Dorothy I. Height, founding matriarch of U.S. civil rights movement, dies at 98 25th April, 2010 Culled From The Washington Post Dorothy I. Height, 98, a founding matriarch of the American civil rights movement whose crusade for racial justice and gender equality spanned more than six decades, died Tuesday at Howard University Hospital. The cause of death was not disclosed. (Read More) Press Release Two Defense Officials Convicted 18th March, 2010 Two Public Officers of the Ministry of Defence were on Thursday 18th March, 2010 convicted on all counts by the High Court of Sierra Leone presided over by Justice Mary Sey on a three count Indictment. They were jointly charged with; Abuse of Office, contrary to Section 42 of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2008; Abuse of position, contrary to Section 43 of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2008 and Using Office for Advantage, contrary to Section 44 (1) of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2008.   The convicted persons are former Director of Procurement Ministry of Defence, Joe Michael Sewoh and Major Idriss Sonkoi Kamara of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces(RSLAF). Both Accused persons were fined thirty million Leones(Le30,000,000) on each count, cumulatively amounting to ninety million Leones,  to be paid by each of them not later than the 7th of May 2010. In the event of failing to pay the imposed fine, each of the Accused will serve  three(3) years term of imprisonment which will run concurrently, giving an effective term of imprisonment of three years.  (Read More)  Message of OIC Secretary General on the occasion of International Women's Day 8th March, 2010 Today on the International Women’s Day and United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace, I would like to congratulate all women of the world for their tremendous achievements in various fields including economic, political and social spheres throughout human history. This day is exclusively dedicated to commemorate the fact that securing peace and social progress and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms require the active participation and progress of women and that women’s role in strengthening international peace and security should be acknowledged.   This day also symbolizes an occasion where we have to review our performance and achievements in struggle for equality, peace and development for women. Women have always contributed in building strong, civilized and healthy families and societies that have been instrumental in bringing sustainable peace and tranquility.   The challenges ahead of women have always been huge and overwhelming. Unfortunately, in today’s globalized world where human rights including the rights of women have been given priority in the international community’s agenda and some significant progress has also been made, women are still deprived of their fundamental rights and are subject to various forms of violence and discrimination. The international community has to strengthen its coordinated efforts to help women of the world better progress and prosper and take stronger roles in overcoming the various challenges threatening human beings in different walks of life. (Read More) CHRI: GRAVE CONCERNS OVER RWANDA ELECTIONS Commonwealth Human Rights Initiatives Press Release, 6 March 2010 CHRI is deeply concerned at the continued restrictions and threats to opposition parties in the run up to Rwanda’s Presidential elections on 9 August 2010 and urges the Rwandan Government to take immediate steps to ensure respect for the basic, universal rights to freedom of expression, freedom of association and peaceful assembly of opposition parties. The absence of these rights is tantamount to breaches of the Commonwealth's fundamental political principles that insist on free and fair elections (Harare Declaration 1991). On Commonwealth day, 8 March 2010, CHRI once again brings to the notice of the Commonwealth Secretary General the growing number of concerns surrounding political freedoms in Rwanda.  Despite grave representations by CHRI and others about the appropriateness of Rwanda’s readiness for membership, given its record on human rights and its questionable role in the conflict in the Congo, Rwanda was unconditionally admitted to the Commonwealth as its newest member at the Heads of Government Meeting in Trinidad and Tobago last November. Rwanda’s membership requires that it honours and complies with the Commonwealth’s fundamental political principles which include respect for civil society and human rights. The Chair of a new opposition party, United Democratic Forces (UDF) has written to the Secretary General of the Commonwealth alleging state orchestrated harassment, describing violence against herself and colleagues as well as outlining the restrictive environment facing opposition parties in their electoral challenge to the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF). Under Article 13 of the Rwandan constitution it is an offence to engage in “revisionism” or “negationism” (denial of the genocide). These are so broadly defined to include anyone who disagrees with the ruling RPF’s account of the Genocide. On the 25th of February the Ministry for  Security in Rwanda issued a statement saying that any politician who “slanders the country” or is “against public unity” would be punished.  In addition the  Minister for Local Government has reportedly threatened to crackdown on  unregistered political  parties who are members of the  Permanent Consultative Council of Opposition Parties.  Further opposition parties have alleged that the government is making it hard to register by continually changing registration rules; the National Electoral Commission which regulates these matters is controlled by the members of the RPF.  A number of opposition parties have also complained that they face repeated harassment from government officials and the members of the RPF. It is imperative that the Govt of Rwanda thoroughly investigates, in a manner satisfactory to opposition parties, the many incidents of intimidation and bring those responsible to justice. It should also ensure that its electoral processes are consistent with UN and Commonwealth standards for free and fair elections.  CHRI urges the Commonwealth Secretary General to insist that the Rwandan government makes every effort to create genuine democratic political atmosphere in the country prior August 2010 elections. We call upon the Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma, in his meetings this week with President Kagame, to urge him to ensure that in these first Rwanda elections as a Commonwealth member, the standards are patently free and fair and in compliance with Commonwealth values.

MISS WEST AFRICA PAGEANTS VISIT YVETTE GATES! Miss West Africa 2009, a round table event officially sponsored by the Beffta awards, is set to be a smash and currently the talk of the town across the ECOWAS states and in London. As the grand finals of Miss West Africa 2009 draws closer and the conclusion for who will be the face and representative for West Africa approaches, one would believe the girls are getting more competitive amongst themselves for the title, however the Miss West Africa 2009 pageants have developed a stronger bond amongst themselves and a greater understanding of the importance of the title they have put themselves up for. The judges at Miss West Africa 2009 will have a hard time deciding who will walk away with the crown. The current contestants of Miss West Africa 2009 ranging from Sierra Leone, Ghana, Gambia, Nigeria, Guinea Bissau, Benin and more are all in the process of pageant grooming. Recently the pageants took a trip to visit Yvette Gate, a young Gambian born child, who sufferers from a condition called aplastic anaemia. This results to her bone marrow is not producing the cells her body needs and she is in desperate need of a bone marrow transplant. The pageants established a friendly bond with her, her mother and her family, and discussed life issues with Yvette as well as guaranteeing her their support and friendship even after the event. A week before the event the pageants will be campaigning in London to find potential donors for the Race Against Time charity which was originally the Yvette Gate's Charity. Since then they girls have also engaged in events where they have been able to network with celebrities and prominent figures in the entertainment and political arenas such as the Beffta awards and the Check Out Magazine's Nigerian – Ghanaian networking summit. This event will host a wide range of celebrities and West African diplomats whom have all recognized the importance of the title and the activities of the current holder Amina Kamara. This years Miss West Africa is sponsored by UK's one and only Beffta award ceremony. Organizer and founder of the Beffta's Pauline Long will also be judging at the show. Also attending the event and crowning the 2009 queen would be Amina Kamara, the first ever and current queen, Miss West Africa 2008, as well as the current Mr England, and also the current Miss East Africa. There will be performances from celebrity artists and award winning entrepreneur Levy Roots, founder of London popular Reggae Reggae sauce. Recently added to the judging panel is UK's rnb sensation Kay B who will feature the winner in his next single release. Miss West Africa 2009 will also work closely with Miss Ecowas 2009, Joy Ngozika Obasi who recently won her title in River State, Nigeria. Miss West Africa is organized by Confidence Model Management that will ensure the attendance of established faces from the fashion industry. There will be food, entertainment, performances, comedy and hosting by award winning African comedian Eddie Kadi. An event not to be missed. Taking place on the 27th of November 2009 at the Royal Regency Hall, 501 High Street North, London, E12 6TH. Organizers have also confirmed that next year's Miss West Africa will take place in Ghana, December 2010 and they are taking in applications now. For more information visit www.misswestafrica.com. Miss West Africa ltd +44(0)207 630 0064 www.misswestafrica.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it PRESS RELEASE ANTI CORRUPTION COMMISSION CHARGED MINISTER OF HEALTH The Anti-Corruption Commission today charged SHEIKU TEJAN KOROMA, Minister of Health and Sanitation on a three count indictment. The charges are abuse of office contrary to Section 42 (1) of the Anti-Corruption Act 2008, abuse of position contrary to Section 43 of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2008 and willfully failing to comply with the laws, procedures and guidelines relating to the procurement of property, tendering of contracts and management of funds, contrary to Section 48 (2) (b) of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2008. The Commission alleged that the accused, SHEIKU TEJAN KOROMA on a date unknown between March 2009 and May 2009 at Freetown in the Western Area of Sierra Leone, being the Minister of Health and Sanitation, and being a Public Officer, abused his position as Minister, in respect of the award of a contract for the supply of medical consumables and reagents to the Ministry, by contravening the provisions of the Public Procurement Act 2004, through the improper award of the said contract. The Accused was arraigned this morning before the Honorable Ms Justice Mary Sey and he pleaded not guilty to all three counts. The Accused was granted bail and the case was adjourned to 2nd December 2009. This is the first time the Commission is charging a public official for the offences of abuse of office and position since the new Anti-Corruption Act was passed in September 2008. As part of its renewed commitment to ensure that public officers comply with the procurement laws of Sierra Leone, the Commission had for the first time earlier this month charged SARAH FINDA BENDU, former Acting Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Road Transport Authority with the offence of willfully failing to comply with the laws, procedures and guidelines relating to the procurement of property, tendering of contracts and management of funds, contrary to Section 48(2) (b) of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2008. SARAH FINDA BENDU was charged together with HAMZZA ALUSINE SESAY, Managing Director of Mabella Industries Limited on a 10 count indictment for several corruption related offences including misappropriation of public funds and making an excessive payment from public revenue for sub-standard or defective goods contrary to section 48 of the of the Anti-Corruption Act 2008. Both Accused has appeared before the Honorable Justice Nicholas Browne-Marke. The matter stands adjourned to 6th November 2009. Dated 4th November 2009 Glennis Sourie Communications Officer