Vedic Astrology Lesson 16

Regarding the Second House

The second house is the significator of wealth and speech. Domestic happiness is also its signification.

If the second house is a benefic sign and if the second house is tenanted by benefics and if the second lord is in a quadrant or a trine, he will become immensely rich with oratorial prowess.

If the Ascendant lord is weak and if the second lord is weak with malefics posited in 6,8,12 houses, he will be poor and helpless. If the second lord is exalted in a quadrant or trine, and if that sign ispositor is powerfully posited in benefic houses, he will have remendous wealth and will protect a lot of people. If the second lord is aspected by benefics and is posited in a quadrant or trine, he will be handsome. If not, he will be ugly and wicked. If the second lord is aspected by malefics and is with malefics, he will stammer and stutter. If the second lord is with malefics, is posited in the tenth with an afflicted Sun, and if Mars and the Sun are posited in the second house, his speech will be afflicted and he will be rejected by others.

The Effects of the Second Lord in the 12 Houses

The Effects of the Second Lord in the Ist House

As the 2nd lord is in the ascendant the native will be wealthy. But there may be strained relationships with other members of his/her family. He/she wants to be away from home and he/she will long for pleasures outside his/her home and family. The native have to be careful not to get involved in fraudulent transactions. They will be subjected to vicissitudes as financial ups and downs mark their career. They do not care much for manners & their manners may be frowned down by society. Domestic happiness becomes a problem. The native will be sweet tongued but sometimes she/he will be prone to anger and angry words.

The Effects of the Second Lord in the 2nd House

As the 2nd lord is in the 2nd house, the native will be financially sound. To be great is to be misunderstood & the native’s expressions of self-confidence and pride are likely to be misunderstood. Flattery will give ego satisfaction. They do not like those who question their knowledge as they feel that they know all the answers. They are most likely to have a small family. They will be sweet toun- ged and will be known for their gift of the gab. The native’s wealth will be above medium and above want.

The Effects of the Second Lord in the 3rd House

If the 2nd lord is in the 3rd the native will be blessed with the qual- ilites of valour, wisdom and economic prudence. They believe that love is physical and do not believe in Platonic Love. To the native love and existence are synonyms. The native may fall under the temptation of atheism and the native may become attached to luxurious life. One sister will help. They are interested in music and fine arts and this will help them professionally. The native needs intellectual company in both love and business. They are not bothered by religious rituals. The native may be looked down upon by people as a miser.

The Effects of the Second Lord in the 4th House

As the 2nd lord is in the 4th, the native will be blessed by house and conveyances. The native will be blessed by a pious and religious mother. They have to develop a protective shell to shield themselves from those who assassinate their character. They will be frugal in money matters. The native will earn well from land & automobiles as 4th house represents vehicles and land. The native’s oratorial prowess will impress the native’s friends & relatives. The native may be helped by maternal relatives. The native may be helped by the native’s mother and her brothers & sisters.

The Effects of the Second Lord in the 5th House

As the second lord is in the 5th, the native will be lucky with investm- ents which will pave the way for prosperity even for the next ge- neration. The native may become a victim of abandonment & lack of symp- athy. This may shock them to the extreme.This has a bad effect on them in the sense they become unkind to people. Gains unexpected in the form of lotteries likely. They find the domestic atmosphere restrictive sometimes and sometimes enjoyable. This is good for speculation. They can try their luck in lotteries & the stock market.

The Effects of the Second Lord in the 6th House

As the 2nd lord is in the 6th, the native gains from and through enemies power, privilege and wealth. The native will cut anyone to size who go against the native’s wishes & aspirations. They always achieve what they really want even though people say they employ means that are not above board. The native’s wealth and power may be attributed to black marketing, black mailing and deceit. Be careful about health. The native may be assailed by health hazards in the latter part of life. The natives are likely to be subject to persecution from enemies. The native will emerge victorious in the end.

The Effects of the Second Lord in the 7th House

As the 2nd lord is in the 7th the medical profession may attract them with its treasures. They always condescend and always help others who are lacking in luck. They may waste much money for the gratification of the senses. They have to instill discipline at home. Otherwise they will be criticised heavily. The native may have many sources of income, one of them foreign. The native’s partner may be religious and pious. The native’s partner will have a good aristocratic background. The native’s wealth will be subject to fluctuations as alternate ups and downs mar the native’s career.

The Effects of the Second Lord in the 8th House

As the 2nd lord is in the 8th it will be difficult for them to retain assets. Misunderstandings with members of family likely. The native’s hypersensitivity is so high that even a hint of emotional abandonment can bring about unreasonable panic, if not terror. They are likely to lose wealth. Elder brother may misunderstand The native will have to put in extra effort to retain inherited wealth. Relatives turn enemies. The native’s words may be misunderstood and there may be enmity. Domestic happiness becomes a problem. Beware of anger and angry words.

The Effects of the Second Lord in the 9th House

As the 2nd lord is in the 9th, the native will attain to wealth & the native will have professional expertise during the latter part of the native’s career. During the early period of the native’s life there will be considerable suffering, both physical & mental. The native may secretly resent the loss of childhood innocence & pleasures. The native have to establish unrivalled command on others to retain the image of superiority & self respect.The native will visit pilgrim spots and follow Religion & Philosophy as 9th house represents Wisdom. The native may get legacies & benefits will come from many a source.

The Effects of the Second Lord in the I0th House

As the 2nd lord is in the 10th house the native will have professional expertise in whatever profession he has chosen. The native will have to exercise the maximum temperance & keep away from temptations. The native’s concept of love is that it is physical and corporeal They do not believe in Platonic Love. The native may not get much happiness from progeny. The native will be engaged in many a vocation. The native will do business or take to agriculture The native will also indulge in philosophical dissertations or lectures. As a result the native may get fame, name & largesse.

The Effects of the Second Lord in the 11th House

As the 2nd lord is in the 11th, manifold will be the sources of income The native will attain fame by virtue of his/her diligence. The native’s health will progressively improve. During childhood the native may have health problems. The native can earn money by banking and finance. The native’s self development stuns people and growth generates envy, as both 2nd and 11th represents wealth The native will be sufficiently welloff and above want. As the 11th represents the fulfillment of all desires the second lord posited therein indicates that all the native’s desires will be fulfilled.

The Effects of the Second Lord in the I2th House

As the 2nd lord is in the 12th, the native will be devoid of immense wealth. It is quite likely that the native may be interested in other’s material possessions. The native may not get much happiness from the elder brother. The native may yearn for such love. The native may be cheated by people. There may be violation of confidentiality as the trust the native place in people may be violated. The native should curb the tendency to criticize others. They may have a vocation connected by rituals and religion. They are quite likely to be involved with the government.

More quality information about Vedic Astrology & an Astrological

Analysis can be had from http://www.astrologiavedica.com/html/vedichoroscope.htm

Astrology and the Science of Numbers ( Numerology )

Numerology, dealing with Numbers and with the Numberless Infinite as the base, can be a prognosticating tool in the psychic sciences. One’s lucky numbers can be known and this can be used in one’s profession.

More quality information about Astro-Numerology and a free Astro-

Numerological Report can be had from http://www.astrologiavedica.com/html/numerology.htm

Astrology & Gemology

Richard Shaw Brown, Jr ( www.agt-gems.com) gives a list of the Nava Ratnas along with secondary gems and their ruling planets.

1.RUBY, red spinel.red garnet,,and red tourmaline [rubellite] are ruled by the Sun

2.NATURAL PEARL,moonstone,white coral and natural[death] ivory are ruled by Moon

3.YELLOW SAPPHIRE,yellow topz,yellow beryl[helioder] and citrine are ruled by Jupiter

4.HESSONITE.orange zircon,spessertite and other orange garnets are ruled by Rahu

5.EMERALD.,tsavorite ,green tourmaline,diopside,peridot and jade are ruled by Mercury

6.DIAMOND,white[colorless] sapphire, white topaz, zircon and quartz are ruled by Venus

7.CHRYSOBERYL CAT’S EYE,beryl, apatite and tourmaline cat’s eyes are ruled by Ketu

8.BLUE SAPPHIRE,tanzanite[blue zoisite],blue spinel, iolite amethyst are ruled by Saturn

9.RED CORAL.carnelian and bloodstone are ruled by Mars

More information about Planetary Gemology & a Gem Prescription Report can be had from http://www.eastrovedica.com/html/gem.htm

Astrology, Holistic Medicine & Ayurveda

Why holistic health practices fail or succeed partially Main reason for the failure of holisitc health practices is that Prana or Life Energy does not flow freely within the individual or between the individual & the universal life, owing to the presence of obstructions within.These obstructions are caused by Samskaras, psychic memories or residual traces of our past actions and experiences. Samskaras are of two kinds, those which only produce memories ( smriti ) of past experiences and those which produce impulses or drives to repeat these experiences ( vasanas) . These two are interlinked to form complex patterns of love, hate, fear etc. It is these complexes that obstruct the free flow of Life-Energy in us.

Removing Mental Blocks

Many of these complexes are formed in childhood and adolescence. Then unpleasant or traumatic experiences take place, the tendency of a child or teenager is to repress them. Repression is a form of pushing the psychic memories into the unconscious regions of the mind. The growing youth may not be able to recollect those psychic memories again, but the repressed samskaras lodged in the hidden recesses of the unconscious go on creating psychological and psychosomatic problems for him. All psychosomatic disorders cannot be cured by holistic health tech- iques unless these repressed complexities are ferreted out and onfronted. The past samskaras should be deactivated. For this the seeker has to dive deep into his unconscious & encounter the past experiences and deactivate them. Most people find it difficult to do it without the active help of a competent guide. Those who depend on the Ocean of Consciousness ( the Absolute or God ) may , however, find that these inner blocks are removed by Divine Grace.This is the rationale behind faith healing & miraculous cures.

Extension of Consciousness

Life,a gift from the Divine, is a great healing power. Nothing ever begins to be; Substance merely undergoes a parallel transformation into conditions which pre-existed in other conditions. Life, similarly, does not begin to be. As Energy, as per the Law of Conservation of Energy or Matter cannot be created or destroyed, so too is Life Eternal.

At the physical level, the eternal healing power of life manifests itself as

a) Self-renewal

b) The immune system.

For many years it has been known that the body can filter and re-use its fluids & repair damages to tissues, especially skin and bone, by growing new cells. Modern Science has shown that self-renewal is constantly taking place in every part of the body. Almost all the cells in the body are constantly being replaced by new ones. Somebody said ” I am not the same person I was one year ago”! The entire body gets renewed in this way every year & this shows that it is never too late to regain your health. By changing one’s basic attitudes and way of living, the damage to the body caused by years of misuse & neglect can be overcome. One the great marvels of the universe is the human immune system. Those who are aware of the biochemical processes going on in the body will agree with Walt Whitman ” To me every hour of the day & night is an unspeakably perfect miracle”. Dr Walter Cannon said ” The Wisdom of the body is the most precise of all selective refinements” !

The Components ( Four Units ) of our Immune System

The fourfold immune system consists of the following units;

1 The granulocyte-macrophage unit

2. The lymphocyte unit

3. The antibody unit

4. The complement unit

The first two are varieties of white blood corpuscles, wherein the last two are chemicals, proteins. All the four units of our immune system launch a concerted attack on the invaders as soon as a few bacteria break into any tissue in the body. ( The antibody unit has been defined as an army of one million) Western medical science is wondering who masterminds this attack or who plans these strategies. Common sense, logic, intuition & experience suggest that somewhere behind all this there must be a master control. Why do sometimes cells become malignant and attack neighbouring cells ? Why it goes awry, sometimes,when our defence units attack innocent cells mistaking them for enemy microbes ? Western medical science is researching hard to find answers to these difficult questions.

A good site where you can get quality information about Holistic Medicine is www.holistic-alt.com

Ayurveda, as the Science of Holistic Health is curative and restorative and its medicines do not have side effects. More info about Ayurveda can be had from http://www.chakrapaniayurveda.com/

Astrology & Yoga

Yoga is derived from the word “Yuj” which means to unite. Union with Cosmic Creative Intelligence is the aim of Yoga. The Fourfold Yoga has been prescribed for Cosmic Union in Oriental Philosophies.

They are

1. Union via Action ( Karma Yoga )

2. Union via Psychic Control ( Raja Yoga )

3. Union via Universal Love ( Bhakthi Yoga )

4. Union via Wisdom ( Jnana Yoga )

Union via Action is for the person of active temparament.

Union via Psychic Contro is for the person of adventurous temparament

Union via Universal Love is for the person of emotional temparament.

Union via Wisdom is for the person of intellectual temparament.

These four paths are not different from one another. They are all part of the Fourfold Yoga. Certain qualities are to be inculcated in the seeker if he is to achieve the Ultimate Goal. Prajna has been defined as the discriminative intellect. When the intellect discriminates between the Real & the Unreal. The intellect which discriminates between Being and Non-Being. This quality should be incorporated by the Intellectual Man if he is to progress in the path of Jnana Yoga.

Love is defined as the greatest of all the positive qualities of man. This quality is to be incorporated by the Emotional Man if he is to progress in the field of Bhakthi Yoga.

Control of Mind or Psychic Control through Raja Yoga should be incorporated by the Adventurous Man if he is to progress in the field of Raja Yoga.

Selfless Service should be incorporated by the Active Man if he is to progress in the field of Karma Yoga.

In other words, since the Fourfold Yoga has been prescribed for mankind , all these four great qualities – Selfless service, love, psychic control & the discriminative intellect should be incorporated by the spiritual aspirant to develop in the field of Yoga.

Yoga was defined by Aurobindo as a methodic process towards self-perfection through a development of the latent potential at the five levels of Being – physical, vital, mental, intellectual & spiritual. Normal man lives only in the first three sheaths – physical, vital & mental. Only when we use our hidden spiritual potential – the intell- ectual & the bliss sheaths – can be unfold our full mental potential.

More information about Transcendental Philosophy & Yoga can be had from http://www.eastrovedica.com/html/yoga.htm

Astrology & Occult Vibratory Chemistry ( Tantra )

Vedanta focusses on the Sat ( Existence ) aspect of Absolute Being. Tantra, on the other hand, focusses on the Chit ( Knowledge ) aspect of Being. The Existence aspect is absolutely absolute while the Knowledge aspect takes care of the Absolute and the Relative.

More quality information about Tantra & Yantras can be had from http://www.astrologiavedica.com/html/yantra.htm

Books as the repository of all knowledge

The outpourings of the Intuitive Mind came to be known as great Literature, the rise and flow of Eternal Wisdom. While the Rational Mind of man focussed on Science, the Intuitive Mind of mind focussed on the supra-mundane, the sublime, the divine. Poetry was defined as the fulness of generation of Beauty. All knowledge of both the Rational and the Intuitive Minds were recorded as books, which remain as the source of all information.

More quality information about spiritual Books & CDs can be had from http://www.astrologiavedica.com/html/Books.htm

Article by G Kumar, Astrologer, writer & programmer of www.eastrovedica.com. Recently he was awarded a Certificate by the Planetary Gemologists Association Global ( www.p-g-a.org ) as a Planetary Gem Advisor. He has 25 years psychic research experience in the esoteric arts. To subscribe to his free informative Ezine, the Z Files mailto:info@eastrovedica.com?subject=SubscribeZF. His Astro blog is up at http://www.zodiacastrology.blogspot.com & his Philosophy blog is http://transcendentalphilosophy.blogspot.com Mobile 091 9388556053

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Rose and Joe, two heterosexual seniors, discuss their Domestic Partnership. Seniors in Washington benefit from Domestic Partnership rights they will lose if Referendum 71 is not approved on November 3rd. For more information visit: approvereferendum71.org

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She insists she could put her boyfriend on her employer’s health insurance. I thought Domestic Partners were for same sex. Who’s right?
I disagree with anyone that thinks same sex and opposite sex couples are the same. The reason that opposite sex is different is that they have the choice to be married to get the benefits and the only choice same sex has is the Domestic Partners laws. I know plenty of people that got married just for the benefits. And I also think that anyone taking advantage of the Domestic Partners Law and being opposite sex should be ashamed.
Image taken on by .

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Marijuana “spotter” beheaded in Balamban The decapitated body of a former barangay councilman in Matun-og, Balamban was found in sitio Cabatbatan, barangay Bayong of the said town the other day. Read more on The Freeman

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Sierra Leone: Building on an Export-Sector-Led Economy By Kenday S. Kamara, October 4, 2008

Export sector development has become one of the most discussed issues in Sierra Leone’s development politics. The previous administration of Tejan Kabbah introduced some credible initiatives to promote Sierra Leone’s export trade worth pointing out. The investment code enacted in 2004 could actually increase visibility for Sierra Leone’s progress in creating an environment conducive to investment and poverty reduction if properly utilized. Empowering SLEDIC (Sierra Leone Export Development and Investment Corporation) as a “one-stop-shop” parastatal that simplifies business registration and minimizes transactions cost was also of strategic importance. But years of mismanagement of opportunities stifled the successful implementation of these initiatives. Today, however, there is reason to believe that commitment in implementing export sector development initiatives with the APC-led administration of Ernest Koroma can change.

Vast stretches of arable lands and abundance in mineral resources offer a natural comparative advantage for agricultural and technological development in Sierra Leone. The right commitment, in other words, can greatly square President Koroma’s goal of making government work in Sierra Leone.

The prognosis in Sierra Leone’s politics of self destruction has been hopelessly grim for decades. The country has consistently suffered decades of severe economic hardship and struggling with chronic problems of corruption and a broken management system at national proportions. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has not looked good for decades and the country has consistently ranked very low in the United Nations’ assessments of countries’ human development indices. It might make sense for the new APC administration to be serious about government, commit to a selfless agenda of national development, and expect the best to come out of Sierra Leone. But the commitment to change the pervading prognosis of systematic mismanagement of resources can even be now much more promising than it has been since the APC is being given a second chance, and President Koroma living up to the high standard of expectations Sierra Leoneans have for his government. Apparently, Sierra Leoneans have lost every patience and all they want to see is a government that can build on a pattern of positive change for sustained development.

The last one year Koroma has been in power has brought major changes in the underlying strategic calculus facing Sierra Leone’s governance system – an ACC made stronger, emphasis on performance and fiscal responsibility in public office, and creating new, more positive development dynamics and incentives.  And these developments can be made sustainable with the vast potential in agricultural and technological development. Insisting on excellence in public service and emphasis in export sector development initiatives developed within the framework of the trade agreements and the WTO trade rules that apply to international trade will work under the new conditions in Sierra Leone. President Koroma has shown praiseworthy commitment to “unite both the private and public sectors for a well-ordered society and economic progress”, a position made clear at a private sector forum at the British Council which State House convened in conjunction with the Sierra Leone Business Forum”. However, the laudable efforts of the president require a sustained commitment that supports a liberalized trading system to promote trade and diversify exports.

Both to build on the export sector development initiatives started by Kabbah and to introduce new dynamics, any commitment to good governance, now that the mechanisms of democracy are in place, should be reassuring and taken seriously.

Enabling Environment

Most countries have a mental image of Sierra Leone that is defined by the chaos of a society overrun by corrupt politicians and business people. But Sierra Leone can be made a very different place than for what it was known. Overall development can make paramount the pursuit of accountable, transparent and corruption-free policies to ensure a carefully sequenced opening up of investment opportunities in the country. The effort towards establishing mutual recognition agreements for agricultural exports with other market countries can greatly impact Sierra Leone’s export development sector. The Ministries of Agriculture, Marine Resources, Mineral Resources, Foreign Affairs, Trade and SLEDIC have a role to play. They have to create the environment to attract major investments to develop Sierra Leone’s cottage industries and raise the quality of products made in Sierra Leone. There are certain things the government can also do such as:

· identify and enhance divestiture of state-owned enterprises;

· augment the liberalization of trade and exchange rate, deregulation of prices, strengthening of fiscal management and domestic resource mobilization, and elimination of subsidies (especially on petroleum products and the staple food, rice);

· streamline and facilitate the process for exports by eliminating duplication and ensuring coordination between Government provided services to the export industry; and

· sustained support to the agricultural sector.

In the same token, small and medium-sized enterprises are key drivers of the economy. Helping them to develop is a reaffirmation of the fundamentals of trade sector development which include the establishment of export processing zone, provision of micro finance, and reactivation of skills training centers.

These are remarkable trends that are in sync with trends in facilitating the development of value added products for accessing markets in the United States and Europe through the United States African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the European Union’s Everything But Arms (EBA) Initiatives; and formulating transparent investment guidelines.

Sustainable rural development programs that support supply side resources available for export which are in the rural sector and the development of these resources shall also see benefits occur in the development of viable income for the rural sector. The government’s role in facilitating development of the infrastructure for clean water, healthcare, roads, electricity and telecommunications is critical. The European Union, the World Bank and other international development agencies are partners in development for Sierra Leone. The government has to show a sustained responsibility and commitment to cooperate with these world institutions.

Export sector development, and especially its emphasis on enabling investment opportunities for the development of small and medium enterprises and raising standards in product development, will enable the growth of the Sierra Leone economy. Agriculture, combined with financial resources generated from the country’s vast mineral resource base and a strong export sector development knowledge of what standards are required to compete in the global market, will essentially drive Sierra Leone’s engine of growth.

Essentially also, access to information is fundamental to the development of a viable private sector. The private sector needs to know what is out there and how to capitalize on the market access agreements available. To reaffirm its responsibility and commitment, the Government needs to leverage technology to make available such information. A combination of business training and development programs and the one-stop approach to ensuring coherence in private sector development shall result in the sustainability of available resources.

Further, agriculture and fisheries are areas if enabled can quickly develop an export led economy. The APC-led administration seems to recognize this. A successful example of this is the boost in fishery exports since last year when the APC was voted in. The Ministry of Marine Resources (one of the country’s highest employers with over 100,000 employees for those in marketing and processing marine resources and 30,000 employees for local fishing communities) generated Le1,196.42 billion from October to November 2007; Le1.2 billion in December 2007 and Le1.7 billion in January, 2008.  In spite of the persistent pirating by fishing vessels traversing Sierra Leone’s territorial waters, the Ministry has managed to conserve the country’s marine resources and to avoid depletion that has seen stable profitable growth in the sector.

A national export strategy (NES) can be fully developed as part of the Ministry of Finance budget information. Government can support the aggressive expansion of the availability of financing for export development and to assist in the development of standards and regulations of the services sector to provide a base for the export of this sector of the economy. Consistent with what the APC-led administration of Ernest Koroma is trying to do, government should do more to strengthen public-private partnerships and ensure it is never taken for granted.

The private sector can feel appreciated when government can ensure the participation of the private sector in high-level diplomatic missions, assisting companies in accessing trade shows and markets internationally. The ability to access distribution channels for exporters cannot be over-stated as high level missions can open doors that the individual companies cannot open. The opportunity to gain exposure in overseas markets is an underutilized initiative and needs to be strengthened.

Moreover, developing a database/register of customary land based on clear standards of ownership of land is also fundamental to Sierra Leone’s export economy. The net result of all this would be a profound change in the underlying strategic calculus in the APC administration’s commitment to drive economic development in Sierra Leone – building on the essence of an export-led economy which creates jobs and promotes a stable and progressively developing Sierra Leone.  It is worth noting that a combination of initiatives to drive an export-led economy is chief driver of sustained economic development. Much of the country’s GDP remains underutilized but shows great potential. And whereas an export-led economy argument implies that GDP increases are realized, a national export strategy that encompasses all the initiatives of the previous administration and evolving new ideas can be fully integrated in a well articulated national export strategy.

Supply Side Potential

If the APC administration and its leaders are to keep Sierra Leone moving toward economic stability, they must still overcome a range of supply-specific challenges that need to be developed to meet the standards of the global market. These challenges promise to be generally less daunting with the right leadership resolve to drive change, and where resolve is lacking they could still make worse the severe economic woes of the country. Sierra Leone may still rank last in the United Nations Human Development Index (HDI), but as, Dmitry Titov, Assistant Secretary-General of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) puts it, Sierra Leone’s prospects of moving forward and boosting its socio-economic situation is ‘hopeful” (Scoop World Independent News). Achieving this, however, will be the responsibility of the country’s leadership to guide an export-sector-led economy and to develop such economy to meet the standards of the global market. There are a good number of supply-specific areas that can be developed, but it is worth highlighting some of the most important.

First, there is the challenge of developing the country cloth and garments market. This is possible with a garment training center or other body established with industry standards either established through SLEDIC or the Ministry of Trade. The possibilities of a garment training center should be a critical element in growing the garment industry in Sierra Leone. With major production enhanced, the need can be simultaneously created to support fashion or trade shows and a greater interaction between the hospitality industry and the garment industry.

Sierra Leone obtained the AGOA Visa for textiles and garments in April 2004 and that should be an excellent tool for exploring export opportunities available as well as through other initiatives such as those afforded through the European Union-African Caribbean and Pacific (EU-ACP) cooperation, World Trade Organization and the economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). A Standards Bureau can help in implementing standards and quality control measures to make Sierra Leonean products competitive.

The Agriculture and Agro-Processing industry is also with great possibilities if it can overcome sanitary, bio-security and technical barriers to trade. Proper agro-processing adds value in the local environment and achieves a market ready product for immediate distribution or sale reducing offshore costs and maximizing returns. Standardized agro-processing facility can assist rural communities by providing a local base for their exports. SLEDIC should provide guidelines on sustainable processing for better market access and should come up with a quality mark for all Sierra Leonean agro-processed products. Identifying tropical products which have combined high returns to the farmer by either having high yield or high returns has the potential of giving farmers the options to look at more innovative plants that can form a basis for value adding.

Catalyst large farms can provide consistent volumes that can then be used to coalesce the many small community landholdings into a reliable consistent sustainable supplier of produce. More active pest eradication and assessment programs are necessary to build faith in agricultural supplies from Sierra Leone.  Also looking at organic farming as a future for Sierra Leone and as a niche market with high value with government providing certification will have an added virtue of sparking an agricultural boom and thereby helping reduce unemployment. And with standards provided for the output of agricultural products, farmers and exporters would clearly understand the export needs of the different markets.

Effectively managed agricultural support measures such as the provision of machinery and improved seedlings to farmers and farming communities is expected to help not only in achieving Government’s goal of food security but also encouraging crop diversification for both domestic consumption and export. With support from partners notably UNDP, FAO and the ADB considerable improvement has been made in the agricultural sector with the establishment of more than 130,000 Agricultural Business Units (ABUs) in the rural areas that account for the anticipated increase in agricultural production. These are existing facilities that can be further developed and adequately utilized.

Value adding through drying or smoking as well as packaging should be a priority for the fishing industry as another export sector development possibility. Facilities to handle fishing vessels need upgrade and aquaculture practices developed to meet global standards in fisheries development.

Credible policy reforms in the mining sector are important for sustaining improved minerals production. Modern mining operations require substantial investments. The ability of existing indigenous operators to modernize their operations depends on the availability of foreign investments to acquire the necessary hardware and expertise. What could be done is to promote the effective organization of cooperative joint ventures with owners of diamondiferous lands whose lands could be used as collaterals to secure the foreign direct investments and/or lines of credit needed to acquire modern mining equipment like bulldozers, excavators, front-end loaders, draglines, etc.

Further, setting up of diamond cutting and polishing stations equipped with workbenches designed for use with diamond cutting fly wheels along with several grinding applications is necessary.  Diamond cutting is the art, skill and, increasingly, science of changing a diamond from a rough stone into a faceted gem. Diamond cutting requires specialized knowledge, tools, equipment, and techniques because of its extreme hardness. The history of diamond cutting and polishing has its origins in India, where it was discovered a long time ago by Indian lapidaries that a diamond could be made to glisten simply by grinding another diamond against it. The setting up of these diamond cutting and polishing stations in Sierra Leone will aid the local diamond trade. The goal is to import diamond polishing skills and technology to Sierra Leone to enable the country to compete with other countries like the United States and India in the diamond processing sector. The Government of Sierra Leone should applaud this initiative since it is emphasizing the need for indigenous Sierra Leoneans to share in the downstream benefit of diamonds.

A final export sector development strategy worth noting is the services sector. At present the country does not have a well supported and regulated consultancy sector which could form the bulk of exports in the services sector. The only sector recognized is the Tourism sector which although important is not the only services sector with opportunities. Sierra Leone shows great potential in a number of areas and this expertise is yet to be developed using Government assistance and there should be an export focus on these areas.

Efficient Production Practices

Firms in Sierra Leone are often unaware of their own inefficiency. Such firms attribute too much of their inability to export to external factors and too little to their lack of efficient production. Import restrictions creating protected domestic markets have given entrepreneurs a false sense of competence. These entrepreneurs are only slowly aware of the critical roles that quality control, price and on-time delivery plays in international markets. Once their eyes are opened to the importance of these factors, access to buyers and technical support focused on production constraints can provide them with the means for lowering costs and raising quality.

Filling in specific service gaps can speed up the private sector response to policy improvements, and can accelerate export growth. With more knowledge and contacts, firms will achieve a higher level of export sales and more firms will enter the market. In short, intervention in the market for export services can be justified based on “infant industry” and “learning by doing” considerations.

Finally, the institutional structure of the export support service entity must fit the type of service provided. Membership-based trade groups, such as exporters associations, have been effective in providing basic information on buyers and foreign markets. But private non-profits or freestanding projects have been more effective in providing customized, firm-specific services. The point is that they often have the autonomy, expertise and flexibility to link firms with appropriate commercial sources of services, such as buyers, suppliers, and investors.

Of course, much could be done by utter commitment of the leaders who should understand and accept the importance of private sector input in the formulation of government trade and general economic policies. The potential of the global marketplace as a source of corporate expansion and economic growth is great. The policy makers have the sublime role to support private companies in seizing the opportunities that an integrated world economy offers – access to foreign capital, new market opportunities and increased trade.  A Trade Policy Review with the support of the World Trade Organization (WTO), substantial deregulation to boost investment and private sector development, will yield a stability that endures as Sierra Leone economic growth is defined.

Credit: Cocorioko Sierra Leone Portal

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Countless women endure the physical, sexual and psychological abuse of domestic violence in their own homes from their partners. It is estimated that in the U.S. among women 18 and older, 5.3 million acts of domestic violence happen every year. The statistics are even higher internationally, and aside from the tragic personal implications, the problem spills over into the workplace. Some victims are brave enough to escape the abuse at home, but unfortunately the abuser knows where they work, and are able to harass and threaten her there. In fact, it has been found that 75% of abusers have used communications such as work email or phone calls, or visited the workplace of the victim to further threaten their partner. This is a frightening scenario not just for the victim, but for her fellow employees. Recognizing signs that someone is being abused could help protect a domestic abuse victim, and lead her to support for her situation. A place of work should be a safe place for an individual and their co-workers, so it is in everyone’s best interest to look for the signs and take steps to be supportive. Warning signs can include social withdrawal from co-workers, visible bruises, emotional outbursts on the phone, or frequent calls which leave them upset. Lateness or frequent absences are common among victims, as well as reduced productivity and poor job performance. When there are outward physical signs such as bruising, a victim often lies to co-workers out of embarrassment. Co-workers and employers should always be supportive, respectful and encouraging, and hopefully that communicates to the victim that they are willing to help when the victim is ready. After the recognition or admission of an abusive situation, employers should take reasonable measures to protect their employee. These can include possibly changing their schedule or work location, screening calls and visitors, and escorts to where they have parked. A formal, written workplace policy should be in place which includes information on where to get help outside of the office. A place of work may be the only safe haven for a victim, and an environment of safety and supportiveness will not only protect them, but make a more productive worker. Employers and co-workers need to be aware of the signs of domestic violence, and take steps to protect all employees from abusive individuals.

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Earn 70% Commission On This Hot New Guide To Surviving Panic And Anxiety Attacks And Disorders. Based On One Long Term Suferers Discoveries And How To Regain A Panic Free Life – The Natural Way. Panic Attack Survival Guide.

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Stocks fall after surprise drop in home sales The stock market is falling as a surprise drop in home sales adds to concerns about the economy. Read more on AP via Yahoo! News

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Image taken on 2008-01-12 20:13:16 by Malingering.

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Family law is the name given to the branch of civil law that a family lawyers or a family attorney covers including the legal relationships among family members, including husbands, wives, parents, children, and domestic partners. A family lawyers represents people going through divorce, custody modifications, guardianship issues or issues relating to children with regards to divorce or custody, and if you are searching for a legal representative related to this field then you must have to follow certain steps which would help you to find competent and appropriate family lawyers who can understand your issues and can assist you so that you can get what you deserve.

Necessary Steps to find right family lawyers :

Step 1 – Make a list of what you are looking for in an attorney.

1.Do you prefer to work with a male or female lawyer?
2.Young or old?
3.Do you want someone who will work to settle your case or someone who will fight to the end?
4.Would you prefer a lawyer who charges by the hour or one who charges a flat fee?
5.Will you be charged for phone calls to the lawyer?

Step 2 – Talk to your family and friends. Ask about family lawyers they would recommend, contact other attorneys that you are know and ask for recommendations.

Step 3 – Contact your county and state bar associations to determine whether they sponsor lawyer referral programs. If they do, they can refer you to an family lawyers in your area who is experienced in the type of case you are involved with.

Step 4 – Some family lawyers offer free initial consultations. It might be wise to meet with a few attorneys offering a free appointment, just to get an idea of how different lawyers work and how they would approach your case.

Step 5 – Your family lawyer should be skillful enough to settle your case in your benefit. So, request for references, if you were not referred to the attorney by someone you know and trust, ask for the names of past or current clients you may call for references. The attorney will be able to give you this information only with the clients’ consent. Many attorneys may be insulted by this request, but you wouldn’t hire a babysitter without references.

How can family lawyers aid you?

Very often, it is observed that people involved in family law cases do not seek any help or guidance from a Family lawyer.

Instead of doing so one should consult family lawyers because an experienced family lawyer would arrange a meeting with clients to discuss aspects of the case or family legal action they are taking, would advise clients on legal options with regards to the case, ensuring that clients understand which options are in their best interest, preparing legal pleadings, filing court documents and completing paperwork as it pertains to the case.

Hence, if you have any issue related to family law then please understand your rights and consult experienced family lawyers  so that you can have what you deserve.

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