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LAW & ORDER Politics
VOL 8 NO.633
THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2014
See PG 2
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CENTRAL BANK OF LIBERIA
MARKET BUYING AND SELLING RATES
LIBERIAN DOLLARS PER US DOLLAR
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
WEDNESDAY, JULY2, 2014 L$90.00/US$1 L$91.00/US$1
BUYING SELLING
L$90.00/US$1 L$91.00/US$1
L$92.00/US$1 L$91.00/US$1
TUESDAY, JULY8, 2014
WEDNESDAY, JULY9, 2014
Diaspora pg.8
Supreme Court Lifts Suspension on
Justice Minister Christiana Tah
Speaker Speaks to Political Link
LAW & ORDER Diplomatic News
TYLER STILL
A BONAFIDE
UP PARTISAN
NIMBA 'RIOTERS'
CHARGED
NEW AMBASSADOR ALLEN
PRESENTS LETTERS TO
HOLLANDE
Liberias Solicitor General Fumbles In Court, As Judge
Declares alleged attackers on ArcellorMittal Free;
Sudden Rearrest as 41 Get Multiple Charges
BACK TO
WORK

IN SOUTHWEST PHILADELPHIA, RESPONSE
TO FATAL FIRE DRAWS IRE, AMBASSADOR SEEKS CALM


A US-LIBERIAN
COMMUNITY ON EDGE
On Tuesday and Wednesday, Ambassador Sulunteh met with members of the bereaved
families, community members of the Philadelphia City Council, among others, to get frst-hand
information about the tragedy and to keep the local government offcials and the community
constructively engaged. Gabriel I.H. Williams, Minister Counselor, Press & Public Affairs,
Liberian Embassy, Washington, DC
LIBERIA REMAINS
GRATEFUL TO FRANCE
Page 2 |
Frontpage
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Rodney D. Sieh, Rodney.sieh@frontpageafricaonline.com
SEE page 3
Monrovia
D
elta Airlines is poised to become the second
major airline to suspend operations in Liberia,
FrontPageAfrica has reliably learned.
A recent FrontPageAfrica report breaking the
departure of Air France from Liberia was validated last month
when the airline announced its decision to end its biweekly
fights to Liberia, attributing the decision to little proft margins
on its Monrovia route.
Air France had endured a turbulent run in Liberia. In 2012,
poor and dilapidated runway at the Roberts International
Airport inficted damage on an AF752 which caused a rugged
landing with damage set at almost a half a million dollars.
Additionally, foreign objects seemingly entered the planes
engine on another occasion, two incidents which were brought
to the attention of both the Roberts International Airport and
the Civil Aviation Authority.
FrontPageAfrica has now learnt that President Ellen Johnson-
Sirleaf has reportedly been notifed about Deltas decision to
suspend service to Liberia and a delegation comprising the
Presidents Legal Advisor, Seward Cooper, also the Chair of
the board of the National Oil Company of Liberia(NOCAL)
and Gyude Moore, Deputy Minister of State for Presidential
Affairs have reportedly been dispatched to Atlanta to prevail
on Delta CEO Richard Anderson to have a change of heart.
The airline has reportedly penciled in August 31st as its cutoff
date.
A government statement confrming the report late Wednesday
said it is in high-level consultations with the management of
Delta Airlines intended to explore options that will not disrupt
the experience and convenience of traveling via Delta. Delta
has informed the Liberian Government that the last eastbound
fight from New York will occur on August 30th, and the last
westbound fight from Monrovia will be on August 31st, the
statement said.
No Confrmation, Denial from Delta
Boo Brewer, Deltas country director in Liberia, when
contacted said she could not confrm or deny the report, but
suggested that FrontPageAfrica contact Deltas Corporate
offce in Atlanta. However, FrontPageAfrica has been unable
to get a response from Delta Corporate despite several attempts
and promises that one would be made. An agent said FPAs
request had been sent to the companys international offce
which has not responded in the last 48 hours.
Delta made its frst landing on Liberian soil on Sunday,
September 5, 2010, after the airline received approval for
local boarding and traffc rights for its service between Accras
Kotoko International Airport and Roberts International Airport
in Monrovia. Prior to Deltas arrival, the Federal Aviation
Authority of the United States provided through USAID, $3.4
million to upgrade facilities at the Roberts International Airport
to internationally acceptable standards, a key condition for the
resumption of direct fights from the United States to Liberian.
Deltas arrival was instrumented by U.S. billionaire and
founder of Black Entertainment Television(BET), Robert
Johnson, who exerted his infuence to facilitate the resumption
of direct fights from the United States to Liberia.
The new service was trumpeted as offering customers the
opportunity to fy non-stop between Monrovia and Accra
providing increased travel choice for travelers across West
Africa, the company said in a statement. It also offered
passengers an opportunity to fy between Monrovia and Accra
only, providing an important transport link helping to facilitate
business and commerce between Liberia and Ghana.
The service also came as a relief for many Liberians who
encountered diffculties getting something close to a direct
fight from the U.S. to Liberia.
Reasons for the imminent pullout of Delta remains sketchy
with highly-placed source confdential sources, speaking on
condition of anonymity suggesting that Deltas exit is due to
political consideration amid the Ebola epidemic, fear-gripped
by the increase in death toll in Washington. Some observers say,
the pullout could also be tied to Washingtons frustration with
the wave of corruption in the UP-led government. Diplomatic
observers are however concerned that the pull out of a major
U.S. business originally seen as a vote of confdence in the
Sirleaf-led government at this time could open the government
to a wave of criticisms and opposition scrutiny.
Business Good, Move Could be Political
Sources have also ruled out the exit being hinged on proft
DELTA TIMELINE IN LIBERIA
KEY MOMENTS IN THE U.S. AIRLINER FLYING LIBERIA SKIES
MAY 2009

Robert Johnson, founder of Black Entertainment Television
exerts infuence to facilitate the resumption of direct fights from
the U.S. to Liberia, prevailing on Delta who express support and
described as good prospects for direct fights to Liberia by Delta.
The Federal Aviation Authority of the United States has provided
through USAID, $3.4 million to upgrade facilities at the Roberts
International Airport to internationally acceptable standards, to
meet conditions set by U.S.
SEPTEMBER 5, 2010

Delta receives approval for local boarding and traffc rights for its
service between Accras Kotoko International Airport and Roberts
International Airport in Monrovia, Liberia. Debut fight arrives at
RIA.

Frontpage
Thursday, July 10, 2014 Page 3
margins because Delta has impressively experienced
encouraging load factor on its New York ROB axis. Flight
records obtained by FrontPageAfrica shows that from
December 2013 to June 2014, Delta recorded a total of 11,
464 arriving passengers to Liberia and 11,082 passengers
departing.
Traditionally, aviation sources say airlines are required to
serve the Civil Aviation Authority a 90-day notice. Unlike Air
France, DL has not offcially communicated with the CAA,
sources tell FPA.
However, Delta is a member of the Sky team as is Air France.
In the case of the French, load factor and low proft margins
were cited. Delta, according to aviation sources, has not had
any major problem with the runway.
FrontPageAfrica has learned that US$60million has been
secured for runway rehabilitation. No mention has been made
of a complete electrical revamp or improvement to the shabby
terminal. But some technical staff from RIA traveled to South
Africa for a refresher course of runway pavement.
Delta has had a rather stormy stay in Liberia. In 2010 Delta was
in the news for all the wrong reasons when Delta contracted
International Security Defense System (ISDS) that provides
screening services attempted to subject Vice President Joseph
Boakai to security screening. There was hues and cries
from Liberians from all walks of life over Deltas action. A
delegation from Delta led by its Vice President rendered an
abject apology to Vice President Boakai while in the U.S.
In 2012, the Air Lines suspended service between Atlanta and
Accra, Ghana, and Monrovia, Liberia, in amid "persistently
high jet fuel prices and fuctuations in passenger demand."
DELTA TIMELINE IN LIBERIA
KEY MOMENTS IN THE U.S. AIRLINER FLYING LIBERIA SKIES
JUNE 2011
Delta-contracted International Security Defense System
(ISDS) that provides screening services attempted to
subject Vice President Joseph Boakai to security screening,
drawing condemnation from a cross-section of Liberians.
United States Ambassador to Liberia, Mrs. Linda Thomas-
Greenfeld on Friday, June 24 called on Vice President
Joseph N. Boakai, Sr. at his Capitol Building offce to
apologize for the incident at the Roberts International
Airport.
JANUARY 2013

The Director General of the LCAA,
Mr. Richelieu Williams, in a press
statement cautions that unless certain
conditions are met by Delta Air,
President Sirleaf may not take a fight
on it should there be any immediate or
future plan by her to do so.
JULY 2014

President Ellen
Johnson-Sirleaf is
notifed by Delta that
it plans to end Liberia
fights on August 27,
2014.



Although the Atlanta fight was phased out, Delta increase its
weekly frequency from New York to Accra from four fights to
fve, the airline said in a statement at the time.
The removal of three Atlanta fights and three to Monrovia
cut the number of Delta weekly fights serving the Ghanaian
capital in half.
Delta has also had a stormy relationship with the Civil Aviation
Authority. In 2013, the LCAA in partnership with its Ghanaian
counters took Delta to task over aged planes on the New York
Accra Robertsfeld route. The action of the CAAs was
due to concerns about safety and security considerations for
thousands of their citizens fying DL.
Lingering Feud with LCAA
Delta, FPA has learnt, has been unsuccessful in airing their
grievances with President Sirleaf.
Delta was also engulfed in a bitter exchange with the Civil
Aviation Authority after LCAA boss Archie Williams said the
airline was unsafe for the President to fy.
Williams, in a press statement at the time, said unless certain
conditions are met by Delta Air, President Sirleaf may not take
a fight on it should there be any immediate or future plan by
her to do so.
Director General Williams lamented that the air line had on a
number of occasions, unceremoniously cancelled or delayed
fights to the detriment of Liberian travelers for unexplainable
reasons.
Williams said at the time that Delta was undergoing technical
and mechanical problems, which threatened the safety of
its Liberian passengers, something about which a formal
complaint has already been made. As result of a series of
delays and technical delays and cancellations of Delta fights en
route to Liberia via Accra, the Liberia Civil Aviation Authority
took the lead to a two-approach with Ghana's acquiescence to
make a formal representation to Delta Management requesting
explanation for the delays and cancellations; the two countries
have so far communicated their concerns to Delta Management
in Atlanta," Williams asserted.
Implications, Repercussions Pivotal
"Owing to the urgency attached to the matter by Liberia and
Ghana, a combined team of safety inspectors is being mobilized
to carry out a comprehensive safety audit of Delta's operation
operational and maintenance within the shortest possible time
to meticulously and specifcally conduct safety inspections on
all '767-300 series short-listed on Delta's Aircraft Operating
Certifcate (AOC) viz-a-viz Air service License (ASL) issued
by the Liberia Civil Aviation Authority, "he assured.
It is unclear whether the airlines rocky relationship with the
LCAA could be a contributing factor to its decision to call
it quits on Liberia. But Delta has in recent months cut down
service to a number of countries. The Associated Press reported
on Monday that Delta announced that it was eliminating 85%
of its fights to the South American nation in August, the same
month it plans to end its Liberia fights, joining a number of
other airlines that are dramatically reducing service in the face
of what they say are billions of unpaid revenues.
Businesswise, the implications and repercussions of a Delta
pullout of Liberia in the aftermath of last weekends riots at the
ArcellorMittal base in Yekepa, Nimba County, could be severe
and dampen Liberias burgeoning post-war aviation industry.
Politically however, interpretations and perceptions could
prove pivotal as critics and opposition alike begin to decipher
the meaning of a major American investment turning its backs
on a nation it once hoped would be the Success Story in
Africa. For now though, the Sirleaf administration would be
hoping that its last-ditch effort and quest to force Delta to have
a change of heart could help salvage a potentially-damaging
setback for the Sirleaf-led government.


Businesswise, the implications and repercussions of a Delta pullout of Liberia in
the aftermath of last weekends riots at the ArcellorMittal base in Yekepa, Nimba
County, could be severe and dampen Liberias burgeoning post-war aviation
industry. Politically however, interpretations and perceptions could prove pivotal
as critics and opposition alike begin to decipher the meaning of a major American
investment turning its backs on a nation it once hoped would be the Success
Story in Africa. For now though, the Sirleaf administration would be hoping that
its last-ditch effort and quest to force Delta to have a change of heart could help
salvage a potentially-damaging setback for the Sirleaf-led government.
Page 4 |
Frontpage
Thursday, July 10, 2014

Torli H. Krua, harlankrua@gmail.com, Contributing Writer
A
s 'more than 50,000
unaccompanied
children - most
from Central
America - have been caught
trying to cross illegally
between October and 15 June
to the USA', President Obama
asked Congress for $4 billion
dollars to fix America's border
and immigration problems.
On June 25, 2014, President
Obama also requested $500
million dollars from Congress
to train and arm Syrian Rebels
fighting to overthrow the
Government of President
Assad.
While spending billions of
dollars to protect children
in Iraq, Afghanistan and
others places worldwide,
Washington, under Presidents
Bush and Obama has, in the
past decade denied protection
to young American children
and Liberian refugee women
evacuated from war ravaged
Liberia by the US
Military. Washington's
obsession with 'knee jerk'
reactions that throws money at
complex domestic and foreign
crisis puts deep endless holes
in the pockets of American
taxpayers, makes the world
unsafe and puts the lives
of vulnerable Americans at
serious risks at home.
The United States has an
obligation to protect its own
citizens especially the young
and vulnerable wherever
Americans live on this planet.
However, with thousands of
American Service men and
women slain in battles to
protect civilians overseas and
billions of dollars spent on the
wars in Iraq and Afghanistan
there is absolutely no
justification, whatsoever, for
the United States to renege
on its obligation to protect
American citizens at home-the
American children evacuated
to safety from Liberia in June
2003.
In the past ten (10) years, the
plight of the American children
and their accompanying
Liberian refugee women
evacuated from Liberia by the
US Military who have been
WASHINGTON'S "KNEE JERK"
SOLUTIONS EXACERBATE DOMESTIC
AND INTERNATIONAL CRISIS
FrontPage
v
v
Commentary
EDITORIAL
COMMENTARY
AFRICA IS FAST becoming the hot ground for foreigners, many
of whom are fnding life diffcult in developed countries where
they are overburdened with huge taxes and high cost of living.
FROM EUROPE to the United States, China amongst others
people are moving to African countries where it is easy to evade
taxes and violate other laws due to corruption coupled with the
high cost of living in western countries.
IN RECENT TIME, Angola became the place to seek greener
pasture for many Portuguese when that country was experiencing
economic crisis.
WITHIN AFRICA, some African countries with high population
like Nigeria, people travel in large numbers to other African
countries seeking opportunities.
IN WEST AFRICA, there is a common Economic Community
of West African States protocol that provides for citizens of the
region to travel freely between ECOWAS countries.
THE PROTOCOL has led to countries like Liberia now becoming
a central point for people from other West African countries to
migrate in large numbers.
IN LIBERIA, the Nigerian community population is very high,
same as Guineans who cross over daily into Liberia; Ghanaians
are also seen everywhere engaging in fshing and other
commercial activities.
NOWADAYS, all businesses in Liberia are almost dominated
by other West African nationals, from petit trading, to ridding
motor cycle, commercial driving, operating shops, stores,
entertainment centers and all other businesses are being carried
out by foreigners.
BUT FOR SOME other African countries like Ghana, protecting
the locals against foreigners matter most and it is not taking
likely the actions of foreigners to engage in petit trading in that
country.
GHANAS MINISTRY of Trade and Industry (MoTI) recently
sent a strong warning to foreign petty traders in the Ghanaian
retail market to desist from the practice or be forcibly fushed
out of the system.
THE GHANAIANS are taking the matter seriously to the extent
that a 13-member task force is to be formed and sent into the
various markets to ensure that the laws regarding trade are not
infringed upon by foreigners, information from that country
indicates.
ACCORDING TO THE GHANAIANS, the task force would
comprise representatives from major institutions including the
Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Ghana Police Service, the
Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) and MOTI.
NEWS FROM that West African country say the taskforce will
be given a strong mandate in ensuring the functionality and
operation of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC)
law, and also respond to legitimate concerns of GUTA,
WINDOW DRESSING the action of the Ghanaian government
to ensure that foreigners are taken off the local market, Sector
minister, Haruna Iddrisu is quoted as saying that although
Ghana remained open to foreign investments and businesses; it
would not be to the detriment of Ghanaians. Ghana remains
very open to foreign businesses and to foreign investors but we
are certainly not inviting petty traders into our economy, we
are looking for serious-minded investors who will come in on
their own or partner with Ghanaians to be able to do business in
Ghana, Iddrisu said.
PER GHANAIAN LAW, the sale of goods and provision of
services in the market, petty trading, hawking, taxi services,
operation of beauty salons and barbering shops were the sole
preserve of Ghanaians and, therefore, a non-Ghanaian or non-
citizen could not operate in that market.
LIBERIA HAS similar law, known as the Liberanization policy
which sets aside certain businesses exclusively for Liberians but
implementation has been a major problem resulting to foreigners
engaging in the same businesses stated in the policy to be done
only by Liberians.
IN 1975, THE government of Liberia approved an Act to
amend the General Business Law of Liberia regarding business
regulations. The Act sets aside twelve (12) business activities
to be operated exclusively by Liberians. In 1998, the Act was
amended and extended the Liberianization policy to twenty-six
(26) business activities. Section 12.1: of the Act lists businesses
to be operated exclusively by Liberian Citizens or qualifed
persons (resident domestic entities that are owned 100% by
Liberian citizens, both legally and equitably).
AMONGST THE 26 businesses are Block making with cement,
clay or like materials; Supply of sand, stone and granite;
GHANA MOVES TO
WIPE FOREIGNERS
FROM LOCAL MARKET
WHAT LESSONS TO LEARN FOR LIBERIA?

seeking temporary protection
offered to other Liberian
refugees fell on deaf ears-court
action and numerous petitions,
notwithstanding. While the
desired protection costs
American tax payers nothing,
the evacuated Liberian women
were willing to pay the annual
fee of $350 for work permits,
other similarly situated
Liberians were paying.
The question Presidents Bush
and Obama need to answer is
simple: If the United States of
America has been unwilling
and unable to protect young
American children evacuated
by the US Military from a war
zone overseas and brought to
safety in America, in whose
interest is President Obama's
request for money? Syrian
Rebels, Unaccompanied
Central American children or
accompanied American citizen
minors evacuated by the US
Military in June 2003? "Knee
Jerk" is wrong and together,
let's demand an end because
"Charity begins at home."
Torli Krua is a former Liberian
refugee and founder of the
Universal Human Rights
International (UHRI) UHRI,
a Boston, Massachusetts
based organization promotes
democracy through ballot
initiatives in Africa and
refugee rights in the USA.
Krua may be contacted via:
Tel: 857-249-9983 Email:
harlankrua@gmail.com
Operation of Gas Stations; Peddling; Ice Cream Manufacturing;
Commercial Printing; Travel Agencies; Advertising Agencies;
Graphics and Commercial Arts; Distribution in Liberia of
locally manufactured products (this provision shall not prevent
manufacturers or producers from transporting or otherwise
distributing their products to Liberian citizens or qualifed persons
for resale); Cinemas and Production of poultry products;
OTHERS ARE- IMPORTATION or sale of second-hand or
used clothing; Retail sale of rice; Ice making or sale of ice;
Operation of water purifcation or bottling plant value at less
than US$100,000.00; or the sale/distribution of water purifed
in Liberia; Importation and sale of used cars; Tire repair shops;
Auto repair shop with investment of less than US$50,000.00;
Entertainment centers not connected with established hotels;
Retail sale of animal and poultry food; Taxi and trucking; Shoe
repair shop; Retail sale of timber and planks; Bakeries and Retail
sale of Pharmaceuticals.
ENFORCEMENT OF THE law has been weak and many foreign-
owned businesses operate in contravention of the law as all the
businesses listed under the 26 businesses are all currently been
engaged into by foreigners.
TODAY FOREIGNERS have completely taken over the Liberian
economy with inaction from the Government to protect its citizens.
WE BELIEVE it is now time to learn from the Ghanaian example
and move swiftly to protect Liberians doing business.
WHILE GHANAIANS are moving to protect their citizens, an
action that will affect Liberians in living in that sisterly country,
it will be unfair to Liberians at home for Ghanaians and other
foreign nationals living here to continue to compete with them in
doing business.
IT IS JULY only fair to also protect Liberians like the Ghanaians
are doing right now
Frontpage
Thursday, July 10, 2014 Page 5
BEER DRINKERS, BRIBE
TAKERS CANNOT SOLVE
LIBERIAS TRANSPORT
PROBLEMS
INDIGENOUS PARTY
FOR LIBERIA A REALLY
EMBARRASSING PLAN
FrontPage
Send your letters and comments to:
editor@frontpageafricaonline.com
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COMMENTS FROM
FPA ONLINE
DISCLAIMER
The comments expressed here are those of our online readers and
bloggers and do no represent the views of FrontPageAfrica
Rodney D. Sieh, Managing Editor, 0886-738-666;
077-936-138, editor@FrontPageAfricaonline.com;
rodney.sieh@FrontPageAfricaonline.com
Wade C. L. Williams, News Desk Chief, wade.
williams@frontpageafricaonline.com; 0880664793
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frontpageafricaonline.com, 0886236528
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com
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com, 0886-304498
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sombai@FrontpageAfricaonline.com, 077217428
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E
DITORIAL TEAM
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING
ABOUT OUR STORIES ON THE
WORLDWIDE WEB
The Reader's Page
EMMANUEL BOONE WAYDON STUDIES AT WUHAN
UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
Its unfortunate, ERU approach to this issue. Our people are right
to fnally consider protest as a means to attract the attention of
the government and Mittal Steel. Their discomfort over the deal
that fnally preferred Mittal Steel has long been expressed but the
government seems to have hearing impaired. If the locals could
ever pinpoint source of income, its their land. Annually, they farm
on their land and proceeds from there are used for commercial
and consumption purposes. Majority of our people can not read
and write and as such, A/C offce is not their area but farming. If
the government cannot help develop their capacity to improve the
technology of farming, they rather be left alone at the mercy of God
instead of disturbing their peace. What nonsense compensation is
the assistant Superintendent talking about? US$4.2 Million? this is
very unfortunate and does not guarantee sustainability. Remember
that if these people stop farming they are already out of jobs. So, if
both government and Mittal Steel are serious, the provision of an
annual rent will mean well for the well-being of our people. Please
understand that our MOUNTAIN IS A BLESSING NOT CURSE.
Respect our people and stop beating on them.
ROOTS SOULJAH LAMCO INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Accelor Mittal are there to make big money, why else, ooh, but
also to build some infrastructure and stability by bringing jobs,
money etc to the region, Its a small start, Remember Lamco, was
it such a bad thing, when there was peace, it was a start, seems
like Liberia never gets off the start line, Corruption aside, Is war a
better option, some people here seem to think so.......pretty naive
i think
JOHN WILLIAMS TOP COMMENTER EASTERN
UNIVERSITY, ST. DAVIDS, PA
Altering concession agreements at the Mansion/Foreign Ministry
seems to be a norm of this government. Both Chambers and
Biney complained that the contract for the rubber plantation in
Pleebo was altered in favor of an Ivorian company against the
people of Maryland/Liberia. Unfortunately nobody, including the
Legislature and civil society groups, paid any attention. Ellen is
leaving offce soon but the trouble that those bogus agreements
they signed will bring to Liberia haven't even started yet. The
Liberian people were robbed before and so their patience is thin
and they don't trust the government. LAMCO operated in that
area before and even the road from Yekepa to Ganta wasn't paved
while pollution of creeks was a common concern. I suspect this is
a delicate issue and it must be treated with extreme caution.
ROOTS SOULJAH LAMCO INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
While the plagarism, corruption and mismanagement is obvious
and wrong, its not limited to Liberia alone, its everywhere, so
resorting to violence and unrest will only make things worse,
this has been proven again and again and who always suffers the
most......
JOHN WILLIAMS TOP COMMENTER EASTERN
UNIVERSITY, ST. DAVIDS, PA
Roots Souljah , the average Liberian doesn't want war and they
detest war. If you followed the Liberian confict you will discover
that people that sponsored the war or benefted from the war
the most, suffered the least from the consequences of the war.
However, other Liberians were not so lucky. Some lost practically
everything, including the foundation of their families. And that is
why they keep warning opportunists and selfsh and greedy people
not to resort to those ugly ways that caused the confict in the frst
place. This is because it is common knowledge that any confict
could destroy the country and kill countless numbers of innocent
people again. That is why the practice of harming our people
intentionally and then reminding them of their past losses is not
helpful. It is like saying "you saw what happened the last time- we
robbed you and then killed you. And if we want we will rob you
and kill you again". It is provoking, to say the least! The people of
Liberia just want a fair deal. Mittal, Ellen and anyone can make
their billions and millions but please give our people a chance to
hope for a better tomorrow. It is in everyone's interest because a
hopeless people are a dangerous people!
The Editor,
Do you think these useless people, at the Ministry of
Transport, give a damn about stranded passengers in the
environs of Monrovia? Please...All they do is drink beer,
take bribes, and womanize!!(Re "Stranded Passengers
Challenge Transport Ministry")
But according to the aforementioned article, market
women, yanna boys and students are calling on the
government to bring in more buses to help ease the
transportation problem.
Really?? You want beer drinkers, bribe takers and
womanizers to solve your transportation problem?
Ok, ok, I give you the beneft of the doubt, but let's look
at their track record...
You ready???
1) Do you remember when our mosquito police, oops I
mean Liberian National Police began enforcing a ban on
privately-owned motorbike taxis (phen-phen), the main
mode of transportation in Monrovia, to make the streets
of Monrovia safer??? (Re "..Liberians Divided Over Plan
to Ban Motorcycles from City Streets", Frontpageafrica
Online)

Because of the ban, thousands and thousands of poor
Liberians are now forced to walk by line! Another
12,000 self-employed (phen-phen boys) have lost their
only source of income!
2) Do you remember when the Ministry of Transport
imposed a "new fare structure" on PRIVATELY-owned
taxis, buses, motorbike taxis, etc ? (Re "Drivers Opposed
New Fares", Daily Observer Online)
Basic economics (law of supply and demand) and history
tell us that whenever a government holds down the price
(new fare structure) of any good or service, it virtually
guarantees the supply of that particular good or service
will be reduced and shortages will follow.
SHOOTINGS, AMBUSH &
RIOTS: ECHOES OF VIOLENCE
RESURRECTS IN NIMBA
Now look around you: You see all those long lines in
Logan Town? You see all those people fghting for
transportation in Fendell??
It's because our government's economically disastrous
policies! They don't understand the basic economic
concept of supply and demand! They're economically
illiterates!
So why do you people want the government to ALWAYS
be the answer when government was the problem in the
frst place??
Look. When government is the problem, more of it isn't
going to solve your problem. You don't expect people
to solve your problem when they have a poor track
record of doing something and they don't know what the
hell they're doing---do you?? ....By the way, Minister
Varpilah majored in voodoo economics at CUC!
It's time for government to get the hell out the way and
let the private sector, through free market competition,
solve our transportation problem.
Martin Scott
Atlanta, Georgia
martyretire@yahoo.com
The Editor,
Having read this article, it seems to me that those
unscrupulous lawmakers are running scare come 2017,
when some of them are unlikely to be re-elected. To
blame the ills of the country on the executive branch alone
is unfair to the people of Liberia, since they have done
absolutely nothing legislatively to the change the direction
of our country and bring relief to their people.
Are they not embarrass, considering the huge salaries and
benefts they are earning, when the masses of our people
are currently living in poverty? Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
herself is a country woman; they all bunch of country
people who joined her without remorse to kill their own
people. Greed, greed and greed.
Arthur Quaye
akwlayu@comcast.net
Page 6 |
Frontpage
Thursday, July 10, 2014
F
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NEWS EXTRA
BACK TO WORK
N
ews about his attachment with the newly launched
opposition political party the People Unifcation Party
(PUP) that has spread as wide fre has not being over look
by House speaker Alex Tyler as he take on to the Media to
distance his membership.
At a news conference called by the House Speaker Wednesday he
reaffrmed his membership with the Unity Party and said, he remain a
Bonafde member of the ruling Unity Party.
Tyler said: I took my entire body to the Unity Party like you have
a glass half-full and I empty my half full glass into the unity Party
I do not know my Party anymore I am full fesh and an executive
committee member of the UP.
My statement at the certifcation of the People Unifcation Party
was cleared I encouraged them to join the list of opposition political
parties because we encourage multi-Party Democracy I went to the
program based on an invitation I did not go there as a member, I am a
Bonafde member of the UP let me state that for the record..
Speaker Tyler who joined the Unity Party in 2005 from the national
Patriotic Party (NPP) of Liberia former President Charles Taylor said,
his attendance at the offcial launching program of the PUP was based
on an invitation served him by some of his colleagues who are also
members of the Party.
News about the speaker presence at the launched of the PUP that
has majority of its executive members from the National legislature
became a serious talk of the time for critics of the Legislature who
have accused the Legislature of wanting to put out a Presidential
candidate in the pending 2015 Presidential elections.
Critics also claimed that the launched of the Party described by
many as the lawmakers party was a clear justifcation of the House
of representatives proposed 73 Million united states dollars under the
banner direct district direct district development fund.
No lawmaker was arrested
News about the arrest of a lawmaker by offcers of the Emergency
Response Unit (ERU) Liberian National Police has been denied by
Speaker Tyler. Tyler at a Press conference in response to a question
said, the House of Representatives is currently following the violence
incident in Nimba but there has not been any news about arrest and
mad handling of one of the lawmakers.
No lawmaker was fogged in Nimba County to the best of our
knowledge, we had a meeting with the President yesterday to discuss
the situation in Nimba as it relates to the Arcelor Mittal Violence and
not the alleged arrest and fogging of Representative Prince Tokpah,
he said.
The comments from the house contradicts early comment made
by Representative Prince Tokpah that he was arrested and fogged
by offcer of the Liberian National Police after he had gone to the
violence hot spot to helped calmed the situation.
Like Tokpah many citizens of Nimba and lawmaker have made
comments about his arrest and humiliation including one of his
colleagues Representative Matenokay Tingban of Nimba County.
The lawmakers where Tuesday seen in desperate mood wanting
revenge on the Police director for the allege mad handling of their
colleagues but according to informer all that change when they met
with the president where the Police director was called and made
to provide photos evidence of some of the mayhem carried out by
protesters against some foreign investors and properties of the
company.
He further condemned the act of Violence carried out by Protesters
and called on them to learn to verge their grievance in a peaceful
manner.
President is not being probe
Our mandate to the committee to probe the Neyors allegation is
clear, the President is not being probe we set up a committee to look at
those issues that we have over sight on the issue specifcally of the oil
donation as a student of law we cannot go following all the allegations
around the place there are institution who got the responsibility to do
so, Tyler said.
The House speaker also said, the committee will only investigate
the issues in the Neyors letter that has to do with the Nigerian oil
donation to Liberia because according to him the legislature has
oversight on the expenditure of proceeds that were generated from
the oil donation.
He also told reporters that the committee report will be submitted to
plenary of the House of Representatives Thursday of this week.
I AM STILL A BONAFIDE
UP PARTISAN
Speaker Tyler speaks to political party link
Henry karmo (0886522495) henrykarmo47@gmail.com
Supreme Court Lifts Suspension on Justice Minister Christiana Tah

Monrovia-
A
fter months of serving her suspension, the Supreme
Court of Liberia has lifted the suspension on Liberias
Justice Minister, Cllr. Christina Tah ordering that she
is now free to resume work on July 11.
The Supreme Court reached the decision on Wednesday when the
full bench of the high court after the reading of a letter from the
Minister.
The Supreme Court in hearing the Notice of Suspension against
Cllr. Tah, like the case of Cllr. Beyan Howard, whose suspension
was also lifted during the March term of Court, Chief Justice
Francis Kporkor ordered the legal license of the Justice Minister
restored.
We have reviewed the records and fnd that her suspension period
has been served and therefore, Cllr. Tahs license is hereby ordered
restored and may she therefore proceed to practice law within the
bailiwick of this Republic by July 11, said Chief Justice Kporkor.
Cllr. Tah after the lifting of her suspension quickly left the
courtroom and was unavailable for comment as the grounds of
the court was also crowded due to the court appearance of alleged
perpetrators of the violent protest in Nimba.
Minister Tah was suspended from practicing law in Liberia for six
months as the court held the Minister and Cllr. Howard in contempt
for granting a compassionate leave to FrontPageAfrica publisher
Rodney Sieh, following a request made to Justice Minister Tah by
Cllr. Howard to grant Sieh the compassionate leave from prison.
Journalist Siehs detention had stemmed from his refusal to pay a
US$1.5m damages to former Agriculture Minister Chris Toe after
losing a libel sue to former Agriculture Minister Chris Toe.
Toe had sue the FrontPageAfrica Editor for series of stories the
paper had written from the General Auditing Commission (GAC)
report that the former Agriculture Minister failed to account for
funds offered him by the government to fght army worms that
invaded two counties. Sieh had taken an appeal to the Supreme
Court after losing the case at the Civil Law Court, but his appeal
to the high court was dismissed on grounds that he did not follow
the process of appeal.
While Siehs appeal was dismissed the high court mandated the
lower court to re-enforce its judgment for the FrontPageAfrica
Editor to pay the US$1.5m but his failure on ground that he does
not have such a huge sum of money resulted to his detention on
order of the Civil Law Court.
When Cllr. Howards suspension was lifted in March, he said
he felt bad for Minister Tahs hefty punishment by the Supreme
Court. I fell very bad because she is feeling the impact for
fghting against repressive laws like myself. She was trying to
keep the country stable from the cry of the Press Union of Liberia,
the international community, she was under obligation to ensure
that we slept well and security is well but unfortunately she found
herself where she is and I feel bad about that, said Cllr. Howard.
Monrovia -
T
he congress
Preparatory
Committee of the
Liberian National
Student Union has released the
names of qualifed candidates
for various positions for the 3rd
post-war congress of LINSU
which was halted by the civil
law court.
The courts decision follows
a complaint from some
individuals claiming that their
institutions have been denied
participation in the National
Executive Committee election.
At a news conference Tuesday,
the Congress Preparatory
Committee Chairman on Public
Affairs, Boima K. Kiazolu
said, the congress committee
in accordance with the Civil
Law Court ruling reopened the
process in order to give people
with complaints an opportunity
to re-nominate candidates.
Kiazolu said various positions
such as President, Vice
President for National Affairs,
Vice President for International
Affairs , Secretary General and
Financial Secretary are being
reopened for universities of
individuals claiming denial.
Mr. Kiazolu said the process
was reopened for fve days
from June 28 to July 3, 2014
with communication served
to universities, including
United Methodist University,
Tubman University and
LINSU 3RD POST WAR CONGRESS IN
FULL SWING FOLLOWING COURT RULING
African Methodist Episcopal
University .
He also disclosed that the
committee has so far qualifed
several persons to contest in
the 3rd post war congress for
various positions.
For the position of Financial
Secretary, Charles Nagbe, was
nominated by the University
of Liberia, Secretary General,
Abraham Johnson, Nominated
by the University of Liberia ,
Vice President for International
Affairs, Emmanuel N.B.
Flomo, nominated by Tubman
University and Prince Teahjay,
nominated by Smythe
Institute of Management and
Technology.
For the Vice President for
National Affairs, Bill McGill
Jones , was nominated by the
Cuttington University, why
Matthias Mahnboe Yeanay,
was nominated by the AME
Zion University.
A lone candidate Varney A.
Jarsey, was nominated by the
Tubman University, Smythe
Institute of management and
Technology and the AME Zion
University.
Mr. Kiazolu also said the 3rd
post-war congress activities
will go on and will be held
under the theme, Keeping Our
Mandate, Sustaining the Cause
and Re-aligning the Student
Struggle with Contemporary
Time.
The congress will be held on
July 24-25, 2014. He also
announced that the National
Executive Committee election
campaign has opened and will
end on July 24, 2014.
The Congress Preparatory
Committee Chairman on Public
Affairs, Boima K. Kiazolu, also
appealed to government and
other individuals to support the
3rd Post war congress of the
largest student movement body
in the country.

Congress Preparatory Committee Chairman on Public Affairs, Boima K. Kiazolu
Frontpage
Thursday, July 10, 2014 Page 7
Kennedy L. Yangian kennedylyangian@frontpageafricaonline.com 077296781
F
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LAW & ORDER
Monrovia-
L
ast weekends riots that saw the looting and vandalizing of properties
belonging to Arcellor Mittal continues to receive condemnations
but FrontPageAfrica has learned that the Liberia National Police
arrested a current lawmaker from Nimba County during the riots.
Sources hinted FrontPageAfrica that Rep. Prince Q. S. Tokpa (Nimba District
#2) was arrested with the rioters and that he failed to identify himself after
the arrest and it took the intervention of House Speaker Alex Tyler and other
lawmakers to secure his release.
Sources say the lawmaker was allegedly dressed as some of the rioters and
was therefore mistaken to be one of them as he was allegedly seen leading
dozens of motorcyclists to the scene of the riots before the police got there.
During the appearance of those arrested by the police at the civil law court
at the temple of justice in Monrovia on Wednesday, lawyers representing
the accused mentioned the arrest of the lawmaker and asked why he was not
present in court with the other 41 persons that were arraigned.
All efforts made to contact Rep. Tokpah did not materialize as his mobile
phone was switched off; but House Speaker Alex Tyler speaking to
FrontPageAfrica in a mobile phone conversation said the legislature is
investigating circumstances surrounding the riot including the alleged
involvement of a lawmaker.
It has come to our knowledge but we are investigating and we are working
with the government through the President to ensure that we get to the bottom
of what happened in Nimba, Speaker Tyler said.
The Liberia National police remains mute on the arrest of the lawmaker as
investigation into the Nimba fracas is still ongoing and authorities at the LNP
could not confrm nor deny the accusations.
The House on Tuesday suspended regular session to meet with President Ellen
Johnson Sirleaf at her Foreign Ministry offce to discuss issues regarding the
alleged brutalizing of Tokpah by the police.
The House reached the decision after almost two hours of secret session to
discuss the issue surrounding the arrest of Rep. Tokpah by offcers of the
Emergency Response Unit (ERU) of the Liberian National Police.
Rep. Tokpah alleged that he was arrested and handcuffed by police offcers
on the scene of the violence when he had gone to help calm the situation, but
sources say he did not identify himself as a lawmaker when he was arrested.
He told legislative reporters that he identifed himself as a lawmaker and
asked that he be allowed to meet the protesters and was granted the permission
by some offcers of the Police but was later arrested and handcuffed and
transported to the countrys central Security Hub in Gbarnga, Bong County.
The alleged arrest of Tokpah raises serious questions about his role in the
Nimba fracas.
The House of Representatives was on Tuesday said to be planning a contempt
against the police.
Article 44 of the constitution states that Contempt of the legislature shall
consist of actions which obstruct the legislative functions or which obstruct
or impede members or offcers of the legislature in the discharge of their
legislative duties and may be punished by the House Concern by reasonable
sanction after a hearing consistent with due process of Law.
No sanction shall extend beyond the session of the legislature wherein it
is imposed, and any sanction imposed shall conform to the provisions on
fundamental Rights laid down in the constitution. Disputes between legislators
and non-members which are properly cognizable in the courts shall not be
entertained or heard in the Legislature.
But it is left to be seen whether the legislature will exercise such powers.
On Tuesday, a high level delegation consisting of senior offcials of steel giant
ArcellorMittal are in the country to assess the damage caused by the rioters
at the companys facilities in Nimba Country. The companys global vice
president Mr. Kleber De Silva heads the delegation, which met President Ellen
Johnson Sirleaf at her Foreign Ministry offce on Tuesday.
At a stakeout after the meeting, Lands and Mines Minister Patrick Sendolo
said both the government and Arcellor Mittal, despite the fracas are fully
committed to the companys project in Liberia moving ahead. He said the
government is prepared to take whatever corrective measures necessary to
make sure that the timeline that was agreed on the plans for the project, are
adhered to as much as possible.
The minister said the company would give a full report about the level of
damage caused to its facilities and its mining operations in the country after
a full assessment.
An assessment of the damage that was visited on the facilities of Arcellor
Mittal, is currently been undertaken, the government and Arcellor Mittal
are committed to receiving a full comprehensive report which sets forth the
full extent of the damage and the impact that we expect or the impact that
we anticipated this will have on the existing operations and on the plans for
expanding the project, said minister Sendolo.
Arcellor Mittal will come up with a mitigation plan to take a look at all of the
things that have been impacted by these events and we will now agree on a
clear plan of action, about how the government and Arcellor Mittal can work
together to mitigate any of the damages or problems which has been created
as a consequence of the incident at Arcellor Mittal over the past few days.
He said the level of damage caused by the weekends riots was huge and
Liberian must understand the impact of such activities on the countrys
investment climate adding that ArcellorMittal is set to become a major
contributor to Liberias economy in the next year.
President Sirleaf has held series of meetings with the legislature including the
Nimba County Legislative Caucus, outlining the extent of the damage caused
to the companys infrastructure and how much the government could lose if
such continues sources say.
MITTAL STEEL RIOTS
What Was a Lawmaker Doing Among The Nimba Rioters?

Monrovia-
T
he civil law court at
the Temple of Justice
was a scene of intense
drama on Wednesday
when the government appeared
before the court to produce
the living bodies of those
arrested in last weekends
Nimba County following a
writ of Habeas Corpus flled
by lawyers representing the
interest of those accused of
involvement in the riot.
The government of Liberia
represented by Solicitor
General Betty Lamin Blamo
blundered in their defense
of why they need more time
for investigation thereby
justifying why the police held
the alleged rioters beyond the
statutory period of 48 hours for
investigation.
Ruling in the case, Presiding
Judge Emery Paye told the
court that it was the obligation
for the petitioners lawyer to
seek and provide information
on the whereabouts of the
defendants in question.
In his ruling Presiding Judge
Paye ordered the defendants
freed after the state admitted
that the accused had been
detained for a week but
immediately as the Judge gave
his ruling the 41 defendants
were given a writ each
and taken to the infamous
Monrovia Central Prison,
where they are to remain until
they are indicted by the state
on charges of armed robbery,
kidnapping, all non-bailable
offences under the law.
The turnaround in the court was
quick as the defendants were
about to leave, but were held
inside with a vehicle blocking
the entrance of the court.
Suddenly a writ emerged
with a magistrate Court in
Sanniquellie Nimba County
presided over by George M.
Doah charging forty-one
out of forty six defendants
among them two females with
multiple charges including
armed robbery, kidnapping,
theft of property and rioting.
The defendants currently
detained at the Monrovia
Central Prison were charged
in connection with the July 3,
2014 protest action allegedly
carried out at the premises of
the ArcellorMittal mining town
in Zolowee in Nimba County
that left several properties of
the company vandalized with
others looted and burned.
The court records from the
Sanniquellie Magistrate
Court in the possession of
FrontPageAfrica alleged that
the defendants without any
color of right unlawfully took
up arms against the workers
of Mittal Steel and shot at
them and the LNP offcers as
the result of which some of
the offcers received bodily
injuries and the defendants
with the use of arms and other
lethal devices or instrument did
take away several valuables
properties estimated at over
US$500,000.00
However lawyers representing
the defendants denied the
charges and told Judge Paye
Wednesday that after they have
fled a writ of habeas corpus
the defendants were innocently
pick-up by the police who went
to the town of Zolowee.
Cllr. Yarmie Quiqui Gbeisay
went on to tell the court that
the defendants were over 46
persons arrested but the state
chose to produce in court 41
persons with the whereabouts
of the other fve persons still
unknown.
We know the history of how
people have been arrested in
this country and gotten missing
from our information the
fve persons in question were
brought to Monrovia and again
taken back to Nimba County
and are not yet seen, we dont
know whether they are dead or
alive said Gbeisay.
ERU, Mittal Security Looted
Gbeisay continued that the
ERU offcers and the Mittal
Steel security were the ones
who looted the companys
properties and are putting the
blame on the innocent citizens.
According to Gbeisay ERU
offcers who carried out the
arrest beat up innocent people
broke into their homes and
looted their properties, which
indicated that the government
had declared war on the people
of Nimba County.
On the question of the writ
of habeas corpus both Cllrs.
Gbeisay and Tiawan Gongloe
asked the court to free the
defendants arguing that they
have been arrested and detained
beyond the 48hrs required by
law to keep any suspect, which
violates their rights.
Reacting to the petitioners
submission Solicitor General
Betty Larmin Blamo admitted
that the defendants were more
than 46 but the LNP had only 41
one persons which the state can
account for but the petitioners
lawyer can do due diligence by
fnding out the whereabouts of
the other defendants by visiting
other depots in Nimba County.
Solicitor Blamo told the court
that the defendants cannot be
detained in Nimba County
because of the volatile situation
in the county at the time of
the incident neither could the
police conduct investigation
within 48 hours because of the
large numbers of defendants.
Let me make it clear in
this court that the state will
continue to make arrest in
Nimba County whenever there
is probable cause to arrest
anyone in connection with this
protest said Larmin Blamo.
WRECKING THE GOVERNMENTS ARGUMENT
Liberias Solicitor General Fumbles In Court, As Judge Declares Rioters
Free; Sudden Rearrest as 41 Nimba Protesters Get Multiple Charges
Page 8 |
Frontpage
Thursday, July 10, 2014
F
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DIASPORA PHILADELPHIA -
A
weekend fre that
claimed the lives of
four young Liberian
children in Southwest
Philadelphia is drawing ire from
family, friends and sympathizers
who are claiming that frefghters
did not respond fast enough to
avert the deaths and tragedy in
the community.
Amid the controversy, authorities
on Tuesday released a response
timeline from the fatal Southwest
Philadelphia fre
The fre department says that
frst call came in at 2:44 a.m.
and 1 minute, 8 seconds later, the
frst engine was dispatched.
Less than 1 minute later, a
frefghter from the nearby fre
house called for reinforcements.
After that, 1 minute, 27 seconds
later, Ladder 4 arrived.
That was nearly 3 minutes after
the initial call but residents say
it wasn't equipped to handle the
massive blaze.
"When they did get on the block,
they made sure everybody else
was trying to get down toward
the block and get everyone out
of their houses, I can't deny them
that. As far as the frst truck
showing up and not having the
water, that's their main problem,"
said Boone.
The engine from the nearby
fre station was at a car fre but
arrived 6 minutes after the frst
911 call.
As for how long it took to get
water on the fre, the city says
that's under investigation.
"These gentleman, these women
did what they could but to
criticize this department is not
fair, it's not the facts and that's
what we're putting in front of
you," said Deputy Mayor Everett
Gillison.
Gabriel Williams, Minister
Counselor for Press and
Public Affairs at the Liberian
Embassy in Washington, DC,
who together with Ambassador
Jeremiah Sulunteh and Mrs.
Famatta Deline, Minister
Counselor for Economic Affairs,
are in Philadelphia to assess the
situation, told FrontPageAfrica
via phone Wednesday that the
Ambassador and team have been
meeting with top-level state
offcials and the bereaved family
in a bid to bring closure to the
controversy.
Said Williams: On Tuesday
and Wednesday, Ambassador
Sulunteh met with members
of the bereaved families,
community members of the
Philadelphia City Council,
among others, to get frst-hand
information about the tragedy
and to keep the local government
offcials and the community
constructively engaged.
Williams says the Ambassador
and team has been emphasizing
the need for a thorough
investigation to determine
what went wrong, and what
corrective measures can be put
in place to prevent such tragedy
from occurring in the future.
Wednesdays meeting at the
Philadelphia City hall brought
together city and community
leaders and members of the
bereaved families. All parties at
the meeting affrmed their desire
to work together in harmony,
Williams said.
Jeff Boone, the resident who
made that frst call by dialing
911 took center stage as Fire
Commissioner Derrick Sawyer
gave a detailed timeline of
frefghters' response.
Boone, who also lost his home, said he grabbed a fre extinguisher but when it didn't
work, he ran around the corner to Ladder 4 Engine 40.
"By the time I got here to the other side of the block. They already started putting their
pants on and loading the trucks up," said Boone.
On Tuesday afternoon, Commissioner Sawyer addressed accusations that frefghters
took 30 minutes to respond and maintained that crews were on scene within three
minutes.
"That incident went from three houses to eight houses in 10 minutes so if that fre had
been burning for 30 minutes like everyone said, the whole block would have burned
down," said Commissioner Sawyer.
The fast moving 3-alarm blaze broke out Saturday, July 5th on the 6500 block of Gesner
Street.
4-year-old twins Marie and Mariallah Boawah, 4-year-old Patrick Sanyeah, and
1-month-old Taj Jacque were trapped inside and died in the blaze. There were also
multiple injuries.
Community outrage
Patrick Sanyeah is the father of the two young boys who died. He is upset that the mayor
and other city offcials were quick to defend the fre department's response.
"Of course I understand that he wants to defend the fre people, but make the family feel
better frst, or look into it - a further investigation," he said.
Sanyeah is also frustrated that fre investigators haven't determined the cause.
"I want to know if it's a murder or an incident. If it is murder, I want somebody to go to
court to give me some answers because I am hurting," he said.
In the days following the tragic fre, tensions in the community continued to rise.
On Monday night after a community meeting, police were called in to break up a group
of nearly 200 protesters when riots broke out at Ladder 4 Engine 40.
The protests shut down Woodland Avenue near 65th Street and even blocked fre crews
as they tried to leave and respond to a call.
Several people were arrested.
Into Monday evening, as the protests moved to the scene of the fre, city offcials
continued to maintain that frefghters should not be blamed.
"The members of the Philadelphia Fire Department, in particular the members on Engine
40, ladder 4 responded in a very timely fashion to this fre. Any other information put
out by individuals that indicates otherwise is absolutely, positively, directly incorrect,"
said Mayor Michael Nutter on Monday.
Many of the demonstrators are from Liberia, Africa.
Dahn Dennis, the head of the Liberian Association of Pennsylvania, says he understands
the questions coming from the community but a violent protest isn't the way to get
answers.
"We are asking the kids, the youth to stay calm and give time to schedule a meeting with
city offcials to make sure we come to some level of understanding so that some of the
questions, some of the concerns they have been passing onto us can be addressed," said
Dennis.
IN SOUTHWEST PHILADELPHIA, RESPONSE
TO FATAL FIRE DRAWS IRE, AMBASSADOR SEEKS CALM
A US-LIBERIAN COMMUNITY ON EDGE
On Tuesday and Wednesday, Ambassador Sulunteh met with members of the bereaved families, community members of the Philadelphia
City Council, among others, to get frst-hand information about the tragedy and to keep the local government offcials and the community
constructively engaged. Gabriel I.H. Williams, Minister Counselor, Press & Public Affairs, Liberian Embassy, Washington, DC





Frontpage
Thursday, July 10, 2014 Page 9
ALPHA DAFFAE SENKPENI, COUNTY CORRESPONDENT
F
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DIPLOMATIC NEWS
F
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PAGE
COUNTY NEWS
LIBERIA REMAINS
GRATEFUL TO FRANCE

Paris-France--
L
iberia's
Ambassador
Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary
appointed to France by HE
President Ellen Johnson
Sirleaf, Dr. C. William Allen
has presented his letters of
Credence to the President
of the Republic of France,
His Excellency Francois
Hollande.
The presentation ceremony
took place on Tuesday, July 8,
2014 at the Elysee Palace, the
seat of the French Presidency.
Ambassador Allen
extended gratitude to Her
Excellency, President Ellen
Johnson Sirleaf for the
confdence reposed in him
to be appointed as Liberia's
Ambassador Extraordinary
and Plenipotentiary to France
and assured the Liberian
President that he will uphold
the confdence and above all
go beyond the call of duty to
represent the interest of the
Republic of Liberia.
Ambassador Allen said
Liberia remains grateful
to the people of France
for their many support to
Liberia during the period of
recovery from the 14 years
of civil confict. He said
French fnancial and material
contributions to the UN
Peace-keeping Mission in
Liberia (UNMIL) and their
support for Liberia's debt
waiver, donation of non-

New Ambassador Allen Presents Letters to Hollande
lethal weapons to the Liberia
National Police (LNP)
among other support to other
Liberian institutions.
Ambassador Allen welcomed
the recent decision of
the French Development
Agency(AGENCE
FRANCAISE de
DEVELOPMENT) to
resume activities in Liberia
with support for the country's
energy sector, particularly in
the areas of transmission and
distribution.
Ambassador Allen said
Liberia would like to see
more French support for
programs that promote
regional integration and unity
amongst Mano River Union
and ECOWAS countries such
as infrastructure projects
funded by the African
Development Bank (AfDB).
Ambassdor Allen called for
more support to the Institute
of French Studies, Alliance
Francaise, an institute
that promotes and provide
instruction in the French
language and culture. He
said Alliance Francaise has
played a key rle in educating
Liberian students, educators
and diplomats in the French
langauge thus promoting the
understanding of the French
language among Liberians.
He also urged the French
Government to consider
expanding its Consular
Services in Liberia to include
the issuance of schegen visas.
Receiving the letters, French
President, His Excellency
Francois Hollande in a brief
remark lauded President
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and the
people of Liberia for assisting
to restore peace in Mali by
contributing a peace-keeping
contingent to that sisterly
West African Country.
President Hollande said the
Liberian Peace-Keeping
Contigent is helping to restore
peace in Mali and their efforts
are worth commendations.
President Hollande added that
the presence of the French
Development Agency in
Liberia will further promote
France-Liberia relations and
assist Liberia in its recovery.
Liberia and France have
enjoyed cordial relations
since 1852 when France
recognized Liberia as an
independent country.
The new Liberia Ambassador
Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary to France is
former President of the Press
Union of Liberia, former
Director General of the Civil
Service Agency and former
Minister of Information,
Culture and Tourism of
Liberia.
He holds Doctor of
Philosophy,Ph.D (Mass
Communication) Syracuse
University, USA, a Master
of Public Administration
(MPA) California State
University and Bachelor of
Arts Degree in Journalism
from the Pulliam School of
Journalism, Franklin College.
Ambassador Allen took up
his post in Paris, France in
March this year.
Buchanan, Grand Bassa
County -
G
rand Bassa County
education board
is reportedly
investigating one of
the countys District Education
Offcers for allegedly issuing
fake documents to unqualifed
teachers in District Three.
Rosina L. Cole who was
recently transferred to Grand
Bassa County from Margibi
County as the result of the
Ministry of Educations
policy to reshuffe and
reassign its county and district
education offcers, is accused
of receiving money from
teachers to fraudulently issue
them high school diploma
and C certifcate from The
Kakata Rural Teacher Training
Institute (KRTTI).
The Grand Bassa County
School Board Chairman, Mr.
Moses B.K Sawaye said Mrs.
Cole issued false document
to unqualifed teachers and
that the board has started
the investigation and almost
nearing conclusion.
Mr. Sawaye revealed that in
late June they (the board) met
with Mrs. Cole and told her
that they had evidence that she
was guilty of the allegation,
FAKE DIPLOMAS FOR UNQUALIFIED TEACHERS
Grand Bassa School Board Suspends Education Offcer Over Alleged Fraud Issues
but shes yet to accept their
fndings.
People came and testifed;
some of them brought the false
documents she issued them
and the list of all the names
of people she collected money
from was also displayed, Mr.
Sawaye told a local community
radio station.
Mr. Sawaye continues: So this
was enough and we told her
that she will remain suspended
until we shall send our fndings
to the MOE.
But when FrontPage Africa
requested response from the
suspended DEO, Mrs. Cole
said she could not comment
further because investigation is
ongoing.
However, she said the
allegation against her has no
level of truth, adding that it is
false, malicious and does not
have any truth in it.
Grand Bassa County Education
Offcer, Mr. Edwin Kwakpeh
could not elaborate further
on the status of the ongoing
investigation when FPA
contacted him but ensured that
the County School Board is
fully in charge.
But until the boards fndings
take effect, its chairman
stressed that Mrs. Cole has no
offcial duty in the district as
far as education is concern in
Grand Bassa County adding
that the evidence they have will
put Mrs. Cole away.
This is the decision of the
board; we are ready and we
stand by it, if she will go to
the MOE we will follow her
there and even if she wants to
go to the court, we will go there
and prove it because we have
suffcient evidence, said Mr.
Sawaye.
NEGATIVE IMPCT ON THE
STRIVE TO IMPROVE
With the already existing
huddles Liberias school
system faces, many residents
in District Three are asserting
that the alleged act by the
suspended DEO cast more
doubts on the strive to improve
the system.
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf
has labeled the countrys
education system as a mess
leaving her heavily criticized
by critics who claimed her
government has done little to
transform the system so with
incidents of sort unfolding
in rural Liberia, Some say it
makes it diffcult to impact on
the system positively.
Like many others, the county
school board chairman said
the situation makes him down
hearted especially according
to him, for a DEO to be in
the center of such scandal.
For a DEO who suppose to
help improve the mess to
get herself entangled with this
kind of problem then it means
we are adding more insults to
injury, he said.
Weve frown on it bitterly
and even the teachers who
paid the money to the lady will
also be dealt with drastically
because they encourage her,
Mr. Sawaye added.
With the investigation fndings
yet to reach the MOE, the
school board is sure it can
stand strong to fght fraud to
ensure that quality education is
obtained in the county.
Page 10 |
Frontpage
Thursday, July 10, 2014
REPORTING LIBERIAS OIL INDUSTRY
Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable organisation of Thomson
Reuters, is working with New Narratives, a non-governmental organisation
that has been driving improvements in Liberias media sector for 4 years,
to run a project that supports Liberian journalists and news organisations
to cover the countrys oil industry.
The project will run from 2014-16 and will feature training, mentoring
and capacity building for Liberian journalists and news organisations.
The project will focus on a range of oil sector issues including contracts,
the management of revenues, the implications for Liberias economy, and
the environmental impact of the industry. It will encourage journalism that
relates these issues to the lives of citizens through engaging storytelling.
The project in Liberia is part of a larger programme taking place across
Africa, which aims to support journalists and media organisations to cover
fnancial and extractives issues which are central to development.
Oil reporting scheme call for applications
Journalists working in Liberia are invited to apply to the oil reporting
scheme being run by Thomson Reuters Foundation and New Narratives.
The scheme will involve a series of training courses over approximately
two years, combined with ongoing mentoring and opportunities to produce
stories and investigations.
Journalists taking part in the scheme will learn how to produce accurate,
impartial and independent coverage of the oil sector in Liberia. The
ultimate aim will be for journalists to report to the internationally
recognised standards of Reuters.
The scheme is a major commitment but it will also be a rewarding one.
We are looking for journalists who:
- Report for a national media outlet in Liberia print, online, radio
or television journalists are eligible
- Have at least 2 years of professional experience as a journalist
- Have experience of, or can demonstrate a genuine interest in,
business and fnancial journalism
- Are motivated to cover the oil industry and how it relates to other
aspects of life in Liberia
Please note: journalists taking part in the programme must report the
oil industry in an independent manner and must not take payment from
any sources in the course of their reporting. The project will not tolerate
the acceptance of such payment. Participants will be required to sign an
agreement to this effect.
Funding will be available within the project to help journalists cover
stories on the oil industry.
Application process
To apply send a cover letter detailing any experience in business and
fnancial reporting and why you want to take part in this scheme, as well
as a CV and two writing samples to contact@newnarratives.org.
Deadline: July 14th 2014
About the partner organisations
Thomson Reuters Foundation has been supporting excellence in journalism
worldwide since 1982. It draws on the global expertise of Reuters and its
network of nearly 200 bureaus to run pioneering journalism development
projects. More than 12,000 journalists from 170 countries have been
involved in its projects and training courses. Responding to world events,
it has created news platforms to provide accurate, objective news to
populations in countries such as Iraq, Egypt and Zimbabwe.
New Narratives provides resources, editorial and business support to
help leading African media houses deliver independent, honest news
that Africans use to drive change. Working in Liberia since 2010, New
Narratives reporters have repeatedly broken stories that have prompted
action on major societal issues such as teen prostitution, child labor and the
growing drug trade. Reporting has won major national and international
awards and appeared in media around the world.


EBOLA HOTLINE
PLEASE CALL THE FOLLOWING NUMBERS IF YOU,
A FAMILY MEMBER, FRIEND OR LOVED ONES ARE
EXPERIENCING ANY OF THE SYMPTONS OF THE
DEADLY OUTBREAK: SYMPTOMS OF EBOLA HF
TYPICALLY INCLUDE: FEVER, HEADACHE, JOINT
AND MUSCLE ACHES, WEAKNESS, DIARRHEA,
VOMITING, STOMACH PAIN, LACK OF APPETITE.
0886229641; 0886397381; 0776547437
Frontpage
Thursday, July 10, 2014 Page 11
Public Service Announcement
This is to inform the general public that the deadline
for payment of Real Estate taxes is July 1st LRA says
please pay your real estate tax (es) to avoid penalties and
interest that under the Revenue Code of Liberia (RCL)
will be added to your account if you do not pay on time.
Also the law says property owners should fle a schedule
of their properties along with their payment.
The Revenue Code of Liberia also says that the LRA
must add the following penalties if you do not pay on
time...
Revenue Code Liberia SECTION 2002
The real property tax covers the period from
January 1 to and including December 31 of each year
and shall become due on July 1st of the year in which
it is levied. It may be paid without the imposition of
interest or penalty at any time prior thereto from January
1.
INTEREST at market, in accordance with Section
11 shall be charged thereon if the tax is not paid on or
before July 1st of the year in which it is levied.
If it is not paid on or before July 31st of the
year in which it is levied, the Minister now (LRA
Commissioner General), in addition, shall assess and
add to the amount due, or to any underpayment thereof,
an ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTY of 5 percent per
month for each month or part of a month elapsing after
July 31st that it remains unpaid, but not to exceed 25
percent in total.
Signed: A. Trokon Tarr
Communications Consultant
Collecting the lawful taxes due the Liberian people and
facilitating legitimate trade.
Public Service Announcement
The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) in keeping
with its mandate as enshrined in the LRA Act of
2013 announces to all taxpayers and the general
public that the Central Bank of Liberia has opened
two (2) new accounts for Fiscal Year 2014/2015 at
the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) for the payment
of Government of Liberia (GOL) Revenues.
The LRA wishes to inform all taxpayers and the
general public that GOL taxes should be paid into these
accounts at the Central Bank of Liberia beginning
Tuesday July 1, 2014.
CBL Account Title Account Number
GOL Revenue Account USD 02-205-300002-11
GOL Revenue Account LRD 01-205-300002-11
Additionally, the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA)
recognizing the need for continuity for stability
in operations and revenue collections, further
announces that Government of Liberia taxes and fees
will continue to be paid at existing points across the
country.
All taxpayers and the general public are urged to
please take note and act accordingly.

Signed: Elfrieda Stewart Tamba
Commissioner General

Collecting the lawful taxes due the Liberian
people and facilitating legitimate trade.
NASSCORP HOUSE
ELWA Junction
Paynesville, Liberia
+231.880.874.339 +231.776.874.339
info@lra.gov.lr
NASSCORP HOUSE
ELWA Junction
Paynesville, Liberia
+231.880.874.339 +231.776.874.339
info@lra.gov.lr
FAIR, TRANSPARENT AND EQUITABLE TAX ADMINISTRATOR FAIR, TRANSPARENT AND EQUITABLE TAX ADMINISTRATOR
Page 12 |
Frontpage
Thursday, July 10, 2014
F
RONT
PAGE
EBOLA
HOW DEFORESTATION SHARES THE
BLAME FOR THE EBOLA EPIDEMIC
EBOLA OUTBREAK
IN AFRICA: WHO
ENUMERATES THREE
KEY FACTORS THAT
CONTRIBUTE TO
SPREAD OF DEADLY
EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE
World Health Organisation says latest fgures
from three health ministries show total of 844
cases, with 518 deaths, in epidemic
Epidemiologists explain how human activity helps spread the deadly virus in West Africa

S
topping the biggest Ebola outbreak that killed
hundreds of people in West Africa: Guinea, Liberia
and Sierra Leone, now appears to be the number one
goal of United Nations together with West African
ministers, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
governments, charities and the private sector from around the
world.
With the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) spreading like wildfre
in West Africa from the start of March, the World Health
Organisation enumerated the three key factors that are
considered to be the main contributors why the virus is
continuing to spread.
First, WHO considers "burial of victims in accordance with
cultural practices" as one of the factors that greatly contributes
to the spread of EVD. Traditional burial in West Africa includes
burying the dead in the foor of houses.
Liberia's deputy health minister Bernice Dahn told Reuters
that there are "strict rules" aiming to prevent the spread of
the Ebola virus from contaminated corpses but they are often
being ignored.
Aside from the now uncontained epidemic, Bernice Dahn
revealed to Reuters that what appears to be the biggest
challenge from the Ebola outbreak is the "denial, fear and
panic" that resulted from the spread of Ebola virus disease.
Second, WHO considers "dense population around capital
cities of Guinea and Liberia." Third and last, WHO considers
"commercial and social activity along the borders" of Guinea,
Liberia and Sierra Leone to be one of the key factors that
contributes to the spread of EVD.
Reuters reported that United Nation's World Health
Organization (WHO) in the capital of Ghana has brought
together ministers from different sectors to address the
Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak and to prevent the virus
from spreading to more countries other than the three that is
considered to be the most infected.
"We would like to appeal to our development partners to come
to the aid and support the three countries fnancially so that
they can procure the needed drugs and protective clothing to
support the health personnel fghting the Ebola virus," Sherry
Avittey, Ghana's Minister of Health, told the conference during
the "Special Ministerial Meeting on Ebola Virus Disease in
West Africa" on Wednesday, July 2.
Data from the World Health Organisation reveals that Ebola
outbreaks have a 90 per cent case fatality rate. The Ebola virus
disease, formerly known as the Ebola haemorrhagic fever, is
said to have originated from wild animals that was transmitted
to people and has spread wildly through human to human
transmissions (e.g. direct contact through blood).
"The impact of this outbreak has been phenomenal in terms of
loss of human life and negative effect of social and economic
life," Louis Cambo, WHO Regional Director for Africa, told
Reuters, adding that Ebola outbreak have also unreasonably
affected health workers.
I
n a relentless sweep across
Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra
Leone, the largest outbreak
of Ebola, a virus that causes
dramatic internal bleeding and
often a hasty death, has now
claimed 467 lives, from 759
infections, since February this
year, according to the World
Health Organization (WHO).
With victims identifed across
more than 60 different locations,
there's now a very real risk the
outbreak will spread to even
more countries, says Mdecins
Sans Frontires (MSF), which
calls the epidemic out of control.
WHO is now focusing on
preparing for the disease's
inevitable spread to neighboring
countries, not a small ask in
poor countries with poor health
care systems. "We want other
countries in West Africa to be
readybordering countries,
Ivory Coast, Mali, Senegal,
Guinea Bissauto prepare
themselves in case people
affected with the disease may
be also traveling," WHO's Dr.
Pierre Formenty told a recent
briefng in Geneva.
Ebola hemorrhagic fever
outbreak in Guinea, Liberia, and
Sierra Leone, 2014.Click to see
a bigger version. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention
In Ivory Coast, Guinea and
Liberia's neighbor to the east,
federal health offcials have
joined customs agents at the
notoriously porous border in the
hope of stopping the disease's
spread; meanwhile, MSF has set
up isolation centers nearby to
contain infected persons if they
do appear, says Anne Cugier,
MSF's mission chief in that
country. "We are all concerned
about Ebola potentially
spreading to Ivory Coast," she
said.
But Ebola is an elusive and
very effective assassin, leaving
scientists foundering to ft the
pieces of the virology puzzle
together. The science behind
how and why Ebola spreads has
yet to be fully nailed down
there's very little surveillance
of the early stages of the disease
deep in the African forests,
where the disease may have
been circulating in animals for
a long time before "frst contact"
with humans. In this particular
outbreak, it appears that the frst
diagnosed case was a doctor in
the rural town of Gueckedou,
whose infection then spread
to health workers and family
attending his funeral.
Humans are venturing further
and further into forests, putting
more and more pressure on local
ecosystems through mining,
deforestation, and confict.
Researchers believe that
butchering and eating infected
"bushmeat"a bat or gorilla, for
exampleusually serves as the
frst exposure to diseased animal
blood.
Then, ritual funeral rites that
involve rubbing down of dead
bodies before interment bring
relatives and others close to
contaminated body fuids, after
which Ebola's attack is swift and
fatal in up to 90 percent of cases.
Symptoms may appear anywhere
from 2 to 21 days and include
vomiting, diarrhea, and internal
bleeding. Unlike the fu, Ebola
is not airborne, so you can't
get it from an infected person
coughing or sneezing near you.
In Ivory Coast, the risk of Ebola
transmission from bushmeat,
which is a popular menu item
at rural maquisroadside
outdoor grillsis considered
high enough by federal health
offcials that it was recently
banned altogether. But according
to my colleague Tim McDonnell,
who is in the country right now,
there is no way to enforce the
ban, and bushmeat is still being
sold and eaten.
What is becoming clearer,
however, is that human activity
is playing a major role in
the initial outbreaks of these
zoonotic diseasesthose that
jump between animal and
humanlike Ebola. Humans are
venturing farther and farther into
forests, putting more and more
pressure on local ecosystems
through small-scale gold and
diamond mining, deforestation,
and confict. In remote West
Africa, where human populations
meet the forests, people are
increasingly coming into contact
with animals, and that, combined
with traditional hunting
practices, is driving up the risk
of a "spillover" occurring, where
Ebola can leap across species.
"I think there are lots of instances
of human activities driving
spillovers and outbreaks," says
Dr. Jonathan Epstein, a veterinary
epidemiologist and Ebola expert
with EcoHealth Alliance, an
international organization
of scientists that studies
biodiversity and conservation.
"While some of these things may
be cultural traditions that have
persisted for a long time," he
says, "some of them are activities
that are relatively newer, but
intensifying."
Deforestation
Melissa Leach, the director of the
University of Sussex's Institute
of Development Studies, lived
for several years in the border
forests of Guinea where this
latest outbreak frst began.
She says the forest landscape
there is complex and ever-
changinga "mosaic." Villages
here are surrounded by forest
and agriculture, and that means
batsthought to carry Ebola
are everywhere. "I lived in a
house in a village in Kissidougou
district for two years which was
full of bats in its roof," she says.
Human activity is driving bats to
fnd new habitats amongst human
populations. More than half of
Liberia's forestshome to 40
endangered species, including
the western chimpanzeehave
been sold off to industrial loggers
during President Ellen Johnson
Sirleaf's post-war government,
according to fgures released
by Global Witness. Logging,
slash-and-burn agriculture, and
chopping down trees for an
increased demand for fre wood
are all driving deforestation in
Sierra Leone, where total forest
cover has now dropped to just
4 percent, according to the
United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP) which
says if deforestation continues
at current levels, Sierra
Leone's forests could disappear
altogether by 2018.
"We see deforestation or
incursion into forests, whether
it's through hunting or just
alteration of landscape, causing
people and wildlife to have more
contact," says Epstein.
Mining
The 1994 outbreak of Ebola,
which killed 31 people, occurred
in gold mining camps deep in the
rain forest.
The 1994 outbreak of Ebola,
which killed 31 people, occurred
in gold mining camps deep in the
rain forest. Mining also appears
to be a feature of this latest
outbreak: Its epicenter is in the
south east of Guinea, close to
iron ore reserves, according to
Reuters.
Mining "has become a big
livelihood activity across the
regions, Sierra Leone, Liberia,
Guinea, as of the last couple of
decades," says Leach. And that
means more mines in the forest,
but also "immense movement:
people going seasonally in and
out of mines, coming in and
out, young people coming from
all over the country." Guinea
is the world's top exporter of
bauxite, the raw material used in
aluminum production, according
to Reuters.
"That whole sense of movement
is something that means that
a disease, an outbreak, once
established in a place, is very
likely not to stay in that place;
it tends to move quite quickly,"
Leach says.
Iron ore mining boomed in
Libera last year, for example,
after a surge in public and
private investment. According
to Bloomberg, the nation gets
most of its income from mining
with several major international
players in the market, alongside
smaller gold and diamond mines.
The international Monetary Fund
said mining spurred a 20 percent
growth in GDP in Sierra Leone in
2013, after a food of investment
from British companies in iron
ore.
War
Confict is also driving humans
into forested areas. Survivors of
Sierra Leone's civil war, which
ended in the early 2000s, hid
and slept in the forest, according
to Human Rights Watch. The
movements of refugees have
had a lasting impact, says Leach.
"There is still a lot of cross-border
interaction of people through
contacts that were established in
the post-war period," she says. A
2010 UNEP report on post-war
Sierra Leone also says that in
the post-war years, people in this
region have become increasingly
reliant on the forest animals for
food, and wood from trees for
fuel and building materials.
Climate change
West African countries are
already feeling the effects of
climate change, the International
Food Policy Research Institute
noted in a report published
last year. There are now
more "seasonal droughts,
strong winds, thunderstorms,
landslides, heat waves, foods,
and changed rainfall patterns."
All that is changing the forests
where Ebola frst begins to take
hold.
Dry conditions can cause fres,
which fragment forests, says
Leach. That splitting up of forest
increases the likelihood that
bats will try to fnd other places
to live, sometimes amongst
human populations. Dr. William
Karesh, another EcoAlliance
epidemiologist, says it's also
possible that increasingly
frequent extreme weather events
also may also play a role in
predicting Ebola, but he warns
that much of the picture is still
left to be flled in by scientists.
Karesh's colleague Jonathan
Epstein agrees. "Probably over
time wildlife will have to shift
habitat or territory in response
to changes in food availability
or habitat suitability that may
in fact may be infuenced by
climate change," he says. But
"as of now there's no real strong
direct link."
Ebola in the United States?
In 1989, Ebola was detected
in monkeys imported from
the Philippines at quarantine
facilities in Virginia and
Pennsylvania, with no human
patients. The following year, the
same thing happened again in
Virginia and Texas. Four humans
developed antibodies, but did
not get sick. And then again in
1996 in Texas, monkeys from the
Philippines were found to have
Ebola, but yet again there were
no human infections.
In theory, the current outbreak
could could make its way to
American soil, most likely via a
traveler exposed in West Africa
arriving at a US airport, but it's
unlikely that its damage would be
widespread, says Epstein. That's
because of good public health
systems that monitor and control
diseases in the United States.
But where any threat exists,
"it speaks to the importance of
containing and controlling the
outbreak where it's happening, in
the countries of origin," he says.

Frontpage
Thursday, July 10, 2014 Page 13
REGULATOR STILL IN LACC DRAGNET
Commission on Higher Education Director General long Corruption tale
NIMBA YOUTH AND STUDENT
CONDEMN VIOLENT PROTEST
IN BRIEF
UTAH TO APPEAL GAY
MARRIAGE RULING TO
HIGH COURT
DUTCH SPECIAL FORCES
IN MALI TACKLE CHANGING
THREAT: MINISTER
GAZA ROCKETS LAND
DEEP IN ISRAEL AS IT
BOMBARDS PALESTINIAN
ENCLAVE

SALT LAKE CITY (AP)
U
tah is going straight
to the nation's
highest court to
challenge a federal
appeals court's fnding that gay
couples have a constitutional
right to marry, the state attorney
general's offce announced
Wednesday.
The state opted to appeal the
decision to the U.S. Supreme
Court rather than request a
review from the entire 10th
U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals
in Denver. That option is now
off the table, no matter what the
high court decides.
Utah Attorney General Sean
Reyes' offce said in a statement
the appeal will be fled in
the coming weeks, to get
"clarity and resolution" from
the highest court. "Attorney
General Reyes has a sworn
duty to defend the laws of our
state," the statement said.
I
sraeli air strikes shook
Gaza every few minutes on
Wednesday, and militants
kept up rocket fre at Israel's
heartland in intensifying warfare
that Palestinian offcials said has
killed at least 44 people in the
Hamas-dominated enclave.
Missiles from Israel's Iron Dome
defense system shot into the sky to
intercept rockets launched, for the
second straight day, at Tel Aviv, the
country's commercial capital.
With cries of 'Allahu akbar' (God is
great), Palestinians in Gaza cheered
as rockets streaked overhead
toward Israel, in attacks that could
provide a popularity boost for
Islamist Hamas, whose rift with
neighboring Egypt's military-
backed government has deepened
economic hardship.
DAKAR (Reuters) -
D
utch troops have joined
a U.N. peacekeeping
mission in Mali
to meet a growing
security threat from the region to
the Netherlands, and Europe as
a whole that "softer" approaches
can no longer contain, the Dutch
foreign minister said.
The Netherlands has deployed
some 450 Special Forces troops,
intelligence operatives and attack
helicopters to a U.N. force rolling
out across northern Mali, where al
Qaeda-linked Islamists occupied
swathes of the country before
being driven back last year by
French troops.
Although Dutch forces do not
have an offensive mandate, the
deployment marks a shift towards
security issues in Africa for the
Netherlands and their task -
gathering intelligence - is new to
U.N. peacekeeping missions that
have traditionally avoided the art

Brussels (AFP) -
E
U efforts to seal off
Europe's borders to
illegal migrants have
also shut off access
to refugees from confict,
thus putting their lives at risk,
Amnesty International said
Wednesday.
Forced to take to fimsy boats
in perilous journeys across the
high seas because land routes
have been sealed, many die at
sea, the rights group said in a
report titled "The human cost
of Fortress Europe."
"The effectiveness of EU
measures to stem the fow of
irregular migrants and refugees
is, at best, questionable," said
Amnesty's John Dalhuisen.
"Meanwhile, the cost in human
lives and misery is incalculable
and is being paid by some of
the worlds most vulnerable
people."
The report says the European
Union spent nearly two billion
euros protecting its external
borders between 2007 and
2013, but only 700 million
euros on improving the
situation for asylum-seekers
and refugees in the EU in the
same period.
Refugees and migrants that
do make it risk being pushed
straight back, with the practice
common in Bulgaria and
Greece but also at the Spanish
territory of Ceuta in North
Africa.
Yet there are more displaced
people today than at any time
since the end of the Second
World War and almost half of
those trying to enter the EU
NEYORS PERSONAL
SAFETY CONCERNS
Monrovia-
M
r. Christopher Z.
Neyor has written
some Liberian
stakeholders over
concerns about his safety in
Liberia.
In a letter addressed to several
organizations including the
African Union Mission,
Monrovia ECOWAS
Representative Offce,
Monrovia, SRSG, UNMIL-
Monrovia US Embassy,
Monrovia Delegate of the
European Commission,
Monrovia Embassy of Norway,
The Liberia Council of
Churches, The Muslim Council
National Traditional Council,
Mr. Neyor asserts that he feels
threatened to return to Liberia.
I have strong reason to believe
my personal safety is threatened
as I return home and I want to
by this letter alert all of you, he
said.
Following my Open Letter to
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
copy of which was sent to each
of you, I am returning home
to Liberia this week (July 12,
2014 on Kenya Airways fight
508) to prepare for presentation
of details of my letter with
additional evidence to the
House of Representatives and
the Liberia Anti Corruption
Commission (LACC) as
summoned stated Neyor.
Neyor stated in his letter from
the United States of America
that he should be allowed to
exercise his constitutional right
as it relates to free expression.
My campaign to expose
deception, manipulation,
mismanagement, corruption
and nepotism at the highest
level of our government is a
constitutional right and I want to
exercise this right in a nonviolent
and peaceful manner, he said.
I hope that those who swore
to protect our individual and
collective safety will not use the
power of the State to do a citizen
harm simply because what he
says or will say is perceived to
expose their horrible stewardship
of our country.
He said he hopes that the
government will respect his
right as a Liberian citizen upon
his return to the country.
I want to thank you all for your
continuing contributions to a
peaceful and secured Liberia,
he said.
We hope our government will
not be foolhardy to act in a way
that would undermine the efforts
to ensure lasting peace and
reconciliation in Liberia.
Mr. Neyor came into recent
spotlight when he announced
that he was contesting the
Montserrado County senatorial
seat in the upcoming special
election and wrote a damaging
open letter to President Sirleaf
detailing an insiders account
of governments transaction on
the oil sector. Neyor has since
withdrawn from the race citing
family reasons.

RISKY SEA
Fortress Europe puts migrant lives at risk, says Amnesty

irregularly are feeing confict
in Syria, Afghanistan, Eritrea
and Somalia.
Forced to resort to dangerous
sea routes. hundreds die each
year trying to reach Europe,
such as the 400 who lost their
lives off the Italian island of
Lampedusa last year.
Though Italy has launched a
search and rescue operation
called "Mare Nostrum" which
has rescued more than 50,000
people since October last year,
in the frst six months of 2014
more than 200 people lost their
lives in the Mediterranean and
Aegean seas.
"The responsibility for the
deaths of those trying to
reach the EU is a collective
responsibility," said Dalhuisen.
"Other EU member states can
and must follow Italys lead
and stop people drowning at
sea."
F
RONT
PAGE
WORLD NEWS
Former NOCAL boss Writes Stakeholders
Monrovia-
T
he Federation of Nimba Youth and Student Organizations (FENYSO) has said it register
with great dismay the actions perpetrated by some citizens of Nimba, especially with
the youths concerns regarding the failure of AcelorMittal to live up to the Mineral
Development Agreement (MDA), leading to vandalizing the properties and disrupting
the normal working activities of the company.
In a statement signed by Signed: Patrick Paye-Tee, Secretary, attested Stanley M. Beain, Vice
President Public Relations and Prince G. Goah, Jr., President, the Federation stated that it wishes
to establish that the decision by the youth to foster a genuine cost through wrongful and massive
pillaging of the companys properties is unlawful and counter-productive to the development
agenda of the county.
We therefore call on all student groupings, Youth groupings, the elders, chiefs and the citizens
of Nimba to remain peaceful and calm as the Federation is critically conducting an investigation
into the incidence. In the same vein, we call on the central government to fnd out the root causes
of the violence and prevent recurrence of such a situation that has the proclivity to undermine
peace and stability of the country. We are also calling on the national government to accord due
process of law to those arrested, the FENYSO stated.
Page 14 |
Frontpage
Thursday, July 10, 2014
BRAZIL WORLD CUP 2014
WORLD CUP


All the action in Brazil
NETHERLANDS 0-0 ARGENTINA (PENS 2-4 ): ROMERO
THE HERO AS SOUTH AMERICANS GO THROUGH
A
fter 120 goalless
minutes, the
Albiceleste won in
a shootout to book
their place in the fnal against
Germany
Argentina reached the World
Cup fnal as Netherlands
coach Louis van Gaal failed
to produce another penalty
masterstroke.
Having introduced goalkeeper
Tim Krul off the bench to
replace number one Jasper
Cillessen in the quarter-fnal
shoot-out win against Costa
Rica - with the Newcastle shot-
stopper subsequently saving
two spot-kicks to send his side
through - Van Gaal had no
such options this time around
as Wednesday's semi-fnal
fnished 0-0 after extra time.
The Dutch had used all three
substitutes by that point,
leaving Cillessen to face
Argentina's efforts when it
mattered most.
And the youngster - who
had never before kept out a
penalty in his career - failed
to reproduce his team-mate's
heroics as opposite number
Sergio Romero saved from
Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sneijder
to book Argentina's place in the
showpiece against Germany on
Sunday.
Ultimately, Maxi Rodriguez
sealed a 4-2 shoot-out success,
crashing his penalty in off
the crossbar via the palms of
Cillessen to spark jubilant
scenes among the South
Americans in the stands in Sao
Paulo.
In a contest that was a far
cry from the stunning drama
of Germany's humiliation
of Brazil 24 hours earlier,
penalties always seemed the
most likely outcome and so it
proved.
The last time these two teams
met in the knockout stages of a
fnals - in 1998 - the game was
lit up by the sublime quality of
Dennis Bergkamp's winning
goal, but such moments
of outstanding individual
brilliance were almost non-
existent here.
Much of the build-up was
dominated by talk of a battle
for supremacy between the two
sides' respective talismen, but
both Lionel Messi and Arjen
Robben were well shackled
throughout.
With many neutrals having
hoped for a Brazil-Argentina
fnal, the capitulation of the
hosts on Tuesday meant that was
a distant dream, but the success
of Alejandro Sabella's men at
least ensures that there will be
South American representation
in the showpiece.
The Dutch, runners-up four
years ago, will now face a
wounded Brazil in the third-
place play-off in Brasilia on
Saturday.
In stark contrast to the frst
semi, where Germany had
raced into a 5-0 lead within 29
minutes to stun the hosts, what
unfolded a day on was far less
enthralling.
Netherlands made one change
from their quarter-fnal win
over Costa Rica as Nigel de
Jong - who it was thought
had been ruled out of the
tournament with a groin strain
- made an unexpected recovery
to return in place of Memphis
Depay.
For Argentina, Marcos Rojo
came back from a one-match
suspension, and Enzo Perez
earned a spot in the absence of
the injured Angel di Maria.
Neither side carved out a clear
goalscoring opportunity in a
turgid frst period, Sneijder
fring an effort on goal in the
13th minute, but his volley
from outside the box was
comfortably wide of the left-
hand post.
Messi threatened for the frst
time two minutes later, seeing
his free-kick well held by
Cillessen diving low to his
right.
Argentina looked marginally
the more dangerous of the two
sides and midway through
the frst half Ezequiel Garay
headed Ezequiel Lavezzi's left-
wing corner over the crossbar
under pressure from Vlaar.
There was a moment of
concern for Argentina shortly
afterwards, when a clearly
dazed Javier Mascherano
fell to the foor following a
clash of heads with Georginio
Wijnaldum.
After receiving treatment,
Mascherano was able to walk
off the feld and soon returned
to action.
The second period began in
much the same fashion as the
frst, with neither side able to
make any inroads in the fnal
third of the feld.
Gonzalo Higuain did have half
an opening in the 58th minute,
but substitute Daryl Janmaat's
covering header denied the
Napoli man the chance to get
on the end of Lavezzi's delivery
from the right.
Once again, Higuain was
unable to capitalise on a rare
sight of goal 15 minutes from
time, stretching to divert
Perez's clever low ball into the
side netting from close range.
Rojo tried his luck from
distance nine minutes later, but
his well-hit drive was straight
at an untroubled Cillessen.
Robben's big moment arrived
in the frst minute of stoppage
time as he bore down on goal
following a fortuitous ricochet
on the edge of the area,
but Mascherano recovered
brilliantly to deny the Bayern
Munich man with a last-ditch
tackle.
The winger had the frst effort
of note in extra-time, bringing
a routine save out of Romero
with a dipping effort from 25
yards after a trademark darting
run off the right fank.
There were two late chances
for Sabella's men in the fnal
fve minutes of the extra period,
but both Rodrigo Palacio
and Rodriguez failed to gain
suffcient power on their efforts
to really test Cillessen.
But, with Krul watching on
from the sidelines this time,
there was little that the young
Dutch goalkeeper could do to
prevent a clinical Argentina
booking their place in the fnal
when the spot-kicks arrived, as
frst Vlaar and then Sneijder
proved wayward before
Rodriguez struck the decisive
blow.
Frontpage
Thursday, July 10, 2014 Page 15
BRAZIL WORLD CUP 2014
Sports
SPORTS
MOURINHO
VINDICATED BY
WOEFUL LUIZ
SOURCES: CAVS CREATE
CAP ROOM TO TRY TO
SIGN LEBRON JAMES WITH
THREE-TEAM TRADE
WHY IS MESUT OZIL AT
ARSENAL? CHELSEA'S
LUKAKU AIMS DIG AT
GERMANY STAR
T
here was a moment
that, taken in
isolation, seemed
pure David Luiz. He
strode forward from the half-
way line exchanging passes and
heading for the penalty area.
This was the Luiz we imagine,
the attacking defender who
looks to galvanize teammates
and supporters alike with
buccaneering adventure and
force of personality.
Except that this was a
desperate attempt to make
amends. Brazil was 5-0 down
at that point. Three of those
goals could be traced to the
center back. Granted the huge
honor of skippering his country
in a World Cup semifnal, he
discovered it was tantamount
to being made captain of
the Titanic. To lose 7-1 to
Germany on home soil made
it the most harrowing day in
Brazils history.
I
n a salary-cap-clearing move
to create room for a path
toward possibly signing
LeBron James, theCleveland
Cavaliers have reached agreement
on a three-team trade that will send
Jarrett Jack andSergey Karasev to
the Brooklyn Nets, league sources
told Yahoo Sports.
For the Cavaliers, there are no
assurances James will sign with
them, but he did reach out to two
veteran free agents last week about
joining him if he were to leave
Miami, sources told Yahoo Sports.
Sharp-shooting forward Mike
Miller was one of them.
C
HELSEA striker and
former Everton loan
star Romelu Lukaku has
aimed a cheeky dig at
Arsenal and Germany playmaker
Mesut Ozil on Twitter during the
World Cup clash with Brazil.
Ozil left Real Madrid last summer
in a whopping 42.5million deal
for north London in a transfer that
shocked world football.
After a fne start to his Emirates
career, Ozil suffered a disastrous
lack of form which coincided with
Arsenal's decline after leading the
Premier League for the frst half of
the season.



Monrovia-
M
embers of the
Sports Support
Alliance for
Youth (SSAY)
in Liberia will on July 18,
2014 honor 11 persons for
their numerous contributions
and donations toward the
development of grassroots
football in Liberia, the
organization has said.
SSAY is made up of third and
fourth division presidents who
have decided to pay tribute to
people who have contributed
and continue to contribute to
the development of grassroots
football especially in
Montserrado County.
James G. Oberly, President of
Faith FC told journalists that
their organization is committed
to working with third and
fourth division clubs in order
to discover and make use of all
possibilities in sports to bring
about change in the lives of
young athletes for the growth
of sports in Liberia.
Said Oberly: SSAYs vision is
to give our youth training and
skill development advantage
which will guide them towards
national and international
leagues for a professional
league.
D. Abraham Queegbo of
Shooting Star FC named the
honorees as Barrack Young
Controller (BYC) Board
Chairman Robert A. Sirleaf,
LFA President Musa Bility,
former LFA President Izetta
Wesley, Honorable Edwin
Snowe, and Hon. Cletus
Wotorson.
Others include Willis
Knuckles, Josiah Johnson,
Viva George, Beauford Weeks,
Asamady Kaba, former LPRC
Oilers President Siaka Sheriff
and Harry Attoh among others.
The program will be held at the
Antoinette Tubman Stadium
(ATS) and the organization
said all are invited to grace the
occasion.
Come July 18 we are asking
the general public, all sports
lovers in and around Monrovia
to come up in mass to honor
these men and women that have
continue to help us develop
the youth of this our beloved
country Liberia because if it
has not been these guys support
I dont know where grassroots
football would have been at this
time. Queegbo mentioned.
Another member of SSAY
Adada Smith assured those
sporting personality that they
are about to honor that their
support will always be put in
the interest of the organization
and not into individual
interest and that each member
of the organization will be
accountable to the organization
for the common good of the
game.
BILITY, SNOWE OTHERS TO BE HONORED
HASTY AND PREMEDITATED

A. Macaulay Sombai, sombai121@gmail.com
Swal slams LFAs decision to bar Marteh from its activities
T
he Sports Writers
Association of
Liberia (Swal)
has categorically
condemned a July 2 decision
taken by the Liberia Football
Association (LFA) to bar
FrontPageAfrica sports editor
Danesius Marteh from its
activities.
Swal sees the action as an
attempt to suppress press
freedom and free press and a
total disrespect, disregard and a
breach of the memorandum of
understanding (MOU) signed
between the two entities.
In a July 8 press release signed
by secretary-general Kolubah
Zayzay, Swal reminded the
LFA to refer to the MOU in
resolving dissatisfactions and
or grievances that it may have
with sports journalists.
Swal is disappointed that the
LFA failed to live by the rule
of engagement in giving its
reaction to Martehs story
(in which FC Fassell were
reported to have taken a faked
list to the US embassy for entry
visas), which it describes as
incriminatory and discrediting
the efforts of the LFA.
Swal describes the FAs action
as premeditated as it has long
since blocked the reporter
and other members, who
followed the media blackout
placed on it in March from
its facebook page and had
been making remarks about
barring journalists (it felt short
to name) since its elective
congress in Buchanan, Grand
Bassa County.
Swal is shocked that the LFA
will take such action against
one of its members without
complaining to the Press Union
of Liberia (PUL) especially
when LFA communications
director Henry Flomo is a
member and former executive
of Swal and PUL and is in the
know of the rule of engagement
in such a situation.
While Swal does not support
its members wrongly
incriminating personalities or
institutions in their reportage,
it will not condone hasty
and premeditated actions
against its members by sports
stakeholders like the LFA.
Swal thinks banning reporters
from activities of the FA is
counterproductive to recent
commitment made by the
institutions during a mediatory
meeting with the PUL.
Swal also wants to remind the
LFA that football facilities are
public facilities and as such
no Liberian citizen should
be barred from entering or
utilizing these facilities.
Swal wants the LFA to retract
the decision against Marteh
and refer to the MOU between
both parties or go to court.
At the same time, Swal said it
will not accept ploy by insiders
at the LFA to create division
amongst sports writers as it
has observed in recent time
a gambit by some higher-ups
at the LFA to put members
against each other.
Swal is, however, calling on its
members to be mindful with
football propagandists who
are seeking to tear its members
apart by making vain promises
to some journalists.
Swal is also warning those
members who are allowing
themselves to be used by
the malicious football
propagandists and insiders at
the LFA to be mindful as any
attempt by them to bring Swal
to public disrepute will be met
with drastic action.
Meanwhile, Swal is calling on
the PUL and Center for Media
Studies and Peace Building
(Cemesp), who are signatories
to the Swal-LFA MOU, to
timely intervene into the
matter.


Kolubah Zayzay, boykolonjo@yahoo.com

www.frontpageafricaonline.com
Sports
FrontPage
PRICE L$40 VOL 8 NO.633 THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2014
WORLD CUP


All the action in Brazil

Spot News FrontPage
I
n the wake of the erosion which has affected
the rear fence of the John F. Kennedy Medical
Center, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has
instructed the Ministry of Public Works to lead
a team charged with the responsibility to clear all
man-made structures obstructing the drainages and
fow of natural water.
Other members of the team include the General
Services Agency (GSA), Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) and the Monrovia City Corporation
(MCC).
President Sirleaf wants urgent and immediate steps
taken to avoid further destruction of the medical
facility, adding, We cannot stop the rain but we can
stop its adverse effects.
According to an Executive Mansion release, the
Liberian leader gave the directive when she paid a
visit to the premises of the J.F. Kennedy Medical
Center where portion of the hospitals fence was
broken down by food due to its undermining by
surface water.
She frowned at the construction of structures in
unapproved places as they are blocking free fow of
water and causing foods in the streets, alleys, and
communities some of which have threatened the
J.F.K. Medical Center, which is the hub of Liberias
health care delivery efforts.
The Liberian leader further instructed the Ministry
of Internal Affairs, working in line with its mandate
as chair of governments disaster relief commission,
to begin addressing the challenges caused by the
current wave of fooding in Monrovia and its
environs.
She also used the opportunity to thank the J.F.K.
staff and public health workers for their dedication
to duty, service to humanity, compassion, courage, as
well as their sacrifcial services to the nation terming
them as being among the heroes on the frontline in
helping to wipe out the Ebola virus from Liberia.
JFK FENCE COLLAPSES
HOW FAST CAN PUBLIC WORKS INTERVENE?
WORLD CUP
FINALISTS SET
see story on page 14