TOP

STORIES

EDUCATION

pg 6b

EROSION
THREATENS
D. TWEH

CRIME WATCH

pg 7

ARMED
ROBBERY
Robbers Attack FPA
judicial reporter

GOVERNMENT NEWS

pg 6a

WORLD
ASSEMBLY
OF WOMEN

President Sirleaf
Arrives in Tokyo, Japan

FrontPage

As Principal Craves Support

www.frontpageafricaonline.com

VOL 9 NO.129

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015

PRICE L$40

GREAVES STRIVES FOR LEC INDEPENDENCE

REGULATORY MUST
BE INDEPENDENT

The 1973 Act creating the LEC did not grant it any exclusivity over the generation, transmission or distribution
of electricity but over the past 40 years, no other company has attempted to challenge LECs dominant market
position,
thereby giving LEC monopoly for all practical purposes. - Businessman Harry Greaves

Legislative Beat- pg. 5

CENTRAL BANK OF LIBERIA

MARKET BUYING AND SELLING RATES

LIBERIAN DOLLARS PER US DOLLAR

BUYING

SELLING

L$88.00/US$1

L$89.00/US$1

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015

L$88.00/US$1

L$89.00/US$1

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2015

L$88.00/US$1

L$89.00/US$1

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

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

FROM PAGE 1

Page 2 | Frontpage

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Kennedy L. Yangian, kennedy.yanqian@frontpageafricaonline.com

Monroviane of the many individuals aspiring to become

President of Liberia as the country goes to fresh
general and presidential elections in 2017 has
fallen in the dragnet of the court for alleged evasion
of real property taxes for up to five years with a court order
for the closure of his business establishment.
Benoni Urey of the All Liberian Party (ALP), one of the
newest certificated political parties qualified by the National
Elections Commission to contest the 2017 election has
already declared his intention to contest the pending election
claiming that he has made impact on the lives of the average
Liberian citizenry than any of the other politician desirous of
becoming president.
Immediately following the certification of his political party
Urey told the Voice of America in an interview that he is the
most suitable candidate to become the next president of
Liberia based on his contribution to improving the lives of
Liberians.
I am everywhere in Liberia. Even Money Changers, I am
sponsoring them; Pen-Pen Boys (motorcycle taxi drivers), I
am sponsoring them. I have a hand in everything in Liberia. It
is not because I need the money, but what is most satisfying
to me is that I am giving a Liberian a chance to live because
I also was in a position where I wanted somebody to help
me start off life. I know what it is not to have money to pay
tuition; I know what it is to take your father to the hospital
and dont have money to pay hospital bill; I know what it is
not to have a meal on your table because Im a product of all
those difficulties, Urey told the VOA.
In spite of Ureys boast of business establishments and
helping to provide living for many Liberians, he continue
to be questioned for the source of his wealth with many
Liberians accusing him of using his closeness to former
Liberian president Charles Taylor to amass illegal wealth
while serving as head of the lucrative Liberia Maritime
Authority (LMA).
Urey has since denied any wrongdoing claiming that he
legally acquired his wealth from business but the quick
growth from the Taylor era where he now has huge assets

and profit making ventures including the largest GSM service

provider Lonestar Cell Corporation continue to be talking
points against Urey.
Many Liberians believe Urey and others used the years of
civil conflict in the country to enrich themselves- transacting
deeds that might have generated for them millions in illegal
incomes.
Already facing allegations of amassing huge wealth under
the regime of his close ally Taylor, Urey is once again at the
spotlight over allegations of evading taxes with a closure
orders from the court mandating the shutting down of his
business establishment located on 10th street in Sinkor.
According to Closure Orders from the Tax Court for
Montserrado County which previously issued a temporary
closure orders on July 30, 2015, the court commanded the
closure of the Benoni Urey property located on 10th street.
Stated the Orders BY virtue of respondents failure to pay
taxes assessed under real estate tax demand notice No.:
004468238, 004468022 and 0048668030, 004468080, and
004473782, and for failure to comply with 72 hour warning
notice posted on the respondents premises on July 21,
2015, you are hereby commanded to have the property of
Benoni Urey located on 10th Street, Sinkor, City of Monrovia,
Liberia, temporarily closed for not more than seven (7) days
to permit the petitioner to conduct the procedures set forth
in the Revenue Code (2000) sec. 1042(d).
Prior to the Closure Orders, the issued another orders entitled
petition for temporary closure order under the revenue
code 2000, section 1042(d), where the court indicated that
Benoni Urey property with Tax I.D. N0. 500278156 has failed
to pay taxes dating far back as 2010 and up to 2015.
In the petition filled by the Republic of Liberia by and thru the
Liberia Revenue Authority represented by its Commissioner
General, Elfreida Stewart Tamba of the city of Monrovia,
petitioner versus 14 other respondent, Benoni Urey property
is listed as the 5th respondent.
The LRA is alleging that Urey owes US$52,539.19 in unpaid
taxes over the five years period which prompted the LRA to
petition the court to issue a temporary closure order on July
30, 2015.

The LRA issued a temporary closure order before the court

against the respondents stating that they have failed to pay
their respective real estate tax (bill) by the due date (July 1st
of the year (s) in which the relevant property was assessed,
as required by the Revenue Code, Section 2002 and as
noticed in the assessment notice.
The petitioner stated that it posted in a prominent place
on the premises of each respondent, a notice of warning
that, as set forth in Revenue Code, section 1042 (d) that if
respondent continue to fail to pay its assessed real estate
tax bill within 72 hours, petitioner had the right to effect a
temporary closure of the premises for up to seven (7) days in
order to perform the procedures set forth thereunder.
In the Closure Order, the petitioner stated that the 72 hours
period expired without action from the respondent taxpayer,
accusing the respondents of committing at least two (2)
offenses, subjecting each respondent to the provisions of the
revenue Code Section 1042(d).
The 10th Street Property along with the Provident Hotel on
9th Street, Sinkor, Rosina Grimes Property on the Corner
of Gurley and Front Streets were among a select sets of
properties spared closure earlier this month when LRA
monitors went to their respective properties to shut them
down. The properties spared, including Ureys reportedly
made immediate payments and installment arrangements to
settle their real estate tax obligations when LRA Enforcement
and Legal teams moved in to seal their doors. The LRA at the
time extended thanks to all Taxpayers who complied.
However, a legal representative at the LRA speaking on
condition of anonymity Wednesday told FrontPageAfrica that
Urey reportedly paid US$20,000 out of the US$52,000,owed,
thereby putting him at risk of the building being closed. The
building hosts one of Ureys radio stations, LIB24 and other
offices.
Some of Ureys supporters say the move is an attempt by
forces in the ruling Unity Party government, fearing the
momentum of his presidential quest but LRA officials
contend that they are simply carrying out the duties within
the confines of the law.

Thursday, August 27, 2015

FrontPage
EDITORIAL
v

Overstaffed, Overpaid, Overspent

and mismanaged, Liberias
Embattled and cash-strapped Oil
company Must reform for the better

OF LATE, The National Oil Company of Liberia has been in the

news for all the wrong reasons.
REPORTS OF BANKRUPTCY, bad management and overspending
of limited resources spurred speculations lately that the
company was on the verge of collapse.
THEN ON June 23, 2015, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf
called on the board of NOCAL to nullify all resolutions passed
approving excessive benefits for departing senior managers
and board members, targeting specifically a November 2011
resolution that allowed management to benefit from no ceiling
parting gifts.
ALL THIS amid concerns expressed in a leaked memo from
NOCAL board members on June 9, which stated that Liberia
had lost potentially much needed money in signature bonuses
from the slow pace to close the bid round while giant American
oil companies Anadarko and Chevron either walked away or
held fire on investments in Liberia in a stunning, unfortunate
and embarrassing reversal of fortune for the country.
THEN LAST FRIDAY, Employees and staffers received the news
many expected but dreaded that they were all out of jobs.
CLLR. SEWARD COOPER, Chairman of the NOCAL Board, Cllr.
informed employees about their fate for which they had been
forewarned, as he explained to staffers last Friday, why the
decision was necessary and gave an estimated timeline of three
months before the exercise took full effect.
TWO MONTHS LATER, at a meeting with staffers last Friday,
the board chair reminded the employees of the meeting two
months earlier and thanked each employee for their service
while informing all that September 30th would be their last day.
NOCAL WILL REPORTEDLY give out severance packages to
employees who are being downsized by September 30, 2015
in accordance with the labor laws and the revenue tax code,
meaning that laid off employees would be made to pay taxes and
no extra benefits including transportation and rental aid would
be part of the package.
WHAT IS STILL NOT clear is the fate of Dr. Randolph McClain,
Chief Executive Officer for NOCAL, whose position was not
among the list of casualties submitted when the board notified
President Sirleaf about their decision last Friday.
THE TRUTH of the matter is, Dr. McClain is at the crux of the
problems at NOCAL. It was under his watch that a bloated
payroll listing surfaced, mostly political appointees, said to be
more than 170 surpassing a payroll of a reported US$600,000
monthly, for a small oil company in a small nation still shy of
striking commercial quantity in oil.
THE NOCAL BOARD in its submission to the president did not
include Dr. McClains name among those sidelined for firing,
leaving it to the President who has the power to do so. Sources
say that the President/Ceo Dr. McClains termination was not
included in the plan because the board felt it had no authority to
fire him but that the President insisted that McClain be added to
the list with immediate effect.
IT IS OUR HOPE that President Sirleaf will do what is right
by Liberia and NOCALs immediate and foreseeable future by
setting an example on the architect of the entitys near collapse.
DR. MCCLAIN cannot and should not be spared when scores of
others are bracing themselves for the unemployment line.
IT IS BELIEVED that pressure is mounting from both the Senate
and the House for McClains removal from NOCAL which has
taken a turn for the worse under his reign.
WE ALSO HOPE that the President will take keen note of the
right sizing plan which includes recommendation that the board
and senior management along with the rest of the companys
employees be terminated then re-vetted for employment at a
much smaller NOCAL.
IN A BID to cut off wasteful spending, we hope that the
administration can come up with a strategic plan for moving the

Page 3

COMMENTARY

TRANSITIONING THE LIBERIAN FLAG FROM

EMBLEMATIC SYMBOL TO PATRIOTIC CITIZENS

A LONG-OVERDUE L

MAKEOVER
AT NOCAL

Frontpage

By: Stephen B. Lavalah, Contributing Writer

iberians from all walks of life commemorate National Flag Day

in different forms and manners. The state usually organizes
a parade of students in front of the Centennial Memorial
Pavilion with the Commander-in-Chief alongside an array of
government officials and thousands of onlookers rise to the occasion
to pay homage to statehood and sometimes sing patriotic songs.
Some citizens place the Flag on vehicles and other transport facilities,
while several raise it on homes and offices. Still many display it in
the public domain, while employee of the Monrovia City Corporation
and General Service Agency intermittently whitewash street corners
and some public buildings even though the heavy down pour of
rain is capable of taking away the whitewash. Scores of Liberians
decorate their homes and businesses with red, white, and blue as
well as wear national colors to depict patriotism and nationalism.
During each Independence Anniversary, national sporting festivities
and state-owned programs a good number of Liberians charm to such
ceremonies with picturesque scenery of the Flag and state attire to
portray nationhood and national identity. As a matter of fact, every
morning during school days, students across the country assemble to
pledge allegiance to the flag. Besides, it is mandatory that all citizens
and foreigners alike be attentive and at standstill in the course of
hoisting and dropping the Flag.
All the more so, from time immemorial the Government expends
thousand of taxpayers dollars to festoon public facilities with national
colors, undertake and dedicate variety of projects, and also deliver all
sorts of thought-provoking, motivational and patriotic speeches in
order to venerate the day. All too often, the most exciting, amazing
and fascinating component is the parade of students and perhaps
military and paramilitary personnel throughout the principal streets.
In spite of all the glamorous outlook of homes, office, and public
facilities with state-owned hues as well as grandiloquent and silvertongue speeches resounding loyalty to the flag emanating from state
actors and stakeholders, there remain more questions than answers
in transitioning the Liberian Flag from a mere emblematic symbol to
patriotic citizens.
For too long, some prominent statesmen have argued to change the
Flag to reflect indigenous emblems. Furthermore, Liberian historians
continue to recount the inherent contradictions and falsehood about
the historicity of the Flag. Consequently, lots of Liberians have since
begun pondering on the essence of the Flag. Around street corners and
university campuses, where people from the fountain of knowledge
and young intelligentsias meet to flex intellectual muscles they ask
each others: What difference will it make by changing the color and
symbol on the Flag? Will it further divide or unite Liberians? What is
the motive behind honoring a flag without a true spirit of patriotism?
Why most Liberians are united only for a relatively short span of time
and divided consistently on the basis of petty jealousy, recrimination,
religion, tribe, social status, and location? How come the founding
fathers hoisted another flag on the day of Independence? Where the
warlords and architects of the 14 years of brutal and barbaric civil
crisis ever conscious of the Flag being an icon of unity, national pride
and freedom? With all these questions on mind and many more yet
unanswered, a number of people are still wondering when Liberian
will exhibit a true sense of patriotism and nationalism.
Beyond the Emblem
The Flag is not just a mere emblem or cloth with colors that someone
is required by law to respect and honor. It is not about how long
the Flag will keep flying on vehicles and transport facilities. It is not
the beautification of buildings and streets with red, white and blue
or eloquent speeches. Instead, it is an obligation, dedication and
conviction to serve the country selflessly, tirelessly, and fearlessly
beyond personal aggrandizement. It is a mark of good citizenship
and loyalty to country, founding documents and respect for fellow
citizens and constituted authorities. No matter what colors or
symbols, the Flag should and must create a sense of hope, cultivate
unity in diversity and foster pride and values among citizens. So, the
argument about changing the Flag really does not hold water, because
it is not the color or symbol on the Flag that matters most, it is the
mindset of Liberians towards their own country and its people.
Liberians must begin to demonstrate a special affection for their
country, nurture a sense of personal identification and learn to seek the
well-being of the country and as well adopt the spirit of willingness to
sacrifice for the common good of the country. The people across this
great land and those in the Diaspora should now begin to envision a
New Liberia that is greater than religion confessed, dialect spoken,
county of origin, place of birth or family name. Liberians have got to
understand that the country is bigger than the sum of their individual
ambition or greed for power or wealth. The time for reform is upon
this country and there should be absolutely no moment for Native
or Indigene versus Congo or Americo-Liberian. In the same vein,
recommendation from the Constitution Review Committee regarding
dual citizenship and nationality status to people of only Negro
descent as expressed in the 1986 Constitution should be carefully
reexamined, before the proposed National Referendum.
v

company forward, especially during the global downturn of oil

and gas prices.
IT IS PARTICULARLY NECESSARY that the Sirleaf administration
do all it can to get this right when the rightsizing of NOCAL is
completed.
BUT LONG before that, the ongoing process to conclude
production sharing contract arrangements related to the 2014
Liberia Basin Bid Round For Oil Blocks 6,7 And 17 is as important

Patriotic Liberians who voluntarily joined the Armed Forces of

Liberia, the Liberia National Police, the Bureau of Immigration &
Naturalization, the National Fire Service, the Executive Protection
Service, the National Service Agency alongside other security
apparatus carrying the Flag of this Republic on their right arms
should be treated with dignity and respect and given all due
courtesy in a timely, and unique manner. The children and even
those outside the family of the gallant men and women serving the
security sector should and must appreciate that it is honorable to be
a soldier, respectable to be a police officer, and admirable to serve
the country. Therefore, the Government should provide appropriate
accommodation, logistics and better incentive to commensurate with
present-day realities. The hoaxes and empty promises have got to
stop and the welfare of the valiant and astute state security personnel
must be highly prioritized. Moreover, civil servants who keep the
wheels of government turning deserve better living conditions and
an environment conducive for working. The threats and humiliation
emanating from presidential appointees and well-connected
supervisors can no longer be tolerated and need to immediately end.
The younger generation of Liberia should be taught to give back to
their communities in whatever positive virtue. As a replacement
for the US$3 as stipend to young people to clean street corners,
the Government must change to introduce Service Learning in the
national curriculum at the secondary and tertiary levels. Then, the
amount allotted for compensation could be utilized to reduce tuition,
build public libraries, construct and upgrade laboratories, provide
up-to-date textbooks and enhance research activities so as to ensure
the publication of more contextualized Liberian textbooks.
Patriotism should and must not be only through the usual flamboyant
utterances and cosmetic fanfares. It should contain a great meaning
with a deep sense of loyalty, peace, love and the eagerness to make
Liberia the best nation on Earth. It is not an exaggeration or illusion;
this is achievable if Liberians begin to start thinking clearly for the
common good of all.
Liberians must begin to harness or reap their God given and
inalienable right to possess and enjoy their wealth instead of a
few elites and higher-ups. The people have got to stop begging for
handout, bailout or rescue package, rather they should wakeup,
shakeup and standup to acquire what belong to them. This should
not be done through the use of vehement force or antagonistic attack
to gain political capital; however, it must emulate and assimilate a
nonviolent approach of Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin
Luther King, Jr. and lately the Egyptians in Tahrir Square. Liberians
must be willing to call their government to change the status quo of
nepotism, sectionalism, favoritism, tribalism and partisan posture
to being a government for all Liberians irrespective of creed, status,
tribe, religion and background.
Liberians have got to espouse a posture of strategic thinking and do
away with politicizing everything, perpetually criticizing without any
industrious venture, badmouthing campaign for little or nothing and
singing everlasting praises to the power that be. While Liberians are
quite busy with all sorts of trivial issues, the foreigners are making
use of every single opportunity to enrich themselves at the detriment
of the already penury Liberians. Though Liberia needs more
Socrates and Plato to deliver all types grandiloquent speeches
and masquerade the corridor of the majority as activist or down
trodden, but the challenges before the country is voluminous and
require sober, mature and dedicated people to drive the change
through hard work, perseverance, integrity and honesty. Liberians
must be willing to take up the task at hand and many more ahead,
not through proliferation of intellectual forums or regular calling
or texting on famous radio talk show or constant creation of civil
society organizations, but with the formation of think-tank of young
Liberians and older folks cluster in community strategizing to move
Liberia forward. The think-tank would produce engineers to compete
with the Chinese, entrepreneurs to surpass the Lebanese, Fulani,
Nigerians and Ghanaians. Furthermore, doctors, nurses, economists,
environmentalists and other professionals would be nurtured and
equipped to perform any assigned duties in their areas of specialties.
As the country struggles to transition from conflict to tranquility and
from Ebola to recovery, every Liberian needs to rethink, restrategize
and remake the broken fabrics of a country torn apart by war, poverty,
disease, and human suffering. Liberians should begin to celebrate
and appreciate their own country, culture, music, arts, and clothes.
Nowadays, setting a day aside for flag adoration has become obsolete
in many countries. Accordingly, the Government should alter Flag
Day celebration to initiatives that foster patriotism and nationalism
in every nook and cranny of this country. The Constitution must
be taught in all institutions of learning as enshrined in the 1986
Constitution of this Republic. Likewise, civic education and
community sensitization regarding the importance of being patriotic
should be carried out.
About the author: Mr. Stephen B. Lavalah is an advocate

as the reforms being implemented at NOCAL.

DOWNSIZING A COMPANY which crippled itself by overstaffing,
overspending and mismanaging the countrys emerging oil sector
is a good start. But what happens next will gauge the seriousness
of the administration in its bid to avoid the pitfalls of political
appointees which transformed NOCAL into a dumping ground for
political has-beens and recycled former officials.

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Page 4 | Frontpage

The Reader's Page

FrontPage

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING

ABOUT OUR STORIES ON THE
WORLDWIDE WEB

COMMENTS FROM
FPA ONLINE

TIPPED FOR UN? ELLEN

AMONGST POTENTIALS
TO REPLACE KI-MOON
DEH G VOWAL TRINITY CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

Johnson Nato claimed, Ellen is his best President since he

got matured; so, who was your best before maturity?
NYEMADE WANI UNIVERSITY OF LIBERIA, MONROVIA,
LIBERIA CAMPUS

Heaven help the UN. They have not seen anything yet. Let
them wait until Madame President and Co get in there.
Their dream will be a nightmare of hellish proportions:
"Where is the money for the peacekeepers?" It disappeared!
Who authorized this 1 million dollars per diem? They pay
themselves. Mary Robinson is the best candidate.
JOHNSON NATO ITC ILO TURIN

We must appreciate President Johnson-Sirleaf cause

she keeps us living in peace and away from the sound of
guns........ Madam Ellen, you are my best President since I
got mature.

NYEMADE WANI UNIVERSITY OF LIBERIA, MONROVIA,

LIBERIA CAMPUS
My dear, we have negative peace. Peace is when you have a
full belly, a job, good schools and stability. You cannot have
peace and have an empty stomach.
EMMANUEL MOORE

United Nations and George W. Bush gave Liberia peace. Ellen

Sirleaf did not stop the 2003 war, she supported it. That is
why she has all those war lords in her administration and
why she has neglected to prosecute war crimes in Liberia.
JOHNSON NATO ITC ILO TURIN

I am positive about Madam Ellen taking over the UN cause

she's Prepare and will definetely head the body to the world
best exception. I support your bid President Sirleaf.
GAYAH KEZELE AREA MANAGER AT SAVE THE
CHILDREN INTERNATIONAL - LIBERIA
I wish the UN would take her immediately!
EMMANUEL MOORE
Lol....

SYLVESTER MOSES WORKS AT SELF-EMPLOYED

Bro Wani, We share your frustration with EJS at a critical
moment in Liberia, but she is well qualified for the UN
job. Transforming a post conflict Liberia, which was
completely corrupt, according to our history, before her
birth wasnt going to be easy for a woman already legally a
senior citizen during her 2006 inauguration. The younger
idealistic EJS of the mid 70s and early 80s wouldve done
better. Inasmuch as she is aging gracefully, what we see is
a shell of the vibrant Ellen, and yet she still has some fight
in her.
JOHN-LORD BAXTER II DAMANSARA, KUALA LUMPUR,
MALAYSIA

So... The question is... Why is she so respected abroad but

despised at home??? Answer... The west loves a "puppet"
who can be controlled by them at the push of a button. She
is a "yes sir, yes ma'am" person in the eyes of the west, and
that is good for them. She may be good for the west but
definitely not for Liberia.

DISCLAIMER: The comments expressed here are

those of our online readers and bloggers and do no
represent the views of FrontPageAfrica

Send your letters and comments to:

editor@frontpageafricaonline.com
YOU WRITE; WE PUBLISH; THEY READ!

UREYS AMERICA

PROBLEM
S
The Editor,

o far, Mr. Urey has been striking all the right notes.
His critique of the recent profligate GOL budget is a
stinking indictment of the Sirleaf administration's
cavalier and sometimes callous approach towards
development. His essay in "The Hill" underscoring the need
for more trade as opposed to aid(s) with the likes of the United
States demonstrates his understanding of some of the cardinal
problems that are hampering growth and development in the
country.
Notwithstanding, Mr. Urey is facing a problem similar to that
of Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush. Mr. Bush's
name identity coupled with his brother's policies have render
him guilty by association with a cross section of the American
electorates. Despite his policies positions of late, the fact
remains that, most Liberians still view Mr. Urey through the
prism of former President Taylor. As a close associate of the
former president --who is a convicted war criminal -- the ALP
leader was an insider of the Taylor regime that was renowned
for its brute abuse of human rights and press freedom;
coupled with massive corruption. For his past affiliations with
the ancient regime, Mr. Urey has been considered "persona
non-grata" by Liberia's benefactor, the United States of
America. A "Specially Designated National" by the Department
of Treasury of the United States, American citizens and by
extension it's government are forbidden to do business with
the businessman turned pol.
While his nascent public relation stunts may have send shock
waves to some of the political grandees in the country, there is
a malaise about Mr. Urey that exist when it comes to the most
coveted foreign policy issue that most Liberians care about;
that is, Liberia's strategic relations with the United States.
In his article to The Hill, Mr. Urey averred that, "There is no
country on the planet with more blood ties to the United States
than the West African nation of Liberia." Yes, Liberia's historic
ties with the United States is undisputed; but also is America's
moral leverage in determining who becomes president of
her proverbial "step- child". Given his Specially Designated
National status, a future President Urey, ceteris peribus will
be prohibited from conducting the nation's business with its
most important ally. This could be counter-productive and
consequential to a nation still reeling from years of strife and
heavily dependent on the goodwill of developed nation's like
the United States.
There are those who argue that, the international community
will work with anyone the Liberia people elect as their leader
come 2017. One has to look no further than the Taylor regime
to rebuff said notion. The international community led by
America will not work with anyone as being proffered by
Urey's sympathizers. There is no precedent in U.S.- Liberia
relations that validates such point of view. In the end, if
Liberians opt for a Urey's presidency, they run the risks of
being isolated internationally amount the comity of nations,
something very redolent of the nation's recent past under the
despot Charles Taylor.

DISMAY UL
TUITION
INCREMENT
TACTIC

The Editor,

t is sometimes difficult to officially speak against leaders

or administrators that you strongly believe in as reformers,
but with the latest planned decision by the man who I have
admired over the years as President of the University of
Liberia, Dr. Emmett A. Dennis, to increase tuition by 200% at this
post Ebola virus disease period is very counter productive to the
learning atmosphere for thousand of students who normally do
not afford school fees easily but heavily depend on scholarship
and financial aid to further their education at the state run
University. Dr. Dennis, the University of Liberia current learning
conditions cannot be compared to the reality of the 21st century.
The challenges for students are many and all we can see around
us are; poor laboratories, libraries and classrooms management.
We continue to learn under difficult constraint presenting us to
the global village as group of uneducated people even with our
desires to acquire knowledge in Africas oldest independent
nation.
Students and products of the University of Liberia have been
stereotyped as noisy because they continue to advocate for
academic emancipation. We are becoming critical about your
stewardship, because your promises to us few years ago are no
longer coming forth, everything on the campuses of the university
have turned into donations from friendly nations, individuals, and
institutions.
Funding that are generated for the proper management of the
university are not meeting its essence any more, your initial
excellence performance for the improvement of the university is
gradually becoming history.
Your every semester tuition increment tactic in the name of low
budgetary allocation from national government to the state run
university is making the student populace to critically critique
your day to day financial and administrative handling of the
university.
To our national leaders, the time has come for your quick
intervention at the University of Liberia, for so long, we continue
to call your attention to this issue without proper mechanism that
is making students of the state run university vary uncomfortable
with the learning environment on a daily basics.
Our generation story can not continue to be the same hopelessness,
vulnerable youths, uneducated, poor and deprivation of quality
educations as a result of what I refer to as conspiracy from those
that profess to be architects of our future!
We have sharpened our demands for quality education where
individual citizens potential is unlocked. No time to waste, our
generation deserves quality education.
Daniel Kokoi, Jr.
Deputy Secretary General
Lofa University Students Association
University of Liberia
danielkokoijr@gmail.com

EDITORIAL TEAM
Rodney D. Sieh, Managing Editor, 0886-738-666;
077-936-138, editor@FrontPageAfricaonline.com;
rodney.sieh@FrontPageAfricaonline.com
Samwar S. Fallah, News Desk Chief, 0886-527
541, samwar.fallah@frontpageafricaonline.com
Gboko Stewart, Copy Editor 0886 484974
gboko.stewart@frontpageafricaonline.con
Danesius Marteh, Sports Editor, danesius.
marteh@frontpageafricaonline.com, 0886236528
James-Emmanuel D. Cole, Jr, Graphics Designer
& Layout Editor, echange4life@gmail.com;
0886 211 390, 0777 027 030
Henry Karmo, Reporter, henry.karmo@
frontpageafricaonline.com
Bettie Johnson, Reporter, , / betty.johnson@
frontpageafricaonline.com/0886971922

Al-varney Rogers, Reporter, al.rogers@

frontpageafricaonline.com, 0886-304498
Kennedy L. Yangian, Reporter, kennedy.yangian@
frontpageafricaonline.com 0777296781
A. Macaulay Sombai, Sports Reporter, macaulay.sombai@
FrontpageAfricaonline.com, 077217428
COUNTY NEWS TEAM
Grand Bassa, Alpha Daffae Senkpeni, 0777432042
Bong County, Selma Lomax, selma.lomax@
frontpageafricaonline.com, 0886-484666
BUSINESS/ADVERTISING
Kadi Coleman Porte, 0886-304-178/ 0777832753,
advertise@frontpageafricaonline.com

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Monroviaormer LPRC Managing

Director
and
businessman, Harry
Greaves, has called on
the National Legislature not
to place the Liberia Electricity
Corporation
under
the
Ministry of Lands, Mines and
Energy.
Speaking to a joint legislative
committee on Energy and
Natural Resources, Greaves
said an independent LEC
will be akin to the Liberia
Telecommunications Authority
(LTA).
Said Greaves:
Regulatory
must be independent. Just as
LTA was independent, it was
never housed in the Ministry of
Post and Telecommunications
for one day. From the get go,
they were independent. We
need to make LEC independent
and to do that, we must
have people who had prior
experience heading it.
The businessman has been
basking in the limelight
lately as he pushes for the
privatization of the electricity
sector. In defense his draft
bill in the senate calling for
the privatization of the LEC,
Greaves said his bill seeks
to accomplish four tasks
the removal of the de facto
monopoly enjoyed by LEC by
opening the market to private
investors and competition.
The 1973 Act creating the
LEC did not grant it any
exclusivity over the generation,
transmission or distribution of
electricity but over the past 40
years, no other company has
attempted to challenge LECs
dominant market position,
thereby giving LEC monopoly

Frontpage

Land Mines and Energy Minister, Patrick Sendolo

Page 5

Businessman Harry Greaves

GREAVES STRIVES FOR LEC INDEPENDENCE

REGULATORY MUST
BE INDEPENDENT

for all practical purposes, he

said.
He said he believes that there is
a role for LEC as a transmission
company because it already
has some transmission assets
on the ground as building the
necessary infrastructure will
involve hundreds of millions of
dollars.
Returns on this kind of
investment are long term and
the government of Liberia,
as the owner of LEC, may be
able to mobilize donor and

other funds for this purpose.

Let us be very clear here: for
LEC to be reliable and effective
TRANSCO a transmission
companyit will have to be
restructured and it should look
for partner with deep pockets.
Contrary to Greaves proposed
draft bill to the legislature, a
bill submitted by the Executive,
says the regulator (LEC) will
be housed in the Ministry
of Lands, Mines and Energy,
under the Department of
Energy.

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT:

FOR THE POSITION OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE INDEPENDENT

NATIONAL COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS OF LIBERIA (INCHR)
BACKGROUND:
In 2005, the National Transitional Legislature repealed the Act of 1997 creating the Liberia Commission
on Human rights and also established the Independent National Commission on Human Rights of
Liberia (INCHR). The core mandate of the INCHR is to promote and protect human rights in Liberia.
Currently there are vacancies for Commissioners of the INCHR. The Independent Committee of Experts
established by His Honor Francis Korkpor, the Chief Justice of the Republic of Liberia is seeking
applications from qualified Liberians to fill these positions.
THE COMMISSIONERS SHALL:
Hold office for (5) years
Not hold any other public or Government Office upon incumbency;
Not engage in any other occupation, business or profession or any other activities for which he or she
is paid;
Not hold any position incompatible with the proper performance of the commissioners official duties.
ELIGIBILITY:
Must be a Liberian National
Must have acquired at least a Bachelors Degree. A Masters Degree is an added advantage.
Must be at least 40 years of age
Must not have been convicted by a court for any criminal offence involving moral turpitude
Must demonstrate commitment as a human rights advocate.

COMPETENCIES:
Demonstrate experience in human rights monitoring, investigation and documentation;
Demonstrate working knowledge of the Paris Principle in the protection and promotion of human
rights;
Experience in advocacy and working with diverse actors involved in the promotion and protection of
human rights;
Proven record of independence, impartiality, and high degree of integrity;
Demonstrate ability to work with vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly, the disabled,
refugees, internally displaced, detainees, and others who risk being victims of abuses.
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested candidates shall send applications accompanied by Cvs with all relevant documents to
confirm qualification as well as the names of two references.
Hard copies of required documents should be addressed to:
COMMITTEE OF EXPERTS
The Independent National Commission on Human Rights
C/O Search for Common Ground
Off Tubman Boulevard
Vamoma House Traffic Light
Sinkor Airfield

Electronic and scanned documents can also be sent to committeeof_experts@yahoo.com

Deadline for submission of applications: August 28, 2015 at 5 PM

Only shortlisted candidates will be called by phone or emailed for interview on September 1-2, 2015

In his comments at the

public hearing Wednesday,
Lands Mines and Energy
Minister, Patrick Sendolo said
the government of Liberia
embraces private participation
in the electricity sector.
He claimed though the
government
welcomes
the involvement of private
participation, they are in no
rush to privatize until careful
consideration of what is
dictated by the best interest of
the nation.

Power theft
For his part, Joseph Myers,
Managing Director of LEC
said he wants the new LEC
law to address two issues
which include power theft and
delinquency in the payment of
bills.
Managing Director Myers said
the government of Liberia,
since 2006, has planned to
invest over eight hundred
million dollars but the risk to
the investment is that people
willfully and deliberately steal

power from the facilities.

This poses serious financial
and economic problem to
the utility and the national
economy. The utility will be
put in a position where they
cannot pay for the loan for
which they had agreements
with the government through
the finance Ministry.
Therefore the legal regime
should be put in place that will
deal swiftly with individuals
involve in power theft, Mr.
Myer said.

VEGA Liberia DCA Program

Statement of Work: IBEX Enterprise Development Specialist

Position:
Program:
Location:
Duration:
Target Start Date:

IBEX Enterprise Development Specialist

Liberia Investing for Business Expansion (IBEX) Program
Monrovia, Liberia
7 months
Sept 15, 2015 to April 2016

IESC the International Executive Service Corps is a US based not-for-profit with a focus on supporting
private enterprise in developing countries. We have worked in partnership with local people in 130
countries - mainly with the generous support of USAID - designing, implementing, managing, and
evaluating a wide range of market driven solutions along the entire value chain of a company or industry.
We are proud that we have helped create more than one million jobs throughout the world, leaving behind
a legacy of increased economic stability and skills, burgeoning private businesses, and strengthened public
and private institutions where they are needed most.
In Liberia, IESC implements the Investing for Business Expansion (IBEX) program. This four-year program
is funded by USAID through a Leader with Associate Award under the Volunteers for Economic Growth
Alliance (VEGA). The program works with commercial banks and SMEs to facilitate increased access to
commercial finance. Under this program, IBEX is seeking an Enterprise Development Specialist (EDS). This
is a full-time position based in Monrovia and anticipated to last through the end of May 2016.

Under the supervision of the Chief of Party (COP), the Enterprise Development Specialist will work with
organizations and enterprises from eight (8) sectors; Agribusiness, infrastructure, construction, general
merchandise/Trade, transportation, Healthcare, Energy, and hospitality. The EDS will conduct outreach
to educate small and medium enterprises (SMEs) on the role of credit in growing businesses and cultivate
a pipeline of SMEs that would benefit from debt or equity financing. Working with these SMEs, the EDS
will provide counseling and technical assistance to improve their credit readiness and develop their loan
application and supporting documentation.

The Enterprise Development Specialist will be responsible for keeping accurate records of their activities
and reporting them to the programs Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist. The EDS will also follow up with
IBEX clients through periodic visits to their business to assess progress and identify potential impediments.
The EDS will work closely with the component 2 team.
Qualifications
Fluency in English;
At least five years of professional work experience in one or more of the following sectors: Agribusiness,
Energy, Healthcare, infrastructure, construction, general merchandise/Trade, transportation, and
hospitality;
At least two years of business management experience;
University degree in business management, accounting, finance or related field;
Previous experience conducting training or capacity building;
Strong organizational, writing and communications skills; Financial analysis skills;
Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs;
Ability to work as part of a team, to prioritize work, and handle multiple tasks under tight deadlines;
Credit Analysis, documentation loan review, and packaging;
Ability to travel throughout Liberia;
Prior experience working on a donor-funded development programsespecially USAIDwould be a
plus.
How to Apply: Please submit a detailed resume and a brief message summarizing your interest and
qualifications to IBEXCOP@gmail.com with IBEX Enterprise Development Specialist in the subject
line.
Closing date: Monday, August 31, 2015 at 5:00 p.m.
Only finalists will be contacted.
No phone calls please.
IESC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Page 6 | Frontpage

Republic of Liberia

Republic of Liberia

Ministry of National Defense (MOD)

Ministry of National Defense (MOD)

INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB)

INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB)

The GOL through the Ministry of National Defense (MOD) anticipate

funding from its National Budget for FY 2015/2016 for the The GOL through the Ministry of National Defense (MOD) anticipate
funding from its National Budget for FY 2015/2016 for the
procurement of Dry Ration (Rice).
procurement of the following contract packages.

No. LOT

DESCRIPTION

CODE

QUANTITY

Dry Ration (Rice)

IFB NO. MOD/NCB/001/15/16

28,200 Bags

LOT 1

No.

LOT

DESCRIPTION

CODE

QUANTITY

LOT 2

Building materials

IFB NO. MOD/NCB/002/15/16

Assorted

LOT 3

Printing and Binding materials

IFB NO. MOD/NCB/003/15/16

Assorted

The Ministry of National defense now invites sealed bids from eligible The Ministry of National defense now invites sealed bids from eligible
and qualified Liberian owned Businesses for the supply of Dry Ration and qualified bidders for the above contract packages. Each lot must
(Rice) for FY 2015/2016 as indicated above
be bided for separately.
Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding
(NCB) procedure specified in the PPC Act and is opened to only
Liberian owned Businesses as defined in the Small Business Act.
Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information from the
Procurement Unit of the Ministry of National Defense and obtain copy
of the Bidding Documents at the address given below.
Qualifications requirements includes

Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding

(NCB) procedure specified in the PPC Act and is opened to all eligible
bidders as defined in the Guidelines. Interested eligible bidders may
obtain further information from the Procurement Unit of the Ministry
of National Defense and obtain copy of the Bidding Documents at the
address given below.
Qualifications requirements includes

I. Article of Incorporation
I. Article of Incorporation
II. Valid Business Registration Certificate with appropriate business II. Valid Business Registration Certificate with appropriate business
activity code
activity code
III. Valid tax Clearance
III. Valid tax Clearance
IV. Past Performance Record including the name and contact number
of at least 2 clients
IV. Past Performance Record including the name and contact number
of at least 2 clients
All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security of 2% from a
reputable bank and bids must be valid for 60 days after the deadline
V. Availability of Warehouse
for submission.
All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security of 2% from a
reputable bank and bids must be valid for 60 days after the deadline
for submission.
A complete set of Bidding Documents in English may be pick up by
interested bidders on the submission of a written Application to the
address below beginning Wednesday, August 12, 2015. Deadline for
submission of bids is 12:00 noon on Wednesday, September 9, 2015.

A complete set of Bidding Documents in English may be pick up by

interested bidders on the submission of a written Application to the
address below beginning Wednesday, August 12, 2015. Deadline for
submission of bids is 12:30 noon on Wednesday, September 9, 2015.

Electronic bidding will not be permitted. Late bids will be rejected and
returned to bidders unopened. Bids will be opened in the presence
of the bidders who choose to attend or bidders representatives on
Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at 13:00 noon in the conference room
of the Ministry of National Defense on Lynch Street. Bids submitted
must be sealed and labeled as follow

Electronic bidding will not be permitted. Late bids will be rejected and
returned to bidders unopened. Bids will be opened in the presence
of the bidders who choose to attend or bidders representatives on
Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at 12:00 noon in the conference room
of the Ministry of National Defense on Lynch Street. Bids submitted
REF: IFB NO. MOD/NCB/001/15/16
must be sealed and labeled as follow
Attention:
Procurement Director
REF: IFB NO. MOD/NCB/001/15/16
Attention:
Procurement Unit, DMALT, Delta Building
Procurement Director
Ministry of National Defense
Procurement Unit, DMALT, Delta Building
BTC Compound, United Nations Drive & Lynch Street
Ministry of National Defense
Monrovia, Liberia
BTC Compound, United Nations Drive & Lynch Street
Monrovia, Liberia
SIGNED: ____________________________________
PROCUREMENT DIRECTOR
SIGNED: ____________________________________
PROCUREMENT DIRECTOR
APPROVED: __________________________
MINISTER/HEAD OF PC
APPROVED: __________________________
MINISTER/HEAD OF PC

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Frontpage

ARMED ROBBERY: ROBBERS

ATTACK FPA JUDICIAL REPORTER

REPORTER BETTY JOHNSON AT WORK

Monroviahe Slipway home of

FrontPageAfricas
reporter
Bettie
Johnson came under
attack at 2a.m. Wednesday
morning by men believed to be
armed robbers.
The robbers, according to the
reporter, were armed to the
teeth with sharp cutlasses,

he
Independent
National Commission
on Human Rights of
Liberia has found
Golden Veroleum Liberia (GVL)
liable for the riot incident On
May 26, 2015.
In a fact finding report,
the Chairperson of the
Commission, Cllr. Gladys K.
Johnson said on May 24, 2015,
the Butaw Youth Association
(BYA) wrote a letter to the
GVL asking for a meeting but
a reply from the company
rejected the meeting with a
postponement. The youths
sent another threatening letter
to the company but they failed
to reply.
She said no record showed
that the company responded
to the youths threatening
letter, which led to the protest
that resulted to a riot and
destruction of the companys
properties.
Cllr. Johnson further said
that there were no guns used
in the riots but the rioters
threw stones while some
carried machetes. According
to her, there is no proof of
injuries inflicted by the use of
machetes that led some rioters
to be arrested by officers of the
Liberia national Police; while
some has sought refuge in the
bushes.
The INCHR Chair added
that the investigative team
communicated with some of
fugitives and many said they
are afraid of been arrested and
manhandled by police if they
surrendered.
The team discovered that
there are underlying concerns
or issues that have not claimed
the attention of GVL or the
Government of Liberia (GoL).
Some include unemployment
of youths, delayed payment
for destroyed rubber trees
owned by some of farmers in
Sinoe, no clearly define limit
to GVL acquired land, survey
still pending, installing hand
pumps and how the consent of
the people of Butaw was never

a riffle gun and other deadly

weapons when they broke into
her home she shared with her
fianc, children and mother.
We first heard a bang on the
door and few minutes later the
second one took place and the
men were successful to enter
the house after the front door
got spoiled from the hard hit,
she said.

She explained that during the

incident, all occupants of the
house were placed at gun point
while the men made away
with cash, cell phones, laptops,
clothes and several valuable
items.
Bettie lamented that during
the incident, every attempt
made by her in contacting
the police on its emergency

911 code proved futile as the

phone rang endlessly without
an answer and neither has the
police made any attempt to
visit the crime scene.
Another occupant of the house
is reported to have sustained
injury on his right ankle from
the incident.
This is the second armed
robbery incident in the Slipway
Community in recent time
despite being a stone throw
from the nearby police depot.
Bettie is appealing to the
authority of the Liberia
National Police (LNP) to beef
up its night time patrol in the
Slipway Community which
has, in recent days, seen an
incessant wave of armed
robbery activities.
However, the management
of the FrontPage Africa has
regretted the unfortunate
incident at the home of its
reporter and also called on

the authority
of the LNP to
act quickly to remedy the
continuous armed robbery
activities reported in the
Slipway Community and other
parts of Monrovia.

RIGHTS COMMISSION BLAMES

GVL FOR RIOT IN BUTAW

Bettie K. Johnson/ betty.johnson@frontpageafricaonline.com

speak on behalf of them.

Butaw should abolish parallel
representations; there should
be one legitimate organization
that will speak on behalf of
Butaw...
Cease all arrest

sought before GoL gave the

land to GVL, said Cllr. Johnson.
She added that the Sime Darby
experience should be an
excellent entry point for future
engagement in Butaw.
Relying on the Police power to
deal with these kinds of citizen
uprisings is only a temporary
measure. GoL should put in
place in every concession
area, GoLs own personnel to
serve as a liaison between the
locals and the company, mostly
someone who the locals can
trust to protect their interest,
Cllr. Johnson intoned.
Palava Hut reconciliation

She said based on the share

mutuality and long lasting
relationship between the
company and the people,
the GoL should put together
a palava hut reconciliation
process or other disputes
thorough consultations with

all parties.
The INCHR chair furthered
recommended that all practical
efforts be employed to reach all
stakeholders including those
who are currently hiding in the
bushes because the situation
seems like a give and take.
Prioritize
farms

small

holders

The
Commission
chair
recommended
that
the
Concession Company and
Government prioritize the
development of smallholders
farms in Butaw and owners of
those farms should reap the
direct benefits.
She said that royalties must
be paid to the communities
directly, instead of county
heads so that communities can
feel the impact of the company.
Cllr. Johnson recommended
that Butaw should have a
legitimate organization to

The INHCR chair added that the

Police deployed should cease
all arrests and intimidation
and allow persons hiding in
the bushes come out because
every day spent in the bushes
is hazardous to their health
and safety.
It can be recalled Marie, who
was pregnant, was ordered
release by Chief Justice Francis
Korkpor from the Greenville
Central Prison after she
was arrested following
the

protest at Golden Veroleum
Concession area in Butaw.
At the Prison, Marie told Chief
Justice Korkpor that Police
officers arrested her along
with her husband during
the GVL riot in Sinoe County
recently.
But
Cllr.
Johnson
also
recommended that all those
detained for participating
in the riot should be set
free or granted bail until
the government is ready to
prosecute the case.
She added that Liberians
holding managerial positions
in concessions establishment
should respect the rights and
dignity of other Liberians.
In a repulsive tone, she said
recommendations given to the
Liberian Government should
be taken seriously. When we
give the Government of Liberia
recommendations, we expect
results in ensuring that the
rights of people be respected.

Page 7

KESSELLY WANTS
CULTURAL CENTER
REBUILT
A. Macaulay Sombai,
sombaifrontpageafricaonline.com 0777217428

he Chairman of the Liberia Maritime Authority (LMA)

has expressed the need to reawaken the cultural
heritage of Liberia.
Binyah Kesselly made the call on Monday when he
served as guest speaker at a program marking the end of a
month long awareness mock county meet football tournament.
The program was held on August 24, National Flag Day.
The tournament was organized by the Balawala International
Foundation (BIF) in order to caution citizens of the GSA
Road community about the danger of the deadly Ebola Virus
Disease.
Commissioner Kesselly acknowledged that it is important for
the young people to know about the different kinds of culture
that exist in Liberia.
The Maritime boss said the absence of a culture center was
making it difficult for the young people to study about the
cultural values of the country. The only way the young people
of Liberia can learn more about their culture, he said, is for a
cultural center to be built.
The only way the young people can know about their culture
is by visiting the museum, and going to culture center and to
do what other country is doing and getting use to their country
different various cultural activities, he stated.
He made it clear that the country has failed to maintain its
culture heritage and history due to the unavailability of a
national culture center that was used to celebrate the different
types of culture that were practiced by citizens before the
outbreak of the 14 years civil war. He emphasized that the
culture center helped make Liberia unique in every aspect,
including the performing arts.
Mr. Kesselley added that Liberias cultural heritages are dying
slowly and Liberians are doing nothing about it. He said this
might cause serious setback to the future generation of the
country.
It was disappointing to know as well that Liberians are doing
nothing when it comes to their culture heritages, thus allowing
others to write their history. And so we have to do all we can to
bring back our culture value because our cultures tell us who
we are and it was important to re-awaken that part of life.
There are so many things Liberia has done that the young
people dont know about, because we have lost everything
completely. We are the first independent country in Africa.
We created the first discussion concerning African solidarity
and African Unity, thus creating the African Union and the
freedoms of all African people are things Liberians must
know he added.
Marbue Richards, former Deputy Youth and Sports Minister,
expressed happiness to the BIF for organizing a program
geared towards impacting the lives of children in the area and
giving back to government. Richards is also the founder of the
New Horizon Football Academy in lower Margibi County.
Richards mentioned that he established the Horizon Football
Academy to assist the community and to provide mentorship
to young people.
For his part, River Gee County Senator Conmany Wesseh
heaped praises on Kerkura Kamara for the manner in which
he has transformed the lives of young Liberians.
Senator Wesseh said he was happy that via the BIF involvement,
hundreds of children have been taught life career that would
have an impact in their lives.
Earlier on, The New Horizon football Academy squad defeated
Balawa Youth soccer squad 2-1 before Mary Land and
Montserrado Counties played to a 0-0 draw in the grand finale
of the tournament.
The tournament grand finale was re-scheduled to a later date.

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Page 8 | Frontpage

The Bong County Technical College invites applications for the position of Vice President for Academic
Affairs. The Vice President for Academic Affairs is the chief academic officer of the College.

The Bong County Technical College invites applications for the position of COMPTROLLER. The comptroller is
the chief financial officer of the college

Reporting directly to the president, the Vice President for Academic Affairs is responsible for developing,
implementing, and managing the instructional programs and academic outreach activities of the College. The
ideal candidate will demonstrate the following skills and abilities:

Reporting directly to the president, the Comptroller is responsible for planning, organizing and supervising
accounting-related functions for the College, including general accounting, policy development, cash
management, budget, audit preparation, forecasting revenues and expenditures, purchasing and accountingrelated contract compliance.

Realizing the need for developing individuals in technical disciplines, the Liberian Fifty Second (52nd)
Legislature passed into law the establishment of the Bong County Technical College in 2010. The college
is accredited by the National Commission on Higher Education to offer the bachelors degree in Computer
Science, Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering, Agriculture Technology, Science Education and Nursing. The
college opened its doors to students on November 18, 2013 with 414 students. The current enrolment of the
colleges stands at over one thousand students.

Leadership
Act as a primary advisor to the President, representing both academic programs and academic support
services.
Initiate and shape strategic and operational planning for curricular and academic program needs.
Guide the academic department heads in the selection, evaluation, promotion, retention, tenure, and
professional development of faculty.
Direct resources and personnel of the academic departments and academic support offices to achieve the
academic mission of BCTC.

Management
Ensure that library, academic services, and information technology are compatible with the instructional
goals of BCTC
Coordinate all budgetary aspects of the various academic units. Monitors expenditures of these units.
In consultation with the President and BCTCs policies, establish and approve salaries for existing and new
faculty members.
Supervise the planning and scheduling of all instructional classes and ensure the delivery of classes and the
publication of necessary schedules and requirements.
Supervise and manage instructional programs within the guidelines established by BCTC and governing and
accrediting agencies.
Meet with students, parents, and other interested parties to resolve questions and issues about BCTCs
policies and procedures relating to academic and student concerns.
Coordination
Work closely with the President, Vice President for Administration and Financial Comptroller to effectively
establish and achieve the goals and mission of BCTC.
Work closely with the Vice President for Administration and Comptroller to enhance and maximize the
academic and student services function of BCTC, including student recruitment, admission, advising, transfer,
financial aid, and other student activities.
Supervision
Supervise the following positions:
Library Director
Director of Institutional Research
Registrar
Academic Department Heads
Professional Staff in the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs

Respond
Given the complexity and demands of a higher education institution, the Vice President for academic affairs
must be willing to respond to unexpected events and needs, as well as complete other assigned duties. The Vice
President for Academic Affairs must be willing to live in the city of Gbarnga, Bong County or its environs.
EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE
The position of Vice President for Academic Affairs requires an earned terminal degree from an accredited
institution of higher education and a minimum of three years of academic and/or administrative experience. A
Candidates with a Masters degree with five or more years of experience working in a higher education setting
with direct involvements with academic related responsibility maybe accepted in this position.
The Vice President for Academic Affairs must exhibit a personal standard of behavior that will be a model
for the institution and will inspire others to work collaboratively toward shared goals. Candidates should
demonstrate a commitment to diversity, an appreciation for its important contributions to excellence, and the
ability to work with and leverage the experience of a diverse work force.
The Bong County Technical College is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with
students from diverse backgrounds and who have a demonstrated commitment to improving the levels of
access and success for underprivileged students within higher education.
TYPE OF APPOINTMENT: Full-time administrative position.
SALARY: Commensurate with education and experience. Excellent benefits package.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 31, 2015
POSITION START DATE: September 10, 2015

APPLICATION PROCESS:
Submit a cover letter describing qualifications and experience as they relate to the specific requirements,
responsibilities, and preferences of this position, current resum or curriculum Vita, a copy of transcripts for
all degrees completed (official transcripts will be required upon hire), the names, phone numbers and e-mail
addresses of three professional references.
By submitting an application for this position, you grant the Bong County Technical College the
expressed right to contact all references and institutions you have in your application. If you do not
want your references and institutions to be contacted, please do not continue the application process.
All unverified credentials will be removed from your application package. Any personal reference not
reachable will be considered as nonexistence.

Realizing the need for developing individuals in technical disciplines, the Liberian Fifty Second (52nd)
Legislature passed into law the establishment of the Bong County Technical College in 2010. The college
is accredited by the National Commission on Higher Education to offer the bachelors degree in Computer
Science, Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering, Agriculture Technology, Science Education and Nursing. The
college opened its doors to students on November 18, 2013 with 414 students. The current enrolment of the
colleges stands at over one thousand students.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Supervise personnel in providing accounting services for the College, including training, scheduling,
assigning and reviewing work, evaluating performance, performance coaching, and recommending or carrying
out various personnel actions.
2. Research, evaluate, develop and recommend general financial policies/procedures/manuals and
modifications to existing methods to improve effectiveness and efficiency.
3. Prepare or oversee the preparation and review of financial statements, reconciliations, and reports related
to the Colleges financial affairs; provide information, specific analysis, and appropriate training to others on
financial and budgeting issues, etc.
4. Respond to concerns and inquiries from students, parents, vendors, state and county agencies, employees,
etc. related to accounting matters. Oversee the resolution of students financial obligation problems within
policy guidelines of the College.
5. Review account activities on funds to ensure accuracy and conformity with applicable controls and
guidelines. Notify appropriate persons and/or take corrective actions as necessary. Review and strengthen
financial and accounting internal controls to ensure protection of the College financial resources. Formulate
and enforce policies and procedures regarding College cash disbursements.
6. Prepare/review adjusting entries and schedules for annual audit; schedule audit and work with auditors
in answering questions, providing necessary information and explaining accounting/financial system; review
audit results and implement necessary/recommended internal controls and/or other revisions.
7. Coordinate preparation of College budget and other related documents. Analyze budget revenues/
expenditures as needed. Prepare department budget requests and monitor expenditures for compliance with
approved budget. Supervise the compilation and preparation of all budget programs in all College Funds.
8. Review daily cash balances and makes all shortterm investments. Supervise the encumbrance system and
monitor account balances.
9. Supervise investment of College funds and monitor College vending contracts.
10. Review grants reports and cash requirements for all grants of the College.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
The ideal candidate for this position will possess a Master in Business Administration with two years
experience working in a senior level financial management position. Candidate with a Bachelors degree in
Accounting and three to five years relevant work experience may also be considered for this position. Candidate
with a Bachelors degree and working towards earning an MBA or a MPA degree with strong background in
budget and financial analysis maybe considered for this position. All candidates applying to this position must
have a strong working knowledge of the Public Procurement Commissions procedures. Thorough knowledge
of accounting practices in the public sector, including grant and fund accounting; budget analysis; preparation
of financial statements; internal auditing of transactions; accounting software; and, general supervisory
practices is required.
Coordination
Work closely with the President, Vice President for Administration and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Supervision

1. Supervises staff in the business department; general oversight of part-time and student employees working
in the business office.
2. Responsible for performance evaluations of staff. Carries out other supervisory responsibilities in
accordance with college policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include: interview, hire, and train
employees; plan, assign, and direct work; reward and discipline employees; address complaints and resolve
problems.
TYPE OF APPOINTMENT: Full-time administrative position.
SALARY: Commensurate with education and experience. Excellent benefits package.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: August 31, 2015
POSITION START DATE: September 10, 2015
APPLICATION PROCESS:

Submit a cover letter describing qualifications and experience as they relate to the specific requirements,
responsibilities, and preferences of this position, current resum or curriculum Vita, a copy of transcripts for
all degrees completed (official transcripts will be required upon hire), the names, phone numbers and e-mail
addresses of three professional references.
By submitting an application for this position, you grant the Bong County Technical College the
expressed right to contact all references and institutions you have in your application. If you do not
want your references and institutions to be contacted, please do not continue the application process.
All unverified credentials will be removed from your application package. Any personal reference not
reachable will be considered as nonexistence.

Send all application materials to any one or two of the addresses below.

Send all application materials to any one or two of the addresses below.

2. The Search Committee/Vice President for Academic Affairs

Bong County Technical College
William V.S. Tubman Gray Campus
Gbarnga, Bong County

5. The Search Committee/Office of the President

Bong County Technical College
William V.S. Tubman Gray Campus
Gbarnga, Bong County

1. flomo001@umn.edu

3. The Search Committee/Vice President for Academic Affairs

Bong County Technical College
National Commission on Higher Education
SD Cooper Road
Monrovia, Liberia

For more information, contact +231880825097 or email flomo001@umn.edu

4. flomo001@umn.edu

6. The Search Committee/Office of the President

Bong County Technical College
National Commission on Higher Education
SD Cooper Road
Monrovia, Liberia

For more information, contact +231880825097 or email flomo001@umn.edu

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Frontpage

Page 9

BONG COUNTY TECHNICAL COLLEGE (BCTC)

INVITATION TO BID
Bong County Technical College (BCTC) has received budgetary appropriation from the FY 2015/2016 National Budget for the
procurement of scratch cards, petroleum product and stationaries and supplies. The below listed lots are divided into section,
you are encourage to go for anyone.
Bidding will be conducted through the National competitive bidding procedures enshrined in the 2010 PPCC Act.
SCHEDULE OF REQUIREMENT
Lot 1:
No.

Description

Quantity

Delivery Time

Any GSM Company eligible to supply

will do in the following quantity:

$5.00 USD
Cards 10.00
USD Cards

1.

Scratch
Cards

Lot 2:

Any GSM Company eligible to supply

will do in the following quantity:

No.

Description

Quantity
Diesel

134,880

Gasoline

134,880

1.

Lot 3:

No.
1.

Petroleum Products

Description

Stationery &
Supplies

Quantity

Details in the Bidding

Document

$5.00 USD
Cards 10.00
USD Cards

Two weeks
after signing of
contract

Delivery Time

Coupon/Thumb
Card

Coupon/Thumb
Card

Two weeks
after signing of
contract

Delivery Time

Two weeks after signing of

contract

Detailed technical specification of supplies will be found in the Bidding Document

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT INCLUDE:
I.
Valid Business Registration Certificate
II. Valid Tax Clearance
III. Relevant Bid Security
IV. Three years performance reports.

You may obtain copy of the bidding document from the Procurement Unit of the National Commission on Higher Education on
the SD Cooper Road for a non-refundable fee of US$50.00, beginning August 25, 2015 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily.
All Bids must be accompanied by a B id Security from a reputable bank and bid must be valid for 60 days after the deadline
for submission.
Sealed bids must be delivered to the Procurement Unit of the national Commission on Higher Education on SD Cooper Road
no later than 2:00 PM on September 16, 2015. Late bids will be rejected and returned unopened. Bids will be open in the
presence of bidders who choose to attend or their representatives on September 16, 2015 at 2:00 PM in the Unit of the
National Commission on Higher Education.
The address referred is: Procurement Unit National Commission on Higher Education, SD Cooper Road. Tel: 0886550111/0
886537243/0777537243.

Page 10 | Frontpage

NIGERIA ANTI-GRAFT BOSS IBRAHIM

LAMORDE DENIES CORRUPTION

igeria's anti-corruption boss Ibrahim Lamorde has

denied allegations that $5bn (3.2bn) has gone
missing at the commission he heads.
A Senate committee is investigating charges that
assets and cash recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC) were diverted.
Mr Lamorde told the BBC it was a smear campaign, as the EFCC
was prosecuting the man making the allegations.
This showed that the case "should not be taken seriously".
Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, who is championing the investigation,
was passed the petition by George Uboh, a security consultant.
Mr Uboh is currently fighting charges of stealing government
property, which he denies.
Mr Lamorde said that even if all the money recovered by the
EFCC was added up, together with its funding from government,
it would not total $5bn.
"How can we divert an amount we don't have?" he asked.

MIGRANT CRISIS: SCORES OF

BODIES FOUND ON LIBYA BOAT

bout 50 people have been found dead in the hold of

a boat carrying migrants intercepted off the coast of
Libya, the Italian coastguard says.
About 430 people had been rescued alive from the
boat, a spokeswoman told Reuters news agency.
The rescue operation was carried out by a Swedish vessel,
Poseidon, working with the EU's Frontex border agency.
Thousands of migrants have died and many thousands more
have been rescued after setting sail from Libya recently.
Wednesday's rescue operation was one of 10 such missions
currently taking place in the waters off Libya, the Italian
coastguard spokeswoman said.
It was not immediately clear how the migrants found by the
Poseidon had died.
Image caption Many migrants setting off from Libya are rescued
after their unsafe boats get into trouble

LION KILLS SAFARI GUIDE IN

ZIMBABWE PARK WHERE CECIL LIVED

A
(CNN)

safari guide has been mauled to death by a lion in the

same Zimbabwean national park where Cecil the lion
lived.
Quinn Swales was taking a group of tourists on a
walking safari in Hwange National Park on Monday morning
when a lion suddenly charged, the company he was working for
said.
"Quinn did everything he could to successfully protect his guests
and ensure their safety," the company, Camp Hwange, said on
its Facebook page, adding that no other members of the group
were hurt.
Swales, 40, died the morning of the attack from the injuries he
suffered, it said.
Hwange National Park and its lion population drew global
attention after news emerged last month of the death of Cecil, a
popular a black-maned male lion.

PAGE

RONT

WORLD NEWS

Thursday, August 27, 2015

government, as the deal
provides for, might be a tall
order.
"We still have a situation
where both of the antagonists
want as their final outcome to
be president of South Sudan,"
Wilson said.
"The history that these two
gentlemen have shown us
in terms of their leadership
-- I'm very cynical at this
stage, unfortunately, given the
history of these two, that this is
going to hold," McDonald said.
Machar was sacked by
President Kiir five months
before South Sudan erupted in
violence in December 2013.
President Kiir has insisted that
the conflict in South Sudan

was triggered when Machar
launched an abortive coup
against him on December
15, 2013. The international
community
has
broadly
rejected that theory and has
said instead that the unrest
began when soldiers loyal to
Kiir and Machar clashed in
Juba.
Opportunity
to
show
leadership
Amir Idris, the head of the
department of African and
African American Studies at
Fordham University in New
York, said the peace deal
marks the beginning of a
new chapter for South Sudan.
Idris urged Kiir and Machar
to seize the opportunity to
show leadership and reunite
the nation, which he says was
fractured along ethnic lines
during the conflict.
"The people of South Sudan
have suffered a lot," Idris said.
"It is now an opportunity
for the political leaders to
demonstrate to their own
people that they are capable
of providing a new vision that
allows them to take South
Sudan to a better future,
a future where there's a
language of justice, of freedom,
of inclusivity for all the people
of South Sudan."

SOUTH SUDANS KIIR

SIGNS PEACE DEAL

S
UBA

outh
Sudanese
President Salva Kiir on
Wednesday added his
signature to a peace
deal aimed at ending more
than 20 months of fighting
between government forces
and rebels led by his former
deputy, Riek Machar.
But even as he signed the deal
at a ceremony in the capital,
Juba, Mr. Kiir expressed
reservations about the terms
of the peace agreement.
"The current peace we are
signing today has so many
things we have to reject,"
Kiir said to African leaders
present at the signing. "Such
reservations, if ignored, would
not be in the interests of just
lasting peace."
and
Power-sharing
The deal calls for Kiir to serve
as president in a 30-month
transitional government, and
for Machar to be his second-incommand in the newly created
position of first vice president.
Machar and former political

detainee Pagan Amum signed

the deal, brokered by an
international mediation team
known as IGAD-Plus, in Addis
Ababa on August 17.
Machar said he signed the
agreement even though he,
too, disagreed with many of its
provisions.
"I made 20 points of
reservations on the peace
agreement, but when I
compared the reservations I
had on the agreement to what
we can get if we sign it -- we
can get peace for South Sudan
... I think we can live with it,"
Machar told VOA after Kiir had
signed the deal.
"Peace is more important to
the people of South Sudan,"
Machar said.
The White House welcomed
Kiir's signing of the deal,
saying he had made "the right
decision."
But White House spokesman
Josh Earnest warned that
the United States will only
accept the agreement that
was brokered by IGAD-Plus

without "any reservations or

addendums."
Kiir was at that signing
ceremony in the Ethiopian
capital when Machar and
Amum signed the deal on
August 17, but the president
refused to add his name to the
agreement. The government
has explained that it objected
to some of the provisions in
the deal, including the powersharing provisions and a plan
to demilitarize Juba.
Implementation tougher than
signing
Kiir asked the IGAD-Plus
mediation team for 15 days to
consult with his inner circle
and civil society groups before
signing the deal. IGAD-Plus
granted his request, but lead
mediator Seyoum Mesfin said
the deal that was signed by
Machar and Amum on August
17 could not be changed.
Steve McDonald of the
Washington-based
Wilson
Center said getting Mr. Kiir
and Machar to work together
at the head of a transitional

POLICE: SUSPECTED KILLER OF US

JOURNALISTS FATALLY SHOOTS SELF

Governor Terry McAuliffe told

WTOP radio in Washington
that officials thought the
suspect was "a disgruntled
employee from the station."
How attack unfolded

VOA News
he alleged gunman
in
the
fatal
shootings of two
U.S.
journalists
in the state of Virginia on
Wednesday has died after
shooting himself at the end of
a highway chase, police said.
The suspect, Vester Flanagan,
a former employee of the
television station where
the slain man and woman
worked, shot himself when
confronted by police on a
highway outside Washington,
authorities said. The attack on
the TV crew took place near
Roanoke, in southwestern
Virginia.
Police were investigating the
motive behind the shooting.
The attacker opened fire
on reporter Alison Parker,
24,
and
photographer
Adam Ward, 27, as they
interviewed a local business
leader at a shopping center
in Smith Mountain Lake,
near Roanoke, about 375
kilometers (230 miles) from
Washington. Parker, Ward
and Flanagan had all worked

together at WDBJ-TV.
Watch: Press Conference
About Shooting
Shooter's social media posts
Flanagan also was known as
Bryce Williams. Two social
media accounts linked to
that alias were used after the
shooting to publicize images
from the shooting scene.
One of the videos posted to
the Facebook account for

the alias Bryce Williams

shows the shooter's point of
view as he walks up to the
unsuspecting crew and aims
a pistol at them.
He raises a gun and fires
several
shots.
Although
wounded, Parker turns away
from the gunman's pistol and
is seen running away and
stumbling.
Earlier Wednesday, Virginia

Parker was interviewing

Vicki Gardner, a local
businesswoman, at the time
of the attack. Gardner was
shot in the back but survived.
An executive at WDBJ said
the crew was working on
a routine news interview
when the gunman walked
up. One of WDBJ's anchors
told viewers: "They were
out covering a feature story.
They were not out covering
protests or demonstrations."
The shooting began about
6:45 a.m. (1045 UTC) as
the crew's signal was being
broadcast live.
Station
employees
dumbfounded
The
television
station's
general manager, Jeffrey
Marks,
joined
WDBJ's
anchors as they emotionally
tried to tell viewers what
took place.
"We heard screaming. We
heard nothing. And then the
camera fell," Marks said.

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Frontpage

Sports

FROM EUROPE TO ASIA

Page 11

SPORTS

BARNSLEY 3-5 EVERTON (AET):

LUKAKU NETS TWICE AS

TOFFEES SURVIVE SCARE

Sekou Jabateh-Oliseh to join Al Gharafa in Qatar after six months of inactivity

ekou
Jabateh-Oliseh
is in Doha to finalize a
deal with Al Gharafa
Sports Club ahead of
the new Qatar Stars League,
which kicks-off on September
11.
Team officials Fahad Al Yahri
and Hussein Al Yahri were
at the Hamad international
airport to welcome JabatehOliseh, who will undergo a
medical before putting pen to
paper.
He will become the fourth
foreign player to join Al Gharafa
and as per the Qatar Football
Associations rule governing
the registration of professional
foreign players.
He will be registered as an
Asian professional player and
will replace Australian Mark
Bresciano.
Al Gharafa have Congolese
striker Alain Dioko, Brazils
Anderson
Martins
and
Tunisias Yassine Chikhaoui.
Jabateh-Oliseh
has
been
without a club since Russias
CSKA Moscow ended his fiveyear deal on July 31.
He
joined
CSKA
from
Denmarks FC Midtjylland in
2009 and had loan spells at

Danesius Marteh, danesius.marteh@frontpageafricaonline.com

Greeces PAOK for 2012/2013

and 2013/2014 seasons and
Russias Kuban Krasnodar
for the half of the 2014/2015
season.
He last played a total of 12
competitive matches when
Kuban lost away to CSKA 1-0

on weekday 17, replacing

Romanias Gheorghe Bucur in
the 63rd minute on December
6, 2014.
In total, Jabateh-Oliseh played
for 739 minutes before he was
recalled from his loan deal
following the departure of

Ivory Coast Seydou Doumbia to

AS Roma in Italy in the January
transfer window.
According to transfermarket.
co.uk, Jabateh-Oliseh is valued
at US$1,082,865.
He was recalled by Liberia head
coach James Salinsa Debbah

DROUGHT OVER
CLUB BRUGGE 0-4 MANCHESTER UNITED (AGG 1-7)

Rooney nets hat-trick as Red Devils qualify for Champions League

ayne
Rooney
ended
his
goal
drought
in
sublime
fashion against Club Brugge
on Wednesday, scoring a hattrick as Manchester United ran
out 4-0 winners in the second
leg of their Champions League
play-off.
The England captain had gone
10 United games without

netting, but showed no signs

of any lack of confidence in this
comfortable play-off secondleg victory over an injuryplagued Brugge.
Having triumphed 3-1 at Old
Trafford last week, United had
little trouble in securing an
emphatic aggregate success
and a place in Thursday's
group stage draw in Monaco.
Rooney's first arrived after 20

minutes following excellent

work from Memphis Depay
and he doubled his tally with
an easy tap-in shortly after
half-time.
Juan Mata teed him up to net
his third just before the hour,
as Rooney completed his first
European hat-trick since his
debut against Fenerbahce back
in 2004.
Ander Herrera, making his

first start of the season, added

a fourth as United ran riot
in the second period - Javier
Hernandez also missed a
penalty - and Louis van Gaal's
men can now look forward to
a return to Europe's premier
club competition following
their absence in 2014-15.
After a low-key opening saw
Rooney's long wait for a goal
extended to 878 minutes, the

for the 2017 Africa Cup of

Nations qualifier with Tunisia
on September, according to
a leaked document seen by
FrontPageAfrica.
forward got himself on the
scoresheet in fine style.
Depay cut in from the left-hand
side and slipped in a delicate
pass for the England striker,
who lifted a deft finish over
debutant goalkeeper Sinan
Bolat and into the net.
Rooney returned the favour
nine minutes later with a
chipped ball to Depay, but his
first touch let him down and
Bolat was able to gather.
Depay continued to threaten
and broke clear on goal, only to
see his eventual shot blocked
by Oscar Duarte.
In the 41st minute, Brugge's
Tom De Sutter stung the palms
of Sergio Romero, who did
brilliantly to steal the ball from
the feet of Abdoulay Diaby
soon afterwards.
Brugge were left to further rue
that miss four minutes after
the restart as Herrera teed up
Rooney for a simple tap-in.
And Rooney completed his
treble in the 57th minute with
a calm finish through Bolat's
legs following Mata's cute pass.
Bolat saved well to deny Rooney
a fourth a minute later, but the
respite was brief as substitute
Bastian Schweinsteiger played
a sublime ball to Herrera, who
coolly slotted home.
Hans Vanaken then went
close for salvaging a measure
of pride for Brugge but his
thunderous volley crashed into
the crossbar.
It could have been worse for
the home side had substitute
Hernandez not sent his spotkick wide when slipping at the
point of contact after Duarte
had handled Rooney's cross,
but it mattered little as United
advanced.

he
Belgium
international hit
a superb brace
in a pulsating
League Cup encounter,
with Roberto Martinez's
side coming back from 2-0
down to earn an excellent
victory
Romelu Lukaku scored a
superb brace as Everton
survived an early scare to
beat Barnsley 5-3 in their
League Cup tie at Oakwell
on Wednesday.
With
John
Stones'
reported transfer request
dominating the headlines
and sections of the visiting
fans at Oakwell displaying
banners
calling
for
chairman Bill Kenwright
to sell up, Everton were in
need of a strong secondround showing to send the
supporters home happy.

MANCHESTER CITY
NEARING DE BRUYNE DEAL

anchester City
are finally close
to
agreeing
a deal with
Wolfsburg for Kevin De
Bruyne, Goal has learned.
Reports in Germany on
Wednesday evening claim
the terms of the transfer
have already been agreed,
but Goal understands that
while the saga is close to an
end, nothing has yet been
finalised.

VAN GAAL: ROONEY & MAN

UTD HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO

anchester
United manager
Louis van Gaal
believes Wayne
Rooney proved his ability to
bounce back from criticism, but
insists the striker and his teammates have a "long way to go"
this season.
Rooney netted a hat-trick as
United beat Club Brugge 4-0 on
the night and 7-1 on aggregate
to qualify for the Champions
League proper.
Those were the first goals of a
difficult campaign to date for
the England striker, who has
come under fire for some of his
early season performances, but
Van Gaal says he has the right
mindset to recover.

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Page 6a
12 | Frontpage

HAS LIBERIA FOUND THE WAY TO SHARE

ITS FOREST PLENTY WITH THE POOR?

SIRLEAF ARRIVES IN
TOKYO, JAPAN FOR WORLD
ASSEMBLY OF WOMEN

TOKYO, JAPAN
resident Ellen Johnson
Sirleaf, at the head of
a high-level Liberian
delegation, has arrived
in Tokyo, Japan to attend
the 2nd World Assembly for
Women: WAW 2015 which runs
from August 28 to 29, 2015.
According to a Dispatch
from Tokyo, the presidential
delegation
touched
down
at the Haneda International
Airport in Tokyo at about 11:00
p.m. Japanese time and was
received by Japanese officials
including Japans Ambassador
to Liberia, His Excellency
Kaoru Yoshimura; Chief of
Protocol, Mr. Kaoru Shimazaki;
the Director for the 1st African
Division at the Japanese Foreign
Ministry, Mr. Atsushi Kuwabara;
and Liberias Ambassador to
Japan, Her Excellency Younger
Telewoda and Liberia embassy
staff.
The Women Assembly for
Women, being held under
the theme: WAW! For All,
brings together 140 leaders
of various fields from more
than 40 countries and seven
international organizations. It
is one of the efforts to achieve
A Society where Women
Shine and continues to be one
of the priority issues of the
Government of Japanese Prime
Minister Shino Abe.
At the start of the Assembly
on Friday, August 28, Japanese
Prime Minister Abe will
deliver the opening statement;
while the Liberian leader will
deliver the Keynote Address.
The Executive Director of UN
Women, Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka
will also make remarks. The
Symposium takes place at the
Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa,
New Takanawa
At the High Level Round Table
on August 29, issues widely
covered both in Japan and the
world including Work-Life
Balance Management and
Women and Peace-Building
will be discussed in six sessions

under the two main themes of

Women and Economy and
Global Challenges. In addition,
six special sessions including
Youth Table, Implementing
Diversity
and
Innovation,
Improvement of Womens
Quality of Life and Restroom,
Gender and Disaster Risk
Reduction, will provide a
venue for discussion about
the promotion of womens
participation in society from a
broad perspective.
This year, many events will
be held in collaboration with
relevant organizations. Such
events include sessions with
the Asia Foundation and
UNICEF Tokyo Office and a
meeting among the members
of Equal Futures Partnership,
which is as a multilateral
initiative regarding womens
empowerment.
During bilateral talks with Prime
Minister Abe, President Sirleaf is
expected to obtain confirmation
on the commitment of Japan to
undertake the construction of
the second two lanes of Somalia
Drive from Freeport to Red
Light. The construction of the
first two lanes and the bridges
commenced in the dry season
of 2014, but was suspended
during the Ebola crisis. Work is
expected to resume in October,
this year.
Members of the Liberian
leaders delegation include:
Public Works Minister, Mr.
Gyude Moore; Gender, Children
and Social Protection Minister,
Mrs. Julia Duncan-Cassell; and
Lofa County Representative,
Honorable Mariamu Fofana.
Others are the head of the
Angie Brooks Center, Cllr. Yvette
Chesson Wureh; Presidential
Press Secretary, Mr. Jerolinmek
Piah; Assistant Minister for
International Cooperation, Mr.
Dehpue Zuo; Liberian business
woman, Mrs. Eyvonne Bright
Dennis and Executive Assistant
to the President, Mrs. Euphemia
Brewer-Fasama, among others.

Logged timber in Liberia, where a new deal with Norway aims to shift focus
from extraction to protection. Photograph: Courtesy Global Witness.
Max Bankole Jarrett

he paradox of plenty
debate tends to focus
on fossil fuels and
minerals. Countries
that are rich in these resources
are often paradoxically
kept financially poor, with the
proceeds of natural wealth
largely
profiting
political
elites, foreign companies and
commodities traders, rather
than being used strategically to
bring whole populations out of
poverty.
What is often overlooked is
that forests too can be a curse
not a blessing for countries
that are rich in them. Across
the Amazon, the Congo basin
and many parts of south-east
Asia, rainforests have been
stripped out at a dizzying rate
to line the pockets of foreign
logging companies and their
supporters in government.
Forest communities often
among the countrys poorest
are robbed persistently of the
resources they rely on for life
and livelihood.
Kofi Annans Africa Progress
Panel has long advocated for
Africas natural wealth to be
better managed so that it
drives dynamic and inclusive
growth. While its 2013 report
looked at the issue of Equity in
the Extractives, in 2014 Grain,
Fish, Money highlighted the
paradox of poverty amid plenty
within the forestry sector,

focusing on one example that is

close to my heart the forests
of Liberia.
Its time to reopen that report.
A recent $150m (96m) forest
protection
deal
between
Liberia and Norway signalled
a bold new direction in
forest management to shift
Liberias forest economy from
a model of extraction to one of
protection, and to make forest
communities the beneficiaries.
The first payment from Norway
is now due. As Grain, Fish,
Money showed, the history of
the forest sector warns us to be
vigilant.
Liberia has an area of forest
the size of Denmark, which
for years was a cash cow
for a handful of people. As
the UN security council
has highlighted, during the
countrys 14 years of civil war
the illicit sale of Liberian timber
on international markets was
a major source of funding for
the warring factions, including
that of former president
Charles Taylor.
When President Ellen Johnson
Sirleaf took office in 2006, she
promised a new era in forest
management. She pledged
to tackle corruption in the
forestry sector, cancelled all
logging
concessions
and
started with a clean slate.
But what played out in Liberia
was typical of the sector

worldwide. The countrys

forests remained at the behest
of industrial-scale, exportbased logging, and profit
through elite capture and
extraction remained the norm.
Permits intended to benefit
small-scale
landholders
were abused by large logging
companies that ignored laws
and dodged taxes. Income from
the sector fell dramatically
short
of
expectations,
delivering just about 6% of an
official estimate between 2012
and 2013.
Liberia has huge economic
challenges that make largescale logging tempting but
it has chosen a sustainable
approach
The Liberia-Norway deal is an
opportunity for a fresh start.
The Norwegian government
has pledged $150m up to the
year 2020 if Liberia keeps
its forests standing putting
communities in charge of
conserving their forests, and
keeping industry out.
Norways
minister
of
climate and environment,
Tine Sundtoft, called this
commitment
brave
and
farsighted,
with
Liberia
choosing
a
sustainable
approach to development.
With Liberia still reeling
from the impact of the Ebola
crisis, avoided deforestation
payments can help the

nation to rebuild along a

new development course,
bolstering local capacity to
protect forests, concentrating
income gains among the poor,
and averting the huge social
and environmental fallout of
large-scale logging.
As Saah David of Liberias
forest authority says: The
deal with Norwaycreates the
economic space in which
we can support government
revenue while exploring new,
community-based approaches
to forest management which
generate
livelihoods
but
represent a shift away from
traditional
industrial-scale
logging.
The payoffs will be felt
internationally too. At this
years Paris climate conference,
the world is set to agree a deal
to stay on the right side of the
danger line on climate change.
Forests will be integral as a
resource not to extract but to
be kept alive and nurtured as a
key sink for carbon emissions.
In October, Liberias forest
authority is sponsoring an
international
conference
in Monrovia on rethinking
Liberias forests, where several
issues will be explored. These
include looking at how a
proper economic assessment
can be made, for example, of
the non-cash bounty of the
forest, including the food,
medicine, shelter and spiritual
sustenance it provides.
Such questions go to the
heart of the paradox of plenty
that the natural wealth of
many emerging economies is
being chopped down, mined
or pumped, and is lining the
pockets of a privileged few at
the expense of the global poor.
Thankfully, Liberia is now
wising up to the shorttermism and devastation of
the old development path.
If the country gets its forestry
transformation right this time,
it could inform and enable
locally
controlled
forest
management on a global scale.
Max Bankole Jarrett is the
deputy director of the Africa
Progress Panel

AU DIPLOMAT TO ADDRESS FSI

AMBASSADORIAL
LECTURE
FORUM
-As Institute Honors Veteran Diplomat E. Sumo Jones

Monrovia mbassador Harrison Oluwatoyin

Solaja, the Special Representative
of the Chairperson of the African
Union (AU) Commission, is
expected to serve as Guest Lecturer at
the Ambassadorial Lecture Forum (ALF)
of the Gabriel L. Dennis Foreign Service
Institute (FSI).
The ALF, which is slated for Wednesday,
August 26, at 3 p.m., will be held in the C.
Cecil Dennis, Jr. Auditorium of the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs.
Ambassador Solaja will be the sixth
lecturer of the ALF, which was launched
on January 3, 2010.
Ambassador Solaja, a Nigerian, born on
November 25, 1956, is a 1980 graduate of
the University of Ife. Among his rich list
of credentials, the AU Diplomat, served
from 2005 to 2008, as Nigerias Minister
Plenipotentiary at the Nigerian Embassy
in Washington, D.C., USA.
He also served as Chief of Protocol of his

countrys Ministry of Foreign Affairs from

September 2009 to July 2011.
He assumed the position of Representative
of the Chairperson of the AU Commission
to Liberia and Sierra Leone on October 4,
2011.
In the first Ambassadorial Lecture Forum
held in 2010, H.E. Chief Ojo Maduekwe,
CFR, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of
the Federal Republic of Nigeria, served as
Guest Lecturer. That lecture recognized
Ambassador Charles T. O. King, who
served as Liberias first Ambassador to the
then newly independent Federal Republic
of Nigeria from 1961 to 1968.
The fifth ALF, was held on Wednesday,
May 30, 2012. The Guest Lecturer was
H.E. Masilo Esau Mabeta, Ambassador of
the Republic of South Africa to Liberia.
That lecture recognized Ambassador
Neh Rita Sangai Dukuly-Tolbert, former
Ambassador to the Peoples Republic of
China, France, Spain and Switzerland.
Meanwhile, on the day of the sixth ALF,

Ambassador E. Sumo Jones will be the

honoree.
Among the honorees many credentials,
including serving as Acting Head of State
of Liberia for three days in October 1981,
he was appointed Ambassador Extra
Ordinary and Plenipotentiary accredited to
the Republic of Guinea from 2007 to 2012.
He had also served as Superintendent and
Senator of Lofa County in the 1970s and
early 1980. In September 1981, he served
as Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The Forum highlights Liberias former
ambassadors role and contribution to
Liberian Diplomacy and Foreign Policy
achievements; and it also presents an
opportunity for lectures on topical
diplomatic issues on the international
agenda.
The outcome of the ALF will be a
documentation of activities of Liberia
Foreign Service officers, who had made
immense contributions to Liberias
Foreign Policy over the years.

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Frontpage

PRINCIPAL CRAVES SUPPORT AS

EROSION ADVANCES ON D. TWEH
Massa F. Kannneh-Dorley masskanneh@yahoo.com or 0886848625

s academic year
2015-2016
registration almost at
its completion stage,
the administration of the D.
Twe High School is worried
about the sad state of affair
at the schoolit is gradually
being eaten away by sea
erosion.
Last month, FrontPageAfrica
reported the danger posed to

Monroviainance
and
Development Planning
Minister
Amara
Konneh on behalf of
the Liberian Government has
signed a grant agreement for
twenty five million United
States Dollars with the United
States Agency for International
Development (USAID), for
the construction of municipal
water system in the cities of
Robertsport, Voinjama and
Sanniquellie.
According to a Ministry of
Finance and Development
Planning (MFDP) release,
Minister
Konneh
who
commended the United States
Government for the assistance,
further assured USAID that the
government of Liberia through
the Liberia Water and Sewer
Corporation (LWSC), will
ensure that the development
and sustainability of municipal
water supply infrastructure,
under the Liberia municipal
project is executed within the
timeframe of the Memorandum
of Understanding (MOU).
Minister Konneh indicated
that, USAIDs additional twenty
five million grant will enhance
the LWSC capacity for increase
access to safe drinking water
to rural dwellers across the
country.
Also speaking during the
signing of the MOU, USAIDs

the school by the sea erosion,

but the situation is becoming
far worse.
The fence of the campus has
broken down due to the sitting
of water underneath it.
The principal of the school,
Edwin Nagbe, in an interview
with FrontPage Africa said
even though registrations
are ongoing, the government
needs to rapidly block the sea

outgoing Mission Director, John

Mark Winfield emphasized
that the agreement is aimed
at
building
an
earnest
relationship between the
United States of America and
Liberia.
Mr. Winfield said the US
government
will
remain
committed in supporting the
Liberian government in its
quest to provide the basic needs
of its people as he maintained
that the implementation of
the project will help increase
water supply and improve
sanitation in the targeted cities
and their environs.
The MFDP release noted
that, the MOU consolidates
the accomplishment of the
Liberia
Municipal
Water
Project (LMWP) and a Capital
Improvement (CIP) which
objective is to increase access
to affordable and safe water
supply for the population of
Robertsports, Voinjama and
Sanniquellie.
The LWSC Management is
expected to sign a three-year
Performance Contract (PC)
with the GOL to ensure specific
targets are achieved during
the period of the contract and
assume the responsibility for
the overall coordination of
the project on behalf of the
government of Liberia.
The MOU states that, the
MFDP is to ensure appropriate

from reaching the buildings

for such situation could see a
lot of students out of school
later in the year. When the
sea starting breaking the fence
initially I made a regulation
that students should avoid
movement around the already
undermined fence, Nagbe
said.
Said Nagbe: The Sea is really
threatening the school. We

had a tree in the yard, when

I saw that tree falling I knew
that there was threat to this
campus. My next fear is that
there is another tree on the
other side of the yard and when
that tree falls, then I know
something bad is happening
around here, and nothing is
being done about it.
Based on the fear, the principal
has warned students to stop

hanging around the fence

for safety reasons when he
noticed the crack in the wall of
the fence.
I really want the government
to intervene quickly to save
this school. If they dont and
if they allow this school to go,
lots of children will feel the
consequences, some will have
to go a really far distance or
some will end up dropping out
of school, he added.
Nagbe said the turnout in
registration for the incoming
academic year at the school is
overwhelming and that most
of the students are from feeder
schools on the Bushrod Island
and beyond.

RENOVATION INCOMPLETE
Additionally, the Principal has
alarmed that the school ran out
of supplies for the renovation
works, including paints to
giving the school a facelift.
According
to
him,
the
manpower to do the work is
available.
He said the renovation works
are part of the Minister of
Education George Werner
plans to renovate public school
before the commencement of
the academic calendar but the
lack of supplies is rendering it
incomplete.
it was the governments plan
to renovate schools but D-Twe
has run out of renovation
materials and school is about
to open. We really want them
to provide us with supplies,
he said.
Blamo Toe, the student council
president of the school told
FPA that since last academic
year he and others have been
in the vanguard, drawing

Page 6b
13

the attention of national

government to their plight, but
said there is inaction on the
part of government to protect
the school.
Toe explained that it is so
frustrating and disheartening
that the school is gradually
being swept away by the sea
and there is no effort from
national government including
the lawmaker from District
#16, Representative Edward
Forh to address the situation.
"D. Tweh is one of the
renowned and the only
government senior high school
on the Bushrod island that has
produced government officials
such as Honorable Edward
Forh and Honorable Milton
Teahjay who are all alumni
of this same school, and we
cannot see this school that
has produced politicians and
future leaders and continues
to produce future leaders to be
swept away like this", said Toe.
He said he had to appear on a
radio station last year for the
same issue to call the attention
of the national government
adding that he is still shocked
that it has taken this long for
government to come to their
aid.
"The government has been
slow in helping the situation,
right after the school fence
there was a main car road and
thousands of homes all have
been carried away by the sea
and the government is failing
to realize that this situation
will also reduce the landscape
of Liberia".
Just as the Principal had said
Toe told FPA that almost
all students around the
Bushrod Island and beyond
are anticipating enrolling at
this same school for it is the
only senior high and public
school, saying if the school is
swept away those students
on the Bushrod Island will
find difficulty in acquiring
education.

FINANCE MINISTER SIGNS $25

MILLION WATER SYSTEM GRANT

governance, financing and

management
system
are
put in place to sustainably
operate and maintain the
infrastructure to be developed
under the project while GOL
through MFDP will provide
financing to meet operational

cost shortfall that may occur

following the closeout of
USAID assistance.
GOL shall also ensure timely
transfer of subsidies needed
for basic operation of the LWSC
water treatment Plants and
setting of all GOL water bills to

the entity.
USAID is expected to cover 100
percent of the system based
expenses for the initial two
years of the operations and
up to 50 percent of operator
based expenses for year one
and twenty five percent for

year two as needed to cover

verifiable revenue shortfalls
while GOL is expected to cover
the additional 50 percent in
year one and 75 percent in
year two. The LMWP and CIP
is expected to be completed in
2017.

FrontPage
www.frontpageafricaonline.com

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