Corruption pg 9 TOP Watch STORIES

POLITICS

MISAPPLICATION ROCKS WATER & SEWER, 100K DIVERTED

COMPLETELY DISCRIMINATORY
GONGLOE TAKES ISSUE WITH LAWMAKERS ON CBL AMENDED ACT

pg 10

CENTRAL BANK OF LIBERIA

MARKET BUYING AND SELLING RATES LIBERIAN DOLLARS PER US DOLLAR

FrontPage
www.frontpageafricaonline.com
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2014

BUYING TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2014 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2014 L$80.00/US$1 L$80.00/US$1 L$80.00/US$1

SELLING L$81.00/US$1 L$81.00/US$1 L$81.00/US$1

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2014

These are indicative rates based on results of daily surveys of the foreign exchange market in Monrovia and its environs. The rates are collected from the Forex Bureaux and the commercials banks. The rates are not set by the Central Bank of Liberia.
Source: Research, Policy and Planning Department, Central Bank Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia

VOL 8 NO.538

PRICE L$40

BALLOUT DENIES
RE- CONSIDERING WEEKS MOTION
I am not pushing anything. It is Senator Cherue who filed a motion for reconsideration, Senator John Ballout

MARYLAND COUNTY LAWMAKER REPORTEDLY LOOKING TO RESURRECT REJECTED LTA CHAIR

Legislative Beat pg. 5

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Thursday, February 20, 2014

W
Monrovia -

Al Varney Rogers, avrogers@frontpageafricaonline.com

Dillon reminded the legislature that a persons desire to contest for any political office is a right guaranteed under our Constitution; and any action to deny a person or group of persons from exercising this right MUST be the result of a hearing judgment consistent with the provisions laid down in this Constitution and in accordance with due process of law.The Legislature cannot pass a law that automatically denies any person or group of persons from the exercise or enjoyment of their constitutionally guaranteed rights without the benefit of a hearing judgment. The Liberty Party stalwart said the legislative body have committed a reversible error by targeting Governors of the Central Bank of Liberia who are serving their current terms as enshrined in the CBL Act of 1999, because, according to Dillon, Article 21(a) of our Constitution election in which they seek to participate, or be denied participation three years after they retired. As grossly wrong as this provision is, it cannot be applied to this current Board of Governors because it is expo facto. Dillon said it is disappointing that the Legislature will continue to hold down Bills before that body that are relevant to the governance of our country and economic empowerment of our people, but would resort to pass laws that are draconian and selfish. The Legislature needs to consider passage of the Decent Work and the Code of Conduct Bills that have been pending before that body for years. Jones Not Target, some say Nevertheless, some political observers dismiss the notion that the legislation is targeting Jones with some suggesting that it is in fact a step in the right direction. A senior ruling Unity Party official, who spoke on condition of anonymity Wednesday said: No individual should be allowed to use public office to advance his or her chances at holding an elected office. This is common practice even in the great America where Jones says his children went to school with white people. A white man is not permitted to abuse public office in America and Germany. The official added that it is not unconstitutional at all for a bank governor to be stopped from holding political office for a period of time. He can resign and then run. No one is stopping Jones. But he cannot be governor and trying to position himself to run. In the USA, political appointees are made to resign. Hilary Clinton resigned four years out to prepare for 2016. In fact USA has admitted the law to prevent people from running even at state and local governor. The Jones debacle has taken the city by storm with discussions popping up on talk radio and Hatai shops. On the streets of Monrovia, many Liberians are divided on the issue. Eugene Karr, a Central Monrovia resident laments that the lawmakers decision is disappointing, heartbreaking and mischievous. They are wrong to say that the Central Bank governor should resign three years before contesting any public office because the governor is appointed to serve a tenure. If during his tenure he wants to run as mayor of Monrovia or President of Liberia it is only fair enough he resign and not three years prior to election. Amendment rubbish, some say Solomon Harris, a resident of Paynesville went a step further in suggesting that the lawmakers were bias in their decision. If you want make a law do for everybody today Central Bank tomorrow that Finance day after tomorrow you say that information Ministry, if you want to craft a law for all government officials including the lawmakers thats say anybody who wants to be president must resign three years before election is fine but do not restrict it to the Central Bank Governor alone. I think those lawmakers have something against the Central Bank Governor the man has not even pronounce that he wants to be president than they have amended the CBL act. What we been hearing is the legislature want to produce a consensus candidate for 2017 that is why they are opposing anyone they see as a threat to their ambition. Others like Dennis Sabato Zeama says the amendment is rubbish. I see this amended act as a rubbish, why is the National Legislature targeting the CBL now this act was created since 1999 why are hurrying to pass is because the Central Bank Governor is giving loan to ordinary Liberians and they think that is making him popular and he may likely be the next president. Since I was born I have not heard about a Central Bank Governor giving loan to marketers as is being done today. Zeama says if he had an opportunity to see the president, he would tell her not to sign it into law.

ould she or wouldnt she? Thats the question many are pondering after both the upper and lower house of the National Legislature swiftly signed, sealed and delivered an amendment to the March 18, 1999 Act authorizing the Establishing of the Central Bank of Liberia which could end the looming speculations regarding the presidential aspiration of Governor Mills Jones. The legislation being dubbed in political circles as the 4-G passage, aims to prohibit the Executive Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia and members of the Board of Governors from contesting political office(s) while serving in their respective offices and shall not be qualified to contest any elected office within three years consecutively after the expiration of their tenure with the CBL. In what is building up to be a hotly-contested but interesting 2017 elections, supporters of the bill fear that Jones position puts him at an advantage. On the contrary, defenders of Jones also say, that those holding him to the fire are also at an advantage because of purported plans by the legislature to put up a candidate of their own in 2017. Looming dogfight It is becoming increasingly likely that Joness supporters will take their fight to the Supreme Court depending on how the legislation which has now been submitted to the presidency is finalized. FrontPageAfrica has learned that a number of civil society groups are weighing options on the issue which some say could become a dogfight due to the political undertones and the 2017 implications. Sub-Section 3 of Part IV. Section 13 of the CBL amended Act calls for the removal of the board of governors from office upon a bill of impeachment by the House of Representatives, Upon finding by a majority of the Board of Governors and the recommendation of the President, for several reasons which include; Gross Breach of Duty, Misconduct of Office, Conviction of a Felony and Being declared Bankrupt and Violation of paragraph (a) and /or (b) of sub-section 1 of section 13. The amended provision also gives power to the National Legislature to determine whether or not an impeachable offense has been committed by the Executive Governor or a member of the Board of Governors at the Central Bank of Liberia. The bill also gives power to the Legislature to take the necessary action such as impeachment in keeping with the relevant provisions of the constitution of the Republic of Liberia. Dillon Calls for Veto Darius Dillon, Political Strategist for the opposition Liberty Party declared a vote-of-no-confidence in the national legislature over the 4-G passage. I disagree with the action of the Legislature and hereby declare a Vote-of-no-Confidence in that body for passing a bill of attainder against folks at the Central Bank of Liberia, Dillon told FrontPageAfrica Wednesday. Dillon said the lawmakers action contravenes the spirit and intent of several provisions of the Constitution of Liberia, and leaves him wondering what was the rationale behind th rash and embarrassing act in which the lawmakers neglected to consider Article 20a) of the Constitution which states that: No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, security of the person, property, privilege or any other right except as the outcome of a hearing judgment consistent with the provisions laid down in this Constitution and in accordance with due process of law. Justice shall be done without sale, denial or delay; and in all cases not arising in courts not of record, under courts-martial and upon impeachment, the parties shall have the right to trial by jury.

It is disappointing that this Legislature will continue to hold down Bills before that body that are relevant to the governance of our country and economic empowerment of our people, but would resort to pass laws that are draconian and selfish. The Legislature needs to consider passage of the Decent Work and the Code of Conduct Bills that have been pending before that body for years. I hereby call on President Ellen Johnson to take advantage of her Constitutional power to veto the said Law to save the nation this unwarranted shame and embarrassment. Darius Dillon, Political Strategist, Opposition Liberty Party

clearly frowns on the passage of any bill of attainder or expo facto laws. It states that no person shall be made subject to any law or punishment which was not in effect at the time of commission of an offense, nor shall the Legislature enact any bill of attainder or ex post facto law. Dillon added that the purpose of the action of Members of the Legislature against Governors of the CBL is said to be premised upon their suspicion that the CBL is dishing out state funds for political reasons. Assuming, but not admitting that this suspicion is correct, the Legislature cannot now pass a law to punish for an act that was not in existence at the time of commission of said offense. To do so is a gross violation of Article 21 (a) as quoted above. Also, to demand that Governors of the CBL who may wish to aspire to political office/s will be required to resign three years prior to any

FrontPage COMMENTARY EDITORIAL JUDICIAL TYRANNY IN LIBERIA

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Thursday, February 20, 2014

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Commentary

GOL MUST LISTEN TO HEALTH WORKERS

MOST OF LIBERIA Monday saw a go-slow action by health workers that paralyzed services to patients, sick people including pregnant women. We do not know the total number of children who might have been delivered by unqualified health workers due to the absence of trained health workers in many of our hospitals including Phebe in Suakoko, Jackson F. Doe Memorial in Tappita and Redemption in Monrovia and several others across the country. AT VARIOUS HOSPITALS and other medical facilities in Monrovia and other parts of the country the situation was catastrophic as patients were rejected despite their medical conditions due to the absence of nurses and other medical practitioners. AT THE REDEMPTION hospital in New Kru Town all patients were discharged, the place looked like a ghost town when our team of reporters visited early Monday. THIS ACTION BY health workers is not the first of its kind, at this same time last year, health workers went on a go slow raising the same issues they are raising today; yet one year on the government has not been able to bring sanity to the sector. FEW WEEKS AGO, the President of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf promised to resolve the impasse when she made these comment in response to a health workers concern raised at a hatai center interaction in Monrovia. LIKE I TOLD YOU, I said all of you who want to go on the payroll, should go on the payroll; only the incentive system has to be combined with the payroll because you cannot get them both because the donors have pulled back, said President. WHAT WE WILL do is to make sure that the CSA completes the process and get you on the payroll. THIS ASSURANCE GIVEN by the President was a sigh of relief to many health workers who listened to her, what we wanted to see is the immediate works to turn these promises into action that could yield the needed result to halt this strike. The entire government was aware of this strike action and saw it coming because health workers across the country had been threatening for days. WE HAVE SEEN the government taking proactive steps to stop political demonstrations from taking place as we saw with the foiling of the planned April 12, protest by a group of young people who did not need much to be pacified. PROBABLY THE GOVERNMENT could not take a decisive action that could have pacified the health workers while further negotiations would be ongoing to stop the strike action that is now affecting many of our most vulnerable population-the sick. HEALTH WORKERS HAVE vowed not to return to work if the nine counts they presented to the ministry of health are not met, which include better wages and incentives and the placing of volunteers on the ministrys payroll. but on Monday a defiant Dr. Walter Gwenigale, Minister of Health and Social Welfare instead of calling for a truce, decided to go on a threatening spree. DR. GWENIGALE HAS threatened to dismiss Health workers who will abandon job for a week, adding: Any worker who fails to work by February 21 2014 should consider him or herself dismissed from the Ministry [Health and Social Welfare. WE BELIEVE MINISTER GWENIGALE comments can not solve the ongoing impasse as it will further exacerbate the already catastrophic situation. STARTING FROM TODAY, no one will be paid for days they have not worked, Gwenigale said. All directors and supervisors are requested to take attendance and keep accurate record of all who are coming to work and those who have chosen to stay away. THIS IS NOT at attempt to help population of the country many of whom already lack basic health facilities and access to good medical care. THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD take queue from the Liberian Board for Nursing and Midwifery (LBNM) which in a release called on all parties involved to enhance cordial working relationship to address the concerns raised by the health workers to promote quality health care. THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH must appeal to the health workers to call off its strike action in the interest of the patients who are the ones feeling the pinch of the protest, that is what a responsible leadership does and desist from issuing empty threats, that will only harm our people and cause them more suffering. MANY ARE SURPRISED that there would be a strike one year later by health workers after what happened almost a year ago when health workers were on a go-slow making the same demands. THE HEALTH SECTOR of Liberia has received the highest budgetary allotment in the 2013-2014 national budget but the sector continues to be in disarray and we are yet to see the needed improvement.

George K Fahnbulleh, gkfahnbulleh@lakepiso.com>

he recent decision by the Supreme Court to suspend Justice Minister Christiana Tah for granting compassionate leave to journalist/publisher Rodney Sieh has created shockwaves across the length and breadth of the political landscape. The entire Judiciary, the Executive, as well as the Liberia Bar Association have been reduced to caricatures of what properly functioning, independent structures of government and their attendant professional organizations should be. Nowhere in Liberian law is it granted that the Ministry of Justice must first seek approval of the Court in its management of people committed to prison. The Supreme Court of Liberia itself can produce no such law. Not even lawyers who have argued in support of the Court have been able to provide such a reference. Let us also remember, the Justice Ministry was not required to seek Court approval to send Mr. Sieh to the hospital. The Supreme Court never argued that. They only argued that any compassionate leave of prisoners under civil commitment must be approved by the Court. In sanctioning Minister Tah, the Supreme Court communicated in unambiguous terms that the Justice Minister and other respondents should simply come to the Court and apologize, and the whole matter would be over. Even a layperson understands that once you apologize, you surrender your right to mount any defense of the law. You prostrate yourself before the Court and beg for mercy. Thus, in keeping with the Courts stipulation, the Justice Minister, the Ministrys lawyers, including a former Solicitor General, all formally "apologized" to the Court. The Court then responded to the requested apology by suspending the Justice Ministers license for six months, in effect preventing her from practicing law. The treachery of the Court in demanding an apology, and then suspending the Justice Minister, also extended to suspending Mr. Siehs lawyer for three months for his audacity in advocating for his client! In this environment of judicial misconduct, neither the Liberian Bar Association nor any one of Liberias supposedly towering legal "giants," which include some perennial presidential candidates, rose to defend the law. It appears that the Courts behind-the-scenes machinations were designed purposefully to prevent the Justice Minister from presenting a defense to the Courts contempt citation, because any such defense would have laid bare the Courts actions as nothing more than a vindictive power play. Whether this was in concert with the Executive remains an open question. However, the Presidents silence on the abrogation of a privilege reserved exclusively for the Executive demonstrates tacit consent. In its ruling, the Court claimed that the Justice Ministry had formulated no rules for granting of compassionate leave, therefore the Ministry of Justice arbitrarily sought to disobey Mr. Siehs commitment. When the Justice Minister tried to submit a Petition for Re-Argument, the Court rejected the petition, saying, "We only want another apology." As of today, the Court is still demanding yet another apology. But if the Ministers initial apology resulted in a six month suspension, logic should tell anyone that another apology may well result in the Ministers disbarment. Is this the type of behavior we want for our countrys highest court? Only the pathologically insecure can find pleasure in continuously humiliating those they exert power over in this manner. Such judicial sadism is unacceptable in a democratic country. What is abundantly clear by law, as highlighted below, is that the custodial supervision of all prisoners is the exclusive domain of the Bureau of Corrections and the Ministry of Justice. Under Liberias criminal law code 34.20. Leaves from prison. 1. Compassionate leave. The Minister of Justice shall formulate rules or regulations governing compassionate leave from institutions and, in accordance with such rules and regulations, may permit any prisoner to leave his institution for short periods of time, either by himself or in the custody of an officer, to visit a close relative who is seriously ill, to attend the funeral of a close relative, to return to his home during what appears to be his own last illness, or to return to his home for other compelling reasons which strongly appeal to compassion. The rules or regulations shall provide for the manner in which compassionate leave shall be granted, for its duration, and for the custody, transportation, and care of the prisoner during his leave. They shall also provide for the manner in which the expense connected with such leave shall be borne, and may allow the prisoner, or anyone in his behalf, to reimburse the State for such expense. 34.2. Segregation of persons committed to correctional institutions. In institutions or parts of institutions supervised by the Ministry of Justice, the following groups shall be segregated from each other: (a) Female prisoners from male prisoners; (b) Prisoners under the age of twenty-one from older prisoners; (c) Persons detained for hearing or trial from prisoners under sentence of imprisonment;
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(d) Persons detained for hearing or trial or under sentence, from material witnesses and other persons detained under civil commitment. Additionally, section 34.2.(d) of the criminal code clearly assigns the "segregation" of ALL prisoners under the supervision of the Ministry of Justice. It is difficult to believe that the unstated legislative intent of this law was for the Ministry of Justice to supervise all aspects of a prisoners custody, when he eats, when he sleeps, when he exercises, but only if he is a prisoner under civil commitment, must she receive court approval for compassionate leave. There are two Supreme Court Justices who previously served as Minister of Justice: Justice Kabina Janneh, and Justice Phillip A. Z. Banks. As Minister of Justice, Justice Janneh granted compassionate leave to a pregnant woman prisoner who did not return to prison. Justice Phillip A. Z. Banks also served as Minister at a later date. Are these two Justices asking us to believe that the rules for compassionate leave used by then Minister Janneh were non-existent or voided after he left office, or that neither of them were aware of those rules? In either case, it makes their argument specious at best. Secondly, by demanding that the Ministry of Justice simply apologize, the Ministry was not allowed to present any evidence that such rules as above do exist. Ministry of Justice Compassionate Leave Regulations Updated (January 2013) Liberia does have quite a number of drinking establishments called bars, but the Liberian Bar Association is supposed to be the organization which deals with things like legal misconduct and the policing of lawyers. It has become increasingly difficult to distinguish between the Liberian Bar Association and the Association of Liberian Bars, though the latter boasts far more vocal advocacy for its members. When then Justice Minister Phillip A. Z. Banks violated every protection provided by law for the Nigerian Valentine Akiya, the Bar Association did not raise its voice to that misconduct. Mr. Akiya took his case to the ECOWAS Court, which found Liberia guilty in Valentine Ayika v Republic of Liberia: "Judges who presided over the trial informed the Government of Liberia's lawyers that the Liberian Government acted illegally by seizing the then Nigerian businessman money, and as such should pay back the money in the tune of US $508,200 to Mr. Ayika" (http://allafrica.com/stories/201210150746.html ). The actions taken by Justice Minister Phillip A. Z. Banks have brought nothing but shame to Liberia and tarnished its image, especially amongst its fellow ECOWAS countries. Liberia is now refused a place on the ECOWAS Court until the Liberian judiciary complies with ECOWAS legal standards. In other countries, when Mr. Banks was nominated for the Supreme Court, the Bar Association would have raised alarms and sought serious debate over his appointment given his violations of Mr. Ayikas rights. When this same Justice Phillip A. Z. Banks refused to recuse himself from Mr. Siehs appeal, even though Mr. Toes lawyer is his brother-in-law, and he had previously worked at his brother-in-laws law firm prior to becoming an Associate Justice, the Liberian Bar Association said nothing about the breach of ethics. Although the rules of disqualification may not be present for Liberia, Justice Banks studied law at Yale University in the US and should be familiar with 28 U.S. Code 455 pertaining to the Disqualification of justice, judge, or magistrate judge. Chief Justice Lewis was many things, but even he had the honor and dignity to recuse himself in the matter regarding Mr. Sieh, after Mr. Sieh complained that he would be partial because Mr. Sieh had previously published articles about his drinking habits and alleged judicial misdeeds. Regarding Justice Banks, we should not be surprised that a Justice Minister who violated the rules of the ECOWAS Court refuses even the appearance of bias. The silence of the Liberian Bar Association, and that of ALL lawyers in Liberia, is a glaring indication that the freedom of speech this President is so highly praised for in reality does not exist. If the lawyers of Liberia, who are charged with defending the free speech rights of the citizens, are themselves too afraid to give candid professional opinions about Supreme Court rulings, can we seriously say that free speech exists in Liberia? Was this not the crux of Mr. Siehs complaint against the judicial system? President Sirleaf should think long and hard about this: We are eight years into her presidency, and the Court she has appointed is carving a legacy worse than that of prior courts under the True Whig Party, and the Doe and Taylor regimes. The actions of the Court and the Presidents silence, for whatever reasons, have exposed the entire Liberian judicial system, from the Supreme Court to the Bar Association, as incapable of functioning impartially. All of the people on the Court were chosen by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and thus their every action, and her inaction, reflects her legacy. - See more at: http://www.fahnbulleh.net/post/in-liberia-judicialtyranny#sthash.e567rfhi.dpuf

A SECTOR THAT RECEIVED budgetary allotment of US$120,115,516 in the 2013-2014 approved budget out of which donors account for US$64,818,386 and US$30,280,938 representing grants., should show better results than this, Dr. Gwenigale even though a close ally of the President and cannot be replaced as the president has publicly stated during the launch of the Pneumonia vaccine as he was named as one of her best performing minister, must not see the public backing by the president as push to challenge striking workers, the Liberian people need health care. SIRLEAF POLITICS OF protecting cronies must not be extended to

the already deplorable health sector of the country, the Government through the Ministry of Health must act responsibly in resolving the current crisis. OUT OF THE TOTAL budget an amount of US$21,360,150 was allotted for compensation of employees and with other donors activities in support of the health sector not captured in the budget, the sector is unarguably the highest recipient of donor assistance. Such a sector with such huge support should not be in such disarray.

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Thursday, February 20, 2014

COMMENTS FROM FPA ONLINE

GABRIEL ZARWEA

BANNING MILLS JONES

MATERNAL APPOINTMENT: ROBERT SIRLEAF EJS'S ENVOY TO KUWAIT

The Editor,

THE LAWMAKERS ARE IN ERROR

She will get what she looking from the Liberian people, they made it clare they do not want her criminal son in the government. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf still looking for way to build her criminal EMPEIR. ELIZABETH MATU TUBMAN FINANCIAL COMPTROLLER AT LIBERIA PETROLEUM REFINING COMPANY Gabriel Zarwea you will get what you looking for. Thank you Robert Sirleaf, the result oriental professional. Thanks you the Oil Sector reform. BENJAMEN QUAYE UNIVERSITY OF LIBERIA Elizabeth Matu Tubman, I would think you should concentrate on your supply chain problems at LPRC so as to avoid future fuel shortages than showering political praises on Robert Sirleaf. LPRC lacks inventory management and control. You rely on one supplier so that when that supplier has an issue, you have an issue. I am talking about your recent supply problem with Ivory Coast that has caused fuel shortages on the Liberian market. You have a CPA. In the US, you used it. In Liberia, you've refused to use it. It is all too common for you Ellen supporters to celebrate mediocrity than offer your best for the kind of money you get paid. By the way, without his mother, can Robert Sirleaf hold any of the positions he's held under any other Liberian president? This is not a trick question. Answer it sincerely. SELTUE R KARWEAYE SR. TOP COMMENTER METRO STATE Elizabeth Matu Tubman I am not surprise by your diatribe against those that questioning this failed regime because those that support this regime tend to look at thing from myopic perspective. Critical analysis is lacking here! We had seen over the years. Let call spade a spade. This President in her book "This Child Will Be Great" criticized Tolberts family enrichment games; Does Cronyism; Taylors Patronage politic and yet continue to appoint her sons and closed family members in her government in key economic and political positions of commanding influence and yet you and others think the Presidents decision is not in error and she has violated no law. Isn't that hypocrisy on her part? We had seen Angolan President's daughter due to Oil negotiation is the riches Woman in Africahttp://edition.cnn.com/.../isabel-dos-santosbillionaire/ and also seen the Equatorial Guinea President's Son who father is Madam Sirleaf best friend had gotten rich overnight and is now under investigation with his properties been seize in Europe and corruption.http://www.nytimes.com/.../for-obiangs-son-high-life-in... Shine your eyes. MASSA QUOIYAN UNIVERSITY OF LIBERIA President Sirleaf is looking for better days for Liberia.She stood and is still fighting for everybody to work together to make that dream come true. Unfortunately, we still have Liberian that do not want change and some of them go on the net to talk nonsense up to inciting violence. Liberian people had more than enough violence and it did not and will not help us. So let us think about our children future and engage into things that will help them tomorrow. Let us give Robert Sirleaf a chance. He is a liberian like you and myself. He just happen to be the son of our president and nobody can change it. MATTHEW GEORGE PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND I urge my fellow Liberian to stage popular upraising against Ellen and her corrupt officials. We all aware, there's are no government in the world that can ERADICATE corruption. Government strive to minimize corruption. As for the Liberian government led by STUPID Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, corruption is their daily function. GABRIEL ZARWEA ELLEN JOHNSON SIRLEAF GOVERNMENT IT IS A CRIMINAL GOVERNMENT. Liberian lost faith in her ability to run this country anymore.Any of you guys watch GOD FATHER MOVIE YET IF YOU DO EXACTLY THAT HOW SHE IS RUNNING LIBERIA. SHE NEED TO GO.

As we normally say in Liberia, my attention has been drawn to the decision by plenary of the Liberian Senate unanimously amending several provisions of the 1999 Act that created the Central Bank of Liberia(CBL). Not only that, the Lower House immediately and illegally concur with the decision of the Senate. According to this new amendment, the Executive Governor of the CBL and members of the Board of Governors "shall be prohibited to contest political offices, while serving in their respective offices." It also seeks not to qualify the Executive and Board of Governors of the CBL to contest any electable office within three (3) years "consecutively after the expiration of their tenure" or his/her resignation from the CBL. According to a sponsor of the amendment, the exercise is intended to depoliticize the CBL. The issue is why specifically the CBL? I am not a supporter of Governor Mill Jones but the recent act of the House of Legislature leaves me with no choice but to speak out. Not so long ago, the Senate had a case against Hon. Mary Broh who was then the Acting City Mayor of the City of Monrovia. According to the story, she was called for questioning when it was alleged that Hon. Brohhad assaulted a female working in Sen. John Ballouts office. The members of the Senate reduced themselves to women-palava solvers forgetting about the many bills that were before them. To crown this up the Lower House in their haste to get rid of the Governor unlawfully passed the bill. According to reports, they suspended all their standing rules, opposed the deliberation of the amended act, and hastily concur with the Senate. Rule 53.1 of the Legislature which calls for a 24-hour notice to be given prior to the passage of any bill was unacceptably ignored. Why should these lawmakers misuse their powers to settle political scores with the Governor? Article 11 (a) of the Liberian Constitution says: All persons are born equally free and independent and have certain natural, inherent and inalienable rights, among which are the right of enjoying and defending life and liberty, of pursuing and maintaining and security of the person and of acquiring, possessing and protecting property Interpreting this section would mean that the right to vote and be voted for is implied in this article. This amendment does not only deny the current leadership of the CBL but future leaderships. This affects Liberians that will desire to run for political offices and impact the lives of the ordinary people.While it is not a sure thing that all those who will serve at the Central Bank of Liberia mayhave presidential ambition, it is possible that a highly qualified candidate serving at the Central Bank may at the same time have presidential ambition. The rights of Governor Jones and members of the Board of CBL were clearly violated by this amendment. A Senator recently asserted that based on the unexpected negative attitude of the governor, the Senate resolved to reduce the statutory power of the governor by making some amendments in the act creating the Central Bank of Liberia or CBL.Taking cue from his statement this means that the Senate amended the CBL act only to get back at Governor Jones. Representative Alex Grant made a motion that plenary rules be suspended, and that the first reading of the bill constitutes the second, third reading and voted upon and any motion for reconsideration be

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tried immediately. I wonder why the haste? The Lawmakers have amended the Central Bank Act not in the interest of the Liberian people but because they want to repay Governor Jones for what some of them termed as his disrespectful and hostile behavior. They have over stepped their boundaries ascribed to them in Article 34 of the Liberian Constitution which gives them the right to make laws on behalf of the State. They have once again shown the people of Liberia how less busy, mean, greedy and self-centered they are. Still more reason why the members of the Legislature acted the way they did, is because many of them see Governor Jones as a major political figure and they want to use their power to bring him down. They also think that the Governor is using his position and resources ascribed to his position to kick-start his political career. One major project spearheaded by Governor Jones that they feel threatened by is the micro-loan scheme which they say is politically motivated. I do not support people who use their state resources to run political campaigns but in Governor Jones case we cannot determine whether or not he is using the states resources for political gains. The only fact in this matter is that Governor Jones is economically empowering the ordinary Liberians around the country. The members of the Legislature should be applauding the Governor for such a great initiative but instead they are seeking his downfall. If we do a survey of members of both Houses most of them were in public positions and they all use the resources that were available to them to run their political campaigns. Lets assume the Governor is indeed using his office and the Microloan framework to run his political campaigns; I do not see it as a problem. He is not overstepping his bounds as is speculated. He has worked in the confines of his duties and should be applauded for his work. One of the mandates given to the CBL is to stimulate economic growth through the use of monetary instruments. In my view, giving micro-loans is an example of this mandate. The CBL also has the mandate to design policies to foster monetary, credit and financial conditions conducive to orderly, balanced and sustained economic growth and development. The framers of this Act in 1999 created the CBL as a regulating body to ensure economic growth and economic stability in the country. The CBL Micro-Finance, Regulatory and Supervisory Framework were prepared in line with powers conferred on the CBL Act created in 1999. Although critics of this scheme, mainly the Legislators argues that the formal financial systems like commercial banks are the ones required by law to give out loans, these banks give loans to a small percentage of the economic population most of whom are foreigners. The CBL micro-finance policy recognizes these financial institutions but aims to enhance the provision of diversified micro-finance services on a long term, sustainable basis for the poor and low income groups. One of the main objectives of the framework is to make loan accessible to a large segment of the potentially productive Liberian population which otherwise would have little or no access to financial services. What many people including our Lawmakers are missing is that this framework does not only seek to give out micro loans but to also regulate the establishment of Micro-finance Instructions, promote establishment of NGO-based microfinance institutions, promote banking culture among ordinary Liberians among other. This is indeed laudable. The Lawmakers based on the assumed popularity of Governor Jones in their counties due to this scheme and based on their failed leadership now brands the Governor as disrespectful. What a shame!!!! It is my opinion that Lawmakers erred greatly in amending the CBL act and grossly violated the Constitutional mandate given to them, thereby making it illegal. Laws are generally made or amended for the general good of the entire population and not to punish a few. Laura Golakeh lauragolakeh@yahoo.com>

Sports Reporter, A. Macaulay Sombai,macaulay.sombai@ FrontpageAfricaonline.com, 077217428 COUNTY NEWS TEAM Grand Bassa, Alpha Daffae Senkpeni, 0777432042 Bong County, Selma Lomax, selma.lomax@ frontpageafricaonline.com, 0886-484666 Sinoe County, Leroy N.S Kanmoh, leroy.kanmoh@ frontpageafricaonline.com 0886257528 BUSINESS/ADVERTISING Kadi Coleman Porte, 0886-304-178/ 0777832753, advertise@ frontpageafricaonline.com

LEGISLATIVE BEAT MARYLAND COUNTY LAWMAKER REPORTEDLY LOOKING TO RESURRECT REJECTED LTA CHAIR
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Thursday, February 20, 2014

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Monrovia enator John Ballout (Unity Party, Maryland) has strongly denied reports that he is aggressively pushing a motion on the Senate floor to reconsider Angelique Weeks, the rejected Chair of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA). FrontPageAfrica had gathered that Ballout was leading the reconsideration motion but the senior Senator told FPA Wednesday that it was his colleague, Senator Frederick Cherue( Alliance for Peace Democracy River Gee) who had initially raised a motion for reconsideration after Weeks was rejected by the Senate. The embattled LTA chair has been entangled in controversy surrounding a lease agreement signed with a Chinese Landlord for which the LTA had agreed to pay US$1.1 million over a three year period. Weeks was rejected last week and has been lobbying to get Senators to rethink their decision. Already President Sirleaf has reportedly instructed the Ministry of Justice to ensure that the contract is nullified while Weeks faces the senate in an attempt to get confirmed. Weeks four-year tenure has since expired and she was renominated by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to serve another tenure, but her quest to maintain a hold on the lucrative regulatory body suffered a major blow when the senators rejected her during a closed-door session last week. Whos Behind Confirmation? Weeks

BALLOUT DENIES RE- CONSIDERING WEEKS MOTION

On Wednesday Ballout ruled himself out as the Senator likely to lead that charge. Senator Ballout told Frontpageafrica via mobile phone Wednesday that it was Senator Cherue who had filed a motion for reconsideration. I am not pushing anything. It is Senator Cherue who filed a motion for reconsideration, Senator Ballout said. It not clear, whether Senator Cherue has followed up his Motion of Reconsideration by formally filing the motion in three succeeding sitting days of the Senate in keeping with Rule 34 Section 1 of the standing rules of the august body.

Rule 34, Motion to reconsider, section 1 states A motion to reconsider any question decided by the Senate may be made by any Senator who voted on the original question, provided however, that such motion shall be made on the same day on which the vote to be reconsidered was taken. Such a motion may also be filed within the next three succeeding sitting days provided, however, that the mover gives notice of the filing of that motion on the day the decision was taken. Weeks faces an uphill task getting confirmed as in accordance with Rule 34 section 2 of the Standing Rules of the Liberian senate, a motion for reconsideration is a privileged motion and requires twothirds vote of Senators present. Section 2 of Rule 34 states If the Senate refuses to reconsider the question, or if upon reconsideration the Senate affirms its first decision, no further motion to reconsider shall be in order. A motion to reconsider shall be deemed a privileged motion and shall require two-thirds vote of Senators present. A motion for reconsideration shall be deemed as a stay order on the original question against which it is filed. No action shall be taken on the original question until the motion for reconsideration has been considered and disposed of. Whats Weeks Fate? Despite the odds stacked against

her, recent confirmation history could favor Weeks. Former Auditor General Robert Kilby who submitted different credentials to the Civil Service Agency and another to the Liberian Senate was confirmed by the body after he was first rejected. Kilby was re-nominated by President Sirleaf after being rejected by the senate and his second confirmation was as first as a 4G internet speed. The former Auditor General performed dismally as he did not last a year in the position and was fired for gross conflict of interest. Weeks confirmation could be no different from former Auditor General Kilby but with some senators preparing for re-election, it remains to be seen how they will react to the confirmation of an individual who is willing and defending the dishing out of US$385,000 annually on rent in a country with massive unemployment and raging poverty. The Weeks controversy has been taking many dimensions with Information Minister Lewis Brown backing the LTA for following all processes, claiming that President Sirleaf instructed the nullifying of the contract based on error of judgment. Weeks had denied seeing a request from the PPCC but a FrontPageAfrica investigation found that Weeks and the LTA, never followed the rule and ignored suggestions from the PPCC and the Ministry of Justice. On Nov.

15, 2013, the LTA Wrote the PPCC requesting intent to award, On Nov. 20, the LTA Request was received by PPCC; two days later on Nov. 22, the PPCC Responded to the LTA asking for more information and suggesting that the LTA consider other options including the renovation of an old government building or securing a land to build its own office from scratch. The LTA was also informed in the same communication that it had not submitted its procurement plan for 2012/13 and 2013/2014 and the need to bring their entity in compliance with the law, a clear violation of Section 40(3) of the PPCC Act. On Nov. 28, eight days later, the LTA received and signed for the PPCC response. The response was received by a staffer named Frannie Powell. Section 31 of the PPCC Act allows up to fourteen days for the commission to act on a request to award a contract. The Commission clearly responded in eight days, which debunks the LTAs claim that the commission failed to respond to the LTA within the fourteen days required by law. The Act states: Except in the case of emergency and, with the prior approval of the Commission, the Procurement Committee shall deliver to the Commission a notice of intent to award a contract exceeding the Thresholds as establish by Regulations promulgated by the Commission.

No Procuring Entity shall enter into a procurement contract above the Thresholds establish by Regulations promulgated by the Commission unless a minimum of fourteen (14) days have lapsed since the notification of intent to award a contract was delivered to the Commission. The Commission shall cause a notice of intent to award a contract whose contract price exceeds the Thresholds in the Regulation to be published within two (2) business days of receipt of such notice. A Procuring Entity may award a contract whose contract price is less than the Thresholds in the Regulation without notice to the Commission and passage of a minimum of fourteen (14) days as provided in this subsection (1). (2) If the Commission takes no action within fourteen (14) days after it receives a notification of intent to enter into a contract for contracts in excess of the Thresholds establish by Regulations promulgated by the Commission, the Procuring Entity may proceed with the award of the contract and the finalization of the procurement. If the Commission objects to the proposed award within said fourteen (14) day period, it shall return the notice to the Procuring Entity with the reasons for rejection. No award may be made until the Procuring Entity takes steps to bring the proposed procurement into compliance with this Act.

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Monrovia t was a great day for the nuns of the Missionaries of Charity as they celebrated their 25 years of existence in Liberia with a Thanksgiving Mass at St Josephs Parish Monrovia. The Archbishop of Monrovia, Fr Lewis Zeigler, was the chief celebrant, assisted by the Bishop of Cape Palmas, Bishop Andrew Karnley, Msgr. Jackson and sixteen priests. Prominent among the gathering were the inmates of the Charity Sisters, a host of religious sisters, brothers and laity. In his homily the Archbishop recalled with gratitude the service rendered by the Sisters. He said the life of Blessed Mother Theresa was really inspiring and it was her love for Jesus and the poor that started this large movement of the Missionary of Charity Sisters. The Charity sisters are now serving in almost all the countries of the world and said that this is something significant in such a short span of time. He said that he has hope that many young Liberians girls would imitate Mother Theresas wonderful work of dedication to the poorest of the poor and congratulated the Missionary Sisters for the work that they are doing for Liberia and prayed that God continue to bless their apostolate. The Salesian youth choir of Holy Innocents led by Fr Matthew Udoka, the music director made the Liturgy so prayerful and enriching. The

WONDERFUL WORK
Missionary of Charity Nuns celebrate silver jubilee in Liberia
Wilfred Lawrence DSouza
Refreshments. It may be recalled that Sr Damien, Sr Lucy, Sr Joachim, Sr Sebastilline, Sr Angniezka and Sr Rinette were the pioneers who set foot on Liberian soil 25 years back who were received by the late Archbishop Michael Francis by happy coincidence during the Silver Jubilee of his ordination. In a couple of days the Sisters had got down to work in the Parish of St. Joseph at Capitol Hill and the poor of Monrovia began to feel the devoted service of these nuns. The hopeless were filled with hope, the homeless with a home, those who were racked with physical pain and suffering felt the soothing balm of love and care. The journey to recovery was soon shattered by the Civil War in Liberia and the Sisters who held fort with the poor and suffering, at a certain point of time were forced to leave the country. It was a painful moment, but the sisters accepted this separation with deep faith. The war having abated, the sisters returned to Monrovia in 1992. Since then they have opened their doors to the poorest of the poor, not only in Monrovia but also in Cape Palmas in Maryland County.

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Thursday, February 20, 2014

Monrovia he Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with the National AIDS Commission and civil society organizationshave validateda national study-the Integrated Bio-Behavioral Surveillance Survey (IBBSS); aimed at guiding the formulation of programs and policies to strengthen the national response on HIV and Sexual Transmitted Infections (STIs) in the country. The conference organized recently by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and its partners in Monrovia, brought together several national and international partners including health practitioners and other major stakeholders to discussed key findings, conclusion and recommendations in the recently conducted survey. The IBBSS-study,according to state actors,was developed with support from Global Fund, USAID and the UN System. Its intends to provide detail evidence-

HEALTH NEWS F GOVERNMENT OF LIBERIA, STAKEHOLDERS VALIDATE HIV STUDY TARGETING KEY POPULATIONS
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based interventions for mostat-risk populations (MARPs) to brace the Government of Liberia and its partners effort in making an informed decision in targeting HIV and STIs, said: Mr. Sonpon Sieh, Program Director, Liberias National AIDS Control Program. For his part, UNAIDSs Country Coordinator accredited to Liberia, Dr. Betru Woldesemayat said the Integrated Bio-Behavioral Surveillance Survey or IBBSS for short among others studies already in the making will helped Liberia re-visit the prevention and control strategies of HIV which has to be community centered approach, more then medicalization response. He then reaffirms the United Nation System unflinching support to Liberias national development and response to HIV, AIDS and STIs. Delivering earlier the welcome and introductory remarks, Mr. David Logan, Global Funds Program Manager at the Ministry of Health in Monrovia said, the Integrated Bio-Behavioral Surveillance Survey was conducted in order to determine the gaps and means

cultural group of the children from the mission home of the sisters with their colourful dance added joy to the days

celebration. Expressing her gratitude to all those who had come, Sister Regional Superior thanked

the Archbishop, the Bishop, the clergy, the laity for their presence, love and support. The laity who had come for

the celebration thanked the Sisters for their services to the poor in Liberia. The celebrations concluded with

of moving forward following the implementation of phase one of the Global Funds grant to GOL. He saidLiberias current response to HIV and STIs has been primarily focused on information, education and communication; behavior change communication strategies, condom promotion and distribution, STI diagnosis and treatment, safe blood transfusion,

Dr. Ivan F. Camanor, Chairman National AIDS Commission of Liberia

and the prevention of mother-tochild. The need for evidence-based intervention for most at risk population that will drive the national response to prevention, treatment, care and support could not be overemphasized, Mr. Logan continues. The Global Fund Program Manager maintained thatthe study

was conducted to investigate the risk behaviors, perceptions, and attitudes and the HIV and syphilis prevalence, among keypopulations in nine (9) selected counties which include Montesrrado, Cape Mount, Grand Bassa, Grand Gedeh, Lofa, Nimba, and River, among others Counties. Also speaking, Mr. Tolbert

Nyenswah, Liberia's Assistant Health Minister for Public Health and Preventative Services thanked all partners for their contribution to the development and finalization of the survey, noting that special thanks go to Global, USAID and the UN System for their financial and technical support which have help the West African Nation developed its own Integrated BioBehavior Surveillance Survey. Minister Nyenswah said the survey he believed will help the country in designing long and short term programs (National Strategy Plan)to help mitigate the spread of HIV, AIDS and related illnessesin the country. According to the Liberian Minister, this is because, the IBBSS covers major drivers of the virus in the country and it will help policy makers in the execution of their duties.Minister Nyenswah further assured his compatriots of the Ministry of Health commitment to collaborate with the National AIDS Commission in order to take full advantage recommendations and key issues highlighted in the IBBSS.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

he president of the Liberian Business Association (Liba) has frowned on government for its seemingly passive posture in the promotion of Liberian businesses. Delivering the keynote address at the induction ceremony of the Authorized Cemenco Distributors Association of Liberia (Acemdal Incorporated), Dee Maxwell Kemayah said government has demonstrated a complete lip service to rigorously implement policies geared towards the empowerment of these businesses. Kemayah said the need for government to move from mere pronouncements and lip services to an integrated action in the support for the empowerment of Liberianowned businesses cant be overemphasized. This, he said, can only be possible if government, which is overseeing the reform policy agenda, sees the need to prioritize the empowerment of Liberian-owned businesses as one of the top national agenda. Kemayah disclosed that President Ellen JohnsonSirleaf was viewed as glamour of hope by the Liberian business community prior to her election in 2005 with the poverty reduction strategy (PRS). But the PRS, he added, turned out to be a segmented and disintegrated intervention for the business community. What [has] happened to the plan of creating Liberian millionaires within the business community during this administration? How many of these millionaires have been created as we speak, especially so, as this government is going towards the end of its second term? How much of the expenditure of this government was used on Liberian-owned businesses for the procurement of goods and services since this government came to power? Or was it a plan to create governmentmillionaires through taxpayers money instead of creating millionaires from the business community? If that is the case, then it is troubling and saddened. How much of the expenditure of this government was used on foreign-related businesses for the procurement of goods and services since this government came to power? The answers to these questions will go a long way in helping government to be able to give more priority and do a little more towards empowering Liberian-owned businesses, he asked. Kemayah, however, admitted

STARK CONTRAST TO REALITY

Liba takes government to task at Acemdals inaugural ball as new chairman looks to benefit from CBL loan scheme
Danesius Marteh, danesius.marteh@frontpageafricaonline.com
structural marketing practices with Cemenco their facilitator and or sponsor. Contractual agreements, he added, will be revisited to ensure that they are balanced for the good of all. Moore then called on the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) to empower Acemdal, who are major players in the national reconstruction drive. We want to call on CBL, Liba and all financial institutions, involved in the micro-finance loan scheme to begin given credence to members of this organization. As you have seen today, you know our strength and the leadership. We can assure you, Mr. Kemayah and your friend His Honor, Dr. J. Mills Jones, that you can entrust us with whatever money and this leadership can manage it very well and we will pay back in the stipulated time. And we certainly hope that your administration and the national government, especially the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, will continue to open their doors to us and accord us the necessary opportunities, Moore concluded on the theme, Mutual Listening for Success with a quote from Plato, a grateful mind is a great mind that is eventually attracted to great things. Others inducted were Idee Ragland, co-chairperson for administration; J. Monly Dougbe, co-chairman for operations; James Walker, secretary-general; Adam A. Sesay, assistant secretarygeneral; Marcus S. Roberts, financial secretary; Vamuyan S. Sheriff, treasurer and McArthur G. David as chaplain. In consultation with the leadership, Moore constituted an advisory board by naming Richard B. Dapaye, whom he defeated, as chairman. Others were Mayanma DukulyKonneh, co-chairperson; Patrick Komoyan, secretarygeneral and David Jones and Mary Y. Bundo as members. Vivian M. Cooper was named as planning and program committee chairperson while Prince Yanzehand Thomas Fahnbulleh were appointed as chairmen of the grievance and ethics and sports committees respectively. A minute of silence was observed in memory of all members, especially former Cemenco sales assistant Richard Davies, whose death triggered the formation of Acemdal in 2011.

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BUSINESS

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that Liba is fortunate to have been given the necessary recognition and support by government at some levels by the Central Bank of Liberia. He then recommended key points as what, he believes,will enhance the growth and development of Liberianowned businesses yea the economy. 1. That the leadership being inducted into office today should endeavor to adapt the principles of good governance and [should] work as a team. 2. That in furtherance of the Liberianization Policy, President Ellen JohnsonSirleaf and her cabinet should exert every effort, along with the National Legislature, to ensure the enactment and implementation of a law that will require Liberians to hold at least 40-percent partnership in all foreign-related businesses and companies doing business or desiring to do business in Liberia as in the case of Ghana and other places. 3. That the government, through a strategic process, closes down all retail businesses operated by foreigners and then in furtherance, empower Liberian-owned businesses to take over completely the retail sector of our economy. Simply putting it, all foreign businesses should be limited to the wholesale level while Liberian-owned businesses, with the capacity, be given opportunities to do both retail and wholesale. 4. That the government should review all its businessrelated laws and amend portions that are not in the

Liba president Dee Maxwell Kemayah (left) Assistant Commerce Minister for industry Sei W. Gahn (right)

interest of empowering Liberian-owned businesses. 5. That Acemdal should ensure the decentralization of its organization as Monrovia is not Liberia and Cemenco related distributors could also be in rural Liberia. That the management of Cemenco should use Acemdal as the channel for the sale of Cemenco-produced cement in Liberia. This will not only serve as a market opportunity for the members of the association but will go a long way in empowering Acemdal. 7. That Cemenco and Acemdal should also exert every effort to ensure that the Acemdal acquire some minimum share in Cemenco. As we are quite aware that

some time back, government made a pronouncement that it was selling its component of the shares[in Cemenco] to citizens. With the direct contact and what you are doing, I think it is prudent that this be done [given to you]. This will serve as a good trust fund for the association. That Acemdal join our campaign for an economic revolution in Liberia, especially so,as in my conviction, economic empowerment of the Liberian people will provide a perfect opportunity for wealth creation. We dont need poverty reduction. Lets work towards wealth creation. This economic empowerment of the Liberian people will no doubt serve as a bedrock for

the sustainability of genuine reconciliation, peace, stability and economic growth and development in Liberia. How can you join this economic revolution campaign? I urge you to join the economic revolution campaign in Liberia by beginning to develop the spirit of entrepreneurship, Kemayah highlighted in a 20-count recommendation. Delivering his inaugural address on the theme, Chairman Varmah Moore commended Acemdal for a peaceful and successful electoral period, which was being climaxed with the induction. Moore said his administrations prime focus will be on how to provide more training in business management and

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Thursday, February 20, 2014

REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP FOR EDUCATION BASIC EDUCATION PROJECT REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (REOI) FOR ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP FOR EDUCATION BASIC EDUCATION PROJECT REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (REOI) FOR PROCUREMENT ASSISTANT
REOI No: MOE/GPEP/PA/35/13 IDA GRANT ID: TF097456 3. Introduction The Government of Liberia has received a grant from the International Development Association (IDA) toward the cost of the Global Partnership for Education Basic Education Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds of this grant to payments for the services of a Procurement Assistant for the Global Partnership for Education Basic Education Project of the Ministry of Education (MOE). 4. Background The overall priority of the Government of Liberia (GOL) is to reduce poverty. During the consultations for the development of the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS), education was identified as one of the sectors requiring the highest priority. The Liberia Education Sector Plan (ESP) 2010-2020 is fully aligned with the PRS and served as the basis for the countrys application for a grant from the Global Partnership for Education (formerly Education For All-Fast Track Initiative) Catalytic Fund in 2010. The application was approved and the GPE Grant for Basic Education Project became effective in January 2011. The development objective for the GPE Grant for Basic Education Project is to improve management capacity and accountability at the central and school levels for school construction in rural areas, procurement and distribution of teaching and learning materials, and school based management. The project has one Component and four sub-components Sub-Component 1.1: Strengthened Institutional Management Capacity and Accountability Sub-Component 1.2: School Construction in Rural Areas Sub-Component 1.3: Procurement and Distribution of Teaching and Learning Materials Sub-Component 1.4: School Based Management through School Grants. As the level of project activities increases, the MOE has realized that there is the need to employ an additional hand to ensure that all outstanding procurement activities are carried out by the closing date of the project. 3. Objective(s) of the Assignment The main objective of the Procurement Assistants assignment is to assist the 2 Procurement Specialists of the GPE Project to carry out the daily procurement activities within the Procurement Team so as to ensure efficient, accountable and transparent procurement. 7. Scope of Services and Expected Deliverables The scope of work includes (but is not limited to): Ensure that the conditions of the GPE Grant Agreement are fully complied with at all stages for procurement of goods, works and services under the Project; Assist in procurement of goods, works and services. Prepare drafts of public notices, requests for quotation, bidding documents, contracts for review and approval by the Procurement Specialists. Participate in bid opening sessions, prepare and record draft minutes of the sessions. Assist in preparing draft reports for review by the Procurement Specialists. Regularly update and keep the record of all expressions of interest, bids and proposals and incoming procurement requests. Liaise with relevant user departments in all aspects of the procurement process. Assist the National Procurement Specialist to maintain proper filing system. Is responsible for liaising with the MOEs Procurement Unit on administrative issues relating to procurement. Assist in implementation and administration of procurement procedures and policies. Timeline The consultants services are required for 12 months, with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory performance. 8. The MOE now invites applications from eligible individuals to indicate their interest in providing the required services as described above and to provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services, including CVs, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, etc. References will be required of short-listed candidates. 9. The shortlisting criteria will be based on the qualification and experience requirements outlined below.Educational and professional qualifications and experience will include: A High School Graduate. But a Bachelors degree in business administration or economics will be preferred. Minimum 2-3 years experience in procurement or contract management for projects implemented by government and other agencies. High levels of personal initiative, motivation, honesty and integrity, and be prepared to undertake on-the-job training. Exposure to or involvement with the procurement of goods, works and services in projects funded by international lending institutions would also be desirable. Knowledge of the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission Act of Liberia will be an asset. Excellent computer knowledge (MS Office and Internet). Strong interpersonal skills. Fluent in spoken and written English. 9. The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraph 1.9 of the World Bank's Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants [under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits & Grants] by World Bank Borrowers January 2011 ("Consultant Guidelines"), setting forth the World Bank's policy on conflict of interest. 10. An Individual Consultant will be selected in accordance with the procedures for selecting Individual Consultants set out in the Consultant Guidelines. 9. Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours from 0900 to 1700 hours local time. 11. Applications; clearly marked Procurement Assistant- GPEBEP, must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by 5PM Local Time, on March 4, 2014. Only short listed candidates will be contacted. 12. The address referred to above is:

REOI No: MOE/GPEP/AA/38/14 IDA GRANT ID: TF097456 1. Introduction The Government of Liberia has received a grant from the International Development Association (IDA) toward the cost of the Global Partnership for Education Basic Education Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds of this grant to payments for the services of aAdministrative Assistant for the Global Partnership for Education Basic Education Project of the Ministry of Education (MOE). 2. Background The overall priority of the Government of Liberia (GOL) is to reduce poverty. During the consultations for the development of the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS), education was identified as one of the sectors requiring the highest priority. The Liberia Education Sector Plan (ESP) 2010-2020 is fully aligned with the PRS and served as the basis for the countrys application for a grant from the Global Partnership for Education (formerly Education For All-Fast Track Initiative) Catalytic Fund in 2010. The application was approved and the GPE Grant for Basic Education Project became effective in January 2011. The development objective for the GPE Grant for Basic Education Project is to improve management capacity and accountability at the central and school levels for school construction in rural areas, procurement and distribution of teaching and learning materials, and school based management. The project has one Component and four sub-components Sub-Component 1.1: Strengthened Institutional Management Capacity and Accountability Sub-Component 1.2: School Construction in Rural Areas Sub-Component 1.3: Procurement and Distribution of Teaching and Learning Materials Sub-Component 1.4: School Based Management through School Grants. 3. Objective(s) of the Assignment The objective of the assignment is to enhance the smooth project operations by contributing to effective administration of the day-to-day activities of the PST. The recruitment of an experienced middle-level Administrative Assistant will also contribute to increasing management capacity within the MOE. 4. Scope of Services and Expected Deliverables The scope of work includes (but is not limited to): A. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Office Management Oversee all aspects of general office coordination as it relates to the PST Secretariat. Maintain office calendar to coordinate workflow and meetings Maintain confidentiality in all aspects of client, staff and PST/Project related information Perform general clerical duties to include, but not limited to, bookkeeping, copying, faxing, mailing and filing. Procure stationery and supplies for the PST with responsibility for requisition, receipt and distribution of the same; Maintain an updated inventory of all office equipment, furnishings and other assets. File and retrieve Project related documents, records and reports; Manage petty cash purchases and receipts.

B. Communications and Meetings 9. Establish/Maintain contacts database for Project/PST 10. Acquire/Collate content for Project bulletin/newsletter and ensure timely distribution 11. Make and arrange meetings and appointments for staff members of the PST and for consultants on project-related assignments; 12. Ensure that filing of all communication is executed on a timely basis; 13. Set up and coordinate meetings and conferences 14. Compile, transcribe and distribute minutes of meetings C. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. Administration and Logistics Coordinate and maintain records for staff, office space, etc. Manage vehicle fleet and drivers Arrange for the repair and maintenance of office equipment. Other duties as assigned by the project coordinator. Coordinate all immigration documents and work permits for consultants. Maintain project bulletin on all project activities. Design realistic travel plan and fuel usage log for all out of town travel. Coordinate all logistic and official programs regarding evaluations and public awareness on implementation.

Timeline The duration of the assignment is one (1) year, with the possibility of extension contingent upon a satisfactory performance evaluation. The Consultant will be on probation fora period of three (3) months from the date of assumption of duty. 5. The MOEnow invites applications from eligible individuals to indicate their interest in providing the required services as described above and to provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services, including CVs, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, etc. References will be required of short-listed candidates. 6. The shortlisting criteria will be based on the qualification and experience requirements outlined below.Educational and professional qualifications and experience will include: Experienced administrative professional who is dependable and highly organized with business, maturity, discretion, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude possessing: Bachelors degree Public Administration, Management, and Accounting Minimum of 4 years experience in office management, procedures in an office setting Knowledge of principles and practices of basic office management and organization. Technologically literate with strong computer skills including familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel and other commonly used software. Access Database skills would be a plus. Good internet skills, including use of e-mail programs and group messaging Good organizational skills and record keeping (attention to detail is critical) Good oral and written communication skills Self-starter who can work independently Skill in establishing priorities and managing workload Ability to follow directions. 7. The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraph 1.9 of the World Bank's Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants [under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits & Grants] by World Bank Borrowers January 2011 ("Consultant Guidelines"), setting forth the World Bank's policy on conflict of interest. 8. An Individual Consultant will be selected in accordance with the procedures for selecting Individual Consultants set out in the Consultant Guidelines. 8. Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours from 0900 to 1700 hours local time.

9. Applications; clearly marked Administrative Assistant- GPEBEP, must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by 5.00PM Local Time, on Tuesday, March 4, 2014. Only short listed candidates will be contacted. 10. The address referred to above is:

The Project Coordinator, Global Partnership for Education Basic Education Project, Ministry of Education, 3rd Street, Sinkor, Tubman Boulevard, Monrovia, Liberia Cell: +231 88 655 0234 Email: baysah.fti.moe@gmail.com, and copied to: fabu.fti.moe@gmail.com, cftumbay@gmail.com, gbasakollie@gmail.com.

The Project Coordinator, Global Partnership for Education Basic Education Project, Ministry of Education, 3rd Street, Sinkor, Tubman Boulevard, Monrovia, Liberia Cell: +231 88 655 0234 Email: baysah.fti.moe@gmail.com, and copied to: fabu.fti.moe@gmail.com, cftumbay@gmail.com, gbasakollie@gmail.com.

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ater is a basic necessity but the people of Weala District in Margbi County hope of having the water system in the area functional is yet to be realized as a budgetary allotment of US$189, 000 was misapplied by the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation during the 2012-2013 fiscal year. In the 2012-2013 National Budget an amount of US$189,000 was allotted under the budget code 01- 0197 Rehabilitation of the Weala Water System placed under the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation budget for the implementation of the water system project to rehabilitate the Weala Water System. The budget year had since elapsed with the project yet to commence although US$100 of the amount was made available by the Ministry of Finance as per the published fiscal outturn report of the Government of Liberia for the period, thus meaning that the money was expended by the Corporation for different purpose other than the intended, leaving the project undone.

The use of funds from for an expense not authorized by law or act is considered misapplication of funds. In the case of the Water and Sewer Corporation, the 20122013 budget had specifically allocated the fund for a particular purpose but the money was not used for the stated purpose in violation of the Budget law of Liberia and the Public Financial management law, 2009. Money allocated and not used are to be returned to the Consolidated Account as provided for in section 27 of the Public Financial management Law of Liberia, 2009. Section 27. Expiration of Appropriation at End of Fiscal Year of the Public Financial management Act of Liberia, PFM law, 2009 states 1. All un-allotted appropriations and all uncommitted allotments will lapse at the end of the fiscal year. 2. All balances of appropriations committed but not disbursed prior to the end of the fiscal year, shall be available for the settlement of those obligations within 90 days from the end of the preceding fiscal year. All such balances not disbursed after ninety (90) days following the end of the preceding fiscal year

he recent decision by the National Legislature to speedily amend the act creating the Central Bank of Liberia is been resisted by several groupings and the Liberia Motorcycle Transport Union [LMTU] and the Liberia Labor Congress have joined a list of those condemning the lawmakers action. The two groups in separate press conferences termed the lawmakers decision as counter-productive for Liberias emerging democracy. LMTU Secretary General Robert Sammie said, the decision by the legislators to amend the CBL Act is predicated upon the CBL recent loan program. Some narrow minds are even terming the economic stimulus package: targeting the poorest of the poor or the ultra- poor, as political loans, Sammie said. Sammie said, that the amended act is intended to protect lawmakers and not the ordinary people whose interest the lawmakers should be protecting We are constrained to question the rationale and wisdom of amending the 1999 Act that gives fluid hands to Governors of Central Bank of Liberia to extend helping hands to ordinary poverty striking Liberians to be lifted at a level of economic

RESISTING 4G PASSAGE
-More condemnations on CBL Act Amendment
Al-Varney Rogers alrogers2008@gmail.com 0886304498
Legislature have different understanding of the CBL Loan Program adding that they believe that the loan is intended to stimulate growth in the economy. The Central Bank Loan Program according to survey is providing self-employment to many Liberians especially those in the informal sector of our labor market and raising the living standard of ordinary Liberians, Natt said. He furthered The bill in its current form tends to deprive or deny ordinary Liberians from exercising their political rights guarantee under the constitution of Liberia. Natt call on the three branches of government to find a common ground to current state of affairs in the country. LMTU Secretary General said, that the ordinary Liberians will not allow politicians to deny them economic emancipation

shall be moved to government Consolidated Account. The recording, accounting and reporting of such undisbursed balances shall be set out in accounting regulations to be issued under this Act and shall be consistent with the provisions of sections 33, 34 and 35 of this Act. A FrontPageAfrica investigation has gathered that the LWSC is now sourcing funding from a different source to implement the project since the 2012-2013 budget has since ended with the allotted money diverted to different purpose. Bidding for the project implementation was carried out with a company selected to commence the project but funding is yet to be provided, leaving residents without water for nearly two years since the budgetary allotment. it is true the allotment of US$189,000 was approved for the Weala water project and Water and Sewer told us it was carrying out bidding which was completed but up to now, nothing has been done, they have been telling us to wait but up to now, nothing yet, William B.S. Julye, Commissioner of Weala told FrontPageAfrica via mobile phone. Commissioner Julye says the company that won the bid for the implementation of the project has been waiting to receive 40% of the contract cost to commence the project but Water and Sewer is yet to make available the funding for

MISAPPLICATION ROCKS WATER & SEWER, 100K DIVERTED

the start of the project. We even formed a Water Project Management Committee to work with the company that won the bid on the successful implementation of the project but for almost two years, we just keep waiting, no money, the Commissioner lamented. The Commissioner disclosed that lawmaker Emmanuel Nuquay from Margibi has been aiding the people of Weala in following up on the matter but as of now no fruitful results. The Honorable told me is taking the matter to the Ministry of Finance to officially complain the Water and Sewer Corporation to the Ministry on the situation, Commissioner Julye. When contacted, the Public relations Officer at the Water and Sewer after being in a meeting for more than two hours said the issue has been resolved and the first payment for the project is about to be made. Quizzed further on the source of the amount since the money to implement the project was allotted in 2013-2013 budget that has since elapsed and the amount not re-allotted, the PR said he is not knowledgeable on such issues and prefer the Managing Director speaking on the matter but failed on his promise to arrange the interview with the Managing Director. When also contacted, the Managing Director, Charles B. Allen said he was busy in meeting during the day and was on his way to the Ministry of Finance after which he could speak on the matter. Up to press time, the Managing Director did not officially speak on the matter as effort to again contact for Tuesday yield no result. In the Ministry of Finance Fiscal Outturn report published regarding the 2012-2013 budget reflecting disbursement it was indicated that an amount of US$100,000 was paid out of the US$189,000. FrontPageAfrica has gathered that the current management at the LWSC is exerting effort to source the money ignoring the violation of the PFM Law, 2009 through the failure of the corporation to implement the project during the 20122013 budget year or return the money to the Consolidated Account to be re-appropriated by the National legislature. Another misapplication in line Frontpageafrica has gathered that the LWSC on February 17, 2014 received Government of Liberia subsidy in the amount of $233,000 to be used specifically to pay for chemicals, fuel and lubricants and pipes and fittings as per the Corporation's approved cash plan submitted to the Ministry of Finance. However, Forntpageafrica has learnt from inside sources that portion of this amount is been used to fund the first 40% milestone payment against the Weala project, another violation of the Budget law.

CORRUPTION WATCH

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With the Weala Project initially allotted US$189,000 in the 2012-2013 national budget, there is high possibility that the LWSC may not be able to make follow up payments to complete the project and the project may come to a standstill. In the current 2013-2014 budget year the rehabilitation of the Weala Water system was allotted nothing as it is indicated under budget code019700 Weala Rehab. Besides the violation of the PFM law, 2009, the inability of the LWSC to rehabilitate the Weala Water System could cause health hazard to the residents as the people could go without clean and safe drinking water even though the government knowing the importance of water allotted the money for such purpose. Misapplication of budgetary allotment is a major issue across government ministries and agencies as oversight by the National Legislature in ensuring that line ministries and agencies produce budget performance report, indicating unused fund has not been thorough to cut across all budgetary items. The Liberia Water & Sewer Corporation has a statutory mandate to provide the Liberian population with safe water in an effort to reduce water borne and related disease burden in Liberia, as well as to develop and maintain a network of sewage system aimed, Investigation continues.

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dignity. What is the wisdom in making laws that intent to keep your people in perpetual poverty? In simple term, the Legislature vehemently detests Central Bank Loan Scheme. This action on the part of the National Legislature cant only

be described as thoughtless, Sammie said. Sammie said, the act seeks to prevent a Central Bank Governor from participating in any electoral except he or she resigns three years prior to elections adding that such law is

a violation of the constitution. The Secretary General of Liberia Labour Congress Nyemah Natt said, the Congress views the current situation as troubling and unhealthy for Liberias emerging democracy. Nyemah said the National

and development. But let this be clear that Liberians can no longer accept any flimsy excuse for enduring any economic injustice that has for so long kept them at the fringe and margin of society, Sammie said. Sammie continues: Because Liberians are very desperate for economic emancipation; we will no more allow any political chicaneries to elude economic development. We will stand tall to tower programs tailoring Liberians economic emancipation. Sammie said that the motorcyclists in Liberia count on the president to veto the amended act adding that they will strategize means to democratically retire evil lawmakers. Therefore, we are respectfully calling on all lawmakers, especially those who are seeking reelections, to make clear their individual stance on this malicious and envious amendment, Sammie added.

COMPLETELY DISCRIMINATORY

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POLITICS

Thursday, February 20, 2014

L
Monrovia-

Kennedy L, Yangian kennedylyangian@frontpageafricaonline.com 077296781

the locals but a clever attempt by the CBL Governor to rally support for his presidential bid come 2017, though Governor Jones had made no public comment about his presidential ambition as has been rumored around by Liberians. Move by the lawmakers to amend the CBL Act has been the issue of debate taking place at University Campuses; entertainment places as well job sites by several Liberians. Cllr Tiawan Gongloe a human rights lawyer is the latest Liberian to speak on the CBL amended act terming the act as discriminatory. In a FrontPageAfrica interview Wednesday afternoon on the groundS of the Temple of Justice Gongloe stated that while it was true that Governor Jones has politicized the micro-loan scheme the action taken against him by the lawmakers was discriminatory and breached Article 11 section (C) of the Constitution. The constitution states that all persons are equal before the law and therefore entitled to equal protection under the law. Laws should not be discriminatory, laws should be for all said Gongloe. Gongloe said, when lawmakers breach the constitution, the citizens have the right to take the issue to court. He threatened to join the bandwagon in defense of the CBL governor if called upon but added that it will not be on the basis of politics. The control and supply of money in the country is the sole priority of the Central Bank, Gongloe stated. He said what the lawmakers should have done was to remove that portion of the Act that allows the Central Bank to provide loans from the countrys reserve since indeed the issue of loan given out by the Central Bank is causing uneasiness. Let us revamp the Agriculture Bank and mandate it to provide loans, said Cllr. Gongloe. Gongloe said that the action taken by the lawmakers should have been extended to all public institutions and no only the CBL. What will happened when the Maritime Commissioner announce that he will provide fishing boats to all fishermen in the country from Cape Mount to Maryland Counties? Will the lawmakers say the commissioner is politicking and amend act creating the Maritime Authority? Gongloe asked. Gongloe asked whether the lawmakers would take the same decision against the LPRC if the Managing Director of the Liberia Petroleum Refinery Company (LPRC) announced to give each petty trader selling gasoline 50 gallons each. Will the lawmaker claim that the Director is politicking and amend the act creating the LPRC?

GONGLOE TAKES ISSUE WITH LAWMAKERS ON CBL AMENDED ACT

awmakers who have earlier expressed dissatisfaction over the manner in which Central Banks Governor Jones had dished out thousands of United States Dollars loans to locals in the country last week voted unanimously to amend part of the act creating the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL). The lawmakers assertions have been that the loans scheme initiated by Governor Jones was not only intended to help MONROVIA-

M WE DID IT RELUCTANTLY
r. Clemenceau Urey former board chair of the National oil company of Liberia has admitted to giving bribe to the 52nd National Legislatures for the ratification of past concession contracts in the countrys emerging oil sector. Urey appeared before the Legislatures Joint Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to answer to allegations made against him as former board chair of the National oil company (NOCAL). The call was to ascertain facts in the alleged lobbying fee saga and several irregularities unearthed by the General Audition Commission (GAC) of audit done in 2006/08/09 at the Entity. His appearance came as a result of request made by NOCALs current President Dr. Randolph McClain to the committee because according to him he could not answer to questions of the GAC audit report on past administrations. The former NOCAL boss admitted giving the Legislature fifty thousand united States Dollars (US$ 50,000) under his watch, but said the money was given to the legislature reluctantly and was a result of refusal by the Legislature to go ahead with ratification of some concession agreements in the absence of lobby. He also told the committee e that he was not informed by his former colleagues that they were giving the Legislature additional money that summed it to hundred and eighteen thousand dollars as additional lobby fees. Urey Said: We did it reluctantly. It is not something

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UREY ADMITS TO BRIBING LAWMAKERS IN RESPONSE TO GAC REPORT ON LOBBY FEES

Henry Karmo (0886522495) henrykarmo47@yahoo.com

we wanted to do. We did it in national interest to get those agreements ratified but what I can say here to you today is that when the second payment was done, I was not in the Country and when I heard about it I got angry. Responding to other issues raised by the GAC report of repeated increase of board fees from US$ 1,000 to US$ 3,000 within one year period he said, it was done in agreement with board members and was done because it was realized by members of the board that they were making progress in increasing the revenue of the

entity and there was a need to increase board members fees. The hearing was intended for Urey, Dr. Foday Kromah former President of NOCAL, and two former lawmakers, but only Urey appeared. There was no reason given for the absence of Kromah. Former Montserrado County Representatives Rufus D. Nuefville and former Representative of District #3 now District 7 Alomiza Ennos also did not appear before the joint committee. But the committee announced that these individuals publicly would meet with the committee

in closed session because according to it, they are not the Auditees in the GAC report. It was a good decision to bribe Asked by Representative Eugene Fallah Kparkar if he was aware that bribery is a criminal offense under the laws of Liberia Urey responded: It is easy to sit down and condemn me, but look at the good it has done supporting the budget, training our people and supporting our Universities all of those things I think the good has outweighed the bad. I told you it was in the National interest, it was expedient and today if you see

how the National Oil Company is contributing to the Countrys National development especially it contribution to the National budget and that decision was not done only by me. Urey also requested the committee to subpoena former President Dr. Foday Kromah to answer to some of the questions posed to him by the committee. Audits conducted by the General Auditing Commission (GAC) at NOCAL for the Fiscal year 2006/08 and 2009 claimed that some former lawmakers and officials of NOCAL were involved in a

fraudulent transaction of over one hundred and eighteen thousand United States Dollars (US$ 118,000.00). The GAC report accused former (CDC-District #8 Montserrado County) Rufus Neville, (CDCDistrict #7 formerly District#1 Montserrado County) Alomiza Ennos of receiving over one hundred thousand United States dollars as lobby fees. It is alleged in the GAC report that Neufville, who was recently named chief of protocol by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, was the conduit through which the bribe was paid to the legislature. During his tenure as a lawmaker the then Congress for Democratic Change Lawmaker served the 52nd legislature as chairman of the Houses committee on concession and investment and it was at this time that the alleged amount was paid to the august body as lobby fees for the ratification of most of the oil blocks including the controversy block 13. During Friday February 14, appearance of NOCAL before the Legislature Public Account Committee (PAC) at the Capitol building to answers to quest of misappropriation discovered in the GAC report against the NOCAL, for the fiscal year 2006/08/09 Dr. Randolph McClain President of NOCAL said, he could not answer to questions of misappropriation for the years indicated because current management was not at the time at NOCAL.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Gbarnga, Bong CountyMore than 30 students and their advisers from 5 schools over the weekend of January 25th 2014 completed Youth Crime Watch of Liberias YCW Schools implementation workshop in Gbarnga City Bong County. The Youth-Led Crimes Awareness, Prevention and Reporting program, tagged YCW Schools seeks to enhance school community security relationship through the stablemen of school based programs in congested, vulnerable and crime threatened communities. This initiative will rejuvenate and expand Youth Crime Watchs interventions to more schools in Montserrado and Bong Counties; as part of YCWLs long term mission to promote safer schools and communities by raising awareness around issues that affects students and their communities. The training was graced by an opening statement by the Acting Minister of Gender & Development, Hon. Andrew Tehmeh, who has long had keen interest in Youth Crime Watch of Liberias activities and as well as in youth and communities development initiatives around Bong county. The training was hell at the St. Marks Lutheran High School, in Gbarnga City and brought together participants from the St. Marks Lutheran High School, St. Peters Episcopal High School, St. Martins Catholic High School, G. W. Gibson High School, and William V. S. Tubman Gray High School. This One Day Implementation Workshop is part of a six month initiative, with funding from Humanity United through Trust Africa, as part of Early Warning Early Response Working Groups Small Grant

COUNTY NEWS YOUTH CRIME WATCH OF LIBERIA COMPLETES CRIMES AWARENESS AND PREVENTION WORKSHOP IN BONG COUNTY

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Participants at the end of the workshop in Gbarnga

Initiatives. The main objectives of the training is to build the capacities young people, their advisers, empowering them with the tools and knowledge needed to help prevention crimes, as well as skills needed to effectively run a Youth Crime Watch of Liberia YCW Schools program within their respective school. YCWL young trainees and their Adviser were very enthusiastic about the program. During the working section, participants identified three major issues in each of their schools that are affecting students, which they would like to address as a debut for responsibility for their YCW School sites. During conversations, some of the students mentioned indecent dress code and alcohol taking are key factors affecting students; some of our friends feel that because they are shy, they can depend on alcohol and other drugs to make them active in class and that can make them brave also to disrupt lectures, behave rude Musa Kamara, St. Martins High School. Also, another student noted that their peers dress code on campus is unhealthy at all, it makes teachers to go after the girls and the boys show no decency. I think all of us need to practice good behavior on campus, by dressing properly, as this attitude will go a long way with us to our jobs and communities. Joyce Sumo, G. W. Gibson High School. Throughout the program and beyond, Youth Crime Watch of Liberia will continue to support Core Groups, to identify issues affecting them, in addition to drugs and crimes; and work with students

P
Monrovia-

lenary of the Senate Wednesday held a special session aimed at addressing the concerns of striking health workers who are on a go-slow in demand of incentives and resignation of the current health minister and his principal deputies. The senate special session brought together the Ministers of health and Finance and heads of the striking health workers to a dialogue in finding solutions to their concerns and plights as patients continue to be left abandoned at various public health centers around the country. Earlier to the commencement of the meeting, Finance Minister Amara Konneh in response to invitation sent to him by the senate wrote plenary to excuse him from the meeting because of what he termed as pressing national engagement. The senators trashed the communication from the minister with some describing it as a complete affront to them especially when an even more pressing national issue is at stake.

FOSTERING SOLUTION
Henry Karmo (0886522495) henrykarmo47@yahoo.com

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and their administrations to address them through peer led Community Service Learning projects. With support to the objectives of Liberias Early Warning Early Response Working Group and the Peacebuilding Office, Youth Crime Watch of Liberia will continue to, through its programs, devise applicable long term mechanism to engage the minds and skills of young people in making them future assets and catalysts of Peacebuilding and crime reduction at both community and state levels. The organizations goal is to support the government and other stakeholders in several ways that would create crimefree, drug-free and violence free environments through youth-led initiatives; to instill positive values, foster good citizenship, and to build selfconfidence in young people. Youth Crime Watch of Liberia is an accredited youth organization established since 2004, following the civil conflict, which nearly decimated the population to help address the need for grassroots participation in nation building. The organization is dedicated to fighting illiteracy and promoting reconciliation, reconstruction, peace, development and better and healthier lifestyles in Liberia through crime prevention, youth empowerment and youth employment.

SENATE HOLDS MEETING WITH FINANCE AND HEALTH MINISTERS, AND AGGRIEVED HEALTH WORKERS
reverted into secret session to discuss with the concerned parties. The meeting came as a result of a decision taken by the Senate Plenary Tuesday, to hold a special session Wednesday to investigate the concerns of striking Public health workers around the Country. The Senate Plenary through a Motion filed by Senator John Ballout of Maryland County after several minutes of discussions among senators agreed that the head of the Ministry and striking workers be brought to the senate to discuss the way forward on the impasse. The senators motion was amended by Senator George Tengbeh who said that the leadership of the striking

As a result of the ministers action a motion was filed by Senator John Ballout of Maryland County that the Sergeant at arms at the senate

be instructed to go for the finance Minister and ensure that he be brought within two hours. Apparently the Minister of

finance had an informant at the legislature because he appeared in the capitol building just 15 minutes after the motion was filed and plenary subsequently

health workers prevails on their colleagues to return to work pending the resolution of the impasse. Health workers in Liberia Sunday February 16, 2014 started a go-slow action against the government of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in demand of improved salaries and incentives. The workers amongst other things are demanding the resignation of the Countrys health Minister Dr. Gwenigale and the Chief Medical officer Dr. Branice Dahn and that the government increase their salaries and incentives. When contacted via mobile phone Dr. Gwenigale refused to comment on the matter noting that he does not do interviews on the phone.

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FROM OLD VILLAGES TO MODERN TOWNS

COUNTY NEWS

Thursday, February 20, 2014

fter many years of civil unrest which devastated the country, the war ravaged nation of Liberia is gradually progressing in its post-war recovery programs, targeted at rebuilding the broken nation and lifting citizens out of poverty. The conflict did not only destroy the country, but also plunged the nation into poverty and economic backwardness. In a bid to rebuild the country and its broken economy, the Government of Liberia has attracted US$16b in foreign direct investment. Many of the investments, especially in the extractive, mining and forestry sectors, serve as strong pillars for the governments development agenda and recovery programs. The government has already begun putting in place financial systems and measures to properly manage and utilize funds generated from public resources, for the greater good of the country and its population. Liberia has several development potentials in the extractive and mining industries. Investment in mining sector has created job for many Liberians in the country. Economic activities and trade in many of the concessions continue to improve the lives of Liberians and reduce poverty. During the civil war years, the mining industry in Liberia was badly exploited by fighting forces. Proceeds from resources exploited were to fueled conflicts in many parts Liberia, including Kinjor and Larjor, in Grand Cape Mount County. Kinjor and Larjor are two remote, but gold-rich villages in Grand Cape Mount County. The villages are located in north-west of Liberia and formed part of Bea Mountain mining license area, referred to as the New Liberty Gold Deposit, which is 100% owned by Aureus Mining Company (AMC). The inhabitants of the two villages and parts surrounding had been engaged in artisanal and small-scale mining of gold and diamond to make life for their families. They slept in make-shift structures built of mud, sticks and plastic. Others slept in fox-holes on the mining site and defecated in the open. There were absolutely no water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities in the area at the time. The lack of safe drinking water left the residents with on alternative, but to drink from the Mavor River, the same water they use for bathing and washing of gold. Artisanal and Small-scale mining (ASM) refers to informal mining activities carried out using low technology or with minimal machinery. It is estimated that more than 100 million people worldwide rely on this sector for income, mainly in developing nations. In some areas, ASM takes place alongside large-scale and formal mining.-mf.org. The remote villages, which played host to few inhabitants in the past decades, is gradually transforming into modern settlement as a result of work being performed by AMC. Currently, AMC is constructing 325 housing units for residents of the two villages. The construction is part of the companys Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) and Community Development Plan (CDP) approved by the Government of Liberia. The RAP and the CDP have been evaluated and are said to be in compliance with Liberian legislation, as well as International Finance Corporation and World Health Organizations principles and standards. As part of the RAP, the company has purchased 150 acres of land for the construction of the new homes for the community members. Construction work on the site has been far-advanced with the completion of Church, School and Mosque. The entire project is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2014. The new homes will consist of two and four bedroom houses. The company said it will construct clinic and skill training centers for property owners of Kinjor and Larjor. In an exclusive interview with the Informer, the General Manager of AMC, Mr. Debah Allen, said the company is accelerating it work to meet the timeline for exploitation by March of 2015. He said his company is committed to the full implementation of its RAP and CDP, so as to create better and conductive living condition for residents of the area. He said the company has employed several youths of the area and intends to do more as soon as full mining operation begins. As part of AMC committed to improving the lives of the citizenry, the company and the community have formed a timber sale cooperative, of which the company provides training, equipment and facility for the processing of timbers for sale to the company. Allen said the company planned to initiate several cooperatives in the new village including agriculture, tailoring and vocational skills for residents of the affected communities. He added that the company anticipates the purchasing agriculture products from the community as a mean of strengthening the capacities of small skilled farmers in the area. He noted that upon the completion of the new village, the company will setup tailoring cooperative for women, in which, the company will contract them to sew safety jackets and other materials for workers of the company. Visiting Kinjor in January, residents told this writer that life in that part of the country is gradually improving and economic actives in the

region are increasing on a daily basis. They said life in the region has significantly improved in recent months, especially due to the presence of AMC. The once remote village now enjoys communication due the construction of a GSM towel in the area. During my visit to Kinjor, I noticed that the RAP of the company was highly welcomed by the community members. Many expressed excitements over the companys gesture to provide them with new and better homes. However, while the company is carrying on construction work on the new site, it has reached an agreement with the community for their (Residents) temporary relocation, while the main site is being constructed. Under the temporary arrangement which is separate from the RAP, the company provided each of the residents of affected community with sticks, zincs, nails, doors and window for the construction of a temporary home until their main homes are ready by later this year. The company has also paid the cost of construction of the temporary homes and latrine facilities. There are two categories of home/ hut owners in Kinjor and Larjor. One group of people are referred to as the yellow-paint, (those who were present on the ground at the time the company surveyed and marked houses, plants and tree crops), and the other group of people is called, Blue-paint house/hut owners, (people who came to the villages after the surveying and counting processes were completed). Those in the yellow-paint category will be given new and modern homes in the new village after the project is completed. For instance, those owning two bed rooms hut/house in the old village, will receive two bed rooms house in the new village. Those with four bed rooms in the old village will receive similar number of room building in the new village. The company has also provided additional land for 265 bluepaint holders. The land is currently being used to construct new and better home for those who migrated to the area after the counting process.

Mr. Boakai Swaray is the field Supervisor and a member of the community team. He spoke to this writer in Kinjor: The company has provided this piece of land to the [blue-paint holders], and they have asked us to distribute the land among them. Swaray said: each of the 265 household will receive land-space, zincs, sticks, planks and nails for the construction of a new home. The company will also pay for the workmanship and transportation cost of materials being used for the construction. During my visit to the new Kinjor Village, I observed the construction of over 15 hand pumps for use by the community. The company has also constructed over 10 latrines for use by the residents. Work on the site is gradually progressing and the company measure is to make the new site a safe and secure place for the residents. While in the new Kinjor Village, I also monitored the presence of a team of Liberians, mainly consisting of females, conducting feasibility study on water quality and level in the area. King Basheru Sambolah is the youth Chairman of the village and Head of the Timber Cooperative, and he say: The Company [AMC] has created lot of jobs for us, especially the youths. AMC has also empowered us to stand on our own by establishing a timber corporative for the community. With the help of the company, we produce and sell timbers to them, thus empowering the locals. Basheru furthered that the company has also constructed hand pumps and pit latrines for the community. He noted that the company is presently constructing a sport pitch to afford young people of the region explore their God-given talents in sports. According to the youth Chairman, the company is trying its best for the community, and as such, everyone, especially the young people, need to thank them. However, Basheru used the occasion to appeal to the company to fasttrack the construction of the community clinic which, he said, when completed, will cater to the health needs of over 5,000 inhabitants of the area. He also wants the company provide skills-training for his fellow young people who are not privileged to work with the company. For his part, the Principal of Kinjor Public School (constructed by AMC), Varney J. Kemokai, saidthe new school has created a conductive learning environment for the students. He described the newly constructed school as modern and it is the first of its kind in the history of the district. Kemokai: the school has over 400 students enrolled and the number is increasing by the days. Our students are very happy about the new campus as compared to the old one. The school is well built with comfortable classrooms and in a secured and quite learning environment.

Kemokai said the Company is currently paying two of the instructional staff of the school and has promised to equip the schools library. He furthered pointed out that the school receives a monthly ration from a charitable group, Mary Meal to feed the students. Miss Tenneh Brown, a resident of Kinjor said I am happy to be in this town. The company has changed my life and I am happy. I work with the company and I am going to receive two houses from the company, for this I am happy and I want to be grateful. Ma Miatta Paasewe is a single mother with three children: I dont have a husband; my husband die during the war and I am left with the children, she continued. I am presently working with Aureus Mining and I thank God this company came to change our lives. My children are in school and they are doing very well and I want to thank God for this opportunity. Meanwhile AMC General Manager Allen said the temporary units are expected to be completed the close of February, 2014. He said some of the residents have already began relocating from the old village to the temporary site ahead of time. Mr. Allen indicated that the company expects that everyone will move in into the temporary site by the end of February. He added that the company will pay for tree crops and other plants as required by the Ministry of Agricultures Standard. According to Allen, the company will begin actual exploitation in March of 2015 by which time the company would have completed the construction of its washing plant and other technical works. AMCs assets include the New Liberty gold deposit in Liberia which has an estimated proven and probable reserve of 924,000 ounces of gold grading 3.4 g/t and an estimated measured and indicated mineral resource of 1,143,000 ounces of gold grading 3.63 g/t and an estimated inferred mineral resource of 593,000 ounces of gold grading 3.2 g/t. The Northern Block of the Bea Mountain mining license also hosts additional gold projects of Ndablama, Gondoja and Weaju, which are the focus of exploration programs during 2013. Ndablama has an inferred mineral resource of 451,000 ounces of gold grading 2.1 g/t and Weaju has an inferred mineral resource of 178,000 ounces of gold grading 2.1 g/t. The Archaen Gold exploration license, which covers 89 km, is also a focus of exploration for 2013, with Leopard Rock being the main target. The Yambesei (759 km2), Archaen West (112.6 km2), Mabong (36.6 km2) and Mafa West (15.6 km2) licenses will also be subject to preliminary reconnaissance geological work. Author contact, 231886270297; email: perryroland@rocketmail. com.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

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VOICES

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Page 13

he Liberian senate last week approved an act amending some provisions of the act creating the Central bank of Liberia, amongst others restricting the Governor of the Central bank of Liberia and the Board of Governors from contesting political offices while serving their positions. The House of Representatives wasted no time in concurring with the senate. Many have described the decision by the legislature as having political undertone, targeting Governor Mills Jones who is perceived to be harboring a presidential ambition come 2017. Liberians have been expressing their views in an interview with frontpageafrica.

LIBERIANS WEIGH IN ON AMENDMENT OF CBL ACT

Al-Varney Rogers alrogers2008@gmail.com 0886304498
Nyemah Natt- Somalia Drive

Solomon Harris, Paynesville

Eugene Karr Central Monrovia

The recent decision by the lawmakers is disappointing, heartbreaking and mischievous. Well there are other crucial bills to be passed like the Decent Work Bill and Code of Conduct which is important to the state. What they did in that proposed law is like you are targeting an individual from seeking public office in the future. They are wrong to say that the Central Bank governor should resign three years before contesting any public office because the governor is appointed to serve a tenure. If during his tenure he wants to run as mayor of Monrovia or President of Liberia it is only fair enough he resign and not three years prior to election. If they say that people should resign three years before election it should apply to them and all other government officials. While than they didnt include Maritime, Finance and LPRRC why restrict it only to Governor Jones and his code of officials. Right now they are passing one law for the Governor of the Central Bank than in the future if the Finance Minister starts to engage in similar venture the lawmakers will again amend another act, they are making the statue bulky. I think these guys are witch hunting the governor. They are also pushing the ordinary people to the wall because if they leave the laws that they should pass that will benefit the people and rush to pass bogus law we go after them.

The amendment by lawmakers was bias in that you cannot make amendment on one entity if you want to make the law it should go for every entity but you only use that law on one entity because you think that person wants to run for leadership so you went and make that amendment straightly against the Central Bank and we have other ministries and you only say the Central Bank to be those lawmakers were bias. If you want make a law do for everybody today Central Bank tomorrow that Finance day after tomorrow you say that information Ministry, if you want to craft a law for all government officials including the lawmakers thats say anybody who wants to be president must resign three years before election is fine but do not restrict it to the Central Bank Governor alone. I think those lawmakers have something against the Central Bank Governor the man has not even pronounce that he wants to be president than they have amended the CBL act. What we been hearing is the legislature want to produce a consensus candidate for 2017 that is why they are opposing anyone they see as a threat to their ambition.

The National Legislature may have a different understanding of the CBL Loan Program, we believe it is intended to stimulate growth in the economy by giving loan to ordinary Liberians who do not have the capacity to obtain loan from financial institutions. The bill in its current form, tend to deprive or deny Liberians from exercising their political rights guarantee under the constitution of Liberia. We call on the National Legislature to pass into law the Decent Work Bill that is languishing in the corridor of the capitol building for the past eight years.

Robert M. Sammie-Waterside, Monrovia

Dennis Sabato Zeama-

I see this amended act as a rubbish, why is the National Legislature targeting the CBL now this act was created since 1999 why are hurrying to pass is because the Central Bank Governor is giving loan to ordinary Liberians and they think that is making him popular and he may likely be the next president. Since I was born I have not heard about a Central Bank Governor giving loan to marketers as it being done today. So, the initiative the Central Bank Governor has taken is on the right trajectory because it is intended to empower the people most especially the grass rooters. I ask the president if I had the opportunity to see the president I tell her not to sign it into law. The lawmakers are now allocating money for their self they are not looking at that one but rather the loan scheme that will empower the ordinary Liberians.

This action on the part of the National Legislature cant only be described as thoughtless, inconsiderate and ungracious, but it is also an action that borders on making laws of exclusivism. it is, a few myopic individuals, including some members of the Legislature, that are too jittery and paranoid that the Central Bank Governor, Dr. Mile Jones, harbors presidential political ambition, which is not unconstitutional. Some narrow minds are even terming the economic stimulus package targeting the poorest of the poor or the ultra- poor, as political loans. Cant they see the good examples of Professor Muhammad Yunus of the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh and Sir Fazle Hassan Abed of Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC), both of whom micro-credit initiatives have lifted millions of Bangladeshis from abject poverty? In fact, Sir Fazle Hassan Abed micro credit initiative is extended to Liberia through the Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC) that is giving micro-credit to thousands of rural Liberian poor women. What is wrong if our own Central Bank can do more of this? The President even rightfully alluded to it during her Annual Message. But let this be clear that Liberians can no longer accept any flimsy excuse for enduring any economic injustice that has for so long kept them at the fringe and margin of society.

Page 14 | Frontpage

IN BRIEF
'ABUNDANT EVIDENCE' OF CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY IN NORTH KOREA

PAGE RONT

WORLD NEWS

Thursday, February 20, 2014

mobile telephony, including mobile banking, helps small suppliers struggling with overheads. IBM, an American computer giant with an eye on Africa, goes so far as to say that software is the manufacturing of the future. Consumers will still want to buy hardware, but growing local demand is creating a market for African app and software developers. Make them learn Underpinning all this is a big improvement in education. Charles Robertson, the chief economist of Renaissance Capital, a financial firm founded in Russia, has argued that for the first time in its history Africa now has the human capital to take part in a new industrial revolution. In the 1970s Western garmentmakers built factories in places like Mexico and Turkey, where a quarter of children went to secondary school. Africa, then at 9%, has caught up. Another spur for African manufacturing is investment by Chinese workers who stay behind after completing their contracts for work in mining and infrastructure projects. Many thousands of them have set up workshops to fill the gaps in local markets. The African Growth and Opportunity Act, signed by Americas Congress in 2000, has also boosted trade in African-made goods. The World Bank has been suggesting for several years that Asian manufacturing jobs could migrate to Africa. Obiageli Ezekwesili, a vicepresident of the bank, says that more than 80m jobs may leave China owing to wage pressures, not all to neighbouring countries with low costs; if African labour productivity continues to rise, many could go to Africa, especially if corruption and red tape, still major scourges of the continent, are curbed. In contrast to China, business in parts of Africa is becoming cheaper as infrastructure improves and trade barriers are lifted. The average cost of manufacturing in Uganda, for instance, has been falling.

A
(CNN) --

stunning catalog of torture and the widespread abuse of even the weakest of North Koreans reveal a portrait of a brutal state "that does not have any parallel in the contemporary world," a United Nations panel reported Monday. North Korean leaders employ murder, torture, slavery, sexual violence, mass starvation and other abuses as tools to prop up the state and terrorize "the population into submission," the United Nations Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in North Korea said in its report. The commission traced the abuses directly to the highest levels of the North Korean government while simultaneously blaming world leaders for sitting on their hands amid untold agony. "The suffering and tears of the people of North Korea demand action," commission Chairman Michael Kirby told reporters.

AN AWAKENING GIANT

(CNN) -acing the largest antigovernment protests in his 11 months in power, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro appears ready to move forward with the prosecution of a leading opposition figure on charges of terrorism and murder. Three anti-government protesters and one government supporter have died in clashes around the country. The man the government blames for the deaths is opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, who turned himself in to authorities on Tuesday. Human rights groups warn about the danger of turning the protests into a persecution of political opponents. The charges against Lopez, who has organized protests demanding better security, an end to shortages and protected freedom of speech, "smack of a politically motivated attempt to silence dissent in the country," Amnesty International said in a statement. Human Rights Watch weighed in too, warning that Venezuela must avoid "scapegoating" political opponents. But the way forward seemed set, with Lopez expected to appear in court Wednesday.

VENEZUELAN OPPOSITION LEADER LOPEZ DUE IN COURT AFTER SURRENDERING

ESS than an hours drive outside Ethiopias capital, Addis Ababa, a farmer walks along a narrow path on a green valley floor after milking his cows. Muhammad Gettu is carrying two ten-litre cans to a local market, where he will sell them for less than half of what they would fetch at a dairy in the city. Sadly, he has no transport. A bicycle sturdy enough to survive unpaved tracks would be enough to double his revenues. At the moment none is easily available. But that may be about to change. An affiliate of SRAM, the worlds second-largest cyclecomponents maker, based in Chicago, is aiming to invest in Ethiopia. Its Buffalo Bicycles look ungainly but have puncture-resistant tires, a heavy frame and a rear rack that can hold 100kg. They are designed and assembled in Africa, and a growing number of components are made there from scratch, creating more than 100 manufacturing

If Africas economies are to take off, Africans will have to start making a lot more things. They may well do so
jobs. About 150,000 Buffalo bikes are circulating on the continent, fighting punctureprone competition from Asia. F.K. Day, a SRAM founder, says he set up his first African workshop in South Africa and is looking at Addis Ababa and Mombasa in Kenya as possible next sites. Landlocked Ethiopia has only partially shed its Marxist heritage yet is attracting industrial companies. Huajian, a Chinese shoemaker (pictured above), has built an export factory not far from Mr Gettus farm. Those who cast doubt on Africas rise often point to the continents lack of manufacturing. Few countries, they argue, have escaped poverty without putting a lot of workers through factory gates. Rick Rowden, a sceptical development pundit, says, Apart from a few tax havens, there is no country that has attained a high standard of living on the basis of services alone. Yet a quiet boom in manufacturing in Africa is already taking place. Farming and services are still dominant, backed by the export of commodities, but new industries are emerging in a lot of African countries. Thandika Mkandawire, a Malawi-born expert, and Dani Rodrik, a Princeton economist, argue that growth is bound to fizzle because of a dearth of factories. But they may be too pessimistic. Manufacturings share of GDP in sub-Saharan Africa has held steady at 1014% in recent years. Industrial output in what is now the worlds fastest-growing continent is expanding as quickly as the rest of the economy. The evidence, big and small, is everywhere. H&M, a multinational Swedish retail-clothing firm, and Primark, an Ireland-based one, source a lot of material from Ethiopia. General Electric, an American conglomerate, is building a $250m plant in Nigeria to make electrical gear. Madecasse, a New York-based chocolatier, is looking for new hires to add to its 650 workers in Madagascar already turning raw cocoa into expensively
v

KIEV (Reuters) krainian President Viktor Yanukovich accused proEuropean opposition leaders on Wednesday of trying to seize power by force after at least 26 people died in the worst violence since the former Soviet republic gained independence. European Union leaders condemned what they called "the unjustified use of excessive force by the Ukrainian authorities" and said they were urgently preparing targeted sanctions against those responsible for

UKRAINE LEADER DENOUNCES COUP BID, WEST READIES SANCTION

wrapped milky and nutty bars. Mobius Motors, a Kenyan firm started a few years ago by Joel Jackson, a Briton, is building a cheap, durable car for rough roads. Domestically owned manufacturing is growing, too. Seemhale Telecoms of South Africa is planning to make cheap mobile phones for the African market. Angola says it is to build its own arms industry, with help from Brazil. African craftsmen are making inroads in fashion. Ali Lamu makes handbags from recycled dhow sails on the Kenyan coast and sells them on Western websites. Many of these businesses are beneficiaries of growth outside the manufacturing sector. The spread of big retail shops encourages light industry. In Zambia a surprising number of goods in South African-owned supermarkets are made locally; it is often too expensive to transport bulky stuff across borders. A construction boom is fostering access to highvoltage power. The spread of

the crackdown. The White House urged Ukraine to pull back riot police, call a truce and talk to the opposition. But the Ukrainian security services said they were launching an "anti-terrorist

operation" across the country after the seizure of government buildings, arms and ammunition dumps by "extremist groups". Protesters have been occupying central Kiev for almost three months since

a geopolitical tug-of-war between Moscow and the West. That struggle was played out in hand-to-hand fighting through the night, lit by blazing barricades on Kiev's Independence Square, or Maidan. As dusk fell on Wednesday, protesters braced for more police action. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Yanukovich spoke by telephone during the night and both denounced the events as an attempted coup, a Kremlin spokesman said. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, visiting Yanukovich spurned a far- Kuwait, blamed radical reaching trade deal with the activists for the bloodshed EU and accepted a $15-billion and said: "I cannot leave Russian bailout instead. without mention the The sprawling nation of responsibility that lies with 46 million, with an ailing the West encouraging the economy and endemic opposition to act outside of corruption, is the object of the law."

Thursday, February 20, 2014

sante Kotoko goalkeeper Abdoulaye Soulama has denied ever taking bribe in their 0-1 loss to Barrack Young Controllers in the Caf Champions League. The shot-stopper has come under intense pressure and been accused of receiving $3,000 from their Liberian opponents to throw the game. I have not taken any bribe from any official of the Liberian team, I made some decent saves and I am shocked nobody is saying and applauding me for all those saves I made in the game, why should this happen when we all know the problems with Kotoko are even beyond we the playing body, the Burkinabe told Allsports. I have served Kotoko for more than five years, I had so many offers after the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations when I was with my national team, but because of the love and the respect I have for the Kotoko team and the fans I decided to extend my contract with the club, so if there are issues we have to settle them rather than sit somewhere and blame me for nothing, why will they accuse me of taking bribe that I dont know anything about? A very livid Soulama added: $3,000 is not a big amount for me so why will I do such a thing to Kotoko, we played very well till 85th minutes, I will admit I could have done well with the goal I conceded but that should not be a yardstick for people to stand on and accuse me falsely, top goalkeepers make mistakes and I admit I made a mistake in the goal we conceded. Is sad we have been booted out of the Champions League in the preliminary round, but we are hoping we will continue our dominance in the Ghana league so that we can bounce back in grand style next season in Africa, the 34-year-old opined.

Sports

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SPORT BRIEF
PSG MUST FINISH THE JOB, INISTS IBRAHIMOVIC

Z
I DID NOT TAKE BRIBE
I am shocked nobody is saying and applauding me for all those saves I made in the game, why should this happen when we all know the problems with Kotoko are even beyond we the playing body. Abdoulaye Soulama

ASANTE KOTOKO GOALKEEPER

Leverkusen (Germany) (AFP) latan Ibrahimovic has urged Paris Saint-Germain to finish off Bayer Leverkusen after their 4-0 victory in Germany left them on the verge of the Champions League quarterfinals. The Sweden star scored two goals in three first-half minutes as the French league leaders ran riot at Leverkusen's BayArena in Tuesday's last-16, first-leg clash. Bayer were reduced to ten men for the final half an hour when Ibrahimovic's marker Emir Spahic was sent off for a second yellow card. Ibrahimovic's two goals left him as the competition's topscorer with 10 Champions League goals in six matches, one more than Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo. This was a five-star performance from PSG, but Ibrahimovic was forthright when asked if this Parisian side was the best team he has played in.

PELLEGRINI TURNS ON REF AS CITY LOSE TO BARCA

C Milan striker Mario Balotelli says he would "play in goal" if it meant winning the Champions League as he prepares for his sides last-16 clash with Atletico Madrid. Balotelli has never scored in the Champions League knockout stage and is determined to rectify that when the Rossoneri take on the Rojiblancos in the first leg at the San Siro on Wednesday. The Italy striker claimed to have never tasted victory against a Spanish side -though he actually scored in Manchester City Champions League win against Villarreal in 2011 and played in Inter Milans semifinal first leg victory over Barcelona in 2010 -- as he discussed his European hopes ahead of the game.

BALOTELLI: I'D PLAY IN GOAL TO WIN UCL

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"Spanish sides are always difficult to beat and I've never beaten them, so it wold be nice to start by beating Atletico," Balotelli said at a news conference. "Maybe I've not scored in the knockout stages yet, but I've not had much of a chance really, have I? "I'm a centre forward, but if to win the Champions League I've got to play in goal, then I'll play in goal." Milan coach Clarence Seedorf is searching for a formula to beat the joint-Primera Division leaders in his first Champions League game, with the Dutchman saying: "They've always been a well-organised side who know what they want and have been at this level for two years now, so we have great respect for them. We're up against a side who are ahead of us in every aspect,

but the Champions League is something else. I've seen lots of Champions League games featuring sides who are having difficulties [domestically], yet they get good results so we do have a bit of faith, although we know we've got to play a great game. "Obviously this game has a different importance to other our other games. We've been

building up to this one. It's very special as it's the most important club tournament in the world. It has the best players on the field with the best clubs participating. These are the evenings that children dream of being involved in, either as a player or a fan. "We're delighted to be competing for Milan and for Italy, and we want to remain

on course for the Champions League this season." Seedorf, who is the only player to have won the Champions League with three different clubs, admitted Kakas participation remained in doubt after the Brazilian was again unable to train on Tuesday. "We're evaluating him and hope he will be fit," added Seedorf, who could instead turn to Giampaolo Pazzini to play alongside Balotelli in a partnership which appears to guarantee goals. "Each time I play with him, either he or I score, and that's a fact," Balotelli said of Pazzini. "But it's up to the coach [who plays]. Clarence is more or less still a player anyway. He's still part of the squad. I wouldnt call him a father as that might offend him, but he's more of a brother."

anchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini risks a UEFA sanction after launching a scathing attack on the match referee after his side's 2-0 loss to Barcelona in the Champions League. Barcelona took charge of the last 16 tie thanks to a secondhalf penalty from Lionel Messi and a late Dani Alves strike at the Etihad Stadium in Tuesday's first leg, and Pellegrini blamed match official Jonas Eriksson for his side's defeat. In a wide-ranging attack, Pellegrini accused Eriksson of making two mistakes over the penalty decision and even questioned why a Swedish official had been given control of the game. He also said that Eriksson should not have been in charge because he had been criticised by Barcelona following his performance in their 0-0 draw at AC Milan in the quarter-finals of the 2011-12 competition.

FrontPage
www.frontpageafricaonline.com
VOL 8 NO.538

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2014

Sports

PRICE L$40

FrontPage Spot News DISCIPLINE OR CHILD ABUSE?

J. W. Harris defends corporal punishment against students
Sweetie Saar, contributing writer

I am shocked nobody is saying and applauding me for all those saves I made in the game, why should this happen when we all know the problems with Kotoko are even beyond we the playing body. Abdoulaye Soulama

I DID NOT TAKE BRIBE

ASANTE KOTOKO GOALKEEPER

s gross as this may seem, I feel strongly obligated to sharing this photo and the story behind it. The administration of the J. W. Har-

ris Memorial School in Banjor was Wednesday morning the scene of an investigation wherein they were accused of child abuse. The administration put up a strong defense, claiming that this was a form of discipline as their handbook states "students will be disciplined for acts contrary to its rules and regulations". Well, it is alleged that this student was caught spying during a test and this is what was prescribed as discipline. Is this child abuse or discipline? What would you do if this child was yours? Though, this child isn't mine, I am taking the liberty of writing a formal report to the Ministry of Education with a copy of this photo as proof. I also have other photos of students going to a well with a teacher holding a cane behind them to draw water that I am enclosing in my letter and requesting the ministry's intervention. This too is Liberia!