NEW PRODUCTION EQUIPMENTS ARRIVE

*As Brewery Expands…*

*New Production Equipments Arrive*

*By Ranger*

The press, together with the Corporate Affairs Assistant of the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL), Unisa Conteh, on Wednesday 15th February,2017 paid an inspection visit to the Queen Elizabeth II Quay to inspect the huge fermenting tanks  imported by the company. The storage tanks are part of the brewery’s investment in its ongoing expansion program. The eight tank consignment includes:

✔6 x FSTs (Fermentation Storage Tanks) of 1, 000 HL
✔ 1 X FST 205 HL and a
✔ Hoisting beam.

The consignment which arrived at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay on Monday 13th February is in the process of being cleared. Other expansion program materials are on the high seas and are expected to arrive at the Freetown Port very soon.

With over One Hundred and Fifty Billion Leones (LE150Bn) invested in the country since 2014 to modernize and expand its production capacity, the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL) is now set to more than double its annual production capacity. Through this extensive capital investment, SLBL will also be able to respond quickly to any increase demand for its products in the future. This is further capacitated by the brewery’s importation of new stainless steel fabricated fermenting tanks.

According to the new SLBL Managing Director, Daaf Van Tilburg, this massive investment showcases the brewery’s confidence in the economy. This investment he furthered comes at the right time as the brewery prepares to fully implement the Finance Act of 2016 which gives it impetus to meet the growing demand for its products in the country using locally grown sorghum.

He disclosed that when the new fermenting tanks are installed, the production capacity of the brewery will more than double the brewery's annual production capacity. The tanks will also create the opportunity to brew, package and distribute all of SLBL’s award winning products which include Star Beer, Mutzig Beer, Guinness Stout and Maltina to satisfy current and future consumer demand in the country.

To meet the varied taste of customers, SLBL also markets imported Heineken Beer, Strong Bow Cider, Fayrouz Malt non-alcoholic drink, Royal Club range of soft drinks and Climax Energy Drink.

SLBL established itself in Sierra Leone as a manufacturer of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages just after the country’s independence, 54 years ago.

As a major employer, SLBL has been contributing tremendously to the growth of Gross Domestic Products in Sierra Leone. It has also been diligently performing its Corporate Social Responsibility in the community in which it operates as well as far and wide across the country.

As a dynamic corporate investor, SLBL continues to expand its operations through new investments and innovative equipments and production techniques in order to meet customer satisfaction at all levels.

As it seeks to substitute imported ingredients for the manufacturing of its products with locally grown ingredients, it has established strong working relationship with the Sierra Leone Sorghum Farmers Association to supply the brewery with locally grown sorghum. This has created employment and boosted the incomes of over 12, 000 contract farmers across the country. This relationship has greatly boosted the government’s agenda for prosperity drive.

According to SLBL, they have more than doubled the requirement for sorghum from farmers for 2017. This and other investment initiatives launched by SLBL will greatly contribute to the brewery’s volume growth ambition, create wealth for farmers, grow government revenue from their operations and generally have a multiplier effect on the economy.

The foundation for this development, the SLBL MD said, was set by the actions put in place by his predecessor, Willy Ngana, who has been transferred to the Africa Middle East Regional Office in Holland.

*_By Ranger_*
*_FEB|2017_*

AT LAST GBERE BRIDGE TO BE REPLACED

*AT LAST GBERE BRIDGE TO BE REPLACED…*

*Pres. Koroma’s Development Strides Continue*

*By Ranger*

Being the development-oriented leader that he is, President Koroma continues to expatiate in his infrastructural drives all across the country.

The latest of his developmental drives is at the Gbere Bridge. Travelers, visitors and commuters to this area can witness firsthand the construction of a new bridge going up alongside the old bridge.

According to the engineers, the new bridge would not only be safer, but it would be wider and modern than its predecessor.

Indeed, all across Sierra Leone from Freetown to Kailahun and up to Kono, President Koroma has ensured that he initiates all manner of development projects including new hospitals, roads, schools, universities, agricultural schools and a host of other development projects all aimed at putting Sierra Leone on equal or better footing as its neighbors in order to make the country more competitive and attractive to potential investors.

Another area President Koroma has demonstrated his vision and tenacity is in the energy sector. Being the business man that he is he recognizes the important role uninterrupted energy supply plays in the growth of any country’s economy. It is no secret that since his coming to power in 2007, the energy supply situation has significantly improved and there is less and less blackout these days – thanks to a visionary, President Ernest Bai Koroma.

Against this background, it is also worth mentioning the fact that with President Ernest Bai Koroma the country has also seen major development in the creation of public facilities and he has strengthened public institutions which have a bearing on good governance. The ACC and other public institutions are independent and there has been little or no political interference in the work of public entities such as this.

President Koroma has worked for this country so well that international organizations are commending him for a job well done and some have even presented several awards to him. President Koroma has also put Sierra Leone on the international diplomacy map by his leadership roles at the AU, UN and other international bodies.

President Koroma is therefore encouraged by all right-thinking Sierra Leoneans to keep the fire burning Sir!
                                                                                                     *The Times SL Newspaper*

KONO RESIDENTS APPLAUD PLUTO MINING CO.

*Pluto Mining Intensifies Development Projects In Kono*

*By Ranger*

Pluto Mining Company operating in Kono, east of Sierra Leone has benefitted from a series of developmental projects since Maxim Brandwain commonly called Max, who is also the proprietor of Mercury International established his Pluto Mining Company in that part of the country.

One major development is the Congo Bridge. It could be recalled that it was this bridge that was causing serious disturbances; some even violent amongst various parties in that part of the country.

The Congo Bridge has been successfully renovated through the efforts of Pluto Mining. Government spread asphalt on the bridge and it is now safer and very modern, thus adding to the beauty of this area.

Another major development initiative by Pluto Mining is the construction of three additional classrooms for three different schools to boost education in that part of the country. The three schools that benefitted from this are namely Model Secondary School, Ahkolm Secondary School and Experimental Secondary School. Administrators of these schools commended Pluto Mining for this initiative, saying it has greatly alleviated accommodation and seating problems in the schools. Also in the area of education, he has been awarding scholarships to deserving pupils in various schools across Kono.   

Another major achievement for the people of Kono that was initiated by Pluto Mining is the construction of six modern water wells in different areas of Kono. Residents in these areas before now were suffering from lack of pure water and had to trek long distances in order to fetch water. But with this gigantic step taken by Pluto Mining, they are full of praise for the company which alleviated their plight.

The Small Sefadu Bridge due to its former dangerous state was demolished and singlehandedly rebuilt by Pluto Mining Company sometime ago. Through Mercury International, he donated the sum of one hundred million Leones (Le100M) to victims of the Angola Town fire disaster at Fort Street. He has also made immense contributions (financial and material) to hospitals, football teams and community based development organizations, as part of his companies’ corporate social responsibilities.

In a similar development, representing the Paramount Chief of Kamara Chiefdom, Tombodu, Kono District, the Town Chief Saffia Ndomina, in charge of Maima (2) has commended the developmental efforts of Maxim Brandwain who is an international investor operating the Pluto Mining in Kono District.

Speaking on the damaged bridge leading from Maima to Sandor, Town Chief Saffia Ndomina maintained that they are exceedingly happy that at last this bridge would be rebuilt and transformed into a two-way road with footpath for pedestrians.

He recalled that the damaged bridge is forty years old but that because the Kamara Chiefdom does not have money to rebuild the bridge and because this bridge is not of priority to the government like the one along the Ro-Cheko Old Road. He added that the bridge in question was built by the former NDMC to transport their gravel but that when they shut down operations they dismantled the bridge. However, due to the importance of the bridge in this area, the people of Kono repaired it by placing metal rods on the bridge until “we had it rebuilt as a legacy to our grandmother,” the Town Chief highlighted.

According to him, the bridge located at Maima had suffered from mining which was taking place very close to its foundations which is very dangerous. He added that this time round they are not going to allow anyone to mine along the foundations of the bridge.

He added that for those of them living in Kamara Chiefdom, Tombodu in Kono, are aware of the issues and are happy but that there are some elements among them who misinterpret and misunderstand the good works that are taking place in Maima in particular. He mentioned that Maxim Brandwain is responsible for the reconstruction of this bridge at Maima, adding that Mr. Max also promised that after the bridge, he would assist in the construction of a school with a science lab, taking into consideration there is no school with a well equipped lab in Kono and that this would go a long way to rebrand education in Kono. He also stated that Mr. Max also promised the construction of an orphanage.

Town Chief Saffia Ndomina used the opportunity to warn all those going around speaking evil of people helping Kono to grow infrastructurally to stop forthwith. He urged the general public and right-thinking people not to listen to such detractors because they have a selfish hidden desire to destroy the development efforts of Kono District..

*The Times SL Newspaper*

 

SLBL PRESS RELEASE

*PRESS RELEASE:*

(FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE)

*SIERRA LEONE BREWERY LIMITED EXPANDS TO MEET DEMAND*

_To meet ever-increasing demand for its quality products, Sierra Leone Brewery Limited is more than doubling its annual production capacity with the investment in new fermentation tanks soon to arrive at the Freetown port._

Wellington, Freetown; 20th January 2017 - Sierra Leone Brewery Limited today announced another major step in the capacity and expansion plans for their brewery in Wellington with the investment in new brewing fermentation tanks which are currently being shipped to Sierra Leone. The tanks are modular cylindrical-conical fermenters, to be housed at their brewery in Wellington, Freetown. When installed, the total production capacity will be more than doubled and will create an opportunity to brew, package and distribute all of their award-winning quality products to satisfy current and future consumer demand in the country. The investment comes in at the right time post implementation of the pro-local production Finance Act 2016 and will cater for all expected and potential consumer demand for our products.

The vessel carrying the consignment of several huge tanks is expected to arrive soon at the Freetown harbour. All tanks are made of stainless steel fabricated according to international brewing standards. We confirm that civil works is already in progress with the contract awarded to a Sierra Leone registered construction company running into billions of Leones.

Commenting on the developments, SLBL’s new Managing Director, Daaf Van Tilburg said: "Over the last couple of years we have consulted extensively with our customers to identify their needs and have ensured that our strategy reflects the required plans to satisfy those needs. “He added “that this foundation has been set by the actions put in place by my predecessor Willy Ngana who has recently been transferred to the Africa Middle East Regional Office in Holland.”

We wish to assure the government and the consumer public that we are working extremely hard to deliver in full the potential demand for our products. Therefore, a large scale investment program has started since 2014 to expand capacity, maintain our high quality and ensure environmental safety. The total investment in 2014-2016 has been over 150 SLL billion.

“The current investment in tanks is another large commitment of Sierra Leone Brewery Limited in Sierra Leone. The timing of this expansion once installed, should allow us to fulfil any potential increase in sales as a result of the implementation of the Finance Act 2016, which would also create more jobs for Sierra Leone and our business partners including sorghum farmers” van Tilburg said.

We will showcase this massive investment and confidence in the economy in the coming weeks when the first consignment comprising the said brand tanks will arrive at the Freetown port.
*____________________________________*

*ABOUT THE COMPANY*

Sierra Leone Brewery Limited planted its roots in the field of manufacturing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to consumers over 54 years ago. Our establishment has continuously expanded its product range through innovation to meet customer satisfaction at all levels. Our endeavour is to establish not just a contractual relationship with our stakeholders but to build relationships which are lasting and rewarding to the country and to contribute to the growth of the Gross Domestic Product GDP.

All our products are certified and following all the regulations as per approved local and international standards. We manufacture Star Beer, Mutzig Premium Beer, King Leone Beer, Guinness Foreign Extra Stout, Salone beer and Maltina. We also market Heineken Beer, Strong Bow Cider, Fayrouz malt none alcoholic drink, Royal Club range of soft drinks and Climax Energy Drink.
____________________________________
For In-depth information kindly contact:

*Corporate Affairs Department*
*Sierra Leone Brewery Limited*
*Wellington Industrial Estate*
*+23276 603 185*

                       * * *

GOVERNMENT REAFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR AFCON 2019, MOHAMMED KALLON TO COACH LEONE STARS

*Government Reaffirms Support for AfCON 2019, Mohamed Kallon to Coach Leone Stars*

*By Ranger*

Following Sierra Leone’s good showing resulting to the country being drawn alongside Ghana Black Stars, Kenya and Ethiopia for the AfCON qualifiers, the Deputy Minister of Sports, Ishmael Al-Sankoh Conteh has promised that the government of Sierra Leone is poised to give its fullest support to Leone Stars to participate in the qualifiers which start in June this year and ends in November 2018.

The Deputy Sports Minister recalled that Sierra Leone last participated in the continental big stage (AfCON) 21 years ago in South Africa in 1996, adding that it was here that Mohamed Kallon who is currently coaching a team in the USA, became the youngest player in the tournament and scored the winning goal for Sierra Leone in a 2-1 win over Burkina Faso.

“The government is willing to give all the necessary support to ensure we have early plan and mobilize the most qualified and best of our players without any bias. As a government, we are very confident that Sierra Leone will qualify for AfCON 2019 in Cameroon, we may take the first position in our group or qualify as best losers,” said Deputy Sports Minister, Al-Sankoh Conteh.

“I reiterate that we are optimistic that we have what it takes; Leone Stars winning all our home matches and taking points from away matches in Kenya, Ethiopia or Ghana,” the Deputy Minister said with passion.

Mohamed Kallon is considered a national and international football icon and idol by thousands of Sierra Leone youths having started playing football at a very tender age and emerging as a very professional, experienced and international star, thus making Sierra Leonean youths being delighted to follow in his footsteps.

His professional football player experience spanned 1994 – 2016. Below are highlights:

*Mohamed Kallon played for various quality European sides at the highest level in Italian soccer (Bologna, Genoa, Cagliari, Reggina and Vicenzo) most notable Serie A Giants, Internationalize Milan.

*Played French giants AS Monaco FC in League 1.

*He played for various clubs all over Europe and the world including Al-Ittihad, AEK Athens, Al-Shaab, FC Kallon, Shaanxi Chanba and Chirag United.  

His professional experiences as a player in team accomplishment include:

*Winning the Asian Champions League with Al-Ittihad of Saudia Arabia in 2005;

*2002: UEFA Champions League semi-finalist versus AC Milan.

*2001 UEFA Cup semi-finalist versus Feyenoord Rotterdam.

His professional experience as a player: Individual honors are:

*2002 African Player of the Year; Runner-up; finishing third.

*2005 Top Scorer Asian Champions League tournament.

*Voted Best Player 2005 Asian Champions League Tournament.

Mohamed Kallon: Soccer Education:

License:

*Mohamed Kallon currently holds a UEFA “B” License.

*He was voted Serie A Tactical Player of the Year.

Coaching experience: He coached Houston Dynamo Academy from 2015 to present.

*Houston Dynamo Academy U14s.

*Current Dynamo trainer coaching U14 players developing in the pre-Dynamo Academy.

*Currently trains Houston Dynamo U14s.

*FC Kallon-Islanders Houston Football Association (HFA) 2014 to present.

*He is current head coach of Men’s League team, FC Kallon-Islanders that currently competes in the highest amateur level soccer league in Dynamo U15 and is U23 coach.

*Part of his duties includes conducting all training sessions, and adjusting tactics week by week for each game.

*He develops technical sessions to improve skills and awareness of players to transition their abilities into tactics to best contribute to the team.

*Mohamed Kallon coached FC Kallon’s premier division in Sierra Leone, Africa 2013-2014.

Asked about how confident he is to coach Leone Stars if appointed, Mohamed Kallon said he is confident he would do well because “as Soccer Coach Trainer & Developer and a former professional player and current coach he is currently seeking opportunity to obtain a USSD Coaching License to further educate myself in hopes to successfully educate, develop and improve players I work with,” adding that this would greatly assist him in developing the individual and team aspirations of the players who would eventually be selected for AfCON.”

Many youths across Sierra Leone are calling on the relevant authorities to appoint Mohamed Kallon as Coach of Leone Stars because they believe that he has what it takes to bring accolades to the country as most of the players have respect and trust in him.

“The government would be very wise in listening to the youths this time round,” said a prominent football promoter.

 ‼‼

  

 

 

TIMDALE PARAMOUNT CHIEFTAINCY SAGA... WHO IS BEHIND THE SMOKE SCREEN?

*Timdale paramount chieftaincy saga...*‼‼

*Who is behind the smoke screen.?.*‼

*By Ranger*

Reports reaching this press strongly indicate that all is not well in that little coastal community in the Moyamba District.

There is mounting animosity surrounding the legitimacy of the paramount chief elect who happens to have  been hood winked to that position through manipulations, hence his election was challenged and petitioned since December 2015. The case of similar petitions have received the attention of the authorities and action has been taken. But why not in the case of Timdale?

Records relating to the chieftaincy rights in Timdale clearly show that only two ruling houses existed. The Kaindoh and Yimbo ruling houses since the colonial era. There has never been any serious challenge to this for over one hundred years, despite attempts by one Aruna Conteh to claim rights under the guise of the alien name called Solunui. This fictitious name was used on several occasions to lay claim to chieftaincy rights when ever the vacancy for paramount chief arose but were never given recognition.

In 2015 one Bobor Steven whose father Joseph Steven attempted to contest for the chieftaincy but could not qualify came up and was permitted to contest under fictitious manipulations. His candidature was challenged but was overturned. The outcome of that election has been challenged and petitioned.

What baffles many of the citizens is the continued interference of the chief in chiefdom matters with impunity. He goes around removing and electing chiefs.
The questions on the lips of many people this medium spoke to is;

1. Does an elected chief under petition have the right to officiate in any chiefdom matter?

2. Does he/ she have the authority to remove chiefs and cause the conduct to elect other chiefs?
When a petition is filed against a chief should

3. The District officer continue to recognize him/ her as paramount chief?
The answer to all of these questions need the immediate response of the authorities concerned in order to bring this matter to a speedy conclusion.

Valunia Chiefdom in Bo district had a similar problem. This has long since been addressed. Why not Timdale whose issue was the first to be put before the authorities.

*Who is behind the smoke screen.?* ‼

BELGIUM MILITARY SPORTS COUNCIL SECRETARY GENERAL PAYS COURTESY CALL TO THE LEBANESE CHAIRMAN

The international military Sports Council Secretary General from Belgium pays a courtesy call to the Lebanese chairman on the 4th of January 2017 in a bid to develop sports in the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces.

(C)Ranger