The Approve School Community Advisory Bureau (CAB), one of the satellite offices of the Legal Aid Board in the Western Area on March 11 2019 presented a progress report to the management of the Legal Aid Board in Freetown.
A volunteer with the Bureau, Mohamed Kekura Turay stated that they have mediated 159 civil matters from November 2017 to January 2019. This includes debts, family disputes, child maintenance, wife maintenance, landlord and tenant and community level disputes. He noted that some of the matters have been referred to the Bureau by the Police.
In addition, they have recovered Le24,500,000 (twenty-four million, five hundred thousand Leones) in debts settlement and payment towards child and wife maintenance.
Mr. Turay outlined the challenges facing the Bureau as follows: lack of allowance for volunteers, office stationery, ID Cards and petty cash to deliver invitation letters for mediation.
The Executive Director of the Legal Aid Board, Ms. Fatmata Claire Carlton-Hanciles drew attention to the allegations that have made against the Bureaus. “Some of these allege improprieties were reported to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice and the Chair of the Legal Aid Board,” she said. “Honesty should be the guiding principle in the discharge of your responsibilities.”
She said the Board should be given time to convince the Government to provide support to the Bureaus. She added the Board will continue to provide some stationery to the Bureau. Also, the Board will be buying a machine for the printing of ID cards.
On a final note, she said that the Board will be having quarterly meetings with the Bureaus for updates and exchange of ideas.

Caritas Freetown, a non-governmental organization has called for more support for them to save the lives of more babies after a successful surgery of four babies.
The organization convened a press conference on Thursday 7 March at the St. Edwards Secondary School, Kingtom to give first-hand information on the success stories of some of the kids they have been raising funds for.
It was disclosed that Master Carlos, Baby Mariama, Baby Marian and Baby Mustapha have successfully gone through the surgery as a result of funds raised by well-wishers.
Ishmael Alfred Charles, Programs Manager, Caritas Freetown & HIRF Lead Campaigner for sick babies thanked all those who in diverse ways donated, campaigned and prayed for those babies
“We are not able to tag everyone, but we are very appreciative of all your little efforts.”
He continued to say despite their successful stories more babies are on their list for support.
Currently Caritas Freetown has more than five babies in their list that they are raising funds for. Badamase Samura 3 years old suffering from Brain Tumor $16,000 is needed for his operation, Aminata Marrah 16 years old left Orbit Tung & $26,000 is needed for her surgery, Mustapha Tunis 13 years old need $25,000 for his surgery and Jeremiah Koroma age 3 need $ 8,000 for his Anus surgery among others.
He said no child should die because their parents are poor.
Ishmael Alfred Charles called on the Government to help support the establishment of National Children Emergency Fund which will mainly support children in such cases.
“It is very important for us to have a mechanism in place,” he noted.
He disclosed that for the Baby Marian surgery they owed the hospital in India $3,500 but they asked for the baby to return home after a successful surgery because they didn’t want the bill to add.
Adama Jalloh mother of Baby Marian described that day as a remarkable day for her. Adama was unable to donate for her daughter which caused more burdens on the organization which had to buy another ticket for Adama’s cousin.
“I want to thank God for all those who supported us. I am appealing to all to continue their support.”
If we donate more we can help to save the lives of more babies,

The Limkokwing University teamed up with Emmanuel Rogers aka Artical 4yoh for an entertainment concert.
The Department of Sound and Music (DSM)entertainment concert in African Style ended in a grand style with the theme “If you believe it do it”.
The concert which took place past Thursday at the University auditorium showcased God’s given talents through music.
The concert was witnessed by top Sierra Leonean artists and music directors.
Emmanuel Rogers aka Artical 4yoh, gave a brief talk on how to rebrand the entertainment industry.
His six points were: 1. Proper Research. 2. Love the industry and what we are doing. 3. Full finance support from the government. 4. Enforcement of the copyright law that was passed in Parliament. 5. The need of them getting Ministry of entertainment and 6. They need the attention of the people by attending shows and buying their music.
Limkokwing University Sierra Leone Head of Faculty of Sound and Music, Lesly Tshekedi, pointed out that the faculty of Sound and Music Technology wants to bring a new taste in Sierra Leone entertainment industry for musicians not to only focus on music but the technology aspect as well.
He spoke about the campus multi-purpose recording studio for the students.
He disclosed that the 43 students who are ready for internship were divided into 10 groups and each group should produce one album comprising of 10 songs.
He explained that some of the students are artists but they only have background about singing while the University produces music using software.
“This kind of program is not offering in other universities in the country. I am happy that the outcome of the songs is very good,” he added.
He went on to say they also teach students how to organize event, promote and manage event as most of their work are practical base and as such, the student do lots of practice.
“Some are very good in song writing, producing and sound engineering. Our program are integrated”
The students performed some of the best songs they have produced as a group and some of those songs are played in and out of the country currently.
Ibrahim S.M. Bangura, a final year student of DSM and one of the event planners said they want to change the narrative of Sierra Leoneans who feel that nothing good is in the entertainment industry.
“There is more in entertainment. Some say if you go for such course you are not going for a better course, people rather preferred Law, Medicine among others, even though some of them are not call for such but because their parents want them to do such courses they go for them. We want to educate them to know the essence of doing such a course,” he maintained.
He spoke on how Sound and Music can generate income for themselves and the country GDP.
He mentioned countries like the United States and Nigeria where entertainers have created huge impact on their countries; GDP.
“We want our sisters and brothers to learn from that and do the same for our country. From the theme, we are encouraging all to practice what they have learnt and what they have passion for.”
The students performed different types of music ranging from Reggae , Hip Pop, R&B, African and Local Sierra Leonean songs.
Christopher Alim Conteh, Chairman of the Sierra Leone Musicians Union spoke about piracy which he said is still a big challenge.
He encouraged the students not to be discouraged because they must earn their living from their talents.
“Don’t be discouraged, build up the faith, talent is the greatest thing God gave to man. Music is not just joy it is a career and that career goes along with the very passion,” he concluded.

The leadership of United Council of Imams has expressed gratitude to the Legal Aid Board for resolving the dispute between its members and the Traditional Poro society in Kenema District. The meeting was held in the head office of the Legal Aid Board on Thursday, March 7.
The representatives of the Council at the meeting comprise fourteen Imams from the Western Area, the Regional Chairlady of the West Zone Haja Isha Kamara and the Regional Chairlady for Tombo Haja Kadiatu Kamara. The Imams in attendance include the President, Dr. Mohamed Habib Sheriff, Secretary General, Sheik Ibrahim Mans Kanu and the Director of Communication/Public Affairs, Sheik Ibrahim Kolleya Kamara.
The dispute came about because of alleged critical comments made against the Society by the Imams which the members of the society did not take kindly to. The ensuing dispute led the Government to suspend initiation into the traditional society following displacement of Imams, while others were either attacked or forcefully conscripted into the Traditional Poro Society.
The Board had to intervene in the dispute in January 2019 following a request from the Council. Reverend Bob Kandeh one of the Board’s Adjudicator with the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Department who also happens to be a senior member of the Poro Society was sent to the affected Chiefdoms – Kandu Lekpeyama and Giema Dama – in Kenema District where he held series of meetings between the two parties in Gaama village until a peaceful resolution was reached.
Based on the findings from the mediation, the Board called on the Council to take steps to address the frosty relationship between their members who also happen to belong to the Poro Society.
The Executive Director of the Legal Aid Board, Ms. Fatmata Claire Carlton-Hanciles, said alleged critical comments from these people may have inflamed tensions between the two groups. “There is also the thorny issue of Imams who have denounced their membership of the society which is also a source of tension between the two,” she said.
Based on a request from the President of the Council, Dr. Mohamed Habib Sheriff the Board has agreed to train members of the Council as Paralegals. This will be done in all the regions in the country.

In a staggering revelation the Director General of National HIV/AIDS Secretariat, Alhaji Dr. Momodu Sesay stated that more than 61, 000 people are HIV positive in Sierra Leone. This, he added is according to their 2013 Prevalence Demographical Health Survey which noted that more than 28, 000 people are currently receiving HIV/AIDS therapy.

He made this disclosure during a partnership forum of Religious Leaders and Development Partners for Sustainable Religious Response to HIV/AIDS.
The process of developing a strategic plan to support the HIV/AIDS response in the country started two years ago in terms of prevention, treatment services and eradicating stigma and discrimination of people affected by the disease.
The religious leaders agreed to inform their respective followings about how they can channel or address issues around the crisis of stigma and discrimination which is one of the main problems affecting people affected.
Giving the keynote address, Minister of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs, Baindu Dassama said HIV/AIDS is a crisis that needs huge spiritual, social, economic and political attention, adding that increasingly, it is a problem of all ages.
“Overcoming AIDS and the stigma that fuels the spread of HIV is one of the most serious challenges of our time,” Madam Dassama said, adding that it requires courage, commitment and leadership at all levels especially among religious leaders who can use the trust and authority they have in their communities to change the course of this pandemic and all other emerging issues.
Dassama said they can reach their goal through partnership with citizens, communities, and countries to reflect the sustainable development agenda of the country.
According to the Director General of National HIV/AIDS Secretariat, Alhaji Dr. Momodu Sesay they have work to do in scaling-up their services in terms of universal access to 1,308 facilities in the country.
According to him, the limited number of health facilities is a major challenge but that they are hoping to build more.

In the United States of America,His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio has wooed academics and students at Harvard Law School during a forum on Sierra Leone organised by the Centre for African Studies, Harvard University.

Delivering his keynote address, a confident President Bio said that he has prioritised human capital development because that is the foundation for sustainable development.

In his usual unique description of human capital development, he told his audience about the three components of human capital development which include education, food security and healthcare. In addition to the free quality education, he also highlighted measures he has undertaken for food security and accessible healthcare.

President Bio also said that he was in Harvard University to seek partnership and collaboration through experience sharing, knowledge sharing and learning. Discussing the cost of his flagship programme, free quality education, he also said that “ignorance is more expensive than education”.

President Bio used the forum discussion which coincided with International Women’s Day to higlight some of his policies which have been targeted towards the protection and empowerment of women and girls in Sierra Leone. In the area of education, he spoke about grants-in aid for female students pursing sciences in tertiary institutions. A passionate President Bio also explained about the state of emergency on rape and sexual violence as part of series of measures to protect girls and women.

President Bio also highlighted his achievements in revenue mobilisation and control of expenditure to demonstrate his efficient economic management of the State. He spoke of his war against corruption and the commissions of inquiry to ensure democratic accountability to the people.

During the dialogue forum there were also expert presentations by academics in the following areas: Dr. Paul Farmer presented on Healthcare Infrastructure and Healthcare Delivery; Professor Fernando Reimers presented on K-12 Education for a Global World; Professor Margaret McMillan presented on Economic Development in Sub-saharan Africa and Professor Raymond Atuguba presented on Law and Governance in Sierra Leone.

Earlier, President Bio held discussion with the Harvard University President, Larry Bacow and senior academics of the University wherein a partnership between Harvard University and Sierra Leone was discussed.

Later in the evening, President Bio was also hosted to an investors dinner where the Presidential Adviser on Economic and Financial Policy, Mr. Joe Demby, presented the Sierra Leone Investment Ecosystem Strategy and the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Mrs Nabeela Tunis presented on investors’ experience in Sierra Leone. During the investors’ dinner, President Bio also assured investors of his commitment to improve the investment climate in Sierra Leone and invited them that Sierra Leone is open for business.

One organization, the National Elections Watch (NEW) on the 10 March 2019 issued out a Press Release in which the elections watchdog demanded explanation from the National Electoral Commission (NEC) for election irregularities observed at the Tonko Limba Chiefdom, Ward 196 Re-run Bye-election
It was further stated that the National Election Watch (NEW) observed the re-run bye-election held in Ward 196 in the Tonko Limba Chiefdom, Kambia District, on Saturday 9th March 2019 furthering that though the election was free from violence, however it noted with concern some serious irregularities during the process. It added that those irregularities undermined the integrity of the entire election.
The institution’s key observations and questions asked include :

• Polling stations were opened on time in all locations;
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by all political parties to ensure that only one high profiled political party official is allowed within the polling precincts was respected;

Representatives from the Political Party Registration Commission (PPRC), All Political Parties Association (APPA), All Political Parties Women’s Association (APPWA), All Political Parties Youth Association (APPYA), United States Embassy and the media were present;
The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) was professional in executing their security role and senior police officers were on the ground;

There were complaints against Polling Center Manager (PCM) in center no. 08057, St. Mary’s Junior Secondary School, Mile 14 in the presence of senior National Electoral Commission (NEC) officials, PPRC representatives and the media. The PCM was accused of being an active SLPP operative within the Kambia District. The PCM was asked by senior NEC officials to sit aside;
NEC officials issued both 2018 and 2019 ballot papers for the same election;

In polling center 08056, station 3, Kagbonkoh, a voter identified as Momoh Samura was caught with 6 pre-marked and stamped ballot papers inside the polling station and was handed over to the police. All ballots were marked in favour of the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP);
Banker: Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB)

• Another man was caught with pre-marked ballots in Mile 14 within the polling precincts. When interrogated by the police in NEW’s presence, he admitted that he was given a pre-marked ballot and Le 20,000 on the eve of the election to illicitly cast it on polling day;

• There were unreconciled ballots in a number of polling stations during the counting. For instance, in polling center 08057 at station no. 02, 71 ballots were in excess. In Masunthu, polling center 08060, polling station no. 04, 20 ballots were in excess;

• The over-voting caused political party agents to protest against the process, but senior NEC officials put aside the excess ballots and stated that further investigation would be done at the Kambia District Tally Center in the full view of all political party agents;

• During the recount at the Kambia District Council Tally Center, there were several discrepancies e.g. for Masunthu: center 08060, polling station 04, 20 votes were in excess. For Kagbonkoh: center 08056, polling station 02, the discrepancy showed 87 excess votes;

• The computer at the tally center rejected several Result Reconciliation Forms (RRF).

NEW, therefore, demands that NEC as the body tasked with the responsibility to conduct and manage all public elections in Sierra Leone, explains to the general public the circumstances that led to the following:

• Why sensitive ballot papers were in the possession of some voters prior to the election?

• The use of 2018 and 2019 different ballots papers for the purpose of the same election.
• Why did NEC officials fail to reconcile the ballots issued at the polling station before counting and to also clear this very issue during the tallying process?

• Why were the RRFs rejected by the computer at the tally center?

• How did NEC arrive at the results when the tallying process was not concluded in front of observes and party agents and how was the issue of over voting addressed?

The National Elections Watch commended the SLP and the Office of National Security (ONS) for their professional handling of the security aspect of the election and for their efficient enforcement of the MoU that the political parties signed with elections stakeholders.

The institution stated that the trend of election irregularities is a reverse in our democratic gains and called on all stakeholders to denounce such irregularities and work towards ensuring that the integrity of the electoral processes are guaranteed.

National Election Watch (NEW) is a coalition of local and international organizations in Sierra Leone with a common objective of supporting free, fair and peaceful elections. NEW will continue to observe all elections and will report its findings accordingly.

Housemate No: 6,Bintu Kabba, is truly an irresistible person with a very magnetic personality has make her become very endearing to most people who have been keenly following the 2019 Housemates Reality TV Show. Though she was born in Sierra Leone, however, she was raised in neighboring Guinea but later on returned to her country of origin and continued with her educational pursuit at the Modern High School. Currently, she is a second year student at the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM).
Very multi-talented, Bintu is very good at modelling, debating and because of her background she is bilingual, fluent in English and French. Amazingly, she also speaks with ease Mandingo, Susu and Fullah, a true manifestation of someone who can go places.
Currently, in the House Bintu Kabba happens to be the youngest but that has not served as a barrier to inhibit her from thrilling viewers by outwitting the other competitors.
As the 2019 Housemates Salone Reality TV Show provides the congenial place to make relationships, Bintu became so close to Dwight Smith, Housemate No: 9 a relationship that culminated into a tight love tie between the two.
For now Bintu has become the real game changer in the House with others seeing her as a threat. This became very evident recently when a debate and later on a rap competition were organized where she performed exceptionally well in both of these events.
Some of the other outstanding abilities which she has well demonstrated include, but not limited to, being a good team player and peace broker. With the expectation of using strong language, as it is expected of them, there is gossiping going on in the House which sometimes generates heated arguments. Bintu will be there to successfully cool down tempers and restore friendship based on mutual understanding.
However, that spirit should not be mistaken as someone who is shy as she is fearless, bold and courageous.
She is the founder of a charity foundation that helps vulnerable women and children. Housemate Salone will be boring without her.
Bintu is referred to as ‘Small Zainab Sheriff’, not only because she is an outspoken plain preacher but also she is an inspiration to many.
There is a lot of suspense and drama behind this contestant.
This dynamic, ambitious and result-oriented young lady has a bright prospect ahead but she needs to be supported and more empowered in order to reach the top which many truly say she deserves
Housemates Salone will not be so lively if Bintu Kabba, Housemate No:6, is not among the contestants. There is no surprise why she continues to attract more votes as the competition heightens.

By all estimation and regardless of any contrary view that has been expressed, which is naturally inevitable, the crystal fact remains that the ongoing Housemates Salone 2019 TV Reality Competition will go down the annals of the entertainment industry as one of the biggest events that was successfully staged in this country.
The competition, which will end by mid-April 2019, is indeed truly thrilling and somehow funny generating discussions in different quarters not particularly about how it was organised or is being rolled out but rather bordering on the performances and characters of the various Housemates presently in the House.
All the Housemates are frantically putting on their best performances in order to attract votes from the wider public who should vote via Africell No: 5500 for any of these competitors whom they are convinced is worth voting for.
If some of the Housemates appear sexy by the kind of dresses they wear then that must not come as any big surprise simply because they are expected to display nudity. Again, if sometimes they talk harshly then it is because they are to intermittently use strong language and acting funnily is as a result of the expectation of being humorous. In a bid to manifest these elements that is what is really making the Reality TV Show ,that is shown on AYV Television Channel 34, very interesting to watch providing some form of relief for viewers and serving as a therapy to reduce stresses.
Organisers of the event, Africa Young Voices (AYV) and Africell are very enthusiast to enhance youth empowerment in the country and the 2019 Housemates Salone is one platform that is providing that for the young competitors. They are benefitting from motivational lectures and added to that they are given the opportunity to socialize, learn how to play different games, how to speak fluently etc. With all these it will definitely transform the Housemates from what their characters were before they entered the House.
But financially empowering these Housemates is one of the most important channels of making them relevant in society. Each day spent in the House will earn a Housemate Le100, 000. The winner will bag Le100, 000,000 and in the short future champion a key project that is expected will positively impact the lives of young people in the country.

It is an open secret that since its inception the African Young Voices (AYV) has been providing opportunities for young people to have their voices heard, to learn new skills and meaningfully contribute to overall national development.
This youth empowerment drive is one of the cardinal objectives of this renowned media empire and it has been successfully rolling it out.

On the part of Africell, the telecommunications service provider has been supporting various entertainment activities and even young artists in the country with the avowed aim of catching them young and as well contribute to enable young people to realise their potentials and bring them out.

Being an interesting and widely watched Reality TV Show on AYV TV Channel 34, Housemates Salone has also provided a marketing platform for many corporate and business institutions such as Banks, business houses, entertainment entities etc, who are effectively making use of the channel to advertise their products and services.
As advertisement is key to marketing through this means provided by Housemates Salone these business entities are presently reaching out to the wider public.
Abu Mattia, a Sociology Lecturer, opined that 2019 Housemates Salone is an exceptional event that must be staged yearly simply because it affords young people the podium to exhibit their God-given talents which could be enhanced in order to contribute meaningfully towards various spheres of life or development. “Bringing together young people from various parts of the country under one roof and training them to improve on their talents is something that is very good in terms of positively engaging them on different fronts,” he frankly intimated adding that they are beacons of hope when cognisance is taken of the fact that they could cascade what they have gained.
Another regular viewer of the show stated that indeed AYV and Africell must be commended for packaging the Reality Show which is indeed new within the entertainment landscape in the country but very entertaining.