June 5, 2024 - Public Review Newspaper

Ministry of Fisheries’ Staff Dragged one To Court For Theft

Commentary, Corruption, Environment, Lifestyle, Local, Security, Social Issues

By Feima Sesay Josephus Choe Junior Mamie, a staff from the Ministry of Fisheries, has on Monday 3rd June 2024 dragged Justice Jusu Jalloh to court before magistrate Kekura of the Pademba Road court No.1 for allegedly stealing him assorted items worth millions of Leones. The accused Justice Jusu Kallon made his first appearance and was charged with two counts of house breaking and larceny Contrary to section 26(1) of the Larceny Act 1916. According to the indictment, it was alleged that the accused on Tuesday 7th May 2024 at W-7 Spurloop Freetown broke and entered into the dwelling house of Josephus Choe Junior Mamie and stole therein Gabbana perfume, two multi colored T-Shirt, one solar wake (study light),with its multiple chargers, one Akuraba wall hanging, two Ralph Lauren polo T-shirts, one school bag and fiscal sum of Two Hundred Thousand Leones all to the total sum of two hundred and twelve thousand four hundred and fourteen Leone (le212,414.00). It was also alleged on count two that the accused on 10th May 2024, stole one silver flash drive, one pair of white towel, one thermal Base Lawyer Long sleeves T-Shirt, two set of three underwear, one bottle of cocktail drink, and other items all to the total of sum of twenty thousand and eight Leones (le20,008/00) property of Josephus Choe Junior Mamie. when the charges were read and explained to him, he pleaded not guilty. The prosecutor Inspector Kadie Taylor informed the court that her witness was present but could not proceed because she wanted to have proper conference with the complainant. Magistrate Kekura refused bail and therefore sent the accused on remand and the matter was adjourned to 13th June 2024.

President Bio talks to students & university authorities in South Korea on education

ACHIEVEMENT, Business, Education, Education, Energy, Environment, International

President Julius Maada Bio has told students and authorities of the Yonsei Univerity that in the past six years, Sierra Leone’s education sector has received the largest share of the country’s annual national budget, having received 22% annually. He made this statement while giving a special lecture on enhancing the educational system and reconstructing governance in Sierra Leone, where he also stated that his government was investing significantly in the education sector to empower the citizens with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. “Prioritizing education in Sierra Leone means breaking the cycle of poverty, reducing inequality, and fostering a society where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. As we can all see today, South Korea’s remarkable rise from a war-torn nation to a global economic powerhouse serves as a testament to the transformative power of education and Human Capital Development,” he told his audience. He said Sierra Leone has drawn valuable lessons from South Korea’s experience, noting that his government was building a robust educational system that is accessible, equitable, and of high quality. “We have increased investment in education hard and soft infrastructure, trained and retained qualified teachers, and ensured that our curriculum is relevant to the needs of the 21st century. Our pioneering approach to Radical Inclusion in Education ─ leaving NO ONE BEHIND ─ be it expectant girls, adult learners, children from our most vulnerable communities, or those with disabilities ─ has garnered commendations from the international community,” he stated. President Bio noted that in Sierra Leone, his government took the education of girls very seriously, adding that in the past six years, the government’s enabling policies have permitted us to achieve gender parity in our schools. “Girls have higher retention and pass rates in all national transition examinations into tertiary and vocational institutions. Our policy of ensuring free STEM education for girls from primary school through university has resulted in a record number of doing exceptionally well,” he said. He disclosed that as part of his government’s commitment to democracy, he was proud to say that they have repealed the criminal libel law that hindered the country’s Press Freedom and abolished the death penalty. “Our Government’s concerted efforts to fight corruption and promote transparency have continued to gain global traction. Notably, Sierra Leone has consistently made upward progress in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) Country Rankings,” he told his audience. He said in six years, Sierra Leone moved twenty-two (22) places upwards on the CPI rankings, from 130 in 2017 to 108 in 2023, which is above the sub-Saharan Africa average and the highest Sierra Leone has ever recorded since the CPI rankings began. “Agriculture is our main priority sector for the next four years, with the vision of attaining food security and sovereignty in our nation. Through our FEED SALONE PROGRAMME, we aim to ignite job creation, catalyze economic momentum, and significantly diminish the burdens of poverty,” he noted. President Bio said his government would continue investing strategically in Human Capital Development and seeking traditional and innovative job-creating opportunities for our youth through the government’s Youth Employment Scheme (YES).

Security Guard , Pupil On Remand For Murder

Commentary, Human Rights, Local, Security, Social Issues

By Feima Sesay Abdul Alpha Turay, an SSS pupil of Saint Edwards Secondary School and Amara Sesay a security guard have on Monday 3rd June 2024 sent on remand by Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba Road Court No1 for the alleged murder of one Amara Mansaray. The accused persons made their first appearance and were arraigned on two counts charges of conspiracy to murder contrary to section 4 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 and murder contrary to section 1 of the offences Against the Persons Act 1861 as repealed and replaced by section 1(a) to the schedule of the Abolition of the death penalty Act, 2021 Act No 6 of 2022. According to the indictments, the accused persons on Wednesday 10th April 2024, at Coke Drive, Off Regent Road, Lumley Freetown conspired together and with other persons unknown to murder Amara Mansaray. The police further alleged on count two that the accused persons on the same date and place murdered Amara Mansaray. When the charges were read no plea was taken. The first prosecution witness Abdul Abdel Kargbo, in his examination in chief led by Inspector Mabel Tarawally, said he is a pupil and cousin to the deceased Amara Mansaray. The witness recognized the accused persons and further recalled Wednesday 10th April 2024. On the said date at around 5am, the witness said he went to Sheriff Drive Junction where they usually sit together with the accused and the deceased and met the first accused there. “Whiles we were there, I heard the first accused saying that he saw the deceased stealing two bunch of wood and that he instructed him to take the wood back and was about to do so the deceased closed the gate of the mosque and he shouted at the deceased thief thief,” he said. According to the witness, the accused further told him that after he had shouted thief at the deceased, people came out and started beating the deceased and he ran to the caretaker of the mosque, adding that the caretaker in turn pushed the deceased down. Whiles they were sitting at the same junction, one of their friends came and informed them that the first accused had beaten victim to death. So himself together with the first accused and others left for the scene very close to the mosque at sheriff drive. ”On our arrival at the scene, I ran to call one of our relatives and we went back to the scene. Whiles we were there, a police van came and and when the first accused and the caretaker saw the police, they ran together with others but were later arrested and taken to the Lumley police station where I made statements,” he narrated. During cross examination of the witness led by Lawyer D. Barrie for the first accused, the witness confirmed that all what he knew in respect of the matter was what he was told by the first accused. When asked whether he saw the accused beating the deceased prior to his death, the witness replied in the negative. No question was asked on behalf of the second accused by lawyer Sigismund Conteh. The matter was adjourned to Thursday 6th June 2024 for further hearing.

For Murder : 3 Released On Bail

ACHIEVEMENT, Human Rights, Local, Security, Social Issues

By Feima Sesay Kemoh Bangura, Alimamy Bangura and Pa Alimamy Kargbo who yesterday made another appearance before Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba road court No.2 have been granted bail in the sum of one hundred thousand new Leones each. The accused persons were standing trial before the court on a count charge of soliciting to murder contrary to Section 4 of the Offences Against the Persons Act 1816. Police alledged that the accused on Saturday 20 April 2024 at Rokon Village, Portloko District, solicited the services of herbalist Alusine Kamara to kill Doctor Abu Bakarr Bangura. When the matter was mentioned the prosecutor DSP Sorie Conteh sought for a short adjournment date, adding that the witnesses were absent in court. Counsel representing the accused person Charles Pujeh applied for bail on behalf of the accused persons stating that they are Sierra Leonean resident within Freetown. Lawyer Pujeh furthered that the accused have reliable sureties who were willing and ready to stand on their behalf. He said they would not interfere with prosecution witnesses neither would they jump bail. He made his application pursuant to section 79 (2) of the Criminal procedure Act No.32 of 1965,Magistrate Bangura due to the failure of the prosecution to file an affidavit opposing bail, granted the accused persons bail in the sum of one hundred thousand Leones with two sureties each in like sum. Sureties to produce valid national identification card depicting his or her address in Freetown. Magistrate Bangura added that the bail should be approved by the Deputy Assistant Registrar. The matter was adjourned to the 12 June 2024 for hearing.

ANTI-CORRUPTION COMMISSIONINTEGRITY HOUSETOWER HILL, FREETOWNSIERRA LEONE, WEST AFRICA

ACHIEVEMENT, Breaking News, Corruption, Local, Media

PUBLIC NOTICE FINAL EXTENSION OF DEADLINE FOR ASSET DECLARATIONS BY ALL PUBLIC OFFICERS The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) wishes to inform the general public that pursuant to Section 119(4) of the Anti-Corruption Act 2008, the Commissioner has made a further extension of the declaration period to, on or before the 30th June, 2024 due to reported difficulties by some declarants to fill the Form using the unique National Identification Number (NIN) only. To resolve that, declarants are now allowed to use their Passport Number if they do not have the NIN number. This new deadline will be the FINAL with no further extension. A public officer who now fails to declare his/her Assets will be faced with the following consequences; a)Withholding the salary of the Public Officer, b)Suspension of the Public Officer after one month of default for three months; and c)Dismiss the Public Officer after exceeding three months (This does not apply to Positions for which removal from office is stipulated in the Constitution but applies to all). Against this background, the Commission is informing ALL public officers that have not yet submitted their online Asset Declaration Forms with the Commission to make good use of this further extension and submit their Forms with the Commission. Beyond the said date, default by public officers will be treated as deliberate and defaulters will face the applicable appropriate penalties prescribed by law as outlined above. Any Public officer who is facing challenges with filling the Form or needs further assistance should contact the Assets Declaration Office of the Commission and assistance will be provided.

Parliament Approves Dr Williet James As Board Chairperson SLBC

ACHIEVEMENT, Breaking News, Legislative

By Feima Sesay The Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic has on Tuesday 4th June 2024 unanimously approved Dr. Williet James as the chairperson Board of Trustee SLBC and ten other presidential appointees to occupy various positions of trust in the government. The following nominees were approved by the house :Dr Willete Princess James Chairman Board of Trustee Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), Mr Isaac Sowa Board of Trustee SLBC, Madam Hawa Christiana Bah board member SLBC, Mr Mustapha Theophile Kallie board member SLBC, Ing Dr.Samba Sesay board member SLBC, Hon. Bintu Ndoella Myyers Chair board of director Sierra Leone Marinetimes Administration, Ms Cecilia Ticker board member SLBC, Mr Mohamed Bundu Koroma board member SLBC, Dr Vandy Konneh chairman national commission for persons; living with disability, Mr Ibrahim Nyelenkeh chairman national sport authority Sierra Leone and Ing. David Karim Fonnie chairman board of directors Guma valley water company. The Deputy Leader of Government Business Hon Bashiru Sidikie seconding the motion during the debate said the corruption at SLBC should not be overlooked, adding that if SLBC fails, the women in the board will be held responsible. He encouraged Mrs James to give her best in bringing tangible change to the state broadcaster and set the pace for other women to get similar position in the future and equally make president Bio proud. He urged Mr. Forney as board member to work tirelessly to ensure that water supply is improved in Freetown. Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara from Kambia zooming in in the former minister of sport, Ibrahim Yelenkeh who is going to serve as board chairman of Sport Council, praised him for his role in the country’s sport and further urged him to do more whiles at the board. Speaking regarding Guma Valley Water, he said the Guma Valley Water company is not able to supply State Lodge, and if the entity is unable to supply State Lodge water reverting to water bouncer, what would the ordinary man do to get water. Hon Veronica Kadie Sesay from Moyamba district said that “Dr Williet James is an encyclopedia of broadcasting.She said that SLBC is the baby of the country and that she should endeavor to improve it. She urged parliament to advocate for the increment of SLBC’s allocation for authorities there to do more for it to compete with other Africa national broadcasting institutions. Hon. Alpha Bah from Western Area said that Dr Williet James will perform in the position she has been appointed. Leader of the opposition All People’s Congress APC, Hon Abdul Kargbo said that there are good people in all political parties but people tend to defend the bad ones. He said we have been too political in handling the affairs of the country, adding that appointment of board members should be drawn from council of paramount Chiefs, representation from inter religious council, from Bar Association, from SLAJ, from University of Sierra Leone Engineering department, from Youth council, and representatives from civil society among others. According to him, the SLBC is the oldest English broadcaster in the whole of West Africa which was established in the early 1934, and started its broadcast in 1963, underscoring that SLBC can’t be compared to any broadcaster in the subregion in terms of age. He called on Dr James to improve on the broadcast to compete with others in the content. The leader of Government Business Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma in conclusion applauded members for their contributions and further urged all the nominees to do their best for the interest of the country.

President Bio Arrives in Seoul for Korea-Africa Summit

ACHIEVEMENT, Breaking News, Business, International, Travel

His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio, First Lady Fatima Maada Bio and delegation have arrived in Seoul for the inaugural 2024 Korea-Africa Summit on the theme: “The Future We Make Together: Shared Growth, Sustainability, and Solidarity”, signifying a pivotal moment in Africa’s relationship with the East Asian nation. The Korea-Africa Summit, scheduled for June 4-5 in Ilsan and Seoul, will bring together African Heads of State and Government, representatives of the African Union, the African Development Bank, and Korean leadership. Press Secretary, Yusuf Keketoma Sandi, said by participating, President Bio underscored Sierra Leone’s commitment to fostering international partnerships that were aimed at promoting sustainable development and inclusive growth. “This gathering is poised to strengthen the ties between Korea and the African continent, focusing on collaborative strategies to address common challenges and opportunities. “The summit’s agenda likely includes discussions on economic cooperation, technological innovation, and investment in critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. For Sierra Leone, this summit presents a valuable opportunity to advocate for increased investment and support in its national development initiatives,” he said. He added that the President’s participation reflected the country’s proactive approach to international diplomacy and its desire to leverage global partnerships for national growth. “Additionally, the presence of First Lady Fatima Maada Bio highlights the importance of inclusive and equitable development, emphasising the role of gender equality and the empowerment of women and children in achieving sustainable progress. “Through their participation, Sierra Leone aims to contribute to a future defined by shared growth, sustainability, and solidarity, aligning with the overarching goals of the Korea-Africa Summit,” he concluded.

APC & SLPP Condemn Hate Speech

ACHIEVEMENT, Local, Security, Social Issues

The All Peoples Congress and the Sierra Leone Peoples Party have in a joint press statement dated 3rd June 2024 condemned hate speech from both home and abroad among many other things. In the press release, the APC & SLPP highlighted issues such as a joint commitment to the agreement for national unity, both political parties supporting legal action against individuals who incite violence, both parties calling for international partnership in an attempt to support efforts to ensure justice is served fairly and also making commitment to having ongoing respectful political discourse for national unity among their party members including all Sierra Leoneans by extension. “We firmly support free speech and freedom of the press as fundamental rights that uphold our democracy. However, these rights come with responsibilities and must never be abused,” the presser cautioned. According to the press statement, both political parties gravely expressed concerns about recent instances of hate speech disseminated by some political commentators both home and in the diaspora mostly done on social media, adding that such behaviour is unacceptable and therefore contrary to the core princle tenets (values) of both the APC & SLPP. Both major political parties committed to building a peaceful and respectful Sierra Leone for all its citizens thereby collaborating with Civil Society Organisations and international partners so as to ensure a safe political environment. “Let us unite to create a future where political discourse is conducted with respect and our democratic values are upheld,” it concluded.

The Lost Youth of Freetown: Addressing and Breaking the Cycle of Street Life.

Commentary, Environment, Life & Entertainment, Lifestyle, Local

By Abdulai Kamara At the bustling street junctions of Freetown, particularly in areas like Lumley Beach Road, Crab Town, Jui, and eastern Police, a growing population of idle boys, as many call them, has become a common sight. These lost youth, as I call them because they haven’t discovered their purpose, also refer to themselves as “Battle Man.” These young boys, caught in a desperate struggle for survival, roam these junctions, their lives a stark contrast to a decent youth life. Their days are marked by a constant hustle, lack of hygiene, sweating, and an unkempt appearance that, along with their pungent odor, can be off-putting. They can be seen around public transportation, chasing after poda poda, keke, taxis, and minibuses, shouting the destinations of these vehicles and hoping for a small tip. Their persistence often borders on harassment, as they aggressively approach these vehicles, their untidiness a constant reminder of their difficult circumstances. Their methods extend beyond simply chasing public transportation. They often harass private cars, assuming they belong to people of status, hailing and escorting the car while blasting the name of the person and sometimes doing a quick wash on the windscreen, chanting in Krio “bra u borbor den dae” (meaning “Boss, your boys are here”) in hopes of receiving a tip. This behavior, while seemingly harmless, highlights the desperation that drives them, a desperation fueled by poverty and lack of opportunity. Sadly, many of these boys are entangled in the cycle of drug addiction, particularly with the use of Kush. Their drug use not only exacerbates their already precarious situation but also contributes to their increasingly erratic behavior, further pushing them to the fringes of society. The presence of these boys at these busy intersections fosters a perception of lawlessness and insecurity, posing a direct threat to the safety and belongings of commuters. Their lifestyle sets a negative example for other children, potentially perpetuating a cycle of street life and criminal behavior. It’s important to remember that these are not totally lost youth incapable of learning a trade or improving their lives. Some of them can do so, and some come from decent families but have been driven to the streets by circumstance, leading lives they never envisioned for themselves. Urgent action is needed to address this issue, not only to help these boys but also to prevent future generations from falling into the same trap. Rehabilitation programs are crucial, offering these young men a path out of their current situation. Only through a concerted effort can we break the cycle of street life, poverty and addiction. The future of these lost youth lies in our hands. By acknowledging their plights, understanding their struggles, and providing them with a necessary support, we can help them reclaim their lost youth and build a brighter future for themselves and their community.

Grap, Woke, Study, Salone Go Go Befoe!

Business, Commentary, Lifestyle, Local, local

By Oswald Hanciles The greatest success of a political opposition in a poverty-stricken country like Sierra Leone is to influence children in educational institutions not to study hard, and to thinking cheating in public exams is the norm; to influence youth not to even bother to find work to do but to spend endless hours talking about politics and international football, and waiting for their political party to take power at State House. The best success for a governing party in country with a crimped economy like Sierra Leone is not merely to point out at roads and bridges and school buildings it builds, but to inspire children and youth in educational institutions to become obsessed with study; to inspire the majority of youth and elders of working age to become workaholics; to go out of their way to create work, to be self-employed. The only way a governing party like the SLPP can succeed itself is to vigorously support action in dramatically curbing Grand Corruption, and to influence its majority in Parliament to make the toughest laws against Grand Corruption – like public whipping, and 25 years imprisonment, for those convicted of Grand Corruption. It is political-suicidal-HALLUCINATION for a governing party like the SLPP to think it would succeed itself when it turns a blind eye to Grand Corruption, and rationalize flagrant Unexplained Wealth by 1% of its elite.

Abu Bakarr Turay Declares for Bar Association Vice Presidency

Chinese Learning Program Promotes Cultural Diversity and Language Education

In Sia Alleged Murder Trial: Doctor says effect of CPR may Lead to “Fractured Ribs”

Bai Mamoud Acquitted of Failed Coup Charges

Maritime Administration on a Two-Day Management talks to Develop Five-Year Strategic Plan

ACC REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO MONITORING PSSNYE PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION

Standards Bureau to Introduce Standardized Market Measurements

IMF talks on sustained reform momentum & efforts to improve macroeconomic conditions in Sierra Leone

ECOWAS National Office Takes on Wai Community in Pujehun on Cross-Border Project Implementation

NSA Certifies 10 Law Graduates

Sierra Leone”s new Ambassador to Morocco resumes duty

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