Stephen Douglas
@redpageletters
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Canadian journo working in Sierra Leone doing media development, writing, shooting and riding a little motorbike around Freetown. BTW, no political affiliations
Freetown, Sierra Leone
Joined June 2010
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Cmas day in Sierra Leone... where the Muslim members of the Police force work and the Christian personnel celebrate, attend church and spend time with their families. They (unofficially) trade off Ramadan and Cmas... This is cooperation. This is respect. This is Sierra Leone.
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I can't believe people fall for this... A "church" in 🇸🇱 says - "sow the seed". People line up to give USD, bundles & handfuls of SLL... to the "pastor", who tells them their money will be returned 10X - if they believe. LOL. It's criminal! It's sad!
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Ooops. The latest SL Police "wanted" poster of the 10 Aug protesters includes a deceased Nigerian musician. I suspect there's some foul play afoot since the photo shows the young man with a gun. (fits with the violent insurrectionist narrative)
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I think EDSA took this initiative a little too far.
This Saturday, our
@UN
Headquarters in NYC joined people around the world in switching off their lights for
#EarthHour
.
From the darkness, let's build a brighter & more sustainable future for everyone, everywhere.
Every minute & every hour counts.
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The recent mobile data price hike in SL may not be a bread & butter issue but it certainly is a development issue - economic, health, media, democracy, information and human rights. I'm in favour of universal, affordable, accessible internet in SL 📲🇸🇱
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Artillery fire, gunshots can be heard in my neighbourhood... several times my windows have shook. Gov't says everyone should stay indoors and things are under control.
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Is anyone in SL listening, reading??? The cashews in SL are amazing... but am I the only one to think that?
Moz cashews. 1.4million Mozambican farmers earn income from cashews. Production of 160,000 tons last year was up 6.5% from year before. The 2022-23 season also looks promising for the crop, but global inflation makes the costly nut a luxury to many. EU is Moz' big export market.
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The re-match! In 2018, Samura Kamara/Chernor Bah lead the APC against the SLPP ticket of Bio/Juldeh. APC lost in a run-off 48.2% to 51.8%. The re-match of heavyweights will be 24 June 2023... and I hear "the gloves are off".
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I was handed a SL Primary-1 class timetable this morning... 7 periods, inc lunch. Computer studies? (no computers in sight) French? (no French teachers) Religion? (why bother) One period of "arts"/wk. These are 5-6-yr olds... Sigh. I wonder where the re-vamped curriculum is?
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HMCS Summerside and RCN set sail from Freetown. Fabulous to have them here! Such a positive force.
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First of its kind in Sierra Leone - photo exhibit by all female photographers. Cool. Beautiful setting with some stunning photos. Gotta do more of this...
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The President of
#SierraLeone
says we have terrorists in our midst. The Tourism Ministry insists there are no terrorists. I don't know who to believe. I feel safe... except when I see the hundreds of police and military personnel blocking the central business area of FT.
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Best WASSCE results ever... Best BECE results ever... according to the Minister of Education. Good news amidst the questions. It's about the kids... not necessarily about the numbers, in my view.
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Lots going on in "Salone-land". Politics, studies, new laws and more.
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Met with 'kush" users. 1-failed WASSCE twice. Stuck. 2-didn't learn to read/write well. Stuck. 3-moved to FT from farm area. Stuck. 4-vocational sch for catering. Stuck. 5-orphaned. Stuck. 6-no opportunities. Stuck. 7-no money. Stuck. 8-kicked out of family home. Stuck. And sad
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Visited the Black Johnson Beach over the weekend... what a magical, special, interesting and beautiful place! Incredible scenery, extraordinary ecosystems and a superb place to relax and research.
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CSO, Nt'l Elections Watch (NEW) predicts a run-off in the tightly contested Salone 2023 elections. Sierra Leoneans wait with bated breath for the results announcement from the Electoral Commission
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One of the current debates in Sierra Leone has to do with the "size" of the party's manifesto documents. (number of pages of promises) Hmmm, it reminds me of another useless male comparison tradition. Some would say, "it's how you use it that counts".
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What is not really surprising is the immature and unethical behaviour of political parties - no one should be releasing election results prior to the Electoral Commission! They (and we) know better than this.
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On day two of the 3-day lockdown in
#sierraleone
. Getting water continues to be a major problem. Here... the police help by allowing people to queue - trying to maintain some physical distance.
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Heather Cameron has been a great addition to the work of Canada in Sierra Leone. Thank you, Madam High Commissioner.
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Day 1 of the 3-day lockdown in
#SierraLeone
... and all was quiet. But, some "slippages" by folks who need water and want to hang out. Drove from west to east Freetown... Quite eery. Photo: PZ, normally one of the busiest places in town
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Amidst the scandals, controversy, poli-tricks distractions, debates - in Sierra Leone - sometimes I just need to remember. This is Sierra Leone as well.
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During the 90s, in Sierra Leone, it was "bush radio" that spread rumours. These days... it's social media. Sigh. Watch what you post, forward or relay. We all know the consequences...
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And, off they sail. HMCS Summerside sailing from Freetown. A reconnection with history and creating new histories.
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As far as I can tell, Pres Bio has been interviewed by BBC and Aljazeera (several times) but is yet to grant interviews or attend a press conference with local SL journalists. Not sure why.
#SierraLeone
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I don't understand why the Gov of Sierra Leone 🇸🇱 has not yet repealed section 5 of the Public Order Act 1965, that criminalizes libel? After a year!!! It was a campaign promise!!
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These mandatory ID cards - sold for NLe140 to citizens... According to the World Bank (Stats-SL) there were 4,839,325 people aged 15-64 in 2021, in SL. SO, approx. 4,900,000. NLe140 X 4,900,000 equals NLe686,000,000... income. These are the facts... and this is NOT political.
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It's a Maada Bio/Juldeh vs Samura Kamara election... Ruling SLPP vs opposition APC. These two flagbearers faced off in 2018... so this should be an exciting re-match. No word on Samura's running mate yet.
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I hope fishing officials along the entire coast of West Africa read this... Amazing and shocking report!
BREAKING: Systemic corruption means illegal fishing and human rights abuses go unreported and unpunished in Ghana's waters.
Our new investigation reveals shocking abuses and serious threats to fisheries that millions of Ghanaians depend on. Read it here:
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@LamranaAmadu
@dsengeh
You make a good point... but I believe "Trouble getting transport" as a rather lame excuse. "The rains..." "Traffic..." etc are also merely excuses for not being on time. Being on time might mean people have to leave their houses a little earlier. A job is a commitment
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On Friday, I watched several films produced and directed by the Freetown Media Centre and "Barmy Boy", Lansana, with Arthur Pratt. "New Boat" was outstanding and I have a new appreciation for films created in and by Sierra Leoneans. Fabulous work by the FMC teams.
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Two words that drive me crazy... "community sensitization"... made up by some NGO to justify their funding, I'm sure. Let's call a spade a spade... It's education! That's all... whether it's in schools or on notice boards or through the media. Sigh.
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Sierra Leone welcomes the "free, quality education initiative" of the government. On day one - lots of excitement, trepidation, smiles... and challenges... from students, teachers and parents.
#Salone
#SierraLeone
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HMCS Glace Bay and HMCS Swawinigan are "ported" in Sierra Leone. Tonight's reception was magnificent - Cdn beer, Cdn cheeses, Cdn family. Thank you Royal Canadian Navy. Back to visit after three years. Great to "hang" with my Cdn brothers and sisters.
#CdnHighComm
in Ghana
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Sierra Leone youth debate getting underway at British Council hall. All 🇸🇱 for all 🇸🇱
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I need a breath... after these election campaigns, results announcements and "poli-tricking of spin". Sometimes it's just exhausting.
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So,
#SierraLeone
has hit the 1,000 case of COVID-19 milestone at the 70 day mark since the first case on March 31. Almost 50 have died. Tons have recovered. Are we asking questions yet? No peak? No dramatic increase in numbers... Just this steady "drum" in the background.
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@sierraeyesalone
@FirstLadyBio
@PresidentBio
@dsengeh
Ironic how the pads are meant to keep girls IN school... while they're pulled OUT of school for the distribution. Hmmm...
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Day one of the 3-day lockdown in
#SierraLeone
. Already, the neighbours are out. I hear the soap seller. I can see the "boys" at the junction... Are we really serious?? I don't believe 3-days will do much in the fight against C-19 but here we are.
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The cost of mobile data has just jumped from NLe9 to NLe15 for 1GB, for a week. Looks like I'll be "unavailable" for WhatsApp calls, messages, FB, etc. while I'm away from my office wifi. Thank you Orange for the extra squeeze on life in
#SierraLeone
.
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Information we don't have in SL🇸🇱. If one suspects covid-19, where can one get tested? Which hospitals are equipped to handle a suspected case? What advice is being proclaimed for those who suspect corona virus?
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For one day at least, Sierra Leone recognizes the potential of girls... Some interesting sponsored activities around the country🇸🇱. It's the other 364 days of the year that really bother me.
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Freetown's "cotton tree" goes green (with lights supplied by the Embassy of Ireland in Sierra Leone and the City Council). The tree is an iconic, centuries old, landmark in the middle of Freetown... commemorating St. Patrick's Day with our Irish friends - and tourists.
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Missing American woman in Sierra Leone. Massah Kaikai has been missing for six weeks... There are very suspicious circumstances... and we need to spread the word... and light a fire under the investigators.
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Remembrance Day commemorations in Sierra Leone brought together a large community of security forces, dignitaries and diplomats. See... Chinese Ambassador Wu Peng; British High Commissioner, Guy Warrington: American Ambassador, Maria Brewer.
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@Tacugama
I'm wondering... Can the "Tac-folks" who find these infants report the matter to the Police? And, can charges be laid? This is horribly distressing.
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Very proud to see TWO Sierra Leonean newspapers recognized on this global media listing... Concord Times and Awoko... and several Canadian papers (Globe and Mail, Toronto Star) also on the list.
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The Chinese want to build a $50m fish harbour/processing plant in one of Salone's most pristine areas. But, who's minding the store and acting in the interests of the residents, animals, whales, dolphins and future? Certainly not the authors of the ESHIA Report!
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If you're thinking of giving... Please consider this amazing group here in Sierra Leone. They do incredibly important work... I know, I've seen them in action!
On
#InternationalCharityDay
please consider donating: just $15 can supply 2 weeks worth of nappies, medicine and food for babies detained in
#prison
with their mothers
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Stories that matter... Debatable issues... Challenges and successes.
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YES... respect children, teach them to be assertive, critical and analytical. "We cannot memorise our way out of poverty." True... Why are our children in SL still copying from a blackboard? Why are they reciting (repeating what the teacher says) the days of the week? Sigh.
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I will soon have seedlings then transplants then plants and hopefully a crop of red onions, tomatoes, etc. Just in case... Oh C-19!!!
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I fail to understand how giving new SUVs to the Police is more helpful than a DNA sequencer, a database of sexual offenders or properly trained child psychologists. Sigh.
Sexual violence cases remained the most reported crimes against girls with 1,220 out of 2,314 cases of violence against children between Jan & June this yr. Today we handed over two new vehicles to the FSU through the IGP, SLP, Mr William Fayia Sellu
@Foreverychild
, Protection!
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@sierraeyesalone
I've repeatedly asked... the police, military and even the drug/pharmacy authorities. I've been told there is no laboratory in the country that's done any analysis of the product... Sigh. So, there's no "test" for the product (breath-alyzer), and no analysis of content.
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Canadian military honoured at ceremony to mark the end of Ebola in Sierra Leone. Proud to wear my flag here today.
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Had a wonderful & inspiring visit onboard "Goose Bay" & "Muncton" on Sunday. Great to see the crowd from Accra, from SL, and from our east coast. Thanks for the NS brews and special thanks for the scrumptious nanaimo bar from Chief Cook onboard.
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Hundreds of police and military personnel block central business district around the courthouse where a treason trial has just begun.
#Sierraleone
. Will the Gov't reimburse local businesses? Too tense!
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@superrod001
Some time ago, I asked a certain mobile data provider to provide a "statement" of my account. I wanted to know when I purchased, how many MBs I used, if/when my data had expired, etc. They could or would not. Perhaps this is where we start with holding them accountable
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If there were any doubt... Freetown's east end was afire today while Freetown's west end was quiet. It was surreal riding my motorbike from west to east and back west this morning.
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@tonkolili
I agree... but, it's true of both main parties. The gov't constituency office in Kailahun is painted green - for the party in power. Shouldn't all gov't buildings be painted green, white and blue?? It was gov't money, after all... not party money.
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The stories of women candidates are so interesting... some filled with tales of intimidation, poverty, etc. BUT, out of the 56 women interviewed, all but one said they'd run again, if given the opportunity. Looking forward to 2023.
Ahead of
#IWD2019
I was pleased to speak at the launch event of the “On the campaign trail” report, which recorded the experiences of female candidates and made practical recommendations to work towards gender equity in politics in
#SierraLeone
#BalanceforBetter
@IrlEmbFreetown
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First Lady of Sierra Leone helps launch "Hands off our girls" campaign to reduce teen pregnancy, early marriage, rape and SGBV. It's a tall order... in a country like this but let's hope the campaign is supported by the men and boys who are the perpetrators.
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I'm in need of a walk in the woods... wearing a sweater knit by my mother, stomping through the yellow and red leaves, feeling the nip on the tips of my ears, and hearing the breeze loosen the last of the leaves... Sigh
Everyone deserves access to mental health care.
#WorldMentalHealthDay
is about raising awareness, fighting the stigma and celebrating those who are working tirelessly around the world to address
#mentalhealth
issues that affect everyone.
#EndTheStigma
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A moveable holiday!
18 February is Armed Forces Day in SL🇸🇱 commemorating former Pres Kabbah's declaration "de war don-don" in 2002. In 2023, the public holiday was moved to Wed 21 Feb. The holiday is in honour of "the Armed Forces' bravery in defending peace and democracy"
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Yet another reason I love Tacugama. This is how we roll in Sierra Leone.
This
#WorldDisabilityDay
Tacugama welcomed 15 disabled kids from Disability Empowerment Movement Sierra Leone (DEM-SL) .
We gave the kids a presentation of our work, a fun drawing exercise, lunch and a Sanctuary tour.
It was great to see them having a good time 💚
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Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL) released "Women, Politics and Violence" (during the Salone 2018 elections) today. A remarkable work... with shocking findings. 90% of women involved in politics experienced violence/intimidation.
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I wonder how we, the media, can do better… how we can cover more stories that matter to the people of SL. I’m consumed by the idea of providing our readers with accurate, timely, interesting and relevant stories.
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The Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone says there are 3,268,855 eligible voters for the 2023 elections. In 2018, the EC noted 3,178,663 eligible voters. 90,192 more eligible voters - 5-yrs later. As "they" say... "we move". 😃😇
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Day one of the 3-day lockdown in
#SierraLeone
. Interestingly, people are taking to their stoops, front steps, front areas... watching and waiting. For what? I'm at a loss.
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Pending appeals, former ADP leader Mohamed Kamarainba Mansaray will likely never get out of prison... His conviction for having sex with a minor and sentence of 17-yrs is likely a death sentence. He is reported to be in very poor health after spending almost 3-yrs on remand.
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Biggest tax grab since the introduction of GST. Everything "gov't related" is going up... taxes, permits, licences, EDSA, et al and now ID... Efforts to create internal revenue...
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Taking books to where the people gather... LOVE this idea. Great reporting...
Librarians in NYC are attempting to "promote literacy in ordinary locations." By adding books and staff to laundromats in low-income communities, they are providing opportunities for children living in "book deserts."
@NewsHour
@LisaStark
#TheWholeStory
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Overheard along the beach on Friday: "I dae go to da "D" concert... but I won't eat next week." Sigh. Setting priorities seems to be an issue these days in SL... kush over sleep; clubbing over food; begging over work; bling-bluff over shoes.
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It's starting to look like the tragic deaths of 3 high-profile journos in Sierra Leone are somehow being high-jacked by photo-ops for aspiring or campaigning politicians. This makes me even sadder than I was initially. Rest in peace, colleagues, without the politics.
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A fun, interesting... and positive story from Sierra Leone!!
Our friends
@TourismIreland
@dfatirl
will be pleased to see
#Ireland
’s
#GlobalGreening
making front-page headlines in
#SierraLeone
. Thanks
@redpageletters
@Ophaniel
@AYVSierraLeone
& all who came along last night!
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Some people are paying attention... while others remain distracted. All we ask is that you know...
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While we celebrate the recent WASSCE results in SL, this piece of insight is interesting and raises some significant concern.
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New airport terminal... and 75+ yrs of airport history. Bye-bye Yvonne... till we meet again. Catch your copy. Responsible, accurate journalism lives on Sierra Leone.
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Chess grandmaster, Nigel Short, representing the world governing body of chess, FIDE, played 22 games concurrently against SL players. You can imagine the outcome of those games. I sat down with Nigel to discuss SL and the future of chess.
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Enlightenment... information, responsible journalism and news... we're on top of Sierra Leone.
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Sierra Leone inaugurates Pres. Maada Bio in a public ceremony at the Nt'l Stadium. Former Pres. Koroma hands over baton of power to roars of approval. All a bit disorganized but we can now say, "it happened" and Sierra Leoneans can move forward.
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It's not rocket science... Let's get this right!
34 years ago, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Audrey Hepburn gave this passionate speech as world leaders adopted the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Today, her words are as important as ever.
#WorldChildrensDay
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Minister of Information commits Gov't to repeal criminal libel by September 2019. We'll watch. Good news!
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A local by-election... gone mad. Polling centres attacked, ballots scattered. Good grief.
#Salone
politics is something else! Thinking of residents in Const. 110... Is this the representation they want/deserve?
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Just seven days before Sierra Leone decides to renew an incumbent or install their mates in red. There was talk of a debate... but I guess those dreams have died. Parties now rely on lengthy manifestos and dancing, of course, to sway voters.
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#SierraLeone
. I'm starting a series of photos for this second, national 3-day lockdown. It's called, "inside/out". While people are supposed to be "inside"... to stop the transmission of COVID-19 (to quote the Gov't), many people are "out".
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Re. the budget passed in SL's parliament this week. I expected a bit of austerity. A hiring freeze, cutting overseas travel, reducing salaries, no more debt, etc. Stimulate the private sector and curb gov't expenditures! It's not rocket science.
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So, why is the GoSL being so "stingy" with testing? Why hasn't COVID-19 testing been ramped up? I hear it's because they don't want to spend the money to buy more test kits. Apparently, they've used fewer than 1/4 of what's currently in stock... Why not test?!
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Out and about on Sunday night... to the Freetown Music and Film Festival along Lumley Beach. Well worth the effort... good to hear "real" live music, see some amazing photos and a couple of short films. Good work, arts community. 🎆 Ear plugs recommended!
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Successive gov'ts have promised... and I never thought I'd see the day. BUT today,
#SierraLeone
parliament passed the amended Public Order Act and repealed Part 5, which criminalize libel. That's a good thing. BUT, what have we got ourselves into?
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Allegations and counter-allegations - I'm awash in propaganda as NEC tallies ballots in SL elections. Waiting patiently for something official!
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One year after the swearing in ceremony... and they're still talking about "the economy we inherited", "the education crisis we inherited", "the healthcare emergency we inherited", "the debt we inherited", etc. Let's start talking about now/now... and where now will lead...
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Police have barricaded downtown Freetown today... as election petitions are decided. Teargas floats through the streets. Armed riot police on patrol. Bottles, stones, burned tires little the streets.
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Thanks to HMCS Summerside Capt + crew for a fabulous demo of Cdn Naval professionalism and hospitality. Setting sail
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Masks are only PART of the solution. Please keep your distance... a real challenge in
#SierraLeone
. Day 3 of the 3-day lockdown.
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A really nice evening... rehashing stories, learning about experiences and seeing a wonderful friend, Sinead. Great to have Dr Oliver and Dr Walsh in Freetown.
What a joy to be at the
#Freetown
book launch of
#GettingToZero
by former Irish Ambassador to
#SierraLeone
and now EU Amb to S Sudan Sinead Walsh and dr Oliver Johnson, documenting the Ebola story in
#SierraLeone
and drawing powerful lessons. Thx
@IrlEmbFreetown
for hosting!
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@BimbolaCarrol
Not on any google maps... but Binty's on Percival St near Pademba Rd, across from the petrol station... Amazing food, good company and a fabulous host.
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From arts to elections... From crime to courts... From media to mudslides... From news to perspectives... We're there.
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