Express News Brief 12-2-09
Salone Girl Wins Miss West Africa 2009
Shireen Benjamin of a Sierra Leonean heritage has been crowned Miss West Africa 2009 at the Royal Regency Hall, Manor Park, London. The opportunity to participate in this pageantry show was one which Ms Benjamin has longed for. Her vision is a world where women and girls can actively participate in the socio-economic development of their country.
FGM Still A Problem
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is still a worrying problem in Sierra Leone in spite of the global call to put an end to it. Recently, a 17 year old teenage pregnant girl at Grafton was initiated into the ‘bondo’ society immediately after giving birth. This is however a violation on the right of the girl because she is below eighteen years of age.
War Wounded In Action Signals To Strike
Some outrageous members of the wounded in action (WIA) have threatened to come out on the streets if the authorities concerned do not look into their case. Retired Corporal Alie Kamara, speaking on behalf of his colleagues said they have been abandoned by the authorities by failing to make improvement on their welfare.
Even the basic Le17, 000 (US$4) monthly pensions which is due them at the end of every month is not forthcoming. Corporal Alie Kamara added that the authority owed them 13 months backlog and which failing to pay them by the 8th of December they would be coning out on the streets of Freetown with their families to protest peacefully.
SLRTC Pensioners Cry Over Meager Pension
The former employees of the Sierra Leone Road Transport co-operation (SLRTC) have cried over the Le3,500 meager pension given to them at the end of every month. One pensioner who prefers to be anonymous has told the Sierra Express Media that even the infinitesimal Le3,500 is not paid on time. They are calling on the head of the Road transport Co-operation to look into the matter as some of them are senile and old and can not fend for themselves.
NRA Intends To Cut Down 10% Of Its Work Force
A recent report in one of our local tabloids has informed the public that the management of the National Revenue Authority (NRA) has intention to lay off 10 percent of its work force. This decision come into existence as a result of the introduction of a new system called Automated System for customs Data (ASYCUDA) which require technical expertise. Therefore those who are not technologically inclined would definitely face the axe. This new system has the capability to do work faster.
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