WARNING: This is Version 1 of my old archive, so Photos will NOT work and many links will NOT work. But you can find articles by searching on the Titles. There is a lot of information in this archive. Use the SEARCH BAR at the top right. Prior to December 2012; I was a pro-Christian type of Conservative. I was unaware of the mass of Jewish lies in history, especially the lies regarding WW2 and Hitler. So in here you will find pro-Jewish and pro-Israel material. I was definitely WRONG about the Boeremag and Janusz Walus. They were for real.
Original Post Date: 2010-09-21 Time: 11:00:03 Posted By: News Poster
By Mohamed Massaquoi
Freetown – Over-emotions and selfish gains should not be the overriding factor towards issues that deal with the economic growth of the country. It is time for consciousness and pride in what we consider to be the only symbol that brings us together, that is our beloved Sierra Leone.
The research reports by the Network Movement for Justice and Development (NMJD) on the operations of Sierra Leone Diamond Corporation now African Minerals Limited should be considered as guidelines to the numerous mining agreements and problems the country might be facing now and in the future.
The extractive industry of a country should be given the required support and attention from government, civil society organizations and the media as it plays a pivotal role in the economic development of that country, especially a post-conflict nation like Sierra Leone which is still engulfed in the wreckages of the civil conflict.
The role of CSOs in a democratic dispensation should not be overemphasized as they tend to protect and promote the interest of the people. It was based on this notion that in 2008 President Ernest Bai Koroma inspired great hope for many Sierra Leoneans when he instituted a presidential Task Force to review the mining sector with funding from the United Nations Development Programme UNDP. One of the first priorities of the Task Force was to set up an assessment team of very experienced professionals to help review mining contracts with the four largest mining companies, beginning with Koidu Holdings.
Two things every Sierra Leonean seems to agree with: that mineral resources are yet to benefit the people of this country, and that the institution desperately needs a profound overhauling. There are divergent views on the changes needed as there are many players involved in the process.
There have also been questions about the lack of transparency and accountability in the mining sector, the enactment of the 2009 Mines and Mineral Act was said to be a laudable venture by government as it was expected that the policy would be best practicable and in the interest of every Sierra Leonean, regardless of status or political affiliations.
Minister of Mineral Resources, Alhaji Alpha Kanu, has often referred to this Act as a major departure from previous mining legislations to a new legislation that will bring significant benefits to the economy, communities and the country. It became very clear that it was necessary for the timely intervention by civil society organizations to ensure that politicians and mine owners did not abuse the said Act.
The role of CSOs is to mobilize around entry points and develop strategies whereby a priority problem can be resolved for the smooth operations of the country. The issue of social accountability therefore refers to the broad range of actions and mechanisms that citizens, CSOs and the media can use to hold public officials accountable. The Network Movement for Justice and Development (NMJD) has been in the business of mining over the past decades and was swift to have referred to the ratification of the London Mining agreement as illegal.
A release from NMJD and the Global Witness dated March 24th, 2010 stated that Sierra Leone’s parliament ratifies an illegal mining agreement that is bad for the country’s development. A lease agreement with the UK based company was said to have contravened the recently enacted 2009 Minerals Act and it is not in the best economic interest of the country. NMJD Executive Director, Abu Brima, then said: “This has set a dangerous precedent for other companies renegotiating mining contracts.”
It was Koidu Holdings and London Mining; the African Minerals only came under spectrum by the Diamonds and Human Security Annual Review in 2009. The review among other things stated that the African Minerals described itself as a mineral and diamond exploration and production company focusing on Sierra Leone; it claims to be a socially and responsible business and one of the largest private sector employers in the country.
In the latest NMJD survey report tiled, “Dancing with the Chameleon: Mining communities in Sierra Leone and the many faces of Frank Timis”, it is a pro bono to the African Minerals in my opinion as a journalist and a patriot of this country for the management to have the opportunity to listen and learn and make necessary corrections, though in a moderate but competent manner as opposed to what many people could describe as childish and mischievous. It was indeed a drama at the British Council on that day when this document was launched.
March out strategy
It started with a young, dynamic potential future leader of this country and one of the most outspoken MPs and chairman of the parliamentary oversight committee on mines, Chernoh Maju Bah aka ‘Chericoco’, who marched out of the hall after his presentation knowing so well that he was to be questioned about the alleged double role he was playing within the mining arena. But the most unfortunate thing was after the statement by the Corporate Manager of African Minerals, Mustapha Kamara, who was left with no alternative after delivering his statement but to interrupt the entire session by marching away and being followed by a lot of people.
Is this the way we treat major national issues? But never mine, the deputy minister of Mineral Resources too followed; was it fixed-up or pre-arranged is the million dollar question that is yet to be answered.
My heart was bleeding when the SLBC screened a programmer on the NMJD research report last Wednesday in which some of the panelists were justifying at all cost the flaws within the document; is it only now that they are coming onboard? Let me relax and think about the level of political intolerance and the Pa’s 36 months in office. I rest my case.
Original date published: 20 September 2010
Source: http://allafrica.com/stories/201009210203.html?viewall=1