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[
"James Willoughby",
"James.Willoughby Jpress.Co.Uk"
] | 2016-08-29T16:49:44 | null | 2016-08-29T16:15:14 | The North Sea Tall Ships Regatta reached its climax today with a stunning Parade of Sail. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fwatch-tall-ships-leave-blyth-in-spectacular-parade-of-sail-1-8094688.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/webimage/1.8094686.1472483988!/image/image.jpg | en | null | WATCH: Tall Ships leave Blyth in spectacular Parade of Sail | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | Sorry, we're having problems with our video player at the moment, but are working to fix it as soon as we can
The North Sea Tall Ships Regatta reached its climax today with a stunning Parade of Sail.
The majestic Tall Ships set sail from Blyth this afternoon, in what was a fitting finale to the four-day nautical extravaganza the town has hosted over the bank holiday weekend.
One of the Tall Ships in the Parade of Sail.
The ships started to leave the port at about 12.45pm. The fleet set sail south along the coast towards St Mary’s Lighthouse before heading to a point several miles off the coast to prepare for the race start to Gothenburg, Sweden.
Ships in the Parade of Sail included Dar Mlodziezy, of Poland, which was the largest vessel at the regatta; the Shtandart, from Russia, which is a replica of the 1703 frigate built by Peter the Great; and Lord Nelson, from Hartlepool. | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/news/local/watch-tall-ships-leave-blyth-in-spectacular-parade-of-sail-1-8094688 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/48756fdb61c75de45ddacd4b16db5640a5df831961880bf85ba70d83dccea1c5.json |
[
"Ben O Connell",
"Ben.Oconnell Jpress.Co.Uk"
] | 2016-08-26T13:03:54 | null | 2016-08-25T13:23:51 | The sharp drop in GCSE grades nationally does not mirror the regional picture, with top grades in the North East seeing the smallest change. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fgcse-results-north-east-schools-buck-trend-1-8088384.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/webimage/1.8088622.1472130735!/image/image.jpg | en | null | GCSE RESULTS: North East schools buck trend | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | The sharp drop in GCSE grades nationally does not mirror the regional picture, with top grades in the North East seeing the smallest change.
This year’s GCSE grades have seen a significant fall in pupils achieving A* and A grades. However, the official results show that while the North East has seen a dip of 0.3 per cent in numbers of pupils achieving the coveted top grades, it is the region with the smallest change since last year.
Other regions, such as the North West and Eastern Regions, have seen a one per cent drop since 2015, while the North East leads the way with the lowest drop, followed by London with 0.5 per cent.
However, the region did experience a change for the worse in A* to C grades since 2015, down 2.1 per cent from last year’s 67.2 per cent.
The overall drop in GCSE grades is being blamed on the significant number of pupils aged 17 or over being required to resit English and maths. An extra 31,038 entries for English and 42,649 in maths have skewed this year’s results, as candidates resitting these exams have achieved significantly lower grades than their younger counterparts taking the exam for the first time.
Mike Parker, director of SCHOOLS NorthEast, said: “Nationally, schools were expecting mixed results and this year’s GCSEs are a reflection of the impact that ‘one-size-fits-all’ government policies can have on education.
“There are significant issues stemming from this year’s results that need addressing. The gender gap has widened further, with far more girls achieving grade C or above than boys. The choice of subjects remains heavily divided, continuing to fuel gender stereotypes; a far greater proportion of boys chose STEM-related (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects, while girls showed a heavy inclination toward humanities and social sciences.
“The Government’s emphasis on the English Baccalaureate and the new Progress 8 assessment criteria seem to be putting schools off teaching more creative and vocational subjects. The Government should reconsider their approach and make sure they provide all pupils with the opportunity to excel, whether it is in English and maths or design and technology.” | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/news/local/gcse-results-north-east-schools-buck-trend-1-8088384 | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/a4b6665d95833b75e8def2628d8f46b3bd414e965d9eb837b2ccca0ced1d0f2a.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:06:35 | null | 2016-08-24T19:27:58 | A team of 12 ladies from the Northumberland County Ladies’ Veteran Golf Association, in the Bronze category (handicap 21-28), played a Cumbrian team at Whitley Bay Golf club. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fsport%2Flocal%2Fnorthumberland-ladies-triumph-over-cumbria-at-whitley-bay-golf-club-1-8086909.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/webimage/1.8086908.1472063262!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Northumberland Ladies triumph over Cumbria at Whitley Bay Golf Club | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | A team of 12 ladies from the Northumberland County Ladies’ Veteran Golf Association, in the Bronze category (handicap 21-28), played a Cumbrian team at Whitley Bay Golf club.
Three players from the host club, Helen Atkinson, Margaret Hartley and Gill Mason were part of the Northumberland team which won by eight matches to four.
The shield was presented to Whitley Bay golfer Elaine Elliot, who is vice-captain of Northumberland Veterans.
The conditions were perfect with sunny, still weather, for the competitors. The course has undergone remodelling of holes seven and eight and the players said they enjoyed the course.
Beginners programmes are available, and for more information call David Twizell, the professional at Whitley Bay Golf Club, on (0191) 2520180 or email whitleybaygolfclub@virginmedia.com | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/sport/local/northumberland-ladies-triumph-over-cumbria-at-whitley-bay-golf-club-1-8086909 | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/b533bf5061a1eebf244dedf9efd10cfa30d31954103bcebc7fd510d01377468d.json |
[
"David Sedgwick",
"David.Sedgwick Jpress.Co.Uk"
] | 2016-08-31T12:50:11 | null | 2016-08-31T12:45:31 | Seafront toilets which have served the community for more than six decades have undergone a much needed refurbishment. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fseafront-toilets-undergo-much-needed-refurbishment-1-8097912.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/webimage/1.8097910.1472643903!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Seafront toilets undergo much needed refurbishment | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | Seafront toilets which have served the community for more than six decades have undergone a much needed refurbishment.
The facilities on Watts Slope, Whitley Bay, were built in 1950 but were in need of modernising after becoming outdated.
The toilets on Watts Slope, Whitley Bay, before the refurbishment.
North Tyneside Council has overseen the complete refurbishment of the toilets, which have re-opened to the public.
Mayor Norma Redfearn said: “I am delighted that the toilets have been brought up-to-date and are now back in use again.
“This is yet another example of the fantastic progress being made as part of our regeneration of the coastline at Whitley Bay.
“Families coming to the seaside will now be able to take full advantage of high-quality clean, modern and safe facilities and I’m sure the new toilets will make a brilliant addition to our beautiful coastline.”
The project involved creating a retail unit in the bottom section of the building where the old toilets used to be and the new male and female toilets are now housed in the upper section.
The toilets, which remain free of charge, feature brand new, upgraded equipment, including a baby changing area and accessible facilities, as well as eye-catching photography mounted on the walls, featuring the Spanish City Dome (by Nigel Gray) and St Mary’s Island (by Stephen Czopinski).
The work took longer than expected as major structural repairs were needed to stabilise the building after issues were discovered in the existing roof and walls.
The opening of the new toilets comes soon after the completion of work to widen the area between the Spanish City Plaza and Northern Promenade, improving access and reshaping footpaths and landscaping on the Links.
Meanwhile, preparation works on Northern Promenade as part of the project to install new surfacing, seating, shelters and other facilities, are continuing.
Some areas are fenced off so cyclists and pedestrians are reminded to check information displays and any closures will be clearly signed along with alternative routes. Access points to the beach will also be displayed.
The various improvement schemes form part of the council’s Seafront Masterplan, which features £36m of investment to regenerate the coast between St Mary’s Island and Cullercoats Bay.
The ongoing project will also see major refurbishments of the Spanish City Dome and the continuing build of a Premier Inn hotel and restaurant as well as new housing developments in place of derelict, eyesore buildings. | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/news/local/seafront-toilets-undergo-much-needed-refurbishment-1-8097912 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/58e218b7a6ea322f5175f70615c583465ce3e47b7be8a962bb7f17a41e9ea9eb.json |
[
"Andrew Cherry"
] | 2016-08-29T16:50:54 | null | 2016-08-29T17:00:32 | Percy Main captain Barry Stewart starred with bat and ball as his overwhelmed Annfield Plain by 170 runs at St John’s Terrace on Saturday. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fsport%2Flocal%2Fstewart-stars-as-percy-main-make-it-four-wins-in-a-row-1-8094759.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/webimage/1.8094756.1472486412!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Stewart stars as Percy Main make it four wins in a row | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | Percy Main captain Barry Stewart starred with bat and ball as his overwhelmed Annfield Plain by 170 runs at St John’s Terrace on Saturday.
Stewart won the toss and had no hesitation in electing to bat first on a good surface.
Openers Anthony Hornby and David Anderson added 16 for the first wicket before Anderson was bowled by Saqib Khan for two.
Will Taylor helped Hornby add 25 for the second wicket before he received a delivery that reared up off a length and he was caught in the gully by Khan off the bowling of Matthew Kean.
Michael Phillips, playing his first match in a month due to a foot injury, joined Hornby at 41-2 and the pair added 66 for the third wicket in just ten overs.
Phillips raced to 18 from just ten balls, hitting three fours and a six as he took advantage of several balls that were over pitched.
Annfield Plain’s bowlers kept offering Hornby width and he punished them by scoring boundaries on both sides of the wicket.
Hornby brought up a 42-ball half century when he dispatched a short delivery from Khan to the boundary.
The partnership ended when Phillips was caught at long off by Owen Shield. Phillips tried to loft off spinner Shane Oliver over long-off but miscued his attempted drive. He scored 35 from just 31 balls and hit five five fours and two sixes in his rapid fire innings.
Hornby departed in the same fashion as Phillips three overs later for a well complied 72.
Hornby attempted to hit leg spinner Shield over long-off but only succeeded in picking out Daniel Keegan on the boundary. Hornby’s 72 came from just 71 balls and contained seven fours and a six.
At 119-4 at the half way point. Barry Stewart looked to bat through the second half of the innings & accumulated runs sensibly. Stewart and Green added 36 runs in 13 overs for the 5th wicket before Green was out lbw to Michael Hawdon (2-41). Green can consider his dismissal unfortunate as he was a long way down the crease when he was struck on the pad.
At 154-5 Stewart knew that he would need support from the lower order to take the Percy Main total past 200. Philip Cramman smashed a 6 into the sightscreen in helping Stewart add 20 for the 6th wicket before he was out for 11, caught by Matthew Liddell off Daniel Keegan’s (1-17) leg spin.
Ben Jenkins hit two fours in his first twn balls before he was out for 16, caught at cover by Stewart Newton off Khan’s bowling.
Jenkins helped Stewart add 23 runs for the seventh wicket and took Percy Main within touching distance of 200.
At 197-7, Annfield Plain would have been hoping to keep the Percy Main under 220.
Amit Sunda offered fantastic support to Stewart as the pair added 37 for the eighth wicket.
After the Percy Main passed 200, Stewart was more positive in his batting as he regularly pierced gaps in the field and ran twos to put Plain fielders under pressure.
In the 48th over Stewart smashed consecutive boundaries off Khan to take him to 46 not out.
Sunda took a single from the first ball of the final over to give Stewart five balls to reach his half century, which he did in the next three balls for a 70-ball half century.
Sunda was dismissed by the penultimate ball of the innings for a valuable ten.
Stewart finished 51 not out from 71 balls, hitting three fours in his innings as Percy Main finished on 234-8 from their 50 overs.
Chasing 235 for victory, Annfield Plain knew that they would need partnerships to get anyway near their target.
Stewart and Sunda set the tone perfectly for Percy Main as both bowled maidens in their opening overs.
With the score still on nought, Sunda found Stewart Newton’s outside edge and wicket keeper Laurie Robson took a good catch and give Sunda his first wicket for Percy Main.
Sam Stephenson and Shane Oliver added 24 for the second wicket before Stewart bowled Stephenson with a no ball. Undeterred, he went back to his mark, ran in again and bowled Stephenson again, and this time he managed to keep his foot behind the line and Annfield Plain were 24-2.
Sunda then took two quick wickets, Oliver edged a delivery to Andrew Green at second slip and he took a spectacular catch diving low to his right.
Sunda then caught Daniel Keegan on the crease and trapped him lbw for two. Sunda would take 3-29 from his seven-over spell to leave Annfield Plain in trouble at 27-4.
After Sunda’s quick wickets, Stewart took centre stage, taking four wickets in two overs.
Stewart beat John Maughan for pace as he could only edge a delivery through to Laurie Robson. In his next over he bowled Shield for a duck and then trapped Saqib Khan lbw with successive deliveries. Matthew Kean managed to keep out the hat-trick ball, but he was clean bowled next ball by another rapid delivery.
Stewart finished with 5-23 from his eight-over spell as Annfield Plain were reduced to 44-8 after 15 overs.
Having seen the carnage unfold at the other end, Matthew Hawdon realised he would need to play positively to try and gain some respectability in the score.
Hawdon managed to hit two boundaries in taking his score to 27 before he looked to take a quick single through the off-side. Philip Cramman swooped on the loose ball and took advantage of some confusion between the two batsmen and his accurate throw to wicket keeper Robson resulted in Hawdon being run out a yard short of his crease.
At 55-9 Stewart threw the ball to David Anderson to take the final wicket. It took him just four balls. Despite conceding nine runs from his opening three deliveries, Anderson managed to fool Matthew Liddell with a slower ball which he could only edge through to Robson for two.
The final wicket meant that Annfield Plain were all out for 64 as Percy Main took a convincing victory by 170 runs.
Stewart’s men have now won their last four matches and will feel confident of making it five in a row when they go to Newcastle City on Saturday.
Percy Main’s second team made it a 40-point weekend for the men from St John’s Terrace as they won a low scoring game by six wickets at Ryton.
Captain Steven Patterson lost the toss and had to bowl first on a green wicket.
Blyth Duncan Jr opened the bowling with Sam Byerly. The pair shared three wickets in the opening 13 overs. Duncan Jr bowled a metronomic ten-over spell finishing with 2-27.
Patterson put himself on to bowl in the 14th over as he looked to exploit the assistance offered by the surface. Patterson bowled an eight-over spell, taking 5-9 as he ripped through Ryton’s middle order.
Paddy Rathbone replaced Duncan Jr in the 21st over and quickly took the last two Ryton wickets for just 12 runs as Ryton were bowled out for 77.
Chasing 78 to win, Percy Main got off to a disastrous start as Ryton captain Paul Bainbridge took four quick wickets reducing Percy Main to 40-4. Tony Robson and James Peart were both dismissed without scoring. James Stanistreet and Bryan Cowey were out for 18 and 15.
Bainbridge knew another quick wicket would give Ryton a chance of forcing an unlikely victory, however, Ryton were thwarted by experienced duo Paddy Rathbone and Steve Peart.
The pair added an unbeaten 38 for the fifth wicket. Rathbone finished 26 not out and Peart 15 not out as they took Percy Main to a six-wicket victory. | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/sport/local/stewart-stars-as-percy-main-make-it-four-wins-in-a-row-1-8094759 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/cbb084be83fe34c016e64ac5cbcfab7226e134fe586c5cac7fbe33804d6ae1dd.json |
[
"David Sedgwick",
"David.Sedgwick Jpress.Co.Uk"
] | 2016-08-27T08:48:44 | null | 2016-08-27T08:45:33 | Volunteers have dug in to help create a new attraction as part of a company initiative. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fm-s-volunteers-dig-in-to-help-community-project-1-8088047.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/webimage/1.8088046.1472123227!/image/image.jpg | en | null | M&S volunteers dig in to help community project | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | Volunteers have dug in to help create a new attraction as part of a company initiative.
More than 400 volunteers from seven M&S stores gave up more than 2,000 hours to take part in the Spark Something Good initiative.
And as part of that, 60 volunteers helped transform an outdoor space at the Linskill Centre in North Shields.
Claire Hanson, business development manager at the Linskill and North Tyneside Community Development Trust, said: “The Spark Something Good project created a real sense of community spirit and we are very grateful to M&S and local volunteers for helping us to create a better, more engaging outdoor space for the centre.
“The centre’s new outdoor space will be enjoyed lots over the summer months and we hope the project will inspire others throughout the local community to get involved in.”
“Not only can a small amount of time help make a big difference but it’s also a great way to meet new friends in your local area.”
Marie Turnbull, M&S Gosforth manager, said: “Spark Something Good has given locals an opportunity to get involved in supporting charities and projects that play an important role in our local communities. All of the volunteers enjoyed spending time at Daybreak and the new sensory room will undoubtedly bring enjoyment to service users for years to come.“
“When the local community comes together there’s a real feel-good factor. We’d like to thank those who were able to lend a hand on Sunday and throughout the Spark Something Good week in and around Newcastle.” | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/news/local/m-s-volunteers-dig-in-to-help-community-project-1-8088047 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/81b67454a31ee40f21af533c6b8c22c6e6e25f04bed5121c6c5d4c216414b289.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:10:23 | null | 2016-08-17T10:08:49 | Whitley Bay continued their excellent start to the Northern League season with a 3-1 victory over local rivals Newcastle Benfield on Tuesday evening. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fsport%2Flocal%2Fwhitley-bay-make-it-two-out-of-two-with-win-over-newcastle-benfield-1-8073331.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/webimage/1.8073330.1471424921!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Whitley Bay make it two out of two with win over Newcastle Benfield | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | Whitley Bay continued their excellent start to the Northern League season with a 3-1 victory over local rivals Newcastle Benfield on Tuesday evening.
The win made it two out of two for Ian Chandler’s side after their 5-1 success at home over Ryhope CW on Saturday.
Against Benfield, defender Ross Wilkinson headed home a free kick from Callum Patton after ten minutes to put Bay ahead.
And the Hillheads outfit doubled their lead shortly before the interval when a bad defensive error by the visitors gifted possession to Kyle Fryatt who played the ball wide to Andy Robertson and the young striker drilled home the second goal.
The visitors started the second period strongly and pulled a goal back in the 49th minute when Scott McCarthy cut in from the right and beat Tom Flynn from a narrow angle.
Whitley withstood further pressure and made the game safe when Fryatt ghosted past several Benfield defenders and squared the ball for Robertson to slot home from close range.
Both sides created further chances in an entertaining game but Whitley deservedly held on to claim the points.
Whitley Bay: Flynn, Munro, McDonald, Wilkinson, Anderson, Gibson, Potter (Blake 80), Patton (Kempster 59), Robertson, Fryatt, Allen (Fowler 46).
Against Ryhope, Whitley Bay got their Northern League campaign off to a winning start with a blistering second-half display.
Trailing 1-0 at half-time, Bay scored four goals in nine minutes.
Fryatt, Robertson, Patton and Callum Munro strikes turned the game on its head, and a second for Fryatt near the end completed a stunning performance from the home side.
On Saturday Bay entertain last season’s division two champions South Shields at Hillheads in a game that has been brought forward from September 3.
They then face their first road trip with a visit to league champions Shildon on Wednesday, August 24. | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/sport/local/whitley-bay-make-it-two-out-of-two-with-win-over-newcastle-benfield-1-8073331 | en | 2016-08-17T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/508c2fa58eb7aad83f5bcd53751be68763433e2adf0343da925e29b4f6c76162.json |
[
"David Sedgwick",
"David.Sedgwick Jpress.Co.Uk"
] | 2016-08-31T10:50:14 | null | 2016-08-31T10:01:01 | Jobseekers are invited to find out about more than 1,000 employment opportunities. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Ffair-to-showcase-over-1-000-jobs-1-8097305.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/webimage/1.8097304.1472634040!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Fair to showcase over 1,000 jobs | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | Jobseekers are invited to find out about more than 1,000 employment opportunities.
This year’s Cobalt Jobs Fair takes place on Thursday, September 8, and will showcase the various opportunities available at the park.
Cobalt Park features employers such as Utilitywise, Accenture, Santander Geoban, EE, Leeds Building Society, Northumbria Police, P&G, Newcastle Building Society, Engie, NHS, Perfect Image, Capita, HPE, Barnardo’s, DWP, Formica, G4S and the Village Hotel.
The jobs fair will take place between 11am and 3pm at building C23 and is organised by North Tyneside Council in partnership with Cobalt More Team and the main sponsor is Utilitywise.
Last year’s jobs fair attracted nearly 670 people.
Mayor Norma Redfearn said: “I am delighted that so many people came along to last year’s jobs fair and with such a wide variety of opportunities on offer I hope the turnout will be even better this time round.
“This is a fantastic event for anyone looking to start a career at Cobalt Park. We are extremely fortunate to have such a high standard of employers here in North Tyneside.”
Lynn Cramman, business development manager at Cobalt Park, added: “We estimate Cobalt occupiers will be recruiting for over 1,000 new roles at the event.
“In recent years Cobalt’s workforce has increased dramatically to around 14,000 and with Cobalt companies still expanding this is expected to grow in the next 12 months.”
“The annual jobs fair at Cobalt supports our ongoing expansion and demand from each occupier for collaborative working opportunities aimed at training, recruiting and retaining staff.”
Free transport will be available to and from Cobalt Park on the day, courtesy of Advanced Industrial Solutions (AIS).
Pick-up points and times as follows:
• Wallsend Job Centre - 10.30am and 11.30am
• Howdon Library – 10.40am and 11.40am
• Meadows Community Centre – 10.50am and 11.50am
Return journeys will leave between noon and 1pm. | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/news/local/fair-to-showcase-over-1-000-jobs-1-8097305 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/3aea8c02bb508d14a9c88d82cbd02b2f34d6ac03cb47e0e0acd25a36be2c2233.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:08:55 | null | 2016-08-22T18:42:10 | Tynemouth won the toss and elected to field first at Hetton Lyons, from which point they reduced their hosts to 133-6 in the 35th over before the rain arrived. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fsport%2Flocal%2Ftynemouth-teams-frustrated-by-the-wet-weather-1-8082949.json | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/sport/local/tynemouth-teams-frustrated-by-the-wet-weather-1-8082949 | en | null | Tynemouth teams frustrated by the wet weather | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | Tynemouth won the toss and elected to field first at Hetton Lyons, from which point they reduced their hosts to 133-6 in the 35th over before the rain arrived.
Tahir Khan had returned to the side after a few weeks away and took 3-26, with the in-form Andrew Smith netting 2-58 off 17 overs. His opening strike partner Finn Lonnberg recorded 1-27.
The players did not get back on the field and Tynemouth received only eight points out of a hoped for maximum of 30.
The second team were in a similar position at home to Hetton, who were also asked to bat first.
The visitors were 48-5 from 31 tight Tynemouth overs when this game was also abandoned.
They started well enough and reached 37-1 before a collapse initiated by a smart run out from Henry Malton.
James Carr took 2-3 off three overs and there were wickets for Sam Robson and Malton. Tynemouth gained a disappointing seven points from the game.
The third team fixture away at Bomarsund did not even get started.
Arrangements for the 2016 Tynemouth Beer Festival on September 15-17 are firming up.
This annual event is proving popular with choices of ales, ciders, perries and food backed by entertainment in the evenings and the welcoming presence of a selection of owls from Whitehouse Farm.
Stroke North has been chosen as the nominated local charity.
To sponsor a barrel, contact Steve Mordue on 07886 028020 or email steve.mordue@tynemouthbeerfestival.co.uk
Details and benefits are listed on the club’s website.
Fixtures - Saturday, August 27: 1sts v Eppleton, home, 11am, NEPL Premier Division; 2nds v Sacriston, away, 12.30pm, NEPL Div 2; 3rds v Backworth 2nds, home, 1.30pm, NCL Div 2.
Sunday, August 28: Academy v Benwell Hill, away, 1.30pm, NEPL Sunday Div 1.
Monday, August 29: 2nds v Chester-le-Street, away, 12.30pm, Banks Bowl Final. | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/sport/local/tynemouth-teams-frustrated-by-the-wet-weather-1-8082949 | en | 2016-08-22T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/6cd5452a54294098bda9e48e3c0dddd99f4a940b360ed11bf8a4c4a8c7d2f65c.json |
[
"Janet Hall",
"Janet.Hall Jpress.Co.Uk"
] | 2016-08-28T12:49:15 | null | 2016-08-28T12:17:14 | Police are appealing for witnesses after a car-jacking in Wallsend. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fpolice-appeal-for-witnesses-after-north-tyneside-car-jacking-1-8093091.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/webimage/1.6660876.1472383015!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Police appeal for witnesses after North Tyneside car-jacking | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | Police are appealing for witnesses after a car-jacking in Wallsend.
A 25-year-old man was in his car on Station Road. at 4.30pm on Friday when he was approached by a man who asked him for a lift.
The victim agreed to take him to Silverlink. However, while en route, he was threatened and forced to pull over and get out of the car.
The offender then drove off in the car, which was later found parked at the doctors’ surgery on Earsdon Road.
The victim was not injured in the incident.
Police are appealing for witnesses. Contact Northumbria Police on 101 quoting reference 757 260816 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/news/local/police-appeal-for-witnesses-after-north-tyneside-car-jacking-1-8093091 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/9d577afa1b4a5845259c1f9c56a098905a9476d0a20d55f7910b9ef534d28c43.json |
[
"Andrew Coulson",
"Andrew.Coulson Jpress.Co.Uk"
] | 2016-08-27T14:48:53 | null | 2016-08-27T14:28:48 | Two key members of the North Sea Tall Ships Regatta organising team have expressed their delight at how well it is going so far. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Ftall-ships-event-great-for-whole-county-1-8092409.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/webimage/1.8092408.1472304662!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Tall Ships event 'great for whole county' | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | Two key members of the North Sea Tall Ships Regatta organising team have expressed their delight at how well it is going so far.
And they have set out how important the four-day event is for other parts of Northumberland following an excellent first day.
Tens of thousands of people have already visited Blyth to see the 23 majestic ships in place ahead of the start of the latest race on Monday.
They have also enjoyed a range of entertainment and activities at the port, as well as in the Market Place, Dun Cow Quay, Ridley Park and by Blyth beach.
David Hall, of one of the event sponsors Northumbrian Water, is also chairman of Northumberland Tourism and Active Northumberland.
He said: "When you look at the visitor numbers from yesterday, I think it was approaching 100,000 across the whole day and I'm confident of reaching half a million by the end of the event, which will provide a boost for the county's tourism economy of between £5million and £10million.
"Many businesses in Northumberland are benefiting form the regatta. For example, I know that bakers based in Morpeth and Alnwick are supplying products.
"Visitors have been complimentary about the breadth of activities available as well as the space provided for the ships.
"This event is good for other towns and villages that rely heavily on tourism as hotels and B&Bs further up the coast are reporting that there aren't many beds left.
"The legacy will hopefully be that people will come back to Northumberland having been impressed with what they have seen this weekend and a boost for sailing in the county, particularly for its yacht clubs."
He added that a number of tourist attractions in the county have set-up information displays and stalls in Ridley Park using donated freight containers.
Coun Val Tyler, cabinet member for arts, leisure and culture at the county council, said: "There is something for everyone at the event and the way it's laid out means it's very accessible whether you are able bodied or not.
"Everyone I've spoken to so far has nothing but praise for how it's being organised.
"It took a lot of hard work by many people to bring the event to Northumberland and the key message we're putting across is that this will benefit the whole county.
"Many people are taking the opportunity to visit some of our other towns and villages this weekend and the trainees who will be involved in the race are from all over Northumberland, with councillors support them through their members small schemes fund.
"One councillor chipped in to help fund two bus loads of young people from the Tyne Valley to come along and that's important because we want to encourage people in the west of the county to visit the south east and vice versa.
"It's great that the Port of Blyth has been so supportive and the activities have not curtailed any of its operations. Everyone is working together to make sure the event is a huge success.
The ships will start the race to Gothenburg, Sweden, on Monday. The distance is approximately 600 nautical miles.
A parade of the crews this afternoon will start at 3pm and race chairman James Stevens said they were getting excited for the week ahead at a Captain's Dinner event at Alnwick Castle last night.
He added: "It's very obvious that the town of Blyth has really got into the occasion and people I've spoken to are very enthusiastic about the Tall Ships.
"Day one was great and I'm sure it will be an excellent weekend. Hopefully, there will be a bit of wind on Monday when the race starts.
"The crews will take it very seriously and the responsibilities they will have will bring them together." | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/news/local/tall-ships-event-great-for-whole-county-1-8092409 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/5a3a26939a49a6a756fd446f498ef6317947ea5affb503eb4d7a13cd8d30d1b9.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T16:50:49 | null | 2016-08-29T17:00:37 | Despite Tynemouth putting in their worst batting performance of the season, the high-flying Seasiders still managed to record a thrilling victory against Eppleton. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fsport%2Flocal%2Ftynemouth-win-low-scoring-thriller-against-eppleton-1-8094760.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/webimage/1.8094758.1472486417!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Tynemouth win low scoring thriller against Eppleton | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | Despite Tynemouth putting in their worst batting performance of the season, the high-flying Seasiders still managed to record a thrilling victory against Eppleton.
This was mainly due to the fine bowling of Andrew Smith and club professional Tahir Khan.
Skipper Ben Debnam won the toss and elected to bat on a wicket that looked green and a shade under cooked.
Debnam was perhaps regretting his decision ten minutes later when the scoreboard read 3-3 and he was out alongside fellow opener Nick Armstrong and Matthew Brown.
Liam Dixon removed all three with his medium-quick away swingers, and when he also removed Smith and Khan, the home side were in trouble at 19-5.
Some determined resistance from Graeme Hallam, Chris Fairley, Anthony Turner and Matty McDine followed, but runs remained hard to come by and the introduction of young Jamaican leg spinner Abhijal Mansingh proved to be a master stroke as he and the returning Dixon cleaned out the tail and the home side were dismissed for a disappointing 73.
Dixon with 6-22 off 15 overs was the pick of the Eppleton bowlers but, despite helpful bowling conditions, the Tynemouth batsmen should have done much better.
With such a poor score to defend and strike bowler Finn Lonnberg missing, Debnam chose to open the bowling with the out-swing of the in-form Smith and the off-spin of the on song Tahir Khan, a decision that proved to be critical.
Eppleton opener Kyle Davis appeared unlucky to be given out caught behind by Brown off Smith in the first over, but then Mansingh and Musther took the score on to 22-1 before Mansingh was adjudged lbw again to Smith.
This wicket proved crucial and from then on Eppleton’s batting crumbled under immense pressure applied by Khan and Smith.
Khan turned the ball and the screw at the Rugby end, producing fine figures of 3-22 off 11 overs, while at the Golf Course end, Smith swung the ball and the game with outstanding figures of 6-37 off 11 overs.
It was Smith who removed last man Smithson with the score on just 60 to electrify the celebrations. The result was a win as thrilling as it was unexpected.
With Chester-le-Street winning their top of the table encounter at South Northumberland, the Cestrians look likely to win the NEPL this season, but Tynemouth’s win lifted them to third place and with just two games to play they are now certain of a top four finish and hopeful of perhaps even taking runners-up spot.
On Saturday, Benwell Hill visit Preston Avenue in the final home game of the season with an 11am start.
The second team won their fixture at Sacriston despite late call-offs by four players which devastated the third team squad.
The thirds hosted Backworth’s second string. Both sides were short of regular players but this was still an enjoyable game.
Ed Snelders won the toss and asked the visitors to bat first. Two early wickets for young Will Perry was a great start with club coach Steve Williams making a rare appearance and able to encourage the youngsters drafted in to the side.
Backworth opener Graeme Fairbairn looked solid and batted on for 87 and had with him Matthew Burtenshaw who scored 30 in a long third wicket stand that frustrated Tynemouth.
Snelders bowled a tight seven overs spell for just 14 runs and Don Catley also failed to collect a scalp with 36 coming off his ten overs.
Backworth progressed to 165-6 with another two wickets for Perry, 4-49 off ten, and Williams 2-22 off seven including bowling Fairbairn. At least this gave three bowling points, if an unlikely run chase.
Tynemouth opened with Mike McIntyre and Ben Chater facing the tight bowling of Steve Black and the swinging pace of Burtenshaw.
With the sun fading, paint took a long time to dry as Tynemouth crawled to 20 off 18 overs and the loss of the two openers to Black.
Williams came in at number three and impressed with subtle singles and selective boundary hitting to reach 51 before Black returned to bowl him.
Young Joe Snowden impressed with a supporting 14 and there was a cameo of eight from Catley, but Tynemouth were dismissed for just 90 in the 36th over.
Black took 5-10 off 9.2 overs including the tail mopping operation. Young Joel Langley recorded a useful 2-14 off his five overs. | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/sport/local/tynemouth-win-low-scoring-thriller-against-eppleton-1-8094760 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/1dca2069f1f591fad3de6b7e11155404622c9916c25b193750423dcf1fe96c7b.json |
[
"Janet Hall",
"Janet.Hall Jpress.Co.Uk"
] | 2016-08-29T16:49:48 | null | 2016-08-29T15:45:07 | What a magnificent sight. The Tall Ships put on a fantastic spectacle as they left Northumberland this afternoon. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Ftall-ships-ahoy-the-fleet-sails-out-of-blyth-1-8094641.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/webimage/1.8094639.1472482021!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Tall Ships ahoy! The fleet sails out of Blyth | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | Sorry, we're having problems with our video player at the moment, but are working to fix it as soon as we can
What a magnificent sight. The Tall Ships put on a fantastic spectacle as they left Northumberland this afternoon.
Our slideshow of pictures by John Tuttiett Photography captures the climax to the four-day extravaganza, when more than 20 vessels hoisted their sails to leave Port of Blyth and set off for the 500-nautical-mile journey to Gothenburg in Sweden.
The Tall Ships leave Blyth. Picture by John Tuttiett Photography
The Parade of Sail took them down the coast to St Mary's Island and then out to see for the 18-day journey.
More pictures and video of the amazing event to come.
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story Tall Ships ahoy! The fleet sails out of Blyth Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area... | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/news/local/tall-ships-ahoy-the-fleet-sails-out-of-blyth-1-8094641 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/db4e2c60e695d20c54d24642680744f3a21b79477bd80387bdd5e81d48f3445f.json |
[
"David Sedgwick",
"David.Sedgwick Jpress.Co.Uk"
] | 2016-08-29T08:49:37 | null | 2016-08-29T08:50:33 | Charities are benefiting from a new digital fundraising service pioneered by a North Tyneside company. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fcharities-benefit-from-new-service-1-8088078.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/webimage/1.8088076.1472123520!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Charities benefit from new service | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | Charities are benefiting from a new digital fundraising service pioneered by a North Tyneside company.
Chat Heroes launched the successful pilot last year with a handful of charities.
Now it has been expanded to 100 charities – stretching from the north east to South Africa – with plans to be working with 1,000 by the end of October.
Chat Heroes provides specially trained agents at its contact centre in Wallsend who support charities through web chat.
Commercial director Paul Lawton said: “It means the charity is effectively open for business both in and out of hours. Web chat is only usually associated with major organisations and it makes a real difference by adding a human dimension to websites.”
Chat Heroes already employs nine people and plans to take on many more agents as the service grows.
Mr Lawton added: “This is the first time it’s been provided for charities and, crucially, there is no cost to them because their web chat service is sponsored by a business – their very own Chat Hero.”
Bill Midgley OBE is one of those backing the project, saying: “Chat Heroes is very effective for businesses and charities alike.
“For businesses it’s very simple to get involved and quickly see the impact of its sponsorship. For charities, we have already seen the service does make a difference.”
Charities interested in finding out more can attend an information evening at Wallsend Town Hall from 6pm on September 14.
Details are on the Chat Heroes website www.chatheroes.com | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/news/local/charities-benefit-from-new-service-1-8088078 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/680e43a984524124048f7a4773a9e0139eca7ae883645cdcdef643c15d2b9bc5.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:12:58 | null | 2016-08-19T07:00:11 | In the UK, every university could experience at least one case of meningitis among its students within the first term. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmeningitis-talk-now-to-save-lives-1-8075682.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/webimage/1.8075681.1471513587!/image/image.jpg | en | null | MENINGITIS: Talk now to save lives | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | In the UK, every university could experience at least one case of meningitis among its students within the first term.
Meningitis can kill within hours.
For those who survive, many are left with life-changing after-effects.
Young people, particularly first year university students, are at an increased risk from meningococcal bacteria, which can cause meningitis and septicaemia.
Early signs can go undetected and can be put down to a bout of the flu, or even a hangover.
Five main groups of bacteria commonly cause disease – Men A, B, C, W and Y.
A report last year showed a 430 per cent increase in Men W cases from 2009 to 2014, leading to the introduction of a meningococcal ACWY vaccine for teenagers and young people through the NHS.
Last year, 14 and 15-year-olds began to be vaccinated at school, and a top-up programme was introduced for 17 and 18-year-olds through their GP.
Although they were contacted by post about the vaccine, only 35 per cent of this age group made an appointment, meaning that thousands are still at risk.
Taking exams, completing course work, passing your driving test and going to the pub – it’s no wonder that they simply haven’t got round to visiting their GP.
It’s not a time that you put your health first, which is why we are calling on you to talk to them about the vaccine now, before they head off to uni.
You can’t keep an eye on them once university has started, and as the early signs of meningitis are so difficult to detect, getting vaccinated now might just save their life.
It is also important to remember that vaccine does not prevent all types of meningitis. Knowing the signs and symptoms to look out for and getting medical help quickly is vital.
Talk to them about the Men ACWY vaccine, and make sure they get it before they go.
It’s really not worth taking the risk.
For more information on the vaccine, or to download the signs and symptoms app for your phone, visit www.meningitisnow.org.
Liz Brown
Chief Executive
Meningitis Now | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/news/meningitis-talk-now-to-save-lives-1-8075682 | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/82d042f88ab35531ef7d1b4917a848e94a52c8cf4af91b702233bed8348649bd.json |
[
"Arthur Gill"
] | 2016-08-26T13:07:38 | null | 2016-08-22T12:31:04 | In the Standard Security Blyth and Wansbeck Sunday League premier division, Broomhill North End Trap went down 4-2 at home to Ashington Town Central. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fsport%2Flocal%2Fcramlington-green-no-match-for-blyth-town-sunday-1-8082045.json | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/sport/local/cramlington-green-no-match-for-blyth-town-sunday-1-8082045 | en | null | Cramlington Green no match for Blyth Town Sunday | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | In the Standard Security Blyth and Wansbeck Sunday League premier division, Broomhill North End Trap went down 4-2 at home to Ashington Town Central.
Jonny Graham and Josh Baston scored for Trap, but strikes from Daniel Carr (2), Scott Neil and Brad Higgins won it for Town.
Cramlington Green were no match for inform Blyth Town Sunday, going down 6-0 at home. Keeper Ryan Haire was star man for the Green after an excellent display, but he could do nothing as Martyn Hepple (2), Ross Gilchrist, (2), Robert Ridley and Paul Katz were on target.
Earsdon Red Lion also went down, 4-1 at home to new boys Amble Tavern. Michael Starky scored for Lion, but goals from Nathan Buddle (2) and Josh Hay (2) maintained Tavern’s excellent start to the season.
A Josh Laverick goal for Bedlington Market Tavern was enough for the three points against Newsham Victory.
Division two saw Marden Residents score late to beat Ashington Sporting Club 5-4.
On target for Sporting Club were Adam Ord (2), Robert Watt and James Dodds, and for Residents Shaun Nolan (2), Marc Hunter, Mathew Dawson and Sean Joyce.
Bebside Inn ran riot when entertaining Guide Post Shakespeare Tavern as they won 11-0 with goals from Jason Hamilton (3), Simon Reay (2), Gavin Agnew, Ryan Waite, Ian Locke, David Long, Stephen Hardy and an own goal.
High Street had a 4-0 home win against new team Morpeth Conservative Club with Brandon Nadeem (2), Anthony Goldie and Adam Emmerson the scorers.
A tremendous game between North Shields Pineapple and Ellington Plough saw the latter win 6-3. Goals for Pineapple came from Shaun Blake (2) and Jay Dalton. Scoring for Plough were Jack Phillips (2), Jordan Dodds (2), Jack Elliott and Max Robinson. | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/sport/local/cramlington-green-no-match-for-blyth-town-sunday-1-8082045 | en | 2016-08-22T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/0812670a45ee3b05dc945bee4060199009c3777c2b5be64b8b705e5ef981254a.json |
[
"James Willoughby",
"James.Willoughby Jpress.Co.Uk"
] | 2016-08-26T14:48:14 | null | 2016-08-26T14:30:00 | The chief executive of Blyth Tall Ship project says that the four-day regatta will put the town on the map. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fwatch-tall-ships-regatta-puts-blyth-on-the-map-1-8091025.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/webimage/1.8091023.1472217093!/image/image.jpg | en | null | WATCH: ‘Tall Ships Regatta puts Blyth on the map’ | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | Sorry, we're having problems with our video player at the moment, but are working to fix it as soon as we can
The chief executive of Blyth Tall Ship project says that the four-day regatta will put the town on the map.
The ambitious project is restoring a 100-year-old Baltic Trader in a bid to recreate the original voyage of Captain William Smith that discovered the first land in Antarctica in 1819. Captain Smith’s vessel was built in Blyth after he raised funds to do so.
Clive Gray, chief executive of Blyth Tall Ship project.
As a result, Blyth Tall Ship is helping to transform the lives of young people through heritage boat-building. Volunteers – including unemployed teenagers and experienced maritime engineers – are working on the restoration project.
And speaking from the group’s workshop in the town, chief executive Clive Gray is delighted that Blyth is hosting the Tall Ships Regatta, which runs from today until Monday.
He said: “It’s one of the biggest things that has happened in the county. It shows that Blyth is mature enough and is in a good enough place to host something of this nature.
“It’s a fantastic event and it puts Blyth on the map. Long term, it will change the way that people think about the town and give people a lot of confidence in the town.”
For updates, pictures, videos and interviews from the regatta, follow our live feed throughout the weekend. | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/news/local/watch-tall-ships-regatta-puts-blyth-on-the-map-1-8091025 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/6bb52a55dedda4e269cc1330840e4e5adb56c762c1b2f0bfb5d0c4e8d6aa3bdc.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:13:06 | null | 2016-08-07T14:05:01 | I invite readers to join me in hosting a World Tea Party this summer. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fcharity-tea-time-for-animal-care-1-8049668.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/webimage/1.8049667.1470244112!/image/image.jpg | en | null | CHARITY: Tea time for animal care | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | The types of cookies we, our ad network and technology partners use are listed below:
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Add This ► Add This provides the social networking widget found in many of our pages. This widget gives you the tools to bookmark our websites, blog, share, tweet and email our content to a friend. | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/news/charity-tea-time-for-animal-care-1-8049668 | en | 2016-08-07T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/d374b47369fe52381d4b067b39bf1a5248a0bc63352a806a4e05359584376a82.json |
[
"David Sedgwick",
"David.Sedgwick Jpress.Co.Uk"
] | 2016-08-27T08:48:46 | null | 2016-08-27T08:50:33 | Staff and residents at a care home are celebrating after impressing inspectors. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Finspectors-full-of-praise-for-home-1-8088049.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/webimage/1.8088048.1472123268!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Inspectors full of praise for home | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | Staff and residents at a care home are celebrating after impressing inspectors.
Redesdale Court, in Rake Lane, North Shields, has been rated ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) – the fourth top rating for family-run business Helen McArdle Care.
In the latest inspection, the service has been rated outstanding for being caring and well-led, and was rated good for being safe, effective and responsive.
The inspector was particularly impressed with the positive culture within the care home, the extensive quality assurance systems in place that drive improvements and the staff team’s desire to provide people with the highest quality of care.
Chairman and founder, Helen McArdle CBE, said: “I founded Helen McArdle Care with my family nearly 30 years ago and we set out to make a difference and to provide the highest quality of care.
“This latest inspection confirms that we are making a difference to residents, families and staff and that our care is outstanding.
“This is a fantastic achievement for the team at Redesdale Court. Care home manager, Debbie White, has worked with me for over 20 years. She has progressed throughout the company from a care assistant to care home manager; for her management style and leadership to be graded as outstanding makes me very proud.”
Inspectors said: “The service was extremely well-led. The manager had a clear idea of how she wanted the service to develop.”
The inspector also highlighted the innovative initiatives that the manager had introduced and which resulted in “people being empowered to live their lives to the full.”
Redesdale Court is purpose-built care home located on Rake Lane within the grounds of North Tyneside General Hospital. Redesdale Court also has a sister home at Eastbourne House, located on the Links in Whitley Bay. | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/news/local/inspectors-full-of-praise-for-home-1-8088049 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/7d123ee7217be609e35f54631c62fb062dcace6da15b032bff3c0235ec01214c.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T10:51:27 | null | 2016-08-31T09:59:53 | Cullercoats came out on top of their Northern Alliance division derby against Wallsend Boys Club in midweek. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fsport%2Flocal%2Fcullercoats-win-alliance-derby-meeting-with-wallsend-bc-1-8097300.json | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/sport/local/cullercoats-win-alliance-derby-meeting-with-wallsend-bc-1-8097300 | en | null | Cullercoats win Alliance derby meeting with Wallsend BC | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | Cullercoats came out on top of their Northern Alliance division derby against Wallsend Boys Club in midweek.
They opened the scoring around 30 minutes in when Michael Starkie slotted past the keeper.
Two minutes later Dan Ierdale broke down the right and delivered a superb cross which Alex Benjamin finished, and by half-time is was 3-0 as Carl Paterson scored.
Wallsend started the second half well but were unable to break through the Cullercoats defence, and twice they were denied by Cullercoats keeper Phil Robson.
Cullercoats brought Lewis Vine and Paul Foster on for Paterson and Johnny Watson, and they made an immediate impact as Vine made it 4-0.
Vine went on to add a second and make the final score 5-0.
On Saturday Cullercoats were held at home by New Fordley as the sides played out an entertaining 3-3 draw.
On Wednesday, August 31, Cullercoats are at home to Gosforth Bohemians, kick-off 6.15pm. | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/sport/local/cullercoats-win-alliance-derby-meeting-with-wallsend-bc-1-8097300 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/a4e9ba99e246214c9c744e5d9b3b26fb77f8d2ee0f4c4272321ca25175b667b3.json |
[
"David Sedgwick",
"David.Sedgwick Jpress.Co.Uk"
] | 2016-08-26T13:01:40 | null | 2016-08-25T13:50:35 | Students at Churchill Community College are celebrating another set of fantastic GCSE results. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fschool-in-wonderland-as-it-celebrates-best-ever-gcse-results-1-8088483.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/webimage/1.8088482.1472129419!/image/image.jpg | en | null | School in Wonderland as it celebrates best ever GCSE results | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | Students at Churchill Community College are celebrating another set of fantastic GCSE results.
The Wallsend school is marking the best results it has achieved with 72 per cent of pupils achieving five or more A* to C grades including English and Maths, with a high number getting A* and A grades.
David Baldwin, Headteacher, said: “These are fabulous results. We are delighted for all students. They have done incredibly well.
“There has been a large increase in students achieving A and A* grades too. There are a number of students who have gained between ten and 13 A*/A grades which is a staggering achievement. Every subject has performed strongly.”
Amongst the successes are Elisha Tait who achieved 12 A* grades and an A grade in Further Maths. Jordan Gay achieved nine A* grades and three A grades; Cameron Wedderburn achieved 11 A*/A grades; Jack Wilding who achieved ten A*/A grades with many other students just as successful.
A total of 83 per cent of students achieved A* to C in English, 84 per cent in Geography, 97 per cent in Computer Science, 92 per cent in PE, 81 per cent in Science, 82 per cent in Spanish and 90 per cent in Resistant Materials.
Churchill celebrated the GCSE success by holding an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ themed results event for students.
Elaine Riley, Head of School, said: “This is the day that makes all of the hard work worthwhile.
“It is great to watch students opening their results envelope and seeing their faces when they realise how well they have done.
“At a time when the government is making GCSEs even harder for students, our results are great news.
“They are a testament to our students, our staff - who work incredibly hard - and the support we receive from parents.’
Churchill is still accepting applications for Post-16 places. Please contact Marie Jobson on (0191) 234 7200 for further details or go to the college website at www.churchillcommunitycollege.org | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/news/local/school-in-wonderland-as-it-celebrates-best-ever-gcse-results-1-8088483 | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/0e7e30de04380559086c889312315c3a128b3f851d93122934a7699f0ad587fc.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:13:38 | null | 2016-08-13T07:00:59 | Jo Hewith should not be alarmed, there is no ‘Corbynista’ coup, (News Guardian, August 4). | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fpolitics-mp-is-not-a-job-for-life-1-8061685.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/webimage/1.8061684.1470847732!/image/image.jpg | en | null | POLITICS: MP is not a job for life | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | Jo Hewith should not be alarmed, there is no ‘Corbynista’ coup, (News Guardian, August 4).
Whoever is selected to stand as Labour candidate, it will be the result of a democratic process.
Similarly, whoever is elected as MP, will be chosen by the voters.
We live in a democracy.
A Member of Parliament is not, and should not be, ‘a job for life’.
Would she prefer to live somewhere like North Korea, where people have no opportunity to select their representatives?
Hundreds of thousands of Labour members think Jeremy Corbyn is the best person to lead the Labour Party.
If they don’t, they have the opportunity to vote him out. Democracy. Is that so hard to understand?
Gerry Byrne
Whitley Bay | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/news/politics-mp-is-not-a-job-for-life-1-8061685 | en | 2016-08-13T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/ba64efaa0acdc75d63e9feac8ef38eb86763902eac1070e261c7538ccba69773.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:10:33 | null | 2016-07-29T15:48:12 | The Grange Mansion House and lands were acquired by James Moncaster and on his death they passed to his youngest daughter Frances. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fnostalgia%2Flooking-back-at-the-grange-mansion-house-1-8033087.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/webimage/1.8033086.1469471979!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Looking Back...at the Grange Mansion House | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | The Grange Mansion House and lands were acquired by James Moncaster and on his death they passed to his youngest daughter Frances.
She married Charles Atkinson in 1757 in Newcastle.
Both Charles and Frances had died by 1797 and the estate passed to their son James Moncaster Atkinson, who lived there until 1811.
The property was sold a number of times over the years.
The next owners were William and John Russell.
John died in 1883 and his brother died in the Isle of Wight in 1893.
They are both buried in St Peter’s Churchyard beside their father.
The last owner was Mr Dees, who in 1913 erected Grange Villas on the site.
For further information about the mansion house, contact Discover on 0191 643 5270 or email discover@northtyneside.gov.uk | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/nostalgia/looking-back-at-the-grange-mansion-house-1-8033087 | en | 2016-07-29T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/2c99e20a90db2df099ba1ad51e4dc269028e43e5428fcec2f5087c525d569554.json |
[
"David Sedgwick",
"David.Sedgwick Jpress.Co.Uk"
] | 2016-08-26T13:02:35 | null | 2016-08-25T13:50:42 | Students at Whitley Bay High School are now planning their next education steps after helping secure the best ever GCSE results. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fschool-improves-its-already-impressive-gcse-results-1-8088485.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/webimage/1.8088484.1472129427!/image/image.jpg | en | null | School improves its already impressive GCSE results | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | Students at Whitley Bay High School are now planning their next education steps after helping secure the best ever GCSE results.
The school, named by the Government as one of the 100 highest performing schools following last year’s results, has seen a further improvement.
Headteacher Steve Wilson said: “‘I am pleased to say that these 2016 results are even better.”
A total of 88 per cent of students achieved a total of five or more A* to C grades with 78 per cent achieving five or more A* to C grades including English and Maths.
A huge 91 per cent of 350 students achieved A* to C in English Language and 85 per cent achieved A* to C in Maths. Science results were equally impressive with 90 per cent achieving at least two A* to C grades and 100 per cent achieving A* to C in three separate sciences of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Rebecca Smith was delighted with her 11 A*s, saying: “I’m just so happy about my results. All the work I put in during the year has really paid off.
“I’m surprised at my result in Maths, I was hoping for B and I got an A*. I am very interested in sciences and Maths so I will study Chemistry, Biology, Maths and Geography in 6th Form at Whitley Bay High School.”
Joe Turner also achieved 11 A*s. He said: “I felt very nervous this morning before coming into school but I am really happy about my results now.
“I am particularly pleased about my A*s in French and English Literature. I am excited about next year as I’m enrolling in Whitley Bay High School 6th Form to study English, French and History.”
Mr Wilson added: “I am so pleased for the students and their parents. These results reflect the very hard work of our students and the dedication of our teaching and support staff.
“A combination of excellent teaching and fantastic support has allowed our students to thrive and achieve outstanding results that will set them up for the rest of their lives. I would like to congratulate the students. I am delighted for them and their families.” | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/news/local/school-improves-its-already-impressive-gcse-results-1-8088485 | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/9d6b6fdc997c29811a89b083a886e9bd86a81bce1d528bc8f4a025e06c91aede.json |
[
"Fr Chris Hughes",
"St Cuthbert S",
"St Joseph S Rc Parish"
] | 2016-08-26T12:51:31 | null | 2016-08-25T09:58:52 | Last month at St Joseph’s R.C. Primary school in Chirton, the staff, pupils, parents and governors said goodbye to nursery teacher Miss Moira Lyons. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fdedication-was-remarkable-1-8079233.json | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/news/dedication-was-remarkable-1-8079233 | en | null | Dedication was remarkable | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | Last month at St Joseph’s R.C. Primary school in Chirton, the staff, pupils, parents and governors said goodbye to nursery teacher Miss Moira Lyons.
Miss Lyons started in the school in September 1972.
And in those 44 years of service she only had one day off.
This is all the more remarkable given that she lives in Northumberland, with every morning requiring a train journey and a Metro ride to work.
But whatever the weather and the state of public transport, Miss Lyons made it to school.
It is a remarkable witness of dedication.
In giving a few words at her farewell reception, I noted that in September 1972 the two number ‘1s’ at the start of the month were Rod Stewart’s You Wear It Well and Slade’s Mama Were Are All Crazy Now. From people’s reactions I sensed they thought both records were somehow relevant.
However, I guess the theme from the sit-com Friends, I’ll Be There For You, is the song that really does justice to the amazing 44-year commitment of Miss Lyons to the nursery children of St Joseph’s Primary School. | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/news/dedication-was-remarkable-1-8079233 | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/6bdc5a7e8a6613bf3526c0cb102cc82d5f525f0fa8fad7e58ce3fcebfb1c7902.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:12:47 | null | 2016-08-04T07:05:01 | Why doesn’t the council make Holywell Avenue and Queens Road one-way streets? | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fnews%2Froads-benefits-of-one-way-1-8049643.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/webimage/1.8049642.1470243840!/image/image.jpg | en | null | ROADS: Benefits of one-way | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | Why doesn’t the council make Holywell Avenue and Queens Road one-way streets?
I see today that Holywell Avenue is getting a new road surface, as is Queens Road later this week.
That’s great news, let’s hope the speed bumps are not replaced. As a cyclist, as well as a car driver, those bumps were in a pretty poor state.
At certain times of the day, trying to drive along Holywell Avenue can be a nightmare due to the number of cars parked, as well the flow of traffic in the opposite direction. Queens Road is similar.
With both roads being parallel, wouldn’t it be feasible to have each road as a one-way street?
Not only would this make driving easier, it would reduce the congestion.
No doubt it would also reduce noise levels and pollution for residents of the two streets.
Just a thought.
W Morrison
Address supplied | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/news/roads-benefits-of-one-way-1-8049643 | en | 2016-08-04T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/43a4e37cfc9c82ce694f58b26568fb792dc7e422afb8077e336b563a57d2d77d.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:02:08 | null | 2016-08-25T09:30:25 | A host of events will take place over the next week as part of the Whitley Bay Film Festival. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fseries-of-films-lined-up-for-annual-festival-1-8086853.json | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/news/local/series-of-films-lined-up-for-annual-festival-1-8086853 | en | null | Series of films lined up for annual festival | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | A host of events will take place over the next week as part of the Whitley Bay Film Festival.
Tonight will see It’s Nice Up North at the Crescent Club, Cullercoats, from singer-songwriter John Shuttleworth, who decides to test the popular theory that, the further north you travel, the friendlier people will be by venturing to Britain’s most northerly spot, the Shetland Isles.
On Friday 20th anniversary Event Our Friends in the North with special guest, writer Peter Flannery will be at The Exchange, North Shields.
On Sunday the festival will be filming screens as part of the Green Beans Community Sunday Market in Whitley Bay Metro Station.
Tuesday sees Death at Dawn at the Jam Jar Cinema, In collaboration with Cloud Nine Theatre Company and the Northumbria World War One Commemorative Project.
And on Wednesday the Jam Jar Cinema is the venue for Things To Come, An 80th anniversary screening for William Cameron Menzies’ stunning realisation of HG Wells’ vision of our future.
Events will be taking place across Whitley Bay and the surrounding area as part of the film festival until September 13.
You can keep up to date with what’s happening at http://www.whitleybayfilmfestival.co.uk | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/news/local/series-of-films-lined-up-for-annual-festival-1-8086853 | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/9520c2f1b9fb7febdc70dc5555698656ecebaa795b7c0c8a1ae8c992cb20e804.json |
[
"David Sedgwick",
"David.Sedgwick Jpress.Co.Uk"
] | 2016-08-29T08:49:32 | null | 2016-08-29T08:40:33 | A charity is appealing for enthusiastic individuals to help engage with the community in North Shields and Wallsend. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fcharity-in-appeal-for-volunteers-1-8088066.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/webimage/1.7347821.1472123417!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Charity in appeal for volunteers | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | A charity is appealing for enthusiastic individuals to help engage with the community in North Shields and Wallsend.
Marie Curie is encouraging local people to join the North Shields and Wallsend Fundraising Group to help make a difference to the charity.
As a Fundraising Group member, volunteers will become part of a team raising funds and awareness.
With other group members, they will organise collections, fundraising events and other awareness activities. Fundraising Groups will also promote the work of the charity and encourage support for Marie Curie within their local community.
Community fundraiser Hayley Revell said: “Joining the North Shields and Wallsend Fundraising Group is a wonderful way to play an important role in the work of a national charity at a local level, make new friendships and engage with your community
“We’re really excited and it will make a huge difference locally by helping to raise awareness of the care Marie Curie provides to people with terminal illnesses in the local area.”
A meeting where people can find out more will be held on Tuesday, September 6, at 6.30pm at The Parks Leisure Centre, Howdon Road, North Shields.
Anyone interested in joining the group can attend the meeting or contact the Community Fundraising Team on (0191) 219 1241. | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/news/local/charity-in-appeal-for-volunteers-1-8088066 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/e855c8e283afc4c1798f87e755de55a7cd0939fcd0311cc8a54797023cadb585.json |
[
"David Sedgwick",
"David.Sedgwick Jpress.Co.Uk"
] | 2016-08-26T13:09:07 | null | 2016-08-20T08:50:56 | Health services are working with organisers to ensure the right NHS services are available during the North Sea Tall Ships Regatta. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fblyth-tall-ships-health-services-to-be-in-place-throughout-regatta-1-8075486.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/webimage/1.8075485.1471511276!/image/image.jpg | en | null | BLYTH TALL SHIPS: Health services to be in place throughout Regatta | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | Health services are working with organisers to ensure the right NHS services are available during the North Sea Tall Ships Regatta.
Thousands of visitors are expected to visit Blyth during the Tall Ships event, with local NHS officials reminding people to keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water and apply sun cream during hot or humid weather.
A number of first aid posts will be based on the Tall Ships site throughout the event to help deal with any minor injuries and a range of other NHS services are available.
People are also being urged to plan ahead and order any repeat prescriptions they will need well in advance from their GP for the bank holiday weekend.
Local pharmacies will be open during the weekend.
There will be road and parking restrictions, as well as a one-way system in place during the event however emergency access and access for community, social care staff and carers for home visits will be maintained at all times.
Organisers and health providers are advising people to enjoy themselves and to be safe in the sun or the water.
Dr Alistair Blair, chief clinical officer for Northumberland Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “The Tall Ships Regatta promises to be a fantastic event for people living locally and visitors and we want everyone to enjoy themselves and stay safe.
“We’d urge people to look after themselves by keeping well hydrated, applying sunscreen and sticking to shaded areas where possible and as we do not know what the weather will throw at us, be prepared for all eventualities and bring extra layers and waterproofs.
“If drinking alcohol, we would advise people to do so in moderation and drink water regularly.
“As with all bank holidays, we’d urge people to plan ahead and make sure they have all the medications they need for the weekend. It you need more over-the-counter medication or advice from a pharmacist, it’s worth remembering that there are pharmacies open all weekend, including bank holiday Monday.
“NHS 111 is available 24/7 as normal for urgent medical advice and we’d ask people to use the NHS wisely and leave urgent and emergency care services for those who need them most.”
Coun Val Tyler, Cabinet member for Arts, Leisure and Culture at Northumberland County Council, said: “We are expecting lots of residents and visitors in Blyth for this incredibly exciting event and we would like everyone to have an enjoyable and healthy weekend.
“Traffic controls will be in place to ease congestion and emergency access will be maintained at all times, including to the hospital and GP services in Blyth.
“Our Park and Ride car parks will have regular shuttle buses that will take visitors to the heart of the Regatta and tickets can be booked now at a discounted rate via the Tall Ships website.”
Limited Blue Badge parking is available but must be pre-booked by calling Ticketline on 0161 832 1111.
Martin Lawlor, chief executive, Port of Blyth, said: “We want visitors to the Tall Ships Regatta to have a great visit and we echo the advice of health services for people to have a great weekend and to take sensible precautions such as preparing for the weather.”
Up to 30 Tall Ships are expected to gather at Blyth for the event which takes place over the August bank holiday weekend August 26 to 29, and features five zones of free family entertainment, including nightly fireworks. | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/news/local/blyth-tall-ships-health-services-to-be-in-place-throughout-regatta-1-8075486 | en | 2016-08-20T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/572038bd2ccf0b98c4d21b478e178c523da03ab02488d1c79d2ceda6a7ca4f76.json |
[
"Janet Hall",
"Janet.Hall Jpress.Co.Uk"
] | 2016-08-27T08:51:11 | null | 2016-08-27T09:47:50 | Even the weather didn’t disappoint as Northumberland’s biggest ever event weighed anchor yesterday. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Foh-buoy-what-a-day-at-the-tall-ships-regatta-1-8092176.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/webimage/1.8092175.1472287651!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Oh buoy, what a day at the Tall Ships Regatta | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | Even the weather didn’t disappoint as Northumberland’s biggest ever event weighed anchor yesterday.
Blyth was a hive of activity and excitement as thousands of residents and visitors flocked to the town for the first day of the North Sea Tall Ships Regatta 2016.
After months of planning, the event finally got under way with sunshine and blue skies providing the perfect backdrop to the 23 majestic Tall Ships lining the length of the quayside.
The Tall Ships Regatta is expected to attract more than 100,000 visitors over the course of the weekend who will be able to climb on board the ships, enjoy free family fun, live music, street theatre, fun fairs, fireworks and evening entertainment. The event will be open until 10pm today and Sunday and 5pm on Monday.
Today’s highlights include a parade of the ships’ crews and community, which will start at 3pm, and a spectacular 20-minute firework display at 9pm.
Northumberland County Councillor Val Tyler, cabinet member for arts, leisure and culture, said: “It is really great that the event has started so well, with thousands of people coming into the town to see the ships and everything else on offer. The best thing is there’s still three days to go!”
Martin Lawlor, chief executive, Port of Blyth said: “Seeing the quayside so alive with people and the magnificent tall ships moored side by side along the river is a spectacle that will live long in the memory. We are pleased that the months of planning are now complete and the event has got off to a great start.”
Alan Ferguson, chairman of Fergusons of Blyth, the event’s principal sponsor, said: “We’re so proud to see our town in the national spotlight with crowds lining the quayside and enjoying all the entertainment. There is so much to see and do around Blyth this weekend and we’re all looking forward to the next few days.”
Northumberland County Council, in partnership with the Port of Blyth and Sail Training International, is hosting the prestigious Regatta.
Fergusons of Blyth, one of the UK’s leading privately-owned haulage companies and the biggest in the North East, is the principal sponsor for the event in celebration of its 90th anniversary.
There is no parking in Blyth town centre over the weekend but an extensive park and ride system is in operation. For full details visit www.tallshipsblyth2016.com | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/news/local/oh-buoy-what-a-day-at-the-tall-ships-regatta-1-8092176 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/34c37b2ab45b7a1e724c678d29eded31656ef0aaeca8201ed9d0a0668437a799.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:00:44 | null | 2016-08-25T10:30:25 | As politically incorrect as they come, one of the bad boys of British comedy scene will be live on a North East stage this weekend. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fchubby-back-for-more-fun-1-8086850.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/webimage/1.8086849.1472059747!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Chubby back for more fun | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | As politically incorrect as they come, one of the bad boys of British comedy scene will be live on a North East stage this weekend.
Roy Chubby Brown will be performing at The Playhouse, Whitley Bay, on Saturday night.
He’s still rude, he’s still crude and this time he’s turning headlines into punch lines as his rip-roaring brand of banter continues to burst bellies across the country.
Chubby doesn’t hold back from sharing his outlandish views on news, women and gender, sailing so close to the mark, even the most seasoned of fans will be left gob-smacked.
As politically incorrect as ever ‘The World’s Most Outrageous Comedian’ is far too rude for TV, so this live performance is the only place to catch the flamboyant comedian.
Tickets for the comedian’s performance in North Tyneside are £20.50 from the box office during opening hours on 0844 248 1588 or online at www.playhousewhitleybay.co.uk | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/news/local/chubby-back-for-more-fun-1-8086850 | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/024d5fd3c604b7a7ad6e396a2eb5c170e648e5cdf868541e8b2f8181ff87f120.json |
[
"David Sedgwick",
"David.Sedgwick Jpress.Co.Uk"
] | 2016-08-26T12:56:15 | null | 2016-08-25T14:44:01 | Staff at a North Shields school are celebrating the best ever GCSE results and complete turnaround in examination success. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fschool-completes-turnaround-with-best-ever-gcse-results-1-8088778.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/webimage/1.8088776.1472132623!/image/image.jpg | en | null | School completes turnaround with best ever GCSE results | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | Staff at a North Shields school are celebrating the best ever GCSE results and complete turnaround in examination success.
Pupils are Norham High School achieved the best ever results with 54 per cent of Year 11 students receiving five or more A* to C grades, including English and Maths – a 19 per cent increase on last year.
Belinda Campbell, Megan Pearson and Ryan Wright discuss their top results.
In addition, pupils achieved brilliant results at all grades with 15 per cent of grades at A* and A.
This year, the school has worked closely with neighbouring Churchill Community College in Wallsend, sharing teaching staff, expertise and best practice as well as an Executive Headteacher.
Executive Headteacher David Baldwin said: “We set the bar high when we set ourselves a target that at least 50 per cent of Norham High School pupils would achieve at least five good GCSEs including English and maths.
“We have not only met that challenging target, we have exceeded it, and we are absolutely delighted.
“These fantastic results mean a huge amount for our pupils, the staff who have worked tirelessly to support them and the school community as a whole.
“Over the last year, we have done absolutely everything in our power to make sure that these pupils had the best possible chance of securing great results.
“We’ve worked with pupils to raise their aspirations and self-belief, and trialled new interventions such as advanced reading techniques and an additional school period for Year 11 students.
“We are all exceptionally proud of our wonderful students, but we won’t be stopping here. We’re already looking at how we can achieve even better results next year.”
An overall 74 per cent of pupils achieved A* to C in English, 66 per cent achieved A* to C in Science, 62 per cent achieved A* to C in Maths, and 73 per cent achieved A* to C in Computer Science.
Norham celebrating by holding an ‘Oscars Ceremony’ themed results event for pupils.
Jill Huxtable, Head of School and leader of the raising achievement work, said: “This is the day that makes all of the hard work worthwhile. Seeing pupils achieve this success is wonderful and very deserved. I am delighted for the staff too, who have shown such commitment to making this happen.”
Norham High School’s Chair of Governors, David Bavaird added: “We have been hugely ambitious for our pupils this year, setting them challenging targets, and they have smashed those targets.
“We are so proud of what has been achieved. To say that pupils and staff have worked exceptionally hard for these results is an understatement.
“Things are really changing here at Norham High School and these results absolutely confirm that.
“There is real ambition at this school to improve standards, and we’ll continue to aim high, expect high standards and make sure our pupils leave us with the skills and qualifications they need for further study, apprenticeships or work.”
Amongst the successes at Norham are Belinda Campbell, who achieved 8A* and 2 A grades; Olivia Ellis, who achieved 1A* and 7 A grades; Antonia Milonas, who achieved 2A*, 5As, 2 Bs; Morgan Place, who achieved 1A*, 6As and 2 Bs; Anthony Yeaman, who achieved 1A*, 5As and a B grade; David Shipley, who achieved 1A*, 2As, 6Bs; and Ryan Sample, who achieved 2A*, 1A and 4Bs. | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/news/local/school-completes-turnaround-with-best-ever-gcse-results-1-8088778 | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/afbd32b295657c579b0868f1a4e1f4ac90b76e5aea557e7d46414429aaa907a7.json |
[
"Tommy Mcclements",
"Project Research Co-Ordinator",
"Tommy Northumbriaworldwarone.Co.Uk"
] | 2016-08-26T13:11:50 | null | 2016-07-30T14:05:30 | I make no apologies for continuing to write about the Battle of the Somme, the centenary of which has been commemorated so movingly throughout the country this month. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fshell-failure-meant-a-catastrophic-cost-to-life-1-8035255.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/webimage/1.8035254.1469554795!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Shell failure meant a catastrophic cost to life | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | I make no apologies for continuing to write about the Battle of the Somme, the centenary of which has been commemorated so movingly throughout the country this month.
The tragic consequences of the battle reverberated across the populations of Great Britain and Ireland and the Dominion nations. Over 19,000 died and 38,000 were wounded on the first day alone, with the North Tyneside area making a significant contribution to that grim total. It had a devastating impact across all communities.
Barton is estimating that the number of duds fired by the British artillery could have been between 60 to 80 per cent, at a catastrophic cost to the ranks of the British Army scrambling ‘over the top’.
A three-part documentary about the Somme is currently being broadcast by the BBC, presented by one of the best and most interesting historians of the First World War period, Peter Barton.
The perceived wisdom handed down through the years has been that 40 per cent of British artillery fired on the first crucial day of battle, July 1, 1916, were duds. The firing of unprecedented numbers of shells continuously in the week before was designed to destroy the tangles of barbed wire in front of the German trenches that housed the defenders in deep 20ft-plus dugouts and to ‘soften up’ their defences. The massed ranks of the British Army would then take the front lines and push the German army back into retreat, hopefully all the way to Berlin. So the artillery barrage was critical to the success of the battle plan.
Peter Barton has been looking at the battle from not only the British perspective, but from those records of the Somme that have survived from the German archives. And what he has uncovered makes very sober reading.
From battalion and soldiers’ diaries, as well as letters to loved ones back home, the pounding of the lines by the artillery is graphically commented on. Indeed, many German soldiers went mad with the incessant drumfire of shells landing among them, keeping them pinned into their dugouts.
But the battalion diaries particularly reveal that in some places only one in ten British shells exploded. Now, allowing for German bravado and inaccuracy in reportage, Barton is estimating that the number of duds fired by the British artillery could have been between 60 to 80 per cent, at a catastrophic cost to the ranks of the British Army scrambling ‘over the top’ and walking towards the German lines, cut down in swathes, many just as they entered no man’s land.
Men such as 49-year-old Private Albert Edward Aggett from Percy Street, Tynemouth, Private Charles Foster Arkle from Earsdon, and Captain Frederick Lewis Vernon from Benton, all soldiers with the Northumberland Fusiliers, all killed on July 1. Of the casualties from this area, the vast majority belonged to the Tyneside Irish and Tyneside Scottish battalions.
The Northumbria World War One project has been researching these and other casualties of the Great War from the area through the help of volunteer researchers, who estimate that nearly 5,000 died from the borough. From this research a free, accessible database has been built and is being added to.
The Somme Exhibition is on display at Wallsend Library, from where it will move to the White Swan Centre in Killingworth on August 11. Over 500 Somme casualties from the borough are listed.
Send me an email to tommy@northumbriaworldwarone.co.uk or click on www.northumbriaworldwarone.co.uk for more information. If you would like to get involved in the project, or have any information on casualties, call into our office at B9 in the Linskill Centre, Linskill Terrace, North Shields. | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/news/shell-failure-meant-a-catastrophic-cost-to-life-1-8035255 | en | 2016-07-30T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/57fd60903636fe828f29d1c8bea68c04a6fc34d4d8baf19225e2bae6bea6faa4.json |
[
"James Willoughby",
"James.Willoughby Jpress.Co.Uk"
] | 2016-08-29T10:49:36 | null | 2016-08-29T11:07:43 | The park and ride south car park is now fully open following it | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Ftall-ships-park-and-ride-car-parks-fully-open-1-8094135.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/webimage/1.8094134.1472465438!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Tall Ships park and ride car parks fully open | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | The park and ride south car park is now fully open following it's temporary closure yesterday due to the bad weather.
Visitors to the final day of the North Sea Tall Ships Regatta will enjoy the spectacular Parade of Sail; when the Tall Ships will sail from Blyth, southwards to St Mary's lighthouse before sailing five miles out to sea to start the race to Gothenburg.
The ships will start to leave to the port of Blyth from 1pm today, with the parade of sail expected to take place until 2.30pm.
As a result the ships are not available for the public to board today, but are available to view this morning.
The event will include a range of other entertainment until it closes at 5pm today. | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/news/local/tall-ships-park-and-ride-car-parks-fully-open-1-8094135 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/dd8bb1c7b09197bc8d8446a60fef421b00037a08458be14c6d842db03b04b656.json |
[
"Julian Tyley"
] | 2016-08-26T13:09:18 | null | 2016-08-22T18:42:35 | A thoroughly entertaining game that swung first one way then the other ended all square thanks to a stoppage time equaliser from Whitley Bay’s Ross Wilkinson. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fsport%2Flocal%2Fwilkinson-strikes-late-to-earn-whitley-bay-a-point-1-8082956.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/webimage/1.8082954.1471887741!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Wilkinson strikes late to earn Whitley Bay a point | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | A thoroughly entertaining game that swung first one way then the other ended all square thanks to a stoppage time equaliser from Whitley Bay’s Ross Wilkinson.
South Shields arrived at Hillheads as Northern League second division champions and were strengthened by a number of high profile summer signings.
Whitley’s latest signing, Greek defender Angelos Eleftheriadis, made his debut at centre back while Adam Shanks and Alex Kempster returned to the side with youngster Tom Potter retaining his starting place after an impressive performance in midweek.
However, Callum Patton and Kyle Fryatt were both unavailable while Callum Anderson missed the game through illness.
On a wet and windy afternoon, the first chance of note came after 17 minutes when a long ball down field from the Mariners keeper reached Gavin Cogdon inside the Bay area, but the former Spennymoor man drove his shot wide of the far post.
Two minutes later, the first in a series of robust tackles by the visitors saw Steve Gibson go down near the right touchline, but David Foley escaped punishment.
Three minutes later, following a foul on Kempster by Michael Turner, Chris McDonald’s free kick was put behind for a corner.
Whitley took the lead in the 25th minute when a 30-yard speculative shot from McDonald skidded across the wet grass and flew into the net through the hands of Shields keeper Chris Elliott.
The goal shook the Mariners and three minutes later David Carson made a surging run into the Bay box but Tom Flynn got down well to collect the ball safely.
Gibson then cleared off the line for Whitley, but in the 31st minute the visitors drew level when Cogdon was allowed space inside the six-yard box and headed home Palmer’s cross from the right.
Back came Whitley with Andy Robertson causing panic in the Mariners defence with a ball across goal that took a fortunate deflection away from danger.
The referee was incurring the wrath of the Bay players and fans as he allowed physical challenges to go unpunished, but Whitley refused to be put off their stride and regained the lead with 39 minutes played.
In a well rehearsed training ground move, a right wing corner was played short to Potter who crossed into the box where Shanks rose to head home from eight yards.
With Eleftheriadis looking assured and slotting into the defence well, Whitley’s lead was not threatened in the remaining minutes of the half and they were deservedly ahead at the interval as the rain continued to sweep across the ground.
Shields fought back strongly on the restart and it took them just seven minutes to restore parity, Carson levelling with a powerful 20-yard effort that flew past Flynn into the top corner.
Following his first half leniency, referee Bernard Law struggled to retain control of the game as several feisty challenges brought three yellow cards in almost as many minutes.
The visitors were looking the stronger side as the half progressed with Cogdon twice going close while Flynn did well to deny Palmer in the 78th minute.
Seven minutes from time, the Mariners were awarded a free kick when it appeared that a Bay player had been fouled, a decision that led to the visitors taking the lead for the first time in the game.
The ball was played down the left and a shot rebounded kindly for Palmer who drilled a low effort past Flynn.
The visiting fans may have felt this was the winning goal, but not the Bay players who battled back with determination and forced the Mariners onto the back foot and almost drew level within 60 seconds.
Two minutes into stoppage time, Whitley won a free kick 25 yards from goal and when McDonald played the ball into the box, Shanks knocked the ball back for Wilkinson to lash home a dramatic equaliser to the delight of the home fans.
In the dying seconds of the game there was even a chance for Whitley to snatch victory as they pushed forward yet again, but Shields held out and in the final analysis a draw was probably a fair result.
The crowd of almost 500 fans who had braved a wet and windy afternoon were rewarded with an action packed game between two well matched sides.
Whitley Bay: Flynn, Munro (Keltie 85), McDonald, Wilkinson, Eleftheriadis, Gibson, Potter (Blake 80), Fowler, Robertson, Shanks (Allen 90+2), Kempster. | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/sport/local/wilkinson-strikes-late-to-earn-whitley-bay-a-point-1-8082956 | en | 2016-08-22T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/d807f8e2d7d2ae62132e35d39b677d60a03201ed546f6bd6446522282781c818.json |
[
"Alan Fidler",
"Northumbria World War One Commemoration Project"
] | 2016-08-26T13:11:29 | null | 2016-08-21T14:25:21 | The Northumbria World War One Commemoration Project has been engaged in partnership with Northumbria University over the past ten months in an Arts and Historical Research Council funded project looking at the story of the men and women, of the North East (Northumberland and Durham), who emigrated to the former Dominions of Australia, Canada and New Zealand in the years before the First World War. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fthe-role-of-emigrant-war-heroes-told-at-exhibition-1-8074006.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/webimage/1.8074005.1471439688!/image/image.jpg | en | null | The role of emigrant war heroes told at exhibition | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | The Northumbria World War One Commemoration Project has been engaged in partnership with Northumbria University over the past ten months in an Arts and Historical Research Council funded project looking at the story of the men and women, of the North East (Northumberland and Durham), who emigrated to the former Dominions of Australia, Canada and New Zealand in the years before the First World War.
The project is looking at more than 7,200 men and women, who served and had been born in the North East of England before moving to their new homelands, either as adults or with their families.
An exhibition featuring the stories of some of those emigrants is to be opened at the Discovery Museum in Blandford Square, Newcastle, tomorrow.
The most famous man featured is John Simpson Kirkpatrick, of South Shields – ‘the man with the donkey’ – who was killed by a sniper’s bullet as he helped a wounded comrade down the steep gullies and ravines of the Dardanelles peninsula with his faithful helper Murphy (an army pack donkey) in May 1915, just a few weeks after landing at ANZAC cove with the Australian Army Medical Services on April, 25
The exhibition also features a number of local men who had equally interesting stories, including two recipients of the VC – George Burdon McKean, of Willington in Co Durham, and Hugh Cairns, of Ashington, as well as John Collinson, of Wallsend (News Guardian, July 21,2016), the man reputed to have made the first recording of ‘Waltzing Matilda’ in 1926.
Isaac Ivan Finn, of South Shields and later Canada, suffered a serious injury from a shell explosion and when operated on the surgeons found his pipe had been blasted into his body. Too ill to return to active duty he spent the rest of the war in the USA seeking British and Canadian expatriates to enlist in the Canadian forces while keeping his pipe close by and in daily use.
These Dominion Geordies and several others feature in a special edition of our well-known Tyneside Tommy dog tag labels attached to bottles of the popular ale produced for us by Three Kings Brewery.
There are now 30 Tyneside Tommy story labels to collect including the special ‘Somme’ edition of nine Tyneside Tommies, featuring men of North Tyneside lost in that campaign. All the new ‘tags’ can be obtained with Tyneside Tommy ale from the usual outlets selling the beer.
The two major exhibitions we produced this year – Tyneside and the battle of Jutland and North Tynesiders and the Battle of the Somme – have been relocated until September 3. The Jutland exhibition is at Wallsend Customer First Centre and the Somme exhibition has been moved to the White Swan Centre at Killingworth. Further venues after September 3 will be announced in the coming weeks.
The first of the autumn talks in our regular series at the Low Lights Tavern, Brewhouse Bank, Fish Quay, North Shields, will be given at 7.30pm on Tuesday, September 13, when Colin Hatton, of the Durham Branch (Stockton) Western Front Association, will talk on the Railways of the First World War.
It is not widely known that the army laid more than 1,000 miles of narrow gauge railway in the British frontline areas to secure supplies of vital material, food and ammunition to the fighting men.
The project workroom (Room B9) at Linskill Community Centre is open from 10am to 4pm each weekday for enquiries and for anyone to bring information about relatives lost in the war. | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/news/local/the-role-of-emigrant-war-heroes-told-at-exhibition-1-8074006 | en | 2016-08-21T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/9ff6dad07ce6828ed524a561435b46208e4017e5400e8546d4e50a46eac707a9.json |
[
"Janet Hall",
"Janet.Hall Jpress.Co.Uk"
] | 2016-08-29T10:49:39 | null | 2016-08-29T10:39:02 | A spectacular display of fire and lights thrilled the crowds at Blyth quayside last night. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fvideo-spectacular-fire-and-light-display-at-tall-ships-1-8094066.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/webimage/1.8094064.1472463648!/image/image.jpg | en | null | VIDEO: Spectacular fire and light display at Tall Ships | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | Sorry, we're having problems with our video player at the moment, but are working to fix it as soon as we can
A spectacular display of fire and lights thrilled the crowds at Blyth quayside last night.
Spotlights illuminated the forest of masts from the Tall Ships and performers waved flaming torches, before the ships sounded their horns.
Fire and lights at the Tall Ships.
The display was part of the nightly fireworks display which has lit up the night sky during the four-day event, the biggest event Northumberland has hosted.
The nightly fireworks were accompanied by a film and musical score created by Swedish artist Cecilia Stenbom and UK composer Chris Sharkey, who have worked with the people of Blyth and Gothenburg to produce the show. | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/news/local/video-spectacular-fire-and-light-display-at-tall-ships-1-8094066 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/8d1548d9cec6fa311b459f83a7aa7ecde864351d9cc6e1810b7a35084999aff6.json |
[
"Ben O Connell",
"Ben.Oconnell Jpress.Co.Uk"
] | 2016-08-26T13:04:38 | null | 2016-08-26T13:35:45 | ‘I’m very impressed with Blyth’ - that’s the verdict of the race chairman for the North Sea Tall Ships Regatta 2016. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Ftall-ships-blyth-has-done-us-proud-says-race-chairman-1-8090927.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/webimage/1.8090926.1472214926!/image/image.jpg | en | null | TALL SHIPS: ‘Blyth has done us proud’, says race chairman | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | ‘I’m very impressed with Blyth’ - that’s the verdict of the race chairman for the North Sea Tall Ships Regatta 2016.
Speaking to us earlier today, James Stevens, from organisers Sail Training International, said: “Blyth has done us proud, they’ve been really, really good and very welcoming. The whole town has thrown itself into doing this, which is great.
“It looks great too. I have got to say, I came to Blyth 30 years ago and they have done wonders to the waterfront. They have tried really hard and having the Tall Ships there just gives the perfect backdrop. I’m very impressed with Blyth; it’s an industrial port, but they have opened their doors to us.”
And talking about the regatta and how it works, Mr Stevens underlined how the 600-mile race across the North Sea from Blyth, Northumberland, to Gothenburgh, Sweden, is really a youth event.
“Half the crews, half of all the trainees are young people under the age of 25, a lot of them haven’t sailed before and some of them are from quite disadvantaged backgrounds,” he said. “Some of them are sponsored by Blyth and some of them are paid for by Gothenburg.
“Most of them haven’t sailed at all so they’ll probably be pretty anxious now, wondering what they have let themselves in for, but that’s all part of it and you find that they look anxious now but when they get to Gothenburg, they’ll be three inches taller and part of a team.
“You can’t sail these ships unless you all pull the rope at the same time. It’s not going to work unless the crew are doing their jobs.
“It’s absolutely miles away from anything they have done before and the captains say that when they get out of mobile-phone coverage, they suddenly gel into a team. They can’t get on Facebook so then that (sailing the ship) becomes their life.”
But these events don’t just happen overnight with Mr Stevens describing the job of organising the regatta as ‘massive’.
“It starts several years in advance, about four or five years, so now Sail Training International is looking at events in 2020/2021,” he said. “It also takes a whole army of volunteers – I think we have about 60 or 70 here – including the liaison officers who meet the ships and help them with getting any food and provisions, if they’ve got problems, find out where the chandler’s shop is, any gas or water or fuel - all that has to be dealt with.” | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/news/local/tall-ships-blyth-has-done-us-proud-says-race-chairman-1-8090927 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/5fde2f277a540cd2e69c6b19e4e987ae680312addf4804b97fc1ed113acc20af.json |
[
"David Sedgwick",
"David.Sedgwick Jpress.Co.Uk"
] | 2016-08-28T08:49:12 | null | 2016-08-28T08:50:33 | A young golfer is celebrating breaking a 93-year-old record at a County Durham club. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Frosie-tees-up-a-new-record-in-tournament-1-8088059.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/webimage/1.8088057.1472123347!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Rosie tees up a new record in tournament | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | A young golfer is celebrating breaking a 93-year-old record at a County Durham club.
Rosie Belsham, of Whitley Bay, holed out from 166-yards in a tournament at South Moor Golf Club to become the youngest player in its 93-year history to sign for an albatross at the par five second hole.
The success for the 14-year-old, an England junior squad golfer and Northumberland Under-21 champion, comes after she hit a hole-in-one earlier this season at her home club, Whitley Bay.
The albatross was chalked up in the second round of the three-day North of England Under-14 Open. Her wind-assisted six-iron second shot soared over a copse of trees before landing on the fringe of the green, rolling across the green and into the hole.
Rosie, a pupil at Whitley Bay High School, was runner-up in the girls section.
One of the event organisers, Guy Carr, said: “We get an albatross at the second hole only about once every five years and never before with a player so young.”
This season has brought Rosie, a member of England Golf’s North Region Under-16 Squad, joint second place in the Scottish Girls Under-14 Championship.
Mum Gina and dad Chris, a property developer, are also members of Whitley Bay. | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/news/local/rosie-tees-up-a-new-record-in-tournament-1-8088059 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/71b5ae8538bb8ee26ee45cb98bba17a1ed90752cd4ef621b486a0dc71226393f.json |
[
"Andrew Coulson",
"Andrew.Coulson Jpress.Co.Uk"
] | 2016-08-27T16:48:47 | null | 2016-08-27T16:02:30 | Families have been enjoying live music and other fun activities in the sunshine at the Blyth Tall Ships regatta this afternoon. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fwatch-plenty-of-entertainment-on-offer-at-tall-ships-1-8092460.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/webimage/1.8092458.1472310310!/image/image.jpg | en | null | WATCH: Plenty of entertainment on offer at Tall Ships | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | Sorry, we're having problems with our video player at the moment, but are working to fix it as soon as we can
Families have been enjoying live music and other fun activities in the sunshine at the Blyth Tall Ships regatta this afternoon.
As well as the parade that is currently taking place, entertainment is being provided at the beach, bandstand, in the Market Place and at Ridley Park.
A large crowd enjoy a circus skills show in Ridley Park.
There is also a stage at Dun Cow Quay and the video shows the Sing Morpeth community choir in action.
Funfair attractions are across the site and those coming along will likely run into a pirate or two.
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story WATCH: Plenty of entertainment on offer at Tall Ships Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area... | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/news/local/watch-plenty-of-entertainment-on-offer-at-tall-ships-1-8092460 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/0d378178d356f53c59b1d0035cc603af227a6e8480c2e396d0290f9c060b9b03.json |
[
"David Sedgwick",
"David.Sedgwick Jpress.Co.Uk"
] | 2016-08-30T08:50:04 | null | 2016-08-30T09:25:06 | Motorists are being urged to take extra care after recent thefts from cars. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fdrivers-are-warned-after-thefts-1-8095236.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/webimage/1.7347821.1472545485!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Drivers are warned after thefts | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | Motorists are being urged to take extra care after recent thefts from cars.
A number of offences have been committed in and around Whitley Bay town centre, on streets just off Park View and Whitley Bay.
Thefts are taking place where vehicles have either been left unlocked, or have items of property left inside in full view of passers-by.
Police are carrying out extra patrols in the affected areas of the town centre and are reminding drivers to think about crime prevention.
Neighbourhood Inspector Neil Armsworth said: “We know it only takes a few seconds for a thief to try a car door or boot to see if it’s unlocked, and if so, to get into the car and steal whatever they can lay their hands on.
“We’re asking drivers to take a few seconds to make sure they lock up when they park and leave their car.
“It’s also a good idea to remove any valuables at the same time.
“We’d ask you not to leave wallets, bags, mobiles or any items you value in your car, especially if they can be seen by people walking by. That’s what opportunist thieves rely on.
“We’d also ask people to report any suspicious behaviour to us. If you see someone going down a street trying door car handles as they go, it’s likely that they’re planning on stealing from them. If so call us straightaway on 101, you could help to prevent a crime.” | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/news/local/drivers-are-warned-after-thefts-1-8095236 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/e1353b0ab8fdf9ad6298969147e1c6b73b7c588a413f694f25072c8c9be947d7.json |
[
"James Willoughby",
"James.Willoughby Jpress.Co.Uk"
] | 2016-08-29T16:49:47 | null | 2016-08-29T17:05:38 | Volunteers at the Blyth Tall Ship Regatta have been thanked for their efforts, which have helped make the festival | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fblyth-tall-ship-volunteers-praised-for-their-efforts-1-8094778.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/webimage/1.8094777.1472486927!/image/image.jpg | en | null | Blyth Tall Ship volunteers praised for their efforts | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | Sorry, we're having problems with our video player at the moment, but are working to fix it as soon as we can
Volunteers at the Blyth Tall Ship Regatta have been thanked for their efforts, which have helped make the festival 'an outstanding success'.
The helpers have included ship, event and technical liaison officers; and hospitality and town hosts. James Stevens, from race organisers Sail Training International, praised their efforts.
The Blyth Tall Ship volunteers.
He said: "Sail Training International travels to ports all over Europe and the volunteers have been up there with the absolute best we have ever seen. They were clearly well briefed and they have been friendly, efficient, positive and incredibly hard working.
"We've been talking to the volunteers and we've heard about the long hours they have put in, the extra personal efforts they have made and the many miles they have walked. The ships, trainees and the visiting public have all said that the volunteers have been amazing.
"They have been great ambassadors, not just for Blyth but also Northumberland, and given the event its heart. They should be very proud of what they have achieved and their contribution to the outstanding success of the event."
Volunteer Melanie Gray, who was in the crew centre, said she was very proud to be part of the event, while fellow helper Liz Finch, who was part of the crew services team, said the festival had attracted 'so many people' and believes it will encourage visitors to come back and explore more of the area.
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story Blyth Tall Ship volunteers praised for their efforts Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area... | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/news/local/blyth-tall-ship-volunteers-praised-for-their-efforts-1-8094778 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/bf6cb83e32bc74e213ec62cc1f9837d9309042cce2d7ccada08baca28cb2e8ad.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:12:31 | null | 2016-08-11T07:00:59 | Reflecting upon the first three months as a fledgling councillor, I’ve found myself contemplating what success would look like in four years’ time and what does a ‘good’ councillor look like? | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsguardian.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fpolitics-the-good-councillor-1-8061679.json | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/webimage/1.8061678.1470847680!/image/image.jpg | en | null | POLITICS: The good councillor | null | null | www.newsguardian.co.uk | Reflecting upon the first three months as a fledgling councillor, I’ve found myself contemplating what success would look like in four years’ time and what does a ‘good’ councillor look like?
It’s only by understanding what the electorate wants, and what it expects from us, that we can have a meaningful and rewarding mutual journey.
As I look around the council, I see obvious examples of ‘good’ across all political parties. It strikes me, however, that it’s not for a councillor to decide what ‘good’ looks like.
In the same way, it’s not for any service provider to define itself as a now well-hackneyed ‘trusted adviser’ or other noble-sounding thing.
Only the receiver of any service has the right to crown the service giver ‘trusted’ or ‘competent’.
Perhaps we need to ask more frequently, in person, “am I meeting your expectations?”
The receiver only gets to let us know once every four years.
Let’s face it, in the private sector an under-performer would struggle to last four months.
Surely to be considered ‘good’, we need to have made a positive difference to something that really matters to people.
On the other hand, at times we need to be an advocate for the council when we feel sure it is right.
A councillor seeks election normally for noble reasons. They want to ‘do good’.
They possibly seek election because they want to be part of something democratic and interesting.
They may want to be a filler of potholes, a fixer of pavements, a trimmer of grass and a slower of traffic – all whilst also having some influence over how public money is invested and how our schools, social care and hospitals are run.
Ultimately, however, I’d suggest it will, in the end, be our attitude that will define us, not just the completion of tasks. Often that just boils down to competent process management.
The really great councillors, of which there are very many, have an edge.
They have attitude. They’re the strongest communicators. They are respected and enjoyed by their peers.
And let’s face it, they successfully change tough and challenging things that seem set in stone for the better.
They also seem to get things done because they see other points of view. They empathise and they back down when they know they’re wrong.
They prepare well for meetings and they educate themselves on topics they hadn’t even heard of before they were elected.
In my experience so far, the good ones are just dedicated, authentic people.
They rise above the sniping.
The best have a very strong sense of community and a pride in what they try to deliver back to the public, often while holding down full time jobs and running a family.
I’m in awe of them and have much to learn from the best of the best, past and present.
Coun Karen Lee-Duffy
Cullercoats ward
North Tyneside Council | http://www.newsguardian.co.uk/news/politics-the-good-councillor-1-8061679 | en | 2016-08-11T00:00:00 | www.newsguardian.co.uk/5fa674ff4f5424b8727fc8e361b7ef2d3a0435f594bd7492934cfb91ce37da02.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:13:30 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.clearwatertimes.com%2Fs%3Faction%3DdoLogin%26f%3Dy.json | http://www.clearwatertimes.com/s?action=doLogin&f=y | pl | null | Clickability | null | null | www.clearwatertimes.com | null | http://www.clearwatertimes.com/s?action=doLogin&f=y | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.clearwatertimes.com/0e5b1e081013b664b3953d163f4a3fc56fc290a0c0853ed824f353e717d71f3f.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:02:22 | null | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.times-online.com%2Fcontent%2Fconstruction-update-paving-110-project-requires-road-closures.json | http://www.times-online.com/misc/favicon.ico | en | null | Construction Update: Paving 110 Project Requires Road Closures | null | null | www.times-online.com | Starting on Wednesday August 24, the Paving 110 Project will begin the milling and overlay portion causing a few roads to be shut down.
Second Avenue NE from 2nd Street NE to 4th Street NE will be closed to traffic completely on August 24th and 25th.
Sixth Street NE from Central Avenue to 8th Avenue NE will be partially open to traffic on August 24th thru August 27th.
Vehicles should not be parked on these streets so the contractors can complete their work.
For questions on the project contact KLJ at 845-4980. | http://www.times-online.com/content/construction-update-paving-110-project-requires-road-closures | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.times-online.com/a663fa976b2b86f7fed251cff9156eca14509768266e76c4ee6caff14dbdaf63.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:01:55 | null | 2016-08-16T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.times-online.com%2Fcontent%2Fphoto-week-registered-and-ready-learn.json | http://www.times-online.com/misc/favicon.ico | en | null | PHOTO OF THE WEEK: Registered and Ready to Learn | null | null | www.times-online.com | Monday, August 15 and Tuesday, August 16 kicked off school registration for all Valley City Public Schools and both teachers and students seem excited.
At Jefferson school teachers and nurses sit ready to help parents with registration from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. School begins on Wednesday, August 24.
Make sure to get your student registered and for more information go to www.valley-city.k12.nd.us. | http://www.times-online.com/content/photo-week-registered-and-ready-learn | en | 2016-08-16T00:00:00 | www.times-online.com/7fc62c958bbcac73f9ba0de65a41cc485895791c39512b444420ad86fa7b184a.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T14:52:09 | null | 2022-01-06T16:30:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.times-online.com%2Fcontent%2Fsports-photo-week-vcsu-holds-paint-bucket.json | http://www.times-online.com/misc/favicon.ico | en | null | SPORTS PHOTO OF THE WEEK: VCSU Holds on to Paint Bucket | null | null | www.times-online.com | The Valley City State University Vikings football team won their season opener against the University of Jamestown by a score of 15-10, holding on to the Paint Bucket trophy for the fifth consecutive time in the series. | http://www.times-online.com/content/sports-photo-week-vcsu-holds-paint-bucket | en | 2022-01-06T00:00:00 | www.times-online.com/47f3600829ed17a7e9d38b0a8115a03ac2c9eaf095196bb481ab30c7ec1ea9a2.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T16:49:24 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.times-online.com%2Fcontent%2Fbc-museum-host-home-movies-program-honoring-former-valley-city-man.json | http://www.times-online.com/misc/favicon.ico | en | null | BC Museum to Host Home Movies Program Honoring Former Valley City Man | null | null | www.times-online.com | A program dedicated to the preservation of home movies, honoring former Valley City man Al Larvick, is set for next week at the Barnes County Historical Museum.
The program, set for Tuesday, Aug. 30, begins with an informational workshop at 6 p.m. for those interested in preserving their 8 mm films. The home movie screening, which features newly transferred films from past decades reflecting various areas and communities of North Dakota, starts at 7 p.m.
Learn more about Larvick, who served as Valley City High School's athletic director for from 1944 to 1957 and his passion for home movies in Friday's Times-Record. | http://www.times-online.com/content/bc-museum-host-home-movies-program-honoring-former-valley-city-man | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.times-online.com/8cc3e93346435c47aa059b9c4d5c2b1148dba7d523731b88b3feaa8cc6412e02.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T14:49:25 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.times-online.com%2Fcontent%2Fvideo-ap-poll-anomaly-starting-finishing-no-1.json | http://www.times-online.com/misc/favicon.ico | en | null | VIDEO - AP Poll: The Anomaly Of Starting, Finishing No. 1 | null | null | www.times-online.com | It happens about as often as an eclipse. OK, maybe that's an exaggeration. In this stat-astic video, see how often a college football team has started the preseason number one and finished the season with a ticker tape parade. | http://www.times-online.com/content/video-ap-poll-anomaly-starting-finishing-no-1 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.times-online.com/46dfd04e44f5e6c02353f436930b314a2461d2f547f3fa096d080e4b0122aedb.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:59:33 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.times-online.com%2Fcontent%2Fwinning-jackpot-2by2-lotto-ticket-sold-vc.json | http://www.times-online.com/misc/favicon.ico | en | null | Winning Jackpot 2by2 Lotto Ticket Sold in VC | null | null | www.times-online.com | A jackpot lottery ticket was sold in Valley City, Ryan Miller of the North Dakota Lottery told the Times-Record. The 2by2 ticket, worth $22,000, was purchased at Brothers III and has not yet been claimed. The draw date was Saturday, Aug. 20.
The winning numbers for that day were 6-18 (red balls) and 9-17 (white balls).
The 2by2 game is drawn every day. | http://www.times-online.com/content/winning-jackpot-2by2-lotto-ticket-sold-vc | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.times-online.com/13940448fe6e442824051034cc76bbf2bde477127dbfd0229d349d60b6d22b7c.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:02:48 | null | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.times-online.com%2Fcontent%2Fsheyenne-valley-backing-badge-host-community-extravaganza.json | http://www.times-online.com/misc/favicon.ico | en | null | Sheyenne Valley Backing the Badge to Host Community Extravaganza | null | null | www.times-online.com | On September 1st Sheyenne Valley Backing the Badge is hosting its first Community Extravaganza on Central Avenue beginning at 6 p.m.
The event will offer all community members a chance to see the Valley City Police Department, Barnes County Sheriff's Department, Valley City Fire Department, Barnes County Ambulance Service, Barnes County Dispatch, City County Health, the North Dakota Highway Patrol, and Valley City Public Works Department all in one place.
Kids can see the emergency vehicles and meet those who use them every day, making them more comfortable in a situation that may require help and fostering a stronger bond between those who strive to keep the community safe and the every day citizen.
Musical entertainment, children's games, prizes, inflatables, and a free meal for the community will also be part of the September 1st celebration to take place on Central Avenue.
Erin Hannig, Co-President of Sheyenne Valley Backing the Badge, stresses a want for the community to feel more connected with those that strive to protect them, stating, "We don't have a ton of officers and to know that people can go and talk to them and to know they are human -- that is a big part of it."
For more on the Sheyenne Valley Backing the Badge group and their community involvement see the Wednesday, August 17 edition of the Times-Record. | http://www.times-online.com/content/sheyenne-valley-backing-badge-host-community-extravaganza | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | www.times-online.com/166ba01683a11fb3154e3707902d06ca25c235ee6cec8876f07eed2d10672db8.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T14:51:31 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.times-online.com%2Fcontent%2Fkim-amann-named-dazey-sodbuster-year.json | http://www.times-online.com/misc/favicon.ico | en | null | Kim Amann Named Dazey Sodbuster of the Year | null | null | www.times-online.com | Kim Amann, a long-time member of the Dazey Sodbusters Club, has been named Sodbuster of the Year. He will be honored at the club's bullorama on Sunday, Sept. 4, in Sibley during the club's bullorama.
For more on Amann and the Sodbusters Stampede, read Monday's Times-Record. | http://www.times-online.com/content/kim-amann-named-dazey-sodbuster-year | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.times-online.com/5fa55b24be336929242cc6126da6b90afa61baeb4685fe91c94c69321732fa32.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T16:52:10 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.times-online.com%2Fcontent%2Fcoming-week-august-30-through-september-5.json | http://www.times-online.com/misc/favicon.ico | en | null | COMING UP THIS WEEK: August 30 through September 5 | null | null | www.times-online.com | Wednesday, August 31
A fundraiser supper for the Abused Persons Outreach Center to help cover rent expenses will be held from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the VFW Club in Valley City.
Girls Scouts Membership Drive will be held at the Dacotah Pavilion in Chautauqua Park from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The event will feature rooter floats, games and crafts.
Valley City Public works will spray for mosquitoes beginning approximately 7 p.m., weather permitting. Parents are advised to keep children and pets out of the streets and away from the spray machines. Motorists are urged to use caution when traveling in the area of the operation. If there are any questions, call Public Works at (701) 845-0380.
Thursday, September 1
A farmers market will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Shopko parking lot in Valley City.
A Community Extravaganza will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Central Avenue in Valley City. The event, meant to support law enforcement and emergency personnel, will feature free food, music and yard games. Members of the Valley City Police Department, Valley City Fire Department, Valley City Public Works Department, Barnes County Sheriff’s Department, Barnes County Dispatch, Barnes County Ambulance Service, City-County Health District and the North Dakota Highway Patrol will be there. The event is hosted by Sheyenne Valley Backing the Badge.
The Valley City Cub Scouts, open to boys in grades 1 through 5, begins its 2016 year on Thursday, Sept. 1, with a rock climbing tower activity at Epworth United Methodist Church in Valley City (weather permitting). Those interested in Cub Scouts can stop by anytime between 6 to 8 p.m. to sign up and visit with Adult Leaders about the program. Those unable to make it can contact Scoutmaster Joe Sykora for more information at jhsykora@gmail.com or (701) 890-7178.
The Valley City American Legion Post No. 60 will meet at 7 p.m. in Valley City.
Friday, September 2
Hi-Liner Boosters Club is hosting a Hamburger and Brat Tailgate Party at 5:30 p.m. at Hanna Field, prior to the 7 p.m. football game against Lisbon. Food is available for a freewill offering. A Hi-Liner Booster Club Membership drive will also be held during this event. Memberships help fund projects and equipment for Valley City Hi-Liner sports programs.
Saturday, September 3
The Whoever Can Come Band will be hosting a free and open to all jam session at the Barnes County Museum from 1 to 4 p.m. For more information (701) 845-0966.
Saturday, September 3 and Sunday, September 4
Polka Fest, featuring Old Tyme and country music bands, will be held at the Valley City Eagles Club. Attendants must be 21 years of age or older. The event will be held Saturday from 1 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 8 p.m. For more information contact the Eagles at (701) 845-2192 or Jerry at (701) 845-0683.
Sunday, September 4
Bean and Burger Bonanza will be held in the Kathryn Hall in Kathryn, N.D. The event will feature grilled burgers, beans, potato and cookie salad with bake goods, garden produce and crafts for sale along with a quilt raffle and entertainment for a freewill offering. It is sponsored by Kathryn, Nome-Fingal Lutheran Parish, Messiah, St. Paul’s, St. Petri and Waldheim Churches.
The Dazey Sodbusters Club 13th annual bullorama will be held at 3 p.m. in Sibley, N.D. The event features a stampede, kids games, food vendors and Sodbuster of the Year program followed by a dance.
Sunday, September 4 and Monday, September 5
The 21st annual Stump Lake Village Threshing Bee will be held. For more information, visit www.stumplakepark.com. | http://www.times-online.com/content/coming-week-august-30-through-september-5 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.times-online.com/1167b45bdb80955c0e7c17053f78367933247303e34234d95d48a99b846cd528.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:59:11 | null | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.times-online.com%2Fcontent%2Fcoming-week-aug-23-28-2016.json | http://www.times-online.com/misc/favicon.ico | en | null | COMING UP THIS WEEK: Aug. 23-28, 2016 | null | null | www.times-online.com | Tuesday, August 23
Valley City State University Century Club annual Fall Kickoff event will be held at the Valley City Town and Country Club. The public is invited to enjoy a free meal and hear from VCSU coaches and student athletes about the upcoming athletic season. Social starts at 5 p.m., burgers and brats will be served at 6 p.m. and coaches and athletes will speak at about 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 24
Valley City Public Schools and St. Catherine's Elementary School begin classes for the 2016-2017 school year.
Faith Lutheran Church Back to School Luau will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at the church, 309 Fourth Street Northeast, Valley City. The evening will feature barbecue pork sandwiches, corn on the cob, baked beans, coleslaw, watermelon and beverages as well as games food kids.
Thursday, August 25
A farmers market will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Shopko parking lot in Valley City. The Barnes ON THE MOVE Partnership would like to invite everyone to come out and taste free samples of bruschetta with fresh tomatoes, onions and basil at the farmers market.
A Valley City mayoral candidate forum, hosted by the Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce, will be held at 7 p.m. in the Hi-Liner Activity Center. Questions for the candidates may be submitted to chamber@valleycitychamber.com or (701) 845-1891.
Valley City Public works will spray for mosquitoes beginning at approximately 7 p.m. and possibly until Friday morning,weather permitting. Parents are advised to keep children and pets out of the streets and away from the spray machines.Motorists are urged to use caution when traveling in the area of the operation. If there are any questions, call Public Works at (701) 845-0380.
Saturday, August 27
The Sheyenne River Valley Chapter North Country Trail Association invites the public to participate in the 10th Annual North Country Hiking Fest at Itasca State Park in Minnesota. This full-day event will feature hikes, workshops, family activities, dinner (fee) and a special guest presentation. Contact Matt Davis, NCTA Regional Trail Coordinator at (701) 388-1883 or mdavis@northcountrytrail.org for more information.
The Valley City American Legion will host a jam session from 1 to 4 p.m. Everyone who can play or sing is invited to attend and take part in the session.
Sunday, August 28
Zion Lutheran Church in Oriska is having a Corn Feed and Righteous Rides Car Show from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Oriska Park. Free will offering for corn feed and no entry for car show. All are invited to attend. | http://www.times-online.com/content/coming-week-aug-23-28-2016 | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.times-online.com/528a2ca5eb99c1da72694649b1997f75e04dae4392e2687e46fdfa32bcab32f1.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:58:22 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.times-online.com%2Fcontent%2Fwork-begins-valley-citys-community-orchard.json | http://www.times-online.com/misc/favicon.ico | en | null | Work Begins on Valley City's Community Orchard | null | null | www.times-online.com | The Hi-Line Prairie Gardens and Orchard officially got started Friday and Monday as volunteers spent the afternoon planting 72 boulevard and fruit trees on the land at Fifth Avenue Northeast in Valley City.
More information about the project and photos can be found in Wednesday's Times-Record. | http://www.times-online.com/content/work-begins-valley-citys-community-orchard | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.times-online.com/d9b7e1b15363cc255ab0f8ebf4873658f5009c14566219728e1fcda52eb05b37.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:58:48 | null | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.times-online.com%2Fcontent%2Fback-school-vcsu-welcomes-new-and-returning-students.json | http://www.times-online.com/misc/favicon.ico | en | null | Back to School: VCSU Welcomes New and Returning Students | null | null | www.times-online.com | Valley City State University students were treated to supper, games and an informational marketplace Friday evening, the kickoff to Welcome Weekend. Classes start Tuesday.
More photos in Monday's Times-Record. | http://www.times-online.com/content/back-school-vcsu-welcomes-new-and-returning-students | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | www.times-online.com/7b43f1ab72bc44e0a30ed55dd6c5347d5ababa1888289584f0e429822b1c85da.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:01:27 | null | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.times-online.com%2Fcontent%2Fvideo-olympics-best-photos-august-18.json | http://www.times-online.com/misc/favicon.ico | en | null | VIDEO: Olympics - Best photos from August 18 | null | null | www.times-online.com | null | http://www.times-online.com/content/video-olympics-best-photos-august-18 | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | www.times-online.com/fc36c08a5ed0c83296d780d3e348de97e8f80b38b733e7fdb466ff7b805cfd87.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:03:12 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.times-online.com%2Fcontent%2Fsandtastics-cafe-set-open-aug-30.json | http://www.times-online.com/misc/favicon.ico | en | null | Sandtastic's Cafe Set to Open Aug. 30 | null | null | www.times-online.com | A new restaurant many in Valley City have been waiting for, Sandtastic's Cafe, is set to open on Tuesday, Aug. 30 at 7 a.m. Read more about the restaurant and what owners Kenny and Mary McCarty plan to do with their business and the community in Thursday's Times-Record. | http://www.times-online.com/content/sandtastics-cafe-set-open-aug-30 | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.times-online.com/e8ee38d1f41a3dda4469831fd6a7c8b4fa9ef704ee80bba19f3317268b365813.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:57:59 | null | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.times-online.com%2Fcontent%2Fphoto-week-vcps-staff-kicks-school-year-service.json | http://www.times-online.com/misc/favicon.ico | en | null | PHOTO OF THE WEEK: VCPS Staff Kicks Off School Year with In-Service | null | null | www.times-online.com | Valley City Public Schools staff and faculty began the school year with an in-service Monday at the Hi-Liner Activity Center. Classes in the district start Wednesday. More information and photos from the in-service can be found in Wednesday's Times-Record. | http://www.times-online.com/content/photo-week-vcps-staff-kicks-school-year-service | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.times-online.com/dd71a196327d6fcc4fc378b1f54f6e57f4f8e24d15dc8ba849b1fade09b4e869.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:14:25 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ladysmithchronicle.com%2Fs%3Faction%3DdoLogin%26f%3Dy.json | http://www.ladysmithchronicle.com/s?action=doLogin&f=y | pl | null | Clickability | null | null | www.ladysmithchronicle.com | null | http://www.ladysmithchronicle.com/s?action=doLogin&f=y | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.ladysmithchronicle.com/a7d8ab7e8de2935bba2079d83cc481b4c62baff5cf9eb5d2d61bea5b9f10a35a.json |
[
"Abdul Rashid Thomas",
"Alusine Fallay",
"Dathan Jones",
"Steven Kamabai",
"Abdul R. Kabia",
"Foday Madama",
"Mustache Moustache",
"Joseph Wilson",
"Sahr Sinneh",
"Mohamed Sannoh"
] | 2016-08-26T13:00:53 | null | 2016-08-25T08:03:44 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesierraleonetelegraph.com%2F%3Fp%3D13411.json | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Ady-Macauley.jpg | en | null | ‘There is nothing petty about petty corruption’ - says Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Czar | null | null | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com | Sierra Leone Telegraph: 25 August 2016
A few days ago, the editor of the Sierra Leone Telegraph – Mr Abdul Rashid Thomas, caught up with the man appointed early this year to take over one of the most difficult jobs in Sierra Leone – tackling corruption, to talk about his vision and the measures he is putting in place to control a virulent virus that is crippling the country.
He is Mr Ady Macauley – the Anti-Corruption Commissioner, who until his appointment by president Koroma in March 2016, was a senior prosecutor at the Commission, leading investigations and bringing those responsible for corruption to court. (Photo: President Koroma welcoming Anti-Corruption Czar – Mr Ady Macauley).
Speaking to the editor, Mr Macauley was unequivocal in his determination to get to the heart of corruption in Sierra Leone, so as to cut off its blood supply.
While focusing on ensuring that so called big fish are not allowed to escape the net, he says that petty corruption is just as destructive as large-scale and organised corruption. And he seems determined to tackle both with an iron fist.
“Corruption, however petty, diminishes people’s trust in each other, state institutions, their belief in local or national government and social values. It destabilises our society and contributes towards creating the conditions for conflict,” says Mr Macauley.
But will he succeed where others before him have struggled, because of political interference?
This is what he said:
The President’s Recovery Priorities have made governance a cross-cutting priority, targeted at improving the delivery of basic public services across all the priority areas.
Here at the Anti-Corruption Commission, our strategy to help achieve this objective is to enlist the support of citizens in the drive to tackle petty corruption within the public sector, through the ‘Pay no Bribe’ campaign – our new anti-corruption call-centre and on-line platform reporting mechanism.
‘Pay no Bribe’ gives us all, a secure and anonymous way to report when and where we have been asked to pay a bribe by officials in the police force, water utility, education, health and electricity sectors, in order to gain access to those basic services.
It recognises that regardless of the amount of money involved, there is nothing petty about the corruption that businesses and ordinary people experience, when they seek government services they are entitled to.
It also recognises that we all have every reason to be concerned about corruption and bribery, and do what we can to eliminate it from our public sector.
Transparency International describes petty corruption as the “everyday abuse of entrusted power by low- and mid-level public officials in their interactions with ordinary citizens, who often are trying to access basic goods or services in places like hospitals, schools, police departments and other agencies.”
Individual demands for Le5,000, Le10,000, or Le20,000 in bribes may appear small, but there is nothing petty about the amounts that can be accumulated over time. These can be much greater than individual acts of grand corruption.
Nor is there anything petty about the resources that should fund the provision of vital goods and services, being diverted into private pockets, or demands for gifts or favours in lieu of cash, which very often perpetuates the abuse of women.
Evidence suggests that poorer women and girls are often asked for sexual favours in return for public services that they are already entitled to.
For the most vulnerable and poorest in society, there is nothing petty about the proportion of their already stretched income that goes on bribes to access the services they desperately need – health, education, power, water and law and order.
Nor is it petty when they are deprived of these services because they do not have the money to bribe – it means children do not get the education they need to build a better future for themselves and our country; and the sick die because they are denied life-saving treatment or vital medication.
Corruption, however petty, diminishes people’s trust in each other, state institutions, their belief in local or national government and social values. It destabilises our society and contributes towards creating the conditions for conflict.
No wonder the World Bank has identified corruption as among the greatest obstacles to economic and social development.
Fear of speaking out often deters people from reporting corrupt practices. However, the fight against corruption and our ability to enforce anti-corruption measures, depends on knowing where it is taking place and who is behind it.
The ‘Pay no Bribe’ system is intended to work in tandem with the progress that is currently being made on developing a stronger criminal justice system, as well as improving governance, access to decision-makers and management controls.
It will make anonymous reporting possible, and give us the data to assess the efficacy of our work to eliminate corruption in Sierra Leone.
The President’s Recovery Priorities represent a considerable investment in key development initiatives across the country. Their success depends on ensuring that resources allocated are targeted where they are most needed.
By using the ‘Pay no Bribe’ online reporting system, you can help make Sierra Leone’s recovery the success it needs to be.
Stop Corruption now and improve public service delivery, Full Stop!
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Facebook | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/?p=13411 | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/882919ac382f05cd47e167348f7e5a1ccb45f1a1ac4ccbedbdf21b8b2e5cf5a4.json |
[
"Abdul Rashid Thomas",
"Alusine Fallay",
"Dathan Jones",
"Steven Kamabai",
"Abdul R. Kabia",
"Foday Madama",
"Mustache Moustache",
"Joseph Wilson",
"Sahr Sinneh",
"Mohamed Sannoh"
] | 2016-08-26T13:04:38 | null | 2016-08-15T20:48:22 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesierraleonetelegraph.com%2F%3Fp%3D13318.json | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Fadika-speaking-at-the-commonwealth-event-e1471292925403.jpg | en | null | Sierra Leone presidential aspirant Moseray Fadika is to receive a funeral befitting a statesman | null | null | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com | Sierra Leone Telegraph: 15 August 2016
Last week, president Ernest Bai Koroma and senior ruling party grandees visited the bereaved family of the late presidential aspirant – Mr Moseray Fadika, who died suddenly in hospital in London a week ago.
Speaking to the family and mourners at the family home in Freetown, president Koroma promised the family that, his government and the ruling APC party will take full responsibility for the funeral of the late Mr. Moseray Fadika.
In the last few days, pictures of a grave are being circulated on social media, claiming to be the prepared resting place of the late Mr. Fadika. However, the Imam of the Mandingo mosque at Magazine Cut that Fadika attended, has denied the existence of such a grave, and denounced those spreading this rumour as mischievous.
But tonight, Sierra Leoneans across the world are still in a state of shock over the sudden death in London of Mr. Fadika, and are looking for answers as to the cause of his death.
The remains of 58 year old Mr Fadika were expected to have arrived in Freetown last week, following post mortem examination, but It is now understood that toxicology examination is also being carried out.
As rumours and speculation as to what could have led to his death continue, the official cause of death will not be known until all aspects of the post mortem examination including toxicology, are completed.
However in the meantime, several possibilities are being widely discussed on social media as to the cause of death.
Many people believe foul play could have been involved. Others say that he may have died as a result of internal injuries sustained during a violent attack, which allegedly took place at Mile 91, in Freetown, about 3 months ago. But the Moseray Fadika communications team had debunked all allegations of a violent attack on Mr Fadika.
Another possibility which pathologists will be interested in, is whether Moseray Fadika was suffering from a long term health condition, such as hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, high cholesterol or heart disease, which could have led to a stroke or heart attack.
Although the possibility of foul play can only be ruled out by the ongoing toxicology investigation in London, a close study of video clips made just minutes before Mr. Fadika fell ill at his campaign event in London, shows that he was unlikely to have suffered a heart attack. He was not clutching his chest or sweating profusely, as is expected in cases of heart attack.
Furthermore, analysis of several photos which were taken at the event in London on that fateful Sunday afternoon, have been compared with photos taken about five months ago. The result is striking and shows significant facial changes and a gradual decline, which could sadly signify that he may have suffered a stroke.
Also, videos clips made on Sunday, 7th of August, 2016, immediately before he took ill have been compared with the video recorded at the Commonwealth award ceremony in London a few months ago (Photo). Again the result is striking. Fadika’s health appears to have gradually deteriorated, as he looked somewhat unsteady on his feet.
On the 14th of April 2016, Mr Fadika wrote this on his Facebook Page: “Dear Friends, my grave apologies for only updating you now. I have a lot to catch up with here. I was very exhausted and needed some time to rest for a few days.” (This photo appears to show that Mr. Fadika may have suffered a stroke minutes before death).
A stroke is a change in the circulation in the brain, which can be due to blockage or bleeding of a blood vessel in the brain.
A blocked blood vessel could be caused by raised cholesterol, smoking, and excessive alcohol intake. The waxy cholesterol substance gradually lines the inner part of the blood vessels, until it finally cuts off or restricts blood supply to the rest of the brain, resulting in death of the brain cells or stroke.
An irregular heart beat may also cause a blood clot, which could block an artery in the brain.
This brain attack or stroke can occur gradually over a few days or weeks, or it can occur suddenly, leading to mild or severe impairment or death.
Apart from blockage, bleeding in the brain can also occur when a blood vessel bursts open and blood leaks into the rest of the brain.
A person may feel unwell with dizziness and sensation of the room spinning, feeling confused, sometimes with a very severe headache, nausea or vomiting, blurred vision or complete loss of vision in one eye, and weakness in an arm and leg on one side of the body.
Observing the sick person, you may notice a change in speech, slurred or unable to speak, or the voice may be hoarse.
One side of the face droops and the smile is crooked, and the person may complain that they cannot feel anything on that side of the face. If the stroke is gradual and lasting a few weeks, they may drag one leg whilst walking, or are unsteady on their feet, until finally they are struck down by the illness.
What is noticeable about many of the photos and videos of Mr Fadika taken last year, compared to some of those taken recently, is that he appeared to be alert and smiling, and both sides of his face, including the eyes, appear symmetrical.
But photos taken on the day of his death, appear to show that the left eye is bigger than the right, and the left side of the face looks slightly drooped. Watching a video made during the event, his voice appeared strained and hoarse. He seemed unsteady on his feet and had to be assisted with sitting and standing. He was not smiling and seemed vague and slow in his movements. Also studies of video clips made a day or two prior to his death, appear to show that he was unsteady on his feet.
If these video and photo analyses are correct, then there are serious lessons to be learnt, such as ensuring that the sick individual is taken to hospital immediately and to a stroke unit as fast as possible to prevent further catastrophic decline in his health.
Assuming that cause of death is not foul play, the question that needs to be asked is whether Mr Fadika consulted doctors upon his arrival in the UK, as it is likely he would have been feeling quite unwell before his death on Sunday. If he did, doctors could have detected that he was very unwell, and would have referred him to hospital for immediate treatment.
Strokes can be avoided by resting, reducing stress levels and adopting a healthy lifestyle. Stopping smoking is essential as is avoiding weight gain, reducing salt intake and ensuring that blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels are all kept under control. Regular check up of blood pressure and cholesterol levels by a doctor is important.
In Sierra Leone, it is estimated that over 60% of the adult population are suffering from high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, high cholesterol, and smoking and alcohol related diseases.
As mentioned earlier, the results of the toxicology tests taking place in London currently are important, so as to ascertain the exact cause of death and to end all rumours and speculation.
However, should the result prove to be suspicious and suggesting that foul play was the likely cause of death, then the London Coroner and the metropolitan police may begin possible criminal investigations.
Whilst supporters and fans of the late Mr Fadika will be frustrated at the delay in returning his body back to Freetown for burial, the family can take immense comfort from the meticulous post mortem and toxicology investigations that are still ongoing in London.
Had he died in Sierra Leone, no one, not even the family would have been any wiser as to the cause of death.
In the meantime, the remains of Mr Fadika are likely to be returned to Freetown, Sierra Leone for burial in the next few days.` It is expected that the ruling APC party will conduct a funeral service fit for a president.
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Facebook | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/?p=13318 | en | 2016-08-15T00:00:00 | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/692410b46aed95b82aee5a2ea52dff921ac21a9bdf0a6c5d87d67d694d2b6cd9.json |
[
"Abdul Rashid Thomas",
"Dathan Jones",
"Steven Kamabai",
"Abdul R. Kabia",
"Foday Madama",
"Mustache Moustache",
"Joseph Wilson",
"Alusine Fallay",
"Sahr Sinneh",
"Mohamed Sannoh"
] | 2016-08-26T12:59:36 | null | 2016-08-21T21:32:23 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesierraleonetelegraph.com%2F%3Fp%3D13399.json | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Sierra-Leone-police-1-e1461937742329.jpg | en | null | Sierra Leone - When violence becomes the last refuge of the incompetent | null | null | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com | Abdulai Mansaray
Sierra Leone Telegraph: 21 August 2016
No law abiding person should condone the use of violence in any shape or form. There can be no justification for violence or riots in our community. This brings to mind the senseless loss of lives during the recent riots in the Kabala Townships.
Reports have it that a proposed Youth village for Kabala was diverted to some other area in Sierra Leone. The veracity of this story could not be confirmed. However, the thrust of this article is not about how true this was.
It is about the misuse of arbitrary power of our police force to use lethal force (pardon the pun) at the slightest ripple of disturbance in our community.
There have been several incidents reported about police brutality or their penchant to be trigger happy, with reckless abandon in our communities. What happened to the much vaunted motto of our police force as a “FORCE FOR GOOD”?
No one is suggesting that the police cannot use force. In some cases, force is required to deal with crowd trouble. But in doing so, it must be reasonable or better still, proportionate. We cannot have a system where the police are the judge and jury.
We cannot have a system where the police can arbitrarily shoot and kill people without any accountability.
As Sierra Leoneans, we have to remember that violence was once our staple diet. It is painful to relive such a tragic phase of our history.
This article is not aimed at presenting a psychosocial analysis of the situation. Nevertheless, we have to take into cognizance the impact such a tumultuous part of our history has had on our national psyche.
There is no running away from the fact that since the rebel war, our country has become comparatively violent. The number of times we hear about stabbings, shootings, armed robberies, violent raping and killing of especially our youth on a daily basis has been alarming. The victims and perpetrators appear to be largely among our youth.
What seems to escape some of our leaders is that, it is these same youths that bore the brunt of the rebel war; as victims and perpetrators in equal measure.
During the rebel war, children were forcefully drafted into this vicious web of violence; and they were the kingpins of most of the atrocities that were unleashed on the society.
It is easy for many people to see them as perpetrators. But in reality, these youths were the real victims of the war. Their childhoods were violently snatched away from them.
From an African perspective, and sadly enough, many people fail to recognise the psychological damage that may have been unleashed on these children.
These children have to live their lives, growing up as psychologically “damaged goods”. This is no apology or justification for youth violence.
Suffice it to say that our country does not have the kind of facilities to sufficiently rehabilitate them. As a people, we hardly recognise the need to do so. We know that efforts were made during the heydays of cessation of hostilities and disarmaments, to resettle our youths into meaningful lives.
But that was all under the guidance of NGOs and other partners from the Western world. Most of them have left our shores, having laid the groundwork for us to take up the reins. Campsites were built and relocation efforts were mustered. So where are those camps now? Where are these rehabilitation centres?
There is no doubt that it will take a monumental effort to turn the corner. However, with the rate of unemployment flying sky high among our youths in the country, their frustration is understandable.
This is not an apology for violence or a free pass to flaunt the law. But equally, we must acknowledge why these youths are frustrated. Having been fed on a diet of violence and lawlessness, their penchant to resort to violence as the first response to a crisis may sometimes be seen by many as a cause and effect equation.
There can be no excuse for such behaviour. But we should equally acknowledge the trigger factors in this conundrum.
As a society, we need to acknowledge what a decade of war has bequeathed to us. If it had not been for the advent of OKADAS, can anyone imagine what the social landscape of our youths would have been?
That is the paradox of the whole situation. As a result of the OKADA, unemployment among the youths could be said to be relatively reduced. The irony is that, we now have a whole generation that will grow into adulthood, without any form of formal education.
How many school going age youths have abandoned the classroom to make a quick buck riding OKADAS? That is a whole generation lost. What would that mean for our workforce of tomorrow? Have any of our leaders tried to quantify the generational loss to our growth as a nation? Or is it a convenient plaster on cracks of our society?
Our police force should rightly be the force for good. They are there to serve the community; to protect life, property and to uphold the law.
There is no doubt that they do a difficult job and put their lives on the line to do so.
But in doing so, they should be accountable to the very communities that they aim to serve and protect. They have to remember that “The police are the public and the public are the police; the police being the only members of the public who are paid to give full time attention to duties which are incumbent on every citizen in the interests of community welfare and existence. They cannot be above the very laws that they are charged to uphold.”
People should not sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf. The police must obey the law while enforcing the law.
When you have police officers who abuse citizens, you erode public confidence in law enforcement. “Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars..” (Martin Luther King).
As a nation, we have a right to peaceful protest, with emphasis on the word “peaceful”. Our constitution enshrines that right. There have been times in our recent past, when those rights have been trampled upon for political expediency. But history shows that “Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.”
There is always a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. But our youths must also remember that to”Protest beyond the law is a departure from democracy“.
We must learn to say what we want but NEVER say it with violence!” The father of the American Civil Rights Movement Martin Luther King once said that, “Nonviolence is a powerful and just weapon, which cuts without wounding and ennobles the man who wields it. It is a sword that heals.”
Our youths should also remember that setting buildings on fire or causing wanton destruction are not the answers to our problems. As we struggle for the soul of our country today, and if we are to teach real peace in this world, we shall have to begin with the children.
As citizens, we should cherish the status of police officers as keepers of the peace and protectors of the public. Unfortunately, some have occasionally been known to beat to death those citizens or groups who question that status. That makes the job of good police officers unsafe.
Considering that the police force cannot be completely independent of the executive government, is it time for our leaders to look into this sad state of affairs?
Don’t forget to turn the lights off when you leave the room.
Editor’s Note:
Following the brutal murder of unarmed youths in Kabala last week by police officers, the two most senior officers responsible for the chain of command of the force in Koinadugu, are believed to have been suspended from duty, pending investigations.
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Facebook | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/?p=13399 | en | 2016-08-21T00:00:00 | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/6eb733e2c0096ab04818c4812bbd94b16d9afcab6745da39b475372a7cc57e99.json |
[
"Abdul Rashid Thomas",
"Alusine Fallay",
"Dathan Jones",
"Steven Kamabai",
"Abdul R. Kabia",
"Foday Madama",
"Mustache Moustache",
"Joseph Wilson",
"Sahr Sinneh",
"Mohamed Sannoh"
] | 2016-08-26T13:01:22 | null | 2016-08-07T16:57:28 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesierraleonetelegraph.com%2F%3Fp%3D13249.json | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/You-can-stop-corruption-e1470588501958.jpg | en | null | Sierra Leone parliamentarians react harshly to calls for accountability and transparency | null | null | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com | Sierra Leone Telegraph: 7 August 2016
A week ago, Sierra Leone’s human rights group – the Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI), published a statement calling on all elected parliamentarians in the country to account for the millions of dollars they are receiving annually for the development of their respective constituencies.
Today, the Sierra Leone Telegraph can report that many of the parliamentarians are not taking too kindly to being called to account.
After decades of corruption, poor governance, lack of transparency and the rule of law, Sierra Leone continues to be classed as one of the poorest nations in the world – an image the people of Sierra Leone do not deserve, given the country’s huge natural resources that many emerging economies such as Malaysia, India, and even Rwanda do not have.
Critics say that Sierra Leone’s public sector not only consumes the largest share of the country’s national income, but misappropriates over 70% of revenue allocated to its budget for the provision of essential services, such as health, education, electricity and water supply, as well as community development programmes.
And it is indeed the spending of the community development funding budget, which is channeled every year by president Koroma to parliamentarians – almost 60% of whom are members of his ruling APC party, that is of serious concern to human rights groups across the country.
But parliamentary sources have informed the Sierra Leone Telegraph that some members of parliament are not taking too kindly to being held to account by citizens. They are now resorting to intimidation, threats of arrest, and possible banning of groups calling for greater transparency and an end to corruption.
The Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) has issued another statement in response to these threats. This is what it says:
“We will not be intimidated by the Sierra Leone parliament in our accountability campaign.
“We are aware that some members of Parliament in Sierra Leone have reacted rather unprofessionally and inadequately to our press release dated, 26-07-2016, which accused Parliamentarians and officials of Parliament to have failed to properly account for over 120 billion Leones spent on Parliament by Government in the last five years.
“We are also aware that in their feeble attempts to threaten our organisation for asking these questions, they have indicated their intent to use “contempt of Parliament” as provided for in the Constitution, to intimidate and silence us.
“As a reputable and respected Human Rights, Social Policy Advocacy International Organisation that only cares for the welfare of the poor people of Sierra Leone who are being blatantly cheated by their representatives in Parliament, we consider this as outrageous, wicked and absolutely uncalled for.
“We want the House to handle this issue responsibly through public disclosure and meaningful deliberations, not through intimidation, and threat of contempt of parliament. Our parliament has to be accountable to the Sierra Leonean public.
“Parliamentarians are servants of the people for whom they make laws. They are not exempt from the laws they pass and Parliamentarians are reminded that they are not above the law but subject equally to the law in similar manner as their constituents.
“Civil Society organisations and citizens should not feel threatened for asking parliament to be accountable to voters for expressing their opinions on issues of transparency and Accountability.
“We want to assure the people of Sierra Leone that we shall continue to reiterate our call to ensure the effective implementation of existing anti-corruption legislation(s) in respect of parliamentarians and other government officials and no amount of intimidation from corrupt individual(s) in and out of Parliament would prevent us from doing that.”
Editor’s Note:
Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) is a Rights based social-policy advocacy Organisation. We Draw attention to the responsibility of duty-bearers to uphold human rights, and seek to support rights-holders to claim their rights.
CHRDI is in Special Consultative Status to the United Nations Economic and Social Council and accredited to many UN Agencies. Mr Abdul M Fatoma is the Chief Executive of CHRDI.
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Facebook | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/?p=13249 | en | 2016-08-07T00:00:00 | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/90830c0c90ad515cbe5fa76a055a30b901c226ea37f0549505ce8cad874448be.json |
[
"Abdul Rashid Thomas",
"Dathan Jones",
"Steven Kamabai",
"Abdul R. Kabia",
"Foday Madama",
"Mustache Moustache",
"Joseph Wilson",
"Alusine Fallay",
"Sahr Sinneh",
"Mohamed Sannoh"
] | 2016-08-26T13:00:28 | null | 2016-08-14T00:52:40 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesierraleonetelegraph.com%2F%3Fp%3D13300.json | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/NOSLINA11-Abdulai-Kondowa-e1471135325552.jpg | en | null | NOSLINA will embark on a mission to Sierra Leone in January 2017 | null | null | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com | Sampha Kalokoh
Sierra Leone Telegraph: 14 August 2016
The National Organization of Sierra Leoneans in North America (NOSLINA), will be taking its mission to Sierra Leone in January, 2017, to promote its ‘Enabling Communities for a Better Sierra Leone’ agenda.
This announcement was made by the Vice Chairman – Audrey Pabs-Garnon, after it was officially endorsed at the NOSLINA 2016 Annual Forum and Gala, which was held on Saturday, May 7, at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in the top end downtown Silver Spring, Maryland.
Inaugurated in spring 1998 in the wake of the reinstatement of the exiled democratically elected SLPP government, the organization’s members have a reason to celebrate the growth of NOSLINA into the leading voice for Sierra Leoneans in the Diaspora.
NOSLINA plans to embark on several strategic projects in Sierra Leone, in partnership with citizens and various organizations, to move the country to the next level of its development.
The purpose of the trip is to engage the Diaspora in giving back to Sierra Leone, especially in this post Ebola period. NOSLINA is seeking to encourage collaborative efforts and promote volunteerism locally, nationally and internationally.
The Diaspora being the 5th Province of Sierra Leone, NOSLINA’s intention is to become a major and central stakeholder in the well-being and future of Sierra Leone – the homeland.
Speaking at the 2016 Forum, Ms Pabs-Garnon said that Sierra Leoneans had a tendency to talk and operate in silos, which is why the NOSLINA forum and structure is providing the indispensable spark that fuels the mobilization of people and resources to advance Sierra Leone’s interests, and to improve the welfare of Sierra Leoneans.
Dr. Ibrahim Kamara, a Senior Epidemiologist at the US Department of Health and Human Services – who was one of the speakers on the Forum’s Health and Sanitation Panel, spoke about his experiences on the ground in Sierra Leone at the height of the Ebola epidemic, and of a post-Ebola nation. He also reflected on lessons that have been learned and looked ahead to a secured, post-Ebola society from a pragmatic clinical health perspective.
Dr. Emeric Palmer, a practicing physician who had just returned from Freetown after spending a week in the country, spoke from the heart, as he shared recollections of his interaction with officials on the ground and the general population.
It was clear from his remarks, that there had been a failure from an international, as well as national response to the Ebola epidemic. However, Dr. Palmer emphasized that the National Ebola Response Centre (NERC) had demonstrated positive results, even as he noted that more remains to be done in terms of attitudes, recovery and sustainability.
Speaking at the Forum also, Ms. Jonta Williams who is the Deputy Ebola Coordinator at the US Agency for International Development, informed NOSLINA members and Diaspora Sierra Leoneans about the US Government’s infrastructural contribution in excess of $169 million to help combat the Ebola scourge in Sierra Leone.
In addition to health, the money was spent on the development of other areas, such as communication and technology, food security, and governance and economic crisis mitigation.
Dr. Susan Shepler, an Associate Professor of International Peace and Conflict Resolution at the American University, and author of “Child Deployed”, is a member of NOSLINA’s Education and Cultural Arts Panel. She spoke about the importance of community-based education and grassroots academics. She stressed the need for the country’s educational standards to keep pace with global markers and levels of expectation.
Mrs. Akua Kouyate-Tate, a Senior Director of Education at the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, leads Wolf Trap’s national programs that use arts-integrated strategies to teach young children science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). She spoke about the value of the performing arts in early childhood education at the Forum.
She presented a range of materials showing how the performing arts can bridge the economic achievement gap, support STEM, provide children living in disadvantaged communities with better access to quality education, support language and literacy development, health and wellness, and also develop skills for successful students.
In closing, the Forum Chairman – Professor Cyrus Macfoy of the Biology Department at the Maryland University College, who is also the author of “Medicinal Plants and Traditional Medicine in Sierra Leone”, pulled the various strands of the forum discussions together.
He stressed the need for community engagement in the Diaspora and civic education on the home front, as fundamental to civil society. He expressed gratitude to all the presenters for their very informative contributions, and for stirring up excitement with recommendations that will enable communities to generate their action plans for a better and revitalized Sierra Leone.
Dr. Macfoy called upon NOSLINA members to renew and rededicate themselves to the finest ideals of a democratic Sierra Leone – a Sierra Leone where sound education, basic healthcare, and environmentally-friendly systems may be implemented and realized by its citizens.
Annual Gala
The Annual Independence Day Banquet Awards Gala is NOSLINA’s signature fundraising event. As is customary and intriguing, Sierra Leoneans, descendants of Sierra Leone, as well as Sierra Leone’s friends and supporters from across the United States and abroad converge to mark the occasion – this time to recognize stellar contributions to the making of a modern-day post Ebola resurgent Sierra Leone, and to encourage future advancements.
Awards
At the height of the Ebola crisis in 2014, NOSLINA was part of the process that yielded about $55 million Ebola related aid to West Africa. Airlink, the organization that linked NOSLINA to airlines such as Brussels Air to ship the aid at no charge, was recognized with a distinguished service Award at the Gala.
In association with Airlink, NOSLINA helped bring together the Sierra Leone Diaspora community – North America, Europe, Africa – whereby all segments put forth an unprecedented and unified effort, resulting in alleviating the suffering of Ebola victims.
The Diamond Award for Distinguished Service – the Organization’s Highest Award – was given to Mr. Daniel Koroma, who is the first African appointed to the County Executive’s Office in Montgomery County, Maryland. He is the Community Outreach Manager and Liaison to African and Caribbean communities at the Montgomery County Office of Community Partnerships.
Mr. Koroma has used his position of prominence and authority to give a voice and face to the people of Sierra Leone, by helping to create the narrative of the number of Sierra Leoneans in the USA, engaging diaspora groups and creating an opportunity for those groups to partner directly with the US Census Bureau, ultimately leading to receiving of much needed products and services in their communities. (The complete list of NOSLINA 2016 Awardees is reproduced below).
NOSLINA’s Sadu Bah Law Scholarship Award
Dr. John Davies-Cole, Chairman of the Board of NOSLINA, used the opportunity of the Gala to congratulate NOSLINA’s very own Sadu Bah Memorial Scholarship recipient Mr. Abdulai Kondowa (Photo), who was awarded the Bachelor of Law Degree with Honors from Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone.
The late Attorney Mohamed Sadu Bah was a selfless and untiring legal counsel and Board member of NOSLINA until his untimely death in 2011.
In the aftermath of his passing, NOSLINA created the Mohamed Sadu Bah Law School Scholarship Fund. Mr. Kondowa is the first recipient of the Fund.
Attorney Sadu Bah (Jr), Sadu Bah’s son, other members of the family, friends, and colleagues were in attendance to celebrate the joyous milestone of Mr. Kondowa’s accomplishment with the NOSLINA family.
Mr. Kondowa, who has one more year before he will be invited to the Bar, extended his appreciation to NOSLINA in a message addressed to the NOSLINA Executive Director.
Entertainment
Entertainment for the Gala was provided by the hilarious and ever-so-funny Joseph Zozo Betts a.k.a. Pa Bangura of the Professionals.
The Professionals are Sierra Leone’s most beloved old comedy group that originated in Freetown. Their radio show in the 1980s and ’90s was a mainstay on the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Service (SLBS), performing live throughout the country.
Members of the Professionals have come together again in the US to provide comic relief to the Sierra Leone community. Their brand of humor has been aptly described as a source of great comfort and a stress reliever.
Among principal performers are Donald Nat-George (“Dandogo”) and Joseph Betts (“Pa Bangura”), the latter rocked the NOSLINA Gala house with slapstick skits, evoking side-splitting laughter that morphed into tears.
As a progressive and forward-thinking organization, NOSLINA will continue its efforts of positively responding to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the task of building a better Sierra Leone.
As Dr. Davies-Cole puts it, “NOSLINA is extending our hands to everyone who has Sierra Leone at heart to join us in this sacred march. We will strive to maintain the highest standards of performance and accountability in all our endeavors.”
Professor Daphne Ntiri Quenum, distinguished Patron of NOSLINA’s campaigns and programs, underscores Davies-Cole’s hopes and beliefs when she remarks, “It is time to correct the distortions, prejudices and stereotypes about Sierra Leone and its people. Let’s create more legitimacy and identify those who can rebuild a country that needs rebuilding and rebirth.”
2016 NOSLINA Award Winners
Distinguished Service Award
Airlink a rapid-response humanitarian relief organization that links airlines with pre-qualified nonprofits
Distinguished Diamond Award
Daniel Koroma first African appointed to the County Executive’s office in Montgomery County, Maryland
Distinguished Community Leadership Award
Helping Children Worldwide by partnering with local government and child advocacy organizations in Sierra Leone
St. Joseph’s Secondary School Alumni Association US Mid-Atlantic Region for being ever faithful to the wellbeing of their alma mater
FSSGians Alumni Association-Washington Metropolitan Branch for continuing in the tradition of the school’s founders of supporting the school, its students, faculty and staff
Distinguished Humanitarian Leadership Award
Bishop Eugene Wellington for spearheading projects in Sierra Leone and in his local community of Slidell, Louisiana
Mr. Michael Fayia Kallon for standing out as a true Son of the Soil through his many years of loving devotion and support of the people of Koindu, Kissi Bendu
Mr. Foday Mansaray for relentlessly and persistently spearheading efforts in the Franklin Township of New Jersey to, among others, declare Sierra Leone Independence Day in the Township
Distinguished Entrepreneurial Leadership Award
Mr. Gibril Koroma for founding an online-newspaper that focuses on capturing breaking news in Sierra Leone
Mr. Patrick Goba for founding businesses both in Atlanta, Georgia, USA and Sierra Leone that over the years have led to employment opportunities for innumerable Sierra Leoneans
Mr. David Buakei Vandy for founding the first Sierra Leone theatre company in the USA.
For more information on how you can support the 2017 NOSLINA Mission to Sierra Leone, please contact Executive Director Suna Nallo at nallosgn@gmail.com or at +1-410-412-4311; web www.noslina.net.
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Facebook | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/?p=13300 | en | 2016-08-14T00:00:00 | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/2c5ec7bc5ef0e2ec1f08334686581fe1ca0cb2e36b65a7e2350183a3fdbf7477.json |
[
"Abdul Rashid Thomas",
"Mustache Moustache",
"Edie P Vandy",
"Jenneh Ngombi",
"Abdul R. Kabia",
"Alusine Fallay",
"Francis Kpaka",
"Senesie Junior Boima",
"Ekundayo Pratt",
"Foday Madama"
] | 2016-08-31T08:52:37 | null | 2016-08-31T06:52:53 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesierraleonetelegraph.com%2F%3Fp%3D13557.json | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/mariama-dumbuya.jpg | en | null | FGM in Sierra Leone - to ban or not to ban? | null | null | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com | Mariama Dumbuya
Sierra Leone Telegraph: 31 August 2016
I have been off social media for the past few weeks and perusing through various fora/social media I note the hot debate regarding the banning of FGM in Sierra Leone.
The unending “put under the carpet” issue of FGM reared its ugly head to gain the lime light once more because of the death of a 19 year-old lady who allegedly was initiated prior to her demise or died in the hands of the Soweis.
Upon careful reflection, I support the call for our Legislature to speedily enact a law that will clearly ban FGM for under 18s. However, in the case of above 18 years let the individual choice prevail.
I do not mean to offend, but please note that I’ll try to explain clearly the reasons for my stance.
FGM BELOW 18 YEARS
Factually, majority of initiates of FGM are mostly under 18s so banning FGM will reduce the practice of FGM to minimal level or almost nonexistent level. (Photo: Mariama Dumbuya – Author of this article).
It will be difficult and rare for someone above 18 to willingly subject herself to FGM. In effect, the number of initiates will be drastically reduced.
I read somewhere that Islam supports FGM in order to reduce the desires of women. I wonder why anyone will like to reduce the desire of another by cutting off what God in His wisdom created.
There is no reference to FGM in the Qur’an (see Denny Federick Mathewson (2001) in McAuliffe, Jane Dammen, Encyclopedia of the Qur’an, 1 AD, pg 366-367), There is however reference to the practice in other Islamic texts. ( I intend to get clarification of such references from Islamic scholars).
Every person is born different. Some people are sensitive than others, therefore cutting the clitoris to control female desires is totally unacceptable where there has been NO CONSENT.
In this regard, a child initiated might grow up to want a clitoris. It is unfair, inhumane, and a violation of the rights of the child and gross abuse to deprive the initiated girl child of the right to select whether or not to have her clitoris is to be removed at the age of 18 years upwards. Traditions are good to maintain, but harmful traditions should be discarded.
Nigerians used to mark their faces by cutting/marking them with sharp objects. These days that practice or tradition is almost non-existent because Nigerians must have realised that marking/cutting their faces negatively impacts them when socialising with other nationalities.
Our Child Rights Act of 2007 is clear that any person below 18 years is regarded as a child. A child cannot give consent.
Therefore, we must sensitise that initiating any child below 18 years is against the Child Rights Act. The Child Rights Act clearly lays emphasis that the duty of upbringing a child is not just left with the parents and family but the community at large.
In canvassing for banning initiation of girls below 18 years, it brings to mind circumcision of boys below 18 years for health (cleanliness) reason. In this case, should it be an exception because of the beneficial nature to keep the penis clean? I hold the view that if indeed circumcision of boys is related to health then there is a justification for continuing the practice.
Can the same be said of FGM?
However, another practice comes to my mind. The practice of piercing ears of girl/ child/ women for beauty purpose. This as we know is mostly done when the girl child is below 18 years. Is it okay to pierce the ears of a child below 18 years because it is traditional practice to most likely enhance the beauty of the girl child?
Where do we stop accepting certain traditional practices? Where do we draw the line? Piercing is also painful and can mutilate if not done properly. (It is worthy to note that it is rare to see mutilated ears because of piercing. It is further worthy to note that piercing of ears is found almost all over the world.
Going back to the main subject, we should ask ourselves what is/are the advantageous benefit(s) derived from cutting the clitoris of women and girls of a particular group or culture? If the answer is to reduce sexual desire then I wonder why other women from different cultures are normal yet they have their clitoris intact. Food for thought for our dear Sowies.
The fact that the cutting is done using crude cutting implements poses serious health risk which leaves the community at large with the onus to step in to control the practice.
The traditional rites of the Bondo society (excluding cutting the clitoris) should ( I’d say must) be preserved because it enhances our culture. I personally love to see the “Bondo devil” masquerade. I love its unique style of dance/dress and the way the mask is carved. Beautiful and artistic.
These are unique cultural aspects that we should preserve to maintain and have a unique culture. A society without culture will not stand above societies with culture. We need to preserve our unique culture that the Bondo rites (excluding the cutting) promotes. That is training young girls to be better in a cultural way. This training MUST EXCLUDE cutting of the clitoris.
18 YEARS OLD AND ABOVE
Where a female above the age of 18 years subjects herself willingly without duress to be initiated or undergo FGM, I humbly state that it is the right and prerogative of such a woman/girl.
Our Constitution is clear about freedom of Association. The Universal Declaration of human rights is also clear in that regard. I humbly state that the issue of violence against women has no basis in the context of a consenting girl /woman of 18 years and above. It is not violence where there’s consent and willingness.
Some people find pleasure in pain. I need not elaborate. It is hard to face but it is the reality of a democratic society – the right to choose.
What can we say about plastic surgery? Many women undergo plastic surgery and get a botched job scarring them for life; mutilating them for life. Can we stop such a practice done by Doctors? It is not because we do not have such facilities in Sierra Leone but the fact is there’re many Sierra Leonean women who have altered their bodies by plastic surgery one way or another.
I see FGM for above 18 years old the same way I see a consenting adult opting for plastic surgery or getting a tattoo. It is their business, solely their business. It is their right as a consenting adult. There’re many other examples of consenting adults exercising their right.
THE WAY FORWARD
The way forward to control the practice is to ensure that the procedure is done in a safe and healthy way. Therefore, our lawmakers or Government should enact a law or regulation that will set a standard for the procedure conducted during FGM.
This will serve as check and guidelines for Soweis to follow and adhere when carrying out the procedure on a consenting adult. There should be penalties in the event of default.
On the issue of girls below 18 years, the government should enact the ban as soon as possible. It is not fair to take away the right to have a clitoris from a girl child who cannot give consent.
Let girls decide whether or not they want to have clitoris when they are old enough to make the decision.The Commission set up by virtue of the said Act empowers the Commission in section 11(a)
“to keep under review legislation and customary practices relating to children with a view to advising Government, where appropriate, to adopt legislation and other measures so as to ensure their compatibility with the principles and provisions of the convention”.
The Commission is further empowered in section 11(e) to undertake “through professional training, adult education and child rights promotional activities aimed especially at…female genital mutilation…” he Commission is also empowered in the same section to render advice regarding laws relating to children in the spirit of promoting the content of the convention.
THE USE OF THE WORD MUTILATION (Food for thought)
Is it mutilation that is done during initiation? Did the word emanate because certain Sowies do mutilate the bodies of girls/women? We need to have stories/facts from girls/women in Sierra Leone in that regard. We need evidence in that regard.
I thus call on Sierra Leonean women who have been ‘mutilated’ by intiation, cutting of the clitoris to speak up so that we have tangible facts/evidence to back up/support the word “mutilation”. There are many girls/women who have had their clitoris cut off yet are highly sexually active and sensitive.
Mutilation according to Oxford Dictionary is “infliction of serious damage on something”. In the light of the above definition of mutilation, can one safely say the cutting of the clitoris is mutilation for all?
I note that some cutting are extreme, thus leading to mutilation in the strict sense. Whereas in others the cutting has not affected the women and girls in anyway.
I’m personally undecided in this regard. Food for thought.
THE DEATH OF THE 19 YEAR-OLD GIRL
I do not know whether investigation has been concluded on the death of the young 19 year-old girl or case charged to court.
However, I wonder if murder will hold. It is my humble opinion that even if she died at the hands of the Soweis, except “intent to kill” (mens rea) is present, it will be that of manslaughter and not murder. May her soul rest in peace.
Let me end by repeating that it is high time that our lawmakers take the bold step and amend the Child Rights Act of 2007 to clearly ban FGM or cutting of the clitoris of children because cutting of the clitoris does not promote “the long or short term best interests of the child”.
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Facebook | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/?p=13557 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/0a1ebc75b76e9673acaed44e5041df8661d3d5c8f1940cdb9040d7fe1f130c52.json |
[
"Abdul Rashid Thomas",
"Dathan Jones",
"Steven Kamabai",
"Abdul R. Kabia",
"Foday Madama",
"Mustache Moustache",
"Joseph Wilson",
"Alusine Fallay",
"Sahr Sinneh",
"Mohamed Sannoh"
] | 2016-08-26T12:58:26 | null | 2016-08-21T21:10:10 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesierraleonetelegraph.com%2F%3Fp%3D13394.json | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Johnny-Paul-Koroma2.jpg | en | null | Why amnesty for former war lord of Sierra Leone - Johnny Paul Koroma? | null | null | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com | Mohamed Kunowah Kiellow – The Netherlands
Sierra Leone Telegraph: 21 August 2016
A campaign has started by some Sierra Leoneans imploring the president to pardon or grant blanket amnesty to former war lord – Johnny Paul Koroma.
Some proponents of the case for pardon are arguing that ‘for true peace and reconciliation for our people and the country, set Johnny Paul Koroma free or grant him blanket amnesty for any crimes he might have committed, so that we can turn to a completely new page.’
‘Let us appreciate the fact that, we cannot always solve our problems by retaliation, especially if we desire to be forgiven for our own trespasses,’ they claim.
The campaigners want president Koroma to set Johnny Paul Koroma free or grant him blanket amnesty. But how can a group of sympathisers beg the president to free Johnny Paul Koroma who is legally and ‘factually’ dead?
On 7 March 2003, the prosecutor of the Special Court for Sierra Leone indicted Johnny Paul Koroma for his role in the RUF/AFRC. He fled Freetown in December to Liberia.
On 1 June 2003, he was officially declared dead under mysterious circumstances.
Although the Special Court prosecutor at that time noted that DNA tests on the remains found in Lofa County did not match Koroma’s DNA, he is yet presumed dead.
How then are the campaigners begging the president to set him free? Was he tried by a Sierra Leonean Court and imprisoned in Sierra Leone?
The answer is no. So, the campaigners should not be begging for his freedom, as he has never been tried and imprisoned.
Moreover, it is out of place to ask the president to grant Johnny Paul Koroma a blanket amnesty. Such amnesty is against the constitution of Sierra Leone and international law.
Section 63(1a) of the 1991 Constitution accords the president the Prerogative of Mercy. On grounds of Section 63(1a), the President may, acting in accordance with the advice of a Committee appointed by the Cabinet over which the Vice-President shall preside, grant any person convicted of any offence against the laws of Sierra Leone a pardon, either free or subject to lawful conditions.
The president, therefore, does not have the constitutional right to grant Johnny Paul Koroma a pardon or an amnesty for crimes he has not been tried and convicted of.
In addition, giving JPK an amnesty or pardon will be in contravention of Section 13(j), which stipulates that every citizen should render assistance to appropriate and lawful agencies in the maintenance of law and order.
Although the President enjoys extra rights, he still is a citizen and this section is also applicable to him. He should therefore not do anything that will compromise the maintenance of law and order in Sierra Leone.
If he grants Johnny Paul Koroma pardon or amnesty, he will impede the proper functioning of the police, who are saddled with the task of arresting people who have been accused of committing crimes.
In other words, he will not be rendering assistance to appropriate and lawful agencies in the maintenance of law and order.
If the president grants a pardon to Johnny Paul Koroma, he will be acting in violation of international law. When the Special Court for Sierra Leone closed its operation in 2013, a residual mechanism known as the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone (RSCSL) was established.
The United Nations and the Government of Sierra Leone signed on 11 August 2010 the Agreement on the Establishment of a Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone (RSCSL). It was ratified by parliament on 15 December, 2011, and made into law on 1 February, 2012.
The RSCSL is responsible for the ongoing legal obligations of the Special Court for Sierra Leone, which include supervision of prison sentences, witness protection and support, maintenance and preservation of the archives, assistance to national prosecution authorities and the trial of Johnny Paul Koroma.
Article 8 of the Statute of the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone states that the Government of Sierra Leone shall cooperate with the Residual Special Court in all its operation, and shall comply without undue delay with any request for assistance by the Residual Special Court or an order issued by the Chambers, including, but not limited to identification and location of persons; service of documents; arrest or detention of persons; and transfer of an indictee to the Residual Special Court. (Photo: Johnny Paul right, with his deputy the late Saj Musa – left).
It follows from this that any amnesty granted to Johnny Paul Koroma by the President, will amount to a gross violation of the agreement, as government agencies who have the task of executing the request for assistance will not be able to perform their functions properly.
What are the legal implications if the President grants Johnny Paul Koroma amnesty? Can Johnny Paul Koroma invoke the amnesty before the Residual Court?
Any amnesty granted by the President to Johnny Paul Koroma will have no legal effect before RSCSL, as article 10 of the Statute states that an amnesty granted to any person falling within the jurisdiction of the Residual Special Court in respect of the crimes referred to in Articles 2 to 4 of the present Statute, shall not be a bar to prosecution.
It must be pointed out that if, for example, the president makes use of his Executive Power to grant any amnesty, Johnny Paul Koroma cannot invoke it before a court with an international character.
The UN Special representative made it crystal clear at the signing ceremony in 2002 of the Special Court for Sierra Leone that the amnesty clause in Lomé Agreement “shall not apply to the international crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and other serious violations of international humanitarian law.
This standpoint of the UN Representative was later buttressed by a landmark decision, made by the Appeals Chamber in The Prosecutor v. Morris Kallon and Brima Buzzy Kamara case.
The Chamber reaffirmed that “an amnesty granted to any person falling within the jurisdiction of the Special Court in respect of the crimes referred to in articles 2 to 4 of the present Statute shall not be a bar to prosecution.”
Moreover, the grant of an amnesty for international crimes therefore, is not only in breach of international law, “but is in breach of an obligation of a State towards the international community as a whole.”
The Chamber further argued that amnesties granted by Sierra Leone, therefore, cannot cover crimes under international law, as they are subject to universal jurisdiction and by reason of the fact that “the obligation to protect human dignity is a peremptory norm and has assumed the nature of obligation erga omnes.”
In this article I have argued that any amnesty or pardon granted to Johnny Paul Koroma by the president, will violate national and international laws.
Moreover, any grant of amnesty to Johnny Paul Koroma will not have any legal effect before the Residual Special Court, as amnesties granted under national law shall not be a bar to prosecution under international law.
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Facebook | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/?p=13394 | en | 2016-08-21T00:00:00 | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/705be2fbc402e11cbd94f4afb4af494ab1952d1dc1e6474e24aca23a8a286464.json |
[
"Abdul Rashid Thomas",
"Alusine Fallay",
"Dathan Jones",
"Steven Kamabai",
"Abdul R. Kabia",
"Foday Madama",
"Mustache Moustache",
"Joseph Wilson",
"Sahr Sinneh",
"Mohamed Sannoh"
] | 2016-08-26T13:02:17 | null | 2016-08-07T22:59:33 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesierraleonetelegraph.com%2F%3Fp%3D13252.json | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Frank-Timis-Chairman-AML-and-right-Gibril-Moseray-Fadika-aka-Super-300x225.jpg | en | null | Sierra Leone presidential aspirant Moseray Fadika has died in London | null | null | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com | Sierra Leone Telegraph: 7 August 2016
The Sierra Leone Telegraph has in the last few hours received reports of the passing of Mr. Moseray Fadika, one of the potential presidential candidates of the ruling APC party, for the 2018 presidential election.
Mr Moseray Fadika who is popularly known as ‘Super’ is reported to have died at White Chapel hospital in London. He had arrived in the UK for a series of meetings last Friday.
In June, Moseray Fadika’s communications team made a spontaneous statement to the editor of the Sierra Leone Telegraph, denouncing rumours of Mr Fadika having been hospitalised, after suffering a violent attack in Mile 91 Freetown, by thugs belonging to a political opponent.
“I don’t know where people cooked that report. Moseray Fadika had a successful trip to Mile 91 and came back to Freetown safely. As a matter of fact, he had his night prayers as he is used to at the Fullah central mosque in Magazine throughout the night,” Mr Fadika’s communication Team told the Sierra Leone Telegraph.
But tonight, it is now several hours since this news first broke in London, and so far there are no reports from his team denying the authenticity of the report of his death.
The ramifications of the death of Mr Moseray Fadika, whom many in the party believe to be one of the wealthiest and a key contender for the leadership of the ruling APC party, will be enormously earth shattering.
Mr Fadika was co-founder and executive chairman of African Minerals Ltd., alongside the multi-billionaire Frank Timis, where he is believed to have made hundreds of millions of dollars in personal fortune.
The company went into receivership two years ago, after failing to meet its financial obligations and was bought by the Chinese Shandong Company Limited.
Mr Fadika is arguably one of the richest people in Africa. He is the Vice Chairman of Shandong Steel (SL) Ltd and Executive Director of Pan Africa Minerals Ltd, with a cumulative investment portfolio in Africa of over $3.1 Billion.
Just weeks ago, the country’s Attorney General – Joseph Kamara, who is also one of the main contenders for the leadership of the ruling APC party, was involved in a serious road accident with a commercial vehicle. He was hospitalised for a few days and is now back at work.
In Sierra Leone’s highly competitive and sometimes viciously fought politics, it is money and tribal lineage that takes you to the top of the country’s ruling class, and indeed to State House as president.
This is a video clip showing senior APC party grandees meeting in Canada, praying and devoting a minute silence in memory of Mr Fadika:
Here is a story we published in March this year, about Mr Fadika’s appointment as the first Goodwill and Business Ambassador for the Commonwealth Africa Initiative:
Moseray Fadika appointed goodwill ambassador for the commonwealth
Sierra Leonean business magnate, investor and philanthropist Mr Gibril Santigie Moseray Fadika has been appointed as the first Goodwill and Business Ambassador for the Commonwealth Africa Initiative.
His appointed was announced at the Commonwealth Africa Summit held in London, United Kingdom, last Wednesday, 16th March 2016.
The summit brought together a wide range of world leaders and personalities from across the 53 Commonwealth countries.
Presidents, former presidents, ministers, high commissioners, members of parliament, policy-makers, representatives of the private sector, civil society, diaspora organisations, youth groups, Commonwealth agencies, academia, celebrities and the media, also attended the summit.
Fadika’s appointment was announced by the former president of Nigeria – Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who is the new Co-chair of the Commonwealth Africa Initiative – part of the New Commonwealth Programme, alongside Dr. Caroline Harper OBE and Baroness Flather.
According to statement released by the Moseray Fadika Trust, this appointment underscores Fadika’s iconic status and outstanding leadership virtues and commitment to Africa’s development.
It says that Fadika will be a critical voice for the Commonwealth Africa Initiative, in advancing Africa’s agenda in the Commonwealth and globally. He was also presented with an international award for outstanding leadership and service to the people of Africa.
President Obasanjo stressed that Ambassador Fadika will be a champion for the Commonwealth Africa Initiative, in promoting peace and development in the region.
In his role as Goodwill and Business Ambassador for Trade, Investment, Business and Charitable Work of the Commonwealth Africa Initiative, Fadika’s engagement will contribute significantly to attracting investment and mobilising resources towards the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The statement from the Fadika Trust says that Ambassador Fadika’s knowledge, leadership skills and dedication to Africa’s development will play a pivotal role in opening markets, increasing trade and encouraging investment; and will contribute to government-to-government engagement with international partners and the private sector.
He will also engage in the work of eradicating extreme poverty for people in the Commonwealth by creating jobs, investing in education, health, housing and other sectors, the statement reads.
’’It is indeed a historic moment for me. I consider it a blessing to have this golden opportunity to champion the cause of Africa at regional and international level, promoting business as well as engaging and empowering poor people including women and youth, working alongside other eminent Commonwealth leaders. We must eradicate poverty. We are born poor, but we must not die poor”, said Ambassador Fadika.
Before the award ceremony, Ambassador Fadika delivered a keynote address on the theme “Shared Prosperity: Mutual Security” at the Commonwealth Africa Summit held at the prestigious Tag Hotel in Buckingham Gate in London, United Kingdom, from the 14th to 16th March 2016.
The summit brought together government and business leaders from various parts of the Commonwealth to discuss various topics ranging from trade and investment, entrepreneurship, leadership, counterterrorism, security, and economic development in Africa.
In his keynote address, Ambassador Fadika said: “My country, Sierra Leone experienced a major crisis due to the impact of the Ebola epidemic, and the associated damage to communities and livelihoods. The economy was hit the hardest, with business closures and rising unemployment further devastating a country that had not too long emerged from a decade of civil conflict.
“Our business was seriously affected. As co-founder and Executive Chairman, I was greatly involved in the work of African Minerals Limited, a minerals exploration, development and mining company with significant interests in Sierra Leone, which was forced into administration due to the Ebola crisis.
“We worked very hard to rescue the mining sector and brought in new investments. We survived! Now we have Shandong Steel SL Ltd, Pan African Minerals Ltd and we are working across 16 countries in Africa. We appreciate the support provided and are grateful to the Commonwealth, the international community and my fellow Sierra Leoneans in tackling the Ebola virus. Together, we defeated Ebola’’.
Ambassador Fadika emphasised his commitment to uniting and empowering people across Africa and to being a champion to advance business, trade and investment in Africa and across the Commonwealth. He underlined the importance of eradicating extreme poverty and helping poor people work their way out of poverty.
The summit began with a wreath laying ceremony at the Memorial Gate where Ambassador Fadika, for the first time in history laid a wreath on behalf of Sierra Leone, in honour of those killed in the 2nd World war.
Ambassador Fadika also attended the Commonwealth Day Service at the Westminster Abbey on the 14th of March 2016, in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen, His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry and The Duke of York.
Also present at the ceremony were; Dr. Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations; Dr. Joseph Muscat, Prime Minister of Malta and the new Chair-in-Office of the Commonwealth; H.E. Kamalesh Sharma, outgoing Secretary-General of the Commonwealth; H.E. Baroness Scotland, incoming Secretary-General of the Commonwealth; H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria; Hon. David Cameron, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom; and several world leaders.
The Queen’s annual Commonwealth Day message was central to the ceremony held at Westminster Abbey; and in it, she said: “Today, and in the year ahead, the theme ‘An Inclusive Commonwealth’ is an inspiration for us all. Let us give it practical effect by supporting those in need and those who feel excluded in all walks of life. By doing so, we will continue to build a truly representative Commonwealth community.”
Ambassador Fadika also joined the Commonwealth Secretary General, H.E. Kamalesh Sharma at the Commonwealth Young Leaders Award Ceremony, held at Marlborough House, the Secretariat of the Commonwealth. Ambassador Fadika expressed his interest in supporting and investing in young people in the Commonwealth, through the Commonwealth Youth programme.
According to the statement from the Moseray Fadika Trust; Ambassador Fadika came from a humble background. He was born in poverty and struggled to pay his school fees. Despite these difficulties and challenges, Ambassador Fadika never lost hope and continued in his efforts to seek a better life.
He graduated from university and went on to become a magnate in the business sector. Ambassador Fadika is today one of the leading entrepreneurs in Africa and he is regarded as Africa’s success story.
Ambassador Fadika is the Vice Chairman of Shandong Steel SL Ltd and Executive Director of Pan Africa Minerals Ltd, with a cumulative investment portfolio of over 3.1 billion United States dollars in Africa.
With promising investments in iron ore, oil and gas and related resources in nine West African countries, among them Sierra Leone, Ghana, Ivory Coast, The Gambia, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Liberia and Niger, Ambassador Fadika is said to have helped provide jobs for over 10,000 youths in the region.
Ambassador Fadika has established the Moseray Fadika Trust, which he says is providing jobs for thousands of young people, offering educational scholarships, building schools, and providing housing support.
The statement by the Moseray Fadika Trust also says that Fadika is committed to promoting better governance in Africa, and strengthening the capacities of people and communities to achieve a fairer and a more peaceful world.
Will Moseray Fadika be contesting for the presidency of Sierra Leone at the 2018 elections?
End of report published on the 26 of March 2016 by the Sierra Leone Telegraph
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Facebook | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/?p=13252 | en | 2016-08-07T00:00:00 | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/be43bbb3e37d606809266355e12908b5ce5da3f74c7dfbd2c0b443e6471c22da.json |
[
"Abdul Rashid Thomas",
"Dathan Jones",
"Steven Kamabai",
"Abdul R. Kabia",
"Foday Madama",
"Mustache Moustache",
"Joseph Wilson",
"Alusine Fallay",
"Sahr Sinneh",
"Mohamed Sannoh"
] | 2016-08-26T12:58:50 | null | 2016-08-20T18:17:41 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesierraleonetelegraph.com%2F%3Fp%3D13388.json | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/High-Court-Freetown.jpg2_-e1471715955830.jpg | en | null | Its not the duty of Alie Kabba to produce witnesses for the prosecution - say legal experts | null | null | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com | Sierra Leone Telegraph: 20 August 2016
When the case against Sierra Leone’s presidential hopeful – Alie Kabba was adjourned by Justice Miatta Samba a week ago, so it can resume on Thursday, 18th August 2015, the expectation was for the prosecuting lawyers to conclude their round of cross-examination of their witnesses.
They failed to present their witnesses on the 18th August, and the case was adjourned once more. Alie Kabba is now being blamed for the prosecution’s sloppiness and incompetence.
The onus of ensuring that witnesses for the prosecution appear in court, cannot be passed on to the accused; nor should the accused be expected to ensure that witnesses for the prosecution are frog-matched into court.
Newspaper reports of Alie Kabba failing to produce witnesses on Thursday, 18th August 2016, have been described by legal experts as “absolute rubbish and damn right mischievous”.
The key question that must be asked now is, for how long is the Attorney General – Joseph Kamara (Photo) going to put up with such sloppy and callous abuse of court jurisdiction and prosecution privilege, when lawyers acting for the state cannot produce their witnesses, so as to bring this case to a final conclusion.
Like him or hate him, one cannot ignore the travesty of justice that is written all over this politically motivated case against Alie Kabba, say critics of the government.
Dragging out any court case, irrespective of the identity and status of the parties to the case, thereby prolonging its conclusion so as to frustrate and emotionally punish the accused, is plain wrong and a gross violation of civil liberty, a senior lawyer in Freetown told the Sierra Leone Telegraph.
“This flagrant abuse of power in Sierra Leone must stop. The prosecution cannot expect to win its case, if it cannot produce its final witnesses to corroborate the evidence given under oath by government minister – Diana Konomanyi,” he says.
Once the prosecution has concluded its cross-examination, lawyers for Alie Kabba should then be expected to call on their witnesses to give evidence. This is how the legal system works.
Speaking to Alie Kabba this morning in Freetown, he confirmed that he stands by every word that he and his lawyers have submitted in court, as he continues to plead his innocence.
He also confirmed that it is not true that he failed to produce witnesses in court last Thursday, as reported in sections of the media.
“I really don’t want to comment on the case as it is still ongoing. But what I would like to say is that, it is not my duty to find witnesses for the prosecution. And it is not my duty to ensure that witnesses for the prosecution turn up in court.
“Even if it is my duty to produce witnesses for the prosecution – assuming they are struggling to find one to back up their evidence against me, it would not be in my interest to prevent any witness from appearing in court after they have been summoned to do so by the prosecution. To interfere with any witness in a case is a criminal offence. So why am I being accused of refusing to produce witnesses for the prosecution. It just does not make any sense.
“It seems some people are desperate and are therefore doing desperate things to continue to tarnish my good name and character.
“Since the start of this case last January, I have done nothing other than to cooperate with the prosecution and the court to ensure that justice is done. And this is what I intend to continue to do, until my name is cleared.”
Media report stating that the case “was deferred on the grounds that there was no defending witness to testify”, is false and shows a complete lack of understanding of how the court system works, a legal expert told the Sierra Leone Telegraph.
“It is not for defence witnesses to testify on behalf of the prosecution. This is rubbish,” he said.
As the government continues to throw away money it can ill-afford on a case that will not benefit the poor people of Sierra Leone – irrespective of who wins, it is now up to the Attorney General Joseph Kamara to decide whether he wants to continue to waste tax payer’s hard earned cash in this way.
The prosecution are hoping to have their two missing witnesses in court next Thursday, 25th August, to conclude cross examination. The case continues.
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Facebook | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/?p=13388 | en | 2016-08-20T00:00:00 | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/c1fa25ae230cb9bc0d1b47369bc54b4fe7f41723cf04d1179d12ad2da54b4c25.json |
[
"Abdul Rashid Thomas",
"Dathan Jones",
"Steven Kamabai",
"Abdul R. Kabia",
"Foday Madama",
"Mustache Moustache",
"Joseph Wilson",
"Alusine Fallay",
"Sahr Sinneh",
"Mohamed Sannoh"
] | 2016-08-26T12:59:13 | null | 2016-08-17T20:23:28 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesierraleonetelegraph.com%2F%3Fp%3D13365.json | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Rioting-in-kabala3-e1471464939356.jpg | en | null | Alie Kabba condemns police violence against unarmed protesters in Sierra Leone | null | null | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com | Sierra Leone Telegraph: 17 August 2016
After yesterday’s brutal massacre of unarmed civilians in Koinadugu district of Sierra Leone by the police, there has been no official response from State House or the ministry of internal affairs to pacify the people of Koinadugu.
A few years ago, one person was shot and killed by the police in Tonkolili during an industrial protest against the management of the iron ore mining company African Minerals. The president and a delegation of ministers and MPs representing constituencies in the district went to Tonkolili to meet with the community.
But yesterday, it was Koinadugu, a district that critics say is held in contempt by the Koroma government, especially after recent media revelations about the withdrawal of State House support for the chairman of NATCOM – Momoh Konte – a son of Koinadugu.
Koinadugu is minerals poor and largely survives on subsistence farming, despite its vast, rich and green agricultural lands.
With youth unemployment at more than 80%, Koinadugu is the poorest district in Sierra Leone, yet there are several senior ranking ministers in the Koroma government who come from the district, and have made little or no impact to Koinadugu – their district of birth. This includes the former finance minister – Kaifala Marah, now governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone.
As condemnation of the police brutality continues, opposition presidential aspirant – Mr Alie Kabba (Photo) had this to say:
“Reports of police shootings and killing of unarmed protesters in Kabala, Koinadugu District, are another grim reminder that our national politics is still heavily chained to the crudest of dangerous miscalculations on the part of law enforcement officers.
“Whatever the explanations for the brutal crackdown on unarmed youth protesters and its resultant spillage, the responsibility for upholding the peace should never be allowed to deteriorate into a full-scale shooting spree.
“The shooting of peaceful civilian protesters is definitely unacceptable, and it constitutes a grave threat to national peace and security.
“Citizens, in the exercise of their civic responsibilities, have the right to express their views and hold government accountable. The police, on the other hand, have a duty to maintain law and order, but it is not an unrestrained license by trigger-happy officers to intimidate or use deadly force against unarmed protesters.
“I am calling on the government to immediately rein in the forces it has at its disposal, and to speedily launch a credible, transparent and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic events in Koinadugu District.
“As we edge closer to national parliamentary and presidential elections, it is crucial that those in charge of state machinery act to assure the public that “power” and “force” would not be used to coerce people or thwart their will.
“The current political climate in the country appears to be getting very cloudy. Some defining clarity is needed here from the highest levels of the command chain! And it is needed fast in order to prevent further needless loss of life.
May the souls of all victims in Kabala rest in perfect peace! And may peace reign supreme, everywhere, in our beloved nation.”
Mohamed Marrah – leader of Koinadugu District Youth Council, told AFP yesterday that the protest was non-violent and related to the transfer of a training facility designed to improve job prospects in this poor rural community.
“They were unarmed and singing songs to get the authorities to reconsider the action. Suddenly, we heard shots and two people in the crowd just went limp,” he said.
“We protested for our rights but the police violently reacted by firing tear gas canisters and live bullets into the crowed which killed two of our people and left many others seriously injured,” he added.
A police officer reached by AFP said anti-government demonstrators had attacked and burnt down the office of the ruling All Peoples Congress and his own residence.
Local Unit Commander Superintendent Alimammy Bangura said he had been “reduced to a pauper” with his home razed to the ground.
A local resident today reports that: “There are two corpses at the hospital from the sad incident yesterday and one has just been taken for burial with armed men as escorts. His name is Boboh Savage, 16 years old and attended Ahmadiya secondary School and was in form two. He was hit by a bullet on his right upper side whilst coming from School lessons. He was staying with his mother at Imam Street in Bankolia.”
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Facebook | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/?p=13365 | en | 2016-08-17T00:00:00 | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/eec2cd8d20743fba001ec1a0cd207166c6fa4827a98e2e17fcc16e214ddc4b79.json |
[
"Abdul Rashid Thomas",
"Alusine Fallay",
"Dathan Jones",
"Steven Kamabai",
"Abdul R. Kabia",
"Foday Madama",
"Mustache Moustache",
"Joseph Wilson",
"Sahr Sinneh",
"Mohamed Sannoh"
] | 2016-08-26T13:04:17 | null | 2016-08-23T06:54:02 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesierraleonetelegraph.com%2F%3Fp%3D13407.json | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/China-investments-e1471934941475.jpg | en | null | What African countries like Sierra Leone can learn from Sheffield’s investment deal with China | null | null | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com | Sierra Leone Telegraph: 23 August 2016
Many Africans who are supportive of China’s economic dealings with Africa, say that the global economic giant is being unfairly criticised, for simply doing what most developed nations have done throughout history to Africans – the exploitation of the continent’s natural resources, in return for shoddy infrastructure development projects and support for poorly managed healthcare facilities.
Critics do not see it that way. They say that China is taking more out of Africa than it is putting in.
In most countries of Africa where China is believed to be investing their capital, they say that such investments are largely concentrated in mining, road construction, fishing and large-scale mechanised farming for their own domestic consumption, invariably using their own imported labour force especially at management levels.
On the surface there is little wrong with such investments. But once the veneer is removed from the agreements that China signs with their African comrades, what is seen are the massive loans at huge rates of interest that critics say will burden Africa’s future generations, as well as sap much needed cash away from current spending on essential public services.
Writing in the conversation.com, Sharif Mahmud Khalid says there is much that African countries can learn from the northern city of Sheffield in the UK, where a $1 Billion investment agreement has been signed with the Chinese.
This is what he says:
The British press has been devoting acres of coverage to a £1bn foreign direct investment deal into Sheffield, a former mining town in northern England. Branded as an extension of the “golden era” of relations between Britain and China, the contract between Sheffield and Sichuan Guodong Construction Group has been heralded as a remarkable investment. It is easily the largest Chinese investment in Britain outside London. And it comes with a 60-year life span.
The deal elicits useful lessons for Chinese investments across the African continent.
The Sheffield deal came with clearly stipulated terms of engagement. These included the creation of employment opportunities, and an obligation to fill a clearly defined urban development gap. This includes a five star hotel, sport fields, new office and leisure properties and both high-end and affordable housing in the city centre.
Significantly, the developments are to be undertaken using local and not Chinese labour.
These conditions stand in contrast with what deals look like between many African countries and China. Despite a plethora of such deals, leaders on the continent have not shown enough commitment to ensuring equitable partnerships with China. The Sheffield case shows what’s possible if the negotiating partner is firm about insisting on certain conditions for any deal.
Chinese interest in Africa
Trade between China and Africa has risen significantly. It now stands at an estimated $198.5 billion. This has been shaped largely by Chinese hunger for raw materials.
By some estimates there are about 1,673 Chinese-backed projects dotted across 51 African countries. This is obviously significant and surpasses any other region of the globe. By and large the terms of these pacts have been dominated by China’s needs. This is inimical – but it needn’t be the case.
The Chinese probably possess the most malleable foreign and trade strategy on the international landscape. As such it responds to the strategic investment programmes of its partner states. Chinese investors respond to the robust policy of Europe and America just as easily as they meet Africa with what demands it brings to the table.
Current Sino-Africa relations are best understood against the backdrop of the strategic Beijing China-Africa Summit of 2006 and the recent Johannesburg Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. Since then numerous loans, grants and infrastructure contracts have been inked between African governments and Chinese entities.
In addition, Africa plays host to a flourishing “barter” enclave. Under these deals the continent feeds sprawling Chinese industries in exchange for development loans and infrastructure contracts.
This form of barter comes with significant implications for Sino-Africa relations. In most instances the barter promotes an indirect involvement of China’s corporations in the extraction of Africa’s mineral resources. A case in point is the £3 billion loan agreement between China Development Bank and the government of Ghana, as well as other deals with Exim Bank China. These formed part of a $13 billion concessionary agreement for the development of infrastructure in Ghana, including its oil sector.
About 60% of contracts emanating out of this relationship are in the hands of Chinese corporations. Vital ingredients are missing. Issues such as corporate governance, social responsibility, corporate reporting, stakeholder engagement and responsible investment are ignored. These governance factors come to be treated as nonessential.
Many Chinese investors are also not directly involved in the actual mineral extraction. They often work through third parties. This means that the investors themselves cannot be held directly accountable and often evade their responsibilities.
The social and environmental effects across Africa’s resource value chain are massive. And African governments are left to deal with the environmental damage.
Africa has a strong hand to play
Given China’s need for raw materials, there is undoubtedly an opportunity for Africa to redefine power relations in its dealings with the new global giant. The mineral rich continent can set on course a win-win situation within the rubric of this existing relationship. Failure to do so might perpetually limit the continent’s ability to maximise economic value from its mineral resources.
Key factors must include skill transfer initiatives, localisation and fit for purpose infrastructure development.
Since the first Beijing Ministerial Conference in 2000 Africa has made little progress in preparing itself to meet China as an equal partner in economic dealings.
The conference set in motion the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and Programme for China-Africa Cooperation in Economic and Social Development. It could have spurred Africa to develop a more strategic response designed to accelerate development.
Africa needs to assemble the required mettle to change power relations in its dealings with China. The continent’s relations with China must be tailored to yield commensurate benefits.
Sheffield’s City Council seems to have been empowered enough to engage China on a mutual benefit bases. Given that Africa is the epicentre of most Chinese foreign direct investment it has a much stronger hand to play.
Even though the Sheffield case involved a private sector player, Africa must also turn agreements at government level into deals that deliver maximum economic value.
And African countries must use existing safety valves, like constitutional clauses and parliamentary agreements, to their advantage.
About the author
Sharif Mahmud Khalid is a Lecturer in Accounting at the University of Sheffield, Yorkshire, UK.
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Facebook | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/?p=13407 | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/40e27f4de4d1639fce632bf2b3dc33b8a7d42db76950466943bfc24359674650.json |
[
"Abdul Rashid Thomas",
"Alusine Fallay",
"Dathan Jones",
"Steven Kamabai",
"Abdul R. Kabia",
"Foday Madama",
"Mustache Moustache",
"Joseph Wilson",
"Sahr Sinneh",
"Mohamed Sannoh"
] | 2016-08-26T13:02:43 | null | 2016-08-16T21:41:37 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesierraleonetelegraph.com%2F%3Fp%3D13340.json | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/police-violence-in-kabala-several-youths-shot-dead.jpg2_-e1471382640828.jpg | en | null | Several young protesters gunned down by police in northern Sierra Leone | null | null | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com | Sierra Leone Telegraph: 16 August 2016
Tonight questions are being asked by Sierra Leoneans across the country and outside, who are desperately concerned about the increasing use of live bullets by the police, which today resulted in the killing of several young people and many left injured.
“Riot in progress in Kabala Town now today – 16th August 2016, 10:00am, as angry youths have taken to the streets, protesting over the relocation of the proposed youth village from Koinadugu District to Tonkolili District. I can hear gun shots from my office here at Yogomaia. Police and military personnel are trying to put the situation under control. It’s scary I must say…We call on the authorities to take immediate action.”
That was the cry for help sent out of Kabala in the Koinadugu district of Sierra Leone this morning, by one resident of the town – Mr. Wurie Barrie.
But as an eerie calm returns to the once sleepy town of Koinadugu, after several hours of police violence and chaos, unconfirmed reports put the number dead at more than four.
What could have gone so horribly wrong, in one of the ruling APC party’s political stronghold?
According to an earlier report by BBC reporter – Umaru Fofanah, “a 24-hour curfew has been imposed in Kabala where hospital sources have confirmed the shooting dead by police of two protesters. Two people are admitted there while two others are in a critical condition, and have been referred to the capital. The ruling party headquarters in the town and the homes of the local police chief and the District Officer have been torched”.
If this report is true, then it is safe to say that the government and its ruling APC party have lost huge political capital and goodwill in Koinadugu, where the last two general elections have seen a massive swing to APC at the expense of the opposition SLPP.
Koinadugu is the most deprived district in Sierra Leone, with the highest concentration of household poverty, illiteracy, youth unemployment, and childhood mortality. Like Kono district in the east of Sierra Leone, successive governments have not only lied to the people of Koinadugu district about investing in their communities, but have also failed them woefully.
And it would appear that the ruling APC’s decision to relocate the proposed youth village from Koinadugu District to Tonkolili District, is quite simply one lie too many for the youths of Kabala.
The APC government had received over $200 million from the international community and the World Bank, to help pay for the construction and development of the youth village in Kabala, as part of efforts to support vocational and employment skills training for youths in the district. (Photo: President Koroma early this year, promising the youths of Kabala that he will ensure that the youth village is built in their community. He has reneged on his promise).
But it seems the government has decided to re-prioritise this funding and there are suspicions most of that money have been misappropriated, like so many other funded development projects in the country.
Tonight as the people of Kabala count their dead and injured, the peace and stability of Koinadugu district is at serious risk of deteriorating further. (Photo: A school boy bleeding profusely, wearing a shirt that aptly reads on the front: “I survived another school year”. But has he?).
It seems the government and police have failed to protect him. The chief of Sierra Leone police – Munu, must resign or be sacked. He has certainly become unfit for purpose.
Sierra Leone’s human rights campaign group – the Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) has issued a statement following the police killing of unarmed citizens in Kabala. This is what it says:
“Today (16-08-2016) Youth of Kabala, Koinadugu District who were staging a peaceful demonstration over the government’s decision to relocate a Youth village that had been promised the district since 2014, were met with extreme Police violence and some of them paid with their lives.
“According to our sources from the township, Police officers called on the scene to control the protesters, fatally shot youths and injured a few others. This resulted in a rampage that led to the loss of more lives and burning down of houses.
“We in the Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) strongly condemn the recent police attack on innocent protesters and the police brutality, both during and in its aftermath.
“We are extremely concerned that the standard of policing in Sierra Leone has sunk to unimaginable depths. For far too long, there have been double standards in place for police officers involved in incidents of brutality and misconduct, and today’s event in Kabala is no exception. The ease with which police officers use live bullets to disperse unarmed protesters is a very worrying sign for this nation’s political future.
“We have evidence of Police violence and professional misconduct from all over Sierra Leone, and we believe that the impunity enjoyed by the Sierra Leone Police explains the distrust and cynicism that undermines effective policing in Sierra Leone. No police officer has ever been convicted for any of the killings or acts of brutality against civilians.
“We in the CHRDI, call on the government and the police to raise their standards to internationally accepted levels. It is time for substantive policy change within the Sierra Leone Police Force, including timely and meaningful accountability in order to begin restoring community trust in the Sierra Leone police force.
“Police should protect lives, not endanger them. They should be a friend of the people, seeking to protect their lives and properties at all cost.
“We acknowledge that the police are mandated to use force where necessary in order to enforce the law, but we believe that such a mandate is not without responsibility. The poignant question that should be asked, even as the country reels from the aftermath of this despicable incident is, was the use of lethal force by the police justifiable?
“In view of the above concerns, CHRDI deems it fit to make the following observations;
The SLP should stop escalating tension in any conflict across the country by adopting proper community relationship strategies and stop resorting to use of fire arms at the slightest provocation. All Law enforcement officers must be guided by the principles of reasonable force and democratic policing. A police officer shall always attempt to use non-violent means first and lethal force may only be employed when non-violent means are ineffective or without any promise of achieving the intended result.
“We also wish to draw the attention to the responsibility of duty-bearers to uphold human rights, and seek to support rights-holders to claim their right.”
This is a video recording by an eye witness describing the chaotic and violent scene in Kabala:
Police killing of innocent youths in kabala.
The country’s main opposition SLPP party has also published this statement condemning the police attack on unarmed civilians in Koinadugu:
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Facebook | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/?p=13340 | en | 2016-08-16T00:00:00 | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/df8dce7bef0beb0333be74cdb9009e2389d987a5bb0f0c66307b89d7e136d1a4.json |
[
"Abdul Rashid Thomas",
"Alusine Fallay",
"Dathan Jones",
"Steven Kamabai",
"Abdul R. Kabia",
"Foday Madama",
"Mustache Moustache",
"Joseph Wilson",
"Sahr Sinneh",
"Mohamed Sannoh"
] | 2016-08-26T13:03:54 | null | 2016-08-26T06:54:50 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesierraleonetelegraph.com%2F%3Fp%3D13460.json | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Africa-progress-panel1-e1462773973243.jpg | en | null | Fatmata Turay was not killed by circumcision - says Sierra Leone minister of social welfare | null | null | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com | Sierra Leone Telegraph: 26 August 2016
After much global publicity about the causes of death of a nineteen year old woman in Sierra Leone – Fatmata Turay, after undergoing circumcision, the official cause of death is now known. She died of ‘bilateral lobar pneumonia – seriously affecting her lungs’, according to results of examination conducted by the government pathologist – Dr. Owizz Koroma.
Responding to comments made at the recent press conference held in Freetown by the Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP), Sierra Leone’s minister of social welfare said that Fatmata Turay “also had extensive other pathologies and conditions throughout her internal organs in her chest cavity, her abdominal cavity and her pelvic cavity”.
“It is the decision of her family members not to publicise what other conditions were found by Dr. Owizz Koroma in her chest, abdomen and pelvis. I respect that.”
This is the minister’s full statement issued yesterday.
I have read media reports of a press conference held on August 24th by the Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP) in which I am accused of refusing to give the green light to implement a so-called “National Strategy” against female circumcision which is also dubbed as FGM.
Notable is that female circumcision is practised by Bondo Women who make up the vast majority of our female populace in Sierra Leone. My position on under-aged and forceful female circumcision is known by everyone who cares in this country.
At any major platform I have expressed my disdain for initiating people against their will, as well as initiating young girls.
Now, let me upfront state that FAHP has never expressed their concerns to me prior to that press conference.
I have been directly contacted by UN Agencies on the so-called national strategy against FGM and I have expressed the concerns of the vast majority of Sierra Leone women to them.
As a result, both UNICEF and UNFPA are currently working with my senior ministry staff in widening the consultations to include more rural women. This has been ongoing for the past four weeks now.
We are on track to ensure rural women and traditional women take the lead on implementing whatever we are going to implement. My vision is for the Soweis and active practitioners of female circumcision to believe in whatever national strategy my ministry develops, so that they can be the ones driving the implementation. Anything other than that, is a waste of energy.
I am now challenging the FAHP to produce any evidence of them ever expressing concern to me (in writing or otherwise) over the so called “national” FGM strategy. I challenge them to indicate if prior to their press conference on Wednesday, they ever told me they are unhappy with me. They have never done so! Never.
Many concerned women have told me that they believe the FAHP ongoing scheme is just dirty politics being played and they have urged me not to be distracted. I will not be distracted, but let me just highlight a few points.
The so called “national” FGM strategy document I was given upon taking office, indicates hundreds of thousands of dollars is to be granted to FAHP and Cohorts but let these organizations keep in mind that we cannot sacrifice respect for views of majority of our women on the altar of hundreds of thousands of dollars they seek to be granted.
Every stakeholder should feel a part and parcel of any national strategy or else, it is not a national strategy but a parochial one. I repeat, Every stakeholder should feel a part and parcel of any national strategy or else, it is not a national strategy but a parochial one.
I inherited a draft strategy that has already received serious criticisms from a huge swathe of Sierra Leone women who say they were not consulted in its development.
I have several communication from many women’s groups around Sierra Leone asking me to put a hold on implementing the strategy until they are fully involved in its development. These represent the vast majority of Sierra Leone women.
Meanwhile, I have never, I repeat, NEVER, received any communication from the so called FAHP expressing concern over me allegedly failing to act on the strategy. The first time I heard of their supposed displeasure with me was from their press conference they held on Wednesday.
To my mind, their entire press conference and media antics are borne of some political posturing. It appears to be just dirty politics clouded in advocacy. In fact, points-scoring supersedes Children’s Rights as far as FAHP recent activities go. I seriously ponder on whether FAHP really cares about children?
If they care for children, then why was FAHP so insensitive as to post unedited photos of little girls who are victims and worse of all, go on to identify these little vulnerable children by their names and even heartlessly and callously list the name and class of the specific school that one of the victims is attending in Freetown?
Identifying those victims like that and posting their faces on social media, is just criminal on many fronts.
My deputy minister Madam Neneh Turay used to be the chair of the FAHP until even after she was named as deputy minister. She only gave up as the substantive chair few weeks back.
Now just recently, she has been engaged in frontal gross insubordination towards my authority as her immediate boss to an extent of going on social media to publicly counter my expressed positions – which are positions I inherited as launched in our government’s National Agenda For Prosperity. She is unapologetic in publicly countering me.
So, therefore I see the FAHP press conference as a mere extension of her allies continuing to try to disrespect my leadership and distract my attention.
Otherwise, why did the FAHP not first try to specifically draw my attention to their concerns over the status of the strategy with me? Did they ever write to me expressing displeasure over their perceived delay on my part? No, Never! The timing of their attack on me, is all suspect but I will not be distracted.
I am in this seat to represent the interests of all the women of Sierra Leone. And I mean *ALL* women. Not just the Freetown elite or intellectuals or the collectors of hundreds of thousands of dollars but all the women including the rural and illiterate women whom I have to show the greatest possible respect and be especially sensitive in how I handle issues concerning long held beliefs of theirs.
If the vast majority of Sierra Leone women are in the rural areas, my leadership of the Gender Sector is going to be tailored to ensure their interests are well captured in any national strategy on FGM.
I have to ensure they can trust me and my leadership of that critical ministry. And so far, they are extremely happy with my leadership of the Ministry. I give God the glory.
Yes, I will also seek the interest of the minority women in the big towns who are receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars from Western interest groups. Yes, I will listen to them as well and I will also seek their interests but all such various interests will be carefully balanced by me. I am the Leader in the Gender sector. I am the Minister. I have to seek everyone’s interests.
I will meanwhile be extending an Invitation to FAHP for them to meet me some time early next month. The exact date will be communicated to them by my Diary keeper. It is my hope that our meeting in September, might bring about a better mutual understanding.
Until then, I am well focused on what is of more importance to me including the protection and best interests of the vulnerable girls of Sierra Leone. I refuse to be distracted.
Finally, and this is EXTREMELY important. Much has been said by unscrupulous persons about a 19 years old who died a few days after she was circumcised of her own volition.
I went up to Makeni in Northern Province so as to witness the autopsy / postmortem conducted on her. I am a trained and qualified medical doctor and I have witnessed several post mortem examinations.
According to Government Chief Pathologist Dr. Simeon Owizz Koroma who conducted the postmortem in my personal presence alongside the presence of civil and traditional authorities, the 19 years old Fatmata Mustapha Turay, primarily died of bilateral lobar pneumonia (her two lungs were badly affected) and she also had extensive other pathologies & conditions throughout her internal organs in her chest cavity, her abdominal cavity and her pelvic cavity.
It is the decision of her family members not to publicise what other conditions were found by Dr. Owizz Koroma in her chest, abdomen and pelvis. I respect that.
I respect the family’s right to their privacy as well as respect for the late lady’s memory. FAHP and other interested parties can contact the family for more information if they so desire.
The Police have since released the Soweis and the Nursing Sister with apologies from the Police. The case has been closed by the Police as they found no crime was committed. I believe the late young lady should now be allowed to rest in peace.
Her death has been abused and mis-used too much now by those who are overzealous to score cheap points. Please let her soul now rest in peace.
May the Almighty continue to guide us all.
Hon. Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden (Cabinet Minister in charge of Sierra Leone’s Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Issues)
FREETOWN
Thursday August 25th 2016.
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Facebook | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/?p=13460 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/34b32d26db94380be0595398c27b0fe0ba036ba0344df37c4ea7ed16acdb97e3.json |
[
"Abdul Rashid Thomas",
"Dathan Jones",
"Abdul R. Kabia",
"Foday Madama",
"Mustache Moustache",
"Joseph Wilson",
"Alusine Fallay",
"Sahr Sinneh",
"Mohamed Sannoh",
"Sulaiman Bah"
] | 2016-08-26T12:57:10 | null | 2016-08-22T06:52:40 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesierraleonetelegraph.com%2F%3Fp%3D13403.json | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Victor-Foh-and-President-Xi-Jinping-of-China-e1466447932858.jpg | en | null | Sierra Leone - moral corruption more destructive than financial corruption | null | null | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com | Raymond Dele Awoonor-Gordon
Sierra Leone Telegraph: 22 August 2016
You know something, while the chatter all across the country – on shop floors, in markets, within business circles, and in classrooms and beer parlours as well as gatherings of compatriots in the Diaspora, is about the current state of Sierra Leone, I have come to an inescapable conclusion that for whatever reasons, politics has turned us all to China phones that only make unnecessary noise.
Frankly, in the midst of our existential crisis, which has given rise to a warped value system, colossal waste and greed, an increasing crime rate fuelled by youth unemployment, economic strangulation and dire financial situation, politics is important, but it should not be at the expense of the survival of the country.
It is very important for each and every one of us, including those almighty politicians – current and aspiring, who dominate our political arena, riding roughshod over us in the mistaken belief that they are demi-gods, that if the country collapses like in 1991, politics itself would no longer exist.
It is essential for us all, who tend to lend our support to some of the glaring atrocities that have turned the country into a hellish hole, to remember that what is going on in our collective subconscious mind as a society – materialism, preoccupation with immediate gratification and frustration, intolerance etc., are very well articulated and robust, and are manifested in our current rot.
As things stand now, the brew is steaming up, simply because our political elite have perfected the art of diverting our attention from serious developmental defects, to mundane matters that border on their personal interest, but which are given patriotic colouration. They are like Dracula running the blood bank.
They’ve infected us all with that acute mental state in which they set out in an idealistic fashion to recreate our world in their own image.
This explains why their chief focus is to eliminate all those assumed to be standing in the way of their hallucination, no matter whether those mavericks are right or not. It is why, not once have those who rule and are called apostles of change, said sorry for the glaring mistakes or glaring incompetence that have added to our national pains.
Anyway, my belief is that we need to forget all the break, cast a new pair of eyes over the landscape and come up with innovative new solutions based on actual needs, materially and psychologically, to appease in particular the sociology of the majority of those with low income and our society in general.
Honestly speaking, our inability to put aside partisanship in the truthful analysis of where exactly we find ourselves, is one of the main reasons why Sierra Leone is now impotent, unfocussed and virtually comatose.
There is an urgent need to reverse the course of events. To be able to do this however, there is the need for everyone to come together and be more candid about the mess in the country, which is increasingly showing up in the degree of public disenchantment and suppressed anger.
That’s what is missing. Daunting it may appear from personal perspectives, but nonetheless possible.
We have not declined our rate of growth; the reality is that we have not been growing at all for a while. We have been relying on data that are fraudulent and not a proper reflection of economic realities, to dictate our existence – frozen in time.
But it is radicalism, not incrementalism that is the path to our salvation. We need to change our mindset, retool and begin to innovate and motivate our people to free and exploit the energies inside our huge resource-based nation and society.
Why would those who have bled the nation dry expend their loot on projects such as palatial mansions of little value to the generality of the people; or on shopping malls which are filled with imports costing the nation huge fortunes in foreign exchange, yet there are no manufacturing companies to reduce our dependency on goods from abroad?
Unfortunately, one of the most debilitating thing about us as a people now, is that we seem to have this notorious backward mentality of our ability to acquire and maintain meaningful perceptions in an apparently chaotic world.
Our world continues to collapse at a very scary, frenetic pace; but we prefer to align with political partisanship and become sentries and collaborators. The situation is made worse by the fact that it is virtually impossible to get to the bottom of issues, due to the lack of trust that pervades our warped society. See what is happening in Kabala. Some other areas are warming up for similar display of anger.
To make the matter worse, the fourth estate of the realm (the media) is impotent, or so laden with hatchet men or desperadoes that are so jaundiced and lazy, that they end up being the megaphone of those we intend to bring to justice.
They are so impervious to the misdemeanours of those who are ruining us, that they simply feed an educationally-famished populace with reports straight from the mouths of those who have a stake in the narrative, as opposed to conducting impartial investigations.
Our Judiciary is worse than a very bad joke these days, that in their macabre dance, its silken culprits spew judgements that are difficult not to link with political interference from the highest quarters.
Our ministers look like a shower of bickering incompetents, whose brains are in the pockets of the President and cannot resign even if they disagree with what is definitely not in the national interest.
Surrounded by barbed wires, our elites live in private prisons they call homes. We go to our disease filled slaughterhouses we call hospitals. We drive on death traps we call roads. We send our children to our mediocrity-grooming centres we call university, and yet today, those kids have lost every value of integrity because of lack of role models and world class standards.
We start our weeks and weekends in motivation-speech centres and incantation brain-washing houses called churches and mosques. Yet, corruption is woven into every fabric of our society, including these sectors that are the haughtiest in condemning the plague.
Most of those dealers, opportunists, and visionless carpetbaggers with nauseating inclinations for banditry who loot the commonwealth without thoughts of the country and its future, are most prominent in these assembly of “inspirito heaveno, Alleluia or Allahu wakuba”
We have lost something big in our once glorious society and current events only reiterate how far down the gutter we have gone. Hence, I recommend an emergency surgery to remedy the bad situation.
Our present circumstances should prick our consciences and force us to start a serious re-awakening of the anti-corruption and anti-impunity crusade, starting with ourselves, our homes and neighbours.
For our collective survival, it is not too late to start fighting these monsters from the self. Hope is an expectation; it has to lead somewhere.
We all know that today, despite several promises and assurances; massaged statistics and fraudulent data, we flutter in the gloom of our predicament; hunger reigns across the land and poverty is written in the faces of many of our compatriots who are emaciated and sick of undisclosed sicknesses. Many have gone; and many are about to die.
Vultures circle the carcasses of our nation which has been butchered by our leaders. Our beloved nation is now a distant land to many of its citizens. I do not know when we lost it, but I know the country was not always this far away from the people.
No. I tell a lie. It is decades of deliberate malformation that has left Sierra Leone a victim and every sector a mis-shaped space infected by virulent strains of corruption, ethical pollution, violence and ethnic prejudice.
Yet, those who fill the seats, in the easily-pleased studio-audience of our type of politics, fail to appreciate the ‘facts-behind-the-figures’ situation of life in our society today, which are evidently the true reflections of our attitudes, choices and chivalrous pursuits as parents, as teachers, mentors and politicians.
Across board, the crave for instant gratification and evil manoeuvres, as well as hypocrisy and deceit, has become the diet at the centre of our existence. Our whole system – social, political and economic as well as religious, is corrupt.
Indeed, there was a country once, it was known as Sierra Leone… far different from the cants and humbugs we see parading on our socio-cultural space of today.
Together, because we have refused to learn from past mistakes but simply excuse them, we are now nothing but an ideologically and intellectually lazy set of Homo sapiens who have allowed mediocrity to become our gauge; complacency our response to injustice; selfishness our platform of operation and dishonesty our currency of discourse.
As a result of all these, we are too afraid to confront our exploiters even though we are aware that these fraudulent harems of strange bed fellows are the ones responsible for our having hit rock bottom. We allow these evil and vile men to steal from us, while we give them accolades because of the blood money and blood food they want us to eat with them.
The mistake we are making is that we glorify and idolize evil doers because they have money. We respect evil because of the financial gains we hope to get from there. And the moment we have a moral awakening to condemn these bloody hands, the better.
We hide under the guise of apparent comfort, ethnicity, party loyalty and religiosity and refuse to acknowledge reality. Instead we pretend that they don’t exist or could be wished away like a bad dream.
Having given our family heirloom away cheaply without anything to show for it; and having squandered the gifts showered on us to help us to our feet after we chose the way of madness, we now blame everything except ourselves for the fate that befalls us. The latest being Ebola and the global economic slump.
Pray; since when has it stopped being the government’s job to have a permanent process for identifying and positioning the nation for the season of plenty and the period of farming? Our political elites have lacked even the will to save a few pennies for a stormy day. Yet, their pockets bulge.
That our economy would have reached the sky and the fantasy island that was envisaged is irrelevant. What has happened has happened. Clearly, our failure to build in the time of plenty has exposed us to the infectious economic and social diseases we are battling with today – stagnating in a permanent state of mediocrity and un-progress.
It seems that there is no hope of seeing the light at the end of the tunnel as the day progresses. Look around you, bro. That’s not prediction, but description.
There is the need for all the elites to have a change of heart and begin to think of what ways they can turn around Sierra Leone. Collectively, it is high time we began to think of how this country can be preserved. We’ve allowed evil to flourish and then wonder why the country cannot develop.
How do we collectively lift ourselves psychologically and economically within the shortest possible period? That’s what leadership should be tangoing with. That’s what patriots should be fighting for. Not grandiose projects and cheap propaganda. Not just mere wishful thinking.
Our mindset as a people and a government should be consumed by a passion for socio-political and economic development, as well as appreciate that the earlier we confront the latent issues in every sphere of our existence and influence, the better for us.
Rather than the defeatist and unwise attitude of playing the ostrich, there is an urgent need to start the fight from deep within our very soul and the heart of the nation. Moral corruption is worse than financial corruption.
It is unfair to keep telling those battered by the present economic hardship in our country and who cannot sleep at night because all the organs in their digestive system cry, due to hunger, that things will turn around within the next two years before this government takes a bow.
Please help me: Where is the plan? Where is the strategy? Where are the timelines setting out proposals for addressing our main issues and other deep challenges? What is the strategy for creating jobs and growing the economy? The bitter truth is that the money is simply not there and we are hoping that our begging bowls will bring about bountiful harvests.
Do you know why despite the massive infrastructure building programme, unprecedented in our history, the unemployment rate is still sky high? Because the Chinese and other foreign organisations allegedly helping us out, are the ones taking the jobs, with the barest of local contributions and dictating what happens. Well, their programme is not meant to be economically beneficial to us anyway. (Photo: Vice president Foh and China’s premier).
In other climes, such as Dubai, Brazil etc. such massive injection of funds into infrastructural development resulted in massive job creation and a fillip for the economy. Despite all the overtures to any and every Tom, Dick and Harry in the past eight years, our cupboards are very, very bare. The question is why is this so?
To prove that love is not the propelling factor, none of those who have come in, have bothered to take on investments, such as industrialisation, that are immediately needed but which if properly planned and structured, take a long term to yield dividends to them.
Our lazy dependence on simply allowing anyone to dig up our ground and send the resources abroad to process, with no value added and very minimal benefit to us as a nation.
What a shame that one cannot even visit his or her own country for more than a mere few weeks before yearning to get outta there, to a more comfortable and peaceful environment; that which God himself has promised us.
As it is today, the party is over and the reality is that Sierra Leone is simply eagerly waiting for the undertakers. We are too deep in a mess and in too critical a condition that our saving grace is the type of introspection that will help us not to be hypocrites and removed from the tainted moral and character flaws fuelling our societal decadence.
The challenge in our conundrum is knowing how to maintain a balance between transparencies in our conducts, and standing against blatant disregard for the rule of law and sense of decency by the people in power.
I think we can only undo the evil by first accepting that our ways are mortally flawed. This we continually fail to do. We generally point at the elusive “they” for all our woes, whereas we’re responsible in our respective little bad ways, such as blind loyalty to mediocrity.
Change of heart is what we must do even though the government and its operators have a lead role to play.
We collectively just pay lip service to good ideals. Ironically, we generally drool over countries that took great pains over decades to create and run orderly and so successful. We have to undo this evil – one way or the other. Some people have to stand up for the emancipation of our people for a new Sierra Leone.
How do we get it back? There has to be nucleus of change – men and women willing to lay down their lives for the change. It will not be easy, because the vultures will not let go easily. But that change has to come.
What we need here is collective self-examination of consciences. There should be the overall realisation that our leaders are only bred by a citizenry soaked in lawlessness and corruption, and it is the society itself that has evolved a very flawed culture and mentality
But we can’t all just watch or run away – yeah me included!
This is the crux of the matter. Without such recognition and a determined effort to appreciate our own contribution or inaction to the nation’s moral, political and economic bankruptcy, do you have confidence in the future of Sierra Leone?
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Facebook | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/?p=13403 | en | 2016-08-22T00:00:00 | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/a201a30f65ea2b4bb5870afe6cd475c21817bafeb1384755bbff901f3c630cd6.json |
[
"Abdul Rashid Thomas",
"Alusine Fallay",
"Dathan Jones",
"Steven Kamabai",
"Abdul R. Kabia",
"Foday Madama",
"Mustache Moustache",
"Joseph Wilson",
"Sahr Sinneh",
"Mohamed Sannoh"
] | 2016-08-26T13:03:32 | null | 2016-08-13T09:49:24 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesierraleonetelegraph.com%2F%3Fp%3D13293.json | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/alie-kabba7.jpg | en | null | Big blow for Sierra Leone ruling APC as case against opposition politician Alie Kabba crumbles | null | null | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com | Sierra Leone Telegraph: 13 August 2016
There was more drama at the High Court in Freetown on Thursday, as the credibility of the government’s main witness – Lands Minister Diana Konomanyi, in its bigamy case against opposition leader – Alie Kabba, takes another tumble.
For the first time in this politically motivated court room drama, Alie Kabba’s lawyers have produced the knockout evidence, showing that Alie Kabba had been declared divorced by a court in America, before marrying Diana Konomanyi.
The ‘kiss and tell’ minister appeared shell-shocked, when this vital evidence was revealed in court. Many now believe that, this marks the prelude to the closing of a political ‘red curtain’ on a matrimonial case that ought not to have got this far.
Court room reporter – James Sesay is in no doubt that this second round of cross examination of Diana Konomanyi by defense lawyer Francis Ben Kaifala, has laid the foundation for the clearing of Alie Kabba of the trumped up bigamy charge.
By the end of Thursday’s proceedings, lawyer Kaifala was able to point out to the packed court room that Diana Konomanyi did not come to court with ‘clean hands’, as she herself had been married at least twice before, and had failed to disclose this to the authorities or to Alie Kabba, before they got married. Diana was shown the original marriage certificate stating that she got married to Stephen Jusu in 1989.
Lawyer Kaifala also showed that Diana Konomanyi has committed several perjury related offences, when she lied on oath that she had never been married before, and making false declaration to the Registrar-General before marrying Kabba.
Diana confirmed this when the records were shown to her. Bigamy offence carries seven years imprisonment.
Diana Konomanyi did not have knowledge of the fact that the Will County Court in the USA had orally dissolved Alie’s marriage to his first wife, and this was on record. She said she was surprised to find this out in court, when lawyer Kaifala gave her the document to read out loud.
It was also proven that Diana lied to the public, when she declared in a live interview on radio 98.1 in 2015, that her marriage to Kabba lasted for only one month, after changing her statement in court last Thursday.
It is now clear that Diana had not seen the Will County Court Records showing that Alie Kabba was already divorced from her previous wife, when she made false allegation to the police in Freetown that led to his arrest and charges of bigamy brought against him.
Diana was asked whether she received legal advice about US divorce laws, before making her allegations of bigamy to the police. She said she did not consult a lawyer.
In reply, lawyer Kaifala said that had she sought legal advice, she would not have gone to the police with her allegations.
The case was adjourned by Justice Miatta Samba to Thursday, 18th August 2015, when prosecuting lawyers are expected to conclude proceedings.
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[
"Abdul R Thomas",
"Ekundayo Pratt",
"Mustache Moustache",
"Foday Madama",
"Anira Koroma",
"Franklin Oladipo",
"Godwin Koroma",
"Joseph Wilson",
"Alusine Fallay",
"Dathan Jones"
] | 2016-08-28T14:50:32 | null | 2016-08-28T13:26:55 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesierraleonetelegraph.com%2F%3Fp%3D13464.json | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/SLPP-Resolution-Aug-2016-1-e1472390657771.jpg | en | null | Sierra Leone opposition SLPP putting its house in order? | null | null | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com | Sierra Leone Telegraph: 28 August 2016
The National Executive Council (NEC) of Sierra Leone’s opposition SLPP, met yesterday to discuss the progress it is making in meeting the milestones it had set few months ago, based on the advice and ruling received from the country’s Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC) and the Supreme Court.
Since losing the 2012 presidential and general elections to the incumbent ruling APC, the SLPP party has remained deeply divided.
Following a series of poor judgement and irrational administrative decisions, many rank and file members have accused a section of the party’s NEC of autocracy and dictatorship.
As the party continues to struggle to find its feet in an ever increasingly turbulent and rancorously charged political atmosphere, there is strong concern it will remain divided, disorganised and too weak to fight the incumbent APC at the 2018 general elections.
With the party’s national office in the capital Freetown, perceived by many to be under siege by a faction determined to install the former military leader – Julius Maada Bio as the party’s presidential candidate, confidence and trust are in short supply.
But as the National Executive Council (NEC) members struggle to maintain order and discipline, their legitimacy and authority are also being questioned.
After recently conducting what has been described as highly flawed local level elections – the results of many of which the PPRC have found to be problematic, the last few weeks have been quite challenging for the NEC, as it is forced to carry out a re-run of those contested results.
As the party continues to de dogged by administrative foibles, time is fast running out for the NEC. The timetable set several weeks ago for the party national convention and the election of the party’s presidential candidate has slipped significantly.
The NEC has gone back to the drawing board.
So yesterday, Saturday, 27 August 2016, NEC officers met to review progress. Although there are rumours suggesting that the meeting was not properly quorate, the NEC agreed a series of resolutions as a road map for 2018, including, extending its hold on power to the 31st of October 2016, when new executive officers and the presidential candidate are expected to be elected.
This is what they agreed:
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Facebook | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/?p=13464 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/70cdfd5a8910892d97c0afb7563ad1394d2716258124a793af86286a4ab2d97a.json |
[
"Abdul Rashid Thomas",
"Alusine Fallay",
"Dathan Jones",
"Steven Kamabai",
"Abdul R. Kabia",
"Foday Madama",
"Mustache Moustache",
"Joseph Wilson",
"Sahr Sinneh",
"Mohamed Sannoh"
] | 2016-08-26T13:03:07 | null | 2016-08-06T09:04:46 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesierraleonetelegraph.com%2F%3Fp%3D13231.json | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Alie-kabba6-e1470471697481.jpg | en | null | Counting the cost of justice in Sierra Leone as lands minister loses credibility in a politically polarised matrimonial case | null | null | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com | Sierra Leone Telegraph: 6 August 2016
Put aside for one moment the legal and sometimes common sense argument as to who is telling the truth and whether a crime had been committed or not, the cost of pursuing justice in Sierra Leone is not cheap – especially for the tax payer who has to pick up the bill in matters judged to be criminal in nature. (Photo: Opposition politician Alie Kabba – prosecuted by the ruling APC on matrimonial charge).
As the long-drawn matrimonial case involving the government’s minister of lands – Diana Konomanyi, who is acting as witness for the government against opposition politician – Mr Alie Kabba, continues without an end in sight and at astronomical cost to the state, the question that must be asked is – what price justice?
Why should the state get involved in a matrimonial matter involving two consenting adults, arguing about whether vital pre-matrimony information was disclosed before consent to get married was given or not?
There are thousands of young and very poor children caught up in the country’s criminal justice system, and many languishing in smelly, dirty cells – unfit even for animals, simply because the president says he cannot afford to pay for their cases to be heard in court.
So why should the state continue to spend millions of dollars on a matrimonial case involving two powerful politicians, that has been adjourned as many times as anyone may care to remember.
When the accused – Alie Kabba was first arrested last December, even before he was charged with bigamy, a bad odour of political interference was detected.
And seven months on, what should have been a simple hearing lasting no more than three days at a matrimonial and family court, is being stretched from the ridiculous to the sublime.
Yet in Sierra Leone we call this justice.
But whose justice is it anyway? Of what interest is this case to the more than four million poor people of Sierra Leone that are struggling to put food in their empty stomachs before going to bed at night, and to the millions of young people who cannot find work?
Each time this case is adjourned by the court, as it was two days ago, one has to ask the question again – why is the government spending millions of dollars on a matrimonial case involving two educated, consenting and powerful politicians, simply to prove which party to the failed marriage had lied to the other.
What most people would have expected the magistrate at the first hearing last December to have said to both Diana and Alie is this: “Its over – get over yourselves and get over it; and to the prosecutors – stop wasting tax payers money in a senseless and politically motivated dispute.” (Photo: Attorney General Joseph Kamara must stop looking the other way).
But of course not – it is Sierra Leone we are talking about here, not some properly run state where common sense is common; where justice, accountability and good governance are the order of the day.
So as we continue to wait for both Diana and Alie to make another appearance at the High Court on the 12th of August, it will be foolish not to assume and expect yet another adjournment.
Why has the case against Kabba not yet collapsed, based on clear evidence, showing that minister Diana had lied about her marital status to both Kabba and the Marriage Registry Office.
And why should tax payers care about this case anyway, faced with the burning issues of poor healthcare, lack of clean drinking water and electricity that are crippling the country.
Sceptics believe that the intention of the ruling APC party – who are the key actors in this political drama, is to do everything possible for this matrimonial case to drag on, until polling day in February 2018, by which time Alie Kabba would perhaps have been disqualified from contesting the country’s presidential election on a flimsy court ruling. (Photo: Minister Diana and president Koroma).
According to journalist covering the case two days ago at the High Court in Freetown, the court room was once again packed – standing room only, as Justice Miatta Samba listened to the cross-examination of the government minister Diana Konomanyi, by lawyer acting for Alie Kabba – Francis Ben Kaifala.
In a cross-examination which lasted over an hour before the case was adjourned, a very confused and sweaty Diana, confirmed that she had been herself married before to a Stephen Bockarie Jusu in London, but did not disclose that fact to the Marriage Registry Office or Alie Kabba before they both got married – the same issue for which Alie Kabba is being prosecuted by the government.
But in Sierra Leone, what is good for the goose is not always good for the gander. A minister can lie their way to heaven and get away with it – with impunity.
Diana confirmed that she did not tell the truth to the Marriage Registry Office.
When filling her marriage application form, she deliberately failed to tick the box that says she is a ‘divorcee’.
It was discovered that her wedding certificate and other records, falsely state that she had not been married prior to getting wed to Kabba.
The Lead defence counsel also asked her if she had requested proof of divorce from Mr. Kabba before marrying him. She replied that she believed he was divorced.
She also said that she did not know a divorce could have taken place in the USA, even though the case for the divorce itself proceeded in court; and that she did not know that that was the case with Alie Kabba’s divorce to his previous wife before marrying her.
Diana was also questioned about her alleged marriage ceremony in Ivory Coast which she denied.
She was asked if she knew that it should be the previous wife who should have accused Alie Kabba of bigamy, not her. She panicked and talked about unrelated issues, to which the judge admonished her to answer the questions posed by counsel.
Kabba’s Counsel Kaifala left no stone unturned, even though the Lands Minister Konomanyi tried to seek sympathy from the court.
In all, the foundation is said to have been laid by lawyer Ben Kaifala, for Alie’s innocence to be proved, through no less a person than Diana Konomanyi herself, as is becoming clear that this case was a witch-hunt that should never have got this far.
The matter was adjourned to the 12th August for Diana to continue her ordeal at the hands of lead defence counsel for Alie Kabba.
Alie Kabba’s supporters may be taking comfort that this case is now drawing to a close, as the evidence given by the government’s main witness – Lands minister Diana Konomanyi and her credibility crumble.
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Facebook | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/?p=13231 | en | 2016-08-06T00:00:00 | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/61fb5bca64c69a8cd25e3adbddd9eef0443d42fa7f3ac962ae2e7bc55854d5a4.json |
[
"Abdul Rashid Thomas",
"Dathan Jones",
"Steven Kamabai",
"Abdul R. Kabia",
"Foday Madama",
"Mustache Moustache",
"Joseph Wilson",
"Alusine Fallay",
"Sahr Sinneh",
"Mohamed Sannoh"
] | 2016-08-26T13:00:00 | null | 2016-08-09T07:16:59 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesierraleonetelegraph.com%2F%3Fp%3D13273.json | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/parliament-sierra-leone2.jpg | en | null | Sierra Leoneans are desirous of a country built on real needs - not the dictate of outsiders | null | null | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com | Raymond Dele Awoonor-Gordon
Sierra Leone Telegraph: 9 August 2016
When national discourse deliberately uses soft words to hide hard crimes or impunity, then you know that as a society, you are up the proverbial creek with no paddle.
This is what manifests as corruption and the evolution of a country of hustlers per excellence.
Right now, our politics is constitutionally immoral and unbelievably depressing, simply because some of the utterances emanating from our leaders and supposed guardians of our moral values and the sentries of social justice, only confirm that what we have in place is indeed a leadership of the most unprincipled and the very worst among us.
Little wonder that despite their insistence and efforts to make us believe that all is sweetness and light, even in the darkest recess of our current realities, not much positivity has emerged from the dead man’s footsteps that we have been trailing.
Instead, it is now pitiably borne out that, like history shows, most leaders don’t get it until it is too late.
Reading the finance minister’s emphatic declaration that the much-maligned Mamamah airport project will definitely go ahead, irrespective of the feelings of the majority of the people of Sierra Leone, I realised that our current delinquent pipe and slippers political leadership are unwavering in the determination to napalm the future of our nation.
No fable writer could have invented the men and women who waste their country’s time and resources on such farcical thinking, and who prefer to jump in bed with negative forces that are hell bent on feeding on the carcass of a famished nation, so long as their bank balances swell beyond the everlasting needs of any sane human being. (Photo: Finance minister Kargbo – right, talking about the new airport project).
In their ignorance, they forget to appreciate the fact that if wealth is the secret to happiness, then kids of the rich should be dancing on the streets. But only the kids of the poor do that.
Blindly driven by insatiable lust for personal gains, and of course, the grinding wheels of the submissive and ignorant majority, their obvious failure of judgment and crass display of selfish greed and vanity in the midst of national calamities and widespread opposition, is an indication that they care less about whether the people are hungry, or about the several areas of our lives that are not fit for purpose.
If in the midst of inexcusable social inequality and the pervasive poverty level, the irredeemably corrupt, conscienceless, kleptomanic ruling elites believe that their personal interests are the interests of the people, then the only way forward is for the Almighty God to wipe the slate of Sierra Leone clean, so he can start afresh to create the honest and innovative human beings that a good country needs.
It confirms that whether it’s APC or SLPP, it’s you and me who can change our beloved nation by changing ourselves.
It leaves the nation’s future where it belongs – in our very hands. It is to the progressive and radical elements whose number is rapidly increasing, that the tomorrow of our illustrious country belongs.
My God! Where are the big personalities with the balls to effectively check the worst excesses of those in power? Where are those who usually fill the gaping holes of our disastrous politics and governance?
It is clear that the lack of real depth or consistent philosophical or strategic ideological underpinning to deliveries have been exposed.
The current batch of leadership cannot even clean a dusty carpet at the moment; talk less of being able to clean the socio-economic mess that its action and inaction have created; which is why it believes that an airport is better in the long term than a bridge; even if the people say that is what they want.
Don’t get me wrong. There’s nothing wrong in arranging and rearranging the fire wood to let the flame flare. But poking the fire unnecessarily, invariably kills the flame.
So far, rather than quickly dousing the ignitable flames of the national embarrassment they have caused, our leaders have proceeded to walk in dead man’s footstep.
Our society which I initially thought had a small flame flickering in the global economic breeze that can hopefully grow into a blazing inferno, now feels like something verging on pity when I survey the ruin that is now Sierra Leone.
It reminds me that there was a country indeed in my youth. That country died in my adulthood.
Most nations suffer simply from mismanagement. In our case, we couple that to mindless stealing and corruption. And every passing day, makes it look like we have passed the point of no return in our breakneck advance to the deepest depths of impunity and mediocrity that humanity has ever seen.
Then, when I hear the underlying howl of pain in the chorus of the ‘Hebrew slaves’ that have become the standard feature of our society, I realise that I am as guilty as all of us to have let this happen.
All the sectors are falling apart… religious, education, health, political, security, etc. I can go on and on. Yet, I feel we all have become powerless and thoughtless; our country is gone because we all are not speaking out in unison.
Like me, there are many who are beginning to despair about the future of our great country.
All they can see is a country, a people and a leadership that no longer question its values, nor weigh them against the realities of today and our tomorrow. (Photo: Vice president Foh).
We keep pretending that this Hustlers’ Paradise is actually a managed society, even when it has been revealed that all that has happened, especially following the promises of the last eight years is to enter the race, even though we are unable to keep the pace.
I guess that’s what you get when faith becomes the centre of your strategy in anything, rather than a determination and belief, on top of hard work.
Even God knows when to dodge a problem like Sierra Leone, because of our penchant for hypocrisy.
Because of our poverty-mentality, our insensitivity, our tribalism, our religious fanaticism, loss of identity, fear, greed and lack, we have sat down and accepted an Olympian display of management ineptitude, ignorance of any iota of to think strategically, and complete callousness as well as blatant disregard for us – the very people of Sierra Leone in general and to the plight of the majority in particular.
The brutal ideology clash between the leaders and the ‘led’ is a testimony to what is essentially a depressing and grotesque set of values, that is painfully struggling to accentuate national aspirations.
When we look at the summary measures for assessing long-term progress in the three basic dimensions of human development, there is nothing to write home about.
Current Sierra Leone’s HDI value is 0.413— which puts the country in the low human development category—positioning it at 181 out of 188 countries and territories, while the most recent survey data that were publicly available for Multidimensional Poverty Index estimation, indicates that 77.5 percent are multidimensionally poor, while an additional 14.6 percent live near multidimensional poverty.
The breadth of deprivation (intensity) in Sierra Leone, which is the average of deprivation scores experienced by people in multidimensional poverty, is 53.0 percent.
The three key areas of long-term healthy life, access to knowledge and decent standard of living, paint a parlous picture of pure deprivation of the long-suffering masses.
That’s our news – one and a half decade into the 21st century, and eight long years into the promised journey to change and prosperity.
The statistics are simply scary. Yet, we have become a people who wallow in the scandal that we have become. Like a television audience of a reality show, our failures and mistakes have become the butt of our amusement, even when they impede our progress.
Sierra Leone is now a country of many ironies. But perhaps the crudest one of the very many problems we’ve accepted over time is that of impunity, which seeps in the manner of an anesthetic, dripping slowly into the very sinew of our society.
While it has left all forms of joy absent from our canon of emotions for so long, it has left us unconcerned, excited and confused in the same breath.
All we do is to sit back and enjoy the numerous tales of our national shame – corruption, impunity and dishonour.
The leaders and the followers have become so detached from each other, that neither side stops to question the correlation between our collective acts of omission and commission, and our current socio-political and economic predicament.
We are each guilty and ineffectual as much as the leaders who rub our noses in the penchant of their outstanding incompetence and disregard; as well as the willful obscurity of a plan for true progress.
We cannot keep throwing money into infrastructure development with nothing to show for it – no matter how golden the intentions of the current government.
Where is the economic logic in building a new airport, whose very thought to many, is at variance with those caught up in the deep class and social divide, and who are at the brunt of the hellish hole that we now find ourselves?
Surely, the aspiration should be to provide a plausible and sensible road map to moving faster to breach the gap in a way that makes public infrastructure formidable enough to bear the weight of the dreams of millions of Sierra Leoneans, and not the desires of a minute few and a legion of foreign hawks.
The truth is that for Sierra Leone to truly move forward, those in power should realise that they need to display an epitome of a determination to chisel out a mark that will never fade; as well as possess the huge incisors of a big beast of the jungle, that will show the leadership intent to regain Sierra Leone’s lost glory.
A child on a farm sees a plane fly overhead and dreams of flying. But the pilot on the plane sees the farmhouse and dreams of returning home.
Sierra Leoneans are desirous of having a country that is built on their needs and not the dictate of outsiders.
My prayer is for the leadership of our country to invest serious efforts in making our country united with happy and contented citizens.
Right now, nothing is working well for most Sierra Leoneans who lack the good things of life and even the basic necessities. Why should things that benefit a few take priority over that which the majority would be the happier?
Let those in power realise that nothing lasts forever.
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Facebook | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/?p=13273 | en | 2016-08-09T00:00:00 | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/ffda15c04c8434056daba77486db638b9c18a2666d2ea1100a3844e2046f3138.json |
[
"Abdul Rashid Thomas",
"Dathan Jones",
"Abdul R. Kabia",
"Foday Madama",
"Mustache Moustache",
"Joseph Wilson",
"Alusine Fallay",
"Sahr Sinneh",
"Mohamed Sannoh",
"Sulaiman Bah"
] | 2016-08-26T12:56:15 | null | 2016-08-11T22:24:25 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesierraleonetelegraph.com%2F%3Fp%3D13281.json | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/president-koroma-celebrates-end-of-ebola-061115.jpg | en | null | Is president Koroma of Sierra Leone directing the sale of national assets for his personal benefit? | null | null | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com | Sierra Leone Telegraph: 11 August 2016
As pressure mounts on the speaker of Sierra Leone’s parliament to conduct an investigation into millions of dollars alleged to have been misappropriated by the chairman of the country’s National Telecommunication Commission (NATCOM) – Mr Momoh Konteh, a second letter was last week addressed to the speaker.
The letter is demanding yet another investigation into the overall management of NATCOM and the entire process of privatising the country’s telecommunication gateway.
This second letter however, goes much deeper. It not only alleges that members of president Koroma’s family are personally benefiting from the breaking up and selling of the telecoms gateway to foreign investors, but accuses the president of directly controlling and manipulating the bidding process.
This continuing abuse of presidential powers the author of the letter says, is responsible for Sierra Leone’s under-development and massive corruption in high places, with close friends, political allies and family members of the president directly benefiting from large public procurement contracts and sale of national assets.
The letter is scathing: “NATCOM must justify the decision to allow our International Gateway to be managed on the basis of self-declaration of minutes that has led to the loss of over $200 million since 2008 at the hands of Teltac Africa Ltd (“State Exploiters from Lebanon” headed by Hisham Mackie).
“We support the recommendation by Investigative Journalists for Parliament to instruct Teltac Africa Ltd to payback the People of Sierra Leone the sum of at least $80 million out of the $200 million the Company has stolen from our International Gateway cash machine between 2008 and 2016 inclusive.”
Read this second letter in full below:
The Speaker,
House of Parliament,
Freetown,
Sierra Leone
Dear Sir,
NATCOM Corruption: Parliament must Intervene as Momoh Konte blackmails the Koroma Family over International Gateway Contract Rivalry
Corruption surrounding the monitoring contract for the liberalized International Gateway has reached such epic proportions, that Parliament must now intervene in order to save our Democracy and the Presidency from falling into total disrepute.
With Momoh Konte accusing the President’s brothers of being directly and openly involved in the fight to take over the Gateway monitoring contract, President Koroma’s personal interest in the International Gateway has become so blatant and public, that it has attracted the greedy attention of other corrupt businessmen from all over the world.
The former Chairman of NATCOM Dr Tom Obaleh Kargbo continues to protest his innocence and believes that he and other commissioners were sacked by President Koroma as part of his first step to cancel the legally binding monitoring contract with a European Company.
The decision to retender the contract has apparently led to bitter rivalry between Momoh Konte and the Koroma Family. This is very shameful Mr Speaker!
According to a source very close to a serving Commissioner of NATCOM, Momoh Konte is reported to have received hundreds of thousands of US Dollars in bribes from Global Voice Ltd. The company also offered him shares if their bid is successful.
To increase the chances of success for Global Voice, Momoh Konte gave verbal instructions on the phone while he was out of the country to his fellow Commissioners on the ground not to accept any more than two other bidders in addition to Global Voice Ltd.
This instruction was carried out and in so doing they rejected the bids from 4 other companies on the grounds that they submitted their bids few minutes late.
A source close to Momoh Konte claims that two of the companies whose bids were rejected have the full backing of President Koroma’s brothers (referred to as the Koroma Brothers in this letter). However, Momoh Konte himself claims that the companies are actually owned by the Koroma Brothers.
The High Court recently ruled in favour of the companies whose bids were rejected by NATCOM to the annoyance and disappointment of Momoh Konte. Giving instructions from his hiding place out of the country, Momoh Konte instructed his Lieutenants to defy the Court ruling. The Chairman’s other instruction to appeal against the Court ruling has also been carried out.
Credible sources close to the NATCOM Board have confirmed that the evaluation of the three bids that were submitted on the closing date has been completed by the Acting DG Senesie Kallon, Commissioner Alpha Sesay, Commissioner Frank Manja, and a few other members of the Management team of NATCOM.
And that an Award letter has already been drafted in favour of Suba Ltd from Ghana which ministerial sources suspect to be the company favoured by President Koroma. Momoh Konte has threatened to blackmail the entire Koroma family if the bid by Global Voice is unsuccessful. The Gateway gloves are officially off!
Mr Speaker, the international image and respectability of Sierra Leone have been seriously dented by the direct involvement of President Koroma in the International Gateway issue.
According to a report by Investigative Journalists who have been pursuing Momoh Konte for nearly year now, the involvement of President Koroma has led to:
1. The International Gateway to be operated by Teltac Africa without a License throughout the Monopoly and beyond (from 2006 to 2016).
2. The loss of over $200 million by SierraTel, NATCOM and the Government since 2008 caused by allowing Teltac Africa Ltd owned by the so called “State Exploiters from Lebanon” headed by Hisham Mackie to operate the International Gateway on the basis of self-declaration of call minutes.
3. The blatant breach of the World Bank agreement under the instructions of President Koroma to protect his personal interest in the International Gateway and SALCAB.
4. The suspension of the WARCIP Project by the World Bank leaving staff involved to go without salaries.
5. The cancellation of $10 million worth of World Bank funded e-Transform projects caused by the suspension of the WARCIP project. These projects would have benefited several Government Departments and NATCOM.
6. The credit rating of Sierra Leone has taken a nosedive caused by the Government’s deliberate breach of World Bank agreement under the instructions of President Koroma.
Mr Speaker, patriotic Ministers and Civil Servants are very angry that the President’s instructions to deliberately breach the World Bank agreement has resulted to the Post-Ebola Recovery initiatives being delayed by our Donor Partners who are currently indispensable.
Corruption has become so endemic that, Sierra Leone can barely stand on its feet even with the help of crutches provided by our generous international Donors.
We are an independent State without independent means! This is very shameful Mr Speaker especially when taking into consideration all of the rich mineral resources Sierra Leone is blessed with.
Mr Speaker, Momoh Konte was appointed Chairman of NATCOM in order to raise funds for President Koroma and to compensate him for his timbergate disgrace after being exposed by Aljazeera on international TV in 2011.
As the fallout over the International Gateway monitoring contract becomes ever so eminent, Momoh Konte is unveiling his blackmail strategy through his credible sources in the Media.
As a taste of what to come, he told one of his media sources that after serving over a year as Chairman, it is his conclusion that President Koroma is a very ungrateful, unreliable, greedy, selfish and very wicked leader who would send you to commit a crime but then withdraws and isolates himself when you get caught as if he is an innocent Saint.
Momoh Konte continues to insist that everything he does at NATCOM is approved by President Koroma and he has evidence to prove it. He divulged to his source that President Koroma agreed to allow him to select a company for the retendered monitoring contract.
Momoh Konte warned that any deviation by the President from their gentleman’s agreement on the Gateway monitoring contract would have serious consequences which His Excellency and his entire Koroma family would live to regret for the rest of their lives.
The absolute confidence with which Momoh Konte expressed his threats against President Koroma and his family is rather very surprising to say the least.
Mr Speaker, Parliament must address the following issues as a matter of urgency:
1. The President’s apparent involvement in every public procurement worth $100,000 or higher is causing excessively long delays in the implementation of Government projects that are intended to benefit all Sierra Leoneans.
This explains the frustratingly slow development pace of the Country behind Liberia, Guinea and The Gambia. Parliament must therefore advise President Koroma to take his hands off all procurement processes in compliance with the Public Procurement Act. It is also causing corrupt people like Momoh Konte to blackmail him with confidence. This is very shameful Mr Speaker.
2. The Anticorruption Commission must end the discriminating manner in which it operates by treating Momoh Konte and other government officials as sacred cattle. No one is above the law Mr Speaker. Momoh Konte and other Commissioners of NATCOM continue to impersonate as Executive when they are Nonexecutive Board members. We have previously submitted this issue in Part 1 for your immediate action.
3. The Koroma Government must be ordered to comply with all terms and conditions of the World Bank agreement with immediate effect. Full compliance will help repair our relationship with the World Bank and other International Relations associated with it.
4. We agree with the report that the International Gateway is a National Resource owned by the People of Sierra Leone. Parliament must therefore hold current and former NATCOM officials to account for allowing our International Gateway to be left unregulated and operated without a License throughout the Monopoly.
Most importantly, NATCOM must also justify the decision to allow our International Gateway to be managed on the basis of self-declaration of minutes that has led to the loss of over $200 million since 2008 at the hands of Teltac Africa Ltd (“State Exploiters from Lebanon” headed by Hisham Mackie).
5. We support the recommendation by Investigative Journalists for Parliament to instruct Teltac Africa Ltd to payback the People of Sierra Leone the sum of at least $80 million out of the $200 million the Company stolen from our International Gateway cash machine between 2008 and 2016 inclusive.
6. We have attached the 4 page contract signed by the President’s brother-in-law Alpha Sesay while he was Managing Director of SierraTel. This sell-out contract for the operation of the International Gateway that generated tens of millions of US Dollars a year during the Monopoly is an immoral betrayal of the People of Sierra Leone.
Alpha Sesay was later appointed by the President as a member of the Board of the telecoms regulator NATCOM in order to protect Teltac Africa Ltd and the President’s personal interest on the International Gateway.
Parliament must therefore demand a copy of the full 4 page contract, and summon President Koroma for his role in allowing Teltac Africa Ltd to over-exploit the People’s International Gateway resource.
Yours faithfully,
Idrissa Koroma
Copy:
The President -, His Excellency Dr Ernest Bai Koroma
The Vice President – Ambassador Victor Bockarie Foh
All Members of Parliament
All Cabinet Ministers of the Sierra Leone Government
All Leaders of Opposition Parties
The Bank Governor, Bank of Sierra Leone
World Bank Country Representative
The Chief Justice, Sierra Leone Judiciary
Ade Macauley – Anticorruption Commissioner
The CEO, National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA)
Auditor General, Audit Service Sierra Leone
Commissioner General, National Revenue Authority (NRA)
Sierra Leone Bar Association
All current and former Members of the Board and Management of NATCOM
All Media Houses in Sierra Leone and Aljazeera TV
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Facebook | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/?p=13281 | en | 2016-08-11T00:00:00 | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/3682526d60a984b1a0f226bb2b3d2bc248b0793335ce13da591eca87c82244ce.json |
[
"Abdul Rashid Thomas",
"Dathan Jones",
"Abdul R. Kabia",
"Foday Madama",
"Mustache Moustache",
"Joseph Wilson",
"Alusine Fallay",
"Sahr Sinneh",
"Mohamed Sannoh",
"Sulaiman Bah"
] | 2016-08-26T12:56:43 | null | 2016-08-18T22:01:44 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesierraleonetelegraph.com%2F%3Fp%3D13385.json | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Sierra-Leone-police-e1463077841629.jpg | en | null | Young protesters gunned down by police in northern Sierra Leone - A Rejoinder | null | null | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com | John Baimba Sesay- China
Sierra Leone Telegraph: 18 August 2016
In a June 2012 article titled “A societal problem demanding societal solution”, I dilated on the relevance of having an acceptable level of trust and confidence when it comes to the public and our law enforcement agency – the police.
My argument back then concluded on the need for collective support as the police and public would need each other.
Sierra Leone had an extremely terrible civil war experience that lasted for over a decade. We today enjoy peace, which, though led by government, was as a result of our preparedness and resilience as a country to seek and subsequently achieve it.
Through that toughness and commitment to rebuilding our nation, we are gradually making progress in rebuilding the very broken foundation we had prior to our war era.
Recent development in Kabala is no good news for us. Protests form part of democracy. But crucially, security is vital for the growth of a nation’s democratic credentials.
The police and citizens alike are partners in development. This makes it compelling for us to collaborate, especially in enhancing our country’s internal security and stability.
Indeed, the public’s expectation of the police is great. That said, we should manage expectations realistically as that is vital in fostering healthy relationship between the two.
The police force may have its own challenges, but that should not warrant the public to have mistrust in it, because we always need security.
Public perception about the police comes to mind. Our respective attitudes should help shape our perceptions. Perceptions help determine the level of trust or mistrust one may have over the other.
The police force is expected to maintain law and order. There are moments they may be faced with huge challenges to the point of using all available means they have in calming down situation. Reasonable restraint and caution could be required.
The death of an individual may have a long term impact on his/her family. All available options, (rules of engagement) must therefore be utilized before resorting to firing live bullets.
That said, the death (killing) of one should not be avenged by attacks on the killer, rather the rule of law must be allowed to operate. When once we turn our anger on the law enforcing body, it then becomes a threat to national security.
We need to look at, and address key issues.
Local policing policy, through Partnership Boards was introduced across Sierra Leone. Can these boards get back to the table and have a thorough review?
Overall, there is need for a review of the relationship between the public and police; constant radio discussion programs, regular meetings with stakeholders will help; the media has a role to play- production of radio jingles on message of national cohesion could be of great help. All of that should help ensure a cordial working relationship.
It is good that we have an open space in terms of the use of social media. But it also has its own challenges. Given our past history, we could do ourselves good if we use it properly.
Fanning flames of anger via social media could not be the best thing to do to our nation. At the end, when there is a serious national threat, it affects us all as a country irrespective of one’s background or beliefs.
We do need the police; they have a major role to play in our growth process. They too should, however come to terms with the present day needs and expectations, and do all they could to meet them.
The public on the other hand should exercise restraint for the good of country. Without security we are bound to be ungovernable.
The Sierra Leone Police Force, close to a decade has been engaged in intensive reforms in the areas of change management and training, crime management operations and support services.
The government continues to invest huge resources into the force for the good of the country. We should not allow these successes to diminish overnight.
Security is a collective national duty, not only limited to government. These are basic societal challenges we should overcome. May commonsense prevail and may the souls of the departed youths rest well.
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Facebook | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/?p=13385 | en | 2016-08-18T00:00:00 | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/aad31dfa9d53275ee85118b999c7a161a744ef48d5323af0754b4a739ef4ff34.json |
[
"Abdul R Thomas",
"Mustache Moustache",
"Jenneh Ngombi",
"Abdul R. Kabia",
"Alusine Fallay",
"Francis Kpaka",
"Senesie Junior Boima",
"Ekundayo Pratt",
"Foday Madama",
"Anira Koroma"
] | 2016-08-30T06:51:47 | null | 2015-06-26T03:16:10 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesierraleonetelegraph.com%2F%3Fp%3D9577.json | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/vp-foh-visiting-north3-1024x576.jpg | en | null | Victor Foh - first hundred days as Sierra Leone’s vice president | null | null | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com | Baimba Sesay – Beijing China
Sierra Leone Telegraph: 26 June 2015
After few days of anxiety and speculations, Ambassador Victor Bockarie Foh (Photo), Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China was announced and sworn-in as the country’s new Vice President on 19th March 2015.
The jubilation that greeted the announcement was ecstatic, as if the public had had wind of the President’s “inner mind”.
Ambassador Foh was not among the many names that made the rounds in the media, the gossip columns and even on the “bush” radio.
As cleavages formed around one or the other names that had been brandished, the President made the right choice: a neutral and non-ambitious, but a forthright Vice President would provide him with the greatest asset.
That asset was found in Victor Bockarie Foh, a seasoned, experienced and capable administrator, a conviction and strategy politician, a well-mannered village boy with resourceful education and adequate exposure to bring to the job.
The commitment of Vice President Foh to serve President Koroma and country is unquestionable, and has been rewarding, so far.
Barely three months into office, he has shown signs, and achieved results that his predecessors could not achieve in their terms. He is modest about these claims. “We came at different times, we had a different agenda and different challenges”, he said. “But a lot more would have been achieved, and we must be in a hurry to achieve tangible and lasting goals”, he concluded. His desire is to “support the President and all well-meaning Sierra Leoneans to take Sierra Leone to an enviable level of development”.
Asked how he thinks this can be achieved, he refers me to the Agenda for Prosperity; to building our human capital; to making Sierra Leone competitive; and for all Sierra Leoneans to embrace each other and work towards building a strong and productive country. “The Chinese did it; they are doing it even today. We too can do it”, he emphasized.
In his first 100 days as Vice President, Ambassador Foh travelled across the country, mobilizing and sensitizing people about the Ebola Virus Disease. This has been a hugely rewarding venture, particularly as we continue to fight the dreadful Ebola Virus.
First, he engaged his Guinean counter-part in a remote village on the Sierra Leone-Guinea border, to share views about the scourging Ebola Virus Disease, which has been ravaging the two countries. In addition to the meetings of the Mano River Union Heads of State on the EVD, the meeting between Vice President Victor Bockarie Foh of Sierra Leone and the Prime Minister and Head of Government Business of the Republic of Guinea, H.E. Mohamed Sahid Fofanah was most successful in sensitizing border towns and communities to contain the disease.
Vice President Victor Bockarie Foh also used those visits to “kill many harmful birds”, resolving community disputes; commissioning new projects; preaching Religious tolerance; visiting schools and admonishing school children to be studious and law-abiding; teachers to be disciplined and dutiful; and parents to allow their children and wards to go to school.
Among many other things, he resuscitated fun and cherished memories of the founding fathers of the APC Party, and in the process, complemented the on-going efforts of President Koroma to consolidate the Party.
What about coordination of Government business?
He has been remarkable. In a professionally structured manner, Ministers and their staff, including a number of sub-vented agencies have updated the Vice President on the activities of their ministries.
Being an accomplished administrator, Vice President Foh has been quick to identify and address challenges impeding Government Business.
Arguably, one area that has attracted the attention and admiration of His Excellency the President most in the first 100 days in office of Ambassador Victor Bockarie Foh, is the swiftness with which he has resuscitated and re-energized the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Decentralization.
It would interest anyone to know that as a key Governance and Coordinating Agent for Decentralization and Local Government, the Inter-Ministerial Committee has not convened for over four years.
Attended by almost all Ministers and Deputy Ministers, including Administrators and Professionals, the Vice President, on 19th May 2015, underscored the relevance of Local Government for the growth of any nation. He emphasized on the need to resource Local Councils; on Capacity Building; on devolution of functions and on clearly defined roles for effective service delivery, amongst other things.
In the midst of these accomplishments in his first 100 Days in office, Victor Bockarie Foh does not see himself as a great man. He sees and regards himself as an ordinary Sierra Leone who, like all else of voting age, has only one vote.
Beyond that, he can only use his humility to persuade the grassroots to think and vote for a party that cares for them, the All People’s Congress Party.
He strongly believes that his rise to political power has been “guided by the Grace of God and my commitment to my Party, the APC. I believe in steadfastness, commitment and devotion to a cause, be it political or otherwise”. “It is that commitment, devotion, trustworthiness, respect for others and service to country and humanity that I will bring to bear on my current assignment”, he concluded.
Undoubtedly, in 100 days as Vice President, Sierra Leoneans have not only seen a committed and conviction politician as second-in-command in the person of Ambassador Victor Bockarie Foh, but also, have seen a new team and a new direction led by President Ernest Bai Koroma.
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Facebook | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/?p=9577 | en | 2015-06-26T00:00:00 | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/621c5098deb0e15eaa6222ef55a5ba96247fc25f4ab80f2b6d10f996286d7688.json |
[
"Abdul Rashid Thomas",
"Dathan Jones",
"Abdul R. Kabia",
"Foday Madama",
"Mustache Moustache",
"Joseph Wilson",
"Alusine Fallay",
"Sahr Sinneh",
"Mohamed Sannoh",
"Sulaiman Bah"
] | 2016-08-26T12:58:02 | null | 2016-08-25T09:03:19 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesierraleonetelegraph.com%2F%3Fp%3D13422.json | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Momo-Bockarie-Foh-Sierra-Leone-permanent-secretary-ministry-of-social-welfare-e1472114874670.jpg | en | null | Corruption syndicate uncovered at Sierra Leone’s ministry of social welfare | null | null | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com | Sierra Leone Telegraph: 25 August 2016
Two ministry of social welfare personnel are now at the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), helping with investigations regarding an alleged corruption syndicate involving senior public officials, uncovered at the ministry.
Sources at the ACC have this afternoon confirmed that they are both persons of interest. One of whom is the permanent secretary of the ministry – Mr Momo Bockarie Foh – the younger brother of the country’s vice president Victor Bockarie Foh.
It is understood that the other individual in ACC custody, is the chief accountant of the ministry – Mariatu Harding.
Yesterday, the permanent secretary at the ministry of social welfare in Sierra Leone, was caught red-handed attempting to withdraw thousands of dollars from an account held at the commercial bank in Freetown.
The scam was exposed in a secretly recorded audio conversation sent to the Sierra Leone Telegraph yesterday.
Sierra Leone’s ministry of social welfare is believed to be one of the most corrupt and chaotic ministries in the country, which the former editor of Awareness Times newspaper and now minister in charge of the embattled ministry – Dr. Sylvia Blyden was appointed early this year by president Koroma to bring under control.
But there are massive structural and administrative problems crippling her efforts.
More that 70% of Sierra Leone’s GDP or wealth created in the country, is consumed by the country’s public sector, with very little finding its way into the private sector for investment and job creation.
This cannot be good for tackling poverty in a country that is classed as one of the poorest in the world.
With most of the country’s GDP which is estimated at $4 billion, supporting the payment of public sector wages and salaries, the delivery of essential services and the running of government, opportunity for corruption and misappropriation of funds is astronomical.
Analysts say that yesterday’s corruption scam exposed at the ministry of social welfare is just the tip of the iceberg.
Dr Blyden was brought in, to head the ministry of social welfare so as to make sweeping changes in the way the institution is being managed; bring sanity to the ministry and address the immediate priorities and needs of vulnerable children and women in the country.
But since taking up the job, there is plenty of evidence suggesting that she is being frustrated by the poor conduct and treacherous behaviour of senior colleagues, including the deputy minister.
Rather than being allowed to focus on addressing the plight of the hundreds of thousands of vulnerable children and women in the country, she is forced to be spending her time chasing thieves and corrupt officials in the ministry.
Last month – July 2016, Dr Blyden told the Sierra Leone Telegraph that, since her appointment as head of the social welfare ministry in March this year, she had been gathering evidence involving allegation of a network of businessmen and public officials, conspiring to defraud the state of hundreds of thousands of dollars, meant for the installation and operation of computer systems across children’s services in Sierra Leone.
Based on her findings, she had asked the Sierra Leone police to investigate and prosecute those responsible for this serious crime.
“Armed with that information I had quietly gathered, on Friday 15th April 2016, exactly one week after I took office, I decided to undertake a whirlwind nation-wide tour of the entire country in order to elicit the reasons why a Multi-Million Dollars Donor-funded project to, among other things, provide VSAT Internet service to all district offices, was not functional despite the contract signed by Afcom SL Limited with the Ministry to provide such 12 months internet service at cost of $182,400 (One Hundred and Eighty Two Thousand, Four Hundred U.S. Dollars) alongside provide another totally different supply of Call Center equipment and configuration at $17,600 (Seventeen Thousand, Six Hundred U.S. Dollars) for a grand total of $200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand U.S. Dollars),” says Dr. Blyden.
Those allegations are still being investigated by the Sierra Leone police, whom many are accusing of dragging their feet. One of the accused at the centre of that case is believed to be an associate of vice president Victor Bockarie Foh.
So what happened yesterday? (You can listen to the audio recording below).
This is a letter leaked by an unknown source, that was written by the minister of social welfare – Dr Sylvia Blyden, to inform her staff at the ministry about what took place yesterday:
“My Dear Staff of MSWGCA,
“Some of you might have learnt of the act of criminality that the Permanent Secretary Momo Bockarie Foh (Photo: Mr Momo Bockarie Foh) was caught in today involving a secretly duplicated Hajj dollars account at the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank.
“Mr. Momo Bockarie Foh in connivance with other persons including the long since retired former finance clerk, MR. ABDUL GEGBAI were all caught red-handed today trying to steal $3,000 (three thousand dollars) of Government money.
“Many of you know the frustrations that I have been facing in trying to lead a Ministry that was long since wired to be corrupt.
“God saw my heart. God knows what I mean to do for my President as His Excellency serves our vulnerable people and today, the powerful God I serve, decided that enough was enough and exposed Permanent Secretary Momo Bockarie Foh for the criminal that he is.
“The audio you will hear accompanying this update is of PS Foh as he speaks to Hon. Mohamed Alie Bah, Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office and Alhaji Sheka Shekito Kamara, the Special Assistant to the President on Social Issues. The audio speaks for itself.
“The fraudulent letter (see below) attempting to steal $3,000 is also going to accompany this update. This is for staff members of MSWGCA to better understand what unveiled in your ministry today.”
“The audio and letter speak for themselves – unauthorised transaction from a secretly held account in the name of my ministry supposedly for Hajj activities.”
Listen to the secret recording: Grand corruption at the ministry of social welfare exposed – Mr Momo Bockarie Foh is the younger brother of the vice president Mr Victor Bockarie Foh.
There are fears that $14 million donor funds being set aside to help promote the welfare of young girls and vulnerable women in the country is at risk, as senior officials in the ministry are already scheming to embezzle the funds. (Photo: Vice president Victor Bockarie Foh. He is responsible for presidential oversight of the management of the country’s Hajj programme. How much does he know about this scam?)
In 2014, Sierra Leone’s ministry of health was marred by a massive corruption scandal, in which over $12 million of funds meant for the fight against the deadly Ebola virus were stolen.
Despite a parliamentary investigation into the Ebola corruption scandal, no one was charged to court. The Anti-Corruption Commission was quietly stopped from bringing legal action against those responsible for the theft.
Will the new Anti-Corruption Commissioner – Mr. Ady Macauley be allowed to step into the ministry of social welfare to put an end to the corruption syndicate that is now consuming the ministry and the lives of vulnerable children?
Mr Macauley must go where ever the evidence of malfeasance and corruption leads. He must be allowed by president Koroma to conduct a thorough investigation without State House or parliament’s interference, and ensure that those responsible are charged to court. (Photo: Mr Macauley welcomed by president Koroma to the ACC).
An attempt to steal $3,000 from the account of the ministry of social welfare may be regarded as a petty crime, but speaking recently to the editor of the Sierra Leone Telegraph, the head of the country’s Anti-Corruption Czar – Mr Ady Macauley said:
“There is nothing petty about petty corruption. For the most vulnerable and poorest in society, there is nothing petty about the proportion of their already stretched income that goes on bribes to access the services they desperately need – health, education, power, water and law and order.
“Nor is it petty when they are deprived of these services because they do not have the money to bribe – it means children do not get the education they need to build a better future for themselves and our country; and the sick die because they are denied life-saving treatment or vital medication.”
Over to you Mr Macauley – the poor and vulnerable children and women of Sierra Leone need you to clean up this mess.
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Facebook | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/?p=13422 | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/dd7ef0ce9ee13de0a817d8a7bb58d12798ad5f1a127e71be3d727905e6cb7a08.json |
[
"Abdul Rashid Thomas",
"Alusine Fallay",
"Dathan Jones",
"Steven Kamabai",
"Abdul R. Kabia",
"Foday Madama",
"Mustache Moustache",
"Joseph Wilson",
"Sahr Sinneh",
"Mohamed Sannoh"
] | 2016-08-26T13:01:49 | null | 2016-08-09T06:39:36 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesierraleonetelegraph.com%2F%3Fp%3D13271.json | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Freetown-Poverty-Courtesy-of-National-Geographic-e1463185434879.jpg | en | null | Civil society groups in Sierra Leone urged to join campaign to hold parliamentarians accountable | null | null | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com | Abdul M Fatoma – Chief Executive CHRDI
Sierra Leone Telegraph: 9 August 2016
We in the Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) once again, want to remind Members of the House of Parliament in Sierra Leone that, the country’s Accountant General’s Office uses taxpayers’ money to support the smooth running of parliament, pay salaries of each Member of Parliament, sitting allowance for 120 days, disburse community development funds annually and provide loan facilities.
Therefore they must not fail to provide full details about how they have been spending the Sierra Leonean taxpayers’ money for the past five years.
We want to reiterate this call specifically, because it has been brought to our notice that despite our genuine call on the House of Parliament to engage their constituents who have raised genuine concerns about how they have been conducting themselves on their behalf, the Honourable Members of Parliament have been busy calling press conference and embarking on an exercise of intimidation and threats to crackdown on social media, journalists, and possibly punish media houses that have been granting our organisation interviews and publishing our press releases in Sierra Leone.
We at CHRDI believe that such energies should have been put in a meaningful dialogue with the populace, because we believe that Parliamentarians are servants of the people for whom they make laws. (Photo: Abdul Fatoma).
They are not exempt from the laws they pass and Parliamentarians are reminded that they are not above the law, but subject equally to the law in similar manner as their constituents.
It is a fundamental right of any citizen to ask questions of their Parliamentary representative, if they have reason for concern.
Accountability to the general public for taxpayers’ money is an inextricable part of good public management and democratic governance.
It can provide assurance over Parliament’s activities, highlight improvement actions, and improve policy-making in Sierra Leone.
Effective accountability can also identity who is responsible if something goes wrong and enable redress.
CHRDI holds the belief that MPs should be held to account for what they do on our behalf in the Parliament of Sierra Leone.
Our goal in this campaign is not to embarrass Parliament, but to encourage them to adopt a more transparent and interactive approach to how they report back to their constituents on how they spend funds meant for the development of their communities.
In View of all of the above, CHRDI is now making a general appeal to all Civil Society Organisations and Media organisations in Sierra Leone, to join our accountability campaign.
Democratic accountability will be hugely strengthened but only if groups across the country are willing to hold our politicians and MPs to account on a regular and ongoing basis.
Note:
Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) is a Rights based social-policy advocacy Organisation. We Draw attention to the responsibility of duty-bearers to uphold human rights, and seek to support rights-holders to claim their rights.
CHRDI is in Special Consultative Status to the United Nations Economic and Social Council and accredited to many UN Agencies.
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Facebook | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/?p=13271 | en | 2016-08-09T00:00:00 | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/6150d80ba20b9fad09c372b984873faab7b2556a8750d7dd70d78a3a4fc352f0.json |
[
"Abdul Rashid Thomas",
"Mustache Moustache",
"Senesie Junior Boima",
"Ekundayo Pratt",
"Foday Madama",
"Anira Koroma",
"Franklin Oladipo",
"Godwin Koroma",
"Joseph Wilson",
"Alusine Fallay"
] | 2016-08-29T12:51:07 | null | 2016-08-29T11:36:24 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesierraleonetelegraph.com%2F%3Fp%3D13531.json | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Ady-Macauley-appointed-by-president-Koroma-1.jpg | en | null | Investigation into alleged corruption at Sierra Leone’s ministry of social welfare continues | null | null | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com | Sierra Leone Telegraph: 29 August 2016
Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Commission seems to be going where it has never been before – investigating an alleged criminal Mr. Momo Bockarie Foh – the younger brother of the country’s vice president for alleged corruption. (Photo: President Koroma welcoming the new ACC chief – Ady Macauley to the job).
No sibling of a sitting president or vice president has ever been arrested and, or investigated for corruption in Sierra Leone, despite evidence of massive corruption and malfeasance.
Mr. Momo Bockarie Foh is still being held in custody by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), after failing to fulfill his bail conditions last week.
Observers say that, this is a clear sign that for now, there are no ‘orders from above’, preventing or attempting to subvert the course of justice, as is usually the case in such high profiled cases in Sierra Leone.
Mr. Ady Macauley, the ACC Commissioner who is fast proving that he has the mettle to walk a straight line and keep on the right side of justice, is fully aware that the whole world is watching the outcome of this investigation.
The investigation is seen as a test case of whether someone so close to the seat of power – the vice presidency, can be arrested and held in custody for alleged corruption and misdemeanor, and possibly charged to court. (Photos: The accused permanent secretary of the ministry of social welfare – Mr Momo Bockarie Foh, left; and his older brother the vice president – Mr Victor Bockarie Foh, on the right).
The ACC investigations swiftly began last Thursday, 25th August, when evidence of a secretly recorded conversation between a minister of state in the office of the vice president and the permanent secretary of the ministry of social welfare, about an attempted withdrawal of cash from the social welfare ministry’s bank account without the knowledge of the minister.
Immediately after the arrest of his younger brother, vice president Victor Foh left Sierra Leone to attend an agricultural show in Zimbabwe (Photo), which president Koroma himself should have attended.
As the investigations continue today, it is expected that witnesses from the Commercial Bank and the social welfare ministry will be called in by the ACC to give evidence.
The Sierra Leone Telegraph is expecting the letter signed by both Momo Foh and the ministry’s accountant – Mariatu Harding, who it is understood was granted bail last Thursday, but had to be quickly re-arrested for attempting to tamper with vital evidence back at the office, to be at the centre of the ACC investigations.
On close examination of the letter signed by both Momo and Mariatu (see below), the editor of the Sierra Leone Telegraph can see that the stamp on the letter appears to have been a forged ministry official stamp, with spelling mistakes.
The inscription on the stamp reads: MINISTRY OF SOCIAL WELFAIR and CHILDRENS. It appears the forgers cannot spell WELFARE and CHILDREN’S.
Putting aside the seriousness and incriminating possibility of this evidence against Momo Foh and Mariatu, what most Sierra Leoneans would find pathetic and worrying is the low intellectual calibre of the people heading the ministries and departments in Sierra Leone.
For a permanent secretary to append his or her signature on an official letter bearing the stamp of the ministry with such stupefying spelling mistakes, one has to ask how on earth he was appointed into that job. Is this the best government can produce to run the country’s crippling public service?
If this level of competence is representative of senior civil servants across the country, then is it a surprise that Sierra Leone is classed as one of the poorest nations in the world?
Perhaps all senior government officials, including ministers, should be forced to take the Secondary School Certificate competency test. We must now weed out the chaff from the wheat.
Every year the people of Sierra Leone are being told that the head of the country’s civil service – Mr Ernest Surrur (Photo), who is also the secretary to the cabinet – is doing very well in managing the service.
But if this is the result of his performance, then perhaps he too must now consider his position – over to you Mr President.
More than 70% of ministries and departments are failing to achieve their annual performance contract agreement, signed with the president.
Ministers and senior civil servants must be held accountable, and if found to be incompetent, must be relieved of their posts. There are far too many squared pegs in round holes in the government.
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Facebook | http://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/?p=13531 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/e59e33581d49350b21a8d00b34a3562685e7754f41652f47a598330eb36562ed.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:58:46 | null | 2013-08-08T00:00:00 | In front of members of his family and coaches, in one of the classrooms of his former school, Abaco Central High School, Kevin Altidor signed the cont | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theabaconian.com%2F2013%2F08%2F08%2Flocal-youth-awarded-basketball-scholarship-at-young-harris-college-in-georgia%2F.json | http://theabaconian.com/wp-content/themes/nextmagazine/img/favicon.ico | en | null | Local Youth awarded basketball scholarship at Young Harris C | null | null | www.theabaconian.com | Local Youth awarded basketball scholarship at Young Harris College, in Georgia
Written by: Mirella Santillo
In front of members of his family and coaches, in one of the classrooms of his former school, Abaco Central High School, Kevin Altidor signed the contract that will allow him to attend Young Harris College on a basketball scholarship.
Kevin Altidor is a motivated young man who left Abaco in 2008 to attend CC Sweeting in Nassau for his last year of high school. He graduated in 2009.
Because of incidents that happened in his neighborhood of Pigeon Peas, Kevin, a gifted basketball player, thought he could further his education through that sport and get out of the negative surroundings.
“Every day in the gym, I thought about it [the incident], about wanting to make a person out of myself. It drove me to try to make it. I was willing to go the extra mile, even try for the MBA.”
A year after graduating from high school, he was admitted to Roane Community College in Tennessee. He graduated three years later with a degree in Exercise Sciences.
Kevin’s goal is to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in English and History at Young Harris.
The influence of his coach, Vogel Williams, was not limited to sports. Mr. Altidor recalls a quote from his PE teacher, “to thy own self, be true,” which is advice he would like to communicate, “to all the kids out there who want to make it.”
As he leaves Abaco one more time with his future on his mind, he is motivated by his drive to become a successful example.
“I want to be an example for all the younger kids growing up in the Mudd or in the Peas.”
What Do You Think? | http://www.theabaconian.com/2013/08/08/local-youth-awarded-basketball-scholarship-at-young-harris-college-in-georgia/ | en | 2013-08-08T00:00:00 | www.theabaconian.com/996854dcf6ea55f7a86d9366de0609349f85a81151a7670ac279571a3faca86a.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:55:17 | null | 2015-07-29T00:00:00 | On July 23, 2015, Nunki, the last of Abaco’s famous wild horses, passed away. Nunki was a twenty year old mare and the last of a special breed of ho | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theabaconian.com%2F2015%2F07%2F29%2Flast-wild-abaco-horse-perishes%2F.json | http://theabaconian.com/wp-content/themes/nextmagazine/img/favicon.ico | en | null | Last Wild Abaco Horse Perishes | null | null | www.theabaconian.com | Last Wild Abaco Horse Perishes
Written by: Bradley Albury
On July 23, 2015, Nunki, the last of Abaco’s famous wild horses, passed away. Nunki was a twenty year old mare and the last of a special breed of horse referred to as the Abaco Spanish Colonial, or ‘Abaco Barbary Horses’ by the Horse of the Americas Registry.
For over twenty years the Abaco horses were managed by Milanne “Mimi” Rehor and the Wild Horses of Abaco (WHOA) Preservation Society. A woman, and group, who were undeniably dedicated to the Abaco horses until the end.
According to WHOA, “Six decades ago there were 200 or more wild horses on Great Abaco Island, Bahamas. These horses were the time-capsuled descendants of the horses that Christopher Columbus brought with him to the New World, at the end of the 15th Century.
“They lived independently and undisturbed until man disrupted the balance. All but three were slaughtered in the early 1960s.
“They came back to 35 animals by the mid 1990s. But a hurricane pushed the horses out of their now destroyed forest habitat, where they had thrived for so long, into a lush and toxic citrus plantation that was hurricane-damaged and littered with chemicals, destroyed buildings, too-rich pastures, and poisonous plants.”
WHOA had for some time been attempting to fundraise and garner support to harvest Nunki’s eggs and implant it with the sperm of a stallion sharing similar genes to that of the Spanish Colonial. It was hoped this could save the species.
Unfortunately, since Nunki’s passing, eggs have not been retrieved. However, WHOA has announced intentions to clone the rare breed of horse. “We remain determined to continue our work to restore the herd,” they said in a Facebook post, “We will continue to work towards the return of the herd, and with Nunki’s DNA that is still possible!”
The exact origins of the Abaco horses remain a subject of some controversy. While genetic testing has indicated the uniqueness of the Abaco Spanish Colonial, whether they’re presence in Abaco is the direct result of horses abandoned by Columbus and the Conquistadors is challenged.
Dave Ralph, local historian, recalls a conversation he once had with the late Leonard Thompson who claims to have seen horses, which were used by Abaco logging companies in the early twentieth century, released from a camp and set to the wild in the late 1920s. The question then becomes where did the logging companies secure the horses from? Were the horses on Abaco since the 1500s? Or were they brought in during the 1900s from a place like Cuba which was a Spanish colony and had similar breeds of horse?
Hard records remain murky on the subject prior to the 1920s. However, regardless of these beautiful creatures’ origins or genetics, they were undeniably special to Abaco and The Bahamas. And with Nunki’s passing, so too does another bit of Abaco’s history.
What Do You Think? | http://www.theabaconian.com/2015/07/29/last-wild-abaco-horse-perishes/ | en | 2015-07-29T00:00:00 | www.theabaconian.com/9bddefc036232a57fcea5e39b6cbe6e1b926d9c87987da4d2b8bb5d23999297f.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T14:56:51 | null | 2015-03-12T00:00:00 | The thirteenth annual “Writers Read” presentation was held February 25 and 26 at Hope Town Harbour Lodge. This annual program is free and open to | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theabaconian.com%2F2015%2F03%2F12%2Fthirteenth-annual-writers-read-held-in-hope-town%2F.json | http://theabaconian.com/wp-content/themes/nextmagazine/img/favicon.ico | en | null | Thirteenth Annual Writers Read Held in Hope Town | null | null | www.theabaconian.com | Thirteenth Annual Writers Read Held in Hope Town
Written by: Press Release
By Alice Chenault
The thirteenth annual “Writers Read” presentation was held February 25 and 26 at Hope Town Harbour Lodge. This annual program is free and open to the public, but tickets are required, as space fills up quickly for both evenings’ performances.
The men and women who read their work were selected from the ranks of the Hope Town Writers’ Circle, which is open to all. It meets at the Hope Town Sailing Club on Thursdays from 10:00 am to noon, to share ideas, encouragement, information, feedback and friendship with fellow wordsmiths.
A packed-house crowd of local residents and island visitors delighted in the assortment of readings. Selections ranged from the hilarious to the poignant, and the authors themselves from eight to one hundred years of age.
This year’s Writers Read featured nineteen authors of poetry, prose, fiction, fact, humor, and memoir, including two outstanding young writers: Journey Higgs, a fourth-grader at Hope Town Primary School, and Summer Aberle, a sixth-grader at Forest Heights Academy. In the Commonwealth Writing Competition, Miss Higgs won third place in her age group, and Miss Aberle won runner-up.
The capstone of each evening’s production was Adelaide Cummings, Poet Laureate of Cape Cod as well as Hope Town’s local diva, who read several of her own poems to a passionately cheering audience. Ms. Cummings is now enjoying her one hundred-first year. We wish her many more.
What Do You Think? | http://www.theabaconian.com/2015/03/12/thirteenth-annual-writers-read-held-in-hope-town/ | en | 2015-03-12T00:00:00 | www.theabaconian.com/50056de5f4ff55fac11b2624ce78a66fdfbfafb021b2587563e30e6ecbe8f10e.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:55:48 | null | 2015-08-21T00:00:00 | By Amanda Diedrick
Meet Ashley Hall. She lives in Marsh Harbour, Bahamas. She just graduated sixth grade. And she weighs 39 pounds. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theabaconian.com%2F2015%2F08%2F21%2Fabacos-ashley-hall-faces-critical-medical-challenge%2F.json | http://theabaconian.com/wp-content/themes/nextmagazine/img/favicon.ico | en | null | Abaco’s Ashley Hall Faces Critical Medical Challenge | null | null | www.theabaconian.com | Abaco’s Ashley Hall Faces Critical Medical Challenge
Written by: Press Release
By Amanda Diedrick
Meet Ashley Hall. She lives in Marsh Harbour, Bahamas. She just graduated sixth grade. And she weighs 39 pounds.
Sadly, that’s not a typo.
Eleven-year-old Ashley — the daughter of my childhood friend Nancy (Blair) Hall and her husband, Philip — has suffered from a severe eating disorder for eight years.
In 2006, Nancy lost her mother, and later in the year, her father. Both had been ill, and Nancy spent months shuttling between Marsh Harbour and Nassau to care for them.
Understandably, it was a time of upset and upheaval for her family, and Ashley, always a sensitive and perceptive child, began refusing to eat.
Nancy and Philip took Ashley to Florida, where she underwent extensive neurological testing and more than 20 medical tests. When no physical explanation could be found for her failure to thrive, doctors diagnosed Ashley with anorexia nervosa – the youngest case they’d ever seen.
At three years old, they explained, Ashley’s refusal to eat had nothing to do with body image. It wasn’t about a dress size or a number on a scale. Rather, it was an attempt to gain control when she felt like so much of her life was beyond her control.
With medical care, Ashley improved. But two years later, when her mother was diagnosed with cancer, her world once again spun out of control.
Nancy had to leave Ashley behind to travel to Nassau for treatments, surgery and chemotherapy. “As rough as it was on me,” Nancy says, “I can’t imagine how scary it was for her. When I lost my hair, she took it so hard. I remember her in the back yard, sobbing her eyes out.”
Nancy and Philip sought help locally, but few Bahamian doctors or therapists – and none on Abaco — specialize in eating disorders. They did find limited success working with a series of local counselors and over time, as Nancy’s health improved, so did Ashley’s.
For the next several years, Ashley’s eating disorder seemed to recede into the past. Though she’s never been a big eater, Nancy says, she was thriving.
Earlier this year, however, as Ashley neared the end of sixth grade – and the transition from primary to high school — she grew increasingly distressed.
“She doesn’t do well with change,” Nancy says. “She had to say goodbye to a couple of close friends, and we could tell she just wasn’t emotionally ready for high school.”
Her parents assured Ashley they’d homeschool her until she felt ready to rejoin her class. As a reward and a distraction, they booked a sixth-grade-graduation trip to Disneyworld and Epcot Center for July.
But as June neared, Ashley grew increasingly withdrawn, depressed and obsessed with her weight. “Now that she’s older,” Nancy says, “we see the full-blown effects of the anorexia. Counting calories, limiting her food intake to nearly nothing. She won’t even drink water.”
“I went through cancer twice, and that was difficult,” says Nancy. “But it’s so much harder to watch my child go through this. She doesn’t see what it’s doing, what it’s done to her body. I don’t think she can grasp yet just how serious this is.”
After graduation, instead of Disneyworld, Nancy and Philip rushed Ashley – by then, a dangerously thin 39 pounds — to Miami. There, for nearly a month, she was passed from hospital to hospital.
“Some facilities can give her medical care, but not the psychological counseling she needs,” Nancy says. “Some offer only outpatient programs, but Ashley needs something more intensive.” And most eating disorder programs don’t accept children under 13.
Just when it seemed the Halls had run out of options, they received some encouraging news. An eating disorder clinic near Tallahassee, which offers the full spectrum of medical, nutritional and psychological services Ashley needs, agreed to accept her.
The bad news? The facility costs more than $1,000 per day. And Ashley needs – at a minimum – 30 days of treatment, payable before they’d even admit her!
Like many Bahamian families, the Halls don’t have medical insurance. And though their family, friends and church community have helped with fundraising, Ashley’s medical expenses far exceed the money raised.
Earlier this week, an anonymous source offered Philip and Nancy a $30,000 interest free loan – enough to get Ashley admitted and begin treatment, which she did this past Thursday.
Financially, though, it’s just a temporary reprieve. In addition to repaying the loan, the Halls face significant bills from the other hospitals that have seen and treated Ashley in recent weeks. And, given the severity of her disorder, Ashley will likely need to spend more than 30 days at the current facility.
With proper, specialized medical and psychological help, Ashley has an excellent chance of overcoming this disorder and living a long and healthy life.
But like most families, the Halls simply don’t have the thousands – and potentially hundreds of thousands – of dollars that her treatment will require.
Every day we encounter situations we’d like to change but are powerless to do so. Here, however, is a something we can do, something that will make a tangible difference in the life of an 11-year-old child.
I’ve made a contribution to Ashley’s medical fund and whether or not you know Ashley and her family, I hope you’ll consider doing the same.
Here’s how you can help:
In the Bahamas, donations can be made at any RBC branch to the Marsh Harbour account of “Philip and Diana Hall” (Diana is Nancy’s real name). That should be enough information, but if you need the account number, email adiedrick@sbcglobal.net.
If you’re in the U.S. or Canada, send contributions (payable to “Philip and Diana Hall”) to 956 S. Orange Grove Blvd, Unit B, Pasadena, CA 91105.
If you’ve got a PayPal account, donations can also be made that way. Get in touch and I’ll give you the details.
What Do You Think? | http://www.theabaconian.com/2015/08/21/abacos-ashley-hall-faces-critical-medical-challenge/ | en | 2015-08-21T00:00:00 | www.theabaconian.com/206114a639656f7d780fd473ce2d1a7c25ad0fcd76b74cac3ebe2dae70c25d69.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:54:49 | null | 2015-02-26T00:00:00 | The weather cooperated this year to make the annual Man-O-War Flea Market THE family attraction of the weekend. It was supported by Albury Ferry’s s | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theabaconian.com%2F2015%2F02%2F26%2Fmow-flea-market-raises-money-for-school%2F.json | http://theabaconian.com/wp-content/themes/nextmagazine/img/favicon.ico | en | null | MOW Flea Market Raises Money for School | null | null | www.theabaconian.com | MOW Flea Market Raises Money for School
Written by: Mirella Santillo
The weather cooperated this year to make the annual Man-O-War Flea Market THE family attraction of the weekend. It was supported by Albury Ferry’s schedule which added an extra trip from and back to the Union Jack dock, hence facilitating attendance of visitors from the northern part of the island.
It is a wonder that in spite of the many years the function had taken place, the residents of Man-O-War, are still finding many things in their attics or garages to attract and interest buyers.
They came in numbers again on February 14, browsing through the second hand stalls of books, frames, marine paraphernalia and miscellaneous household sundries or partaking of the rich lunch food cooked by the Cay’s residents or buying freshly baked breads, pastries, jams and sour oranges from The Pantry.
A pedestrian traffic jam caused by bargain hunters blocked the entrance of the white elephant corner. And bargains they did find with glassware, china, hardware, toys, and games for only a couple of dollars; there was also table and bed linens rarely priced higher than ten dollars.
The silent auction posters offered a multitude of interesting items. People stopped regularly during the morning to add their names in front of the lot they fancied. Gift certificates allowed the winners to shop at Standard Hardware, purchase gas at K&S or auto supplies at AID; they could fulfill their gardening needs at Pinewoods Nursery; winners could also rent a car if their vehicles had let them down or enjoy a stay at a resort or a lunch or dinner at a favorite restaurant.
A guitar playing duo entertained the passers-by, their collection going to the Primary School, like a percentage of all the merchants’ proceeds.
Children took part in their usual hermit crab races while parents caught up with acquaintances or discuss a little politic at a street corner.
The point occupied by Friends of Abaco Animals revealed more treasures; a good many people could be found there browsing through several tables of bargains. Young flea market shoppers could even discover a favorite toy.
Visitors walking to the Canvas Shop were captured by a drone flying overhead.
By 1pm some people started to make their way to the ferry dock, with the auction bidders and raffle ticket holders waiting for the results before leaving.
What Do You Think? | http://www.theabaconian.com/2015/02/26/mow-flea-market-raises-money-for-school/ | en | 2015-02-26T00:00:00 | www.theabaconian.com/fb5c068f41960505d0562e2c61a71004ce51edc31ab68e3ef07a50c5f281b937.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:54:24 | null | 2015-10-29T00:00:00 | Our clothes are fitting tighter than they used to. Maybe the scale is showing higher numbers than before. We just don’t feel comfortable in our own | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theabaconian.com%2F2015%2F10%2F29%2Fsweat-it-out-where-do-i-begin%2F.json | http://theabaconian.com/wp-content/themes/nextmagazine/img/favicon.ico | en | null | Sweat it Out: Where Do I Begin? | null | null | www.theabaconian.com | Sweat it Out: Where Do I Begin?
Written by: Kristen Pearce
I think we have all been there.
Our clothes are fitting tighter than they used to. Maybe the scale is showing higher numbers than before. We just don’t feel comfortable in our own skin.
When we get to that point, we know we need to make a change. In fact, we even want to make that change. But there is always that question ringing in our heads…
“Where do I even begin?”
Some may choose to jump into a fad diet for a few weeks. You know the ones: cutting out all carbs, detoxing, or cleansing. Others may decide to try the newest and latest workout program and go from zero to sixty overnight. After all, we want fast results. We want a quick fix.
It’s so easy to jump on the latest bandwagon for a few weeks. There’s no long term commitment, no changing of lifestyle. It’s just doing something a little differently for a few days or weeks. We may even get the results we want at the end of that time period.
But do you know what happens with fast results and quick fixes? You backslide just as easily, and before you know it, you are back where you started.
This type of yo-yo effect of getting results and losing results is not good for the body, and let’s face it; we are not satisfied when every few months we are back to the square one.
So there’s that question again. “Where should I begin?”
I have always found that small changes in our daily lives add up in the end and will create longer lasting results. And I don’t mean changes for a few weeks only. We have to slowly change our habits each day and stay consistent.
Start small. You don’t want to dive into something too quickly. The body needs time to adjust, and so does the mind.
Focus on one eating habit at a time. You don’t need to make big changes overnight. Just start with eating healthier. It’s all about making small healthier choices day after day.
Find a form of exercise you enjoy. Once you find an activity you enjoy, slowly work that into your schedule. Start small, and then slowly bump it up to more. Keep pushing yourself to be better and do more.
Cheat. Yes, I said it. Give yourself a food cheat day every now and then. We have to indulge in those guilty pleasures occasionally; otherwise those cravings will take over. Have that meal you’ve been craving, and then get right back into making healthier choices.
Most importantly take it one day at a time. It can be frustrating waiting for results. But in theory, the slower the results take, the more chances of success in the long run. When we slowly change our eating and fitness habits, we have less chance of quitting. Small, consistent changes will make the biggest long-term difference.
What Do You Think? | http://www.theabaconian.com/2015/10/29/sweat-it-out-where-do-i-begin/ | en | 2015-10-29T00:00:00 | www.theabaconian.com/0303ff3809456e3cc7fbb816a26e845bcf7674679e0fe4c8da2ad39d05594eef.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:57:59 | null | 2015-08-14T00:00:00 | The Out Island Encouragement Act was brought online July 1, 2015 and is scheduled to run for one year. The Act is designed to give Duty exemptions on | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theabaconian.com%2F2015%2F08%2F14%2Fout-island-encouragement-act-provides-exemptions-for-home-building-materials%2F.json | http://theabaconian.com/wp-content/themes/nextmagazine/img/favicon.ico | en | null | Out Island Encouragement Act Provides Exemptions for Home Bu | null | null | www.theabaconian.com | Out Island Encouragement Act Provides Exemptions for Home Building Materials
Written by: Bradley Albury
The Out Island Encouragement Act was brought online July 1, 2015 and is scheduled to run for one year. The Act is designed to give Duty exemptions on materials used on new home construction or existing home renovations.
The Act will not provide exemptions on materials for commercial properties.
To benefit from the Out Island Encouragement Act residents can fill out a form which is available at any Customs and Brokerage Office. The form must be filled out and approved and signed off by the Island Administrator, Mr. Preston Cunningham.
Any items considered for exemption must be accompanied by an invoice or quote for the price of the item.
The list of approved materials does not include furniture or appliances. Only items necessary for making a house “inhabitable,” are approved.
The list of approved items includes:
Plumbing Fixtures, PVC Pipes, Plywood, Sheetrock and Formica, Felting, Shingles, Nails, Lumber, Doors & Windows, Tiles, Tower Racks, Soap Dishes, Tile Strips, Cabinets, Shower Heads, Light Fixtures, Central A/C Units, Locks & Latches, Ceiling Fans, Glass Doors, Vanities, Insulation, Railing, Septic Tanks, Cement, Guttering, Adhesives, Sand, Stones, Grout, Thinset, Putty, Hinges, Hurricane Clips, Screws, Screens, Marble Lite and Faucets.
Before applying, consult with a broker as the list of approved items is subject to amendments.
What Do You Think? | http://www.theabaconian.com/2015/08/14/out-island-encouragement-act-provides-exemptions-for-home-building-materials/ | en | 2015-08-14T00:00:00 | www.theabaconian.com/3e1a1d763fe90ee566af331cf5340b82b17a088a9a8d094c6d25b89334b28095.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T14:56:26 | null | 2015-08-18T00:00:00 | The trial for three accused boat thieves, Delan Edgecombe, Dave Thurston and Rashad Fox, was held on August 17, 2015 at the Magistrates Court in Marsh | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theabaconian.com%2F2015%2F08%2F18%2Fupdate-on-aug-17-boat-theft-trial%2F.json | http://theabaconian.com/wp-content/themes/nextmagazine/img/favicon.ico | en | null | Update on Aug 17 Boat Theft Trial | null | null | www.theabaconian.com | Update on Aug 17 Boat Theft Trial
Written by: Bradley Albury
The trial for three accused boat thieves, Delan Edgecombe, Dave Thurston and Rashad Fox, was held on August 17, 2015 at the Magistrates Court in Marsh Harbour.
According to the owner of the boat that was stolen, which was stolen on June 20 and had flown in for the trial on Aug 17, several witnesses were not present for the court case including the arresting officer.
One of the alleged thieves, Rashad Fox, is currently out on bail and was present that day. However, his attorney was not present and so a second court date is set for October 7, 2015 for cross examination.
The boat owner also noted that one of the alleged boat thieves, Dave Thurston, was in court earlier the same morning for a separate incident of boat theft.
The owner may be required to attend the Oct 7 court date as well but at this time it is uncertain. The owner also expressed frustration that he did not get confirmation about the date for the Aug 17 trial until four days before on Aug 13.
No verdict has been rendered and the case will continue when the arresting officer is available to bring his statement.
This story will be updated in the Sept 1 issue of The Abaconian
What Do You Think? | http://www.theabaconian.com/2015/08/18/update-on-aug-17-boat-theft-trial/ | en | 2015-08-18T00:00:00 | www.theabaconian.com/14cfa35c736cedff62c6b33d5d1233b8dde4cb9bc5add5a6c9bb9993427a6da0.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:58:21 | null | 2015-10-06T00:00:00 | Below we are putting together a list of organizations who are collecting donations and sending relief to the residents of Rum Cay, San Salvador, Long | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theabaconian.com%2F2015%2F10%2F06%2Fabaco-aids-in-storm-relief%2F.json | http://theabaconian.com/wp-content/themes/nextmagazine/img/favicon.ico | en | null | Abaco Aids in Storm Relief | null | null | www.theabaconian.com | Abaco Aids in Storm Relief
Written by: Bradley Albury
Relief efforts are underway in the aftermath of the devastating Hurricane Joaquin and many residents in Abaco have already pitched in money, items and service to assist our countrymen in the Southern Bahamas.
The needs of the people most affected by the storm are going to start with basic necessities and evolve toward building materials and more as they try to rebuild and restore some sense of normalcy to their lives.
Below we are putting together a list of organizations who are collecting donations and sending relief to the residents of Rum Cay, San Salvador, Long Island, Acklins and Crooked Island and wherever it is needed.
Of course even in times of crisis it is important to be cautious of who you give to, to ensure it actually gets to those who need it, so please do your homework before giving so that you may give with confidence.
Please email us ( AbaconianNews@gmail.com ) with updates or other local organizations helping.
Abaco Groceries – Giving ten percent off purchases made to assist in storm relief. They will package items and ship.
Chelsea’s Choice, Abaco – Sending water and collecting items to send in containers to the area.
What Do You Think? | http://www.theabaconian.com/2015/10/06/abaco-aids-in-storm-relief/ | en | 2015-10-06T00:00:00 | www.theabaconian.com/a4b749c0353385c581dca4bfc8ff30326d6f43db986055ddfba0e3370b2f6cee.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:59:09 | null | 2015-02-12T00:00:00 | Studies on a blue hole found near to the site of the North Abaco Port, just north of Cooper’s Town, have been the cause of some delays to progress a | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theabaconian.com%2F2015%2F02%2F12%2Fnorth-abaco-port-faces-delays%2F.json | http://theabaconian.com/wp-content/themes/nextmagazine/img/favicon.ico | en | null | North Abaco Port Faces Delays | null | null | www.theabaconian.com | North Abaco Port Faces Delays
Written by: Timothy Roberts
Studies on a blue hole found near to the site of the North Abaco Port, just north of Cooper’s Town, have been the cause of some delays to progress according to North Abaco Minister of Parliament and Parliamentary Secretary, Renardo Curry.
Work was stopped at the North Abaco Port project in mid-October due to “environmental concerns” and there has since been the discovery of a blue hole.
According to the Senior Project Engineer for the government, Francis Clarke of Caribbean Civil Group Limited, after the discovery of the blue hole, the Bahamas Environmental, Science and Technology (BEST) Commission required a geological study be conducted on the karst system (underground caves) to ensure there is no impact from the construction of the port.
Mr. Clarke said these studies have been completed and are currently being reviewed by the BEST Commission, but noted that a “preliminary view of the report has been favourable,” and he expects that work will continue shortly.
“We will meet with BEST shortly and chart the way for construction as we move forward,” he said.
Mr. Clarke also noted that BEST would carry out another test related to the blue hole feature. “The pertinence of the study is to see if there is any relationship between the blue hole and the creek system found at the site,” he said.
He said that this study would not impact China Harbour Engineering Company’s (CHEC) ability to resume work at the site, but based on the results there might be modifications to the design to ensure proper tidal flow to the creek system is not impacted.
The North Abaco Port Project was announced to have started in May of 2014 but faced a number of delays as well as starts and stops while waiting for permits and addressing a few environmental concerns.
What Do You Think? | http://www.theabaconian.com/2015/02/12/north-abaco-port-faces-delays/ | en | 2015-02-12T00:00:00 | www.theabaconian.com/ca14f42c18bf217f2f0dc23b3c98980b5fa250c238e619b3efc263dc5da9958a.json |
[
"Dan Kay"
] | 2016-08-26T12:52:29 | null | 2016-08-25T11:33:00 | Gender gap has increased slightly, by 0.5%, while overall pass rate falls by 0.2% | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.coventrytelegraph.net%2Fnews%2Fuk-world-news%2Fgcse-grades-fall-girls-still-11801705.json | http://i3.liverpoolecho.co.uk/incoming/article11801695.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/ex.jpg | en | null | GCSE grades fall as girls still outperform boys | null | null | www.coventrytelegraph.net | Girls continue to outperform boys at GCSE although grades have fallen across the board, according to results released on Thursday.
The figures, published by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ), show that the gender gap has increased slightly, by 0.5%, this summer, with 71.3% of girls' entries awarded at least a C grade, compared with 62.4% of boys'. However, both were down on last year, from 73.1% and 64.7% respectively.
Girls also outperform boys in terms of achieving the very top grades - with 7.9% getting an A*, compared with 5.0%, although both saw a slight decline.
In total, just over two-thirds of entries in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (66.9%) were awarded A*-C - deemed by schools to be a "good" pass. However, this was a 2.1 percentage point drop on the previous year.
The overall pass rate - those achieving A*-G - also dropped, albeit it only slightly, from 98.6% in 2015 to 98.4% this year.
And there was a 0.1 percentage point drop in A* grades - the fifth year running that there has been a fall - with 6.5% of entries given the highest mark this year.
The statistics also show a 76.4% rise in entries for computing (up to 62,454 candidates from 35,414 last year), while engineering (11.7% rise) and additional science (up 10.5%) also increased in popularity.
There were significant drops in the numbers of students taking the humanities GCSE (down 37.4%), while statistics (minus 30.7%) and additional science (further) (minus 25.6%) also suffered losses, although all three subjects typically had less than 100,000 students nationally, compared with design and technology GCSE, which had 185,279 students this year (a drop of 9.5%).
Today's results include vast swathes of students resitting English and maths after stipulations brought in under the coalition government to ensure teenagers in England who do not score at least a C grade in both subjects at the age of 16 are required to continue studying these subjects until they reach this level.
Results showed a 23.2% increase in the number of students aged 17 and older, although their grades at A*-C dropped by 7.6 percentage points.
Michael Turner, director general of the JCQ, said: "There is significant movement in this year's entries, which impacts on results and creates a very complex national picture.
"We have seen shifts not only between subjects, but also across qualifications and year groups.
"This is driven by several factors, including performance measures and re-sit policies in England."
A total of 5,434,597 GCSE results have been issued today, up on last year's 5,429,478. | http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/uk-world-news/gcse-grades-fall-girls-still-11801705 | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.coventrytelegraph.net/173789c66e7f8823dc61a67037007977215888f088a626c07d2d03f57514f3e6.json |
[
"Dan Kay"
] | 2016-08-30T22:52:35 | null | 2016-08-30T11:00:31 | Movie superstar was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease three years ago but kept condition private to not disappoint fans | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.coventrytelegraph.net%2Fnews%2Fuk-world-news%2Ftruly-great-talent-gene-wilder-11817344.json | http://i4.liverpoolecho.co.uk/incoming/article11817295.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/gene.jpg | en | null | 'Truly great talent' Gene Wilder dies at 83 after series of unforgettable roles | null | null | www.coventrytelegraph.net | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
The Live Event you are trying to watch is either unavailable or has not started Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
Gene Wilder, the frizzy-haired actor who brought his deft comedic touch to such unforgettable roles as the neurotic accountant in The Producers and the mad scientist of Young Frankenstein, has died. He was 83.
Wilder's nephew said on Monday that the actor and writer died late on Sunday at his home in Stamford, Connecticut, from complications from Alzheimer's disease.
Jordan Walker-Pearlman said in a statement that Wilder was diagnosed with the disease three years ago, but kept the condition private so as not to disappoint fans.
"He simply couldn't bear the idea of one less smile in the world," Mr Walker-Pearlman said.
Wilder started his acting career on the stage, but millions knew him from his work in the movies, especially his collaborations with Mel Brooks on The Producers, Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein. The last film - with Wilder playing a California-born descendant of the mad scientist, insisting that his name is pronounced Frahn-ken-Shteen - was co-written by Brooks and Wilder.
"Gene Wilder, one of the truly great talents of our time, is gone," Brooks wrote in a statement on Monday. "He blessed every film we did together with his special magic and he blessed my life with his friendship. He will be so missed."
File photo dated 06/06/1996 of Willy Wonka star and "comic genius" Gene Wilder, who has died aged 83. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday August 30, 2016. The Hollywood actor, known for roles in comedy classics such as Young Frankenstein and Blazing Saddles, has been hailed as one of the "great talents" of his generation. See PA story DEATH Wilder. Photo credit should read: John Stillwell/PA Wire
With his unkempt hair and big, buggy eyes, Wilder was a master at playing panicked characters caught up in schemes that only a madman such as Brooks could devise, whether reviving a monster in Young Frankenstein or bilking Broadway in The Producers. Brooks would call him: "God's perfect prey, the victim in all of us."
But he also knew how to keep it cool as the boozing gunslinger in Blazing Saddles or the charming candy man in the children's favourite Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory. His craziest role: the therapist having an affair with a sheep in Woody Allen's Everything You Wanted to Know About Sex.
"The greatest comedic mind of my childhood is now gone," actor Josh Gad wrote on Twitter. "£RIP £GeneWilder & thank you 4 your pure imagination. This one hits hard."
Jim Carrey tweeted: "Gene Wilder was one of the funniest and sweetest energies ever to take a human form. If there's a heaven he has a Golden Ticket."
Wilder was close friends with Richard Pryor and their contrasting personas - Wilder uptight, Pryor loose - were ideal for comedy. They co-starred in four films: Silver Streak, Stir Crazy, See No Evil, Hear No Evil and Another You. And they created several memorable scenes, particularly when Pryor provided Wilder with directions on how to "act black" as they tried to avoid police in Silver Streak.
But Wilder would insist in a 2013 interview that he was no comedian. He told interviewer Robert Osborne it was the biggest misconception about him.
"What a comic, what a funny guy, all that stuff! And I'm not. I'm really not. Except in a comedy in films," Wilder said. "But I make my wife laugh once or twice in the house, but nothing special. But when people see me in a movie and it's funny then they stop and say things to me about 'how funny you were.' But I don't think I'm that funny. I think I can be in the movies."
In 1968, Wilder received an Oscar nomination for his work in Brooks' The Producers. He played the introverted Leo Bloom, an accountant who discovers the liberating joys of greed and corruption as he and Max Bialystock (Zero Mostel) conceive a Broadway flop titled Springtime For Hitler and plan to flee with the money raised for the show's production. Matthew Broderick played Wilder's role in the 2001 Broadway stage revival of the show.
Though they collaborated on film, Wilder and Brooks met through the theatre. Wilder was in a play with Brooks' then-future wife, Anne Bancroft, who introduced the pair backstage in 1963.
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Wilder, a Milwaukee native, was born Jerome Silberman on June 11 1933. His father was a Russian emigre, his mother was of Polish descent. When he was six, Wilder's mother suffered a heart attack that left her a semi-invalid. He soon began improvising comedy skits to entertain her, the first indication of his future career.
He started taking acting classes at age 12 and continued performing and taking lesson through college. In 1961, Wilder became a member of Lee Strasberg's prestigious Actor's Studio in Manhattan.
That same year, he made both his off-Broadway and Broadway debuts. He won the Clarence Derwent Award, given to promising newcomers, for the Broadway work in Graham Greene's comedy The Complaisant Lover.
He used his new name, Gene Wilder, for the off-Broadway and Broadway roles. He lifted the first name from the character Eugene Gant in Thomas Wolfe's Look Back, Homeward Angel, while the last name was clipped from playwright Thornton Wilder. A key break came when he co-starred with Bancroft in Bertolt Brecht's Mother Courage, and met Brooks, her future husband.
"I was having trouble with one little section of the play, and he gave me tips on how to act. He said, 'That's a song and dance. He's proselytising about communism. Just skip over it, sing and dance over it, and get on to the good stuff.' And he was right," Wilder later explained.
Before starring in The Producers, he had a small role as the hostage of gangsters in the 1967 classic Bonnie and Clyde. He peaked in the mid-1970s with the twin Brooks hits Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein.
He went on to write several screenplays and direct several films. In 1982, while making the generally forgettable Hanky-Panky, he fell in love with co-star Gilda Radner. They were married in 1984, and co-starred in two Wilder-penned films: The Lady In Red and Haunted Honeymoon.
After Radner died of ovarian cancer in 1989, Wilder spent much of his time after promoting cancer research and opened a support facility for cancer patients. In 1991, he testified before Congress about the need for increased testing for cancer.
That same year, he appeared in his final film role: Another You with Pryor.
Wilder worked mostly in television in recent years, including appearances on Will & Grace - including one that earned him an Emmy Award for outstanding guest actor - and a starring role in the short-lived sitcom Something Wilder. In 2015, he was among the voices in the animated The Yo Gabba Gabba! Movie 2.
As for why he stopped appearing on the big screen, Wilder said in 2013 he was turned off by the noise and foul language in modern movies.
"I didn't want to do the kind of junk I was seeing," he said in an interview. "I didn't want to do 3D for instance. I didn't want to do ones where there's just bombing and loud and swearing, so much swearing... can't they just stop and talk instead of swearing?"
Wilder is survived by his wife, Karen, whom he married in 1991, and his daughter from a previous marriage, Katherine, from whom he was estranged. | http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/uk-world-news/truly-great-talent-gene-wilder-11817344 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.coventrytelegraph.net/0fa108616b14c4452187217760c41aca47f7ad6ea8e0a107fbdc020b3e95f3ea.json |
[
"Josh Borthwick"
] | 2016-08-26T22:52:00 | null | 2016-08-26T14:44:51 | Josh Borthwick selects five players to keep an eye as the Cobblers head to the Ricoh Arena | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.coventrytelegraph.net%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Fcoventry-city-vs-northampton-town-11804839.json | http://i4.coventrytelegraph.net/incoming/article8543563.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Coventry-Telegraph.png | en | null | Coventry City vs Northampton Town: Five Cobblers players to watch out for in League One clash | null | null | www.coventrytelegraph.net | Kenji Gorre
After making just one appearance with parent club Swansea since signing for the Welsh club in 2013, Gorre joined Northampton Town on an initial loan until January 2017.
The tricky winger has made four appearances for the Cobblers thus far, and will no doubt be on cloud nine after netting the winning penalty in the Cobblers EFL Cup triumph over West Brom in midweek.
With the Sky Blues wing-back options in short supply, Gorre will be relishing the chance to prove himself this Saturday.
Kenji Gorre of Northampton Town
Matt Taylor
After a career in the upper echelons of English football with Portsmouth, Bolton Wanderers, West Ham United and Burnley, Cobblers boss Rob Page worked wonders to tempt Taylor to Sixfields, and the 34-year-old has added welcome experience and know-how to the squad.
A model of consistency and application down the left flank, with a rocket of a left foot, the Sky Blues defence will be in for a tough afternoon.
Chris Whelpdale of AFC Wimbledon plays the ball away from Matt Taylor of Northampton Town
Alex Revell
This 6ft 3ins journeyman striker knows League One having had spells with Brighton, Southend,Leyton Orient, Swindon ,Wycombe, Rotherham, and now Northampton in the third tier.
Revell also possesses a respectable goals return of 122 goals across 541 appearances and his height and experience of leading the front-line is a welcome option for Page as the Cobblers look for goals.
Northampton's Alex Revell (centre)
Marc Richards
Question marks are against Richards’s name regarding his ability to deliver in League One, but there’s no surprise the Cobblers have stuck with him due to his record in the fourth tier.
Richards scored 36 goals in 73 League Two games for the Cobblers, with his 18 goals in the 2014/15 season helping then-manager Chris Wilder’s side miraculously escape relegation.
The 2015/16 season saw Northampton gain promotion as champions by some distance, with Richards’s 18 goals helping the Cobblers up into the third tier, despite the 34-year-old missing the second half of the season with Achilles problems.
Marc Richards celebrates with team-mate Ricky Holmes
John Joe O'Toole
Northampton Town’s fans self-proclaimed cult hero O’Toole finally came off age last campaign, picking up the Cobblers player of the year award after scoring 12 goals in Northampton’s title-winning 2015/16 season.
O’Toole is re-adjusting to life in League One, after last appearing in the third tier for Colchester United during the 2012/13 season. A goal is due to the 27-year-old midfield maverick. Although hopefully not against the Sky Blues! | http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/football/football-news/coventry-city-vs-northampton-town-11804839 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.coventrytelegraph.net/a7017adbbbd0390cff62463ca9e5c48df4284c352e03c90c12367e7d03a577f6.json |
[
"Katrina Chilver"
] | 2016-08-26T12:54:27 | null | 2016-08-25T11:23:54 | Contract to run centre has been put out to tender | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.coventrytelegraph.net%2Fnews%2Flocal-news%2Ffears-job-losses-nuneaton-academy-11787390.json | http://i2.coventrytelegraph.net/incoming/article11797414.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/509643-large-1.jpg | en | null | Fears of job losses at Nuneaton Academy Sports Centre | null | null | www.coventrytelegraph.net | A Nuneaton sports centre could get new management, leading to fears of job losses and a decline in standards.
Hundreds of people have signed an online petition calling for the Nuneaton and Bedworth Leisure Trust (NBLT) to remain as the manager of the Nuneaton Academy Sports Centre, after it was announced that the contract has been put out to tender.
The sports centre has a gym, a 3G artificial grass pitch, tennis, netball and badminton courts and an Olympic-sized sports hall
The idea for the petition came from Stockingford AA Pavilion Ladies FC, which has been using the facilities for around three years.
Steve Norman, secretary of the club, said: “We are quite big users of the club, the staff are always helpful and we thought we ought to support the current management.
“I knew lots of other clubs and societies who use the facilities would feel the same.”
One of the concerns raised by supporters of the petition is the potential that staff could lose their jobs.
Tristian Corbett wrote: “NBLT employees are at risk of unemployment and the people of Nuneaton will lose a well-run facility with an amazing range of classes.”
Claire Doyle who works at the centre also wrote: “I want to keep my job and also it’s a great place for parties and family fun.”
The trust, which is a not-for-profit organisation and registered charity, has confirmed that it has submitted a proposal to stay on at the academy.
It also manages Bermuda Park Nursery, Bermuda Adventure Soft Play World, Gym Heaven and Empire Gym & Studios.
In a statement on its Facebook page, the NBLT said: “We really hope that we are kept on to run Nuneaton Academy Sports Centre so that we carry on helping the community enjoy sport and exercise and that we keep our employees in their jobs.”
The new contract is expected to come into place on November 1.
Mr Norman added: “I would say to the owners, read the comments on the petition and take note of them and don’t let a few pounds worth of savings lead you into making a mistake.”
The petition was started on Thursday and has currently received more than 200 signatures.
A spokeswoman from the Midlands Academies Trust which runs the Nuneaton Academy, said: “The Midland Academies Trust recently went out to tender for the management of the sports services at The Nuneaton Academy.
“As this involves the management and expenditure of public funds, we are bound to an open and transparent procurement process to ensure there is equal and fair opportunity for all companies that wish to respond, and to make sure we get best value.”
To view the petition, click here. | http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/local-news/fears-job-losses-nuneaton-academy-11787390 | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.coventrytelegraph.net/6ebddb5fe3a315362c987c89a18fb1cabdb89202912d45b852ec2d766bc6ae7b.json |
[
"James Rodger"
] | 2016-08-26T12:51:58 | null | 2016-08-25T15:04:04 | Discount supermarket reveals UK wine habits with Wine Map of Great Britain | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.coventrytelegraph.net%2Fwhats-on%2Ffood-drink-news%2Frevealed-coventrys-favourite-wine-whats-11799695.json | http://i1.coventrytelegraph.net/incoming/article11451161.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS91307742.jpg | en | null | Revealed: Coventry's favourite wine | null | null | www.coventrytelegraph.net | New research has revealed Coventry residents' favourite wine.
Discount supermarket Aldi, which boasts numerous stores across the city and throughout Warwickshire, has released its first ever 'Wine Map' of the UK today.
The budget retailer has revealed the nation's wine capitals - and confirmed Coventry is a fan of the Pinot Noir.
The city loves a glass of the ruby red offering, according to the research, while Great Britain as a whole usually plumps for Sauvignon Blanc.
Aldi, which has been voted Wine Retailer of the Year, launched an eCommerce website in early 2016 and has been busy diving deep into the data of its first 16,000 transcations.
Aldi, on the A5 near Nuneaton
The data revealed that Sauvignon Blanc takes the coveted position of Britain’s most popular wine style, finishing ahead of prosecco and the country's preferred red, Malbec, which took third place.
Shoppers in the Midlands proved they have the UK’s most diverse taste palate.
Wine drinkers in Leicester like to raise a glass of Rioja, Birmingham wine buffs show a penchant for a chilled Rosé, while folk in Nottingham enjoy the fruity tones of Rosé Champagne.
Tony Baines, joint Managing Director of Corporate Buying, says: “Our expert buying team know exactly what makes the UK tick when it comes to wine and we’re delighted to be able to share our insight.
“Aldi’s philosophy is to make quality wine accessible to all, whatever the budget.
"We can see the influence this has had on our customers who now demonstrate a great knowledge and understanding about wine in their wine choices and feedback.
"We expect consumers to keep trading up to more premium wines and for new, less well known variations of wine to become more prominent in the next five years as consumers become even more discerning.”
Watch: Site of the new Aldi store in Coventry at Cannon Park
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Aldi boasts three stores in Coventry, situated in Radford Road, Roseberry Avenue, in Bell Green and Hinckley Road, in Walsgrave.
There are also stores in Bedworth and Nuneaton, as well as Hinckley, Leamington Spa and Stratford-on-Avon.
The budget supermarket will also open supermarkets in Shultern Lane, Cannon Park, later this year, as well as the Gallagher Retail Park and the Airport Retail Park. | http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/whats-on/food-drink-news/revealed-coventrys-favourite-wine-whats-11799695 | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.coventrytelegraph.net/4de26fc5a16872721773820a2349f0549ccdf18d499d8d74bf8ba719b9a5da5a.json |
[
"Ben Eccleston"
] | 2016-08-31T00:48:47 | null | 2016-08-30T16:58:27 | The driver had his cash box, wallet and phone stolen on Sunday night | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.coventrytelegraph.net%2Fnews%2Flocal-news%2Ftaxi-driver-robbed-gunpoint-passengers-11820161.json | http://i3.coventrytelegraph.net/incoming/article11578201.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS49190269-Medium.jpg | en | null | Taxi driver robbed at gunpoint by passengers after picking them up at Rugby train station | null | null | www.coventrytelegraph.net | A taxi driver was robbed at gunpoint after picking up two passengers from Rugby train station.
Police say that the taxi driver, a man in his 60s, was threatened with a dark silver “old-style gun” and ordered to hand over his wallet, phone and cash box.
The robbery happened after two passengers - a man and a woman - had got in to the taxi at Rugby train station at around 9.30pm on Sunday.
They were then taken to York Street where the man pulled out the gun and threatened the driver of the white Toyota Avensis estate.
Both passengers ran off in the direction of the Round Gardens flats.
The offender was white, aged 45 to 50, 6ft and skinny. He was believed to have a light-coloured beard and glasses, and was sat in the front passenger seat of the taxi.
Police want to identify these individuals
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The female passenger, who was sat in the rear of the taxi, was white, 5ft 3in, around 35 years old and of a large build.
Det Con Stephen Mobbs, from Rugby CID , said: “We are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has any information to please come forward.
“This was an incredibly frightening incident for the victim and we would like to reassure the public that we are working hard to identify the individuals as soon as possible.
“Anyone with any information is asked to call Warwickshire Police on 101, quoting incident 413 of August 28.”
Details can also be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. | http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/local-news/taxi-driver-robbed-gunpoint-passengers-11820161 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.coventrytelegraph.net/0f964876c34eaadbc33db04083e7ee435d6250c600d40ac8e1d0c28241411ace.json |
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