Wednesday, January 8 2014 Edition

Diplomatic News pg 8 TOP STORIES
As Liberian Foreign Missions Wallow In Financial Peril
WILL SIRLEAF ACT?
ELECTRIFICATION WAHALA
Electrifying Monrovia is taking a slow pace and Bushrod Islanders say the LEC is also selling light poles, and skipping
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MARKET BUYING AND SELLING RATES LIBERIAN DOLLARS PER US DOLLAR
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SELLING L$83.00/US$1 L$84.00 /US$1 L$84.00/US$1
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the Liberian Senate. Fifteen seats are up for grabs in an election that has been described by political pundits as the one that will be fiercely contested given the unfolding trends of events in the post war country where holding political office is seen as a key to wealth, power and other successes. Additionally, the election is seen as a litmus test for all political parties as the process will serve as a clue as to which party produces the successor to incumbent Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. The senatorial race in Liberia is considered next to the presidency since electorates throughout an entire county have to vote their choice for the Senate. The National Elections commission has already begun preparations for the pending midterm election. Necessitated by article 46 of the Liberian constitution, the election will oversee the election of Senators to fill the void created by the expiration of the legislative term of senators that received the highest number of votes in the first post war election conducted in October 2005. Article 46 of the Liberian constitution states Immediately after the Senate shall have assembled following the elections prior to the coming into force of this Constitution, the Senators shall be divided into two categories as a result of the votes cast in each county. The Senator with the higher votes cast shall be the Senator from a county shall be placed in the same category. The seats of Senators of the first category shall be vacated at the expiration of the ninth year. In
ith 2014 now in play, Liberia is becoming politically charged with politicians and supporters gearing up for a big fight for seats in the upper house of the national legislature, notably,
the interest of legislative continuity, the Senators of the second category shall serve a first term of six years only, after the first elections. Thereafter, all Senators shall be elected to serve a term of nine years. Leading political parties are rolling their sleeves in preparation for the fierce contest and with the election months ahead, the political heat has started raging with individuals, some of them political heavyweights lining up for a strong fight. Some of the aspirants already known to have the ambition to contest have publicly declared while others are still calm and observing the process. As the election approaches, FrontPageAfrica catalogues the epic points of the process, looking at the chances of the candidates in each of the fifteen counties beginning today with Grand Cape Mount. Cape Mount is located in the northwestern portion of Liberia and is one of 15 counties that comprise the firstlevel of administrative division in the nation. It has five districts with Robertsport serving as the capital with the area of the county measuring 5,162 square kilometres (1,993 sq mi). As of the 2008 Census, it had a population of 129,055, making it the eighth most populous county in Liberia. The county is bordered by Gbarpolu to the northeast and Bomi to the southeast. The northern part of Grand Cape Mount borders Sierra Leone, while to the west lies the Atlantic Ocean. Surprisingly, the Cape Mount race is building up to be in interesting one and perhaps one of the most contentious due to the fact that four main names already surfacing will be undoubtedly financially prepared for political campaigning. The names in the air so far are former Presidential candidate during the 2005 elections, now Chairman of the ruling Unity Party, Cllr. Varney G.N. Sherman;
former Minister of Lands, Mines and Energy, Dr. Eugene Shannon, former President of the National Oil Company of Liberia, Dr. Foday Kromah and incumbent Senator Abel M. Massaley (NPP). The four candidates will face off in a fierce fight in one of the sparely populated counties of Liberia, using their financial might to convince voters. THE MASSALEY FACTOR The major question now lingering is who will take the day during the pending race expected to be very tense. Incumbent Abel Massalay, a long time politician is expected to face stiff competition from at least for now three other candidates. Massaley is a long time staunch member of former President Charles Taylor National Patriotic Party (NPP) and a veteran in legislative politics. In 2005, Massalay managed 12,415 votes out of total valid votes of 43,928 about 28.9% of the total votes making him the eventual winner of the senior senatorial seat amongst 11 candidates. The incumbent senator confirmed ahead of the 2011 election that he would run as Vice Presidential candidate to Prince Johnson but the bid failed when the two fell apart. Senator Massaley at the time defended that the pronouncement about his partnership with Johnson was based on the conviction that Liberia needs a very strong leader with military experience. The Senator warned that no one must take their resolve for granted as they pursue the leadership of the country. THE SHERMAN MYSTIQUE Varney Sherman, for some should perhaps be the preelection favorite as he has two things in his favor over the other three contenders. The ruling party factor is a major boost for Cllr. Sherman as incumbent parties have high level of support in elections in Liberia, proven by
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this is his time to go to the Legislature. In public life he once served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the lucrative National Oil Company of National Oil Company of Liberia and presided over several contracts negotiations with foreign companies for operations in the virgin oil industry of Liberia. Following a brief stay at NOCAL, Kromah left the oil company and now runs a private radio station, Famema recordings owner of Fabric radio, one of Liberias leading radio stations. Kromah is viewed by many as the candidate likely to cause an upset in part due to the Muslim support he is poised and expected to draw. SHANNON EYEING SHOT Another candidate poised to put up a challenge against the two candidates is Dr. Eugene Shannon, former Minister of Lands, Mines and Energy with several years of experience in the mineral industry both in Liberia and at the international arena but no political history of contesting for an elective post. Shannon holds a PhD in Petrology and Geochemistry from Syracuse University and an MSc degree in Geology from Western Michigan University. Dr. Shannon served as head of the Petrology/Mineralogy Laboratory before becoming the Director of the Liberia Geological Survey. The former Minister worked as a consultant for the United Nations Commission for Trans-National Corporation (UNCTC), New York; as Principle Environmentalist and led the team in developin ng the Institutional Framework at the African Development Bank engaged with mainstreaming environmental and social concerns relative to the bank financed projects and programmes. Shannon is believed to have acquired some wealth during his tenure as Minister at the Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy as during his tenure several mining agreements were entered into between the Liberian Government and foreign companies. Though strange to elective politics Shannon could march the financial power of his fellow contenders, Sherman and Kromah and could perhaps cause an upset during the pending election. Shannon contested the 2011 election as a candidate for the House of Representative from Electoral District two acquiring 1,762 votes out of a total of 12,972 amounting to 13.6%. He ranked 9 out of 13 candidates that contested the election. While many see Sherman as the favorite in this race, an upset is not out of the question, especially from Kromah and the Muslim support he is likely to garner. For Sherman, a victory here could propel him to the lucrative President Pro Temp post in the Senate leadership but a defeat could undoubtedly seal his political coffin, at least in his long shot quest for the presidency in the foreseeable future. There have been some speculations that while Sherman enjoys massive support from ruling Unity Party faithful, his ongoing feud with President Sirleaf could see him in a struggle to win the Presidents support. There have been some speculations that Sirleaf, fearing the threat Sherman could pose as Pro Temp could favor backing Kromah over Sherman. But whichever way the tide slides, one thing remains certain, the Cape Mount race promises to offer a lot of intrigue and a possible cliffhanger climax.
political history. Besides the incumbent factor, Sherman is a big money spender as during the 2005 election, he was vividly the highest spending presidential candidate, running a big money campaign throughout the country. After his failed bid during the 2005 elections, Sherman and the Liberia Action Party formed a merger with the Unity Party in 2011 and he was rumored to be a possible replacement for Vice President Joseph Bokai but that did not work out. He managed only fifth place out of a total of 22 candidates during the 2005 elections on the ticket of the Coalition for the Transformation of Liberia, COTOL managing 76,403 votes out of 825,716 total valid votes about 7.8% of the total votes cast. As a former presidential candidate eying the presidency, running as a senator seems a demotion from his ambition which will undoubtedly make his political life miserable should he not easily win a single county. Sherman hails from Taiwor and Garwula Districts; two districts where votes could be split between Sherman and Kromah who also hails from Taiwor. Sherman will be one of the focal points of the Grand Cape Mount County senatorial race and he and the ruling party have a lot at stake in the electoral process. He will be seen as a graphic picture of the ruling party chances come 2017. Sherman odds could be on religious ground as he is a Christian just as current junior Senator Edward Dagoseh. In a county with huge Muslim population having both senators to be Christian will be somewhat a difficult political decision by the people of the county. FODAY KROMAH MUSLIM VOTE KEY Dr. Foday kromah, a geophysicist had been a little known name in Liberian politics until he contested the 2011 election as a senatorial candidate for Grand Cape Mount County.
Kromah managed sixth place in the 2011 senatorial election acquiring 9,173 votes about 24.7%, out of a total of nine candidates. With growing confidence from his performance in the 2011 election, Kromah believes
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that he was pleased to hear the death news of evil Gbarto. My son, no on one will be happy about the death of someone but for Gbarto, I am pleased he left our midst like this, he added. Another Gbarnga entrepreneur, Alieu Swary, described Gbartos demise as monumental and brings an end to what he called a nightmare against his business. I am celebrating the death because I have been a victim of his criminal activity. His death has added joy to my festive season, he said. According to the Judge of the 9th Judicial Circuit in Gbarnga, Alfred Managborlor, Gbarto recorded the highest prison sentence in 2013, totaling 36, three adrift to another deceased notorious criminal , Nasty Plastic.
BONG COUNTY RESIDENTS REJOICE OVER DEATH OF NOTORIOUS CRIMINAL
WHAT A SHAME!!!
LIBERIA FOREIGN MISSIONS NEED TOTAL OVERHAUL
RECENT EXPOSURE BY FRONTPAGEAFRICA of corruption in the rental deals at the Foreign Service that led to the recall of the Liberian Ambassador to Brussels and his entire staff by the government is troubling. THAT OUR DIPLOMATS WHO ARE representing our country abroad would resort to trickery to make more money is something that needs to be further investigated. IT IS A SEROUS EMBARRASSMENT to those in our foreign service and those wanting to join the sector and the entire country. We are also concerned that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs do not counter check documents sent to it especially ones that require payments using taxpayers money. THE ENTIRE LIBERIAN diplomatic sector over he last two decades has been embroiled in corruption ranging from the sale of our embassies abroad to the use of double and fake lease agreements to the duping of our foreign service employees by the government of rightful remuneration, thereby the ordinary Liberian paying expensively in such dubious deals like the ones under investigation. Monies that should now go to roads and hospitals are being pocketed by just a few. THE ENTIRE LIBERIAN diplomatic sector is rotten. The government has sat idly by and watched as the Foreign missions degenerated into embarrassing scenarios that turned the countrys diplomats into laughing stocks abroad. A CASE IN POINT IS the Liberian embassy in Accra, Ghana, where a former Ambassador married his second secretary at the embassy while she was still employed with the embassy a role she kept until the couple was sent to embassies in Europe close to each other. They both are currently ambassadors representing Liberia. ALMOST TWO YEARS AGO it was also reveled that a Danish journalist Mads Brugger was granted diplomatic status after dubiously acquiring it with the help of top foreign ministry officials and some high ranking Unity Party members. This situation caused huge embarrassment for Liberian diplomats abroad but nothing was done to correct it and no one was punished. THE CASE IN POINT is a serious one with the broad day robbery at the Liberian embassy in Brussels Even though Karpeh tries to blame it on the system. HE SAID THAT UPON HIS ARRIVAL, he was told that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requires a lease agreement, prior to providing funds for payment of rent, but what he fails to show is where he ministry requires fke lease agreements from diplomats. WE ARE DISAPPOINTED that the learned diplomat did not swiftly raise an alarm on such malpractice hat is commonplace. Leaders are required to lead by example. WE SAY THIS BECAUSE Ambassador Francis T. Karpeh has said in his response to us that the government of Liberia is aware of the system in place and we have gathered that it is happening across the twenty-six missions Liberia has abroad.
Gbarnga, Bong County esidents of Gbarnga, Bong County Monday celebrated the death of a notorious criminal known as John Dolo aka Gbarto. Up to press time there were conflicting accounts about what might have led to his death. One source said Gbarto, a father of three, was mobbed to death by angry Gbarnga residents after he was caught escaping with an iPhone belonging to one of the residents. Another source told FrontPage Africa that residents of Collins Street in Gbarnga raced after the deceased as early as 1:00 am after it was established that he yanked a phone belonging to one of the residents. According to the elated residents, the death of Gbarto marks a turning point in their lives and sent a strong message to other criminals hiding in the municipality. Yes, we got him. This is meant to send a caveat to criminals in Bong County, said Ma Theresa Jones, a Gbarnga entrepreneur. We are going to kill anybody we suspect to be criminals whether it is against the laws of the country or not. Another Gbarnga resident, Jimmy Fineboy, told FrontPageAfrica
Commentary
Potential Game Changer: How Richard Tolbert Could Change The 2017 Race If He Decides To Contest
Meniapake Dumoe, Contributing Writer
still so fresh. This bad cards situation currently facing the cabinet could benefit a dark horse. Richard Tolbert could be that dark horse and fare really well in this kind of crowded field as someone with strong name recognition and an enviable credential especially as the leader of the opposition, George Weah continues to be unimpressive despite his newly acquired Masters Degree in Business Administration. There is also a William R. Tolbert nostalgia going on in Monrovia. This was demonstrated when popular radio talk show host Henry Costa ran a show on the legacy of President Tolbert that saw ordinary Liberians call in their number expressing love and admiration for the slain Liberian leader. One of them even said: I will vote for Tolbert toady if he was on the ballot. Now we all know Richard Tolbert is not President William R. Tolbert but it would be stupid to ignore the significance of the name-Tolbert and how it plays in favor of Richard Tolbert who is a nephew of the former President. Richard Tolbert who was also active in the private sector during the Tolbert (William R. Tolbert) years, could argue that he understood his uncle vision and can give Liberians another time in the global economic sunshine. International credibility The Wikileaks cables on Liberia revealed that the Americans see Mr. Tolbert as a credible contender for the presidency of Liberia 2011. Thomas Greenfield, the American Ambassador at the time, in her cable about potential successor to President Sirleaf in the run up to the 2011 polls, informed Washington that Richard Tolbert is well educated, intelligent and committed to the country. Here is a direct quote of relevant part of her cable on Richard Tolbert: as a potential successor of President Sirleaf 2012: High on the list is National Investment Commission chair Richard Tolbert, nephew of former President William R. Tolbert, Jr. (1971-1980). Tolbert is Harvardeducated, Intelligent, well connected both inside and outside Liberia, and truly committed to encouraging investment in Liberia. Many insiders believe it was because of such positive reviews that Richard was kicked out of Government before the 2011 elections. The influential Africa Confidential predicted that Richard and other top professionals in Madam Sirleaf cabinet were going to be fired before the 2011 polls as they were seen as threats. This clear show of respect for Mr. Tolbert coming from the Americans strengthens his image as a safe candidate. Not Bitter Richard Tolbert very good relationship with people like Nancy Doe the wife of former President Samuel K. Doe and other people blamed for the coupe that led to the death of his uncle (Former President William R. Tolbert) is remarkable. He (Richard Tolbert) could also sell himself, as reconciler and he will have a demonstrated record to back up such claim. A friend of mine who had attended an event in Monrovia recounted to me the healthy hug he saw exchanged between Richard Tolbert and Samuel K. Doe (Jnr.)and said he was really impressed. Not known to be a combative person, Richard Tolbert could bring his easygoing attitude to the national stage as the man for the job of national healing. There are also downsides to Richard Tolbert and these are: He is an Americo-Liberian, he stayed 25 years out of the country and would need to build a base anew and some of his critics say he is a ladies man. As a pundit I think Richard Tolbert would make 2017 a different race from the one anticipated by most analysts. I will continue to search out those unanticipated candidates that might show up and surprise in 2017. Richard is first and hope there are many more interesting ones out there.
hile he has done nothing to attract attention to himself after his time at the helm of NIC (National Investment Commission), Richard Tolbert is not to be forgotten in any sound analysis of who could contest and win in 2017. Richard Tolbert has a lot on his side he could use in a potential play for the presidency in 2017. Apart from having solid professional credentials, he also proved effective in attracting $16 billion dollars in FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) during his time as head of the NIC. Richards ability to bring in the investors and effectively market Liberia has earned him a clear legacy on which he can lunch a Presidentail campaign.
THE AMBASSADOR ALSO discloses to FPA that the total rent is base rent plus communal charges, which is not fixed. WITH THE UNFIXED PORTION it has to be accepted total rent ultimately varies on a monthly basis. (2) With no guarantee that actual and adequate rent in the contract will be sent and on time, diplomats have in past instances been embarrassed, he said. CONTINUED KARPEH: While I do not totally agree with the arrangement, this was in place, prior to my arrival. Due to the limitations in the integrity of the arrangement, I as head take responsibility and am in the process, before your inquiry, of proposing some arrangements for adequately responding to the requirements here in Brussels, while at the same time, ensuring that embarrassment to diplomats are removed. NOTWITHSTANDING THESE ASSERTIONS it becomes disturbing when a Liberian diplomat gets involved in dubious activities all because the government cannot meet its obligation as enshrined in the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations. WE WELCOME THE GOVERNMENTS decision to investigate the entire Foreign Service sector and we hope that corrective measures will be taken to address this embarrassment caused our country. But the government also must launch an investigation into the financial workings of the ministry of foreign affairs as it relates to its operations of our foreign missions.
Those who say that the $16billion dollars in investment has not translated in to jobs and opportunities for the poor cannot blame the man who attracted the investment but the system that was meant to manage the process after the investors arrived. In a sense, Richard Tolbert is like a surgeon who completes a successful operation; he (the surgeon) must rely on the ability of the nurses to manage the post operation care for the patient. Richard Tolberts critics will have a hard time explaining to the public the slow down in investment flows after his departure. With fears about the continuation of the countrys progress post Sirleaf, Richard Tolbert could sell himself as someone with similar academic and professional capacity as the president and therefore a safe candidate. He will be right if he did that as both he and the President hold Harvard Degrees, successful banking careers and significant experience at the very top of Liberian Government. Dr. Tolbert has over 30 years of both public and private sector experience that stretch from his native Liberia to Wall Street where he served as vice President one of the world biggest investment firms Merrill Lynch. His credentials towers all of the ones we have heard so far and it will be the first reason why the game will change if he enters as the nations safest option. The name that works The coming race for the Presidency may seem far away on your calendar but on the political field, 2017 is a year that starts in 2014. Monrovia is awash with rumors about who wants to President and discussions about who should or should not be. The pundits and gossips are having a field day with the question of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf succession. The President by law and her advanced age cannot re-contest the presidency. The Liberian Constitution is quite clear in Article 50 it says: The Executive Power of the Republic shall be vested in the President who shall be Head of State, Head of Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia. The president shall be elected by universal adult suffrage of registered voters in the Republic and shall hold office for a term of six years commencing at noon on the third working Monday in January of the year immediately following the elections. No person shall serve as President for more than two terms. It is for the reasons stated above that anyone with ambition can be certain they wont have the unattractive task of fighting an incumbent for the seat in 2017. With a disorganized opposition and no clear chosen successor of the President yet, the 2017 race appears open to anyone who wants to fight for the most powerful position in the land- the Liberian Presidency. Although we hear a long list of cabinet Ministers fighting to be tipped by President Sirleaf for a 2017 or positioning themselves to take it on their own incase their looks somewhere else, most of said Ministers are under performing and suffering public rebuke. It will be hard any of them to attempt the presidency with the grievance of the people
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WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT OUR STORIES ON THE WORLDWIDE WEB
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THE BANKER MAGAZINE AWARD: A SOURCE OF MOTIVATION; NOT AN EVIDENCE OF VINDICATION FOR FINANCE MINISTER AMARA KONNEH
The Editor, Let us first begin with a genuine recognition of Minister Amara Konnehs achievement as the African Finance Minister of the Year. It is no doubt that a wealth of thought went into this decision given the apparent credibility of The Banker Magazine. In addition, we are compel to agree with a colleague that solely blaming the dismal state of the financial sector and our economy as a whole on the Hon. Minister, (one reason why some people feel he is not deserving of the award) is not only unfair and, frankly, ignorant, but exponentially disingenuous. Clearly, the Minister shares in the blame, but so are the Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia, Dr. Mill Jones, the National Legislature and other government agencies. Despite our recognition of the Minister, and by extension, Liberias achievement, we are concern over responses from some of his ardent supporters, as it relates to critics who feel that among other things, the award is a mockery of the Liberian people. Now, we agree that some of the criticisms have roots in envy, tribalism and pure hate of the man himself (Minister Konneh). However, to dismiss all of the other legitimate criticisms on grounds that they are simply another way of Liberians hating on each other is categorically wrong, unfounded and inconsistent with the very essence of nation building. People are not questioning the man as a person. Instead, they are doing so within the context of the award and the existing conditions in Liberia. Yes, the Finance Ministry, under Minister Konneh, has made significant strides in streamlining the national budget. However, we still have a budget that is more maintenance than investment driven. We have a budget that allocates fluctuating amounts to education, which is one of, if not, the most critical component of national development while administrative budgetary allocation remains way above education, security and health. You have a Minister who presided/presides over the PRS, yet, poverty is almost as high as it was since the inception of the PRS and unemployment is still high. How can you say people are envious of the Minister when he supported a budget that keeps civil servants pay at the same level while lawmakers enjoy hefty increases? Is it wrong to question the understanding of those who gave this award when the very Finance Ministry is the source of serious allegations of corruption? We need to stop labeling people for asking legitimate questions. No doubt the award speaks volume as far as the Minister and his teams tireless efforts are concern. It is a testament to Minister Konnehs commitment to rescue our nations financial sector from the valley of flagrant and irresponsible financial policies to the relatively lofty heights of growth and viability. However, seeing this award as a form of vindication is not only arrogant, but also, gravely insensitive. Vindication should be left to history. The Minister and his team should see this award as a source of motivation; not an ammunition to attack his critics. Doing so only raises question about Minister Konnehs practical understanding of our peoples economic conditions. We cannot forge a stronger and perfect nation when all we do is dismiss people simply because their criticisms threaten our chopping spots. Ignoring these questions and concerns only highlights the arrogance and callous attitudes of the Ministers supporters. Yes, some people are simply blowing steam but most of the questions and concerns expressed since the award, are legitimate and should be taken seriously if the Minister wants to continue to make inroads in strengthening the Finance Ministry and positioning himself as a viable, credible, engaging and trustworthy leader. Johnson, Alfred J, AJ760080@wcupa.edu
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I WILL NOT BE INACTIVE: FOREIGN MINISTER NGAFUAN WEIGHS IN ON 2017
SYLVESTER MOSES In 2013 President Ellen Johnson - Sirleaf unequivocally stated that she will finish her second term; yet we continue to hear the familiar 2010 hyperboles, such as her plan to groom and succession plan as if the Liberian electorate has forfeited the right to elect the next head of state. With the utopian euphoria of 2005 eclipsed by dystopian angst, the ruling UP breathing with an oxygen tank (and its secretariat ostracized by first partisan - rebuff) coupled with UP - USA splintered into four hostile factions, all one can expect from the UP - led government until 2017 are allegedly few roads and electricity. We should be grateful, I suppose. It is from this dismal context one looks with disgust at the acrimonious factionalism within UP - USA even with the untimely death of Ms Hawa Kpaka, one of the backbones of the party in the US. That the passing of such an outstanding partisan couldnt bridge the chasm between the hostile partisans is a disgrace. But there is still a glimmer of hope for UP and Liberia: at least, Minister Ngafuan is still talking about overcoming challenges and the central bank governor, Mills Jones, dared to talk about tackling poverty. CHRISTIAN FLEMMING The diction, word choice, ability to articulate an idea in a clear concise way, was a bit disappointing for such a high profiled official of government. My own suggestion is that the Minister gets private tutoring to improve his communication. This will not only improve his performance on the job, but will also enhance the international image of Liberia. EDDISON ZINNAH UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX What has age to do with one's capability to perform a task? Excellent responses to the interview Mr. Minister, especially the last question. Sometimes some individuals in high profile positions tend to impress people by going deep into ministries or agencies budgets as means of assisting relatives, friends, or well-wishers--oh, almost forgot, also on the beer table. Later will they realize that they have been caught in a web-corruption has become their neck-ties, choking them almost to death. What some of those individuals may not realize, is that the very people that they hand over monies to, will be the same people castigating them as the most corrupt persons. I think people should begin to hold, high their self-esteems--you can give from your own pocket to assist someone, but on a more justifiable reason and not the people's money. KOILORKIMBA It's sad that one of the contributors' assessment of the Minister is based on diction instead of integrity and hard work which is needed for the country to pull itself from the present state. I am of the opinion that modern communication is based on simplified usage in both written and verbal communication - no one needs to guess meanings. In fact on the international scene English is a second language for most people and simplified expression is the key. In this setting the language I believe is quite appropriate. There's is no need for intellectual vocabulary or expression. Did some you see and hear former President Bush's interviews? Finally, I pray that other officials of Sirleaf's government could peep over Ngafuan's shoulder and learn for the wellbeing of those Liberians who are struggling daily. We have to remove the notion that speaking big words, jargons so-called intellectual diction for impression is the judging instrument for such position. MASU FAHNBULLEH THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTE Liberia is at her best...a young, energetic, brilliant and career driven pool of professionals. Having said that, the question becomes, our level of commitment and genuine conviction in delivering on the fundamental tenets of democracy. ...rule of law, good governance and transparency. And what is more, are we true to our collective commitments in...resourcing basic life necessities for our fellow citizens. ..ordinary Liberians are not asking for much...clean drinking water, farm-to- market road, electricity, healthcare, education and security. I am of this young and vibrant generation and there's no doubt in my mind, that we can deliver on this PROMISE.
'IN SUPPORT OF BENONI UREY'S RIGHTS TO CONTEST THE PRESIDENCY OF LIBERIA": A RESPONSE
The Editor, As commented earlier, Samuel P. Jacksons recent conversation with Benoni Urey is quiet interesting. It is the first personal talk with Urey, I think, in which, according to Jackson, Urey stated his intention or ambition to become a presidential candidate in the 2017 elections. If that is so, it brings us to the following questions: Under which party will he run? Will it be the National Patriotic Party, the CDC, or will he start a new party? Should Liberians elect a presidential candidate with higher education, international contacts, brevity, national popularity, material wealth? Should Liberians elect a presidential candidate with alleged criminal past, atrocity or corruption? Should a candidates social background, the old social divide, Congoism and Countryism, be considered in electing a president, considering past political domination of one group over the other? Would it be politically wise if Urey runs as a representative or a senator in 2017 and run for the presidency later? Assuming he is the standard bearer of CDC in 2017, what would it say about the party and its image? And if he is elected, what would his election say about the Liberian people or the Liberian electorates? What would it also say about future leadership? Does the respective election of Charles Taylor and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf serve as lessons for electing future presidents? Are we again seeing the same people who supported Taylor and Sirleaf now in the corner of Urey or other candidates? Asking or posting these questions should not be viewed as denial of Ureys rights or support of his candidacy to seek the presidency. They are neither in any way supporting a particular candidate. They should rather be considered as some of the questions or concerns, which many Liberians would have regarding the un-announced candidacy of Urey. Personally, I think that an individuals character, honesty and love of Liberia and people should be the main ingredients for consideration for national leadership. Give me your two cents. Dagbayonoh Kiah Nyanfore II dnyanfore@aol.com
The comments expressed here are those of our online readers and bloggers and do no represent the views of FrontPageAfrica
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Monrovia
UNMIL SUSPENDS PROTESTING LIBERIA STAFF
early a week after civilian employees of the United Nations Mission in Liberia clashed with armed UN peacekeepers in a protest over unfavorable work conditions, several employees involved in the protest action could be out of jobs, FrontPageAfrica has learned. The workers' group under the banner of the National Staff Association (UNMIL NASA) on December 30, 2013 lodged a formal complaint to the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs calling for a thorough investigation of the incident. A copy of the complaint in the possession of FPA reveals that the protesting staffers had declared four international staff colleagues as persona non grata. The communication named the staffers as: Mr. Francisco Rouillon (Chief, Integrated Support Services), Ms. Carmen De Los Rios (Chief, Civilian Personnel Officer), Mr. DomingosNatividade (Fuel Officer) and Mr. Duncan Kamugisha (Sector Engineer, Greenville). Protesters Lament Heinous Crimes The protesting staffers are also said to be preparing an amended complaint declaring the Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG), Ms. Karin Landgren, persona non grata.
The staffers accused Landgren of grossly abusing her powers on the occasion of the brutality and heinous crimes meted against them and is now issuing letters of administrative suspension to the already wounded staff members. UNMIL Spokesperson, AleemSiddique who threatened to kill a national staff member to his face, the protesting workers statement noted. The protesting workers lamented that no member of the senior management team of UNMIL has called any of the victimized national staff members to express empathy for the wounds sustained since the saga came to light. We do agree with UNMIL Spokesperson that these are indeed serious offences under Liberian Laws, which call for full and thorough investigation, but UNMILs insensitivity is further seen in the selective manner in which justice is being sought." " While National staff members are being prosecuted, the Jordanian FPU officers who committed brutality against our compatriots goscot free, the communication noted. NASA is meanwhile calling on UNMIL to strip the alleged internationals of their immunity in like manner, and turned over to the police for investigation as has been the case of the national staff members. Even as we write, the photographs of national staff members who have been put on Administrative
Leave are being placarded at the entrance of all UNMIL premises so as to be denied entry. This is a situation which is now depicting our esteemed colleagues as criminals. Workers Ready for Dialogue The workers group reiterated its readiness to peacefully dialogue with the UNMIL Administration in finding a lasting solution to these overarching concerns and is urging SRSG Landgren and her team to address themselves to issues that affect the welfare of local staffers, and not only the internationals. We also call on them to withdraw all Administrative Leave granted our colleagues as this beats the spirit of our on-going negotiation, borders on a witch hunt and further drives a wedge in the already strained relationship between NASA and Management. In December 2013, UNMIL confirmed that a demonstration by a small group of UNMIL staff took place at the main entrance gate of its logistics base (Star Base) in Monrovias Free Port Zone on Friday, 27 December. An UNMIL statement said
the protestors blocked the main entrance to Star Base, preventing all movement in and out of the compound. A UN police officer and three other UNMIL staff members were assaulted by the protestors and UNMIL property was vandalized. Two of the assaulted staff members sustained injuries; no other injuries have been reported, the statement noted. The UNMIL statement described the vandalizing of properties as serious offences under Liberian law and called for a full and thorough investigation by the authorities. UNMIL is co-operating with the LNP. The Mission is also undertaking an internal investigation. Three staff members were arrested during the protest. They were subsequently released pending further investigation by the Liberia National Police (LNP). The welfare of our staff is an important priority for UNMIL. We are committed to addressing any issues through peaceful dialogue. We can confirm that talks with staff representatives are on-going. The right to peaceful protest in Liberia is guaranteed. However, nobody has the right
to break the law, including UNMIL staff members. Anyone found guilty of criminal offenses should expect to be held accountable to the full extent of the law. Mass Rally In a counter response to the UNMIL accusations, the Officers and members of the UNMIL National Staff Association (UNMIL NASA) categorically refuted and denounced what they described as the false allegation of UNMIL Administration against the National Staff Association. The sit-in action of NASA members on Friday, December 27, 2013 was an attempt by NASA members to draw UNMIL managements attention to the grievous abuse of power, alienation and gross discrimination against national staff members as reflected in wages, benefits, bus pick up schedule and supervision, the workers explained in a statement. This was not a demonstration by a small group of UNMIL staff as indicated in the UNMIL Press Statement. Rather, it was a mass rally of at least ninety-five (95%) of
all National Staff members in UNMIL who demonstrated inside the Star Base compound and not at the main entrance gate. The workers said for three hours, NASA members quietly sat down in the Star Base Compound of the Mission and rejected only the entry (by vehicle) of the Chief of Integrated Support Services (CISS), Mr. Francisco Rouillon, who had, over the past several months, subjected its members to harassment, discrimination and incrimination. We did not cut off power; neither did we vandalize any of UNMILs properties nor manhandled any of our UNMIL colleagues (international and national). Also, neither did we block the main entrance nor prevent the movement of staff members in and out of the compound as intimated." " What we are fully aware of is that we vehemently refused to meet with Mr. Francisco Rouillon, Chief Integrated Support Services, a decision we took purposely for his personal safety among emotionally enraged national staff members who see him as the architect of the current problems. The protesting staffers condemned the action of UNMIL to use of force against armless local staffers. At the instruction of UNMILs management, troops of the Nepalese, Nigerian and Jordanian Formed Police Units who violently entered the compound and mercilessly beat, raped and bullied our colleagues who sustained severe wounds" ". National Staff members were manhandled, beaten, publicly raped and ill-treated by armed officers of the UNMIL Jordanian Formed Police Unit. UNMIL has been in Liberia since September 2003 when the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 1509 (2003) welcoming the Secretary-Generals report of 11 September 2003 and its recommendations to station some 15,000 United Nations military personnel, including up to 250 military observers and 160 staff officers, and up to 1,115 UN police officers, including formed units to assist in the maintenance of law and order throughout Liberia, and the appropriate civilian component. UNMIL took over peacekeeping duties from ECOWAS forces in October.
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Yekepa, Nimba County iberia is enjoying billions of investment form concessionaires only evidenced by over 50 concession agreements signed and ratified by the 52nd National Legislature but yet there is huge unemployment and ragging poverty across the country. The signing of these agreements was greeted with hope amongst unemployed Liberians but as it is usually said in an old proverb, that not all that glitters is gold, Liberians in these concession areas are yet to fathom while life is yet to change. Like the case of citizens of Gbapa and Yekepa Districts in Nimba County, they are crying from poverty instead of enjoying from the presence of the operations of world steel giant, Arcelor Mittal, said to be a Billion dollar investor. The company is presently abstracting millions of tons of Iron Ore from one of Liberias richest mining areas in Nimba County. Gbapa and other surrounding villages are the most affected villages because they are hosting Arcelor Mittal and yet dont have anything to show from a company that has been here for so many years. It is worrisome because people dont have their farm land anymore to grow their crops, Says Emma YeiKonnah, Statutory Superintendent, Yekepa, Gbapa Districts, Nimba County. Poverty in resources During a recent visit to Gbapa and Yekepa Districts to witness the Alliance for Democracy (ARD) 5th Bi-National Meeting, there was glaring sign of the poverty stricken lives of many citizens who are miners and work for the Iron ore company. Workers are living in the pitch dark villages with houses built from mud and thatch roofs. One would say Gbapa, Yekepa District where another company- LAMCO operated in the past is a complete replica of Bomi Hills in Bomi County that is now sarcastically referred to as Bomi Holes, due to the abstracting of minerals by the Liberia Mining Company which left many holes in the County without development to show for it. The question of why we dont have electricity is not for me to answer but Arcelor Mittal, laments Madam Konnah. Because the citizens, that are to be enjoying electricity from this billion dollar company are
not benefiting at all, Madam Konnah observes. Pointing fingers to a mountain from where electricity was seen, she said rather in an angry but deliberate tone; Look to where the company is operating and see that the animals are the ones enjoying the lights while the human beings are lying in darkness. Madam Konnah said she sees Gbapa being seriously threatened because of the mining activities, as the town has been relocated from the original Gbapa along the road to where it is presently due to the mining of gold, diamond and Iron ore. We dont even have a clinic for our people, so whenever you are sick and you dont have money to charter a car, to take the person to Tappita hospital, the person will die. I want my people needs to be met because they are not happy, says Madam Konnah. The Alliance for Democracy (ARD) 5th Bi-National Meeting of heads of member Organizations recently held Gbapa, Nimba County; provided the opportunity for citizens from the 16 counties of Liberia to share their plight in their respective Counties. One of such individual expressing disappointment over Arcelor Mittals presence in Gbapa, was Helen Saye, Gbapa, Chairlady, Women for Development, who said a piece of cassava is sold for L$100.00, whereas in the past, they grew their own Cassava, blaming the high price on the operations of the steel company which has driven citizens from their farmland. The people dont have rights over their land anymore, they are putting a stop to our people from making farms next year, so how will we eat? Where will our unborn children live tomorrow when their birthrights have been taken from them? The hunger that is starting is the beginning of our sorrow, Says Madam Saye. Our country boys we put there to seek our interest have become a big failure, They who are supposed to talk for us are holding brown envelopes from the company, so they cant talk on our behalf, while their children are in the US, where their farms are and they go the US for agriculture break instead of coming to advocate for their people. " "The common people have no right while we have iron ore, but we are poor, we have resources but it is in other peoples pocket enjoying it. Government is not in our favor but only cares about the money the company will give them
NIMBA DECRY ARCELOR MITTALS OPERATIONS

Mae Azango, mae.azango@frontpageafricaonline.com
TAKING MORE, GIVING LESS

Addressing the issue of the lack of clinics and electricity in the concession area, Arcelor Mittal Spokesperson, Mrs. Hesta Baker Pearson admitted that Gbaba, Zolowe, and other villages are considered the affected communities, but said the company is trying to improve the community engagement and support. Says Carlos: Just before the conference, my boss told me we have to do something for the community. Bringing light into Gbapa, are some of the things we are going to be looking into. Further speaking on the issue of a clinic in Gbapa and Yekepa, Another Arcelor Mittal representative said the company has already broken ground for the construction of a clinic in Gbapa. But the Ministry of Health told us before we go ahead with the clinic; we should seek permission from them to give us
CORPORATE NEWS
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while we suffer, Saye concluded. Mittal Celebrates huge Ore shipments However, with all the complaints from the citizens in Nimba County, Arcelor Mittal Liberia was happy to announce in its year end press conference the shipment of millions of tons of iron ore, between January August 2013, that was on track for 4.5 million tons in 2013. Shipment has increased immensely as shown from January to August of 2013 with a total of 3,000,000 tons, compared to 1,896,000 tons of iron ore during the same time in 2012, nearly doubling our figures with such strong operating result, this has placed us in a position of being able to enhance our capacity to meet our overall goals, Says Antonio Maria Carlos, Arcelor Mittal Chief Executive Officer.
a blueprint of what it would look like to build a clinic, considering the fact that the distance from Gbapa to Yekepa is very close." "So in constructing a clinic, you have to consider the distance between the two areas, so consultation is presently, ongoing between the Ministry of Health representative in Saniqullie and Arcelor Mittal. Acelor Mittal also disclosed that it has allocated US forty million for the construction of the MonroviaGantaHighway, when the government gets ready. As the citizens of Nimba await development from the company, and the government is yet to provide an update on the road development, the process of abstracting and shipment of million tons of Iron ore from the county is not waiting.
RESPONSE TO FRONT PAGE AFRICAS STORY

The ArcelorMittal Foundation allocated $45,000 and building materials in 2013 for the construction of a new clinic in Gbapa, Nimba County. The plans, which are still in place for the 2014, require the approval of the Ministry of Health as per Liberias laws. Currently, ArcelorMittal Liberia operates a hospital in Yekepa, about 15 minutes from Gbapa, which is open to all of the surrounding communities for treatment at nominal fees. $2.49 million US dollars in compensation were paid in 2013 for resettlement, primarily in communities impacted by our mining operation. In November of 2013, 78 miners in the town of Gbapa were paid $1.26 million US dollars. It is important to note that there is absolutely no land that is taken free. Every landowner whose land is being used has been compensated from the start of the project to date. MOUs are signed with the individuals allowing usage of their land by compensation or lease agreements. Compensation for all crops are paid in line with international best practices and signed by the chiefs. We are also working on what is called the Definitive Compensation Agreement for crops which is signed by the farm owner, company, and County inspector and witnessed by the town chief and a representative from the Superintendents office. The DCA is based on crops being physically counted and paid for by the Company. $40 million US dollars have been provided for the building of the Ganta Yekepa Highway. The MOU was signed last year with the Ministry of Public Works and ArcelorMittal Liberia. All designs have been submitted to the government by the Company. Yesterday, January 6, based on a request from residents in several communities around the mine, 200 bags of cement, and rice were provided to several communities for their cultural heritage projects. We are currently constructing seven wells in addition to the fourteen previously installed in Nimba County. At the same time, those wells that require rehabilitation are also being fixed. The Zolowee water system is also being addressed currently by the Company to replace pipes, faucets and other necessary components. An assessment was done last week to assess and replace damages. Three markets were built in Nimba County with one under construction in Zolowee, which is about 70% completed. Additionally, ArcelorMittal Liberia continues to provide more job opportunities in the area, recently employing Liberians formerly employed by Engineers and Planners. Our contractors, who must abide by ArcelorMittal Liberias employment policies of providing schools, decent wages, and medical care also hire largely from these communities. ArcelorMittal Liberia is committed to working with all of our communities. Each year $3 million dollars is provided to Bong, Nimba and Grand Bassa through the County Social development funds to further support developmental projects within these counties. About ArcelorMittal ArcelorMittal is the world's leading integrated steel and mining company, with presence in more than 60 countries. ArcelorMittal is the leader in all major global steel markets, including automotive, construction, household appliances and packaging, with leading R&D and technology, as well as sizeable captive supplies of raw materials and outstanding distribution networks. With an industrial presence in over 20 countries spanning four continents, the Company covers all of the key steel markets, from emerging to mature. Through its core values of sustainability, quality and leadership, ArcelorMittal commits to operating in a responsible way with respect to the health, safety and well-being of its employees, contractors and the communities in which it operates. It is also committed to the sustainable management of the environment. It takes a leading role in the industry's efforts to develop breakthrough steelmaking technologies and is actively researching and developing steel-based technologies and solutions that contribute to combat climate change. In 2010, ArcelorMittal had revenues of $78.0 billion and crude steel production of 90.6 million tonnes, representing approximately 6 per cent of world steel output. ArcelorMittal is listed on the stock exchanges of New York (MT), Amsterdam (MT), Paris (MT), Brussels (MT), Luxembourg (MT) and on the Spanish stock exchanges of Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid and Valencia (MTS). For more information about ArcelorMittal visit: www.arcelormittal. com.
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Monroviaecent reports of financial corruption at the Liberian Embassy in Brussels, leading to the recall of Ambassador Francis T. Karpeh, have exposed a lot of loopholes in the Liberian diplomatic service. With the Ministry of Foreign Affairs instituting an investigation and recalling the Ambassador and his entire staff on instructions of the President many in the Liberian diplomatic arena are bracing for more. As the days go by more information on the diplomatic malpractice continues to pour in to FrontPageAfrica. Sources in the Liberian foreign sector say Salaries and benefits such as Education grants due diplomats and Utilities, for example, are in a worse state of arrears at the moment. Many recalled diplomats have faced serious embarrassment and have even been constrained to apply for compassionate stay in receiving states because of government of Liberia failure to remit funds the repatriation of them and their families, while diplomats courageous enough to resign are simply ignored and abandoned overseas. McKinley Thomas rush to reopen Swiss Mission Sources say former Ambassador McKinley Thomas former Ambassador to Paris also faced the same problem as he tried to reopen the Liberian Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva, which had been closed by the Swiss government because of
WILL SIRLEAF ACT?

As Liberian Foreign Missions Wallow In Financial Peril
Wade C.L. Willaims, wade.williams@frontpageafricaonline.com
about the inadequacy and illtimed government support for the Mission's expenses, Ambassador Thomas did not heed any advice to abandon the idea of establishing the Mission. When MrAmet refused to come to Geneva, he tried to recruit a Secretary, and quickly realized that the lowest salary for a Secretary in Geneva, without benefits, was approximately Swiss Francs 5000! He opted to irregularly locate a locally based African (Ghanaian) to man the Mission for a few hours daily for a measly Swiss Francs 1500, said a diplomatic source. When the government failed to maintain payment of even this ridiculous amount, the staff reported the Mission to a Labor Tribunal. Whether or how the matter has been settled I'm uncertain. Pension for Diplomats The problems with the diplomatic sector is enormous and pension for retired diplomats is still a sticky issue as some die without reaping their just reward for public service. Liberian diplomats and thousands of locals in countries who have served Liberian embassies for very protracted periods are not properly catered to after retirement by the government yet it continues to open more diplomatic missions and appoint more diplomatic agents. There is, clearly, no plan or commitment by government to settle outstanding payments to Foreign Service Officers (FSAs), said a foreign affairs source. Continued the Source: There is barely a handful of FSAs who have the personal financial wherewithal to finance government (and do). As a result, FSAs are constrained to make ends meet. This is an area in which ALL Liberian governments have failed some civil servants, and, because all civil servants should be equal, this government is a particular case in point as some civil servants (especially locally based ones) are treated differently from others. This scenario of such diplomatic disgrace is causing serious embarrassment to the country and people want to see the President take action, says another source who does not want to be named.
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DIPLOMATIC NEWS
very huge debt incurred by the past administration. Thomas, who was also saddled with accusations of corruption to feed his own ego and in exchange for releasing to government huge funds deposited by former politicians seized by the Swiss authorities, and other funds from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), convinced President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to reopen the Geneva Mission. In fact, the President came herself and reopened the Mission. As a goodwill
he Acting Head of the National Bureau of Concession, Dickson Yarsiah has been accused of misapplication and mismanagement of over two hundred thousand United States Dollars. The former comptroller who is currently the Director at the Finance and Economic Analysis Unit of the NBC, Francis Zazay in a communication to the Director General of the Civil Service Agency and the House of Representative committee on concession raised concerns about financial mismanagement at the NBC. Since the death of the former Director General of the NBC Tarnue Marwolo the NBC has been in the media consistently on issues surrounding corruption and financial mismanagement. Zazay said, the Financial performance report shows that the NBC spent two hundred ninety eight thousand five hundred sixty four United States Dollars for the month of November and December on goods and services.Almost everyone is shock to see the
FORMER CONCESSION BUREAU COMPTROLLER ACCUSES ACTING DIRECTOR OF $200K MISAPPLICATION

huge amount of money spent on goods and services,knowing that Director Yarsiah has consistently claimed that the entity has no money, to the extent that there is a shortage of office supplies, Zazay wondered. He claimed that the acting NBC head has hired 14 (fourteen) persons adding that there has been a shift in employee allowance due to the additional employment. Zazay said, Director Yarsiah claims that most if not all of the money paid for goods and services are arrears, allegedly created by Mr. Wilmot Smith. Id advised Honorable Yarsiah that I was not aware of such indebtedness, as immediate former comptroller up to August 6, 2013, Zazay said. He continued, He was further advised, both in private and during a senior staff meeting also attended by USAIDGEMS consultants to exercise caution in making such payments so as to mitigate the risk of paying double on any invoice that has already been paid.
gesture and on the request of government, the Swiss government provided a facility free of charge to house the Liberian Permanent Mission to Geneva, said a diplomatic source that does not want to be named. The late MrAlbert Amet, then assigned to the Liberian Embassy in Paris, was tipped by Thomas to serve as Charge d'Affaires in Geneva but he refused to come, apparentlyrelyingon the fact that the government was grossly delinquent in meeting its financial obligations to
the Paris Mission, which he (Amet) considered much less expensive than Geneva. It made no sense coming to Geneva. In fact, so bad was government's delinquency and MrAmet's financial situation that, rather than accrue rent in Paris, he moved into the Driver's quarters at the Embassy in Paris where he lived for years, and where he eventually took ill and died a pauper's death, said the diplomatic source. Sources say, it is a wellestablished fact that though the dead diplomat complained
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CORRUPTION WATCH
Al-Varney Rogers alrogers2008@gmail.com

and has no iota of truth, Yarsiah said. Yarsiah said, upon taking over as head of the entity Mr. Zazay told him that NBC is double paying vendors.According to Yarsiah Mr. Zazay was told to provide the information to the committee adding that with such information the NBC will go after vendors who were double paid.I remember a month Mr. Zazay told me that we are double paying vendors because during his tenure as comptroller he (Zazay) remembered paying those vendors, Yarsiah said. The NBC Director indicated that upon taking over as the head of the NBC in September he began receiving communication from vendors that his institution is indebted to them.We inherited a debt of over fifty-five thousand United State dollars we said no that we will not sit here and see the government indebt, Yarsiah said. Yarsiah continued that a committee was set up to look
Zazay said, there is no report to validate the existence of the entity indebtedness adding that the acting head of NBC continues to make payments to vendors without consultation. According to Zazay, payments made to vendors from September to December, along with the US$62,365 that was initially misused in June of 2013 brings the amount of questionable spending to US$ 360,929.I find this
spending pattern bizarre given that honorable Yarsiah had suspended Mr. Smith for the misuse of US $62, 365, Zazay said. The Acting Director General of the NBC Dickson Yarsiah has termed the allegation against him (Yarsiah) by Mr. Zazay of misapplication of government fund as false and misleading. The information that we misappropriated over US$ 200,000 is false, misleading
into the matter with Mr. Zazay included adding that Mr. Zazay refused to cooperate with committee up to present. According to acting NBC head, his entity is in line with financial policy of Liberia. We were given a budget to operate in and prepare cash plan and forward it to the Ministry of Finance.We stand ready to be audited. Come and audit us, Yarsiah said. Once it comes to procuring we have our document intact. According to information gathered by FPA, the acting director of the NBC Dixon Yarsiah has employed his brother and friend with huge salary and bonuses. Responding to question from Front Page Africa of employing friends and family members Yarsiah admitted of employing a family member at the entity but argued that he is qualify and is a Liberian and deserved to work.Yes hes employ. He is a Liberian and qualify, he is working on his master, Yarsiah said.
ARCELORMITTAL COMMITTED TO WORKING WITH LIBERIA COMMUNITIES

Public Works and ArcelorMittal Liberia. All designs have been submitted to the government by the Company. Yesterday, January 6, based on a request from residents in several communities around the mine, 200 bags of cement, and rice were provided to several communities for their cultural heritage projects. We are currently constructing seven wells in addition to the fourteen previously installed in Nimba County. At the same time, those wells that require rehabilitation are also being fixed. The Zolowee water system is also being addressed currently by the Company to replace pipes, faucets and other necessary components. An assessment was done last week to assess and replace damages. Three markets were built in Nimba County with one under construction in Zolowee, which is about 70% completed. Additionally, ArcelorMittal Liberia continues to provide more job opportunities in the area, recently employing Liberians formerly employed by Engineers and Planners. Our contractors, who must abide by ArcelorMittal Liberias employment policies of providing schools, decent wages, and medical care also hire largely from these communities. ArcelorMittal Liberia is committed to working with all of our communities. Each year $3 million dollars is provided to Bong, Nimba and Grand Bassa through the County Social development funds to further support developmental projects within these counties.
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BUSINESS
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RESPONSE TO FRONT PAGE AFRICAS STORY
T T
Monrovia he ArcelorMittal Foundation allocated $45,000 and building materials in 2013 for the construction of a new clinic in Gbapa, Nimba County. The plans, which are still in place for the 2014, require the approval of the Ministry of Health as per Liberias laws. Currently, ArcelorMittal Liberia operates a hospital in Yekepa, about 15 minutes from Gbapa, which is open to all of the surrounding communities for treatment at nominal fees. $2.49 million US dollars in compensation were paid in 2013 for resettlement, primarily in communities impacted by our mining operation. In November of 2013, 78 miners in the town of Gbapa were paid $1.26 million US dollars. It is important to note that there is absolutely no
land that is taken free. Every landowner whose land is being used has been compensated from the start of the project to date. MOUs are signed with the individuals allowing usage of their land by compensation or lease agreements. Compensation for all crops are paid in line with international best practices and signed by the chiefs. We are also working on what is called the Definitive Compensation Agreement for crops which is signed by the farm owner, company, and County inspector and witnessed by the town chief and a representative from the Superintendents office. The DCA is based on crops being physically counted and paid for by the Company. $40 million US dollars have been provided for the building of the GantaYekepa Highway. The MOU was signed last year with the Ministry of
he indicted former Board Chairman of the Liberia Airport Authority, Musa Bility is expected to go on trial on February 12 without principal co-defendant Ellen Cockrum while the First International Bank by and thru its President Wole Sodipe , Jeremi Tegli, Justin Ogugua have been found guilty of economic sabotage. Ellen Cockrum, Musa Bility, Melvin Johnson and others are indicted for several criminal charges including economic sabotage allegedly committed during her tenure as head of the Liberia Airport Authority. Their indictment grew out of a US$30m offered by the Government of Liberia to the Liberia Airport Authority to rehabilitate the deplorable run away at the Roberts International Airport which up to Cockrumssecret departure from Liberia was not rehabilitated. Defendant Cockrum holder of both Liberian and American citizenship fled the country to the United States after her indictment but efforts by the government of Liberia to have her extradited to stand trial back home has been dragging. Report had it that Ellen Cockrum and her fianc Melvin Johnson may not return to the country for trial as according to sources, the United States Government is not willing to extradite them
BILITY STANDS TRIAL WITHOUT KEY CO -DEFENDANT COCKRUM

Kennedy L. Yangiankennedylyangian@frontpageafricaonline.com 077296781
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LAW & ORDER
ArcelorMittal is the world's leading integrated steel and mining company, with presence in more than 60 countries. ArcelorMittal is the leader in all major global steel markets, including automotive, construction, household appliances and packaging, with leading R&D and technology, as well as sizeable captive supplies of raw materials and outstanding distribution networks. With an industrial presence in over 20 countries spanning four continents, the Company covers all of the key steel markets, from emerging to mature. Through its core values of sustainability, quality and leadership, ArcelorMittal commits to operating in a responsible way with respect to the health, safety and well-being of its employees, contractors and the communities in which it operates. It is also committed to the sustainable management of the environment. It takes a leading role in the industry's efforts to develop breakthrough steelmaking technologies and is actively researching and developing steelbased technologies and solutions that contribute to combat climate change. In 2010, ArcelorMittal had revenues of $78.0 billion and crude steel production of 90.6 million tonnes, representing approximately 6 per cent of world steel output. ArcelorMittal is listed on the stock exchanges of New York (MT), Amsterdam (MT), Paris (MT), Brussels (MT), Luxembourg (MT) and on the Spanish stock exchanges of Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid and Valencia (MTS).
citing the poor justice system in the country. As the conference hearing of the Cockrum case continues on Tuesday in Cockrums absence the Presiding Judge of the Criminal C at the Temple Justice Blamo Dixon ruled to grant co-defendant Bility a separate trial that will allow
him stand trial alone. Already, the court had granted the President of the Liberia Bank for Development and Investment (LBDI) John Davies and his Deputy Gloria Menjor separate trial. Judge Dixons ruling to give co-defendant Bilitys separate trial grew out of a motion filed
by his defense counsel Cllr. James E. Pierre and others that though, Bility is jointly charged with the rest of the defendants but his trial could be contrary and antagonistic to the other defendants out of the country. In the mind of this court, there is no way co-defendant Bility can be tried with the other
defendants out of the country, if he is tried with the others; his defensive will clash with other defensives said Judge Blamo Dixon. He told the court that Bility is liable to separate trial because the criminal procedure law Chapter 15.10 provides that the court could grant a party
a separate trial when the defendant deserves it. On a long standing case involving the First International Bank (FIB) the Judge added that the bank is guilty of economic sabotage as it has reinstituted the US$56, 750.00 reportedly wired to Melvin Johnson to the court and denied the motion filed by lawyers of the FIB to quash out the writ of arrest for FIB president. He ordered that the bank be fined US$ 10,000 and all involved in the saga from the FIB in the indictment be fined US$300.00 each while the case resumes on February 12, 2013. The Judge further ruled to mandate the Clerk of the Criminal C Court C Matthew Wleh to issue the writ of summon for Ellen Cockrum and others currently in the United States and said the writ should be aired both in the print and electronic media for four consecutive days while all evidence not in the possession of the court should be provided before the case resumes on February 12, 2013
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(CNN) --
NEARLY A MILLION FLEE VIOLENCE IN CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
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WORLD NEWS
POACHERS ARE THE PREY IN A PARK IN THE REPUBLIC OF CONGO
IN BRIEF
s the violence in the Central African Republic reaches unprecedented levels, aid organizations say the number of internally displaced people edges toward a million, further hampering humanitarian relief efforts. The nearly 935,000 displaced people are hiding in bushes and seeking refuge with host families, and churches and schools have been turned in to makeshift shelters. More than half the population of the capital city of Bangui has been displaced, and nearly 60% of them are displaced children, according to the latest report from UNHCR, the United Nations' refugee agency. Since March, violence has gripped the Central African Republic, or CAR. Aboubakar Daoud, 33, has spent the last 15 years of his life as a shopkeeper in the country. He says life was very good, his business was thriving and everyone was living in peace. But all of that is now just a memory. "The situation is very precarious for Muslims and particularly for Chadians, even for those who got married with the Chadians," he said. After the predominantly Muslim-backed Seleka militia and other rebel groups from the marginalized northeast seized Bangui, one of the Seleka leaders, Michel Djotodia, overthrew President Francois Bozize, who fled to Cameroon, creating a political power struggle. Under Djotodia's interim presidency and transitional governance, Human Rights Watch has reported details of
Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo (CNN) -- "The poachers are usually hiding firearms in the fishing camps," Mathieu Eckel briefs us as his anti-poaching unit's shaky metal boats speed down one of the rivers that snakes it way through the OdzalaKokoua National Park. The river's dark waters are stunningly framed by shades of green and cascading vines in this remote corner of the Republic of Congo. As Eckel's eco-guard unit turns a corner, he gives the order to cut the engines. We're approaching the first suspected site. The boats coast silently against the hum of the forest. The team quietly assaults, but the camp is deserted. A member of the team checks the ashes. "It's still warm, they must have left early morning, we missed them by a couple hours," he says. For the next grueling, hot eight hours, the same scenario repeats itself.
AFRICAN MIGRANTS PROTEST, PUSH FOR ASYLUM IN ISRAEL
the Seleka's deliberate killing of civilians, including women, children and the elderly. The rights group also reported in recent weeks that violence and insecurity in the Central African Republic have taken on an alarming sectarian dimension. Backlash set in when Djotodia officially disbanded the Seleka and, according to rights groups, thousands of Seleka rebels kept their arms and formed their own vigilante group known as the "ex-Seleka." That group has since been integrated into a new "national army." Human Rights Watch says command and control of the exSeleka remain questionable as
the group continues to commit abuses in the Central African Republic. All the while, the anti-balaka -- a predominantly Christian armed group created by then-President Bozize to fight banditry -- continues to attack Muslim civilians in response to ex-Seleka abuses. Residents say the violence between the Muslim Seleka militias and the retaliating Christian groups has wreaked havoc in cities across the Central African Republic. "For days and nights on end, the men in my town did not sleep so we could secure the area from anti-balaka. They would come anytime to attack Chadians in the area," Daoud
said. In December, 1,000 men were killed over a two-day period, according to Amnesty International. As a protective response, France has sent 1,600 troops under a United Nations mandate into the Central African Republic to assist African troops, but the violence continues. Children beheaded as violence grows in Central African Republic 'Unprecedented levels of violence against children' "I was born in CAR and started to do commerce with my parents at an early age. The good moments were in the past and have ended. We were
living in peace as brothers and sisters," said businesswoman Djemila Abdoulaye, 39. "The worst moment was when my 21-year-old son went out to look for some provisions, and he got shot on Christmas Eve," she said, holding back her tears. "At the same time, his uncle got shot trying to protect him. I have never seen them or their bodies again." UNICEF, the United Nations children's aid agency, has verified the killings of at least 16 children, and injuries among 60, since the outbreak of communal violence in Bangui on December 5.
KEY SOUTH SUDAN TOWN IN DISPUTE AS WARRING SIDES PREPARE FOR PEACE TALKS
(CNN) --
T
CNN) --
housands of African migrants cram into Rabin Square in Tel Aviv, Israel, calling for a labor strike. Their chants fill the air, summing up their message: "We need asylum." Activists estimate more than 50,000 migrants work illegally in low-paying jobs in Israel. Many are fleeing persecution from war-torn areas like Sudan and Eritrea. The threat to their lives pushes them to undertake the dangerous journey via smugglers' routes to Israel. A vast majority cross the Sinai Peninsula, known for being
a hotbed of kidnapping and organ harvesting. African migrants fear Israeli deportation Open Mic: Israel immigration tensions African migrants want to stay in Israel Once across the border in Israel, they try to claim asylum. "All of us are fleeing genocide, fleeing dictatorship regimes. Looking for protection," says the African Refugee Development Center's Mutasim Ali, who came to Israel from Darfur. "(A migrant) doesn't care where he gets it. We know it's too difficult to cross the border making our way to Israel, but that's the only option at the time."
The asylum seekers complain that the Israeli government isn't viewing their goal as legitimate, but rather sees them as migrant workers. "The Israeli government leaves them in limbo from one side.
The Israeli government calls them infiltrators, that they came here for work and that they are all criminals," says Orit Marom of ASSAF, Aid Organization for Refugees and Asylum Seekers. "On the other
side, they never check their asylum requests." The Israeli government refers to the asylum seekers as illegal migrants who are in the country to work.
s warring sides prepared to hold their first face-toface talks to end weeks of ethnic fighting in the world's newest country, clashes flared around a key town Sunday.Nhial Majak Nhial, the mayor of Bor, told CNN that rebel troops had been driven away from his town, which has exchanged hands several times during three weeks of violence that has killed hundreds and forced about 200,000 people from their homes. Defense Minister Kuol Manyang said government forces tried to take back the disputed town but were forced to retreat to a military base eight miles away after rebels ambushed them.Brig. Gen. Abraham Jongroor was killed and several officers were wounded when rebels attacked, the defense minister said. Helicopters airlifted dozens of injured government troops to a military hospital in Juba, about 125 miles (200 kilometers) away.
Sport
Frontpage
Page 11
HANDLE EACH GAME ACCORDING TO THE LAWS

LIFRA President urges members as they prepare for the 2013/2014 National County Sports Meet quarterfinal
By: A. Macaulay Sombai-0777217428
GOOD BUT BELATED

T
LFA waives third division registration fees after a battle with sub-associations and committees
he Liberia Football Association (LFA) has waived the registration fees for third division clubs for the 2014 season, which begins later this month. LFA communications director Henry Flomo announced the decision on facebook on Monday after a marathon process of negotiations by club officials. It means clubs can now use their L$10,000 for preparation or match related expenses. Flomo said the initiative was taking to minimize the economic burden facing clubs. The third/fourth divisions league is run annually by subcommittees and associations (counties). The LFA says like the first, second and women divisions, third division clubs find it hard to foot the registration fees of 10-thousand Liberian dollars. This decision means the LFA will now foot all financial bills leading to the running of the league including match officials indemnities. Normally the sub Associations used the registration fees to run the league in their various locales. Following a major meeting to review activities surrounding the third division league, LFA president Musa Bility said the decision is part of his administration's drive to get football to all especially young people, free of hindrances, Flomo wrote. Clubs that have already registered will be refunded through the finance department. It is not clear how long the gesture will be in place but Flomo said the LFA is studying the possibility of extending it to fourth division clubs.
A
Monrovia-
WHY CHELSEA NEED A STRIKER & MIDFIELDER IN JANUARY
his January, most of the sides fighting for the Premier League title will go into the winter transfer window looking to make only minor tweaks to already cohesive teams - but not Chelsea. While other clubs have minor deficiencies, the Blues need major surgery on an imbalanced squad and no side possesses an Achilles heel quite so great as the west Londoners' absentee strikeforce. Samuel Eto'o, a last-minute panic buy in the summer, Fernando Torres, a player doomed to remain plagued by a record transfer fee he has no hope of ever repaying, and Demba Ba, a cut-price stop-gap. These three, combined, have netted just seven league goals this season just over a third as many as Luis Suarez and none have earned the faith or support of increasingly beleaguered manager Jose Mourinho. The strikers try the best they can so I don't know what to do, bemoaned the downbeat Portuguese. It is one thing to improve a player who is 20-years-old, which you can. If you can tell me, can I improve Eden Hazard? Yes, I can. Can I improve a player who is 30-years-old? How? If we had eight, 10, 12 goals [from the strikers] we would be top
of the league. That's a reality, but my strikers give everything and the team works hard. To criticise does not help me. What do I win by criticising my players? I win nothing. astri kerWhetherMourinhocriticises his strikers or not, the likelihood is he will win nothing without a new forward. In the Premier League era, the title-winning side's strikeforce has, on average, scored 43.2 goals and contributed to 54.6 per cent of the team's total goals. Since Mourinho last won the Premier League that figure is even higher, with title-winning sides' strikers averaging 50.2 league goals, while the club who has topped the table come May has been able to call upon the division's top scorer in four of the last six seasons. Chelsea's strikers, though, are on course to score a modest 13.3 league goals this season, and have netted just 18.42% of the side's total goals. It is a weakness that has the potential to derail their title charge. When they have scored, it has often been thanks to opposition errors MatijaNastasic's ill-judged back-pass to let Torres in against Manchester City, or Liam Ridgewell dallying on the ball to allow Eto'o's tackle-cum-shotV find the bottom corner. They have scored too infrequently away from home, not notching an away goal throughout 2013, while the last time a Chelsea striker netted an away goal against a top-eight side was in October 2012 and it was a player, Daniel Sturridge, who is no longer at the club. Despite Mourinho's protestations to the contrary, Chelsea are very much in the market for a frontman. They had several bids for Wayne Rooney rejected by Manchester United during the summer, are monitoring the situation of AC Milan's Mario Balotelli and must surely be aware of Diego Costa's 42 million release clause though whether they could lure him away from Atletico Madrid is another matter.
s the eight quarterfinalists for the 2013/2014 National County Sports Meet football category intensify their training for the competition; the President of Liberia Football Referee Association (LIFRA) has called on members to handle each of the tournament matches according to the laws governing the game. The quarterfinal will kick off on Sunday January 12 at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville. Atty. Joseph Kollie said his members have been training since the end of the tournament preliminary round as part of their preparation for the quarterfinal and the completion of the entire competition. The LIFRA boss called on his members that are going to be selected for the National County Sports Meet quarter, semi and grand finals to handle the entire tournament with caution and according to the laws governing it without any fear of intimidation from any county officials or spectators. Cape v nimba v grnak lv mon Bonh cape bassa sinoe Remember that the aim of the National County Meet is to unite citizens of our 15 political sub-divisions through sports and not to divide them so you all must be focus while officiating each game in order for the entire tournament to in responsible manner. LIFRA President urged members. It can be recalled that one of LIFRA members James Fedrick was banned from hindering any of the tournament matches after been accused by officials of Rivercess County of allowing an outside goal against them in their 1-0 lost to Nimba County during one of the tournament preliminary round. Att. Kollie on the other clarified that at no time his office has receive any complaint against any of the associations members that were sent to cover any of the tournament matches. The first quarterfinal battle on Sunday will be played between Nimba and Grand Kru Counties, Lofa County will face Montserrado County in the last fight. The two last quarterfinal matches will be played on Monday where Cape Mount will tackle Bong County and Grand Bassa meet Sinoe County in the last game.
Page 12 6a | Frontpage
Monroviahortly before her inauguration in January 2006, Liberian President made a startling declaration as she switched what was at the time a symbolic streetlight in the city of Monrovia: Small light today; big light tomorrow." Seven years later, residents in most parts of the cityare still looking for the lights to be turned on, despite some strides by the government to make electricity available to nearly all of the population. Olivia Tobey a resident on the Bushrod Island is one of the unlucky ones yet to see the light promised by the post-war government. Olivia has expressed disappointment over the slow pace of Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) to provide electricity for Liberians. Olivia says that LEC electricity project in her community is not going the way she expected. Even before moving to Logan town, Olivia says she has always used candles and the Chinese made flashlights and was happy when LEC moved in her community and begun erecting light poles. To Olivias surprise, engineers assigned in her area have developed the tendency to take money from residents before they can provide poles. Olivia says engineers in the community are skipping over household to tackle the ones that give them money for light poles. Since the beginning of the year (2013), LEC people have been planting (erecting) poles in our area but people who buy the poles from them are the ones who receive them since
ELECTRIFICATION WAHALA
Electrifying Monrovia is taking a slow pace and Bushrod Islanders say the LEC is also selling light poles, and skipping communities. Will LEC meet Presidential mandate?
PAGE RONT
MONROVIA
Massa F. Kannehmasskanneh@yahoo.com or 0886848625

LEC has been selling poles, claiming that such statements have been made several times but have not been proven. Those are sweeping statements, customers or people who accuse or allege that poles and money had been requested from them cannot point to a said individual who was involved. All they say is that the LEC people asked me for money, declared Assistant Manager for Information and Public Affairs, Slewion T-Toe. Toe says besides the US$50 invoice that are given to its customers, for installation, no other money is requested from customers. T-Toe explained that LEC is not supposed to sell poles to communities or to households. He added that if anyone is suspected or accused of such act, said individual will be penalized severally by the entity. Continued T-Toe: We do not just ordinarily send foot soldiers in the fields; we have technicians, supervisors and managers who go to project zones to see what is going on. Only in meetings, these allegations are brought to us. We have contractors and LEC employees all in the field. If you notice anyone, bring the complaint. Even though he claimed monies are not being extorted from customers, and poles are not being sold, T-Toe confirmed that there have been investigations conducted
we did not have money to give them, they skipped our house and went to the next house. And our house is right on the road. Olivia says many poles that have been erected and connected to homes have constantly blown off, leaving residents in the cold. Although she has not received electricity in her house, Olivia
says she is concerned that when their pole experience problem, calls to LEC engineers go unanswered. When you call them they wont even pick up the phones, if those homes are to be burnt they will, but LEC dont come until they feel like, she added. A FrontPageAfrica reporter found that some residents who were given invoice of US$50 for installation to be paid at
PAGE RONT
CURBING PROSTITUTION
YWCA To Rehabilitate 50 Commercial Sex Workers
Stephen D. Kollie, stephenkollie13@gmail.com 0776329124
Continued Mrs. Tweh: We do not believe in immoral acts though they are sexually active. We will be providing them with contraceptives like condoms and will be educating them on how to prevent earlier pregnancy. Once you are on the doom, the only time you have to go out is school time and for weekends, the parents have to come and sign a behavior bond and ensure that they bring them back. The YWCA General Secretary told FrontPage Africa that during the stay of the 50 girls at the YWCA hustle, they will be prevented from engaging in the usage of illicit drugs and alcoholic beverages and will be educated on healthy measures. We will train them to know that this is the danger of drugs, alcoholic beverages and the danger of having unwanted pregnancies, she said.
News Extra
the bank have paid but are yet to receive electricity in their homes. Over thirty household in Logan town have been connected and have paid their installation fees. While some poles have been erected, only transformers are available on them, but no wires. The LEC management has dismissed allegations made by community dwellers that
in similar allegations and some LEC employees have been fired or sacked for such attitude. According to the manager, transformer shocks are caused by power theft, which in Liberia does not have laws to prosecute such crime. In the 14 communities mapped in Monrovia to benefit from the Electricity project, there are still many doubts as to the duration given for the project completion. LEC says the project is to be completed in June 2014. But a FrontPageAfrica reporter observed that LEC has not completed Logan Town in the first year as was promised by engineers when LEC commenced erecting the poles early 2013. Engineers had promised that Logan Town was to be electrified before Christmas. Christmas has come and gone and yet some poles are left without any connection, while few have received transformers but others are yet to receive lines or wires. Liberia is among several countries around the world receiving funding from International Development Association (IDA) in enhancing the electricity sector. LEC received additional funding package of US$54 million as additional financing in support of the management contractors target. The GoL says it remains committed to providing electricity to 70% of its population by 2030. But many Liberians remain skeptical, expressing doubts in the wake of the slow pace of the ongoing electricity project.
Monrovia n a bid to reduce the proliferation of commercial sex workers in Monrovia, fifty adolescent girls who have been sexually exploited are expected to shortly benefit from a rehabilitation program by the Young Women Christian Association (YWCA Liberia), In an exclusive interview with FrontPage Africa recently at her YWCAs office in Monrovia, General Secretary Madam Roseline Tweh revealed that the 50 commercial sex workers will
be identified at nights by staff from the YWCA and the Ministry of Gender and Development and will be accommodated at a hustle in the YWCA compound for rehabilitation. Said Madam Tweh: The expectation of the program is to reunite them with their families. Most of the girls we identify in the streets left their families because of peer-pressure. You see that they are about six to seven who live in one room and then they go in the night to do commercial sex to be able to buy food and pay their house rents. After the three years, we will be reuniting them with their families and will be conducting counseling with their parents to accept them. The YWCA Boss noted that a total of US$300,000 has been budgeted to be expended for the 50 adolescent girls rehabilitation project. She said the girls will receive formal education at the expense of the YWCA during the three years period and will benefit from other skill trainings.
Monrovia he Borough Men Association (BMA) has donated a consignment of food items to the Redemption Hospital in the Borough of New Kru Town (NKT). The donation, which is put at over L$40,000, included 20 (25-kilogram) bags of rice, two six-gallon containers of cooking oil (argo) and two bags of onions. BMA chairman Richard Panton said the items were their way of identifying with the hospital during this festive season. The hospitalreceives patients from Bomi, Grand Cape Mount and Gbarpolu Counties and Panton believes it is ideallylocated in the health delivery sector. We have come to the hospital this morning to make this donation because we feel that the Redemption Hospital is very critical to the health needs of our community and our country as a whole. As a community organization and in line with our objectives, we have decided to come to make this small donation to help the work that you are doing at the Redemption Hospital.
A WORTHY INITIATIVE
BMA identifies with Redemption Hospital in New Kru Town
Danesius Marteh, danesiusmarteh@frontpageafricaonline.com
feeding our patients. And we hope that this will not be the end. We hope that you will continue to think about the health of the patients and feeding a smiling McCauley said. The donation on January 4 was the second by BMA, which is arguably the youngest group with an ambitious agenda for the borough. At the start of the 2013/2014 school year, the group distributed educational supplies to public schools, including the D. Tweh Memorial High School, in the NKT. BMA, located on the Bushrod Island, consists of bankers, private and public administrators, economists, accountants, financial managers andagriculturalists who may have either grown-up or live in the borough and want to contribute their one or two cents to its development.
PAGE RONT
HUMANITARIAN NEWS
Frontpage
6 Page 13 6b
There are more to come because we feel that, as a community and besides what the government is doing [for you], we must also assist the hospital. So in this light and on behalf of the Borough Men Association,
I am very pleased to present to you these food items for the use of the hospital towards the health of our patients, Pantonsaid. Receiving the items, the administrative assistant to the hospitals administrator
thanked the group for their well-thought donation. Facia McCauley said the hospital is in dire need of food and medical supplies to cater for its ever increasing patients. I want to say a big thank you for the thoughtful act because
honestly this rice will be used for the feeding of our patients. At Redemption Hospital, I think you all know that we feed our patients three times a day. So these few bags of rice, you may say it is small, but it will carry for about 20 days in
Officials of the Turkish Embassy and the Health Ministry
Monroviahe people of Izmir in Turkey through Liberias Consular General Lusinee F. Kamara yesterday donated two new Renault Ambulances to the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Health & Social Welfare. Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Kamara said the donation was in fulfillment of a promise made by a team of Turkish businessmen from Izmir who visited the Liberia last year as part of the candidacy for Expo 2020 to be held in Izmir, Turkey. The ambulances are geared towards saving lives and improving rural health care delivery in the country said the donors. The cost of the ambulances is approximately one hundred thousand United States dollars (US$ 100,000.00). Receiving the keys to the ambulances on behalf of the Government of Liberia, Deputy Foreign Minister for International Cooperation and Economic Integration B. Elias Shoniyin lauded the people of Izmir Turkey for the gesture, noting that the Liberian
Government was overwhelmed with their intervention. Dep. Min. Shoniyin said the ambulances will help improve the health care sector and many lives will be saved through the availability of the ambulances. The deputy foreign minister indicated that the provision of the ambulances will enhance the existing bilateral relationship between Liberia and Turkey. The Ministry of Health has assured the people of Izmir, Turkey that the ambulances will be used for the intended purpose, adding that one of the ambulances will be given to the James Davies Memorial Hospital, while the other hospital will be identified later. Sources at the health ministry say, the ambulances are the first modern ambulances to be given to the government of Liberia, following the 14-year war by a foreign partner. The ambulances have medical kit, a light for mini surgery, an assertion unit; delivery can be done while the van is en route to the hospital or clinic as well having a neck brassier among others.
TURKEY GOVERNMENT DONATES AMBULANCES TO LIBERIA

A. Macaulay Sombai 0777217428
The two ambulances parked at the front of the Health Ministry

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Diplomatic News pg 8 TOP STORIES

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HANDLE EACH GAME ACCORDING TO THE LAWS

By: A. Macaulay Sombai-0777217428

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Massa F. Kannehmasskanneh@yahoo.com or 0886848625

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Officials of the Turkish Embassy and the Health Ministry

TURKEY GOVERNMENT DONATES AMBULANCES TO LIBERIA

The two ambulances parked at the front of the Health Ministry

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