$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ CHANGE HAS COME - BE INSPIRED "The Audacity of Hope" by Barack Obama "YES WE CAN" REJOICE WITH DIGNITY. Rosa Parks sat so Martin Luther King could walk; MLK walked so Barack Obama could run; Obama ran so our children CAN FLY! Hurray for President Elect Obama! On this exciting and historic 4 NOVEMBER 2008. This is a great day! We look forward to Barack Obama's inauguration as the 44th President of the United States on 20 January 2009, DV, and take residence as the new First Family in the American White House - The first African-American to be elected President. Congratulations on been elected to serve as the 44th President of the United States of America and "Bonne Chance". Happy moments, praise God. Difficult moments, seek God. Quiet moments, worship God. Painful moments, trust God. Every moment, thank God." + Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which s/he has overcome while trying to succeed. Booker T. Washington + "Make a career of humanity and you will make a greater person of yourself.......and a finer world to live in." Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. + "We Stand on the Shoulders of Those who Came Before Us" $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ WE SHARE SYL'S POSITIVE DESIRE TO HELP SIERRA LEONE MOVE FORWARD. PHOTO : Syl Juxon-Smith THE POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING A NEW MINDSET TO FAST TRACK SIERRA LEONE "Mix, associate and learn from people who inspire you rather than those who discourage and despise you. A positive mind anticipates happiness, joy, health and a successful outcome of every situation and action. Whatever the mind expects, it finds".Syl Juxon-Smith. President Ernest B Koroma`s Attitudinal Change concept, a new way forward strategy for every Sierra Leonean to harness and focus his or her energy with cohesion in a national direction for a better country cannot be actualise or realise if a positive thinking formula is not prescribed alongside the medication. The way to manage this concept is to embrace the philosophy of Positive Thinking as the vitamin and stimulant for achieving attitudinal change. Individuals from diverse status registered their reservations and opinions dealing with the contents of their very behaviours in conclusion accepted as a way of life their past, resigned to the fact that they cannot change old ways irrespective of how criminal or immoral for a new with rhetoric's they cannot survive or feed their family on. In this case individuals must be accepted and encouraged positively with their views, opinions and in character to understand the dynamics of the situation better to formulate hypothesis to the solution. Human behaviour is sociological, influenced by upbringing and societal patterns evolvable from childhood to manhood which makes it difficult to readjust or change. As narrated by individuals with same story to tell, they are of the opinion that "when I changed my attitude or ways, what do I do next"? I was a crook, a thief making a living feeding my family out of it, another says, I was a thug and raray man serving a political party rewarded by a job, every month I will go and collect salary to feed my wife and children like any other ghost worker. My salary is nothing to write home about which made me to manipulate and under value payment documents for percentage of what should go to government coffers, I sleep with my boss to take home extras to provide food for my children which my husband salary cannot take care of, I drop out of school into street life and prostitution because my parent lost their jobs and cannot afford to pay my fees anymore. How do we go about solving an immoral situation born out of moral circumstances? As the saying goes, no one was born a criminal, it is society that makes them what he or she is today. These are factual and complex scenarios affecting the very fabric of society which has lead to many social and political problems. It is very difficult to teach an old man new behaviour and you can take the man from the bush but you cannot take the bush from inside the man". What are is then left is reason to be rational in thoughts and actions and on how they affect others is everyone's responsibility not only the President and the government of the day. The head of state does not choose himself or chooses his country to govern; it is the people that decide, so the onus lies squarely and even more on the people and their sincerity of choice, decisions and degree of cooperation. A reputable psychiatrist gave an overview in his estimation of the alarming rate of mentally disturbed patients and individuals in the country not taken or observed seriously, down played by various authorities including international organisations and stake holders. Countries experienced high crime rate, increase in domestic violence, child abuse, break down in the social system and values, highly irrational and temperamental behavioural attitudes which are products inherited defined as "the traumas of war syndrome" experienced by a society after going through theatres of war in its history. Sierra Leone is no exception but another victim of the circumstance. This phenomenon has physiological repercussion affecting the thinking faculties of the people and gamut of bureaucracy and governance in which due attention be given as an integral factor to the exercise of attitudinal change process. Character makes a man or woman and behaviour is driven by egocentrism in many facets positive and negative in value to the society. The premise of knowledge is based on philosophy which translates into ideology enabling us to understand first the things around us, then appreciates its value to ourselves and to society. Positive and Negative thoughts are both contagious living side by side with just a thin line in between. Individuals infect others by the things they say or do and how they respond to given situations. This happens instinctively on a subconscious level through thoughts and feelings transference through body language. People sense our aura and are affected by our thoughts. Is it any wonder that individuals want to be around positive persons and shun negative ones? People are more disposed to help us if we are positive in expressions. They dislike and avoid anyone broadcasting negativity. Negative thoughts, words and attitude bring up negative and unhappy moods and actions. When the mind is negative, poisons are released into the blood which causes more unhappiness, mood swings and negativity. This promotes failure, frustration and disappointments. Most of those who came to the diaspora during and after the war behave in ways manifesting trauma tendencies in social, work and domestic situations manifesting how deeply the experiences is embedded in the conscious and sub conscious thoughts of Sierra Leoneans. I have witnessed in countries, scenarios in occasions when references are made in parties, clubs, football fields, and situations of common sense argument degenerating into derogatory exchanges. An individual reiterates in one circumstance; after all we all nar one now, you been de eat eggs and beacon me sef they eat am now. Another reiterates, we all they London now and me sef they use flush toilet. There was no need for such statements in a nutshell. It shows the experience and intentions of the war had different connotation many personalised. It is good for all to eat eggs, beacon and to use a flush toilet which is ones human right to food, hygiene and dignity. What's next? or where do we go from here??? If a Sierra Leonean cannot be like you, you must be like him (pull him down syndrome) influenced by an attitude of jealousy, malice, treachery and hatred a very sad chapter in the country's history still prevailing. The late President Siaka Probyn Stevens once said "when cotton tree fordom he still high pass grass", When a cotton tree is down it is still taller and higher than the grass on the ground. Many good people fled during the war for their lives including myself finding it very difficult to go back to these kinds of behaviours and attitudinal mischief which is not good or healthy for any forward thinking person or any society that wants to progress. People should look at their improvements as great achievement and blessings to be shared positively rather than a weapon to fight the past with someone not responsible for the choice of ones parenthood or childhood circumstances. The war in the process brought the society and its citizenry unto their knees to its own detriment, a price the country is paying dearly for the greed, selfish ambitions and ego of the politics of the so called good guys. Diminished responsibility is the cause of inimical decisions and actions from individuals and group of inhabitants in response to situation which could have been solved without any violence or bloodshed through dialogue and consensus rather given preference to unnecessary and unwarranted use of excessive force and mob justice without due regard to human and collateral damage or consequences. This pattern continues to fuel hate, stress and depression in the country. Modern science today has proven that stress and depression chip away the body's natural ability to fight off disease. Also many medical scientists `believe that the mind exerts direct influence over the immune system and general behavioural patterns and characteristics of individuals. In recent years, evidence has accumulated that psychology can indeed affect biology. Studies have found for example, that people who suffer from depression are at higher risk for heart disease and other illnesses. And people under stress have been found to be more susceptible to headaches, colds and flu, and to have more severe symptoms after they fall ill. Positive thinking is a mental attitude that admits into the mind thoughts, words and images conducive that are conductive to growth, development and success. A positive mind anticipates happiness, joy, health and a successful outcome of every situation and action looking always on the bright side of things and life. Whatever the mind expects it finds. Many may not accept or believes in positive thinking but by example globally, it has brought tremendous success and relief to many people and country evolving from the ashes of war to the pinnacle of success a prerequisite warranted cognisance in our own present society. When you want to change someone's way of life or thinking, you need to offer something in return for fruitful and positive response whether physical or spiritual doesn't necessarily matters but it has to be convincing. Sierra Leone is experiencing a state of trauma no one wants to take the blame for or accept thus allowing the predicament and ailment to continue unabated affecting the development, progress, moral and ethical fabrics of the society. What the country has been through 12 to 15 yrs of war cannot be wiped away so easily or swept under the carpet of illusions pretending all is well. What is happening has happened to many and continues to happen to others going through similar circumstances in other countries. The first step to self realisation is the process of atonement. Unfortunately for Sierra Leone a point of national atonement has still not been observed in respect of the spirits of our ancestors and those innocent souls both young and the old who suffered untimely death in the hands of politicians and other individuals in their quest, adventurism and gangsterism in the name of politics, power and wealth. Innocent men, women and children were victims while others ritually sacrificed for no justifiable reason other than the maintenance of political power and wealth. Blood was shed through out the land still crying and will continue to cry. Until the people and country atones through the power of positive thinking, acknowledging the deeds and iniquity of the negative and demonic forces at play which is holding back the progress of the country. The key to unlocking the solution is to be able to accept the scenarios and experiences collectively and holistically not going down the easy path of apportioning blame on one another for the failures and lackadaisical behaviour of the bureaucratic gamut. Those who fought and physically participated in the war, those who collaborated with others and those who watch by and saw it happen are all equally part of the experience. A nation that has lost its spiritual sanctity has lost its direction and purity. The man who kills and the man who watches another been killed is as guilty and as traumatised as the perpetrator and in most cases the spectator is left much more traumatised than the actors. There are three perspective to the war in Sierra Leone; 1. Planners and initiators of the war, 2. Executors, collaborators and beneficiaries of the war, 3. Victims, silent witnesses and spectators who stood bye and did nothing but watch. Every Sierra Leonean was touched by one of these categories in one way or the other. By each and every one of us identifying the true and sincere aspects that affects us, our families or next of kin is the new way to a new beginning breaking the hold of all negative thoughts of the past holding the future down. It is imperative to know that all our feelings, beliefs and knowledge are based on our internal thoughts. We are in control whether we are aware, knowledgeable or not. Aim high and give and do your best. We can be positive or negative, enthusiastic or dull, active or passive. The biggest difference between people is their attitudes. For some learning is enjoyable and exciting while for others, learning is a drag, boring and for many, learning is just okay something required on the road to a job or ticket to survive. Our present general attitude is influenced by from the feedback of the war, parenthood, friendship, societal interactions which form our characteristics, represents the self-image and portrays the country's world-image. These attitudes are maintained by the inner conversations we constantly have with ourselves consciously and subconsciously. The first step in changing our attitudes is to change our inner conversations. As a nation we must keep our minds focused on nation building and positive issues of general concern. Set goals and priorities for what we want to achieve as an individual then as a country. If we cannot heal ourselves first from our ailments and past, we cannot heal the nation or country. The challenge facing every Sierra Leonean is enormous and monumental but can be overcome by uniformity of conduct. Studies show that people with positive characteristics are winners in good times and survivors in hard times. Research also shows that, "... people who begin consciously to modify their inner conversations and assumptions report an almost immediate improvement in their performance. Their positive energy increases and things seem to go better ..." Commitment, control and challenges help build self-esteem and promote positive thinking. Here are some of the basics for a new life story. A Prescription for Building Positive Thinking for Attitudinal Change. In gatherings and social environments, look for positive people to associate with. In every class and lecture, look for interesting ideas and topics. In business or employment, be ethical and disciplined in the discharge of responsibilities in line with obligations to the one who pays your salary. With every friend, explain and share a new idea you've just learned. With every teacher and elder, ask questions. With yourself, keep a list of your goals, positive thoughts and actions. Remember, you are what you think, you feel what you want. +++++++++++++++++++++++ FURTHER STEPS FOR IMPROVEMENT IN SIERRA LEONE By Ronald Andrew Lisk-Carew, 24 June 2004 Following my article "The Changed Face Of Sierra Leone" (03 February 2004), a wide range of views were expressed. Some encouraging views articulated a need for the improvement of life in Sierra Leone and included a plea for the immediate publication of an annual Revenue Statement and an Action Plan setting out detailed Local and National policies for open community debate. The main priority for several people, as a focus point, is decent housing for all. These should include basic facilities, because, it is suggested that this will have a positive impact on health and other social issues; bolster employment prospects in the whole country and thereby secure lasting peace, leading to the prosperity which the people of Sierra Leone very much deserve. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ********************************************************* * FOLLOWING THE LOCAL ELECTIONS ON 10TH JUNE 2004, LABOUR LOST CONTROL OF BIRMINHAM CITY COUNCIL. " 'The evil that men do lives after them; The good is oft interred with their bones' Julius Caesar." THIS MARKS A FRESH CHAPTER IN BIRMINGHAM. I may not live to see my dreams fulfilled, like the end of the appalling and evil racism in British Institutions like Birmingham City Council, but like Dr Martin Luther King, "I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: . . I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today." ........................................................................................................................ "All that is necessary for evil to succeed is that good men do nothing." Elbert Hubbard. Ronald A. Lisk-Carew MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM THE BIRMINGHAM LABOUR PARTY AND UNISON by Ronald Andrew Lisk-Carew Friday, 04 June 2004 LABOUR IS NOT WORKING IN BIRMINGHAM OR FOR BIRMINGHAM "A change of administration is essential in Birmingham especially after years of mismanagement, corruption and extensive racism" says Ronald Lisk-Carew a former Labour Party Constituency Chairman, Membership Secretary and District Treasurer in Birmingham. In 2002, even with the collusion of the Trade Union UNISON, Birmingham City Council and Deputy Director, Dr Sonia Sharp were found guilty of Racial Discrimination by way of victimisation at work against Mr Lisk-Carew in his capacity as Senior Education Social Worker with the council. UNISON shamefully refused Mr Lisk-Carew legal representation at the Employment Tribunal on the grounds that he could not win at the Tribunal. Mr Lisk-Carew represented himself and won compensation. ****************************************************************************************** ********************************************************** THE CHANGED FACE OF SIERRA LEONE by Ronald Andrew Lisk-Carew TUESDAY, 03 FEBRUARY 2004 I have decided to document my observations and comment about Sierra Leone after 23 years. I am doing this today, (Tuesday, 03 February 2004) three weeks after my return, so that I am not too emotionally negative soon after I came back to England feeling very distressed at what I saw there or too complacent much later. I will title this article "The Changed Face Of Sierra Leone." I was nervously excited to return home. When I got there it was a far cry from my last visit in July 1980. At that time most things were in good condition, for example, streetlights met international standards. Now there are no streetlights anywhere to be seen. Even the street lighting columns were absent. On the whole, it was good to return home (for Christmas and New Year) after 23 years away. I was happy that there was no sign of starvation. In general I was very sad to witness for myself the reported problems that people are facing. Apart from the fact that I missed very close relatives and friends, I was most disappointed about the persistent water problems and to see very many young people without employment and just 'hustling' to survive. I agree with many people who said that, "everything is a priority here" (referring to the shattered infrastructure; desperate environmental issues; terrible roads; dreadful water supply; appalling electricity, et cetera). I believe that Sierra Leone lacks development but a lot can be done in the short term. One person said, "Sierra Leone is crying, Sierra Leone is dying". Others said, "Sierra Leone is messed up"; "development is not possible in Sierra Leone because the government, Local as well as National, are so ineffectual" and "corruption is still a big issue". THE ENVIRONMENT I felt welcome and fairly unthreatened, however I was intimidated by the methods used by the many people persistently 'hustling'. This makes some people feel unsafe. I was struck most by the way people responded to the adverse situation but disheartened by the fact that so many are forced to begging or engaged in very petit street trading all over the city to survive. I am encouraged to observe that the general public are still kind, friendly and helpful. However, pollution from exhaust fumes is seriously damaging to public health. Government need to tackle the rubbish that piles up on roads and drains. There are too many 'traders' and young people hanging around with nothing to do. Competent government will see that there is proper planning for commercial and residential areas. Roads need to be clean and tidy if there is not to be an epidemic soon. Government don't seem to have any strategy, or power to tackle unplanned building on our once attractive hills and mountains. Visually, this makes the country look unsightly. WATER It is essential that the water supply facility is upgraded for the future and damaged water pipes mended promptly to help maintain the pressure for consistent supply. EMPLOYMENT One of the key problems, which has to be addressed, is employment. People must have proper jobs and those in jobs are entitled to consistently expect fair and prompt payment for their labour. Many workers are not paid on time. Unless workers are regularly paid in a timely manner, the workforce will be more inclined to become corrupt. To tackle corruption government must first tackle the causes of corruption. This is illustrated by the fact that officials openly ask for bribes, which is particularly worrying in respect of air travel and state security. ELECTRICITY Most of the time there is no consistent electricity. Homes and businesses receive electricity intermittently. This problem needs determined government attention. HOUSING People still live in shacks under appalling conditions. The devastation of property during the war is massive. Low cost housing is urgently needed nationwide to ease the congestion in Freetown. TRANSPORTATION To say that transport is very difficult is an understatement. When Mrs Lulu Wright wrote about the horrendous traffic situation some time ago, I was optimistic that the government will respond positively to address this enormous problem people face. In January 2004, it is still a disaster. Even a minor emergency would trap people and put lives at risk. In summary, I believe that Sierra Leone is in serious crisis. There is stability, some post war re-construction but no real development. I saw a significant downward shift in the management of the country's human, material and economic resources. I was disillusioned by the local and national government who hold ultimate responsibility for Sierra Leone, especially as this government was elected with great promise and support. I also now wonder if they have the capability or necessary skills to deal with the problems of the country. Some people have said that the government needs a complete overhaul. Like many people, I wonder if there are still negative external influences making things difficult for our governments to make development possible. I also wonder how people in government feel when they see the many issues facing our country. I honestly can't see how anyone can claim to be governing Sierra Leone in this condition. I have to agree with those who claim that "the current politicians in Sierra Leone don't have the country at heart." People need to see development and improvement in their lives. To move forward, I, in common with many voices I heard, require committed Sierra Leonean leadership. Policies aimed specifically at the development and benefit of the entire country are also essential. We must have Lt. Col. Andrew Juxon-Smith's example of honesty, integrity and discipline as a foundation to build on. Only once we obtain that kind of leadership, will peace and prosperity prevail in Sierra Leone. I am extremely grateful and say thank you to everyone for holding the fort and everyone who helped to make my home visit lovely. I will, with others, continue to pray for our beloved homeland. I pray for much needed, much better living conditions that people hope to get and deserve through development of value to the whole country if Sierra Leone is not to plunge into another tragedy. Finally, as I believe that Sierra Leone is potentially the richest country in the world, blessed with more resources than other countries of its size and population, we pray for forgiveness for those responsible for unnecessarily inflicting pain and suffering on God's blessed people whilst looting the nation's great wealth. We must also pray for committed leadership to take our beloved Sierra Leone forward in Unity, Freedom and Justice. +++++++++++++++++++ RE: A HEART WRENCHING PIECE ON SIERRA LEONE "Most Wretched Country" by Ronald Andrew Lisk-Carew Thursday, 20 March 2003 I am conscious of the unnecessary hardship our people have had to endure, to survive over many years of crisis and that life remains tough and depressing for the majority of Sierra Leoneans in the country today. I have (with others) been praying for our beloved homeland, Sierra Leone, sharing in the anguish of the war and its effects. I appreciate the good article "Most wretched country", which critically informs us about life in the capital city, Freetown. It outlines the real situation that exists there. I hope to make a helpful and practical suggestion as a well-meaning contribution to the discussions, to address the problems by focussing on the issue of urbanisation. Urbanisation, like many social problems, is very complex. Clearly there is no question that government has a significant if not crucial responsibility in these circumstances. The lack of basic facilities throughout the country (not just in Freetown) is quite rightly alluded to in Mrs Wright's article. However, I am not too enthusiastic about some of the suggested proposals for alleviating the problem of overcrowding in Freetown. For example, as the article rightly imply, "Forced Repatriation" is not a useful suggestion. We must recognise that "Sending people back to 'where they came from' is nebulous and unrealistic since many of their villages do not exist any more and consequently nor do their homes." There is said to have been "projects since the war ended, to furnish people with basic necessities and send them back to their villages and towns." Knee jerk reactions may work in the short term but invariably do not last. I believe that real progress and development can only be achieved by some structural changes coupled with a change of attitude and discipline. This is paramount for the whole population "together with a culture of law enforcement". I am more inclined to suggest the creation of New Towns with modern facilities. I hear Makeni is one of the now deserted 'old' towns that may be a suitable area to begin development fit for relocation / resettlement of people. It is desperately necessary to build New Towns with the vast wealth of natural resources of our country, to build a better, happy and prosperous Sierra Leone, thereby improving lives by creating sustainable jobs, raising the standard of living; effectively and efficiently administered, should have a chain effect to create employment and economic development. Teamwork and real partnership between citizens, local and national government is essential for success. It makes perfect sense to aim for modern facilities because our people deserve better than "to furnish people with basic necessities". Electrified homes all connected to water mains; with effective water supply and reliable electricity supply; appropriate public transport; a reliable postal system that works; health facilities; modern school buildings; community facilities (including dedicated market areas) and of course clean motorable roads are needed. I see nothing wrong with the "twenty-five state farms" idea to be "established in different parts of the country". May God continue to bless Sierra Leone. With much love, optimism and a hope for a brighter future for my beloved country, Sierra Leone. +++++++++++++++++++ Most Wretched Country by Lulu Wright Lulu Wright used to teach at the Annie Walsh Memorial School, a school that is over 150 years old. She is the widow of Logie Wright, the renowned classical musician. How very, very, sad what the war has don to Sierra Leone. Come and learn to do without Come to Sierra Leone and learn to do without electricity! Come to Sierra Leone and learn to do without a telephone! Come to Sierra Leone and learn to do without water! Come to Sierra Leone and learn to do without public transport! Come to Sierra Leone and learn to do without all-year-round motorable roads! Come to Sierra Leone and learn to do without an internal postal system that works! Future tourists please take note! Can anyone wonder why ours is the most wretched country of all? Isn't it unbelievable that in our capital city this day and age, at the start of the 21st century, many of us feel as if we are stuck in a bog? We cannot communicate freely - even mobile phones run out of juice and cannot be charged. 5 Taxis from East to West We spend valuable hours looking for water. We cannot travel in comfortable buses provided by our government or some responsible corporation. We cannot read or sew at night for three out of four days. Our mail is tampered with by post office workers on the look out for money. We wear our shoes and our cars down on bad roads in this most wretched land of all. I got out of a taxi a few days ago, my third from Wellington (I was to travel by five in all by the time I got home), which deposited me at Clock Tower. I have never felt so disoriented in all my life. It was as if I did not know where I was. It was 6.00 p.m. or thereabouts, and there I was in the middle of nowhere, standing in a sea of bodies surging this way and that. Was this the area in which I wen! t to school and worked for years? Was this my home town? It took me minutes to get my bearings and to decide I needed to aim for PZ roundabout where, with luck, I could get my fourth taxi. Overcrowded Streets These vehicles were conspicuous by their absence in the muddle of traffic in and around the pedestrians. When I did see one just past Gibraltar Church, it was stuck in a jam and I was far better off walking. How I got to PZ on foot was a miracle. I was jostled and jolted on all sides, bumped into a dozen times. At others, jets of spittle missed me by inches. Now I love my compatriots dearly- every single one of them, but not when they squeeze me off pavements or spit across my path, or ease themselves profusely practically everywhere. It reminded me of a similar occasion when I was caught one morning just before Xmas, in a wave of walkers from the top end of Kissy Road going towards Clock Tower. At least on that day, most of us were progressing in the same direction. This time the crowd was going eastwards as I battled my way towards the west. But is this what we are to continue to experience in our city? You could not tell where pavements began or ended. Most of them consisted of broken slabs anyway. The black hole of West Africa Everywhere was strewn with litter (when is Kissy Street swept?) in this most wretched city in the world. Freetown is one never-ending market with ramshackle stalls all higgledy-piggledy proliferating along streets and pavements. Incidentally what road works are being done now, and where? The total indiscipline in the new population together with the lack of a culture of law enforcement makes it impossible for the prettiest capital in West Africa geographically speaking, not to be the black hole of West Africa. It is also one enormous urinal. And yet, I heard a comment from a visiting VIP recently, that our President was the best President in Africa or West Africa or somewhere! So the best President presides over the country with the dirtiest, most poverty-stricken capital! I wonder whether H. E. was flattered by the compliment or whether he had cause to blush because he had walked incognito one morning or evening down Kissy Street as I did. If he had, he would have made some interesting discoveries about the state of his capital and the condiions under which people function, first hand. Forced Repatriation? If he had, he would have made some interesting discoveries about the state of his capital and the conditions under which people function, first hand. The first task the government has to tackle, I would have thought, seems to be to clear the city of its recently acquired surplus population most of whom do not belong here. Sending people back to "where they came from" is nebulous and unrealistic since many of their villages do not exist any more and consequently nor do their homes. They have become a nuisance, a menace, a threat to the human rights of bona fide Freetown dwellers simply by force of numbers, albeit through no fault of their own. One has heard of projects since the war ended, to furnish people with basic necessities and send them back to their villages and towns. Quite obviously, a year of gentle persuasion has had no effect. What we need is a three-month deadline after which firm action is taken to entice them to leave. We need to think and act fast. About twenty-five state farms could be established in different parts of the country with IMF relief funds or some other funding the government can surely access, with school, church, mosque, clinic and community centre in each- all simple structures and dwelling houses. Idlers to work in State Farms Then all the idlers, those men who stand in serried ranks along Lightfoot-Boston Street impeding the passage of pedestrians and traffic, the seething masses of Kissy Street and Clock Tower should be obliged to work on the newly created farms and help improve our food production. Look at the quality of rice most of us are now obliged to eat! Anyone who cannot produce convincing evidence of residence in Freetown since 1991, or regular employment i.e. of one partner in a couple, should be screened and firmly encouraged to go. Their uncontrolled presence in the city together with the manifold implications as described above, is one of the strong reasons, only I am sure, for our placing at the bottom of the world ladder of poor nations. Migration and urban! ization are not new phenomena. They happen in all cities to a greater or lesser degree. Screen and Re-locate But our case is exceptional. Because of the war, this little strip of Sierra Leone skirting a few hills is now home to more than half the population of the country. One year after the end of hostilities, there is no evidence whatsoever of the city being cleared of displaced people. We need a concerted, fearless effort on the part of government, to carry out a screening and re-locating process. A government, which does not have the guts to take decisive action on such an issue, is content to see us designated last country on the scale. We need to see proof that something is actively being done. To make pious pronouncements about people being resettled and to live in the turmoil and disorganization of present-day Freetown are two different things. City Council Useless The City Council can do nothing worthwhile since all their efforts are systematically neutralized by masses of people fouling up streets and drains and virtually exhausting utilities already stretched to the limit. So all the Council workers can do, I imagine, is shuffle around their offices wringing their hands in frustration. They simply cannot cope with the numbers. If the government cannot take effective action because it is afraid of losing the votes of thousands of idlers and hangers-on who are happy to perch on the fringes of Freetown life even if they only sell safety-pins on a non-street-trading street, then we shall remain at the bottom of the international ladder- the most wretched state of all! Poorest country, most wretched country! How long can! it go on using the war as an excuse? Five years last of all nations! A friend of mine said lately 'This must be some kind of a record!' And are we the Sierra Leoneans content to sit dumbly by while we are placed last for a sixth year? For goodness sake, let us shake ourselves and challenge the government to do something immediately or resign. Hopeless System Governments have fallen elsewhere on lesser issues. A capital city that dreams of attracting tourists cannot boast of a regular organised public transport system. Who would have imagined that the Freetown of colonial days with its regular services from town centre to suburbs and villages, infrequent but reliable, and the Double-Decker era with its regular twenty-minutes service from Cline Town to Congo Cross, would degenerate to a state of no public transportation at all except for private taxis and miserable mini buses from which seats have been removed and replaced by metal benches? Of course - we're last! Most wretched country of all! No regular public transport, no regular electricity supply, no water supply at all for months- even years as in my case, inside t! he city, no decent roads, no proper telephone system. Responsibility of the Government? Surely at least one of these services could have been brought up to scratch by now if proper targets had been set and the right moves made. One good move would have been to sack the whole lot of inefficient workers and replace them by small teams of foreigners from China, USA, Japan, Sweden etc. for a period to train new staff and set the systems right. Otherwise, foreign experts could have been invited to head these services for a period. Look at the Police and the Army! What was possible there could have happened with the telephones, water etc. We must lift ourselves out of the rut; and this is not a case of people doing nothing but talk and expecting Government to do everything. The responsibility lies squarely with the Government. Lonta! JEWright Jeannette E. Wright (Ms) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + NEW MILLENNIUM by Ronald Andrew Lisk-Carew To many, the millennium (the year 2000) is going to be a big affair - the dawn of a new millennium could be the start of a new era for Sierra Leoneans - not something everyone gets to see during their lifetime. I am optimistic that the changing of the year could bring with it a host of major developments for Sierra Leone in particular, Africa and the developing world in general. Are we going to be able to meet the challenge? Are we prepared to contribute to making our beloved Sierra Leone better in the future? We can seriously consider making the millennium year a very special time. As many of us from around the world who can, should return to Sierra Leone to celebrate and pay our respect to family, friends and fellow Sierra Leoneans. School organisations can plan reunions of past and present pupils' functions (I suggest a concert for my Secondary Technical School) to help raise funds for our alma mater. This will also help Sierra Leone in a positive way to progress. The goal is to 'improve on previous best' in terms of peace, unity, freedom and justice for our homeland. I believe if we go home for the year 2000, this will provide a unique opportunity to appreciate once more, the splendour of Sierra Leone; for school friends who now live and work all over the world to meet-up once more and to reminisce about "the good old days". ########################################################### To mark the 200th anniversary of the founding of Freetown, the examples of the late Wallace Johnson, Sydney Boyle, et al, inspired me in 1987 to write "A Short History of Sierra Leone". ----------------------------------------- A SHORT HISTORY OF SIERRA LEONE (1787 - 1987) [With grateful acknowledgements to "A History of Sierra Leone" by Christopher Fyfe and "The Creoles of Sierra Leone" by Leo Spitzer]. _________________________________________________________________ On May the 10th 1787, a convoy of about four hundred settlers from England entered the Sierra Leone River. On May the 15th the people disembarked and started their settlement (first named Granville Town - after Granville Sharp, one of a group of philanthropists who successfully pressured the British government to permit the transportation of the emancipated Negroes to Sierra Leone - then Province of Freedom, and finally Freetown). The Sierra Leone Company was chartered, listing the famed humanitarians William Wilberforce, Thomas Clarkson, Granville Sharp, and Henry Thornton among its directors in 1791. The company aimed to substitute legitimate commerce between Africa and Great Britain for the slave trade and was empowered to take over all lands in Sierra Leone which had been acquired by purchase or grant from indigenous chiefs. The Creoles who settled around Freetown in Sierra Leone shared a diverse and unique heritage. Although born in Sierra Leone, they were descended from immigrants: a group of "Black-Poor" sent there from England in 1787; a group of auxiliaries from the United States who had fought for the British in the Revolutionary War and who were later relocated in Nova Scotia; and a group of Maroons who had revolted from their slave masters in Jamaica in 1800. The fourth and largest immigrant group was made up of the Liberated Africans (Recaptives) - men and women freed from slave ships by the British anti-slavery squadron in the years after abolition. These groups, together with smaller numbers of others, formed a colony literate and British in manner. The Creoles developed flourishing newspapers in which they gave lively expression to their sentiments and social views, in prose as well as in verse. The Creoles were even more than their fore-fathers, taught to prize Europeanization and the status that it conferred in the colonial order. Toward the end of the nineteenth century, however, during the heightened racism which characterized the age, Creoles were increasingly rejected by their British mentors and began to undergo a crisis of cultural self-confidence. In these circumstances, many Creoles decided to look within their own society, to analyze its character and values, even questioning the major premise on which their culture was based - the validity of the African adaptation of European ways. Creole involvement in the National Congress of British West Africa (NCBWA), the major West African movement of the first quarter of the twentieth century, was the clearest indication of their post-war shift from cultural introspection to political action. The NCBWA emerged from the same cauldron of post-World War 1 expectations that had engendered movements like the first Pan African Congress, held in Paris in 1919 under the leadership of W.E.B. DuBois, and Marcus Garvey's United Negro Improvement Association in the United States. In 1918, at the insistence of Messrs. J.H. Thomas and Cornelius May, a committee was formed to take the first practical steps toward organizing a conference of West Africans. In March 1920, at the instigation of the well-known Accra barristers, J.E. Casely Hayford and T. Hutton-Mills, the first conference of the NCBWA was convened in the Gold Coast (now named Ghana). Delegates from Nigeria, the Gambia, Gold Coast, and Sierra Leone participated, of which Dr. Herbert C. Bankole-Bright (a representative of Sierra Leone) was the General Secretary. By 1945 the direction and shape of the political and social developments which would lead to independence for Sierra Leone was discernible. The formation of the West African Youth League (Sierra Leone Section) [Motto "Liberty or Death"] of which Alphonso Sylvester Lisk-Carew was President; Isaac T.A. Wallace-Johnson was the Organising Secretary, and S.M.O. Boyle, General Secretary - now living in Birmingham, England - was the first extensive attempt by Creoles to reach out beyond the confines of their own ethnic group and self-interest and to form an alliance with the indigenous inhabitants based on racial unity and perception of imperialism as exploitative of all peoples of African descent in Sierra Leone, not just Creoles. Despite British attempts to halt the growth of the Youth League movement, the seeds for national co-operation remained alive and contributed to Sierra Leone's independence. In 1799 Freetown became the first municipality in Africa. On April 27th, 1961, Sierra Leone became a Sovereign and Independent State within the Commonwealth of Nations, and was on the 27th September of the same year, admitted as the 100th Member of the United Nations. Sierra Leone became a Republic on the 19th of April, 1971. Sierra Leone is also a member of OAU, ECOWAS, the Mano River Union and is an ACP State of EEC. By Ronald A. Lisk-Carew, JP [May 1987] in Celebration of THE BICENTENARY OF SIERRA LEONE 1787-1987 and mark the founding of SIERRA LEONE BICENTENARY TRUST v1787-1987 Registered Charity No. 700447 England _____________________________________________________________________ Useful Links: |
Ronald A. Lisk-Carew MBA DSW CQSW MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT and REGISTERED SOCIAL WORKER |
"Modern days and conditions call for new things, but we must tenderly preserve the old (African) life and customs." ALPHONSO SYLVESTER LISK-CAREW (1883-1969) |
THE LISK-CAREW INSTITUTE. |
"Modern days and conditions call for new things, but we must tenderly preserve the old (African) life and customs." ALPHONSO SYLVESTER LISK-CAREW (1883-1969) |
Ronald A. Lisk-Carew MBA DSW CQSW MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT and REGISTERED SOCIAL WORKER |
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ CHANGE HAS COME - BE INSPIRED "The Audacity of Hope" by Barack Obama "YES WE CAN" REJOICE WITH DIGNITY. Rosa Parks sat so Martin Luther King could walk; MLK walked so Barack Obama could run; Obama ran so our children CAN FLY! Hurray for President Elect Obama! On this exciting and historic 4 NOVEMBER 2008. This is a great day! We look forward to Barack Obama's inauguration as the 44th President of the United States on 20 January 2009, DV, and take residence as the new First Family in the American White House - The first African-American to be elected President. Congratulations on been elected to serve as the 44th President of the United States of America and "Bonne Chance". Happy moments, praise God. Difficult moments, seek God. Quiet moments, worship God. Painful moments, trust God. Every moment, thank God." + Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which s/he has overcome while trying to succeed. Booker T. Washington + "Make a career of humanity and you will make a greater person of yourself.......and a finer world to live in." Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. + "We Stand on the Shoulders of Those who Came Before Us" $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ WE SHARE SYL'S POSITIVE DESIRE TO HELP SIERRA LEONE MOVE FORWARD. PHOTO : Syl Juxon-Smith THE POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING A NEW MINDSET TO FAST TRACK SIERRA LEONE "Mix, associate and learn from people who inspire you rather than those who discourage and despise you. A positive mind anticipates happiness, joy, health and a successful outcome of every situation and action. Whatever the mind expects, it finds".Syl Juxon-Smith. President Ernest B Koroma`s Attitudinal Change concept, a new way forward strategy for every Sierra Leonean to harness and focus his or her energy with cohesion in a national direction for a better country cannot be actualise or realise if a positive thinking formula is not prescribed alongside the medication. The way to manage this concept is to embrace the philosophy of Positive Thinking as the vitamin and stimulant for achieving attitudinal change. Individuals from diverse status registered their reservations and opinions dealing with the contents of their very behaviours in conclusion accepted as a way of life their past, resigned to the fact that they cannot change old ways irrespective of how criminal or immoral for a new with rhetoric's they cannot survive or feed their family on. In this case individuals must be accepted and encouraged positively with their views, opinions and in character to understand the dynamics of the situation better to formulate hypothesis to the solution. Human behaviour is sociological, influenced by upbringing and societal patterns evolvable from childhood to manhood which makes it difficult to readjust or change. As narrated by individuals with same story to tell, they are of the opinion that "when I changed my attitude or ways, what do I do next"? I was a crook, a thief making a living feeding my family out of it, another says, I was a thug and raray man serving a political party rewarded by a job, every month I will go and collect salary to feed my wife and children like any other ghost worker. My salary is nothing to write home about which made me to manipulate and under value payment documents for percentage of what should go to government coffers, I sleep with my boss to take home extras to provide food for my children which my husband salary cannot take care of, I drop out of school into street life and prostitution because my parent lost their jobs and cannot afford to pay my fees anymore. How do we go about solving an immoral situation born out of moral circumstances? As the saying goes, no one was born a criminal, it is society that makes them what he or she is today. These are factual and complex scenarios affecting the very fabric of society which has lead to many social and political problems. It is very difficult to teach an old man new behaviour and you can take the man from the bush but you cannot take the bush from inside the man". What are is then left is reason to be rational in thoughts and actions and on how they affect others is everyone's responsibility not only the President and the government of the day. The head of state does not choose himself or chooses his country to govern; it is the people that decide, so the onus lies squarely and even more on the people and their sincerity of choice, decisions and degree of cooperation. A reputable psychiatrist gave an overview in his estimation of the alarming rate of mentally disturbed patients and individuals in the country not taken or observed seriously, down played by various authorities including international organisations and stake holders. Countries experienced high crime rate, increase in domestic violence, child abuse, break down in the social system and values, highly irrational and temperamental behavioural attitudes which are products inherited defined as "the traumas of war syndrome" experienced by a society after going through theatres of war in its history. Sierra Leone is no exception but another victim of the circumstance. This phenomenon has physiological repercussion affecting the thinking faculties of the people and gamut of bureaucracy and governance in which due attention be given as an integral factor to the exercise of attitudinal change process. Character makes a man or woman and behaviour is driven by egocentrism in many facets positive and negative in value to the society. The premise of knowledge is based on philosophy which translates into ideology enabling us to understand first the things around us, then appreciates its value to ourselves and to society. Positive and Negative thoughts are both contagious living side by side with just a thin line in between. Individuals infect others by the things they say or do and how they respond to given situations. This happens instinctively on a subconscious level through thoughts and feelings transference through body language. People sense our aura and are affected by our thoughts. Is it any wonder that individuals want to be around positive persons and shun negative ones? People are more disposed to help us if we are positive in expressions. They dislike and avoid anyone broadcasting negativity. Negative thoughts, words and attitude bring up negative and unhappy moods and actions. When the mind is negative, poisons are released into the blood which causes more unhappiness, mood swings and negativity. This promotes failure, frustration and disappointments. Most of those who came to the diaspora during and after the war behave in ways manifesting trauma tendencies in social, work and domestic situations manifesting how deeply the experiences is embedded in the conscious and sub conscious thoughts of Sierra Leoneans. I have witnessed in countries, scenarios in occasions when references are made in parties, clubs, football fields, and situations of common sense argument degenerating into derogatory exchanges. An individual reiterates in one circumstance; after all we all nar one now, you been de eat eggs and beacon me sef they eat am now. Another reiterates, we all they London now and me sef they use flush toilet. There was no need for such statements in a nutshell. It shows the experience and intentions of the war had different connotation many personalised. It is good for all to eat eggs, beacon and to use a flush toilet which is ones human right to food, hygiene and dignity. What's next? or where do we go from here??? If a Sierra Leonean cannot be like you, you must be like him (pull him down syndrome) influenced by an attitude of jealousy, malice, treachery and hatred a very sad chapter in the country's history still prevailing. The late President Siaka Probyn Stevens once said "when cotton tree fordom he still high pass grass", When a cotton tree is down it is still taller and higher than the grass on the ground. Many good people fled during the war for their lives including myself finding it very difficult to go back to these kinds of behaviours and attitudinal mischief which is not good or healthy for any forward thinking person or any society that wants to progress. People should look at their improvements as great achievement and blessings to be shared positively rather than a weapon to fight the past with someone not responsible for the choice of ones parenthood or childhood circumstances. The war in the process brought the society and its citizenry unto their knees to its own detriment, a price the country is paying dearly for the greed, selfish ambitions and ego of the politics of the so called good guys. Diminished responsibility is the cause of inimical decisions and actions from individuals and group of inhabitants in response to situation which could have been solved without any violence or bloodshed through dialogue and consensus rather given preference to unnecessary and unwarranted use of excessive force and mob justice without due regard to human and collateral damage or consequences. This pattern continues to fuel hate, stress and depression in the country. Modern science today has proven that stress and depression chip away the body's natural ability to fight off disease. Also many medical scientists `believe that the mind exerts direct influence over the immune system and general behavioural patterns and characteristics of individuals. In recent years, evidence has accumulated that psychology can indeed affect biology. Studies have found for example, that people who suffer from depression are at higher risk for heart disease and other illnesses. And people under stress have been found to be more susceptible to headaches, colds and flu, and to have more severe symptoms after they fall ill. Positive thinking is a mental attitude that admits into the mind thoughts, words and images conducive that are conductive to growth, development and success. A positive mind anticipates happiness, joy, health and a successful outcome of every situation and action looking always on the bright side of things and life. Whatever the mind expects it finds. Many may not accept or believes in positive thinking but by example globally, it has brought tremendous success and relief to many people and country evolving from the ashes of war to the pinnacle of success a prerequisite warranted cognisance in our own present society. When you want to change someone's way of life or thinking, you need to offer something in return for fruitful and positive response whether physical or spiritual doesn't necessarily matters but it has to be convincing. Sierra Leone is experiencing a state of trauma no one wants to take the blame for or accept thus allowing the predicament and ailment to continue unabated affecting the development, progress, moral and ethical fabrics of the society. What the country has been through 12 to 15 yrs of war cannot be wiped away so easily or swept under the carpet of illusions pretending all is well. What is happening has happened to many and continues to happen to others going through similar circumstances in other countries. The first step to self realisation is the process of atonement. Unfortunately for Sierra Leone a point of national atonement has still not been observed in respect of the spirits of our ancestors and those innocent souls both young and the old who suffered untimely death in the hands of politicians and other individuals in their quest, adventurism and gangsterism in the name of politics, power and wealth. Innocent men, women and children were victims while others ritually sacrificed for no justifiable reason other than the maintenance of political power and wealth. Blood was shed through out the land still crying and will continue to cry. Until the people and country atones through the power of positive thinking, acknowledging the deeds and iniquity of the negative and demonic forces at play which is holding back the progress of the country. The key to unlocking the solution is to be able to accept the scenarios and experiences collectively and holistically not going down the easy path of apportioning blame on one another for the failures and lackadaisical behaviour of the bureaucratic gamut. Those who fought and physically participated in the war, those who collaborated with others and those who watch by and saw it happen are all equally part of the experience. A nation that has lost its spiritual sanctity has lost its direction and purity. The man who kills and the man who watches another been killed is as guilty and as traumatised as the perpetrator and in most cases the spectator is left much more traumatised than the actors. There are three perspective to the war in Sierra Leone; 1. Planners and initiators of the war, 2. Executors, collaborators and beneficiaries of the war, 3. Victims, silent witnesses and spectators who stood bye and did nothing but watch. Every Sierra Leonean was touched by one of these categories in one way or the other. By each and every one of us identifying the true and sincere aspects that affects us, our families or next of kin is the new way to a new beginning breaking the hold of all negative thoughts of the past holding the future down. It is imperative to know that all our feelings, beliefs and knowledge are based on our internal thoughts. We are in control whether we are aware, knowledgeable or not. Aim high and give and do your best. We can be positive or negative, enthusiastic or dull, active or passive. The biggest difference between people is their attitudes. For some learning is enjoyable and exciting while for others, learning is a drag, boring and for many, learning is just okay something required on the road to a job or ticket to survive. Our present general attitude is influenced by from the feedback of the war, parenthood, friendship, societal interactions which form our characteristics, represents the self-image and portrays the country's world-image. These attitudes are maintained by the inner conversations we constantly have with ourselves consciously and subconsciously. The first step in changing our attitudes is to change our inner conversations. As a nation we must keep our minds focused on nation building and positive issues of general concern. Set goals and priorities for what we want to achieve as an individual then as a country. If we cannot heal ourselves first from our ailments and past, we cannot heal the nation or country. The challenge facing every Sierra Leonean is enormous and monumental but can be overcome by uniformity of conduct. Studies show that people with positive characteristics are winners in good times and survivors in hard times. Research also shows that, "... people who begin consciously to modify their inner conversations and assumptions report an almost immediate improvement in their performance. Their positive energy increases and things seem to go better ..." Commitment, control and challenges help build self-esteem and promote positive thinking. Here are some of the basics for a new life story. A Prescription for Building Positive Thinking for Attitudinal Change. In gatherings and social environments, look for positive people to associate with. In every class and lecture, look for interesting ideas and topics. In business or employment, be ethical and disciplined in the discharge of responsibilities in line with obligations to the one who pays your salary. With every friend, explain and share a new idea you've just learned. With every teacher and elder, ask questions. With yourself, keep a list of your goals, positive thoughts and actions. Remember, you are what you think, you feel what you want. +++++++++++++++++++++++ FURTHER STEPS FOR IMPROVEMENT IN SIERRA LEONE By Ronald Andrew Lisk-Carew, 24 June 2004 Following my article "The Changed Face Of Sierra Leone" (03 February 2004), a wide range of views were expressed. Some encouraging views articulated a need for the improvement of life in Sierra Leone and included a plea for the immediate publication of an annual Revenue Statement and an Action Plan setting out detailed Local and National policies for open community debate. The main priority for several people, as a focus point, is decent housing for all. These should include basic facilities, because, it is suggested that this will have a positive impact on health and other social issues; bolster employment prospects in the whole country and thereby secure lasting peace, leading to the prosperity which the people of Sierra Leone very much deserve. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ********************************************************* * FOLLOWING THE LOCAL ELECTIONS ON 10TH JUNE 2004, LABOUR LOST CONTROL OF BIRMINHAM CITY COUNCIL. " 'The evil that men do lives after them; The good is oft interred with their bones' Julius Caesar." THIS MARKS A FRESH CHAPTER IN BIRMINGHAM. I may not live to see my dreams fulfilled, like the end of the appalling and evil racism in British Institutions like Birmingham City Council, but like Dr Martin Luther King, "I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: . . I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today." ........................................................................................................................ "All that is necessary for evil to succeed is that good men do nothing." Elbert Hubbard. Ronald A. Lisk-Carew MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM THE BIRMINGHAM LABOUR PARTY AND UNISON by Ronald Andrew Lisk-Carew Friday, 04 June 2004 LABOUR IS NOT WORKING IN BIRMINGHAM OR FOR BIRMINGHAM "A change of administration is essential in Birmingham especially after years of mismanagement, corruption and extensive racism" says Ronald Lisk-Carew a former Labour Party Constituency Chairman, Membership Secretary and District Treasurer in Birmingham. In 2002, even with the collusion of the Trade Union UNISON, Birmingham City Council and Deputy Director, Dr Sonia Sharp were found guilty of Racial Discrimination by way of victimisation at work against Mr Lisk-Carew in his capacity as Senior Education Social Worker with the council. UNISON shamefully refused Mr Lisk-Carew legal representation at the Employment Tribunal on the grounds that he could not win at the Tribunal. Mr Lisk-Carew represented himself and won compensation. ****************************************************************************************** ********************************************************** THE CHANGED FACE OF SIERRA LEONE by Ronald Andrew Lisk-Carew TUESDAY, 03 FEBRUARY 2004 I have decided to document my observations and comment about Sierra Leone after 23 years. I am doing this today, (Tuesday, 03 February 2004) three weeks after my return, so that I am not too emotionally negative soon after I came back to England feeling very distressed at what I saw there or too complacent much later. I will title this article "The Changed Face Of Sierra Leone." I was nervously excited to return home. When I got there it was a far cry from my last visit in July 1980. At that time most things were in good condition, for example, streetlights met international standards. Now there are no streetlights anywhere to be seen. Even the street lighting columns were absent. On the whole, it was good to return home (for Christmas and New Year) after 23 years away. I was happy that there was no sign of starvation. In general I was very sad to witness for myself the reported problems that people are facing. Apart from the fact that I missed very close relatives and friends, I was most disappointed about the persistent water problems and to see very many young people without employment and just 'hustling' to survive. I agree with many people who said that, "everything is a priority here" (referring to the shattered infrastructure; desperate environmental issues; terrible roads; dreadful water supply; appalling electricity, et cetera). I believe that Sierra Leone lacks development but a lot can be done in the short term. One person said, "Sierra Leone is crying, Sierra Leone is dying". Others said, "Sierra Leone is messed up"; "development is not possible in Sierra Leone because the government, Local as well as National, are so ineffectual" and "corruption is still a big issue". THE ENVIRONMENT I felt welcome and fairly unthreatened, however I was intimidated by the methods used by the many people persistently 'hustling'. This makes some people feel unsafe. I was struck most by the way people responded to the adverse situation but disheartened by the fact that so many are forced to begging or engaged in very petit street trading all over the city to survive. I am encouraged to observe that the general public are still kind, friendly and helpful. However, pollution from exhaust fumes is seriously damaging to public health. Government need to tackle the rubbish that piles up on roads and drains. There are too many 'traders' and young people hanging around with nothing to do. Competent government will see that there is proper planning for commercial and residential areas. Roads need to be clean and tidy if there is not to be an epidemic soon. Government don't seem to have any strategy, or power to tackle unplanned building on our once attractive hills and mountains. Visually, this makes the country look unsightly. WATER It is essential that the water supply facility is upgraded for the future and damaged water pipes mended promptly to help maintain the pressure for consistent supply. EMPLOYMENT One of the key problems, which has to be addressed, is employment. People must have proper jobs and those in jobs are entitled to consistently expect fair and prompt payment for their labour. Many workers are not paid on time. Unless workers are regularly paid in a timely manner, the workforce will be more inclined to become corrupt. To tackle corruption government must first tackle the causes of corruption. This is illustrated by the fact that officials openly ask for bribes, which is particularly worrying in respect of air travel and state security. ELECTRICITY Most of the time there is no consistent electricity. Homes and businesses receive electricity intermittently. This problem needs determined government attention. HOUSING People still live in shacks under appalling conditions. The devastation of property during the war is massive. Low cost housing is urgently needed nationwide to ease the congestion in Freetown. TRANSPORTATION To say that transport is very difficult is an understatement. When Mrs Lulu Wright wrote about the horrendous traffic situation some time ago, I was optimistic that the government will respond positively to address this enormous problem people face. In January 2004, it is still a disaster. Even a minor emergency would trap people and put lives at risk. In summary, I believe that Sierra Leone is in serious crisis. There is stability, some post war re-construction but no real development. I saw a significant downward shift in the management of the country's human, material and economic resources. I was disillusioned by the local and national government who hold ultimate responsibility for Sierra Leone, especially as this government was elected with great promise and support. I also now wonder if they have the capability or necessary skills to deal with the problems of the country. Some people have said that the government needs a complete overhaul. Like many people, I wonder if there are still negative external influences making things difficult for our governments to make development possible. I also wonder how people in government feel when they see the many issues facing our country. I honestly can't see how anyone can claim to be governing Sierra Leone in this condition. I have to agree with those who claim that "the current politicians in Sierra Leone don't have the country at heart." People need to see development and improvement in their lives. To move forward, I, in common with many voices I heard, require committed Sierra Leonean leadership. Policies aimed specifically at the development and benefit of the entire country are also essential. We must have Lt. Col. Andrew Juxon-Smith's example of honesty, integrity and discipline as a foundation to build on. Only once we obtain that kind of leadership, will peace and prosperity prevail in Sierra Leone. I am extremely grateful and say thank you to everyone for holding the fort and everyone who helped to make my home visit lovely. I will, with others, continue to pray for our beloved homeland. I pray for much needed, much better living conditions that people hope to get and deserve through development of value to the whole country if Sierra Leone is not to plunge into another tragedy. Finally, as I believe that Sierra Leone is potentially the richest country in the world, blessed with more resources than other countries of its size and population, we pray for forgiveness for those responsible for unnecessarily inflicting pain and suffering on God's blessed people whilst looting the nation's great wealth. We must also pray for committed leadership to take our beloved Sierra Leone forward in Unity, Freedom and Justice. +++++++++++++++++++ RE: A HEART WRENCHING PIECE ON SIERRA LEONE "Most Wretched Country" by Ronald Andrew Lisk-Carew Thursday, 20 March 2003 I am conscious of the unnecessary hardship our people have had to endure, to survive over many years of crisis and that life remains tough and depressing for the majority of Sierra Leoneans in the country today. I have (with others) been praying for our beloved homeland, Sierra Leone, sharing in the anguish of the war and its effects. I appreciate the good article "Most wretched country", which critically informs us about life in the capital city, Freetown. It outlines the real situation that exists there. I hope to make a helpful and practical suggestion as a well-meaning contribution to the discussions, to address the problems by focussing on the issue of urbanisation. Urbanisation, like many social problems, is very complex. Clearly there is no question that government has a significant if not crucial responsibility in these circumstances. The lack of basic facilities throughout the country (not just in Freetown) is quite rightly alluded to in Mrs Wright's article. However, I am not too enthusiastic about some of the suggested proposals for alleviating the problem of overcrowding in Freetown. For example, as the article rightly imply, "Forced Repatriation" is not a useful suggestion. We must recognise that "Sending people back to 'where they came from' is nebulous and unrealistic since many of their villages do not exist any more and consequently nor do their homes." There is said to have been "projects since the war ended, to furnish people with basic necessities and send them back to their villages and towns." Knee jerk reactions may work in the short term but invariably do not last. I believe that real progress and development can only be achieved by some structural changes coupled with a change of attitude and discipline. This is paramount for the whole population "together with a culture of law enforcement". I am more inclined to suggest the creation of New Towns with modern facilities. I hear Makeni is one of the now deserted 'old' towns that may be a suitable area to begin development fit for relocation / resettlement of people. It is desperately necessary to build New Towns with the vast wealth of natural resources of our country, to build a better, happy and prosperous Sierra Leone, thereby improving lives by creating sustainable jobs, raising the standard of living; effectively and efficiently administered, should have a chain effect to create employment and economic development. Teamwork and real partnership between citizens, local and national government is essential for success. It makes perfect sense to aim for modern facilities because our people deserve better than "to furnish people with basic necessities". Electrified homes all connected to water mains; with effective water supply and reliable electricity supply; appropriate public transport; a reliable postal system that works; health facilities; modern school buildings; community facilities (including dedicated market areas) and of course clean motorable roads are needed. I see nothing wrong with the "twenty-five state farms" idea to be "established in different parts of the country". May God continue to bless Sierra Leone. With much love, optimism and a hope for a brighter future for my beloved country, Sierra Leone. +++++++++++++++++++ Most Wretched Country by Lulu Wright Lulu Wright used to teach at the Annie Walsh Memorial School, a school that is over 150 years old. She is the widow of Logie Wright, the renowned classical musician. How very, very, sad what the war has don to Sierra Leone. Come and learn to do without Come to Sierra Leone and learn to do without electricity! Come to Sierra Leone and learn to do without a telephone! Come to Sierra Leone and learn to do without water! Come to Sierra Leone and learn to do without public transport! Come to Sierra Leone and learn to do without all-year-round motorable roads! Come to Sierra Leone and learn to do without an internal postal system that works! Future tourists please take note! Can anyone wonder why ours is the most wretched country of all? Isn't it unbelievable that in our capital city this day and age, at the start of the 21st century, many of us feel as if we are stuck in a bog? We cannot communicate freely - even mobile phones run out of juice and cannot be charged. 5 Taxis from East to West We spend valuable hours looking for water. We cannot travel in comfortable buses provided by our government or some responsible corporation. We cannot read or sew at night for three out of four days. Our mail is tampered with by post office workers on the look out for money. We wear our shoes and our cars down on bad roads in this most wretched land of all. I got out of a taxi a few days ago, my third from Wellington (I was to travel by five in all by the time I got home), which deposited me at Clock Tower. I have never felt so disoriented in all my life. It was as if I did not know where I was. It was 6.00 p.m. or thereabouts, and there I was in the middle of nowhere, standing in a sea of bodies surging this way and that. Was this the area in which I wen! t to school and worked for years? Was this my home town? It took me minutes to get my bearings and to decide I needed to aim for PZ roundabout where, with luck, I could get my fourth taxi. Overcrowded Streets These vehicles were conspicuous by their absence in the muddle of traffic in and around the pedestrians. When I did see one just past Gibraltar Church, it was stuck in a jam and I was far better off walking. How I got to PZ on foot was a miracle. I was jostled and jolted on all sides, bumped into a dozen times. At others, jets of spittle missed me by inches. Now I love my compatriots dearly- every single one of them, but not when they squeeze me off pavements or spit across my path, or ease themselves profusely practically everywhere. It reminded me of a similar occasion when I was caught one morning just before Xmas, in a wave of walkers from the top end of Kissy Road going towards Clock Tower. At least on that day, most of us were progressing in the same direction. This time the crowd was going eastwards as I battled my way towards the west. But is this what we are to continue to experience in our city? You could not tell where pavements began or ended. Most of them consisted of broken slabs anyway. The black hole of West Africa Everywhere was strewn with litter (when is Kissy Street swept?) in this most wretched city in the world. Freetown is one never-ending market with ramshackle stalls all higgledy-piggledy proliferating along streets and pavements. Incidentally what road works are being done now, and where? The total indiscipline in the new population together with the lack of a culture of law enforcement makes it impossible for the prettiest capital in West Africa geographically speaking, not to be the black hole of West Africa. It is also one enormous urinal. And yet, I heard a comment from a visiting VIP recently, that our President was the best President in Africa or West Africa or somewhere! So the best President presides over the country with the dirtiest, most poverty-stricken capital! I wonder whether H. E. was flattered by the compliment or whether he had cause to blush because he had walked incognito one morning or evening down Kissy Street as I did. If he had, he would have made some interesting discoveries about the state of his capital and the condiions under which people function, first hand. Forced Repatriation? If he had, he would have made some interesting discoveries about the state of his capital and the conditions under which people function, first hand. The first task the government has to tackle, I would have thought, seems to be to clear the city of its recently acquired surplus population most of whom do not belong here. Sending people back to "where they came from" is nebulous and unrealistic since many of their villages do not exist any more and consequently nor do their homes. They have become a nuisance, a menace, a threat to the human rights of bona fide Freetown dwellers simply by force of numbers, albeit through no fault of their own. One has heard of projects since the war ended, to furnish people with basic necessities and send them back to their villages and towns. Quite obviously, a year of gentle persuasion has had no effect. What we need is a three-month deadline after which firm action is taken to entice them to leave. We need to think and act fast. About twenty-five state farms could be established in different parts of the country with IMF relief funds or some other funding the government can surely access, with school, church, mosque, clinic and community centre in each- all simple structures and dwelling houses. Idlers to work in State Farms Then all the idlers, those men who stand in serried ranks along Lightfoot-Boston Street impeding the passage of pedestrians and traffic, the seething masses of Kissy Street and Clock Tower should be obliged to work on the newly created farms and help improve our food production. Look at the quality of rice most of us are now obliged to eat! Anyone who cannot produce convincing evidence of residence in Freetown since 1991, or regular employment i.e. of one partner in a couple, should be screened and firmly encouraged to go. Their uncontrolled presence in the city together with the manifold implications as described above, is one of the strong reasons, only I am sure, for our placing at the bottom of the world ladder of poor nations. Migration and urban! ization are not new phenomena. They happen in all cities to a greater or lesser degree. Screen and Re-locate But our case is exceptional. Because of the war, this little strip of Sierra Leone skirting a few hills is now home to more than half the population of the country. One year after the end of hostilities, there is no evidence whatsoever of the city being cleared of displaced people. We need a concerted, fearless effort on the part of government, to carry out a screening and re-locating process. A government, which does not have the guts to take decisive action on such an issue, is content to see us designated last country on the scale. We need to see proof that something is actively being done. To make pious pronouncements about people being resettled and to live in the turmoil and disorganization of present-day Freetown are two different things. City Council Useless The City Council can do nothing worthwhile since all their efforts are systematically neutralized by masses of people fouling up streets and drains and virtually exhausting utilities already stretched to the limit. So all the Council workers can do, I imagine, is shuffle around their offices wringing their hands in frustration. They simply cannot cope with the numbers. If the government cannot take effective action because it is afraid of losing the votes of thousands of idlers and hangers-on who are happy to perch on the fringes of Freetown life even if they only sell safety-pins on a non-street-trading street, then we shall remain at the bottom of the international ladder- the most wretched state of all! Poorest country, most wretched country! How long can! it go on using the war as an excuse? Five years last of all nations! A friend of mine said lately 'This must be some kind of a record!' And are we the Sierra Leoneans content to sit dumbly by while we are placed last for a sixth year? For goodness sake, let us shake ourselves and challenge the government to do something immediately or resign. Hopeless System Governments have fallen elsewhere on lesser issues. A capital city that dreams of attracting tourists cannot boast of a regular organised public transport system. Who would have imagined that the Freetown of colonial days with its regular services from town centre to suburbs and villages, infrequent but reliable, and the Double-Decker era with its regular twenty-minutes service from Cline Town to Congo Cross, would degenerate to a state of no public transportation at all except for private taxis and miserable mini buses from which seats have been removed and replaced by metal benches? Of course - we're last! Most wretched country of all! No regular public transport, no regular electricity supply, no water supply at all for months- even years as in my case, inside t! he city, no decent roads, no proper telephone system. Responsibility of the Government? Surely at least one of these services could have been brought up to scratch by now if proper targets had been set and the right moves made. One good move would have been to sack the whole lot of inefficient workers and replace them by small teams of foreigners from China, USA, Japan, Sweden etc. for a period to train new staff and set the systems right. Otherwise, foreign experts could have been invited to head these services for a period. Look at the Police and the Army! What was possible there could have happened with the telephones, water etc. We must lift ourselves out of the rut; and this is not a case of people doing nothing but talk and expecting Government to do everything. The responsibility lies squarely with the Government. Lonta! JEWright Jeannette E. Wright (Ms) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + NEW MILLENNIUM by Ronald Andrew Lisk-Carew To many, the millennium (the year 2000) is going to be a big affair - the dawn of a new millennium could be the start of a new era for Sierra Leoneans - not something everyone gets to see during their lifetime. I am optimistic that the changing of the year could bring with it a host of major developments for Sierra Leone in particular, Africa and the developing world in general. Are we going to be able to meet the challenge? Are we prepared to contribute to making our beloved Sierra Leone better in the future? We can seriously consider making the millennium year a very special time. As many of us from around the world who can, should return to Sierra Leone to celebrate and pay our respect to family, friends and fellow Sierra Leoneans. School organisations can plan reunions of past and present pupils' functions (I suggest a concert for my Secondary Technical School) to help raise funds for our alma mater. This will also help Sierra Leone in a positive way to progress. The goal is to 'improve on previous best' in terms of peace, unity, freedom and justice for our homeland. I believe if we go home for the year 2000, this will provide a unique opportunity to appreciate once more, the splendour of Sierra Leone; for school friends who now live and work all over the world to meet-up once more and to reminisce about "the good old days". ########################################################### To mark the 200th anniversary of the founding of Freetown, the examples of the late Wallace Johnson, Sydney Boyle, et al, inspired me in 1987 to write "A Short History of Sierra Leone". ----------------------------------------- A SHORT HISTORY OF SIERRA LEONE (1787 - 1987) [With grateful acknowledgements to "A History of Sierra Leone" by Christopher Fyfe and "The Creoles of Sierra Leone" by Leo Spitzer]. _________________________________________________________________ On May the 10th 1787, a convoy of about four hundred settlers from England entered the Sierra Leone River. On May the 15th the people disembarked and started their settlement (first named Granville Town - after Granville Sharp, one of a group of philanthropists who successfully pressured the British government to permit the transportation of the emancipated Negroes to Sierra Leone - then Province of Freedom, and finally Freetown). The Sierra Leone Company was chartered, listing the famed humanitarians William Wilberforce, Thomas Clarkson, Granville Sharp, and Henry Thornton among its directors in 1791. The company aimed to substitute legitimate commerce between Africa and Great Britain for the slave trade and was empowered to take over all lands in Sierra Leone which had been acquired by purchase or grant from indigenous chiefs. The Creoles who settled around Freetown in Sierra Leone shared a diverse and unique heritage. Although born in Sierra Leone, they were descended from immigrants: a group of "Black-Poor" sent there from England in 1787; a group of auxiliaries from the United States who had fought for the British in the Revolutionary War and who were later relocated in Nova Scotia; and a group of Maroons who had revolted from their slave masters in Jamaica in 1800. The fourth and largest immigrant group was made up of the Liberated Africans (Recaptives) - men and women freed from slave ships by the British anti-slavery squadron in the years after abolition. These groups, together with smaller numbers of others, formed a colony literate and British in manner. The Creoles developed flourishing newspapers in which they gave lively expression to their sentiments and social views, in prose as well as in verse. The Creoles were even more than their fore-fathers, taught to prize Europeanization and the status that it conferred in the colonial order. Toward the end of the nineteenth century, however, during the heightened racism which characterized the age, Creoles were increasingly rejected by their British mentors and began to undergo a crisis of cultural self-confidence. In these circumstances, many Creoles decided to look within their own society, to analyze its character and values, even questioning the major premise on which their culture was based - the validity of the African adaptation of European ways. Creole involvement in the National Congress of British West Africa (NCBWA), the major West African movement of the first quarter of the twentieth century, was the clearest indication of their post-war shift from cultural introspection to political action. The NCBWA emerged from the same cauldron of post-World War 1 expectations that had engendered movements like the first Pan African Congress, held in Paris in 1919 under the leadership of W.E.B. DuBois, and Marcus Garvey's United Negro Improvement Association in the United States. In 1918, at the insistence of Messrs. J.H. Thomas and Cornelius May, a committee was formed to take the first practical steps toward organizing a conference of West Africans. In March 1920, at the instigation of the well-known Accra barristers, J.E. Casely Hayford and T. Hutton-Mills, the first conference of the NCBWA was convened in the Gold Coast (now named Ghana). Delegates from Nigeria, the Gambia, Gold Coast, and Sierra Leone participated, of which Dr. Herbert C. Bankole-Bright (a representative of Sierra Leone) was the General Secretary. By 1945 the direction and shape of the political and social developments which would lead to independence for Sierra Leone was discernible. The formation of the West African Youth League (Sierra Leone Section) [Motto "Liberty or Death"] of which Alphonso Sylvester Lisk-Carew was President; Isaac T.A. Wallace-Johnson was the Organising Secretary, and S.M.O. Boyle, General Secretary - now living in Birmingham, England - was the first extensive attempt by Creoles to reach out beyond the confines of their own ethnic group and self-interest and to form an alliance with the indigenous inhabitants based on racial unity and perception of imperialism as exploitative of all peoples of African descent in Sierra Leone, not just Creoles. Despite British attempts to halt the growth of the Youth League movement, the seeds for national co-operation remained alive and contributed to Sierra Leone's independence. In 1799 Freetown became the first municipality in Africa. On April 27th, 1961, Sierra Leone became a Sovereign and Independent State within the Commonwealth of Nations, and was on the 27th September of the same year, admitted as the 100th Member of the United Nations. Sierra Leone became a Republic on the 19th of April, 1971. Sierra Leone is also a member of OAU, ECOWAS, the Mano River Union and is an ACP State of EEC. By Ronald A. Lisk-Carew, JP [May 1987] in Celebration of THE BICENTENARY OF SIERRA LEONE 1787-1987 and mark the founding of SIERRA LEONE BICENTENARY TRUST v1787-1987 Registered Charity No. 700447 England _____________________________________________________________________ Useful Links: |
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We pray for those affected by the atrocities in Sierra Leone and other places around the world. For those who are injured, maimed, traumatised dying and dead: we pray God's peace. For the rescue workers police and fire officers, paramedics, and hospital staff: we pray God's strength. For the fellow-travellers stopping to comfort, soothe and tend the wounds: we pray God's blessing. For those who are dispirited, angry, despairing and grieving: we pray God's comfort. For the leaders who are called to speak for and to nation or communities: we pray God's wisdom. For those who turn to violence to achieve their ends: we pray God's forgiveness. For our sisters and brothers of all faiths and of none: we pray God's blessing. For ourselves numbed, fearful, morbidly fascinated or guiltily relieved: we pray God's light in our lives. As we hold before God those who suffer, we give thanks for every sign of the resilience of the human spirit and the determination not to be cowed by cowards. We pray that all people may learn to live in peace and with mutual respect. May we not cease in our striving for justice and for an end to poverty, preventable disease and the destruction of the environment. May our eyes be fixed on Jesus, who bears and takes away the sin of the world, and in whom nothing can separate us from the love of God. Amen. |
