Hello everyone!

From Winnipeg, Canada, respect to all my fam, fans, and friends!

The weekend vibes are here – SALNAM annual report officially released, Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyer arrested in Freetown, SALNAM kids Christmas party dropping down this afternoon, Ernest Bai Koroma’s under house arrest in the question of the day, plus lots more. You're about to read another bone-cracking edition of “Behind the Scenes". This column is the radical thoughts of one guy called Lans Omar aka the “Golden Child” - born and raised in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Let's do this: The Sierra Leone Nationals Association of Manitoba (SALNAM) has released its annual report with detailed reports of the community’s activities over the year. It’s the first time the association has delivered a comprehensive report like this in which almost every aspect of the community was reported. The report starts with a message from the desk of the president in which President Mohamed Moe Koroma delivers a sobering message to the community.

The report goes on with SALNAM’s mission statement, vision and the main focus areas and continues with some highlights of the association’s programme of activities covering the inauguration of the new SALNAM executive, caring for the growing senior and elderly population, celebrating the independence of Sierra Leone, celebrating Canada Day, special award ceremony for personalities with outstanding contributions to the community, celebrating the academic school year with a “back to school” event and a special thanks to the keynote speaker on the 62nd Sierra Leone independence ceremony - Mr. Simeon Ganda. A breakdown of the SALNAM financial report was tabulated and a final acknowledgment to some groups and individuals in the community was delivered.

Switching gears: De case don warm nar Freeton! Freetown’s Mayor, Yvonne Aki-Sawyer, was arrested and detained on Wednesday December 13, 2023, at the Police Headquarters in Freetown to answer further questioning about allegations of misconduct and disorderly behaviour.  The incident happened at the Lungi Airport where a colleague of hers, local councillor Sheku Turay, on September 17, 2023, was prevented from boarding an airline bound for the USA. Mayor Aki-Sawyerr was seen in a video clip making emotional pleas to the police for the release of her colleague to board with her. Mayor Aki-Sawyerr was later allowed to travel but councillor Sheku Turay was arrested and detained. Now, Mayor Aki-Sawyer is facing possible charges for “pleading for a colleague to board a flight with her”. Period.

Next stop: SALNAM’s kids Christmas party is happening today, this afternoon December 16, 2023, at the St. Mark’s Place, 19 St. Mark’s Place in Winnipeg, Canada. It’s a free cover event for all the kids in the community, it’s free food too, free games to play and Santa Claus will be coming to the event with all the goodies for the kids. Parents and adults are also welcome to attend. The party starts at 4:00pm till 9:00pm.

Question: Just asking – why was former president Ernest Bai Koroma taken to the CID headquarters in Freetown for questioning and later put under house arrest? Salone nor to serious country ya. Lol.

Finally: Again, the weekend is here! Gonna be a quiet weekend for me. I’m still recovering from the flu I got from London, UK. This afternoon, I’ll be at the SALNAM’s kids Christmas party and later chill with the boys, probably at Alaska’s place.

Fellas, Hey fellas, the Winnipeg Police Check stop is actively out all weekend. On the spot, you’re require a breath sample or face a refusal charge which is equally an over the limit equivalent charge – if you plan to have some good time and get a drink, you know the rules, right? If you’re drinking, don’t drive – if you’re driving, don’t drink. Have a great weekend! Lonta.

I'm out of here!

Cheers fellas!

The Golden Child.