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VOL. 16. NO. 63

INSIDE THIS EDITION

EDITORIAL
The Way forward for Liberian Raw Materials
See Pg. 4

Ellens Administration Meets Challenges in Agriculture

See Pg. 4

COMMENTARY

LOCAL NEWS
Liberias Forests Should Not Be at Mercy of Exploitative Logging Companies
See Pg. 3

Justice Ministers Petition Denied

www.liberianobserver.com
Petition for Reconsideration: Allegedly Suggested, then Rejected
an application. The purpose of the application was to request the Court to enable the Minister to file a petition for reconsideration of the Courts decision suspending her for six months from the practice of law directly or indirectly. According to our sources, the effect of filing the petition would have allegedly suspended the enforcement of the suspension until the Court determines the merits of the petition. Following the Monday meeting, a legal expert speculated to the Observer that progress was being made toward an amicable resolution of this matter. Since the rendering of its de-

FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014

PRICE: LD 40

Co.Z Launches New Album with Tour

See Pgs. 9-12

LIB LIFE

he Supreme Court of Liberia on Thursday, January 23, rejected Justice Minister Christiana P. Tahs application to reconsider its decision suspending her from the practice of law for six months. The Ministers application, according to sources close to the Judiciary, was made following negotiations between the Justices of the Court and the legal team of Minister Tah. The sources further said that following a two-hour meeting held behind closed doors on Monday, January 20, it was allegedly agreed upon for the Ministers legal team to file

MoneyGram Commends LBDI Paynesville Branch

See Pg. 17

BUSINESS

Senate in Five-hour Executive Session

-Ellen Suspends Police Director; Asks Him to Apologize to Senate

Justice Minister Tah and staff Thursday leaving the Temple of Justice

cision on January 10, efforts have been made by Minister Tah and her legal team to try and resolve the impasse but the Court has maintained its stance. Delivering the High Courts decision Thursday, Chief Justice Francis Korkpor declared: The Full Bench of the Court has agreed not to grant the application for re-argument or re-consideration filed by the Justice Minister and Attorney General, Christiana P. Tah. Her suspension hereby stands and it is so ordered. According to legal experts, the law provides that a person held in contempt by the

Contd on pg. 18

CBL Denies Pumping L$8bn in the Economy

See story on Pg.17

SPORTS
SWAL Needs Farsighted, Dedicated Leader, Says Candidate Sonpon
See Pg. 19

Send and receive money

across Africa
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and Police Director Chris Massaquoi (See story on Page 18)
Fast Convenient Reliable

Belgium Reestablishes TiesSee with Liberia story on Pg.18

The future is pan-African

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DAILY OBSERVER Friday, January 24, 2014

World News

Justin Bieber on Miami Drink-Drive Charge after Road Racing

(BBC) Pop star Justin Bieber has appeared in a Miami court accused of driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana and prescription drugs. Police said the Canadian was arrested early on Thursday after racing his sports car on a Miami Beach street. They said he did not cooperate when pulled over and also charged him with resisting arrest without violence and having an expired driving licence. He was granted bail set at $2,500 (1,500). The 19-year-old has had several run-ins with police in the past year. The arrest comes a week after his home in Los Angeles was searched by police following allegations he had thrown eggs at his neighbours house. He was accused of causing significant damage to the property. One member of his entourage was arrested for alleged drug possession following the search. In the latest incident, police said the singer had been racing a yellow Lamborghini against another sports car in the early hours of Thursday. The Miami Herald reported that members of the musicians entourage had apparently used their cars to block traffic on Pine Tree Drive at 26th Street, effectively creating a drag strip. Miami-Dade Police said the star didnt co-operate with officers at first, questioning why he had been stopped. He also had an invalid Georgia drivers licence, they alleged. The driver of the second car a red Ferrari - was also arrested and both cars impounded, they said. The other driver was later named as an R&B singer known as Khalil. He was also set bail by the court. During the investigation Mr Bieber made statements that he had consumed some alcohol, that he had been smoking marijuana and consumed some prescription medication, said Miami Beach police chief Raymond Martinez.

Justin Bieber waves after leaving the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami

South Sudan Rivals Sign Ceasefire Agreement

President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar on 15 December escalated into full-scale conflict, with reports of ethnic killings. A ceremony to mark the signing of the agreement on the cessation of hostilities and the question of the detainees took place at the hotel where the talks were hosted. The agreement is thought to address the issue of 11 detainees whom the rebels wanted freed, and whose fate had previously left the talks deadlocked. The detainees - allies of Mr Machar and prominent political figures from a faction of the governing SPLM party - were taken into custody when Mr Kiir first made the allegations of an attempted coup - which Mr Machar denies. The South Sudanese government had earlier said on its Twitter feed that it envisaged an amnesty for the detainees but only after their cases had been heard in court. Another key rebel demand was for Ugandan troops fighting alongside the government forces to be withdrawn. The question of Ugandas role was not raised during the signing ceremony but members of the rebel delegation said that they would bring up the issue again during the second round of talks, journalist Matthew Newsome told the BBC from Addis Ababa. Last week, the UN human rights chief said both government soldiers and rebels had committed atrocities in South Sudan, one of the worlds poorest countries. More than 70,000 civilians are seeking shelter at UN bases across South Sudan and the UN estimates that considerably more than 1,000 have been killed. Following the outbreak of hostilities, it was agreed to boost the UN force and an extra 5,500 peacekeepers are being deployed to South Sudan, to bring its strength up to 12,500.

(BBC) Police in Indias West Bengal state have arrested 13 men in connection with a gang rape of a woman, allegedly on orders of village elders who objected to her relationship with a man. The 20-year-old woman has been admitted to a hospital in a critical condition. Unofficial courts in Indias villages often sanction killings of couples deemed to have violated local codes. Scrutiny of sexual violence in India has grown since the 2012 gang rape and murder of a student on a Delhi bus. The government tightened laws on sexual violence last year after widespread protests following the attack. But violence and discrimination against women remain deeply entrenched in Indias staunchly patriarchal society. The suspects were produced

India: Woman Gang-Raped on orders of Kangaroo Kourt

in court and have been remanded in custody. They have not yet made any public comment. Police said the latest incident on Monday night was prompted by the relationship between a woman belonging to the Santhal tribal group and a non-tribal man from a nearby village in Birbhum district. Clan-based village councils made up of local elders wield great influence over life in large swathes of rural India and often mete out punishments for offences deemed to contravene local traditions and mores. Although honour killings, sanctioned by unofficial courts that are common in parts of northern India, are unheard of in the tribal Santhal community, women are still treated as second class citizens. The relationship was going on for almost five years. When the man visited the womans home on Monday with the proposal of marriage, villagers spotted him and organised a kangaroo court. During the proceedings, the couple were made to sit with hands tied, Birbhum police chief C Sudhakar told the BBC. He said the headman of the womans village fined the couple 25,000 rupees ($400; 240) for the crime of falling in love. The man paid up, but the womans family were unable to pay, police said. The headman, who is a distant relative of the woman, then allegedly ordered the rape, Mr Sudhakar said. Her family could not pay, so go enjoy the girl and have fun, the headman reportedly told villagers, according to a complaint filed by the womans family.

Page 2
Foreign Briefs

The 13 men arrested in connection with the incident include the headman. Although the attack took place on Monday night, the family of the woman gathered courage to go to the police on Wednesday afternoon. The woman was admitted to a hospital only on Wednesday night. She is currently being cared for by a five-member medical team in hospital, local officials say. The incident has led to outrage in India with some describing it as inhuman and completely outrageous and many calling for a quick trial and punishment for the rapists. In a democratic country, based upon the rule of law, no vigilantism can be permitted, Indias Information Minister Manish Tewari said.

(BBC) - Vigilantes in Mexico have clashed with soldiers deployed in the western state of Michoacan to disarm the groups, who last week launched an offensive against the Knights Templar drug cartel. Most groups have ignored a government order to lay down their weapons. In the town of Antunez, they say soldiers shot dead at least three people from the community, including an 11-year-old girl. Vigilante groups have now taken control of large areas of Michoacan state.

Mexican

Iraq
(BBC) - At least 73 people have been killed in a series of bombings in central Iraq, police and medical officials say. Sixteen died in an attack on a funeral for a pro-government Sunni militiaman in a village south of Baquba, the capital of Diyala province. Nine car bombs meanwhile exploded across Baghdad, killing at least 37 people and wounding dozens more. There has been a surge in sectarian violence across Iraq in the past year, reaching levels not seen since 2007.

Kenya
(BBC) - The trial of four men charged over the Westgate shopping centre siege in Kenya has started in the capital, Nairobi. The four suspected foreigners deny charges of aiding a terrorist group and being in Kenya illegally. The court heard testimony from security guards who saw what happened when the gunmen launched the attack in September, killing at least 67 people. Somalias al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab group said one of its suicide brigades carried out the siege.

(BBC) South Sudans government and rebels have signed a ceasefire agreement after talks in Ethiopia. Under the deal, signed in a hotel in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, the fighting is due to come to an end within 24 hours. In the past week, government forces have recaptured the two main cities under rebel control. More than 500,000 people have been forced from their homes during the month-long conflict. These two agreements are the ingredients to create an environment for achieving a total peace in my country,

The conflict has triggered a grave humanitarian crisis with hundreds of thousands fleeing their homes

(BBC) Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyattas trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) has been postponed. It was to have started on 5 February but the prosecution had asked for a three-month delay after a witness withdrew and another admitted giving false evidence. Mr Kenyatta is charged with being behind the ethnic violence surrounding the presidential election in 2007. He denies organising the clashes in which 1,200 people died. A court statement said the

Uhuru Kenyatta Trial: ICC Delays Start

February start date would be used instead for a hearing to discuss the prosecutions request for a delay. This is the latest in a series of problems to hit the trial of Mr Kenyatta. The trial had been due to begin on 12 November but was put back until February after Septembers attack on the Westgate shopping centre in Nairobi that left at least 67 people dead. African leaders say the trial should not be held while he is in office, as it makes it difficult for him to govern.

said Taban Deng, head of the rebel delegation, AFP reports. However, the South Sudanese government has expressed scepticism over whether the opposition will be able to control all the militias involved in fighting, the BBCs Anne Soy reports. Effective monitoring of the truce will be vital once it begins, as tension between the two sides is very high, South Sudan analyst James Copnall says. The talks have now been adjourned and are due to continue on 7 February. What started out as a political dispute between

Egypt
(BBC) - Egyptians are voting for a second day in a referendum on a new constitution drawn up following the ousting of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi. The army-backed government is seeking a Yes vote to endorse his removal. Mr Morsis Muslim Brotherhood, which has been designated a terrorist group, is boycotting the vote. Wednesdays voting has so far passed off peacefully, in contrast to Tuesday when nine people died in clashes involving Mr Morsis supporters.

This is the latest in a series of hitches in President Kenyattas trial

DAILY OBSERVER Friday, January 24, 2014

Forest Advocates, Environmental Experts Caution Liberians

ell-placed Liberian advocates against deforestation and environmental experts have cautioned the Liberian Government and key stakeholders in the forestry sector not to permit exploitative and unscrupulous logging companies to mortgage Liberias precious forests. Liberia and Guinea are the only countries still containing preserved virgin forests in West Africa; that is why conserving them is viewed as vital to the ecological system in the subregion. Many forestry watch-dogs continue to admonish Liberians and the government to remain steadfast in the preservation of the nations forest. Over the years, communities affected as a result of illegal

Liberias Forests Should Not Be at Mercy of Exploitative Logging Companies

logging have complained about the lack of visible impact on their socio-economic conditions. They not that instead, they seem to become victims of environmental degradation and abject poverty. Earlier this week stern warnings were sounded in several interviews conducted by the Daily Observer. Those interviewed discussed the way forward in the protection and preservation of the Liberian forest from those seeking to plunder the nations natural resources. These environmentalists pointed out that owing to previous administrations bad governance system, millions of logs have been exported with no significant impact on the socio-economic conditions of Liberians. Following the recent democratic elections held in Libeveillance (SGS); who have both opened offices in the nations capital. Initially, the mechanisms crated and put into place contained some tangible loop-holes and some of the logging companies took advantage of the lapses and infiltrated the system with brown envelopes. Subsequent to the detection of corrupt practices in the forestry sector, the Liberian Government immediately placed a moratorium on the harvest and exportation of Liberian logs on the world market. The Liberian Government then instituted practical steps leading to the dismissal of the former Managing Director of the Forestry Development Authority and dissolution of the entitys board of directors. In a bid to restore confidence and credibility to the forestry sector, the Liberian Government appointed an interim management team with the head being one of Liberias most respected businessmen, Harrison Karnwea. During former President Charles Taylors regime, thousands of hectares of forest in the coastal county of Grand Bassa were mortgaged disregarding international practices and standards. The notorious Oriented Timber Company (OTC) of Malaysia harvested and exported several of Liberias finest timber species; leaving behind

Page 3 3

By Edwin M. Fayia III

Processed logs affected by GOL Moratorium due to abuse of Private Use Permit
ria after years of civil conflict, swarms of advocacy groups sprung up to monitor and keep surveillance on the precious remaining rain forest of the nation. In equal measure, dozens of logging companies also sprung up to take advantage of opportunities in the lucrative forestry business. These companies have found a more progressive business environment under the current administration of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Being fully aware of the ugly practices of the past administration, the Unity Party led government welcomed--- without any hurdles--- dozens of forestry watch-dogs to assist government in the forest preservation processes. Some of these watch-dog organizations include the British based group Global Witness and the Society General on Sur-

Carter Center, Swedish Govt Launch US$7.5M Project

n an effort to improve the justice delivery system in Liberia by creating means for its citizens, to have access to justice, the Carter Center and the Government of Sweden have launched a US$7.5 million project through the Government of Liberia. The project is aimed at improving access to Justice in country, especially for the underserved rural population of the country. The Carter Center, an organization founded by former United States President Jimmy Carter, currently works with the Government on programs related to access to justice, access to information and mental health care. The Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) on Thursday January 23, 2014 launched the 7.5M project in

By Gloria T. Tamba

BRAC-Liberia Assesses 2013

By David A. Yates
ing. The project is being implemented to achieve the reduction of food insecurity through improved and sustainable livestock production among 12,650 beneficiaries in the six counties under the project area. One if its aims is to increase household incomes by 25 percent from the sale of surplus produce through access to markets as well as by improving capacity of local institutions and organisations to enable them to implement a fully developed national livestock strategy. To properly implement their projects, BRAC Liberia always involves the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) in all its activities to support, and increase capacity to develop the livestock sector as well as to reduce food insecurity. As a part of this, BRAC has been working with the MOA to

Monrovia as part of its partnership with the Liberian Government and the Carter Center. The project is expected to last for three years. In December 2013, the Carter Center and Government of Sweden entered into a partnership through the Embassy of Sweden in Liberia. The agreement stands to support the Carter Centers efforts to make justice more accessible for undeserved rural populations, including women and youth, and to strengthen community based dispute resolution for customary leaders. The Chief of Party of Carter Center in Liberia, Mr. Pewee Flomoku, said that he and his organization are grateful to the Swedish government for the continuous investment in Liberias future and in particular, for their support to this project. The more that ordinary people experience the protection of

law, the stronger we will be, he said. He recalled that since 2006, the Carter Center provided civic education on the law to rural citizens. The agreement would help support the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission (JPC) to provide free legal assistance. He said programming is also in partnership with Liberias Ministries of Justice and of Internal Affairs amongst others. Mr. Flomoku disclosed, however, that while working with the grant for three years, the Center is also in search of donors in order to continue on the right path after the three year project with the Swedish Government. He promised that the center would use the support wisely for the purpose intended and also work with the chiefs to serve the people of Liberia in helping them get access to justice.

For her part, Swedish Ambassador, Sofia Strand said Sweden regards the support to equal access to justice as an essential part of its overall aim to create conditions that would enable poor people to improve their lives, meanwhile strengthening democratic, equitable and sustainable development. Since the war, the Government of Liberia and the International Community have worked hard to strengthen the formal justice and security sector. My belief is that this assistance will offer continued support to empower men, women, boys, and girls in Liberia to obtain justice based on principles of human rights and strengthened gender equality while the reform of the formal system is taking place, Amb. Strand added. She mentioned that strengthening the capacity of traditional leaders is part of the three year support to the center. Sevelle observed that most farmers were not properly treating their animals to make them have the desire protein for human consumption, but with assistance from BRAC, they are able to properly manage and treat their livestock products. In Grand Bassa County, for example, most farmers were engaged into primitive method of farming, but since some of us were taught by BRAC, we are helping to educate our friends. Cecelia Wilson, a female farmer, lauded BRAC for teaching them to know about animals disease management, as well as the management, and business aspect as they are engaged in livestock product. Most females including myself are not trained in livestock production, as a result of that, they are unable to properly treat and raise livestock products, Cecelia noted.

environmental degradation to the detriment of the citizens of Grand Bassa County. Several attempts at the time by advocacy groups such as the Sustainable Development Institute (SDI) to speak on the malpractices in the forestry sector were met with stiff resistance by top former officials of President Charles G. Taylors administration. Another newcomer in the fight against malpractice in the forestry sector is Liberias lead advocacy outfit the Green Advocates, headed by Attorney Alfred Brownell. Attorney Brownell and his team have spoken out on a number of issues of concern; such as the owners of Liberias biggest rubber plantation Firestone Rubber Companys environmental pollution in the Farmington River in Margibi County. Aside from this, the environmental lawyers have also spoken critically about some of the bad labor practices meted out against vulnerable rubber tappers and other plantation workers socio-economic conditions over the years. In closing, it is the fervent hope of Liberians, support partners, forestry advocates and the Daily Observer that in 2014 and beyond the Liberian Government continues to work tirelessly to ensure a vibrant forestry sector.

FLY Releases Elections Guidelines

By C.Y. Kwanue
Government of Liberia for at least four months prior to being nominated. Other specific guidelines include education qualifications that have to do with university degree, etc. At a recent press conference in Monrovia, FLY secretarygeneral, Flamah Howard and the election co-chair, Thomas Mulbah, in two separate remarks, told reporters that in keeping with the constitution of the FLY, an independent election commission (IEC) was constituted to help with the conduct of a free, fair and transparent electoral process. Accordingly, three persons including the chairman, Laffia Kaba, the co-chair, Thomas Mulbah, the secretary-general, Jacob Flomo and a member, Mmobeydo N. Joah Harrell were selected to manage the electoral process. We assure the public, particularly the youth community, of conducting an election free from violence and intimidation, adding that transparency remains the focus of the commission, Mr. Mulbah declared. Posts to be contested for in the upcoming FLY elections include president, 1st, 2nd and 3rd vice presidents respectively. Other positions are secretary-general, deputy secretarygeneral/administration, deputy secretary/finance and deputy/ program.

RAC Liberia has said that all of its activities in Liberia are geared toward increasing food security in poor and rural areas of the country. BRAC is vigorously engaged in livestock, agriculture and health programs in seven counties of Liberia. Among its ongoing activities are five different projects under the livestock program. The projects were launched in January, 2013, and is being funded by the European Union (EU). It has been implemented in six counties where BRAC Liberia is trying to make a positive impact on the life of Liberians. It places its focus on people in leeward counties by encouraging and supporting them to engage in more livestock production and market-

finalize the national livestock policy aimed at having a committed stand on livestock from the government. The organization on November 14, 2013 conducted a daylong training for livestock personnel from the MOA where 20 participants from Montserrado, Grand Bassa, Magribi, Bong, Nimba, and Lofa counties benefitted. The training was facilitated by the managing director, A. Saleque, Advisor (Agriculture and Livestock), BRAC International. At the end of the training, several of the livestock practitioners lauded the organization for positively impacting their lives and encouraging them to actively engage in livestock production. For Robert Sevelle from Grand Bassa County, the training gave him new methods of livestock farming.

he leadership of the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY) has released guidelines that would lead to peaceful conduct in its pending elections. In keeping with the guidelines, all individuals wishing to contest any of the eight positions must, firstly, be a Liberian between the ages of 15 and 35; must be nominated by an associate member organization of the FLY. Candidates must also accompany their nomination with a valid birth certificate, passport, curriculum vitae with university record(s), and a police clearance. They should have proven a record of being actively engaged with youth activities in Liberia for at least two years prior to being nominated and have the ability to provide leadership for the FLY. Candidates must not have any proven record of criminal activities or act (s); must accompany nomination with a page detailing information of service in youth activities and ability to execute the function of the position to which he/she is being nominated including at least three references. One vying must not be an active card holding member of any political party, and must not be within the employ of the

Tuesday, 5, 2013 DAILY OBSERVER Friday, January 24, 2014 Friday,November 2014

Page 4

Published by Liberian Observer Corporation P.O. Box 1858, Monrovia

Liberias First Independent Daily 0886812888, 0886472772 www.liberianobserver.com

Our young reporter Gloria Tamba reported Tuesday that China Union was shipping out to China 15,000 tons of iron ore from the Bong Mountain Range. Her story carried a vivid photo of raw ore being shipped out of the country. It was a photograph all too familiar in Liberia. The identical photo could have been retrieved from the archives of the Liberia Mining Company nearly seven decades ago68 years to be exactwhen this American company shipped its first consignment of iron ore to the United States from Bomi Hills in now Bomi County. Today, nearly seven decades later, we are still shipping our iron ore abroad and, amidst a cruel and twisted paradox (inconsistency, absurdity), we, Africas oldest independent republic, are unable make a single steel rod or sheet of zinc! The time has come in this country for us to say NO MORE OF THAT! As we say in our popular Quadrille dance, Reverse the whole, we need to step back and start demanding that we are no longer prepared to allow all of our iron ore shipped out of here lock stock and barrel. WE MUST HAVE SOME VALUE ADDED to the bountiful blessings that the God of nature has bestowed upon us. After nearly seven decades, it is about time. But how do we do it, when this government, thanks to Richard Tolbert and others, in the rush bring in US$16 billion investments, have signed away our natural resources to foreign companies to do anything they wishand of course, we know exactly what they wish: to develop their own industries and leave Africa as the perpetual raw materials supplier. For true? Is that what God ordained for us, or is what we, shortsighted, listless (lazy) and unpatriotic, have ordained for ourselves? The Chinese are our friends. Why do we say that? Because not long ago they were exactly where we are today, poor, underdeveloped, deprived. But the Chinese have three things we Liberians lack: the Chinese are patriotic, they are hard working and they have a sense of personal and national purpose. He was here not long ago, but we have already forgotten him and the candid and serious advice he gave us before departing. Chinese Ambassador Zhou Yuxiao advised Liberians to use our natural resources to go into manufacturing. Few Liberians, including the Daily Observer, thanked him for his advice; but we apparently forgot it immediately after he left. Two weeks ago this newspaper reminded Finance Minister Amara Konneh to make good his pledge to equip all government offices with locally produced furniture. But a year later we see bid after bid calling for imported furniture for GOL offices. Yet the National Carpenters Union, including the branch in Ganta, Nimba County, is ready to produce furniture for local consumption. Yes, the Union is, admittedly, like all Liberian cabinet makers, handicapped by lack of modern training and inexperience. Yet so is China even today. We right here in Liberia, like people in other parts of the world, including America, we complain about these cheap Chinese goods. But guess what: the Chinese are proud and happy because the goods, however cheap, however inferior, are made not in America, Italy or Japan, BUT IN CHINA! It is about time that we start making things in Liberia and being proud of them. That is beginning in industry, the beginning of self discipline, the beginning of self reliance. Today, China is the worlds second largest economy, next to the United States! And the Americans are not taking kindly to the prospect that the Peoples Republic will one day soon become the worlds leading economy. We Liberians must realize that WE HAVE GOT TO START FROM SOMEWHERE. The Ellen administration, which brought in the current investments, China Union, the Western Cluster, the oil palm investments that have swapped up millions of hectares of Liberian land, must begin NOW to renegotiate these agreements, so that some value added will be established and Liberians will, at long last, begin to MAKE SOMETHING and cease from being perpetually on the receiving end of industry. This is the way forward for Liberian raw materials. But the matter is in our own handsnobody elses.

The Way forward for Liberian Raw Materials

OBSERVER CARTOON WITH A. Leslie Lumeh E-mail: leslie@leslielumeh.com www.leslielumeh.com

Ellens Administration Meets Challenges in Agriculture

By Judoemue Mohmoh Kollie

Liberian citizens, including many of its subsistence farmers across the country, are expected to hear from President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf this coming Monday, January 27, on progress her administration has made in addressing the countrys food security as she delivers her Annual Message to the National Legislature. Due to Liberias 14-year civil crisis, the agriculture sector has been completely devastated leaving it many challenges. But what has the government done for nearly a decade now to ensure that this viable sector becomes revamped to create employment for many of the citizens as way of sustaining the peace. In her 2013 state of the nation address, the President disclosed achievements in restoring dignity to the sector. The agriculture sector of Liberia remains the key sector of the economy for employment creation, poverty reduction, food security and income generation. To meet the challenges of achieving the full potential of the sector, my administration has focused on capacity

building through training both locally and abroad. Through financial arrangements with international partners, matched by government funding, some 1,895 persons have received training, of which 1,643 are trained through scholarship grants at local institutions. The Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) has been restructured and has, for the first time since its destruction in 1980, reopened the National Seed Bank that today stores certified seed rice for use by local farmers. Deposits of certified seeds are both from CARI and local farmers. To better reach local farmers with training, farm inputs and value-addition facilities, the government has constructed Agricultural Technology Transfer Centers around the country, four of which have been built in Nimba, River Gee, Grand Bassa and Maryland. Three others, in Lofa, Bong and Gbarpolu, are under construction, she mentioned in her 2013 annual massage. However, in spite of all these achievements there is much more to be done to improve agriculture for the reduction of poverty in the lives of Liberian

farmers. In 2005 government regarded agriculture as the center of its poverty reduction strategy. Yet, many farmers are still living in abject poverty. This is because many farm-to-market roads in the country are yet to be improved to enable farmers to carry their produce to the market on time. Marketing is a major challenge for farmers in the country. In 2013 the President made mention of the improvement of few feeder roads in her annual massage. These include the rehabilitation of the Kolahun Junction to Vahun to the Bomasue and the Totota/Sanoyea/ Phebe junction road. If farmers are going to improve in agriculture to increase food production, government must allot more money in the national budget to support agriculture. The current budget for agriculture stands at 2.4 percent which is far below the Maputu Declaration on food security, which mandates African leaders to put 10 percent in their national budget for agriculture. Most of the funding to support the sector comes from external sources.

Need as Opposed to Greed

Tuesday, 5, 2013 DAILY OBSERVER Friday, January24, 24, 2014 Friday, November January 2014 Letter

Mr. Editor What can possibly be the rationale of the National Legislature of Liberia to debate for an increment in the budgetary allotment for the County Development Fund (CDF) when enough is already known to prove that funds allocated for the CDF in bygone years to embellish the lives of poor Liberians were instead embezzled or misappropriated by greedy and corrupt government officials? It is therefore prudent that the legislators call off the current debate on the proposed bill to allot 15% of the national budget to the CDF, and divert their attention to putting into place the appropriate mechanisms that would ensure that funds allocated for the CDF are effectively managed. I can not agree less with Dr. Togba-Nah Tipotehs assertion in the story captioned Honest Management, Not Money, Is the Answer: Dr. Tipoteh (Published on Page 9 of the Daily Observers Thursday, January 16, 2014 edition) that honest management rather than money is what is really needed to improve the living conditions of poor people in the districts. While there are justifiable reasons for an increment in the CDF, there are also mounting concerns that such an increment would greatly benefit gluttonous and visionless government officials rather the local people themselves. Let me close by firmly suggesting that the bill to increase budgetary allotment to the CDF be vitoed by President Sirleaf- that is if it passes through the Senate-and reintroduced only at such time when it can be proven beyond all reasonable doubts that funds allocated for the CDF are affectively and efficiently managed for the great benefit of all Liberians. Remember the assertion of Mahatma Gandhi: On this earth there is enough for everyones need but not for their greed. Jahbulleh C. Dempster 3rd Street, Saye Town, Sinkor

-Says President Sirleaf at World Economic Forum

No Easy Fix For Youth Unemployment

By William Q. Harmon
development of a middle class, the most sustainable driver of employment. She underscored that unless the world finds a solution to youth unemployment, the consequence for society, politics and business is likely to be civil upheaval, political instability and economic disruption across the globe. President Sirleaf also mentioned that the International Labor Organization in 2013 estimated the global youth unemployment rate at 12.6 percent, implying unemployment of 73.8 million young people globally. In developed economies, youth unemployment increased by 24.9 percent since 2008, while some large economies, like Spain and Greece, registered rates over 50 percent. During the same period, she pointed out, youth unemployment rates in developing economies were highest in the Middle East and North Africa, at 28.3 percent and 23.7 percent, respectively, and in subSaharan Africa at 11.8 percent, ignoring the extremely high level of vulnerably employed. She attributed such high youth unemployment to a missing pool of skilled labor, as well as insufficient growth to absorb a growing labor force. Consequently, surplus workers face vulnerabilities as they are pushed into the informal sector where they lack regular income, benefits, job security, and pensions. The Liberian President also pointed out that structural unemployment affects most vulnerable young people, who comprise large numbers

Page 5 4

Bong Senatorial Race Intensifies

(Left)Bong Senatorial aspirants and (right) incumbent Jewel Howard all expected for SASAFUs primary.

s Liberias midterm senatorial elections draws nearer, at least six of Bong Countys eminent citizens from its lower districts have declared their intentions to contest the senatorial post. Bong County senatorial aspirants made their declarations last Saturday in Salala Town, Salala District, at a mass citizens meeting. The meeting was organized 3 districts including Salala, Sanoyea, and Fuamah. It was intended to unite the citizens of the 3 districts. These districts hope to take their rightful position in the decision- making process of their county and help foster development. Several distinguished personalities from opposition political parties in Liberia, including the standard bearer of the Movement for Progressive Change, Mr. Simeon Freeman; presidential aspirant of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), Benoni Urey; and others, attended the meeting. Those making declarations of intent are: incumbent senator Jewel Howard Taylor, Joseph O. Clinton, Andrew S. Allakamenin, Mannis B. Howard, James Gbarbea and former Salala District lawmaker Martin Kerkula. These individuals are expected to go through the primaries

By Judoemue Mohmoh Kollie

of their umbrella organization SASAFU (Salala, Sanoyea, and Fuamah) in order to qualify for support. Speaking at the meeting, the acting chairman of SASAFU, Momo Tehmeh, clarified that the 3 districts have resolved to unite to support a particular candidate of their choice. In order to change and improve this age-old scenario (meaning traditional of Upper Bong Citizens in political positions) and to capture the needed developmental attention to improve the standard of living of thousandd of Lower Bong citizens, we have unanimously agreed to unite in striving for social, economic and political development, he explained to his audience at the meeting. He said that despite the vast potential in Lower Bong, it still remains one of the most underdeveloped areas in the county. According to Tehmeh, it is important that citizens in Lower Bong enjoy equal participation in the political leadership of the county. Our advocacy is a process that is participatory, constructive, and inclusive. It is designed to develop a shared-vision for the betterment of our people, he reiterated. He said that SASAFU will remain a strong force in sensitizing the citizens to make decent decisions that will transform their lives. We will ensure that we select the right person to support, in this senatorial race. Those who do not get the approval

of the organization should understand that they are not the peoples choice, he stressed. Although Tehmeh did not state the exact time for the primary, he assured all present that it would be transparent. The primary will involve the participation of the elders, youths ,and local authorities of the 3 districts. Whoever is selected would be judged bytheir past performance in working with the citizens over the years. We will not elect a leader on the basis of financial status; rather, those elected would be chosen for their credibility, he clarified. He used the occasion to call on his fellow citizens to unite and bring development to the 3 districts. Launching the SASAFUs membership fund drive, CDC presidential aspirant, Benoni Urey, said that the establishment of SASAFU was a step in the right direction. Small ideas can bring about great achievements, so I want to thank you for coming together as citizens from different districts with the shared goal of development, he said. He urged the citizens not to be distracted in their vision and to work harder in bringing about transformation in the county. Mr. Urey further warned them to make good political decisions that would move their districts forward. The political arena will be crowded with lots of people; so you must be careful in your selection, he cautioned.

resident Ellen Johnson Sirleaf says the world should accept that there is no easy fix for youth unemployment, but that partnership between the public and private sectors can make a difference in tackling this global problem. The Liberian leader spoke on Wednesday, January 22, in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, when she addressed the opening plenary session of the World Economic Forums Annual Meeting on Reshaping the World through Entrepreneurship, Education and Employment. In a speech delivered in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland as a panelist at the forum, the Liberian President said that large corporations that have been able to obtain concessions in developing countries should be prepared to address their host nations unemployment problems through training, social benefits to communities, improvement in infrastructure in the communities, and through better relations and knowledge exchanged with people in the communities. The Liberian leader indicated that there must also be an urgent response to the call for linkages between the activities of large corporations and the world economy, acknowledging that the evidence is clear that significant employment is not created by the large concessions and corporations, which are largely capital intensive in their operations, but by the small and medium-sized enterprises which lead to the

of economic migrants, particularly from Asia and Africa, who continue to seek refuge in Europe, risking their lives in perilous voyages to pursue a livelihood, with resulting racial tensions in host countries. She quoted an African Development Bank finding that in most countries in sub-Saharan Africa and in all of North Africa, it is easier for men to get jobs than it is for woman, and that the effect of unemployment in women is similar. The session was also addressed by the first female President of the Republic of Korea, Park Geun-Hye, who urged the world to join Koreas journey towards the development of a creative economy across the globe. She also called upon participants of the 2014 World Economic Forum to work towards an economic engine that takes the world beyond current constraints. Opening her statement, President Sirleaf said the following to the world gathering: Despite Switzerlands frigid January weather, compared to the balmy temperature of my country, Liberia let me say that it is a pleasure to be back in Davos-Klosters for the 2014 World Economic Forum. Our last time here was in 2007 exactly a year after I took office where we have made the case for relief of Liberias US $4.9 billion external debt. This global platform helped in drawing attention to Liberias economic and financial situation. In July 2010, having reached the completion point as a Heavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPC), much of the massive debt was waived.

For his part, the standard bearer of the Movement for Democratic Change, Simeon Freeman, called on members of SASAFU to decentralize its activities in the 3 districts. By doing so, the organization would always have a voice in developments taking place in the county, he said. Mr. Freeman also used the meeting to sound a strong warning that the citizens not to betray their districts by the election of the wrong person. If the citizens of Lower Bong succeed in supporting a single candidate in the coming senatorial race, it is expected that that individual would join seven other candidates in Upper Bong County contesting the post. At the same time, incumbent senator, Jewel Taylor stated at the meeting in Salala that she welcomes all other candidates to contest her position. Senator Taylor, who hails from Sanoyea District, told citizens from the 3 districts that she will be looking forward to their support in her re-election.

Know Your Lawmakers

In an effort to adequately cover the National Legislature and inform our audience about individual lawmaker(s), the Daily Observer introduces a new column titled, KNOW YOUR LAWMAKERS. KNOW YOUR LAWMAKERS is published every Monday and Wednesday weekly beginning January 13, 2014. This column intends to profile all 103 legislators from family background to their current professional careers. In every edition, we will feature at least two lawmakers to enable us cover the entire Legislature. Management further encourages members of the First Branch of Government to kindly provide it with the necessary pieces of information in order to achieve this goal.

DAILY OBSERVER

THE TRUE STORY OF OUR MOTHER JANIE ZIPPORAH FLEMING WARD

Friday, January 24, 2014
WRITTEN BY Vickie E. Ward

Page 10 6

I have held on to this story for approximately 15 years. I guess the abhorrent nature of the intricate details of such a story can render one dormant for a long while. But, in recent times, I read an article written in the Liberian Front Page Africa newspaper that brought back memories of the story and I, at this time, no longer wish to keep it inside. In fact, the reason I am writing about it now is because I want to share it with everyone with the hope that my siblings and I can clear up the memory of our mother and that others who may have similar stories can benefit from ours. Early last year, as I read the words in the Front Page Africa article across my computer screen, the story sounded so familiar. A Liberian Civil Rights lawyer, Melvin Page, had some information and documents on a woman he felt was an Indian national who had fraudulently obtained a Liberian passport. As I continued to read, I recognized the womans Liberian name, Marpue. How odd, I thought that this was the same name that Mr. M. P. Dhaliwal (Marpues father) said was the name of the love child my mother had for him in 1971. It was 1999 when Mr. Dhaliwal told my siblings and me this story of Janie Zipporah Fleming how he and my mother, the late Janie Zipporah Fleming Ward, had Ward (Zippy) this child in July of 1971. The article also said that the womans last name was Dhaliwal and she was born in 1971. I quickly sat up in my chair and read the article in its entirety because I realized that this woman mentioned in the article was the child that M.P. Dhaliwal talked about when he met with my siblings and me at my brothers home in New Jersey, USA in 1999. Just like on that night Mr. Dhaliwal told us his story, I developed a knot in the pit of my stomach. The story was so far-fetched. My family members knew nothing about this so-called child. Not my mothers sisters, not her cousins, not her children and not her friends. It was as if a recurring nightmare had returned to haunt me.

and give birth to a baby girl in Punjab, India. She said her husband conspired with the doctor and nurses in the hospital where she gave birth to tell her the baby girl she birthed had died. She began to cry as she explained that she only found out when her daughter was 9 years old that in fact, the baby girl she gave birth to was indeed alive and well and was at a boarding school in India. She continued to cry as she told us she would have never found out about her daughter if Mr. M.P. Dhaliwal and his younger brother had not had an argument. After they argued, the younger brother, in retaliation, told her what his brother had done to their daughter kept her hidden from her mother for 9 years. It sounded like an Indian movie, and I cringed at the thought of Mr. Dhaliwal hiding this baby from his wife for nine years and then bringing her to Liberia to pass her off as the daughter of my Liberian mother. Mrs. Dhaliwal shared so many other stories and dark secrets with my sister and me about her husband, which have nothing to do with my mother and so I will not divulge them in this article. In December of 2012, I invited Miss Marpue Dhaliwal to a conference with my lawyer to discuss the possibility of conducting DNA testing to ascertain the validity of her claim as a Liberian citizen by way of my mother. We had two meetings. In the first meeting, Ms. Dhaliwal showed up with her father, Mr. Dhaliwal. At the onset of the meeting, they were adamant DNA would not be possible. Through their lawyer, Counselor Theophilus Gould, they asked what did I want, and I responded, The truth. If in fact, Ms. Dhaliwals claim is true, the DNA would show it and if it is not, I believe she should stop masquerad-

After divorcing my father sometime in the mid 1960s, my mother later met an Indian man who called himself M.P. Dhaliwal. He and his younger brothers lived in Monrovia and had moved from India to do business in Liberia. My mother fell in love with MP, as he was fondly called, and they began a courtship that lasted until her untimely death in 1973. I remember times spent at the Dhaliwal home and going on picnics with him and my mother at the monument near the Ducor Intercontinental Hotel. Although I did not live in the house with my mother on Crown Hill, I spent many days with her. However, my older sister, Rhodesia Martin Smith lived with our mother in a 3-bedroom house at the top of Crown Hill (near the corner of Clay Street). It was at this house where I first met Mr. MP Dhaliwal. He was a tall, olive-complexioned man of Indian descent, and he wore a white turban. He had come to pay a visit and take my mother out on a date. I could tell my mother was happy because of her giddiness. She kissed my sister Vivian and me on the lips, as she stormed out the front door. There were many date nights between the Indian man and my mother. Eventually, it seemed as if their relationship deepened as she helped behind the scenes in getting his business established. My mother had always been entrepreneurial, starting her own transportation business to help take care of her children. I was young, but would hear my mothers sisters discuss my mothers taxi and bus businesses. My sister Rhodesia would help to count the money earned for the day from the business, and according to her, some nights, she would count up to $500.00. We have often wondered what happened to the Zippys buses and taxis. I was told just last year by a family member that while my mother was still alive, but ill, the name Zippys was removed from the buses and operated by Mr. Dhaliwal of DITCO (Dhaliwal International Trading Company) in Monrovia.

Meeting Mr. Dhaliwal

(Left to Right) Rhodesia, Vivian and Vickie (Janie Zipporah Fleming Wards daughters by birth)
ing as a Liberian citizen. No one in my family had heard about her prior to 1999. If in fact this child was born in 1971, why would Mr. Dhaliwal wait 28 years to mention that he had this child with my mother? Why would no one in our family know about the child? My mother lived on Crown Hill with her sister, Ellen Togbanyahn, as a next door neighbor. Why would my aunt not know about a child that Mr. Dhaliwal claims was brought from the Maternity Center to my mothers home after the delivery? My oldest sister, Rhodesia lived with my mother and she said my mother was never pregnant, and she certainly did not give birth to a baby. There are too many questions and no good answers coming from the Dhaliwals.

One day in the early part of 1971, my mother called me in her room and took my hand and placed it under her arm, as she began to tell me that she had found a lump. She told me she didnt know what it was, but she wanted to travel to the U.S. to see the doctor about it. I asked her if it hurt, and she said, No. My mother said she had been to see a Liberian doctor and had surgery, but the entire lump was not removed. She also asked me another question, which brought a smile to my face. She asked, Do you want me to go back to your father? I was excited at the possibility of having both my mother and father together as a couple again. But the reunion of my parents would never come to fruition. In fact, this period of my mothers existence was the beginning of the end of her life. She told us she would have to travel to the United States to check on the lump, but she never spoke of a pregnancy. Our only concern, and hers, was her health. Between the time she found the lump and her death, my mother traveled to the U.S. twice. She left Liberia in 1972 to seek medical treatment in New York. She spent time while in New York with my Uncle Spencer Ward and his then wife, Maureen. Upon her return to Liberia, she brought many gifts for everyone. She brought me a green body suit (stylish at the time) and a brown hand bag. She also had this brown, afro wig that I loved and wanted to wear. Everyone was so excited to see her and find out about her trip. My aunts came to visit and my mother had gifts for them, including underwear and handbags. There was something for everyone. But, the excitement quickly died down because my mother announced that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. In 1973, my mother returned to the United States for surgery. My sister Rhodesia traveled to the U.S. to care for her. After the surgery and chemotherapy at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, her doctor, (Dr. Leary), informed her that the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes and her brain and there was nothing more they could do for her. My mother returned to Liberia in September 1973, and I was at the airport to meet her, along with my family. She lived until November 1973. On her death bed, she was worried about her youngest child, Vivian, and how she would fare. There was no mention of another young child or baby. She asked in her last words, Who will take care of my babies Vickie and Vivian. I guess she worried because we were the youngest children. She also, in a very soft voice, asked for her son, Charles (Charles Martin) and when she saw him, she died peacefully..with no mention of a baby.

My Mothers Illness

After listening to the story told by Mr. M.P. Dhaliwal in 1999 about a baby my mother had for him, I began to do some research. I found out that Mr. Dhaliwal had been married twice, once to an Indian woman and a second time to a Jewish woman in the United States. I located both wives and made a phone call to their individual homes. The Jewish woman claimed she was no longer married to Mr. Dhaliwal and she did not want to talk to me any further. The Indian woman agreed to talk to my sister Rhodesia and me, and we met her at her home in South Plainfield, New Jersey. We arrived at a very modest home and saw this woman on the back lawn in Indian garb. She welcomed us into her home and asked us to have a seat. My sister Rhodesia told her why we wanted to speak to herto substantiate that Marpue Dhaliwal was her daughter. The Indian woman told us that M.P. Dhaliwal was her husband and she became pregnant

Refuting Claims Made by Mohinder Pal Singh Dhaliwal of DITCO

My mother gave birth to six children during her lifetime. Her first born was Rhodesia Levian Martin, and after that, a son, Charles Levi Martin. They were both children of the late Senator Levi Martin of Grand Bassa County. My mother would later meet and marry the late Victor E. Ward. Their union was blessed with four children: Victoria, Janie, Emanuel and Vivian. Janie and Emanuel Ward both died as infants. My mother, the beautiful Janie Zipporah Fleming Ward discovered in 1971 she had an illness and sought medical attention the following year in New York. While in New York, she told my Aunt Maureen (married to my uncle) that she was dating an Indian national and this man wanted her to carry his child, but said she would never carry a child for him because she had found out he had a wife in India. We also believe our mother was a loving mother, sister and daughter and would not go to her grave with a secret of a mystery child. She and her sister Ellen were very close and shared everything. Why would my mother not share the pregnancy and birth of a daughter with her sister Ellen? Why would her sister Ellen not know her sister carried a pregnancy to term? And if Ellen was a nurse at Maternity Center, why would she not know if her sister and next door neighbor gave birth at the hospital where she was employed? We believe that the Dhaliwals had so much to lose after my mothers death. The businesses operated by both Mr. Dhaliwal and my mother existed because of my mother. If Mr. Dhaliwal was to expand his business through the purchase of property in Liberia, he needed an heir of Liberian descentpreferably one who has a mother who is 6 feet under. The timing was also perfect for Mr. Dhaliwal. He can show that he had an heir since 1971, just when his various business ventures were taking off. His daughter, Marpue Dhaliwal, stands to gain his wealth after her father is no longer around. She has put her name on my mothers grave as a daughter of my mother. She keeps a photo of my mother in her place of business all of these ploys to gain a place in my family. Finally, we believe that a simple DNA test would solve the mystery and put everything to rest. We have asked for a DNA test twice, once in 1999 and in 2012. Through their lawyer, the Dhaliwals agreed to do a DNA test in 2012, but said they did not know when they would be able to do it. We believe this is a tactic to stall, and we are appealing to them again through this medium to let us know when we can have the test done. My family is willing to pay for the test. In the absence of the results of a DNA test, the daughters of the late Janie Zipporah Fleming Ward submit that our mother never had a child for Mohinder Pal Singh Dhawilah, owner of the Dhaliwah International Trading Company (DITCO, Liberia). We will never recognize Marpue Dhaliwal whose real name is Paramjit Kaur Dhaliwal and was born in Punjab, India to Indian parents, as our kin until DNA reveals that she is in fact our blood relative. May the soul of our sweet and dear mother, Janie Zipporah Fleming Ward rest in perpetual peace! We love and miss you mummie! Your daughters, Rhodesia (Teta Rhody), Victoria (Vickie) and Vivian (Teta V)

What my Sisters and I Believe

DAILY OBSERVER

Friday, January 24, 2014

Page 7

Embassy of the United States of America, Monrovia

Vacancy Announcement
U.S. Embassy Monrovia, Liberia

VACANCY NOTICE
Position Titles : Electricity Instructor Plumbing Instructor Auto Mechanic Instructor Masonry/General Building Construction Instructor Cosmetology Instructor Duty Station : LTI-Salayea, Lofa County Supervised by : Director Qualifications/Job Requirements 1. Applicants must have graduated from a recognized vocational institution with at least five years of teaching experience in Vocational Education in the fields mentioned above 2. He/she must have both theory and practical knowledge of the subject matter 3. He/she must be willing to live in Lofa County 4. He/she must have good speaking and listening skills in English Accountant He/she must have earned a BBA degree in Accounting from a recognized University with five years of working experience He/she must be computer literate and capable of working in Excel, Word, etc. Responsible for all financial matters relating to the Lutheran Training Institute Vocational Training and the Academic Programs Maintain petty cash and collect school fees, rental fees for the use of LTI facilities and other incomes for the skills training program and the academic programs of the institute. Assist the Director to prepare budget for the skills training program. Prepare payment vouchers with valid receipts. Make employees monthly payroll and submit it to Central Office for approval. Enter all revenues/school fees and payments into the School ledger. Enter all payment vouchers and incomes in the appropriate journals and balance each account daily Deposit all fees collected into their respective bank accounts. Prepare all necessary adjustments required by using Journal or journal vouchers and submit same to the Finance Officer monthly for approval. Reconcile bank statements at the end of each month. Prepare and make monthly financial report Perform other duties, as it may be necessary for the programs/institute. Deadline for application: Wednesday, February 5, 2014 Addressed letter to: The Recruitment Committee Lutheran Development Service in Liberia 12th/13th Streets, Sinkor Signed by: LDS MANAGEMENT

ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: 14-02

OPEN TO: ALL INTERESTED CANDIDATES (Current employees serving a probationary period are not eligible to apply) POSITION: OPENING DATE: CLOSING DATE: WORK HOURS: SALARY: Travel Clerk, FSN-05, FP-09* January 15, 2014 January 29, 2014 Full-time; 40 hours/week **Ordinarily Resident (OR): $8,298 per annum starting salary (Position Grade: FSN-05) *Not-Ordinarily Resident (NOR): FP-09 (to be confirmed by Washington)

NOTE: ALL NON-LIBERIAN APPLICANTS MUST HAVE THE REQUIRED WORK AND/OR RESIDENCY PERMITS ALLOWING WORK IN COUNTRY BEFORE BEING ELIGIBLE TO APPLY. The U.S. Embassy is seeking a qualified individual for the position of Travel Clerk within the General Services Office. BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION: Expedites visa processing, diplomatic notes for visa and other related documents in connection with travel for American personnel and LE Staff assigned at post as well as for official and VIP visitors. Work along with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization for the purpose of renewing expired visas for diplomatic passports and airport entry permit in case of emergency. QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Completion of secondary school is required. 2. One to two years of clerical experience is required. 3. Level III English ability (good working knowledge) is required. 4. Incumbent requires a good general knowledge of office operations. A good working knowledge of Travel with emphasis on booking reservations. Must be able to interpret bookings to customers in a simplify form for easy understanding. 5. Must be able to deal tactfully, yet effectively, with other post officials and with American personnel and VIP visitors. Must have good typing and computer skills. If required to drive official USG vehicle, must have a local drivers license. A copy of the complete position description listing all duties and responsibilities is available in the Human Resources Office, (231) 776-777211) TO APPLY: SUBMIT APPLICATION TO: Human Resources Office Attention: Travel Clerk American Embassy P. O. Box 98 1000 Monrovia 10 Liberia Or Email to Monrovia-Recruitment-DL@state.gov Drop in application box at the Service Gate on Gibson Street at the New Embassy Compound. The Universal Application Form (DS-174) can be picked up at the Gibson Street Gate or the Human Resources Office (for employees only) or accessed on line.

INVEST TODAY! Visit our branches and be a proud owner of CEMENCO

Liberian Bank for Development and Investment

Information Memorandum

LBDI Central Monrovia Branch Ashmun & Randall Streets Monrovia, Liberia.

Private Placement of 206,572

Common Stocks of the Liberia Cement Corporation at US$12 per Stock Payable in Full On Application
This offer document is simply an Information Memorandum and does not in any respect represent a prospectus. The offer document and the securities that it bears are directed at selected investors as well as the members of the general public. Every prospective investor to whom this document has been addressed is expected to conduct independent evaluation of the Financial Position and operating results of the Liberia Cement Company.

LBDI Sinkor Branch 9th Street, Sinkor, Tubman Boulevard, Monrovia, Liberia

OFFER CONDITIONS:
Individual: Minimum of 5 stocks at US$12 each Institutions: Minimum of 1,000 Common stocks and additional common stock in multiple of 100.

Procedures: 1. Application forms are free and available at LBDI Branches on 9th Street Sinkor and Randall & Ashmun Streets 2. Payment can be made by Cash, Managers Check or Debit Authorization

NOV. 18, 2013: Close of Offer: Feb. 18, 2014

DAILY OBSERVER
Peace Corps/Liberia Education Programming and Training Specialist (ED PTS)
REPORTS TO: Programming and Training Manager (PTM) POSITION BRIEF: The ED PTS serves as a member of the Programming and Training (P&T) team and supports 80-100 Volunteers in training, program, administration, and other Volunteer support issues. The ED PTS has responsibility for supporting the planning, development, implementation and administration of Peace Corps Liberias programming and training activities. The ED PTS will support all P&T related activities for the Education Project with support and direction from the Education Program Manager (ED PM) and PTM. During the Pre-Service Training (PST) and In-Service Training (IST) cycles, the PTS will be the full-time technical trainer for the Education Project and will receive support and direction from the TM and ED PM. The ED PTS also represents Peace Corps Liberia with governmental officials and representatives of non-governmental and host country organizations. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES A. Project and Program Support Site Development Site Visits Administrative Program Support Volunteer Program Support B. Development and Implementation Of Training Activities C. Administrative and other Volunteer Support D. Grants Coordination and Management E. Information Resource Center Management F. Safety and Security QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE Education: Bachelors degree in education, project management, community development or relevant field. Experience: Three years progressively responsible experience in Education field and/or community development. Trainer of trainers and adult training experience. Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes: Knowledge of and experience with adult education, education in Liberia, and participatory community analysis for development. Strong experience with group facilitation, session plan design, and cultural adaptation & sensitivity training. Computer skills with Microsoft Office required. Ability to work with minimal supervision Ability to manage and administer small grant programs. Position requires a valid Liberia drivers license and ability to drive a manual vehicle (stick shift). ED PTS must be available and willing to travel throughout Liberia approximately 50-60% of time either accompanied by PM or alone. For a complete Statement of Work please send a request to pcjobs@lr.@peacecorps.gov. Submit a letter of interest, resume and three reference contacts as attachments via email to: pcjobs@lr.peacecorps.gov. No phone calls please. The deadline for applications is January 13, 2014. Applications received after this date may be considered at the discretion of the Contracting Officer. A detailed Statement of Work can be obtained at the guard stations of the Peace Corps Office in Congo Town. 1 December 2013

APARTMENT FOR RENT

Friday, January 24, 2014

Page 8

Job advertisement for the position of Data Based Administrator/Analyst

REPORT TO SUPERVISE LOCATION WORKING HOURS : LAVO Project Coordinator : None : : Monrovia (with possible travel in the fields) Monday to Saturday 0800 to 1700 (to a maximum of 48 hours a week)

hree Bedrooms Apartment with living room, Dinning Room, Kitchen and one Bath room for rent

This apartment is situated in Kebbah Barnesville Monrovia. If there is any interest you can please contact Mr. Jefferson K. Barclay on his cell number 0880754609 or 0777238213. Thanks for your corporation.

Background of LAVO The Liberia Armed Violence Observatory (LAVO) is a platform of Multi Stakeholders that influence the reduction of armed violence through the collection, analysing and dissemination of armed violence data across Liberia. The LAVO goal is geared towards the reduction of armed violence across Liberia. The establishment of LAVO was facilitated by an International Organization called Action on Armed Violence (AOAV). LAVO is sponsored by the Norwegian Government through AOAV. LAVO has 25 stakeholders with 15 of them being active. LAVO response to Liberias commitment to the Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence and Development of reducing armed violence and its negative impact it imposes on Socio-Economic and human development. The LAVO is currently housed at Action on Armed Violence (Donor). The LAVOs work is based on the three pillars (Advocacy, Measurability and Programing) of the Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence and Development. Summary of Position Under the supervision of the Project Coordinator the Data Administrator is to provide support to LAVO program by collecting, inputting and analysing data. This position reports to the LAVO Project Coordinator of LAVO. Duties and Responsibilities The specific responsibilities of the Data based Administrator entail, but are not limited to, the following: Administration Assist in organizing LAVO Working Group meetings and in the taking of minutes during meetings; Ensure proper circulation of official communication; Collect, input armed violence data timely Maintain regular contact with all data providers and ensure that data are provided on time by the data providers; Make sure that the data is cleaned Maintain regular contact with all executive Officer Other Perform any other finance and administrative tasks as may be delegated by the Project Coordinator and/or the Working Group/Executive Committee Perform other tasks as be required Must be willing to travel in the Counties if necessary Skills, Knowledge, Abilities and qualification 1. An advance certificate in computer application with emphasis in database management; 2. A minimum of three (3) years of progressive work experience in a relevant field. 3. Understanding of inter-disciplinary development issues with a focus on security and development; 4. High energy, very organized and detailed oriented with the ability to multi-task and work under tight deadlines; 5. Ability to work with other people from different background; 6. Good written and spoken command of English; 7. Ability to write report with graphic detail explanation; 8. Strong `organizational skills; 9. Excellent communication skills. 10. Must acquire Bachelor degree in any of the social Sciences with emphasis in Economics 11. Must be innovative and initiative All applications should be submitted on or before the1600 on January 31 2014 All applications should be addressed to: Mr. Jeremiah S. Collins Project Coordinator Liberia Armed Violence Observatory Off Newport Street, Mamba Point With copy to Mr. Martin Kerkula AVO Manager Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) Off Newport Street, Mamba Point YOU CAN ALSO SEND YOUR EMAIL APPLICATION TO jcollins@aoav.org.uk with copy to mkerkula@aoav.org.uk Note: LAVO is an equal employer and suitably qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Entertainment:

LIBLife
Arts Style Travel Entertainment
Page 10

DAILY OBSERVER Friday, January 2014 Friday, 24, January 24, 2014

Page 9

Co.Z Launches New Album with Tour

I ROCK AFRICAN
Page 12

Fashion:

Page 12

Short Story:

Page 11

The Case of the Blurred Vision

Criminal Lawyer Jason Doe Solves:

Peter Ballah Remembered

Page 10

DAILY OBSERVER Friday, January 2014 Friday, 24, January 24, 2014

Entertainment
By Yewa Sandy

ozea Naagon Gwaikolo, better known as CoZ, gained his top Rap Dog status when he featured alongside Hip-Cos finest Luckay Buckay in the remix track Rude Boy. His lyrical style, not to mention his flow, gave the audience the notion that he would be LIBs next top rap plague. Hes no ordinary up-coming musician who just walked into the music industry without a clue as to how music is made. This cat has been in the motion of rapping for quite a while, twelve years to be precise. Ironically, CoZ was able to show his versatile compositions in two tracks that visually showed two sides of the unique rapper, years before he was vastly recognized. His new debut album State of the Union, CoZ has tracks such as Coco ft Pitty D Best and Africa ft JB Soul Fresh that sounds off a man who is evidently torn between English and

ast weekend, January 17 -19, 2014 the Township if Dimeh celebrated the life of the late Liberian cultural icon Peter Yarkpawolo Ballah, who died at the

Peter Ballah Remembered

Colloqua, a lyrical style he creates consciously in his songs. Im doing this for Liberia so that everyone can understand it, CoZ stated in a previous article. On fire produced by 231 of Kels Records, was a track that showed a more aggressive character rapping with a more hardcore touch. Then there was free, a song inspired by Hon. Kau Kidau Joseph who is a musical representation of the history of Liberia. Again featuring Buckay and entertainer King Kong, the track showed CoZ in a more sincere way, pleading to his audience about the worth of having mental freedom. Years later, CoZ now finds himself nestled in the music industry safely, having worked with almost all of Liberias leading Hip-Co artists. Though being a Hip-Hop artist in Liberia is a bit frustrating, due to the fact that colloqua is Liberias vernacular, while Hip-Hop is in standard English. CoZ

Co.Z Launches New Album with Tour

Page 10

has managed to no doubt keep his head above water by simply accepting what he cannot change, the fact that Liberia is Liberia. Joining with numerous Hip-Co artists such as Pitty dBest, Nasseman and a few others, he has been able to use his experience to formulate a newer style and approach in his flows. With a wide audience and many eagerly anticipating his debut album, CoZ has a tour schedule planned to jump off starting Jan 25, 2014 at ELWA Junction through March 14, 2014 ending at Stella Maris. His fans and well wishers will have a chance to see him perform some of his greatest tracks like Saturday ft Sweetz, Dont You Cry ft Scientific and Fight featuring Phaze live.

end of December 2012. In attendance were guests of honor, Vice President and Mrs. Joseph N. Boakai, Assistant Minister for Culture Louise McMillian, Ambassador and Dr. (Mrs.) Nathaniel Barnes; Mr.

and Mrs. Pete Norman, the Ballah family, Flomo Theater Inc., the Liberia National Culture Union, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Wongeh who were gowned by the Culture Union for their promotion

and support of Liberian culture and cultural artists in the United States of America. A representative of Novafone, a mobile communications operator, and sponsor of the event, was also present.

Marking the one year since the late Ballah was buried, a hut was built over his tomb similar to that of the late Bai T. Moore, Ballahs mentor who lay adjacent. Amb. Barnes led a fundraiser to erect a small fence around

the two tombs to protect them from vandalism and abuse. Of course, the cultural performances did not disappoint, rather rousing the spirit of cultural pride in the hearts and minds of those in attendance.

DAILY OBSERVER Friday, January 2014 Friday, 24, January 24, 2014

By Omari Jackson

Short Story:

he woman seemed agitated. Her gaze centered on Criminal Lawyer Jason Doe and in the next second she turned her face slowly away from him. The courtroom remained quiet and feeling of uneasiness filled the room. Im going to ask you a question, the lawyer said, a grin on his face, Mrs. April Dolley, did that man, and you can look at him, did he rape you? The woman followed the lawyers instructions and removing her glasses, replaced them, and squeezed her face in an agitated sense of concern and replied, Yes, she said, and mopped her face with her handkerchief. You told the Court that the person who attacked you on the night of your birthday was about five feet seven? Yes. But the man who you have accused, the man whom I told you to look carefully a while ago is about five feet two. Does that mean that you are mistaken in your identification? No, I am not. Two persons cannot have two different heights at the same time and therefore you apparently have replaced an innocent man as the real culprit? No. You also testified that the accused weighed about 200 pounds and in reality the man who is accused weighs about 150lbs and this suggests another flaw in your testimony, Mrs. Dolley? Prosecutor Willie Job said, Your Honor the trauma of being a rape victim is a humiliation experience for any woman and therefore Counsel must understand the womans testimony. Counselor Doe gave the prosecutors comment some thoughts before he said, It does not suggest that any man must be accused of the crime, does it? The victim is suffering from a blurred vision as far as the event of January 8, 2014 is concerned, the prosecutor said. Turning to the judge, Jason Doe said, Having admitted that the victim is suffering from a blurred vision, does it not follow that the defendant may be innocent and he is being tried for a heinous crime he never committed? The prosecutor was about to respond when Judge Theresa Kollie said, Gentlemen, while this case deals with a womans honor, the Court finds it interesting however that the prosecutor would admit a deficiency on the part of the victim. The question that deserves to be examined with all urgency is whether the victims blurred vision, admitted counsel, is a result of the experience on January 8, 2014, when she organized a party with her friends which

incidentally turned out to get her this experience. The prosecutor said, Thank you, Your Honor, it seems likely that such a deficiency was something she was born with. But, the judge went on, if that is the case, this must be backed by evidence from a professional and I should not think that the DA rushed a case for a pretrial without much preparation. Thats not the case, Your Honor. Since the case is serious and our laws are determined to stamp out such attempts on women, it makes a whole of sense for the DAs office to ensure that an accused enjoys all the right of innocence till the resolution of the case, the judge explained at length. The echo of uncertainty whipped in the courtroom and the judge allowed some seconds to pass before she continued. Admitting that the Courts opinion concerning the lack of preparation in the case was wrong, the Court will go ahead with the pretrial and entertain the defense to continue with the cross-examination. The Court, she said, will over-rule the prosecutions objection to the victims past, and turning to Counselor Doe, said, you may continue with your cross-examination. Thank you, Your Honor, the prosecutor said, and remained in his seat. The blow as a result of the judges reaction was felt in the courtroom. The witness, who stood surprised at the exchanges, stared moodily at the ceiling and began play with her fingers. Jason Doe walked towards the defense table and deliberately examined some papers in an attempt to buy some time. Perhaps he was enjoying the negative effects of the shadow-boxing between the judge and the prosecutor, and Jason Doe not being the type to celebrate in the agony of another, allowed a couple of seconds to pass to give the witness a chance to recollect herself. Though Jason Doe regretted the womans experience and was very much interested to ensure that the real culprit was caught and prosecuted. He was, however, convinced that his client, Robert Solo, was innocent till he was proven guilty. No matter the situation on hand, Jason Doe would not suffer any victim to suffer any injustice and at the same would also not allow the innocent to suffer injustice as well. Now turning around swiftly he took wide steps to the witness in the stand, and met the pleading eyes of a woman, a mother who had been a victim of one mans callousness. Mrs. April Dolley, he said, how long have you been using glasses? Since I was five years of

The Case of the Blurred Vision

Criminal Lawyer Jason Doe Solves:

Page 11

age. And you are thirty five years? Yes. How well do you see without your glasses? Let me be honest with you, sometimes I can see well but other times I cant see. How well do you see objects closer to you? Besides certain colors, I can see closer objectives including people as well as the colors of clothes. Besides certain colors, what does that expression mean, Mrs. Dolley? It means I can see with the glasses on as much as I can see without them. The lawyer considered her response and said: According to Doctor James Boley, an oncologist, his report about you indicates that you have problems distinguishing one color from another? Objected to as improper cross-examination, the prosecutor said. The judge said from her bench, Overruled and the Court will be interested to hear her answer. To the extent that I can see the colors so close to me. You dont assume the doctor will be incorrect in his professional analysis of your case, did you? No, she responded, her eyes downcast, but sometimes a professional report can be faulty because I know I am talking to you and I can see every bit of the color of your clothes. When you were at age 18, you mistakenly accused a young man, whose shirts color was white, as red for

abusing you, though the case was thrown out of court, due to wrong identification? Prosecutor Willie Job was on his feet. Oh, Your Honor, is this line of questioning necessary? What happened to her in the past should have no bearing on what this man did to her. Judge Theresa Kollie looked at the prosecutor, with a grin. The prosecutor should be aware that rape in Liberia is a serious crime and an accused is not bail-able. The Court is interested in this issue and will allow the defense to continue his line of questioning. Thank you, Your Honor, the prosecutor said, I just did not want her background of many years ago use in this case prominently. Jason Doe smiled, and walking towards the witness said, You will not object to any demonstration to measure how well you are able to identify colors, will you? Objected to as improper cross-examination, not proper foundation laid, the prosecutor shouted. Overruled, the judge responded swiftly. With a frown, Jason Doe kept his eyes locked with the witness, and said, I want an experiment to give you the best chance to demonstrate how well you are able to see objects. The prosecutor wanted to announce another objection but when he met the eyes of the judge, he held his peace. Jason Doe, feet planted apart, shrugged his shoulders and made a signal to his private secretary Janet Lovebird, who strolled to the lawyer and

handed him several blouses in various colors and sizes. Lifting a red blouse with a black color, Counselor Doe said, I want the witness to tell the Court the color of this blouse, first without your glasses. The witness gave a mild laughter. She adjusted her glasses on her face and her eyes brightened up and straining as she grabbed the red blouse from the lawyer. Several seconds had gone by as the witness kept turning the dress and gazing at it. The lawyer moved in to rescue the situation when he said, Mrs. April, what is the color of the dress in your hands? The courtroom was silent as all attention was directed at the witness. This is not a difficult color to identify, she said with a smile. What color is it? the lawyer pressed on. This is a white dress, as spectators gasped in utter surprise. Jason Doe said, Are you sure the color of the dress that you are holding is white? Yes, the witness said. I hope you are rather not blind more than me. Judge Kollie leaned forward on her desk and said, My young woman, did you just say the color of the dress you are holding in your hand is white? Yes, she responded, I just told the lawyer, Your Honor, and you can see that this dress, she raised it up further to make sure that the judge followed her direction, this dresss color is white.

Prosecutor Jobs face changed suddenly, and he lifted his two hands to grab his head, in disbelief. It was like a dream to the packed audience. Jason Doe saw the opening in the confusion and said, Mrs. Dolley, you described the man who attacked you on January 8, 2014, as a man who had on a white cap. Do you still stand on the testimony that this defendant had on a white cap with the color like the one in your hand? Yes, she said. Jason Doe smiled, and directing his attention to the prosecutor, said, Is it not a fact that when the defendant was arrested, police investigators seized several items, including a black cap, not red which she testified to and was accepted as Exhibit A. It was realized that the witness deficiency made her to identify all colors as red. The prosecutor, with difficulty said, The record indicates that it was a white cap. Therefore, Jason Doe continued, it is clear that the victim has a deficiency that intrudes in her ability to make distinct identification of even colors of people. Nodding her approval, Judge Kollie said, It goes without saying that the witness missidentified her attacker as it is evident in her identification of the color of this dress in her hands. The Court finds this case interesting and therefore stipulates a vigorous search for the criminal and meanwhile orders the defendant released from further detention. The End

DAILY OBSERVER Friday, January 2014 Friday, 24, January 24, 2014

Fashion

With Makanfi Kamara

I ROCK AFRICAN
I ROCK AFRICAN CAUSE I WANT TO MAKE A STATEMENT! I ROCK AFRICAN CAUSE IM SAYING TO THE NEXT PERSON WATCHING THAT I KNOW IM CONFIDENT, CLASSY, BOLD, BEAUTIFUL AND MOST ESPECIALLY, THAT I AM SO PROUND OF MY AFRICAN HERITAGE. THATS WHY I ROCK AFRICAN!

Page 12

DAILY OBSERVER

Friday, January 24, 2014

Page 13 9

Ministry of Finance
1000 Monrovia 10 Liberia
P. O. Box 9013 Broad & Mechlin Streets

REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST For the Provision of VALUATION OF MOUNT NIMBA MINNING PROJECT
equity position in the project base upon either one of the following globally accepted methodologies: i. Income ii. Market iii. Assets The complete valuation of the project will also include calculations based upon either one or combinations of the following valuation models including but not limited to: a) Cash Flow/ Net Present Values , b) Comparable Transactions, c) Cash Flow Multiples/ Comparable P/Es and d) IRR The Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Finance now invites eligible Firms to indicate their interest in providing the services. It is proposed that the valuation exercise will take not more than 90 days to complete with a written report presented to the Government of Liberia. Interested Firms must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, past performance history,etc.) The Expression of Interest should also include at a minimum the cost, description of the methodology to be employed, the CVs of the Team Members, proposed timeframe, if a differs from the required time as set forth in the Terms of Reference, brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, past performance history,etc. A consultancy firm will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission Act, of the Republic of Liberia. Only shortlisted Firms will be sent the Request for Proposals. Interested Firms may obtain further information at the address below from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM GMT at the Procurement Unit, 3rd Floor Room 045, Ministry of Finance, Broad & Mechlin Streets, Monrovia, Liberia. Expressions of interest must be delivered to the address below by 2:00 PM on or before February 14, 2014. Attn. William J. Hagba Director of Procurement 3rd Floor Room 045 Ministry of Finance P. O. Box 9013 Broad & Mechlin Streets 1000 Monrovia 10 Liberia Tel: +231886563518/0880753568

he Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Finance has appropriated funds in the FY13/14 National Budget and intends to apply part of this to payments under the contract for Consultancy Services for Valuation of Mount Nimba Mining Project.

Background In 2005, the Government of Liberia (GOL) entered into a Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) with ArcelorMittal (AML) for the re-development of Mount Nimba at Tokadeh, Nimba County. The Agreement has been amended twice: First in 2006 and then in 2013. The project is a joint venture between the Government of Liberia (30%) and AML (70%) with the corresponding initial capital amounts of $15 and $35 million respectively. When the original feasibility was conducted, it was estimated that the re-development of the mine would cost approximately US$900 million. In 2011, AML completed new feasibility study that puts the estimated project cost to US$2. 1 billionwith the project divided into 2 phases: Phase 1 which is still ongoing involves the shipping of direct ship ore (DSO) with iron (Fe) content around 58%. Phase 2 which is expected to start in 2015 will involve the shipping of palletized concentrate. Currently, AML is producing and shipping nearly 4 MT pa of DSO. By 2015, the project is expected to be shipping approximately 15 MT pa. Based on the financial model, the companys ramped up operations were slated for years 2010 through 2015 at which time, the shipment of DSO would cease. As the project aggressively moves to phase 2 based upon the in initial projected financial model, AML has indicated the need for increased financing through the injection of capital by its shareholders. The Government of Liberia in an attempt to meet its financial obligations as a minority shareholder, needs to hire an internationally recognized and competent third party to work with a competent local entity in undertaking a quick valuation of the project in order to provide both a book and fair market value of its equity stake in AMLas at December 31, 2012. Accordingly, the GOL will use the valuation as a basis for the determination raising capital to finance its position. Scope Accordingly, the Government of Liberia is seeking a company that will perform,among other things, the following tasks: 1. Analysis of mines financial statements, cash flows and projections 2. Review of projected expenditures (capitalized VS. expensed) 3 Analysis of supply, demand and future price for iron ore, along with transportation costs 4. Review and confirm existing resource information to determine/ confirm: i. Extent of reserve andresources(Rule 7,43-101 and/ or JORC) ii. Ability to expand reserves iii. The level of economic ore extraction iv. Mine plan 5. Explore and advise on strategic financing options for the GOLs

Signed: ________________________________________ Procurement Director Approved: _______________________________________ Deputy Minister for Administration

DAILY OBSERVER

Friday, January 24, 2014

Page 14 6

Request for Quotation (RFQ) Liberia Teacher Training Program

RFQ Title: RFQ #: Date of Issue: Questions Due: Answers to Questions: First Aid Training Service 3180-33LTTP-00442 January 24, 2014 January 28, 2014 (must be submitted in writing to the address or e-mail stated below) January 29, 2014 (responses will be sent in writing to all participating vendors)

APPLY FOR ON-THE-JOB TRAINING

Apprenticeships available in many trade areas with Liberian and international companies, including:
Bookkeeping Hotel Management Carpentry & Masonry Electronics Beauty Nursing Interior Design Sales Auto Mechanics IT and Computers Administration Catering

Looking to jump start your career? Need experience?

Response Due Date: February 3, 2014 at 2:00 PM Local Time

Liberia Teacher Training Program (LTTP) is five years follow on project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) [herein after referred to as the client] and implemented by Family Health International (FHI 360) as the prime contractor. LTTP is focused on supporting the development of a coordinated system for placing and developing both new and existing teachers in classrooms. In issuing this RFQ, FHI 360 is not acting as agent or on behalf of its client and the client is not a party to any sub-contract resulting from this RFQ. Issuance of this solicitation does not constitute an award commitment on the part of FHI 360 or the client, nor does it commit FHI 360 or the client to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of a quotation. FHI 360 also reserves the right to cancel this solicitation at any time during or after the closing date and time.

INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND

PURPOSE

FHI 360/LTTP welcomes the submission of offer from suitable entity for the provision of Emergency Life Saving First Aid Training service for its project staffs in Monrovia and Gbranga. The detail scope of work is provided in the complete RFQ document which can be provided upon request. We anticipate awarding the contract to the most responsive offeror based on the evaluation criteria stated in the RFQ.

All interested organizations/vendors must come along with their entitys official stamp at LTTP head office at the address below for the complete RFQ package including detailed specifications or via the e-mail address below: Liberia Teacher Training Program The Wento Suites, Behind Sajj Restaurant 18th Street & Warner Avenue, Sinkor Monrovia, Liberia E-mail: vdonzo@fhi360.org For direction to the office, please call 0886-618558

and many more!

How does it work?

1. Mercy Corps is offering 3-month apprenticeships to match YOUR skills An apprenticeship can give you on-the-job experience, build your skills, and give you the chance to secure a job. Find the apprenticeship which matches your experience, education and interests from Mercy Corps Apprenticeship Catalogue. 2. Mercy Corps provides a stipend of $3 per day for the duration of the apprenticeship We provide a stipend to help facilitate your transport. You can focus on work! 3. Build your skills through training and mentorship During apprenticeships, Mercy Corps will provide you with business skills training. Your host business will also designate a mentor to give you feedback on your work and provide you with training and advice. 4. Apply today to the apprenticeship which matches your interest and experience Find the opportunity which suits you from the Apprenticeship Catalogue posted at one of the following locations. Fill in an application form and submit to us! If successful, you will be invited to interview. Mercy Corps office, Sinkor Gardnerville Town Hall New Kru Town Administrative Building Call 0886 106 172 for more information, or email wajavon@ lr.mercycorps.org

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

he Office of the Township Commissioner of Crozierville request the presence of all Crozierville citizens and residents to attend a very important development meeting slated for Wednesday, January 29, 2014 at the hour of 11:00AM at the Town Hall. Prominent among issues to be discussed are the planning of the 150 years Anniversary of the Township, the reactivation of the Civic League and the appointment of the Common Council. This announcement should claim the attention of the below listed planning committee members: 1. Citizen Milton Weeks 2. Citizen Kenneth Y. Best 3. Citizen Emmett Flomo 4. Women Leader 5. Citizen Timothy K. Padmore 6. Citizen Amos Teleh 7. Citizen Ajah S. Padmore Signed: ________________________ Timothy K. Padmore Town Clerk Approved: _______________________ Hon. J. Alexander Thorpe Commissioner

Applications: Tuesday 21 Saturday 26 Jan 2014

DAILY OBSERVER Republic of Liberia

Friday, January 24, 2014

Page 11 15

Civil Service Reform and Capacity Building Project

Civil Service Agency

34 Camp Johnson Road Monrovia, Liberia

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (REOI) (International Consultant)

IDA GRANT ID: TF No. 010792 Assignment Title: Request for expression of interest Conducting the Mandates & Functions Review (MFR) of Ministries and Agencies The Government of Liberia (GoL) through the Civil Service Agency (CSA) has received a grant from the International Development Association (IDA) for strengthening Governance-Civil Service Reforms and Capacity Building Project (CSRCBP). The Civil Service Agency intends to apply part of the proceeds of this grant to eligible payments under the contract for hiring an individual consultant to conduct the mandates & functions Review of ministries and Agencies. The objectives of the assignment are as follows: Complete the MFRs of the above-mentioned Ministries; Complete the review and editing of all completed ministries; and Build the capacity of local staff to conduct MFRs. The duration of the assignment: The timescale of the assignment is for a period of 70 working days. The Civil Service Agency now invites eligible Individual Consultants to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services by submitting their detailed information (CV, brochures, past performance records, references of similar assignments executed in the recent past). They must also provide description of work experience both general and on similar assignments. Specific experience on World Bank funded projects will be an added advantage. Selection will be based on qualifications and experience stipulated below. Consulting firms are allowed to propose individuals for this assignment. However, only the experience and qualifications of individuals shall be used in the selection process, and corporate experience shall not be taken into account and the contract would be signed with the proposed individual. Qualifications and experience: i. The Firm- not less than 5-year experience in similar work with World Bank or Donor Funded Projects; ii. Key professional staff The following are the minimum Key Staff required for the assignment: a) Principal Consultant: An advanced degree in Economics, Finance, Law, Business Administration, Project Management, Public Administration or Public Policy (possession of doctorate with an in-depth knowledge of governance reforms trends, and best practices in the global context is an advantage); At least ten years of relevant experience, five years of which shall be related to policy analysis; Extensive experience in research, policy level analysis, technical advice and publications, especially in mandate and functional reviews of public institutions; Experience in Africa and post conflict settings. Computer literate, proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and IT packages; Excellent oral communication, negotiating and writing skills; Provide vision for organizational growth; and Must provide sample of professional work done b) Consultants: A minimum of a related undergraduate degree c) Human Resources Specialist: Must have a minimum Masters Degree (preferably MBA) At least 3-5 years professional work experiences Specialized knowledge and experience of HR management The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraph 1.9 of the World Banks Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits & Grants by World Bank Borrowers (January 2011). (Consultant Guidelines), setting forth the World Banks policy on conflict of interest. An individual Consultant will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the World Banks Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits and Grants by World Bank Borrowers dated January 2011. Interested Individual Consultants may obtain further information at the address below during office hours from 09:00 and 17:00hours, Mondays to Fridays. Expressions of interest must be delivered on a written form clearly marked: Ref: Consultancy: MFR of the CSRCBP at the address below in person or by mail or by email) on or before Friday, February 7, 2014 at 16:00hours. The Consultant/Projector Coordinator Civil Service Reform and Capacity Building Project Civil Service Agency 63 Carey Street, Monrovia, Liberia Email: yaidooshy11@gmail.com Attention: The Consultant/Project Coordination-CSRCBP

Vacancy Announcement
Class / Title: Dean of the College of Business and Public Administration Division: Academic Affairs Reports To: The Vice President for Academic Affairs Salary / Benefits: Commensurate with position and experience Closing Date: February 6, 2014 Submit Documents To: Mr. J. Edmund Chenoweth, Director of Human Resources; or jobs@ame.edu.jr. The Dean is the Colleges chief administrative and academic officer and reports directly to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Dean should provide visionary and strategic leadership for the educational and professional missions of the college. The Dean is responsible for the Colleges educational programs and promoting the college with external constituents. Position Requirements: An earned Master degree in any business related field (Ph.D. preferred) from a professionally accredited institution An established record of teaching, scholarship, and service that qualifies the candidate for a faculty appointment as an Associate Professor in one of the Colleges disciplines Five (5) years experience either in an academic setting or in senior executive position in industry or government Ability to determine the use of textbooks and other instructional materials in collaboration with the Chairpersons and faculty Ability to make recommendations to the Vice President for Academic Affairs with regards to the employment of additional personnel, the dismissal of any member of the faculty or staff for justifiable reasons Position Responsibilities: Provide strategic directions of the college and promote it in his/her own circles and explore opportunities to develop new programs and research areas Oversee faculty and staff, curriculum planning, development and evaluation, budget management, advisory boards, community outreach, and external relations Provide an excellent learning environment for our students adopting modern and technology based approaches whenever applicable Lead planning for student recruitment and retention in the College and participate in marketing and promotion planning and activities Collaborate with Student Affairs in analyzing and resolving student academic and administrative problems and conflicts, in an effective manner Oversee quality, standards and accreditation in the college and its departments Perform any other task that may be assigned by the Vice President for Academic Affairs, or the President, from time to time Competencies: Strategic thinker and a visionary leader Understanding of student/staff relationships Excellent communication skills Commitment to team work and collegiality Computer proficiency, including use of Microsoft word, excel, PowerPoint, and other decision support tools

Tuesday, 5, 2013 DAILY OBSERVER Friday, January 24, 2014 Friday,November 2014

Page 4 Page 16

The Rev. James B. Sellee, Rector of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Camp Johnson Road, Monrovia

TRUE WORSHIP AND HOW IT CAN THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL IMPACT ALL OF LIFE (PART THREE): CIVILIZATION-AL-ISLAMIC PER SPECTIVE BUILDING AN IDEAL MUSLIM SOCIETY WORSHIP AND RIGHT LIVING
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH,
homeless poor. Give clothes to those who have nothing to wear and do not refuse to help your own relatives. Them my favor will shine on you like the morning sun and your wounds will quickly be healed (Isaiah 58:3-8). Though this passage was primarily about fasting, its message applies to all of our religious duties such worship, Bible study, prayer meeting, and giving to the Church and the needy. They must be followed by right living. They must issue into healthy relationships and the promotion of justice, peace and empowerment for all. Therefore true worship must not be divorced from right living and right practice. Any worship short of this is empty and false. Worship should fill us with the zeal and zest to do good works: works of mercy, justice and personal and communal peace. Christian believers go to worship in order to recharge their spiritual batteries, to be reminded of what they ought to do everyday and every second of every hour. Worship ought to make one a better husband, wife, child, neighbor or person at home, at work and at play. It enables us to have and maintain right relationships with God and the neighbor. True worship and right living go hand in hand. It is therefore wrong to come from Church threatening war and all sorts of evil. A story is told of a lady who was fussing with a neighbor (abusing and threatening) and told the neighbor, Let me go to Church and come back and you will see what I will do to you (implying more insults and threats of violence). A certain lady came from Bible study with her Bible still under her arm and started raging for a minor misdemeanor she met at home. Her husband reminded her, Please put down the Bible before you do your devilish work. Remember, you are just coming from Bible study and she was ashamed of herself! No, the attitudes of these women cannot express the aftermath of true worship. Genuine worship teaches us to live better and serve God and the neighbor better. True worship leads to right living and right living is an expression of true worship. We cannot therefore afford to come from a worship Service filled with hatred, jealousy, bitterness, war and immoral thoughts and desires. A worship Service prepares us for loving deeds and not for evil. The worship Service ends with a dismissal or closing prayer but true worship continues in the lives of true worshippers in the forms of honesty, sharing, caring for others, and promoting justice for all. True worship must therefore undergird and influence our decision making and every thought and deed of ours. Being God-conscious in every aspect of our lives and not only when we are in Church and other Church activities is a mark of true worship. True worship is about how we live on a daily basis how we react to situations and treat other people. The mark of true worship is right living with God, fellow human beings and the environment.

(PART THIRTY)
of Allah to those who entertain the profound reverence dutiful to Him, (the canon also stand as guide for those) who stand in awe of Allah albeit they cannot apprehend Him by sight and think of the Day of Resurrection dreading The Final Hour of Judgment. This profound acknowledgment by the Holy Scripture of Al-Islam crystally depicts the liberality of this Divine Religion and the affirmation the Message of Allah to humanity is the same and identical. Perhaps this why the verse next to the above quoted one reads thus: And this-Al-Quran, is a blessed Book which We (i. e., Allah) have revealed to guide into all truth; will you infidels reject and deny that which is good and advantageous to attain and possess! (21:49). Before we proceed with the main topic, we would like to quickly state with a profound emphasis that the Tawrah or Torah herein referred to, is that which has not been tempered with in any form or manner; and as such, remains perfectly pristine in its textual revelation. We believe this clarification is imperatively necessary in the interest of this column and of those readers. The fact is that Al-Islam does not hold the view that human has the ability and know-how to reverse the Words of Allah. Yes, one can deduce, from the Scripture itself through the Traditional text of the Prophet to whom such Scripture was revealed. In Al-Islamic terminology this endeavour is called and known as Now back to the main theme, the Scripture tells us that: And aforetime, (meaning before Muhammad (SAW), Mussa/Moses and other Prophets and Messengers preceded them. Some commentators understand the phrase aforetime as during the early age of Ibrahim/Abraham, at which time Allah bestows on him the sense of reasoning and employment of his faculty) We (Allah) directed Ibrahim/ Abraham to reasoning and to employ the faculty of reason in forming conclusions and We (Allah) were fully aware of his thoughts and of his inmost being (21:51). In obedience to this directive and in the exercise of his reasoning and employment of the faculty of reason, the conclusion he formed as to engage his father and his people into an intellectual dialogue and dis-

his third article of the series on the impact of true worship on all of life introduces the consequences of true worship. The impact of genuine worship is summarized into three qualities of life: worship and conduct (right relationships), worship and unity, and worship and sharing ones faith with others (evangelism). The focus of this article is on worship and conduct. We have already made the point that worship must issue in right living or it is false or empty. How then does worship affect how one lives on a daily basis? The second article on false worship observed the following points: The prophet Isaiah gives a vivid picture of false fasting which is equally applicable to false worship. He writes: the people ask, Why should we fast if the Lord never notices? Why should we go without food if he pays no attention? The Lord says to them, The truth is that at the same time you fast you pursue your own interests and oppress your workers. Your fasting makes you violent and you quarrel and fight. Do you think this kind of fasting will make me listen to your prayers?... The kind of fasting I want is this: remove the chains of oppression and the yoke of injustice and let the oppressed go free. Share your food with the hungry and open your homes to the

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ll praise belongs to Allah; and may His peace and blessings be upon His Prophet, his household, his companions and all those who rightly follow their footsteps. Ameen! In our last edition we attempted to talk about Prophet Ibrahim/Abrahams (AS) rich and unfailing legacy, which includes the instructional inquiry made to his children and grand son-Yacub/Jacob (AS). Today, we shall, by Allahs will, try to give a gist of the Divine Directive given to this servant of Allah, his Creator and the Lord of the universe. Our terms of reference in the premise, shall be taken from Chapter twenty one of the Holy Scripture of Al-Islam, beginning with verse fifty one. But before we do so, we would like to glance at few verses preceding the one to be talked about. This process will indicate to the readers the universality of Al-Islam and how liberal Al-Islam is. The verse in question read thus: And We (Allah) gave Mussa/ Moses and Haronah/Aaron the canon which imparts the soundness of judgment in the choice of means and ends and in the choice of what is morally good, honest and straight forward, the canon which serves as an illumination and enlightenment as possessed by the mind. Besides being a divine light which is a constant reminder of Allah to those who entertain the profound reverence dutiful to Him, (the canon also stand as guide for those) who stand in awe of Allah albeit they cannot apprehend Him by sight and think of the Day of Resurrection dreading The Final Hour of Judgment (21:48). This verse signifies in the most crystal and unequivocal terms that studying the canon of the Tawrah or Torah-the Book of Prophet Mussa/Moses (AS) affords one the understanding and appreciating the Message of Allah. Consequently, it will impart you with the soundness of judgment in the choice of means and ends. It then goes on to qualify that it is the choice of what is morally good, honest and straight forward. The verse then concludes by saying that this canon is a divine light which is a constant reminder

By Sheikh Kafumba F. Konneh

course. In this regard he said to his father and his people thus: What are these statues and images to which you give attention and you regard with reverence and veneration! (21:52). It is worth noting that Prophet (AS) knew that those statues and images are nothing but mere man-imaginary stones and man-carved woods. However, in carrying out the directive as mandated he pursued a course of intellectual debate. With this understanding his father and people had nothing to response to his inquiry but to say: We found our fathers revering them and adoring them with appropriate acts and rites (21:53). In as much as Al-Islam makes respect, admiration and obedience of parent mandatory, there is an exceptional clause. That is, you cannot obey your parent and at the expense of Divine Commandment. In other words blind followership is totally prohibited by Al-Islam; and only permits objective followership. In that, every order, directive or immolation must be based upon, guided by and in accordance with Divine enjoinment. Anything to the contrary is notwithstanding. Perhaps this why Prophet Ibrahim/Abraham replied his father and people by saying thus: But you and your fathers were erroneous in your system of faith and worship (21:54). This verse connotes that speaking about your fathers whose actions you cited as your evidence and reason, would be the same as speaking about your very selves. In other words, your fathers were misguided; and there is no doubt that by your blind followership, you are certainly misguided. Prophet Ibrahim/ Abrahams (AS) father and his people this expression as an attempt to bring their intelligence not only into question, but above that, into dispute and public ridicule. There and then they questioned and challenged him thus: Have you brought us the truth, or are you one of those who make this the object of a joke! Prophet Ibrahim/Abraham answer to their question was clear, concise and precise. That is; But you God is the Allah and Creator of heavens and the earth Who generated them and brought them into existence and to this effect I sincerely bear witness (21:56). To be continued.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013 DAILY OBSERVER Friday, January 24, 2014 Friday, January 24, 2013

17 Page 4 Page

MoneyGram Commends LBDI Paynesville Branch

lobal money transfer giant, MoneyGram, has commended the Liberia Bank for Development and Investment (LBDI) for being a strong partner. MoneyGram business development manager for Anglo West Africa Mrs. Kemi Okusanya, in an interview in Monrovia yesterday, noted that LBDI has been a sturdy partner in her companys drive to increase its market share in Liberia. She named LBDIs Paynesville Branch as the third highest remittance paying location in MoneGrams Liberia operations. Mrs. Okusanya: MoneyGram gets lots of supports from LBDI. Our relationship with this bank is good for

-Branch Becomes Third Highest Remittance Paying Location

healthy competition in the money transfer market, she said. The MoneyGram official disclosed that as the third highest remittance receiving bank branch in Liberia in 2013, LBDI Paynesville Branch was given a plat to demonstrate the branchs excellent performance in 2013. The award was presented Tuesday night at a wellattended curtail for bankers at the Bob Johnson Hotel in Kendeja. Reacting to the honor, LBDI Paynesville Branch manager Madam Helena Panton said the award demonstrates the Banks commitment quality service delivery to the people of Liberia. Madam Panton used the occasion to leap praises at operators of MoneyGram at the LBDI Paynesville Branch noting the operators are passionate about their clients needs. They go to work early and that they serve the customers well, Madam Panton added. Meanwhile, the Management of LBDI has expressed its gratitude to MoneyGram for the honor. LBDI deputy CEO Ms. Gloria Y. Menjor, speaking with our reporter yesterday, said she feels very great considering the fact that LBDI only joined MoneyGram in 2013. I feel very great considering the fact that LBDI came on board with MoneyGram very late. We were almost the last, but our performance speaks to the level of services we render corded an impressive remittance inflow to Liberia in the tune of US$378 million, representing a growth of over 18%. According to MoneyGram, Liberia is the second highest recipient of migrant remittance as a share of gross domestic product (GDP). Most of the remittance flow from the United States corridor alone is estimated at about US$330 million. Diaspora remittance accounts for approximately a third of the countrys GDP, in 2011 and 2013. MoneyGram began operations in Liberia 12 years ago. But the company has been able to withstand competition from its major international and lo-

MoneyGram business development manager for Anglo West Africa Mrs. Kemi Okusanya
to our customers, said the LBDI deputy CEO. In 2012, MoneyGram re-

Our Mandate is to T Build Africa

-Ecobank MD Says as Banks Zwedru Customer Wins Car Value, US$15K
savings account holders to regularly deposit US$100.00 to allow them to form part of the draw. About 31,000 customers account numbers were qualified for the grand prize which Madam Cecelia H. Jolo won. Supervised by the Liberia National Lotteries, the over 31,000 account numbers were placed in a rolling drum by three Ecobank Board of Directors. Madam Jolos account num ber was picked by a male customer who had gone to transact at the Sinkor. The drum was rolled over and again as the customer, named withheld, turned his back and picked the winner. Many bystanders were amazed that the winner of the grand prize is from rural Liberia. Madam Jolo is expected to arrive in Monrovia today to take delivery of her brand new Chevrolet. The promotion, was analysts observed, was a win-win for customers and Ecobank. A bystander noted that while it is true that only one person is taking delivery of the car, the rest of the customers that make up the 31,000 regular depositors now have savings accounts that they can refer to. This bystander also noted that Ecobank benefitted because the Bank was able to mobilize more deposits thereby increasing its assets base.

The raffle draw was held at Ecobank Sinkor Branch

Jolo is a resident of Zwedru, the provincial capital of Grand Gedeh County. She current works at the Zwedru airstrip. Speaking with Ecobank officials via mobile phone, Madam Jolo said she was surprised. I cant believe it. What did I do to emerge winner of the car? she asked. Responding to Madam Jolos inquest, the head of marketing & Communications at Ecobank, Madam Ivy Fairley added you won because you regularly deposited money in your United States dollars savings account at our Zwedru Branch. The brand new vehicle is the Ecobank Giant Prize Giveaway. The draw was held at the Ecobank Branch in Sinkor in the presence of the Board of Directors of the Bank. On June 12, 2013 the EDMC started with Ecobank Management encouraging USD

he Management of Ecobank Liberia Limited (ELL) has reiterated that the Banks mandate is to build Africa and develop Africans. Ecobank Managing Director Kola Adeleke yesterday assured Liberians that ELL will not depart from this core mandate. He told the public that Ecobank is here to fulfill its founding objective of helping with the rebuilding process of Liberia and improving the livelihoods of ordinary Liberians. The Ecobank Managing Director was speaking at the grand finale of the Ecobank Deposit Mobilization Campaign (EDMC) in Sinkor where Madam Cecelia Harris Jolo, a customer of Ecobank Zwedru Branch, emerged as the lucky winner of a brand new four-door Chevrolet valued at US$15,000. Madam

he Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) has described as a misunderstanding of the facts, recent media reports suggesting that the CBL pumped L$8 billion into the economy in 2013. According to the CBL, the assertion, which is suggested to have been made by Finance Minister Amara Mohammed Konneh, is not only wrong, but also shows the lack of understanding of the movements in the monetary aggregates and their interpretation. According to the CBL, monetary aggregates change over time, reflecting developments in an economy. As an economy expands, as reflected in the growth of gross domestic product (GDP), money supply will expand to facilitate economic transaction, which does not necessarily mean pumping of excess

CBL Denies Pumping L$8bn in the Economy

Liberian dollars into the economy, the CBL said. Facing the House of Representatives inquest on the economy including the continued depreciation of the Liberian dollar to the US dollar earlier this week, Finance Minister Amara M. Konneh intoned that there was more Liberian dollars on the market than expected. The Minister wondered how the exchange would decline when the CBL has pumped L$8 billion into the economy. Ministry of Finance officials denied last night that Minister Konneh ever made said statement. A senior Finance Ministry official anonymously clarified that the Minister was rather quoting a CBL report that about L$8.5 billion is already in circulation. But the CBL explained that the currency in circulation at a point in time is a stock arising

cal competitors maintaining its market share. A Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) decision to allow all banks to utilize the international money transfer companies created an open market for MG. The CBL decision led MG to establish windows at all eight banks operating in Liberia thereby increasing its presence in the country. MoneyGram (MG) regional director for Maghreb &West Africa, Francois Peyret and Mrs. Okusanya are in Liberia to enhance the companys operations in the country.

from accumulation of changes over several years. For example, the Bank explained that Liberian dollars in circulation at end-December, 2006 was L$2.81 billion and at end-November, 2013 was L$8.6 billion. So, the first point to be made is that the CBL did not pump L$8.0 billion into the economy in 2013. We must be emphatic about this, the Bank noted. The CBL noted that monetary policy in 2013 was not expansionary, evidenced by the issuance of CBL T-bills during the last half of 2013 and up to January of 2014. The CBL bill is a new policy instrument introduced by the Bank to help control Liberian-dollar liquidity; that is, the amount of Liberian dollars in circulation. The issuance of these bills took L$2.7 billion out of circulation. This action

Contt on page 18

Supreme Court has the opportunity to appeal for a reargument or re-consideration to the Full Bench of the Court within the period of three days for their case to be reheard. Unfortunately, that did not happen in the case of Minister Tah for her case to be reheard; even though her legal team had filed the petition after 11 days following the suspension.

Justice Ministers

DAILY OBSERVER Friday, January 24, 2014

that Justice Minister Tah, who is cognizant of the statute, did not sit supinely or just ignore the law but was waiting on her legal team, including astute lawyer Varney Sherman. Cllr. Sherman had blamed the delay on her being a political appointee and those who appointed her were responsible for the delay. He pleaded with the Justices that her action was not deliberate. However the Full Bench decided to enforce its stance. President Sirleaf A few days following the Chief Justices pronouncement of Minister Tahs suspension, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, in her very wise mind, and not wanting any constitutional conflict with the Judicial Branch of government, said in a release from her office, that she took note of the Supreme Courts decision. The President stated that she was holding consultations with eminent lawyers and legal professionals, including former Chief Justices and former Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, to fully comprehend the implications of the Courts decision, especially as it relates to the executive powers of the President. Liberians are still awaiting a reaction from the President on this decision. Background The Court has maintained The Bank disclosed that the amount of US$22 million was deposited with local banks. The loans made by banks would, accordingly, have been made in US dollars. It is the microfinance initiative that was totally done in Liberian dollars. The Board of the CBL approved L$400 million for this purpose. It should be known that the funds under the microfinance initiative are already part of the L$8.6 billion stock of Liberian dollars referred to But what political commentators termed a legislative uturn, came about when that august body a few days later clarified what the Senate had instead requested President Sirleaf to take due note of the Directors behavior and take appropriate action to serve as deterrent against the recurrence of a similar act. Quoting two paragraphs of the official communication sent President Sirleaf, Grand Gedeh County Senator Isaac Nyenabo, during a radio talkshow in Monrovia read thus: In view of the above, Madam President, and consistent with Article 3 of the Liberian Constitution, the Senate wishes to bring this matter to your attention and respectfully request that your Excellency takes due note as well as appropriate action against this kind of conductto prevent misunderstanding and confusion in and among functionaries of Government.

Page 18
that the role played by Justice Minister Tah in releasing Rodney D. Sieh from prison as well as her persistent affront to the Court, as demonstrated by her refusal to reverse the action, formed the basis for the contempt proceedings. However, Minister Tah maintains that she granted Mr. Rodney Sieh Compassionate Leave for medical reasons, based on the law. above, said the Bank. The CBL explained that the entire amount has not yet been disbursed. Only around L$300 million has been placed with various non-bank financial institutions in all 15 counties. The Bank insisted that it is difficult to see how those who continue to misinform the public came to the conclusion that L$300 to L$400 million would be a source of macroeconomic instability in an economy the size of Liberias economy. Acting in a plenary session, the Senate reiterates its confidence and abiding faith in your leadership and therefore places the entire matter in your hands with the hope that you, as the leader of this nation, will ensure that discipline is maintained within governance process. Every attempt by journalist to get information on what obtained during the executive session failed, as of 6 p.m. Senators were seen still briskly moving from one office to another, apparently in search of common-ground. Meanwhile, all other agenda items slated for deliberations were yesterday suspended. That included a report from the Committee on Banking and Currency, relative to the exchange rate between the United States and Liberian Dollars. to his country. Speaking briefly, the newly appointed Honorary Consul, Frederic Vloeberghs extended gratitude to his country for the appointment and pledged to work in harmony with Liberia in ensuring that the interest of his country is met and the relationship between Liberia and Belgium is sustained. Also making remarks, Commerce & Industry Minister Axel Addy recounted the role of Belgium in Liberias economic recovery and specifically emphasized the role of the Brussels Airlines as key to this process. Minister Addy stressed that SN Brussels is one airline that first began operations in Liberia after the war, and has served as transport channel for Liberians to other parts of the world, especially Europe and the United States. The occasion marking the opening of Belgium Consulate and appointment of its Consul was attended by scores of foreign diplomats including US Ambassador Deborah Malac and a host of government officials.

But following the closed-door meeting, our sources said if the Court did not want to hear her, it should have rejected her request for filing a petition, but since it agreed then it should have allowed her a hearing. Some legal minds have said this is not a good precedent for justice given our fragile democracy. The Observer understands

is opposite to pumping of Liberian dollars into the economy, the Bank stated. The CBL argued that the sale of US dollars by the Central Bank through its auction program in 2013 also helped to reduce Liberian dollars in the market. In other words, the CBL added the sale of US$72 million to the foreign exchange market mopped-up the

CBL Denies

equivalent amount of L$5.9 billion using the average exchange rate of L$81.8/US$1 at end-December 2013. The CBL reiterated to the public that its ongoing microfinance initiative with nonbanked financial institutions shouldnt be misconstrued. The CBL insisted that its stimulus initiatives for the most part were done in US dollars.

embers of the Liber i a n Senate w e n t into one of their longest executive sessions Thursday, January 23, following the reading of a communication from President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. She was responding to that august bodys letter to her, concerning a siege at the Capitol Building, laid last September by the Liberia National Police, under the reported authorization of Police Director, Christian Clarence Massaquoi. The Presidents communication dated January 20, 2014 reads: Dear Mr. President Pro Tempore, I refer to

By J. Burgess Carter

Senate in Five
a communication sent under the signature of J. Nanborlor F. Singbeh of the Senate, by which he brought to my attentionaction by the Liberian National Police Director Honorable Christian Massaquoi, which amounted to a siege of the Capitol Building when the Senate was in plenary session. I have written Director Massaquoi a strong letter of reprimandsuspending him or two days to allow him time to write a letter of apology for personal presentation at a plenary sitting of the Senate. Sincerely, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, President of Liberia Immediately following the reading of the communication, a motion was proffered for an executive session that was unanimously agreed on for the sole purpose of deliberating the Presidents two-paragraph letter.

CBL Mills Jones

From 11a.m. until 4 p.m., members of that Upper House of the Legislature remained behind closed doors while members of the Legislative Press Corps hung about the Capitol Buildings corridors, hoping in vain for news on what was being decided within. It may be recalled that on the last day sitting of the 2nd Session of the 53rd Senate, a decision was unanimously taken by plenary, asking President Sirleaf to disrobe Police Director Massaquoi, for deploying over 200 armed-police on the grounds of the Legislature on September 12, 2013, while that body was conducting normal legislative functions. The deployment of the police came after the Senate had invited Director Massaquoi to appear before the plenary and answer a complaint that he insulted a member of the Senate. Here is a portion of the Senates September 13, 2013 decision as read by Senator H. Dan

Minister Konneh
Morias: It will please you to note, ladies and gentlemen of the Liberian Senate and those in the gallery that this act took place at the time the Liberian Senate, the Honorable House of Representatives, and the Vice President of the Republic of Liberia were in the Capitol Building, carrying out their official national responsibilities. This act, on the part of Director Massaquoi---holding hostage the first branch of Government, is tantamount to mutiny. This abuse and misuse of armed Liberia National Police must be stopped. Senator Morias concluded: The Liberian Senate therefore, calls on the President of Liberia, her Excellency Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to deal with said mutiny by the LNP, against a democratically elected Legislature. They as that Director Massaquoi be immediately disrobed and forwarded to the Ministry of Justice.

Belgium

By Joaquin Sendolo, Observer Diplomatic Correspondence

he Kingdom of Belgium has appointed and introduced its HonoraryConsul to Liberia after eight years of absence. The Honorary Consul now representing Belgian investors and citizens in Liberia is Frederic Vloeberghs, who serves as a country manager for Belgian Airlines that flies the SN Brussels. Making the introduction on January 22, 2014 during a reception at the Mamba Point Hotel, Belgian Ambassador accredited near La Cte dIvoire, Peter Huyghebaert, stressed that bilateral relations between Liberia and Belgium had been hampered since 2005 when his country could not host a consulate and an Honorary Consul here.

He noted that that situation happened at the time when Liberia was entering the stage of peace and stability with a high need for socio-economic development and reconstruction. He, however, expressed joy that after being absent for such a long period, he and his compatriots were delighted to be establishing a consulate followed by the appointment of an honorary-consul. Unlike an ambassador who is sent by a President with Letters of Credence to represent his or her government in another country, the HonoraryConsul is appointed. He can either be a native of the country sending him or her, or an individual of another nationality to represent the economic and business interests of citizens of the country he or she represents. Recounting activities of Belgium in Liberia Ambassador Huyghebaert noted that his country has many companies investing in the country, citing

Ambassador Huyghebaert (left) introducing Honorary Consul Vloeberghs (left).

Jan De Nul (Dredging and marine construction company), Monrovia Oil, NHV (Operator of helicopter flights for the oil industry), as well as the agroindustrial company Socfinco. According to him, the presence of Socfinco has given employment opportunities to thousands of Liberians in the rubber plantation sector. Ambassador Huyghebaert further noted that there is a steadfast and remarkable symbol of Belgian presence in Liberia which is the Brussels Airlines that flies the SN Brussels. A steadfast and remarkable symbol of Belgian presence in Liberia is of course our national carrier, Brussels Airlines that has firmly established itself in the country, operating four (4) flights a week between Monrovia and Brussels. The Belgian carrier is a most reliable gateway to Europe, Ambassador Huyghebaert stressed. He described the HonoraryConsul as Polyglot who he said has strength in the English Language with a little knowledge of Krio, a dialect in Sierra Leone. Ambassador Huyghebaert further indicated that Belgiums interest in Liberia is not only in commercial interests; instead, it is an active partner in international development cooperation. Although there is no direct bilateral co-operation between our two countries, we remain indirectly engaged through the European Union, multilateral organizations, as well as NGOs. Other available co-operation instruments deployed in Liberia include the Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries (BIO) as well as a budget line to promote peace building and conflict prevention, he said. He commended President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for her role played in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) agenda which he said was dear

Tuesday, November 5, 2013 DAILY OBSERVER Thursday, January 23, 2014 Friday, January 24, 2014

Page 19 Page 4

Fo r ad qu ve ick rt ise bu in sine th ss is re sp su ac lts e ,

SWAL Needs Farsighted, Dedicated Leader, Says Candidate Sonpon

presidential aspirant in the ensuing Sports Writers Association of Liberia (SWAL) has said it is now time for a farsighted, dedicated individual to take over the mantle of leadership of the organization. Leroy Sonpon noted that SWAL has for too long suffered from committed leadership and as a result failed to take the organization to another level. Speaking at a debate organized by its Elections on Wednesday January 22, 2014, at the PUL office in Monrovia, Sonpon said he intends to prioritize training for sports journalists and equip them with the necessary tools that will enable them to work effectively and efficiently. He indicated, Im the best candidate to take SWAL to the next level that will empower the members. Our beloved

Read more sports articles on the Daily Observer website @ www.liberianobserver.com/sports

The SWAL Controversy

By William Q. Harmon

Leroy M. Sonpon, lll

organization is now like a wounded elephant that needs the best therapist to cure its wounds. Im that therapist that is prepared for this task. We dont want to ridicule our past leaders in this gathering, but we think they have done little or nothing to improve the wellbeing of our institution. And unfortunately some of these same officials are still contesting for positions. Sonpon called on his fellow SWAL members to be sports writers and not football writers.

SRC Hosts Soccer Tourney

Defending champion-Factory and Camp #6
opening matches recently. The tournament brings together every department of SRC. In an interview with reporters Organizing Chairman Cyrus Johnny said it is also to bring together the SRC staffers and other community residents to socialize. He said due to the busy work schedule of the company, all the matches are scheduled on Sundays and will last up to March 2, 2014. Before the kickoff, Mr. Johnny behalf of General Manager Nicolas Bergerot urged all teams to exhibit good sportsGbolahan Salami also trained after the knock he suffered against South Africa, Super Eagles spokesman, Ben Alaiya, said. However, Lobi Stars striker, Nanen Barnabas Imenger, did not take part in Wednesdays training with the group. Imenger, who is nursing a slight knock, was taken through his paces by the teams physiotherapist, Adewale Oladejo.

SWAL members have abandoned the true vision of the association by neglecting other sporting disciplines. Everyone is focusing on football and this is not the true meaning of SWAL, he said. When we are elected, we will have a lot of tasks and the first item on my agenda is to plan capacity building workshop for our people. We also intent to solicit corporate sponsorship and we have the connection to make these things happening, he indicated. Vice president Martina Brooks at the debate said she would decentralize the organization to ensure that members in the leeward counties are involved. Though women are marginalized in the media, she said, Im prepared for the task. She promised to revamp the Herbert Grigsby Lectures, capacity building, build partnerships, a newspaper and reinforce and redefine SWALs

charity program. Presidential candidate Roland Mulbah said his focus would be on members welfare, accountability, capacity building, equal opportunity and sound advocacy. Candidate Richard Manuba said his focus would be on three key areas: which are to institutionalize the organization, corporate partnership and members welfare. Meanwhile, the SWAL election expected on the 24th of January has been postponed to February 7, 2014 at the same venue. The decision, according to Chairman Momolu Sirleaf, is due to some discrepancies in the membership listing presented to his commission. Those vying for the highest office of the organization include: the current vice President of SWAL, Martina Brooks, Roland Mulbah and Richard Manuba.

Mulbah rejoicing at the PUL offices last Wednesday before the debate

By Omari Jackson

T S

he Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC) has commenced its annual General Managers Cup football tournament with Factory defeating Camp #6 7-1 in one of two

uper Eagles duo of Ikenna Hillary Paul and Gbolahan Salami have returned to training after suffering different degrees of injuries during the ongoing African Nations Championship (Chan) in South Africa. Paul has been out since he sustained a torn hamstring in Nigerias opening day loss to Mali while Salami had to make way in the Super Eagles 3-1 win over South Africa on

Eagles Duo Ready for Atlas Lions

Sunday. But the pair were part of Wednesdays training sessions. Paul trained without any sign of pain after he had been initially ruled out of the Chan. Ikenna Hillary is back in training and he has started running and even wore a pair of (football) boots. His recovery is quite remarkable and surprising at the time but good for the team. So he is expected to start kicking the ball soon.

manship to promote harmony and peaceful co-existence among them. Participating are Baypolu, Camp # 1, Camp # 2, Camp # 3, Camp # 4, Camp # 5, Camp # 6 and Factory. The second opening match on Sunday at the Catholic field was between Camps #3, and #4, and ended 1-1. (Nanen) Imenger was the only one who trained apart from the team. He was handled by the team physio as he suffered a knock two days ago. But he is expected to train with the team from today (Thursday) barring any hitch, Alaiya disclosed. Nigerias Super Eagles will go head-to-head against Morocco in one of the quarterfinal matches of the Chan this Saturday.

he Sports Association of Liberia, SWAL, cancelled its Jan. 24 elections due to questions raised by presidential contenders about who is and who is not a sports writer and who is also qualified to vote. The list of 133 members submitted electronically and on hard copies did not have the signature of Secretary General Roland Mulbah or outgoing president Fomba Kannehs on it. Mr. Mulbah, who is seeking the presidency Wednesday, arrived at the PUL headquarters, the venue of the debate with the Music Madrid Singing Group behind him, and it was as if he had won the elections already. It was interesting that Mulbah was rejoicing before the debate. When he was asked about the source of the list of 133 members, he flatly denied knowledge of it and pointed out that many things had gone on wrong with SWAL. Many of his colleague sports writers think Mulbah is a controversial figure, but he claimed he is an advocate against the ills in SWAL, the major cause that has compelled him not to support vice president Martina Brooks, but to run his own campaign for the president. Ok, I told him, how much money does SWAL have just for the record? I dont know, Mulbah said. In many organizations, particularly like a sporting body like SWAL, it was strange that the secretary general was not aware of first of the list submitted to the Elections Commission and most importantly, how much money is in the coffers of the association. Some members of SWAL have had the occasion to question the financial expenditure of the Liberia Football Association. Like the mother Union,

the PUL has its 4th Estate designation to question the Government of Liberia, how the resources of the country are used. Is it not ironic that we are unable to be realistic about how much journalists have in their associations coffers? True, the PUL is as much as guilty as the case is, for how in the world could US100, 000 disappear against the intended purpose? And we are the first to beat the drum and play others secret recordings to create the impression that because we control the mediums to get to the public we are more patriotic than others. How also in the world could the secretary general of SWAL not been aware of a common list of its members, let alone how much the organizations has? Ey Nyenswa! Please Jesus come back! It is said that a chain is as strong as it weakest link. How many SWAL members are aware of this adage? The Elections Commission, headed by Momolu V. O. Sirleaf and buddy Zeogar Jaynes now has a responsibility to make sure that records are set straight. There are some on the list who come around only when there are international games involving the national team, Lone Star. The question I want Sports Writers to consider is: Do we have 133 sports writers in Liberia? What do they write and broadcast? Does the number include those who copy internet soccer news and promote European football at the expense of Liberian football? True, the local game may not have Messi, Ronaldo and even Falcao, but we have Sam Jackson (Nimba County), David Paye (Grand Bassa) and many others from the LFA league who deserve our promotion. The current controversy in SWAL should clean the list and prepare the way for the election on Feb. 7.

Fo r ad qu ve ick rt ise bu in sine th ss is re sp su ac lts e ,

ADVERTISE HERE TODaY. CaLL 0886472772

VOL. 16. NO. 63 FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014

What Did Dr. Owl Say?

On this earth there is enough for everyones need but not for their greed. Dr. Owls guest

NEC Somersaults T
By Keith Morris
he National Elections Commission (NEC) T h u r s d a y, January 23, overturned an earlier decision to temporally suspend the National Voters Roll Update (VRU) exercise. On January 10, 2014, the NEC announced the suspension of what is considered a major component of the 2014 Special Senatorial Election process, citing budgetary constraint as the reason for their decision. The VRU process should have started on January 13, to run through March 5, 2014; but it was postponed without naming a new date for the exercise. With only thirteen days after the pronouncement, the Commission somersaulted, setting new dates for the process and maintaining its previous three-day period for the VRU agents at each polling centre, ignoring calls from the public for extension. Addressing a news conference Thursday in Monrovia, NEC Chairman Cllr. Jerome G. Korkoya noted that following negotiations with relevant government institutions, the Public Procurement and Concession Commission (PPCC) has granted the Commission a waiver to allow it to award contracts for the hiring of vehicles needed for the deployment of materials and personnel for the update exercise. The Commission is pleased to announce that the

PRICE: LD 40

NEC Chairman Cllr. Jerome G. Korkoya

Kicking Off Mount Coffee Hydro Project

-President Sirleaf Breaks Ground Saturday

African Power Pool (WAPP) member states, energy sources have said. The Daily Observer has also learnt that the Government of Liberia (GOL) and development partners have provided funding for the construction of the Mount Coffee Hydro Plant which provided reliable power supply to Liberians and business houses until 1990, but was destroyed as a result of the civil war. Although construction will start immediately following the ground-breaking on Saturday, the plant will only be able to produce power sometime in 2015. Until then, the Government of Liberia is exploring other alternative

he Daily Observer has reliably learnt that President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf will lead an array of Liberian government officials and development partners to the official ground-breaking of the Mount Coffee Hydro Project construction site on Saturday. The groundbreaking, Executive Mansion sources have hinted, will kick off construction of the countrys Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant, which aims to increase power generation by 80 megawatts. The plant will provide more power to locals as well as export power to the West

power sources, including the installation of heavy fuel oil (HFO) plants and the West African Power Pool project (WAPP) to beef up energy access across the country. The restoration of the Mount Coffee Hydro-Electric Plant is an urgent national priority for Liberia, Finance Minister Amara Konneh has repeatedly said. The rehabilitation is estimated to cost around US$300million, according to the European Union Africa Infrastructure Trust Fund. It is expected that when the Mount Coffee Hydro Plant is fully rehabilitated, Liberia will be able to contribute power supply to its neighbors

as a development partners to their economic viability. Located in the Harrisburg Township of Careysburg District, Montserrado County, the Mount Coffee hydro plant

Voters Roll Update Exercise that was postponed will now commence on January 29 and end March 21, 2014, Chairman Korkoya revealed. Centres that should have been covered from January 13 to 28, 2014, will now be covered last. In the new schedule, centres in various counties to be covered between January 29, through February 1, were also announced by the Commission. Cllr. Korkoya disclosed that said arrangement was made possible through an assurance and guarantee commitment from the Finance Ministry, confirming a US$5.6 million budgetary allotment in the National Budget 2013/2014 for the electoral body. The Commission apportioned the budget for the election in three phases: The first phase deals with the update and the exhibition of provisional voter roll. The budget for this phase is US$5.6 million. lies on the Saint Paul River approximately 21 miles from Monrovia. Prior to the First Liberian Civil War the plant produced

Phase II is with the Preelection Day activities. Key activities under this phase include, international procurement of Election Day materials, candidates, nominations, the printing of ballots, amongst other things. US$3.5 million goes to said process in the election. The third phase is Election Day activities. Key activities under this phase are recruitment and training of temporary staff and deployment of Election Day personnel and materials. The cost is put at US$4.2 million, Cllr. Korkoya said. The Commission expectation that US$2.6 million of the allotted US$5.6 million will be used to complete activities under phase one, the NEC boss said, indicating that the remaining US$3 million will form a part of the budget for the next phase.
64 megawatts of electricity, which accounted for 35% of all electricity generated in the country.

Published by the Liberian Observer Corporation (LOC), 23 McDonald Street, P.O. Box 1858, Monrovia, Liberia; Tel: 06 812-888; 06 578476; and 06 472772; Printed by the Observer Printing Press; Bai S. Best, Marketing Manager; Lindiw Khumalo Yasiah, Business Strategist; Publisher & Managing Director, Kenneth Y. Best.

FRIDAY, JAN. 24, 2014, vol. 16, No.63indd 1

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