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225 Pupils Across the Country Benefit from Choithram Foundation Scholarship Fund

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By Amin Kef Sesay

In fulfillment of its Corporate Social Responsibility, the Choithram International Foundation has on the 14th March 2022 awarded scholarship grants to two hundred and twenty-five (225) school-going pupils from various schools in the country during a short but momentous ceremony held at one of the business entity’s Conference Hall on Rawdon Street in Freetown.

Present during the event were the Financial Controller of Choithram International Foundation, Harish Agnani, the Chairperson of the Choithram Scholarship Fund Committee, Easterline Palmer, Cornelia Gabiddon, Williette Williams, both Committee members, the beneficiaries (School going pupils) with their parents and members of the Fourth Estate.

Harish Agnani welcomed all to witness another important gesture on the part of the Choithram Consortium which, he said, is geared towards the dishing out of scholarship grants to deserving pupils drawn from different schools and backgrounds in Freetown and the provinces which, according to him, is a yearly event. He underscored that this is not the first time that the Choithram Consortium, through the Choithram International Foundation is supporting the educational pursuit of Sierra Leonean children revealing how the offering of scholarship grants dates back to 1967. “Since that period it has been a continual event even during those gloomy periods of the Ebola and COVID-19 outbreaks and it is intended to be maintained,” he furthered.

He disclosed that they decided to increase both the amount of money and the number of beneficiaries. “The amount was raised from Le 110 Million to Le160 Million and the targeted beneficiaries are now 225 from the previous number of 164 Pupils,” he told all present.

Harish highlighted that there is the Choithram Scholarship Fund Committee that manages the Scholarship fund disclosing how they work alongside members of the Committee in terms of determining the eligibility of those who should benefit.

He dilated on the importance of education maintaining that it opens doors of opportunities in the lives of people also commending the Government for the implementation of the Free Quality Education. “Though the scheme makes provision for parents not to pay fees for their children yet they may need to provide lunch, purchase bags and other items which the grants that will be given out to the pupils will help greatly in that direction,” he stated.

The Choithram Consortium Financial Controller used the opportunity to inform that the grant money came from the Choithram International Foundation from which funds are also derived from in order to purchase equipment for the Choithram Memorial Hospital among funding other initiatives.

He continued by revealing that sometime next week they will be commissioning a new Dialysis Department/Unit at the Choithram Memorial Hospital  and treatment will commence. “We have installed four new machines at the new Unit and have an expatriate who is training our local staff on how to effectively use those machines,” he informed, also disclosing that they will also install a new MRI machine from proceeds of the Foundation which will be used to conduct thorough diagnosis maintaining that it is a modern diagnostic equipment.

Chairperson of the Choithram Scholarship Fund Committee, Easterline Palmer, on her part expressed profound gratitude to the Choithram International Foundation for the kind gesture. Giving a synopsis about the scholarship scheme, she revealed that initially it was only limited to primary school going pupils but said with time it was extended to benefit pupils in secondary schools.

She cautioned the parents of the beneficiaries to use the grants judiciously and primarily to take care of the education needs of their children instead of lavishing them on extravagant lifestyles. “You must endeavour to use these monies wisely and ensure that your children concentrate on their studies because the grants are meant for pupils who are doing well in their studies but whose parents are finding it economically difficult,” she continued her admonition.

She emphasized the need for those who will be receiving the scholarship for the last time to write letters of gratitude to the Choithram Management expressing how the grants helped them greatly during pursuing their education at a particular point in time.

Dilating on the eligibility criteria, the Chairperson stated that the process for the award of grants starts with the issuing out of forms to be filled by applicants with areas soliciting information of where the applicant is residing and his or her class or level of education. She continued that they then critically look at the information provided, later determine the economic status of the applicant’s family and together with the Choithram Management determine those who actually should benefit.

According to her, the scholarship grants were increased from Le 500,000 to Le600,000 for those in primary schools, Le600,000 to Le700 for pupils in Junior Secondary School and Le 700 to Le800,000 for those in Senior Secondary School.

“The scholarship grants will be given on three days starting with primary school pupils to be followed by Junior and Secondary School Pupils,” Easterline Palmer stated and commended Choithram for the opening of the Dialysis Unit further appealing for the charges to be reasonable.

Secretary to the Committee advised the parents to submit their children’s Education Yearly Assessment Reports timely so that they as Committee members they will be at a vantage position to expedite the processing of their information.

The distribution of grants to the first set of pupils climaxed the occasion.

 

1st SLFA Executive Committee Member Celebrates Int. Women’s Day in Grand Style

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By David Emile

The first woman Executive Committee member in the Sierra Leone Football Association, Haja Ramatulai Kamara (RAM K), on the 8th March 2022 joined women around the world to celebrate the 2022 International Women’s Day (IWD) by organizing a one-day football match at the SLFA Academy at Kingtom.

According to RAM K, the essence of this year’s celebration was to celebrate all female footballers-both retired and active players. She added that despite the demise of female football for decades now, they as female football administrators will resurrect the game again so that female football will regain its past glories.

Haja Kamara assured young female players of their support; both administrative and technical adding that very soon followers of female football will start witnessing female leagues across the country.

She maintained that they have already constituted the Female Premier League Board headed by Madam Asmaa James, Chairlady of East End Lions FC, which means they are working assiduously to see female football league kick start in the country.

The SLFA Exco member thanked the Executive Committee of the Sierra Leone Football Association for the support given to her in order to organize the one day event. She assured everyone that she is going to continue with the celebration every year as a female Executive Committee member in the FA.

Trophy and cash prizes were distributed to the participating teams.

Tourism Ministry & AfriCaribbean to Stage AfriCaribbean Festival in Sierra Leone

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By Foday Moriba Conteh

An  AfriCaribbean Festival was launched on the 9th March 2022 by the   Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs in partnership with AfriCaribbean at the Ministry’s Conference Room on Kingharman Road in Freetown.

The Festival will be a blend of Sierra Leonean and Caribbean culture and will happen from the 28th December 2022 to 2nd January 2023 at Radisson Blu Hotel in Freetown.

In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Andrew Sorie said the Ministry is the hub for tourism and cultural affairs in Sierra Leone, while thanking the team for identifying Sierra Leone for such a huge event which he said has the potential to aid in changing face of the tourism sector.

Giving the overview of the festival, the Project Lead of the AfriCaribbean Festival, Adrian Q. Labor said the initiative started seven years ago, when he visited Trinidad and Tobago where he witnessed a Caribbean festival of huge magnitude and economic benefits, which he said they want to replicate in Sierra Leone. He said the event will be a six-day festival starting from the 28th December 2022 to 2nd January 2023 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Freetown, where top Caribbean and Sierra Leoneans artists will showcase their musical prowess.

“We want to make Freetown a hot spot of tourism, hence the country’s history is linked to that of the Caribbean,” he disclosed and furthered how the festival will connect borders through culture and music with partners coming from different parts to explore what the country’s tourism has, citing the beautiful beaches and other touristic sites.

Sierra Leone is the right destination for this festival, giving Africa the opportunity to reconnect, he maintained.

The Deputy Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, William I.K. Robinson was overwhelmed by the initiative saying that the festival is a home call as it relates directly to indigenes of Sierra Leone. He thanked the team for their ideology in trying to shape the face of tourism in the country.

Launching the AfriCaribbean Festival, the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt maintained that Sierra Leone is changing rapidly as many things are happening in quick succession in the sector.

“These days we are very impressed with the diaspora particularly in the area of tourism,” the Minister stated. She said so much has been done in the industry in changing the narrative around tourism industry adding that they were very passionate about root tourism, noting the AfriCaribbean festival will complement the gains made to same. She called on the organizers of the AfriCaribbean Festival not only to focus on the festival but go beyond and explore other touristic areas and assured of Government’s support to their course.

Samura Kamara & Others Defence Team Put Up a Strong Fight

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By Foday Moriba Conteh

The 11th March 2022 marked the ninth appearance of the prospective 2023 Presidential Aspirant of the All People’s Congress Party on two counts charges.

Prior to that sitting, the Lead defence counsel, Pa Momoh Fofanah representing the first accused, Saidu Nallo, on the 10th March 2022 secured a critical ruling against the Anti-Corruption Commission.

During cross examination Lawyer Pa Momoh Fofanah expressed dismay that some vital exhibits submitted to the ACC by accused persons were not tendered in court.

Defence counsel, Pa Momoh Fofanah therefore filed an application for the witness to tender the documents.

The ACC lead Prosecution lawyer, Calvin T. Mansebo objected by arguing that the documents will affect the prosecution, to which the presiding Judge, Honourable Justice Adrian Fisher overruled in favour of  Defence Lawyer Pa Momoh Fofanah.

Lawyer Fofanah then outlined the series of documents one of which was a letter dated 14th December 2017 from the sixth accused Jules Sander Davis, in his capacity as President of the Fair Field Construction Associates. The said letter relates to the contract for the reconstruction and refurbishment of the Sierra Leone Chancery building in New York.

According to the Defence Counsel, the second document was a reply to the said letter which was dated 17 May 2018 signed by the first accused Saidu Nallo as Head of Chancery in New York. By that letter, addressed to the Fair Field Construction Associates, Nallo conveyed the Government of Sierra Leone’s agreement to be a party to the said contract.

The third was a letter dated 21st April 2021 from Fair Field Construction Associates signed by Jules Sander Davis and addressed to Alie Kabba who, in April 2018 was the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. By 2019 on late 2020, Kabba was the Government of Sierra Leone’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York.

Worthy of note is that the third letter is a summary of payment received by Fairfield Construction Company from the Government of Sierra Leone through its Chancery in New York.

The fourth document requested by the Defence is a letter dated 30th July 2019 from the Senior Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works and Public Assets, signed by Engineer Paul Bockarie, addressed to the Director – General and Ambassador at Large, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. This fourth letter relates to “site monitoring for additional work of two floors of the chancery building in New York.

The other document is a letter dated 1st August 2019 from the Director – General in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, addressed to the Head of Chancery in New York. It was signed by Agnes Bayoh for and on behalf of the Director – General of the Foreign Ministry.

This other letter, according to lawyer Fofanah, conveyed the approval of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the said project. Counsel for the First Accused continued that ALL the said documents are “materially germane” to the case and central to absolving his client of any wrongdoing. Pa Momoh Fofanah emphasized that his client had submitted those document to the ACC because he relied on those documents to prove, among other things, that he received instructions from his bosses in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to enter into transaction agreement for the reconstruction of the Chancery building in New York.

The First Accused Defence Counsel further argued that the documents will also show that contrary to the allegation of misappropriation proffered against the first accused, the funds have been acknowledged by the Fairfield Construction Company as shown by receipts of various payments. The said receipts were conveyed to the ACC through a letter signed by Jules Sander Davis, President of Fairfield Construction Associates.

Lawyer Fofanah made the point that the sixth accused ,Jules Davis, was not doing things on his own rather he was acting for and on behalf of his company. The Defence therefore submitted that it is better for the said documents to be tendered maintaining how they would be helpful in making his case and even that of the Prosecution easier. The Defence made this submission pursuant to Section 190 of the Criminal Procedure Act of 1965.

Objecting, the ACC Prosecutor, Calvin T. Mansebo argued that if the Defence is allowed to use the said documents it will amount to interfering with the Prosecution’s case.

When asked by Hon Justice Fisher if the documents tendered will hinder the Prosecution, Mansebo replied that it will not hinder their case but it is something unusual as the Defence cannot tender documents through their witness rather; the author of the documents should tender them before the court.

But Lawyer Fofanah drew attention to the fact that though the Prosecution had spoken lengthily about the law he did not quote or refer to any section in supporting his defense.

In his ruling, Hon Justice Fisher said the documents in question were presented by the first accused to the ACC who used them as part of their investigation and to build the case. And so the Judge said that the Prosecution should have tendered them before the court during their Examination in Chief.

Patiently to guide the Prosecution on the need for the documents to be tendered, the learned Judge asserted that if the documents are not tendered it will put a burden on the Prosecution’s effort to prove the guilt of the accused. Justice Fisher further pointed out that the witness is the custodian of the documents and so he has the right to tender them. Hon Justice Fisher therefore ruled that the said documents be tendered by the Defence through the Prosecution.

The documents were tendered before the court and Defence Lawyer, Pa Momoh Fofanah, continued cross examination of the ACC PW1, Joseph Bockarie Noah.

During  the March 10)hearing, Pa Momoh Fofanah, Defense Lawyer representing the first Accused, Saidu Nallo made a submission that letters indicating payments to  the contractor and approval for additional two floors be admitted in evidence. This, he said will among other things contradict allegations of misappropriation by the  1st accused.
The ACC prosecutor, Calvin Matebo objected to that on the grounds of procedures and the potential for the documents to hinder or interfere in their case.
Justice Fisher overruled the objection on the grounds the documents, which had originated from the Prosecution and was used in the investigation must equally serve as evidence in the matter.

Chinese Ambassador Takes IPAM Students Through What is Actually China

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By Amin Kef Sesay

The Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, H.E. Hu Zhangliang, through a virtual meeting held on the 10th March 2022 introduced to the students of the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) of the University of Sierra Leone what China is.

The virtual meeting was attended by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Sierra Leone Prof. Foday Sahr, Deputy Vice Chancellor of IPAM Prof. Samuel Nonie, Assistant Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof. Miriam Conteh-Morgan, other senior faculty staff of IPAM, about 200 students of IPAM, representatives of Sierra Leone-China friendship organizations and media friends.

Displaying facts and using an empirical approach, Ambassador Hu elaborated that, “China is a country with a long history and a splendid culture, China is a resilient and tenacious country, China is a self-dependent and peace-loving country, China is a country that constantly strives to be strong and innovative, and China is a country that always maintains a global vision and offers a helping hand”.

Ambassador Hu pointed out that China is a country with over 5,000 years of civilization. China’s culture contains profound core values such as the philosophy of harmony and tolerance, the spirit of being vigorous, competent and self-reliant, the emphasis on “being kind to the neighbors and friendly to all nations”, the spirit of seeking truth from facts and advancing with the times, and the concept of “man and nature are of one and man should live a frugal life”.

Ambassador Hu said that in ancient times China had been in a leading position of development in the world for a long time. However, since the modern times China declined into a semi-colonial and semi-feudal society and the Chinese nation has suffered unprecedented hardships because of Western imperialist invasions and the corruption and inability of the feudal regimes at that time. In 1921, the Communist Party of China (CPC) was founded and began to lead the Chinese people to engage in tenacious struggles for national independence, people’s liberation and development of the country.

Under the strong leadership of the CPC, the Chinese people have achieved the first centenary goal in 2021 and succeeded in building a moderately prosperous society in all aspects. China is now marching towards the second centenary goal under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a new era with great vigour.

Ambassador Hu stressed that China practices an independent foreign policy of peace. China is a firm defender of international fairness and justice. China stands with the majority of countries in the world in opposing unilateralism, power politics and hegemony. China has never provoked a war or a conflict with others. Today, China is the second largest contributor to the UN regular budget and the UN peacekeeping budget.

Ambassador Hu averred that China has made brilliant achievements in science and technology throughout history. Reform and opening up has been the most prominent feature and the most magnificent phenomenon in contemporary China. As a result, China’s GDP has grown from US$ 150billion in 1978 to US$17.7 trillion in 2021, and its share of the world’s total has been increased from 1.8% to about 18% in the same period.

Ambassador Hu said that China has been actively fulfilling its due international obligations, providing global public goods and helping other developing countries in their development. During the 8th Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), H.E. President Xi Jinping put forward four proposals for building a China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era and announced nine programs to strengthen China-Africa cooperation.

Ambassador Hu said that China and Sierra Leone are reliable friends enjoying mutual respect, mutual trust, mutual support and mutual benefit. China will, as always, strengthen its friendly cooperation with the Sierra Leone for common development and prosperity.

Prof. Edmond Nonie spoke highly of Sierra Leone-China cordial relations. He remarked that the University of Sierra Leone has a number of good ties with China, citing example of the privileges offered by the Confucius Institute to Sierra Leonean students for enhancing development. He believed that the engagements between Sierra Leone and China are in the interests of the two peoples.

President of IPAM Student Union Government, Anthony Sannoh, on behalf of IPAM and USL, expressed gratitude to Ambassador Hu for the lecturing which widened their horizons on China’s splendid culture and significant achievements. He added that no matter how the international situation has changed, China and Sierra Leone had always maintained good partners. He believed that the friendship between the two countries will be long lasting.

Bank of Sierra Leone to Embark on Massive Public Education Campaign

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By Amin Kef Sesay

It could be recalled that the Bank of Sierra Leone promised the citizens of this country that the re-denominated Leone notes will only be introduced until the Bank is fully convinced that every single Sierra Leonean has been fully sensitized about the features of the notes.

Against that backdrop, the Bank of Sierra Leone will kick start a full scale nationwide Public Education Campaign never seen in the history of Sierra Leone.

On that day the Bank will stage a rally-carnival style, in the morning, from the Bank’s headquarters on Gloucester Street to its Staff Recreation Complex in Kingtom.

A full scale carnival style rally will be coming up next week and with music box vehicles, Sierra Leone’s foremost musicians in attendance and top of the ranch local comedians will lead the match. The event will be live streamed.

Furthermore, the next four weeks thereafter will be locked sealed and blanketed by the Bank’s public education materials everywhere.

Always Feed Your Babies With…   Nutrilac Baby Cereal Wheat +6 Months 400G as it Contains Milk, 9 Vitamins & Iron

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By Esther Wight

For the healthy growth and development of children from 6 months old upwards Nutrilac Baby Cereal Wheat +6 months 400G has a high nutritious value as it contains milk, 9 vitamins and iron.

Besides, it provides energy and essential nutrients for the healthy growth of children, is convenient, delicious and can be consumed any time of the day as well as prepared in several ways as a porridge, shake or with a favorite fruit.

With Nutrilac, infant cereal with milk, mothers can provide their children less than five years the right to be well nourished and healthy, because Nutrilac is a complete food that provides calories, protein, vitamins and minerals to ensure growth and child development.

Nutribom Infant Cereal is an excellent everyday food source ideal for a healthy balanced diet for babies from six months of age. Nutribom contains important vitamins such as iron; vitamins A, C & D and zinc to name a few. Easy to Digest! Easy to Prepare!

It’s very easy to make, just boil some water, pour in the recommended scoops of the infant baby cereal and stir until you have a good consistency.

Contact Emkay Store SL Ltd as it is the sole distributor of Nutrilac Baby Cereal Wheat +6months 400G, Olinda Slim Tea & Olinda Pure Ceylon Tea and many other products which include: Nutribom Infant Cereal, Nutrilon and H&H infant formulas (Corn milk and Cereal for infants), Confectioneries (inclusive of items for children’s birthday parties), etc.

Emkay Store SL Ltd could be located at No:12 Sani Abacha Street Freetown, Sierra Leone or call +23288 604-402.

With the Emergence of an Evil Trinity… Sanity Needs to Prevail at Rokel Commercial Bank

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By Esther Wright

Rokel Commercial Bank (RCB) is today one of the most progressive commercial banks in Sierra Leone as a result of reforms that were initiated and instituted by its current Managing Director, Dr Ekundayo Walton Gilpin, transforming it to become a very effective and efficient banking institution that regained the confidence of business owners, investors, traders and other corporate institutions in the country.

The Rokel Commercial Bank, it is an open secret was really collapsing due to poor management until this brilliant son of the soil was appointed as its Managing Director who wasted no time to inject sound policies that have led to this admirable transformation, evident in the opening of more branches even in hard to reach areas, the digitization of banking operations all geared towards scaling up financial inclusion.

However, from what this medium learnt it seems that with the positive transformation taking place under the leadership of Dr Ekundayo Gilpin there are some of his colleagues who are deeply dissatisfied with his leadership style and more especially because he is taking the credit for all the good things related to the growth of the bank.

History is replete of situations when leaders who are upright, disciplined and forthright have been deemed to be dictators by some who just like to have things their own ways.

The Rokel Commercial Bank is currently deeply enmeshed in this unhealthy situation where as a result of the disciplinary stance of its Managing Director, in the person of Dr. Ekundayo Walton Gilpin, some of his colleagues have decided to pitch tent against him.

Reliable sources within the Bank, who agreed to talk to this medium on conditions of anonymity and soliciting our assistance in putting to an end the present stalemate, suspicious working climate intimated that there are some within the Management structure of the Bank who just think they should not be reprimanded by the Managing Director whenever they do certain untoward things that are against laid down policies.

It was said that those who have decided to pitch tent against the MD strongly believe they are above reprimand assuming that the Rokel Commercial Bank is their personal property and should be run according to their whims and caprices with one of them for a long time now enviously eyeing the position of Managing Director which he thinks he has the right to occupy.

They continued that some of these individuals sometimes do have strong verbal exchanges with the Managing Director which they say is not good for a healthy working environment. “Even though they are all within the top Management cadre of the Bank at least there should be some form of hierarchical distinction and modicum of respect for the No1 man and this should be manifested in a respectful working relationship,” one of them averred maintaining that they would like to see a conducive working environment where love and trust prevail instead of mounting suspicions and looking over the shoulders when chatting major issues.

What they also intimated this medium was that some within the Management structure of the Bank have formed what they could dub The Evil Trinity naming the bank’s Deputy Managing Director, Emmanuel Borbor, the  Legal Officer of the bank, Margret Davies nee Kamara and Abdul Rahman Mahdi, the Business Development Director at the Bank as belonging to the Trinity.

They informed that seemingly the three of them are not seeing eye to eye with the current Managing Director substantiating that assertion by making references to allegations made against him which according to them they are convinced have the propensity of denting his integrity and reputation which he has worked so hard to gain and nurture.

One among the Evil Trinity, it was disclosed, is the present Deputy Managing Director of the Bank ,Emmanuel Borbor, whom it was stated believes he has the capability to better lead or head the Bank and has manifested that ambition on various occasions.

“Well one cannot certainly determine the level of his ambition but a desperate person could be tempted to use all means necessary to get what he or she wants,” one of them underscored maintaining that such a person could utilize any slight opportunity to get or achieve what he or she has been longing to grab.

In the case of Abu Bakarr Mahdi it was alleged that since his transfer from heading the Treasury of the Bank to another post within the same bank he became disillusioned because he considers such as a form of demotion when in the actual sense that is not the case.

“But if Mr Mahdi had been complained by influential customers of the bank, on various occasions, who were threatening to quit the bank because they claimed he is too arrogant to deal with don’t you think his transfer was indeed in place as it will undermine widening the customer base?” one of them, who wants this medium to play the ‘mediating’ role, asked rhetorically.

With regards the Bank’s Legal Officer, Margret Davies nee Kamara, she is described as one who is also ambitious to rise within the ranks of the Bank. It was revealed that she has been aspiring to be appointed as one of the Directors of the Bank but was informed that the position is one that is so sensitive and must be occupied by those who truly have the academic and practical qualifications. It was stated that the Board and Management of Rokel Commercial Bank deemed that she has not convincingly proven that she is a capable and professional enough to adequately represent the bank in litigations. They cited when at one point in time legal action was instituted against the Bank to such an extent that the institution was about to be closed without much done by her to remedy the situation.

It was further revealed that when she failed in her ambition to be appointed as a Director she squarely blamed the current Managing Director for not recommending her for that and standing by her until such materializes.

In their explanation, they cited how she was a very close friend with the Managing Director, that he used to render her support, how they used to discuss other issues not related to banking maintaining that the relationship between the two was indeed cordial.

The oldest among them, in a very somber mood, pointed out that it really came as a big surprise when they learnt that Margret Davies, the Bank’s Legal Officer, made an allegation against the Managing Director of sexual harassment purporting that she has evidences of unofficial phone chats which she said the MD used to make love advances to her since 2017 only to accuse the MD in 2022 of Sexual Harassment, which to them seems fishy.

It was further understood that Margret Davies lodged a complaint to a seasoned Lawyer in the country, who in turn acted in good faith by verbally informing the Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone. The Governor, in turn, admonished the Board of the Bank to undertake an investigation into the matter.

While all these were transpiring a damning write-up was posted on Social Media in which various allegations were made against the Managing Director and the Chairman of Board of Directors, Buffy Bailor, portraying the latter as behaving cheaply and protecting the MD of wrong doings.

According to the disenchanted staff of the Bank, for argument sake, they asked assuming that even if the Managing Director had proposed an unofficial friendship to Margret Davies, what is the big deal about that.  They argued that the working relationship has been professional ever since stating that to use what transpired since 2017 against the MD in 2022 when a position is not granted also smells of something very fishy.

They furthered that to any serious minded individual her latest move could only be interpreted as a calculated ploy to stab the MD on the back out of her conviction that he is the stumbling block to her ambition of becoming a Director at the bank, thinking that if he is removed from office she could get an easy ride to become a banking Director.

“It was that red meat that may have rekindled Emmanuel Borbor’s ambition to renew his zeal of occupying the seat as Managing Director of the Bank and it is likely, they assumed, that he instigated Margret to take the matter to higher authorities,” they maintained.

Based on what they said, Abdul Rahman Mahdi may have used the opportunity created by Margret Davies to nab the MD for facilitating his transfer from the Treasury – although he was later on promoted to become a Director under the leadership of the same MD.

They continued that the Board Chairman, Buffy Bailor, is an influential personality who cannot go down so low as he was portrayed in the write-up making the round on Social Media maintaining that a good number of people in and out of this country know about that.

Assuring them that, as a news outlet, we will try our level best to step in and try to resolve the seething misunderstandings although the matter is currently before that Board.

They concluded by stating that all what they want to see prevail is tranquility and a good working relationship among all members of staff maintaining that at the end of the day it is the truth that will last further underscoring how all the parties should be mindful that the Evil that men do lives after them.

More on this in subsequent editions

Lebanese Playing Major Role In Salone’s Socio-Economic Development

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By Amin Kef Sesay

There are many rich Sierra Leoneans who singly or as partners and companies can have great leverage on economic growth and development by investing in the productive sectors of the economy, like Senegalese, Guineans and Ivoirians have done; yet they prefer to spend their monies on luxurious lifestyles.

On the other hand, the Lebanese have slowly over many decades through hard work and entrepreneurship come to contribute immensely to the growth and development of our economy through small, medium and large scale investments in all sectors of the economy; thereby creating tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs, incomes and tax revenue to the Government.

Many of today’s generation of Lebanese whose grandparents and parents migrated into Sierra Leone in the 1900 were born here and see themselves as citizens of this country.

At first, they had little access to capital and little control of import or export; they were at the mercy of the large colonial merchant firms, the same as indigenous traders. They brought imported manufactured goods such as textiles, jewellery and mirrors to rural areas where European and Creole traders would not go, and traded them for local agricultural produce, primary palm kernels and kola nuts. As they expanded their trading interests into the interior, they gained commercial power.

In the 1920s, they not only began to enjoy better access to credit, but also began to play a role themselves in extending credit to agricultural producers in the interior, sometimes at exorbitant rates which sparked the intervention of the colonial Government.

Beginning in the 1930s, the Lebanese began to out-compete indigenous traders, by concentrating their returns from commerce back into the same sector to expand their purchases of goods, rather than diversifying into other sectors. They also began to establish their own links to exporters in other countries. By the 1950s, diamonds had become the most important business sector for Lebanese traders.

The key to the success of the Lebanese is that they know how to generate business, and they’re fearless where trading is concerned.

A network of mutual support among Lebanese and the possibility of obtaining foreign exchange through international contacts have also provided advantages over most other competitors.

Today, the Lebanese community continues to play an important role in the country’s economic growth and development through their investments in mining, the fishing industry, agriculture, transportation, education, health, housing, hotels, restaurants, casinos, factories, travel agencies and import and export.

Housemates Salone Season 3 to Kick Start in Grand Style

By Amin Kef Sesay

The audition for Housemates Salone Season 3 commenced on the 11th March 2022 and will end today, 14th March 2022. This medium reliably learnt that Eight Hundred (800) individuals opted to be part of the Reality TV Show as Housemates and all of them should go through the audition process.

The organizers of the entertainment event, AYV Media Empire and Africell-SL put together a panel of competent Judges which include Guest Judges and those who are based in Sierra Leone.

They include Hazel Oyeze Onou, otherwise known as White Money, a Nigerian singer, song writer and Reality TV Star. He is the winner of Big Brother Naija Season 6, Hon. Karishma Pelham-Raad is a Liberian award-winning Humanitarian, Actress, Brand Ambassador, Media Personality & Politician, Yulisa Ahmadu – ‘Dr Love’ is a Sierra Leonean Entrepreneur, Communications Specialist, Entertainment Executive and Relationship Therapist, Isatu Harrison , a Sierra Leonean Fashion entrepreneur (mum-preneur) and a management professional, Morris K. Sesay, a Sierra Leonean – American actor, producer & director,  as the Guest Judges.

On the other hand, those who are based in-country include: Saraih Conteh Roberts, winner of Housemates Salone s Season 2. She is based in the United States as a singer, motivational speaker, brand influencer and philanthropist, Natasha Beckley a Sierra Leonean Hip Hop rapper and former Miss Sierra Leone 2011, Abu Bakarr Turay Esq. (Kabaka) commonly known as ‘The Kabaka’, a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of Sierra Leone, the Chief Judge Sana Kanu-Idibia a Sierra Leonean Nollywood Movie Star, Entrepreneur and Innovator and Asmaa James who  is an award-winning media personality, girls advocate and philanthropist, with over 20 years of experience in broadcast journalism and management.

One among the Guest Judges, ‘White Money’, prior to the audition, admonished Sierra Leoneans to be proud of their country and to support Housemates Salone Season 3 with the same kind of support and energy that they gave to the other show in Nigeria, Big Brother Naija.

“Our entertainment industry in Nigeria was not built in a day. We started from somewhere. And wherever, we are now, it’s because the Nigerian people believed in themselves and helped themselves. So let Sierra Leoneans help each other and push each other, “he stated.

The audition started on a very good footing and it was indeed interesting and thrilling as the aspirants were trying their level best to convince the Judges that indeed they are fit and competent enough to be in the House. Some of them did extremely well while on the other hand some blundered big time. At the end of the day it is up to the Judges to finally decide who and who made it through to enter the House.

As the slogan of Housemates Salone Season 3 is: “Di Game Get Yagba, If You Nor Able Na for Pull Hand”, it is expected that there will be a lot of puzzling things which the Housemates will have to accomplish to make the show truly competitive and worth watching.

The Reality TV Show is slated in such a way that the competitors, Housemates, are availed opportunities to display their innate talents in many areas in ways of trying to outwit each other in order to get more likes. How the Housemates go about displaying their talents will largely determine the way they influence viewers to cast their votes for them. When the voting period commences viewers will do so through the information that will be provided by Africell-SL as it is through that avenue that voting, for the various Housemates, will be exclusively done.

As   “Di Game Get Yagba”, participants must be prepared to excellently perform tasks assigned to them in impressive ways in order to gain attention and continue to reside in the House when the eviction stage commences.

One unique aspect of this Season 3 of Housemates Salone is that the Show will be live on DSTV as part of AYV Media Empire’s commitment to not only showcase but as well provide a bigger platform for Sierra Leone entertainers across the globe.

The show is set to be shown live on DSTV Channel 399 and it will be the first Sierra Leone Reality TV Show that will be shown to millions across the World through AYV’s new partnership with DSTV which means a bigger platform for entertainers to attract bigger opportunities.

Housemates Salone will feature 20 young guys and girls living together in an isolated house with no connection to the outside world and viewed live on broadcast TV and Radio, online Streaming (Social Media, YouTube) and AfriTV (IPTV) for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Against the aforementioned, Housemates Salone Season 3 is going to be big , interesting and highly competitive which is why it is important for those that have shown interest to be really prepared for the challenges ahead.

Besides empowering the participants there is Le250M plus a round trip to Dubai at stake and up for grabs.

If the capability is not there and the psychological fortitude is lacking and since “Di Game Get Yagba, If You Nor Able Na for Pull Hand”.

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