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EDITORIALThe Way forward for

Liberian Raw Materials

LOCAL NEWSLiberia’s Forests

Should Not Be at Mercy of

Exploitative Logging Companies

COMMENTARYEllen’s

Administration Meets Challenges in

Agriculture

BUSINESSMoneyGram

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Petition for Reconsideration: Allegedly Suggested, then Rejected

Justice Minister’s Petition Denied

Justice Minister Tah and staff Thursday leaving the Temple of Justice

The Supreme Court of Libe-ria on Thurs-day, January 23, rejected Justice Minis-

ter Christiana P. Tah’s applica-tion to reconsider its decision suspending her from the prac-tice of law for six months. The Minister’s application, accord-ing to sources close to the Ju-diciary, was made following negotiations between the Jus-tices of the Court and the legal team of Minister Tah.

The sources further said that following a two-hour meeting held behind closed doors on Monday, January 20, it was allegedly agreed upon for the Minister’s legal team to file

CBL Denies Pumping L$8bn in the Economy

See story on Pg.17

Senate in Five-hour Executive Session-Ellen “Suspends” Police Director;

Asks Him to Apologize to Senate

President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and Police Director Chris Massaquoi (See story on Page 18)

Belgium Reestablishes Ties with Liberia

See story on Pg.18

an application. The purpose of the application was to re-quest the Court to enable the Minister to file a petition for reconsideration of the Court’s decision suspending her for six months from the practice of law “directly or indirectly.”

According to our sources, the effect of filing the peti-tion would have allegedly suspended the enforcement of the suspension until the Court determines the merits of the petition.

Following the Monday meet-ing, a legal expert speculated to the Observer that progress was being made toward an amicable resolution of this matter.

Since the rendering of its de-

cision on January 10, efforts have been made by Minister Tah and her legal team to try and resolve the impasse but the Court has maintained its stance.

Delivering the High Court’s decision Thursday, Chief Jus-tice Francis Korkpor declared: “The Full Bench of the Court has agreed not to grant the ap-plication for re-argument or re-consideration filed by the Justice Minister and Attorney General, Christiana P. Tah. Her suspension hereby stands and it is so ordered.”

According to legal experts, the law provides that a per-son held in contempt by the

Cont’d on pg. 18

FRIDAY, JAN. 24, 2014, vol. 16, No.63indd 2 1/24/14 1:42 AM

Daily Observer Friday, January 24, 2014

Foreign BriefsWorld NewsPage 2

Uhuru Kenyatta Trial: ICC Delays Start(BBC) Kenyan President

Uhuru Kenyatta’s trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) has been postponed.

It was to have started on 5 February but the prosecution had asked for a three-month delay after a witness withdrew and another admitted giving false evidence.

Mr Kenyatta is charged with being behind the ethnic violence surrounding the presidential election in 2007.

He denies organising the clashes in which 1,200 people died.

A court statement said the

February start date would be used instead for a hearing to discuss the prosecution’s request for a delay.

This is the latest in a series of problems to hit the trial of Mr Kenyatta.

The trial had been due to begin on 12 November but was put back until February after September’s attack on the Westgate shopping centre in Nairobi that left at least 67 people dead.

African leaders say the trial should not be held while he is in office, as it makes it difficult for him to govern.

 This is the latest in a series of hitches in President Kenyatta’s trial

South Sudan Rivals Sign Ceasefire Agreement

(BBC) South Sudan’s government and rebels have signed a ceasefire agreement after talks in Ethiopia.

Under the deal, signed in a hotel in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, the fighting is due to come to an end within 24 hours.

In the past week, government forces have recaptured the two main cities under rebel control.

More than 500,000 people have been forced from their homes during the month-long conflict.

“These two agreements are the ingredients to create an environment for achieving a total peace in my country,”

said Taban Deng, head of the rebel delegation, AFP reports.

However, the South Sudanese government has expressed scepticism over whether the opposition will be able to control all the militias involved in fighting, the BBC’s Anne Soy reports.

Effective monitoring of the truce will be vital once it begins, as tension between the two sides is very high, South Sudan analyst James Copnall says.

The talks have now been adjourned and are due to continue on 7 February.

What started out as a political dispute between

President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar on 15 December escalated into full-scale conflict, with reports of ethnic killings.

A ceremony to mark the signing of the agreement on the “cessation of hostilities and the question of the detainees” took place at the hotel where the talks were hosted.

The agreement is thought to address the issue of 11 detainees whom the rebels wanted freed, and whose fate had previously left the talks deadlocked.

The detainees - allies of Mr Machar and prominent political figures from a faction of the governing SPLM party - were taken into custody when Mr Kiir first made the allegations of an attempted coup - which Mr Machar denies.

The South Sudanese government had earlier said on its Twitter feed that it envisaged an amnesty for the detainees but only after their cases had been heard in court.

Another key rebel demand was for Ugandan troops

fighting alongside the government forces to be withdrawn.

The question of Uganda’s role was not raised during the signing ceremony but members of the rebel delegation said that they would bring up the issue again during the second round of talks, journalist Matthew Newsome told the BBC from Addis Ababa.

Last week, the UN human rights chief said both government soldiers and rebels had committed atrocities in South Sudan, one of the world’s poorest countries.

More than 70,000 civilians are seeking shelter at UN bases across South Sudan and the UN estimates that considerably more than 1,000 have been killed.

Following the outbreak of hostilities, it was agreed to boost the UN force and an extra 5,500 peacekeepers are being deployed to South Sudan, to bring its strength up to 12,500.

 The conflict has triggered a grave humanitarian crisis with hundreds of thousands fleeing their homes

India: Woman Gang-Raped on orders of ‘Kangaroo Kourt’

(BBC) Police in India’s West Bengal state have arrested 13 men in connection with a gang rape of a woman, allegedly on orders of village elders who objected to her relationship with a man.

The 20-year-old woman has been admitted to a hospital in a critical condition.

Unofficial courts in India’s villages often sanction killings of couples deemed to have violated local codes.

Scrutiny of sexual violence in India has grown since the 2012 gang rape and murder of a student on a Delhi bus.

The government tightened laws on sexual violence last year after widespread protests following the attack.

But violence and discrimination against women remain deeply entrenched in India’s staunchly patriarchal society.

The suspects were produced

in court and have been remanded in custody. They have not yet made any public comment.

Police said the latest incident on Monday night was prompted by the relationship between a woman belonging to the Santhal tribal group and a non-tribal man from a nearby village in Birbhum district.

Clan-based village councils made up of local elders wield great influence over life in large swathes of rural India and often mete out punishments for offences deemed to contravene local traditions and mores.

Although honour killings, sanctioned by unofficial courts that are common in parts of northern India, are unheard of in the tribal Santhal community, women are still treated as second class citizens.

“The relationship was going

on for almost five years. When the man visited the woman’s home on Monday with the proposal of marriage, villagers spotted him and organised a kangaroo court. During the ‘proceedings’, the couple were made to sit with hands tied,” Birbhum police chief C Sudhakar told the BBC.

He said the headman of the woman’s village fined the couple 25,000 rupees ($400; £240) for “the crime of falling in love”.

The man paid up, but the woman’s family were unable to pay, police said.

The headman, who is a distant relative of the woman, then allegedly ordered the rape, Mr Sudhakar said.

“Her family could not pay, so go enjoy the girl and have fun,” the headman reportedly told villagers, according to a complaint filed by the woman’s family.

The 13 men arrested in connection with the incident include the headman.

Although the attack took place on Monday night, the family of the woman gathered courage to go to the police on Wednesday afternoon. The woman was admitted to a hospital only on Wednesday night.

She is currently being cared for by a five-member medical team in hospital, local officials say.

The incident has led to outrage in India with some describing it as “inhuman and completely outrageous” and many calling for a quick trial and punishment for the rapists.

“In a democratic country, based upon the rule of law, no vigilantism can be permitted,” India’s Information Minister Manish Tewari said.

Justin Bieber on Miami

Drink-Drive Charge after ‘Road Racing’

(BBC) Pop star Justin Bieber has appeared in a Miami court accused of driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana and prescription drugs.

Police said the Canadian was arrested early on Thursday after racing his sports car on a Miami Beach street.

They said he did not co-operate when pulled over and also charged him with resisting arrest without violence and having an expired driving licence.

He was granted bail set at $2,500 (£1,500).

The 19-year-old has had several run-ins with police in the past year.

The arrest comes a week after his home in Los Angeles was searched by police following allegations he had thrown eggs at his neighbour’s house.

He was accused of causing significant damage to the property. One member of his entourage was arrested for alleged drug possession following the search.

In the latest incident, police said the singer had been racing a yellow Lamborghini against another sports car in the early hours of Thursday.

The Miami Herald reported that members of the musician’s entourage had apparently used their cars to block traffic on Pine Tree Drive at 26th Street, effectively creating a drag strip.

Miami-Dade Police said the star didn’t co-operate with officers at first, questioning why he had been stopped. He also had an invalid Georgia driver’s licence, they alleged.

The driver of the second car - a red Ferrari - was also arrested and both cars impounded, they said.

The other driver was later named as an R&B singer known as Khalil. He was also set bail by the court.

“During the investigation Mr Bieber made statements that he had consumed some alcohol, that he had been smoking marijuana and consumed some prescription medication,” said Miami Beach police chief Raymond Martinez.

 

Justin Bieber waves after leaving the

Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in

Miami

Kenya(BBC) - The trial of four

men charged over the Westgate shopping centre siege in Kenya has started in the capital, Nairobi.

The four suspected foreigners deny charges of aiding a “terrorist group” and being in Kenya illegally.

The court heard testimony from security guards who saw what happened when the gunmen launched the attack in September, killing at least 67 people.

Somalia’s al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab group said one of its suicide brigades carried out the siege.

Egypt(BBC) - Egyptians are

voting for a second day in a referendum on a new constitution drawn up following the ousting of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi.

The army-backed government is seeking a “Yes” vote to endorse his removal.

Mr Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood, which has been designated a terrorist group, is boycotting the vote.

Wednesday’s voting has so far passed off peacefully, in contrast to Tuesday when nine people died in clashes involving Mr Morsi’s supporters.

Mexican(BBC) - Vigilantes in

Mexico have clashed with soldiers deployed in the western state of Michoacan to disarm the groups, who last week launched an offensive against the Knights Templar drug cartel.

Most groups have ignored a government order to lay down their weapons.

In the town of Antunez, they say soldiers shot dead at least three people from the community, including an 11-year-old girl.

Vigilante groups have now taken control of large areas of Michoacan state.

(BBC) - At least 73 people have been killed in a series of bombings in central Iraq, police and medical officials say.

Sixteen died in an attack on a funeral for a pro-government Sunni militiaman in a village south of Baquba, the capital of Diyala province.

Nine car bombs meanwhile exploded across Baghdad, killing at least 37 people and wounding dozens more.

There has been a surge in sectarian violence across Iraq in the past year, reaching levels not seen since 2007.

Iraq

Daily Observer Page 3Friday, January 24, 2014 3

Forest advocates, environmental experts Caution liberians

Liberia’s Forests Should Not Be at Mercy of Exploitative Logging Companies

by edwin M. Fayia iii

Well-placed Libe-rian advocates against defor-estation and

environmental experts have cautioned the Liberian Govern-ment and key stakeholders in the forestry sector not to permit ‘exploitative and unscrupulous’ logging companies to mortgage Liberia’s precious forests.

Liberia and Guinea are the only countries still containing preserved virgin forests in West Africa; that is why conserving them is viewed as vital to the ecological system in the sub-region.

Many forestry watch-dogs continue to admonish Liberians and the government to remain steadfast in the preservation of the nation’s forest.

Over the years, communities affected as a result of illegal

logging have complained about the lack of visible impact on their socio-economic condi-tions. They not that instead, they seem to become victims of environmental degradation and abject poverty.

Earlier this week stern warn-ings were sounded in several interviews conducted by the Daily Observer.

Those interviewed discussed the way forward in the protec-tion and preservation of the Liberian forest from those seeking to plunder the nation’s natural resources.

These environmentalists pointed out that owing to pre-vious administration’s bad governance system, millions of logs have been exported with no significant impact on the socio-economic conditions of Liberians.

Following the recent demo-cratic elections held in Libe-

ria after years of civil conflict, swarms of advocacy groups sprung up to monitor and keep surveillance on the precious remaining rain forest of the na-tion.

In equal measure, dozens of logging companies also sprung up to take advantage of oppor-tunities in the lucrative forestry business.

These companies have found a more progressive business environment under the current

administration of President El-len Johnson Sirleaf.

Being fully aware of the ugly practices of the past administra-tion, the Unity Party led gov-ernment welcomed--- without any hurdles--- dozens of forest-ry watch-dogs to assist govern-ment in the forest preservation processes.

Some of these watch-dog or-ganizations include the British based group Global Witness and the Society General on Sur-

veillance (SGS); who have both opened offices in the nation’s capital.

Initially, the mechanisms crat-ed and put into place contained some tangible loop-holes and some of the logging companies took advantage of the lapses and infiltrated the system with brown envelopes.

Subsequent to the detection of corrupt practices in the for-estry sector, the Liberian Gov-ernment immediately placed a moratorium on the harvest and exportation of Liberian logs on the world market.

The Liberian Government then instituted practical steps leading to the dismissal of the former Managing Director of the Forestry Development Au-thority and dissolution of the entity’s board of directors.

In a bid to restore confidence and credibility to the forestry sector, the Liberian Govern-ment appointed an interim man-agement team with the head being one of Liberia’s most re-spected businessmen, Harrison Karnwea.

During former President Charles Taylor’s regime, thou-sands of hectares of forest in the coastal county of Grand Bassa were mortgaged disregarding international practices and stan-dards.

The notorious Oriented Tim-ber Company (OTC) of Ma-laysia harvested and exported several of Liberia’s finest tim-ber species; leaving behind

environmental degradation to the detriment of the citizens of Grand Bassa County.

Several attempts at the time by advocacy groups such as the Sustainable Development Institute (SDI) to speak on the malpractices in the forestry sector were met with stiff resis-tance by top former officials of President Charles G. Taylor’s administration.

Another newcomer in the fight against malpractice in the forestry sector is Liberia’s lead advocacy outfit the Green Advocates, headed by Attorney Alfred Brownell.

Attorney Brownell and his team have spoken out on a number of issues of concern; such as the owners of Libe-ria’s biggest rubber plantation Firestone Rubber Company’s environmental pollution in the Farmington River in Margibi County.

Aside from this, the environ-mental lawyers have also spo-ken critically about some of the bad labor practices meted out against vulnerable rubber tap-pers and other plantation work-ers’ socio-economic conditions over the years.

In closing, it is the fervent hope of Liberians, support partners, forestry advocates and the Daily Observer that in 2014 and beyond the Liberian Government continues to work tirelessly to ensure a vibrant forestry sector.

Processed logs affected by GOl Moratorium due to abuse of Private Use Permit

by Gloria T. Tamba

In an effort to improve the justice delivery system in Liberia by creating means for its citizens, to have

access to justice, the Carter Center and the Government of Sweden have launched a US$7.5 million project through the Government of Liberia.

The project is aimed at im-proving access to Justice in country, especially for the un-derserved rural population of the country.

The Carter Center, an orga-nization founded by former United States President Jimmy Carter, currently works with the Government on programs related to access to justice, ac-cess to information and mental health care.

The Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) on Thursday January 23, 2014 launched the 7.5M project in

Monrovia as part of its partner-ship with the Liberian Govern-ment and the Carter Center. The project is expected to last for three years.

In December 2013, the Carter Center and Government of Sweden entered into a partner-ship through the Embassy of Sweden in Liberia.

The agreement stands to sup-port the Carter Center’s efforts to make justice more accessible for undeserved rural popula-tions, including women and youth, and to strengthen com-munity based dispute resolution for customary leaders.

The Chief of Party of Carter Center in Liberia, Mr. Pewee Flomoku, said that he and his organization are grateful to the Swedish government for the continuous investment in Li-beria’s future and in particular, for their support to this project. “The more that ordinary people experience the protection of

law, the stronger we will be,” he said.

He recalled that since 2006, the Carter Center provided civic education on the law to rural citizens. The agreement would help support the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission (JPC) to provide free legal as-sistance. He said programming is also in partnership with Libe-ria’s Ministries of Justice and of Internal Affairs amongst others.

Mr. Flomoku disclosed, how-ever, that while working with the grant for three years, the Center is also in search of do-nors in order to continue on the right path after the three year project with the Swedish Gov-ernment.

He promised that the center would use the support wisely for the purpose intended and also work with the chiefs to serve the people of Liberia in helping them get access to jus-tice.

For her part, Swedish Ambas-sador, Sofia Strand said Sweden regards the support to equal ac-cess to justice as an essential part of its overall aim to create conditions that would enable poor people to improve their lives, meanwhile strengthening democratic, equitable and sus-tainable development.

“Since the war, the Govern-ment of Liberia and the Interna-tional Community have worked hard to strengthen the formal justice and security sector. My belief is that this assistance will offer continued support to em-power men, women, boys, and girls in Liberia to obtain justice based on principles of human rights and strengthened gender equality while the reform of the formal system is taking place,” Amb. Strand added.

She mentioned that strength-ening the capacity of traditional leaders is part of the three year support to the center.

Carter Center, Swedish Gov’t Launch US$7.5M Project

FLY Releases Elections Guidelines

by C.y. Kwanue

The leadership of the Federation of Libe-rian Youth (FLY) has released guidelines

that would lead to peaceful con-duct in its pending elections.

In keeping with the guide-lines, all individuals wishing to contest any of the eight posi-tions must, firstly, be a Liberian between the ages of 15 and 35; must be nominated by an asso-ciate member organization of the FLY.

Candidates must also accom-pany their nomination with a valid birth certificate, passport, curriculum vitae with universi-ty record(s), and a police clear-ance.

They should have proven a re-cord of being actively engaged with youth activities in Liberia for at least two years prior to being nominated and have the ability to provide leadership for the FLY. Candidates must not have any proven record of crim-inal activities or act (s); must accompany nomination with a page detailing information of service in youth activities and ability to execute the function of the position to which he/she is being nominated including at least three references.

One vying must not be an active card holding member of any political party, and must not be within the employ of the

Government of Liberia for at least four months prior to being nominated.

Other specific guidelines in-clude education qualifications that have to do with university degree, etc.

At a recent press conference in Monrovia, FLY secretary-general, Flamah Howard and the election co-chair, Thomas Mulbah, in two separate re-marks, told reporters that in keeping with the constitution of the FLY, an independent election commission (IEC) was constituted to help with the conduct of a ‘free, fair and transparent’ electoral process.

Accordingly, three persons including the chairman, Laf-fia Kaba, the co-chair, Thomas Mulbah, the secretary-general, Jacob Flomo and a member, Mmobeydo N. Joah Harrell were selected to manage the electoral process.

“We assure the public, par-ticularly the youth community, of conducting an election free from violence and intimida-tion, adding that transparency remains the focus of the com-mission,” Mr. Mulbah declared.

Posts to be contested for in the upcoming FLY elections include president, 1st, 2nd and 3rd vice presidents respective-ly. Other positions are secre-tary-general, deputy secretary-general/administration, deputy secretary/finance and deputy/program.

BRAC-Liberia Assesses 2013by David a. yates

BRAC Liberia has said that all of its activities in Liberia are geared toward

increasing food security in poor and rural areas of the country.

BRAC is vigorously engaged in livestock, agriculture and health programs in seven coun-ties of Liberia.

Among its ongoing activities are five different projects under the livestock program.

The projects were launched in January, 2013, and is being funded by the European Union (EU). It has been implemented in six counties where BRAC Liberia is trying to make a positive impact on the life of Liberians. It places its focus on people in leeward counties by encouraging and supporting them to engage in more live-stock production and market-

ing. The project is being imple-

mented to achieve the reduc-tion of food insecurity through improved and sustainable live-stock production among 12,650 beneficiaries in the six counties under the project area.

One if it’s aims is to increase household incomes by 25 per-cent from the sale of surplus produce through access to mar-kets as well as by improving ca-pacity of local institutions and organisations to enable them to implement a fully developed national livestock strategy.

To properly implement their projects, BRAC Liberia always involves the Ministry of Agri-culture (MOA) in all its activi-ties to support, and increase ca-pacity to develop the livestock sector as well as to reduce food insecurity.

As a part of this, BRAC has been working with the MOA to

finalize the national livestock policy aimed at having a com-mitted stand on livestock from the government.

The organization on Novem-ber 14, 2013 conducted a day-long training for livestock per-sonnel from the MOA where 20 participants from Montserrado, Grand Bassa, Magribi, Bong, Nimba, and Lofa counties ben-efitted. The training was facili-tated by the managing director, A. Saleque, Advisor (Agricul-ture and Livestock), BRAC In-ternational.

At the end of the training, several of the livestock practi-tioners lauded the organization for positively impacting their lives and encouraging them to actively engage in livestock production.

For Robert Sevelle from Grand Bassa County, the train-ing gave him new methods of livestock farming.

Sevelle observed that most farmers were not properly treat-ing their animals to make them have the desire protein for hu-man consumption, but with as-sistance from BRAC, they are able to properly manage and treat their livestock products.

“In Grand Bassa County, for example, most farmers were engaged into primitive method of farming, but since some of us were taught by BRAC, we are helping to educate our friends.”

Cecelia Wilson, a female farmer, lauded BRAC for teaching them to know about animals’ disease management, as well as the management, and business aspect as they are en-gaged in livestock product.

“Most females including my-self are not trained in livestock production, as a result of that, they are unable to properly treat and raise livestock products,” Cecelia noted.

Daily Observer Friday, January 24, 2014 Page 4Tuesday, November 5, 2013

OBSERVER CARTOON WITH A. Leslie Lumeh E-mail: leslie@leslielumeh.com www.leslielumeh.com

Published by Liberian Observer CorporationP.O. Box 1858, Monrovia

Liberia’s First Independent Daily

0886812888, 0886472772www.liberianobserver.com

Friday, January 24, 2014

Ellen’s Administration Meets Challenges in

Agricultureby Judoemue Mohmoh Kollie

Liberian citizens, including many of its subsistence farm-ers across the country, are ex-pected to hear from President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf this com-ing Monday, January 27, on progress her administration has made in addressing the coun-try’s food security as she deliv-ers her Annual Message to the National Legislature.Due to Liberia’s 14-year civil

crisis, the agriculture sector has been completely devastated leaving it many challenges.But what has the government

done for nearly a decade now to ensure that this viable sec-tor becomes revamped to create employment for many of the citizens as way of sustaining the peace.In her 2013 state of the nation

address, the President disclosed achievements in restoring dig-nity to the sector.“The agriculture sector of Li-

beria remains the key sector of the economy for employment creation, poverty reduction, food security and income gen-eration. To meet the challenges of achieving the full potential of the sector, my administra-tion has focused on capacity

building through training both locally and abroad. Through financial arrangements with international partners, matched by government funding, some 1,895 persons have received training, of which 1,643 are trained through scholarship grants at local institutions. The Central Agricultural Re-

search Institute (CARI) has been restructured and has, for the first time since its destruc-tion in 1980, reopened the Na-tional Seed Bank that today stores certified seed rice for use by local farmers. Deposits of certified seeds are both from CARI and local farmers. To better reach local farmers

with training, farm inputs and value-addition facilities, the government has constructed Agricultural Technology Trans-fer Centers around the country, four of which have been built in Nimba, River Gee, Grand Bas-sa and Maryland. Three others, in Lofa, Bong and Gbarpolu, are under construction,” she mentioned in her 2013 annual massage. However, in spite of all these

achievements there is much more to be done to improve agriculture for the reduction of poverty in the lives of Liberian

farmers.In 2005 government regarded

agriculture as the center of its poverty reduction strategy. Yet, many farmers are still living in abject poverty. This is because many farm-to-market roads in the country are yet to be im-proved to enable farmers to carry their produce to the mar-ket on time.Marketing is a major chal-

lenge for farmers in the country.In 2013 the President made

mention of the improvement of few feeder roads in her annual massage. These include the rehabilitation of the Kolahun Junction to Vahun to the Boma-sue and the Totota/Sanoyea/Phebe junction road.If farmers are going to im-

prove in agriculture to increase food production, government must allot more money in the national budget to support ag-riculture.The current budget for agri-

culture stands at 2.4 percent which is far below the Maputu Declaration on food security, which mandates African lead-ers to put 10 percent in their national budget for agriculture.Most of the funding to support

the sector comes from external sources.

The Way forward for Liberian Raw

MaterialsOur young reporter Gloria Tamba reported Tuesday that China

Union was shipping out to China 15,000 tons of iron ore from the Bong Mountain Range. Her story carried a vivid photo of raw ore being shipped out of the country. It was a photograph all too familiar in Liberia. The identical photo could have been retrieved from the archives of the Liberia Mining Company nearly seven decades ago—68 years to be exact—when this American company shipped its first consignment of iron ore to the United States from Bomi Hills in now Bomi County.

Today, nearly seven decades later, we are still shipping our iron ore abroad and, amidst a cruel and twisted paradox (incon-sistency, absurdity), we, Africa’s oldest independent republic, are unable make a single steel rod or sheet of zinc!

The time has come in this country for us to say NO MORE OF THAT! As we say in our popular Quadrille dance, “Reverse the whole,” we need to step back and start demanding that we are no longer prepared to allow all of our iron ore shipped out of here lock stock and barrel. WE MUST HAVE SOME VALUE ADDED to the bountiful blessings that the God of nature has bestowed upon us. After nearly seven decades, it is about time.

But how do we do it, when this government, thanks to Richard Tolbert and others, in the rush bring in US$16 billion invest-ments, have signed away our natural resources to foreign com-panies to do anything they wish—and of course, we know ex-actly what they wish: to develop their own industries and leave Africa as the perpetual raw materials supplier.

For true? Is that what God ordained for us, or is what we, shortsighted, listless (lazy) and unpatriotic, have ordained for ourselves?

The Chinese are our friends. Why do we say that? Because not long ago they were exactly where we are today, poor, un-derdeveloped, deprived. But the Chinese have three things we Liberians lack: the Chinese are patriotic, they are hard working and they have a sense of personal and national purpose.

He was here not long ago, but we have already forgotten him and the candid and serious advice he gave us before departing. Chinese Ambassador Zhou Yuxiao advised Liberians to use our natural resources to go into manufacturing. Few Liberians, including the Daily Observer, thanked him for his advice; but we apparently forgot it immediately after he left. Two weeks ago this newspaper reminded Finance Minister Amara Konneh to make good his pledge to equip all government offices with locally produced furniture. But a year later we see bid after bid calling for imported furniture for GOL offices. Yet the Na-tional Carpenters Union, including the branch in Ganta, Nimba County, is ready to produce furniture for local consumption. Yes, the Union is, admittedly, like all Liberian cabinet makers, handicapped by lack of modern training and inexperience. Yet so is China even today. We right here in Liberia, like people in other parts of the world, including America, we complain about “these cheap Chinese goods.”

But guess what: the Chinese are proud and happy because the goods, however cheap, however inferior, are made not in America, Italy or Japan, BUT IN CHINA!

It is about time that we start making things in Liberia and be-ing proud of them. That is beginning in industry, the beginning of self discipline, the beginning of self reliance. Today, China is the world’s second largest economy, next to the United States! And the Americans are not taking kindly to the prospect that the People’s Republic will one day soon become the world’s leading economy.

We Liberians must realize that WE HAVE GOT TO START FROM SOMEWHERE. The Ellen administration, which brought in the current investments, China Union, the Western Cluster, the oil palm investments that have swapped up millions of hectares of Liberian land, must begin NOW to renegotiate these agreements, so that some value added will be established and Liberians will, at long last, begin to MAKE SOMETHING and cease from being perpetually on the receiving end of in-dustry.

This is the way forward for Liberian raw materials. But the matter is in our own hands—nobody else’s.

Daily Observer Friday, January 24, 2014 Page 4Tuesday, November 5, 2013 Page 5Friday, January 24, 2014letter

Know Your Lawmakers

In an effort to adequately cover the National Legislature and inform our audience about individual lawmaker(s), the Daily Observer introduces a new column titled, ‘KNOW YOUR LAWMAKERS.’

KNOW YOUR LAWMAKERS is published every Monday and Wednesday weekly beginning January 13, 2014. This column intends to profile all 103 legislators from family background to their current professional careers.

In every edition, we will feature at least two lawmakers to enable us cover the entire Legislature. Management further encourages members of the First Branch of Government to kindly provide it with the necessary pieces of information in order to achieve this goal.

‘No Easy Fix For Youth Unemployment’

-says President sirleaf at World economic Forumby William Q. Harmon

President Ellen John-son Sirleaf says the world should accept that there is no easy

fix for youth unemployment, but that partnership between the public and private sectors can make a difference in tack-ling this global problem.

The Liberian leader spoke on Wednesday, January 22, in Davos-Klosters, Switzer-land, when she addressed the opening plenary session of the World Economic Forum’s An-nual Meeting on “Reshaping the World through Entrepre-neurship, Education and Em-ployment.”

In a speech delivered in Da-vos-Klosters, Switzerland as a panelist at the forum, the Libe-rian President said that large corporations that have been able to obtain concessions in developing countries should be prepared to address their host nation’s unemployment problems through training, so-cial benefits to communities, improvement in infrastruc-ture in the communities, and through better relations and knowledge exchanged with people in the communities.

The Liberian leader indicat-ed that there must also be an urgent response to the call for linkages between the activities of large corporations and the world economy, acknowledg-ing that the evidence is clear that significant employment is not created by the large concessions and corporations, which are largely capital inten-sive in their operations, but by the small and medium-sized enterprises which lead to the

development of a middle class, the most sustainable driver of employment.

She underscored that unless the world finds a solution to youth unemployment, the con-sequence for society, politics and business is likely to be civil upheaval, political insta-bility and economic disruption across the globe.

President Sirleaf also men-tioned that the International Labor Organization in 2013 estimated the global youth unemployment rate at 12.6 percent, implying unemploy-ment of 73.8 million young people globally. In developed economies, youth unemploy-ment increased by 24.9 per-cent since 2008, while some large economies, like Spain and Greece, registered rates over 50 percent.

During the same period, she pointed out, youth unem-ployment rates in developing economies were highest in the Middle East and North Africa, at 28.3 percent and 23.7 per-cent, respectively, and in sub-Saharan Africa at 11.8 percent, ignoring the extremely high level of vulnerably employed. She attributed such high youth unemployment to a missing pool of skilled labor, as well as insufficient growth to ab-sorb a growing labor force. Consequently, surplus workers face vulnerabilities as they are pushed into the informal sec-tor where they lack regular income, benefits, job security, and pensions.

The Liberian President also pointed out that structural unemployment affects most vulnerable young people, who comprise large numbers

of economic migrants, par-ticularly from Asia and Africa, who continue to seek refuge in Europe, risking their lives in perilous voyages to pursue a livelihood, with resulting ra-cial tensions in host countries.

She quoted an African De-velopment Bank finding that in most countries in sub-Saha-ran Africa and in all of North Africa, it is easier for men to get jobs than it is for woman, and that the effect of unem-ployment in women is similar.

The session was also ad-dressed by the first female President of the Republic of Korea, Park Geun-Hye, who urged the world to join Ko-rea’s journey towards the de-velopment of a creative econ-omy across the globe. She also called upon participants of the 2014 World Economic Forum to work towards an economic engine that takes the world be-yond current constraints.

Opening her statement, President Sirleaf said the fol-lowing to the world gathering: “Despite Switzerland’s frigid January weather, compared to the balmy temperature of my country, Liberia let me say that it is a pleasure to be back in Davos-Klosters for the 2014 World Economic Forum. Our last time here was in 2007 – exactly a year after I took office – where we have made the case for relief of Liberia’s US $4.9 billion external debt. This global platform helped in drawing attention to Libe-ria’s economic and financial situation. In July 2010, having reached the completion point as a Heavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPC), much of the massive debt was waived.”

Need as Opposed to GreedMr. Editor

What can possibly be the rationale of the National Legislature of Liberia to debate for an incre-ment in the budgetary allotment for the County Development Fund (CDF) when enough is already known to prove that funds allocated for the CDF in bygone years to embellish the lives of poor Liberians were instead embezzled or misappropriated by greedy and corrupt government officials?

It is therefore prudent that the legislators call off the current debate on the proposed bill to allot 15% of the national budget to the CDF, and divert their attention to putting into place the appropri-ate mechanisms that would ensure that funds allocated for the CDF are effectively managed.

I can not agree less with Dr. Togba-Nah Tipoteh’s assertion in the story captioned” Honest Man-agement, Not Money, Is the Answer: Dr. Tipoteh” (Published on Page 9 of the Daily Observer’s Thursday, January 16, 2014 edition) that “honest management rather than money is what is really needed to improve the living conditions of poor people in the districts.”

While there are justifiable reasons for an increment in the CDF, there are also mounting concerns that such an increment would greatly benefit gluttonous and visionless government officials rather the local people themselves.

Let me close by firmly suggesting that the bill to increase budgetary allotment to the CDF be vi-toed by President Sirleaf- that is if it passes through the Senate-and reintroduced only at such time when it can be proven beyond all reasonable doubts that funds allocated for the CDF are affectively and efficiently managed for the great benefit of all Liberians.

Remember the assertion of Mahatma Gandhi: “On this earth there is enough for everyone’s need but not for their greed.”

Jahbulleh C. Dempster3rd Street, Saye Town, Sinkor

Bong Senatorial Race Intensifies

by Judoemue Mohmoh Kollie

As Liberia’s mid-term senatorial elections draws nearer, at least six

of Bong County’s eminent cit-izens from its lower districts have declared their intentions to contest the senatorial post.

Bong County senatorial as-pirants made their declarations last Saturday in Salala Town, Salala District, at a mass citi-zens’ meeting.

The meeting was organized 3 districts including Salala, Sanoyea, and Fuamah.

It was intended to unite the citizens of the 3 districts. These districts hope to take their rightful position in the decision- making process of their county and help foster development.

Several distinguished per-sonalities from opposition political parties in Liberia, in-cluding the standard bearer of the Movement for Progressive Change, Mr. Simeon Free-man; presidential aspirant of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), Benoni Urey; and others, attended the meet-ing.

Those making declarations of intent are: incumbent sena-tor Jewel Howard Taylor, Jo-seph O. Clinton, Andrew S. Allakamenin, Mannis B. How-ard, James Gbarbea and for-mer Salala District lawmaker Martin Kerkula.

These individuals are expect-ed to go through the primaries

of their umbrella organization “SASAFU” (Salala, Sanoyea, and Fuamah) in order to quali-fy for support.

Speaking at the meeting, the acting chairman of SASAFU, Momo Tehmeh, clarified that the 3 districts have resolved to unite to support a particular candidate of their choice.

“In order to change and im-prove this age-old scenario (meaning traditional of Upper Bong Citizens in political posi-tions) and to capture the need-ed developmental attention to improve the standard of living of thousandd of Lower Bong citizens, we have unanimously agreed to unite in striving for social, economic and political development,” he explained to his audience at the meeting.

He said that despite the vast potential in Lower Bong, it still remains one of the most underdeveloped areas in the county.

According to Tehmeh, it is important that citizens in Low-er Bong enjoy equal participa-tion in the political leadership of the county.

“Our advocacy is a process that is participatory, construc-tive, and inclusive. It is de-signed to develop a shared-vi-sion for the betterment of our people,” he reiterated.

He said that SASAFU will remain a strong force in sensi-tizing the citizens to make de-cent decisions that will trans-form their lives.

“We will ensure that we se-lect the right person to support, in this senatorial race. Those who do not get the approval

of the organization should un-derstand that they are not the people’s choice,” he stressed.

Although Tehmeh did not state the exact time for the primary, he assured all present that it would be transparent.

“The primary will involve the participation of the elders, youths ,and local authorities of the 3 districts. Whoever is selected would be judged bytheir past performance in working with the citizens over the years. We will not elect a leader on the basis of financial status; rather, those elected would be chosen for their credibility,” he clarified.

He used the occasion to call on his fellow citizens to unite and bring development to the 3 districts.

Launching the SASAFU’s membership fund drive, CDC presidential aspirant, Benoni Urey, said that the establish-ment of SASAFU was a step in the right direction.

“Small ideas can bring about great achievements, so I want to thank you for coming to-gether as citizens from differ-ent districts with the shared goal of development,” he said.

He urged the citizens not to be distracted in their vision and to work harder in bringing about transformation in the county.

Mr. Urey further warned them to make good political decisions that would move their districts forward.

“The political arena will be crowded with lots of people; so you must be careful in your selection,” he cautioned.

   (left)bong senatorial aspirants and (right) incumbent Jewel Howard all expected for

sasaFU’s primary.

For his part, the standard bearer of the Movement for Democratic Change, Simeon Freeman, called on members of SASAFU to decentralize its activities in the 3 districts.

“By doing so, the organiza-tion would always have a voice in developments taking place in the county,” he said.

Mr. Freeman also used the meeting to sound a strong warning that the citizens not to betray their districts by the election of the wrong person.

If the citizens of Lower Bong succeed in supporting a single candidate in the coming senatorial race, it is expected that that individual would join seven other candidates in Up-per Bong County contesting the post.

At the same time, incumbent senator, Jewel Taylor stated at the meeting in Salala that she welcomes all other candidates to contest her position.

Senator Taylor, who hails from Sanoyea District, told cit-izens from the 3 districts that she will be looking forward to their support in her re-election.

Daily Observer Page 10 Friday, January 24, 2014 6

(left to right) rhodesia, vivian and vickie (Janie Zipporah Fleming Ward’s daughters by birth)

WriTTeN by vickie e. Ward

I have held on to this story for approximately 15 years. I guess the abhorrent nature of the intricate details of such a story can render one dormant for a long while. But, in recent times, I read an article writ-ten in the Liberian Front Page Africa newspaper that brought back memories of the story and I, at this time, no longer wish to keep it inside. In fact, the reason I am writing about it now is because I want to share it with everyone with the hope that my siblings and I can clear up the memory of our mother and that others who may have similar stories can benefit from ours.

Early last year, as I read the words in the Front Page Africa article across my computer screen, the story sounded so familiar. A Liberian Civil Rights lawyer, Melvin Page, had some information and docu-ments on a woman he felt was an Indian national who had fraudulent-ly obtained a Liberian passport. As I continued to read, I recognized the woman’s Liberian name, Marpue. How odd, I thought that this was the same name that Mr. M. P. Dhaliwal (Marpue’s father) said was the name of the love child my mother had for him in 1971. It was 1999 when Mr. Dhaliwal told my siblings and me this story of how he and my mother, the late Janie Zipporah Fleming Ward, had this child in July of 1971. The article also said that the woman’s last name was Dhaliwal and she was born in 1971. I quickly sat up in my chair and read the article in its entirety because I realized that this woman mentioned in the article was the child that M.P. Dhaliwal talked about when he met with my siblings and me at my brother’s home in New Jersey, USA in 1999.

Just like on that night Mr. Dhaliwal told us his story, I developed a knot in the pit of my stomach. The story was so far-fetched. My family members knew nothing about this “so-called” child. Not my mother’s sisters, not her cousins, not her children and not her friends. It was as if a recurring nightmare had returned to haunt me.

Meeting Mr. DhaliwalAfter divorcing my father sometime in the mid 1960’s, my mother later met an Indian man who called

himself M.P. Dhaliwal. He and his younger brothers lived in Monrovia and had moved from India to do business in Liberia. My mother fell in love with MP, as he was fondly called, and they began a courtship that lasted until her untimely death in 1973.

I remember times spent at the Dhaliwal home and going on picnics with him and my mother at the monument near the Ducor Intercontinental Hotel. Although I did not live in the house with my mother on Crown Hill, I spent many days with her. However, my older sister, Rhodesia Martin Smith lived with our mother in a 3-bedroom house at the top of Crown Hill (near the corner of Clay Street).

It was at this house where I first met Mr. MP Dhaliwal. He was a tall, olive-complexioned man of In-dian descent, and he wore a white turban. He had come to pay a visit and take my mother out on a date. I could tell my mother was happy because of her giddiness. She kissed my sister Vivian and me on the lips, as she stormed out the front door. There were many date nights between the Indian man and my mother. Eventually, it seemed as if their relationship deepened as she helped behind the scenes in getting his business established.

My mother had always been entrepreneurial, starting her own transportation business to help take care of her children. I was young, but would hear my mother’s sisters discuss my mother’s taxi and bus busi-nesses. My sister Rhodesia would help to count the money earned for the day from the business, and according to her, some nights, she would count up to $500.00. We have often wondered what happened to the Zippy’s buses and taxis. I was told just last year by a family member that while my mother was still alive, but ill, the name Zippy’s was removed from the buses and operated by Mr. Dhaliwal of DITCO (Dhaliwal International Trading Company) in Monrovia.

My Mother’s illnessOne day in the early part of 1971, my mother called me in her room and took my hand and placed it

under her arm, as she began to tell me that she had found a lump. She told me she didn’t know what it was, but she wanted to travel to the U.S. to see the doctor about it. I asked her if it hurt, and she said,

“No.” My mother said she had been to see a Liberian doctor and had surgery, but the entire lump was not removed. She also asked me another question, which brought a smile to my face. She asked, “Do you want me to go back to your father?” I was excited at the possibility of having both my mother and father together as a couple again. But the reunion of my parents would never come to fruition. In fact, this period of my mother’s existence was the beginning of the end of her life. She told us she would have to travel to the United States to check on the lump, but she never spoke of a pregnancy. Our only concern, and hers, was her health.

Between the time she found the lump and her death, my mother traveled to the U.S. twice. She left Liberia in 1972 to seek medical treatment in New York. She spent time while in New York with my Uncle Spencer Ward and his then wife, Maureen. Upon her return to Liberia, she brought many gifts for every-one. She brought me a green body suit (stylish at the time) and a brown hand bag. She also had this brown, afro wig that I loved and wanted to wear. Everyone was so excited to see her and find out about her trip. My aunts came to visit and my mother had gifts for them, including underwear and handbags. There was something for everyone. But, the excitement quickly died down because my mother announced that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer.

In 1973, my mother returned to the United States for surgery. My sister Rhodesia traveled to the U.S. to care for her. After the surgery and chemotherapy at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, her doctor, (Dr. Leary), informed her that the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes and her brain and there was nothing more they could do for her. My mother returned to Liberia in September 1973, and I was at the airport to meet her, along with my family. She lived until November 1973. On her death bed, she was worried about her youngest child, Vivian, and how she would fare. There was no mention of an-other young child or baby. She asked in her last words, “Who will take care of my babies Vickie and Viv-ian.” I guess she worried because we were the youngest children. She also, in a very soft voice, asked for her son, Charles (Charles Martin) and when she saw him, she died peacefully..with no mention of a baby.

refuting Claims Made by Mohinder Pal singh Dhaliwal of DiTCOAfter listening to the story told by Mr. M.P. Dhaliwal in 1999 about a baby my mother had for him, I be-

gan to do some research. I found out that Mr. Dhaliwal had been married twice, once to an Indian woman and a second time to a Jewish woman in the United States. I located both wives and made a phone call to their individual homes. The Jewish woman claimed she was no longer married to Mr. Dhaliwal and she did not want to talk to me any further. The Indian woman agreed to talk to my sister Rhodesia and me, and we met her at her home in South Plainfield, New Jersey. We arrived at a very modest home and saw this woman on the back lawn in Indian garb. She welcomed us into her home and asked us to have a seat. My sister Rhodesia told her why we wanted to speak to her—to substantiate that Marpue Dhaliwal was her daughter. The Indian woman told us that M.P. Dhaliwal was her husband and she became pregnant

and give birth to a baby girl in Punjab, India. She said her husband conspired with the doctor and nurses in the hospital where she gave birth to tell her the baby girl she birthed had died. She began to cry as she explained that she only found out when her daughter was 9 years old that in fact, the baby girl she gave birth to was indeed alive and well and was at a boarding school in India. She continued to cry as she told us she would have never found out about her daughter if Mr. M.P. Dhaliwal and his younger brother had not had an argument. After they argued, the younger brother, in retaliation, told her what his brother had done to their daughter – kept her hidden from her mother for 9 years. It sounded like an Indian movie, and I cringed at the thought of Mr. Dhaliwal hiding this baby from his wife for nine years and then bring-ing her to Liberia to pass her off as the daughter of my Liberian mother. Mrs. Dhaliwal shared so many other stories and dark secrets with my sister and me about her husband, which have nothing to do with my mother and so I will not divulge them in this article.

In December of 2012, I invited Miss Marpue Dhaliwal to a conference with my lawyer to discuss the possibility of conducting DNA testing to ascertain the validity of her claim as a Liberian citizen by way of my mother. We had two meetings. In the first meeting, Ms. Dhaliwal showed up with her father, Mr. Dhaliwal. At the onset of the meeting, they were adamant DNA would not be possible. Through their lawyer, Counselor Theophilus Gould, they asked what did I want, and I responded, “The truth.” If in fact, Ms. Dhaliwal’s claim is true, the DNA would show it and if it is not, I believe she should stop masquerad-

ing as a Liberian citizen. No one in my family had heard about her prior to 1999. If in fact this child was born in 1971, why would Mr. Dhaliwal wait 28 years to mention that he had this child with my mother? Why would no one in our family know about the child? My mother lived on Crown Hill with her sister, Ellen Togbanyahn, as a next door neighbor. Why would my aunt not know about a child that Mr. Dhali-wal claims was brought from the Maternity Center to my mother’s home after the delivery? My oldest sister, Rhodesia lived with my mother and she said my mother was never pregnant, and she certainly did not give birth to a baby. There are too many questions and no good answers coming from the Dhaliwals.

What my sisters and i believeMy mother gave birth to six children during her lifetime. Her first born was Rhodesia Levian Martin,

and after that, a son, Charles Levi Martin. They were both children of the late Senator Levi Martin of Grand Bassa County. My mother would later meet and marry the late Victor E. Ward. Their union was blessed with four children: Victoria, Janie, Emanuel and Vivian. Janie and Emanuel Ward both died as infants. My mother, the beautiful Janie Zipporah Fleming Ward discovered in 1971 she had an illness and sought medical attention the following year in New York. While in New York, she told my Aunt Maureen (married to my uncle) that she was dating an Indian national and this man wanted her to carry his child, but said she would never carry a child for him because she had found out he had a wife in India.

We also believe our mother was a loving mother, sister and daughter and would not go to her grave with a secret of a mystery child. She and her sister Ellen were very close and shared everything. Why would my mother not share the pregnancy and birth of a daughter with her sister Ellen? Why would her sister Ellen not know her sister carried a pregnancy to term? And if Ellen was a nurse at Maternity Center, why would she not know if her sister and next door neighbor gave birth at the hospital where she was employed?

We believe that the Dhaliwals had so much to lose after my mother’s death. The businesses operated by both Mr. Dhaliwal and my mother existed because of my mother. If Mr. Dhaliwal was to expand his business through the purchase of property in Liberia, he needed an heir of Liberian descent—preferably one who has a mother who is 6 feet under. The timing was also perfect for Mr. Dhaliwal. He can show that he had an heir since 1971, just when his various business ventures were taking off. His daughter, Marpue Dhaliwal, stands to gain his wealth after her father is no longer around. She has put her name on my mother’s grave as a daughter of my mother. She keeps a photo of my mother in her place of business…all of these ploys to gain a place in my family.

Finally, we believe that a simple DNA test would solve the mystery and put everything to rest. We have asked for a DNA test twice, once in 1999 and in 2012. Through their lawyer, the Dhaliwals agreed to do a DNA test in 2012, but said they did not know when they would be able to do it. We believe this is a tactic to stall, and we are appealing to them again through this medium to let us know when we can have the test done. My family is willing to pay for the test. In the absence of the results of a DNA test, the daughters of the late Janie Zipporah Fleming Ward submit that our mother never had a child for Mohinder Pal Singh Dhawilah, owner of the Dhaliwah International Trading Company (DITCO, Liberia). We will never recognize Marpue Dhaliwal whose real name is Paramjit Kaur Dhaliwal and was born in Punjab, India to Indian parents, as our kin until DNA reveals that she is in fact our blood relative.

May the soul of our sweet and dear mother, Janie Zipporah Fleming Ward rest in perpetual peace! We love and miss you mummie!

Your daughters,Rhodesia (Teta Rhody), Victoria (Vickie) and Vivian (Teta V)

Janie Zipporah Fleming Ward (Zippy)

THE TRUE STORY OF OUR MOTHER JANIE ZIPPORAH FLEMING WARD

Daily Observer Page 7 Friday, January 24, 2014

Procedures:1. Application forms are free and available at LBDI Branches on 9th Street Sinkor and Randall & Ashmun Streets2. Payment can be made by Cash, Managers’ Check or Debit Authorization

This offer document is simply an Information Memorandum and does not in any respect represent a prospectus. The offer document and the securities that it bears are directed at selected investors as well as the members of the general public. Every prospective investor to whom this document has been addressed is expected to conduct i n d e p e n d e n t evaluation of the Financial Position and operating results of the Liberia Cement Company.

Private Placement of

206,572Common Stocks of the Liberia Cement Corporation at US$12 per Stock Payable in Full On Application

OFFER CONDITIONS:Individual: Minimum of 5 stocks at US$12 eachInstitutions: Minimum of 1,000 Common stocks and additional common stock in multiple of 100.

NOV. 18, 2013: Close of Offer: Feb. 18,

2014

LBDI Central Monrovia Branch

Ashmun & Randall Streets

Monrovia, Liberia.

LBDI Sinkor Branch9th Street, Sinkor,

TubmanBoulevard,

Monrovia, Liberia

Liberian Bank for Development and Investment

Information Memorandum

INVEST

TODAY!Visit our branches

and be a proud owner of CEMENCO

 Embassy of the United States of America, Monrovia

ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: 14-02

Vacancy AnnouncementU.S. Embassy

Monrovia, Liberia

OPEN TO: ALL INTERESTED CANDIDATES (Current employees serving a probationary period are not eligible to apply)

POSITION: Travel Clerk, FSN-05, FP-09*OPENING DATE: January 15, 2014CLOSING DATE: January 29, 2014WORK HOURS: Full-time; 40 hours/weekSALARY: **Ordinarily Resident (OR): $8,298 per annum starting salary (Position Grade: FSN-05) *Not-OrdinarilyResident(NOR):FP-09(tobeconfirmedbyWashington)

NOTE: ALL NON-LIBERIAN APPLICANTS MUST HAVE THE REQUIRED WORK AND/OR RESIDENCY PERMITS ALLOWING WORK IN COUNTRY BEFORE BEING ELIGIBLE TO APPLY.

TheU.S.EmbassyisseekingaqualifiedindividualforthepositionofTravelClerkwithintheGeneralServicesOffice.

BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION:Expedites visa processing, diplomatic notes for visa and other related documents in connection with travel for Ameri-canpersonnelandLEStaffassignedatpostaswellasforofficialandVIPvisitors.WorkalongwiththeMinistryofForeign Affairs and Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization for the purpose of renewing expired visas for diplomatic passports and airport entry permit in case of emergency.

QUALIFICATIONS:1. Completion of secondary school is required.2. One to two years of clerical experience is required.3. Level III English ability (good working knowledge) is required. 4. Incumbentrequiresagoodgeneralknowledgeofofficeoperations.AgoodworkingknowledgeofTravel

with emphasis on booking reservations. Must be able to interpret bookings to customers in a simplify form for easy understanding.

5. Mustbeabletodealtactfully,yeteffectively,withotherpostofficialsandwithAmericanpersonnelandVIPvisitors.Musthavegoodtypingandcomputerskills.IfrequiredtodriveofficialUSGvehicle,musthavealocal driver’s license.

A copy of the complete position description listing all duties and responsibilities is available in the Human Resources Office, (231) 776-777211)

TO APPLY:

SUBMIT APPLICATION TO: HumanResourcesOffice Attention: Travel Clerk American Embassy P. O. Box 98 1000 Monrovia 10 Liberia Or Email to Monrovia-Recruitment-DL@state.gov

Drop in application box at the service Gate on Gibson street at the New embassy Compound. The Universal ap-plication Form (DS-174) can be picked up at the Gibson Street Gate or the Human Resources Office (for employees only) or accessed on line.

VACANCY NOTICEPosition Titles : Electricity Instructor Plumbing Instructor Auto Mechanic Instructor Masonry/General Building Construction Instructor Cosmetology InstructorDuty Station : LTI-Salayea, Lofa CountySupervised by : Director

Qualifications/Job Requirements1. Applicants must have graduated from a recognized vocational institution with at least

fiveyearsofteachingexperienceinVocationalEducationinthefieldsmentionedabove2. He/she must have both theory and practical knowledge of the subject matter3. He/she must be willing to live in Lofa County 4. He/she must have good speaking and listening skills in English

Accountant• He/she must have earned a BBA degree in Accounting from a recognized University

withfiveyearsofworkingexperience• He/shemustbecomputerliterateandcapableofworkinginExcel,Word,etc.• Responsible for all financial matters relating to the Lutheran Training Institute

VocationalTrainingandtheAcademicPrograms• Maintain petty cash and collect school fees, rental fees for the use of LTI facilities

and other incomes for the skills training program and the academic programs of the institute.

• Assist the Director to prepare budget for the skills training program.• Prepare payment vouchers with valid receipts.• MakeemployeesmonthlypayrollandsubmitittoCentralOfficeforapproval.• Enter all revenues/school fees and payments into the School ledger. • Enter all payment vouchers and incomes in the appropriate journals and balance each

account daily• Deposit all fees collected into their respective bank accounts.• Prepare all necessary adjustments required by using Journal or journal vouchers and

submitsametotheFinanceOfficermonthlyforapproval.• Reconcile bank statements at the end of each month.• Prepareandmakemonthlyfinancialreport• Perform other duties, as it may be necessary for the programs/institute.

Deadline for application: Wednesday, February 5, 2014Addressed letter to:The Recruitment CommitteeLutheran Development Service in Liberia12th/13th Streets, Sinkor

Signed by: LDS MANAGEMENT

Daily Observer Page 8 Friday, January 24, 2014

1 December 2013

Peace Corps/Liberia Education Programming and Training Specialist (ED PTS)

REPORTS TO: Programming and Training Manager (PTM) POSITION BRIEF: The ED PTS serves as a member of the Programming and Training (P&T) team and supports 80-100 Volunteers in training, program, administration, and other Volunteer support issues. The ED PTS has responsibility for supporting the planning, development, implementation and administration of Peace Corps Liberia’s programming and training activities. The ED PTS will support all P&T related activities for the Education Project with support and direction from the Education Program Manager (ED PM) and PTM. During the Pre-Service Training (PST) and In-Service Training (IST) cycles, the PTS will be the full-time technical trainer for the Education Project and will receive support and direction from the TM and ED PM. The ED PTS also represents Peace Corps Liberia with governmental officials and representatives of non-governmental and host country organizations. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES A. Project and Program Support Site Development Site Visits Administrative Program Support Volunteer Program Support B. Development and Implementation Of Training Activities C. Administrative and other Volunteer Support D. Grants Coordination and Management E. Information Resource Center Management F. Safety and Security QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE Education: Bachelor’s degree in education, project management, community development or relevant field. Experience: Three years progressively responsible experience in Education field and/or community development. Trainer of trainers and adult training experience. Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes: Knowledge of and experience with adult education, education in Liberia, and participatory community analysis for development. Strong experience with group facilitation, session plan design, and cultural adaptation & sensitivity training. Computer skills with Microsoft Office required. Ability to work with minimal supervision Ability to manage and administer small grant programs. Position requires a valid Liberia driver’s license and ability to drive a manual vehicle (stick shift). ED PTS must be available and willing to travel throughout Liberia approximately 50-60% of time either accompanied by PM or alone. For a complete Statement of Work please send a request to pcjobs@lr.@peacecorps.gov. Submit a letter of interest, resume and three reference contacts as attachments via email to: pcjobs@lr.peacecorps.gov. No phone calls please. The deadline for applications is January 13, 2014. Applications received after this date may be considered at the discretion of the Contracting Officer. A detailed Statement of Work can be obtained at the guard stations of the Peace Corps Office in Congo Town.

REPORT TO : LAVO Project Coordinator

SUPERVISE : None

LOCATION : Monrovia(withpossibletravelinthefields)

WORKING HOURS : Monday to Saturday 0800 to 1700 (to a maximum of48hoursaweek)

Background of LAVOTheLiberiaArmedViolenceObservatory(LAVO)isaplatformofMultiStakeholdersthatinfluencethereductionofarmedviolencethroughthecollection,analysinganddis-seminationofarmedviolencedataacrossLiberia.TheLAVOgoalisgearedtowardsthereduction of armed violence across Liberia. The establishment of LAVO was facilitated byan InternationalOrganizationcalledActiononArmedViolence (AOAV).LAVOissponsored by theNorwegianGovernment throughAOAV.LAVOhas 25 stakeholderswith15of thembeingactive.LAVOresponsetoLiberia’scommitment to theGenevaDeclarationonArmedViolence andDevelopment of reducing armedviolence and itsnegativeimpactitimposesonSocio-Economicandhumandevelopment.TheLAVOiscurrentlyhousedatActiononArmedViolence(Donor).TheLAVO’sworkisbasedonthethreepillars(Advocacy,MeasurabilityandPrograming)oftheGenevaDeclarationonArmed Violence and Development.

Summary of PositionUnder the supervision of the Project Coordinator the Data Administrator is to provide supporttoLAVOprogrambycollecting,inputtingandanalysingdata.Thispositionre-ports to the LAVO Project Coordinator of LAVO.

Duties and ResponsibilitiesThespecificresponsibilitiesoftheDatabasedAdministratorentail,butarenotlimitedto,thefollowing:

Administration• AssistinorganizingLAVOWorkingGroupmeetingsandinthetakingofminutes

duringmeetings;• Ensurepropercirculationofofficialcommunication;• Collect,inputarmedviolencedatatimely• Maintainregularcontactwithalldataprovidersandensurethatdataareprovided

ontimebythedataproviders;• Make sure that the data is cleaned • MaintainregularcontactwithallexecutiveOfficer

Other• Performanyotherfinanceandadministrativetasksasmaybedelegatedbythe

ProjectCoordinatorand/ortheWorkingGroup/ExecutiveCommittee• Perform other tasks as be required• MustbewillingtotravelintheCountiesifnecessary

Skills, Knowledge, Abilities and qualification1. An advance certificate in computer application with emphasis in database

management;2. Aminimumofthree(3)yearsofprogressiveworkexperienceinarelevantfield.3. Understandingofinter-disciplinarydevelopmentissueswithafocusonsecurity

anddevelopment;4. Highenergy,veryorganizedanddetailedorientedwiththeabilitytomulti-task

andworkundertightdeadlines;5. Abilitytoworkwithotherpeoplefromdifferentbackground;6. GoodwrittenandspokencommandofEnglish;7. Abilitytowritereportwithgraphicdetailexplanation;8. Strong`organizationalskills;9. Excellentcommunicationskills.10. Must acquireBachelor degree in anyof the social Scienceswith emphasis in

Economics11. Must be innovative and initiative

Allapplicationsshouldbesubmittedonorbeforethe1600onJanuary312014

All applications should be addressed to:Mr. Jeremiah S. CollinsProject CoordinatorLiberia Armed Violence ObservatoryOff Newport Street, Mamba Point

With copy to

Mr. Martin KerkulaAVO ManagerAction on Armed Violence (AOAV)Off Newport Street, Mamba Point

YOUCANALSOSENDYOUREMAILAPPLICATIONTOjcollins@aoav.org.uk with copy to mkerkula@aoav.org.uk

Note: LAVO is an equal employer and suitably qualified women are strongly encour-aged to apply.

Job advertisement for the position ofData Based Administrator/Analyst

Three Bedrooms Apartment with living room, Dinning Room,Kitchen and one Bath room for rent

This apartment is situated in Kebbah Barnesville Monrovia. If there is any interest you can please contact Mr. Jefferson K. Barclay on his cell number 0880754609 or 0777238213.

Thanks for your corporation.

APARTMENT FOR RENT

Daily Observer Friday, January 24, 2014 Friday, January 24, 2014 Page 9

LIBArts • Style • Travel • Entertainment

LifeFashion:

I ROCK AFRICAN

Short Story:

The Case of the Blurred Vision

Peter Ballah Remembered

Page 11

Page 10

Entertainment: Page 10

Co.Z Launches

New Album with Tour

Page 12

Criminal Lawyer Jason Doe Solves:

Page 12

Daily Observer Friday, January 24, 2014 Friday, January 24, 2014 Page 10

Entertainment Co.Z Launches New Album with Tour

by yewa sandy

Cozea Naagon Gwaikolo, better known as CoZ, gained his top

Rap Dog status when he featured alongside Hip-Co’s finest Luckay Buckay in the remix track “Rude Boy”. His lyrical style, not to mention his flow, gave the audience the notion that he would be LIB’s next top rap plague. He’s no ordinary up-coming musician who just walked into the music industry without a clue as to how music is made. This cat has been in the motion of rapping for quite a while, twelve years to be precise.

Ironically, CoZ was able to show his versatile compositions in two tracks that visually showed two sides of the unique rapper, years before he was vastly recognized.

His new debut album State of the Union, CoZ has tracks such as “Coco” ft Pitty D’ Best and “Africa” ft JB Soul Fresh that sounds off a man who is evidently torn between English and

Colloqua, a lyrical style he creates consciously in his songs.

“I’m doing this for Liberia so that everyone can understand it,” CoZ stated in a previous article.

“On fire” produced by 231 of Kels Records, was a track that showed a more aggressive character rapping with a more hard-core touch.

Then there was “free”, a song inspired by Hon. Kau Kidau Joseph who is a musical representation of the history of Liberia. Again featuring Buckay and entertainer King Kong, the track showed CoZ in a more sincere way, pleading to his audience about the worth of having mental freedom.

Years later, CoZ now finds himself nestled in the music industry safely, having worked with almost all of Liberia’s leading Hip-Co artists.

Though being a Hip-Hop artist in Liberia is a bit frustrating, due to the fact that colloqua is Liberia’s vernacular, while Hip-Hop is in standard English. CoZ

has managed to no doubt keep his head above water by simply accepting what he cannot change, the fact that Liberia is Liberia.

Joining with numerous Hip-Co artists such as Pitty d’Best, Nasseman and a few others, he has been able to use his experience to formulate a newer style and approach in his flows.

With a wide audience and many eagerly anticipating his debut album, CoZ has a tour schedule planned to jump off starting Jan 25, 2014 at ELWA Junction through March 14, 2014 ending at Stella Maris. His fans and well wishers will have a chance to see him perform some of his greatest tracks like “Saturday” ft Sweetz, “Don’t You Cry” ft Scientific and “Fight” featuring Phaze live.

 

Peter Ballah RememberedLast weekend,

January 17 -19, 2014 the Township if

Dimeh celebrated the life of the late Liberian cultural icon Peter Yarkpawolo Ballah, who died at the

end of December 2012. In attendance were guests of honor, Vice President and Mrs. Joseph N. Boakai, Assistant Minister for Culture Louise McMillian, Ambassador and Dr. (Mrs.) Nathaniel Barnes; Mr.

and Mrs. Pete Norman, the Ballah family, Flomo Theater Inc., the Liberia National Culture Union, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Wongeh who were gowned by the Culture Union for their promotion

and support of Liberian culture and cultural artists in the United States of America. A representative of Novafone, a mobile communications operator, and sponsor of the event, was also present.

Marking the one year since the late Ballah was buried, a hut was built over his tomb similar to that of the late Bai T. Moore, Ballah’s mentor who lay adjacent. Amb. Barnes led a fundraiser to erect a small fence around

the two tombs to protect them from vandalism and abuse. Of course, the cultural performances did not disappoint, rather rousing the spirit of cultural pride in the hearts and minds of those in attendance.

Daily Observer Friday, January 24, 2014 Friday, January 24, 2014 Page 11

Short Story: Criminal Lawyer Jason Doe Solves:

The Case of the Blurred Vision

by Omari Jackson

The woman seemed agitated. Her gaze centered on Criminal Lawyer Jason Doe

and in the next second she turned her face slowly away from him. The courtroom remained quiet and feeling of uneasiness filled the room.

“I’m going to ask you a question,” the lawyer said, a grin on his face, “Mrs. April Dolley, did that man, and you can look at him, did he rape you?”

The woman followed the lawyer’s instructions and removing her glasses, replaced them, and squeezed her face in an agitated sense of concern and replied, “Yes,” she said, and mopped her face with her handkerchief.

“You told the Court that the person who attacked you on the night of your birthday was about five feet seven?”

“Yes.”“But the man who you have

accused, the man whom I told you to look carefully a while ago is about five feet two.

“Does that mean that you are mistaken in your identification?”

“No, I am not.”“Two persons cannot have

two different heights at the same time and therefore you apparently have replaced an innocent man as the real culprit?”

“No.”“You also testified that the

accused weighed about 200 pounds and in reality the man who is accused weighs about 150lbs and this suggests another flaw in your testimony, Mrs. Dolley?”

Prosecutor Willie Job said, “Your Honor the trauma of being a rape victim is a humiliation experience for any woman and therefore Counsel must understand the woman’s testimony.”

Counselor Doe gave the prosecutor’s comment some thoughts before he said, “It does not suggest that any man must be accused of the crime, does it?”

“The victim is suffering from a blurred vision as far as the event of January 8, 2014 is concerned,” the prosecutor said.

Turning to the judge, Jason Doe said, “Having admitted that the victim is suffering from a blurred vision, does it not follow that the defendant may be innocent and he is being tried for a heinous crime he never committed?”

The prosecutor was about to respond when Judge Theresa Kollie said, “Gentlemen, while this case deals with a woman’s honor, the Court finds it interesting however that the prosecutor would admit a deficiency on the part of the victim.

“The question that deserves to be examined with all urgency is whether the victim’s blurred vision, admitted counsel, is a result of the experience on January 8, 2014, when she organized a party with her friends which

incidentally turned out to get her this experience.”

The prosecutor said, “Thank you, Your Honor, it seems likely that such a deficiency was something she was born with.”

“But,” the judge went on, “if that is the case, this must be backed by evidence from a professional and I should not think that the DA rushed a case for a pretrial without much preparation.”

“That’s not the case, Your Honor.”

“Since the case is serious and our laws are determined to stamp out such attempts on women, it makes a whole of sense for the DA’s office to ensure that an accused enjoys all the right of innocence till the resolution of the case,” the judge explained at length.

The echo of uncertainty whipped in the courtroom and the judge allowed some seconds to pass before she continued.

“Admitting that the Court’s opinion concerning the lack of preparation in the case was wrong, the Court will go ahead with the pretrial and entertain the defense to continue with the cross-examination.”

“The Court,” she said, “will over-rule the prosecution’s objection to the victim’s past,” and turning to Counselor Doe, said, “you may continue with your cross-examination.”

“Thank you, Your Honor,” the prosecutor said, and remained in his seat. The blow as a result of the judge’s reaction was felt in the courtroom.

The witness, who stood surprised at the exchanges, stared moodily at the ceiling and began play with her fingers.

Jason Doe walked towards the defense table and deliberately examined some papers in an attempt to buy some time.

Perhaps he was enjoying the negative effects of the shadow-boxing between the judge and the prosecutor, and Jason Doe not being the type to celebrate in the agony of another, allowed a couple of seconds to pass to give the witness a chance to recollect herself.

Though Jason Doe regretted the woman’s experience and was very much interested to ensure that the real culprit was caught and prosecuted.

He was, however, convinced that his client, Robert Solo, was innocent till he was proven guilty. No matter the situation on hand, Jason Doe would not suffer any victim to suffer any injustice and at the same would also not allow the innocent to suffer injustice as well.

Now turning around swiftly he took wide steps to the witness in the stand, and met the pleading eyes of a woman, a mother who had been a victim of one man’s callousness.

“Mrs. April Dolley,” he said, “how long have you been using glasses?”

“Since I was five years of

age.”“And you are thirty five

years?”“Yes.”“How well do you see

without your glasses?”“Let me be honest with you,

sometimes I can see well but other times I can’t see.”

“How well do you see objects closer to you?”

“Besides certain colors, I can see closer objectives including people as well as the colors of clothes.”

“Besides ‘certain colors,’ what does that expression mean, Mrs. Dolley?”

“It means I can see with the glasses on as much as I can see without them.”

The lawyer considered her response and said: “According to Doctor James Boley, an oncologist, his report about you indicates that you have problems distinguishing one color from another?”

“Objected to as improper cross-examination,” the prosecutor said.

The judge said from her bench, “Overruled and the Court will be interested to hear her answer.”

“To the extent that I can see the colors so close to me.”

“You don’t assume the doctor will be incorrect in his professional analysis of your case, did you?”

“No,” she responded, her eyes downcast, “but sometimes a professional report can be faulty because I know I am talking to you and I can see every bit of the color of your clothes.”

“When you were at age 18, you mistakenly accused a young man, whose shirt’s color was white, as red for

abusing you, though the case was thrown out of court, due to wrong identification?”

Prosecutor Willie Job was on his feet.

“Oh, Your Honor, is this line of questioning necessary? What happened to her in the past should have no bearing on what this man did to her.”

Judge Theresa Kollie looked at the prosecutor, with a grin.

“The prosecutor should be aware that rape in Liberia is a serious crime and an accused is not bail-able. The Court is interested in this issue and will allow the defense to continue his line of questioning.”

“Thank you, Your Honor,” the prosecutor said, “I just did not want her background of many years ago use in this case prominently.”

Jason Doe smiled, and walking towards the witness said, “You will not object to any demonstration to measure how well you are able to identify colors, will you?”

“Objected to as improper cross-examination, not proper foundation laid,” the prosecutor shouted.

“Overruled,” the judge responded swiftly.

With a frown, Jason Doe kept his eyes locked with the witness, and said, “I want an experiment to give you the best chance to demonstrate how well you are able to see objects.”

The prosecutor wanted to announce another objection but when he met the eyes of the judge, he held his peace.

Jason Doe, feet planted apart, shrugged his shoulders and made a signal to his private secretary Janet Lovebird, who strolled to the lawyer and

handed him several blouses in various colors and sizes.

Lifting a red blouse with a black color, Counselor Doe said, “I want the witness to tell the Court the color of this blouse, first without your glasses.”

The witness gave a mild laughter. She adjusted her glasses on her face and her eyes brightened up and straining as she grabbed the red blouse from the lawyer.

Several seconds had gone by as the witness kept turning the dress and gazing at it.

The lawyer moved in to rescue the situation when he said, “Mrs. April, what is the color of the dress in your hands?”

The courtroom was silent as all attention was directed at the witness.

“This is not a difficult color to identify,” she said with a smile.

“What color is it?” the lawyer pressed on.

“This is a white dress,” as spectators gasped in utter surprise.

Jason Doe said, “Are you sure the color of the dress that you are holding is white?”

“Yes,” the witness said. “I hope you are rather not blind more than me.”

Judge Kollie leaned forward on her desk and said, “My young woman, did you just say the color of the dress you are holding in your hand is white?”

“Yes,” she responded, “I just told the lawyer, Your Honor, and you can see that this dress,” she raised it up further to make sure that the judge followed her direction, “this dress’s color is white.”

Prosecutor Job’s face changed suddenly, and he lifted his two hands to grab his head, in disbelief. It was like a dream to the packed audience.

Jason Doe saw the opening in the confusion and said, “Mrs. Dolley, you described the man who attacked you on January 8, 2014, as ‘a man who had on a white cap. Do you still stand on the testimony that this defendant had on a white cap with the color like the one in your hand?”

“Yes,” she said.Jason Doe smiled, and

directing his attention to the prosecutor, said, “Is it not a fact that when the defendant was arrested, police investigators seized several items, including a black cap, not red which she testified to and was accepted as Exhibit A.” It was realized that the witness deficiency made her to identify all colors as red.

The prosecutor, with difficulty said, “The record indicates that it was a white cap.”

“Therefore,” Jason Doe continued, “it is clear that the victim has a deficiency that intrudes in her ability to make distinct identification of even colors of people.”

Nodding her approval, Judge Kollie said, “It goes without saying that the witness miss-identified her attacker as it is evident in her identification of the color of this dress in her hands.

“The Court finds this case interesting and therefore stipulates a vigorous search for the criminal and meanwhile orders the defendant released from further detention.”

The End

Daily Observer Friday, January 24, 2014 Friday, January 24, 2014 Page 12

Fashion

i rOCK aFriCaN CaUse i WaNT TO MaKe a sTaTeMeNT! i rOCK aFriCaN CaUse i’M sayiNG TO THe NeXT PersON WaTCHiNG THaT

i KNOW i’M CONFiDeNT, Classy, bOlD, beaUTiFUl aND MOsT esPeCially, THaT i aM sO PrOUND OF My aFriCaN HeriTaGe.

THaT’s WHy i rOCK aFriCaN!

I ROCK AFRICANWith Makanfi Kamara

Daily Observer Page 9 Friday, January 24, 2014 13

 

The Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Finance has appropriated funds in the FY13/14 National Budget and intends to apply part of this to payments under the contract for Consultancy Services for “Valuation of Mount Nimba

Mining Project”.

BackgroundIn 2005, the Government of Liberia (GOL) entered into a Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) with ArcelorMittal (AML) for the re-development of Mount Nimba at Tokadeh, Nimba County. The Agreement has been amended twice: First in 2006 and then in 2013. The project is a joint venture between the Government of Liberia (30%) and AML (70%) with the corresponding initial capital amounts of $15 and $35 million respectively.

When the original feasibility was conducted, it was estimated that the re-development of the mine would cost approximately US$900 million. In 2011, AML completed new feasibility study that puts the estimated project cost to US$2. 1 billionwith the project divided into 2 phases: Phase 1 which is still ongoing involves the shipping of direct ship ore (DSO) with iron (Fe) content around 58%. Phase 2 which is expected to start in 2015 will involve the shipping of palletized concentrate.

Currently, AML is producing and shipping nearly 4 MT pa of DSO. By 2015, the project is expected to be shipping approximately 15 MT pa. Based on the financial model, the company’s ramped up operations were slated for years 2010 through 2015 at which time, the shipment of DSO would cease.

As the project aggressively moves to phase 2 based upon the in initial projected financial model, AML has indicated the need for increased financing through the injection of capital by its shareholders. The Government of Liberia in an attempt to meet its financial obligations as a minority shareholder, needs to hire an internationally recognized and competent third party to work with a competent local entity in undertaking a quick valuation of the project in order to provide both a book and fair market value of its equity stake in AMLas at December 31, 2012. Accordingly, the GOL will use the valuation as a basis for the determination raising capital to finance its position.

ScopeAccordingly, the Government of Liberia is seeking a company that will perform,among other things, the following tasks:1. Analysis of mine’s financial statements, cash flows and projec-tions2. Review of projected expenditures (capitalized VS. expensed)3 Analysis of supply, demand and future price for iron ore, along with transportation costs4. Review and confirm existing resource information to determine/ confirm:

i. Extent of reserve andresources(Rule 7,43-101 and/ or JORC)ii. Ability to expand reservesiii. The level of economic ore extractioniv. Mine plan

5. Explore and advise on strategic financing options for the GOL’s

REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA

Ministry of FinanceP. O. Box 9013

Broad & Mechlin Streets1000 Monrovia 10 Liberia

EXPRESSION OF INTERESTFor the Provision of

VALUATION OF MOUNT NIMBA MINNING PROJECTequity position in the project base upon either one of the following globally accepted methodologies:

i. Income ii. Marketiii. Assets

The complete valuation of the project will also include calculations based upon either one or combinations of the following valuation models including but not limited to:

a) Cash Flow/ Net Present Values , b) Comparable Transactions,c) Cash Flow Multiples/ Comparable P/E’s and d) IRR

The Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Finance now invites eligible Firms to indicate their interest in providing the services. It is proposed that the valuation exercise will take not more than 90 days to complete with a written report presented to the Government of Liberia. Interested Firms must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, past performance history,etc.)

The Expression of Interest should also include at a minimum the cost, description of the methodology to be employed, the CVs of the Team Members, proposed timeframe, if a differs from the required time as set forth in the Terms of Reference, brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, past performance history,etc.

A consultancy firm will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission Act, of the Republic of Liberia. Only shortlisted Firms will be sent the Re-quest for Proposals.

Interested Firms may obtain further information at the address below from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM GMT at the Procurement Unit, 3rd Floor – Room 045, Ministry of Finance, Broad & Mechlin Streets, Monrovia, Liberia.

Expressions of interest must be delivered to the address below by 2:00 PM on or before February 14, 2014.

Attn. William J. Hagba Director of Procurement 3rd Floor – Room 045 Ministry of Finance P. O. Box 9013 Broad & Mechlin Streets 1000 Monrovia 10 Liberia Tel: +231886563518/0880753568

Signed: ________________________________________ Procurement Director

Approved: _______________________________________ Deputy Minister for Administration

Daily Observer Page 6 Friday, January 24, 2014

…and many more!How does it work?1. Mercy Corps is offering 3-month apprenticeships to match YOUR skillsAn apprenticeship can give you on-the-job experience, build your skills, and give you the chance to secure a job. Find the apprenticeship which matches your experience, education and interests from Mercy Corps’ Apprenticeship Catalogue.2. Mercy Corps provides a stipend of $3 per day for the duration of the apprenticeshipWe provide a stipend to help facilitate your transport. You can focus on work!3. Build your skills through training and mentorshipDuring apprenticeships, Mercy Corps will provide you with business skills training. Your host business will also designate a mentor to give you feedback on your work and provide you with training and advice.4. Apply today to the apprenticeship which matches your interest and experienceFind the opportunity which suits you from the Apprenticeship Catalogue posted at one of the following locations. Fill in an application form and submit to us! If successful, you will be invited to interview.

• MercyCorpsoffice,Sinkor• Gardnerville Town Hall• New Kru Town Administrative Building

Call 0886 106 172 for more information, or email wajavon@lr.mercycorps.org

Applications: Tuesday 21 – Saturday 26 Jan 2014

Apprenticeships available in many trade areas with Liberian and international companies, including:

• Bookkeeping• Hotel Management• Carpentry & Masonry• Electronics• Beauty• Nursing

• Interior Design• Sales• Auto Mechanics• IT and Computers• Administration• Catering

 Looking  to  jump  start  your  career?  Need  experience?    

APPLY  FOR  ON-­‐THE-­‐JOB  TRAINING  Request for Quotation (RFQ) Liberia Teacher Training Program

RFQ Title: First Aid Training Service

RFQ #: 3180-33LTTP-00442

Date of Issue: January 24, 2014

Questions Due: January 28, 2014 (must be submitted in writing to the address or e-mail stated below)Answers to Questions: January 29, 2014 (responses will be sent in writing to all participating vendors)

Response Due Date: February 3, 2014 at 2:00 PM Local Time

INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUNDLiberiaTeacherTrainingProgram(LTTP) isfiveyears followonproject fundedby theUnitedStatesAgencyforInternationalDevelopment(USAID)[hereinafterreferredtoasthe“client”]andimplementedby Family Health International (FHI 360) as the prime contractor. LTTP is focused on supporting the development of a coordinated system for placing and developing both new and existing teachers in class-rooms.

In issuing this RFQ, FHI 360 is not acting as agent or on behalf of its client and the client is not a party to any sub-contract resulting from this RFQ. Issuance of this solicitation does not constitute an award commitment on the part of FHI 360 or the client, nor does it commit FHI 360 or the client to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of a quotation. FHI 360 also reserves the right to cancel this solicitation at any time during or after the closing date and time.

PURPOSEFHI 360/LTTP welcomes the submission of offer from suitable entity for the provision of Emergency Life SavingFirstAidTrainingserviceforitsprojectstaffsinMonroviaandGbranga.Thedetailscopeofworkis provided in the complete RFQ document which can be provided upon request. We anticipate awarding the contract to the most responsive offeror based on the evaluation criteria stated in the RFQ.

Allinterestedorganizations/vendorsmustcomealongwiththeirentity’sofficialstampatLTTPheadof-ficeattheaddressbelowforthecompleteRFQpackageincludingdetailedspecificationsorviathee-mailaddress below:

Liberia Teacher Training ProgramThe Wento Suites, Behind Sajj Restaurant

18th Street & Warner Avenue, SinkorMonrovia, Liberia

E-mail: vdonzo@fhi360.org

For direction to the office, please call 0886-618558

The Office of the Township Commissionerof Crozierville request the presence of all Crozierville citizens and residents to attend a very important development meeting slated for

Wednesday, January 29, 2014 at the hour of 11:00AM at the Town Hall.

Prominent among issues to be discussed are the planning of the 150 years Anniversary of the Township, the reac-tivation of the Civic League and the appointment of the Common Council. This announcement should claim the attention of the below listed planning committee mem-bers:

1. Citizen Milton Weeks2. Citizen Kenneth Y. Best3. Citizen Emmett Flomo4. Women Leader5. Citizen Timothy K. Padmore6. Citizen Amos Teleh7. CitizenAjahS.Padmore

Signed:________________________ Timothy K. Padmore Town Clerk

Approved:_______________________ Hon. J. Alexander Thorpe Commissioner

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

14

Daily Observer Page 11 Friday, January 24, 2014 15

IDA GRANT ID: TF No. 010792

Assignment Title: Request for expression of interest – Conducting the Mandates & Functions Review (MFR) of Ministries and Agencies

The Government of Liberia (GoL) through the Civil Service Agency (CSA) has received a grant from the International Development Association (IDA) for strengthening Gov-ernance-Civil Service Reforms and Capacity Building Project (CSRCBP). The Civil Service Agency intends to apply part of the proceeds of this grant to eligible payments under the contract for hiring an individual consultant to conduct the mandates & func-tions Review of ministries and Agencies.

The objectives of the assignment are as follows:• Complete the MFRs of the above-mentioned Ministries;• Complete the review and editing of all completed ministries; and• Build the capacity of local staff to conduct MFRs.

The duration of the assignment:The timescale of the assignment is for a period of 70 working days.

The Civil Service Agency now invites eligible Individual Consultants to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested consultants must provide information in-dicatingthattheyarequalifiedtoperformtheservicesbysubmittingtheirdetailedin-formation (CV, brochures, past performance records, references of similar assignments executed in the recent past). They must also provide description of work experience bothgeneralandonsimilarassignments.SpecificexperienceonWorldBankfundedprojectswillbeanaddedadvantage.Selectionwillbebasedonqualificationsandexpe-rience stipulated below.

Consultingfirmsareallowedtoproposeindividualsforthisassignment.However,onlytheexperienceandqualificationsofindividualsshallbeusedintheselectionprocess,and corporate experience shall not be taken into account and the contract would be signed with the proposed individual.

Qualifications and experience:i.TheFirm-notlessthan5-yearexperienceinsimilarworkwithWorldBankorDonorFunded Projects;ii. Key professional staff The following are the minimum Key Staff required for the assignment:a) Principal Consultant: An advanced degree in Economics, Finance, Law, Business Administration, Project Management, Public Administration or Public Policy (posses-sion of doctorate with an in-depth knowledge of governance reforms trends, and best practices in the global context is an advantage);

• Atleasttenyearsofrelevantexperience,fiveyearsofwhichshallberelatedtopolicy analysis;

• Extensive experience in research, policy level analysis, technical advice and publications, especially in mandate and functional reviews of public institu-tions;

• ExperienceinAfricaandpostconflictsettings.• Computerliterate,proficientinMicrosoftOfficeSuiteandITpackages;• Excellent oral communication, negotiating and writing skills;• Provide vision for organizational growth; and• Must provide sample of professional work done

b) Consultants: A minimum of a related undergraduate degreec)HumanResourcesSpecialist:

• Must have a minimum Master’s Degree (preferably MBA)• At least 3-5 years professional work experiences• SpecializedknowledgeandexperienceofHRmanagement

TheattentionofinterestedConsultantsisdrawntoparagraph1.9oftheWorldBank’sGuidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits&GrantsbyWorldBankBorrowers(January2011).(“ConsultantGuidelines),settingforththeWorldBank’spolicyonconflictofinterest.

An individual Consultant will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in theWorldBank’sGuidelines:SelectionandEmploymentofConsultantsunderIBRDLoansandIDACreditsandGrantsbyWorldBankBorrowers”datedJanuary2011.

Interested Individual Consultants may obtain further information at the address below duringofficehoursfrom09:00and17:00hours,MondaystoFridays.

Expressions of interest must be delivered on a written form clearly marked: “Ref: Consultancy: MFR of the CSRCBP” at the address below in person or by mail or by email) on or before Friday, February 7, 2014 at 16:00hours.

The Consultant/Projector CoordinatorCivil Service Reform and Capacity Building ProjectCivil Service Agency 63 Carey Street, Monrovia, LiberiaEmail: yaidooshy11@gmail.com

Attention: The Consultant/Project Coordination-CSRCBP

Republic of LiberiaCivil Service Reform and Capacity Building Project

Civil Service AgencyREQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (REOI)

(International Consultant)Class / Title: Dean of the College of Business and Public AdministrationDivision: Academic AffairsReports To: The Vice President for Academic AffairsSalary / Benefits: Commensurate with position and experienceClosing Date: February 6, 2014Submit Documents To: Mr.J.EdmundChenoweth,DirectorofHumanResources;orjobs@ame.edu.jr.

The Dean is the College’s chief administrative and academic of-ficerandreportsdirectlytotheVicePresidentforAcademicAf-fairs. The Dean should provide visionary and strategic leadership for the educational and professional missions of the college. The Dean is responsible for the College’s educational programs and promoting the college with external constituents.

Position Requirements:• AnearnedMasterdegreeinanybusinessrelatedfield(Ph.D.

preferred) from a professionally accredited institution• An established record of teaching, scholarship, and service thatqualifiesthecandidateforafacultyappointmentasanAssociate Professor in one of the College’s disciplines

• Five (5) years’ experience either in an academic setting or in senior executive position in industry or government

• Ability to determine the use of textbooks and other instruc-tional materials in collaboration with the Chairpersons and faculty

• Ability to make recommendations to the Vice President for Academic Affairs with regards to the employment of ad-ditional personnel, the dismissal of any member of the fac-ultyorstaffforjustifiablereasons

Position Responsibilities:• Provide strategic directions of the college and promote it

in his/her own circles and explore opportunities to develop new programs and research areas

• Oversee faculty and staff, curriculum planning, develop-ment and evaluation, budget management, advisory boards, community outreach, and external relations

• Provide an excellent learning environment for our students adopting modern and technology based approaches when-ever applicable

• Lead planning for student recruitment and retention in the College and participate in marketing and promotion plan-ning and activities

• Collaborate with Student Affairs in analyzing and resolv-ing student academic and administrative problems and con-flicts,inaneffectivemanner

• Overseequality,standardsandaccreditationinthecollegeand its departments

• Perform any other task that may be assigned by the Vice President for Academic Affairs, or the President, from time to time

Competencies:• Strategic thinker and a visionary leader• Understanding of student/staff relationships• Excellent communication skills• Commitment to team work and collegiality• Computer proficiency, including use of Microsoft word,

excel, PowerPoint, and other decision support tools

34 Camp Johnson RoadMonrovia, Liberia

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Daily Observer Friday, January 24, 2014 Page 4Tuesday, November 5, 2013Friday, January 24, 2014 Page 16

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iN THe NaMe OF allaH, THe MOsT COMPassiONaTe, THe MOsT MerCiFUltrUe worsHiP aNd How it CaN

iMPaCt all oF liFe (Part tHree): worsHiP aNd riGHt liviNG

The rev. James b. sellee, rector of st. Thomas episcopal

Church, Camp Johnson road, Monrovia

This third article of the series on the impact of true worship on all of life introduces

the consequences of true wor-ship. The impact of genuine worship is summarized into three qualities of life: wor-ship and conduct (right rela-tionships), worship and unity, and worship and sharing one’s faith with others (evangelism). The focus of this article is on worship and conduct. We have already made the point that worship must issue in right liv-ing or it is false or empty. How then does worship affect how one lives on a daily basis? The second article on false worship observed the following points:

The prophet Isaiah gives a vivid picture of false fasting which is equally applicable to false worship. He writes: the people ask, “Why should we fast if the Lord never notices? Why should we go without food if he pays no attention?” The Lord says to them, “The truth is that at the same time you fast you pursue your own interests and oppress your workers. Your fasting makes you violent and you quarrel and fight. Do you think this kind of fasting will make me listen to your prayers?... The kind of fasting I want is this: remove the chains of oppres-sion and the yoke of injustice and let the oppressed go free. Share your food with the hun-gry and open your homes to the

homeless poor. Give clothes to those who have nothing to wear and do not refuse to help your own relatives. Them my favor will shine on you like the morning sun and your wounds will quickly be healed” (Isaiah 58:3-8). Though this passage was primarily about fasting, its message applies to all of our religious duties such wor-ship, Bible study, prayer meet-ing, and giving to the Church and the needy. They must be followed by right living. They must issue into healthy rela-tionships and the promotion of justice, peace and empow-erment for all. Therefore true worship must not be divorced from right living and right practice. Any worship short of this is empty and false.

Worship should fill us with the zeal and zest to do good works: works of mercy, justice and personal and communal peace. Christian believers go to worship in order to recharge their spiritual batteries, to be reminded of what they ought to do everyday and every sec-ond of every hour. Worship ought to make one a better husband, wife, child, neighbor or person at home, at work and at play. It enables us to have and maintain right relation-ships with God and the neigh-bor. True worship and right living go hand in hand.

It is therefore wrong to come from Church threaten-ing war and all sorts of evil. A story is told of a lady who was fussing with a neighbor (abusing and threatening) and told the neighbor, “Let me go to Church and come back and you will see what I will do to

you” (implying more insults and threats of violence). A certain lady came from Bible study with her Bible still un-der her arm and started raging for a minor misdemeanor she met at home. Her husband re-minded her, “Please put down the Bible before you do your devilish work. Remember, you are just coming from Bible study” and she was ashamed of herself! No, the attitudes of these women cannot express the aftermath of true worship. Genuine worship teaches us to live better and serve God and the neighbor better.

True worship leads to right living and right living is an expression of true worship. We cannot therefore afford to come from a worship Service filled with hatred, jealousy, bitterness, war and immoral thoughts and desires. A wor-ship Service prepares us for loving deeds and not for evil. The worship Service ends with a dismissal or closing prayer but true worship continues in the lives of true worshippers in the forms of honesty, sharing, caring for others, and promot-ing justice for all. True wor-ship must therefore undergird and influence our decision making and every thought and deed of ours. Being God-con-scious in every aspect of our lives and not only when we are in Church and other Church activities is a mark of true worship. True worship is about how we live on a daily basis—how we react to situations and treat other people. The mark of true worship is right living with God, fellow human be-ings and the environment.

CiviliZatioN-al-islaMiC Per sPeCtive BUildiNG aN ideal MUsliM soCietY

(Part tHirtY)by sheikh Kafumba F.

Konneh

All praise belongs to Allah; and may His peace and blessings be upon

His Prophet, his household, his companions and all those who rightly follow their foot-steps. Ameen!

In our last edition we at-tempted to talk about Prophet Ibrahim/Abraham’s (AS) rich and unfailing legacy, which includes the instructional in-quiry made to his children and grand son-Yacub/Jacob (AS). Today, we shall, by Allah’s will, try to give a gist of the Divine Directive given to this servant of Allah, his Creator and the Lord of the universe. Our terms of reference in the premise, shall be taken from Chapter twenty one of the Holy Scripture of Al-Islam, beginning with verse fifty one. But before we do so, we would like to glance at few verses preceding the one to be talked about. This process will indicate to the readers the universality of Al-Islam and how liberal Al-Islam is. The verse in question read thus: “And We (Allah) gave Mussa/Moses and Haronah/Aaron the canon which imparts the soundness of judgment in the choice of means and ends and in the choice of what is mor-ally good, honest and straight forward, the canon which serves as an illumination and enlightenment as possessed by the mind. Besides being a di-vine light which is a constant reminder of Allah to those who entertain the profound reverence dutiful to Him, (the canon also stand as guide for those) who stand in awe of Al-lah albeit they cannot appre-hend Him by sight and think of the Day of Resurrection dreading The Final Hour of Judgment” (21:48).

This verse signifies in the most crystal and unequivocal terms that studying the canon of the “Tawrah” or Torah-the Book of Prophet Mussa/Mo-ses (AS) affords one the un-derstanding and appreciating the Message of Allah. Conse-quently, it will impart you with “the soundness of judgment in the choice of means and ends”. It then goes on to qualify that it is “the choice of what is morally good, honest and straight forward”. The verse then concludes by saying that this canon is “a divine light which is a constant reminder

of Allah to those who enter-tain the profound reverence dutiful to Him, (the canon also stand as guide for those) who stand in awe of Allah albeit they cannot apprehend Him by sight and think of the Day of Resurrection dreading The Final Hour of Judgment”. This profound acknowledgment by the Holy Scripture of Al-Islam crystally depicts the liberality of this Divine Religion and the affirmation the Message of Allah to humanity is the same and identical. Perhaps this why the verse next to the above quoted one reads thus: “And this-Al-Qur’an, is a blessed Book which We (i. e., Allah) have revealed to guide into all truth; will you infidels reject and deny that which is good and advantageous to at-tain and possess! (21:49).

Before we proceed with the main topic, we would like to quickly state with a profound emphasis that the “Tawrah” or Torah” herein referred to, is that which has not been tempered with in any form or manner; and as such, remains perfectly pristine in its textual revelation. We believe this clarification is imperatively necessary in the interest of this column and of those readers. The fact is that Al-Islam does not hold the view that human has the ability and know-how to reverse the Words of Allah. Yes, one can deduce, from the Scripture itself through the Traditional text of the Prophet to whom such Scripture was revealed. In Al-Islamic ter-minology this endeavour is called and known as…………

Now back to the main theme, the Scripture tells us that: “And aforetime, (meaning before Muhammad (SAW), Mussa/Moses and other Prophets and Messengers pre-ceded them. Some commen-tators understand the phrase “aforetime” as during the early age of Ibrahim/Abraham, at which time Allah bestows on him the sense of reasoning and employment of his faculty) We (Allah) directed Ibrahim/Abraham to reasoning and to employ the faculty of reason in forming conclusions and We (Allah) were fully aware of his thoughts and of his in-most being” (21:51). In obe-dience to this directive and in the exercise of his “reasoning” and employment of “the fac-ulty of reason”, the conclusion he formed as to engage his father and his people into an intellectual dialogue and dis-

course. In this regard he said to his father and his people thus: “What are these statues and images to which you give attention and you regard with reverence and veneration!” (21:52). It is worth noting that Prophet (AS) knew that those “statues and images” are noth-ing but mere man-imaginary stones and man-carved woods. However, in carrying out the directive as mandated he pur-sued a course of intellectual debate. With this understand-ing his father and people had nothing to response to his in-quiry but to say: “We found our fathers revering them and adoring them with appropriate acts and rites” (21:53).

In as much as Al-Islam makes respect, admiration and obe-dience of parent mandatory, there is an exceptional clause. That is, you cannot obey your parent and at the expense of Divine Commandment. In oth-er words blind followership is totally prohibited by Al-Islam; and only permits objective followership. In that, every order, directive or immolation must be based upon, guided by and in accordance with Di-vine enjoinment. Anything to the contrary is notwithstand-ing. Perhaps this why Prophet Ibrahim/Abraham replied his father and people by saying thus: “But you and your fa-thers were erroneous in your system of faith and worship” (21:54). This verse connotes that speaking about your fa-thers whose actions you cited as your evidence and reason, would be the same as speak-ing about your very selves. In other words, your fathers were misguided; and there is no doubt that by your blind followership, you are certainly misguided. Prophet Ibrahim/Abraham’s (AS) father and his people this expression as an attempt to bring their intel-ligence not only into question, but above that, into dispute and public ridicule. There and then they questioned and chal-lenged him thus: “Have you brought us the truth, or are you one of those who make this the object of a joke!” Prophet Ibra-him/Abraham answer to their question was clear, concise and precise. That is; “But you God is the Allah and Creator of heavens and the earth Who generated them and brought them into existence and to this effect I sincerely bear witness” (21:56). To be continued…….

Daily Observer Friday, January 24, 2014 Page 4Tuesday, November 5, 2013Friday, January 24, 2013 Page 17

MoneyGram Commends LBDI Paynesville Branch-branch becomes Third Highest remittance Paying location

Global money transfer giant, MoneyGram, has commended the

Liberia Bank for Development and Investment (LBDI) for being a strong partner. Mon-eyGram business develop-ment manager for Anglo West Africa Mrs. Kemi Okusanya, in an interview in Monrovia yesterday, noted that LBDI has been a sturdy partner in her company’s drive to increase its market share in Liberia.

She named LBDI’s Paynes-ville Branch as the third high-est remittance paying location in MoneGram’s Liberia opera-tions.

Mrs. Okusanya: “Money-Gram gets lots of supports from LBDI. Our relationship with this bank is good for

healthy competition in the money transfer market,” she said.

The MoneyGram official dis-closed that as the third high-est remittance receiving bank branch in Liberia in 2013, LBDI Paynesville Branch was given a plat to demonstrate the branch’s excellent perfor-mance in 2013.

The award was presented Tuesday night at a well-attended curtail for bankers at the Bob Johnson Hotel in Kendeja.

Reacting to the honor, LBDI Paynesville Branch manager Madam Helena Panton said the award demonstrates the Bank’s commitment quality service delivery to the people of Liberia.

Madam Panton used the oc-

casion to leap praises at op-erators of MoneyGram at the LBDI Paynesville Branch not-ing “the operators are passion-ate about their clients’ needs.”

“They go to work early and that they serve the customers well,” Madam Panton added.

Meanwhile, the Manage-ment of LBDI has expressed its gratitude to MoneyGram for the honor.

LBDI deputy CEO Ms. Glo-ria Y. Menjor, speaking with our reporter yesterday, said she feels very great consider-ing the fact that LBDI only joined MoneyGram in 2013.

“I feel very great consider-ing the fact that LBDI came on board with MoneyGram very late. We were almost the last, but our performance speaks to the level of services we render

to our customers,” said the LBDI deputy CEO.

In 2012, MoneyGram re-

corded an impressive remit-tance inflow to Liberia in the tune of US$378 million, repre-senting a growth of over 18%.

According to MoneyGram, Liberia is the second highest recipient of migrant remit-tance as a share of gross do-mestic product (GDP). Most of the remittance flow from the United States corridor alone is estimated at about US$330 million.

Diaspora remittance ac-counts for approximately a third of the country’s GDP, in 2011 and 2013.

MoneyGram began opera-tions in Liberia 12 years ago. But the company has been able to withstand competition from its major international and lo-

cal competitors maintaining its market share. A Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) decision to allow all banks to utilize the international money transfer companies created an open market for MG. The CBL de-cision led MG to establish windows at all eight banks operating in Liberia thereby increasing its presence in the country.

MoneyGram (MG) regional director for Maghreb &West Africa, Francois Peyret and Mrs. Okusanya are in Liberia to enhance the company’s op-erations in the country.

 MoneyGram business

development manager for anglo West africa Mrs.

Kemi Okusanya

“Our Mandate is to Build Africa”

 The raffle draw was held at Ecobank Sinkor Branch

-Ecobank MD Says as Bank’s Zwedru Customer Wins Car Value, US$15K

The Management of Ecobank Liberia Limited (ELL) has reiterated that the

Bank’s mandate is to build Africa and develop Africans. Ecobank Managing Director Kola Adeleke yesterday as-sured Liberians that ELL will not depart from this core man-date.

He told the public that Eco-bank is here to fulfill its found-ing objective of “helping with the rebuilding process of Libe-ria and improving the liveli-hoods of ordinary Liberians.”

The Ecobank Managing Director was speaking at the grand finale of the Ecobank Deposit Mobilization Cam-paign (EDMC) in Sinkor where Madam Cecelia Harris Jolo, a customer of Ecobank Zwedru Branch, emerged as the lucky winner of a brand new four-door Chevrolet val-ued at US$15,000. Madam

Jolo is a resident of Zwedru, the provincial capital of Grand Gedeh County.

She current works at the Zwedru airstrip. Speaking with Ecobank officials via mo-bile phone, Madam Jolo said she was surprised.

“I can’t believe it. What did I do to emerge winner of the car?” she asked. Responding to Madam Jolo’s inquest, the head of marketing & Commu-nications at Ecobank, Madam Ivy Fairley added “you won because you regularly depos-ited money in your United States dollars savings account at our Zwedru Branch.”

The brand new vehicle is the Ecobank Giant Prize Give-away. The draw was held at the Ecobank Branch in Sinkor in the presence of the Board of Directors of the Bank.

On June 12, 2013 the EDMC started with Ecobank Man-agement encouraging USD

savings account holders to regularly deposit US$100.00 to allow them to form part of the draw.

About 31,000 customers’ account numbers were quali-fied for the grand prize which Madam Cecelia H. Jolo won. Supervised by the Liberia National Lotteries, the over 31,000 account numbers were placed in a rolling drum by three Ecobank Board of Direc-tors.

Madam Jolo’s account num-ber was picked by a male cus-tomer who had gone to trans-act at the Sinkor. The drum was rolled over and again as the customer, named withheld, turned his back and picked the winner.

Many bystanders were amazed that the winner of the grand prize is from rural Libe-ria.

Madam Jolo is expected to arrive in Monrovia today to take delivery of her brand new Chevrolet. The promotion, was analysts observed, was a win-win for customers and Ecobank.

A bystander noted that while it is true that only one person is taking delivery of the car, the rest of the customers that make up the 31,000 regular depositors now have savings accounts that they can refer to. This bystander also noted that Ecobank benefitted because the Bank was able to mobilize more deposits thereby increas-ing its assets base.

CBL Denies Pumping L$8bn in the Economy

The Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) has described as a misunderstanding

of the facts, recent media re-ports suggesting that the CBL pumped L$8 billion into the economy in 2013.

According to the CBL, the assertion, which is suggested to have been made by Finance Minister Amara Mohammed Konneh, is not only wrong, but also shows the lack of under-standing of the movements in the monetary aggregates and their interpretation.

According to the CBL, mon-etary aggregates change over time, reflecting developments in an economy.

“As an economy expands, as reflected in the growth of gross domestic product (GDP), money supply will expand to facilitate economic transac-tion, which does not necessar-ily mean pumping of excess

Liberian dollars into the econ-omy,” the CBL said.

Facing the House of Rep-resentatives’ inquest on the economy including the con-tinued depreciation of the Li-berian dollar to the US dollar earlier this week, Finance Minister Amara M. Konneh intoned that there was more Liberian dollars on the market than expected. The Minister wondered how the exchange would decline when the CBL has pumped L$8 billion into the economy.

Ministry of Finance officials denied last night that Minis-ter Konneh ever made said statement. A senior Finance Ministry official anonymously clarified that the Minister was rather quoting a CBL report that about L$8.5 billion is al-ready in circulation.

But the CBL explained that the currency in circulation at a point in time is a stock arising

from accumulation of changes over several years.

For example, the Bank ex-plained that Liberian dollars in circulation at end-December, 2006 was L$2.81 billion and at end-November, 2013 was L$8.6 billion. “So, the first point to be made is that the CBL did not pump L$8.0 bil-lion into the economy in 2013. We must be emphatic about this,” the Bank noted.

The CBL noted that mone-tary policy in 2013 was not ex-pansionary, evidenced by the issuance of CBL T-bills during the last half of 2013 and up to January of 2014.

“The CBL bill is a new pol-icy instrument introduced by the Bank to help control Li-berian-dollar liquidity; that is, the amount of Liberian dollars in circulation. The issuance of these bills took L$2.7 billion out of circulation. This action

Cont’t on page 18

Daily Observer Page 18Friday, January 24, 2014

Justice Minister’s

CBL Denies

by J. burgess Carter

Members of the L i b e -r i a n Sena t e w e n t

into one of their longest ex-ecutive sessions Thursday, January 23, following the reading of a communication from President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

She was responding to that august body’s letter to her, concerning a ‘siege’ at the Capitol Building, laid last Sep-tember by the Liberia National Police, under the reported au-thorization of Police Director, Christian Clarence Massaquoi.

The President’s commu-nication dated January 20, 2014 reads: “Dear Mr. Presi-dent Pro Tempore, I refer to

a communication sent under the signature of J. Nanborlor F. Singbeh of the Senate, by which he brought to my atten-tion…action by the Liberian National Police Director Hon-orable Christian Massaquoi, which amounted to a siege of the Capitol Building when the Senate was in plenary session.

I have written Director Mas-saquoi a strong letter of repri-mand…suspending him or two days to allow him time to write a letter of apology for personal presentation at a plenary sit-ting of the Senate. Sincerely, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Presi-dent of Liberia…”

Immediately following the reading of the communication, a motion was proffered for an executive session that was unanimously agreed on for the sole purpose of deliberating the President’s two-paragraph letter.

From 11a.m. until 4 p.m., members of that Upper House of the Legislature remained be-hind closed doors while mem-bers of the Legislative Press Corps hung about the Capitol Building’s corridors, hoping in vain for news on what was be-ing decided within.

It may be recalled that on the last day sitting of the 2nd Ses-sion of the 53rd Senate, a de-cision was unanimously taken by plenary, asking President Sirleaf to disrobe Police Di-rector Massaquoi, for deploy-ing over 200 armed-police on the grounds of the Legislature on September 12, 2013, while that body was conducting nor-mal legislative functions.

The deployment of the po-lice came after the Senate had invited Director Massaquoi to appear before the plenary and answer a complaint that he in-sulted a member of the Senate.

Here is a portion of the Sen-ate’s September 13, 2013 deci-sion as read by Senator H. Dan

Morias: “It will please you to note, ladies and gentlemen of the Liberian Senate and those in the gallery that this act… took place at the time the Li-berian Senate, the Honorable House of Representatives, and the Vice President of the Re-public of Liberia were in the Capitol Building, carrying out their official national responsi-bilities.

This act, on the part of Di-rector Massaquoi---holding ‘hostage’ the first branch of Government, is tantamount to mutiny. This abuse and misuse of armed Liberia National Po-lice must be stopped.

Senator Morias concluded: “The Liberian Senate there-fore, calls on the President of Liberia, her Excellency Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to deal with said mutiny by the LNP, against a democratically elect-ed Legislature. They as that Director Massaquoi be imme-diately disrobed and forward-ed to the Ministry of Justice.”

But what political commen-tators termed a legislative u-turn, came about when that august body a few days later clarified what the Senate had instead requested President Sirleaf to take due note of the Director’s behavior and take appropriate action to serve as deterrent against the recur-rence of a similar act.

Quoting two paragraphs of the official communication sent President Sirleaf, Grand Gedeh County Senator Isaac Nyenabo, during a radio talk-show in Monrovia read thus: “In view of the above, Madam President, and consistent with Article 3 of the Liberian Con-stitution, the Senate wishes to bring this matter to your atten-tion and respectfully request that your Excellency takes due note as well as appropri-ate action against this kind of conduct…to prevent misun-derstanding and confusion in and among functionaries of Government.

Acting in a plenary session, the Senate reiterates its con-fidence and abiding faith in your leadership and therefore places the entire matter in your hands with the hope that you, as the leader of this nation, will ensure that discipline is maintained within governance process.”

Every attempt by journal-ist to get information on what obtained during the executive session failed, as of 6 p.m. Senators were seen still brisk-ly moving from one office to another, apparently in search of common-ground.

Meanwhile, all other agenda items slated for deliberations were yesterday suspended. That included a report from the Committee on Banking and Currency, relative to the exchange rate between the United States and Liberian Dollars.

Senate in Five

by Joaquin sendolo, Observer Diplomatic

Correspondence

The Kingdom of Belgium has appointed and introduced its Honorary-Consul to Li-

beria after eight years of ab-sence.

The Honorary Consul now representing Belgian investors and citizens in Liberia is Fred-eric Vloeberghs, who serves as a country manager for Belgian Airlines that flies the SN Brus-sels.

Making the introduction on January 22, 2014 during a re-ception at the Mamba Point Hotel, Belgian Ambassa-dor accredited near La Côte d’Ivoire, Peter Huyghebaert, stressed that bilateral relations between Liberia and Belgium had been hampered since 2005 when his country could not host a consulate and an Hon-orary Consul here.

He noted that that situation happened at the time when Li-beria was entering the stage of peace and stability with a high need for socio-economic de-velopment and reconstruction.

He, however, expressed joy that after being absent for such a long period, he and his com-patriots were delighted to be establishing a consulate fol-lowed by the appointment of an honorary-consul.

Unlike an ambassador who is sent by a President with Let-ters of Credence to represent his or her government in an-other country, the Honorary-Consul is appointed. He can either be a native of the coun-try sending him or her, or an individual of another national-ity to represent the economic and business interests of citi-zens of the country he or she represents.

Recounting activities of Bel-gium in Liberia Ambassador Huyghebaert noted that his country has many companies investing in the country, citing

Jan De Nul (Dredging and ma-rine construction company), Monrovia Oil, NHV (Operator of helicopter flights for the oil industry), as well as the agro-industrial company Socfinco.

According to him, the pres-ence of Socfinco has given employment opportunities to thousands of Liberians in the rubber plantation sector.

Ambassador Huyghebaert further noted that there is a steadfast and remarkable symbol of Belgian presence in Liberia which is the Brus-sels Airlines that flies the SN Brussels.

“A steadfast and remarkable symbol of Belgian presence in Liberia is of course our nation-

al carrier, Brussels Airlines that has firmly established itself in the country, operat-ing four (4) flights a week be-tween Monrovia and Brussels. The Belgian carrier is a most reliable gateway to Europe,” Ambassador Huyghebaert stressed.

He described the Honorary-Consul as “Polyglot” who he said has strength in the Eng-lish Language with a little knowledge of Krio, a dialect in Sierra Leone.

Ambassador Huyghebaert further indicated that Bel-gium’s interest in Liberia is not only in commercial in-terests; instead, it is an active partner in international devel-

opment cooperation.“Although there is no direct

bilateral co-operation between our two countries, we remain indirectly engaged through the European Union, multilat-eral organizations, as well as NGOs.

Other available co-operation instruments deployed in Libe-ria include the Belgian Invest-ment Company for Develop-ing Countries (BIO) as well as a budget line to promote peace building and conflict preven-tion,” he said.

He commended President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for her role played in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) agenda which he said was dear

to his country.Speaking briefly, the newly

appointed Honorary Consul, Frederic Vloeberghs extended gratitude to his country for the appointment and pledged to work in harmony with Liberia in ensuring that the interest of his country is met and the re-lationship between Liberia and Belgium is sustained.

Also making remarks, Com-merce & Industry Minister Axel Addy recounted the role of Belgium in Liberia’s eco-nomic recovery and specifi-cally emphasized the role of the Brussels Airlines as key to this process.

Minister Addy stressed that SN Brussels is one airline that first began operations in Liberia after the war, and has served as transport channel for Liberians to other parts of the world, especially Europe and the United States.

The occasion marking the opening of Belgium Consulate and appointment of its Consul was attended by scores of for-eign diplomats including US Ambassador Deborah Malac and a host of government of-ficials.

Belgium

Supreme Court has the op-portunity to appeal for a re-argument or re-consideration to the Full Bench of the Court within the period of three days for their case to be reheard. Unfortunately, that did not happen in the case of Minister Tah for her case to be reheard; even though her legal team had filed the petition after 11 days following the suspension.

But following the closed-door meeting, our sources said if the Court did not want to hear her, it should have rejected her request for filing a petition, but since it agreed then it should have allowed her a hearing.

Some legal minds have said this is not a good precedent for justice given our fragile democracy.

The Observer understands

that Justice Minister Tah, who is cognizant of the statute, did not sit supinely or just ignore the law but was waiting on her legal team, including astute lawyer Varney Sherman.

Cllr. Sherman had blamed the delay on her being a politi-cal appointee and “those who appointed her were respon-sible for the delay.”

He pleaded with the Justices that her action was not delib-erate.

However the Full Bench de-

cided to enforce its stance.

President SirleafA few days following the

Chief Justice’s pronounce-ment of Minister Tah’s suspen-sion, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, in her very wise mind, and not wanting any constitu-tional conflict with the Judicial Branch of government, said in a release from her office, that she took note of the Supreme Court’s decision. The Presi-dent stated that she was hold-

ing consultations with eminent lawyers and legal profession-als, including former Chief Justices and former Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, to fully comprehend the im-plications of the Court’s deci-sion, especially as it relates to the executive powers of the President. Liberians are still awaiting a reaction from the President on this decision.

BackgroundThe Court has maintained

that the role played by Jus-tice Minister Tah in releasing Rodney D. Sieh from prison as well as her persistent affront to the Court, as demonstrated by her refusal to reverse the ac-tion, formed the basis for the contempt proceedings.

However, Minister Tah maintains that she granted Mr. Rodney Sieh “Compassionate Leave” for medical reasons, based on the law.

is opposite to pumping of Li-berian dollars into the econo-my,” the Bank stated.

The CBL argued that the sale of US dollars by the Central Bank through its auction pro-gram in 2013 also helped to reduce Liberian dollars in the market. “In other words,” the CBL added “the sale of US$72 million to the foreign ex-change market mopped-up the

equivalent amount of L$5.9 billion using the average ex-change rate of L$81.8/US$1 at end-December 2013.”

The CBL reiterated to the public that its ongoing micro-finance initiative with non-banked financial institutions shouldn’t be misconstrued. The CBL insisted that its stim-ulus initiatives for the most part were done in US dollars.

The Bank disclosed that the amount of US$22 million was deposited with local banks. The loans made by banks would, accordingly, have been made in US dollars. “It is the microfinance initiative that was totally done in Liberian dollars.

The Board of the CBL ap-proved L$400 million for this purpose. It should be known that the funds under the micro-finance initiative are already part of the L$8.6 billion stock of Liberian dollars referred to

above,” said the Bank.The CBL explained that

the entire amount has not yet been disbursed. “Only around L$300 million has been placed with various non-bank finan-cial institutions in all 15 coun-ties.” The Bank insisted that it is difficult to see how those who continue to misinform the public came to the conclusion that L$300 to L$400 million would be a source of mac-roeconomic instability in an economy the size of Liberia’s economy.

ambassador Huyghebaert (left) introducing Honorary Consul vloeberghs (left).

Cbl Mills Jones Minister Konneh

Daily Observer Thursday, January 23, 2014 Page 4Tuesday, November 5, 2013For

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Read more sports articles on the Daily Observer website @ www.liberianobserver.com/sports

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Read more sports articles on the Daily Observer website @ www.liberianobserver.com/sports

Friday, January 24, 2014 Page 19

‘SWAL Needs Farsighted, Dedicated Leader,’ Says Candidate Sonpon

by William Q. Harmon

A presidential aspi-rant in the ensuing Sports Writers As-sociation of Libe-

ria (SWAL) has said it is now time for a farsighted, dedi-cated individual to take over the mantle of leadership of the organization.

Leroy Sonpon noted that SWAL has for too long suf-fered from committed leader-ship and as a result failed to take the organization to an-other level.

Speaking at a debate or-ganized by its Elections on Wednesday January 22, 2014, at the PUL office in Monrovia, Sonpon said he intends to pri-oritize training for sports jour-nalists and equip them with the necessary tools that will en-able them to work effectively and efficiently.

He indicated, “I’m the best candidate to take SWAL to the next level that will empower the members. Our beloved

organization is now like a wounded elephant that needs the best therapist to cure its wounds. I’m that therapist that is prepared for this task.

“We don’t want to ridicule our past leaders in this gath-ering, but we think they have done little or nothing to im-prove the wellbeing of our institution. And unfortunately some of these same officials are still contesting for posi-tions.”

Sonpon called on his fellow SWAL members to be sports writers and not football writ-ers.

“SWAL members have aban-doned the true vision of the as-sociation by neglecting other sporting disciplines. Everyone is focusing on football and this is not the true meaning of SWAL,” he said.

“When we are elected, we will have a lot of tasks and the first item on my agenda is to plan capacity building workshop for our people. We also intent to solicit corpo-rate sponsorship and we have the connection to make these things happening,” he indi-cated.

Vice president Martina Brooks at the debate said she would decentralize the organi-zation to ensure that members in the leeward counties are in-volved.

“Though women are margin-alized in the media,” she said, “I’m prepared for the task.”

She promised to revamp the Herbert Grigsby Lectures, capacity building, build part-nerships, a newspaper and re-inforce and redefine SWAL’s

charity program.Presidential candidate Ro-

land Mulbah said his focus would be on members’ wel-fare, accountability, capac-ity building, equal opportunity and sound advocacy.

Candidate Richard Manuba said his focus would be on three key areas: which are to institutionalize the organiza-tion, corporate partnership and members’ welfare.

Meanwhile, the SWAL elec-tion expected on the 24th of January has been postponed to February 7, 2014 at the same venue.

The decision, according to Chairman Momolu Sirleaf, is due to some discrepancies in the membership listing pre-sented to his commission.

Those vying for the high-est office of the organiza-tion include: the current vice President of SWAL, Martina Brooks, Roland Mulbah and Richard Manuba.

leroy M. sonpon, lll

The SWAL Controversy

by Omari Jackson

The Sports Asso-ciation of Liberia, SWAL, cancelled its Jan. 24 elections

due to questions raised by presidential contenders about who is and who is not a sports writer and who is also quali-fied to vote.

The list of 133 members sub-mitted electronically and on hard copies did not have the signature of Secretary General Roland Mulbah or outgoing president Fomba Kanneh’s on it.

Mr. Mulbah, who is seeking the presidency Wednesday, ar-rived at the PUL headquarters, the venue of the debate with the Music Madrid Singing Group behind him, and it was as if he had won the elections already.

It was interesting that Mul-bah was rejoicing before the debate. When he was asked about the source of the list of 133 members, he flatly denied knowledge of it and pointed out that many things had gone on wrong with SWAL.

Many of his colleague sports writers think Mulbah is a controversial figure, but he claimed he is an advocate against the ills in SWAL, the major cause that has com-pelled him not to support vice president Martina Brooks, but to run his own campaign for the president.

“Ok,” I told him, “how much money does SWAL have just for the record?”

“I don’t know,” Mulbah said.In many organizations, par-

ticularly like a sporting body like SWAL, it was strange that the secretary general was not aware of first of the list sub-mitted to the Elections Com-mission and most importantly, how much money is in the cof-fers of the association.

Some members of SWAL have had the occasion to ques-tion the financial expenditure of the Liberia Football Associ-ation. Like the mother Union,

the PUL has its 4th Estate des-ignation to question the Gov-ernment of Liberia, how the resources of the country are used.

Is it not ironic that we are un-able to be realistic about how much journalists have in their association’s coffers? True, the PUL is as much as guilty as the case is, for how in the world could US100, 000 disappear against the intended purpose?

And we are the first to beat the drum and play others’ se-cret recordings to create the impression that because we control the mediums to get to the public we are more patri-otic than others.

How also in the world could the secretary general of SWAL not been aware of a common list of its members, let alone how much the organizations has?

Ey Nyenswa! Please Jesus come back!

It is said that a chain is as strong as it weakest link. How many SWAL members are aware of this adage? The Elec-tions Commission, headed by Momolu V. O. Sirleaf and buddy Zeogar Jaynes now has a responsibility to make sure that records are set straight. There are some on the list who come around only when there are international games involving the national team, Lone Star.

The question I want Sports Writers to consider is: Do we have 133 sports writers in Li-beria? What do they write and broadcast?

Does the number include those who copy internet soc-cer news and promote Euro-pean football at the expense of Liberian football?

True, the local game may not have Messi, Ronaldo and even Falcao, but we have Sam Jack-son (Nimba County), David Paye (Grand Bassa) and many others from the LFA league who deserve our promotion.

The current controversy in SWAL should clean the list and prepare the way for the election on Feb. 7.

Mulbah rejoicing at the PUL offices last Wednesday before the debate

SRC Hosts Soccer Tourney

The Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC) has commenced its annual General

Manager’s Cup football tour-nament with Factory defeat-ing Camp #6 7-1 in one of two

opening matches recently.The tournament brings to-

gether every department of SRC.

In an interview with report-ers Organizing Chairman Cyrus Johnny said it is also to

Defending champion-Factory and Camp #6bring together the SRC staffers and other community residents to socialize.

He said due to the busy work schedule of the company, all the matches are scheduled on Sundays and will last up to March 2, 2014.

Before the kickoff, Mr. John-ny behalf of General Manager Nicolas Bergerot urged all teams to exhibit good sports-

manship to promote harmony and peaceful co-existence among them.

Participating are Baypolu, Camp # 1, Camp # 2, Camp # 3, Camp # 4, Camp # 5, Camp # 6 and Factory.

The second opening match on Sunday at the Catholic field was between Camps #3, and #4, and ended 1-1.

Eagle’s Duo Ready for Atlas Lions

Super Eagles duo of Ikenna Hillary Paul and Gbolahan Sa-lami have returned

to training after suffering dif-ferent degrees of injuries dur-ing the ongoing African Na-tions Championship (Chan) in South Africa.

Paul has been out since he sustained a torn hamstring in Nigeria’s opening day loss to Mali while Salami had to make way in the Super Eagles’ 3-1 win over South Africa on

Sunday.But the pair were part of

Wednesday’s training ses-sions.

Paul trained without any sign of pain after he had been ini-tially ruled out of the Chan.

“Ikenna Hillary is back in training and he has started run-ning and even wore a pair of (football) boots. His recovery is quite remarkable and sur-prising at the time but good for the team. So he is expected to start kicking the ball soon.

Gbolahan Salami also trained after the knock he suffered against South Africa,” Super Eagles spokesman, Ben Alai-ya, said.

However, Lobi Stars striker, Nanen Barnabas Imenger, did not take part in Wednesday’s training with the group.

Imenger, who is nursing a slight knock, was taken through his paces by the team’s physiotherapist, Ad-ewale Oladejo.

“(Nanen) Imenger was the only one who trained apart from the team. He was handled by the team physio as he suf-fered a knock two days ago. But he is expected to train with the team from today (Thurs-day) barring any hitch,” Alaiya disclosed.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles will go head-to-head against Mo-rocco in one of the quarterfinal matches of the Chan this Sat-urday.

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On this earth there is enough for everyone’s need but not for their

greed.

By Keith Morris

The National E l e c t i o n s C o m m i s -sion (NEC) T h u r s d a y , January 23,

overturned an earlier decision to temporally suspend the National Voters’ Roll Update (VRU) exercise.

On January 10, 2014, the NEC announced the suspen-sion of what is considered a ‘major component’ of the 2014 Special Senatorial Elec-tion process, citing budgetary constraint as the reason for their decision.

The VRU process should have started on January 13, to run through March 5, 2014; but it was postponed without naming a new date for the ex-ercise.

With only thirteen days after the pronouncement, the Com-mission somersaulted, setting new dates for the process and maintaining its previous three-day period for the VRU agents at each polling centre, ignoring calls from the public for extension.

Addressing a news confer-ence Thursday in Monrovia, NEC Chairman Cllr. Jerome G. Korkoya noted that fol-lowing negotiations with relevant government institu-tions, the Public Procurement and Concession Commission (PPCC) has granted the Com-mission a waiver to allow it to award contracts for the hiring of vehicles needed for the deployment of materials and personnel for the update exercise.

“The Commission is pleased to announce that the

NEC SomersaultsVoters’ Roll Update Exercise that was postponed will now commence on January 29 and end March 21, 2014,” Chair-man Korkoya revealed.

Centres that should have been covered from January 13 to 28, 2014, will now be cov-ered last. In the new schedule, centres in various counties to be covered between January 29, through February 1, were also announced by the Com-mission.

Cllr. Korkoya disclosed that said arrangement was made possible through an assurance and guarantee commitment from the Finance Ministry, confirming a US$5.6 million budgetary allotment in the National Budget 2013/2014 for the electoral body.

“The Commission appor-tioned the budget for the elec-tion in three phases: The first phase deals with the update and the exhibition of provi-sional voter roll. The budget for this phase is US$5.6 mil-lion.

Phase II is with the Pre-election Day activities. Key activities under this phase include, international pro-curement of Election Day materials, candidates, nomi-nations, the printing of bal-lots, amongst other things. US$3.5 million goes to said process in the election.

The third phase is Election Day activities. Key activities under this phase are recruit-ment and training of tempo-rary staff and deployment of Election Day personnel and materials. The cost is put at US$4.2 million,” Cllr. Korkoya said.

The Commission expecta-tion that US$2.6 million of the allotted US$5.6 million will be used to complete ac-tivities under phase one, the NEC boss said, indicating that the remaining US$3 mil-lion will form a part of the budget for the next phase.

NEC Chairman Cllr. Jerome G. Korkoya

The Daily Ob-server has reliably learnt that President Ellen John-son Sirleaf

will lead an array of Liberian government officials and de-velopment partners to the of-ficial ground-breaking of the Mount Coffee Hydro Project construction site on Saturday. The groundbreaking, Execu-tive Mansion sources have hinted, will kick off construc-tion of the country’s Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant, which aims to increase power generation by 80 megawatts.

The plant will provide more power to locals as well as export power to the West

African Power Pool (WAPP) member states, energy sourc-es have said.

The Daily Observer has also learnt that the Government of Liberia (GOL) and develop-ment partners have provided funding for the construction of the Mount Coffee Hydro Plant which provided reli-able power supply to Liberi-ans and business houses until 1990, but was destroyed as a result of the civil war.

Although construction will start immediately following the ground-breaking on Sat-urday, the plant will only be able to produce power some-time in 2015. Until then, the Government of Liberia is exploring other alternative

power sources, including the installation of heavy fuel oil (HFO) plants and the West African Power Pool project (WAPP) to beef up energy ac-cess across the country.

“The restoration of the Mount Coffee Hydro-Electric Plant is an urgent national priority for Liberia,” Finance Minister Amara Konneh has repeatedly said.

The rehabilitation is es-timated to cost around US$300million, according to the European Union Africa Infrastructure Trust Fund.

It is expected that when the Mount Coffee Hydro Plant is fully rehabilitated, Libe-ria will be able to contribute power supply to its neighbors

Kicking Off Mount Coffee Hydro Project-President Sirleaf Breaks Ground Saturday

as a development partners to their economic viability.

Located in the Harrisburg Township of Careysburg Dis-trict, Montserrado County, the Mount Coffee hydro plant

lies on the Saint Paul River approximately 21 miles from Monrovia.

Prior to the First Liberian Civil War the plant produced

64 megawatts of electricity, which accounted for 35% of all electricity generated in the country.

Dr. Owl’s guest

FRIDAY, JAN. 24, 2014, vol. 16, No.63indd 1 1/24/14 1:42 AM