Author: gleanernewspaper

The Board of Directors of USIDFC has approved additional funding to be used for the planning, construction, and operation of a 105-megawatt combined cycle thermal power plant in Sierra Leone. The financing, which was originally approved for up to $217 million, has now been increased to up to $292 million due to changes made to the project. The project’s objective is to assist Sierra Leone in meeting its energy needs and developing its economy. It is being carried out by CECA SL Generation Limited. To increase productivity and raise living standards, the power plant will be essential in supplying households,…

A ground-breaking two-day workshop centred on regulatory measures for autonomous weapons was held at the Bintumani Conference in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The main objective of the event was to establish the groundwork for an international treaty on the use and management of these state-of-the-art military technologies. Security experts, artificial intelligence specialists, and foreign ministers from ECOWAS were in attendance. Musa Timothy Kabba, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for Sierra Leone emphasized in his opening remarks the pressing need to address the growing threat posed by Autonomous Weapons Systems. To facilitate the development of a legally binding international…

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has graciously accepted the retirement of the Rt. Hon. Dr Abass Chernor Bundu, Speaker of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone. This decision was made in a letter dated April 15, 2024, and was made after Dr. Bundu announced his resignation from his position due to health/medical reasons. President Bio conveyed his appreciation to Dr Bundu for his guidance and leadership in building a solid and fruitful relationship inside and outside of Parliament, and he anticipates receiving his support and advice going forward. In his letter of retirement, Dr Abass Chernor…

US Mining Mafia, Craig Dean The politics of the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) has degenerated into an all-out political battle between the ruling Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) and the main opposition All Peoples Congress (APC) Party, US Mining Mafia, Craig Dean, has reportedly meddled into the internal politics of Sierra Leone.  The Chief Executive Officer of Marampa Mines, Craig Dean, has recently been embroiled in some unholy activities in which his dealings in Sierra Leone have been seriously questioned by the local media.  Craig was spotted in the declaration of the Wara Serry Kamal as President of the Sierra…

Sudanese refugees gather as Doctors Without Borders (MSF) teams assist the war wounded from West Darfur, Sudan, in Adre hospital, Chad on June 16, 2023 [Mohammad Ghannam/MSF via Reuters] For a brief moment, the eyes of the world were on Sudan as civil war swept the nation last April, following the collapse of the fragile power-sharing agreement between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. Since then, the brutal conflict has vanished from the international agenda as swiftly as it has laid waste to the country. On April 15, exactly one year after the calm was shattered, a…

The meeting, which was held at State House, was to discuss potential synergies to address food insecurity issues in the country. Isaac briefed the team on Solidaridad’s interventions in the tree crop sector in Sierra Leone, highlighting the significant impact made in the cocoa, coffee, and cashew sectors through various programmes implemented over the years. He also shared insights into upcoming interventions aimed at promoting clean energy and increasing food production in the country. Isaac emphasized Solidaridad’s commitment to ensuring that commodities such as cocoa, coffee, and cashews, sourced from farmers supported by Solidaridad, meet the European Union Deforestation Regulation…

President Julius Maada Bio was the Guest of Honour at the official harvesting of a massive onion production by Pee Cee Agriculture Limited at Mathen Village in the Lokomassama Chiefdom, Port Loko District, over the weekend. Other private investors should consider emulating the good example set by Pee Cee Agriculture Limited for several reasons. Firstly, investing in agriculture, especially in cultivating essential food crops like onions and other vegetables, not only contributes to food security but also supports the government’s initiatives such as the Feed Salone program. By engaging in similar agricultural projects, private investors can play a crucial role in…

Students as well as staff of the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS), have thrown their unwavering support behind Sheknatu Isata Bangura as their candidate for the Africa Young Voices Miss University 2023. AYV Miss University 2023 is slated for Friday 26th April, 2024 at Radisson Blu, Mammy Yoko Hotel in Freetown, with the theme; Beauty for change: unity, dignity and entrepreneurship. Sheknatu Isata Bangura is a current student of that institution and a one-time Big Sister Housemate. She secured the 1st Runner-Up position in the Miss COMAHS beauty pageant and was also a visionary behind the Noodles Bar and…

In preparation for its first Regional conference on the Peace and Security Aspect of Autonomous Weapons System: An ECOWAS Perspective, in Freetown, Sierra Leone, from April 17 to 18 2024, the Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sierra Leone in Geneva, Switzerland, last week, hosted Ambassadors of ECOWAS Missions and Embassies in Geneva. The consultative meeting in Geneva focused on briefing member states on the inaugural Regional Conference on the Peace and Security Aspect of Autonomous Weapons System: An ECOWAS Perspective. Among other important issues that the Head of Mission, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone in Geneva, Switzerland, Dr…

Panellist Michael Imran Kanu is the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the United Nations. Photo courtesy of Michael Imran Kanu On X On April 9, Hamilton welcomed three United Nations (UN) figures to speak on the role of small member states, particularly in promoting global security. The panel took place in the Kirner-Johnson Building’s Red Pit and was well-attended by students, faculty members, and since the event was open to the public, local community members. The discussion invited H.E. Inga Rhonda King, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to the United…