Aviation News News Extra VOL 8 NO.689 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2014 see PG 2 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 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 L$84.00/US$1 L$85.00/US$1 BUYING SELLING L$84.00/US$1 L$85.00/US$1 L$85.00/US$1 L$84.00/US$1 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2014 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2014 EBOLA - pg.6 KENYA, AIRWAYS RESUMING LIBERIA ROUTE OCTOBER 24; AIR IVOIRE ON COURS
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News Extra EBOLA EBOLA HAZARD PAY GAINS REVERSAL Foreign Minister Augustine Ngafuan tells United Nations General Assembly that the Deadly Ebola outbreak has set Liberia back in motion with progresses achieved put on hold. MARKING RIGHT TO KNOW DAY
CLOSING THE DEFICIT COULD EBOLA PROVIDE A LIFELINE FOR AILING LIBERIAN ECONOMY? International large accounting frms, KPMG and PwC, to manage the Ebola Trust Fund he set up to fnance the Ebola campaign. Classifed documents reviewed by FPA shows that more than US$106 million dollars being mobilized are all being directed at containing the Ebola epidemic, while the reminder 200 million dollars or more could be used to target strategic investment in community empowerment and infrastructure projects around health, social works, and economic revitalization.
Liberian Public Health Workers Get Death Beneft and Increment in Salaries Page 2 | Frontpage Wednesday, October 1, 2014 Monrovia- T he National Legislature, the frst of Government has always made the wrong headlines in Liberia, ranging from reports of receiving brown envelopes to ratify concessions agreements to taking gratuity to confrm presidential appointees, amongst others. Ongoing negotiations for sale of some of Liberias oil bloc recently rocked the legislature with reports that the body has been holding secret meetings with offcials of the National Oil Company of Liberia in a bid to hastily ratify agreements for the sale of oil blocs in the wake of the outbreak of Ebola. With the oil blocs sale deal yet to be concluded some members of the Legislature are at the center of a questionable payment of US$25,000 from NOCAL to the body for legal fees. In an attempt to justify that the body is acting in line with the input of the population, the Legislature recently carried out a nationwide consultation on draft oil laws in the emerging oil sector of the country. After expending over US$900,000 to carry out the consultation with a full report yet to be made public, some lawmakers have found themselves in the web of a questionable payment for legal fee to a lawyer. FrontPageAfrica has gathered that lawmakers including, Representative Adolph Lawrence, Speaker Alex Tyler and a lawyer, Attorney-At-Law Michael M. Allison, Managing Director of the BRICS Mano River Union Legal Consultants are amongst some individuals under probe by the Liberia Anti Corruption Commission, although the anti graft body has stated it will make public comment on the saga soon. Speaker Tyler confrmed to FPA Tuesday that the LACC is investigating the payment. When contacted, Speaker Tyler said the LACC is investigating, so I cant say anything because I do not want to prejudice the investigation. Cllr. James Verdier, Chairman of the LACC also confrmed that the commission is investigating the situation and will make its fndings public. We arrested a situation at the bank and we are investigating right now, we will make the fndings public, Cllr. Verdier told FrontPageAfrica via mobile. He could not confrm nor deny whether the Commission has the money in its possession but said proceeds from the arrest is under investigation. We are investigation the proceeds, and as a commissioner, when investigators are on the feld, we do not interfere until fndings are made available to us, said Cllr. Verdier. In terms of investigation, proceeds are money or physical assets obtained from an event or activity. According to investigation, Lawyer Allison was contracted by the Legislature to provide legal advice on the nationwide consultation for a fee of around US$12,500, a service he is said to have performed. Legislature overcharged NOCAL? Close legislative sources confded in FrontPageAfrica that the lawyer was contracted for US$12,000 but the Legislature informed NOCAL that the amount for the legal fee was US$25,000. A source at NOCAL confrmed that the company prepared a check of US$25,000 to the lawyer including withholding tax and after deducting withholding tax, the amount was reduced to a little over US$22,000 but at the other end Speaker Tyler is said to have mandated Attorney Allison to encash and take delivery of his US$12,000 and return the remaining amount. Attroney Allison according to sources was adamant that he was receiving lesser amount than what was stated on the cheque issued in his name, something that accordingly prompted Speaker Tyler to order Representative Lawrence, who heads the Committee on Natural Resources to accompany Allison to Eco Bank Liberia to receive the balance of the money after the deduction of US$12,000 by Allison. How the LACC was alerted about incident and by whom remains unknown but sources hinted that while at the bank to encash the money, Attorney Allison raised disagreement over allowing Representative Lawrence to take delivery of the remaining portion of the money, resulting in an argument and upon leaving the bank, LACC agents were already waiting outside where they arrested the situation. The whereabouts of the amount remains a doubt but confrmation by the LACC Chairman that the Commission is investigating the proceeds of the situation, indicates that the commission could be in possession of the money. Representative Lawrence is currently said to be out of the country raising further suspicions on the LACC ongoing investigation with one of the key individuals who was physically at the bank now out of the country. Who authorized payment? As the LACC investigation continues, there are other questions regarding the cheque issued to Attorney Allison through the Legislature. According to internal fnancial rules at NOCAL, the CEO and either one of the Vice Presidents have to sign cheques in such huge amount as US$25,000. Sources have hinted FPA that senior offcials of NOCAL signed the cheque authorizing the payment and company had said it did nothing wrong in the payment. In a press statement signed by Cyrus Wleh Badio, Director for Public Affairs at NOCAL, the company stated Since the onset of the oil sector reform process, the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL), has collaborated and continues to collaborate with the Legislature in the formulation of a new Petroleum Law and the NOCAL Act. As part of the collaboration, NOCAL would support consultants involved with this endeavor. It is within this understanding that the Legislature requested the support to three consultants. NOCAL responded by making disbursements to the three (3) consultants contracted by the House of Representatives to provide expertise to the process in keeping with contracts signed between the House and the consultants. NOCAL stated that the disbursements were in line with internal fnancial framework to ensure transparency and the company had done nothing wrong. Stated NOCAL Disbursements made to individuals or institutions that render services to NOCAL are done in strict compliance with the internal fnancial framework put in place to ensure transparency and accountability at the company. The transactions in question were no exception. NOCAL has done nothing wrong. Sources have also hinted that several cheques in huge amount have been issued by NOCAL to individuals in violation of existing laws as the PPCC where in the case of Attorney Allison the company did not see any publication of the award of service contract to the lawmaker before making payment. Who violated PPCC Law? With statement from NOCAL that it did nothing wrong, the lingering question is who broke the PPCC requirement that provides for publication of contract award for services when the estimated value is above US$10,000. The PPCC threshold states Contract awards shall be published when the estimated value of the contract is above: a. In the case of contracts for the procurement of goods, US$25,000 b. In the case of contracts for the procurement of services, US$10,000 c. In the case of contracts for the procurement of works, US$50,000. The payment to Allison was US$12,000 and thus above the PPCC law threshold of US$10,000 which requires publication and neither the Legislature which makes the law and NOCAL acted to uphold the law in this instance. Frontpage Wednesday, October 1, 2014 Page 3 Peterlyn Killen RN ( MSN/MHA); petose@hotmail.com EBOLA A HELPFUL GUIDE FOR LIBERIA FrontPage v Commentary EDITORIAL THE DECISION by Kenya and the Ivory Coast to ease travel to countries hit by the deadly Ebola Virus is a great frst step to erasing travel worries for passengers unable to book fights to neighboring West African states. THE FEW who can afford have been coughing up US$2,000 on SN Brussels and Royal Air Maroc, the only two airlines still fying out of Liberia. FOR ALL THE RIGHT reasons, countries which took steps to protect their citizens acted out of fear and the unknown when they decided to slash fights to Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone, regional neighbors hit hard by the outbreak. IT DID NOT HELP matters that Patrick Sawyer, a 40-year-old consultant with the Ministry of Finance, who was en route to a conference, collapsed upon arrival in Lagos, Nigeria. SAWYER, WHO HAD previously lost his sister to the virus, had displayed symptoms of Ebola during travel and arrived in Lagos on July 20, where he was immediately quarantined. He died fve days later, and preliminary lab results say he tested positive for Ebola. THE SAWYER WAS CASE was the frst for an air traveler and immediately raised questions as to why Liberia authorities did not do more to prevent him from boarding a fight to another country. IT WAS LATER gathered that Sawyer denied to Nigerian doctors that he had come in contact with anyone who had the deadly virus. WHAT FOLLOWED LATER was a series of airline cancellations. Out of the 590 monthly fights scheduled to Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, 216 were cancelled, according to OAG, an airline data provider. Although 14 cases of Ebola have been reported in Nigeria, fights to and from the country have not been affected. Liberia has been hit greatly by the cancellations. Air Cte DIvoire, Nigerias Arik Air, Togos ASKY Airlines, British Airways, Emirates Airlines and Kenya Airways have together cancelled a combined 76 scheduled fights to Guinea, 70 to Liberia and 70 to Sierra Leone. Air France had previously cancelled fights to Liberia before the outbreak hit its peak. THIS IS WHY we welcome the decision by the Ivory Coast president Alassane Ouattara who declared last Friday that his country will lift the controversial suspension of fights to countries stricken by the Ebola virus to show solidarity with the nations affected by the lethal outbreak. Outtara said the initial decision to suspend fights was prompted by uncertainty about the threat, which he called a terrible problem for the people of west Africa. When Ebola frst broke out, people got panicked, he said. Obviously we rushed to make certain decisions. Now that everything is under control there is no case of Ebola in Cote dIvoire (Ivory Coast) I have decided that next week we will lift the suspension of fights and the maritime suspension. IVORY COAST IS ALSO opening a humanitarian corridor so that people who want to enter Ivory Coast can be checked. The country has also contributed $1m to the international anti- Ebola effort. Ouattara, who addressed the United Nations general assembly on Friday, said initial concerns were prompted by Ivory Coasts shared borders with two countries Guinea and Liberia hit by Ebola. I think we are the only country that has two Ebola countries to its borders and we have to really work on its prevention and we are very grateful to President Obama the centres for disease dontrol has sent two experts to work on this control, he said. We are trying to work on specifc measures to contain and to prevent. WE HOPE THAT OTHER African brothers and sisters will see the need now to resume fights to countries hit hard by the outbreak. Today it is Liberia, tomorrow COMMENTARY EASING THE EBOLA TRAVEL FEARS O ver the recent months, Liberia has been in a state of confusion as it relates to Ebola. At this point the damages are evident, hence, a good guideline to help stir the nation in the right direction is eminent. Its imperative that experts understand the mental effect and state of mind of the citizenry involve, in order to provide adequate help. Psychological dimension: The frst step is the mental perception and acceptance of this plague. For many Liberians, this is like the stages of grieving that according to psychologist are experienced by people from all work of Life. Death in itself forces people to self-evaluate, create fear and panic. These are the fve stages of grieving, which unfortunately does not happen in a specifc order and differing for each individual. 1. Denial and isolation- in the minds of many Liberian this cant be real, its a conspiracy or witchcraft. It cant happen to a Liberian only our neighbors, this is where the government has to focus on awareness and present the real facts and realistic statistic to the nation. No sugar coating the fact, the sooner people realize the truth the quicker it can be accepted and worked upon. The various media outlets in Liberia must have detail pictorial and video of the last and horrible stages of Ebola, Liberians have to see to believe. These video images must be ran daily until people begin to accept. 2. Anger- The nations should expect a lot of anger, citizens are mad because their love ones are dying and they feel helpless. Needless to say the government and any close relatives will feel the wrath of this anger. Solution- Limit errors and communicate openly, dont be a nation that is too big to say sorry publicly. No one is Liberia is an expert therefore the right people and experts must be put in the right place immediately. This is not the time for trial and error, recognition or fame, Ebola runs like a wild fre if not contain will continued to viciously spread. 3. Bargaining- This is when the nation and its citizenry will try to ask for help, some may even threatening the government that if they dont do certain things they will in turn do X,y,z etc. Hence can be seen by health care workers abandoning their post, and /or citizen rioting. Suggested Solution: Have a medium for people to expressed themselves and reveal the actual death of their love ones without any harsh re-course. Provide for health care workers the right PPE and a better compensatory salary structure to help mitigate the risk. In modern countries people are highly compensated to work in hazardous and hostile working environment. This has to be a win-win situation for the nation and health care workers. 4. Depression- For many years to come Liberians will be sad, depressed and probably angry, and would blame themselves and the nation .this is normal with time, appropriate actions, counseling, it will be lessened. Suggested solution- The government of Liberia must have expert psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers throughout the counties who will be able to properly counsel the citizen of Liberia about the disease, what is being done to improve the situation, dealing with loss of loved ones, life as we know it and how to handle any future plagues. Non-essential medical personnel who dont understand the human behavior must refrain from interfering in this process to prevent confusion and un-resolve issues that could later cause mental break- down and affect the stability of our nation as exhibited by the irrational behaviors of some recently in West Point (New Kru Town). 5. Acceptance- When the Liberian citizens have learned to trust the process put in place by the medical experts, international aid workers and evidence of signifcant decreasing rates of infections, deaths and probable eradication. In addition the stability and return to normal daily activities. Most especially when the nation is seen as working as a team at a national level. Suggested solution: Prove to the citizens of Liberia that the nation care by implementing the right medical protocol and utilizing all resources allotted for this particular plague. The integrity of the government and international bodies will be greatly scrutinized, hence, it is imperative that transparency at all level of the process must be revealed to the world at large daily or weekly. A progress chart must be distributed weekly to the nation and the world at large about methods implemented and its results. People in authority will have to learn to be more empathetic, sympathetic and considerate through their action, thoughts and utterances. This is not the time for defensive behavior but unity and actions leading to resolution of the crisis. These behaviors greatly enhances and embrace acceptance. Actions: After reviewing various literature about Ebola in other countries and steps taken to eradicate, the most challenge I foresee in our nation is the high literacy rate seen in Liberia. The social media and materials must be tailored at a 3 grade reading levels or lower for people to understand. Health Care workers in each county must have an Ebola information center to explain the disease in the local vernaculars, for increased understanding. The Local radios must disseminate info daily from health care offcials in various Upon residing and working in Liberia in various healthcare and non- healthcare positions for over 4 plus years, its obvious that our health care practices and universal precautions techniques are poor, as evidence by major heads of our health care system and workers falling victims of this disease. Experts should be employed in various health care institution throughout the country to teach, enforce and monitor the right standard practice to prevent further health care workers demise. Liberia has a vast amount of land spaces on the Robert feld highway and other areas that are isolated and far away from the public. This also applies to various areas in the various counties to prevent transport and further contaminations from the sick and dead. This is where the crucial keys containment and isolation comes into play. I would suggest that the nation set-up a tent city in those areas away from the main capital to treat Ebola victims, hence, the vast majority of the public is not expose and people can discreetly dropped off their love ones for treatment without stigma and dead bodies without fear, not too many people would be watching these isolated facilities and people privacy can be protected. Law enforcement help would be needed to protect health care workers and families complying with these efforts. Therefore, after this plague is over the nation can burn these tent and prevent reinfection compare to using buildings that may not be properly decontaminated due to our poor health care standards, hence, may lead to re-infection. Every district must have a representative that the people can trust and their confdentiality are sealed to have a successful reporting process/ medium that can be channel to the right agency. All government and non-government agency must play a specifc and active role in this process for the nation to fght collectively. There should not be an overlaps of role or too many cooks in the same kitchen this can lead to mis-trust. A weekly report about objectives and goals assigned to each agency must be channel to the Executive Branch for accountability and performance. All agencies members not meeting the national objectives must be terminated, it cant be business as usual as Ebola waits for no one, and will make the nation pay for every mistake and lack of deliverables. Future guidelines: 1. Liberia must employ competent and experience health care worker from all over the world, specifcally Liberian to help rebuild and train fellow health care workers in the country. The training and practices are old, outdated and not adhere to. 2. Every Liberian hospital must be mandated to conduct mandatory continuous training sections every three months for all health care employee to ensure property standards and training and inspectors verify. 3. Liberia must form a private organization comprising of competent health care professionals who shall audit and grade every health care organization through-out the nation and post public grade sheets, to include infection rate, death toll etc. every three months as seen in modern hospital. This will lead to prevention, instead of cure which can be costly for a nation. 4. Liberian healthcare professionals must be held accountable for malpractice moving forwards 5. Health Care colleges must be held at the highest standard, the Ministry of Education must begin to validate the curriculum and standard in these institutions as human lives are involve. 6. Liberia needs to attract competent and highly qualify health care professional to create standard and better awareness for future events. 7. All other infectious disease to include Ebola must be added in the medical curriculum moving forward. 8. The counties health care programs must be strength to provide care in the rural area, hence, not transferring contagious cases to the city. This will aid isolation and prevent the spread as seen in Lofa to Monrovia. 9. The entire nation must get weekly or monthly update of what the nation will be doing and have done to improve the health sector Liberia. 10. One caution is, no matter how much money anyone has in Liberia, critical illnesses happens in the middle of the night, no plane gets into Monrovia at night or right away even during the day time it takes hours, every citizen must have to rely on the local health care team to stabilized him or her, if they are incompetent and left to be incompetent the nation will perish from preventable and treatable illnesses. 11. Our health care system needs revamping and new technology. Liberia will face another medical crisis MAMA Liberia must be ready to save it citizens. Cheap is expensive which is why Liberia is now spending millions instead of thousand had the right health care systems being implemented over the years. 12. To our new counterparts the US Military, Liberia says a hearty welcome please incorporate the help of experience Liberians on your team who understand the nature, mind-set and lay of the land they can be of great access to make your effort successful. Remember Liberians: THIS IS NOT THE DISEASE OF THE POOR OR DIRTY IT IS FOR ALL CLASSES. ARROGANCE AND EGO WILL LEAD TO MORE DEATH. THE REALITY IS EBOLA LIVES NEXT TO EVERYONE IN LIBERIAN NO EXCEPETION!!!! A GOOD MOVE BY IVORY COAST & KENYA Page 4 | Frontpage Wednesday, October 1, 2014 FrontPage Send your letters and comments to: editor@frontpageafricaonline.com YOU WRITE; WE PUBLISH; THEY READ! 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 Sports Editor, Danesius Marteh, danesius.marteh@ frontpageafricaonline.com, 0886236528 Henry Karmo, henry.karmo@frontpageafricaonline. com Al-varney Rogers al.rogers@frontpageafricaonline. com, 0886-304498 Sports Reporter, A. Macaulay Sombai,macaulay. sombai@FrontpageAfricaonline.com, 077217428 COUNTY NEWS TEAM Grand Bassa, Alpha Daffae Senkpeni, 0777432042 Bong County, Selma Lomax, selma.lomax@ frontpageafricaonline.com, 0886-484666 Sinoe County, Leroy N.S Kanmoh, leroy.kanmoh@ frontpageafricaonline.com 0886257528 BUSINESS/ADVERTISING Kadi Coleman Porte, 0886-304-178/ 0777832753, advertise@ frontpageafricaonline.com E DITORIAL TEAM WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT OUR STORIES ON THE WORLDWIDE WEB The Reader's Page WILSON ZEHYOUE WORKS AT UNITED NATIONS Ngafuan, I see no truth in your entire speech. That's a complete dried dog story. Ebola just broke up few months ago. The virus should not be used as an excuse for your failure . I am quite sure the UN members just laughed at you for delivering such an abstract report . What better have the government done after 10 years when Liberians are still living in extreme poorvity . Let people hear their ears yah, you all have failed Liberia and the Liberian people . Anybody reading your speech will see corruption in it for sure . EWORYONWON HARRIS UNIVERSITY OF LIBERIA Did I hear the Accountant saying that gains reversed........which gain if I may ask? before Ebola president Sirleaf stated that the education system in Liberia is a mess which implies that it was non existence, the health care system was non-existent indicative of the fact the ordinary masses were dying from curable disease while the minister and his family and other offcials got medical services outside Liberia. Before Ebola there was no electricity while the minister used government fuel and generator. I can go on and on and names that there were no reversal of gains but the deplorable living condition of the people have grown to horrible and acceptable level. ministers make up to 20k while the few masses that are working make atleast 90.00 but again I and so many will not be surprise if such bold face lie from a uncompassionate minister and his boss that have no interest in the Liberian people welfare but to line their pocket. EDWARD ROYE TOP COMMENTER LIBERIA COLLEGE Minister, you didn't mention the way forward for the Liberia. the people u r talking know more about Liberia and the Ebola situation than what u tried to tell them. we expected to present a blueprint of the way forward from the Ebola situation. You mentioned nothing about capacitating the manpower(health) problem. please, lets avoid making people to feel sorry for us when we can do something about ourselves. Guinea has Ebola amidst this Ebola crisis, it held investment conference with the Moroccans, air France continues to fy there and guinea is still attracting other investors to her country. Why should it be Liberia to tell the world of how bad situation has become. that we should be begging and telling the people to feel sorry for us. lets cross this bridge, mehn and stop the crying baby thing. the UN awaits to receive practical recommendation for the way out of this crisis, do not try to impress or lecture them IBRAHIM W. VARMAH STELLA MARIS POLYTECHNIC Edward, is it the Minister that is making "people to feel sorry for us"? What will say when US President Obama, UN Secretary General and even the WHO Director said similar things and continue to say it? Mr. Roye, are you aware that Liberia is the only hardest hit country whose capital is an epicenter which is the frst national capital city to ever be hit by an Ebola outbreak? Air France still goes to Guinea cuz Conakry is not hit ; besides what will you say of Air Ivoire and Kenya Airways' promise to return? PLEEBOCOLLINS25 (SIGNED IN USING YAHOO) Ibrahim W. Varmah yes, Liberia has become the poster child for the Ebola because of the government negligence. Offcials fying out of the country for cut on their fnger. Guinea is hit but the word here is competence and ability. All these cashiers from the US and the ones who cannot read a page trying to impress us with what they know. What gains is he talking about? The river toilet in Soniwen or the Western Union line that Liberians need before they can eat? Everyone of them have failed and now they standing in front of the Un crying and begging. Our offcials have no dignity. MAMADEE KAMARA MONROVIA, LIBERIA Perhaps some people have ears that they don't use to hear. Speaking of way forward, the Minister said Liberia and other affected countries have one option and that option is to fght Ebola with all of the resources they can muster. SN Brussels still comes to Liberia in case you didn't know. Air Moroc and other airliners will come as well. For some of you doomsayers and defeatists , what you wish for Liberia is the worst but you are dead wrong because Liberia will rise and shine in spite of the current Ebola crisis. The Minister did not deceive the world yesterday, he put it correctly; our people are dying and we still need more help. Did you want him to say that we are building rooms in the skies or would you have preferred him lie like some of you would do at whatever little chance you get? I do not need any personal favors from Ngafuan but I respect the man because of his love for his people and will avail myself to defend him when ignoramuses and sheer non entities who can hardly peep beyond their noses, venture out to impugn his hard earned reputation. CLARK DENNIS PACKAGING CLERK AT INTERSTATE BATTERIES Looking for excuses. What signifcant impact the government made prior to the Ebola outbreak? The few nurses we had before the Ebola outbreak were already complaining of less pay why you guys greedy siphon the country resources, teachers were complaining of unpaid arrears and salaries, price basic commodities were let loose, the US rate was skyrocketing, economic crisis was on the increase, there was no electricity, safe drinking water, unparalleled civil servants income, poor education system, infation, etc. Our country will survive of this disease but let it not be used as excuse for this useless government failure NGAFUAN: LIBERIAS GAINS PERHAPS ALREADY REVERSED DUE TO EBOLA V eteran Liberian, Albert Portes letter to President Tubman August 25, 1951, on the use of Liberias treasury to purchase the frst luxury presidential yacht (463-ton vessel with a passenger capacity of thirty-six which required an international crew, a separate bureau within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and an annual of $125,000.00). (published in Thinking about the Unthinkable things the Democratic Way, Monrovia 1967 pp. 22- 23) Dear Mr. President: Ever since I read a copy of the Listener in which you published your message to the Legislature convoking the special session, I have been thinking and trying not to think, and feel urged to let you know some of the thoughts that have been passing through my mind, sincerely hoping and believing that it will be taken in the real democratic spirit, realizing fully, as I know you do, that ultimate success or failure in a democracy rests not only upon the President, but upon each citizen as well. Liberia is classifed among the undeveloped countries of the world. She lacks some of the basic minimum requirements, and needs much more than she can muster at the present time for her internal development. And although this is so, we are undertaking to spend $150,000 for the purchase of a yacht for the use of the President. In addition to this, it will require a tidy sum for its upkeep. It is my humble opinion that at the present stage of the countrys development, this amount could be more proftably used towards real development with more permanent results. Yes, other countries have these things and in time as our country is developed we too will have some of them, but I think we should concentrate upon fundamentals. Unfortunately, the citizens of this country do not feel free to express themselves upon vital questions affecting them, but sit by and grumble the people dont mean anything. I am afraid that even in the Legislature there is a great reluctance if not the absence of the free expression of thoughts and opinion, especially where the President is concerned. To tell the truth, it has required a huge effort on my part to have expressed my thought here. So I have no justifcation in condemning the reluctance in others. This only bring to face to face with great responsibility weighing so heavily upon the President, which could be lightened if the people felt free to express themselves and their views were taken in the right spirit. Very sincerely your, Albert Porte ________________________________________ President Tubmans response to Albert Porte Dear Mr. Porte. Your letter of August 25th in which you informed me that you have been worried since you read the copy of the Listener which carried my Special Message to the Legislature and my reference to the purchase of a Yacht for the President of Liberia have been received. You state in your letter that One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars should be utilized for some other more benefcial purpose and not for the purchase of a yacht for the President of Liberia, and that some people are grumbling but that they do not come forward and state their dissatisfaction, even some Member of the Legislature you state. I appreciate you candor in the matter, but I am in total disagreement with your views expressed and method of thinking on the subject. I take the liberty to tell you an experience that I had in 1939 at which I was an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. The Legislature and the Supreme Court were to be opened and for two weeks they could not get a quorum. An American ship came in the Captain name was Mr. Bogden. He knew me personally and therefore agreed to bring me to Monrovia, but refused to take any other Member of the Legislature or Member of the Supreme Court. I pleaded with him to take the other Members but he insisted that he would not. Finally, he asked me the following question: Justice Tubman, do you mean to tell me that your Government has no means to by which she can get Members of the Legislature and the Supreme Court to the Seats of the Legislature and the Supreme Court except they are transported there by our ships or some foreign ships? Although embarrassed, I had to reply in the affrmative. He then asked another question: If your President desire to come to Cape Palmas, you mean to tell me that he could not come unless our ship or ships of some other line brought him? Again, although embarrassed, I had to reply in the affrmative. Hen then came forth with the last question: Then Justice Tubman, do you think you should have a President, a Legislature, or a Supreme Court if the Members of these bodies have had to be transported to the seats of the Legislature and the Court by foreign craft? This question baffed me and I could not answer it. I narrate this experience of mine to show you the difference in the thinking of civilized people about the type of thing that you are objecting to. On the other hand, you and the rest of the grumblers, although I do not know who they are but they seem to be known to you, make no contribution or make so little contribution to the resources of the country that you should be ashamed to talk about the public expenditure. How much taxes have you or any of the grumblers paid into the public treasury from 1944, when I took offce and met the net revenues at One Million Dollars, to the present? By recommendation to the Legislature of measures to increase the revenues which they approved, within seven years it is expected that revenues will reach eight to tem million dollars at the end of the year. How much taxes of any kind or fnancial contribution have you or the grumblers put into the revenue to cause this increase? Have you or any of you contributed towards the Income Tax, the Ticket Tax, the Injury Tax, the Sales Tax or the Proft tax? Have you paid your Real estate Taxes; if so in what amount? It might interest you to know that I paid Income tax of more than Two Thousand Dollars for the last year alone. Firestone paid nearly Three Million Dollars Income Tax. The people who pay taxes in the country and would be entitled to interpose objections are those up country, the foreigners and few of your element who really do pay taxes. The grumblers are the set who contribute nothing for the protection, right and beneft of citizenship which they enjoy. Now you just sit down and forget that it is you and begin to think what fnancial contribution do you or have you made to your country. Your spirit appears to me to be anarchical I remember during the last Administration, you were critical and censorious of it. When it comes to the present Administration, you are occasionally censorious and critical of it. I have never known you to compliment any administration, but you always look for what you think to be weak spots in it. I think this is an evil spirit and an evil eye which will not do you or the country any good. Supposed every or most persons had the same spirit, what would happen to the country! It may be necessary to inform you that in 1949, without consultation with me, the Legislature voted One Hundred Thousand Dollars to purchase a yacht for the President> I did not do so but delay it because I felt the revenue had not reached where I wanted them; now the revenue justify it. I made contacts to get one but found that the One Hundred Thousand Dollars could not purchase it. I therefore requested the additional Fifty Thousand Dollars and the same has been approved, and I will but the yacht. During the early days when the founding fathers frst came here, they had ships which were not owned by Government but by private citizens and companies. That industry was permitted to die out and for more than sixty to seventy years there was not a solitary means of transport from one point to another until recently when I succeeded in procuring two airplanes for Government since private citizens could not do it. And now we have an Airline in the country and the planes land airstrips built by Government. I will but the yacht without regard to the grumbling of you grumblers. That yacht will be used for the recreation of the President from his onerous duties that have been increased by more than one thousand percent since 1944, and may invite you to accompany me on one of my cruises that you might get a beneft of some rest from your onerous duty as a school teacher and which may possibly broaden your vision. Kind regards, Sincerely yours, W. V. S. Tubman EXCHANGE BETWEEN ALBERT PORTE AND PRESIDENT TUBMAN Frontpage Wednesday, October 1, 2014 Page 5 International large accounting frms, KPMG and PwC, to manage the Ebola Trust Fund he set up to fnance the Ebola campaign, Classifed documents reviewed by FPA shows that more than US$106 million dollars being mobilized are all being directed at containing the Ebola epidemic, while the reminder 200 million dollars or more could be used to target strategic investment in community empowerment and infrastructure projects around health, social works, and economic revitalization. Monrovia - A s the world deadliest outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease continues to paralyze Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, claiming over 3000 lives and infecting lot more people, the international community seem to be stepping up to the plate in equal measure. Liberia, which is currently at the epicenter of the crisis is fast mobilizing resources compare with its neighbors, seeing a whopping 106 million raised to date and close to over 200 million expected in direct budget support and normal aid spending. With this funding, Liberia could potentially close its chronic defcit that has strained the fscal space for the previous two years. When the crisis started initially, Liberia Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Amara Konneh announced that the government had lost an estimated $12 million dollars from March to June 2014 and the fgure has risen times to 120 million. Addressing the media, Konneh said the, the Ebola outbreak has signifcantly impacted economic activities throughout the country with domestic food production, mining activities, and service sector all declining. Concessions companies have scaled down operations as expatriates depart the country for fear of contacting Ebola. With public and private institutions maintaining only essential staff in order to avoid close contact in work places, productivity in the various sectors of the economy is being adversely affected. This has resulted to low revenue performance, while expenditure demand has increased. Preliminary estimates indicate real GDP for 2014 is projected to decline from by about 3.4 percentage points to about 2.5 per cent from 5.9 per cent growth estimate projected by the IMF. Classifed documents reviewed by FPA shows that the over 106 million dollars being mobilized are all being directed at containing the Ebola epidemic, while the reminder 200 million dollars or more could be used to target strategic investment in community empowerment and infrastructure projects around health, social works, and economic revitalization. Of the 106 million already mobilized, contributors include the African Development Bank, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Chinese Government, European Union, JICA, USAID and domestic contributions to the Liberian government Trust Fund. Though a signifcant portion of the spending is being fnanced through international and other aid agencies, the over 200 million committed budget support resources would be rollout through the government budget process. F RONT PAGE NEWS EXTRA CLOSING THE DEFICIT COULD EBOLA PROVIDE A LIFELINE FOR AILING LIBERIAN ECONOMY? A major contributor to this fund, the International Monetary Fund, said over the weekend its board agreed that Guinea will get 41 million dollars, Liberian, 49 million dollars while Sierra Leone will get 40 million dollars. The IMF said the fund would help cover the immediate share of the balance of payments and fscal needs currently estimated at about 100 million dollars for each country. This paper has learned also, that the African Development Bank is fnalizing an additional facility of up to 68 million dollars to support the governments economic recovery efforts in the midst of the crisis. Recently, Liberias Minister of Finance and Development Planning Amara Konneh said the defcit calculated for the frst half of the budget year was nearly 120 million dollars and called for urgent international assistance to bridge the defcit. In two separate op-eds published in the Economists and the Wall Street Journal, Konneh painted a quite gloom economic picture and was instantly called out by critics for overhyping a crisis that has virtually paralyzed normality. Pleading for direct budgetary support, he said The reason this economic threat is so great is because of the controls needed to fght the disease. Save for the two airports remaining open in Liberia, our borders have been closed, schools and markets shut, the movement of people restricted, affected areas quarantined, and troops stationed on the streets. All of this means a virtual economic standstill. In the medium term these funds will support basic economic- recovery measures. Yet once the immediate outbreak is contained and the threat to public health has ended, we will struggle to recover from Ebola's wider impact without signifcant assistance. What we needand what the U.S. can offeris economic growth that creates stable jobs and decreases the number of itinerant, semi- employed citizens who wander from village to village seeking work andthrough no fault of their ownmay well have increased the spread of the disease. And as aid fow begins to trickle in an economy desperately in need of lift, it is becoming apparent the once constrained fscal envelop is getting a lift badly needed. But just how this support is going to change the situation of desperately poor people lacking jobs and livelihood is the 100 million dollar question Mr. Konneh and his team will have to answer. With close to nine years in leadership, job creation continues to elude the administration as poverty grows incrementally. Critics are worried that this new lease created by an unfortunate disaster is likely to blow up in fames just as previous economic programs and projects. But Konneh thinks differently. Speaking exclusively to FrontPage Africa, he countered and said It would be very wrong to begin on this basis. Yes, I agree we have been challenged to create the jobs needed to resuscitate our economy, but these have not been the function of lack of investment, spending or planning. The concessions we have attracted, hold the most viable prospect of creating those jobs and most of these concessions are still running slowly and until we reach gestation, not much workforce would be needed. Specifc to Ebola, we recognize a lot of people and communities have lost livelihood opportunities and we seek to focus investments during this period on creating opportunities for community works and employment. We need to invest in hardest hit communities by building local infrastructure, creating access to markets and building confdence for people to return. We are concluding an economic recovery plan and we intend to resource this plan, Konneh said speaking exclusive to FPA. He told FPA he was vindicated by raising the alarm bells on the damage to the economy and working behind the scenes to ensure Liberia, the hardest hit Ebola Country, attracts most of the fnancing to assist it not only deal with the crisis but mitigate the damage in its aftermath On broader accountability around Ebola fnancing, he said we clearly understand and appreciate public concerns for transparency over the usage of this fund. It is right and proper. But we cannot approach this by thinking people have committed any wrong simply because someone says, there is no impact or some says people have stolen. As announced, this process would be the subject of an independent audit and we are moving in that direction but its early days and we need to give this process time. Violators of the public fnancial protocols will be punished. Frontpage has also learned from sources closed to Minister Konneh that he is in talks with two international large accounting frms, KPMG and PwC, to manage the Ebola Trust Fund he set up to fnance the Ebola campaign. The frst disbursement of $5 million from the Fund generated has generated too much public debate on accountability in recent weeks. The Minister Finance, according to sources has demanded full fnancial reports from all entities that received resources and is in talks with the General Auditing Commission to audit them. He warned last week that anyone who is caught abusing Ebola resources will be persecuted and sent to jail.
Monrovia- T he Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP) has fled a Freedom of Information Request to Army Chief of Staff Daniel D. Ziankahn for a copy of the investigative report relating to the August 20th shooting incident in West Point to be disclosed to the Public domain in allaying the rumor mill that has greeted the failure to make it public. CEMESP is of the view that the issue is human rights related which cannot be shrouded in secrecy on the basis of exemption clauses as contained in the FOI Act 2010. Executive Director Malcolm Joseph therefore entreats the army leadership to respect the dictate of law and disclose the said report within statutory period. He argued that where secrecy is allowed to cloud the said report, conspiracy theories and falsehood will dim whatever good intention the army leadership is predisposed to in instilling discipline in the new army. President Sirleaf recently forwarded the report to Brigadier General Ziankahn. This followed the submission of said report by the Board of Inquiry appointed by government to probe the incident which resulted into the injury of a teenager and the death of another teenager Shaki Kamara. CEMESP says the failure of government to make public the fndings of the report is a violation of the publics right to know especially the residents of West Point who have borne the greatest brunt of the August 20th shooting. CEMESP has questioned President Sirleafs decision to have the Independent National Human Rights Commission conduct a parallel investigation into the August 20th incident as though the there is credibility crisis in what has been released. Malcolm Joseph says this action amount to misuse of scarce resources as it is a duplication of function, which is ill time. MARKING RIGHT TO KNOW DAYCEMESP, DEMANDS WEST POINT SHOOTING REPORT `FILES FOI REQUEST TO THE ARMY CHIEF OF STAFF Page 6 | Frontpage Wednesday, October 1, 2014 Wade C. L. Williams, wade.williams@frontpageafricaonline.com EBOLA HAZARD PAY Monrovia- T he government of Liberia and public healthcare workers across the country reached an understanding about the total amount that the health workers would receive while engaged in the fght against the deadly Ebola virus. Speaking during a signing ceremony held at he edifce of the Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC), Acting Finance and Development Planning minister Amara Konneh said the government has agreed to pay hazard benefts including death to families of those who lost their lives since the outbreak began. He said healthcare workers have borne the brunt of the epidemic that started since March. When Ebola Struck, it was our healthcare workers who that were hurt the most. These men and women, are the soldiers on the frontline of this fght, said Minister Konneh. We have reached an understanding; the government will cover the hazard pay, death beneft for all of our healthcare workers and also non-healthcare workers that are involved in the Ebola response, he said. Finance Minister Konneh said when the outbreak began in March of this year in Foya Lofa County; the health ministry in an early response dispatched a team of health workers from Monrovia to Foya, to work with local health workers on the initial response. He said as the disease got out of control, the scope of the health workers expanded from Foya to other areas thus the enormity of the task they had to perform. Those healthcare workers that left Monrovia for Foya, were paid Daily Subsistence Allowances at the government rate. And since the duration of Ebola is not known, the workers stayed a longer period and were paid their DSA for that period, well around US$1500, he said. He said the government could not continue to pay DSA as the outbreak became unceasing, something he said if continued could cost the government around US$100Million in one year and it could not afford that. At the same time, our healthcare workers were dying. They were responding but they were not properly protected so that they could respond effectively, he said. It was in all of us interest for them to take a step back for the government and our partners, along with the healthcare workers to really think about Ebola and thats what weve done. He said the Liberian government has modeled its payment plan based on what is paid by other countries in the region. He said Liberia has gone a step higher than Sierra Leone and Guinea in terms of what will now be paid to health workers and non- healthcare workers in Liberia, responding to the Ebola fght. He said for every Ebola Treatment Unit, there would be a supervisor who would be paid US$850 above the regular salary. He said all medical doctors working on the response in the country will get US$825 and ETU managers and general practitioners will receive US$450 hazard pay and nurses and lab technicians will get US$435 above regular salary. F RONT PAGE EBOLA Liberian Public Health Workers Get Death Beneft and Increment in Salaries Minister Konneh said that case investigators, social workers and Ambulance drivers would get US$350. He said Hygienists and logisticians working in healthcare facilities would receive US$300 above their basic salaries. The minister said drivers, contact tracers and securities would get US$250. The minister said data offcers will receive US$75. Weve realized that we need to recruit more people, more contact tracers, we are targeting 50,000 for the social mobilization part; the number is going to increase, he said. We did not leave anybody behind in this process. The rate we have just announced, Im pleased to report, we have managed to program the US$52Million we received from the World Bank two weeks ago, to pay for some of this. Minister Konneh stated that the government is looking at defeating the deadly Ebola virus in six months and this he said would cost US$30M just for health workers benefts. He said death benefts for health workers who died fghting the disease is put at US$5,000 per person. We will start processing tomorrow, retroactively for all the healthcare workers who have died of Ebola; to their families, he said. The ministry of health will work to identify the family members and then we will process the payment. I have instructed my team to process it in a matter of ten days, so the families can get the money. He said the hazard pay is as of September, 2014 adding that the war on Ebola is a six months war. He said the funds to pay these health workers are not going to go through the regular government payment system but an established donor trust fund mechanism styled the Public Financial Management Reform Process. We encourage these healthcare workers who dont have a bank account to open one and get on direct deposit, he said. We also recognize that we dont have banks all over our country, for the September payment, Im going to be forming a team along with the ministry of health along with the Liberia Medical and Dental Council and empower them with vehicles and logistics to go across the country to see the living bodies of the healthcare workers who are not on direct deposit before we pay them. He said the internal audit system will be brought into the process for complete transparency adding that anyone who tampers with monies intended to fght Ebola including hazard pay will be prosecuted and sent to jail. Speaking on behalf of the health workers across the country, the head of the LMDC, Dr. John K. Mulbah thanked the government for reaching the decision to pay the health workers both death beneft and hazard pay. Dr. Mulbah said the government did not take a unilateral decision on the benefts for health workers but reached the decision in consultation with health workers. We are here to receive the good news. Despite the bullet from Ebola the health force of Liberia never retreated, he said. We are brave because we want to save the lives of our people. We took oath to save lives. We want to say here that we appreciate the risk beneft. You say six months, we even want this epidemic to end within a weeks time. The signing represents a major step in the governments move to fght the deadly Ebola virus but the question remains, how soon will health workers receive these announced benefts
Frontpage Wednesday, October 1, 2014 Page 7 Kennedy L. Yangian kennedylyangian@frontpageafricaonline.com 077296781 F RONT PAGE NEWS EXTRA GAINS REVERSAL Monrovia - L iberias Foreign Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan says much of the progress achieved by the Ellen Johnson- led government may have already been reversed because of the impact of the deadly Ebola outbreak. Addressing the 69th Regular Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York Monday, Minister Ngafuan lamented that Ebola has made Liberia a sad story amid dark clouds which have befallen the nation in the midst of a menacing virus. The Minister recalled that only a year ago, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf addressed the body on a positive note highlighting signifcant achievements in the past and lofty aspirations for the future. But today he said the country is being consumed by Ebola. Today I have become the purveyor of a different kind of story a sad story. Over the past six months, a dark cloud has been hanging over the Liberian landscape such that instead of reporting on economic growth, we are constrained to report economic decline. The Minister averred that implementation of virtually all pillars of Liberias Agenda for Transformation (AfT) has been placed on hold, and gains are perhaps already being reversed. Instead of devoting attention to regional integration through facilitation of power and transportation projects, we are now talking about regional cooperation to deal with a deadly enemy. The market woman who traded goods and services across borders a year ago is now constrained to remain within the borders of her country and suffer the consequences of economic inactivity. Todays reality, the Minister, noted is a far cry from a year ago when Liberia had just celebrated ten years of peace in August 2013; and, in spite of some challenges, was still registering remarkable progress on the path of socioeconomic development. The country had transitioned from the emphasis on stabilization to a focus on transformation within the framework of a long-term development agenda christened Vision 2030. The President also informed the Assembly that the Mano River Basin comprising Liberia, Guinea, Cote DIvoire, and Sierra Leone was at peace and was pursuing regional integration through initiatives that would facilitate connectivity in our power and transport systems, thereby enhancing cross-border trade in which our market women are mostly engaged. She even reported on how a small contingent of Liberian peacekeepers, who are today still in Mali, had contributed to the laudable UN peacekeeping effort that created an environment for stability and democratic transition in that country. Minister Ngafuan cautioned that the overall consequences of Ebola, beyond its immediate health impact and become a total crisis. It is an economic crisis, a social crisis, and a potential political and security crisis. Indeed, its deleterious impact has been very wide and very deep, he said, causing a 3.4 per cent slide in economic growth and a potential 12 per cent economic decline in 2015. Minister Ngafuan said since the Ebola outbreak, the Government of Liberia has taken a host of measures, including the declaration of a state of emergency; suspension of schools; and with the constructive involvement of all stakeholders, including pastors, imams, chiefs, elders, youths, government offcials and opposition politicians, have stepped up awareness and prevention campaigns to address the crystallized denial and deeply rooted traditional and cultural practices that create a fertile ground for the spread of the disease. We have also committed and will continue to commit signifcant portions of our own paltry resources to the fght. But despite the measures, which have been buttressed by the World Health Organization (WHO), the US Centers for Disease Control, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), the Samaritans Purse and a legion of bilateral and multilateral partners, Ebola has confounded expectations and sprinted faster than the collective efforts, snuffng out the life candle of more than 1,800 of our compatriots with a total of nearly 3,500 infected. Cumulatively, women, constituting a majority of our health workforce and being the main caregivers in our deeply traditional society, have been disproportionately affected. Sadly, as Ebola widens its deadly circumference, it is creating a trail of traumatized orphans across the country, which includes that ten-year old kid from Barkedu, Lofa County, who is the last person standing in a family of twelve. Our already limited pool of health workers has further reduced because 89 of them have fallen victim to the virus, out of a total of 182 infected. As a result the Minister said, the resultant panic that arises from health workers seeing their colleagues die from Ebola has precipitated the closure of many health facilities across the country. As we and our many international partners struggle to douse the wildfre caused by Ebola, we have been left with inadequate resources, time and personnel to attend to other routine illnesses like malaria, typhoid fever and measles, thereby causing many more tangential deaths. An increasing Foreign Minister Augustine Ngafuan tells United Nations General Assembly that the Deadly Ebola outbreak has set Liberia back in motion with progresses achieved put on hold.
number of pregnant women are dying in the process of bringing forth life. In short, our public health system, which totally collapsed during years of confict and was being gradually rebuilt, has relapsed under the weight of the deadly virus. The virus, Minister Ngafuan said has taken a toll not just politically, but economically resulting in a 3.4% downward slide in economic growth, from a high of 5.9% to a low of 2.5% in 2014 with some experts predicting that, if not contained quickly, Ebola could cause a 12% decline in the economy in 2015. Domestic food production, mining, transport services, the construction and hospitality industries, trade and many other productive components of our economy have all registered signifcant reversals. Concessionaires have scaled down their operations, causing a large contingent of expatriates to leave the country. As a result of the slowdown in economic activities, our revenue generation capacity has been seriously undermined resulting in a nearly 20% downward revision of our budget for Fiscal Year 2014/2015. In spite of this depressing domestic revenue outlook, our country has been dedicating a hefty portion of its scarce resources to the fght. Consequently, our ability to provide for basic social services and continue to fund key development projects are signifcantly diminished. The Minister said the suspension of fights as well as the travel and other restrictions/sanctions imposed on Liberia and other affected countries, contrary to expert advice from WHO and others, did not only undermine the humanitarian efforts aimed at quickly containing the disease, but also aggravated the adverse economic effects of the Ebola crisis. The Minister paid homage to pledges by some member states to relax, travel restrictions and the announcement of the resumption of fights to Liberia and Sierra Leone by Air Cote DIvoire within a week, and of Kenya Airways hopefully sometime in October. The announcement of contributions and the airlift of critically needed protective equipment and supplies to Liberia and other affected countries by many governments, international NGOs, corporations, and philanthropists. The expressions of solidarity have taken many forms and we are deeply grateful for all of them. But Minister Ngafuan cautioned that these efforts and those earlier provided by many other governments and institutions like the African Development Bank (AfDB) should not lead Liberia toward complacency because the country has not yet achieved the twenty-fold increase in response recommended by the experts to contain the disease. Additionally, while we struggle with the frst war of actually disrupting the transmission of Ebola, we, along with our bilateral and multilateral partners, must begin to prepare for the second war of tackling the longer-term socio-economic impacts of the Ebola crisis building and capacitating a new public health system that can robustly deal with any future health challenge, catering for the increasing numbers of orphans and other traumatized and impoverished family members, and quickly raising resources to address a legion of socio- economic, political, security and other challenges made more acute by the presence of Ebola Monrovia- C hief Justice Francis Korkpor has called on magistrates in the frst court of instance in the country to use the safeguards under the law by taking into consideration options for arrest and detention as part of the Judiciarys measures in fghting the deadly Ebola Disease. He made the call Tuesday when he met with magistrates in the bailiwick of Montserrado County and some offcials of the Justice Ministry at the Temple of Justice where the Ebola epidemic issue was the subject of concern. A week ago similar call was made by Chief Justice Korkpor to all magisterial courts around the country to only arrest and detain those who commit non- bailable crimes to include , murder, rape and armed robbery. At Tuesdays meeting Chief CHIEF JUSTICE KPORKOR URGES MAGISTRATES TO ARREST, DETAIN WITH DISCRETION
Justice Korkpor indicated that the Judiciary will not go about disseminating information to the public regarding the precautionary measures against the Ebola virus in the country rather the third branch of government the Judiciary should also contribute immensely to the fght against the deadly virus. In the course of the meeting he continued that he was not ordering the Magistrates to perform their duties outside of the scope of the law but rather was encouraging them to play a meaningful role in exercising discretionary powers taking into consideration Sections 10.12 and 13.5 of the Criminal Procedure Law. Both sections of the Criminal Procedure Laws allow magistrates or judges to surrender to their legal counsels those defendants charged with offences which bear lesser penalties. The application of the discretionary powers must be done on a case by case basis given the facts and circumstances prevailing said Chief Justice Korkpor. In the wake of the cut down of non- essential staff at the judiciary as part of the governments measure to stop the deadly virus from further spread, the head of the Judiciary also called on the Magistrates to be punctual on duty at all times stressing that any magistrate that does not report to work on time and absent himself from job will be considered non-essential staff and that stringent administrative measures will be instituted against those in the habit. Touching on other measures taken in the face of the outbreak, he also indicated that the Judiciary has held deliberation with the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA) and that the issue of the reduction of jurors and sequestration was addressed. With the initial 15-man jury and three alternates, they resolved that the number of jurors be reduced to nine with three alternates out of the same number meaning that only six jurors are considered to bring down a verdict in a jury trial. He extolled the cordial working relationship with the Justice Ministry and the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA) regarding efforts in planning a meaningful role in the fght against the deadly Ebola virus. Commenting on the Chief Justices request the Magistrates agreed to exercise judicial powers as enshrined in the statutes and promised to use discretionary powers when it comes to arrest, summon and detention of defendants taking the Ebola crisis into consideration. On behalf of the Justice Ministry, Montserrado County Attorney Daku Mulbah and Assistant Justice Minister for Litigation and acting Solicitor General Augustine Fayiah assured the Judiciary that the ministry will collaborate with the Judiciary in fostering efforts aimed at playing one of the pivotal roles in the fght against the deadly Ebola that continues to claim lives across the country. Page 8 | Frontpage Wednesday, October 1, 2014 VACANCY Background The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) was established by an Act of Legislature in September 2013 for the purposes of assessing and collecting national revenues as specifed in the Revenue Code of Liberia and other related laws; administering, accounting, auditing, enforcing revenue collection laws and regulations; and educating taxpayers to facilitate tax and customs compliance. The Authority replaces the Department of Revenue (including the Bureau of Customs and Excise and Bureau of Internal Revenue) of the Ministry of Finance. The LRA mission is to professionally, fairly, transparently and effectively collect lawful revenue; facilitate legitimate trade and social protection for the people of Liberia. The Liberia Revenue Authority now seeks to recruit highly qualifed and motivated individual for the below positions: 1. Security Manager (1) 2. Security Supervisors (2) 3. Security Offcers (5) The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) now invites eligible and qualifed individuals to express their interest for these positions.
JOB PROFILE
I. POST INFORMATION INSTITUTION:
DEPARTMENT:
POSITION TITLE:
SUPERVISORS TITLE:
SUPERVISION GIVEN:
CLASSIFICATION:
EMPLOYMENT TYPE:
EFFECTIVE DATE: Liberia Revenue Authority
Administration
Security Manager
Deputy Commissioner General Administrative Affairs
Overall supervision of the entire security management staff, including the contract guard force
Manager
Permanent
TBD
II. ORGANIZATIONAL SETTING Under the leadership of LRA senior management team, the Security Manager will be accountable for the overall management and control of the Security Management Section. This includes but is not limited to the provision of management oversight and supervision of the contract guard force. III. JOB PURPOSE Maintains a safe and secure environment for LRA staff, assets, visitors and facilities; establishes and enforces professionally sound security policies and procedures to accomplish stated management security objectives of the LRA; provides management oversight of the contract guard force; and trains and mentors staff. IV. MAIN TASK AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Develops and executes approved comprehensive security plans for the Security Management Section to ensure the protection of LRA employees, assets, visitors, and facilities by:
A) Serving as the Section Head of the Security Management Section responsible for designing and implementing comprehensive annual operational security plan for the LRA, as well as individual performance plans;
B) Serving as technical advisor to LRA senior management team on all security-related matters;
C) Ensuring that all incidents be reported immediately through the chain of command to the Commissioner General;
D) Ensuring that the LRA Headquarters Security Command Center (CCTV) is monitored 24/7 both electronically and physically;
E) Ensuring that all electronic monitoring/surveillance equipment are functional at all times and manned as appropriate in accordance with policies and standard operating procedures;
F) Ensuring that all security policies and procedures are consistent with national applicable laws and also LRA mission statement;
G) Ensuring adherence to all policies including access control policies with respect to staff and visitors at LRA Headquarters;
H) Ensuring fair and transparent enforcement of standard operating procedures;
I) Investigating all security-related incidents at LRA facilities, including but not limited to theft, damage, or loss of government property. This does not include tax investigations;
J) Referring all allegations of misconduct regarding LRA employees to the office of Professional Ethics Division (PED) through the chain of command for investigation and providing assistance as necessary;
K) Updating, developing and implementing best emergency evacuation/response practices and testing operational readiness; and
L) Preparing and submitting annual security report to DCGAA.
2. Managing Financial and Human Resources by: A) Providing management and supervisory control of the contract guard force by ensuring adherence to contract, updating, establishing and enforcing Guard Orders or SOPs;
B) Establishing a system in coordination with HR to issue photo identification cards to employees;
C) Instituting LRA guard training program; and
D) Ensuring that the contractor trains their assigned guards regularly.
3. Manages the performance of staff: A) Providing strong leadership and holding subordinates accountable;
B) Instituting disciplinary measures when warranted; and conducting an annual evaluation of subordinates under his/her supervision; and
C) Ensuring that staff adheres to the Professional Ethics and Code of Conduct and related rules and regulations.
4. Liaises with other government agencies and the private sector by:
A) Developing and building professional relationships with other law enforcement agencies to include the police and immigration;
B) Ensuring that all incidents which occur at LRA facilities involving the violation of the Liberian Penal Code are reported to the police;
C) Liaising with other private sector security officials;
D) Responding to all incidents regarding LRA motor vehicle accidents and coordinating with the police, including insurance companies, and preparing relevant reports; and
E) Collaborating with other sections/divisions within the LRA and addresses safety and security concerns.
5. Secures revenue proactively by: A) Conducting periodic security assessments of all LRA Rural and Urban Collectorates to ensure the safety and security of staff and revenue collected. If warranted, preparing and submitting written recommendations for security upgrades or enhancements to senior management;
B) Implementing security policies and procedures in order to protect government revenue; and
C) Conducting capacity building activities to increase employee motivation and productivity.
THE OFFICER MAY BE CALLED UPON FROM TIME TO TIME TO PERFORM OTHER DUTIES IN KEEPING WITH HIS/HER POSITION NOT IDENTIFIED IN THE JOB DESCRIPTION.
V. REQUIRED COMPETENCE Knowledge Knowledge designing and implementing comprehensive security policies and procedures.
Demonstrated experience managing or supervising a security guard force and/or law enforcement personnel.
Knowledge of physical security, understanding the role and power of private security.
Experience in the use of electronic surveillance/monitoring systems.
Knowledge of the Liberian Penal Code and the Criminal Justice System.
Knowledge of human rights issues, policies, and frameworks.
Experience managing subordinates in results-driven settings.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. Skills
Strong leadership skills.
Possess ability to analyze information to develop a complete picture of security situations.
Excellent investigative skills.
Ability to develop and build relationships with law enforcement and corporate security officials.
Excellent report writing and communication skills.
Ability to prioritize work and meet tight deadlines.
Ability to delegate work to subordinates and set deadlines.
Excellent team player.
Excellent problem solving skills.
Contacts Police, Immigration, Ministry of Justice, Courts & corporate security officials Working Places LRA Headquarters, Urban and Rural Collectorates.
VI. MINIMUM QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE Education BA in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement or related field. Masters degree in Criminal Justice a plus. Professional Certification Possession of certificates in specialized training in security or law enforcement; diploma from certified police or military training academy. Experience Must have at least 15 years of public law enforcement or corporate security experience, including 5 years in management and supervision. Experience managing and supervising security guard force is an added advantage, Must have experience designing and implementing security policies and procedures. Investigative experience is not required, but is desirable. Additional Position is contingent upon background investigation results. Compliance with confidentiality requirements is mandatory.
JOB PROFILE
I. POST INFORMATION INSTITUTION:
DEPARTMENT:
POSITION TITLE:
SUPERVISORS TITLE:
SUPERVISION GIVEN:
CLASSIFICATION:
EMPLOYMENT TYPE:
EFFECTIVE DATE: Liberia Revenue Authority
Administration
Security Supervisor (Guard Force)
Security Manager
Daily supervision of LRA Security Officers and contract Security Guard Force.
Supervisor
Permanent
TBD II. ORGANIZATIONAL SETTING Under the direction and supervision of the LRA Security Manager, the Security Supervisor Guard Force coordinates and supervises the contract guard force, including LRA security officers assigned at LRA facilities under his/her command.
III. JOB PURPOSE Maintains a safe and secure environment for LRA staff, assets, visitors and facilities; enforces professionally sound security policies and procedures to accomplish stated management security objectives for the LRA. Provides close supervision and management oversight of the guard force.
IV. MAIN TASK AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. The primary role of the Security Supervisor (Guard Force) is to ensure that the contracted security firm (guard force) strictly adheres to the following duties and responsibilities at the LRA by:
A) Preparing and executing an approved security plan;
B) Posting security guards at the designated offices, exits and entry points and other assigned areas 24/7;
C) Ensuring that all assets on the premises of the designated properties are fully protected from theft and vandalism;
D) Ensuring that the CCTV and other electronic surveillance systems are fully monitored electronically and physically by trained guards and LRA security officers stationed at the Command Center;
E) Ensuring that individuals and vehicles are professionally screened at restricted areas;
F) Ensuring that absolutely no selling or peddling of any kind occurs and that no alcoholic beverages are present on the LRA premises. The guards will be firm, courteous, efficient and tactful at all times while in performance of their duties. They will never engage in arguments with any staff or visitors, and will refer all disagreements and misunderstandings to the Shift Supervisor;
G) Ensuring that no security officers ever show up for work under the influence of alcohol or any other controlled substances. Should this occur, the security guard in question will be dismissed for the day and disciplined accordingly;
H) Ensuring that subordinates are held accountable for their actions and recommending disciplinary action if and when necessary;
I) Ensuring adherence to the approved security plan by all employees, and preparing incident reports on any security breaches by any staff;
J) Ensuring that each visitor is properly tagged with a visitors badge before accessing the building, and are directed or escorted to the specific locations they intend to visit;
K) Ensuring that each and every security guard on official duty at the designated properties is neatly and sharply uniformed and carrying required equipment while on duty;
L) Ensuring that security guards are trained in the use of fire extinguishers in the event of an emergency. Additionally, ensuring that security guards perform their duties during emergency evacuations of LRA premises;
M) Ensuring that security guards carry on routine patrol of the designated areas of the LRA;
N) Ensuring that security guards are issued protective equipment to include handcuffs, whistles, batons, charged flashlights, and rain coats;
O) Ensuring that any allegations concerning LRA employee misconduct are referred to the Professional Ethics Division (PED) through the chain of command in a timely manner;
P) Ensuring that the contracted guard force supervisor prepares and submits a Frontpage Wednesday, October 1, 2014 Page 9 monthly report. An Incident report is required for all security related incidents occurring on the LRA premises. Additionally, all incidents involving the violation of the Liberian Penal Code are to be reported to the Liberian National Police; and
Q) Ensuring that contracted guard force supervisor provides a weekly guard work schedule for review and concurrence.
2. Managing financial and human resources by: A) Directing security officers to conduct security related investigations and preparing required reports;
B) Instituting regular in-service training courses for security officers;
C) Ensuring that contractor trains their assigned guards regularly; and
D) Preparing work schedule and assignments.
3. Manages the performance of staff by:
A) Conducting an annual performance evaluation review based on established standards;
B) Providing strong leadership and holding subordinates accountable, and instituting disciplinary measures when warranted;
C) Ensuring that staff adheres to the Professional Ethics and Code of Conduct and related rules and regulations; and
D) Ensuring that no security officers ever show up for work under the influence of alcohol or any other controlled substances.
4. Liaises with other government agencies and the private sector by:
A) Responding to all incidents regarding LRA motor vehicle accidents and coordinating with the police, including insurance companies, and preparing relevant reports;
B) Developing and building professional relationships with other law enforcement agencies to include the police and immigration;
C) Ensuring that all incidents which occur at LRA facilities involving the violation of the Liberian Penal Code are reported to the police;
D) Collaborating with other sections/divisions within the LRA and addressing safety and security concerns; and
E) Developing and building relationships with private security officials.
5. Secures revenue proactively by:
A) Conducting periodic security assessments of the guard force operations in the Rural and Urban Collectorates to ensure the safety and security of staff and revenue collected. If warranted, preparing and submitting written recommendations for security upgrades or enhancements; and
B) Enforcing security policies and procedures in order to protect government revenue.
NB: THE OFFICER MAY BE CALLED UPON FROM TIME TO TIME TO PERFORM OTHER DUTIES IN KEEPING WITH HIS/HER POSITION NOT IDENTIFIED IN THE JOB DESCRIPTION. V. REQUIRED COMPETENCE Knowledge Knowledge of enforcing security policies and procedures in a government or corporate environment.
Knowledge of physical security operations, police/security patrol procedures, and the role and power of private security.
At least ten years of experience as a senior security officer.
Experience in the use of electronic surveillance/monitoring systems.
Knowledge of human rights issues, policies, and frameworks.
Experience supervising subordinates in results-driven settings.
Knowledge of scheduling work, time & attendance and preparing security logs.
Knowledge of the Liberian Penal Code and the criminal justice system.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. Skills
Strong leadership skills.
Ability to handle critical incidents.
Possess ability to analyze information to develop a complete picture of security situations.
Excellent investigative skills.
Excellent report writing and oral communication skills.
Ability to prioritize work and meet tight deadlines.
Ability to delegate work to subordinates and set deadlines.
Excellent team player with proven problem solving skills.
Contacts Police, Immigration, Ministry of Justice, Courts & corporate security officials. Working Places
LRA Headquarters, Urban and Rural Collectorates
VI. MINIMUM QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE Education BA in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement or related field. Professional Certification Possession of certificates in specialized training in security or law enforcement; diploma from accredited police or military academy. Certification in First Aid and/or CPR is preferred, but not required.
Experience Must have at least 10-15 years of public law enforcement or corporate security experience, including at least 3-5 years as supervisor. Experience supervising security guard force is an added advantage. Investigative experience is not required but desirable.
Additional Position is contingent upon background investigation results. Compliance with confidentiality requirements is mandatory.
JOB PROFILE
I. POST INFORMATION INSTITUTION:
DEPARTMENT:
POSITION TITLE:
SUPERVISORS TITLE:
SUPERVISION GIVEN: Liberia Revenue Authority
Administration
Security Officer
Supervisor
None
CLASSIFICATION:
EMPLOYMENT TYPE:
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Security Officer
Permanent
TBD
II. ORGANIZATIONAL SETTING The security officer works under the direct supervision of the Security Supervisor in the Security and Management Section. The position is the lowest level in the Security and Management Section. III. JOB PURPOSE The position involves working with a team of security officers to protect LRA staff, assets, visitors and facilities in an efficient and professional manner at all times. IV. MAIN TASK AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Provides professional and effective security functions by:
A) Carrying out internal and external patrols, day and night, to ensure a safe and secure environment, recording maintenance issues, potential breaches of security or unusual occurrences in the Daily Incident Log;
B) Ensuring that people who should not be granted access to LRA facilities are professionally and politely prevented from gaining access or escorted from the premises;
C) Ensuring and regularly checking that LRA Headquarters fire exit doors are free of obstructions and that the fire alarms systems are tested on a regular basis;
D) Ensuring that the CCTV system is professionally, effectively and electronically monitored in compliance with agreed standards;
E) Providing support in an emergency or evacuation situation, in a calm and professional manner;
F) Where necessary, assisting in the removal of members of the public from LRA facilities where their behavior is disruptive or presents a risk to others;
G) Detaining individuals suspected of committing an offense until the arrival of the police on the scene; and
H) Conducting an investigation of all security related incidents assigned by the Security Supervisors, and preparing concise and timely reports.
2. Managing financial and human resources by:
A) Attending regular in-service training program to improve security related skills;
B) Maintaining all security related equipment and working areas to a high standard of cleanliness and safety and ensure all defects are reported;
C) Undertaking first aid training and providing first aid services to staff or visitors as requested; and
D) Assisting in the induction and training of new members of the security team.
3. Manages the performance of staff by: A) Adhering to professional ethics and Code of Conduct and related rules and regulations;
B) Reporting to duty in a timely manner; and
C) Preparing incident reports accurately in a timely manner.
4. Liaises with other government agencies and the private sector by: A) Fully cooperating with the police during investigations at the LRA; and
B) Exercising tact and professional courtesy in dealing with LRA staff and visitors. 5. Secures revenue proactively by: A) Protecting LRA assets from theft or vandalism; and
B) Securing and protecting LRA confidential tax documents from public domain.
NB: THE OFFICER MAY BE CALLED UPON FROM TIME TO TIME TO PERFORM OTHER DUTIES IN KEEPING WITH HIS/HER POSITION NOT IDENTIFIED IN THE JOB DESCRIPTION. V. REQUIRED COMPETENCE Knowledge Knowledge of physical security, and the role and limited arrest power of private security.
Knowledge of security/police patrol procedures/practices.
Working knowledge of human rights issues.
Working knowledge of the Liberian Penal Code and the criminal Justice system. Skills
Excellent writing and oral communication skills.
Excellent inter-personal skills.
Experience as police or security officer.
Self- motivated with a willing and friendly approach.
Ability to assess a situation quickly, using appropriate actions to diffuse a situation and provide effective solutions, especially with people demonstrating disruptive behavior.
Contacts Police, Immigration, Courts and security officials Working Places LRA Headquarters; Urban and Rural Collectorates VI. MINIMUM QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE Education High school graduate; but college education desirable Professional Certification Certificates in security or police training. Certification in First Aid, CPR not required but desirable. Experience
Additional Must have at least 10 years of police or security experience.
Experience as an investigator is not required but desirable.
Position is contingent upon background investigation results.
Compliance with confidentiality requirements is mandatory.
PLEASE NOTE: Applicants are required to electronically submit their applications to hrjobs@lra.gov.lr with copies of all credentials appertaining to their qualification for the position applied for. Absolutely, no hardcopies will be accepted.
Applicants will be selected through a highly competitive testing and evaluation process. Further information can be obtained from the HR Division at the below address.
Address: The Assistant Commissioner Human Resource Division Liberia Revenue Authority Ministry of Finance, Monrovia, Liberia
Deadline: Applications must be sent by email to hrjobs@lra.gov.lr on or before Thursday October 16, 2014.
Page 10 | Frontpage Wednesday, October 1, 2014
F RONT PAGE EBOLA Monrovia- M adam Fatuma Zinnah an aspirant in the pending senatorial election in Gbarpolu County has donated some medical equipment to the chief Jallah Lone Hospital in Bopolu, Gbarpolu County. Madam Zinnah donation comes in the wake of many donors support towards the fght against the Ebola virus in Liberia. Zinnah who is a prominent daughter of Gbarpolu County, said, the donated items are intended to buttress governments effort in the wake of the Ebola crisis in the country The items included nine hospital beds, chairs, tables and hospital examination chairs. The People Unifcation Party (PUP) aspirant told FrontPageAfrica that there is a need to buttress the efforts of National government as it continues to seek donors support to fght Ebola. Zinnah said: As a daughter of Gbarpolu, it is incumbent upon me to come to the aid of my people during this health crisis. Realizing that the Chief Jallah Lone Hospital, being the only referral hospital in the county, I deemed it prudent to donate the medical equipment in order to save the lives of the people living in this part of the country. Presenting the items in Gbopolu city, the PUP senatorial aspirant, claimed that as citizen of the county, she will always try to help people of that county with her meager resources The Ebola outbreak in the country is of a concern and therefore should not be left on government alone. While it true that donors support is fowing, little contributions of such is paramount in the fght, she added. She cautioned residents of the county to adhere to the preventive measures put in place by the Ministry of Health and Social Warfare by avoiding shaking hands and regularly washing hands something she said will prevent spread of the virus. Receiving the items, Dr. Anthony Turker, County Health Offcer (CHO) of Gbarpolu County commended madam Zinnah and assured that the donated items will be used for its intended purpose. He described the donation as timely and promised to wisely use them. Gbarpolu County is one of those counties joining; Maryland and Sinoe as counties that are yet to experience Ebola outbreak in the past fve months but it was recently reported that a suspected case was discovered in Sinoe County. GBARPOLU COUNTY MAIN HOSPITAL RECEIVES MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
Henry Karmo (0886522495) henrykarmo47@gmail.com EBOLA-HIT LIBERIA STARING INTO THE ABYSS, EXPERTS WARN Monrovia (AFP) - W ith its collapsed health service, sick and poorly equipped security forces and broken economy, Ebola-hit Liberia fnds itself on the brink of complete societal breakdown, experts warn. The already impoverished west African state was on the slow road to recovery after 14 years of ruinous civil war ended in 2003, following the deaths of 250,000 people. But Information Minister Lewis Brown recently warned that the epidemic, which has left more than 1,800 dead so far this year, risks plunging Liberians back into confict. Many observers of the country's latest devastating crisis, while stopping short of talk of war, worry about the heightened risk of unrest in a country stalked by death. "We have a lot to worry about. If we have thousands or tens of thousands more deaths, that's going to have a very destabilising effect," said Sean Casey, director of anti-Ebola operations in Liberia for the International Medical Corps (IMC). A humanitarian worker, speaking on condition of anonymity, refects growing concern among politicians, analysts and health care workers over the possibility of a "social explosion". "There is the fear, frustration, anger at the impotence of the government, and the associated economic destabilisation," he said. Monrovia, a sprawling, chaotic capital city of more than one million inhabitants, remains under control but gives the impression of a powder keg that could ignite at the slightest provocation. Early Saturday, police came to investigate a body left lying in the street, the apparent victim of a murder. A small crowd gathered, watching as a truck with the word "Ebola" emblazoned on the side pulled up, called just as a precaution. Suddenly the crowd began yelling, pelting police offcers with stones, and a brief scuffe ensued, in which at least six men were arrested. The force assured locals that they would investigate claims that police had killed the man because he was out during the nighttime curfew. The atmosphere is just as tense outside Ebola treatment centres, where large crowds of relatives gather, deprived of news of their loved ones. "We beg the international community to fnd a solution before everything goes off here," cries Kevin Kassah, a young man in the middle of one such angry crowd. - Hunger setting in - Woefully short of manpower, security forces do not intervene in the protests of these seething gatherings. Several police stations in Monrovia have closed after offcers died of Ebola fever, and a military camp on the outskirts of Monrovia has reported around 30 sick soldiers, according to a diplomat. The health system -- embryonic at best before the crisis, with some 50 doctors and 1,000 nurses for 4.3 million people -- has been hit hard, losing 89 health workers out of 184 infected, according to the World Organization Health Organization (WHO). "A lot of hospitals are closed right now because the staff died," says Casey, of the IMC. In a stark illustration of the crisis, the country's most senior medical offcer is currently in quarantine after her deputy died of Ebola fever. The WHO and various charities have stepped in to fll the gap left by the weakened authorities, basing their activities in a new but desperately short-staffed "Ebola Operation Centre" run jointly with the government. The World Bank gave Liberia 41 million euros ($52 million) last week towards its Ebola response, but the government, lacking the resources or the confdence to manage the money, immediately handed it over to the United Nations for the maintenance and construction of treatment facilities. In another symbol of the breakdown of governance and heightened tension in the capital, a male junior fnance minister was sacked last week for assaulting a policewoman. No sector of society has been left untouched by the crisis. Schools have been closed for months with no reopening date in sight, and unemployment is soaring as both the formal and black-market economies collapse. Meanwhile hunger is becoming a problem in the streets of Monrovia. "Before, I was making 1,500 (Liberian) dollars (14 euros, $17.75) a day. Now to get 500 is not easy. Everybody remains home," says Kerkula Davy, a father of three who sells belts to motorists at a crossroads. "It's not enough for food. I need at least 800 a day." Frontpage Wednesday, October 1, 2014 Page 11 H ygienic environment plays an utmost role in preventing many sorts of diseases and illnesses that might contract human species, and other organisms living in a polluted environment. Therefore, preserving pure environment has gotten both local and international attentions by regulating and making policies, which play an oversight role in achieving this end (Friendly environment for both human and non-human species). It is misunderstanding to look at pure environment from its narrow perspective. For instance, having a decent house at the individual level does not mean that ones environment is hygienic and far from possible disease so long the wider community is being polluted. Yes, it is important to take care of oneself in terms of being inhygienic neighborhood. But, environmental law envisages and looks at the pure and disease - free environment from its broader outlook. That is; industries, preserving forest, free fow of water ways and other factors are discussed by the Environmental Law. Further, well regulated industries and forestry law make a great impact on protecting public health and safety. This received high profle intervention by the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment (1972) in Stockholm in Sweden which brought much broader attention to the ecosystem environment in the world. Since then, there have been massive policy reforms in the area of environmental protection worldwide. Nevertheless, the issue is that, either those policies are designed in a way that can really translate their objectives into peoples lives in terms of protecting their health and safety or not. This is analyzed by the article in a special reference to the Environmental Protection Act of Liberia 2002. EnvironmentalLaw: An overview, Prior to giving any description to the coined Environmental Law , it is noteworthy to have an understanding about the word environment itself. Meanwhile, many nations in the world have laws regulating activities that might have an environmental impact, and they may provide defnition about the word environment with different wordings and expressions, but in most cases the concept and idea behind it might be same. Thus, this piece will only adopt what Liberian Environmental Protection Act (2002)defnes. Section 3 of EPAhas described environment as the physical factors of the surroundings of the human beings, indoors andoutdoors, including land, water, atmosphere, climate, sound, odor, taste, biological factors of animals and plants and the social factors of aesthetics and includes both natural, built and cultural/historical environment;. In other words, environment is all what human beings are exposed to in the atmosphere they inhabit. Therefore, the coined environmental law is a body of public law that deals with and provides rules and measures to keep human surroundings safe from any polluted objects or activities that might have adverse consequences on his health and safety. This branch of law is being studied as a chapter under International Law, because of immense contributions made by various international regulatory bodies to ensure that the worlds environment is protected, and signatories and the member states of those bodies are under international obligation to ratify the conventions, treaties and international pacts on environmental issues. Interconnectivity between environmental law and public health: It is indisputable fact that being in a hygienic environment has a direct effect on the inhabitants in terms of their healthiness and well-being, as it will result in the provision of clean air, healthy waterand foodstuff. Hence, laws are there to regulate human behaviors and attitudes towards his fellow human being as well as to the environment he lives in. Having underlined that, in the absence or silence of effective environmental regulations, pollution in all its aspects might occur in the human community, as a result, the main nutrition; eatable and drinkable will be negatively affected and the community dwellers health will be at stake. In fact, most of international environmental conventions and local regulations concentrate on air pollution, and deforestation which are major causes of lots of diseases that were not known before. That is why; one sees nations have today stringent laws against industries that are causing pollution and effuence. Regulatory Frameworks of the Liberias Environmental Law: Looking at the framework of environmental management in Liberia has to be done from three different perspectives. First, the nations constitution, though there is no specifc reference in the 1986 Constitution on issues of environmental protection, however, if the constitution is read in its spirits and intended purpose it can be extrapolated that citizens being in a healthy environment is among top priority of the constitution as the preamble reads, indicating the main objectives of the constitution the purpose of promoting unity, liberty and human right . The focal point here, is promoting human right, and right to live in a healthy environment is a head of other basic rights, because other rights such as right to political participation, right to free expression, right to movement etc. can never be achieved in the absence of life, which can be threatened by polluted environment.Besides, Chapter II, Art 9 of the constitution discuses about the nations regional and international obligations. Therefore, there have been multiple international conventions and treaties on environmental issues, which Liberia is a part.Second, enactment of the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) 2002, this piece of legislation deals with variety of issues concerning clean and pure environment in the country. More specifcally, Section 5, provides the right to a clean environment for everyone, and had it been neglected or compromised by any individual or institution the petition should be lodged by aggrieved person to the Environmental Protection Agency. Section 35, also puts a standard for pure water and its quality. While section 36 as well deals with air quality. Further, the Act deals with other matters that might impact public health. Third and the last, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was made to be the successor of the National Environmental Commission of Liberia (NICOLIB) frst established in 1999 with support from UNDP and UNEP. EPA is given jurisdictional authority to oversee, make policies and implement laws related to environmental protection in Liberia under section 1 of the Environmental Protection Act 2003. However, its duties and responsibilities will be addressed in another article by grace of Almighty. International Environmental laws related to Public health: International law since last fve decades has been involving extensively with exponential global pacts on issues affecting human environment. However, this article will restrict itself on only the United Nations Conference on Human Environment held in Stockholm, June 5-16, 1972.Several issues were proclaimed in this conference that really matter ecosystem environment for the human being and his well- being. For instance, the conference proclaims that The protection and improvement of the human environment is a major issue which affects the well-being of peoples and economic development throughout the world; it is the urgent desire of the peoples of the whole world and the duty of all Governments. This puts a foundation points out how crucial is pure and unpolluted environment for human life and his health. Challenges of hygienic environment in Liberia: As a developing nation, Liberia faces lots of challenges that stymie obtaining and effective implementation of the blue print of laws related to environmental protection. Those challenges can be synopsized in two major points: Firs, Poor public infrastructure: Friendly environment and habitable ecosystem really require basic facilities forstandard and minimum life style for every human being, as in presence of them polluted water and unhygienic atmosphere will not likely be existent. Thus, human being and other organisms that have direct or indirect effects on humans live will be protected from illnesses associated to environmental pollution. Lets just take asphalted road networking as an examples, this can drastically reduce air pollution as dust during Harmattan (dry season) and wasted dirty water in a city can be observably diminished in rainy season. Further, another example is energy supply (electricity) or what we called in Liberia CURRENT could help in reduction of air pollution as people will start using electric equipment to do things that are normally done with coal which smog might not be in favor of our health. Hence, as this article is being written, these basic infrastructures are in dire need to be highly improved in Liberia as they are still sub-standard. Second, Insuffcient public awareness: Notwithstanding the Environmental Protection Act of 2002, puts emphasis on public education and awareness about preserving pure and keeping environments unpolluted , but its practical implementation by using different means, tools and strategies that general public always get access to are very limited and not capable of reaching the goal. For example, some rural parts of the nation can never have access to even the limited awareness tool that EPA is putting effort on due to its inability to extend its activities to the entire nation, because of lock of an adequate road networking, and poor means of information dissemination system across the country. Conclusion: This piece concludes that environment has a major role in keeping human species and other organisms in a healthy condition. However, it can be very harmful as well, if there is no effective and workable rule to regulate peoples - (natural persons or legally person - industries)- behaviors to keep environment hygienic. That is why, both international and local efforts have been playing immense role in solving this problem. Finally, in Liberia situation, there are still needs to improve related infrastructures to environment in order for the EPA to realize its intended purpose. Endnotes: By Mory Dukury Sumaworo, Ph.D. candidate in Comparative Laws, IIUM, Malaysia Senior Legal Researcher @ Musedal Law Firm, Monrovia, Liberia, mory6140@gmail.com F RONT PAGE PERSPECTIVE Mauritius: - Restriction of entry of national from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia, Senegal and Congo unless prior approval was obtained from the Passport and Immigration Offce. Cameroon: Has reopened its borders to travellers from Senegal. A ban remains in place on travel from Nigeria, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states comprising : Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe have stated that travellers coming from Ebola-affected countries would be monitored for 21 days and that travel to member countries for any gatherings would be discouraged. Namibia Foreigners travelling from countries affected by Ebola are prohibited from entering the country. Gambia: Banned persons who have visited Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone or Nigeria in the 21 days prior to travel. Those travelling indirectly from any of the affected countries to Gambia via another country are also banned. Gabon: Restricting the issuance of entry visas to travelers from Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria on a case-by-case basis. Cape Verde: Nationals from Guinea, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Liberia are banned from entering the country for the next three months. All non-residents who have visited Ebola-affected countries, including Congo (DRC), and Senegal are banned from entering Cape Verde. Senegal: Has closed its land border with Guinea, while the country's sea and air borders will also be closed to vessels and aircraft from Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Chad: Closed its land border with Nigeria at Lake Chad. Previously banned the entry of travelers from or transiting through Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria or Sierra Leone, with airlines serving the country reportedly rerouting fights. B) Flights and other transport Countries that have implemented Ebola-related travel restrictions: Gambia - banned the entry of fights from Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. Gabon - banned the entry of fights and ships from countries affected by Ebola. Senegal has banned fights from Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Cameroon has banned fights to and from Nigeria. Chad has suspended all fights from Nigeria. Cte d'Ivoire has banned all passenger fights from Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Nigeria has suspended fights to the country operated by Gambian national carrier Gambia Bird. Airlines that have restricted fights to Ebola-affected countries: Air France suspended fights to Sierra Leone from 28 August. Asky Airlines has suspended fights to and from Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Arik Air (Nigeria),Gambia Bird and Kenya Airways have suspended services to Liberia and Sierra Leone. British Airways has extended their suspension of fights to Liberia and Sierra Leone until 31 December. Ceiba Intercontinental, the national airline of Equatorial Guinea, has reportedly suspended fights to West African countries. In addition, the airline has suspended fights to Cameroon's capital Douala from 1 September. Emirates Airlines has suspended fights to Guinea. Korean Air suspended fights to and from Kenya from 20 August. Senegal Airlines has suspended fights to and from Conakry (Guinea) until further notice Airlines that have modifed their routes but are still operating regular scheduled services include: Royal Air Maroc Brussels Airlines (Source www.international sos.com) HOW EBOLA HAS AFFECTED THE AFRICAN SKIES THE ROLE OF ENVIRONMENTAL LAW IN PROTECTING PUBLIC HEALTH WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO LIBERIAN AND INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS Page 12 | Frontpage Wednesday, October 1, 2014 INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA LIBERIA ELECTRICITY CORPORATION LIBERIA ELECTRICITY SECTOR ENHANCEMENT PROJECT (LESEP) Credit No. IDA 48420-2LR Project ID: P120660 Supply, Delivery and Installation of CCTV Survillance for Bushrod Island IFB No: NCB/LEC/LESEP/02/2014 National Competitive Bidding (NCB) 1. The Government of Liberia has received additional fnancing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Liberia Electricity Sector Enhancement Project (LESEP), and intends to apply part of the proceeds toward payments under the contract for The Supply, Delivery and Installation of CCTV Survellance for Bushrod Island. 2. The Liberia Electricity Corporation is the implementing agency now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for the Supply, Delivery and Installation of CCTV Survillance for Bushrod Island as set out in the Schedule of Requirements below: Schedule of Requirements 3. Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding procedures as specifed in the World Banks Guidelines: Procurement of Goods, Works and Non-Consulting Services under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits & Grants by World Bank Borrowers (Procurement Guidelines, January 2011), and is open to all eligible bidders as defned in the Procurement Guidelines. In addition, please refer to paragraphs 1.6 and 1.7 setting forth the World Banks policy on confict of interest. 4. Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information from Liberia Electricity Corporation; Attention: IT Director, olenchoejp@gmail.com cc: tambahmayah@yahoo.com varmunyah@yahoo.com abufahmed@yahoo. co.uk falkorniamark@yahoo.com, dbeyan2g9@yahoo.com and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 09.00 to 17.00 hours, Monday to Friday excluding public holidays. More information on how to purchase bidding documents can be obtained by contacting Thelma Saunders or Alfred Cassel at saundersthelmas@gmail.com and acassell1194@yahoo. com respectively. 5. Qualifcation requirements include: : a) Legal i. Bidders must provide a Certifcate of Registration; ii. Bidders must provide Manufacturers Authorization form. b) Financial Capability i. Minimum average annual turnover of US$200,000.00, calculated as total certifed payments received for contracts in progress or completed, within the last two (2) years; ii. The Bidder shall also demonstrate that it has access to fnancial means (evidence of a line of credit), suffcient to meet the cash fow amount of USD50,000.00; iii. Bidders must provide audited Financial Reports for the last two (2) years 2012 and 2013, depending on the fnancial year of the frm. c) Experience and Technical Capacity Bidders must have successfully completed at least two (2) similar contracts done within the last three (3) years, of similar nature and complexity. For a joint venture partners should collectively meet this specifc experience provided each Joint venture Partner has had relevant experience in the component contract it is designated to perform. A margin of preference for eligible national suppliers shall not be applied. Additional details are provided in the Bidding Documents. 6. A complete set of bidding documents in English may be purchased by interested eligible bidders upon the submission of a written application to the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee of US$100.00. The method of payment will be by Bankers Check in favor of LEC or paid in cash to the Chief Accountant Offce, 1st Floor, LEC Central Offce. Alternatively, a direct by payment into Liberia Electricity Corporation Project Account No: 10610000012034, (Swift Code No. ECOCLRLM) held with ECO BANK LIBERIA LTD and submitting the payment advice as evidence to collect the Bid Documents. An additional amount will be charged for deliveries by courier. 7. Bids must be delivered to the address below, at or before, 10:00 am local time on Monday, October 27, 2014. Electronic bidding will not be permitted. Late bids will be rejected. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders representatives who choose to attend in person at the address at the end of this IFB at 10:00 am local time on Monday, October 27, 2014, in the LECs Central Offce Conference Room on the 3rd Floor. All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Securing Declaration in the form specifed in Section IV of this Bidding Document. 8. The addresses referred to above are:
Quantity Delivery Date (as per Incoterms) 1. Supply, Delivery and Installation of CCTV Survillance for Bushrod Island
Set 3 to 4 weeks following date of contract signature
Frontpage Wednesday, October 1, 2014 Page 13
REGULATOR STILL IN LACC DRAGNET Commission on Higher Education Director General long Corruption tale Henry Karmo (08865224950 henrykarmo47@gmail.com Henry Karmo (08865224950 henrykarmo47@gmail.com SENATE LAUNCHES INVESTIGATION INTO EBOLA FUNDS Monrovia- A United States delegation headed by Mr. Michael Lumpkin, Assistant Secretary of the United States Defense, Department, has paid a courtesy visit at the Defense Ministry further pledging the US support in fghting Ebola in Liberia and affected countries in the region. I am here to make sure that I have a further understanding of what we in the Department of Defense can best do to support the USAID and the Ambassador as we support the Ebola crisis in Liberia. The department of defense brings some new capabilities. We bring in the ability to move things by air, and we do logistic support in supporting the Liberian people in fghting the Ebola virus, said Assistant Secretary Lumpkin. Mr. Lumpkin expressed gratitude to the Liberian people through the Minister of National Defense for the warm hospitality accorded him and his delegation. He thanked the AFL for its support to the U.S. Military which is helping them to be able to respond in an expeditious manner. We have come with no fxed solution but together we can make progress in the fght against the Ebola Virus Disease. For his part, Defense Minister, Brownie J. Samukai, Jr., expressed his appreciation to the United States Government for its support to the Ebola affected countries in the region. He particularly praised the leadership role being demonstrated by the U.S. leadership which, according to the Defense Minister signifes that Liberia is not alone in the fght against the Ebola Virus Disease. He further praised US Ambassador Deborah Malac for raising the concerns of Liberia out there to her government. Stopping the spread of the Ebola Virus Disease is the concern of the Liberian Government right now. We thank the American delegation for their support and we look forward to the engagement with the Armed Forces of Liberia, particularly the civil military as it stands in the engineering feld. With a team of offcers, sailors and air men that have come show the kind of response the US has given to Liberia, and we are very please, said Ambassador Malac. Meanwhile, Minister Samukai has re-echoed the Commander- in-Chiefs statement that the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) will, as of 30th September be withdrawing the law enforcement supportive role in the Country, turning its attention to a no civil- oriented mission as a force for good in the fght against Ebola. Mae Azango azama20062007@yahoo.com/0886545960 DEFENSE MINISTER SAMUKAI APPRECIATES U.S. SUPPORT
Monrovia- T he Plenary of the Liberian senate has instructed its Public Accounts and Ways, Means and Finance committees to launch an investigation into the disbursement report of the fve million United States dollars sent to that body by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for the Ebola fght. The senate in its mandate to the two committees instructed the conduct of an investigation and report to plenary in two weeks. As part of the committees work the body also requested an investigation in the frst two hundred ffty thousand dollars given to the Executive at the onset of the Ebola outbreak and all county development funds used to fght Ebola. Senator Joseph Nagbe (Alliance for Peace and Democracy, Sinoe County) in an amendment to Senator Sando Johnson (National Patriotic Party-Bomi County) motion, called for the use of the two hundred and ffty thousand to be investigated along with the fve million dollars. Said Senator Nagbe: This may sound a bit funny but I am of the strongest opinion that whatever little amount that was but the two hundred and ffty thousand we gave back in March should also be audited. Because by the time we authorized that money doctors and nurses started dying and because those people died that is why our doctors and nurses are reluctant to treat sick people. Like senator Nagbe, Senator Nyounblee K. Lawrence (Liberty Party- Grand Bassa County) requested that counties that have used social development fund to fght Ebola be included into the committees mandate. I know that there are several counties that have used social and county development funds to fght Ebola. I also want you to include in the motion the audits of those Counties as well, Senator Lawrence added. Too early for audit Unlike Senators Lawrence and Nagbe, Senator Peter Coleman, Chairman of the Senate Health Committee and member of the National Ebola task Force called on his colleagues to relax their action to conduct audit at this early state because according to him it might provide wrong signal about government to partners that are already in the country that government is not transparent with their own funds. I just want to caution my colleagues that while it is true in the spirit of transparency and accountability that people must submit report and we must look into the utilization, we need to take note of the fact that the massive provision of funds that is being provided by the international community so that it does not create the impression that those that are utilizing the funds do not embrace the principle of accountability and transparency, Senator Coleman said. There have been discussions at the Legislature in the past week surrounding the expenditure of fve Million United States dollars by the Executive branch of government. At one point senators were divided over calls for an audit of the money because some saw it as being too early to investigate the executive while others say it is necessary now. In a communication sent to the senate last week from the offce of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the President listed the number of agencies of government that received portion of the money for Ebola fght but failed to provide information about how the money was expended. President Sirleaf further told the lawmakers in her communication that those agencies of government that received part of the money will be made to provide a comprehensive report on how funding they received were spent and impact made in fghting Ebola. The president in her communication also called on the legislature to make additional allocation of funds to fght Ebola. HANDICAP MAN WANTS GOVERNMENT TO CUT DOWN MONEY SPENT ON CARS AND FIX CAPITOL BUILDING ELEVATOR Monrovia- M r. Carl Victor a Handicap Liberian has frowned on the National Legislature for failing to renovate the elevator that got destroyed as a result of the country civil confict. According to Victor getting through the stairs of the Capitol Building has being a diffcult challenge every time he visits the building to bring to issues of National concern to the lawmakers. Victor said: This Capitol is very unfriendly to handicap not only the infrastructure the people in here are very un-handicap friendly they walked with their faces in and ground and ignores people because they feel someone has gone to beg them not everyone that comes here is a beggar. Victor who is a former Musician said, he had gone to the Capitol to meet with the leadership to discuss with them ideas about how he too could contribute to the fght against Ebola especially among people with similar condition like him but was given no attention. Many concerns and questions have being asked about the renovation of the elevator at the Capitol Building but Representative Edwin Snowe (IND-District# 6 Montserrado County) and chair on the Rules and Orders has repeatedly claimed that the project will have to be budgeted for and the legislature had other priorities over it and at the appropriate time allocation will be made for the project.
www.frontpageafricaonline.com FrontPage PRICE L$40 VOL 8 NO.689 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2014 Spot News PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN 3-2 BARCELONA: MATUIDI STRIKE SETTLES CLASSIC IN FRENCH CAPITAL L ionel Messi and Neymar both got on the scoresheet but the French champions emerged victorious after David Luiz and Marco Verratti also scored A goal from Blaise Matuidi was ultimately enough for Paris Saint- Germain as they beat Barcelona 3-2 in a Champions League thriller on Tuesday. The Ligue 1 champions were without talismanic striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic as well as Thiago Silva and Ezequiel Lavezzi, but held off late Barca pressure to end the visitors' unbeaten start to the campaign and dampen an historic occasion for midfelder Xavi. Coming off the bench to make a record 143rd appearance in the Champions League proper, the former Spain international was on the losing side after defender David Luiz - a target for the Spanish giants in the close-season - showed his quality in the fnal third with a smart turn and fnish to give PSG what proved to be a short-lived lead after 10 minutes. Lionel Messi was the man to restore parity less than two minutes later in the Group F clash as he swept home Barca's 500th Champions League goal, although PSG were ahead again shortly before the half-hour mark. After Marc-Andre ter Stegen failed to collect a deep corner, Marco Verratti headed home his frst PSG goal, with Blaise Matuidi making it 3-1 early in the second half. While Neymar's smart fnish from inside the area gave Barca hope, PSG had not lost at home in Europe since November 2006 - a record they maintained with some stoic late defending. When Sergio Busquets lost possession cheaply early on, former Barca man Thiago Motta blazed PSG's frst attempt over the crossbar as the hosts began brightly. That lively opening was rewarded when Luiz brought down Lucas Moura's free kick and rolled the ball past Ter Stegen as Barca conceded the frst competitive goal of Luis Enrique's tenure. PSG's joy was brief, however, as VISIT UNCLE ZEH'S LAUNDRY & DRY CLEANING SERVICE ON CROWN HILL, BROAD STREET WHERE THE CUSTOMER COMES FIRST
Messi capped off a slick exchange with Andres Iniesta to level and end his run of three Champions League games without a goal - the Argentina star's longest goalless sequence since May 2009. Edinson Cavani was next to go close - the Uruguayan fring over from distance after bamboozling Jeremy Mathieu - before Neymar could only prod Messi's expertly dinked throughball over the crossbar. Verratti then took advantage of some questionable goalkeeping from Ter Stegen, heading in Motta's looping corner after 26 minutes. While Messi came close with a curled free kick, PSG maintained their lead until the break and Cavani threatened soon after the interval as he cut inside Jeremy Mathieu and into a shooting position, only to slip at the vital moment. PSG's pressure eventually brought a third goal after 54 minutes when Matuidi swept home Gregory van der Wiel's delivery from the right, although, as in the frst half, Barca hit back soon after. Neymar controlled Dani Alves' delivery on his chest and delicately placed the ball past Salvatore Sirigu before Xavi came on to make Champions League history. Iniesta - making his 100th appearance in the competition - fred over late on and Marquinhos then blocked Jordi Alba's goalbound effort. Substitute Munir El Haddadi struck the post with a ferce drive, but Barca's search for a point proved in vain as the home side picked up their frst win in Europe this term.