Following an exclusive story carried by Politico on Thursday 28 February about the reduction in tariff for diamonds apparently timed to coincide with the valuation of a US$ 6 million gem bought by Lebanese businessman, Hisham Mackie, the ministry of mines and mineral resources has started probing the source of the leak of the letter.
OSIWA launches reports on Salone
By Tilly Barrie
The Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) has released two reports and two discussion papers on the country's governance and justice sectors.
OSIWA Country Officer, Joe Pemagbi said “the reports are an indication of a partnership built on common values for the promotion of open societies where the rule of law, access to information and accountability and transparency are the norm and not the exception”.
1,000 clients for BBN counselling centre
By Jenneh Braima
A Christian broadcaster, Believers' Broadcasting Network (BBN), which also runs a counselling service recorded its 1,000th client at its centre in its two years of operation.
MP boosts Mammah Beach fire victims
By Crispina Lois Cummings
Member of Parliament for Constituency 93 has donated 30 bundles of corrugated iron sheets to the people of Mammah Beach in the Freetown Peninsular where 21 houses were destroyed by fire in December last year.
Dauda Kallon also donated two bales of used clothing for the fire victims.
Priest calls for Christians to share
By Jenneh Braima
On the eve of the beginning of the Christian season of Lent, the director of social communication in the Catholic Archdiocese of Freetown has said that "this is the time for Christians to share what they have with the poor".
The Reverend Father John Garrick says lent itself starts on the Ash Wednesday when the use of ash is required on the forehead of all Christians as a sign of repentance, noting that fasting, praying and being generous with the poor are the cornerstones of the event.
ACC Northern boss assures of fight against graft
Northern Regional Manager of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has assured the people of Malone Village, Makump Section in the Kholifa Rowalla Chiefdom in Tonkolili District that the commission is committed to fighting against graft to improve the social and economic needs of all citizens, according to an ACC press release.
Speaking at an awareness raising meeting, Patrick Sandi said the ACC recognised the importance of people living in rural communities in the fight against corruption hence soliciting their support.
Huge Sierra Leone tax cut for $ 6 million gem
The diamond
Controversy surrounds the 153-carat diamond valued at US$ 6.8 million found in the eastern Kono district two weeks ago.
