News

By Jenneh Braima

On the eve of the beginning of the Christian season of Lent, the director of social communication in the Catholic Archdiocese of Freetown has said that "this is the time for Christians to share what they have with the poor".

The Reverend Father John Garrick says lent itself starts on the Ash Wednesday when the use of ash is required on the forehead of all Christians as a sign of repentance, noting that fasting, praying and being generous with the poor are the cornerstones of the event.

Northern Regional Manager of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has assured the people of Malone Village, Makump Section in the Kholifa Rowalla Chiefdom in Tonkolili District that the commission is committed to fighting against graft to improve the social and economic needs of all citizens, according to an ACC press release.

Speaking at an awareness raising meeting, Patrick Sandi said the ACC recognised the importance of people living in rural communities in the fight against corruption hence soliciting their support.

The diamond

Controversy surrounds the 153-carat diamond valued at US$ 6.8 million found in the eastern Kono district two weeks ago.

By Crispina Cummings

With pressure mounting for the House Minority Leader to resign, the 16 MPs supporting Dr. Bernadette Lahai have reiterated their "total support" for her as their leader in parliament.

Addressing a news conference at the embattled minority leader's office at parliament building, Francis Konuwa, MP, of Constituency 14 in the Kenema district said Dr Lahai "remains minority leader of the SLPP until the courts rule otherwise".

By Bampia James Bundu

The first beauty pageant for disabled people in Sierra Leone is set to take place in Freetown in April.

Pageant organiser Mayeni Sesay, who is the founder and CEO of Malisha Da Queen Charity Foundation told a news conference in Freetown: "the pageant will demonstrate to the world that disability is not inability, and raise funds for the disabled to enable them carry out certain projects in future".

By Crispina Cummings

Parliament on Tuesday ratified the West Africa Power Pool (WAPP) project which deputy Finance Minister Momodu Kargbo said would be financed by the ECOWAS Commission with a US $ 21 million grant. Kargbo said the National Power Authority would be the sole beneficiary of the project that will include the import of petroleum products.

By Aminata Phidelia Allie

After almost a year in prison while the trial progresses, accused workers of the National Revenue Authority, the Sierra Leone National Shipping Company and Ecobank are set for either an acquittal or conviction in April.

The Freetown High Court’s Justice MA Paul yesterday announced 3 April as the date set for the judgment after what was legally referred to as “adoption of briefs” by the defense team and the judge.