| Author |
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fodaym
Posts:11
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| 04/03/2007 7:24 PM |
 Alert
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'There's always the risk of civil war here'
Halifax-based officer helping to keep peace in Sierra Leone
JENNIFER TAPLIN
The Daily News
DEFENCE - He's a Haligonian far from home.
But Petty Officer First Class Steven Smith feels a tremendous sense of
accomplishment every time he watches a Sierra Leonean ship head out to
sea.
Working with an international contingent, Smith is training members of
the country's small navy to help them get back on their feet.
Power is just now being restored to some streets as the people of this
West African nation recover from a bloody civil war.
Between 1991 and 2002, tens of thousands of people were killed and
millions were displaced.
The Maritime Wing of Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RLSAF) now
patrols its coast, fining illegal fishing boats and hunting for drug
smugglers.
"I get good job satisfaction. We're training them, and the next day I
come back and I see they're doing the things that I've trained them
(to do)," Smith said in a phone interview.
"It's nice to know when you see the ships sailing out of the harbour
that it's safe to go to sea. It gives you a sense of accomplishment.
"When you see them bringing in an illegal fishing trawler, I feel good
about it."
Money for fleet
Just recently, the Maritime Wing was given the right to keep 10 per
cent of the fines for illegal fishing. Smith said they're going to use
that money to maintain the small fleet.
They were given a patrol boat from the Chinese and three cutters from
the Americans.
They also use small boats at each of the four operating bases around the coast.
Smith, 47, arrived in Sierra Leone in December and will be home to his
family in June.
Born in Scotland and raised in Ontario, Smith has been stationed in
Halifax for the past 20 years.
He misses home, but he'd gladly stay for six more months.
The people are friendly, Smith said, but cautiously waiting to see the
outcome of elections in July. Some are worried the civil war may not
be over.
Risk of danger
"Everything is peaceful so far, but anything can flare up at a
moment's notice," Smith said. "There's always a possibility (for civil
war) here. They're very nice people, but they get very passionate
about politics for some reason."
At perhaps a bad time, the military is downsizing.
There are about 15,000 soldiers in the armed forces - 200 in the
Maritime Wing - but the government can't afford it, Smith said.
They're looking to cut back to 10,000.
The UN peacekeeping mission in Sierra Leone ended in 2005, leaving
support groups, such as an International Military Advisors Training
Team (IMATT), to help out. IMATT is British-led, along with Americans,
a Nigerian, a Jamaican and 11 Canadians, including Smith.
"Our main goal was to pull out of here by 2010, but it looks like it's
been pushed back until 2012," Smith said.
"The reason for this is we're not here for a long time, we're just
here to train them and once we've done our job, then we can pull out."
jtaplin@hfxnews.ca
Comments:
This Conversation is Semi-Moderated. What is moderation?
What does moderation mean?
The Daily News is committed to encouraging intelligent discourse among
our readers and to creating a forum where diverse views and opinions
on a wide range of topics can be aired. The forum you are in now is a
result of our continuing efforts to facilitate a dynamic online
conversation among our readers.
This is a semi-moderated or reactively moderated conversation. Once a
reader follows the steps to register and submit his or her comment it
goes directly to the website. A comment may be edited or deleted for
reasons of content or language.
All readers wishing to join a conversation must first sign in and
agree to the Terms of Usage, which explain the rules of acceptable
content.
(Post a comment)
1.
Mike Dent from now working in Egypt writes: I'm heartened by the
comments from PO Smith. I spent 3 yrs in Sierra Leone from 1999-2002
and established the IMATT. The country does need to address the issue
of the size of the armed forces and has been putting it off since 2002
but nevertheless they have done extremely well since the civil war
ended. I don't actually believe there is a risk of another civil war
but there is a need for the international community to continue to
support the efforts of the govt with more aid. All Sierra Leone's
problems could be resolved by investing just a small percentage of
what is being spent each week in Afghanistan and Iraq!
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Efakpan
Posts:3
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| 04/04/2007 8:17 AM |
Alert
|
THIS IS A VERY SENSITIVE TOPIC TO DISCUSS OPENINGLY LIKE THAT BUT I APPRECIATE
THE CONCERN YOU ARE SHOWING BROTHER FODAY, BY FORWARDING THIS TO THE FORUM.
"But those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength"...Isaiah 40:31 Eddie Akpan
From: "Foday Morris" <fodaym@gmail.com>
Reply-To: SALONEDiscussion@yahoogroups.com
To: SALONEDiscussion@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [SALONEDiscussion] There's always the risk of civil war here'
Date: Tue, 3 Apr 2007 07:02:56 -0700
'There's always the risk of civil war here'
Halifax-based officer helping to keep peace in Sierra Leone
JENNIFER TAPLIN
The Daily News
DEFENCE - He's a Haligonian far from home.
But Petty Officer First Class Steven Smith feels a tremendous sense of
accomplishment every time he watches a Sierra Leonean ship head out to
sea.
Working with an international contingent, Smith is training members of
the country's small navy to help them get back on their feet.
Power is just now being restored to some streets as the people of this
West African nation recover from a bloody civil war.
Between 1991 and 2002, tens of thousands of people were killed and
millions were displaced.
The Maritime Wing of Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RLSAF) now
patrols its coast, fining illegal fishing boats and hunting for
drug
smugglers.
"I get good job satisfaction. We're training them, and the next day I
come back and I see they're doing the things that I've trained them
(to do)," Smith said in a phone interview.
"It's nice to know when you see the ships sailing out of the harbour
that it's safe to go to sea. It gives you a sense of accomplishment.
"When you see them bringing in an illegal fishing trawler, I feel good
about it."
Money for fleet
Just recently, the Maritime Wing was given the right to keep 10 per
cent of the fines for illegal fishing. Smith said they're going to use
that money to maintain the small fleet.
They were given a patrol boat from the Chinese and three cutters from
the Americans.
They also use small boats at each of the four operating bases around the coast.
Smith, 47, arrived in Sierra Leone in
December and will be home to his
family in June.
Born in Scotland and raised in Ontario, Smith has been stationed in
Halifax for the past 20 years.
He misses home, but he'd gladly stay for six more months.
The people are friendly, Smith said, but cautiously waiting to see the
outcome of elections in July. Some are worried the civil war may not
be over.
Risk of danger
"Everything is peaceful so far, but anything can flare up at a
moment's notice," Smith said. "There's always a possibility (for civil
war) here. They're very nice people, but they get very passionate
about politics for some reason."
At perhaps a bad time, the military is downsizing.
There are about 15,000 soldiers in the armed forces - 200 in the
Maritime Wing - but the government can't afford it, Smith said.
They're looking to cut back to
10,000.
The UN peacekeeping mission in Sierra Leone ended in 2005, leaving
support groups, such as an International Military Advisors Training
Team (IMATT), to help out. IMATT is British-led, along with Americans,
a Nigerian, a Jamaican and 11 Canadians, including Smith.
"Our main goal was to pull out of here by 2010, but it looks like it's
been pushed back until 2012," Smith said.
"The reason for this is we're not here for a long time, we're just
here to train them and once we've done our job, then we can pull out."
jtaplin@hfxnews.ca
Comments:
This Conversation is Semi-Moderated. What is moderation?
What does moderation mean?
The Daily News is committed to encouraging intelligent discourse among
our readers and to creating a forum where diverse views and opinions
on a wide
range of topics can be aired. The forum you are in now is a
result of our continuing efforts to facilitate a dynamic online
conversation among our readers.
This is a semi-moderated or reactively moderated conversation. Once a
reader follows the steps to register and submit his or her comment it
goes directly to the website. A comment may be edited or deleted for
reasons of content or language.
All readers wishing to join a conversation must first sign in and
agree to the Terms of Usage, which explain the rules of acceptable
content.
(Post a comment)
1.
Mike Dent from now working in Egypt writes: I'm heartened by the
comments from PO Smith. I spent 3 yrs in Sierra Leone from 1999-2002
and established the IMATT. The country does need to address the issue
of the size of the armed forces and has been putting it off since 2002
but
nevertheless they have done extremely well since the civil war
ended. I don't actually believe there is a risk of another civil war
but there is a need for the international community to continue to
support the efforts of the govt with more aid. All Sierra Leone's
problems could be resolved by investing just a small percentage of
what is being spent each week in Afghanistan and Iraq!
Interest Rates Fall Again! $430,000 Mortgage for $1,399/mo - Calculate new payment
__._,_.___
.
__,_._,___
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fodaym
Posts:11
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| 04/04/2007 12:03 PM |
Alert
|
Hi Eddie,
Thanks for your comments. Could you please tell me what makes the topic so sensitive that it should not be discussed? Contrary to what you suggest, I think every topic should be brought to the table for discussion. If we don't talk about them, then no attention would paid to the matters. The last thing Sierra Leone needs is another civil unrest /war; that might follow if issues affecting the people are not addressed.
I still ask myself why Sierra Leoneans joined with foreigners to destroy our people and country during the recent civil war. Frustrations and disspointments for governemnt were kept inside for a long time before RUF took advantage of the situation. Think about what is going on now.....
Best regards
Foday
On 4/4/07, eddie akpan <Efakpan@hotmail.com> wrote:
THIS IS A VERY SENSITIVE TOPIC TO DISCUSS OPENINGLY LIKE THAT BUT I APPRECIATE
THE CONCERN YOU ARE SHOWING BROTHER FODAY, BY FORWARDING THIS TO THE FORUM.
"But those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength"...Isaiah 40:31 Eddie Akpan
From: "Foday Morris" <fodaym@gmail.com>
Reply-To: SALONEDiscussion@yahoogroups.com
To:
SALONEDiscussion@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [SALONEDiscussion] There's always the risk of civil war here'
Date: Tue, 3 Apr 2007 07:02:56 -0700
'There's always the risk of civil war here'
Halifax-based officer helping to keep peace in Sierra Leone
JENNIFER TAPLIN
The Daily News
DEFENCE - He's a Haligonian far from home.
But Petty Officer First Class Steven Smith feels a tremendous sense of
accomplishment every time he watches a Sierra Leonean ship head out to
sea.
Working with an international contingent, Smith is training members of
the country's small navy to help them get back on their feet.
Power is just now being restored to some streets as the people of this
West African nation recover from a bloody civil war.
Between 1991 and 2002, tens of thousands of people were killed and
millions were displaced.
The Maritime Wing of Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RLSAF) now
patrols its coast, fining illegal fishing boats and hunting for drug
smugglers.
"I get good job satisfaction. We're training them, and the next day I
come back and I see they're doing the things that I've trained them
(to do)," Smith said in a phone interview.
"It's nice to know when you see the ships sailing out of the harbour
that it's safe to go to sea. It gives you a sense of accomplishment.
"When you see them bringing in an illegal fishing trawler, I feel good
about it."
Money for fleet
Just recently, the Maritime Wing was given the right to keep 10 per
cent of the fines for illegal fishing. Smith said they're going to use
that money to maintain the small fleet.
They were given a patrol boat from the Chinese and three cutters from
the Americans.
They also use small boats at each of the four operating bases around the coast.
Smith, 47, arrived in Sierra Leone in December and will be home to his
family in June.
Born in Scotland and raised in Ontario, Smith has been stationed in
Halifax for the past 20 years.
He misses home, but he'd gladly stay for six more months.
The people are friendly, Smith said, but cautiously waiting to see the
outcome of elections in July. Some are worried the civil war may not
be over.
Risk of danger
"Everything is peaceful so far, but anything can flare up at a
moment's notice," Smith said. "There's always a possibility (for civil
war) here. They're very nice people, but they get very passionate
about politics for some reason."
At perhaps a bad time, the military is downsizing.
There are about 15,000 soldiers in the armed forces - 200 in the
Maritime Wing - but the government can't afford it, Smith said.
They're looking to cut back to 10,000.
The UN peacekeeping mission in Sierra Leone ended in 2005, leaving
support groups, such as an International Military Advisors Training
Team (IMATT), to help out. IMATT is British-led, along with Americans,
a Nigerian, a Jamaican and 11 Canadians, including Smith.
"Our main goal was to pull out of here by 2010, but it looks like it's
been pushed back until 2012," Smith said.
"The reason for this is we're not here for a long time, we're just
here to train them and once we've done our job, then we can pull out."
jtaplin@hfxnews.ca
Comments:
This Conversation is Semi-Moderated. What is moderation?
What does moderation mean?
The Daily News is committed to encouraging intelligent discourse among
our readers and to creating a forum where diverse views and opinions
on a wide range of topics can be aired. The forum you are in now is a
result of our continuing efforts to facilitate a dynamic online
conversation among our readers.
This is a semi-moderated or reactively moderated conversation. Once a
reader follows the steps to register and submit his or her comment it
goes directly to the website. A comment may be edited or deleted for
reasons of content or language.
All readers wishing to join a conversation must first sign in and
agree to the Terms of Usage, which explain the rules of acceptable
content.
(Post a comment)
1.
Mike Dent from now working in Egypt writes: I'm heartened by the
comments from PO Smith. I spent 3 yrs in Sierra Leone from 1999-2002
and established the IMATT. The country does need to address the issue
of the size of the armed forces and has been putting it off since 2002
but nevertheless they have done extremely well since the civil war
ended. I don't actually believe there is a risk of another civil war
but there is a need for the international community to continue to
support the efforts of the govt with more aid. All Sierra Leone's
problems could be resolved by investing just a small percentage of
what is being spent each week in Afghanistan and Iraq!
Interest Rates Fall Again! $430,000 Mortgage for $1,399/mo - Calculate new payment
__._,_.___
.
__,_._,___
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wundemoi
Posts:7
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| 04/04/2007 12:03 PM |
Alert
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Eddie,
I don't see the sensitvity of the situation that does not warrant an open discussion.
Why should we have a keg under our beds just for it to explode and say
Had we Known?
Mind you we are not discussing something that is not already in the open
.We must look at this as a blessing and honestly discuss it.
Lets don't forget that many non Sierra Leoneans were the ones that
benefitted from our woes and when they start putting us on alert
we must be greatful.
--
Cillaty "Wundemoi" Daboh
Lithonia GA.
The hottest places in hell, are reserved for those who, in great moral crisis maintain their neutrality-Dante
-------------- Original message --------------
From: "eddie akpan" <Efakpan@hotmail.com>
THIS IS A VERY SENSITIVE TOPIC TO DISCUSS OPENINGLY LIKE THAT BUT I APPRECIATE
THE CONCERN YOU ARE SHOWING BROTHER FODAY, BY FORWARDING THIS TO THE FORUM.
"But those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength"...Isaiah 40:31 Eddie Akpan
From: "Foday Morris" <fodaym@gmail.com>
Reply-To: SALONEDiscussion@yahoogroups.com
To: SALONEDiscussion@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [SALONEDiscussion] There's always the risk of civil war here'
Date: Tue, 3 Apr 2007 07:02:56 -0700
'There's always the risk of civil war here'
Halifax-based officer helping to keep peace in Sierra Leone
JENNIFER TAPLIN
The Daily News
DEFENCE - He's a Haligonian far from home.
But Petty Officer First Class Steven Smith feels a tremendous sense of
accomplishment every time he watches a Sierra Leonean ship head out to
sea.
Working with an international contingent, Smith is training members of
the country's small navy to help them get back on their feet.
Power is just now being restored to some streets as the people of this
West African nation recover from a bloody civil war.
Between 1991 and 2002, tens of thousands of people were killed and
millions were displaced.
The Maritime Wing of Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RLSAF) now
patrols its coast, fining illegal fishing boats and hunting for drug
smugglers.
"I get good job satisfaction. We're training them, and the next day I
come back an
d I see they're doing the things that I've trained them
(to do)," Smith said in a phone interview.
"It's nice to know when you see the ships sailing out of the harbour
that it's safe to go to sea. It gives you a sense of accomplishment.
"When you see them bringing in an illegal fishing trawler, I feel good
about it."
Money for fleet
Just recently, the Maritime Wing was given the right to keep 10 per
cent of the fines for illegal fishing. Smith said they're going to use
that money to maintain the small fleet.
They were given a patrol boat from the Chinese and three cutters from
the Americans.
They also use small boats at each of the four operating bases around the coast.
Smith, 47, arrived in Sierra Leone in December and will be home to his
family in June.
Born in Scotland and raised in Ontario, Smith has been stationed in
Halifax for the past 20 years.
He misses home, but he'd gladly stay for six
more months.
The people are friendly, Smith said, but cautiously waiting to see the
outcome of elections in July. Some are worried the civil war may not
be over.
Risk of danger
"Everything is peaceful so far, but anything can flare up at a
moment's notice," Smith said. "There's always a possibility (for civil
war) here. They're very nice people, but they get very passionate
about politics for some reason."
At perhaps a bad time, the military is downsizing.
There are about 15,000 soldiers in the armed forces - 200 in the
Maritime Wing - but the government can't afford it, Smith said.
They're looking to cut back to 10,000.
The UN peacekeeping mission in Sierra Leone ended in 2005, leaving
support groups, such as an International Military Advisors Training
Team (IMATT), to help out. IMATT is British-led, along with Americans,
a Nigerian, a Jamaican and 11 Canadians, including Smith.
"Our main goal was
to pull out of here by 2010, but it looks like it's
been pushed back until 2012," Smith said.
"The reason for this is we're not here for a long time, we're just
here to train them and once we've done our job, then we can pull out."
jtaplin@hfxnews.ca
Comments:
This Conversation is Semi-Moderated. What is moderation?
What does moderation mean?
The Daily News is committed to encouraging intelligent discourse among
our readers and to creating a forum where diverse views and opinions
on a wide range of topics can be aired. The forum you are in now is a
result of our continuing efforts to facilitate a dynamic online
conversation among our readers.
This is a semi-moderated or reactively moderated conversation. Once a
reader follows the steps to register and submit his or her comment it
goes directly to the website. A comment may be edited or deleted for
reasons of content or lang
uage.
All readers wishing to join a conversation must first sign in and
agree to the Terms of Usage, which explain the rules of acceptable
content.
(Post a comment)
1.
Mike Dent from now working in Egypt writes: I'm heartened by the
comments from PO Smith. I spent 3 yrs in Sierra Leone from 1999-2002
and established the IMATT. The country does need to address the issue
of the size of the armed forces and has been putting it off since 2002
but nevertheless they have done extremely well since the civil war
ended. I don't actually believe there is a risk of another civil war
but there is a need for the international community to continue to
support the efforts of the govt with more aid. All Sierra Leone's
problems could be resolved by investing just a small percentage of
what is being spent each week in Afghanistan and Iraq!
Interest Rates Fall Again! $430,000 Mortgage for $1,399/mo - Calculate new payment
__._,_.___
.
__,_._,___
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