the heated debate down with some amusing utterances or shocking the audience with extreme claims without evidence. Again, the PMDC's Tunis who had been quiet for the most part took full advantage of the situation when the SLPP's Saffa supplied him with the weapon (the country's economic growth figure at 6.5 per cent) to go after the SLPP all the way, relentlessly in disregard of the time keepers' admonishment.He walked to a tripod stand he had made ready on the side and raised the latest 2006 Economics Intelligence Unit (EIU) past and present Sierra Leone economic indicators and the World Bank's Sierra Leone economic growth pattern since 1999.
J.J. Saffa had claimed that the SLPP has moved the nation from -17 per cent to 6.5 per cent, and Tunis in a mercurial disposition refuted that the economy moved into positive numbers with donor deposits with Sierra Leone government doing almost nothing in 2002 at 4.6 per cent. He stated that the growth attained it's peak in 2003 by 9.3 and 7.4 in 2004 when Sierra Leone exceeded the UNDP 7 per cent millennium development goal for Africa recommendation. This was all due mostly to donor and loan activities not on domestic productivity. Sierra Leone 's economic growth pattern is in decline since to 6.5 in 2005 and the 5.5 prediction that we are yet to see in 2006. “This is consistent with the EIU economic indicators,” he stated and walked off to the tripod stand and raised the figures that had been blown up for that purpose.
In another instance, Tunis charged that “ Sierra Leone economy is on a pair of crutches—one is the World Bank and the IMF and the other is donor nations and once these crutches are removed it will collapse.” He hit the climax of the night when he ended a verbose sentence with a sardonic inflection; “… and both the APC and the SLPP have made Sierra Leone into a sunny nation for shady leaders.” In his conclusion remarks he stated:
“The APC and SLPP,” looking left and right at the APC and SLPP debaters from the middle sit and continued; “that are responsible for everything that is wrong with our country are here today to steal your votes so that they will continue to cause you pain by stealing your resources and running off with your money. Simply, when you ask for votes by making promises to run a good government and neglect your duty for selfish gains upon getting the votes is stealing. All I can warn you; the vote bandits are here again. That is bound to change if you vote for the People's Movement for Democratic Change (P.M.D.C) in 2007. The exigency to change the miserable status of the youth population of Sierra Leone cannot be overemphasized.”Saffa scored big when he scolded the PMDC's Tejan Savage claim that the country needs “a paradigm shift” and J.J. Saffa as if that would have made his already ruined night to Mr. Tunis came back swinging at his best performance; “If the country needs a paradigm shift then we do not need any change—we need to move forward if it does not need a paradigm change,” he stated.
But the PMDC's Tunis ' sometimes sardonic inflections unnerved JJ Saffa and Mr. Reider so much so that they became pretty coarse with their responses to questions. J.J. Saffa showed distress when he went on to challenge every document the PMDC youth man tendered in support of his claims. He openly challenged the document from Freetown , which stated that the SLPP is not ready for the elections for failing to meet some of the requirements. The same document stated that the PMDC is the only party that has met such requirements.J.J. Saffa and Reider even accused YSLI of leaking the questions to the PMDC after taking so much pounding from Tunis and Savage.
Dr. Sho-sawyer rebutted the accusation from Reider and J.J. Saffa by informing the debaters and the audience that “all parties were sent information on what issues would be debated upon, it was upon all to come prepared,” he stated. Someone, during question time from the audience, told both men [J.J. Saffa and Reider] that they are arrogant and condescending towards their audience. Raider replied that “the SLPP is in an urgent situation.”YSLI is scheduled to repeat the exercise amongst the presidential candidates themselves on June 23 at the Miatta conference center in Freetown and the keynote speaker for the event will be the United States Ambassador to Sierra Leone , Mr. Thomas Hull.
“I QUIT! SLPP has lost direction” …Dr. Columba Blango
Sahr Musa Yamba 04/05/2006
Erstwhile Mayor of Southwalk Burough in the United Kingdom , Dr. Columba Blango has quit the ruling Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP). Blango, who joined the SLPP in 1991, tendered his letter of resignation this week. Stated Dr. Blango in his resignation letter: “Today, I am joining those who have resigned before me, many who are resigning and many more who will resign from the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) for its undemocratic, paternalistic, and corrupt attributes. Without any reservation or regret I hereby tender my resignation from the SLPP following over 15 years of pro-active membership.”
Dr Blango recalled he joined the SLPP in 1991 not because his parents were SLPP or because of where he is geographically affiliated within Sierra Leone, but with a strong conviction that after three decades of the All People's Congress (APC) misrule, misgovernment and the subsequent damage to Sierra Leone, the SLPP would be robust in turning the country round, genuinely provide and care for all those ordinary people who work so extraordinarily hard for their living. Dr. Blango notes he believed then that SLPP would really make a vast difference politically and would make a positive impact on peoples' lives.
“It is now very obvious and apparent that this is not the case since we continue to experience, under the SLPP, all those evil and unacceptable elements many Sierra Leoneans detested and selflessly fought against the APC for,” Blango stated. He said he joined the SLPP in the UK at a time when the party was struggling to rebuild itself after many years in oblivion. Since 1991, Dr. Blango said he served the SLPP UK branch in different and varied capacities on the executive and as an ordinary member. “I believe I was always committed, genuine and diligent in performing my duties to the party and I am very proud of the fact that I offered my services not for what I could have personally benefited from the party but because I passionately believe that as a politician, my main objective is to make a difference in other people's lives, and being a member of a political party in government, I believe my priority was to support my party to achieve that and that was exactly what I did throughout as a member,” he wrote.
Dr. Blango maintained many who know and have worked with him would agree that his is a conviction politician and that he is not a political traveler as many others are. “I believe that in politics, one should have a set of political beliefs, convictions, expectations and values as benchmarks. I have to say that several months back many Sierra Leoneans believed in the SLPP, convinced that the party would live to the expectations of the ordinary people and that as a political party keep, protect and practice its traditional values and principles. This however does not seem to be the case any more.”
Continued Dr. Blango: “What many of us see today is an SLPP that has lost direction, a party that has dumped all its values for self indulgence and gratification, a party that is heavily contaminated at the very top by people who only act in their own self interest, people who have never had anything to offer and still have nothing to offer to the nation, people who could never be role models of any positive sort for an average Sierra Leonean hence they cannot inspire or motivate the vast majority of Sierra Leoneans, especially the youth and women who have always had a raw deal by successive governments who have always used them as political tools for empty promises and lip services.”
He continued that this is not to say that every one in the SLPP and the SLPP leadership is not genuine, committed or hard working. “There are still many decent and hard working people in the party and within the establishment for whom I have the greatest and utmost respect. A good number of them are either my good friends or relatives who, in all fairness to them, mean well for Sierra Leone ; good luck to them,” Blango asserted.
He maintained that he believes such people stand a chance to be effective and to exhibit their good will, skills and knowledge in the interest of the country only in a different political environment, climate and under a different political system.
“The problem as I see it is that the SLPP as a political party has always given a deaf ear to what they do not want to hear and have always had the telescope to the blind eye not to see anything wrong. But what is in fact terribly wrong is the whole system which is embroiled in endemic corruption and injustice; injustice in the face of incompetence, complacency and intolerance. What is worst is that the government is just incapable of dealing with the situation simply so because they themselves are part of the problem. The APC and SLPP politicians have for a long period of time created, managed and presided over a rotten system, which they are now incapable of changing. What this means is that neither the SLPP nor the APC can make or bring about any significant or sustainable changes to Sierra Leone that will positively impact on the lives of the majority of Sierra Leoneans.”
Dr Blango took a swipe at the APC saying they created a Frankenstein Monster in the form of the system. He wrote the SLPP leaders have been feeding and sustaining it with the help of the very APC people that created it and now they have all lost the plot; the monster is out of control and all the SLPP could do or continue to do is to keep the monster [system] sweet and alive otherwise it will destroy them.
He claimed that this again is to say that SLPP does not only lack the capacity and ability for change, but also lacks the political will and guts to effect any positive change. He maintained SLPP and APC politicians have found themselves in a political quagmire with the nation in the middle of it all. “The only solution, in my opinion, is to overhaul the system. The system is dread, we got to change it,” he asserted.
Dr. Blango said many of his colleagues and friends within the SLPP have tried at length to convenience him to stay and fight from within. But his response to them has always been that that is what he has been doing within the party for the past 15 years – “fighting, fighting and fighting. Those within the SLPP very well know that I am a fighter but why should one continue to fight within an establishment wherein no one listens, wherein people see and start to treat you as an enemy within and wherein even those you fight along side with are ever prepared to betray you and the course for their own selfish ends, wherein basic democratic principles have no place? I however had a choice - the choice of staying in the party, lay low, play the game and wait for a lucrative reward. Yes, I had this choice and I am confident if I played the game well, on their terms as many others have done, I would have made it. No, that is not my style of politics. Being a sycophant and opportunist is not my game; I rather say it as it is purely on matter of principle, based on what I believe in and what I consider my overarching political values.”
Blango wrote he finds himself unable to support a political party that does not respect, recognise and guarantee the will and liberty of its citizens. “I find it hard to support or be part of a political party or system that has demonstrated the propensity of tampering with the country's national constitution at will to suit them. I refuse to subscribe to a political party that has the judiciary in its pocket in a country where justice is dispensed not on the merits of the argument but on influence, and I also totally refuse to accept the most grotesque behaviour of the Vice President (now flag bearer of the party) and the Minister of Finance (now special adviser to the president) arguing on national media about who is more corrupt than the other. I do not believe they set a good example to the nation and I cannot be proud to be part of an establishment that is not only indifferent to such an attitude but also guilty of inaction.”
“I am resigning from the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) on principle and for what I stand for in life. I do not dislike anyone in the SLPP for what they are or what they practice. People have the right to be where they want to be as long as it suits them but I find myself at variant with the party in regard to its policies, principles, values and practices. In such a case, I believe that the most decent thing for me to do is to resign from the party, hence my letter of resignation.”
The SLPP running mate Hullabaloo – respectable fears that tear us apart
Sulaiman Bangura
The choosing of a running mate is taking a new dimension in Sierra Leone today to the point that people resort to all sorts of unusual methods including direct campaigning despite the very clear party constitutional provision which states that it is a decision of the presidential candidate in consultation with the National Executive Committee. On one Tuesday last month, there was panic in the city, with rumours spreading like bush fire that president Kabbah has arm-twisted Berewa into declaring Momodu Koroma his running mate, which also prompted instant jubilation in the APC camp. A disappointed SLPP supporter, Momoh Turay of Lumley street shouted: “let Pa Kabbah not do this to us- He has his day. Let him go. It is Pa Berewa's turn. He should be allowed to make his choice.” Well, fortunately for the party and the country the rumor was false. This is the extent to which rumormongers have gone, for better or worse to stir national interest in the running mate issue and the beauty of it is that it keeps political pundits awake.
Lately, I have made it my keen business to follow-up developments in that direction, for two basic reasons. Firstly, as a party supporter, I do worry about the type of running mate that we will have. That choice in my opinion can have far-reaching implications for the party not to just at this coming election, but the next to come. Secondly, we have all fought so hard for Vice President Berewa to ascend the party leadership position, it will be most intriguing and indeed fascinating to see how he makes what I consider his single most critical appointment in his quest for the presidency.
Much has been said or written about the type of running mate that this country needs.Whatever anybody says, Sierra Leone needs a Vice President that is the people's man.The cocktail of attributes that are required are many, but one must include reliability, trustworthiness, popularity, dynamism, articulacy and astuteness. The country yawns for a mixer that relates well with the elderly and Paramount Chiefs, Party Stalwarts and executives, the youths and women. One who belongs to every village, town, chiefdom district city or provinces. In short, the president's an indeed the country's slave. The development challenges of this generation are enormous and require a well-grounded grassroots person to assist Pa Berewa and indeed the country consolidate her socio-economic strides.The beauty about the burst of names for the running mate is that it gives the Vice President a chance to carefully and critically assess the personalities and characters of the people, consult widely and well, of required, make a decision. Certainly, some of the names being mentioned wither in the papers or on the streets have exotic and attractive and if you may, irresistible characteristics, that should make the Vice President's job of choosing a running mate, very exciting indeed. This something historians and he himself would like to reminisce about in tomorrow years. Who knows, the title of his memories or chapter thereof might read: “ the choosing of a running mate”.
This then brings me back to the disturbing rumors making the rounds in the country that His Excellency the President has cornered Pa Berewa in accepting Momodu Koroma as his running mate and that it is slowly brewing discontent amongst key party stalwarts, who see it as unfair to Berewa. It is not about the choice of Momodu Koroma or Bobson Sesay or Kanja Sesay, but “critically of the decision to Berewa's Presidency”. Let Pa Berewa not be coerced and manipulated by President Kabbah.
The world has sample history of the effects of subjective recruitment of the running mates.
During the years of George Bush Senior, America with all its corporate might and flair froze one evening, reason; the president had collapsed during an Asian tour. But what was the problem, there was a vice president Dan Quayle. Yes indeed, but America and its corporate constituents had no confidence in him and therefore not ready for him. Imagine that! The former Ghanaian president, JJ Rawlings, had to fist it out with his Vice President when the Kitchen heat got too much; In Nigeria, Obasanjo is barely on talking terms with his Vice President. Oh least I forget, President Kabbah made a strategic change of running mate from Demby to Berewa because the working chemistry was not right.This therefore should serve as a lesson to all, including President Kabbah, that the decision to choose a running mate should be left exclusively to Berewa. Pa Berewa needs his own loyal and trusted individual. I do not want to believe that Berewa was forced on Kabbah as a running mate. Why would he now want to force one on Berewa? At the end of Berewa's term, he will be assessed both as a president and member and leader of a party that ruled for five years. Let him not have reason to point finger at Kabbah as the one who fidgeted his presidential term. Let His Excellency not allow not allow history to judge him as the president that achieved so much, but had his efforts rolled back for forcing through a decision that most definitely is Berewa's.Over the last months, we have seen the President consulting closely with people who would do everything to see Berewa down and out. He has quickly elevated JBD again. We hear some hidden hand to try to force through a new convention by getting rid of Berewa . What is he up to? Party loyalists and we political activists are worried that the Kabbah trend might sink the party and country as a whole. Why is he so jittery all of a sudden? Berewa is so loyal to Kabbah that it leaves me baffled as to why he would want to undo him at this critical stage. Is Berewa's commitment to law and order and the rule of law getting Kabbah worried to the point that he is beginning to feel uncomfortable with him? Berewa be careful what you say or do these are desperate moments in the political history of Sierra Leone . Transition days in Sierra Leone are historically fragile; if I were you, I would get neutral phone lines for my private conversation and advise same for your close confidants.
There is a worrying view that the things that hold us together as a party are today so fragile that the activities of the President could easily bring the whole party crashing down, if not the country.I must conclude that in spite of all of this, I have been particularly impressed with the way the Vice President has so far handled the political issues; cool and cautions but certainly observant. He has not allowed himself to be pushed into hasty and “over-enthusiastic support” for people who after all might only be enjoying “ exaggerated popularity” in our world of respectable fears.
SLPP YESTERDAY, SLPP TODAY AND VISION OF ITS OUTLOOK TOMORROW Chapel
A Speech presented by SLPP Scribe, JJ Saffa in London
1. Introduction
This paper explores the political economy of Sierra Leone during the SLPP era. It attempts to give a summary account of historic political and economic developments in Sierra Leone largely under the SLPP administration. It starts with a brief but useful information of the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) since its formation and its re-emergence in 1996. It also gives an overview of the current structure of the party. It then goes further to inform you about the maladministration under the regime of the All People's Congress (APC) and the impacts of the civil war on our political and economic development processes. This forms the context of any thorough assessment of progress under this regime.The paper further explores the remarkable efforts by the SLPP administration to go through the rough road to recovery and laying the foundation for development. It justifies the need for continuity of good policies and programmes started since the end of the war in 2002. It ends with an unambiguous explanation of the SLPP Makeni Conference and the reforms by the current national executive to restore the confidence of the party's large membership in Sierra Leone and the diaspora in the management of the party.
2. Brief history of the SLPP
The Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) was formed in 1951. Three semi-political organizations merged to form the SLPP. They were the Protectorate Educational Progressive Union (PEPU), the Sierra Leone Organisation Society (SOS) and a Colony-based People's Party (led by Lamina Sankoh). The Party's motto is One Country, One People and symbol is the palm tree and green and white are the Party's official colours. The Party stands for Unity, Freedom and Justice. It is the Party in which every ethnic group, every religious group, and every shade of opinion is well represented. As a Party, SLPP believe in equality of all ethnic groups and equal opportunity for all. It is a Party for all and it is the only party that can boast of a large number of eminent people of experience and maturity from among whom it can always select the best men and women to head the affairs of the country.
Today, the SLPP is one of the oldest ruling political party in Africa and the largest and most organized in the Country. It had majority seats in the colonial legislative councils in 1957 and 1962. It pioneered the fight for freedom that made the people of Sierra Leone independent in 1961 from the British colonial rule. It again won majority seats in the 1962 elections. A few of the notable post independence achievements included the establishment of a central bank, the Bank of Sierra Leone and the introduction of the Leone, the establishment of Njala University College, Milton Margai Teachers College, establishment of trade centres in Kenema, Maugbauraka and Freetown. In 1967, the Party lost power to the All People's Congress (APC) making it the first political party to loose power through a democratic process.
3. Structure of the Party
The Party is organized hierarchically at the national, regional, district, Chiefdom (in the case of the provinces) and zonal (in the case of Freetown and other urban towns) levels.
(a) National Secretariat
The Party is headed by the Leader and Deputy Leader, who also serve as the presidential nominee and running mate in ensuing election. The overall day-to-day management of the party is carried out by the National Secretariat, headed by the National Secretary-General, under the supervision of the National Chairman. The National Secretariat comprises thirty-three (33) national officers and divided into six units, namely: Administration and Coordination, headed by the National Secretary-General, Organisation and Mobilisation headed by the National Organising Secretary, the Women's and Young Generation Wings, under the leaderships of the National Women's and Young Generation Leaders respectively; the Publicity Unit, headed by the National Publicity Secretary and the Finance Unit, with the National Financial Secretary as the head.
(b) Regional, District, Chiefdom, Zonal and Constituency levels
There are four (4) regional offices (3 in the provinces and 1 in the Western Area), each headed by a Regional Chairmen (who are Vice Chairmen) and six regional officers. The regional party officers are responsible for coordinating party activities in the districts in their respective regions. Similarly, there are seventeen (17) district offices (12 in the provinces and 5 in the Western Area), with each district office having ten (10) party officers and the district chairmen as the head. The District Chairmen are responsible for coordinating party activities in the constituencies and the district and are supervised by the Regional Chairmen. A similar structure exists at the chiefdom and zonal levels. There is an organised branch of the party in every parliamentary constituency (105 constit9uencies currently and 112 in 2007), with membership including individual members and representation of member organizations of the party resident within the area.
© Branches
There are two recognized overseas branches of the Party. The North America and UK/Ireland branches. In the past, these branches have provided support, largely in the form of financial assistance to the party. The branches function under separate bye-laws. The relationship between the branches and the National Secretariat is unambiguous. At present, there is no executive in North America although the various chapters but Washington DC are in place. In UK , although the executive is in place, there are difficult relationships with some of its membership largely as a result of differences in support for leadership and the subsequent break away of Charles Margai, who disgracefully lost the elections held in the last Party Conference in Makeni.
The challenges of the branches are as follows:
Ensuring a working Washington DC executive
Ensuring a federal/national executive for North America
Reconciling the differences between executives and some Party members in the UK .
Ensuring an immediate review of the bye-laws of all branches
Defining clearly the relationship between the branches and the National Secretariat
Establishing additional branches overseas.
(d) The Party Conference
The Party Conference constitutes two (2) delegates from each constituency, all members of the Party in the National Legislature, all District Chairmen, two (2) representatives for the first two hundred members of registered organization, and thereafter one for each additional two hundred, the 33 elected party officials, four (4) members from the women's wing and young generation from the 4 regions and two representatives from each oversea branch.The Party Conference meets regularly once in every year at such a place and time approved by the National Executive Council. The Conference directs the overall work of the party including: developing work programmes, examining policies pursued by the government, receiving and considering constituency reports, initiating and approving plans for fund raising for the party, election of National Officers and members of the National Executive Council, authorization of publications and nomination of Presidential Candidate.
(e) National Executive Council (NEC)
The National Executive Council constitute the National Party Official, Members of the Party in the National Legislature, five (5) members at the regional level, one of which should be a member of the Young Generation and one (1) a member of the of the Women's Wing, twelve (12) from the provinces and five (5) from the Western Area, four (4) elders, one nominated by each region and former Members of Parliament.The NEC meets at least once during each session of the legislature and is the principal administrative organ of the party and mandated to carry out the programmes and policies determined by the Party Conference.NEC's duties include: ensuring the establishment and active operation of the constituency, enforcing the Constitution, Standing Orders and rules of the party, seeing that all its officials and members conform to the Constitution, Rules and Standing Orders, amendment to the Constitution, Rules and Standing Orders, present of annual work and progress reports, organize and fill vacancies in the party.
(f) National Policy Council (NPC)
The NPC is made up of the National Chairman, Deputy National Chairman, Leader and Deputy Leader, Regional Vice chairmen, Secretary General, Treasurer, National Organising Secretary, Chaplain, Imam, Leader of Young Generation, Women's Leader, Chairman of the Parliamentary Council and Four (4) Elders (one per region) and work closely with the Parliamentary Council.
(g) The Parliamentary Council (PC)
The PC is composed of all members of the Party in the National Legislature, with a Chairman elected from among its members. The PC discusses matters which come before the Legislature in order to adopt an agreed party line on all matters.
4. Reign of Terror, Civil Conflict and the Re-emergence of the SLPP
Following a brief military rule after the 1967 election controversy in 1967, in 1968, the APC ushered in a regime of intolerance, disrespect for the rule of law and destruction of democratic values. After two poorly managed elections in 1973 and 1977, the APC forcefully imposed the One Party State in 1978 creating a perfect situation for reign of terror. In 1991, the gross misuse of power was later resisted by rural youths and urban lumpen in a form of a rebel war led by the Revolutionary United Front (RUF). The war caused the loss of many lives, destruction of properties and bringing a near state collapse.The period 1991-2002 was characterised by series of disruptions as a result of the civil conflict and subsequent political upheavals. In 1992, APC Government was overthrown ushering in a military regime, National Provisional Ruling Council (NPRC). After 4 years of junta rule, a pluralist democracy was introduced. The war continued to rage.
Multi-party elections were conducted in 1996 and the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) was returned to power with majority seats in the legislature. Barely a year later on May 25 th 1997, a coup d'etat was staged and the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC), a military junta including the RUF rebels was formed. A state of anarchy followed with severe human rights abuses. The legitimate government went into exile in neigbouring Guinea . Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) through its military intervention force, ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) intervened and rooted out the junta regime about nine (9) months later and re-installed the SLPP Government. As life started returning to normal in 1998, the AFRC/RUF started aggressive attacks first in Kono, Northern provincial capital, Makeni, most Northern towns and then Freetown, the capital City on January 6, 1999 leading to loss of about 6,000 lives and destruction of private properties. This forced the government and the rebels to start a peace talk that culminated into the signing of the Lome Peace Accord in July 1999. A United Nations Mission was fielded with about 17,500 soldiers deployed to disarm and demobilise ex-combatants and provide security for lives and properties of Sierra Leoneans. After series of protracted negotiations and with the support of UN Missision to Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) and the international community, Government disarmed and demobilised over 70,000 and provided reintegration services to at least 56,000 of these. Through the frantic efforts of the Government, the war ended in 2002. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was set up as required by the Loma Peace Accord and the Special Court by a UN resolution.At least 3 million people were displaced at different times between 1992 and 2002. Most were displaced locally and a good number (estimated at 1.5 million) fled to neighbouring countries like Guinea , Gambia , Liberia and Ghana whilst others went to overseas such as UK , USA , Australia and Canada . Social infrastructure including hospitals, Peripheral Health Units (PHUs), community barrays and centres, prisons, water wells and public offices were destroyed in most towns and villages. After over 20 years of non-maintenance, conditions of roads became more deplorable and in few cases impassable creating further difficulties for delivery of humanitarian assistance and social services. Where the infrastructure was not destroyed, conditions considerably deteriorated as a result of long period of non-use. Chiefs, teachers, health workers and other essential service workers left work stations. Almost all governance structures at district and chiefdom levels collapsed. Economic activities, notably farming, fishing and mining all came to a halt. Basic implements such as hoes, cutlasses and fishing gears were all carted away. Production levels in all sectors plummeted to unprecedented levels and exports of all products fell to zero level. With cut-backs in imports and slow down in economic activities, revenue from government became meager and thus rendered the government incapable of delivering basic services. Overall, there was substantial economic loss. Recorded real GDP growth was about -17% in 1997 and -10% in 1999.The government had the huge task of repatriating and resettling the thousands of displaced and refugees, restoring law and order, restoring governance structures at local levels, rehabilitating and reconstructing the damaged infrastructure and providing basic livelihood to people to restart their lives. Government relied on donors, particularly DFID, EU and UN agencies to provide both humanitarian and budgetary support to Government. Between 1998-2002, at least 80% of total public expenditures were financed by donors.
5. The Road to Recovery and Laying the Foundation for Development (Second Term of SLPP)
In 2002, presidential and parliamentary elections were conducted. The ruling SLPP secured its second mandate to rule Sierra Leone with majority seats in parliament. It had to carry out the huge task of economic recovery. The National Recovery Strategy (NRS) and the Interim-Poverty Strategy Paper (I-PRSP) guided the recovery process. The UN Consolidated Appeal was the major instrument for mobilizing resources for recovery. In 2002, the government presented the I-PRSP at the Consultative Group Meeting in Paris and over $600 million was pledged indicating a stamp of confidence for satisfactory recovery efforts.The Government has since then embarked on massive reconstruction of state infrastructure, restoration of social services and rebuilding state institutions. Notable gains in recent years are economic and political stability, conducts of chiefdom elections (at least 70 paramount chief elections since 2003), local government elections in 2004 and restoration of rule of law including freedom of expression, movement and association. Since the APC dissolved local government in 1972, decision-making became centralized and was the business of the Freetown-based government officials, largely those in the executive arm of government. Subsequently, this led to neglect of rural areas. The re-establishment of local governments in 2004 creates the opportunity to promote popular participation in the development process and reverse the centralization of power and its associated rural deprivation. Nineteen (19) Local Councils were established and Central Government responsibilities in service delivery, particularly in primary education, health care and agricultural extension are being devolved to the local councils.
Real GDP growth rate averaged about 6.5% between 2002 and2004 compared to its low levels of -17% in 1997 and -10% in 1999. In 2004, Government completed the preparation of the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) that was tabled at the Consultative Group (CG) Meeting of donors in London in January 2006. A total of $860 million (exceeding $350 million financing gap) was pledged by over 25 bilateral and multilateral donors and partners. This was another registration of independent and external vote of confidence in our recovery drive, particularly when there were disasters and civil conflicts in other countries. It is expected that Sierra Leone will soon benefit from debt cancellation after successfully implementing the PRSP for at least one year and would have reached completion point and become eligible for additional cancellation. This in turn will expand government fiscal space to provide services and reduce poverty that stands at about 70% of the population.Consolidating the peace process and improving governance, promoting pro-poor growth and creating jobs, particularly for the army of unemployed youths, infrastructure development, food security and human development are the key development challenges. These challenges have been recognized by the government and are articulated in the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) and other policy pronouncements. There is a security sector reform in progress with emphasis on the police and military. Basically, the reforms aim at building the capacities of the security units to ensure a peaceful Sierra Leone . Today, few months after the departure of UN mission to Sierra Leone , Sierra Leone is still peaceful. There are also reforms in public sector, particularly in areas like finance and administration. The decentralization programme is on course. Responsibilities like primary health care, agricultural extension and primary school management are radically devolved to local councils. In the area of corruption, some of the efforts include establishment of an independent Audit Service, strengthening of Anti-Corruption Commission, and enactments of financial and procurement laws.There has been a remarkable turnaround in productive sectors, particularly agriculture. Recently, the government distributed over 100 tractors nationwide and has introduced free tractor services for poor farmers to cut down on production costs and enable them increase acreage under cultivation. Several other interventions in the areas of food production and processing are ongoing. Currently, domestic food production stands at about 69% of total requirement comparable to pre-war levels. Mining and exports of diamond and rutile have resumed. Rutile. Marine and tourism activities are picking up. New hotels and modern restaurants are being opened along the Lumley beach and the peninsula. The Chinese will soon start the construction of a 250-room hotel along the beach. New industries and other commercial enterprises are being established. All these are absorbing the large army of unemployed youths.
Several initiatives are underway to rebuild the poor infrastructure including electricity in Freetown and other big towns. In the area of electricity, through the support of a South-Africa-based firm, Eskom, 7.5 megawatts generated is being installed and we expect additional machines to be provided with funding from BADEA (Arab Bank). Work on Bumbuna is progressing satisfactorily. Pujehun now has electricity and the Dodo mini-dam that provides electricity to Bo and Kenema will soon be expanded to meet the growing needs. Efforts are now being made to immediately supply electricity to Makeni and Koidu. A new potential (Bikongo –lying between Kenema and Kono with a potential of 88 megawatts) has been discovered and discussions with Chinese government are advanced for possible assistance. In addition to the hardware, government also recognizes that electricity supply can only be sustained by strong sector policy. Therefore a robust policy and institutional reform is now taking place. For instance, in Central Business District and parts of West of Freetown, a pre-paid meter system has been introduced as pilot.
Pipe-borne water supply facilities have been restored in Bo, Kenema and Moyamba. Makeni and Kono will soon start enjoying pipe borne water. With the growing Freetown population, providing water supply continues to pose a challenge. Funds have already been allocated to extend water supply to hillsides and East End to meet the increased demand. Work is in progress to improve the situation. In small towns and rural areas, hand-pumps wells or gravity water supply facilities are in almost every community of over 50 houses.Several economic infrastructures are being reconstructed particularly in rural areas. With support from EU, the World Bank and other donors over 1,000 km of feeder roads have been constructed and at least 1,000 have commenced or will soon commence. Regarding trunk roads, below is a brief update:
Masiaka-Makeni highway - completed
Rogbere Junction-Pamlap highway – ongoing
Masiaka-Bo road - contract awarded and work just commenced
Waterloo – Kent road – completed
Lumley-Kent – bids opened and being assessed. Work expected to commence soon.
Hillside road bye-pass Kissy (ashobi corner) – Pademba road – tender process on and discussions on relocat1on/resettlement are ongoing
Bandajuma-Gendema ( Liberia road) – feasibility study ongoing
Kenema-Koindu (through Kailahun) highway – feasibility study ongoing
Makeni-Matotoka road upgrading – tender process just started
Bo-Kenema highway – tender process just started.
Matotoka-Kono road – feasibility study ongoing
Ashobi corner-Kalaba Town road (old road) – work just started
Few roads in towns like Freetown , Bo, Kenema, Makeni, Koidu, Kabala, Pujehun will soon be repairedTransport and telecommunications services have improved compared to the situation in late 1990s. The international airport has been rehabilitated and funds have been secured for further developments and expansion. International flights to Freetown have increased. There has been considerable improvement in port management and additional work is planned and funds are already available. Mobile telecommunication services are impressive. Today, every district is connected by mobile phones and small telephone operators are available everywhere. A large number of young and adult persons own cellular phones in urban towns. Internet services are expanding nationwide. There are now two TV stations and 33 radio stations nationwide. Every district has at least on FM radio station. There are at least 40 newspaper houses with freedom to publish subject to existing laws. Human rights record and freedom to associate, move and speak can hardly be compared to only few countries in Africa .
Policies and laws that affect investment flows are being reviewed to make them investment-friendly. Already, an investment code has been ratified and existing commercial laws are being revisited. Regulatory frameworks are been established and processing of processing of registration simplified. Perhaps, this is one area where we need to intensify our efforts when we renew our mandate.Today, every chiefdom can boast of at least a primary school or a health unit or a community barray or centre. Government has introduced free primary school education nationwide, no examination fees at NPSE, BECE, WASCE levels and girl child education targeting girls entering JSS I(covering fees, uniforms and books) in the North and East (to be extended to South and West in 2007). Government also has adopted a policy of at least one secondary school in every chiefdom. To date, at least 1,000 schools have been rehabilitated/reconstructed and at least 600 additional schools are being constructed. Discussions are ongoing for the establishment of Teachers Service Commission that will have the responsibility for the recruitment and conditions of service for teachers. At the tertiary level, a robust educational reform is implemented. Two separate Universities, Njala University and University of Sierra Leone now exist. Several polytechniques are now in place in all the regions. After over 100 years of western education, for the first time the conferment of academic degrees in the provinces took place this year in Bo.All district hospitals and over 700 PHUs (higher than pre-war number of 528) have been rehabilitated/reconstructed and constructed. Remarkable of all these is the rehabilitation and refurbishment of Connaught , PCMH and Children's hospitals. Several satellite clinics have been built in Freetown . A 300-bed hospital is constructed in Makeni and Kono, Moyamba and Kabala district hospitals are being rehabilitated and expanded with improved facilities including X-ray and laboratory services. New drugs policy has been developed and when implemented is expected to end the leakages in drugs. Government is also seriously addressing the manpower problem in the health sector. As a stop gap measure, Sierra Leone is benefiting from medical doctors from Cuba and Nigeria to add up to the existing doctors in few hospitals. Discussions are already advanced for the construction of a University Teaching hospital and specialized hospital for critical ailments.
In the area of sanitation, government has devolved the responsibility to local councils. The provincial municipalities are performing satisfactorily using locally generated resources. In the Western Area, the appalling situation has been largely as a result of difficult relationship between the central government and the Mayor of Freetown. The Mayor prefers directly implementation and has heavily relied on central government resources. The Public-Private partnership model agreed earlier between the central government and the World Bank and for which about $2.8 million has been allocated is now been fast-tracked. The model involves establishing a semi-autonomous Freetown Sewage Management Company that will have the responsibility to zone Freetown and contract out to private firms the cleaning of Freetown . The company should be established by a special act of parliament. The company is expected to be initially financed by government, Freetown City Council (FCC) and donors. This institutional reform will free the FCC from hiring of staff, vehicles and maintenance, purchase of spare parts and fuel and carrying out minor but important things that usually cause inefficiencies when the Council directly implements.The National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) now provides regular pension and other related benefits to retired people. Long queues for pension benefits in front of Ministry of Finance building have disappeared. With huge reserved capital, NASSIT has started investing in real estate. It has started the construction of 1,500 houses to be sold to the public on mortgage basis. There are plans for NASSIT to engage in tourism, banking and other areas. Today, it is the single major source of non-government domestic investment capital.
As we moved from emergency to recovery, our development activities were largely in the areas of security, basic livelihood support in the form of food aid and input supply for small-scale agriculture, rebuilding of social and economic infrastructures and restoration of basic social services. Like most post-conflict country, the level of destruction was the key criterion for resource allocat1on. By all estimation, the rural areas were most severely affected. It was therefore morally correct and economically rational to allocate more of our meagre domestic and external resources to the vast deprived rural areas stretching from Falaba to Sulima, Koindu to Songo, Dema to Fintonnia. These areas were neglected by the APC government and are today the chronic poor areas. As we now move into the development phase, developing the infrastructure (roads, electricity water supply), promoting private investment, promoting mechanized agriculture and increasing income levels of the poor are key.
7. Makeni Party Conference
In September 2005, the Party conducted a National Party Conference as the last stage in its restructuring process. Key changes including Chairman, Secretary-General, Women's Leader, Young Generation Leader, Publicity Secretary were made in the national executive. Perhaps more important was the overwhelming victory of Hon. Solomon Berewa, as Party Leader and Presidential Nominee for the 2007 presidential elections. Prior to his election, Solo B as he is fondly called was a successful Lawyer and Attorney General and Minister of Justice (1996-2002). In his latter capacity, he successful brokered the Lome Peace Accord which formed a formidable basis for peace in Sierra Leone . Currently, he is the Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone . Solo B is human and caring, a good listener, a decisive and disciplined character, a respecter of second opinion and a brilliant leader. He appreciates a strong political party as his power base.
Other candidates for the leadership election were Joseph Bandabla Dauda, former Minister of Finance, Rtd. Brigadier Mada Bio and Mr Charles Margai. All except Charles Margai have renewed their pledge to work with Hon. Solomon Berewa and continue to be SLPP members. Charles Margai who was overwhelmingly defeated could not accept the democratic challenge and keep up with the political embarrassment and therefore left with a few members, mostly those who had lost party executive positions, refused party symbols by their people, have not benefited from public appointments and feel marginalized and disgruntled.
The APC and to some extent the public had branded the SLPP as an elitist party dominated by mendes. The APC preached broad-based party ideology, relied on anti-mende sentiments, workers, students and the unemployed youths for its support in 1967. Although this charge was not entirely true, there were grounds that gave credence to it. In 1996, when the war was raging, President Kabbah in his wisdom had topmost on his agenda, bringing the war to an end, promoting peace, reconciliation and unity. He embraced every well meaning Sierra Leoneans and made deliberate efforts to bring into the Party notable Sierra Leoneans, particularly from the North. Some traditionalists see this bold move as an attempt to mortgage the party. The current leadership of the Party is committed to embracing all well meaning Sierra Leoneans into the party fold and would not be blackmailed by conservative and retarding sentiments that the Party might be hijacked by Sierra Leoneans who are fairly new in the Party. The Party will remain broad-based, open to all Sierra Leoneans and respectful to chiefs and all other progressive traditional values and institutions. It is currently the main instrument for uniting the people of Sierra Leone .
Until recently, the SLPP was also seen as a party dominated by elders. There was an apparent inter-generational crisis in the Party. Although this might have been true, the last National Party Conference held in Makeni elected into strategic offices young, dynamic and educated people to man the affairs of the Party. Few of these were the Hon. Dr Bernadette Lahai, a renowed gender and agricultural specialist as National Women's Leader, Hon. Victor Reider, a renowed civil society activist as National Publicity Secretary, Sahr Nyama (formerly Secretary, Kono district) another veteran civil society activist as National Young Generation Leader and myself, a former World Bank Development Economist as the National Secretary-General. Under the guidance of the new Chairman, Alhaji UNS Jah, a renowed Islamic scholar, public confidence in the Party has been renewed. After barely five months in office, the Secretariat has been relocated to its own building and started putting in place systems for better party management. The young team is moving aggressively to rekindle the confidence of the youths in the Party and its development agenda. Public perceptions are changing and criticism of the Party is now shifted from the composition of the Party hierarchy to the performance of public officials. Young professionals are being attracted to the Party as they now see hope of playing key role in national politics. This confidence is re-echoed by the flagbearer, Hon. Solomon Berewa who has around him several young professionals either as government officials or unofficial advisers. Other well-meaning Sierra Leoneans with progressive ideas are welcome to make their contributions.
7. Post Makeni Activities
The current executive inherited a very bad situation. The national secretariat was located in a crowded and filthy building at Rawdon Street . There was an overall bank debit balance of Le 138,000,000. The then systems for party management, particularly in the areas of administration and financial management were weak. Roles were not clearly defined and there was no schedule for regular party meetings. The executive did not inherit a single vehicle. The executive relied on personal vehicles for official party activities. To date, no hand-over note has been submitted by the previous National Secretary-General.
As we try to address these problems, Charles Margai despite series of efforts to reconcile with him, left the Party with a few members and started a calumny campaign against the SLPP, largely in the South and Kenema district in the East in his desperation to create a political base for his People's Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC). He allied with the APC and sympathizes with anything that is or anybody who is anti-SLPP. He wanted to use pro-Norman and thus Kamajor position to advance his course. Just after few weeks, he lost the steam as the Party moved aggressively to undo him. Today, we are confident these areas are under control but we will continue to work to ensure no other party survives in these areas. With only pockets of opposition supports in these areas coupled with our robust sensitization and eventual focused campaign, we are confident no Party will win a single seat in the South and East. We will largely rely on our development activities in these areas.
Most interesting is our substantial gains in the North and areas that were perceived to be APC strongholds. Total votes for SLPP presidential candidate increased in four districts in the North between 1996 and 2002. In Tonkolili from 3,577 to 21,531 (21%), in Kambia 18,673 to 49,107 (60.1%), in Koinadugu from 18,266 to 50,828 (67%) and in Port Loko from 11,613 to 35,828 (28.8%). We also had majority seats in these four districts in the 2004 local council elections. All district chairpersons of the local councils in these districts are SLPP. Today, all MPs in the South and East and 5 out of 8 in Kambia, 6 out of 8 in Koinadugu, 3 out of 8 in Port Loko and 2 out of 8 in Tonkolili and 2 out of 8 in Bombalili are SLPP members. We have gained confidence in the Northerner electorates because of our fairness in public appointments and unbiased development resource allocat1on and the non-tribal non-regional sentiments of our leadership. The people see it and feel it. They trust us and have promised us the votes, We are confident they will pay us back. With this, we are confident that we will defeat APC in the North. This will make the SLPP more national. We are not complacent but remain proud that we are in the lead. We are very much mindful of the award of symbols to parliamentary candidates and the implications for the results. We promise the process will be transparent and broad-based and the popular candidates will be awarded symbols. We therefore encourage those interested to become parliamentarians to go home now and start working.Within the context of a reform agenda and barely seven months in office, we have accomplished the following:
• Administration and Coordination
• Rehabilitated and refurbished original Party Office at Wallace Johnson Street (former NEC office)
• Moved into the refurbished party office
• Put in place basic management rules to complement the constitutional provisions
• Defined more clearly job descr1ptions of all national officers
• Developed a wage structure of party officials
• Provided training for party members in basic computing
• Started the following regular party meetings
- Weekly Management Meetings – Mondays 12 noon. Core operational staff (National Secretary-General & Assistant, National Organising Secretary & Deputy, National Women Leader & Deputy, National Young Generation Leader, National Publicity Secretary, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, Accountant and Administrative Secretary. It is chaired by the National Secretary-General.
- National Officers Forum – Bi-monthly
- Chairman's Forum – attended by regional/district chair & secretaries –bi-monthly
- Patrons Meetings – Grand chief patrons/chief patrons - Quarterly
- Support Group Meetings – held monthly
- National Secretariat-Parliamentary Council Interface - quarterly
- Local Council Forum - bi-monthly
- Policy Council Meeting – quarterly
- Finance & General Purpose Committee - Quarterly
- Constituency/district/regional meeting - monthly
In addition to these, all officers, particularly the National Chairman, National Secretary-General, National Deputy Organising Secretary, National Young Generation Leader and National Women's Leader hold regular and irregular meetings with various groups to address different party issues.
(iii) Financial Management
• Prepare financial rules and regulations for the party
• Established more accountable system for managing Party finances
(iv) Organisation, Outreach and Mobilisation
• Developed a database on party membership
• Decentralized the registration of ordinary members to the district
• Accelerated membership drive.
• Reached out to prominent party members that felt disgruntled and have renewed confidence
• Reached out to APC strongholds in Freetown and in the provinces
• Encouraged support groups to exist under the leadership of the respective elected officials. These support groups have been very useful in areas of weak executives.
• Established strong linkages with youth groups, women's groups and other strategic/vote-pulling groups like teachers etc…
• Visited several chiefdoms/districts in the provinces
• Young Generation
• Developed a concept note youth empowerment
• Established a student coordinating office
• Conducted a national student retreat and prepared an action plan
• Women's wing
• Developed a proposal on women's empowerment
• Resolved several conflicts among women's groups
• Developed a proposal on women's empowerment
• Publicity
• Developed a publicity strategy
• Commenced a regular radio programmes on the achievements of the SLPP in Freetown , Bo and Kenema
• Improved relationships with newspaper houses
• Public Governance
The Secretariat fully recognizes the fact that good governance is imperative for winning election. It therefore regularly engages ministers and public officers on projects and activities. It holds bilateral meetings with ministers on their activities and occasionally bring convene meetings to hear from the ministers their accomplishments and plans.
8. The Road to 2007 and beyond
As we seek a new mandate to govern, I therefore implore Party members to remain respectful, disciplined, avoid violence and rude conducts, remain focused and not be bordered by the few resignations of those that do not believe in the tenets of democracy. The year 2007 is crucial for our sustainability and your support is crucial. I also advise you to be persuasive, preach party messages of improving on participatory governance, restoring law and order, promoting human development; creating jobs for the unemployed and ensuring food security and developing the infrastructure. We should be hopeful that the party will be much integrated into public governance. The credibility of the Party will be restored and the apparent gap between the Party and government will be narrowed. Government policies will be anchored on party manifesto. Appointed public officials will regard the Party as their source of power. Competent and loyal party members will be proud to belong to the SLPP family. Youths and women will have their rightful places in society. Above all, national cohesion will be fostered, peace will be sustained and the economy will boom and living standards improved.
I therefore appeal to all Sierra Leoneans to vote SLPP for continuity of good policies and programmes.
I thank you all.One Country One People.
Jacob Jusu Saffa
National Secretary-General, SLPP
SLPP clocks 55 April 27 th
Regina Pratt 21/4/2006
Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) is to celebrate its 55 th anniversary April 27, which coincides with the country's 45 th independence anniversary. This was disclosed Thursday to Concord Times by the National Administrative Secretary, Brima Koroma at the Party's headquarters, Wallace Johnson Street , Freetown . Koroma said everything has been put in place for the celebration.
The Administrative Secretary disclosed radio discussions featuring SLPP since 1951 to 1967 and present date will be aired over FM 98.1D on Tuesday April 25 th . On April 26 th , a vigil would be held at the party's headquarters and on Thursday April 27 th , which is their founders' day and also to mark the country's 45 th Independence Anniversary, a traditional memorial service would be held at the graveside of Sierra Leone 's first Prime Minister, Sir Milton Margai at the back of Parliament Building , Tower Hill.
Koroma said the celebrations will continue on Friday 28th and Sunday 30 th April with Muslim prays at the Freetown Central Mosque and the King Memorial Church , Regent Road . The Administrative Secretary said that similar celebrations would take place in Kenema starting on the 23 rd with a football gala and inter- party athletics meeting which will be held at the Kenema Show Grounds.
He said a symposium will be held at the Ahmad Tejan Kabbah Hall, Eastern Polytechnic, Kenema with the theme, “55 years of existence of SLPP, what manner of Political Party?” on April 26 th a dinner and dance at the Eastern Polytechnic and on the 27 th in Kenema a launching of all SLPP support groups, bike riders and brass band. Other activities will include cultural groups, artists and HIV/AIDS skit at the Kenema Show fields. “These activities are also in commemoration of the 45 th Independence Anniversary celebrations,” he said.
“Six-month-old threatening 50-year-old is unimaginable,” S LPP Admin. Sec . reacts
Regina Pratt 21/4/2006
National Administrative Secretary (Admin. Sec.) of the SLPP (Sierra Leone Peoples Party), Brima Koroma Thursday at the Party's headquarters, Wallace Johnson Street reacted to a front page story in Concord Times' 20 th April edition captioned, “6-month- old threatens to kill 50-year-old.” Koroma says it is “unimaginable” for a six-month-old to threaten to kill a 50-year-old.
He says that could only happen through supernatural means. The SPPP Administrative Secretary charged the person making the threats, Charles Margai, leader of the PMDC (peoples Movement for Democratic Change), is short of words. “To start with SLPP is not 50 years old, but a 55 years old”, he said and adds, “we are never threatened by any political party”.
He said no one on earth would ever believe that a six-month-old baby could threaten a 55-year-old unless that baby is a witch. “It is really beyond human comprehension for a six-month-old baby to threaten a 55-year-old”, he said in amazement, adding that the 55-year-old has seen the sun and maybe the 6 months old would not even leave up to a year.
He maintained that the six months old is PMDC and 55-year-old is the SLPP because the former only registered officially six months ago while the latter has been in existence for over five decades in thick and thin. “If what is reported in the newspaper is anything to go by then the speaker had a dream that would never come true,” he said. He further said as the saying goes “empty buckets make much noise.” Koroma said that what the SLPP has done and what they are doing is there for all to see. “We would not be blackmailed,” he said.
“There age is counted in months, ours is in years,” Koroma said. The National Administrative Secretary said that by the time the six months reaches 55 years their leader would have drifted to numerous other political parties.
‘ Restoration 2007' apocalypse for the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP)
20/4/2006
With the pending 2007 Presidential and Parliamentary elections in the horizon I dare make bold to categorically proclaim the death knell reverberating across the land for the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) resounds with my belief that Sierra Leoneans are justified to believe we can safely be adjudged the present day ‘Children of Israel'! However, before some ‘smart mouths' fast-tracks my reasoning by insinuating it is sacrilegious, it would behove their spiritual and intellectual determination well to read, digest, and then analyse my contentions.
For devotees and students of the significance or numbers, i.e. numerologists, who are conversant with the political dynamics and history of Sierra Leone , the year 2007 should be a case study for the rationalization of their theories. And when one eventually factors in the coincidences religious and pre-determination biases impact, even the most dyed-in-the-wool agnostic will be constrained to jettison his heathenic disposition.
The Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) has since its inception been stalked and bedevilled by forebodings of doom whenever the 7 th year in any decade appears, except in the decade of the 80's. No doubt but that apologists may be wont to be dismissive by branding such correlations as superstitious flippancy, if not outright balderdash. They should advise themselves though, to ponder anew especially since the next decade's 7 th year – 2007 features a scr1ptural inference only the most irreligious would dare ignore.
Readers are implored and invited to take a ‘walk' with me as I navigate through the SLPP's political minefield of chequered history to fully appreciate my present discourse.
YEAR OF 1957
About six years after its founding, the first cracks in the Party surfaced when a sibling rivalry for leadership between the Margai brothers - Dr. Milton and his younger brother the Lawyer, Albert shook the Party to its foundation. The Leadership tussle culminated in an election where 22 out of the 43 delegates voted and chose Albert Margai as their Leader. He was by this affirmation, duly elected as the Chief Minister.
Before Albert could assume the leadership mantle however, elders and leaders of thought in the society then, converged and ultimately succeeded in persuading him to step down in deference to his older brother's age and status. This singular and unprecedented display of magnamity by Albert has never been, and would be hard-put to be - replicated in history.
The first real split in the Party was to come when Dr. Margai reneged on some of the prerequisites agreed upon as conditions for Albert's relinquishment. A vendetta had been launched against some supporters of Albert for the leadership, besides other open breaches. Chief amongst the victims were Siaka Probyn Stevens and Kandeh Bureh. As the marginalization persisted, Albert and others decamped from the SLPP to found the People's National Party (PNP).
YEAR OF 1967 (END OF SLPP PART I)
After very contentious and acrimonious general elections were held, the SLPP found itself unenviably tied in a dead heat with the opposition All People's Congress (APC) with 32 seats each in the 66 seat House of Parliament. The outstanding 2 seats of the Chamber had been contested for, and won by erstwhile and controversial SLPP MPs, Luseni A.M. Brewah, and Kutubu I. Kai-Samba. The SLPP had refused them use of its symbol to contest, thereby forcing them to do so as Independent candidates,-who then went on to win.
Holding the ‘balance of power' in their hands then, as they swore never to pitch tents with the opposition APC, they also vowed never to return to the SLPP fold while Sir Albert Margai was still the leader. His resignation and immediate replacement by Salia Jusu Sheriff were the pre-conditions set. (Some pundits contend that even though Brewah and Kai-Samba had legitimate ‘beefs' with the Party's hierarchy, their overriding interest was to see an old Bo School Boy – an alumnus of theirs installed as Prime Minister!)
The protracted stalemate that ensued created a dangerous vacuum in the country's body-politic, and became the mitigating factor that brought about the first and second Military interventions in quick successions. The first which was launched by Brigadier David Lansana, was quickly supplanted by the Colonel Andrew Juxton-Smith–led National Reformation Council (NRC).
YEAR OF 1977 (BEGINNING OF THE END OF SLPP PART II)
In General Elections that were dexterously articulated by the nebulous Siaka Probyn Stevens and his All People's Congress (APC). the SLPP woefully ‘lost'! Intrigues inimical to morality and good governance were monopolized as vote rigging was transformed into an art form. Unlawful arrest and detentions of opposition candidates on election day struggled to keep pace with the rampant lawlessness and avid distaste for civility.
Not long after this debacle, the SLPP and all other Parties were proscribed by Parliament as a one-Party state dictatorship was crudely imposed. Though the SLPP was ‘dejure' banned, it festered in the minds of its adherent and refused to die'!
This writer is inclined to believe this was so because it had not come ‘full circle' to establish Sierra Leoneans as the Biblical ‘Children of Israel' who had to endure nothing short of ‘40 years in the wilderness as atonement for sins'. Read on to find the basis of this assertion.'
YEAR OF 1987
‘Hallelujah!…. Thank God for small mercies! The SLPP was not ‘blessed/cursed' with the chance to ‘shoot itself in the foot' during this decade's 7 th year, because it had been ‘graciously' proscribed by Siaka Steven's APC. However, is there any noteworthiness to the fact that it was this same year that ‘the man died'… that is, Shaki! Was he the ‘black sheep that had to die so that the Party would not exercise its proclivity to self-destruct?
YEAR OF 1997
Back to ‘wining ways' … with a vengeance!
A year later, thanks to help from the James Jonah-led Interim National Electoral Commission (INEC), behind the scene manoeuvring catapulted the SLPP back into power in 1996.
As the rebel war incessantly raged on, the SLPP Leader, Alhaji Ahmed Tejan Kabba, who trebles also as Commander-In-Chief and President was officially informed about security threats to the nation. His studious and injudicious discounting of them can only be surmised by patriots as gross negligence. When a few days later the military struck on May, 25, 1997, and invited the RUF rebels to join them in forming the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC), what did our ‘Dearly Beloved' President, Commander-In-Chief, etc do?… He high-tailed it out of the country… “To fight another day?” You must be joking?! I wonder what would have happened if genuine patriots left behind had listened and adhered to Bob Marley's marijuana induced lyrics?
If that was not debilitating enough, while languishing comfortably in Guinea our ‘Fountain of Honour' had what I can only describe as brazen effrontery, to brand altruistic patriots left behind to defend democracy rather than put our tails between our legs and scamper off as some had cowardly done, rebels and rebel collaborators over the worldwide news network of the BBC. No gall could have been more bitter to swallow than this by those of us brave and sincere enough not to run away at the sound of the first gun-shot. We felt cheated of statesmanship expected from a Leader worn his salt by these utterances.
Not long ago I remember posing a series of rhetorical questions to a senior Armed officer friend of mine. “What happens,” I had asked, “when a Commander of forces in the heart of battle deserts his men? He replied that such was one of the most unforgivable Military crimes an officer could commit and would lead to Court Martial proceedings being instituted. “What about the punishment? “I further prodded him, to which he replied that it carried maximum penalty if found guilty. But, when I asked if this Commander also was the Commander-In-Chief etc, etc, he looked me straight in the eye and sternly said, No comment… Next question? “ I did not need to be told he wished “ No san-san nar im garri!.. Phew!
YEAR OF 2007
Apocalypse for the SLPP! What negatism the past posed for the Party is set to pale into insignificance as it will be eclipsed by the symbolic reference point I use to determine Sierra Leoneans as the Biblical Children of Israel. when I forefront and defend this inference I shall implore readers to appreciate my waxing scr1ptural is not borne of a wish to be an holier-than-thou apostle.
Our purgatorial period commenced in the year 1967 with the fractious General Elections of that year. Since I am of the firm conviction that it would end in the year 2007 with the wind of Positive Change blowing, that would mean it would have lasted exactly 40 years… just as the period of the Biblical Israelis!! Our oneness in this regard with the Children of Israel is also buttressed by my beliefs that we had to atone for our excesses by drafting in the wilderness of despair as Sierra Leone went through a period of destruction that was unfathomable.
If there are any doubts about our akinness to the scr1ptural reference point them let me persuade away those reservations by introducing the seemingly supernatural twists of fate that embolden me to reach this conclusion.
If the Kabbah-led SLPP Government had not fleet-footed it and abandoned the ship-of-State in 1997 for a year, the statutory date for the coming 2007 elections would have been this year, 2006! This would have meant that from the year 1967 to 2006 totalling 39 years! Divine intervention cannot be more apparent to prove Sierra Leoneans are living the scr1ptural reference because we would not have completed the Bible's mandatory 40 years!
Do you want any more evidence that the angels interceded on our behalf and that our ‘Restoration' would begin unfailingly when the results of the 2007 Elections would have been announced?
The mind-boggling coincidence revolving around three names that featured in varying degrees of culpability in the 1967 debacle and set to occupy central stage in the year 2007 with uncanny precision, 40 years later makes for interesting conclusion.
They were a ‘Margai', an ‘Ahmed Tejan Kabba', and The Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP). While one can safely believe that a Margai – in the person of Charles Francis, is come to have history re-evaluate his father's name, one would maybe be hard-put to think the same way of the other two names. For the distinguishing factor visiting the Kabba of the year 1967, with ‘Kabbah' of the year 2007 would ostensibly be the metamorphosis of an ‘Ahmed Tejan Kabba' in 1967, into ‘Ahmad Tejan Kabbah' in 2007. The SLPP however retains its dangerous potency to self-destruct, only this time around with an unarguable finality.
And finally, the clincher which puts the final nail on the coffin of the SLPP comes with a revelation after the runoff for Presidential mandate in 1996, in which the duplicitous orientation of the party was evidenced by two numerical factors which end with the numbers ‘419'! Duplicity could not have been more illuminated than the ‘419' figures that dogged the SLPP.
Concerned about the non-availability of election results in Freetown then I thought Bo might have some information. When I called Sierratel to enquire about the SLPP's telephone number in Bo, I was told it was, 032-419. the irony of ‘419' being the last numbers had not fully sunk in with me before the Presidential results were announced. And guess what number did our Prezzo poll? Are you ready?… 608,419!! Was this a double coincidence that the ‘419' featured with all its ugly ramifications?
Any wonder then that the ‘419' factor seems to have been stalking and infesting the governance of this country by the SLPP leadership since then?
YOU TELL ME!
JJ Saffa sells SLPP, Sierra Leone overseas
Samuel Harding 20/4/2006
A seven-man SLPP (Sierra Leone Peoples Party) delegation led by Chairman, Alhaji UNS Jah left Freetown for China through London last Friday, reports from the SLPP headquarter say. The delegation, according to SLPP sources, is to ‘sell' the party to the Chinese and showcase Sierra Leone . The delegation transited at Gatewick Airport where high-level SLPP UK branch executive members received it. In a brief meeting with the executive and other members of the party, the National Chairman lauded the efforts of the UK branch to support the party. After few hours in transit, the delegation left for Beijing , China .
In Beijing , the delegation has started talks with high-level members of the Communist Party of China Central Committee. They started with a brief visit to the Communist Party Central School and the Policy Research Office. They also had a meeting with the Deputy Minister of International Department, Communist Party of China Central Committee. The SLPP scribe, Jacob Saffa, a former world bank development economist used the occasions to market the country and in particular, the SLPP. He referred to the successful peace process headed by Dr. Ahmad Tejan Kabba and Hon. Solomon Berewa. Saffa said, the country‘ coming from a low level economic growth of -17% in 1997 to above 6% in 2005 is a clear manifestation of the good leadership. He emphasized the Party's successes in the areas of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants, decentralization, reconstruction of socio-economic infrastructure, human development (including education, health and social security), food security and turnaround in productive sectors, notably in agriculture, mining marine resources and the infrastructure. Saffa also thanked the Chinese for their contributions to the post-war recovery and specifically cited the rehabilitation of Youyi Building and national stadium. He thanked the Chinese for their contribution to job creation through Chine Direct Investment in Sierra Leone . Saffa assured the Chinese about Sierra Leone 's hospitality, the improved security in the country, law reforms and improvement in the investment climate. The SLPP Scribe also gave a detailed account of the development in the macro-economy and sector development with special emphasis on education, agriculture, communications, roads, reconstruction and social security when the delegation met with a cross section of the Sierra Leonean community in Beijing .
Speaking to Saffa on phone from his Xiyuan hotel room, Northwest Beijing he described the Chinese people as “very serious.” “The development of China under the leadership of the Community Party since 1949 and the commencement of reforms in 1978 is amazing. One does not miss US or Europe when you are in China . There is a lot to benefit from China with an aggressive diplomacy. I am particularly inspired by the sequencing and contents of her economic reforms and rural development strategies.”
Asked what is useful about the visit, he said, “the visit gives us an opportunity to learn new and successful development models that could be very useful in our manifesto and successive policy discussions. It also enlightened us about party management, particularly in the area of capacity building for its cadres.” The delegation also visited the State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development (CPAD) where they met with Dr Wu Zhong, Director General and staff of International Coopertaion and Social Mobilisation Department. The delegation had fruitful exchanges with their Chinese counterparts on the experiences and challenges of poverty reduction.
The delegation further continues its visits to rural China to learn from its impressive rural development since 1978 and party management at the grassroots. The delegation is expected to later return to London and at least 6 states in the US .
SLPP scribe outlines government's achievements
Mohamed Massaquoi
Sectary General of Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP), Jacob Jusu Saffa Monday outlined government's success stories in the infrastructure, political and social developments since it came to power in 2002.He made this statement during a press briefing at the party's headquarters on Wallace Johnson Street in Freetown .Saffa said his government prioritized very important developmental issues after the decade-long civil conflict in the county and that they have achieved a lot considering the state of the country before they came into power.
“Since the end of the war in 2002, the government has embarked on massive reconstruction of the state's infrastructure and the restoration of social services and political stability in the country,” he pointed out.Saffa cited the peaceful outcome of the local council elections in 2004 and the election of 70 Paramount Chiefs as a success story, for which his government should be given a pat on the back.The SLPP scribe went further to giving assurances that his government has put in place structures to ensure that there is efficient service delivery.
“We have put in place institutions like the Anti-Corruption Commission, National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) and the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) and other credible institutions for good service delivery,” he said and maintained that they have improved on the educational structure, health facility etc.He confirmed that there is a remarkable improvement in the productive sector, particularly agriculture: “Current domestic food production stands about 69% of total requirement compared to pre-war levels.”
SLPP MPs accuse NEC of constitutional violation
Sahr Musa Yamba 29/3/2006
Three Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) Members of Parliament (MP) have unequivocally condemned the national Electoral Commission and accused it of constitutional violation. The three SLPP MPs from Bonthe district, Hons. Arthur Harvey, Chairman SLPP Bonthe district, Jonathan Sama and Brima Conteh accuse NEC of violating Section 38 0f the 1991 constitution which says boundary delimitation should not be subject to population density alone but also topography. They further accused NEC of bypassing parliament without due regard to the laid-down criteria as spelt out under section 38 of 1991 Constitution.
The three MPs who walked into Concord Times' office with their complaint queried the proposed delineation of constituencies by the NEC based on population densities. They accuse NEC of only allocating three seats to the whole of Bonthe district when formerly, the district had five seats in parliament.
“The terrain of Bonthe is one that cannot in any way be allocated three seats in Parliament because of the landscape,” Hon. Harvey complained.“It is in Sierra Leone constitution that population density should not be the only criterion for boundary delimitation? That would lead to inequitable distribution,” Hon. Harvey queried.
He made analogies that Koinadugu District for example, because of its land mass and topography, the present proposals would put a lot of strain on voters many of who may have to travel some 20 miles or more to the nearest Registration or Polling Station. He queried that in comparison, there will almost be 6 Members of Parliament between the Clock Tower and Calaba Town in the Western Area. He argued, “surely geographical locat1on should be an important factor.”
“SLPP has no ears for the fierce wind of Change” …Dauda Tombo Bangura
Sahr Musa Yamba 14/3/2006
A senior official of the PMDC (Peoples Movement for Democratic Change), Dauda Tombo Bangura Sunday charged the ruling Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) “has no ears for the fierce ‘wind of change' that is blowing.”
Bangura was delivering a speech to the P.M.D.C. General Assembly of the Washington Metro Area, USA Chapter in which he explained the philosophy and objectives of his party for the benefit of his listeners and other Sierra Leoneans everywhere.
“We have called you here today, like always, on matters of grave importance, except if you live in the S.L.P.P. world where the leaders call their people only when a fierce wind of “Positive Change” is blowing,” Dauda said.
He recounted that the British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, on February 3 1960, in South Africa , upon sensing the burning desire for change in the African peoples from colonialism to self-rule, said: "The wind of change is blowing through this [African] continent, and whether we like it or not, this growth of national consciousness is a political fact. We must all accept it as a fact, and our national policies must take account of it."
Bangura recalled Sierra Leone gained its independence a year after that historic speech by Macmillan, on April 27, 1961.
“We enjoyed brief democratic governments under the Margais afterwards. The Margai family is not a political dynasty: it means Charles Margai has a burning desire to effect a “Positive Change” in Sierra Leone . He responded to the people's demand for a new party with the “Positive Change” concept. Here in America , Dr. Martin Luther King's “I Have a Dream” march on Washington , on August 28, 1963, was a classical example. Last year, the American, the European Union and the British Embassies came together and issued a joint statement of concern over the S.L.P.P. foot-dragging the registration of political parties. But the S.L.P.P., unlike the British Empire, the European Union, the international organizations and the United States government, has no ears for the fierce wind of ‘Positive Change' that is blowing,” the PMDC strongman charged.
He reminisced the recent rumor of the plot to assassinate Margai. “We have a strong message for would be assassins: they are cowards; we are not afraid; and Charles Margai is not afraid either. Charles Margai of the P.M.D.C. is a man of virtue, courage and wisdom-has less to do with just the name, has more to do with the diligence and majesty; he walks the path of nobility that has been passed on to him. Sometimes, it takes such a man with such burning desires to deliver his people on the mountaintop of their destination. Make no mistake about it; there are many Charles Margais in this movement. This is evident in the way the P.M.D.C. is becoming the fastest growing political party regardless of the intimidation and foot-dragging tactics by the S.L.P.P. government to complete its registration.”
Bangura preached that the P.M.D.C. was borne out of the desire to uplift the marginalized sector of our society after the S.L.P.P. convention that one of the contenders, former Ambassador John Leigh, called “conbention.”
“This means that we [the people] were not wrong when we rose up roaring as the majestic felines of the Lion Mountain in peaceful demonstration that we need another party. We consulted the East, South and North in the two weekends following the Makeni convention with the question; what is the way forward? The people demanded the need for a new party, and we answered their demand with the P.M.D.C. Since then, we have become a threat to the S.L.P.P. to the point that they want us out by any means necessary,” Bangura said.
The PMDC stalwart reminded his listeners: “Recently, John Leigh of the S.L.P.P. called our people “Low grade noisemakers - san san boys, honda drivers, ex-combatants, carwash boys, riffraff, etc.” He forgot that our movement is aimed at uplifting the groups he identified. But such forgetfulness is the natural attribute of the S.L.P.P. leadership.”
Ending his speech, Bangura asked the following questions. “Do we want to continue seeing Freetown as filthy as it is? Do we want to continue receiving power outage in the capital city of our country and no good drinking water? Do we want to continue with the massive unemployment and poor wages in the country? Do we want to continue with the poor health facilities in the country?
Do we want to continue with the poor road conditions in our beloved country?
Do we want to continue with the poor educational standards in a country that was once called the Athens of West Africa?
Do we want to continue with the high cost of living with false promises that nobody will go to bed hungry come 2007? Do we?”
SLPP MP argues right to bid for contracts
Tanu Jalloh 10/3/2006
Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) parliamentarian, Hon. Brima Kamanda Thursday argued they have right to bid for contracts, win and implement them in their capacities as businessmen. He made this disclosure while addressing the usual “Le Di Pipul Talk” audience, a programme organized by Premier Media and Campaign for Good Governance at Stop Press, George Street Freetown .
“Parliamentarians could as well involve in business in which case they can bid for and get contracts awarded them. The emphasis should be on transparency, efficiency and the parliamentarian in question not taking part in the deliberation of the contract since he has expressed interest. If he did he would be guilty of criminal offence,” he said. But the concern according to the Public Relations Officer of the Anti-Corruption Commission, Koloneh Sankoh would be how parliamentarians carry out the oversight when a colleague is involved in the execution of a contract.
Responding, Hon. Kamanda said it is parliament that monitors contracts not parliamentarians. It decides which committee investigates certain anomalies,” he pointed out adding that except a parliamentarian is more dedicated to his business as opposed to his duty as representative of his constituency, he has right to bid for contracts as long as he goes through the right procedure to get the contract. He explained that they do not award contracts like government ministers and cited an instance where a pharmacist Nigerian parliamentarian won a contract to supply drugs to most parts of Nigeria and has proven very efficient.
Contract ‘wahala' in Kenema as drivers protest: “Without Abess, No SLPP come 2007”
Mohamed Vandi in Kenema 8/3/2006
The award of a contract to reconstruct the Kenema lorry park has sparked massive controversy (‘wahala') in the township.“Taylor, (Eastern Regional Chairman of the Drivers Union) must go,” supporters of Allie Abess, mostly drivers chanted in demonstration at the office of the Provincial Secretary, Lansana Koroma in Kenema Monday morning. The irate protesters, mostly youths waved placards some of which read ‘without Abess, no SLPP come 2007;' ‘Development is what we want, not politics.'
Abess is a businessman who claims he had won the contract to rehabilitate the Kenema lorry park. The protesters accused the Provincial Secretary and the committee responsible for the award of contracts at the Kenema Town Council of politicizing the award of contract to rehabilitate the Kenema lorry park. Some of the drivers support Abbess while the others support Taylor, their Chairman.
On Saturday, brouhaha broke out between supporters of Abess and Taylor at the park. Supporters of Abess allege the awarding of the contract was manipulated. A committee was however constituted to meet on Monday evening to address the issue. Paramount Chief Amara Vangahun of Kenema town has issued a stern warning to the drivers union to stop the violence maintaining that development is what Kenema residents want.
In attaining food Security: SLPP better than APC, Presidential Spokesman says
Sahr Musa Yamba 8/3/2006
Presidential Spokesman, Kanji Daramy Monday told Concord Times the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) is better of than the opposition All Peoples Congress (APC) in attaining food security in Sierra Leone . The Spokesman was reacting to a question posed by Concord Times whether President Kabbah's pledge to attain food security by 2007 would be a reality.
Said the Spokesman: “We have carried out a survey to see how food security is paying out. There are no more any queues for foodstuff. One way you will know that food security would be attained is because there are no queues and as long as you have the money you can buy.” The Spokesman maintained that even in the most advanced countries of the world, one needs to have money in order to purchase food.
Daramy bashed the APC era as one that was indifferent to the needs of the people of this country. “The difference is that in the days of APC even when you had money, you cannot buy because there were long queues. Today, that no longer happens,” Daramy boasted. He maintained that the importation of rice into the country has gone down considerably. Leader of APC, Ernest Koroma and Secretary General Victor Foh could not be reached for their reactions Monday as their phones were continually switched off when Concord Times tried to reach them.
SLPP running mate wishes ...Kabbah, Berewa, above lobbying, Ambassador Saccoh says
Sahr Musa Yamba 27/2/2006
The number of Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) members wishing to become running mate to the Party Leader, Vice President Solomon Berewa, is growing large. Many have expressed interest in becoming the number two-man in the SLPP, but who will the cap fit is the zillion-dollar question. The choice of a running mate is the prerogative of the Party Leader, according to the SLPP constitution, but he is yet to make a choice.
Concord Times' Sahr Musa Yamba caught up with His Excellency Sheku B. Saccoh, Sierra Leone's Ambassador to the Republic of Guinea, one of those that has manifested interest in the position, and in a snap interview asked him why he thinks he is the most suitable to be chosen as running mate to the Vice President.
SB Saccoh: I have never pronounced I am the most suitable. I only expressed the wish as one of those manifesting interest for the consideration of the position.If others are making it known publicly through the media, it is good for me to make mine known too. It would be belated if I manifest the interest later by hiding my feelings because people will tell me we never knew you had interest. But the choice is his, the Vice President.
CT: You are an elderly man with a wealth of experience why don't you leave the task of a running mate to the middle aged in the party?
SB Saccoh: If I were less qualified, I would have left it but in politics age does not count. Experience and health count in politics.
CT: What experience do you have that qualifies you for the position?
SB Saccoh: SLPP has many qualified candidates and it is difficult to choose one, as all aspirants for running mate anyone appointed has good credentials for job. But age gives me added advantage in the political arena as I have worked in various ministries in government. I was Resident Minister North, Minister of Labour, Minister of Social Welfare, Minister of Youth and Sports. With contacts in those Ministries, which spread over 10 years, it gives me added advantage. The fact that in 1996 elections (general) I contested for SLPP in Bombali under the leadership of Dr. Alhaji Conteh (only 4 candidates for SLPP in Bombali) gives me edge. By then it was only those who had the guts that could contest under the SLPP symbol in that part of the country. I won the election in 1996 for the Bombali West constituency.
CT: What are some of the contributions/innovations you've brought into the SLPP?
SB Saccoh: I have made extra contributions in my own way to the SLPP, which I would not want to be boisterous of now. It is difficult for one to praise himself, but if you talk to the SLPP members they will tell you my contributions to the party.
CT: It is widely believed that the President and erstwhile Leader of the SLPP, President Kabbah has a favoured candidate in the person of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Momodu Koroma to be running mate to Vice President Berewa. Do you think there is a level playing field for you all?
SB Saccoh: Those are rumours I cannot say a word on rumours. It is just rumours. When President Kabbah wanted Vice President Berewa to succeed him, he made a public pronouncement about it. Let us avoid rumours.
CT: But what is your relationship with the President and his Vice? Are you going to lobby them to become running mate?
SB Saccoh: President Kabbah and Vice President Berewa are beyond lobbying. It is difficult to lobby them as they are above lobbying.
CT: Many believe the ruling SLPP, with Vice President Berewa at the helm is very unpopular. Why are you still intent on becoming running mate to an unpopular candidate?
SB Saccoh: I do not buy the idea that the Vice President is unpopular. It is the opinion of people who failed at the convention in Makeni. The party does not see it that way and it is not reflective of results at the convention.
CT: There is talk within the SLPP called 3+1 formula, which means in most of the SLPP arrangements for leadership in the party, there are three southerners and only one northerner. What is your background?
SB Saccoh: I was born 15 miles off Makeni in Kalangba, Gbendembu N'gowahun Chiefdom, Bombali district. I attended primary education in the north then later attended Taiama Secondary School where I am a foundation student. I attended that school till form five and was made Senior Prefect. So I can speak Mende and Themne fluently.
CT: If you are not chosen as running mate to the Vice President, will you quit the SLPP, what next?
SB Saccoh: (laughs and leans back in his seat) I was dropped as Northern Region Chairman of the SLPP but I am still campaigning for our party. There were rumours that Charles Margai had given me dollars and I had accepted to become running mate to him. But I know that was a calculated ploy to make me annoyed and desert the SLPP. But I just ignored it until a senior member approached me and that was when I cleared the air. But unfortunately none of the party elders asked about that allegation. They just took hook, line and sinker what they were told and that cost me that election at the convention in Makeni. But for me the SLPP in greater than all, the party is greater than all of us. I am still doing my work and campaigning for the party in my constituency although I lost the elections.
CT: Talking of Charles Margai, do you think his quitting the SLPP is a threat for your party in the upcoming elections?
SB Saccoh: Oh yes! His quitting is a big threat. People want to downplay it but it is not good. We should go all out to work. Downplaying it will make us complacent. Charles Margai has certain things to his credit. During 1996 leadership contest in SLPP he came second, how could you say such a man is not important?
CT: But the SLPP Secretariat had made utterances that Margai quitting the SLPP is no threat and not an issue?
SB Saccoh: They have a right to say his quitting is not an issue because this is not the 1 st time Margai has quit SLPP. He did that in 1996 and joined the National Unity Party (NUP), but that does not mean this time when he has formed his own party, Peoples Movement for democratic Change (PMDC) it is not a challenge. Every party, even the APC is a challenge.
CT: Thanks for the time sir.
SB Saccoh: You are welcome.
“Rebels, impostors invade SLPP”… Moijue Kaikai says while resigning
Erstwhile Publicity Secretary of the Sierra Leone Peoples Papery (SLPP) United Kingdom Ireland Branch, Moijue Kaikai said Tuesday that rebels, impostors and people who preside over Sierra Leone 's standstill have invaded the SLPP.Kaikai who resigned his position from the SLPP to join the Peoples Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC) made this statement at a press briefing at Café Dela Rose Restaurant , Wallace Johnson Street , Freetown .
“All the people who brought this nation to a standstill are all in the SLPP. Be it the All Peoples Congress, Revolutionary United Front, Armed Forces Ruling Council, they have invaded the SLPP,” he said and added that the SLPP is a selfish political outfit that is not receptive to change.“The SLPP has failed. They are telling us let's continue with the black out, malaria, bad roads and the backwardness in the country,” he said and noted that the party is not giving people the opportunity to hear their views.He explained that the SLPP has become a small cabal and any person who is not dancing to the tune of the powers-that-be he/she is described a troublemaker.
Kaikai claimed that SLPP has a generation of undisciplined people.“How do you expect the ordinary man on the street to be discipline when the people who govern them are not disciplined?” he asked and challenged that the PMDC would win the 2007 elections hands down.“I am not supporting the leader of PMDC Charles Margai because he is Charles Margai. I believe that he is a very disciplined man,” he said add that Margai is capable of saving the country from its present woes.
SLPP MP calls for Ministers to be summoned
Story: Michael Bockarie
Hon. Janet Sam-King, Member of Parliament (MP) for the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) Thursday moved a motion blocking the National Power Authority Amendment Bill.Hon. Sam-King called on the House to summon the Ministers of Finance, Lands and Agriculture and Food Security to answer to questions relating to the setting up of the new Commission for Forestry and Environment.‘‘Mr. Speaker, Hon. Members, I move under S.O. 37 (1) to put a hold on to this National Power Authority Amendment Bill until further clarifications are meant,” she said.
Hon. Mohamed Munu of the All Peoples Congresses (APC) seconded her motion.The Energy and Power Minister, Lloyd During wanted to change the old National Power Authority Act, which was enacted since 1960s.The Objective of the new bill is to break the monopoly NPA was enjoying. The Bill would allow private sector investment in NPA, as a way to increase power supply in the country.Hon. Dauda Kamra of the APC also moved a motion demanding the Minister of Presidential Affairs, Sheku Sesay to face Parliament and explain about the recent Africa Peer Review Mechanism (APRM).He argued the manner in which the workshop was organized.‘‘I understand 20 invitations were sent to Parliament, but we were not more than five in that place,'' he said adding the APRM, which is a parent body to New Partnership for Africans Development (NEPAD) is very important for the development of Sierra Leone.
Hon. Alfred George of the SLPP seconded the motion. He moved the motion is in place.
SLPP scribe blasts…“Charles Margai is a joker”
Story: Sahr Musa Yamba
Secretary General of the ruling Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP), Jacob Jusu Saffa Monday described Interim Leader of the Peoples Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC), Charles Margai as “a joker.”Said the Secretary General while reacting to a question posed by Concord Times about recent utterances made by Charles Margai that he is the next President of Sierra Leone: “Margai is day dreaming. He has not even started. His dream will never come true.”
Asked whether the party was concerned about the numerous defections to Charles Margai's PMDC, Saffa responded, “that is no news to us.”Senior SLPP members confided in this press that most of those defecting to Margai are largely disgruntled people who are seeking personal gains and see Margai as the a way out of their disgruntlement.“ A large chunk of the PMDC defectors are people who contested elections but lost and some others who wanted contracts and things like that, but because they were not given, they opted to join Margai,” an SLPP supporter remarked.
Sierra Leone Peoples' Party Turns Amoeba
Story: Karamoh Kabba
The ruling Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) takes after the life of the single-celled protozoa, amoeba when it began duplicating in the aftermath of its party convention in Makeni, September 3-4, 2005. Charles Margai, who was one of the contenders of the SLPP presidential candidate race cried out foul against Vice President Solomon Berewa's overwhelming victory at the party convention. Margai abandoned the SLPP and went on to form his own movement: Peoples Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC), which is now undergoing a registration process to become a political party.
Like the protozoa, which replicates by a simple method of asexual reproduction, dividing into two smaller daughter cells by a process called fission, the SLPP divided into two smaller parties at the height of its growth in Makeni. Unlike the asexual reproduction in the protozoa, the agent for the unwanted binary fission in the SLPP is unique—self-created—and we do not know if these daughter parties will ever grow up to become matured parties as in the protozoa. And the slithering cell that emerged in Makeni has surfaced in the SLPP branch parties in the Diaspora as well. Recent revelations indicate that one of the strongest SLPP branch parties of England/Ireland has completed its own binary fission into two daughter SLPP branch parties called “Friends of Berewa” and “Friends of Margai.”
On January 8, 2006 Tamba JS Lamina, the branch chairman made pronouncements entitled “An Overview of the Current State of the Branch Party,” that he delivered to the General Membership at 22 Ashwin Street, Hackney. E8. In part, Tamba said: I have stayed away from the two campaign groups formed in London and believed that now that the Convention is over the Berewa campaign group now called “Friends of Berewa” would cease to exist because the leader of the Party automatically becomes our leader and a friend of all of us. This has not happened ladies and gentlemen. The situation now is that the ‘Friends of Berewa' have now usurped the role of the Executive and the High Commissioner continues to undermine the Executive in every way possible. Is this the sort of Branch Party that we want to see? One that operates only on the whims and caprices of the High Commissioner? I do not think so. I have received several phone calls from within and without informing me of the nefarious activities of this group. We must not allow people of this nature and caliber to come close to the governing apparatus.
Many fingers are pointing at the decision made by the SLPP leadership to have had the party convention two years ahead of the upcoming presidential elections. It has opened up a window of opportunity for a formidable presidential aspirant such as Margai to go his separate way along with a chunk of SLPP supporters. Many more claim that it is a political machination by President Tejan Kabba to give enough time to his vice president to build his own political fortune. Once more Tamba told his audience: “Events leading to the convention were shrouded in secrecy and the speed of events had implications for due process prescribed in the National Party Constitution.” Indeed, Vice President Solomon Berewa had a landslide victory regardless of his unpopular disposition amongst the masses. There is much suspicion amongst the ordinary citizens that Vice President Berewa's victory was devious. Such claims cannot be taken at face value simply because of the political culture of praise singing in Sierra Leone amongst many party supporters: It makes sense that Vice President Berewa pulled such a large number of party delegates' votes with his mustered State House supports. The type of political machination that probably led to such massive supports for Vice President Berewa is now unfolding. Apparently, Tamba's vehemence is stemming from the failed arm-twisting from the State House for him to support Vice President Berewa prior to the party convention. Tamba refused to succumb, which he complained about in his recent speech: “ I'm led to believe that the anger towards me is for something else. I was asked to form a campaign group for VP Berewa at our initial meeting with the VP in London but with me being what I am this was considered to put my position in direct conflict with being unfair to the other aspirants.”
In a phone conversation with Tamba on January 9, he explained that the culture of leaders aspiring for the SLPP branch party chair in England/Ireland is not to serve the people, but to look forward to political appointment in the government as their foremost agenda. And indeed Tamba's predecessors have gone on to occupy high offices in Sierra Leone . But he prefers to stick to his guns of principles and values. Thus, his refusal to support Berewa has developed into a bitter blood between him and the SLPP government's High Commissioner to England . “I will not trade my values for political position,” he said to me. In the same January 8, 2006 address, he told his audience:
His Excellency, the High Commissioner had his own agenda. He always wants to control the affairs of this Branch even though he is not a member. We have always respected him as an elder statesman hence our effort to put him at the centre of events. But he has not given the Branch the reciprocal respect that it deserves. Instead he is bent on stewing discord amongst members aimed at getting his own way.
This kind of political brouhaha amongst the SLPP supporters in Sierra Leone and England/Ireland is showing up here in the US as well. But unlike the SLPP branch party in England/Ireland, it is cyber warfare in the US —mostly on discussion fora. But they get so heated sometimes; you know the only thing that is preventing fistfights is because the stagers are armchair warriors.
This brings us to the Bo, the second largest city in Sierra Leone, incidents of November last year: The SLPP government officials reacting to the threats of violence against Vice President Berewa arrested and incarcerated Charles Margai. Again, there was a cry out that the government's reaction was politically motivated especially that the SLPP government was dragging its feet to register Margai's PMDC as a political party officially. And the trend of events that is unfolding in England/Ireland is giving much credence to such claims.
There is much reason for one to believe that the SLPP is in a serious trouble of winning in 2007. And the reason has less to do with the party, but much to do with the presidential candidate instead. There is also much reason to believe that President Tejan Kabba may be pondering aloud, privately, over his support for Vice President Berewa as a bullet in his own shin.
With the unfolding political trend, 2007 may result in a transactional politics since many believe that the 55% votes that is needed to win the presidency is not forthcoming for any of the political parties in the drama of power politics in Sierra Leone. And in that case, the SLPP will be in even deeper hot waters. This is because while the All Peoples' Congress (APC) and the PMDC are warming up to each other, the SLPP is developing estranged relations with its potential partners of a potential transactional politics in 2007. Evidently, Margai was absent recently from the funeral of the wife of his former schoolteacher, now Vice President Berewa.
Copyright©2006 by Karamoh Kabba
Three SLPP "alagbas" in UK defect to PMDC
Story: Sahr Musa Yamba
Three heavyweights of the Sierra Leone Peoples party (SLPP) of the UK/Ireland branch, Edwin Foray, Agnes Kumba Dugba Macauley and Esther Panda defected to the Peoples Movement for Democratic Change just hours after the People's Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC) registered as a political party Thursday 19 January 2006.
It appears people have been waiting for the PMDC registration.Reports from UK say many more, including people who even resurrected the SLPP in the UK in 1990, will soon be filing their resignations. However, loyal SLPP members take solace from SLPP Secretary General J.J Saffa's statement that as some members abandon the SLPP, hundreds more come in by the day.
The three letters of resignation read thus:
First letter of resignation:
Mr Harold Saffa
Secretary-General, SLPP
UK/Ireland Branch
17th January 2006
Dear Mr Saffa
I am writing to inform you and all members that having observed the activities of the parent body of Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) at home, and having had experience of working with members at this branch for a couple of years, I have finally decided to disassociate myself from the party membership and tender my resignation. The main reason being that SLPP is not a party that identifies with positive national views; instead it is bent on corrupt practices to enhance personal interests, a practice abhorrent to my tenets. I also strongly believe that if one is not corrupt by nature, and insists on correcting the wrongdoing of the SLPP members/government, one becomes the enemy to write home about.I have sincere sympathy for those who are still true to their commitments either as executive or ordinary members for the sake of maintaining the party. I also sincerely hope that they will soon realise that one cannot spend one's whole life fighting an unending battle with rogues who, as present SLPP party managers, are just there for their selfish and personal gains, and not for the good of the general membership or the country. With all the resources Sierra Leone has and all the aid poured in by the international community, a prudent and forward-looking SLPP government ought to have performed far better in the nation's interest that it can show for.
With the above in mind, I have no regrets to declare myself as a Founding Member of the Peoples Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC), the future political party to bring about Positive Change to Sierra Leone . I also proudly invite all Sierra Leoneans at home and in the Diaspora to join PMDC, the only chance of working together to develop our nation.I also take this opportunity to thank all those members I worked with in various capacities and especially as Secretary to the Council of Elders at this SLPP branch and assure that even though I now firmly stand on a different platform, we still remain brothers and sisters of our much loved Sierra Leone community.
I remain
Yours sincerely
Agnes Kumba Dugba Macauley (Mrs)
PMDC/UK branch
c.c. Tamba J. Lamina, Chairman, SLPP , UK /Ireland Branch
Second letter of resignation:
To the Secretary General,
SLPP, United Kingdom and Ireland Branch.
During the past few years, one has been observing the gradual demise of the philosophy and ideology of the SLPP. The legacy of the Founding Fathers has been completely discarded. These values have been torn apart by the "Arrivistes" in the SLPP who have made self-interest, intimidation and victimisation the policies of the SLPP. The result of these callous actions has created a chasm in the nation.I was the Women's Leader of the UK and Ireland Branch and I am also the daughter of one of the stalwarts of the SLPP, the late Mr G.S. Panda who was Secretary to the Prime Minister-namely the late Sir Milton Margai and the late Sir Albert Margai. My late father was among those charged with treason and incarcerated for seven years because of the SLPP.
I have come to the conclusion that I cannot be insensitive and watch the country slip into further decadence and abject poverty and do not embrace the vision of the People's Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC), whose philosophy and ideology are people first and nation building in order to achieve positive change in our beloved country, Sierra Leone.Restoring hope in the nation, especially for the youths and women in order to attain effective goals in all aspects of development in Sierra Leone , can only be realised within the framework of the PMDC. Consequently, for the reasons aforementioned, I hereby tender my resignation from the SLPP.
Yours sincerely,
Esther Panda.
Third letter of resignation:
The Secretary General
Sierra Leone Peoples Party UK and Ireland Branch
London
Dear Sir,
RE:Letter of Resignation
After careful Consideration, I have decided that with effect from today, I am resigning from the Sierra Leone Peoples Party.I must say that I do not have any personal grievances against the branch party and would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the good relationship I have had with you and the branch party.
I am resigning on the basis of principle, as I do not think that the party is keeping to its principle of ensuring that Sierra Leone is a free and democratic state.
Yours faithfully,
Signed Edwin Foray'
Contract ‘wahala'… SLPP MP threatens to resign
Member of Parliament (MP) from Kono district representing the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP), Emmanuel Tommy has threatened to resign if corrupt politicians do not stop victimizing him.
Hon. Tommy who addressed journalists in Kenema at his Blama Road office past Tuesday alleged he is been victimized because he is a contractor turned parliamentarian.
He said he has been a contractor even before entering Parliament. Tommy was lashing out at authorities in Kenema who ignore him and award contracts to other contractors on the grounds that he (Tommy) is a Parliamentarian.
“If some politicians do not stop their dirty intimidation, come June I will travel to Monrovia where I will reestablish my company,” he charged.
Tommy accused that many “contracts are awarded to fake contractors all in the name of commission.”
He accused some of the ‘fake contractors' as not having the capacity to deliver and have on many occasions abandoned their jobs. Tommy argued that as a contractor he has not only contributed to his district, Kono, but also to the SLPP.
Hon. Tommy however stopped short of naming any of the fake contractors and those victimizing him.
He is a Member of Parliament representing Kono district. This is his first term in Parliament as he was elected in 2002 Proportional Representation system under the SLPP ticket.
SLPP scribe defects to PMDC
Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) Secretary General East District, Festus Kpukumu, has resigned his position from the party to join the Peoples Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC).
Kpukumu who also doubles as Deputy Organizing Secretary of Freetown East 3 Constringency resigned his membership from the SLPP on 12th December 2005 .
Excerpts of his resignation letter states: “the democratic values and image of the party have been lost, which has always been my focus. The late Sir Milton Margai and Sir Albert Margai created those foundations, which should always be the party's benchmark,” and the letter continues, “the number of recycled politicians who have created distrust in the party, bad principles, negative political practices, increases the conflict of interest amongst members and finally lack of interest and security for its membership. It is because of the above problems that I have decided to tender my resignation which is effective from the date above,” Kpukumu states in his letter.
“The SLPP has been divided into small groups like Support Mobilization for Kabbah (SUMOKAB), Tokpio Development Association (TDA), Club of Like Minds, Allied Forces, Support Mobilization for Bewera, Friends of Berewa,” Kpukumu told Concord Times and adds that there is the Committee of Elders, which should resolve the conflicts in the party but they are “a bunch of bootlickers” who are always bootlicking to any person that wins.
“75% of the membership of those organizations is either Cabinet Ministers or Parliamentarians with different loyalty,” he alleged and noted the SLPP is divided amongst members of parliament and Cabinet Ministers.
“ I am too educated to belong to that madness and crisis situation,” Kpukumu charged and disclosed that while the people are complaining about the chronic economic hardship in the country, Vice President Solomon Berewa is only particular about SLPP members who are defecting to Charles Margai and Ernest Koroma
2 Kono Councilors quit SLPP
Councilor Felix Fofoh, Chairman Development and Planning Committee and Deputy Chairman of the Koidu New Sembehun Town Council (KNTC) and Councilor Sas Lebbie, Chairman of the Finance and Budget Committee KNTC have resigned from the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP).
In his resignation letter dated 6 th January 2006 ,Councillor Fofoh quoted Abraham Lincolm: “Authentic leaders are apparently people of the highest integrity with deep sense of purpose who are true to their core values,” these, Fofoh claimed are absolutely lacking in the SLPP.
“Leaders are specific individuals with exceptional ability, passion, charm and flexibility to rule people and no practice of selective justice,” Fofoh argued and noted that the total absence of the aforementioned virtues in the SLPP have prompted him to drop his sense of belonging to the party.
Fofoh concluded by alleging that some members of the SLPP have threatened his life in Kono, a claim yet to be subtanciated.
Councilor Sas Lebbie in his letter dated 30 th December 2005 states he is resigning from the party because of the witch-hunting and intimidation within the party.
“The SLPP I used to know was where love, care for the membership and cajoling of every aggrieved member were the watchwords of every member,” Lebbie stated.
SLPP leadership aspirant resigns
Abu Bakarr Kamara, one of the aspirants for the leadership of the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) who was not nominated in Makeni, Tuesday resigned from the party.
Kamara tendered his letter of resignation to the SLPP secretariat citing unprincipled activities that took place before, during and after the party's delegates' congress held in Makeni 3rd – 4 September 2005.
Excerpts of the resignation letter dated November 3rd and addressed to the SLPP Chairman state, “in the light of the current party leadership's espousal of democracy, decency and fairness, it would have been prudent for no one individual to pre-select a successor to President Tejan Kabbah prior to the convention.
This way all aspirants for the leadership would have entered the contest on a level playing filed rather than one candidate having an undue advantage over the others.” Kamara maintained that after the convention he conferred with the various constituencies, which supported his candidacy for the SLPP leadership and they condemned the charade in Makeni, as a dog, and pony show.
“Contrary to what others may think, it is the people of this country that wield power, not the 400 (or so) delegates that were assembled in Makeni,” the letter states and continued, “it is disquieting to note that the current NEO SLPP does not in any way reflect the valves, qualities, morals or fairness of the old SLPP of Milton Margai, Sanusi Mustapha, Kandeh Bangura and others.
This is sad.” Kamara, who erstwhile SLPP chairman, Dr. Sama Banya had described as a man who was not accompanied by a fly when he met him, charged that in addition the convention was riddled with intimidation, vote fixing, and blatant violations of both the party and national constitutions.
SLPP to appear in court within 21 days
Chairman of the ruling Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP), Alhaji UNS Jah Tuesday confirmed to Concord Times that the party is to appear in court within 21 days. Jah affirmed that a writ of summon has been filed at the Supreme Court on behalf of erstwhile Civil Defense Force Coordinator and incarcerated war crimes indictee, Chief Sam Hinga Norman as the plaintiff.
Jah says the writ is challenging the legitimacy of the newly elected leader of the SLPP, Vice President Solomon Berewa. “We received the writ on 31st October 2005 and we are processing it through the appropriate channel,” the Chairman said. He maintained that the matter is a legal issue and “it is some of the democratic challenges that the party has to face.”
He confirmed that the party's lawyers are looking at the writ and would respond accordingly. “The convention of early September of which I was a party to legally elected Vice President Berewa. That issue had been contested in court before the convention and the Supreme Court gave a ruling,” Jah noted.
Administrative Secretary of the SLPP, Brima Koroma when contacted by Concord Times on the matter said, “we are not too worried.”
Secretary General of the SLPP, Jacob Jusu Saffa when reached for comments on the matter laughed and said, “the matter is with the legal advisers but we are nonetheless distracted by that.”
Reactions from the general SLPP membership is mixed. Some supporters of the party maintain that Chief Norman should not try to tear the party apart for the sake of getting at some people while others are of the view that Chief Norman has a right to take the party to court as he is a registered member and has put his life on the line for its survival.
According to the writ of summon, the 1st accused is the SLPP, 2nd accused UNS Jah, 3rd accused JJ Saffa and 4th accused Attorney General Fred Carew. Chief Norman is an indictee of the Special Court for Sierra Leone and is currently in detention. He took the SLPP to court before the convention in September but the case was struck out of court.
He was the leader of the Civil Defense Forces popularly known as Kamajors and Deputy Minister of Defense before his indictment.
SLPP spends Le 409 million on NPA: No more blackout promised
Deputy General Manager of National Power Authority (NPA) intimated the press Friday at the Kingtom power station that the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) government has spent Le 409 million on the purchasing of fuel. This he said was the secret behind the improved supply of power recently. The Authority assured the public of continued supply of electricity.
Foday Mannah, NPA's General Manager made this assurance upon the arrival of a seven megawatt diesel engine generator to service the Western Area with uninterrupted electricity. “The project was undertaken by ESCOM, a South African firm,” Mannah disclosed and adds that the electricity situation would improve with the arrival of the South African experts in the country.
“ESCOM would ensure the foundation, installation, commission and readiness of the generator while NPA would come in to ensure that the operation kick starts,” Mannah stated and continued, “we are ready to work very hard to ensure that the machine is ready by December 2005.”
Mannah's Deputy, Tarawallie earlier mentioned that the machine is an indication of South Africa 's continued assistance to Sierra Leone . Tarawallie said the machine was manufactured in United Kingdom. He however called on consumers to compliment the effort of the Authority as they had been cried down when things were tough.
He adds that Le 80.4 million per day is spent on fuel for the two machines that are presently operational. Tarrawallie disclosed they spend Le147 million on 110 metric tons of fuel for five days. He called on consumers to start paying the bills they owe NPA, as this money is what is being used to sustain their labour force.
Development Manager, Albert Cream-Wright bluffed that NPA means business this time around as there would be no turning back and adds that in ensuring good communication between management and the public, the South African representative, Max Robson would be in town next week to brief the public on ESCOM's side of the bargain.
The issue of power supply in the capital Freetown has been appalling, to say the least, in the last four months with many areas going without light.
However, the arrival of the new power generator has been greeted with mixed feelings as sections of the public see it as mere politicking on the part of government with the 2007 elections not too far away, while others see the development as a welcome move
SLPP Vice Chairman defects to Margai
J. Alusine Kamara, Vice Chairman of the ruling Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) for Freetown West I constituency has tendered his letter of resignation defecting to Charles Margai's newly formed but yet to be registered Peoples Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC).
The letter dated 20TH October, 2005 and addressed to the SLPP Chairman reads thus:
“Please accept my resignation as (i) a member of the SLPP. Freetown West 1 Constituency and (ii) vice Chairman (1) of the executive thereof. “My appreciation of our shared values which my present political inclination is at variance with, happens to visit my only regret. I am “au fait” with your loyalty to the Party over the years, which subjected you to acute deprivation while some political strumpets now in the Party were busy selling souls to the “highest bidders”.
“This realization enjoins me to sympathize with your present predicament as you search your conscience to ask whether after Allah, duty should be to the Party,….or the country? Is this the SLPP you used to know, or which you want. “ Sterling and visionary ideals propagated, and patriotically furthered by the founding parents have been compromised and marginalized by indecencies of sycophancy and absence of moral values, to the total exclusion of good governance.
Decadence pervades the society so completely, in my mind, that I believe it would be sacrilegious to the memories of these visionary patriots to partake of the unfortunatcy. “It is my undisputed belief that, were the founders around, they would give this pack offensively-parading masquerades as SLPP, a warranted “clean pair of heels”
“There is no way therefore, with my conclusion, that I can justify my continued participation in the absurdity the Party embodies, and will therefore make a dignified exit, putting the interest of every Sierra Leonean above all other considerations".
UNPP Chairman says SLPP has no vision in fighting corruption
United National Peoples Party (UNPP) Chairman for United Kingdom/Ireland Branch, Mohamed Ben Kamara was pinned down by Concord Times to throw light on a wide range of issues including why the party did not contest the local council elections, the challenges facing their political outfit and what is left of their leader and octogenarian politician Dr. John Karafe-Smart.
CT: When did you join the UNPP
Ben: I joined the UNPP in 1995 under the auspices of Joe Conteh and I was elected Chairman of the UK / Ireland Branch in 2001.
CT: What are your functions as Chairman of that Branch
Ben: Basically to represent the party in Europe and mobilize other Sierra Leoneans and all those who are interested to join our political movement. As chairman these are my duties as far I am concerned.
CT: Why are you deciding to run for the UNPP leadership?
Ben: It is every Sierra Leonean's dream to become the leader of a credible political party and hopefully president of Sierra Leone . I also believe I have the ability and qualities to lead the party in the 21st Century. I am of the opinion that vast majorities of Sierra Leoneans are supporting my candidacy. I can win them any elections and exercise my leadership qualities for future presidential position.
CT: You have stayed abroad for a long time. People are of the view that you don't the politics of the country?
Ben: It is very true that I have stayed abroad for some time but I always make three of four trips to Freetown every year in order to understand the plight of the people and know their problems. While abroad I am firmly in touch with the grassroots and my political colleagues. I also lobby the international community to send development aid to the country. I have developed projects in the country. I have keen interest in sports and I believe the country is well behind UNPP and me.
CT: Your party was defeated in 1996 and 2002 elections, why are you optimistic that your party will form the next government?
Ben: In 1996 we won the elections but due to certain arrangements, we sacrificed that for the NPRC junta not to hang on to power. In 2002 the same thing happened and we were given a bloody nose. Come 2007 elections the people are sick and tired with this political system, and they are demanding a change. From my assessment the country is looking forward to a new set of politicians to rescue them from political bondage. With this we are confident that we will win the 2007 presidential and parliamentary elections without a run-off.
CT: Why did the UNPP not contest the Local Government Elections in 2004?
Ben: There were two schools of thought within our party and in the interest of unity the party decided not to contest the said elections. We are now concentrating on our campaign for 2007. This is the reason why we did not contest.
CT: Why should you not forget about this UNPP movement and join Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) or All Peoples Congress (APC)?
Ben: There is no credible opposition party in Sierra Leone. The APC is largely divided and its legacy of 24 years misrule is still haunting them. Sierra Leoneans and the international community will not support the APC to form a government in this country again. UNPP is not against any coalition but we are concerned about what its formation will look like. Our doors are always open for other political parties to join hands with us including the APC. Previous elections in Sierra Leone have taught us that it is good to come together to remove an incumbent government.
CT: Why are we not hearing much about the UNPP these days?
Ben: It is because we are taking a different turn in our political campaign. We are trying to win the hearts of the people and our friends in the Diaspora and we are now taking our message to the hinterland to the electorates in order to educate them about our policies. We have acquired the finances to embark on a massive electioneering campaign.
CT: It seems as if with the exit of Dr. John Kerefa-Smart from the political scene the UNPP is dead?
Ben: No! On the contrary, the UNPP is gaining momentum and our membership is increasing in thousands. For the records Dr. Karefa-Smart is still with us, as an adviser and elderly statesman.
CT: What do you make of corruption in the country?
Ben: It is a cancer, which needs to be weeded out of this country forever. The administrative machinery must be overhauled including the justice system. Plans are to be put in place for a corrupt free society and corrupt officials must be punished. The Anti-Corruption Commission must be allowed to do its work without any political interference. The system must be accountable to the people.
CT: How do you perceive the SLPP fight against corruption?
Ben: SLPP has no vision in fighting corruption, as the SLPP is full with people of corrupt backgrounds. If the presidential administration is corrupt, the citadel of justice is corrupt including the Civil Service and there is the need for a “cleaner.” Sierra Leone is ranked 124 out of 159 corrupt countries in the world this shows that the SLPP is not serious in combating the menace.
CT: If you are to rate President Kabbah's performance, how much percent will you give him?
Ben: As far as I know Kabbah has scored 5%. He can't manage his administration, the economy and his human rights records are next to nothing. He has no policies. He is just dancing to the tune of the international community.
SLPP shares Le 4.5 billion
Mines Minister, Mohamed Swarray- Deen announced Saturday that the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) led government has shared Le 4.5 billion to sixty three chiefdoms involved in mining activities in the country.
Swarray-Deen made this announcement during the launch of the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative at Cabenda hotel, Freetown . The National Advocacy Coalition on Extractive (NACE) organized the programme.
Swarray- Deen says his government is committed to NACE's initiative and the latter is benefiting about 3.5 billion people who are directly affected on equitable distribution of resources.
“With corruption it is always the poor who suffer the most,” he said and adds that the initiative would help to answer many questions including how to avoid harm and misappropriation of resources. He encouraged his audience to work together as there are lessons to be learnt from the scheme
SLPP promises ‘war' against Charles Margai
Chairman of the ruling Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP), Alhaji UNS Jah Tuesday told Concord Times that since Charles Margai failed to heed to the party's advise, there was going to be an all out “war” on him.
“Any one trying to rock the SLPP foundation we would not take kindly to and it is tantamount to full fledge war,” Alhaji Jah said. He maintained he advised Charles Margai not to destroy the foundations of the party when he led a delegation of reputable people in the party recently to have him see reason and join forces with Vice President Berewa. Jah says as an elder in the SLPP, he served the late Sir. Milton Margai as a boy and his brother Sir. Albert Margai (Charles Margai's father) as a young man.
“I know Charles' mother and he has respect for me,” the Chairman noted. “I told him (Charles) that he should not destroy the foundation of the party built by his fathers,” Jah recalled but continued that unfortunately for their delegation, Margai had already arrived at a hasty conclusion and had “organized his boys” on their arrival.
“What is wrong if Vice President Berewa leads the party? Was the question I put to Charles,” the Chairman queried and adds, “before you lead, you must be led.” The chairman continued that Margai's response was, “Alhaji, I have great respect for you. But can you imagine that one morning we will wake up and realize that Kanja Sesay or Momodu Koroma is running mate to Berewa?”
The Chairman continued that it was at that juncture that Charles Margai said he has “nothing to do with the SLPP, if we have time we will see.” Asked if the party had any regrets talking to Charles Margai, the Chairman responded, “it was a traditional gesture and we expected that he was going to sleep over it. But his response was premature and very unfortunate. It was our moral responsibility to ensure that the party is united and we made no mistake by going to meet Charles.
The Vice President had extended an olive branch to him, what else does he want? He should always lead and not be led?”
SLPP cabinet is not result-oriented, EFSL Secretary
Secretary General of Evangelical Fellowship of Sierra Leone (EFSL), Aiah Foday- Khabenje Monday told journalists at his Circular Road office that the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) cabinet is not result-oriented.
He said the appointment of cabinet positions should not be a tenure or career position. It should be done on the basis of performance not on favoritism, he states. Foday-Khabenje pointed out that injustice is one of the reasons responsible for corruption, lawlessness and immorality in the country.
He noted that the long awaited Bumbuna hydroelectric project is gradually becoming meaningless to the people of this country. The Secretary General however commended the government for bringing peace to the country and the successful implementation of the disarmament process of thousands of combatants.
He said the EFSL is an alliance of Christian Organizations committed to the transformation of the nation through gospel proclamation.
SLPP Publicity Secretary regrets PANAFU membership
Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) Publicity Secretary, Hon. Victor Reider Friday confessed his regret for been a member of Pan African Union (PANAFU).
He was reacting to story in the Peep! Magazine captioned “Journalists are extremely stupid.” He says PANAFU is an offshoot of the Revolutionary United Fronted (RUF) and the latter maimed and killed a lot of people during their political struggle. “ PANAFU recruited the late Foday Sankoh,” he told journalists at a press briefing at SLPP office on Wallace Johnson Street and added that Sankoh hijacked the RUF.
“Sometime in May of 1997, PANAFU had a meeting to which I was invited at 71 Blackhall Road , house of Retty Foster one time broadcast journalist at the SLBS. At the meeting it was agreed that PANAFU should recruit young people to be trained in Libya to overthrow the reactionary regime of Siaka Stevens,” Reider revealed.
He explained that Peep! maganzine Editor, Olu Gordon and Sidi Jalloh nominated him, Jeff Bawoly-Williams, Mohamed Kamara and late Rashid Manasaray in 1986 for training in Libya . Gordon, he said, met them in Ghana at the International Student Hostel where Alie Kabba and others were residing as a way to encourage the delegation.
Hon. Reider disclosed that up on their return to Freetown in 1987 they learned that the same people who traded them to the Accra group had reneged on their promise because the funding they were expecting was not forth coming. “It was at that same meeting that I vowed never to have any thing to do with their so-called revolution and the likes of Olu Gordon. From that day God Almighty knows that I have nothing to do with any thing concerning leftist struggle in Sierra Leone ,” he said.
After convention…SLPP broke!!!
Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) has gone broke just after its National Delegates Congress, senior party officials disclosed Monday at an urgently convened meeting to solicit funds.
At a meeting held at the new party office, the former National Electoral Commission building Wallace Johnson Street, it was made clear that the party has suffered financial problems and it is heading for bankruptcy.
SLPP's National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Victor Reider addressed the press that the meeting was a family one to chat the way forward.
“ We hope at the end of the day to raise a strong financial base,” Hon. Reider said and added that the money raised will be used for the smooth running of the party.
Concord Times gathered that senior party stalwarts pledged not less than a million Leones. Vice President Solomon Berewa was among members that made pledges.
Reconciliation tops SLPP Sec. Gen.'s agenda (By Sahr Musa Yamba )
Newly elected Secretary General of the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP), Jacob Jusu Saffa Thursday intimated Concord Times that reconciliation was topmost on his agenda.
“I am calling on all SLPP including those who did not vote for me to reconcile and unite. I am asking aggrieved parties to be open to reconciliation. I personally have nothing against any body. Before the elections, my best friends were those who supported me, but now my best friends will be those who work for the SLPP to achieve the 2007 dream,” the new Secretary General says.
Saffa maintains that the victory he won was not for him but the entire SLPP membership. “SLPP can now boast of new faces attractive to the electorate,” he noted.
Asked what his challenges would be, Saffa says his major challenge would be to relocate to their new office along Wallace Johnson Street . “I cannot work from the current Rawdon Street office because it is not ideal. My first challenge is to put all my effort to see that the transfer to the new office materializes. We hope to start operating there within the next week or so,” the new Secretary General revealed.
Talking about his first 100-day plan, Saffa noted one of his priorities was to reform the administrative arrangement of the Secretariat and arrange for a tour of the provinces. He says at the end of his term of office he hopes to achieve a more functioning Secretariat that can always assure SLPP victory.
Subject: ‘Systemic Corruption’ vs. ‘3-Times More Corrupt’ - Prez, AG
From: Rodney D. Sieh
To: All
Date Posted: 10:58:04 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-050.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.50
Message:
‘Systemic Corruption’ vs. ‘3-Times More Corrupt’ - Prez, AG in War of the “C” Word
06/13/07 - Rodney D. Sieh, rsieh@FrontPageAfrica.com
Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has accused the Auditor General of Liberia, John S. Morlu of conducting pre and not post audit of the national budget in violation of Section 53.3 of the Executive Law and Duties of Auditor General. In response, Morlu says he was only reiterating the President’s earlier statement on corruption, when he made the remark that the Sirleaf administration was three times more corrupt then Bryant’s government.
So why are they at war?
Silently, government officials are saying that Morlu should have kept his views in house and not on the airwaves and in the public domain. Morlu says he really had no choice – his plight was ignored and he lacked the support needed to carry out his work.
In an interview with FrontPageAfrica Wednesday, Morlu says there is nothing secretive about a public document like the budget. “A private citizen may present comments and analysis of the Budget to his Senator and/or Representative. The Auditor General should be applauded for identifying sources of revenue left out of the Budget and not crucified,” says Morlu.
As Auditor General, Morlu is the officer of the Government principally responsible for conducting comprehensive post audits, special financial investigations, reconciliation's and analyses, and continuous audits on a routine basis. The auditor’s functions also includes a once a year audit of all Government agencies and Government organizations and examine, to the extent he deems necessary, all transactions and accounts relating to the receipt, disbursement, and utilization of the public monies. The auditor is also responsible for performing audits of all property accounts and transaction of all Government agencies and Government organization.
In the aftermath of Morlu’s declaration, the Auditor General has been taken to task by the Minister of Finance Antoinette Sayeh and the Minister of Information Laurence Bropleh.
The Finance Minister said Morlu’s criticisms of the draft National Budget reflect an incomplete review of all available information that has been provided as part of the submission of the budget,” according to the statement while Bropleh said But Bropleh says the government has already declared corruption as the number one enemy and took serious exception to Morlu’s rants. Now comes Sirleaf.
He said- She-said
CLARITY
"All I did was to quantify what the President has said. It is not up to the President to clarify or state how systemic is corruption in quantitative terms. How much also did she inherit from past governments, 10 percent, 20 percent or 100 percent?”
John Morlu, Auditor General, RL
Sirleaf’s response came in the form of a letter to the Auditor General in which the President levies a series of accusations against Morlu. In the letter addressed to Morlu and copied to Finance Minister Antoinette Sayeh, Budget Director Augustine Ngafuan as well as the Speaker of the House of Representatives Alex Tyler and President Pro Tempore of the Senate Isaac Nyenabo, Sirleaf said, while she agreed with some of the comments made by Morlu, it was important that the Auditor General understood the reality of the budget process before drawing a conclusion.
“This would allow you to make comments and suggestions in the constructive spirit in which I believe you intended to contribute to the budget process in our country,” according to the letter obtained by FrontPageAfrica from a source at the Finance Ministry.
“As you are aware, the introductory paragraph of section “S 53.3 Duties of the Auditor General” of the Executive Law of 1972 states: “The Auditor General shall be the officer of the Government principally responsible for conducting comprehensive post audit…” In your letter you indicate that “instead, the Office of the Auditor General has only reviewed and analyzed the draft National Budget…”
Sirleaf said the Auditor General’s review and analysis of the draft National Budget amounts to a ‘pre-audit and not a post-audit as mandated by the Law. “It appears to me that in conducting such a pre-audit, the Office of the General Auditor acted in conflict with, or at best in deviation from, its statutory duty.”
Why ‘Three Times More’? Morlu explains
But Morlu denies the President’s claims and says that some senior officials in the government are talking not from an informed position as he was only reiterating the President’s earlier statement on corruption, when he made the remark that the Sirleaf administration was three times more corrupt the Bryant’s government. “The President stated yesterday (Monday), ‘There is systemic corruption in Liberia...and she inherited some of the corruption." All I did was to quantify what the President has said,” said Morlu. The Auditor General said it is not up to the President to clarify or state how systemic is corruption in quantitative terms. “How much also did she inherit from past governments, 10 percent, 20 percent or 100 percent?”
Continued Morlu: “President Sirleaf herself said this that there is systemic corruption in her government, that her government is a syndicate of corrupt people, a syndicate. So what’s the problem? All I did was to quantify what Sirleaf had already said.” She said this on the radio and everyone heard it. How did she come to this, did she conduct an audit?
Morlu said those in the government who are criticizing him may not know that auditors live and die by risk profile, or risk assessment. “How many men and women do I need to audit Liberia depends on the risk of Liberia...which is more corrupt, less corrupt, equally corrupt to Bryant, Taylor, Doe, Tolbert etc.? I have to quantify, period. “All I am asking is that all the monies belonging to the Liberian people be put back on the books...I have already identified US$47 million cash at the Central Bank and US$28 million in outstanding taxes that was not reflected in the Draft National Budget. No one has yet to dispute these discoveries. None.”
Morlu lamented the fact that he has now come under severe attack from some quarters of the administration. “Honestly, the level of insults and abuse from the government is little disappointing but not surprising. But look at what happened to the AG of Canada, Kenya. Cameroun, Peru, and auditors in Mozambique.” By the way, the president cannot fire me. I am independent and reporting to the National Legislature and GEMAP. It is a four-year tenure post...so we should just push ahead and clean up some of the corruption...and that starts in the budget process."
Sirleaf has said on numerous occasions that "corruption in Government is the Administration's #1 enemy". The President, who ran a campaign under the banner of eradicating corruption, has also said that corruption is deeply rooted and widespread in the society. Supporters of Morlu say they do not think Sirleaf’s reference was to an imaginary enemy. Thus, the Auditor General's reference to the level of corruption in Government simply supports the President's identification of the #1 deeply routed and widespread enemy in Liberia.
Sirleaf vows fireworks, clampdown
In response to revelation of corruption in her government, Sirleaf has pledge to clamp down on corruption and carry out a series of changes within her government beginning next week.
“When I move next week, I don’t want to hear anything from the public… When I go to some office and fire everybody there…” Sirleaf told her monthly radio show Conversation with the President Tuesday. The President continued. We have got systemic corruption. The little cabal that goes on, the little syndicates, bogus transactions... Someone taking bribes… it is something that you can’t solve overnight.”
Sirleaf hinted that she would commence the fireworks at the National Port Authority (NPA), where staff will be retired and redundant workers removed. Sirleaf says the exercise would be extended to other government functionaries but was not specific.
‘I broke no laws’, Morlu says
Sirleaf also took Morlu to task for availing himself of the services of volunteers and individuals on a pro-bono basis. “I also invite you to reflect on the appropriateness of involving individuals on a pro-bono basis to deal with matters of sensitivity in the conduct of Government business. Although the National Budget eventually becomes a public document, the pro bono individuals you have.” … recruited … to identify the various revenue sources…” (page 7 of your review) are not bound by the rules of the Civil Service nor by the oath of confidentiality required by S 53.5 of the Executive Law of 1972.” However, Morlu says there is no confidentiality agreement in Section 53.5 which states: “The Auditor General shall examine and certify in accordance with the outcome of his examination any statement that the Minister of Finance of other head of a Government Agency or Government organization may present for audit certificate.”
“Where is she quoting? I do not think the president read the rules properly.” The law says nothing about confidentiality.”
In response, Morlu says he was honest enough to acknowledge the assistance of these individuals in his letter to the President and Speaker. ”What kind of information these individuals gathered. If the information was general, and one available to the general public, what is the offense? If the information was "confidential" and "sensitive", why did the relevant Agencies of Government provide it?"
Morlu says the only type of information which is secretive under the law relates to security information; and even at that, the scope is very narrow. “What is secretive about the people's money and/or sources of revenue? As the Auditor General has not received the needed support to hire and employ a staff, he must be applauded for identifying individuals willing to work on a pro-bono basis in this difficult Liberia,” says the AG.
Morlu says in quoting the laws, Sirleaf failed to mention the fact that “the Auditor General shall be the officer of the Government principally responsible for conducting comprehensive post audits as well as special financial investigations, reconciliation and analysis, and continuous audits on a routine basis". “This is all I was trying to do.”
FPA legal analyst A.T. Jalloh says he finds no language in the Executive Law of 1972 that permits pre-audit of a submitted, national budget. "The Auditor-General appears to be aware of this limit when he states in his submitted report to the Legislature that his recommendation regarding the draft 2007-2008 fiscal budget is based on his professional opinion, rather than an audit. However Jalloh says, "while the Auditor-General’s report maybe a permissive professional opinion, his conclusion that the 2007-2008 budget "is not auditable, not accountable, and not transparent" could lead some to view his report as more than an opinion."
Subject: ABDUL KARIM TURAY (AKT) HAS DIED IN FREETOWN
From: BUFORD HWY
To: All
Date Posted: 10:31:24 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-074-228-219-218.sip.asm.bellsouth.net at 74.228.219.218
Message:
The one time APC leader during the Siaka Stevens and Momoh regimes,and later crossed over to the SLPP party has died in Freetown.
Subject: Re: ABDUL KARIM TURAY (AKT) HAS DIED IN FREETOWN
From: M. Alieu Iscandari Esq
To: All
Date Posted: 11:18:05 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
RIP
Subject: Re: ABDUL KARIM TURAY (AKT) HAS DIED IN FREETOWN
From: FARRAH MARRAH
To: All
Date Posted: 11:37:57 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 134.113.7.99
Message:
Alieu,
I thought these guys will "LIVE FOREVER" as per the motto of their party (A.P.C.).
Maybe it is a foreshadowing Foday Kalokoh, then him.
I muse who will be next?
Subject: Re: ABDUL KARIM TURAY (AKT) HAS DIED IN FREETOWN
From: Mohamed S. Fornah
To: All
Date Posted: 09:35:18 06/17/07 ()
Email Address: bomkapr@yahoo.com
Entered From: c-68-54-168-242.hsd1.md.comcast.net at 68.54.168.242
Message:
Another big tree had fallen in Makeni, Bombali, Nothern Province. Doctor A.K.Turay sudden death is a shock to the whole nation and the world at large. His legacy, of empacting the knowledge God gave him to others in the whole world and Sierra Leone in paticular shall remain never to be forgotten. My family, you're loving niece, Marie Mans-Fornah(Mammie Yemboh) and the rest of the family shall remain in greif for the rest of our lives. May your soul rest in perfect peace.
-you're loving brother in law,
M.S Fornah(Pa Yamba Lawyer)
Subject: Re: ABDUL KARIM TURAY (AKT) HAS DIED IN FREETOWN
From: OR BOLI WAN
To: All
Date Posted: 04:53:08 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
I muse who will be next?
YOU
Subject: Re: ABDUL KARIM TURAY (AKT) HAS DIED IN FREETOWN
From: Almamy Seray-Wurie Si
To: All
Date Posted: 12:56:59 06/14/07 ()
Email Address: almamysi@hotmail.com
Entered From: steve.accord-ne.org at 156.111.18.242
Message:
Please remember about your own death before wishing others death
Subject: Re: ABDUL KARIM TURAY (AKT) HAS DIED IN FREETOWN
From: Shocking
To: All
Date Posted: 11:40:45 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
William Bangura, don't you know it is bad manners in the extreme to disparage someone on the day of his death?
Did you grow up without parental guidance, Bangura?
Subject: Re: ABDUL KARIM TURAY (AKT) HAS DIED IN FREETOWN
From: FARRAH MARRAH
To: All
Date Posted: 12:49:02 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 134.113.7.99
Message:
Shocking,
It takes one to no one.
Maybe you are the one who NEVER HAD PARENTS OR THEIR GUIDANCE.
Subject: Re: ABDUL KARIM TURAY (AKT) HAS DIED IN FREETOWN
From: KALOKOH
To: All
Date Posted: 11:40:32 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-050.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.50
Message:
Welcome welcome brother AKT. We are ready to receive you here in hell. Life is not that easy, but we dey manage. Can you please bring me some underwear, jeans, and omole? I am very happy to see a good friend of mine after a short break. I am waiting for the reunion in hell. Welcome home, brother.
Subject: Re: ABDUL KARIM TURAY (AKT) HAS DIED IN FREETOWN
From: Olu Beckley
To: All
Date Posted: 11:35:03 06/14/07 ()
Email Address: mariamab@aol.com
Entered From: at 206.113.148.2
Message:
May his soul rest in peace.
Subject: Re: ABDUL KARIM TURAY (AKT) HAS DIED IN FREETOWN
From: FARRAH MARRAH
To: All
Date Posted: 12:50:58 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 134.113.7.99
Message:
He never had any SOUL.
Subject: Guinean Troops Depart Yenga
From: SOLDIER
To: All
Date Posted: 09:13:22 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-050.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.50
Message:
AWOKO NEWS
Guinean Troops Depart Yenga
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After a long dispute over Yenga, a border village between Guinea and Sierra Leone, Guinean troops are reported to be gradually relocating to Norgowa in their country with all their military equipment.
According to the second in command at the 1st Battalion in Kailahun, Major A.K Kamara, “only eight Guinean personnel are currently occupying Yenga as compared to resent past when over 200 Guinean troops were deployed there”.
He said the eight personnel were waiting to harvest their cassava farm before crossing over to Guinea. Unlike previous time when people including security personnel from Sierra Leone were restricted to Yenga, now there is free movement of people in and out of that once disputed village from both countries.
Major Kamara further revealed that, “the Battalion still maintains one company at the forward patrol base at Koindu with deployment at Baidu and Buedu”.
Subject: Ruling Party Sweeps Egyptian Vote
From: Olu Beckley
To: All
Date Posted: 09:10:13 06/14/07 ()
Email Address: mariamab@aol.com
Entered From: at 206.113.148.2
Message:
By Ellen Knickmeyer
Washington Post Foreign Service
Thursday, June 14, 2007; Page A19
CAIRO, June 13 -- Candidates allied with Egypt's governing party secured 86 of 88 seats at stake in parliamentary elections this week, the government said Wednesday, in the first test of constitutional changes that critics charge were meant to block the opposition Muslim Brotherhood from power.
None of 19 candidates from the Islamic political movement won a seat in Monday's vote for the upper house, known as the Shura Council. Brotherhood leaders had said they expected to be shut out in the elections, which most other leading opposition groups boycotted.
The Brotherhood, Egyptian rights groups and journalists reported numerous instances of vote-buying, ballot-stuffing and underage voting, along with armed security forces blocking opposition supporters from voting in some areas.
Voting irregularities included poll officials offering the equivalent of about $60 -- a month's salary for many in Egypt -- to Shayfeen.com election monitors to cast ballots for Mubarak's governing party, Shahbandar said.
Shahbandar said "junior government employees" who took the place of the judicial election monitors were untrained and submissive to security forces at the polls.
State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said in Washington that reports of opposition supporters being blocked from voting were "of deep concern."
"While the Egyptian government has made some progress in opening up their political system, there have been some troubling incidents," he said.
International rights groups and political analysts have accused the Bush administration of easing pressure on Egypt for democratic reform for fear of offending Mubarak's government, a U.S. partner in the region.
Subject: PLEASE HELP AS 48,000 S/LEONEANS LIVING WITH HIV
From: BUFORD HWY
To: All
Date Posted: 08:36:31 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-074-228-219-218.sip.asm.bellsouth.net at 74.228.219.218
Message:
48 000 Sierra Leoneans living with HIV - Health Minister
The minister of health, Abator Thomas, yesterday revealed that in 1987 Sierra Leone started with only one known case but now there were 48, 000 Sierra Leoneans living with the HIV virus.
She made this statement during a pre-legislation sensitization held in parliament about the “prevention and control of HIV and AIDS 2007 bill,” which is being championed by Society of Women against AIDS in Sierra Leone (SWAASL).
The minister encouraged parliamentarians to pass the bill as it would help to fight the spread of HIV.
Also urging MPs to pass the bill when it would come up in parliament by Friday this week, the coordinator for People Living With AIDS (PLWHA) pointed out that many people had serious misconception about AIDS, “many people tag PLWHAs as immoral and promiscuous and as a result are being stigmatized.”
He noted that the bill, if passed, would protect these people from stigmatization and discrimination, noting also that if stigmatization was curtailed then many people would come out and declare their status which would to a large extent help in the prevention of HIV.
The deputy Speaker of parliament, who also made a statement, revealed that she was suffering from typhoid but that she was not ashamed of telling people or being castigated for it.
She pointed out that this should be the case with people living with HIV only if they would not be stigmatized.
The deputy Speaker acknowledged that, “It is essential that we promulgate this law and also educate people on their rights and responsibilities”.
The WHO country director, who is the chairman of the UN Theme Group on AIDS, urged that Sierra Leone should take the AIDS epidemic seriously.
She noted that Zimbabwe for example, her country, was overwhelmed with the epidemic just because they refused to accept that AIDS was real and reneged on their duty to fight the scourge even when their prevalent rate was low.
She warned that,”as Sierra Leone’s prevalent rate is low at the moment the country should not sleep on its oars because the highest figures in countries started with a zero prevalent rate”.
The deputy director of the National AIDS Secretariat (NAS), Abdul Rahman Sesay, accepted that “HIV is on the increase in Sierra Leone and there is need to put all the structures in place to curb the epidemic and the AIDS bill is such a one.”
Subject: Guinean troops depart Yenga
From: AWOKO
To: All
Date Posted: 08:34:47 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-050.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.50
Message:
Guinean troops depart Yenga
After a protracted tussle between the neighbouring Republics of Sierra Leone and Guinea over the border town of Yenga in the east of Sierra Leone, it is reported today that the occupying Guinean forces who had claimed the area to be theirs for years, had started pulling out to Nogaowa on the Guinean side of the border.
Awoko quotes the second in command of the First battalion in Kailahun as saying that “only eight Guinean personnel are currently occupying Yenga as compared to the recent past when over 200 Guinean troops were deployed there” adding that the remaining eight were only waiting to harvest their cassava farm before taking the home-going turn around.
Unlike the past, the paper reports that this latest development in potential conflict situation has indeed brought solace to the hither nightmarish inhabitants of Yenga who were under siege by the Guinean troops. At a recent summit of the heads of Governments of Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia held in the Guinean capital Conakry, the three leaders determined to peacefully resolve the issue, while out-going President Tejan Kabbah of Sierra Leone vowed to ensure that Yenga comes back to the jurisdiction and sovereignty of Sierra Leone before he leaves office after August this year.
Subject: Re: Guinean troops depart Yenga
From: APC
To: All
Date Posted: 14:28:47 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-75-66-114-24.hsd1.tn.comcast.net at 75.66.114.24
Message:
Diplomacy does work. Yenga is not Bakassi Peninsula.Thank you Kabba.
Subject: Another aircraft disappears
From: Lungi
To: All
Date Posted: 04:56:49 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-151-2-61.range86-151.btcentralplus.com at 86.151.2.61
Message:
On 10 june, a small two seater aircraft took off from Lungi, to go to Conakry, and its whereabouts are unknown.Airports Authority, are ill equipped to have any information, and they were quite content, that their Landing charges were paid before take off.
Subject: JOHN LEIGH STOP LYING!
From: Moijue-A GENUINE KAMAJOR SUPPORTER
To: All
Date Posted: 00:28:50 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 89.243.186.11
Message:
JEL wrote:Ironically, the Kamajors supporting the PMDC that I know are mostly those kamajors who testified against Chief Norman in exchange for coco-ehbeh from David Craine. My information is that they were crooks that Norman tried to discipline in the bush during thw war.
John Leigh u need to stop lying.I have great respect for u for the role u played despite our political differences during the interregnum.Since u went on this YELIBA adventure of yours,u are showing me the true JEL now.
How can you be so dishonest with yourself by making this unfortunate and lying statement just to buy favour from BEREWA.
Now i know u were shedding crocodile tears for the Late Norman.
U even refused to attend the FUNERAL of the lateman in his village,though u were in salone.
JEL,on the arrest of Chief Norman,People like DARAMY ROGERS,CHARLES MOIWO and others were used by ur SLPP not only to locate FOFANA AND KONDOWEI,BUT SOME even went and testified against CDF.All of those who testified against NORMAN are now in your new group-BONDAYIA, which was formed to support SLPP as they had lost support among the KAMAJORS.
SHOW us one name in PMDC OR APC THAT testified against NORMAN and co? Now i know why u abandoned Norman before his murder by Special court and SLPP.
Infact,Norman and co did not only join PMDC but swore anyone that accepts any help from UR UNGRATEFUL SLPP ON their behalf.UR SLPP betrayed these fellows and abandoned them.When ur political godfather UNS JAH wanted votes he visited Norman and co promised him heaven on earth.As soon as he won he forgot about them
REQUEST:NAME ME ONE KAMAJOR THAT BETRAYED NORMAN AND TESTIFIED AGAINST HIM THAT IS A MEMBER OF PMDC?
It is rather strange that you people that betrayed the man are now the one's causing the loudest noise and pointing finger at others.
U will surely be outed. U are a true opportunist.
Pls let us debate and put the record straight on this issue.I am ready if u are.Bring it on.
Subject: Re: JOHN LEIGH STOP LYING!
From: CADMUS
To: All
Date Posted: 10:13:16 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 82.198.250.16
Message:
My dear good brother MOIJUE,
How far can this debate go if you have already decided that ...."the SLPP and the Special court Murdered the great Late Chief Norman....."
My brother,you have acted as prosecutor, Judge, and jury, and have convicted the SLPP and the Special Court in this matter without any supporting evidence thereto.. This is what is known as RUSH TO JUDGEMENT and very dangerous game.
What course can any future dabate take if you hold such an attitude?
Subject: Re: Munku, Funku, Dunku - Phoolumunku!
From: John E. Leigh
To: All
Date Posted: 11:26:37 06/14/07 ()
Email Address: johnernestleigh@yahoo.com
Entered From: cache-rtc-ae10.proxy.aol.com at 152.163.101.14
Message:
CADMUS:
I think you are much too much of a kind and polite gentleman when dealing with forum MTDs (mumbo-tombo-dumbos).
Did I get you right? Did you label a conclusion that 'Chief Norman was murdered by the SLPP and the Special Court' as merely a "RUSH TO JUDGEMENT"?
Oh man, you are so polite and understatedly cultured! Guess how I would have termed such trash?
Fortunately, I have cut down on opening trash postings. I now ignore fully 85% of forum postings.
But we make a good team. "You be the good cop. Me be the bad cop! We go do dis. We go do dat. Wenn we ween!" Cheers! - JL
Subject: Re: Munku, Funku, Dunku - Phoolumunku!
From: Yaya Fanusie
To: All
Date Posted: 13:08:17 06/14/07 ()
Email Address: futatoro@gmail.com
Entered From: adsl-71-138-134-204.dsl.pltn13.pacbell.net at 71.138.134.204
Message:
John,
My periodic statistical survey revealed that 90% of the dailing postings were attributed to you. Unless you tell me you read your own postings on line; then you are lying again about ignoring 85% of postings.
Brah Yu chupitt!!!
Yaya Fanusie
Subject: Re: JOHN LEIGH STOP LYING!
From: Advice
To: All
Date Posted: 11:38:21 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
" Did you label a conclusion that 'Chief Norman was murdered by the SLPP and the Special Court' as merely a "RUSH TO JUDGEMENT"?" -- JL
John, as an independent observer, let me interrupt your unfounded self-congratualtions by correcting your mistake.
In a debate, labelling is not a sober response to a conclusion. That is a cop-out. The right way to answer a conclusion is by showing through a reasoned analysis that it is wrong or right. That involves questioning the soundness of the opponent's argument. Labelling does not do that. Therefore, it is not a sober response in a debate.
The other stuff you wrote about what percentage of postings you read falls under the category of irrelevance. It is your personal business, if it is true, and not a matter of relevance to the debate. That means it is of no interest to sober people interested in this debate.
Stick to the relevant issues. Save the make-believe reality and related baseless self-congratulations to a less sober forum, like the "so polite and understatedly cultured" SLPP gatherings such as the Makeni convention. [Laugh]
Subject: Re: JOHN LEIGH STOP LYING!
From: Advice
To: All
Date Posted: 10:34:01 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
"How far can this debate go if you have already decided that ...."the SLPP and the Special court Murdered the great Late Chief Norman....." ...
What course can any future dabate take if you hold such an attitude?"
CADMUS, by definition a debate adresses two opposing points. So, your question makes no sense. My advice is to let the debate begin by not allowing Leigh to run away from Moijue's question.
Let Leigh present his opposing point, assuminmg he can. Stop misunderstanding simple concepts or pretending to so you and your SLPP apologists can keep running away from the truth about your corrupt, incompetent and failed SLPP government.
Subject: Re: CADMUS ELDER STATESMAN???????!
From: M. Alieu Iscandari Esq
To: All
Date Posted: 11:15:43 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
Cadmus you are becoming the voice of reason. That was a very good approach in response to Moijue Kai Kai's position. BTW Moijuie and I are brothers and we disagree on the Hinga Norman Issue. This time around I intend to sit out on this debate and watch you folks go after each other. This promises to be a very interesting dialogue. Please keep it sane and elucidating.
Stay Blessed Elder statesman??????
Subject: Re: CADMUS ELDER STATESMAN???????!
From: Moijue-A GENUINE KAMAJOR SUPPORTER
To: All
Date Posted: 13:22:05 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 89.243.186.11
Message:
JEL will duck and dive.He may run from the forum but not from salone public.
He is running away from the truth, but he will hide forever.The truth will be known soon.
CADMUS:jel made a baseless accusation and after my rebuttal with evidence and counter accusation u come to his rescue.
LET JOHN LEIGH DEBATE THIS ISSUE IN A CIVILISED AND OPEN DEBATE.
Subject: Pilot Heads Helicopter Crash Probe
From: VANGUARD
To: All
Date Posted: 23:56:57 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-050.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.50
Message:
Pilot Heads Helicopter Crash Probe
- Wednesday 13 June 2007.
By Jonathan Leigh.
John Tambi, a pilot and Aeronautics Engineer has been appointed to head the Commission set up by Government to investigate the June 3 Paramount Helicopter Crash at the Freetown International Airport killing 18 Togolese and Gabonese nationals.
Tambi, aged 52, studied Aviation at Oxford and holds Master of Science degrees from Indiana State University and Florida State.
Those who died in the crash were Togolese football officials who were in Freetown for an African Nations Cup qualifying match which their national team won 1-0.And the three Gabonaise were stewards of Avirex, the airline chartered by the Togolese for the journey to Freetown.
In a related development, Sierra Leone Airports Authority confirmed the disappearance last weekend of a two seater plane on a flight from the Freetown International Airport to Gbessia International Airport in neighbouring Guinea, Conakry. No details yet on the people onboard and the purpose of the journey.
Subject: IFC helps fund Celtel's $320 mln African expansion
From: IFC
To: All
Date Posted: 23:41:49 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-050.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.50
Message:
IFC helps fund Celtel's $320 mln African expansion
Wed 13 Jun 2007, 12:59 GMT
CAPE TOWN (Reuters) - The International Financial Corp (IFC) will contribute half of the $320 million in funding for cell phone operator Celtel to expand and upgrade its network in five African countries, it said on Wednesday.
Celtel is the African unit of Kuwait's Mobile Telecommunications Co., and it will inject the funds in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Madagascar, Malawi and Sierra Leone.
The IFC, the World Bank's private sector lender, said in a statement it would contribute $160 million of the loan, while the other half would come from various banks.
Celtel would use the funds to modernise its services in countries with obsolete and inadequate fixed-line networks and very low telephone penetration rates, ranging from just over four phones for every 100 people in Malawi and Madagascar to about 10 per 100 in Sierra Leone.
Out of the entire loan, the lion's share of the investment, that is $75 million, will go to DRC, the IFC said at the World Economic Forum on Africa in Cape Town.
The loan will be repayable over seven years.
Kuwait's Mobile Telecommunications has invested $10 billion in African mobile services since it acquired Celtel in 2005.
Subject: Haiti U-17 team deserts in New York
From: HAITIAN
To: All
Date Posted: 21:26:06 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-050.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.50
Message:
Haiti U-17 team deserts in New York
Thirteen players go missing; five or six have returned
Posted: Wednesday June 13, 2007 4:56PM; Updated: Wednesday June 13, 2007 10:19PM
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) -- Most of Haiti's national youth soccer team apparently deserted the squad during an airport stopover hours before a planned Wednesday trip to South Korea to prepare for the upcoming FIFA Under-17 World Cup.
By Wednesday afternoon, five or six of the 13 missing players had returned to the airport and turned themselves in to team officials, said Felix Augustin, the Haitian consul in New York. It was unclear where the youngsters had been and why they had left the team, he said.
"We're still looking for the others," he said by telephone.
Most of the team's 18 players, all under age 17, had gone missing from John F. Kennedy International Airport between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, Augustin said.
Earlier, Augustin had said that officials were making calls to members of the Haitian community to try to get the children back.
The players arrived from Haiti on Tuesday and were scheduled to leave early Wednesday for Seoul, South Korea, to play in a friendly tournament ahead of the U17 World Cup in August.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates the airport, said it was aware of the situation and had assigned police officers to investigate. A spokeswoman for the U.S. Embassy in Haiti, Shaila B. Manyam, said embassy officials were looking into the matter.
Augustin said authorities believed adults not traveling with the team may be involved in the players' desertion and warned they could face criminal charges unless they turn over the minors.
"It seems that some adults may have been involved. If so, they are going to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," said Augustin, who declined to give further details.
Speaking to a Haitian Creole-language radio station in New York, the president of the Haitian Football Federation, Yves Jean-Bart, warned the youngsters that they were hurting their futures and threatened to involve U.S. authorities "unless these players reinstate themselves as soon as possible."
Jean-Bart gave no indication why the players would abandon the team. But Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, and thousands of Haitians leave the country each year to escape miserable living conditions, violence and political instability.
A spokeswoman for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Lucille Cirillo, said the agency would help investigators in any way possible. But, she said, immigration officials would not typically become involved in such cases until the players had overstayed the time for which they were admitted, which could be up to six months.
The apparent desertions dealt a major blow to Haitian soccer, which has been experiencing a resurgence of late after years of dismal performances. The U17s qualified for the biennial World Cup for the first time in the Caribbean nation's history earlier this year, while the men's team won the Caribbean Cup for the first time in January.
Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Subject: The Awful Truth
From: M. Alieu Iscandari esq
To: All
Date Posted: 18:43:16 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeOaTpYl8mE
Subject: keeping hope alive
From: M. Alieu Iscandari Esq
To: All
Date Posted: 17:32:28 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
GREGORY SEAY; Courant Staff Writer
FARMINGTON --
More than a century ago, one of Connecticut's oldest Protestant churches gave hope and sanctuary to kidnapped Mendi Africans caught in the web of the slave trade.
With the help of members of the First Church of Christ, Congregational, and other abolitionists, the imprisoned survivors of the 1839 Amistad rebellion -- a flashpoint to the beginning of the end of slavery in America -- were freed and returned to what is now Sierra Leone, in West Africa.
Today, First Church is investing in a new generation of Sierra Leoneans by rebuilding one of the pillars of education in Freetown, the overpopulated capital of the country, which is struggling to recover after years of civil war.
Using $100,000 from the church and another $31,000 raised by worshippers, a concrete schoolhouse, large enough for up to 300 kindergartners to sixth-graders at private Hope Day School, opened its doors in late April. It replaced a rusted, corrugated-metal shack that could barely hold its 130 pupils.
In a country with no reliable electric grid, the hilltop schoolhouse also received the gift of solar power. The family of a church member donated the $30,000 photovoltaic system to power the school's equipment, including a computer center.
In dollar terms, the church's contribution pales in comparison to the $29 million Sierra Leone received last year from USAID, the federal overseas disaster, humanitarian and developmental assistance agency. But those federal funds, observers say, cannot match the connection and purpose that First Church has for Hope Day School.
First Church Pastor Ned W. Edwards Jr. said the Hope school project ``represents an unprecedented stewardship of funds'' tied to the renovation and expansion of the church's multi-purpose Sarah Porter Memorial annex at Main and! School streets, completed last year.
More important, Edwards said, the Hope project honors the church's commitment to aiding all people in need, while paying homage to the special fellowship forged generations ago between Farmington and the Mendi Africans.
``As I told the congregation, we're just planting a seed right now,'' Edwards said. ``The real return on this investment won't be seen for 20 to 30 years, when the students grow up to become leaders of the country.''
Alfred L. Marder, president of Amistad Committee Inc. in New Haven, which promotes the Amistad legacy, said the church's gesture also fulfills a moral debt to the African continent.
``I don't consider that charity,'' Marder said. ``I consider that a historic responsibility for the raping of these countries. It's known more commonly as reparations.''
The First Church relationship with Hope Day School started in 2001 with a personal appeal from a visiting Sierra Leonean, the brother of a church member who fled their homeland with her husband and children in 1997.
Eleven Years Of War
From 1989 to 2000, Sierra Leone was brutalized by civil war between rebels and government forces. The rebels were financed primarily from sales of ``conflict diamonds'' harvested by laborers who were tortured and intimidated. Refugees who fled the violence and famine in the outer provinces swelled Freetown's population from 500,000 in 2000 to an estimated 2.5 million today.
The church's first donation was more than 200 backpacks filled with school supplies. Since then, church members say, nearly 40 truck-size containers filled with food, clothes, furniture and more school supplies have been delivered to Hope Day School.
In 2004, during a visit to check the progress of their Freetown relief efforts, First Church members came across Hope and were overcome by seeing eager pupils sitting shoulder to shoulder on benches -- no desks. Windows lacked glass and screens. The dream of building a new schoolhouse was bor! n.
By April 2006, the building's design and contractor were in place and construction began. But work hit a snag. Persistent drought taxed the city's meager water supplies, threatening the mixing of cement for the building.
But Freetown's residents mobilized. Arriving for classes each day, Hope's pupils toted pails of water from home, atop their heads, to make the concrete.
``We think we're the only ones contributing to make this happen,'' Edwards said. ``These kids gave something much more precious.''
Back in Connecticut, church members also went into action. Desks, furniture and other remnants from the demolition of First Church's old annex structure were shipped to Freetown.
A teacher at neighboring Noah Wallace School, whose students are pen-pals with Hope pupils, persuaded the Farmington school system to give the African school old furnishings that were headed for the trash bin.
Treated Like Celebrities
During the new school's four-day celebration, the Farmington delegation was received by the president of Sierra Leone and the American ambassador. Delegation members were interviewed on United Nations radio and national television.
``We were more like celebrities than missionaries,'' Edwards said.
Next up are plans to hire a school nurse, a necessity in a country with a health care system in disarray, he said. Two First Church members and two Sierra Leoneans are trustees, overseeing upkeep of the school building; a native board of governors tends to curriculum and school operations. In Farmington, the church has formed a ``Hope Circle'' whose participants contribute to the maintenance and operation of the school.
In December, Edwards plans to return to Freetown as a passenger aboard the replica schooner Amistad as part of its 14,000-mile voyage retracing the circuitous trans-Atlantic routes of slave ships. There, he will participate in a live satellite linkup of Hope Day School and First Church.
M arilyn Ostreicher, who visited the school in 2004 and chaired the Sierra Leone Task Force, said she was even more amazed on her return visit in April.
``I was in tears as we walked up the hill and saw that building for the first time,'' Ostreicher said.
Another delegation member was Jael Williams, whose brother made the appeal that spawned the church's Sierra Leone relief. With the help of the United Nations, Williams, her husband, and their children were resettled in Farmington. Returning home to dedicate the new school was overwhelming, she said.
``The most exciting part is how the neighborhood [around Hope] is grateful,'' Williams said. ``I feel very thankful and very grateful to my church.
``For me, the church is not only helping me, but they are helping my country,'' she said.
For more about Hope Day School, contact First Church of Christ, Congregational, at 860-677-2601. For more about the 14,000-mile journey of The Amistad visit www.amistadamerica.org .
Contact Gregory Seay at greg.seay@courant.com.
Subject: For Blyden Jenkins- Johnston ( no reply requested)
From: Cornelius Hamelberg
To: All
Date Posted: 15:08:25 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-3e8472d5.01-32-73746f42.cust.bredbandsbolaget.se at 213.114.132.62
Message:
” Mr Blair said: "The relationship with Libya has been completely transformed."
Representatives of Sierra Leone's 149 paramount chiefs, local traditional rulers in the former British colony, will name Blair one of their own at a ceremony in the township of Mahera.
"We have nothing, no money to give him but it is a way of recognising him as a chief of our nation," said Ibrahim Kamara, a local official in the village of tin-roofed shacks, spread among mango and coconut trees across the river from Freetown.
"All the paramount chiefs together with the head of state agreed on the gesture. It's the highest traditional honour," he said, as schoolchildren practised a welcome dance behind him.”
Daily Mail, 30th May, 2007
It would be rewarding to start here (the Times, 31st May, 2007
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/africa/article1862682.ece
Afterthought: Some rhetorical questions for Blyden Jenkins-Johnston
B J-J can’t have it both ways:
Chief Tony Blair apologies to the people of Freetown (sometimes celebrated as Garbage Town) for not dropping in (by helicopter where even Airforce One won't dare try to land) - and in the apology is no insult.
By logical extension, B J-J informs us that whereas Tony Blair did not set Foot in Freetown but stayed in the bush at Mahera,” TONY BLAIR went to Libya and went to meet GHADDAFI in the Libyan desert in a tent!” Does B J-J have to be reminded that the tent in the Libyan Desert is not exactly in the heart of the metropolis of Tripoli, or is it?
Perhaps president Kabbah should have set up his tent /reception hut in and forced him Paramount Chief Matoh, Chief of Peace, and his wife, Cherie Blair, Ya-Bom-posseh — First Lady to smoke the TRC peace pipe along with Solo Bee and the entire corrupt elite of the SLPP?
Tony Blair as guests of Sierra Leone & with Security in mind, who do you, think plans the itinerary of the visit?
I know that when the Pope visited Nigeria in 1981 Security was tight. I also know that days, even weeks before one of the Nigerian Hogahs visited Port Harcourt, Security would have scoured even the rooftops of the routes that hogah would be taking……
It’s true that the purpose of British military intervention as I understood it, was not to wage war on the people of Sierra Leone (even the skirmish with the West Side Boys was not a “war of annihilation” – and we must give credit to Britain. For their contribution to securing the Peace. (I should think that it’s part of the Sierra Leone Blackman’s colonial complex, to think twice before declaring war on Tony Blair or the British Army – where as the same mentality is less reserved about engaging African fighters from neighbouring countries. ECOMORG killed a lot of SIERRA LEONEANS.
The “necessity” of bombing of Freetown by Alpha Jets is controversial – that bombing to restore a government that has turned out to be corrupt leaves some people still wondering, if the price of Human sacrifice - so many lives lost in those bombings and the destruction of property was really worth it?
Please don’t get me wrong. I have discussed this at length with Nigerian diplomats and other Nigerians and Ghanaians who care very much about Sierra Leone, and they have also been a little peeved that the ECOMORG role has sometimes been downgraded in favour of genuflections and thanksgiving to Great Britain……..
Jolly Papa/ The Random Sampler, it’s a little like asking who won the Second World War, isn’t it?
Churchill smoking the cigar and the oratory the last paragraph of which every good English schoolboy knows by heart included here for B J-J and JLM’s delight:
Winston Churchill
Speech before Commons
(June 4, 1940)
Excerpts from the Original Electronic Text at the web site of the Eris Project, Virginia Tech.
" In a long series of very fierce battles, now on this front, now on that, fighting on three fronts at once, battles fought by two or three divisions against an equal or sometimes larger number of the enemy, and fought very fiercely on old ground so many of us knew so well, our losses in men exceed 30,000 in killed, wounded and missing. I take this occasion for expressing the sympathy of the House with those who have suffered bereavement or are still anxious.
The President of the Board of Trade (Sir Andrew Duncan) is not here today. His son has been killed, and many here have felt private affliction of the sharpest form, but I would say about the missing -- we have had a large number of wounded come home safely to this country -- there may be very many reported missing who will come back home some day.
In the confusion of departure it is inevitable that many should be cut off. Against this loss of over 30,000 men we may set the far heavier loss certainly inflicted on the enemy, but our losses in material are enormous. We have perhaps lost one-third of the men we lost in the opening days of the battle on March 21, 1918, but we have lost nearly as many guns -- nearly 1,000 -- and all our transport and all the armored vehicles that were with the army of the north.
These losses will impose further delay on the expansion of our military strength. That expansion has not been proceeding as fast as we had hoped. The best of all we had to give has been given to the B. E. F., and although they had not the number of tanks and some articles of equipment which were desirable they were a very well and finely equipped army. They had the first fruits of all our industry had to give. That has gone and now here is further delay.
How long it will be, how long it will last depends upon the exertions which we make on this island. An effort, the like of which has never been seen in our records, is now being made. Work is proceeding night and day. Sundays and week days. Capital and labor have cast aside their interests, rights and customs and put everything into the common stock. Already the flow of munitions has leaped forward. There is no reason why we should not in a few months overtake the sudden and serious loss that has come upon us without retarding the development of our general program.
Nevertheless, our thankfulness at the escape of our army with so many men, and the thankfulness of their loved ones, who passed through an agonizing week, must not blind us to the fact that what happened in France and Belgium is a colossal military disaster.
The French Army has been weakened, the Belgian Army has been lost and a large part of those fortified lines upon which so much faith was reposed has gone, and many valuable mining districts and factories have passed into the enemy's possession.
The whole of the Channel ports are in his hands, with all the strategic consequences that follow from that, and we must expect another blow to be struck almost immediately at us or at France.
We were told that Hitler has plans for invading the British Isles. This has often been thought of before. When Napoleon lay at Boulogne for a year with his flat-bottomed boats and his Grand Army, some one told him there were bitter weeds in England. There certainly were and a good many more of them have since been returned. The whole question of defense against invasion is powerfully affected by the fact that we have for the time being in this island incomparably more military forces than we had in the last war. But his will not continue. We shall not be content with a defensive war. We have our duty to our Allies.
We have to reconstitute and build up the B. E. F. once again under its gallant Commander in Chief, Lord Gort. All this is en train. But now I feel we must put our defense in this island into such a high state of organization that the fewest possible numbers will be required to give effectual security and that the largest possible potential offensive effort may be released.
On this we are now engaged. It would be very convenient to enter upon this subject in secret sessions. The government would not necessarily be able to reveal any great military secrets, but we should like to have our discussions free and without the restraint imposed by the fact that they would be read the next day by the enemy.
The government would benefit by the views expressed by the House. I understand that some request is to be made on this subject, which will be readily acceded to by the government. We have found it necessary to take measures of increasing stringency, not only against enemy aliens and suspicious characters of other nationalities but also against British subjects who may become a danger or a nuisance should the war be transported to the United Kingdom.
I know there are a great many people affected by the orders which we have made who are people affected by the orders which we have made who are passionate enemies of Nazi Germany. I am very sorry from them, but we cannot, under the present circumstances, draw all the distinctions we should like to do. If parachute landings were attempted and fierce nights followed, those unfortunate people would be far better out of the way for their own sake as well as ours.
There is, however, another class for which I feel not the slightest sympathy. Parliament has given us powers to put down fifth column activities with the strongest hand, and we shall use those powers subject to the supervision and correcting of the House without hesitation until we are satisfied and more than satisfied that this malignancy in our midst has been effectually stamped out.
Turning once again to the question of invasion, there has, I will observe, never been a period in all those long centuries of which we boast when an absolute guarantee against invasion, still less against serous raids, could have been given to our people. In the days of Napoleon the same wind which might have carried his transports across the Channel might have driven away a blockading fleet. There is always the chance, and it is that chance which has excited and befooled the imaginations of many continental tyrants.
We are assured that novel methods will be adopted, and when we see the originality, malice and ingenuity of aggression which our enemy displays we may certainly prepare ourselves for every kind of novel stratagem and every kind of brutal and treacherous manoeuvre. I think no idea is so outlandish that it should not be considered and viewed with a watchful, but at the same time steady, eye.
We must never forget the solid assurances of sea power and those which belong to air power if they can be locally exercised. I have myself full confidence that if all do their duty and if the best arrangements are made, as they are being made, we shall prove ourselves once again able to defend our island home, ride out the storms of ware outlive the menace of tyranny, if necessary, for years, if necessary, alone.
At any rate, that is what we are going to try to do. that is the resolve of His Majesty's Government, every man of them. that is the will of Parliament and the nation. The British Empire and the French Republic, linked together in their cause and their need, will defend to the death their native soils, aiding each other like good comrades to the utmost of their strength, even though a large tract of Europe and many old and famous States have fallen or may fall into the grip of the Gestapo and all the odious apparatus of Nazi rule.
We shall not flag nor fail. We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France and on the seas and oceans; we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air. We shall defend our island whatever the cost may be; we shall fight on beaches, landing grounds, in fields, in streets and on the hills. We shall never surrender and even if, which I do not for the moment believe, this island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British Fleet, will carry on the struggle until in God's good time the New World with all its power and might, sets forth to the liberation and rescue of the Old. "
Subject: Re: For Blyden Jenkins- Johnston ( no reply requested)
From: Cornelius Hamelberg
To: All
Date Posted: 15:50:21 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-3e8472d5.01-32-73746f42.cust.bredbandsbolaget.se at 213.114.132.62
Message:
Signing off:
Churchill’s Speeches:
http://www.winstonchurchill.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=389
I hope that this link gets through: The subject matter is how could Churchill win a war and lose the election?
Kabbah & Kamajors & & made peace and made a power-sharing deal with the RUF
http://www.everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=1287812
Subject: Re: For Blyden Jenkins- Johnston ( no reply requested)
From: Cornelius Hamelberg
To: All
Date Posted: 16:42:20 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-3e8472d5.01-32-73746f42.cust.bredbandsbolaget.se at 213.114.132.62
Message:
“A bemused-looking Mr. Blair declined to don a ceremonial hat and looked
slightly awkward as he sat in a high-backed, carved wooden chair, watched by
other paramount chiefs from across the country.”
Swift is as far as most of us got to when it comes to Satire, but I can
imagaine Private Eye, the lampoons, satire, caricatures. Think of the havoc
that his critics would have caused with pictures and cartoons of Chief Matoh,
Chief of Peace, and his wife, Cherie Blair, Ya-Bom-posseh — First Lady ( ”
seismic with laughter” looking either resplendent or ridiculous in their royal
paramount chieftaincy hats....
Talking about Kabbah’s legacy:
Subject: Liberian Refugees Return to Face Challenges of Resettlement
From: REFUGEE
To: All
Date Posted: 14:42:08 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 129.49.7.126
Message:
By Kari Barber/Prince Collins
Dakar, Monrovia
13 June 2007
Barber report - Download 304k
Listen to Barber report
Hundreds of thousands of Liberian refugees, displaced by more than a decade of civil war, have returned to the country. For many, coming home offers few opportunities as the economy struggles to stabilize and government services remain scarce. With large-scale repatriations expected to be phased out in the coming weeks, Kari Barber reports from VOA's west Africa bureau in Dakar about how re-settlement is working for those who have returned.
Vendors on the streets of Monrovia (file photo)
Jerry Coleman fetches water from a machine to sell at the market.
He says he does whatever odd-end jobs he can find to provide food for his wife and six children.
"Sometimes we go and help people cut their grass, and sometimes we wash people's clothes," he said. "That is the only way because the labor jobs in the companies are very hard to get. This is the only thing we are surviving on so far because the government does not have jobs for us and the companies are not here."
Coleman and his family returned to Monrovia last year on foot from a refugee camp in Sierra Leone where they lived during the war. He says he wishes he had never returned.
"I regret very much, I regret very much coming back to Liberia," he said. "I expected from my own country to come back and start doing something to sustain my family, but nothing at all. I did not get anything. So I regret coming back to Liberia."
Single father Samuel Toe returned with his two children to Liberia from Ivory Coast in 2006. He says enough has not been done to help refugees resettle and find jobs.
"There were a lot of things that they promised," he said. "Like they promised us that they were going to give us a few rations to help us establish life. Up to now we have not seen any effort from them yet."
A spokesman for the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Reintegration Commission, Carpet Reeves, says his group is doing everything it can to help returned refugees, including transportation back home and food rations.
"Here we will give you the first two months of food rations, because it is our mandate," he said. "Our mandate is to be with the people in the community, to make sure their lives are restarted."
Despite the struggle, some Liberians say they are happy to be home.
Dennis Cole spent eight years in a refugee camp in Guinea. He says life is better in Liberia than it was in the camp.
"Since I came things are going fine," he said. "I have three children in school. I am selling clothes in a wheelbarrow to sustain my children."
Cole says he is operating a small business selling used clothes.
"In Liberia, all is well with me now," he added.
According to U.N. data, there are still tens of thousands of Liberian refugees dispersed throughout West Africa, primarily in Ghana, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Nigeria.
Subject: Re: Liberian Refugees Return to Face Challenges of Resettlement
From: LIFE
To: All
Date Posted: 14:42:55 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 129.49.7.126
Message:
Coleman and his family returned to Monrovia last year on foot from a refugee camp in Sierra Leone where they lived during the war. He says he wishes he had never returned.
"I regret very much, I regret very much coming back to Liberia," he said. "I expected from my own country to come back and start doing something to sustain my family, but nothing at all. I did not get anything. So I regret coming back to Liberia."
Single father Samuel Toe returned with his two children to Liberia from Ivory Coast in 2006. He says enough has not been done to help refugees resettle and find jobs.
"There were a lot of things that they promised," he said. "Like they promised us that they were going to give us a few rations to help us establish life. Up to now we have not seen any effort from them yet."
Subject: Three gender bills before Sierra Leone Parliament
From: WOMEN
To: All
Date Posted: 14:34:32 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 129.49.7.126
Message:
Three gender bills before Sierra Leone Parliament
Three gender bills advocated for by women groups were tabled on 11 June before the House of Parliament for preliminary legislative sittings, For Di People reports.
The paper quotes the Human Rights Commissioner, Mrs. Jamesina King, as stating that the bills deal with domestic violence against women. The Human Rights Commissioner further observed that with such a law, perpetrators would now be held accountable for their actions, noting that most times offences occur in the homes, and were not reported; a situation which can now be addressed by law.
The paper goes on to state that the wide consultation the bills went through was responsible for the long delay in the Office of the Attorney-General. “The bills have provisions for an offender to be warned or sent to be examined by a psychiatrist, without necessarily been sent to prison immediately; and customary marriage will now have the protection of the law like Christian, Muslim and civil ones as well as women’s right to inheritance in the case of losing husbands interstate or in divorce cases”, Mrs. King is quoted as saying.
Speaker of Parliament, Justice Edmond Cowan, reiterated that the bills were proposed by women and have their bearings also in general law.
Subject: 17 women clinch SLPP symbols
From: SYMBOL
To: All
Date Posted: 14:33:51 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 129.49.7.126
Message:
17 women clinch SLPP symbols
Seventeen women have won the right to contest the upcoming parliamentary elections on the SLPP ticket by fighting off strong challenges from their male counterparts in the almost concluded primaries, conducted across the country to identify candidates that are the choice of the people, The Democrat high lights.
The report further states that with the exception of a couple of them, including the party’s National Women’s Leader, Dr. Bernadette Lahai, Hon. Elizabeth Lavalie, Hon. Zainab Kamara, who went unopposed in their respective constituencies, the women triumphed in the contests that have been largely described by civil society activities and political observers as fair and transparent.
The SLPP party, according to The Democrat, would continue to open the political space to encourage more women to participate in national politics in line with the growing international demand. Meanwhile, out-going President Tejan Kabbah and aspiring Vice President Solomon Berewa, have consented to pay 50% of the candidature fee for all women vying for SLPP symbols with a view to increasing their participation in the democratic exercise.
“From all indications the idea has paid off and the SLPP women are gearing up to face their opponents on the national stage once the whistle for political activism is blown by the National Electoral Commission,” the pro-government paper observes.
Subject: Re: 17 women clinch SLPP symbols
From: John E. Leigh
To: All
Date Posted: 15:31:38 06/13/07 ()
Email Address: johnernestleigh@yahoo.com
Entered From: cache-rtc-ae10.proxy.aol.com at 152.163.101.14
Message:
CORRECTION: Mrs. Elizabeth Lavali was not returned unopposed in her constituency - Sumbuya. She overcame a very stiff challenge from an absentee male candidate. Less than twenty votes separated the two. Sorry. - JL
Subject: 65 SLPP Parliamentarians Voted Out
From: SYMBOL;
To: All
Date Posted: 14:22:39 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 129.49.7.126
Message:
65 SLPP Parliamentarians Voted Out
- Wednesday 13 June 2007.
By Jonathan Leigh.
PATRITIC VANGUARD
Sixty-five out of the 83 current sitting members of Parliament of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party will not contest the forthcoming Parliamentary elections having been unable to secure party symbols in the recently conducted primary election of their party.
An electoral college made up of sectional/zonal executives, chiefdom executives, constituency executives, representatives of women, youths and councillors across the country has the mandate under laid down rules and regulations to elect candidates who should qualify to contest the election under the party’s ticket.
Reports have it that three district chairmen representing Pujehun, Bombali and Moyamba, the National Younth General Leader have also lost whilst the National Publicity Secretary is battling for survival in Freetown.
The SLPP primary election for the identification of candidates has been widely acclaimed as democratic and transparent. The Coalition of Civil Society and Human Rights described it as free, fair and peaceful at a press conference last week.
This notwithstanding, pre-election petitions have been filed and addressed. And so far there is no reported threat that losers are leaving the party for other political parties or to contest as independent candidates, according to The Democrat newspaper. The paper further stated that, “Hon. Torto who feared to contest in Nimiyama in the Kono district because of his unpopularity is the only reported case of defection.”
Photo: SLPP leader Solomon Berewa
Subject: Re: 65 SLPP Parliamentarians Voted Out
From: VICTOR FOH
To: All
Date Posted: 14:32:37 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 129.49.7.126
Message:
"The SLPP primary election for the identification of candidates has been widely acclaimed as democratic and transparent. The Coalition of Civil Society and Human Rights described it as free, fair and peaceful at a press conference last week."
Subject: Re: DEMOCRACY GETTING ENTRENCHED IN SALONE
From: John E. Leigh
To: All
Date Posted: 15:23:40 06/13/07 ()
Email Address: johnernestleigh@yahoo.com
Entered From: cache-rtc-ae10.proxy.aol.com at 152.163.101.14
Message:
Hi VICTOR:
The SLPP reforms I spoke about in May 2006 are beginning to take shape. It won't be easy at all but the image of the SLPP right now is one of making democracy work for us Sierra Leoneans. Its encouraging. SLPP's primaries have been fair, open and transparent.
So will be the presidential and parliamentary elections.
I believe that delivering a completely clean, clear, peaceful, free and fair general elections (that's my private standard) is going to be Tejan Kabbah's fundamental legacy to our country.
Yes, cleaning up AFRC/RUF/AFRC's monumental mess and laying the foundation for our country's re-civilization are huge achievements. But putting democracy on a solid foundation is more fundamental.
It is much better to actually accomplish real, lasting production for the whole country than to waste time cry babying such as:
"ar go do dis. Ar go do dat wenn ar ween. You go be dis. You go be dat wenn ar ween. Mr. Leigh, consider your money paid. The first thing ar go do wenn ar ween is pay you your money. Ar go gee you the symbol for dis place. You go get the symbol for dat place." Yes, yes, yes! Really MTD talk!
I wonder where that man ever got the notion that I wish to be associated with crookish foolumunkus! Thanks. - JL
Subject: Re: DEMOCRACY GETTING ENTRENCHED IN SALONE
From: Moijue
To: All
Date Posted: 17:28:58 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 89.243.186.11
Message:
John Leigh- the elctions were held just like in MAKENI-THRU' DELEGATES.So i wonder how that is a reform.
Tell us who promise us:
ELECTRICITY
BRIDGE OVER LUNGI
GOOD ROADS
PIPEBORNE WATER
NOBODY WILL GO TO BED HUNGRY
and all the other yap yap
IN 2002 Election campaign?
Do you know how many times within the past 2 years ur candidate has told us of 24 hour electricity in Freetown?
Subject: Re: DEMOCRACY GETTING ENTRENCHED IN SALONE
From: CADMUS
To: All
Date Posted: 10:43:10 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 82.198.250.16
Message:
Come on Moijue,give credit where credit is due....these were local delegates,by local people...Any form of delegate voting is better that Dictatorship.where the symbols are handed out my the one and only high and mighty..dictator. In the SLPP at least we try, we may not get it right all the time, but my God, it will not be for lack of trying.It is called DEMOCRACY, you should try it some time in the PMDC, It is quite nice actually.YOu will feel good.believe
Subject: Re: DEMOCRACY GETTING ENTRENCHED IN SALONE
From: ok dok
To: All
Date Posted: 22:44:48 06/13/07 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: wnpgmb11dc1-19-211.dynamic.mts.net at 207.161.19.211
Message:
Moijue,electricity has been a peomise by everyone but i tell that even if PMDC win it will not be still easy to develop that sector.The present Govt.is trying to be honest.All the listed are been addressed
Subject: Re: DEMOCRACY GETTING ENTRENCHED IN SALONE
From: John E. Leigh
To: All
Date Posted: 09:02:22 06/14/07 ()
Email Address: johnernestleigh@yahoo.com
Entered From: cache-rtc-ae10.proxy.aol.com at 152.163.101.14
Message:
ok dok:
Why waste your time with PMDC dombolos? Let them go and first achieve something relevant to prove they have problem-solving capacity before you debate with them.
Here are people who can't set-up and manage a genuinely democratic party dedicated to reforms. Instead, they just behave like everyone else come from deep inside a population pool that developed under the APC-imposed culture of corruption.
PMDC was born and operates in a culture of lies, secretiveness, kalo-kalo double cross, deceit, duplicity, deception, one-manism, over-reaching ambition, kapu-kapu, tiff-tiff lawyer, yuki-yuki bangucrooks, fahlahmahkahtah, family hegemonism, low-low grade unachievers, ignorance, dunceness, MTDism, Munkuism, foolumunkuism, phoolumunkuism, etc.
When they demonstrate an ability to solve their intra-party cultural problem, only then can we listen to what they have to say about solving national problems.
Right now, I am told that we have left PMDC alone because they are fininshed and ready to fade away. Hope all is ok. - JL
Subject: Re: DEMOCRACY GETTING ENTRENCHED IN SALONE
From: APC
To: All
Date Posted: 14:38:57 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-75-66-114-24.hsd1.tn.comcast.net at 75.66.114.24
Message:
Bra JL. One of the reasons i do not respond to issues related to PMDC. They are done. FINITO.
Subject: Re: DEMOCRACY GETTING ENTRENCHED IN SALONE
From: FOR OK DOK
To: All
Date Posted: 07:07:39 06/14/07 ()
Email Address: freetownboy@yahoo.com
Entered From: 210-54-114-189.dialup.xtra.co.nz at 210.54.114.189
Message:
OK DOK, Were u in Freetown during NPRC rule? If yes, how was the electricity situation? Were u in Freetown during AFRC rule? If yes, how was the electricity situation? Were u in Bo and Kenema during APC, NPRC and AFRC regimes? If yes, how could you compare that to the electricity situation of Bo and Kenema under SLPP today?
Subject: Re: DEMOCRACY GETTING ENTRENCHED IN SALONE
From: ok dok
To: All
Date Posted: 08:14:17 06/14/07 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: wnpgmb11dc1-45-169-49.dynamic.mts.net at 206.45.169.49
Message:
Moijue,stop given bad name to this Govt. in the name of politics as it might be yours tomorrow.How can this system develop when people are all negative about it in Freetown? Bo ,Kenema is hydro and its easy to run.So you want to say this party has done nothing to improve it?
Subject: Re: DEMOCRACY GETTING ENTRENCHED IN SALONE
From: BUFORD HWY
To: All
Date Posted: 08:56:26 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-074-228-219-218.sip.asm.bellsouth.net at 74.228.219.218
Message:
The point here is when NPRC was in power during their five yrs rule,there was constant POWER supply in Freetown and the surrounding areas.Bo and Kenema had 24hrs electricity supply when the APC,NPRC and AFRC were in control,but since your SLPP party took over from the NPRC,our capital city became the DARKEST city in the world,and BO and KENEMA which had 24hrs electricity supply has join FREETOWN as the BLACKOUT CITIES.If your party had continue the maintainace of the HYDRO or the plants at KINGTOM or ASHOBI CORNER we will not be in this mess.
Subject: Re: DEMOCRACY GETTING ENTRENCHED IN SALONE
From: Questions
To: All
Date Posted: 11:42:09 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: static-70-20-197-79.phil.east.verizon.net at 70.20.197.79
Message:
Did SLPP fired all the workers at these power stations, did they cut or stop their funds, did they tell them not to do their regular duties? Just wanna know.
Subject: Re: DEMOCRACY GETTING ENTRENCHED IN SALONE
From: BUFORD HWY
To: All
Date Posted: 13:13:00 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-074-228-219-218.sip.asm.bellsouth.net at 74.228.219.218
Message:
Please ask JEL.
Subject: Re: DEMOCRACY GETTING ENTRENCHED IN SALONE
From: slpp
To: All
Date Posted: 16:48:54 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
The word "crookish" is not English, Leigh. Please refrain from assassinating the English language on this forum. There are many children who visit it to learn about Salone. They should not be asasaulted by your assault on the English language.
As for your claim that "delivering a completely clean, clear, peaceful, free and fair general elections (that's my private standard) is going to be Tejan Kabbah's fundamental legacy to our country," ask yourselfr, has Kabbah ever honored any promise to the people of Salone?
No Lungi bridge, bo food security, no electricity, nio water, no jobs, no end to corruption, no end to beggaring the international community, .. the list is a slong as Kabbah's empty pronmises.
The only promises Kabbah has kept are the unpatriotic ones he made in exchange for favours to his fellow corrupt SLPP looters. Like that he made to make one John Leigh ambassaador to the USA in exchnage for Leigh's bribe of $10,000 even though Leigh is unfit for public service.
Like the unpatriotic Kabbah and Berewa, you are a traitor to the people of Salone, John Leigh.
Subject: Re: DEMOCRACY GETTING ENTRENCHED IN SALONE
From: FACT
To: All
Date Posted: 16:37:26 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
A veteran politician would disagree. those politicians that are kicked out will come back and hit Berewa big time. berewa is a novice in politics.
Subject: Re: DEMOCRACY GETTING ENTRENCHED IN SALONE
From: John E. Leigh
To: All
Date Posted: 19:26:22 06/13/07 ()
Email Address: johnernestleigh@yahoo.com
Entered From: cache-dtc-aa14.proxy.aol.com at 205.188.116.18
Message:
FACT:
No politician was kicked out by anyone. They agreed to contest for the symbol. The contest was free and fair. They did not win for valid reasons. In a democracy winning is as natural and relevant as loosing. Without loosers and winners there can be no democracy.
Your point about loosers coming back and hitting Berewa big time is not unreasonable. But they won't go too far, if at all.
They had properly gone to their constituency club houses for support and they were refused for valid reasons. If they want to hit Berewa, they can resign and switch sides. So far only one has taken that option. But by and large they are staying put in SLPP and trying to find ways to be useful to the SLPP and Berewa. Conducting free and fair intra-party primaries is the better alternative to headquarters giving out symbols to favorites.
Berewa is not a novice in politics at all. He has about 15 years experience as I know it. He is also an experienced lawyer and very, very intelligent. None of those former MPs or groups of them have the clout, the skill or the resources to checkmate Berewa.
That's the way I see it. But your opinion may be just as valid as mine. Thank you. - JL
Subject: Re: DEMOCRACY GETTING ENTRENCHED IN SALONE
From: FACT
To: All
Date Posted: 09:57:21 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
Kicked out by the "people" who listen to Berewa, remote-controlled PEOPLE. Berewa has never represented a constituency. Being a minister is different from being an MP. Different political experiences.
Subject: Re: DEMOCRACY GETTING ENTRENCHED IN SALONE
From: John E. Leigh
To: All
Date Posted: 11:34:33 06/14/07 ()
Email Address: johnernestleigh@yahoo.com
Entered From: cache-rtc-ae10.proxy.aol.com at 152.163.101.14
Message:
"Berewa has never represented a constituency. Being a minister is different from being an MP. Different political experiences." - FACT
FACT:
You are correct. The experiences are different. But the issue is this: Are both experiences relevant? I say they are. Thank you. - JL
Subject: Re: DEMOCRACY GETTING ENTRENCHED IN SALONE
From: dnilb
To: All
Date Posted: 19:35:42 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-rtc-ae10.proxy.aol.com at 152.163.101.14
Message:
"Berewa is not a novice in politics at all. He has about 15 years experience as I know it. He is also an experienced lawyer and very, very intelligent."
John Leigh, is this the same Berewa you said was unfit to be president when you wrote:
"LACKS ECONOMICS AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS TRAINING
Berewa’s attitude regarding the development of our country is most discouraging. His reasoning as to how a country like Sierra Leone is going to develop reminds me of someone not schooled or experienced in either economics or international affairs but who has, instead, been isolated in a cultural wasteland for much too long. Yet, this same misguided individual is been touted in certain quarters as the next president of Sierra Leone!
How can such an individual, lacking in understanding of how nations become developed, ever hope to successfully construct social and economic institutions that would help our country advance from last place position and make Sierra Leone into a place like Britain and the United States?"
Subject: A school master was once a school boy. For all a you
From: M. Alieu Iscandari Esq
To: All
Date Posted: 14:07:27 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
Please read this and think about it
ONE NIGHT 4 UNIVERSITY STUDENTS WERE BOOZING TILL LATE NIGHT AND DIDN'T STUDY FOR THE TEST WHICH WAS SCHEDULED FOR THE NEXT DAY.
IN THE MORNING THEY THOUGHT OF A PLAN. THEY MADE THEMSELVES LOOK AS DIRTY AND WEIRD AS THEY COULD WITH GREASE AND DIRT.
THEY THEN WENT UP TO THE DEAN AND SAID THAT THEY HAD GONE OUT TO A WEDDING LAST NIGHT AND ON THEIR RETURN THE TYRE OF THEIR CAR BURST AND THEY HAD TO PUSH THE CAR ALL THE WAY BACK AND THAT THEY WERE IN NO CONDITION TO APPEAR FOR THE TEST.
THE DEAN WAS A JUST PERSON SO HE SAID THAT THEY CAN HAVE THE RE-TEST AFTER 3 DAYS. THEY SAID THEY WILL BE READY BY THAT TIME. ON THE THIRD DAY THEY APPEARED BEFORE THE DEAN. THE DEAN SAID THAT IT WAS A SPECIAL CONDITION THAT ALL FOUR WERE REQUIRED TO SIT IN SEPARATE CLASSROOMS FOR THE TEST.
THEY ALL AGREED AS THEY HAD PREPARED WELL IN THE LAST THREE DAYS. THE TEST CONSISTED: OF 5 Tricky QUESTIONS:
MID SEMESTER COURSEWORK EXAMINATION
INSTRUCTIONS:
All questions are compulsory
Any inconsistencies on any of the questions among the four students will result in all the candidates getting a zero mark.
Q.1. Write down your name----- (2 MARKS)
Q.2. Write the name of the bride and bridegroom at the wedding you attended----- (30 Marks)
Q.3. What type of a car burst a tyre------(20 Marks)
Q.4. Which tyre burst-------(28 marks)
Q.5. Who was driving--------(20 marks)
Total Marks 100
END OF PAPER
THAT IS A VERY CLEVER PRINCIPAL DON'T YOU THINK SO
Subject: Re: A school master was once a school boy. For all a you
From: POLITICAL
To: All
Date Posted: 11:27:24 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 207.108.136.241
Message:
The outcome of the this test is obvious. A BIG ZERO for all of them, especially when they had no idea how questions will be before taking the test. That a clever on. To in sync it with the current political affairs. It is easy to know what candidate is telling lies to gain power.
Here are some of the questions we should ask our candidates:
Q1: How many times have you lied to the people of Sa Lone? (10 points)
Q2: How much money have you stolen from the country? (30 points)
Q3: What was your financial standing before joining politics and what is your current financial strength? (40 points)
Q4: How much money have you used from the country's budget to fund your campaign? (20 points)
TOTAL POINTS: 100%
NOTES: Any inconsistency will disqualify you to contest for leadership position in the country.
Subject: Re: A school master was once a school boy. For all a you
From: BUFORD HWY
To: All
Date Posted: 13:00:52 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-074-228-219-218.sip.asm.bellsouth.net at 74.228.219.218
Message:
Q1: How many times have you lied to the people of Sa Lone? (10 points)
A)My MASTER PA KABBAH said he lost count of the lies that I have told to the Salone people
Q2: How much money have you stolen from the country? (30 points)
A) Alot,but not more than what my MASTER has stolen PA KABBAH.
Q3: What was your financial standing before joining politics and what is your current financial strength? (40 points)
A) I was a practising Lawyer with nothing to account for in my BANK ACCOUNT,but my wife and her parents helped me out financially.My current financial strenght is....WAIT LET ME ASK PA KABBAH ABOUT THE LAST DEAL,BECAUSE I DO NOT KNOW IF I SHOULD ADD THAT TO WHAT I HAVE RIGHT NOW AS WE SPEAK.
Q4: How much money have you used from the country's budget to fund your campaign? (20 points)
A) Why should I use the monies that I have stolen from the Salone coffer? You think I am a fool,there is more money coming that is why I want to become the C.E.O of the TIFF TIFF CABINET of Sierra leone.
Subject: Re: A school master was once a school boy. For all a you
From: Polygamist
To: All
Date Posted: 14:40:30 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-75-66-114-24.hsd1.tn.comcast.net at 75.66.114.24
Message:
how about: How many wives do you have? 100%
Subject: Re: A school master was once a school boy. For all a you
From: M. Alieu Iscandari Esq
To: All
Date Posted: 15:56:27 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
You are a JOKER IN THE PACK for real. You make me laugh. I have been married to the same woman for 19 years and have been knowing for 31. Chill man and get some relevance to your life and dont just fall for anything that you may hear and believe it to be true.
Subject: Re: A school master was once a school boy. For all a you
From: Albert Moinina
To: All
Date Posted: 04:44:18 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 213.42.21.149
Message:
Hahahaha,
I can assure this took place in CKC. Charles Margai was the Principal and Berewa was the student.
Bo Berewa, you nor try. Watch Berewa he is trying the same trick with this election.
Mr. Berewa where is your Manifesto? Nor tell me say u go pan wedding.
Subject: Just thought I should blend this in. How for do!
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 13:52:30 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: sccinstr194109.scc.losrios.edu at 165.196.194.109
Message:
Greetings my brothers and sisters. LearnBook thank you for this impressive work. You stated: "I think it's a good idea. Hopefully, local councils will be able to provide education that better reflects the needs of their local people instead of a top-down approach from the Ministry."
In my last discussion about the meaning of democracy in Africa, I tried to highlight the various forms of democracy. In that effort, I vividly touched on the reason African nations particularly, ours is failing or struggling to understand some of the principles weinherited. Most of us, including our leaders and the populace are struggling to understand what democracy actually is but we have moved away from is understood to embrace this new idea. Democracy has been in practice for years but we actually took the batton of leadership and the practice of democracy about forty years ago. Democracy has been praticed in America and by the Americans for instance, for over two hundred years but still most people do not understand it. Is it then correct to say that all the struggles our nations are going through is due to the mis-education of the systems of government we inherited without fully grasping the way they should be operated?
This therefore will concoct your impressive statement that "Hopefully, local councils will be able to provide education that better reflects the needs of their local people instead of a top-down approach from the Ministry." We need to be educated. In that light therefore, it is important to ask what is education?
"Natural learning environments inspire a burning desire to learn, the key to a productive lifestyle.
What is education, knowledge in basic skills, academics, technical, discipline, citizenship or is it something else? Our society says only academic basics are important and that is based on collecting knowledge without understanding its value. How about the processing of knowledge, using inspiration, visionary ambitions, creativity, risk, ability to bounce back from failure, motivation? Most education institutions don’t consider these skills. These skills are associated with understanding the value of knowledge. There is a huge disconnected gap and this is a problem for high school students in particular."
In our socio-political system, there is a disconnect between the needs of the people and the ideas deliberated in parliament. What is discussed in parliament, colleges and universities are mostly an anticipated view of what works not what actually works. If what is discussed there is what works then why has it not worked?
It is therefore important that we focus on what works, what are the needs of the people and what it takes to make it work. The constant meetings of Ministers and their constituents on periodic bases do not and have never solved our problems. The fact is that in these meetings, the Ministers go to their people unprepared to address the concerns of the people and therefore, both the Ministers and the speakers on this meetings speak with the view of hailing what is not planned, what has not worked but what they would want to see discussed as something that has worked or is in the pipeline, the priaze-singing of political parties or ministers. So because there are no planning, we find out that nothing gets going.
In these meetings we mostly boast of buildings that we have built but failing to realize (realise) that because there are no plans for long term sustenance and growth of these buildings or projects, they become dilapidated or fail. Go to Sierra Leone and see buildings that were meant for community development and because the projects were centered around a party or politicians' growth and now that the parties or politicians no longer serve those communities, these projects or buildings fail. Proper researches are not made on most projects. On this meetings, a single man or persons without questioning community members say what he or she feels is desired by the community. No one dare to question for, sometimes the sake of prudence or the sentimentalized nature surrounding these meetings, these requests beome accepted desired projects for the community as a whole. Nothing planned for the future.
Fact: Self-made millionaires are not "A" students in the classroom. The way they process knowledge is in conflict with classroom priorities. The self-made millionaire has a vision, then he researches specific knowledge, applies intuitive knowledge and process all the elements, searching for a workable solution. Finding alternative ways to do common tasks makes millionaires. The secret is vision, research and processing, not pre stored knowledge."
Majority of the time if not all, we focus mainly on the "elites for our development, underestimating the visionary abilities of our council leaders and people within our communities who though have never gone to colleges or universities yet, have vision, and the use of these people to plan, give views on how these community projects can be sustained, how with creativity revenues can be raised with or without the continued leadership of a minister or party has failed us considerably. Politicizing (Politicizing) community organizations (organizations) has led the problems we sustain in Sierra Leone.
So it is therefore important to re-educate the community leaders, political leaders and all Sierra Leoneans on the way to understanding democracy and understanding the systems that operated before the advent of the colonial masters. You can agree with me that the Colonial masters did not disband the systems that operated before their advent. In fact, they maintained that very system and elaborated it to their benefit. Why then did we neglect it when most parliamentarians do not know the new system they have been adopting all these years.
The typical employer wants employees with dictionary knowledge, not visionaries. They want employees who follow orders, are willing to do repetitive tasks, be happy with a limited role, and accept the status quo. Repetitive tasks' is efficiency and this is where profits are made. Also, the status quo prevents the exposure of blunders by leaders. Too many blunders and profits disappear. In a status quo environment visionaries become bored quickly and soon receive the troublemaker label by offering alternatives or exposing blunders, sometimes leading to dismissal, yet, their ideas increase efficiency and create new sources of profits for the company. In the long haul, visionaries are the one’s who make above average wages no matter what their formal education level. The education system now has the tools to kill off this type of person, behavior control drugs! As these students move into the workforce, status quo and blunders will kill off the typical business.
What can be considered a quality education? A quality education is custom design that addresses the unique abilities of each student and has a positive emotional experience. Custom education evaluates natural talent and how the student learns. This is why home schooled students out perform classroom students. Parents learn what works and does not work, then focus on what works. With this method, students develop a love to learn and learning becomes a lifelong process."
(Captain Bob.)
So it is important that in the various districts council members must have planning committees who would have constant brainstorming as what works in their communities. Challenge council members to devise projects without government assistance, whereby, they can initiate ideas of fund- raising. Let them start projects that will enable them find ways to continue these projects. But the fact that everything is dictated to them has caused them to become relaxed knowing that there will be help. The fact their authority has been undermined they find it difficult to be creative and find ways to protect their creativity. The fact that for political reasons most of the ones who are creative are replaced with the "Yes Sirs has slowed down the creativity of council members, which is why Freetown is filthy and overcrowded and why most roads built will years latter become impassable, while hospitals built do not work, market places and left vacant and people go to sell in front of them rather than inside them.
Sierra Leone needs an overhaul through education or sensitization should we thrive as a nation.
Subject: Diplomacy works
From: Yenga
To: All
Date Posted: 11:22:13 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: static-70-20-197-79.phil.east.verizon.net at 70.20.197.79
Message:
Liberia: "Withdraw Troops From Lilema"
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The Analyst (Monrovia)
12 June 2007
Posted to the web 12 June 2007
Delegates at the just ended consultation of Makona River Union (MRU) members held in Foya, Lofa County have extolled Presidents Johnson -Sirleaf of Liberia for her mediation role in ending the crisis between Guinea and Sierra Leone over the disputed Yenga territory.
It is a piece of land that the two countries are claiming possession of. Recently confusion flared up between the two countries, prompting a meeting amongst the Mano River Union countries. Due to her mediation role, President Lasana Conte has finally accepted to relinquish Yenga to Sierra Leone.
Though appreciative of President Conte's gesture, delegates in the resolution called on the Guinean leader to withdraw the Guinean military contingent occupying Lilema to the other side of the Makona River.
According to them, this will restore pre-war confidence and normalcy among the peoples of the three countries.
They expressed appreciation of the efforts of the leaders of the three countries with reference to the visits of the vice presidents of Sierra Leone and Liberia to Yenga and Lilema, to observe the "geographic locat1on" of said area and advice their principal presidents for final documentation.
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They have agreed to send a delegation of the Makona River Union (MARU) to officially present copies of this resolution to the three governments - Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia- as a manifestation of their wishes for sustainable peace in the sub-region.
About 11 delegates came from Sierra Leone and Guinea respectively while 15 persons represented Liberia at the conference. They MRU members have reconfirmed their commitment to lasting peace for progress in the sub-region,
They also pledged to establish confidence in the three countries that would lead to peaceful coexistence and socio-economic development
Subject: Re: Diplomacy works
From: PREMATURE
To: All
Date Posted: 13:18:18 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
We will know whether diplomacy works in the Yenga case only if and when Guinea returns Yenga that it has stolen from Sierra Leone under Kabbah and Berewa the Incompetents' rule.
Talk does not work -- action does. So, don't count your chickens before they are hatched. Leave that to the incomptent SLPP leaders and the traitors who support them at the expense of their own country.
Subject: Re: Diplomacy works
From: Leone
To: All
Date Posted: 17:37:25 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 65-78-54-33.c3-0.upd-ubr7.trpr-upd.pa.cable.rcn.com at 65.78.54.33
Message:
My friend, "Yenga" was virtually wishing good for Sierra Leone.
"Talk does not work -- action does" PREMATURE
What action do you recommend apart from talking?
Subject: Re: Diplomacy works
From: Prenature
To: All
Date Posted: 19:07:58 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-rtc-ae10.proxy.aol.com at 152.163.101.14
Message:
These actions I offer to Sierra Leoneans to secure their future:
1. Do not elect unfit persons to the ofice of president.
2. Do not tolerate cowards returning as president of Sierra Leone after running away and leaving the people to die.
3. Do not allow such a coward and unfit person to impose another coward and unfit successor as president.
4. Strgenthen the Sierra Leone arrmed forces.
5. Invade and occupy a border area of Guinea far more valuable but equal in size to Yenga stolen by Guines from Kabbah and Berewa the Incomptents' custody.
6. Then -- but not before -- engage in as many talks as anyone wants to resolve the disputed lands in Sierra Leone AND Guinea.
Subject: Re: Diplomacy works
From: Leone
To: All
Date Posted: 07:22:11 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: static-70-20-197-79.phil.east.verizon.net at 70.20.197.79
Message:
My friend, Salone saw your shadow well before you appeared.I am sure that is why s/he said war is not the answer.
"5. Invade and occupy a border area of Guinea far more valuable but equal in size to Yenga stolen by Guines from Kabbah and Berewa the Incomptents' custody." Premature.
BTW which area of Guinea do you suggest?
Subject: Re: Diplomacy works
From: Premature
To: All
Date Posted: 09:01:12 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
The only shadow Sierra Leone is now seeing is that of the imcompetence and corruption of the SLPP's leaders, Kabbah & Berewea. Both of them variously have reduced Sierra Leone to a beggar state for the past 10 years. The result is that the people of Sierra leone have been suffering in the past 10 years like never before in the history of our country.
As for your new question, "BTW which area of Guinea do you suggest?" why would you want to know details of a rtecommendation you have rejected? Does that make any sense to you?
Or are you practicing to "think" like the incompetents, Kabbah and Berewa, who have no clue how to run our country?
Subject: Re: Diplomacy works
From: Leone
To: All
Date Posted: 15:28:59 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: static-70-20-197-79.phil.east.verizon.net at 70.20.197.79
Message:
Premature, where the hell are you?
Subject: Re: Diplomacy works
From: Leone
To: All
Date Posted: 11:35:29 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: static-70-20-197-79.phil.east.verizon.net at 70.20.197.79
Message:
If you noticed, I never once mention Kabba, Berewa or SLPP. Now that the Yenga issue has been resolved diplomatcally,I rest my case.
I was just kind of curious to know what area of Guinea you would like to attack.And while you are at it, tell me with what force do you intend to that with. The RSLMF I know ...
Subject: Re: Diplomacy works
From: Salone
To: All
Date Posted: 15:20:51 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: static-70-20-197-79.phil.east.verizon.net at 70.20.197.79
Message:
Why cant we, for once, think or wish anything positive for Salone! If S/L can settle the Yenga issue with Guinea by "talking the talk" why not let it be. There are no winners in any war. In war, it is just who suffer less.
Subject: Re: Diplomacy works
From: PREMATURE
To: All
Date Posted: 16:33:37 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
Your problem is a familiar one: You don't understand what you read.
No one is saying anything about winners, war, or sufferers. Nor is anyone saying that you can't wish anything you like.
When someone states that diplomacy works, as the person I responded to did, that is not a wish. It is a conclusion. Therefore, it is subject to questioning as to its validity -- a test one would apply to any wish you wish to make.
Next time, before you reply, please try to understand what read.
Subject: Re: Diplomacy works
From: Premature
To: All
Date Posted: 16:36:19 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
Your problem is a familiar one: You don't understand what you read.
No one is saying anything about winners, war, or sufferers. Nor is anyone saying that you can't wish anything you like.
When someone states that diplomacy works, as the person I responded to did, that is not a wish. It is a conclusion. Therefore, it is subject to questioning as to its validity -- a test NO one would apply to any wish you wish to make.
Next time, before you reply, please try to understand what read.
Subject: Was Kabbah used by Abacha to cause mayhem on his own people
From: kroobaymom
To: All
Date Posted: 11:06:41 06/13/07 ()
Email Address: kroobaymom@yahoo.com
Entered From: at 206.113.148.2
Message:
Was Kabbah used by Sani Abacha to cause mayhem on his own people?In an article OWNERS OF NIGERIA (VIII) LATE GENERAL SANI ABACHA (III), Seyi Oduleya serosa1966@yahoo.com writes:
THE COUP AGAINST TEDJAN KABBA
After the killing of Ken Saro Wiwa and the other Ogonis, it was apparent that Abacha had pitched himself against the whole world. Nigeria was suspended from Commonwealth. Abacha was confined to Abuja. He could not travel out of the country. He needed to win back the support of international community, so what should be done. The ECOMOG had succeeded in ensuring the enthronement of Tedjan Kabba as the democratically elected President of Sierra Leone and there seemed to be peace there. The idea came that Johnny Koroma should be allowed to topple Kabba and be driven out again, then re-instal Kabba. This, according to Abacha tink-tank will work and project him as a pro-democrat. After the civil war, Nigerian military personnel were in control of the security of both the Liberia State House and Sierra- Leone. They formed the bulk of security there. Charles Taylor got wind of the plan to topple him and that was why he insisted then that the Nigerian troops should leave Liberia.
Signal was sent to Freetown that on the night Koroma will strike, all armored tanks in the State House be disabled and the soldiers should not return fire. On that night Koroma men made in-road easily to the State House and Tedjan Kabba was thrown out. While the coup was going on under the watchful eyes of the Nigerian troops, apparently taking to orders, another troop in Liberia was ordered to move into Freetown to stop the coup. The Nigerian Commander in Freetown was not aware of the counter order. This was the team led by late Brig-General Maxwell Kobe. Two officers used to carry out different orders by same directing authority. This almost cost them their lives and the lives of troops sent. While this was going on, late Foday Sankoh was in detention in Nigeria. He was lured into Nigeria by someone who was managing the Nigerian refinery in Sierra-Leone, and arms dealer. He was a member of the House of Representatives (1999-2003) from Imo State (I want to leave the rest for now).
Subject: Re: Kabbah used Abacha to STOP The mayhem on his own people
From: John E. Leigh
To: All
Date Posted: 12:21:28 06/13/07 ()
Email Address: johnernestleigh@yahoo.com
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
kroobaymom:
Your writer is not knowledgeable and merely theorizing to a have a good story to sell. I have first hand information.
ECOMOG troops already hated Johnny Paul and his irresponsible junior tribesmen from the day he ransacked Sherbro Minerals. Koroma's sobels caused $100,000,000 damage to the rutile mining company just so they could steal approximately $100,000.
ECOMOG had no pity for a mass killer and thief in jail. The AFRC coup was perpetrated solely by the hegemonistic junior tribal types packed into our army by Momoh for hegemonistic protection. As we know, that president normally reasoned like a daft-scarf.
If Nigeria wanted to stage the Oduleya ploy as reported by kroobaymom, it would have used senior personnel not pre-literates like Gborie and a flunkey like Koroma for Nigerians’ fidelity to seniority is probably unmatched in Africa. After seeing what they did in Sherbro land, ECOMOG wouldn't want to be tainted.
Incidentally, the huge damage to Sherbro Minerals is behind some of the catastrophic poverty in today's Sierra Leone, not to mention giving our country a very bad name as far as foreign investors are concerned!
So any talk about ECOMOG helping that foot of state to make a coup against Kabbah is nothing but a rotten heap of manure.
It was Kabbah who was able to persuade Abacha to evict JP Koroma and the RUF gang of killers, rapists, thieves, etc.
Abacha had no need for international approval. Why? Because most weak African leaders need international approval solely to obtain money so they could keep their poverty stricken counties peaceful. These poor presidents have no bargaining power.
Abacha, on the other hand, was sitting on billions of dollars and all manner of foreign currencies. Foreigners needed Abacha. They needed plentiful quatities of high-quality oil as well as access to the huge Nigerian market. Abacha never needed foreigners the way foreigners needed him.
Here is another example.
The British Government protested the Wiwo killing (this killing was utterly disgraceful, cruel and unnecessary). Abacha got annoyed. What did he do? He terminated the landing rights of British Airways in Nigeria.
Now the London/Lagos or the London/Kano or the London/Port Harcourt routes are amongst BA's most profitable routes. For example, BA fly twice daily to Lagos alone and those flights must be booked months in advance and are usually full to the very last seat.
If Abacha needed peace with the international community, he could easily hsve bargained with BA's landing rights or with oil, etc. He refused and until the day he died no BA flights were ever permitted into Nigerian airspace.
Accordingly, Oduleya’s analysis is rubbish and written for scarfs, not heavy weights. - JL
Subject: Re: Kabbah used Abacha to STOP The mayhem on his own people
From: ishmael
To: All
Date Posted: 17:00:16 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-69-255-106-60.hsd1.md.comcast.net at 69.255.106.60
Message:
you dumb f**k need to leave limba people alone. Why are you so tribal concious?
lonta!
Subject: Re: Kabbah used Abacha to cause The mayhem on his own people
From: slpp
To: All
Date Posted: 13:02:59 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
"Your writer is not knowledgeable and merely theorizing to a have a good story to sell. I have first hand information.
... Koroma's sobels caused $100,000,000 damage to the rutile mining company just so they could steal approximately $100,000."
Your ignorance is showing, John Leigh. It is impossible for $100 million damage to have been caused at any rutile mining company in Sierra Leone during the AFRC regime. So tell us what each and every damage was that you claim totalled $200 million!
Your ignorance can be seen in the fact that you don't even know the name of the company you are making allegations about. Yet, you claim to "have first hand information."
The truth, Mr. Leigh, is that you are a corrupt and dishonest political oportunist who just can't stop telling lies about yourself, your country and the corrupt SLPP whose leaders you have repeatedly bribed for a job that you are clearly not fit to hold.
Subject: Re: Kabbah used Abacha to cause The mayhem on his own people
From: Ay Salone
To: All
Date Posted: 15:34:31 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: static-70-20-197-79.phil.east.verizon.net at 70.20.197.79
Message:
"Your writer is not knowledgeable and merely theorizing to a have a good story to sell. I have first hand information.
... Koroma's sobels caused $100,000,000 damage to the rutile mining company just so they could steal approximately $100,000." JL
"Your ignorance is showing, John Leigh. It is impossible for $100 million damage to have been caused at any rutile mining company in Sierra Leone during the AFRC regime. So tell us what each and every damage was that you claim totalled $200 million!" slpp
Subject: Re: Kabbah used Abacha to cause The mayhem on his own people
From: Rutile
To: All
Date Posted: 07:40:21 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-151-2-61.range86-151.btcentralplus.com at 86.151.2.61
Message:
The real damages and looting of Sierra Rutile took place in 1995 by the NPRC.Check your facts, Gentlemen
Subject: Re: Kabbah used Abacha to cause The mayhem on his own people
From: Correction
To: All
Date Posted: 09:17:23 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
"The real damages and looting of Sierra Rutile took place in 1995 by the NPRC.Check your facts, Gentlemen"
Don't you mean gentleman -- not gentlemen? John Leigh, the self-styled possessor of inside information is the only one in this discussion that claimed that the damage done by the AFRC "at the rutile company" cost $100 million .
Get your facts right, sir/madam!
Subject: Re: Kabbah used Abacha to cause The mayhem on his own people
From: NORD RESOURCES CORP
To: All
Date Posted: 14:47:00 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-75-66-114-24.hsd1.tn.comcast.net at 75.66.114.24
Message:
We stopped operation in 1995. Our losses for that year was $300000. Because we had only lost our vehicles, and homes were looted. Then in the subsequent years, we lost large sums since this time our other tangable assets were attacked and incapacitaed. Such as our dredges, Power supply, and payment of salaries for those workers who were still on payroll but doing no work.
So yes our losses totalled over 1 million dollars.
Check the financial report of our corporation dating back to 1995.
Thanks.
Subject: Re: Kabbah used Abacha to cause The mayhem on his own people
From: Substance
To: All
Date Posted: 16:40:42 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
It is clear from the context that the question refers to Leigh's claim of $100 million damage.
The question is clear. Leigh must answer it or admit that he make a false statement. Don't try to hide behind obvious typos as a ruse to run away from the clear question.
Subject: Re: Kabbah used Abacha to cause The mayhem on his own people
From: Ay Salone
To: All
Date Posted: 07:26:48 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: static-70-20-197-79.phil.east.verizon.net at 70.20.197.79
Message:
JL wrote $1 million and you summed it up to $2 million. I mean JL is not all that good but do not quote him wrongly. That will give him room to present another picture of himself.
Subject: Re: Kabbah used Abacha to cause The mayhem on his own people
From: The Pot Calling the Kettle Black
To: All
Date Posted: 08:54:25 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
"JL wrote $1 million and you summed it up to $2 million. I mean JL is not all that good but do not quote him wrongly."
Did they really? Or is this a case of you never understanding what you read, or write. When did $1 million equal $100 million?
I hoipe you will learn your lesson from this public disgrace of yourself. To help you, here is the proof from your own writing showing that you don't understand anything you read or write:
Posted by Ay Salone on June 13, 2007:
"Your writer is not knowledgeable and merely theorizing to a have a good story to sell. I have first hand information.
... Koroma's sobels caused $100,000,000 damage to the rutile mining company just so they could steal approximately $100,000." JL
"Your ignorance is showing, John Leigh. It is impossible for $100 million damage to have been caused at any rutile mining company in Sierra Leone during the AFRC regime. So tell us what each and every damage was that you claim totalled $200 million!" slpp
_______________________________________
Can you now see that not only have you quoted slpp wrongly, you have quoted yourself wrongly! Which means you are TWICE as guilty as the person you accused! If you have any decency, you will apologize to the forum for posturing as innocent of a practice that you are doubly guilty of.
Subject: Re: Kabbah used Abacha to cause The mayhem on his own people
From: Ay Salone
To: All
Date Posted: 14:10:51 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: static-70-20-197-79.phil.east.verizon.net at 70.20.197.79
Message:
I am sure you are laughing in your little corner now...."I got the bastard" right.
But seriously, JL said $100 million and you said $200 million.
"Your writer is not knowledgeable and merely theorizing to a have a good story to sell. I have first hand information.
... Koroma's sobels caused $100,000,000 damage to the rutile mining company just so they could steal approximately $100,000." JL
"Your ignorance is showing, John Leigh. It is impossible for $100 million damage to have been caused at any rutile mining company in Sierra Leone during the AFRC regime. So tell us what each and every damage was that you claim totalled $200 million!" slpp
Subject: Re: Kabbah used Abacha to cause The mayhem on his own people
From: Empty Buckets Make the Most Noise
To: All
Date Posted: 10:43:58 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
Can you now see that not only have you quoted slpp wrongly, you have quoted yourself wrongly! Which means you are TWICE as guilty as the person you accused! If you have any decency, you will apologize to the forum for posturing as innocent of a practice that you are doubly guilty of.
____________________________________
He is actually guilty 3 times, not two, of the fault he said slpp was guilt of. He not only put words in slpp's mouth but also in John Leigh's. Then, to add insult to injury, he misquoted himself!
It's true what they say about people like him -- empty buckets make the most noise.
Subject: 50/50 blast political parties
From: WOMEN
To: All
Date Posted: 08:41:10 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-050.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.50
Message:
The 50/50 group has blasted political parties in salone for not giving women the chance to partiipate in politics. The release states that only 4 women were given symbols by the PMDc party to contest the elections. It says that the SLPP has given 17 symbols to women so far in their primary elections, but the group urged the ruling party to give more symbols to womken.
Subject: WHO BROUGHT JOHN LEIGH BACK?
From: SIA TIYAAMA
To: All
Date Posted: 07:39:47 06/13/07 ()
Email Address: freetownboy@yahoo.com
Entered From: 210-54-69-82.dialup.xtra.co.nz at 210.54.69.82
Message:
Mr. Leigh I thought you had left the forum. You asked for permission to leave the forum as if you asked for permission to join it. Who brought you back? What happened to your website?
Subject: Re: WHO BROUGHT JOHN LEIGH BACK?
From: John E. Leigh
To: All
Date Posted: 07:46:14 06/13/07 ()
Email Address: johnernestleigh@yahoo.com
Entered From: cache-rtc-ae10.proxy.aol.com at 152.163.101.14
Message:
I asked no one for permission to leave this forum.
I decided on my own to inform you all of my phased withdrawal at my own pace and time and to let you know that I reserve the right to re-enter as I deem fit.
If you need further answers from me, please have Rev. Kanu to confirm your true ID to us all in this forum, you faker. If not, GOODBYE. - JL
Subject: Re: WHO BROUGHT JOHN LEIGH BACK?
From: slpp
To: All
Date Posted: 08:16:50 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-rtc-ae10.proxy.aol.com at 152.163.101.14
Message:
"I asked no one for permission to leave this forum."
John Leigh, as many people have told you on this forum, you are a pathological liar and a political opportunist.
The archives of this forum prove that you asked Alie Formeh Kamara for permission to leave this forum, even though nobody gave you permission to bring yourself here in the first place.
So, denying that fact now is the same dishonesty you displayed when you denied that you said Berewa was unfit to be prersident. The evidence of both your blatant lies and serial acts of dishobesty is shown below in your own writing.
Posted by John E. Leigh on June 11, 2007 at 13:18:57:
“Even if you believe Berewa to be superior to Margai, Berewa according to you is still unfit to be President. By supporting Berewa, you are supporting a man that is unfit to be President of Sierra Leone.
“You have now become a liability for Berewa. For if people believed in what you said about Berewa then they will be ambivalent about supporting Berewa and more likely to support one of the other two candidates.” – Mr. Alie Formeh Kamara
Mr. Alie Formeh Kamara:
Where do you get your information from?
When did I ever say or write that Berewa is unfit to be president? .....
Lastly, please allow me to withdraw from this forum.
Thank you. JL"
Subject: Re: WHO BROUGHT JOHN LEIGH BACK?
From: SIA TIYAAMA
To: All
Date Posted: 07:53:53 06/13/07 ()
Email Address: tokpoi@yahoo.com
Entered From: 210-54-69-82.dialup.xtra.co.nz at 210.54.69.82
Message:
Mr. Leigh, the question does not warrant you start abusing. You had an argument with someone and you wrote "permit me to leave this forum", didn't you? This has nothing to do with REV KANU so leave him out.
Next question: what happened to your Website?
Awaiting your response.
Subject: Re: WHO BROUGHT JOHN LEIGH BACK?
From: POLITICAL
To: All
Date Posted: 20:39:52 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ip70-162-167-106.ph.ph.cox.net at 70.162.167.106
Message:
Still JEL has not answered the second question. What happened to your website?
Subject: Re: WHO BROUGHT JOHN LEIGH BACK?
From: John E. Leigh
To: All
Date Posted: 09:42:40 06/13/07 ()
Email Address: johnernestleigh@yahoo.com
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
"permit me to leave this forum" is not a request for permission. It is merely a polite way to excuse one's self.
A legitimate "permission" request exits when the authority figure has a yes or no power over the requester to approve or deny that which the requester is seeking. Mere forumites have no such power over me.
- JL
Subject: Re: WHO BROUGHT JOHN LEIGH BACK?
From: Question
To: All
Date Posted: 11:07:02 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
"A legitimate "permission" request exits when the authority figure has a yes or no power over the requester to approve or deny that which the requester is seeking. Mere forumites have no such power over me."
John Leigh, did you know that before or after you requested permission to leave the forum?
(a) If you did know it before you asked for permission to leave, why then did you request permission when you knew that "Mere forumites have no such power over (you)?"
(b) If you knew it after you asked for permission, are you in the habit of acting stupidly by finding out what you need to do only AFTER you have done it?
Subject: Re: WHO BROUGHT JOHN LEIGH BACK?
From: FORREST GUMP
To: All
Date Posted: 08:37:21 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-142-41-164.range86-142.btcentralplus.com at 86.142.41.164
Message:
How many people using the handle of SIA TIYAAMA I have counted TWO so far Freetownboy and tokpoi Ar tink say dis na boat den day boat JEL
FORREST
Subject: Re: Munku Dunce Argumentation
From: John E. Leigh
To: All
Date Posted: 09:57:24 06/13/07 ()
Email Address: johnernestleigh@yahoo.com
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
FORREST:
Thank you very much. "Boating" JEL or impersonating a moniker or abusing monikers in a flunkey attempt to phd me can only invite the appropriate response specific to the abuse - which response may very well include ignoring the MTDs (mumbo-tombo-dumbos).
When I finally leave this forum - and precisely on my own terms - it is going to be a very dull place but for a few very good, serious minded people.
Munkus are waiting to join in louder by the dozen to waste time with trash, mammi cuss and flunkey dunce argumentation. Even so, the clock is ticking. Thank you once again. - JL
Subject: Re: WHO BROUGHT JOHN LEIGH BACK?
From: Alieu Ceesay
To: All
Date Posted: 10:58:31 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
"When I finally leave this forum - and precisely on my own terms - it is going to be a very dull place but for a few very good, serious minded people."
Au contraire! When you depart from our midst with your ungrammatical, rude, illogical, and defamatory rants, this forum will return to its previously sober state before you turned it into the cesspool sober people have mostly avoided.
Subject: Re: WHO BROUGHT JOHN LEIGH BACK?
From: Observer
To: All
Date Posted: 08:42:35 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-rtc-ae10.proxy.aol.com at 152.163.101.14
Message:
Adress the issue of John Leigh's duplicity. How many people say he is dishonest and corrupt is irelevant to whther the charge is true or not.
Subject: Re: WHO BROUGHT JOHN LEIGH BACK?
From: CADMUS
To: All
Date Posted: 09:40:26 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 81.2.90.163
Message:
You people have been saying for over a year now that John Leigh was corrupt and dishonest, but no one has ever supplied the evidence to support, apart from dem say, dem say dem say. etc.
......'I SAY, THEREFORE I AM...'is not enough anymore on this Forum.
Supply the evidence...or quit.
Subject: Re: WHO BROUGHT JOHN LEIGH BACK?
From: Observer
To: All
Date Posted: 10:50:29 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
You are just another blind slpp apologist. What would you call someone like John Leigh who says Berewa is unfit to be president of salone, only to turn around and say the opposite?
In a word: Corrupt.
If you don't see that record in the public domain as evidence, please go see a real lawyer so you can be taught the meaning of the word evidence.
Subject: Re: WHO BROUGHT JOHN LEIGH BACK?
From: John E. Leigh
To: All
Date Posted: 10:08:45 06/13/07 ()
Email Address: johnernestleigh@yahoo.com
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
CADMUS:
Thank you very much. Our MTDs (mumbo-tombo-dumbos) are not serious people at all. Worse, some of them are brain dead.
Merely because I actually succeeded in overthrowing the cow-and-grass culture I found flourishing at the embassy is the proof they need to accuse me of corruption. I.e. I "corrupted" their flunkey culture that aims at manufacturing backwardness. Thanks again. - JL
Subject: Re: WHO BROUGHT JOHN LEIGH BACK?
From: Observer
To: All
Date Posted: 10:53:46 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
"Our MTDs (mumbo-tombo-dumbos) are not serious people at all. Worse, some of them are brain dead."
You must be referring to yourself and your fellow blind SLPP apologits, John Leigh -- as usual without realizing it -- seeing that you are are actually thanking Cadmus for being stupid.
Subject: Re: WHO BROUGHT JOHN LEIGH BACK?
From: MUNKU BOB
To: All
Date Posted: 08:04:38 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-050.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.50
Message:
Hi Bob Jusu, How are you? How is New Zealand. You are a real loser. How many mor handles go you have to ue. Way u munku so lek ducks waist. Munku Bob bet dog nar Cline town. Bob, you are a complete loser.
Subject: Re: MUMBO-TOMBO-DUMBOS
From: John E. Leigh
To: All
Date Posted: 10:28:22 06/13/07 ()
Email Address: johnernestleigh@yahoo.com
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
This MTD cult figure is precisely one of the idiots that for over 12 years went around characterizing someone who has succeeded in making huge positive changes in his life, names such as "errand boy", "brief case carrier" and "turncoat" while they the MTDs themselves stupidly retain their stupid, poverty, inferior, flunkey status under their Glorious King of Dunces, King Stupid, as they continue to write boto-bahtah all over the place - in cyberspace and in the print media.
The immutable thing about dunces is that they will never be able to learn. So, they will never know that the King of Stupid will never be in a position to help them. If the King cannot help his underlings who are slaving for him and taking fantastic punishment from us, how can he ever help the generality of the public?
Since MTDs can't reason, they will never contemplate such a question. Real MTDs will remain MTDs for life. That's the nature of things. Thanks. - JL
Subject: Paramount Helicopter
From: Lawyer
To: All
Date Posted: 06:42:34 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host81-154-179-232.range81-154.btcentralplus.com at 81.154.179.232
Message:
Attorney General Fred Carew, says he is going to charge Paramount Airlines in Court.Will he really??Or it is just a statement, so that PAramount will pay him their respects/??
Subject: Re: Paramount Helicopter IS A NATIONAL DISGRACE
From: M. Alieu Iscandari Esq
To: All
Date Posted: 14:19:40 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
I wonder on what charges he may bring against the helicopter company and whether or not he is going to have the management of the company arrested and jailed and for what reason. Perhaps PARLIAMENT should start an investigation into the crash, but then I believe that PARLIAMENT is shut down for the elections.
If FM Carew was an effective Minister of Justice he would have brought an investigation by his justice department against this compoany way before this catastrophe. Now how do you think that we look in the eyes of our Togolese Bretheren.
It is a national disgrace when we as a nation cannot cannot legislate and enforce laws which would protect consumers from the negligent acts of common carriers. I dont even believe that the helicopter service was entitld to obtain insurance to cover it in the event of a disaster such as this occurrence.
Subject: Re: Paramount Helicopter IS A NATIONAL DISGRACE
From: True Say Tok me
To: All
Date Posted: 00:32:04 06/14/07 ()
Email Address: akomengot@gmail.com
Entered From: cache-los-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 195.93.21.132
Message:
Mr. Attorney General should realise that the government is planning an inquiry into the helicopter crash and should therefore await the outcome before making such a statement. It has already been announced that the Inquiry will be chaired by Mr. John Tambi a qualified pilot and Aeronautical Engineer.
Key Questions for the Attorney General
Who Authorised the issuing of a licence and Certificates of Airworthiness to Paramount Airline after the previous ICAO Investigation?
What actions, if any did the Minister of Transport take after the ICAO report?
Was the decison by the Minister to re-issue a licence to Paramount Airlines based on sound technical Advice?
Was this issue referred to a Cabinet Committee? If so what was the outcome of the deliberations?
Was the Attorney General present at any Cabinet Meeting when and if this issue was raised after the ICAO investigations and report?
If it was found that the Minister acted negligently is there a likelihood that he would be prosecuted?
There is no need to pass the buck Mr. Attorney General. I am sure in your long and illustruos legal career, you must have come across the `Doctrine of Collective Responsibility'
Subject: Re: Paramount Helicopter IS A NATIONAL DISGRACE
From: Paramount
To: All
Date Posted: 04:37:43 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-151-2-61.range86-151.btcentralplus.com at 86.151.2.61
Message:
Bra you are right.Paramount was running helicopter services under a licence from Ministry of Transport, so it the Ministry of transport, who should be answerable.Bra Carew is just trying to intimidate the Russians.
Subject: THE INTERNATIONAL DONORS ARE FED UP WITH CORRUPT SLPP
From: MUSA KAMARA
To: All
Date Posted: 05:03:38 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: luna.hypair.net at 194.50.180.4
Message:
Britain and other international donors have lost patience to the corrupt regime and are withhelding all funds till infinity.Millions of dollars pumped to support the slpp for development and reconstruction have gone in vain.Therefore,Britain and others are demanding serious enquires to find out, the where about of the stipulated funds
Subject: Re: THE INTERNATIONAL DONORS ARE FED UP WITH CORRUPT SLPP
From: deja
To: All
Date Posted: 05:16:50 06/13/07 ()
Email Address: ernest@ernestkoroma2007.com
Entered From: pix.linkserve.net at 195.166.237.42
Message:
Dear Musa Kamara
Kindly pledge your support for a party with a clear Vision. check www.ernestkoroma2007.com for more. u can also send an e-mail to ernest@ernestkoroma2007.com
Subject: Re: THE INTERNATIONAL DONORS ARE FED UP WITH CORRUPT SLPP
From: SLPP
To: All
Date Posted: 05:15:22 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-rtc-ae10.proxy.aol.com at 152.163.101.14
Message:
"Therefore,Britain and others are demanding serious enquires to find out, the where about of the stipulated funds "
About time too. British and other taxpayers deserve to know what happened to their hundreds of millions of dollars that the corrupt SLPP has plundered. The people of Salone want to know too what happened to the huge amounts of money given to the SLPP for the benefit of Sierra Leone.
Kabbah and Berewa must be held to account for their corruption which has destroyed the hopes fo Sierra leoneans for a bright future.
Subject: Pledge your support
From: minny
To: All
Date Posted: 05:01:37 06/13/07 ()
Email Address: ernest@ernestkoroma2007.com
Entered From: pix.linkserve.net at 195.166.237.42
Message:
We are currently building database of supporters of APC, visit www.ernestkoroma2007.com for our clear agenda for Sweet Salone. Also send an e-mail to ernest@ernestkoroma2007.com to show your support.
Thank You
Subject: ernest koroma the right candidate
From: deja
To: All
Date Posted: 04:52:35 06/13/07 ()
Email Address: ernest@ernestkoroma2007.com
Entered From: pix.linkserve.net at 195.166.237.42
Message:
The statement of the International Community has vindicated the APC. It has confirmed that any APC government is better than the best SLPP Government.
Solomon Berewa boasts of experience
What experience?
The experience that has grounded the economy with
- No electricity, no water, poor health and education facilities?
- Highest maternal and infant mortality rate in the world?
- Growing youth unemployment currently about 60%?
- Transforming criminals into saints?
Or is it
- The experience of somnolence?
- The experience of somnambulism?
- The sleepy eyed experience of an aspirant who
can hardly stay awake during crucial meetings?
What experience?
- The experience of endemic corruption?
- The experience of giving contracts and jobs only
to SLPP card holders?
- The experience of politicizing micro credit?
- The experience of embezzling public funds?
No, indeed the donors have resolved not to release a single cent more until a full and proper account of the funds doled out to the Tejan Kabbah/Berewa led government is given.
And you know what, the International Community is right. Any more funds released to the SLPP will be squandered and stashed away especially now that “SLPP dae pack for go”.
As we say goodbye to Mr. Sleepy experience. I Invite you all to join the APC team, fresh, dynamic with a clear vision to take Sierra Leone to the next level.
I thank you.
Support us by sending us an e-mail to ernest@ernestkoroma2007.com. Your privacy is guaranteed
Subject: Re: ernest koroma the JAMIL candidate
From: John E. Leigh
To: All
Date Posted: 11:33:12 06/13/07 ()
Email Address: johnernestleigh@yahoo.com
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
Talk-talk is cheap. I have reviewed Mr. Koroma's CV but saw no mentioning of his mentorship under Shahid Jamil the killer of DIMINCO; or how he went about owning Jamil's insurance business. WHY?
Below are some of the damage done to our country by APC, Shahid Jamil, Siaka Stevens and Ekutay Momoh.
How did Mr. Koroma spend his Ekutay days and his time during the interregnum?
Here now is a summary of APC's wave of destruction of Sierra Leone. It will be published next week in Freetown. Thank you. - JL
======================================================================================
HOW APC WRECKED SIERRA LEONE DURING ITS NEARLY 25 YEARS IN POWER (1968 - 1992)
© Compiled by John E. Leigh
Summarized below are some indicia of nation-wrecking policies and practices by APC regimes during their nearly 25 years in power when Sierra Leone became the poorest nation on earth due to APC’s mal-governance as set forth below.
1. APC destroyed our multi-party democratic system and imposed a one-party monopoly dictatorship that last 20 years and provoked war.
2. APC under Siaka Stevens changed the national cultural and social standard based upon the DAVIDSON NICOLE model to the BAILOR BARRY model of immoral accumulations. Our country long descent thus began into a: “Ooh sye den tie cow, nar dey ee go eat grass” national mentality of nation-wrecking corruption.
3. APC constructively expelled virtually all the three dozen European corporations doing business, employing our people and paying taxes to our government – from Bata Shoe Company (Bata) to French Company (CFAO) to Paterson & Zochonis (PZ) to Kingsway, to Multi Stores all the way to the United African Company (UAC). The end result is extremely painful to our country to this day: mass unemployment, the extensive spread of poverty, poor government tax revenues and worse of all, a daunting, negative international reputation of our country as a place full of corrupt business practices and governmental policies and practices.
4. The APC government disbanded all district councils and concentrated all local government power in Freetown under the APC president for selfish hegemonistic and corrupt reasons.
5. The railway was shut down and sold for scrap by Stevens and Shahid Jamil. APC then constructed sub-standards roads at huge cost and failed to maintain them.
6. APC shut down the iron ore mines in Marampa, Port Loko District. DIMINCO was looted and shut down. Diamond exports dried up. Jail and Stevens became millionaires.
7. Missionaries and Europeans fled the country. Ready-made first-hand goods gave way to Belgium second hand goods and pure junks.
8. Water works, road transport and electric power stations collapsed from poor or zero maintenance and aggressive corruption under the APC.
9. APC’S corruption ruined the SLPMB thus impoverishing once proud and financially independent producers mostly in the South and East. Sierra Leone thus lost its international market for cacao, coffee, piassava, kola nuts, pepper, etc.
10. Under the APC, economic crimes became rampart as poverty was endemic. Interred bodies in cemeteries were dug up, stripped of sellable valuables and left exposed to the elements for the heart-broken, bereaved families to again rebury.
11. APC’s provoked a ruinous war through its prolonged, one-party mal-governance practices such as KDDA’s marginalization, Ekutay poverty spreading, Binkolo Frolicking, Nepotism, Favoritism and Mass Discrimination against non-Northerners as well as Northern genuine opponents of mal-governance, some of whom APC hanged in cold blood such as Dr. Mohamed Fornah, Alhaji Ibrahim Tarqui of Matotoka and Paramount Chief N’Silk of Makeni, etc.
12. APC gave us the AFRC/RUF coupligan junta by packing the army with hegemonistic tribesmen and fronting for them as collaborators.
13. APC degraded the National Currency by reducing its exchange value and rendering it inconvertible. Under the APC, it was a nightmare to travel out of Sierra Leone during APC days because of the criminal lack of all foreign currencies such as US dollars and the UK pound sterling. Sierra Leoneans would arrive in London with only a few pounds in their pockets.
14. The APC regime leadership had a PASS-AH-DIE policy towards incumbency whereby they were determined to keep power until death or until overthrown - regardless of the electorate’s choice. Siaka Stevens was in power for 17 years. Momoh was overthrown. Elections were massive fraudulent affairs including the pre-registration arrest of would be candidates to prevent contests against favored one-party official candidates or jailing parliamentarians and declaring their seats vacant for absenteeism.
15. APC’s mal-governance severely deteriorated social and economic conditions so much so that mass emigration resulted. Most Sierra Leoneans abroad today first left the country beginning with the days after the APC came into power. Now there is a legend among Sierra Leoneans abroad that even in the South Pole, you will today find Sierra Leonean teachers, doctors, attorneys, nurses and accountants, etc.
16. The APC wants to change its image into the NEW APC but without ever properly acknowledging its gross abuses or replace the guilty elite around Koroma that helped ruin Sierra Leone and thus invited war and/or backed the AFRC/RUF disaster regime such as AFRC/RUF Victor TIFF-TIFF TEY-TEY Vouchergate.
17. The current APC leader, Mr. Ernest Koroma, was mentored by Shahid Jamil who despoiled the diamond industry, and by ex-President Joseph Momoh who was overthrown in 1992 amidst dancing in the streets and joyousness nationwide and who stood squarely behind the AFRC/RUF coup junta of barbarians.
18. APC cancelled school Kondoh (lunch) in all government secondary schools.
19. APC cancelled monthly pocket money allowances to form six pupils and college students.
20. Under the APC regimes, brand new school text books were unobtainable.
21. APC viewed education as a privilege. Schools were allowed to deteriorate and remain primitive. Teachers were paid as little as possible. On the other hand, SLPP deems education as a birthright of every single Sierra Leonean.
22. APC disrespected teachers and chopped aid money from Canada meant for teacher financial assistance. The teachers then went on a debilitating strike.
23. APC severely reduced the budget for Fourah Bay College and other tertiary institutions in order to punish lecturers and students. The 1977 student strike during the height of APC power resulted in the flight of many students to Libya for revolutionary training (and elsewhere for sanctuary) which training later metamorphosized into a devastating rebel war.
24. APC, AFRC and the RUF cared nothing about food security. Vast numbers of people sucked air or breeze instead of eating food under their nation-wrecking regimes.
25. APC was quick to marginalize and execute in cold blood some of Sierra Leone’s best brains (i.e. Dr. Mohamed Fornah and Alhaji Ibrahim Tarqui) merely because such decent people pushed for nation-building and opposed nation-wrecking, policies. Gov. Samuel Bangura of the Bank of Sierra Leone was brutally murdered in mysterious circumstances in his own home.
26. Freedom of the Press was abrogated under the APC. The execution of the Minister of Information and a once-famous editor (We Yone), Hon. Ibrahim Tarqui, sent chills down the spine of newspaper editors and proprietors.
27. APC spread poverty across our land by driving away all European and American friends of Sierra Leone through rabid corruption and backward policies. SLPP is changing all that and is still bringing good, helpful people back to our country.
28. APC never helped the people fight poverty even though many people sucked air instead of eating food when Momoh was in power. APC never provided any MICRO-CREDIT scheme for market women. APC helped no one but their tribal and regional already corrupt brothers.
Subject: Re: ernest koroma the JAMIL candidate
From: Lieman
To: All
Date Posted: 04:40:07 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-151-2-61.range86-151.btcentralplus.com at 86.151.2.61
Message:
Surprised!!!Such a profound posting by JL, and no one has bothered even to respond.This says something, you cannot fool everyone all the time.
Subject: Re: ernest koroma the JAMIL candidate
From: M. Alieu Iscandari Esq
To: All
Date Posted: 06:38:58 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
What is profound about a bunch of untruths and utter propaganda.
Subject: Re: ernest koroma the JAMIL candidate
From: Lieman
To: All
Date Posted: 07:42:03 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-151-2-61.range86-151.btcentralplus.com at 86.151.2.61
Message:
He posted it, under the impression that it is a very profound thesis.I wish you had ignored his posting.
Subject: Re: ernest koroma the JAMIL candidate
From: M. Alieu Iscandari Esq
To: All
Date Posted: 11:24:35 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
IGNORED
Subject: THE MURDEROUS KAMAJORS IN ACTION AGAIN
From: MUSA KAMARA
To: All
Date Posted: 04:44:09 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: luna.hypair.net at 194.50.180.4
Message:
This barbaric,tribalistic and sub-human group have started their murderous activities again in the south-east.The slpp is the backbone of this sect and they are using them to humiliate and frighten the opponents.The slpp is quite aware of their failures, shortcomings and eventually loosing the elections.Due to their power thirst,they would like to create incitements and discrupt the voting process.
Subject: Re: THE MURDEROUS KAMAJORS IN ACTION AGAIN
From: CADMUS
To: All
Date Posted: 09:33:03 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 81.2.90.163
Message:
This is a non story.
More like mischieve making to me.
Just check out the names of the candidates.The SLPP candidate is Brima Kamanda, the APC candidate is Sulaiman Kamanda.....so which of them was securing the support of the Kamajors?
I ask this because I am told that currently the Kamajoes are anti-SLPP.
Get your facts right.
Subject: Re: THE MURDEROUS KAMAJORS IN ACTION AGAIN
From: John E. Leigh
To: All
Date Posted: 11:04:13 06/13/07 ()
Email Address: johnernestleigh@yahoo.com
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
CADMUS:
Please take it from me: KAMAJORS are not really anti-SLPP but a few are with the PMDC. For example, the SLPP candidate, Mr. Mohamed Jalloh, defeated the heavily pro-Hinga Norman, pro-Kamajor candidate, Hon. John Moriba, in Hinga Norman's home town constituency, Mongherei/Vallunia Chiefdom.
Vallunia is a heavy kamajor chiefdom. Yet they voted for a reform candidate supporting Berewa, not for the seemingly pro-kamajor candidate, John Moriba. The PC there, PC Tommy Vonjoe, knows me very well. He even once gave me a billy goat.
SLPP Kamajors are peaceful and highly responsible individuals. They are not happy at all for what their leader suffered but they are patient and hoping for the best. They are concerned with their situation and are looking for improvements.
I have tarried with them in Bo, Bonthe, Moyamba, Kenema, Pujehun and in Kailahun Districts. I have drank palm wine with them in their many villages, then pissed in the bushes.
I can tell you that Kamajors want sustainable economic development, not bose-bose.
Ironically, the Kamajors supporting the PMDC that I know are mostly those kamajors who testified against Chief Norman in exchange for coco-ehbeh from David Craine. My information is that they were crooks that Norman tried to discipline in the bush during thw war.
These so-called kamajors looted coffee and cacao crops and sold them to traders; they killed rivals and took their wives; they raided homes and stole valuables, food, motorbikes, etc.
So when the Special Court came they cashed in on their experiences by profiting from their lies by dupping naive Americans who know little about SLeone's skills in dahbahruism, doublecross, deceit, deception, duplicity, lie-lie, etc.
If any kamajor is today making trouble - and I am not claiming any such thing is going on - then the likely troublemakers are the renegade, lying, corrupt, tiff-tiff so-called kamajors.
Most genuine kamajors went through hell. They are truly responsible family men. These are with SLPP and I know their leaders well. Thank you. - JL
Subject: Re: THE MURDEROUS KAMAJORS IN ACTION AGAIN
From: M. Alieu Iscandari Esq
To: All
Date Posted: 12:32:35 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
Isnt it funny that if the Kamajors are with the slpp they are "god" Kamajors and if they are not with the slpp they are "bad" kamajors?
Many reasonable minds would consider this posture as being one sided, lacking in objectivity totally partisan and not nationalistic.
On the issue of the so called "coco ebeh" given by David Crane to the kamajors for their testimony against Hinga Norman, I find this comment by you to be very disheartning in that you should know better that no court of competent jurisdiction will allow a prosecutor to bribe witnesses to testify. Arent you really draging David Cranes name in the dirt needlessly?
I thought that you were more intelligent than that to make cheap political swipes at David Crane or the inetgrity of the office of the prosecutor. As someone who worked at the court with David Crane I take personal Umbrage at this commment. It is a low blow and b=very unbecomming of you.
Subject: In Kenema...Kamajors Take over Baama Konta…APC in Trouble
From: Kamajor
To: All
Date Posted: 00:48:44 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: gateway.cyberstar.com at 209.239.66.36
Message:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In Kenema...Kamajors Take over Baama Konta…APC in Trouble
Posted by Abu Bakarr Kargbo on Jun 12, 2007, 22:56
For quite some time now after the eleven-year old war that destroyed almost every sector of the economy, the name Kamajor has almost relinquished in our vocabulary. The Kamajors were a civil militia group that fought for the liberation of the country during the thick of the war and its role in the country’s struggle to restore democracy is one that the written history of this nation would not be complete if no mention is made about them.
The untimely death of the leader of this group, Chief Sam Hinga Norman would hardly be forgotten by Sierra Leoneans and so with some of its surviving leaders are currently detained by the Special Court for various charges that ranged from war crimes to human rights abuses.
It is the belief of some Sierra Leoneans that the group has gone underground, but news about its re-emergence in the eastern part of the country is a very worrying signal to most Sierra Leone especially when a reflection is made on the level of atrocities committed by the group which subsequently led to the detention and trial of some of its leaders.
A new political leader, though not yet officially announced in the person of B.M Kamanda is currently the individual allegedly acting as the front man of group giving them instructions not to allow other political parties to carry out political sensitization activities in the Baama Konta area.
The National Secretary General of the All Peoples Congress Party, Mr. Victor Bockarie Foh has informed members of the press that supporters of his party at Baama Konta, in the Fala Wandoh Area Constituency are feeling unsafe with the behaviour of the Kamajors under the command of B.M. Kamanda. The APC Scribe explained that on Thursday 7th June 2007, the APC party Chairperson of the Eastern Region, Madam Diana Konomani complained that she and some members of her executive, including the region leading aspirant Solomon Kamanda reported to the Kenema police the resurgence of Kamajor activities and that the group has taken over the township.
The allegation was confirmed by the Kenema Police where the report was made when this press contacted the station “Yes there is a report of that nature which we recorded in our station diary” A sergeant confirmed, and added “arrests have been made and few suspects are in Police custody pending investigation”
According to report, the Hon. Member of Parliament B.M Kamanda allegedly mobilized some members of the Kamajor militia group to get rid of any individual caught with either an APC red colour or chanting the party slogan ‘owai osai’. “They were fully armed with cutlasses displaying them in the air with threats that any individual caught supporting the APC would be killed” The report claimed.
The APC scribe talking to newsmen over the weekend said that the lives of their supporters are at stake and was therefore requesting for an impartial police protection. “We are going to make a formal complaint to the Inspector General of Police, the Political Parties Registration Commission and the International Community about the activity of the Kamajors which is to destabilize the electoral process” He promised.
The APC Secretary General recalled the 1996 election when a member of the APC party, Leonard .S.Fofanah was accused of killing a supporter of Hon.B.M.Kamanda on the eve of the election, but the former Member of Parliament is now a member of the PMDC Party.
Several efforts to talk to Hon. Kamanda on the phone from Freetown proved futile as he turned it off. However, when a representative of this media house contacted him in Kenema, he said he cannot talk to the press, but denied the allegation saying it is untrue.
Mr. Victor Bockarie Foe has urged all contestants of the parliamentary elections to follow the code of conduct for political parties. “We are appealing also to our supporters to follow the election rules and regulations” He concluded.
Meanwhile, Police in Kenema has promised to investigate the matter properly and proffer charges on those found wanting.
Subject: Re: In Kenema...Kamajors Take over Baama Konta…APC in Trouble
From: GBANGBANI
To: All
Date Posted: 02:27:43 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-69-230-196-176.dsl.irvnca.pacbell.net at 69.230.196.176
Message:
Check this Quotes below extracted from the text above.
"The untimely death of the leader of this group, Chief Sam Hinga Norman would hardly be forgotten by Sierra Leoneans"
WE wish he would have continued to be alive for true justices to be served on him and former supporters.
"It is the belief of some Sierra Leoneans that the group has gone underground, but news about its re-emergence in the eastern part of the country is a very worrying signal to most Sierra Leone especially when a reflection is made on the level of atrocities committed by the group which subsequently led to the detention and trial of some of its leaders".
Remember if you live by the sward, you die by the sward.
"Madam Diana Konomani complained that she and some members of her executive, including the region leading aspirant Solomon Kamanda reported to the Kenema police the resurgence of Kamajor activities and that the group has taken over the township"
This is the exact reason why the kamajors are not seen as liberators (heroes) but as criminal activist who deserve to be fully punished by both local and international laws.
"Hon. Member of Parliament B.M Kamanda allegedly mobilized some members of the Kamajor militia group to get rid of any individual caught with either an APC red color or chanting the party slogan ‘owai osai’"
This is an indication of how barbaric and primitive these people can get when it came to grabbing the power.
Listen anywhere there happens to be any chaos, must be disqualify by NEC. A strong message of such future actions must be made clear to all political parties.
Subject: Re: In Kenema...Kamajors Take over Baama Konta…APC in Trouble
From: Independent Man
To: All
Date Posted: 01:08:01 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-68-127-105-250.dsl.pltn13.pacbell.net at 68.127.105.250
Message:
This is pure propaganda and nonsense, and it is coming from no one else but Victor Bockarie Vouchergate Propaganda Foh.
If anything, the Kamajors are ticked off with the SLPP because of the treatment of the late Pa Norman. One would expect them to be towing the PMDC line and not the SLPP line.
The bottom line is that the Kamajors are not harassing anyone at all. Selfish and ungrateful Sa. Leoneans should stop blaming this group of patriots who defended us and died for us.
Ah Sa Lone, we really ungrateful!!!!
Subject: Re: In Kenema...Kamajors Take over Baama Konta…APC in Trouble
From: FOR INDEPENDENT MAN
To: All
Date Posted: 07:49:57 06/13/07 ()
Email Address: freetownboy@yahoo.com
Entered From: 210-54-69-82.dialup.xtra.co.nz at 210.54.69.82
Message:
My brother, let us stop dismissing anything that we do not like as thrash. This was why we suffered for almost 12 years.Come on brother, Sierra Leone belongs to us all, including Victor Foh. People like Abass Bundu and others with SLPP are no better than Victor Foh. That besides the point, let us assume APC supporters in the majority in the north decide to be violent with the minority supporters, what do you think the result will be? It is not impossible brother, just assume what would be the result.It is the place of every well meaning Sierra Leonean to condemn violence in its entirety not to dismiss it because the allegation came from Victor Foh. Remember what goes around comes around.
Subject: Re: In Kenema...Kamajors Take over Baama Konta…APC in Trouble
From: Independent Man
To: All
Date Posted: 10:52:44 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-68-127-105-250.dsl.pltn13.pacbell.net at 68.127.105.250
Message:
My frined,
I have people in Kenema, Bo, Kono, Freetown, Makeni, etc who I check with regularly. The folks in Kenema tell me that this is pure propaganda. Some in the Kamajor movement are really angry that they are always being blamed for things that they are not doing. Enough is enough!!!
When a couple of iditots (who have nothing to do with the Kamajor movement) decide to misbehave and harrass others, they are termed "Kamajors"....BO UNA LEF THE KAMAJORS DEN SARFUL. The people den day find den daily survival quietly in den farms and elsewhere, oonar day blame dem for political kiti-kata. ENOUGH
Subject: Re: In Kenema...Kamajors Take over Baama Konta…APC in Trouble
From: deja
To: All
Date Posted: 04:49:35 06/13/07 ()
Email Address: ernest@ernestkoroma2007.com
Entered From: pix.linkserve.net at 195.166.237.42
Message:
The statement of the International Community has vindicated the APC. It has confirmed that any APC government is better than the best SLPP Government.
Solomon Berewa boasts of experience
What experience?
The experience that has grounded the economy with
- No electricity, no water, poor health and education facilities?
- Highest maternal and infant mortality rate in the world?
- Growing youth unemployment currently about 60%?
- Transforming criminals into saints?
Or is it
- The experience of somnolence?
- The experience of somnambulism?
- The sleepy eyed experience of an aspirant who
can hardly stay awake during crucial meetings?
What experience?
- The experience of endemic corruption?
- The experience of giving contracts and jobs only
to SLPP card holders?
- The experience of politicizing micro credit?
- The experience of embezzling public funds?
No, indeed the donors have resolved not to release a single cent more until a full and proper account of the funds doled out to the Tejan Kabbah/Berewa led government is given.
And you know what, the International Community is right. Any more funds released to the SLPP will be squandered and stashed away especially now that “SLPP dae pack for go”.
As we say goodbye to Mr. Sleepy experience. I Invite you all to join the APC team, fresh, dynamic with a clear vision to take Sierra Leone to the next level.
I thank you.
Subject: Re: In Kenema...Kamajors Take over Baama Konta…APC in Trouble
From: GBANGBANI
To: All
Date Posted: 02:59:13 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-69-230-196-176.dsl.irvnca.pacbell.net at 69.230.196.176
Message:
You are pathetic to call anyone who is alliliated with Kamajor destroyer a hero.
"Selfish and ungrateful Sa. Leoneans should stop blaming this group of patriots who defended us and died for us. Ah Sa Lone, we really ungrateful!!!!"
What a shameful thought....They (Kamajors) are unpatrotic because of the methods they adopt in the cause of their so-call liberation of Sierra Leone.
Subject: Shame!Shame!Shame!!...Sanitation a cause for alarm
From: Awoko
To: All
Date Posted: 00:30:18 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: gateway.cyberstar.com at 209.239.66.36
Message:
Sanitation a cause for alarm
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Excreta and water bubble out of a colonially built sewage manhole whose metal cover has been shifted as thick, slimy and putrid liquid ooze out. Pungent odour steams from escaping excreta that formed a greenish and slippery trace, flows gracefully down across the street- Wallace Johnston Street named after prominent political activists, ITA Wallace Johnson Street. This is one of the major streets in the central business district of Freetown, like others which were once an urban beatification has faded away. The sewage manhole at Wallace Johnston Street by the Sierra Leone News Agency (SLENA) building pours out excreta, which floods the entrance of the colonially built structure, which also houses the Sierra Leone bookshop. Despite the dehydrating heat, the windows of structures in the vicinity are shut, as occupants can no longer endure the squalid perfume from the manhole. Outside commuters spit and as if the ground is fragile, they carefully step on the slippery liquid that runs across the street as they go about their daily activities; others who try to dodge by walking almost in the middle of the street, at most times get run over by cars speeding by. Few yards from this ugly scene stands one of the most elegant restaurants in the capital Café De la Rose whose front porch of late has been avoided because of this awful smell. The street pride City Hall, which was razed by rebels, stands like a wrecked ship-the relics of war. This wreckage of a building now houses common criminals, prostitutes, drug addicts and destitute. Like Wallace Johnson Street, other streets are faced with almost the same crisis and it seems as if nobody cares about the sanitary situation in the city.
Subject: WINNERS AND LOSERS
From: SYMBOL
To: All
Date Posted: 22:10:04 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-050.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.50
Message:
Meanwhile, two leading political parties have almost concluded their primary elections of officials to contest in the forthcoming elections. The SLPP and PMDC have successfully nominated officials in what was described as a very tense contest. Last Saturday twenty one members of the PMDC clinched the PMDC symbols making them eligible to contest the election under the party banner. In the case of the SLPP the battle was and still not easy, but have already achieved very significant progress in the process.
In the process, Hon. Bami Cheedy lost to K-Yillah Fofanah, Hon. Kabbah Kamara lost to Michael Charlie Hinga. Hon. J.K Johnson lost to Idriss Kamara, Hon. Andrew Victor Lungay lost to James Kaisamba, and Hon. Mohammed Makaya lost to Ansu Konneh, Hon. Dr. Fatmata Hassan lost to J.C. Kabia. Other winners in the SLPP are Emmanuel Tommy, Hon. Cecil Hancils, Hon. A.O.D. George, Hon. Osman Tolison-Kamara, Hon. Arthur Harvey, Hon, Agnes Bassie, Hon. Zainab Kamara, and Hon. Ansu Kaikai. New comers are Victor Lewis, Saffula Moigueh, Harriett Turay, Abubakarr Junior Navo and a few others. The APC party up to press time is yet to commence the allocat1on of party symbols. Sources say a committee has already been set up, charged with the responsibility of scrutinizing political applicants for the award of symbols.
Subject: BEREWA'S EXPIERENCE MY FOOT SAYS ERNEST KOROMA
From: BUFORD HWY
To: All
Date Posted: 21:40:21 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-rtc-ae10.proxy.aol.com at 152.163.101.14
Message:
Solomon Berewa boasts of experience
What experience?
The experience that has grounded the economy with
- No electricity, no water, poor health and education facilities?
- Highest maternal and infant mortality rate in the world?
- Growing youth unemployment currently about 60%?
- Transforming criminals into saints?
Or is it
- The experience of somnolence?
- The experience of somnambulism?
- The sleepy eyed experience of an aspirant who
can hardly stay awake during crucial meetings?
What experience?
- The experience of endemic corruption?
- The experience of giving contracts and jobs only
to SLPP card holders?
- The experience of politicizing micro credit?
- The experience of embezzling public funds?
No, indeed the donors have resolved not to release a single cent more until a full and proper account of the funds doled out to the Tejan Kabbah/Berewa led government is given.
And you know what, the International Community is right. Any more funds released to the SLPP will be squandered and stashed away especially now that “SLPP dae pack for go”.
As we say goodbye to Mr. Sleepy experience. I Invite you all to join the APC team, fresh, dynamic with a clear vision to take Sierra Leone to the next level.
I thank you.
Subject: Re: BEREWA'S EXPIERENCE MY FOOT SAYS ERNEST KOROMA
From: Independent Man
To: All
Date Posted: 00:16:34 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-68-127-105-250.dsl.pltn13.pacbell.net at 68.127.105.250
Message:
Fresh and Dynamic My Foot.
You cannot even hold democratic elections to elect Parliamentary Candidates. You are still caught up in the mentality of the higher-ups have got to call the shots, and they know what is best for the people....
Corrupt,incompetent,poverty-spreading clowns you all are in the APC. You fooled us once. You will not fool us again.
Your party made corruption an institution in Sa. Lone, and we as a people are still suffering because of that.
You keep accusing the SLPP of corruption this, corruption that, blah ,blah, blah. Tell us who has stolen what and when, since Kabbah took over.....
Subject: Re: BEREWA'S EXPIERENCE MY FOOT SAYS ERNEST KOROMA
From: BUFORD HWY
To: All
Date Posted: 07:15:45 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-074-228-219-218.sip.asm.bellsouth.net at 74.228.219.218
Message:
Your so call SLPP leader Pa Berewa is the one campaigning on CONTINUATION and EXPIERENCE.These are some of his so call expierences that our able and HONEST LEADER has just shown to the world.Who need enemies when we have friends like PA KABBAH and PA BEREWA.
What experience?
The experience that has grounded the economy with
- No electricity, no water, poor health and education facilities?
- Highest maternal and infant mortality rate in the world?
- Growing youth unemployment currently about 60%?
- Transforming criminals into saints?
Or is it
- The experience of somnolence?
- The experience of somnambulism?
- The sleepy eyed experience of an aspirant who
can hardly stay awake during crucial meetings?
What experience?
- The experience of endemic corruption?
- The experience of giving contracts and jobs only
to SLPP card holders?
- The experience of politicizing micro credit?
- The experience of embezzling public funds?
No, indeed the donors have resolved not to release a single cent more until a full and proper account of the funds doled out to the Tejan Kabbah/Berewa led government is given.
And you know what, the International Community is right. Any more funds released to the SLPP will be squandered and stashed away especially now that “SLPP dae pack for go”.
As we say goodbye to Mr. Sleepy experience. I Invite you all to join the APC team, fresh, dynamic with a clear vision to take Sierra Leone to the next level.
Subject: Re: BEREWA'S EXPIERENCE MY FOOT SAYS ERNEST KOROMA
From: True
To: All
Date Posted: 04:48:18 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-rtc-ae10.proxy.aol.com at 152.163.101.14
Message:
"You fooled us once. You will not fool us again."
True. That is why Berewa will not continue the SLPP's destructive rule in Salone.
The SLPP is the most corrupt govt. in the history of salone. Only a blind SLPP apologist like you would ask a dumb question like "Tell us who has stolen what and when, since Kabbah took over....." because the answer is known all over the world. Check this excerpt out:
By Nick Tattersall
1 June 2007
10:33 GMT
Reuters News
FREETOWN, June 1 (Reuters) -- Sierra Leone is making little progress in tackling corruption and is squandering foreign aid, leaving its most vulnerable citizens as destitute as they were before its civil war ended five years ago, experts say.
Since the guns fell silent after more than a decade of conflict, the former British colony -- a country of just 5 million people, rich in diamonds, iron ore and gold -- remains one of the poorest nations on earth.
....
POWERFUL GO UNPUNISHED
A report for the British government's development arm, DFID, gave a scathing review in April of the progress made by Sierra Leone's Anti-Corruption Commission, a British-funded body set up to prosecute high-profile offenders.
Last year the commission made 12 convictions. They included the caterer at a mental hospital, the headmaster of a primary school and the accounts officer of a library, all accused of embezzling small amounts of state money.
There were no lasting high-profile convictions. Former Transport Minister Momoh Pujeh was sent to jail in 2003 for the illegal possession of diamonds but later won an appeal against his conviction in the high court.
Given such a poor track record, the DFID review recommended funding of the commission be stopped."
Subject: Re: BEREWA'S EXPIERENCE MY FOOT SAYS ERNEST KOROMA
From: APC
To: All
Date Posted: 00:39:50 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-75-66-114-24.hsd1.tn.comcast.net at 75.66.114.24
Message:
Did i hear Buford say "fresh"? Is victor Foh fresh? Is Mr Mayor "useless" fresh?
Pleas my friend.
Subject: RE: Joke Of The Day? Tips for Los Angeles Residents.
From: GBANGBANI
To: All
Date Posted: 21:33:34 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-69-230-196-176.dsl.irvnca.pacbell.net at 69.230.196.176
Message:
As Police Ticketing (Citation)is on the increase in LA., A Typical scenario: A Motorbike Police officer is required to issue six (6) traffic tickets per day, and a police officer in a Police swart car is required to issue four (4) ticket per day,. Given that there was an accident on the freeway (Beltway) and a motorbike officer happened to be on the seen investigating the accident, what will you do in order to avoid a citation from the officer if your only alternate option is the direction heading towards the accident?
Subject: What is the latest on the stranded ferry?
From: Ferryboy
To: All
Date Posted: 20:32:00 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 65-78-54-33.c3-0.upd-ubr7.trpr-upd.pa.cable.rcn.com at 65.78.54.33
Message:
Can someone tell me whatever happened to the so called ill-fated ferry?
Subject: Re: What is the latest on the stranded ferry?
From: Ferryman
To: All
Date Posted: 07:17:15 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host81-154-179-232.range81-154.btcentralplus.com at 81.154.179.232
Message:
The ferry had a massive breakdown, and passengers got stranded in the mis Sea for hours.However, do we really call her "ill fated"??
Subject: Re: What is the latest on the stranded ferry?
From: Moijue
To: All
Date Posted: 01:46:49 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 89.243.186.11
Message:
It anchored and was repaired.Back in operation.
Subject: My first day in class.
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 18:15:14 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: sccinstr194110.scc.losrios.edu at 165.196.194.110
Message:
Greetings my brothers and sisters. Glad to report that I attended my first class today. I am taking communications 301 and the class was very interesting. I have Tuesdays and Thursdays classes for eight weeks. I am confident that there a host of you who are silent but curious and concerned. Be rest assured that God willing, I will come out gracefully and graciously. Though things might get rugged yet, character, honesty, sincerity, tenacity, and integrity plus faith will carry me through.
Stay blessed and stay focus. Be sincere to yourself and be curious. If one is right he or she is sure to win because right must be might.
Education is the key.
Thanks for your concerns.
Subject: Re: My first day in class.
From: APC
To: All
Date Posted: 00:36:59 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-75-66-114-24.hsd1.tn.comcast.net at 75.66.114.24
Message:
what is the name of your school? Eight week classes are very intense. Hope you can handle the load my brother.
Subject: Re: My first day in class.
From: POLITICAL
To: All
Date Posted: 02:04:15 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ip70-162-167-106.ph.ph.cox.net at 70.162.167.106
Message:
And what degree are you working towards
Subject: Re: My first day in class.
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 13:18:22 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: sccinstr194109.scc.losrios.edu at 165.196.194.109
Message:
Greetings my brothers and sisters. APC and POLITICAL thank you for asking.
I am taking classes at Sacramento City College. God willing, the intensity of the course is never going to be the problem. What makes any good student or successful person is
self-application or positive self-esteem. The manner I apply myself will determine the intensity of the success.
This is not my first college work. I went to Milton Margai Teachers College and graduated from there. I have taken courses such as English 111 and English 112, Anatomy and Physiology 1 & 2, Lifespan and Human Development (Psychology) 1& 2, Philosophy, Sociology, Developmental Psychology, Computer Information Systems to name a few, in other colleges in Virginia, starting 1993 before I moved to Sacramento, California. I cannot say that some of these courses are more intense because without a solid background and worthy application people can fail in the multiplication of 47 & 57. Self-application is very important.
To tell you the truth, my life long dream has been to study Law, which is why I studied History and Religious Knowledge at Milton Margai Teachers College. I have gone to two Universities that have required that I transfer that degree, which will make my acceptance at any university or Law school easier and to tell you the truth, had I transferred that degree and continued with Law, I would have earned a Law degree long ago but then I will be a selfish individual.
Coming from Sierra Leone especially having come from a Chiefdom, Tambaka Chiefdom, I have had compassion on the way my people are left out. There was no hospital in the entire chiefdom when I left. in fact, Kamakwie being where my mother was born and where I was raised, a township that has the American Wesleyan Mission who built a school and one of the best hospitals in Sierra Leone, a hospital my father worked after leaving service and was dismissed for his religious beliefs; coming to America and haven the advantage to have an opportunity to study whatever I would like, created more compassion and determination in me for the above mentioned manner in which my people were treated, prompting me to study to become a Registered Nurse. This would have armed me with more profound background to study Law, criminal or International Law. I will combine the two backgrounds proficiently to help, not only Tambaka but Sierra Leone and the world at large.
So as you may know, the intensity of the course is in no way comparable to the problems I will alleviate for my people and I. My people's problems make the intensity of a course or the efforts any one might make to prevent this dream seem like water gun to a determined soldier who is fighting in Iraq to bring democracy to the people there. Such a soldier who values democracy and will sacrifice loosing their lives and limbs to ensure that other people enjoy democracy, will see the intensity and the efforts made to stop this dream as a terrorist with water guns aiming to deter a comrade who has the same dream of liberating the sufferings of a people. Many Doctors, Nurses travel to Africa and poorer nations to help poor people. Therefore, any one who tries to stop my dream to join this team is doing so for selfish reasons. Bearing in mind that the U.S. Government want me to become a Nurse or whatever I wish to become because they know I can be of service to the world, which is why they pay my tuition. Whoever sees it differently is doing so for selfish reasons and nothing more.
I can do it without a shade of doubt with God on my side. Satan and the Satanic might play their tricks but a wall with spirit of Goodness is between us. As you can see in the website bellow, especially on page 2, I have the qualification to either finish this course at Sac City or transfer to U.C. Davis. I was late to apply for U.C. Davis to start there in the fall of 07 but the satanic ones have been trying to stop that therefore, I will do something else until they learn why they are the way they are. But there efforts is a joke and a shame to all human civilization. The Rule of Law!
Once again, thank you for asking.
Subject: Goerge Bush Get Pickpocketed in Albania
From: Onliner
To: All
Date Posted: 18:03:35 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-66-141-186-66.dsl.rcsntx.swbell.net at 66.141.186.66
Message:
Watch this:
Subject: Re: Goerge Bush Get Pickpocketed in Albania
From: GBANGBANI
To: All
Date Posted: 21:16:29 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-69-230-196-176.dsl.irvnca.pacbell.net at 69.230.196.176
Message:
This was a cool Joke of the day... !!
Subject: Re: Goerge Bush Get Pickpocketed in Albania
From: M. Alieu Iscandari Esq
To: All
Date Posted: 18:56:21 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rntPPNL2hTo
Subject: My Dad vs. Victor Reider
From: Theodora Robinson
To: All
Date Posted: 17:26:52 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-050.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.50
Message:
My dad is running against Victor Reider for the SLPP symbol in the central 2 constituency.My dad, Victor Robinson is a popular Freetown business man, who is untainted, and has a very clean record.
He is very popular in this constituency, and the youth in that area were out in full force this weekend to send a message that Reider'sd time is up.I hope that my dad wins, as he has a lot of plans for his constituency.
Subject: Re: My Dad vs. Victor Reider
From: Almamy Seray-Wurie Si
To: All
Date Posted: 17:41:06 06/12/07 ()
Email Address: almamysi@hotmail.com
Entered From: 24hrpc10.cpmc.columbia.edu at 156.111.18.149
Message:
Theo,
I was reading the actions of some youths in that constituency..Am sure you know Reider is a party man but none-the-less SLPP to a large extent have proven fair. Except for the Makeni Combention.
What does your father intend to do for our people (i think central one)?
Subject: SWITCH FROM SLPP TO APC
From: John E. Leigh
To: All
Date Posted: 16:33:55 06/12/07 ()
Email Address: johnernestleigh@yahoo.com
Entered From: cache-rtc-ae10.proxy.aol.com at 152.163.101.14
Message:
KONO MP, Hon. Augustin Torto, has decamped from SLPP and declared his support for the APC.
His switch came after he was defeated for the party symbol during the SLPP primaries in Kono District. - JL
Subject: Re: SWITCH FROM SLPP TO APC
From: TORTO
To: All
Date Posted: 17:12:07 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-050.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.50
Message:
He has already been given an APC symbol. Torto and many others like him should be banned from politic. No principles. You dae ya, you dae yanda, tumara you dae so politics should not be allowed again in salone.
Subject: TYPICAL SIERRA LEONE POLITICIAN
From: KING LOGGY
To: All
Date Posted: 17:34:35 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 144.226.173.69
Message:
.
Subject: Re: SWITCH FROM SLPP TO APC
From: Almamy Seray-Wurie Si
To: All
Date Posted: 17:15:10 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 24hrpc10.cpmc.columbia.edu at 156.111.18.149
Message:
But JB Dauda built a house in Binkolo-APC, Kabbah-Berewah-John Benjamin were NPRC
I think leh we pray for salone lek Enerson's song tells
Subject: Re: SWITCH FROM SLPP TO APC
From: John E. Leigh
To: All
Date Posted: 20:09:26 06/12/07 ()
Email Address: johnernestleigh@yahoo.com
Entered From: cache-rtc-ae10.proxy.aol.com at 152.163.101.14
Message:
JB Dauda was APC VP. He ingratiated himself into Ekutayism. Also, at the time there was only one party - APC. If you wanted to be in politics at the time, you had no choice.
Kabbah & Berewa were no NPRC. NPRC hired them to do a specific job - which they did. They were never council members.
None of the above situation is similar to the Torto switch. Thank you. - JL
Subject: FODAY SANKOH HAD A CHIOCE
From: KING LOGGY
To: All
Date Posted: 20:39:46 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 144.226.173.69
Message:
"Also, at the time there was
only one party - APC. If you
wanted to be in politics at
the time, you had no choice."
(JL)
---------------------------------------
And so were Nelson Mandela.
Subject: Re: FODAY SANKOH HAD A CHIOCE
From: slpp
To: All
Date Posted: 02:39:35 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
Loggy, I don't know why you waste your time replying to JL.
The man can't even think straight. When you add his corruption and nonsense writing, you complete the picture of the dumb loser that he has made himself into.
Only such a feckless opportunist would try to justify the actions of his fellow SLPP opportunists in joining the APC to destroy Salone by saying they had no choice. As someone told him, Leigh has no moral compass -- he will bribe, lie, lick his spit, etc. -- in his losing battle to become somebody.
Subject: NOT STRANGE but GBANGBA-WOODAY
From: Almamy Seray-Wurie Si
To: All
Date Posted: 17:02:22 06/12/07 ()
Email Address: almamysi@hotmail.com
Entered From: 24hrpc10.cpmc.columbia.edu at 156.111.18.149
Message:
Hon Augustin Torto is not the first but his case is Gbangba-wooday since those who made SL Constitution deliberately closed the independent candidate option.
Remember here in the US, Joe Liberman survived with the Independent option. Also, history told us Brewah and Kai-Samba did when Sir Albert denied them party symbols
Subject: REFORMS ARE BEING PUT IN PLACE INSIDE SLPP
From: John E. Leigh
To: All
Date Posted: 15:40:52 06/12/07 ()
Email Address: johnernestleigh@yahoo.com
Entered From: cache-rtc-ae10.proxy.aol.com at 152.163.101.14
Message:
Party leaders have brokered a political settlement whereby the highly popular John Bosco Musa will give up the SLPP palm tree symbol in BO parliamentary constituency #3 (Shellmingo & environs) because of a technical irregularity in his otherwise fine (i.e. decent, not handsome) qualifications.
Apparently, he was allegedly on the government payroll beyond the legal time limit - i.e. he did not resign in time to legally qualify to contest.
This is one more indication that in the in-coming Berewa Administration integrity will be on the up-and-up in both party and administration affairs. Party Leader Solo-B promised a different administration and he has begun to impliment his reform promises already.
- JL
Subject: Re: REFORMS ARE BEING PUT IN PLACE INSIDE SLPP
From: BUFORD HWY
To: All
Date Posted: 06:34:39 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-074-228-219-218.sip.asm.bellsouth.net at 74.228.219.218
Message:
"Apparently, he was allegedly on the government payroll beyond the legal time limit - i.e. he did not resign in time to legally qualify to contest."
Mr Leigh,
If this is the verdict on John Bosco Musa,what is your take on VICE PRESIDENT BEREWA in regards to the PMDC law suit that is pending at the SUPREME COURT? Is Pa Berewa legally qualify to contest as a Presidential candidate with the constitution stating other wise? Please answer these questions with the CONSTITUTION as your guide.
Subject: Re: REFORMS ARE BEING PUT IN PLACE INSIDE SLPP
From: John E. Leigh
To: All
Date Posted: 07:07:51 06/13/07 ()
Email Address: johnernestleigh@yahoo.com
Entered From: cache-rtc-ae10.proxy.aol.com at 152.163.101.14
Message:
Mr. BUFFORD HWY:
Remember, I agreed with you that we can't debate because I won't criticize my party within 12 months of elections!
So, please take your question somewhere else. Thank you. - JL
Subject: Re: REFORMS ARE BEING PUT IN PLACE INSIDE SLPP
From: Patriot
To: All
Date Posted: 11:26:17 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
"Remember, I agreed with you that we can't debate because I won't criticize my party within 12 months of elections!"
In other words, you put your party's interest above that of your own country?
You are truly unpatriotic, Leigh.
Subject: Re: REFORMS ARE BEING PUT IN PLACE INSIDE SLPP
From: BUFORD HWY
To: All
Date Posted: 07:30:52 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-074-228-219-218.sip.asm.bellsouth.net at 74.228.219.218
Message:
I have just recieved a upper cut from you early this morning.WOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!! (LAUGH)
Subject: Re: NO REFORMS ARE BEING PUT IN PLACE INSIDE SLPP
From: slpp
To: All
Date Posted: 04:05:51 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-rtc-ae10.proxy.aol.com at 152.163.101.14
Message:
John Leigh, as Yaya said, you are one politically dishonest SLPP bribe-giving opportunist.
You call a minor party symbol allocat1on "reforms"? Don't you know the difference betwen singular and plural nouns? Do you even know the meanings of words that you use? No wonder you call the $10,000 bribe you gave the SLPP in exchange for a job as ambassador to the USA.
Next time, when you use the headline, "reforms are being put in place inside the SLPP" make sure that your story is about the SLPP stopping the corruption that it is notorious for all over the world.
The SLPP corruption goes from Makeni (the conbention you described before you became a flip-flopping political prostitute open to the lowest bidder Berewa)to London (with Britain stopping aid to the Salone people because of SLPP's chronic corruption).
Subject: Re: REFORMS ARE BEING PUT IN PLACE INSIDE SLPP
From: Yaya Fanusie
To: All
Date Posted: 15:59:32 06/12/07 ()
Email Address: futatoro@gmail.com
Entered From: at 66.215.135.52
Message:
John,
You are politically dishonest. It has nothing to do with your claim that Berewa has integrity. You all know he would have been declared not legal/lawful candidate. It is more an indication that the Rule of Law is effective in Sierra Leone.
Yaya Fanusie-APC
Subject: Re: REFORMS ARE BEING PUT IN PLACE INSIDE SLPP
From: slpp laworder
To: All
Date Posted: 16:20:12 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: red_dog.niehs.nih.gov at 157.98.76.127
Message:
"...It is more an indication that the Rule of Law is effective in Sierra Leone..."
Yaya Fanusie-APC
This can only happen under the watchful eyes of the SLPP. NOT the APC.
Subject: Re: REFORMS ARE BEING PUT IN PLACE INSIDE SLPP
From: Yaya Fanusie
To: All
Date Posted: 19:56:53 06/12/07 ()
Email Address: futatoro@gmail.com
Entered From: at 66.215.135.52
Message:
You are wrong; it means the APC is an effective opposition party as we demonstrated pre-1967 but you SLPP failed to be an effective opposition party and failed to prevent the abuse and excesses of the Steven-Momoh Regimes.
Your party slpp has failed to meet the needs of the electorate.
Yaya Fanusie-APC.
Subject: Re: REFORMS ARE BEING PUT IN PLACE INSIDE SLPP
From: Independent Man
To: All
Date Posted: 00:36:41 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-68-127-105-250.dsl.pltn13.pacbell.net at 68.127.105.250
Message:
Don't tell me that you are that shameless to blame SLPP for Steven's-Momogh's excesses.
Subject: Re: REFORMS ARE BEING PUT IN PLACE INSIDE SLPP
From: Blind
To: All
Date Posted: 03:54:17 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-rtc-ae10.proxy.aol.com at 152.163.101.14
Message:
Don't tell me you are too blind not to see that the ineffective opposition that Fanusi correctly described (SLPP) was part of the APC government during both Stevens' and Momoh's rule.
You are just another bling SLPP apologist.
Subject: Re: REFORMS ARE BEING PUT IN PLACE INSIDE SLPP
From: Independent Man
To: All
Date Posted: 10:54:46 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-68-127-105-250.dsl.pltn13.pacbell.net at 68.127.105.250
Message:
another bling????
I rest my case
Subject: Re: REFORMS ARE BEING PUT IN PLACE INSIDE SLPP
From: Blind
To: All
Date Posted: 11:01:19 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
What case? You are so blind you can't even see the forest for the trees. Another typical blind slpp supporter.
Subject: Re: REFORMS ARE BEING PUT IN PLACE INSIDE SLPP
From: Moijue
To: All
Date Posted: 17:59:46 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 89.243.186.11
Message:
'MEMBERS OF THE SLPP ELECTORAL COLLEGE ONLY INTERESTED IN MONEY'---BUFFY BAILOR
By Joseph Kamanda
A former Sierra Leone Peoples Party ( SLPP) parliamentary aspirant , Buffy Bailor, who lost the party's symbol to opponent, Victor Lewis, of Constituency One-hundred-and-eleven in the Western Area, has reacted to his defeat during a press conference held at Percival Street, Freetown.
Mr. Bailor, who claimed to be the fittest candidate in the primary elections, blamed his defeat on the Electoral College but said that he will soldier on to ensure that the SLPP wins the elections. He alleged that most members of the Electoral College were only interested in money instead of the caliber of candidates that will be representing Constituency One-hundred-and-eleven in parliament.
Mr. Bailor said that there are certain weaknesses in the Electoral College which needs to be addressed as the college comprises of people that determine who should represent the interest of Constituency One-hundred-and-eleven in the legislature. He called on the SLPP party executive to set criteria for the selection of delegates to ensure that competent people were elected to parliament.
According to Mr. Bailor, the venue of the primary election in his constituency was scheduled three times by the Secretary General of the SLPP, Jacob Jusu Safa, before it was finally held at the Dance Troupe Compound. Speaking in a COCORIOKO.NET interview, Mr. Bailor promised to add his quota of contribution to the SLPP electioneering campaign bandwagon when the ban shall have been lifted by the National Electoral Commission.
Subject: agenda 2007
From: minute
To: All
Date Posted: 15:08:33 06/12/07 ()
Email Address: ernest@ernestkoroma2007.com
Entered From: pix.linkserve.net at 195.166.237.42
Message:
a visit to ernest koroma website will show everyone that he is the only candidate with clear and good agenda for sierra leone
Subject: CAUTIOUS WELCOME:
From: Almamy Seray-Wurie Si
To: All
Date Posted: 17:12:29 06/12/07 ()
Email Address: almamysi@hotmail.com
Entered From: 24hrpc10.cpmc.columbia.edu at 156.111.18.149
Message:
Great PRO shown here but am eager to know what the first 100 days will bring. Also, what about the shadow cabinet and selection of candidates for party symbols?
I THINK SAY THE NEW GOOD TEACHER WAN TRY IN BEST NAR DI BIG-BIG CLASSROOM
Pa Berewa (the Old Bad Teacher Nar Small Classroom) believes the SA Lone Mentality Will Prevail...i.e Where the bata dae Beat
Subject: Re: agenda 2007
From: Olu Beckley
To: All
Date Posted: 16:08:18 06/12/07 ()
Email Address: mariamab@aol.com
Entered From: at 206.113.148.2
Message:
A very insightful website. Hon. Ernest Bai Koroma looks presidential, talks the talk and walks the walk. He continues to inspire all those who strive for a better society and makes a whole lot of sense to me.
It can only be ONE person who is the Right One for the JOB - That is Ernest Bai Koroma- The People's President.
Subject: Re: agenda 2007
From: Bambay Lans Kamara
To: All
Date Posted: 18:51:40 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: sccinstr194110.scc.losrios.edu at 165.196.194.110
Message:
E-hey! Ah dan ley wodie. Pakie! Hmmm; o.k!
To tell you the truth, I am absolutely impressed. I see considerable organization (organisation) here; a careful planning that is very informative, simplistic and directional.
We all agree that Sierra Leone needs careful organisation and this web site speaks volume.
Subject: Re: agenda 2007
From: Nothing New
To: All
Date Posted: 06:35:14 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-24-127-131-140.hsd1.pa.comcast.net at 24.127.131.140
Message:
There is absolutely nothing new in the website that is already not happening in Sierra Leone. Please give us the voters a reason to vote for this man.
Subject: BAD 1980s TACTICS SURFACING IN SOUTH/EAST - KAMAJOR A THREAT
From: POLITICAL
To: All
Date Posted: 13:59:40 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 207.108.136.241
Message:
The tribal militias in the South/east of the country (Kamajors) are now been used by the SLPP to humiliate, threaten and even fighting opposition members. Is this the real motive behind the creation of the Kamajors or just isolated cases?
The biggest political threat today in Sierra Leone is the still existence of the militias, be it Kamajors, Tamaboro or Kapras. These group should be completely disabanded. During the war a lot of attrocities were committed by these groups which brings memories back to the civilians when ever these militias are again popping up in the streets harrassing peaceful citizens. It is clear that a lot of weapons used by these militias were unaccounted for and could be used again to cause instability in the country. It is clear that the Kamajors are the SLPP's army. By the way this was one of the causes of the 1997 overthrow of the government by the AFRC. WARNING: These guys are working on a bigger plan in case the SLPP lost the election which is unlikely because of the unfree, unfair electoral process.
Subject: Re: BAD 1980s TACTICS SURFACING IN SOUTH/EAST - KAMAJOR A THREAT
From: moijue-A KAMAJOR SUPPORTER
To: All
Date Posted: 15:11:33 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 89.243.186.11
Message:
THE Kamajors that helped in the LIBERATION of S/L have NOTHING TO do WITH the alleged incident.
I know SLPP wanted to use them but they refused.
In the meantime they left the KAMAJOR group and formed themselves into another group called BONDAYIA based in the south east that is answerable to the SLPP leadership.
Subject: Re: BAD 1980s TACTICS SURFACING IN SOUTH/EAST - KAMAJOR A THREAT
From: POLITICAL
To: All
Date Posted: 01:45:38 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ip70-162-167-106.ph.ph.cox.net at 70.162.167.106
Message:
And what is their objectives?
Subject: Re: BAD 1980s TACTICS SURFACING IN SOUTH/EAST - KAMAJOR A THREAT
From: moijue-A KAMAJOR SUPPORTER
To: All
Date Posted: 04:01:47 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 89.243.186.11
Message:
Ask JEL?
Subject: JOHN LEIGH APPEALING FOR PRIVACY? OH MY GOD .
From: Senior Citizen
To: All
Date Posted: 11:55:40 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ool-44c29146.dyn.optonline.net at 68.194.145.70
Message:
"I join Rev. Kanu, CADMUS and others in appealing to every forum participant to please keep personal vendettas as well as a participant's home situation, family arrangements and private matters out of this forum for decency as well as for productivity sake.
There are plenty of issues to debate in our joint efforts to help make our country a much better place.
Forget about nastiness. That's for rubbish remedial dunces, flunkeys and PHoolumunkus. Thank you. - JL"
John Ernest Leigh
Is John Leigh really serious when he makes a public appeal for the privacy of forumites when he at one time had made a veiled foray into the personal affairs of Alieu on this same forum?
By the way Alieu himself has a penchant for dabbling in the personal affairs of others. How many times has he not done so to Sengbe? Yet the owner of this forum has never come out swinging unless it is something that affects Alieu or John Leigh. What a unique sense of justice.
Subject: Re: JOHN LEIGH APPEALING FOR PRIVACY? OH MY GOD .
From: Unserious
To: All
Date Posted: 04:10:36 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-rtc-ae10.proxy.aol.com at 152.163.101.14
Message:
"Is John Leigh really serious when he makes a public appeal for the privacy of forumites when he at one time had made a veiled foray into the personal affairs of Alieu on this same forum?"
Why are you surprised at the flip flopper? Remember, Leigh is the same dishonest charlatan who wrote that Berewa is unfit to be president only to say the opposite now that he wants a job from Berewa.
John Leigh has no moral compass.
Subject: Re: JOHN LEIGH APPEALING FOR PRIVACY? OH MY GOD .
From: Arizona chook chook
To: All
Date Posted: 16:44:02 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: wsip-70-184-118-175.ph.ph.cox.net at 70.184.118.175
Message:
By the way Alieu himself has a penchant for dabbling in the personal affairs of others. How many times has he not done so to Sengbe?
Sengbe has always bought it upon himself with regards to his relationship with alieu. This stuff by alpha saidu is unprovoked. You see the difference. Everone who knows alieu, knows that he has been together with his wife for over 31 years. (She said that at the 50th birthday party. It is clear that saidu knows Nothing about alieu and is using this forum to defame him.
Subject: Re: JOHN LEIGH APPEALING FOR PRIVACY? OH MY GOD .
From: Another Senior Citizen
To: All
Date Posted: 16:55:53 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: red_dog.niehs.nih.gov at 157.98.76.127
Message:
And who really cares if he has been married to one of his wives for 31 years? He can have as many wives as he can afford, for all we care. The problem is; is this act legal in these United States for a counselor? And please do not tell lies with respect to his "relationship" with Sengbe. That bugger started the lies and rudeness toward Sengbe, and Sengbe rightly retaliated. I know, because I have been participating on these forums for as long as they have existed. Where have you been all this time, my friend? You just don't know, do you now?
Subject: Re: JOHN LEIGH APPEALING FOR PRIVACY? OH MY GOD .
From: Correction
To: All
Date Posted: 03:48:51 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-rtc-ae10.proxy.aol.com at 152.163.101.14
Message:
Alieu is no tribalist. the scaff edmund koker is the person that is a mende tribalist. Alieu never start attacks, the rude scaff edmund koker is the one that do. Alieu did not tell lies about the small-town, community college instructor that don't understand english. it was the lying, rude, scaff edmund koker who did lie about lawyer alieu.
Subject: Re: JOHN LEIGH APPEALING FOR PRIVACY? OH MY GOD .
From: polygamist
To: All
Date Posted: 01:02:50 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-75-66-114-24.hsd1.tn.comcast.net at 75.66.114.24
Message:
the man is currently incomminicado.he is AWOL. the krio man say "wae you troway ashes, ashes go fallah you".
He is planning his strategy for the forum. we await you, your lord-ship...
Subject: Re: JOHN LEIGH APPEALING FOR PRIVACY? OH MY GOD .
From: Special Cut
To: All
Date Posted: 13:20:56 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: gw1.dc.gov at 164.82.146.3
Message:
JL cannot run away without an apology to the Dunces, foolumunkus,low grade sansan boys, imported can of soda, dombolo, falamakata..... Get up and get your upper cuts ready because he who runs his mouth and run away will live to fight another day.
Kabs ah beg make ah land two bang na JL in jabone en pull wan pan in tit for de fityay.
Subject: Re: JOHN LEIGH APPEALING FOR PRIVACY? OH MY GOD .
From: So True
To: All
Date Posted: 13:12:59 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: red_dog.niehs.nih.gov at 157.98.76.127
Message:
"...By the way Alieu himself has a penchant for dabbling in the personal affairs of others. How many times has he not done so to Sengbe? Yet the owner of this forum has never come out swinging unless it is something that affects Alieu or John Leigh. What a unique sense of justice..."
SO TRUE!!!
Subject: Re: JOHN LEIGH APPEALING FOR PRIVACY? OH MY GOD .
From: boli
To: All
Date Posted: 12:48:23 06/12/07 ()
Email Address: boli@yahoo.com
Entered From: 80-44-149-58.dynamic.dsl.as9105.com at 80.44.149.58
Message:
"If ose nor sell you, treet nor go buy you".
Subject: Re: JOHN LEIGH APPEALING FOR PRIVACY? OH MY GOD .
From: True
To: All
Date Posted: 11:58:05 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
Kabs has warned forumites many times when they cross the line. Not just for Aliue of Leigh.
As we say in Liberia, give the squirrell his nuts. Or, in Salone, true say talk me.
Subject: ALIEU exercise your mind(joke of the day)
From: CADMUS
To: All
Date Posted: 11:40:33 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 82.198.250.72
Message:
A cowboy rode into town on thursday, book a room in a Hotel stayed all night and rode out again on thursday....How did he do that?
Come on Alieu, It is simple Logic.
Subject: Re: ALIEU exercise your mind(joke of the day)
From: Chez Winakabs Europe
To: All
Date Posted: 00:16:15 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-153-17-150.range86-153.btcentralplus.com at 86.153.17.150
Message:
I think he arrived in the early hours of Thursday (in the night - 00.01 Midnight)booked in the same night and left during the same thursday - be it afternoon, evening or by 23.59 hrs.
Subject: Re: ALIEU exercise your mind(joke of the day)
From: which one
To: All
Date Posted: 13:53:19 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: wsip-70-184-118-175.ph.ph.cox.net at 70.184.118.175
Message:
which of thew alieus are you talking to your colleague alieu iscandari or your slpp partner alieu sesay
Subject: Re: ALIEU exercise your mind(joke of the day)
From: CADMUS
To: All
Date Posted: 09:16:18 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 81.2.90.163
Message:
This was for my collrague Alieu Iscandri.
By the way I see that no one has attempted to answer the Question.....Come on forumite, you are not that dumb. Have a go.
Subject: Re: ALIEU exercise your mind(joke of the day)
From: marlin
To: All
Date Posted: 23:27:27 06/13/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 61.50.142.110
Message:
Is this open to all forumites?
Subject: Re: ALIEU exercise your mind(joke of the day)
From: marlin
To: All
Date Posted: 22:23:39 06/15/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 61.50.142.110
Message:
The cowboy rode out of town on a horse called Thursday.
Subject: SABI NOR GET WORRY
From: fan of logic
To: All
Date Posted: 11:14:31 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
Posted by Teacher on June 12, 2007 at 10:59:26:
In Reply to: Re: This is the mentallity of the current goverment posted by logic2 on June 12, 2007 at 09:07:19:
"Why did the RUF continue fighting even after the APC was gone?"
Koker, since you can't think straight, let me show you how to think.
The RUF only SAID they wanted the APC gone. Just like their patron Charles Taylor only SAID he wanted President Samuel Doe gone.
But like the RUF, Taylor continued fighting. That only proves that like Taylor, the REUF were power-hungry liars. It does not make the APC a rebel party any more than it made Doe a member of Taylor's rebels.
You too fool, Koker.
Subject: Re: SABI NOR GET WORRY
From: logic2
To: All
Date Posted: 14:45:44 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 67.63.2.157
Message:
make my point and allow modibo( worrok) to fight over it.
Subject: Re: SABI NOR GET WORRY
From: Advice
To: All
Date Posted: 14:58:08 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
Edmund Koker, quit your mende scaff tribalism. its boring. when someone tries to cure you of your disease of not understanding anything, say thank you. Not doing so is rudeness.
Subject: Re: SABI NOR GET WORRY
From: Advice
To: All
Date Posted: 14:57:08 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
Edmund Koker, quit your mende scaff tribalism. its boring. when someone tries to cure you of your disease of not understanding anything, say thank you. Not doing so is rudeness.
Subject: Re: SABI NOR GET WORRY
From: Question
To: All
Date Posted: 11:48:19 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
I wonder who uses this moniker, Teacher.
Subject: Re: SABI NOR GET WORRY
From: Answer
To: All
Date Posted: 12:04:15 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: red_dog.niehs.nih.gov at 157.98.76.127
Message:
mohamed jalloh.
Subject: Re: SABI NOR GET WORRY
From: Question
To: All
Date Posted: 12:05:40 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
If it is him, I doff my hat off to him.
Subject: SILENT MAJORITY'S LOGIC
From: Vocal Minority
To: All
Date Posted: 10:55:59 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ool-44c29146.dyn.optonline.net at 68.194.145.70
Message:
"But if i say "Tom is dumb" and then i then say "Tom is smarter than Dumbo the elephant (a particularly stupid character in childrens stories); then i would submit that the two statements are not contradictory. They stand independently. I do not need to recant one for the other to stand. I can hold those two views with complete honesty. Tom would be misleading others if having heard me say he was smarter than Dumbo he then went around telling people that i said that he was smart..." Silent Majority
Tom will not be misleading anybody if he said that he was smart since he cannot be smarter (relative) than Dumbo if he were not smart (absolute). So another way to put your statements is:
"Tom is Dumb" and "Tom is Smart"
These two statements are contradictories. Both cannot be true and both cannot be false.
Subject: Re: SILENT MAJORITY'S LOGIC
From: silent majority
To: All
Date Posted: 18:55:10 06/14/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-los-ae04.proxy.aol.com at 195.93.21.132
Message:
"But if i say "Tom is dumb" and then i then say "Tom is smarter than Dumbo the elephant (a particularly stupid character in childrens stories); then i would submit that the two statements are not contradictory. They stand independently. I do not need to recant one for the other to stand. I can hold those two views with complete honesty. Tom would be misleading others if having heard me say he was smarter than Dumbo he then went around telling people that i said that he was smart..." Silent Majority
Tom will not be misleading anybody if he said that he was smart since he cannot be smarter (relative) than Dumbo if he were not smart (absolute). So another way to put your statements is:
"Tom is Dumb" and "Tom is Smart"
These two statements are contradictories. Both cannot be true and both cannot be false - vocal minority
------------------------------------------------------
I take it that you mean "Tom will not be misleading anybody if he said that I SAID that he was smart".
I suggest that you would be quite wrong. Reasonable people would quickly point out to him that I only said that he was smart when compared to Dumbo who is particularly stupid. The best way to express my view would be to say "Tom is less dumb than Dumbo". To say as you suggested "Tom is smart" and "Tom is dumb" would be nonsense and, as you say, contradictory.
But remember the wider context. Political Party A decides (in their subjective judgement) that Dumbo is smart and will be their candidate. Political party B decides (in their subjective judgement) that Tom is smart and will be their candidate. I think (in my subjective judgement) both Tom and Dumbo are dumb but Tom is less dumb than Dumbo. My country's future depends on me choosing which of the candidates that the parties have put forward is the smarter. I must choose. My subjective view that both are dumb is now irrelevant is it not? That is not the question that I must answer and I do not answer it. Can i not honestly say that Tom is smarter than Dumbo? Does this not accord with my view that Tom is less dumb than Dumbo?
I concede that the statement "Tom is smarter than Dumbo" on its own would contain a rebuttable presumption that I think Tom is smart. But this presumption is easily rebutted by the fact of my earlier statement that Tom is dumb which i do not recant and by the fact that i am compelled to make a relative choice between those whom others have decided are smart candidates. One thing should now be clear. To present this rebuttable presumption as an immutable fact is simply wrong.
I really do think that most sober, reasonable and dipassionate minds would accept this proposition.
PS i like the moniker
Subject: Reacting to The News:What the Newspapers Say in Sierra Leone
From: J.B. Jenkins-Johnston Esq.,
To: All
Date Posted: 10:46:23 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-68-34-23-220.hsd1.va.comcast.net at 68.34.23.220
Message:
Reacting to The News:What the Newspapers Say in Sierra Leone!
Posted by J.B. Jenkins-Johnston Esq., Legal Practitioner on Jun 12, 2007, 09:32
I have been unwell for the past few days; overworked, fatigue, not enough sleep, exhaustion; stressed, I heard it all, and by the unanimous command of all those who matter in my life, I have been having an “enforced rest”, in bed, at home.
During this period, as a further condition of my “enforced rest” I was ordered to avoid all Legal documents, Law books, Pleadings, Court bundles, Witness statements, skeleton arguments and synopsis of arguments for the Court of Appeal, and all those other aspects of my professional work which tax the mind and keep the brain busy. And so I was left with our Local newspapers, radio and DSTV. I am not much of a TV person so I did not spend much time watching that, but I decided to take a closer look at the local papers for the week to see if I would find much of interest to me. Well, I certainly did!
“Hi, TONY, BYE TONY!” said the Banner headline of PEEP for Wednesday 30th May 2007; BLAIR APOLOGISES TO FREETOWNIANS” said AWOKO of Thursday May 31; while STANDARD TIMES of Thursday May 31 said “BRITISH PRIME MINISTER FEAR TO EXTEND VISIT TO FREETOWN”.
Yes! All the above relate to the much trumpeted visit of the British Prime Minister to “SIERRA LEONE”, to receive the dual honours of an HONORARY DOCTORATE DEGREE from The University of Sierra Leone, and an HONORARY PARAMOUNT CHIEFTAINCY from the People of Sierra Leone in recognition of the role played by Britain in “Ending the 10 year long civil war in Sierra Leone!”, or at least that is what the world’s media kept telling us. So why did these headlines catch my attention? Please allow me to share my thoughts with you.
“BLAIR APOLOGISES TO FREETOWNIANS”, the headline said. I think it should have read “BLAIR APOLOGISES TO SIERRA LEONEANS” because he did not come here to visit Freetown, but to visit Sierra Leone. But FREETOWN is the Capital City and the seat of Government in Sierra Leone, and this is the Second time in 5 yeas that MR. TONY BLAIR is “visiting Sierra Leone”, without entering the Capital City, without going to the Seat of Government or Parliament, or even the National Stadium, where the people would have been most willing to give him a fantastic welcome and acclamation. But why did he apologize? One thing I learnt from my late father which I have tried to pass on to my own children and grandchildren is this saying, “You never have to apologise if you behave properly in the first place!”
Awoko Newspaper told us that the British Prime Minister said he was unable to visit Freetown this time around because of “TIME”. And to that I say, utter balderdash, Mr. Prime Minister! What do you mean by “TIME”? Was this not a planned visit? Do you visit a family by standing around outside their front door, or outside in their front compound without entering the Main Parlour in the house where guests are normally received? In any case it takes just eight (8) minutes by helicopter from Lungi to Freetown, and if the Prime Minister did not wish to risk his life in one of our rickety helicopters in which we Sierra Leoneans risk our lives all the time, then why did the British not bring in a couple of TWIN-PROPELLERED CHINOOK HELICOPTERS we saw so many of in our skies in 1997, 1999 and 2000?, from one or other of their bases somewhere in the world. And then to make it even worse, (as I am informed as I was not there,) the Prime Minister was “crowned” an Honorary Paramount Chief of KAFFU BULLOM CHIEFDOM, but did not put on the regalia that was offered to him, neither the gown nor the cap! WHY? WHY? Was he not told in advance what would be involved in the crowning ceremony? What sort of arrangements were actually made with Mr Tony Blair? I remember that when Mr. Peter Penfold was crowned an Honorary Paramount Chief, he happily put on his regalia as others have done in the past. So why did TONY BLAIR insult us in such a manner? When PRINCE CHARLES visited earlier in the year he came right into Freetown without any trouble.
Speaking for myself, I am very unhappy with the way our country and people were treated by Mr. Tony Blair, especially after all the inaccurate talk of the British saving Sierra Leone from civil war. Those of us, who stayed put in this country in the midst of the killing and mayhem, know who saved us from the depths of danger and death. It was ECOMOG led by the Nigerians with their Alpha Jets, ably supported by the Guineans and Ghanaians on the one hand; and the Civil Defence Forces, led by HINGA NORMAN and the Kamajors, ably supported by the other local fighters such as the Donsos, Gbethis and the Amalgamation of hunters in Freetown on the other hand. I think it is unfortunate that we always allow ourselves to be treated with levity and disrespect because we are forever hanging on the coat-tails of Britain, the USA and Europe. Just imagine, when you have a 46 year old man still begging from his parents for chop-money, transport-money and money to pay medical bills and school-fees for his children, can that man expect to be treated as a full adult by his parents? I am sure not! So that is exactly what is happening to us NOW! TONY BLAIR went to Libya and went to meet GHADDAFI in the Libyan desert in a tent! There was no excuse there about time, because Ghaddafi is a strongman and the Libyans know what they are doing. From Sierra Leone, he went to South Africa and stayed for two (2) days, no excuse there about time because SOUTH AFRICA is well-respected in the African continent as a leading member of the African Union. POOR SIERRA LEONE, I wonder how many more such insults we will have to endure before we can hope for parity of treatment with others!
Any way, enough of Tony Blair, and his no-visit, LETS MOVE ON!
The second thing that caught my eye, and filled me with alarm was the episode between MR. LLOYD DURING Minister of Energy and Power, the Management of National Power Authority and the CHAIRMAN, National Commission for Privatisation.
“OVER Le 600 Million for NPA BLACKOUT GALORE!” was the screaming headline in Standard Times on Wednesday 30th May 2007. The Article continued on Page 15 which in turn referred the reader to Page 8 for letters on the issue. In his letter to MR A. R. TURAY, Chairman for the National Commission on Privatisation dated 10th May 2007, the Minister of Energy and Power said this,
“…On the 10th April 2007 I informed you of a letter that I had signed to send to Mr. Foday Mannah, General Manager of the National Power Authority drawing his attention to the embarrassment faced by Government on the unavailability of electricity in the City. You suggested and I agreed that the letter should be withheld or that I should send it to you. I advised myself to withhold the letter and to have a session with Mr Mannah and his team with the hope that the situation will improve…….
……The above scenario characterized by misinformation and misrepresentation from management replicates previous scenarios which resulted in my proposed letter of 10th April 2007 (copy enclosed.)….. It is patently obvious that the present management cannot manage the business…”
I must confess that as an ordinary Sierra Leonean who has been suffering together with millions of others from the continued inability of the Government through NPA to provide the most basic utility (continuous electricity supply) for us to get on with our daily lives and businesses, I was totally SHOCKED, NON-PLUSSED and BOWLED OVER by the words of the Minister of Energy And Power. If I understand the English language correctly, and for my own sake, I hope I do, the Minister has already found the present management of NPA guilty of misinformation, misrepresentation and incompetence. So then what does he do? He reports the matter to the Chairman of N.C.P. Did he have to do that? I say No! No! and No! Again. In my submission, having come to those conclusions, the Minister ought to have taken immediate action either by himself or through the National Authority Act No. 3 of 1982, to discipline the guilty parties. On the other hand, if he felt unable to act against the present management of NPA for whatever reason, then he should have resigned as a sign of protest at his apparent impotence to act as he ought to do.
In my further submission, the letters of 10th April 2007 and 10th May 2007 are a serious indictment of not only the management of NPA, but also of the Minister of Energy And Power himself, however, given this Government’s established disinclination to act against non-performing ministers and Government officials throughout its 10 plus years in office, we can only say “GOD HELP US!” and wait to see what the election brings.
The third headline that caught my eye was this shocking and most distressing one in STANDARD TIMES of 31st May 2007:
“…..VIOLENCE DISPLAYED AT JOMO KENYATTA JUNCTION AS…..
GUMA ENGINEER BEATEN TO DEATH…”
My immediate reaction to that headline without even reading the article was, U”…Oh No! Not Again!”, and it immediately cast my mind back to the KEN MOORE incident. But it became worse as I read through the article and discovered that the poor and hapless MR. OJEAH was only doing his duty in pointing out to the Fire Force Personnel that they could not take water from the hydrant without permission from Guma Valley Water Company, when they pounced on him and beat him to death.
Now, if the incident happened as it was narrated in the paper, then I assume there must have been many eyewitnesses, this being in broad daylight in a public place. If that is the case, then I want to BEG the police to do the speediest investigation they have ever done; and I also want to BEG the Director of Public Prosecutions to also do the speediest prosecution he has ever done, and get these people before a Court of Law in double quick time.
I say this because it must be very obvious to all and sundry that violence and lawlessness are really taking firm hold of our country again and I do not like it at all. Too many people seem to believe that the whole process of bringing people to justice takes such a long time that by the time such a trial gets going, everyone would have forgotten about it. That is what gives rise to comments like,
“…..Bo dooya, dis nar Boff case – Natin nor get for comot insai day….”
OR
“Ah get de mind for beat you en damage you, nar you go waka nar police tay you taya or you afback lef nar Police step…”
I have always believed that it is especially important for justice to be swift for it to be effective, particularly so when such a brutal crime has been committed with such impunity in public in broad daylight, and members of the Public will have even more respect for the Law if and when it acts with lightning speed.
I sincerely hope and pray that both the Police and the Law Office will prove to us all that the Criminal Justice System has teeth that can bite when necessary, and the they, both the Inspector-General of Police and the Director of Public Prosecutions have the “bollocks” (which Peep says the Bar Association does not have,) to ensure that the Law bites the Assailants and Killers of TONY OJEAH soonest! May his soul rest in perfect peace.
More of my thoughts reacting to the News very soon. Bye-Bye!
Subject: Re: Reacting to The News:What the Newspapers Say in Sierra Leone
From: Cornelius Hamelberg
To: All
Date Posted: 18:17:26 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-141271d5.01-32-73746f42.cust.bredbandsbolaget.se at 213.113.18.20
Message:
As I’m otherwise done with Cocorioko and the insults and general stupidity encountered in this Forum, the endless rounds of argumentum ad hominem (by some semi-literates who want to teach me everything that I know) so I take this opportunity of replying to my former classmate here - one of my very last appearances in this forum.
Is this the man that Sylvia Blyden accuses of “incoherent rambling”?
Sure Blyden ( Jenkins-Johnston) might be as anti-British and anti-Blair as he obviously is here, but the use of the English language is not one of his handicaps – not socially and not in his professional capacity as one of Freetown’s leading barristers.
Nor are we to attribute his Caliban anti- British feelings to his writing in a state of perplexity or high fever or mental fatigue, having been “unwell for the past few days; overworked, fatigue, not enough sleep, exhaustion; stressed “ and the loving attention leading to the family & medical imperatives of “enforced rest”, in bed, at home” etc. He does not manifest any symptoms of an “overheated brain” - a condition that was often attributed to Mr. Titus Fewry, one of our early heroes (although Berthan Macauley was even his greater hero before he took to the legal profession.)
He is very lucid about a number of points that I should like to take up – not in order to generate further explanations from him, since he has made his position clear, and Blyden has been a more formidable debater than anyone on this Forum (we sat in the same classroom for seven years) and his side won our first debate at FBC “Should University rules be permissive or compulsor?” – in which I (as rarayman) led the permissive side and you know that lawyers are the most conservative bunch of human beings on the planet (even random samplers). Those who voted for the arguments of compulsory law and order (as opposed to
“anarchism”) were also the majority of the suffering and smiling, smiling and “law-abiding” students of that time, who were too timid to ever have a good woman “sleep” overnight in the dorm, or who liked being told what to do by Rev. Shodeke the warden of students, to be told to e.g. “take off your sun glasses when talking to me!” - That was a crude but real example of “compulsion” etc……
Anyway, I do not want to refute his centrepiece outright but I should like to comment on some of what Blyden has thought were important observations – ( otherwise he would not have brought them up, no matter at whose behest or under the influence of which system of political party stress he was do-ing the writing:
1. Understandably Blyden believes that the sanctimonious “You never have to apologise if you behave properly in the first place!” which he leaned from his father who was the Town Clerk, applies to the gentleman that we all know as prime minister of the United Kingdom, Tony Blair.
There are important differences about how to apply the patriarch’s edicts to his sons. There’s something that’s very British, and it’s called DECORUM. Tony Blair did not need to travel to Sierra Leone his “success story of military intervention” some say in contrast to British intervention In Iraq, in which British troops and the policy that got them there , is still under fire.
Mr. Blair apologised and we accept the apologies. That is all.
We must also understand and be grateful for the tremendous moral and financial support that the United Kingdom has been giving to Sierra Leone which is Britain’s oldest colony in Africa (150 years) - the educational institutions that Blyden attended - the Prince of Wales school and FBC are part of that British largesse – even if Caliban has since learned how to curse his master in his own language, playing to the home gallery…….
About the “ Crowning ceremony "( and we all remember Jerry Rawlings wrapping that Kente cloth around Bill Clinton) , so Chief Blair decides ( no disrespect intended ) that he does not want to subject himself to all the jaygay and stuff of the Paramount Chieftaincy’s toga ceremonials – which is not the essence of the ceremonial title – just as indeed unlike Blyden ( we have the same degree in English) I did not opt to go to the Convocation, nor did I pay the obligatory Ł 50 sterling to purchase the Durham fur that went with the degree at the ceremonial… Indeed Blyden & Joseph Carpenter (we were in the same final honours class, “happily put on his regalia as others have done in the past!”
Chief Tony and I are perhaps of the same spirit in that respect (without apology) and even that difference should be tolerated and respected.
It was a sacrifice flying to Sierra Leone, and I can imagine the heat and the humidity in the month of May ………
About our dear Prince Charles, and still talking about propriety and decorum, I still fail to see why visiting a PIG STY was on the itinerary of Prince Charles visit…. I guess that there too it’s cultural and then there the picture of Ahmad Tejan Kabbah digging himself and wagging his loving finger at our Prince Charles,
Here’s the picture: PRINCE OF WALES VISITS SIERRA LEONE
http://www.statehouse-sl.org/
Still cultural differences, if you have the eye with which to observe, to understand or to witness these things…
I could go on at some length, a few pages, maybe a dozen
“ Ah, but who would want to listen to you
Kissing his existence good night”
James Taylor “Walking Man”
Subject: Re: Reacting to The News:What the Newspapers Say in Sierra Leone
From: Cornelius Hamelberg
To: All
Date Posted: 17:57:03 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-141271d5.01-32-73746f42.cust.bredbandsbolaget.se at 213.113.18.20
Message:
As I’m otherwise done with Cocorioko and the insults and general stupidity encountered in this Forum, , the endless rounds of argumentum ad hominem (by some semi-literates who want to teach me everything that I know) so I take this opportunity of replying to my former classmate here -, one of my very last appaerances.
Is this the man that Sylvia Blyden accuses of “incoherent rambling”?
Sure Blyden ( Jenkins-Johnston) might be as anti-British and anti-Blair as he obviously is here, but the use of the English language is not one of his handicaps – not socially and not in his professional capacity as one of Freetown’s leading barristers.
Nor are we to attribute his Caliban anti- British feelings to his writing in a state of perplexity or high fever or mental fatigue, having been “unwell for the past few days; overworked, fatigue, not enough sleep, exhaustion; stressed “ and the loving attention leading to the family & medical imperatives of “enforced rest”, in bed, at home” etc. He does not manifest any symptoms of an “overheated brain” - a condition that was often attributed to Mr. Titus Fewry, one of our early heroes (although Berthan Macauley was even his greater hero before he took to the legal profession.
He is very lucid about a number of points that I should like to take up – not in order to generate further explanations from him , since he has made his position clear, and Blyden has been a more formidable debater than anyone on this Forum ( we sat in the same classroom for seven years) and his side won our first debate at FBC “ Should University rules be permissive or compulsory” – in which I ( as rarayman ) led the permissive side and you know that lawyers are the most conservative bunch of human beings on the planet ( even random samplers). Those who voted for the arguments of compulsory law and order (as opposed to
“anarchism” were also the majority of the suffering and smiling, smiling and “law-abiding students of that time, who were too timid to ever have a good woman “sleep” overnight in the dorm, or who liked being told what to do by Rev. Shodeke the warden of students, to be told to e.g. “take off your sun glasses when talking to me!” - That was a crude but real example of “compulsion” etc……
Anyway, I do not want to refute his centre piece outright but I should like to comment on some of what Blyden has thought were important observations – ( otherwise he would not bring them up, no matter at whose behest or under the influence of which system of political party stress he was do-ing the writing:
1. Understandably Blyden believes that the sanctimonious “You never have to apologise if you behave properly in the first place!” which he leaned from his father who was the Town Clerk, applies to the gentleman that we all know as prime minister of the United Kingdom, Tony Blair.
There are important differences about how to apply the patriarch’s edicts to his sons. There’s something that’s very British, and it’s called DECORUM. He did not need to travel to Sierra Leone his “success story of military intervention” some say in contrast to British intervention In Iraq, in which British troops and the policy that got them there , is still under fire.
Mr. Blair apologised and we accept the apologies. That is all.
We must also understand and be grateful for the tremendous moral and financial support that the United Kingdom has been giving to Sierra Leone which is Britain’s oldest colony in Africa (150 years ) - the educational institutions that Blyden attended - the Prince of Wales school and FBC are part of that British largesse – even if Caliban has since learned how to curse his master in his own language, playing to the home gallery…….
About the “ Crowning ceremony "( and we all remember Jerry Rawlings wrapping that Kente cloth around Bill Clinton) , so Chief Blair decides ( no disrespect intended ) that he does not want to subject himself to all the jaygay and stuff of the Paramount Chieftaincy’s toga ceremonials – which is not the essence of the ceremonial title – just as indeed unlike Blyden ( we have the same degree in English) I did not opt to go to the Convocation, nor did I pay the obligatory Ł 50 sterling to purchase the Durham fur that went with the degree at the ceremonial… Indeed Blyden & Joseph Carpenter (we were in the same final honours class, “happily put on his regalia as others have done in the past!”
Chief Tony and I are perhaps of the same spirit in that respect (without apology) and even that difference should be tolerated and respected.
It was a sacrifice flying to Sierra Leone, and I can imagine the heat and the humidity in the month of May ………
About our dear Prince Charles, and still talking about propriety and decorum, I still fail to see why visiting a PIG STY was on the itinerary of Prince Charles visit…. I guess that there too it’s cultural and then there the picture of Ahmad Tejan Kabbah digging himself and wagging his loving finger at our Prince Charles, …….
Here’s the picture:
Still cultural differences, if you have the eye with which to observe, understand or to witness these things
Subject: Leaving a Judicial Legacy in Sierra Leone
From: LAWYER
To: All
Date Posted: 09:35:40 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 129.49.7.126
Message:
Leaving a Judicial Legacy in Sierra Leone
As the Taylor trial gets underway, the court that indicted him builds up the Sierra Leone judiciary as it prepares to wind down.
By Katy Glassborow in The Hague (AR No. 116, 12-June-07)
The trial of former Liberian president Charles Taylor got underway in a flurry of high drama last week when the accused refused to attend court in The Hague, thousands of miles away from Sierra Leone and Liberia, the countries affected by crimes he is accused of supporting.
Journalists from around the world attended Taylor's Special Court for Sierra Leone, SCSL, trial, hosted by the International Criminal Court, ICC, on June 4, to see how proceedings would roll out, far from the SCSL’s home in Freetown.
The SCSL is different from other courts backed by the United Nations, like the International Criminal Tribunals for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia (ICTR and ICTY), which are located in Tanzania and The Hague respectively, because it is based in Sierra Leone.
It was established as an independent tribunal through an agreement between the UN and the Sierra Leone government, and it is the only international tribunal to sit in the country where the crimes it is trying took place, in an effort to make the justice it delivers real and tangible to the victims.
The court is a transitional justice mechanism with a primary mandate to prosecute war crimes, but it also seeks to build up the rule of law and support judicial institutions, which have been ground down by years of conflict.
Like the SCSL, the ICTs are winding down in the next few years after over a decade of activity, but concerns persist over the capacity of Rwandan and Balkans judiciaries to try the accused that international courts could not prosecute, due to time and resource limitations.
Despite successful prosecutions at war crimes chambers in Sarajevo and Belgrade, there are worries about bias and corruption, so to prevent this in Sierra Leone, Anthony Trioli, head of the SCSL’s legacy programme, is working with the country’s Bar Association to train defence and prosecution lawyers and judges.
Herman von Hebel, the acting registrar for the SCSL, told IWPR that the court staff want to develop the Sierra Leone judiciary and train legal professionals and even police officers, and work with other agencies on justice sector reform.
The court has already developed a young professionals internship programme for Sierra Leoneans interested in pursuing careers in the judiciary, and is working on a witness and victim protection and support system with the Sierra Leone police.
Trioli is also keen for Sierra Leone to get the best use out of the SCSL’s purpose-built courthouse in Freetown - which will be handed over to the government after 2009. He and the authorities are discussing possible uses, such as a regional court or a legal training centre.
Before the war, Sierra Leone had a well developed justice system, and SCSL chief prosecutor Stephen Rapp told IWPR that one of his personal causes, "slightly outside of my bailiwick", is to work on capacity building for the national justice system.
He wants the facilities and resources set up by the SCSL to be used after the court winds down in 2009, but admits “this is a challenge” because the cost of maintaining the building is “beyond the government of Sierra Leone”.
Rapp is calling for an international foundation to take control of the facility and make it available for local or regional hearings or training sessions.
In addition, he has talked to government officials to ensure that suspects the SCSL does not have the time or resources to prosecute are finally dealt with in national courts, and that the national system can deal with such cases.
He sees it as a high priority to “give national courts our evidence, and work with them in developing cases to the extent they can at national level".
But the court’s attempts to deliver justice and strengthen the local judiciary may be undermined by the transfer of the SCSL’s most high-profile accused for trial at the ICC in The Hague.
Charles Taylor, the elected president of Liberia for six years from 1997, was indicted by the SCSL in 2003 for 11 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder, rape and conscr1pting child soldiers to fight. He fled to Calabar in Nigeria for exile in 2003.
The Nigerian government handed him over to the SCSL in March 2006, but he was transferred to The Hague three months later because it was felt by senior court staff that a trial in Freetown could spark violence.
This decision was supported by the Security Council, which said Taylor’s trial cannot be conducted anywhere in the region “due to the security implications”.
But to have a lasting impact on justice in Sierra Leone, the case needs to be taken back to Africa, says lawyer Karim Khan, who represented Taylor until the opening day of the trial on June 4 when he was fired by his client who chose to represent himself, in a protest against what he sees as the inadequate time and facilities his defence had been given.
According to Khan, "there are no verifiable security concerns over a Freetown trial”, and stressed that the SCSL is “very well organised and a credit to the country", while a Hague venue for the trial is "simply not working".
Khan told IWPR that on the opening day of the Taylor case, he had phone calls from people in Freetown who were trying to watch the proceedings on television, but "could not see the picture or hear sound clearly".
So, he said, the people who have suffered cannot follow the trial and have to rely on “edited highlights on television.
Nonetheless, said Khan, Taylor's trial has the potential to have a huge beneficial impact on Sierra Leone’s justice system and the whole of society by establishing the pre-eminence of the rule of law.
Rapp told IWPR he is keen to ensure that as the case unfolds in mainland Europe, everyone in Sierra Leone, Liberia and the region is aware of what occurs in the courtroom, including key players in the nation's justice system.
He has pledged to support the local justice system once SCSL trials wind down in 2009, and plans to hand over evidence, files and witness contacts to investigators and prosecutors in Sierra Leone.
After its abortive June 4 opening in The Hague, Taylor’s trial is supposed to resume on June 25.
But with Khan now out of the picture after Taylor’s defiant no-show and insistence that he will represent himself until a defence team is afforded proper time, facilities and resources to be able to do their jobs, it is unclear who will be sitting opposite Rapp in the defence bench to put Taylor’s case on June 25.
Katy Glassborow is an IWPR reporter in The Hague.
Subject: Improved, child-friendly schools offer girls a better future
From: EDUCATION
To: All
Date Posted: 09:29:44 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 129.49.7.126
Message:
Improved, child-friendly schools offer girls a better future in Sierra Leone
© UNICEF video
Four-year-old Aster Kamara confidently counts from 1 to 15 at the blackboard in Kabuita Community School.
By Richard Lee
KABUICHA, Sierra Leone, 11 June 2007 – Tapping the numbers on the blackboard with a bamboo cane, four-year-old Aster Kamara confidently counts from 1 to 15. It is an impressive performance and she is deservedly applauded by her classmates as she returns to her seat.
But what makes it even more impressive is that Aster is in school at all.
Just three years ago, the Kabuita Community School was a simple grass hut, where few children – and almost no girls – ever turned up for class. But thanks to a new brick building and changing attitudes towards education, the school is now packed with pupils every day.
And more often than not, girls actually outnumber boys.
Better schools, better chances
“Our new building really improved the situation because parents began sending their children to school,” said Alusius Kargbo, one of Kabuita’s two teachers. “Most of the girls in our community now come to school.”
© UNICEF video
Mohammed Kamara welcomes his daughter Aster home from school. He wants her to continue school up to university.
UNICEF and its partners are now providing teachers – up to 40 per cent of whom are untrained – with proper training, as well as funding the construction of new primary school facilities.
At schools throughout Sierra Leone, new wells are being dug to provide clean water and new toilets are being built to improve sanitation. Brand-new classrooms are also replacing mud huts or buildings destroyed during the country’s civil war. All of this is helping to make both community and state-run primary schools more child-friendly.
A child friendly school acts in the interests of the ‘whole’ child, which includes his or her health, nutrition and overall well-being. This approach helps to increase overall enrolment, attendance and performance – particularly of girls.
Early marriage still a barrier
But Alusius knows that getting young girls into school is often the easy part, while ensuring that they stay there is normally much harder.
“It is very difficult to make the parents keep their girls in school,” he said, shaking his head in disbelief. “Sometimes when their breasts show, the parents will say, ‘Oh, there is no need for them to go to school – let her go and marry!’”
© UNICEF video
Diana Seesay, 19, is a prefect in Kamabai Secondary School. When she finishes school, she wants to become a lawyer.
This view is prevalent across Sierra Leone, where early marriage – often when girls are just 12 or 13 – is still firmly entrenched. This age-old custom is one of the main reasons why the narrowing gap between boys and girls in primary school is not being replicated at the secondary-school and university levels.
Poverty often forces parents to send their daughters to work selling goods in the streets and markets or labour in the fields and forests rather than study in class, especially as many of them still believe it is more important to educate their sons.
Dreaming for their daughters
And yet there are some real signs of change. A growing number of parents are beginning to grasp the importance of education for their daughters and to realize that early marriage simply perpetuates the cycle of poverty.
“I am ready to make Aster continue up to university because I understand the value of education,” said Mohammed Kamara, after welcoming his daughter home from school. “In the old days, girls would be given to men for marriage. I don’t want Aster to end up that way.”
Enlightened parents are pushing their daughters to complete their schooling and even strive for a place at university. Yet despite the many success stories, the gender gap at secondary and tertiary levels remains extremely wide, and there are no quick or easy answers to eradicating it. Traditional beliefs and customs will take many years to change, as will the reconstruction of a school system that was – like so much else in Sierra Leone – wrecked by war.
Subject: if APC wins....
From: Couplingan
To: All
Date Posted: 09:12:27 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-141-59-54.range86-141.btcentralplus.com at 86.141.59.54
Message:
Did I hear, someone again uttered, that if APC wins, he will overthrow them???
Subject: Re: if APC wins....
From: ok dok
To: All
Date Posted: 11:27:41 06/12/07 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: at 24.78.66.241
Message:
Every knows APC will not win an election anymore buddy.So dont listen as its just mock.
Subject: Re: if APC wins....
From: edo
To: All
Date Posted: 15:02:49 06/12/07 ()
Email Address: ernest@ernestkoroma2007.com
Entered From: pix.linkserve.net at 195.166.237.42
Message:
who says apc can't win, there is no better candidate than ernest koroma
Subject: Re: if APC wins....
From: WHAT IS NEW
To: All
Date Posted: 16:36:57 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-24-127-131-140.hsd1.pa.comcast.net at 24.127.131.140
Message:
What is really new that has not been already done by the SLPP administration? Or are they not doing already what Mr. Koroma wants to do if he wins the election. There is nothing new. Give us a fresh idea and reason to vote for your man.
Subject: SELECTION OR PRIMARY ELECTION?
From: SYMBOL
To: All
Date Posted: 07:43:49 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-050.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.50
Message:
APC Leader summons grand meeting on award of the party symbol
Amid reports that the opposition All Peoples Congress (APC) party is currently on the verge of splitting ahead of the presidential and parliamentary elections over the issue of selecting contestants for symbols as reported in The News newspaper.
The New Vision reports that the APC leader would be addressing a grand meeting of all aspirants on Wednesday, 13 June, at the party’s headquarters on the itchy issue of awarding party symbol. The report in The News further states that there were already cries of foul play by some contestants and their supporters, accusing the selection committee of bias, and bent on awarding symbols to unpopular candidates at the expense of popular ones, with some supporters preferring the holding of primaries to the selection process.
The Exclusive on its part reports that 32 aspirants had applied for the party’s symbol in the Kono District, east of the country, to contest the eight parliamentary seats in the 11 August polls. The paper quotes the APC Kono District Secretary, Francis Gbondo, as denying the rumor that there was a tussle in the award of symbols in the district noting that the final selection of candidates for all eight constituencies would be done today, Tuesday 12 June, and that the successful candidates would be presented to all their constituencies between 15 and 19 June.
Subject: Re: SELECTION OR PRIMARY ELECTION?
From: Selection?
To: All
Date Posted: 09:12:22 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 67.63.2.157
Message:
what the...... APC how about democracy? Practice?
Subject: Auditor General Says Corruption Rampant in Sirleaf Governmen
From: James Butty
To: All
Date Posted: 07:20:53 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: ac202-050.resnet.stonybrook.edu at 130.245.202.50
Message:
Auditor General Says Corruption Rampant in Sirleaf Government
By James Butty
Washington, D.C.
12 June 2007
Butty interview with Morlu
Listen to Butty interview with Morlu
Liberia’s new auditor general says his efforts to fight corruption are being frustrated by government ministers and agency directors. John Morlu The Second was recruited a little over a month ago by the European Union and later approved by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to serve as auditor general of Liberia and help fight corruption. Now Morlu told VOA that government officials facing possible audit are making his and other financial experts’ job more difficult.
“The job is a challenging job. As you know, most people don’t like to hear the word auditing. So that’s a natural inclination for people to not want to accept such an outcome. But at the end of the day, this is something that is part of accountability and has to be done,” he said.
The Governance Economic and Management Assistance Program (GEMAP) was put in place under an international agreement to help control corruption in Liberia.
But Morlu said GEMAP experts are also facing stiff resistance from government ministers. He also said Liberia’s current national budget is flawed.
“At the end of the day the fight against corruption must begin with the budget, and this budget leaves out almost 60 percent of the revenue base of this country. Now unless we can handle that, whether is the auditor general, whether is GEMAP, we will all fail to fight corruption. Mrs. Sirleaf understands that. So that’s why I am pushing very hard and working with the GEMAP to ensure that every revenue that belongs to the Liberian people, every dollar must be put back on the table and accounted for,” Morlu said.
He said some government ministers and directors of agencies are refusing to cooperate with GEMAP experts.
“I think the holdback in implementing the GEMAP, from what I have been able to learn so far, is coming from the government ministers and government directors, institutions in which the GEMAP works. I think the GEMAP is a good program. I think it will work. But there is a lot of lack of cooperation on the part of certain quarters of the administration to make sure that it is effective and working,” he said.
Auditor General Morlu said he was not sure whether President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was aware of the difficulties that the GEMAP experts were facing. But he said there was pressure being brought on the financial experts.
“I don’t know whether she’s aware or not. But what I know is the fact. I have talked with the GEMAP people, and these guys are under extreme pressure to conform. I have come under the same pressure as a Liberian to conform. People tell you will fall in line. People tell me you will come down to our level. They try to frustrate every effort in this country to maintain the status quo. So if they can do that to me as a Liberian, just imagine what they are doing to these GEMAP people,” he said.
Morlu expressed frustration that he and other financial experts are not being allowed to do the job they were hired to do.
“Look, at the end of the day, this Sirleaf Government will never be accountable until it is audited, until we can make sure that the money that belongs to the Liberian people is accounted for. We are prosecuting people today – Gyude Bryant, Edwin Snowe, a whole lot of people based on audit. So let’s audit the Ellen government to see. Some people don’t what that happen. So from where I sit and what information I got, this government is three times more corrupt than Gyude Bryant government. So let’s put the resources in the institutions to withhold and to audit to identify the weaknesses and hold people accountable,” Morlu said.
Subject: ALIEU ISCANDARI WILL NEVER BE A TRIBALIST.
From: ALPHA SAIDU BANGURA
To: All
Date Posted: 07:11:58 06/12/07 ()
Email Address: SAIDUBANGSO@AOL.COM
Entered From: c-69-143-240-17.hsd1.md.comcast.net at 69.143.240.17
Message:
Alieu Iscandari comes from a very diverse background and I am sure he is proud for it.I noticed that some people in this forum are making incorrect statements about Alieu and it is now my greatest pleasure to make the following corrections:
(1)Alieu Iscandari is not a krio and he is not connected to krios by any means.
(2)Alieu's entire paternal line are Mandingos from Kankan,in Guinea.To justify his true tribe, Alieu's father was born and raised at No.15 Jenkins St.(in the Magazine Cut area,a predominantly Mandingo settlement in Freetown).
(3)Alieu's entire maternal side are Lokos and Limbas from the suburbs of Kissy and Waterloo villages.
His mother also has strong blood relationship with the chief Foday Kai family, from Mende country.To show his true love for his Mende roots,Alieu's second wife,Humu(who is slowly divorcing him because she is tired of his abuses)is the daughter of the late PC Kai kai of Pujehun fame.
With this background,I am sure Alieu will agree with me that, it will make no sense if he tries to be a triblist.
I am most respectfully appealing to all my Mende brothers and sisters in this forum to accept Alieu as both their brother and in-law.Only people who do not have anything to offer Sierra Leone and its people,talk about tribalism.
At this point in our country's history we do not need to allow tribalism to further divide us.We have been divided for a long time,we now need to cement all the cracks among us and bring everybody to together as
ONE PEOPLE LIVING IN ONE COUNTRY.
Subject: Re: ALIEU ISCANDARI WILL NEVER BE A TRIBALIST.
From: okdok
To: All
Date Posted: 11:30:43 06/12/07 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: at 24.78.66.241
Message:
So the guy i respect so much abuse women?I cant belive a man so objective,honest can do this.
Subject: Re: ALIEU ISCANDARI WILL NEVER BE A TRIBALIST.
From: caution
To: All
Date Posted: 11:39:59 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
Don't believe everything you hear.
Subject: Re: ALIEU ISCANDARI WILL NEVER BE A TRIBALIST.
From: BUFORD HWY
To: All
Date Posted: 11:56:26 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-074-228-219-218.sip.asm.bellsouth.net at 74.228.219.218
Message:
Like what Cadmus said,you can never be allow to marry two wives LEGALLY both in the US and ENGLAND,so forumites becareful and see the SOURCE OF THE MESSAGE.
Subject: Re: ALIEU ISCANDARI WILL NEVER BE A TRIBALIST.
From: Warren Jeffs
To: All
Date Posted: 14:42:10 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 67.63.2.157
Message:
In the south( AL, MS, AR, you do not have to have certificate or the blessing of the church to be married. If you and the other woman have lived in the same house for couple of yrs, you are considered married.
Una take tem ooh. Some of you are defending because you are also doing the same thing.
Subject: Re: ALIEU ISCANDARI WILL NEVER BE A TRIBALIST.
From: Mormon
To: All
Date Posted: 08:27:46 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: red_dog.niehs.nih.gov at 157.98.76.127
Message:
"...Alieu's second wife,Humu(who is slowly divorcing him because she is tired of his abuses)is the daughter of the late PC Kai kai of Pujehun fame..." Quoted from ASB.
So alieu geh two wef? Kipi ehn Humu? Na America? Ehn ee day beat dem na hose? Ar hope say dem nor go burn ahm alive na ee sleep. Maybe nar dat mek ee day smoke da jamba day bad bad wan so.
Is this not illegal in the US?
Subject: Re: ALIEU ISCANDARI WILL NEVER BE A TRIBALIST.
From: Moijue kaiKai
To: All
Date Posted: 09:02:27 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host81-152-136-203.range81-152.btcentralplus.com at 81.152.136.203
Message:
UMU IS not the daughter of the late Chief, so stop for lie
Subject: Re: ALIEU ISCANDARI WILL NEVER BE A TRIBALIST.
From: KABS KANU
To: All
Date Posted: 08:54:56 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 71.250.218.196
Message:
Alpha Saidu,
Don't you think that you are unnecessarily prying into Allieu's personal affairs ? You are a fine and brilliant chap, but it is time to forget what you have against Allieu. How can a lawyer have 2 wives in America ? You know it is not possible, and you should have left out the divorce part. It is personal and does not belong to this forum which was set up for the discussion of Sierra Leonean affairs.
One thing I know is that because of the complexity of life in America, many of our brothers and sisters are at loggerheads with their spouses, but when these things come to our notice, let us learn to feel sorry ( As is our culture) and pray for the couples involved. Let us avoid gloating about it , because it can happen to anybody. American culture is antithethical to our African culture , with regards to marriage and the conduct of wives and husbands. Add to this the stress , bills and other social problems and you will understand why many of our Sierra Leonean marriages are failing in America. Those of us who are lucky to have relatively peaceful homes should pray for others because it is just the grace of God at work that we do not have these problems . Ofcourse , I deplore men who beat their wives. It is barbaric and uncivilised and should not be accepted. However, wife-beating is not the only thing tearing marriages apart in America .
Please stop bringing Allieu's personal affairs to this forum or I will ask the Moderator to ban you. You are a very clever young man and I admire you a lot and I think you have great things to contribute to this forum .However , DO UNTO OTHERS WHAT YOU WOULD LIKE THEM TO DO TO YOU. Allieu is one of the foundation and loyal members of this forum and we owe him a duty to protect him from unnecessary prying into his personal affairs.
Please take this as your final warning.
KABS KANU
Subject: Re: ALIEU ISCANDARI WILL NEVER BE A TRIBALIST.
From: Warren Jeffs
To: All
Date Posted: 09:45:52 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 67.63.2.157
Message:
I have two wives and will be going to jail for polygamy.
De same thing wae una dae do nar salone na im una bring nar other man country.
Are you going too sue Saidu? I will want to be in that court en see how you will pull this one off..
Subject: Re: ALIEU ISCANDARI WILL NEVER BE A TRIBALIST.
From: The Analyst
To: All
Date Posted: 14:57:49 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: f298781.ga.unc.edu at 152.4.31.217
Message:
Rev. Kanu, I strongly believe Alpha Saidu Bangura has a problem with communication. I certainly believe Alieu has only one wife. I equally believe Saidu was trying to say Alieu had married and divorced before and that this was his second marriage, only that he has problems with the use of words. God, I hope this is what Saidu meant. In any event, I strongly support Rev. in cautioning Saidu. There are laws against defarming somebody's character in an open forum. Saidu has gone too far!!!
Subject: Re: ALIEU ISCANDARI WILL NEVER BE A TRIBALIST.
From: FACT
To: All
Date Posted: 09:13:16 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
I concur. Saidu, as a muslim, you are not expected to write like this. I even thought somebody is impersonating you. What has Allieu done to you? Why don't you consult elders to intercede between you two if you have grievances? I guess you love Pa Iscandari, your foster father. Why don't you call him and complain about Allieu if he, Allieu, has done something to you? Don't allow politics to come between you and your family,my brother. Some aspects of American culture can be bad and un-African, remember that. Respet for elders, no matter what, is important to us Africans. You lose your case when you break that law among us.Criticise, complain, counteract and question with respect, please.
Subject: Re: ALIEU ISCANDARI WILL NEVER BE A TRIBALIST.
From: Mormon
To: All
Date Posted: 09:11:01 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: red_dog.niehs.nih.gov at 157.98.76.127
Message:
Kabs, the hypocrite, why don't you also admonish the other folks that pry into the personal lives and tell blatant lies about other "foundation and loyal members of this forum"? Don't you also "owe [them] a duty to protect [them] from unnecessary prying into [their]personal affairs"? What is good for the goose should also be good for the gander. Don't you think?
Subject: Re: ALIEU ISCANDARI WILL NEVER BE A TRIBALIST.
From: ok dok
To: All
Date Posted: 11:34:32 06/12/07 ()
Email Address: okdok@yahoo.com
Entered From: at 24.78.66.241
Message:
He only do this to people he favours.Thanks for the observation.
Subject: Re: ALIEU ISCANDARI WILL NEVER BE A TRIBALIST.
From: Warren Jeffs
To: All
Date Posted: 10:06:29 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 67.63.2.157
Message:
Asay bobs. This is breaking news. The man has two wives. legally married to two women. Aye.
Subject: Re: ALIEU ISCANDARI WILL NEVER BE A TRIBALIST.
From: CADMUS
To: All
Date Posted: 11:04:37 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 82.198.250.72
Message:
Well over a year ago,I was one of those who became apopletic with SAIDU for bringing ALIEUS Personal and Family business on this Forum. I still stand by that point and believe it is about time Saidu grows up.That is not the SLPP way.
There are many topics you can challange Alieu, on this forum, like why he is still supporting a losing Party..etc.
Can I just correct Warren Jeffs...I just want to be pedantic(sic)....You see, in American and English Law one cannot be LEGALLY MARRIED to two women. The first Marriage is Legal, the second (except after a divorce) will be an attempt to married, and therefore will not be a Legal marriage.So you can only legally marry one peron at a time.I hope that is clear.
Thanks.
Subject: Re: ALIEU ISCANDARI WILL NEVER BE A TRIBALIST.
From: John E. Leigh
To: All
Date Posted: 11:34:56 06/12/07 ()
Email Address: johnernestleigh@yahoo.com
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
I join Rev. Kanu, CADMUS and others in appealing to every forum participant to please keep personal vendettas as well as a participant's home situation, family arrangements and private matters out of this forum for decency as well as for productivity sake.
There are plenty of issues to debate in our joint efforts to help make our country a much better place.
Forget about nastiness. That's for rubbish remedial dunces, flunkeys and PHoolumunkus. Thank you. - JL
Subject: Re: ALIEU ISCANDARI WILL NEVER BE A TRIBALIST.
From: Question
To: All
Date Posted: 11:46:35 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
Leigh, you are still here?
Subject: Re: ALIEU ISCANDARI WILL NEVER BE A TRIBALIST.
From: Moijue
To: All
Date Posted: 12:38:21 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host81-152-136-203.range81-152.btcentralplus.com at 81.152.136.203
Message:
U are alleging that Margai failed in 1960's, is that not private?
Subject: Stae house grabs Salone lands
From: news
To: All
Date Posted: 06:15:21 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 210-65-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.65.210
Message:
true sak,tok me. Kabbah SLPP is the most corrupt and kleptomaniac governmnet ever to rule Sierra Leone.
Even Siaka Stevens was not giving State Lands to all the workers at State House.
Sierra Leone sorry oh! nobody nor bisin wae Kabbah dae pwell salone pata pata.
So, we all have to work at State house before we can have State Lands?
The only good the elctorates wil do for children yet unborn is to vote out Kabbah/Berewa/Leigh SLPP in August.
The mining activities that have reduced Kono to a wilderness mustbe reviewed and all governmnet lands that the kleptos have stoled should be returned to the State. The houses they have built must be demolished and allow trees to grow in their natural habitat.
My pen will be working over night to cry wolf when the political party that will win in August fails to charge those who have killed the economy of Sierra Leone.
Subject: Re: Stae house grabs Salone lands
From: Ture
To: All
Date Posted: 15:44:09 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: c-68-80-39-50.hsd1.pa.comcast.net at 68.80.39.50
Message:
Well put my brother, but no one is going to listen because they are all so bent on removing SLPP from power that they can accept any kind of alternative. But all of them will the shock of their lives when SLPP will win the elections with no second rounds.
Subject: Re: Stae house grabs Salone lands
From: Chez Winakabs Europe
To: All
Date Posted: 07:03:22 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-153-17-150.range86-153.btcentralplus.com at 86.153.17.150
Message:
You guys complain about the corruption in Kabba and the seniors in SLPP; tell me which other alternative do we have? Kabba and friends, we are all aware have squandered and embezzled our country's funds. We are unable to tackle these issues as everyone is waiting for their turn to be there to do the same. What are you doing about the issue that torments you dasy in day out? is it proper to put an other dishonest hungry individual in place of the one whose belly is nearly full and knows that with proper checks we can make him vomit and excrete our funds. APC and PMDC are more hungry than the Kabbah and co. i would rather contain the Kabbah for now whilst we find solutions on how to curb their disrespect for the country's economy. We have to harrass our local mp's in the diaspora to look at the case in sierra leone when next they sit on international committees. we cannot just talk and attempt tom replace one bad apple for another bad apple. we handle the bad apple that we now see and cure it.
Subject: news
From: source: Galileo
To: All
Date Posted: 06:01:05 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 210-65-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.65.210
Message:
Women who enjoy good childhood relationships with their fathers are more likely to select partners who resemble their dads research suggests.
In contrast, the team of psychologists from Durham University and two Polish institutions revealed that women who have negative or less positive relationships were not attracted to men who looked like their male parents.
Due to be published in the July issue of Evolution and Human Behaviour, the study investigated evidence of parental sexual imprinting, the sexual preference for individuals possessing parental characteristics, in women. The team used facial measurements to give a clear view of how fathers’ facial features relate directly to the features of faces their daughters find attractive.
The study, supported in part by the Economic and Social Research Council and The Royal Society, helps shed further light on how we choose partners and the impact of a parent’s role in this process, which until recently researchers believed to be a passive one. It adds to growing theories that suggest sexual imprinting is an active process which involves the relationship between the child and the adult upon whom they imprint. This reveals the importance of parental relationships in partner selection, which could move studies in areas like evolutionary biology, fertility and genetics a step forward and offer new insights in areas such as relationship counselling and psychology.
Author Dr Lynda Boothroyd of Durham University explains: “While previous research has suggested this to be the case, these controlled results show for certain that the quality of a daughter’s relationship with her father has an impact on whom she finds attractive. It shows our human brains don't simply build prototypes of the ideal face based on those we see around us, rather they build them based on those to whom we have a strongly positive relationship. We can now say that daughters who have very positive childhood relationships with their fathers choose men with similar central facial characteristics to their fathers.”
Well known ‘daddies’ girls’ such as Nigella Lawson and Zoe Ball back up these findings. A comparison of pictures of Charles Saatchi with Nigel Lawson and Norman Cook with Johnny Ball reveals some close correlations, especially in the central facial area, including the nose, chin and eyes.
The study used a sample of 49 Polish eldest daughters. Each chose the most attractive face from 15 distinct faces, whose ears, hair, neck, shoulders and clothing were not visible, removing any external influences which could potentially skew results. The male stimuli’s facial measurements were taken and compared with each daughter’s father’s measurements, so that the researchers knew which faces correlated most closely with the fathers’ faces.
The daughters were asked to rate their paternal relationships looking at areas such as how much a father engaged in bringing up his daughter, how much leisure time he spent with her and how much emotional investment she received from him. These scores then made up an overall ‘positivity’ score. As a group as a whole there was no correlation between fathers’ and male stumuli’s faces, however, when the daughters were split into two groups based on positivity, those in the higher positivity group showed significant positive correlations between fathers’ and the male stimuli’s faces that they found most attractive.
Subject: Venezuela seizes cocaine heading to SIERRA LEONE
From: Bella Barrie
To: All
Date Posted: 05:58:59 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-wan-217-154-29-181.mistral.co.uk at 217.154.29.181
Message:
The alleged smugglers were preparing to load it onto a private plane bound for Sierra Leone..
Subject: Re: Venezuela seizes cocaine heading to SIERRA LEONE
From: Businessman
To: All
Date Posted: 12:27:37 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-141-59-54.range86-141.btcentralplus.com at 86.141.59.54
Message:
No wonder, dem say, Salone is ripe for business, and many private investors are breezing into Salone, some with private jets.These drug haulers, do not care, whether we have power, water supply, roads or any infrastructure.
Subject: MINISTERS IN OPERATION PAY YOURSELF
From: ALIE KAMARA
To: All
Date Posted: 03:38:00 06/12/07 ()
Email Address: stepsaheadalie@yahoo.co.uk
Entered From: 5ac17561.bb.sky.com at 90.193.117.97
Message:
One cant imagine the reckless attitude of Sierra Leone ministers. Recent developments at Water Quay regarding the increase of custom duties up to 250% have been seen as a last minute bid for ministers to raise funds before they leave office. Goods have been abandoned by importers who are unable to pay the excessive duties on goods. The ministers in other hand are happy as they have a syndicate that will later auction the goods to them.
What is it about Sierra Leone as importers are paying twice as much shipment than neighbouring Guinea, and after paying those shipments cost in the country of origin, to get a delivery note a simple piece of paper to clear your goods, SLSA will charge you another $200 for nothing. And Prince Harding & Co decided to bring in a Company in the interest of National security that will further charge you $200 to scan your container. Get real are we at risk from Al- Quaeda, even if we are it is the government responsibility to protect its citizens at no extra cost. Even the United States and Britain who are respectively 1 and 2 on Al-Quaeda's hit list dont charge a dime to their citizens. Infact we have been known to be friends of Al-Quaeda, as recent reports have claimed that Al-Quaeda are buying diamonds from Sierra Leone. Are the ministers worried that they will sell fake diamonds to Al-Quaeda and they will come back and hunt them. Sierra leone is not at risk from Al-Quaeda so stop those illegal charges at Water Quay.
Guinea is thriving thanks to the idiotic behaviour of Sierra Leone officials, as all shipments go via Guinea and they collect the custom duties and their economy is booming. Those same goods are then smuggled to Sierra Leone without any custom duties paid. A Guinean official recently said, thanks to the stupidity of the Sierra Leone regime they are collecting custom duties that were due to Sierra Leone.
Recently the government brought in unscrupulous rogue characters who they claimed are from Britain that are working on commission, and help them launder their ill gained wealth. They have resorted to value goods excessively in order to get maximum commission. Atleast if they are from the UK even if they resided at Mayfair , Kensington and Chelsea there are local newsagent where they could have obtained copies of Exchange and Mart, Auto trader to see the value of goods. Amazingly that should have had the approval of parliament, but in Sierra Leone ministers to protect their interest bypass parliament.
A white friend of mine on a visit to Sierra Leone lamented that it is so corrupt and it seem to be a organize crime syndicate from the very top to the bottom.
The question is who will save us from these unscrupulous rogue characters come August 11, if not god pity our nation for the next 5 years.
Subject: Re: MINISTERS IN OPERATION PAY YOURSELF
From: Sympathiser
To: All
Date Posted: 09:10:46 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-141-59-54.range86-141.btcentralplus.com at 86.141.59.54
Message:
All the Ministers are going, and they may not become Ministers again.There are no decent retirement funds or pensions for the Ministers, so if they pay themselves, this last moment, please do not make noise about it.Afterall, they have served the Nation
Subject: REBUTTAL OF THE YEAR
From: news
To: All
Date Posted: 03:30:25 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
Posted by Patriot on June 02, 2007 at 10:23:35:
In Reply to: Re: John Leigh castigates Berewa posted by John E. Leigh on June 02, 2007 at 09:55:06:
"I have never put my party ahead of my country. My country is always first. But I will always put my party first and before the opposition parties."
John Leigh:
As usual, you say one thing, and you do the opposite --just as you unequivocally said that Berewa was unfit to lead Salone and then you fli-lopped and shout that Berewa is fit to lead Salone!
No wonder people say you are dishonest and corrupt -- your own words and actions provide ample evidence of your dishonesty and corruption. Let us look at a typical example of your treasonous actions against the interest of your country that you hypocritically proclaim to love.
1. You wrote: "I have never put my party ahead of my country. My country is always first. But I will always put my party first and before the opposition parties."
Question #1: How do you, Leigh, put your country ahead of your party by supporting the SLPP party that records conclusively show is absolutely the worst government in the history of Salone?
2. You also wrote: "You are totally wrong in implying that choosing either Shahid Jamil's nice peggy boy or the one-manic, discriminator, double-crossing dombolo is in the public interest."
Question #2: How can your man, Berewa, whom you have called unfit to lead SL without any reservation be a better leader than opposition candidates who have never been part of the worst government in Salone?
Your illogical and partisan answers to the above and other questions expose you clearly as a traitor to the people of Salone. It is yet further evidence of your capacity for self-serving self delusion that, against such incontrovertible evidence of your lack of objectivity and traitorous partisanship, you would call yourself objective.
Not surprising, you also say you put your country first while your actions show exactly the opposite, as proved above.
As someone told you yesterday, you are totally and irredeemably unpatriotic, John Leigh.
Subject: Re: REBUTTAL OF THE YEAR
From: Good Riddance
To: All
Date Posted: 07:48:25 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
You have showed Leigh's nakedness to the public. If he has any shame left, he will continue to hide from this forum like he plans to. The man is a traitor.
Subject: Re: REBUTTAL OF THE YEAR
From: CADMUS
To: All
Date Posted: 11:21:47 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 82.198.250.72
Message:
DO you guys actually understand what you read on this FORUM.
I can see that John Leigh is a little too smart for you people,that cannot be his fault.But why do you still continue to want to start a fight with a man who has wiped the floor with the very best of you on this Forum? who could be a possible Foreign Minister soon?
Please try and make sensible points..If you do that, then we can all contribute and answer accordingly....but cut out the Cr.p. we have had enough.
Subject: Re: REBUTTAL OF THE YEAR
From: The Proof is in the pudding
To: All
Date Posted: 12:04:06 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
iF YOU BELIEVE THAT, WHY DON'T YOU SHOW US HOW YOUR CORRUPT, DIM-WITTED HERO, JOHN LEIGH "has wiped the floor with the very best of you on this Forum?
Talk is cheap. Empty talk like yours which flies in the face of facts is even cheaper! Give us your proof, blind slpp supporter Cadmus
Subject: V.FOH IS BETTER THAN THE PASSPORT DEALER-A.BUNDU
From: MUSA KAMARA
To: All
Date Posted: 03:10:16 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: luna.hypair.net at 194.50.180.4
Message:
All the criminals,opportunists,morally handicapped,betrayals are the inner core of the foolish slpp rogues.These are rotating individuals searching for ways and means to enrich themselves.The status of the nation is of less concern to them.A person like Abass Bundu and many others are presently roaming the country under the incompetent slpp party to be re-elected.Mind you guys,conscious has grown and is still growing at a faster pace in the society.
Subject: Re: V.FOH IS BETTER THAN THE PASSPORT DEALER-A.BUNDU
From: NAR U SABI
To: All
Date Posted: 03:24:50 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host81-153-196-88.range81-153.btcentralplus.com at 81.153.196.88
Message:
NAR U SABI
Subject: Re: V.FOH IS BETTER THAN THE PASSPORT DEALER-A.BUNDU
From: YOU GO SABI
To: All
Date Posted: 03:26:33 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
YOU GO SABI
Subject: Re: V.FOH IS BETTER THAN THE PASSPORT DEALER-A.BUNDU
From: NAR U SABI
To: All
Date Posted: 03:35:53 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host81-153-196-88.range81-153.btcentralplus.com at 81.153.196.88
Message:
BRA HOW U DU AR HOPE SAY DE BODY FINE NOT LONG NOW SOLO B GO WIN DE ELECTION IF U NOR DAY WIT WE KAM JOIN QUICK YOU NOR WAN LEF BEHEN
Subject: Re: V.FOH IS BETTER THAN THE PASSPORT DEALER-A.BUNDU
From: YOU GO SABI
To: All
Date Posted: 03:43:42 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
Me fren, di body well. Enti you sef well? Nar so you for dae write -- nor to for jes dae write "NAR U SABI." :)
Tenki for di invitation for go join den wan dem wae don pwell salone (slpp), but ar nor geh for join Berewa pan anytin. Me nor mix pan tiff en lie. Sorry for disappoint you.
Subject: Re: V.FOH IS BETTER THAN THE PASSPORT DEALER-A.BUNDU
From: NAR U SABI
To: All
Date Posted: 03:53:45 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host81-153-196-88.range81-153.btcentralplus.com at 81.153.196.88
Message:
Ar well u nor go say ar nor be invite u nar de celebration party have a nice day
When ar kin write NAR U SABI ar kin jes day jam dem bak tok
Subject: Re: V.FOH IS BETTER THAN THE PASSPORT DEALER-A.BUNDU
From: BUFORD HWY
To: All
Date Posted: 06:14:33 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-074-228-219-218.sip.asm.bellsouth.net at 74.228.219.218
Message:
AR THINK SAY NAR BAK TOK WE DAE EAT,WAY U FATHER LAW DON HELP FOR TIF WE MONEY.AMOS LANSANA WE KNOW SAY NAR U DAE WRITE SO.
OONA GO SEE AM NAR PZ AND UPGONE JUNCTION.
Subject: Re: V.FOH IS BETTER THAN THE PASSPORT DEALER-A.BUNDU
From: CADMUS
To: All
Date Posted: 11:32:30 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 82.198.250.72
Message:
What ever ABBAS BUNDU did, he did not do it as a member of the SLPP Party. He belonged to other parties and other Governments then.
As an SLPP we will make him toe the line as they say,and we could yet get the best out of him.When he was with thieves, he had no option but follow their example...In the SLPP he will see many fine examples that will guide him unto the right path.
Subject: Re: V.FOH IS BETTER THAN THE PASSPORT DEALER-A.BUNDU
From: BUFORD HWY
To: All
Date Posted: 11:52:34 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-074-228-219-218.sip.asm.bellsouth.net at 74.228.219.218
Message:
BRA/NGOR/ORLANGBA,
I think you've reply to the wrong posting,but since you brought Dr Abass Bundu up to me,well I must reply you.Bra you may or may not know him,but I happens to have some BLOOD relation with him,and I will stop so far,but if you continue to discuss him here,then I will have no alternative but to counter whatever you think he may achieve on your behalf.
Subject: Re: TIFF-TIFF TEY -TEY IS WORSETHAN DR. BUNDU
From: John E. Leigh
To: All
Date Posted: 11:52:10 06/12/07 ()
Email Address: johnernestleigh@yahoo.com
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
I know Dr. Bundu very well. We once had a public debate in DC. He spoke on behalf of the AFRC/RUF coupligan regime. I spoke on behalf of the duly-elected then exiled SLPP Administration of Tejan Kabbah. I whipped Bundu's behind real nice.
He then bitterly swore that he will never again in his life debate me.
His switch to the SLPP means to me that he wants to put his prior political life and conduct behind him and get a fresh start.
I fully expect Dr. Bundu to work with decent people to render obsolete our APC-given corrupt culture of "oohs sye den tie cow nar dey he go eat grass" to putting the public interest first with complete integrity. After all he is nicely educated.
But if he disappoints those who have welcomed him into the SLPP, we will resume the debate, directly or indirectly, whether he likes it or not. Thank you. - JL
Subject: Re: JOHN LEIGH IS WORSETHAN DR. BUNDU
From: Really?
To: All
Date Posted: 12:00:49 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
'I whipped Bundu's behind real nice."
Just like you never bribed Kabbah for a job. Bo lef lie.
Subject: Re: JOHN LEIGH IS WORSETHAN DR. BUNDU
From: Waraba
To: All
Date Posted: 16:08:35 06/12/07 ()
Email Address: futatoro@gmail.com
Entered From: at 66.215.135.52
Message:
Noh memnam, brah leigh nah fulumunku. He will claim it was a loan not to dash.
Subject: Re: V.FOH IS BETTER THAN THE PASSPORT DEALER-A.BUNDU
From: Blind
To: All
Date Posted: 11:49:52 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
"What ever ABBAS BUNDU did, he did not do it as a member of the SLPP Party. He belonged to other parties and other Governments then."
So, apologist CADMUS, you are now saying that it is a different Abass Bundu?
Subject: V.FOH IS BETTER THAN THE PASSPORT DEALER-A.BUNDU
From: MUSA KAMARA
To: All
Date Posted: 03:09:10 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: luna.hypair.net at 194.50.180.4
Message:
All the criminals,opportunists,morally handicapped,betrayals are the inner core of the foolish slpp rogues.These are rotating individuals searching for ways and means to enrich themselves.The status of the nation is of less concern to them.A person like Abass Bundu and many others are presently roaming the country under the incompetent sllp party to be re-elected.Mind you guys,conscious has grown and is still growing at a faster pace in the society.
Subject: Where is Annie Lansana?
From: news
To: All
Date Posted: 02:02:06 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 172-64-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.64.172
Message:
She used to be at the forefront of taking British money and the International Community help to areas in Sierra Leone purporting that the SLPP aims to improve the lifes of people.
She will go with paid Journalists and losers to fool the people everywhere. She will launched projects by NACSA and say that his Father Solomon Berewa is an all conquering king to rule.
Where is Annie Lansana. I hardly see her on the SLPP awarenesstimes newspaper.
Has the British called on the Kabbah government to put its house in order after the total deception of Annie Lansana nee Berewa who was going everywhere to fool the ignorant people.
PMDC/APC where are you when the people need to know about the deception of the SLPP. Go out and tell the people that Kabbah/Berewa/Leigh/UNS Jah/JJ Saffa are bent on sucking everything they have.
Where is Annie Lansana, SLPP apologists?
Subject: Re: Where is Annie Lansana?
From: FORMULA SCIENTIST
To: All
Date Posted: 05:38:54 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-074-228-219-218.sip.asm.bellsouth.net at 74.228.219.218
Message:
posted by news on June 11, 2007 at 03:42:43:
Listen NEWS,if you do not leave my wife alone,I will tell my FATHER-IN-LAW to BAN and EXILE you from SALONE,so that we can continue stealing money from your country.You know my wife had just finished building a FOUR STOREY MANSION,so what else do you want? Monies my FATHER-IN-LAW had stoling from the Salone people?
BO U SEF LEF ME WEF. AR KNOW SAY EH GET BOYFREND WAY DAE COL EH TEMP FOR ME,SO DOYA AR NOR WANT MAKE ME FATHER LAW VEX PA ME,BECOS AR NOR WANT FOR MIX PA EH THIEF THEIF WAY EE DAE PAN NAR SALONE.
Subject: Re: Where is Annie Lansana?
From: news
To: All
Date Posted: 06:06:35 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 210-65-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.65.210
Message:
Formula Scientist, yu don mek ah fraid for ask yu bot yu wef. yu nah big man oh wit da big big post name dae;Formula scientist.
Ah jus dae ask for yu wek becos ah noh dae see am nah line now. bifoe, e bin jus dae pas alsie, wit boku boku koffer.
Wae ah noh dae see am nah SLPP kongosa en kerr go bring am newspaper, nah dat mek ah dae ask for yam.
Nah baig ah dae baig, if ah dae ask for yam too mus.
do ya nor vex pan mi, Mr Scietist
Subject: Re: Where is Annie Lansana?
From: FORMULA SCIENTIST
To: All
Date Posted: 06:30:38 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-074-228-219-218.sip.asm.bellsouth.net at 74.228.219.218
Message:
U KNOW SAY ME WEF JUST DON BUILD FOUR STOREY MANSION WAY EVERYBODI BIN KNOW SAY WE NOR BIN GET ANYTIN NAR ATLANTA,BUT FROM WAY EH GO NAR SALONE NAR WE BEGIN FOR GET BOKU MONEY FROM ME TIFF TIFF FATHER LAW.DOYA NOR TELL ANYBODI SAY NAR SO AR TELL U YA.IF U NOR TELL ME SECRET,AR GO TELL U HOW ME FATHER LAW DAE GET D SALONE MONEY THROUGH SOLOMON JR EH ACCOUNT NAR D BAHAMAS.
Subject: Re: Where is Annie Lansana?
From: FACT
To: All
Date Posted: 08:45:28 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-ntc-ad04.proxy.aol.com at 207.200.116.198
Message:
Is Annie's husband a "formula scientist" ? what's a formula scientist? Sengbe, can you help?
Subject: Re: Where is Annie Lansana?
From: FORMULA SCIENTIST
To: All
Date Posted: 09:35:03 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-074-228-219-218.sip.asm.bellsouth.net at 74.228.219.218
Message:
BO OONU LISTEN,WAY AR BIN DAE WOKE NAR PARKING LOT,OONU NOR ASK ME WHOSID WAY AR BIN DAE PULL MONEY FOR OSE RENT,BUT NOW WAY ME FATHER LAW DON TIFF OONU MONEY EN PAY FOR ME SCHOOL MEK AR BE FORMULA SCIENTIST OONU DAE ASK QUESTIONS?
Subject: Re: Where is Annie Lansana?
From: news
To: All
Date Posted: 06:40:35 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: 210-65-ftth.onsneteindhoven.nl at 88.159.65.210
Message:
wel rain nor dae fordon nah wan man doe mot. ninety nine day for tiff man, wan dae for master ose. Oh yah, ah member cousin arata wae bin dae eat all den granat nah de farm. E kin eat tae e corlic. wan dae nah im e meet in matches box.
de man wae get de farm, e jus bring puss for can wach in farm.
wetin happen, brer arata melt lek snow. e nor cam again. Ah nor worry wae unu dae tiff di small monet wae dae nah salone nbank for build una mansion, wan dae dae cam, wae we go kaitch una, en una go vomit all waetin unu don eat.
Formula scietise, ah go frr yu wae we go put yu vader law nah cort ose, becos nah yu gie mi die secret. gie mi more, enti yu no say ah lek for yerri kongosa.
Subject: Re: Where is Annie Lansana?
From: Chez Winakabs Europe
To: All
Date Posted: 02:06:49 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: host86-153-17-150.range86-153.btcentralplus.com at 86.153.17.150
Message:
I can see how desperate you are to find Annie. The forum had seen your previous post demanding to know the whereabouts of Annie - I believe if anyone knows her whereabouts would have helped you. Your search is becoming futile! Why not contact missing persons international or do a paid advert in papers in Sierra leone.
Subject: ERNEST KOROMA BO NOR MAKE AR LAF: WHY NOT HAVE ELECTIONS????
From: Kunta Kinte
To: All
Date Posted: 23:08:16 06/11/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-68-126-148-4.dsl.pltn13.pacbell.net at 68.126.148.4
Message:
Koroma says that the party is overwhelmed with so many people wanting symbols. So it becomes difficult to "SELECT" candidates....
Ernest, how about holding ELECTIONS to choose your Parliamentary Candidates??????
Is your party broke to the extent that you guys cannot afford making elections??? Do you people believe in making sure that the people's choices instead of the boig dogs' choices run for parliament???????
---------------------------------------------
LATEST HEADLINES
Local News
‘APC Will Field Candidates In All Constituencies’ Ernest Bai Koroma
He further assured that the process of fielding in candidates to represent the party during the next elections has already commenced with the selection of candidates for the Kailahun District.
He also conceded to the fact that the party leadership may find itself in severe difficulty to select candidates because interested aspirants to run for parliament under the APC have overwhelmed the capacity of the leadership to satisfy all of them.
He assured, however, that a very democratic method would be employed, to ensure that the candidates selected for the parliamentary elections meet the requirements of the rank and file of the party.
Hon. Ernest Bai Koroma further conceded to the fact that there is no way by which the party leadership can run away from the fact that it is now necessary to select a running mate in readiness for the presidential contest in August.
“A running mate for the presidency will be selected without emotions and sentiments as we are aware of the fact that if a wrong decision is taken in appointing a running mate whose name does not go down well within the party and the nation at large, that in itself, can affect the chances of the party of clinching vital votes necessary to win the presidential elections.”
He concluded, “I have admonished many of the people who have spoken to me on this issue that a man who wants to be a running mate in such a crucial election should be a man acceptable by members of the public with a clean track record and a man who is seen by the people as an honest and patriotic citizen.”
Posted on 08 Jun 2007
Subject: Re: ERNEST KOROMA BO NOR MAKE AR LAF: WHY NOT HAVE ELECTIONS????
From: SLPP
To: All
Date Posted: 01:38:11 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
Hey Foolooloo, the elections happen after (not during) the award of the party symbols.
Why are SLPP supporters so dumb?
Subject: Re: ERNEST KOROMA BO NOR MAKE AR LAF: WHY NOT HAVE ELECTIONS????
From: APC
To: All
Date Posted: 10:10:39 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 67.63.2.157
Message:
Bo you are not making sense. Where is the democracy? Elections for party symbol hence those who will be representing your party in the general elections/parliamentary elections.
You too fool. Or you are using selective retention.
Ose wan?
Subject: Re: ERNEST KOROMA BO NOR MAKE AR LAF: WHY NOT HAVE ELECTIONS????
From: SLPP
To: All
Date Posted: 11:09:03 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
You wonuldn't recognize sense even if it stares you in the face -- because you will never understand anything you read.
Go and ask someone who speaks your native language to translate my last reply in the slim hope that you would finally understand it.
Subject: Re: ERNEST KOROMA BO NOR MAKE AR LAF: WHY NOT HAVE ELECTIONS????
From: APC
To: All
Date Posted: 14:47:54 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 67.63.2.157
Message:
Calm down. getting angry will only lead you to one thing and that is worwor face. And that is what you have currently.
Subject: Re: ERNEST KOROMA BO NOR MAKE AR LAF: WHY NOT HAVE ELECTIONS????
From: SLPP
To: All
Date Posted: 15:02:27 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
you keep proving that your sickness is incurable. You never understand what you read.
Subject: Re: ERNEST KOROMA BO NOR MAKE AR LAF: WHY NOT HAVE ELECTIONS????
From: Kunta Kinte
To: All
Date Posted: 09:05:58 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-68-127-105-250.dsl.pltn13.pacbell.net at 68.127.105.250
Message:
The last time I checked, the "symbol" to represent the party is awarded to one person per constituency: The winner of the elections in that constituency, or the person "selected" in that constituency, in the case when no elections are conducted.
Subject: CROOKISH APC IS BUSY "SELECTING" PARLIAMENTARY CANDIDATES
From: Kunta
To: All
Date Posted: 22:55:40 06/11/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-68-126-148-4.dsl.pltn13.pacbell.net at 68.126.148.4
Message:
APC is busy "selecting" their parliamentary candidates. Ernest Koroma and other top dogs in the party get to decide who gets a symbol---no elections are necessary. After all APC is not the party where one would expect democracy to prevail....You want a symbol, just bribe the leaders, or kiss their behinds....Hehehehehehehehe
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As Symbol Wahala Hits Masiaka Environs... APC ‘Kus-Kas’
By Sayoh Kamara
Jun 11, 2007, 23:43 Email this article
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Reports reaching Awareness Times in the wake of the award of symbols by the All People’s Congress (APC) party to candidates in Constituency 57 (Masiaka) is said to be running into controversy with the reported "gross interference of veteran APC member, Alhaji S.A.T. Koroma. The veteran politician is reported to be seriously engaged in moves aimed at convincing the Leader of the APC, Hon. Ernest Bai Koroma to award the party symbol to his son, Abu Bakarr Koroma against journalist Chernor Ojuku Sesay. Abu Bakarr Koroma only recently returned to Sierra Leone from overseas whilst Ojuku Sesay has spent years developing his constituency people.
Indications from reports reaching Awareness Times did not ascertain whether the APC Leader has succumbed to Alhaji S.A.T. Koroma’s pressure, but there are wide spread speculations pointing to possibility of things happening the S.A.T. Koroma way.
Speaking to Chernor Ojuku Sesay, who had long since expressed intent to run under the APC ticket for Constituency 57, he believed the party’s select group of observers who are to determine the popularity, effectiveness and competence of candidates to be awarded the party symbol, have for now known that he is "the most popular candidate of the people."
"There is nothing to hide about that. My people are looking forward to seeing me represent them in the next Parliament. I have been with them over the years and I have in like manner shared in their concerns, needs and expectations. I do not think the panel set up by the party to ascertain these facts would allow themselves to be influenced by any body on the basis of status in the party," Ojuku told Awareness Times.
Efforts by Awareness Times over the week end to get on to Alhaji S.A.T. Koroma on his Celtel mobile number to get his comments proved futile. Likewise, the Leader of the APC, Hon. Ernest Bai Koroma and Hon. Chukuma Johnson, the Chairman of the Select Committee for the Award of symbols could not be reached to solicit their comments on the issue. However, Mr. Victor Bockarie Foh, National Secretary General of the APC was contacted but he firmly declined to comment on the matter.
It would be recalled that sometime in April, reports abound of Alhaji S.A.T. Koroma’s son haven violated NEC and APC regulations governing the conduct of the August election. Alhaji S.A.T. Koroma’s son was reported to have graphically affixed the APC red sun symbol to a number of posters with his portrait and had gone ahead to stick these on to houses, walls and other public areas within the constituency. A complaint was reportedly lodged with the NEC Port Loko District branch as well as the APC Headquarters. Be it as it may however, findings on this alleged violation of electoral regulation has not been made public. Observers are of the opinion that the same fate might determine this latest controversy in which the APC is apparently embroiled in, much to the detriment of Chernor Ojuku Sesay.
Subject: Re: CROOKISH APC IS BUSY "SELECTING" PARLIAMENTARY CANDIDATES
From: Teacher
To: All
Date Posted: 01:34:32 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: cache-mtc-aa04.proxy.aol.com at 64.12.116.8
Message:
Please stop assassinating the English language. The word "crookish" is not English. Please also advise your fellow corrupt blind SLPP apologist, the dim-wit John Leigh, to join you in stopping your assault on proper English.
Subject: CROOKEST APC IS BUSY "SELECTING" PARLIAMENTARY CANDIDATES
From: Crookest
To: All
Date Posted: 10:58:44 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-wan-217-154-29-181.mistral.co.uk at 217.154.29.181
Message:
The word is "crookest"
Subject: RE: Joke Of The Day?
From: GBANGBANI
To: All
Date Posted: 21:29:04 06/11/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-69-230-196-176.dsl.irvnca.pacbell.net at 69.230.196.176
Message:
Guys, How about having a constant supply of joke of the day?
If okay, below is one for the day.
Participants are welcome...!!!
"A Hunter went hunting...He saw five birds sitting on a tree's branch; He shoot two of them. How many left on the tree?"
Subject: Re: RE: Joke Of The Day?
From: marlin
To: All
Date Posted: 22:51:12 06/11/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: at 61.50.142.110
Message:
None: the rest flew away
Subject: Re: RE: Joke Of The Day?
From: GBANGBANI
To: All
Date Posted: 00:38:28 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-69-230-196-176.dsl.irvnca.pacbell.net at 69.230.196.176
Message:
Thanks marlin.
You are correct.
watch for next release tomorrow.
Subject: Re: RE: Joke Of The Day?
From: BUFORD HWY
To: All
Date Posted: 06:47:07 06/12/07 ()
Email Address:
Entered From: adsl-074-228-219-218.sip.asm.bellsouth.net at 74.228.219.218
Message:
The three that fled are JOHN LEIGH,BRA CADMUS and SENGBE the SLPP apologists.When the SUN takes over in August from PA KABBAH and PA BEREWA which would be the two BIRDS,JEL,CADMUS and SENGBE will be running for cover in the bushes.