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VOL 9 NO.39 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2015

CENTRAL BANK OF LIBERIA

MARKET BUYING AND SELLING RATESLIBERIAN DOLLARS PER US DOLLAR

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

Source: Research, Policy and Planning Department,

Central Bank Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2015 L$84.00/US$1 L$85.00/US$1

BUYING SELLING

L$84.00/US$1 L$85.00/US$1

L$85.00/US$1L$84.00/US$1

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2015

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015

Politics- pg.5

p 7 p12Ü Ü

12-Year-Old Rape Victim Still Awaiting

Senator Weah Describes Nagbe; Senate Cites Minister

‘DISRESPECTFUL AND

DISCOURTEOUS’:

‘IMPOSTER’ LAWYER ON THE RUN

NO REPORT, NO BURIAL’

NEW LOLLYWOOD MOVIE TAKES ON AN AGE-OLD PROBLEM

Supreme Court, Bar Association Claim No Record

ODE TO LIBERIAN SINGLE LADIES

 

 

FOR MISCONDUCT PLENARY ACT AGAINST COLLEAGUES; SNOWE, TWHEWAY ORDERED TO APOLOGIZE

THREE LAWMAKERS SUSPENDED

“Wherefore, and in view of the above, this committee finds that Representative Fahnbulleh is guilty of grossly violating Article 44 of the 1986 Liberian constitution and rule 42 of the rules

and procedures of the House of Representatives.” - committee report

 

 

Page 2 | Frontpage Friday, February 27, 2015

Monrovia-

Liberia has been struggling to get back on track- lacking infrastructure, basic social services, with huge unemployment characterized by raging poverty but the country is blessed with vast

natural resources which have not transcended into making impact in the lives of a population of less than 4 million people.The country has huge deposits of iron ore which attracted several companies during post war years but the operations of these companies did not leave behind any tangible development after tons of iron ores were exported from the country.Having one of the largest rain forests in West Africa along with gold, diamond and other resources, the country is still one of the poorest in terms of growth and human development and the recent news of the possible discovery of offshore oil with big international corporations including Chervon, Exxon Mobil all expressing interest in getting oil blocks in the country, the hopes of the population have been high that life will improve soon but it seems the country is still far away from doing away with the aged old trend of bad governance. Regimes of the past were blamed for surrendering the country resources to multinational corporations without ensuring that these corporations pay the rightful taxes and other fees that will be used for the development of the country.In 2006 upon her election, President Ellen Johnson stepped-up with the promise of doing away with the aged old corruption, vowing to ensure zero tolerance against the act, but 10 years on her regime is still struggling to break away from the past.

Bad deal for Liberia

With all eyes on the oil sector of the country, many Liberians having the hope that the discovery of the valuable commodity will transform the country, a latest statement released by the International watch dog group Global Witness has indicated that Liberia has sold off valuable oil assets in what appears a very bad deal for the country.Global Witness in statement entitled “Liberia has burned the furniture to warm the house” declared that some of the companies awarded oil contracts lack sufficient funds to operate and are also tax dodgers.“As the country struggles to get its economy back on track, investigations by Global Witness reveal that the government has sold off valuable oil assets in what appears to be a very bad deal for Liberia. A major oil contract, offshore Block 16, was recently handed to a coalition of three companies. One of these appears to lack sufficient funds to operate the oil block, and another has close links to some of Liberia’s worst tax dodgers”, Global Witness stated. Sale of the oil blocks, the international watch dog group indicated comes at a time when various oil scandals are brewing in Liberia citing the 23 February issuance of arrest warrants against ten former government officials for their alleged role in a 2006 bribery case. The group disclosed that in December it received evidence of an unexplained payment of US$ 31,000 made to a Liberian Senator on the day that he signed away Block 16 and two months later the body of a whistle-blower lawyer Michael Allison involved in a separate oil scandal investigation was found dead on a beach.

Scandals could choke Sirleaf before Obama

Global witness further stated that in the wake of scandals in the oil sector of Liberia including the death of a whistle blower, President Sirleaf who is expected to meet United States President Barrack Obama will have to demonstrate that Liberia has efforts in the oil sector by indicting the corrupt officials.Stated Global Witness “President Johnson Sirleaf will be looking to demonstrate to President Obama that Liberia has made efforts to reform its oil sector, including moves to indict allegedly corrupt officials,” said Global Witness Senior Campaigner Jonathan Gant. “Yet this news is unfortunately offset by a slew of recent scandals, including the award of a valuable oil contract to two dodgy companies, the mysterious death of a whistle-blower, and a suspicious payment of US$ 31,000 to a lawmaker.” The oil deals were consummated when Liberia was fighting the deadly Ebola virus with the sale of block 16 finalized in December awarding the block to US-based Liberty

Petroleum, Nigerian-based Pillar Oil, and Liberian-based New Millennium Oil and Gas, who together paid US$ 22 million in signature bonuses and other payments. (2) Amongst the companies awarded the oil block, Global Witness indicated that the US based Liberty which has 90 percent in the contract is unregistered. “US-registered Liberty holds a 90 percent stake in the contract. Yet the company has only seven employees and a 2014 declared turnover of just US$ 3 million. (3) In contrast, assuming that Liberty’s contract complies with the Liberian government’s new model contract (the Block 16 contract is not yet public), Liberty and its junior partners must invest US$ 53 million in the next seven years in oil exploration. (4) Liberty is part-owned, through a series of intermediary companies and trusts, by US Congressman Trent Franks, a Republican representing Arizona’s 8th District”, the statement continued. The hasty contracting of the oil blocks to companies, Jonathan Gant of Global Witness described as an attempt by the government to raise funds in the time of need especially with Ebola ravaging the country but Gant warned that country with history of resources not meeting the needs of the people needs stable and reputable companies that will help to develop the sector. “Liberia’s Ebola crisis created an urgent need for funds, and it is understandable that the government would lease oil blocks to meet it,” said Gant. “But the country – which has a history of oil companies not meeting their contractual obligations – now needs stable and reputable companies that will develop the sector for the benefit of the Liberian people. Based on available public information serious questions should be asked as to whether Liberty, with such meagre accounts, can make good on its commitments.” The statement also cited New Millennium as one of the companies that has accrued arrears in Liberia that was also granted contract with doubts over the ability of the company sole agent McDonald Wento to manage the block.Global Witness further disclosed “At the same time, Liberian-registered New Millennium, which holds a five percent stake in Block 16, is linked to logging companies that have accrued some of the highest levels of tax arrears in Liberia’s forestry sector. New Millennium lists as a board member, incorporator, and sole agent McDonald Wento. (7) Wento’s history inspires doubt in his intention to manage Block 16 responsibly. As of January 2015, two other companies that Wento partially owns (Geblo Logging and International Consultants Capital, both awarded logging contracts in 2009) had accumulated an unpaid tax bill of US$ 11.7 million. This bill, which represents taxes owed over five years, makes Geblo and International Consultants Capital among Liberia’s worst tax dodgers. (8) As regards Nigerian Pillar Oil, Global Witness does not suggest that it is in tax arrears or has an inadequate financial position to service the oil exploration contract”.

Positive signs…but

The statement also noted that Liberia has shown positive signs of wanting to clean up its oil sector with December 2014 passage of a reformed oil law aimed at increasing transparency. But Global Witness cited that various other oil industry scandals are simultaneously brewing in the country making specific mention of copy of a payment valued US$ 31,000 check paid from a Liberian government bank account to Liberian Senator Sando Johnson, dated 18 December – the same day the legislature passed Block 16. Global Witness declared that it has been unable to verify why Sen. Johnson was paid this money or by whom. “Liberian legislators are entitled to compensation when they remain in session through their break, as was the case in 2014. Given Liberia’s history of legislators receiving bribes to approve oil contracts, however, this merits investigation”, the group suggests. In the statement Global Witness also expressed concern over the recent death Allison, a Liberian lawyer at the centre of a government investigation into potentially illegal payments made by the legislature to lawyers during the drafting of Liberia’s new oil law. Allison, who was found apparently drowned on a Monrovia beach on 13 February, had been named by the Anti-Corruption Commission as the possible recipient of an illegal payment, but was also working with the Commission as a “partner.” The statement concluded “It is positive that the Liberian government has taken some steps to reform its oil sector, including passing a much-improved oil law and possible indictments of individuals suspected of oil bribery,” said Gant. “However, if these reforms are to be meaningful the government must ensure future oil blocks are awarded transparently to companies that are up to the task. The government should also ensure that those who break the law are held accountable, investigate any payments made to the legislature at the time that Block 16 was awarded, and determine whether the death of Allison was related to his role in the Anti-Corruption Commission investigation.”President Sirleaf is expected to meet President Obama on Friday in Washington DC and as usual, the Liberian leader will face the task of defending the level of good governance prevailing in her country to woo international goodwill in the effort to recover from Ebola.During her entire 10 years in power corruption and other good governance issues continue to doge her administration with reports from international organizations indicating that the country has not been able to move away from the old ways of life-characterized by corruption, nepotisms and other negative vices.

FrontpageFriday, February 27, 2015 Page 3

FrontPagev

CommentaryEDITORIAL

AFTER 10 YEARS in power and a professed fight against corruption now a mere pretense, the regime of Nobel Laureate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Monday drew out an indictment against several individuals for their alleged role played in a bribery saga at the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL).AT HER 10TH State of the Nation Address, President Sirleaf confessed that corruption which she vowed in 2006 to fight head-on still lingers, describing it as a vampire stalling the growth and development of Liberia.SINCE HER PRONOUNCEMENT describing corruption as a vampire little changed until late Monday when an indictment was drawn against 10 individuals.THE INDICTMENT COINCIDES with a visit to the United States of America by President Sirleaf and a planned meeting with United States President Barrack Obama and other members of the United States Congress.BEFORE HER DEPARTURE, the President who is making her first trip to the United States in nearly a year took major decisions some of which have been described as hasty in what appears an attempt to pave the way ahead of a meeting with President Obama.THE LIFTING OF the curfew has been hailed while the reopening of the border amid upsurge of Ebola cases in neighboring Sierra Leone and Guinea has been described as hasty decision.SIERRA LEONE HAS since refused to allow movement across its borders from the Liberian side, a slap in the face of President Sirleaf’s decision and is also an indication that it was not a decision taken after consultations with leaders of neighboring countries.TO FURTHER ADD to the two decisions, the talk of the regime of President Sirleaf inability to fight corruption has always been on the center of discussion and a sticky issue hindering the image of the Sirleaf’s led regime internationally.INTERNATIONAL REPORTS SOME from the watchdog group Transparency International and other organizations have all rated Liberia as poorly performing in terms of fighting corruption.WITH DOZENS OF investigation reports from the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission and the General Auditing Commission, presidential committees and other commissions all stockpiled and getting dusty, the government latest indictment seems a Public Rations stunt to give President Sirleaf something to talk about as she meets President Obama.WITH THE INDICTMENT now drawn and accordingly served on some of the indictees, the trial will be a long one to watch especially with some of those indicted all people who once worked at the National Oil Company of Liberia, an entity that was recently headed by the son of the President, Robert Sirleaf.THE MINISTRY OF Justice which has long been criticized for failure to prosecute has at last drawn out an indictment and how the proceedings go will be the beginning of a landmark achievement for the Sirleaf regime and will go a long way in helping with her long contemplated legacy.WHILE ALL IS not rosy at home, the regime of Madam Sirleaf has scored some marks in areas such as infrastructure, amongst others but fighting corruption has been pitfall number one, thus making the current indictment a massive undertaking.AS GOOD AS the indictment sounds; getting something out of the proceedings in a country where the court process is easily manipulated is a big odd. ALREADY, AS SMALL a country as Liberia, there are indications that the Ministry of Justice is yet to gain access to some of the indictees to serve them the warrant. Four days after the news of the indictment went public at least three individuals are said to have filed bond with the court leaving the others whereabouts still unknown.THE PUBLIC VIEW on the indictment has been good and this is why the government must not issue the indictment just for the sake of a good Publicity stunt to help President Sirleaf say something during her meeting with President Obama.WE CHALLENGE THE government to genuinely prosecute the 10 indicted officials to serve as a good start in the fight against corruption; the indictment must not be a mere publicity stunt.

COMMENTARY

INDICTMENT MUST NOT BE A PR STUNT

By Martin K. N. Kollie, Youth Activist & Student of Economics – UL, martinkerkula1989@yahoo.com , Contributing Writer

YOU CAN LOOT OUR RESOURCES, BUT YOU CANNOT LOOT OUR RIGHT TO EDUCATION – A CAVEAT TO GOL TO REOPEN UL

The government of Liberia through its Ministry of Education authorized all schools to resume regular academic activities on February 16, 2015. As a result of this nationwide directive, primary, secondary, tertiary as well as vocational institutions have began regular classes

while the fate of over thirty thousand students remains in uncertainty. The closure of UL without any clear-cut timeline to resume normal activities is troubling, disappointing and unacceptable especially at a time when our educational system is encountering multiplicity of anomalous challenges. The right of Liberians to access quality tertiary education is being abhorrently violated again by an unpatriotic and self-seeking regime. The sustainability of stability and encapsulation of security in Liberia can only become realistic if every citizen, regardless of status or background has limitless access to higher education. The real meaning of injustice is, when students from private universities are in school and students from public universities are out of school. The actual definition of inequality is, when public resources are misused to send children of the elites abroad for advanced education while sons and daughters of the peasants are unable to acquire knowledge from UL due to low budgetary support. This speaks volume about how unjust our society is today even after more than 167 years of deprivation and degradation. Education is for ALL and not SOME and this fact must not even be undermined by unjustifiable excuses and shadowy objections. It is time for those in authority to begin exhibiting an uncompromising semblance of allegiance and loyalty to this country. The towering rate of illiteracy, ignorance, and disease can be wipeout if more investment is made to boost our educational sector. State actors careless about promoting a system of quality education and care more about riding luxurious vehicles and increasing their fabulous salaries. This government needs to be very serious about its statutory obligation for once and prioritize public welfare not just through empty speech-making, but concrete actions. A government whose existence is built upon democratic ideals must not intentionally abandon its national commitment. It is unfair for few students to be in school while vast majority of them are out of school. This is a gross violation of our Constitution and we demand this government to reopen UL without any further procrastination. The continuous delay by this existing establishment to ensure UL resumes usual academic proceedings is elevating widespread dissatisfaction and provoking huge public displeasure. If nothing is done to solutionize this situation very soon, it could exacerbate into an undesirable outcome. How could we forget so soon about the incomparable importance of education in a post-conflict nation like Liberia? The need to enlighten young minds through the acquisition of contemporary knowledge in diversity of professional disciplines is critical to genuine development and socio-economic growth. The mammoth progress of any great society depends on its human resource capacity. The State-run University has been and continues to be an unparalleled oasis of higher learning in Liberia since 1862. The University of Liberia has given birth to outstanding men and women whose impact in society today is unmatched. The University of Liberia has been shut down for about seven months now due to the Ebola outbreak, leaving the future of thousands of undergraduate and graduate students lingering in limbo. The hope of many students especially from UL was resuscitated when all schools, including private Universities were mandated to restart their normal academic operations. Even though most schools especially private institutions have since adhered to the reopening timetable of the government, but the University of Liberia, which is a public institution remains closed due to ‘funding impediment’. The deliberate action of this unpatriotic regime to infringe on our rights as citizens is a clever and devious scheme to dampen our academic determination and discourage us from pursuing higher education. It is appalling and abysmal for anyone especially President Sirleaf to brag and swank about prioritizing education in post-conflict Liberia when thousands of University students are out of school due to the lack of adequate funding. It is an irony for President Sirleaf to publicly proclaim that her government cares about promoting education and academic excellence when the premier Institution of higher learning in Liberia is ill-equipped due to array of contending challenges. Those who are in public authority must lead by deeds and not words. It is not only about identifying loopholes and pitfalls within the educational sector, but it is more about providing timely solutions to mitigate existing gaps. We have heard too many promises and commitments from duty-bearers without any genuine fulfillment. Our ears are becoming addicted to lies and deceits simply because people who we have entrusted with our future careless about protecting public interest. How long will our people live in ignorance? Liberians deserve access to quality education like any other nationals because this is a universal right that no government can take away from its citizens. Our leaders are very good at admiring other nations, but they have intentionally failed to understand that these nations are making huge progress today because they have literate populations. A country with an illiterate populace is doomed to fail and this has been Liberia’s greatest dilemma since its sovereign existence. If those in positions of public trust truly claim to love Liberia, they must begin to invest more in education, empowerment, and employment. Liberia can become better if policy-makers are honest to themselves and those they serve. For too long our nation has been wrecked and ransacked as a result of greed and corruption. The money stolen by economic pillagers and vampires on a routine basis is far more than the money allotted to support education in Liberia. It is time for all public trustees to go beyond self-interest and invigorate an identity of selflessness, patriotism, and public loyalty. Liberia is very rich in natural resources, but State actors are insensitively unable to utilize proceeds from these resources to satisfactorily sponsor higher education. I wonder sometimes whose interest this government is protecting. Since Liberia became an independent nation, this government under the presidential ambiance of Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has received the highest international support in terms of aids, grant, loan, and other financial assistance, but little or no impact has been felt especially by vast majority of the citizenry. This government cannot be bragging about attracting over 16 billion direct foreign investment to Liberia when the University of Liberia is shutdown due to funding crisis. After signing and ratifying hundreds of agreements with multi-million investment companies and business firms, socio-economic dispossession remains towering. Is this the Liberia we fought for? Is this the country many of our brothers and sisters died for? What was the necessity of questing for inclusive change through a civil revolution when nothing has changed up to now? We fought against corruption, nepotism, inequality, elitism, sectarianism, and all forms of societal vices, but have these ills gone? No, they

have not! They are even invading our society more than ever before and if prompt interventions are not made to avert some of these inhumane and cruel diseases, Liberia risks a future of deep disappointment, disunity, division, and dissatisfaction. I do not agree that the University of Liberia is shutdown due to low budgetary allotment or funding deficiency. I also disagree that this regime lacks the fiscal capacity to fully support the University of Liberia. The major reason why UL is not getting sufficient financial assistance from this government is because of corruption and the lack of political will. What will it take to provide a budget of US$21 million for the University of Liberia when the office of President Sirleaf uses over $US40 million in 12 months? What will it take this government to provide US$21 million to educate over 30,000 students when the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) annual budget is more than US$28 million? The decision by this government to give blind eyes to pressing priorities at UL is not only deliberate, but it is meant to strangulate thousands of students whose parents do not have adequate resources to send them to private Universities. We will resist any dubious and devious plot by our oppressors to undermine our collective progress. You can loot our resources, but you cannot loot our right to education. Let it be known that we have had enough and we will no longer accept any form of exploitation. How can anyone tell us that there is insufficient funding to support UL when huge exportation of our natural resources is ongoing? How can we believe that there is no money when officials of government are bagging and banking millions of dollars per annum in local and foreign banks? This indefensible justification is unrealistic because every day we look at the luxurious vehicles ridden by those who are telling us there is no money! We are yet to feel the economic impact of Chevron, Golden Verolem, Anadarko, ExxonMobil, Arcelor Mittal, BHP Billiton, Sime Darby, CRC, Putu Mountain, China Union, Firestone, APM Terminal, and other companies operating in various sectors of our country. It is impractical and insensitive to have all these foreign companies in Liberia and education is still a mess. The University of Liberia is struggling to survive in terms of providing quality education while these companies are making huge profits from our resources. This is really frustrating and we must stand up for once to challenge the power that be. When students and teachers stood in long queues to elect public officials in 2005 and 2011 respectively, they were signing a contract to either help or hurt themselves. With optimistic, they finally marched to various polling centers nationwide to exercise their constitutional obligation. Our people were more concern about a new Liberia of socio-economic transformation and inclusive change. Their hope and determination for an equal and just Liberia was uncompromising as they reflected soberly on a vicious past. One major question that voters were asking is “Will our current situation change?” There were huge public doubts about finding an accurate answer to this question even though some overly ambitious politicians became vendors of lies, merchants of deceits, and patrons of rhetoric. After a decade of unbroken peace, access to quality tertiary education is still a nightmare. This is shamefully shocking and the government must intervene now otherwise, there would be consistent public outcry. You cannot auction all of our 17 offshore or deepwater oil blocks to multilateral oil companies and you are telling us that there is no money to fund UL. How possible is this? You have cheaply given out all of our mountains with the exception of Wologisi, yet you claim there is no money to support academic programs at the State-run University. This barefaced contradiction does not only expose you to public ridicule, but scrutiny as well. Where are the socio-economic dividends or impact of all those multi-million investment contracts that were signed and ratified by this regime? The maturity of our emerging democracy depends on patriotism and nationalism. Until those who are piloting our national plane can begin to exemplify honesty, transparency, and accountability, our nation will forever remain on a trajectory of collapse. The most important step towards national and inclusive development is tertiary education. The nation’s future is hampered when the University of Liberia is shutdown. Have we forgotten that education is not a privilege, but a universal right? While other nations around us are providing free higher education for their citizens, our leaders are still complaining about funding deficiency. The right to education is a universal entitlement, recognized in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as a human right that includes the right to free, compulsory primary education for all, an obligation to develop secondary education accessible to all, in particular by the progressive introduction of free secondary education, as well as an obligation to develop equitable access to higher education, ideally by the progressive introduction of free higher education.Liberia is a signatory to multiplicity of international protocols and legal instruments which guarantee access to quality primary, secondary, and tertiary education; unfortunately, much is not done by this government to uphold basic provisions and principles within these intercontinental agreements. The right to education is reflected in Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Articles 13 and 14 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The right to education has been reaffirmed in the 1960 UNESCO Convention against Discrimination in Education, the 1981 Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, and the 2006 Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Have we forgotten about all these global commitments we once made as a country?The right to education is enshrined in article 15(b) of the 1986 Liberian Constitution. This provision guarantees academic freedom to receive and impart knowledge. It is a blatant violation of this provision for few students from private Universities to be in school while over 30,000 students from UL are out of school. We condemn this counterproductive action and demand an immediate resumption of academic activities at the University of Liberia. We will not accept any further delay from this government to reopen UL. This is a caveat that must not be taken lightly. We shall endeavor to exhaust any orthodox means to ensure UL reopens, but if our oppressors are imprudently adamant to our plights, we shall revert to unorthodox measures in order to liberate ourselves from academic enslavement and repression. You can loot our resources, but you cannot loot our right to education!

About The Author: Martin K. N. Kollie is a Liberian youth activist, student leader, an emerging economist, and a young writer. He is currently a student at the University of Liberia reading Economics and a member of the Student Unification Party (SUP). His passion is to ensure a new Liberia of socio-economic equality and justice for ALL. He can be reached at: martinkerkula1989@yahoo.com

Page 4 | Frontpage Friday, February 27, 2015

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EDITORIAL TEAM

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT OUR STORIES ON THE

WORLDWIDE WEB

The Reader's Page

GEORGE ABOU GONTOR · SENIOR GEOLOGIST AT NATIONAL OIL COMPANY OF LIBERIA Another poor political anatomy from Rodney Sieh; how will a journalist weights one's popularity over his potential electorates. In no way, except for Weah and the Vice President, that these three gentlemen can defeat a personality like Sen. Prince Johnson and Sen. Varney Sherman in any national elections. Please go back and rewrite a piece that opinion poll will buy.Top of Form

SARR ABDULAI VANDI · TOP COMMENTER · WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIAThere is absolutely no correlation and/or possible endorsement of the OBAMA administration of Madame President's corrupt and incompetent administration simply because of the Ebola threat and/or success. The international comity admonished and encouraged the U.S. to take the lead in combating the Ebola pandemic in Liberia. The U.S. had no interest in pumping up and salvaging the dictator and plutocrat.FrontPage Africa's assessment is disingenuous and a paid PR stunt at best. Liberia remains a corrupt, an unaccountable and in transparent nation-state, under the grand old warmonger and queen of the apocalyptic mushroom cloud. With regards to the transition and the suggested succession lineups, none of the above is up to the task. Besides, the choice shall be made by the U.S., and neither of the FrontPage Africa's presently anointed wannabees is on the U.S. preferred radar.

LAR-YOME Z. GOBAH · AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL UNIVERSITYVP Boakai should do the honorable thing by not contesting. Liberians are tired with the stench smell of Unity Party. Urey is doing great but he and Jones could be the new cash cows like Sherman in 2005. Therefore the possibility of either Weah or Brumskine becoming president is evident. However, in Liberia, anything is possible so do not rule out Kofi Woods or Augustine Ngafuan. No cussing, more dialoguing!

SAMPSON BLOH MONGER · TOP COMMENTER · HOLY FAMILY UNIVERSITY, PENNSYLVANIAWeah will do pretty well in the Senate and as President of Liberia. He is an unquestionable patriot who loves Liberia from the depth of his heart.

EDMOND BEI BROWNE · AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL UNIVERSITY (AMEU)

Brumskine is the best for the presidency .

SIMEON SIMEON · TOP COMMENTER · OWNER AT SELF-EMPLOYED

Front Page Africa is an market media house, That ’ s only lookout for payment before selling ur CV, Urey can even sleep in the streets of Nimba and Bong until 2017 Presidency election and, With his so called international connection, Urey can never and ever win Representative Acarous Gray in any category of election in Liberia, Mills Jones is a good man but Front Page Africa should understand that ’ s Mills Jones is working for the Liberian people and he ’ s should be only grateful to the Liberian people, And wait on his best chance for Runningmate only, All this analysis from Front Page Africa just to involve Mills Jones for underward cut, But Mills Jones is aware and very careful, For Charles walker Brumskine, No issue in There to discuss, He ’ s will never cross fourth place, Liberty Party succeeds in Lofa and Bassa including... See More

SOLOMON.BLYDEN (SIGNED IN USING YAHOO)

Sen. Weah's main challenge is for him to convince the vote rich counties like Bong, Nimba, Margibi, Bassa and Lofa that CDc can make better leadership for liberia. CDC has not succeeded in doing that, this was clearly shown in the just ended senatorial elections which CDC succeeded in winning montserrado and grand gedeh counties; if the variable remains the same as shown in the just ended elections, then, Weah's chances in 2017 may be undermined. Lofa county featuring a candidate in 2017 may have some uphill battle; strategic post in govt now are manned by them from foreign affairs, defense, maritime, finance, etc including the VP - lofans should begin image building as a way to diffuse things and help the current VP. Urey link to the Taylor's sentiment and the NPP could pay off for him, take Bong county for example.

EJS SUCCESSION: LIBERIA’S PRESIDENTIAL

ELECTION CONFIGURATION

Dear Mr. Dillon:

In 1912, former United States President Woodrow Wilson, in support of the concept of constitutions being “living and breathing documents,” said, “Society is a living organism and must obey the laws of life, not of mechanics; it must develop. All that

progressives ask or desire is permission…to interpret the Constitution according to the Darwinian principle; all they ask is recognition of the fact that a nation is a living thing and not a machine.” Ninety years later in Atkins v. Virginia, the United States Supreme Court, using the “evolving standard of decency” measurement, ruled that it was in violation of the Eighth Amendment to execute a mentally retarded person. This “evolving standard of decency” and the understanding that constitutions are living and breathing documents have served as the foundation for fundamental constitutional interpretations ranging from the overturning of Pleasant v. Ferguson to the adaptation and expansion of the Exclusionary Rule and major Fourth Amendment rulings.Now, it is worth noting that while this article deserves uncompromising due diligence as far as contextualization is concern, it is also necessary to note that the doctrines being discussed are not ancient to Liberia. As a matter of fact, at least one of them –constitution as a living and breathing document- served as the arguable foundation for the Liberia Supreme Court’s decision in ruling against Simeon Freeman’s Writ of Prohibition during the 2011 electoral period. With such understanding, it is perfectly justified to use those arguably interchangeable concepts to counter the arguments of opponents of Dual Citizenship, of which you are the ring leader.Speaking of the 2011 Supreme Court decision, the late Chief Justice Johnnie Lewis, writing for the majority in that ruling stated, “on account of the civil war and its devastating impact on the lives of the Liberian people at different periods of the nation’s history, which necessitated the flight of citizens from the country, it is our opinion that the framers of the 1986 constitution could neither have contemplated nor intended that Liberians faced with the state civil crisis be 'resident' because at some point in the future they may want to run for the office of president.” Mr. Dillon, you have consistently argued that the only way in which the constitution can be changed is through a national referendum. Do you know that the decision in 2011 was a legal change to the constitution that did not require ANY referendum? Moreover, the deceased Chief Justice’s statement reflects an understanding, acceptance and situational application of the “living and breathing document” doctrine. In addition to not only accepting the doctrine, the decision established a solid precedent upon which the Liberian Supreme Court can rely to rule in favor of Dual citizenship. Knowing you, you may want to limit the ruling to just the issue it dealt with. Unfortunately, doing such would not only deprive you the opportunity to expand your understanding of the mobility of constitutions. It would amount to a total disregard for the very constitution and laws of Liberia- a country you “LOVE” dearly.On the issue of disregarding the laws of Liberia, it is difficult to categorize this second argument from opponents of Dual citizenship, which is: Liberians with foreign citizenships can still invest in Liberia (i.e., build house and establish businesses, etc.). What is difficult to understand is the fact that on one end, you are advocating for adherence to the constitution and laws of Liberia yet, on the other end, you are encouraging people to violate these laws by virtue of your claim. According to Chapter III, Article 22A of the Liberian Constitution, “Every person shall have the right to own property alone as well as in association with others; provided that only Liberian citizens shall have the right to own real property within the Republic.” Now, to avoid argument, let us agree that given the construct of this section, every person has the right to own some kind of “property” in Liberia. But what we cannot argue is the fact that ONLY Liberians can own REAL PROPERTY. And, by definition, “REAL PROPERTY” means lands, houses, business establishments (not leased but built) and a host of other “tangible properties” within the context of the law. So, based on that indisputable fact, it is accurate to conclude that such disregard for the law as being pushed by you and your cohorts is highly clandestine and not nationalistic. The most plausible reason

is to eventually lay national claim to these individuals' properties in the near future, which is not entirely impossible judging from the manner in which the country’s affairs are being conducted. As if this contradiction is not enough, you and your fellow opponents of Dual citizenship decided it is OK to project yourselves as defenders of the constitution while at the same time using the Alien and Nationality Law to argue against Dual Citizenship. The issue here is that the Alien and Nationality Law contradicts the constitution in many ways, two of which include: the Due Process provision and the citizenship definition.According to Article 20A of the Liberian Constitution, due process is required before one can be deprived of their right to "life, liberty, security of the person or property or ANY OTHER RIGHT..." Now, according to Section 22.2 of your beloved Alien and Nationality Law, "the loss of Citizenship under Section 22.1 of this title (I.e., Alien and Nationality Law) shall result solely from the performance by a citizen of the acts or fulfillment of the conditions specified in such section, and WITHOUT THE INSTITUTION BY THE GOVERNMENT OF ANY PROCEEDINGS TO NULLIFY OR CANCEL SUCH CITIZENSHIP." On one end, you have the constitution calling for DUE PROCESS and, on the other end, you have a title calling for AUTOMATIC loss of citizenship. What is even more disturbing is the fact that Section 22.1A of the Alien and Nationality Law states that "voting in a political election in a foreign state..." are grounds for AUTOMATIC loss of Liberian citizenship. This means, a LIBERIAN , WITHOUT naturalization, can lose his/her Liberian citizenship since it is on the verge of becoming possible to vote in some state and local elections in these UNITED STATES with just a GREEN CARD. In furtherance of highlighting the contradictions and the loss of Citizenship without naturalization, it is necessary to draw your attention to Section 20.1B of the Alien and Nationality Law. According to this section, citizenship by birth extends to "a person born outside (of) Liberia whose father (i) was born a citizen of Liberia; (ii) at the time of the birth of such child, and (iii) has resided in Liberia prior to the birth of such child." Now, of the three conditions, the last one is interesting given the history of our nation over the last two decades plus; this is why. Mr. and Mrs. Brown, two CURRENT Liberians, who were born in Liberia, had a son (Kofa) while in exile in Ghana. Kofa is a Liberian by virtue of the laws of Liberia. But because of the war, Kofa was unable to go to Liberia or establish residency in Liberia before immigrating to Australia. Now, Kofa, who is seventeen years old, has a daughter. Based on the construct of Section 20.1B, that daughter is not a Liberian by birth and, by extension, not a Liberian at all because her father did not satisfy the third requirement. This provision directly contradicts Article 28 of the Liberian Constitution, which states that “Any person, at least one of whose parents was citizen of Liberia at the time of the person's birth, shall be a citizen of Liberia…” If Kofa decides to challenge this law, he has the Late Chief Justice’s argument to back him. Now, it is common knowledge that constitutional provisions take precedent over any law/legislation that contradicts those provisions. Given such, there is a clear need for the repealing of the Alien and Nationality Law. Sadly, such need will not hold water with you because you are fully cognizant of the fact that repealing the Alien and Nationality Law would deal a serious blow to your ANTI dual citizenship position given the construct of Article 27A of the Liberian Constitution. Be as it is, we know the argument continues beyond this article. We also know that despite the inarguable contradictions, the chances of you recognizing these constitutional violations are slim because such recognition DOES NOT serve your interest and argument. But what this article intends to do is to expose the lack of reconciliation in your defense of the Constitution and your support of the Alien and Nationality Law. The reality is we ALL are Liberians; it is a fact that you cannot deny. We all understand the issues at stake and the risk and rewards associated with them. We also understand that come what may, DUAL CITIZENSHIP will become the law of the land. As always, stay safe and be blessed. Sincerely,Alfred J. Johnson, a staunch proponent of DUAL CITIZENSHIPjahcalvin@yahoo.com

COUNTERING THE CONTRADICTIONS: AN OPEN LETTER TO MR. ABRAHAM D. DILLON

FrontpageFriday, February 27, 2015 Page 5

Monrovia-

Youth and Sports Minister Eugene Nagbe might not go unpunished for what

appears to some lawmakers as his denigrating response to the senate Ad-hoc committee on youth and sport, after he was requested to appear before plenary to answer to concerns about the pending county sports meet.The senate Ad-hoc committee on youth and sports chaired by Senator George Weah (CDC-Montserrado County) was mandated by plenary of the senate to investigate concerns raised by Senator Francis Paye of River Cess County about the ill preparedness of his county for the upcoming National Sport Meet event.The committee in its report to plenary stated that all attempts to communicate with the Youth and sports Minister and his team to answer to some of the concerns raised by the counties about the pending event failed as the Minister in return requested the committee to redirect its energy toward appropriating in the 2015/2016 National budget money that would help the youth and sports ministry organize and implement the National County Sports Meet.The Senator Weah committee in its report to plenary stated that to its uttermost surprise, on the day of the hearing, communication from the Ad-hoc committee and the minister were published in the FrontPage Africa newspaper with headline “Renewed Rivalry” with both letters also displayed on Facebook.The committee stated: “Distinguished colleagues, we wish to inform you that neither the office of the committee

Monrovia-

Plenary of the House of Representatives has suspended three of its members without

pay and mandated two others to write to plenary a letter of apology for their actions.Representatives Roland Opee Cooper (LP-District# 1 Margibi County), Henry Fahnbulleh (UP-District #4 Montserrado County) and Samuel Korgar (NUDP-#5 Nimba County) were suspended in keeping with rule 47.1 the committee stated.House Plenary also voted in favor of the committee’s recommendation for Representatives Edwin Snowe of Montserrado County and Bill Twehway to write letters of apology to that body in keeping with rule 42.2 and 42.1 of the house rules.The plenary’s decision is as a result of an investigation conducted by the House committee on Rules Orders and administration in keeping with a mandate given that committee by plenary on the 22nd of January 2015 to investigate the disturbance caused by some members of the House of Representatives.In the committee’s recommendation to plenary following an investigation conducted on the accusation

FRONTPAGE LEGISLATIVE BEAT

‘DISRESPECTFUL AND DISCOURTEOUS’

Senator Weah Describes Nagbe; Senate Cites Minister

for Misconduct; Snowe, Twheway to apologize

Henry Karmo (0886522495) henrykarmo@frontpageafricaonline.com

Henry Karmo (0886522495) henrykarmo@frontpageafricaonline.com

chair, nor any member of the Ad-hoc committee made any of those communications available to the newspaper or granted the interview.”“We consider the refusal of the Minister to attend the hearing, as an obstruction to the work of

the senate, and the publishing of letters as a serious affront to the senate and wish to request the senate’s intervention in this matter.” The committee also stated in its report that as part of its mandate it held meetings with

Grand Bassa County sports Association and the county informed the committee that the ministry did not write any official letter about the National County Meet, but the minister had a Press conference about the opening

of the county meet in March.In Minister Nagbe’s communication he claimed that he received information from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning through the transmittal of the FY 2014/2015 National Budget, that the National legislature made absolutely no appropriation for the hosting of the 2014-2015, National County sports meet, something that made him respond the way he did to the committee’s communication.Making remarks Thursday in plenary, Senator Weah who is chair of the Ad-hoc committee, said, his work on the committee as chair is nothing personal, but the reply from Minister Nagbe was an affront and that the minister was discourteous by allowing senators to sit in committee room for hours without even placing a call to ask for excuse.“Distinguished colleagues the only thing I can report to plenary is that Grand Bassa County is not ready, Liberia is not ready and as a committee we were told by counties representatives that the event be rescheduled for November

and December of this year,” Senator Weah said.After presenting its report to Plenary of the Senate, the committee filed a motion for the Youth and sports Minister to appear before plenary to answer to questions on why he should not be held in contempt for his action.The motion was filed by Bomi County Senator Sando Johnson but the motion was rejected by of some of senators who felt that bringing the minister before plenary is in appropriate and rather recommended that the committee do another communication to invite the Youth and sports minister but that amendment to the motion was rejected.Fourteen lawmakers present in Thursday’s session voted for the minister to appear before plenary while 5 abstained from the process.Senator Conmany Wesseh of River Gee County, Varney Sherman, Grand Cape Mount County, Jewel Howard Taylor, Bong County and Steven Zargo Lofa County a member of the ad-hoc committee all abstained from the process on procedural reasons. Meanwhile Senator Jewel Taylor of Bong County filed a motion for reconsideration.

 

THREE LAWMAKERS SUSPENDED

filed by Rep. Bill Corneh (NPP-District #6 Bong County) against Rep. Cooper, the committee recommended that the Margibi lawmaker be suspended for three months without pay.The committee proposed that rep. Cooper be made to apologize to Rep. Corneh and the People of Electoral District 6, Bong County, through a written communication immediately after the acceptance of the report through the office of the chief clerk.During its findings, the committee established that the allegations made by Rep.

Corneh are true as the accused himself admitted to the allegation.The committee said: “Based on the mandate of plenary which made use of rule 48.4 of the rules and procedures of the House of Representatives, the committee on Rules, Order and Administration initiated an investigation into Rep. Corneh Complaints.“In consideration of the second issue, rule 42.2 of our rule and procedures: ‘No member shall insult, abuse or harass other person (s) within the confines of the House, or cause disturbance to the activities of the House,” the committee

stated in its report.”Rep. Roland Opee Cooper of Margibi County, is one of the signatories to the December 13 resolution calling on the speaker to recuse himself from presiding over session until the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission US$ 25K indictment against him is investigated. During the arguments Rep. Cooper physically attacked his colleague Corneh after they got into a heated argument.Snowe and Twehway to apologizeIn other reports Representatives Fahnbulleh and Kogar of Nimba and Montserrado counties are being suspended for one month each. According to the committee, its recommendation is in line with rule 48.7. Representatives Fahnbulleh and Korgar are being suspended for eight meeting days, which begins 1 calendar month and that their salaries, allowances and other benefits are forfeited.The committee also recommended that Representative Fahnbulleh and Kogar apologize to the

House of Representatives and to the Liberian people through a written communication that should be submitted to the office of the chief clerk of the House of Representatives immediately after the acceptance of the report by plenary.“Wherefore, and in view of the above, this committee finds that Representative Fahnbulleh is guilty of grossly violating Article 44 of the 1986 Liberian constitution and rule 42 of the rules and procedures of the House of Representatives,” the committee stated.The committee in its report stated that the House of Representatives is a place of Honorable people and as such they are to behave honorably. “Wherefore, and in view of the foregoing, this committee finds Representative Samuel Kogar of electoral District 5, Nimba County, guilty for violating the aforementioned Article 44 of the 1986 constitution of the Republic of Liberia and rule 42.1 and rule 42.2 of the standing rules of the House of Representatives of which he is a member,” the committee stated.

Unlike Fahnbulleh, Kogar and Cooper, the committee recommended that Representatives Snowe and Twehway apologize to the august Body and the Liberian people through a written communication.“Wherefore and in view of the forgoing, this committee finds Honorable Edwin Melvin Snowe, former speaker of the Honorable House of Representatives and former chairman on rules, order and administration, guilty for violating rule 42.2,” it stated.In the committee’s report it also recommended that as a result of upholding the rule of law, complaints brought against Rep. Emmanuel Nuquay by Rep. Wisseh Blamo be dismissed on the ground of lack of sufficient evidence.Selective justiceRepresentative Acarous Gray (CDC-District Montserrado County) filed a motion for reconsideration on the decision of plenary to suspend three of his colleagues and promised to file it in in the given timeframe in keeping with the rules of the body.In an interview with reporters, Rep. Gray said his decision to file a motion for reconsideration was based on the communication written by Rep. Blamo requested plenary to investigate the three lawmakers but in the final report from the committee the committee found only five people guilty.

 

Page 6 | Frontpage Friday, February 27, 2015

By Edwin G. Genoway, Jr (231886458910) - Contributing Writer

Stephen D. Kollie, stephen.kollie@frontpageafricaonline.com 0776329124

REGISTERED LICENSED LAND SURVEYOR

Cell#: 0886-572-452/0777-572-452Monrovia, Liberia

February 20, 2015

SURVERY NOTICE

The general public is hereby informed that based upon the request of Mr. Nyepan Jlateh Sr. & Sophia Jlateh, the undersigned Surveyor Augustus N. Ricks of the Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy will conduct a re-survey of one (1) acre of land.The property (land) to be surveyed is lying and situated at Jah Tondo, Brewerville, Montserrado County, R.L. The survey will commence on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at the hour of 2:00pm. Therefore, all adjoining property (land) owners and those having claims to said property (land) are requested to be present at the date of the survey with all legal relevant documents to substantiate their claims.Therefore this notice should claim the immediate attention of the following initials, persons and their technical representatives (Surveyors):1. F.M.S.2. P.F.P.K.3. F.K.4. B.K.M.E.C.5. L.M.K.6. Kofi Abedu Bentsi, Sr. & Antoinette Nana Abedu Bentsi and all other concerned Signed: Augustus N.Ricks SURVEYORCell#: 0886-572-452/0777-572-452 Cc: Honorable City Mayor/Brewerville

 

PUBLIC WORKS MINISTER EYES 20 PERCENT CONTRACT FROM FOREIGN CONSTRUCTION FIRMS TO LOCALS

Monrovia-

In the wake of the inability of Liberian contractors to secure international civil works contracts, Liberia’s

Public Works Minister William Gyude Moore says, the Ministry is now negotiating with foreign contractors to ensure that local contractors, get at least twenty percent of all contracts that would be awarded to international contactors. Minister Moore said even if all Liberian contractors are combined, they cannot reach the financial prowess to secure civil works contracts from international partners like the World Bank and others. Said Minister Moore: “Now,

for a hundred and ninety million dollars contract even if we give ten percent to our local contactors, that is significant. Because we allow our local firms to begin to do subcontracts on this, maybe in the next ten years they will be in the position to be able to apply for these by themselves.” The Minister noted that he is inviting Public Works Ministers from other Mano River Union countries to Liberia to brainstorm and come up with a communiqué requesting the African Development Bank, the EU and other international partners to allow local contractors in the three Ebola hit West African countries

to get twenty percent of all infrastructure projects that will be financed by them. Continued Moore: “We believe especially in the midst of Ebola almost every single project in this country came to an end because the experts left. It was the nationals that stayed, so we have to empower the nationals in case we run into another problem and everybody else leaves. We want to have the capacity in country to allow us carry on our work.”Commenting on plans to increase roads rehabilitation across the country, Minister Moore said Liberia has been mostly concerned about primary and secondary roads

EMPOWERING LOCAL CONTRACTORS

 

in the past with feeder roads largely left with partners; thus the Ministry will shift more focus on feeder roads in the coming months.Continued Minister Moore: “We are going to put money in our budget and ask for money, so that we can be able to finance some feeder roads. And in some of these places, even if you didn’t work on the road, but simply provide culvert so that people will not have to use wooden bridges, it will make the roads safer.” The Public Works Minister said the Ministry is also contemplating on reconditioning neighborhood roads in about twenty-five communities to make it accessible to residents during the rainy season. He named Chicken Soup factory, Soul clinic and Chuckie Taylor roads among several others in Montserrado as targeted roads.

JOURNALISTS CAUTIONED ON EBOLA TRIAL VACCINE

Monrovia-

The Communications Officer of the United Nations Mission for Ebola Emergency

Response (Liberia), Madam Lisa White has called on Liberian journalists to properly research their information before putting it out for public consumption. She made a specific reference to journalists that are involved in reporting on Ebola victims. Speaking at the Royal Grand Hotel in Monrovia Wednesday February 25, 2015 where she served as a facilitator at a media training workshop on the Ebola trial vaccine in Liberia, Madam White said verifying information before publication will help the public get accurate information. Journalists mainly attended the workshop from various media institutions in Liberia including the president of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) Abdullah Kamara. She urged journalists to protect the identity of those who have been infected with the virus and their family members. Madam White frowned on the misapplication of photos being used by print media, sighting an example of journalists using dead body photo on their front pages, "we need to protect the family of the dead or Ebola infected from stigma, if we publish the photos of these individuals, we stigmatize their families for life," she cautioned journalists.She wants journalists to be ethical in their reportage, saying, people normally trust the information that comes out of the media. The United Nations Mission for Ebola Emergency Response (UNMEER) is a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Web mapping

application that provides easy and convenient ways to collect, query, map, analyze and share freely available geospatial data and information resources from any device, anywhere, at any time.Speaking about the ongoing trial vaccine that was recently launched at the Redemption Hospital, a principal investigator of the Partnership for Research on Ebola Vaccine in Liberia (PREVAIL), Dr. Stephen Kennedy disclosed that he has taken the vaccine, saying, the vaccine is safe and one needs not to be afraid to take it. Dr. Stephen Kennedy, head of the vaccination team in Liberia, admitted recently that the Health Ministry and its partners had largely ignored the media, leading to a serious gap in the public's understanding of the vaccine trials. Dr. Kennedy Explained that the vaccine trial is on

a voluntarily basis and no Liberian is forced or paid for taking it. He however noted that though the trial vaccine is on a voluntary basis a transportation reimbursement is given to those taking the vaccine. He did not specify the amount that is given to those taking the vaccine, adding that the act of reimbursement is an international best practice, swaying, “ we will not want keep these for about six hours and not given them transportation reimbursement,” he noted.Speaking earlier the president of the PUL Abdullah Kamara thanked the organizers of the workshop, Crusaders for Peace and PREVAIL bringing journalists together and giving them idea on how the vaccine works.Kamara said if the journalists who directly interact with the public through radio, TV, or Print are informed about the vaccine, they will properly present the information

their audience for better understanding.The trial, according to information, is being led by a Liberia-U.S. Clinical Research Partnership sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID).It is expected that over 27,000 health practitioners of age 18 and above will participate in the process, which will last for more than a year.The trial is seeking volunteers from groups at particular risk of Ebola infection, including health care workers, communities with ongoing transmission, contact tracers and members of burial teams.Participants will be assigned at random to one of three equal-sized groups. Volunteers in one group will receive a placebo (saline) injection, while the others will receive a single injection of either the cAd3-EBOZ vaccine or the VSV-ZEBOV vaccine.

 

FrontpageFriday, February 27, 2015 Page 7

Wade C. L. Williams, wade.williams@frontpageafricaonline.com

Monrovia-

Justice ministry and Liberia National Police officials are tightlipped on the result of an autopsy

conducted almost a month ago on the mortal remains of a child rape victim in the Brewerville community outside Monrovia. Ma Musu Fofana 12, met her untimely death after she was allegedly attacked and brutally raped to death by a 44-year-old man in the Brewerville area in January.Almost a month after the incident occurred the family says it is yet to get any information about the whereabouts of the remains of the child or the result of the autopsy that was conducted on the body.Speaking to FrontPageAfrica on Thursday at their Brewerville home of the diseased, family members of the dead child lamented the lack of seriousness on the part of the government to see a speedy dispensation of justice for the death of their child.“Since we left from here and went to JFK that day they did the autopsy, its past one month now we can’t hear anything from the government coming to say anything to us,” said Momo Kiazulu uncle of the deceased. Continued Kiazulu: “We are feeling so bad and embarrassed because we’ve been left in suspense for this identical girl’s business. At least since we got through with the autopsy, if they were going to call the family and say something pertaining to her burial or the result of the autopsy, it would have been better. But we have not heard anything concerning this particular girl. Kiazulu said the family currently does not know where the remains of the girl is as it was removed from the John F. Kennedy Medical Center’s mortuary where it was previously kept prior to the autopsy. He said the family has on numerous occasions sought the intervention of the representative of the area William Dakel but such moves has yielded no result. “We went to our representative

Dakel and he told us that the child was taken from JFK and to the St. Moses Funeral Home,” said Kiazulu.“We have not seen her body as a family since then. They have not tried to take us to the funeral home to see where our daughter is.”He said the family keeps looking for answers everyday but no one in government is willing to tell them what is going on with the investigation adding that the family wants to bury their daughter but cannot do so without the right answers surrounding her death.

“We can’t accept the body without the autopsy report, we need the report, we want to know what killed the girl,” he said.“The county attorney asked us to transport him to the funeral home once to get the child’s body but we told him we do not have the money to transport him to do his job. He works for the government not us, so how can we transport him.” He said the family wants to start raising awareness of the unfair treatment meted against them by the government in

order to find the answers they are looking for.“We are concerned and we are thinking about doing a peaceful march from here to the Justice Ministry to see how best we can get an understanding of what is going on,” said Kiazulu. Rep. Dakel told FrontPage Africa Thursday in an interview that he met with members of the dead child’s family last Friday and promised to find out the result of the autopsy but said he has not heard anything. He said the investigating team told him that the dead girl’s body is at the St. Moses Funeral

Home. “Representative Dakel has promised to come here but he dodges us everyday. He would tell us he’s coming but he never shows up here. We are getting tired with his promises.” Tenneh Karglee, is Grandmother of the dead child, she said she feels a sense of abandonment because of the way the government is handling the death of her grandchild. She said the situation is depressing for her because the child lived with her prior to the time of

Monrovia –

The 21st century has seen Liberian movies move to a new dimension and the red

carpet continues to get hotter as new movies that captivates the hearts of both the young and old begin to emerge. Liberians are now purchasing these made in Liberia movies and laughing their stress away. Everyone now is talking about Liberian movies and it is no longer boring and out of taste.The Red Carpet of the movie Single Ladies Temptation is set to climax at the amiable Sky Bar on 10th Street in Sinkor, just a stone throw from the Monrovia City Hall. The movie catalogs the struggles of a single mother that epitomizes a cultural problem in Liberia today. It Features Stars Like, Dream Debo, Isaac Sunday Sieh (Paul Flomo) Darling Dweh (Dugbormar ),Lewis Dehnue, Jp Smith, E. Owusu Dahnsaw, Lisa Wright O Martins, Pamela Pewu, Agnes Kaye and many other talented and upcoming movie stars in Liberia. Speaking to Dahnsaw, who plays the character Flomo, he said the movies is all about awakening the social consciousness of the Liberian people to what is becoming a chronic societal problem, with men walking away from the responsibility of childrearing and support and leaving the burden on the women alone to bear.“You’ll find out that although there are men who have children out of wedlock, most of the burden rest upon the women that they have those kids by,” said Dahnsaw.“We did a survey and found that there’s a huge amount of single mothers in the society. 50% 0fn our women have had a kid before they got married. We decided to do a movie that would educate the Liberian public and even Africa at large, on the pitfalls of having a kid before marriage or educating them on the constraints that are faced by single mothers on a day-to-day basis.”He said women and children in Liberia continue to be

exploited due to lack of support from the government, which has led many Liberians to live below the average standard of living. He said the problem of men walking away from their responsibilities leaves the women on edge because the state does not have alternatives to help them care for these children born out of wedlock.“If you look at the Liberian setting it is a societal problem, you find lot of single mothers because our government has failed us,” he said. “I hear people say they are disappointed in Liberia; no I’m not disappointed ion Liberia. Liberia is here ready to care for everybody but it is the leadership that has failed the people.”Making such a movie is challenging because of the quality it takes on the stage and producer DREAM DEBO believes movie making in Liberia is now on the verge of taking a dimension for excellence. “The most challenging part about making it what it is today is getting the best location /settings. It will teach young Liberian producers to be patient n do a job worth this standard,” he said. “Cuz if DREAM DEBO can do this in Liberia, that means any other Liberian film maker can do d same with effort n determination.”He said the movie took about three months for the pre and postproduction process adding: “Its about what single ladies go through in their daily lives in some ways they can step away from temptations.”The movie ‘Single Ladies Temptation’ premieres at the Monrovia City Hall Theater on Saturday February 28. Liberian movie lovers are calling it the Mother Of All Premieres. The movie is directed by Benjamin Franklin and written, produced and directed by Dream Debo. The Red Carpet Premier and Cock Tail is proudly sponsored By Hot FM 107.9 and its only US$ 10 for ORDINARY people and US$25 for the VIPs

‘NO REPORT, NO BURIAL’FAMILY OF RAPE VICTIM SEEKS JUSTICE AS

GOVERNMENT KEEPS AUTOPSY REPORT SECRET

NEW LOLLYWOOD MOVIE TAKES ON AN AGE-OLD PROBLEM

her death and she was like a daughter because she raised her since she was just a toddler. Kargblee also confirmed that the lawmaker in the area has not been of help to the family.“This thing make me confused because I just sitting down here and the community leaders in front of it but they can’t tell me nothing,” she said. “The other day we went to Dakel, he said I’m coming Sunday but he never came. He promised to send us food but he did not send the food up til now. I can go to the market I sell and get food to eat. I’m here suffering because I can’t hear nothing.” A 40-year-old man Musa Kanneh who is currently at the Monrovia Central Prison awaiting trial, raped the school-age girl. He was indicted and sent to jail but has not appeared in court since then.Providing information on the status of the investigation into the case sometime ago, Col. Joseph B. Flomo, Commissioner of Police for Crime Services Department, said the LNP is doing everything within its power to investigate the culprit. “Well investigation, I don’t want to put a timeline to it; but they need to talk to others,” he said at the time.“This is a man that has been arrested, that is also denying involvement, which police officers need to prove beyond doubt that he’s involved, then we come up to charge him.” Continued Col. Flomo: “It is not just about arresting someone and just taking them to the court, but it involves investigating and identifying him with the crime; so it is not about just arresting someone and taking them to the court. It is about investigating and identifying him with the crime and that is basically what we are doing now. My hope is that in one or two days time the investigation would be completed and we send the matter to court.”The family and residents of Brewerville want a speedy trial of the victim because rape is prevalent in the area.In the wake of the deadly Ebola epidemic, many women and children continue to be sexually violated according to the ministry of Gender. The ministry’s Sexual and Gender-based violence (SGBV) statistics from January to November 2014, states that a total of 554-rape case was reported. Montserrado County reported the highest number of cases in 428, while the other 14 counties accounted for 126 cases. The ministry states that of the total number reported 512 of them were perpetrated among children between the ages 0-17 years.

Grandmother of the dead child

 

ODE TO LIBERIAN SINGLE LADIES

 

Page 8 | Frontpage Friday, February 27, 2015

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT #: LCC-MTN/002/SC/2014

Lonestar Cell MTN, the Leading Mobile Communications Network in Liberia and part of the MTN Group of Companies, with global footprint across 21 countries, has a vacancy for the below position.

1. Supply Chain Senior Manager – Level 3H (Reports to the CFO)

(Job Description below for ease of reference)

Job Summary

➢ Formulation, implementation and monitoring of procurement policies, procedures and processes aimed at effective, efficient and transparent achievement of the company’s strategies and objectives; cost and wastage reduction, and empowerment of local supplier communities.

➢ Managing Procurement planning and direction of the central procurement activities under the supervision of the GM Procurement & Facilities.

This position requires an extraordinary self-motivated individual with the following essential responsibilities:

Role Complexity

➢ Implement and deliver supply strategies including supply base rationalization;➢ Lead sourcing, benchmarking and market analysis;➢ Procurement planning and direction, managing the central procurement activities of the company;➢ Establish and implement procedures for procuring materials and services. Review new or improved policies, procedures and processes;➢ Supervise the Managers responsible for Contract & Tenders, Purchasing, Product Procurement and Supplier Quality Assurance in the Procurement & Support Services Department of the Finance Division;➢ Lead negotiations and establish clear SLA’s and delivery targets with suppliers;➢ Prepare tender documents, contracts/agreements and follow up with supplier performance management;➢ Authorize tender proposals and specifications;➢ Procurement and administrative duties relating to product and capital equipment purchasing, services contracting and contract administration;➢ Develop relationships with key suppliers, stakeholders and networking with other corporate entities;➢ Demonstrate continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.➢ Persuade other internal stakeholders of the benefits of proposals or the appropriateness of adopting particular approaches;➢ Establish priorities, assign workloads to subordinates and review results;➢ Develop action plans for specific business areas;➢ Direct the preparation of departmental estimates and budgets;➢ Develop characteristics of preferred suppliers and monitor performance including recognition of risk profiles;➢ Continually benchmark the cost and quality of current suppliers with industry levels;➢ Reduce cost of operations through effective and efficient sourcing without compromising quality;

➢ Undertake extensive sourcing for goods and manages relationship with suppliers;➢ Undertake analysis of quotation and bids (Comparison sheet for bidders);➢ Undertake Research;➢ Undertakes other lawful assignments given by immediate supervisor.

Education:

BA/ BSc (Procurement/Supply Chain Management) or HND (Purchasing and Supply)Professional qualification or certification in Purchasing and Supply management

Experience

➢ Minimum of eight (8) years’ experience in managing the procurement function of a reputable organisation.➢ Experience in contract administration and contract writing

Important competencies required for the position:

Must live the MTN Values of • Leadership; Innovation; Relationship; Integrity; Can Do & adopt

The MTN Vital Behaviours of • Complete Candour; Complete Accountability; Active Collaboration; Get-It-Done

Professional competencies• Contract Management• General Administration &Logistics Management• Negotiation Skills• Inventory Management• Procurement Management• Tenders Assessment &Vendor Management• Financial Acumen• Problem Solving• Planning and Budgeting &Reporting• Research Orientation• Service Level Agreement Management• Legislation and Compliance• Analytical skills & Negotiating skills• Management skills

Behavioural qualities• Assertiveness• Integrity• Team player

Please address all applications along with recent Curriculum Vitae and two (2) passport-sized photographs to:The Human Resources ManagerLonestar Communications CorporationLBDI Building, Congo TownMonrovia, Liberia

Or e-mail: hrvacancy@lonestarcell.com

Deadline for submission of all applications is Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at 4:30 p.m.

FrontpageFriday, February 27, 2015 Page 9

EXPRESSION OF INTERESTThe National Identification RegistryStatistics House, Capitol Hill, Monrovia, Liberia

Request for Expression of InterestFor the Procurement of Consultancy Services: NIR-GOL-EOI-001-15

The Government of the Republic of Liberia intends to apply potion of its budgetary allotment toward the cost of developing a National Biometric Identification System (NBIS).

The GOL, acting through the National Identification Registry (NIR), now invites expression of interest (EOI)from eligible consultants to provide consultancy services in developing the NBIS.

Background

The Government of Liberia established the National Identification Registry (NIR), an autonomous agency, to develop and implement a modern, stable and sustainable National Biometric Identification System (NBIS) that provides a secure and save environment for citizens and residents in Liberia while protecting people’s privacy and supporting the planning and allocation of resources, benefits and services.

The Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Quality and Cost Base Selection (QCBS) procedures, as enshrined in the Public Procurement and Concession Act (PPCA) of Liberia.

The Consultant will, among other things, be responsible to carry out the following activities:• Collect both alphanumeric and biometric data, and assign unique identification number to each citizen and resident thereby creating a clean population database (de-duplicated) that ensures that each person has only one positive identity, thus creating a national identification and verification platform. • Issue for each positive identity a smart card designed to incorporate the combination of biometrics and cryptographic functions, as well as smart card technology produced in a secure production facility.• Develop a protocol for securely sharing collected data with authorized government and non-government institutions and provide for the addition of new records, renewal of expired cards and replacement of damaged, lost and stolen cards.• Develop the means to record/update births, deaths, and such variable information as addresses, education levels, employer information, etc. • Perform Biometric Enrollment for all citizens and residents having ages above 5 years, for a population coverage of approximately 3.75 million people (estimation based on 2008 census data) in the fifteen counties.

• Procure and install state-of-the-art biometric equipment, and provide technical support and training.

The selected consultant(s) shall commence work within thirty (30) days of award of contract. The overall duration of the project will be for twelve (12) months.

Qualification Requirements

The Consultant Firm must:

1. Have served as prime contractor for a successfully implemented National Biometric Registration System on a population of at least five (5) million people within Africa, in the last five (5) years.2. Have a proven record of customization and support of the Automatic Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS).3. Have average annual revenue of at least US$5 million over the last three (3) years. 4. Have been in existence, legally registered/established and operative for a period of at least four (4) years.5. Provide a tax clearance certificate for the most recent tax filling year/period.6. Have a proven ability to deliver logistics and transportation solutions; i.e. importing, distributing and assembling large quantity of goods within Africa.7. Have proven experience in the construction and integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure in Africa.8. Have proven record of after-sales services.

Sealed Expression of Interest (EOI) must be delivered to the address below at or before 12:00 p.m. on Monday, March 9, 2015. EOI will be opened on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at 12:00p.m in the presence of consultants or their representatives who choose to attend, in the Conference Room of LISGIS. Only short listed consultants will be contacted.

Interested individual consultants may obtain further information at the address below from Monday to Friday between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

The NIR Procurement UnitStatistics HouseCapitol Hill, Monrovia, LiberiaE-mail: nirregistry@gmail.comCELL: +231 886 951 111, 0777 951 111

Page 10 |Frontpage Friday, February 27, 2015

The Government of Liberia through the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC) intends to apply funds allocated in its 2015 Fiscal Budget to finance the Expansion of the Product Storage Terminal Project.LPRC intends to prequalify interested Engineering, Procurement, Construction Management (EPCM) companies that will participate in the subsequent bidding process for the execution of all work components outlined in the Scope of Works.LPRC now invites interested companies to participate in the prequalification proceeding, for the short listing of competent firms that will be issued the bidding document for the actual procurement.Bidding will be conducted through the prequalification procedures enshrined in the Public Procurement and Concessions Act (PPCA) of the Republic of Liberia.

The contractor will among other requirements be responsible to implement the following in line with project Scope of Work (SOW):• Install new Supply Pipeline from the main Oil Jetty to the existing Tank Farms

• Construct new Storage Tanks in the existing Tanks farm

• Install all new Piping Network within the Tanks Farm

• Construct new Tank Truck Loading Racks and Pumping facilities

• Construct Environmental Protection Facilities for the Tanks farm

• Install all new Fire Protection System

• Install new Power Generation System and lighting facilities

• Install new Security System

• Complete construction of newly installed Tanks

• Completion of the Tank farms Dikes

In addition to other requirements, interested companies must show proof of the following in order to be considered:•Past Performance Records of implementing similar projects for atleast 10 years• Listing of key personnel and their qualification in Project Manager/Supervisor & Project Engineers with Minimum Masters Degree in Mechanical or Civil Engineering• Legal Capacity including article of incorporation • Financial Capacity to implement the project including audited financial statements for the last two years & indicate minimum annual turnover for the last five year• Provide proof of engineering and professional standards association certification and license• Current history of litigation • Current work commitments

Companies that meet the prequalification requirements will be shortlisted to participate in the bidding process for the project.Interested companies are requested to submit their prequalification information in a sealed envelope in the prescribed format to the address below no later than February 20, 2015 at 12:00 noon GMT. Prequalification envelopes will be opened in the presence of companies’ representatives who choose to attend on February 20, 2015 at 12:00 noon in the LPRC Training Hall located at the Product Storage Terminal on the Bushrod Island, Monrovia, Liberia. Prequalification information must be submitted in six (6) sets. One original and five sets.Any prequalification information submitted after the above date and time WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.The detailed prequalification document is herewith attached to this invitation or interested companies may obtain the detailed document from the below address beginning January 12, 2015 from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm daily. Mr. Prince W. KiehProcurement ManagerLiberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC)Product Storage Terminal (PST)Bushrod IslandMonrovia, LiberiaMobile number: +231886523397E-mail: pkieh@lprclib.comWeb: www.lprclib.com

The prequalification document may also be found and downloaded from the following websites: www.lprclib.com www.dgmarket.com www.ppcc.gov.lr www.liberianobserver.com www.allafrica.com www.monroviainquirer.com www.tlcafrica.com www.emansion.gov.lrFor inquiries, please contact Mr. Prince W. Kieh, Procurement Manager on mobile +23186523397; email: pkieh@lprclib.com or Mr. James Johnson, Engineer on mobile +231886437480; email: jjohnson@cjconstructioninc.com

Signed: ________________________________________________ Managing Director/Chairman Procurement Committee

  LIBERIA PETROLEUM REFINING COMPANYP.O. Box 10-0090

1000 Monrovia 10Liberia, West Africa

Tel: 077-859-002www.lprclib.com

INVITATION FOR PREQUALIFICATION(PROCUREMENT OF WORKS)

FOR THEPRODUCT STORAGE TERMINAL (PST) EXPANSION PROJECT

(IFB No. LPRC/ICB/001/2015)

PSA/LRA-023 Feb. 23, 2015

IMPORTANT GOVERNMENT OF LIBERIA NOTICE

Attention: Time extension Request for filing of 2014 Annual Income Tax Returns by Individuals and

Legal PersonsThe Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) informs the General Public that the extension of time to file tax returns is permitted under section of 50(c) of the Revenue Code of Liberia(RCL) which states “Upon application in writing by a person required to file a return under any provision of this Code, the Minister(Now the Commissioner General) may, where good cause is shown, extend the period within which a return is to be filed. The granting of a filing extension does not alter the due date for payment of the tax.” In its February 13, 2015 Stakeholder Engagement with the LRA, the Liberia Chamber of Commerce (LCC) formally suggested extension of time up to two months for filing by all natural (individual) and legal persons required to file an annual income tax returns under the Revenue Code of Liberia 2000 as amended, for the calendar year 2014. The LCC request is driven by the deadly Ebola pandemic which disrupted and generally slowdown business activities and caused the migration of people, thereby adversely impacting the timely preparation and audits of financial statements of taxpayers by tax practitioners, accountants and auditors.

Pursuant to Sections 201 (c) and 900 (c) of the Revenue Code of Liberia, all natural (individuals) and legal persons whose gross annual income is L$ 3M or US$ 30,700.00, and whose business activities were adversely impacted by the Ebola crisis and who would like to benefit from the said provision are required to submit a written request to the Commissioner General pursuant to the above provision of the RCL for the extension of time to file his/her/its annual income tax returns for calendar year 2014. The taxpayer’s written request must be received on or before Tuesday, March 31st, 2015 in order to benefit from the extension.

Signed: Elfrieda Stewart Tamba COMMISSIONER GENERAL

FrontpageFriday, February 27, 2015 Page 11

THE SONPON, FREEMAN, GIBSON, STUBBLEFIELD, GREAVES & RANDALL FAMILIES ANNOUNCE THE FUNERAL

ARRANGEMENTS OF THEIR DAUGHTER, MS.THEOLINE CRYSTAL SONPON WHO DIED ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015

AT 12:25A.M. AT SOS CLINIC IN CONGO TOWN.

ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2015 AT 4P.M. HER BODY WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE SAMUEL STRYKER FUNERAL PARLORS

TO THE ST. THOMAS EPISCOPAL CHURCH ON CAMP JOHNSON ROAD FOR WAKE KEEPING FROM 6P.M. TO 9P.M.

AFTER THE CHURCH WAKE THERE WILL BE A SILENT WAKE AT HER HOME ON CALDWELL ROAD NEAR THE CALDWELL

BRIDGE FROM 10P.M. ON THE 27TH TO 6AM ON THE 28TH.FUNERAL SERVICES WILL BE HELD ON THE 28TH OF FEBRUARY AT 10A.M. AT THE ST. THOMAS EPISCOPAL

CHURCH ON CAMP JOHNSON ROAD AND THE INTERNMENT WILL FOLLOW AT THE BREWERVILLE CEMETERY.

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WAS BROUGHT IN BY HER MOTHER, CLLR. CHRISTINE SONPON FREEMAN, HER GRANDMOTHER,

MRS. ANGELINE GIBSON SONPON AND HER AUNT, ADELINE N. SONPON FOR THE FAMILY.

The Marteh family announces the death of Genevieve Queen Marteh, who was a junior student at the University of Liberia. Genevieve died on Monday after a combination of illnesses, including typhoid. She was born on November 27, 1987 and leaves to mourn her parents, maternal grandmother, two sisters, six brothers, several nieces, nephews, uncles, aunties and a host of relatives and friends at home and abroad.

Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

Signed byDanesius MartehBrother of the deceased

DEATH ANNOUNCEMENT

DEATH ANNOUNCEMENT

 

MS. THEOLINE CRYSTAL SONPON

MS. GENEVIEVE QUEEN MARTEH

 

Washington, D. C-

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has begun her official visit of the United States

stressing the need for direct U.S. private investments in Liberia especially the post-Ebola era.According to a Dispatch from Washington, D.C., the Liberian leader, meeting with officials of the U.S. Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) - an independent U.S. Government Agency that helps U.S. investments get a foothold in emerging markets like Liberia - said private investments were needed to buttress Liberia’s economic recovery efforts giving the challenges associated with the post-Ebola Liberia.“We would like to have more

U.S. private investments in Liberia,” she said, adding, “It will help our job creation strategy while improving our economy and bettering the lives of our people.”The Liberia leader told the OPIC high-level delegation that there was a need to attract investments in keys sectors such as agriculture, with emphasis on the fishing industry and upgrading support to small scale farmers from the level of subsistence farming.She said investments in transportation were also a key area of concentration with a focus on privatizing the Roberts International Airport and domestic airports in Liberia. For the energy sector, President Sirleaf said private partnership

investments would help Liberia make the much needed advancements to support other investments in health, education and security. “Energy has an interconnectivity to all these and we believe major investments in this sector would also enable us to improve these vital areas of our development,” she stressed.Responding, the OPIC President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Elizabeth Littlefield first praised what she termed as the “extraordinary leadership role” of President Sirleaf in Liberia’s fight to eradicate the Ebola virus disease from the country. “I recognize the resilience of you and the Liberian people in battling the Ebola epidemic. It’s extraordinary,” Madam Littlefield indicated.The U.S. OPIC CEO pledged

to work with the Liberian Government in attracting U.S. private investment saying, “We will work with our friends and private companies to look at Liberia favorably.” Earlier in the day, President Sirleaf met with ExonMobil exploration officials headed by Mr. Walter Kansteiner. The meeting was aimed at persuading the company to do more in its investment in Liberia. Present at the meetings were Liberia’s Ambassador to the U.S., His Excellency Mr. Jeremiah Solunteh; Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Mr. Amara Konneh; Information Minister, Mr. Lewis Browne, Legal Advisor to the President, Counsellor Seward Cooper; among others.

Monrovia-

One year after the first Ebola cases started to surface in Guinea, the latest findings

from a Cochrane review show new ways of hydrating patients in critical care environments across the world.The study, published today in the Cochrane Library, will give health workers vital new evidence in one of their toughest areas of care, keeping seriously ill patients hydrated.The Cochrane review compared the different ways of giving fluids to patients who need fluids but are too ill to drink enough.Many patients with Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) die because they are dehydrated. Patients with EVD often experience severe vomiting and diarrhoea, which causes them to lose fluids which are difficult to replace by drinking alone.This new review compares the different ways to give fluids to people in situations where it is impossible to maintain adequate hydration simply by giving fluids orally. Collectively, these alternatives

PRESIDENT SIRLEAF SEEKS U.S. PRIVATE INVESTMENTS FOR LIBERIA

 

NEW EVIDENCE HELPS HEALTH WORKERS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST EBOLA

 are termed parenteral access. They include getting fluids into a vein (intravenously), into bone marrow (intraosseously), into fatty tissue under the skin (subcutaneously) or into the abdominal space (intraperitoneally).Giving fluids intravenously is a commonly used method, but in patients with Ebola this can be problematic. Obtaining venous access can be difficult in very dehydrated patients, and this is made even worse in situations where care-givers are obliged to wear protective suits, and where there is a risk

of transmission of the virus, such as Ebola. This review helps health workers caring for patients with EVD to know the advantages and disadvantages of the other ways to give fluids, so they can decide which is the most suitable for their patients.The review includes 17 studies involving 885 people. However, the trials were of low quality, so the authors suggest the need for caution when drawing conclusions based on these results.Author Katharine Ker, from The London School of Hygiene

and Tropical Medicine, says “This Cochrane review shows us that if intravenous access can be achieved easily, then this should be used as it allows the infusion of larger volumes of fluid. However, if intravenous access is not possible, intraosseous and subcutaneous routes are alternatives that can be inserted quickly.”Cochrane’s Editor in Chief, Dr David Tovey, added “Further trials comparing alternative approaches are appropriate to help care-givers, and others, understand the most effective strategies for securing safe and reliable parenteral access.”Professor Mike Clarke from Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland is Director of Evidence Aid, an international initiative that supports and responds to global humanitarian relief efforts. He says, "People in disasters and humanitarian crises, such as Ebola, have the same rights to high quality evidence as those being treated in more routine settings. Reviews such as this are vital if patients are to receive care based on the best possible information.”

Page 12 |Frontpage Friday, February 27, 2015

Kennedy L. Yangian kennedylyangian@frontpageafricaonline.com 0777296781

Bettie Johnson/betty.johnson@frontpageafricaonline.com

8b

‘IMPOSTER’ LAWYERFRONT

PAGE LAW & ORDER

Supreme Court, Bar Association Claim No Record

Validity of Bonds Questioned in Indictment probe

MONROVIA-

FrontPageAfrica has reliably learned that a search is on by the Liberia National

Bar Association (LNBA), for an alleged imposter lawyer whose whereabouts is still unknown since he was spotted in court last week.A source who hinted FrontPageAfrica Thursday said the umbrella organization for all practicing lawyers in the country the LNBA has decided to carry out the hunt after it had discovered that the lawyer was an imposter.Self- proclaimed attorney-at-law Rudolph Hightower’s status came under question last week by State Prosecutor Cllr. Sunifu Sheriff, when he attempted to represent three defendants Amuchie Karpeh, Daniel Gbor, Jacob Vertekeh, who are on trial on charges of armed robbery.The alleged imposter attorney at-law Hightower was objected to by Cllr. Sherriff who accused him of not being a lawyer minutes after he had announced his representation of the three defendants in court.Cllr. Sherriff ’s objection prompted the presiding Judge of Criminal Court “D” S. Geevon Smith to halt the case and appealed to the Supreme Court bench to allow its clerk to avail to the lower court for any and all

Monrovia-

After seven out of ten indictees secured over US$ 1million in bond fees in

relations to criminal charges including Economic Sabotage and bribery case involving former high-ranking officials of the National Oil Company, others have gone into hiding according to credible information gathered by FrontPageAfrica.A Judicial source has told FPA that three of the defendants cannot be served their writ of arrest as they are nowhere to be found. Our source said all efforts to reach the defendants have proved futile as the three are said to be in hiding.The three are part of the ten persons that were indicted by the Ministry of justice for Economic Sabotage, bribery and criminal conspiracy.A legal observer said the three cannot file a bond unless they receive the writ of arrest issued by the presiding judge of Criminal Court ‘C’, Peter Gbeneweleh,

because the law provides that an indictee must be under the jurisdiction of the court that is he/she shall receive and sign for an order from a court, before filing a bond.The three that have absconded include Fulton Reeves NOCAL comptroller, Timothy Wiaplah former senior Accountant and Peter B. Jallah a member of the Board of Directors.Bond legality questionedMany legal pundits however are beginning to question the legality of the bond filed by the indictees in the NOCAL bribery saga. A legal expert speaking to FPA said the Ministry of Justice was considering looking at the bond filed in establishing whether the bonds are valid to be accepted by the court. A source said though the indictees filed a criminal appearance bond, which is in line with section 63.1of 1LCLR, the Ministry of Justice is working to establish the legality of the bonds.Said the source: “Once you

indict somebody and they filed a bond and the bond is approved by the judge; it is the responsibilities of the Ministry of Justice to challenge it, but if the bond is not defective and meets the requirement of the law then the defendants can be on their bond.”“But if what the defendants are charged for is a billable offence and they are entitled to their bond, they will be out and when the case is called, based on the criminal appearance bond, they will appear before the court that have jurisdiction on the case.” Most of the bonds filed to the court by 7 of the 10 defendants are criminal appearance bond, which is to secure the release and reappearance of the defendants before the court.The case involves the Republic of Liberia by and thru the Ministry of Justice versus Clemenceau Urey former chairman Board of National Oil Company of Liberia, Cllr. Stephen

Dunbar Jr, Peter B. Jallah Jr, D. Evelyn Kandakai, Grand Kru Senator Albert Chie, all former members Board of Directors, NOCAL, Dr. Fodee Kromah former president /CEO, NOCAL, Fulton Reeves, comptroller, NOCAL, Timothy G.Wiaplah, former Senior Accountant, NOCAL, Alomiza Ennos Barr, former member, 52nd Legislature and J. Nanborlor Singbeh, secretary of the Liberian senate.The ten were indicted by the Ministry of Justice for allegedly committing the crime of Economic Sabotage, a felony of the first degree in violation of chapter 15, subchapter F, section 15.80(a) (b) (c) (e) of the new penal law of Liberia, title 26 of the Liberian code of laws.Copy of the criminal appearance bond filed by the 7 defendants, which is in possession of FPA reveals that most of the bonds were filed by family dollar universal insurance INC, Sky International and Insurance

 relevant information leading to the determination of the matter.Judge Smith also requested the secretariat of the LNBA

to attest to the authenticity of Atty. Hightower, claim of being a legal practitioner. In separate responses to the Judge’s letter, copy of

which is in the possession of FrontPageAfrica, the Clerk of the Supreme Court, Martha Bryant Henries, noted that the records of the Supreme

Court reveal that up to the issuance of the certificate there was no record or document indicating that Mr. Rudolph is a qualified

lawyer.In its response, the LNBA stated that it has accordingly delved into its archive and found that the gentleman referred to as Atty. Rudolph Hightower is not in good standing with the Bar. The LNBA stated that he has not paid annual bar fees; hence, he cannot be a lawyer.When contacted on the matter, Singbe Johnson the Director of Communications at the Judiciary, said that issues relating to the conduct of lawyers are left solely with the LNBA to handle.“We cannot not act on this situation because complaints on any practicing lawyer is referred to the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA) for redress,” Johnson.The allegation against Atty. Hightower comes in the wake of reports from some unknown persons based on the grounds of the Temple of Justice allegedly impersonating and engaged in the extortion of money from party litigants seeking legal redress.

THREE ON THE RUNCompany of Africa among others.How much did they file?Defendant Urey through his sureties filed a criminal appearance bond of U.S $125,000, Kandakai filed a criminal appearance bond of $ 240,000.00, Chie filed $245,800.00, Dunbar $180, 000, Kromah $ 242,000.00, Nanborlor $5,000, Ennos Barr 80,000.As per the law the defendants were to file a bond valued twice the amount for which they are indicted.The defendants were jointly held for an amount of US$120,400 representing the transacted in total in the chain of bribery payments.According to the indictment Defendant Urey, Dunbar, Kandakai, Chie all then members board of directors, NOCAL, Dr. Kromah, president/CEO, NOCAL and the other indictees knowingly, willfully, purposely and intentionally collude to defraud the Government of Liberia of US$120,400, by engaging themselves into the solicitation, payment and or receipt of money for the alleged purpose of ratification by the 52nd

Legislature of oil contracts entered into by and between NOCAL and several companies.The 7 defendants through their criminal appearance bond promised that they will appear before the court on May 11, 2015 to answer to the charges of Economic Sabotage, bribery and Criminal Conspiracy and will remain in the court until discharged. They sated that if convicted of the charges he/she will surrender herself/himself unto the custody of the ministerial officer of said court to undergo the full sentence by the law.The bonds filed by the 7 defendants were also attached with a certificate of Authorization, affidavit of sureties in keeping with 1LCL revised page 266-67, section 63.2 and 63.1(b) of the civil procedure law of Liberia.It is not known when the court staff will serve the remaining three defendants their indictment, as those who have been served bonds are to be challenged by the Ministry of Justice.Sources have told FPA that the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission is to also challenge the bonds filed by the accused in the NOCAL saga.

FrontpageFriday, February 27, 2015 Page 13

Monrovia-

The European Union (EU) has invited H.E. Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of the Republic of Liberia,to co-chair a

High Level Conference on Ebola and she will be speaking as spokesperson for the Mano River Union (MRU). The Presidents and Ministers of Guinea, Sierra Leone and Togo as well as representatives of the African Union Commission, the UN, the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) and the European Union will all be attending at the very highest level.The Conference is taking place at the

historic Egmont Palace, Brussels, Belgium on Tuesday 3rd March 2015 and is to be attended by Her Majesty Queen Mathilde of Belgium. The main focus of the Conference is to maintain current efforts of preventing the spread of the Ebola virus and to also put in place a plan to help Liberia and the other main African countries to recover now, but also to plan for the future. During this High Level Conference, the 11th European Development Fund National Indicative Programme for Liberia 2014-2020 will be signed between Liberia and the EU. This is the most important support programme of the

EU to Liberia for the coming years. This Fund is allocating EUR 279 million (USD 326 million at current rate of exchange) to Liberia, which will be divided into the four areas of: Good Governance, Energy, Education and Agriculture.The EU and its Member States have so far pledged around EUR 1.2 billion to respond to the Ebola crisis in West Africa.The EU Ambassador for Liberia, Ms Tiina Intelmann, said "For us it is crucial to assess the priorities and envisaged action presented by Liberia and to find a way that we can all work together, in the immediate and longer term, for recovery in Liberia and in West Africa."

Monrovia-

The Country Director of the United Nations Development Programme

(UNDP) in Liberia, Dr. Kamil Kamaludden has reaffirmed the organization’s support to the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) in enhancing its work.Speaking today when the Executive Chairperson of the LACC, Cllr. James N. Verdier,

Jr., paid him a courtesy call to familiarize him with the pending Partners Conference scheduled to take place on March 19, 2015, Dr. Kamaludden said the work of the LACC was unique and critical to good governance and that the UNDP would continue to support the LACC in dealing with the issue of corruption in Liberia. The UNDP’s Country Director also expressed his

Dakar -

As Liberia's president visits the US Senate on Thursday to thank Americans for their pivotal role in the Ebola recovery, she will reflect on a

sometimes fractious relationship spanning two centuries.Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is due to address senators before meeting US President Barack Obama on Friday to discuss the recovery from an outbreak which has claimed 9 500 lives.Of the West African nations afflicted by the disease, Liberia - where more 4 000 people have died - is seen as the most advanced in curbing the spread of Ebola, largely thanks to unprecedented US support.Around $2.5bn has been allocated by the White House to help Liberia fight and recover from Ebola, while Obama has played a supportive role in securing IMF and World Bank cash.Some 2 800 US troops - the largest-ever US deployment to the region - are being brought home after building clinics, training nurses and working around the clock to beat back the epidemic.Analysts initially voiced concerns over how Liberians, savaged by 14 years of ruinous civil war, would react to a new foreign armed presence and questioned US motives for its sudden philanthropy.US engagement in Liberia began in the 1820s when the Congress- and slaveholder-funded American Colonisation Society began sending freed slaves to its shores.Thousands of "Americo-Liberian" settlers followed, declaring themselves independent in 1847 and setting up a government to rule over a native African majority that it gave no right to vote.'Racist motives'James Ciment, the author of "Another America: The Story of Liberia and the Former Slaves Who Ruled It", describes Liberia as "America's half-forgotten stepchild", poorly set up and neglected thereafter by the US.America's engagement with Ebola was nothing more than the fulfilment of a "special obligation" to help Liberia, he argued in Slate magazine in September.Peter Pham, author of "Liberia: Portrait of a Failed State", and director of the Washington-based Atlantic Council's Ansari Africa Center, offers a similar analysis."To be quite frank, some of the benefactors who financed the repatriation of former slaves and other African diaspora to what became Liberia had unabashed racist motives," he told AFP.Pham points to the US refusal to recognise Liberian independence until nearly 20 years after Europe as evidence that the prevailing view of a "special relationship" is little more than a "comforting myth".Liberia has nonetheless been an unswerving ally, allowing it to be used as a US military base during World War II and backing Washington at the UN on Cold War issues, particularly the Vietnam War.In return, the US has provided a fortune in aid - more than $600m since 2009, according to the State Department - but critics say the American balance sheet remains in deficit.They point to US support of the corrupt, repressive military dictator Samuel Doe in the 1980s, and its failure to remove him and broker peace ahead of civil conflict which left 250 000

Liberians dead.'Moral responsibility'Pham, however, believes this black-and-white picture fails to recognise Liberia's own responsibility for its historical woes."While Doe was a brute and nowadays is universally condemned, it should be remembered that at the time he seized power, he was enormously popular with a vast majority of Liberians," he said.In Liberia itself, academia tends to have a nuanced view of American influence on its "stepchild", seeing both good and bad.Edward Wonkeryor, a vice-president of Liberia's Cuttington University, acknowledges US economic influence in West Africa as a motivation for helping Liberia.The continent has been home to six of the world's 10 fastest-growing economies in the past decade, according to a 2010 study by the McKinsey Global Institute.Yet just one percent of US investment abroad goes to Africa and many analysts believe China has surpassed America as its largest partner.Winning Ebola fightAs far as its moral obligations go, Wonkeryor believes the Ebola crisis has presented Washington with a test that it has begun to pass."The US is helping with the Ebola crisis because it has a moral responsibility towards Liberia, considering the historical, cultural, economic, social, and ideological and security relationships between both countries, from the founding of Liberia up to the present," he said.Major General Darryl Williams, the head of the US army in Africa, led a task force in Monrovia to set up the American Ebola mission in September last year, with the epidemic at its peak.He told reporters at a recent military conference in Dakar the intention from the beginning had been to force back the epidemic and hand its management back to civilians as quickly as possible."We went into the process trying to work ourselves out of a job," he said.Asked by AFP if he felt his troops had won over ordinary Liberians amid initial suspicion, he said the welcome from locals had been "absolutely overwhelming - very warm".

 

EU TO HOLD MAJOR INTERNATIONAL EBOLA RECOVERY CONFERENCE

UNDP REAFFIRMS SUPPORT TO LACCEBOLA-HIT LIBERIA NO LONGER US'S 'FORGOTTEN STEPCHILD'

organization’s willingness to work with the LACC in ensuring the success of the scheduled Partners Conference which he said will afford partners the opportunity to understand and appreciate the work of the LACC.Earlier, LACC Executive Chairperson, Cllr. J ames N. Verdier, Jr. briefed Dr. Kamaludden on plans by the Commission to organize a Partners Conference and noted that the role of UNDP as a key partner was essential to the organization and success of the conference. He pointed out that the provision of necessary resources to the Commission by partners would help strengthen the independence of the LACC. Cllr. Verdier also reiterated the Commission’s determination to remain fearless and robust in its work and noted that the LACC was prepared to reverse the impression that people will continue to engage in acts of corruption and go with impunity.

 

 

Page 14 |Frontpage Friday, February 27, 2015

US CHRISTIANS BACK EMERGING PRIVATE WAR ON IRAQ JIHADISTS

UK MAN BEHIND ISIS BEHEADINGS NAMED AS MOHAMMED EMWAZI

UKRAINE TRUCE TAKES HOLD BUT US ACCUSES RUSSIA OF LAND GRABS

 

Kiev (AFP) -

A UN-backed ceasefire showed signs of finally taking hold in Ukraine, even as the

United States accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of destabilising the country through land grabs.Wednesday was the first day since the truce took effect 10 days ago that no deaths were reported on the front, but the relative peace was met by fresh diplomatic sparring between Washington and Moscow.Addressing US lawmakers, Secretary of State John Kerry said Russia and pro-Moscow rebels had failed to meet the terms of the ceasefire.

RBS TO SLASH INVESTMENT BANKING

AFTER HUGE LOSS

SOUTH AFRICA TO PROBE SPY CABLES LEAK

London (AFP) -

Royal Bank of Scotland will end investment banking in the Middle East and Africa

and "significantly" reduce its presence in Asia and the US after a seventh-straight annual loss, the state-rescued lender said Thursday.RBS, about 80-percent owned by the British government, said losses after tax totalled £3.47 billion ($5.40 billion, 4.74 billion euros) last year following a £4.0 billion writedown on Citizens, part of its US operations.The performance was however much better than in 2013 when RBS had posted an annual net loss of almost £9.0 billion. Stripping out the writedown and other items, RBS recorded an operating profit of £3.5 billion for 2014.

Johannesburg (AFP) -

South Africa has launched an investigation into the leak of espionage secrets to an international

television news channel and a British newspaper, the state security minister said Wednesday."A full investigation has been launched into the purported leakage," Minister David Mahlobo said in a statement."The leaking of the purported documents detailing operational details of the State Security Agency is condemned in the strongest possible terms," he said.The redacted documents leaked to the Doha-headquartered global news network Al Jazeera, and British newspaper The Guardian have been released in batches since Monday.

IN BRIEF

 

 

FRONTPAGE WORLD NEWS

NIGERIA'S BUHARI VOWS TO 'LEAD FROM THE FRONT' AGAINST BOKO HARAM

London (AFP) -

Nigerian presidential candidate Muhammadu

Buhari on Thursday vowed to "lead from the front" in the fight against Boko Haram if elected in the country's forthcoming election.The former military ruler, who rejected descriptions of him as a "dictator", also

argued against further delays to the election and said a free, fair and peaceful vote would boost democracy in Africa.The 72-year-old from the All Progressives Congress (APC) opposition has been seen as neck-and-neck with President Goodluck Jonathan in the closely fought election campaign.Some have predicted that Jonathan's Peoples

Democratic Party (PDP) could lose power for the first time since Nigeria returned to civilian rule in 1999.In a speech at the Chatham House international affairs institute in London, Buhari asserted that Nigeria had been failed by a consistent lack of leadership from Jonathan in the insurgency."Our soldiers have neither received the necessary

 

Arbil (Iraq) (AFP) -

After fighting with rebels in Libya and Syria, Matthew VanDyke has

rolled up in northern Iraq, but the celebrity American revolutionary-cum-filmmaker has traded his fatigues for a three-piece suit.VanDyke, who rose to fame as a foreign fighter backing Libyan rebels against Moamer Kadhafi, has just finished leading his new military contracting firm through its first assignment -- training Christian volunteers to take on jihadists.Funded by Christian groups from abroad, mainly from the United States, the Nineveh Plains Protection Unit (NPU)

aims to bring a local Christian militia to bear against the Islamic State group that has seized swathes of Iraq and Syria.VanDyke is one of the best-known -- and least camera-shy -- figures in an expanding and complex constellation of foreign fighters, organisations and donors getting involved in a private war against the jihadists."This is an extension of my work as a revolutionary," he says as he takes a sip from his cappuccino in a cafe in the Kurdish capital of Arbil. "What gives somebody else the right to sit home and do nothing?"The 35-year-old came to prominence in 2011 when he

joined Libyan rebels in the fight to overthrow Kadhafi. He was held by regime forces in solitary confinement for more than five months.The film "Point and Shoot" directed by Marshall Curry, which won the best documentary award at the Tribeca Festival last year, recounts the 35,000-mile motorcycle odyssey that led VanDyke to Libya and which he describes as "a crash course in manhood".Not one to shy away from self-aggrandizement, VanDyke's official website claims that his own documentary on the Syrian conflict, in which he volunteered in 2012, won no fewer than 82 prizes.

A British man has been identified as the knife-wielding militant who appears

in Islamic State (Isis) videos claiming responsibility for the beheadings of US, British and other hostages.The Guardian understands that Mohammad Emwazi, a 26-year-old west Londoner and university graduate, is the militant. He had been given the monicker “Jihadi John” by a group of his hostages, who described him as part of an Isis cell they named “the Beatles”.The name was first published by the Washington Post on Thursday morning. Strenuous efforts appear to have been made to cover his tracks on the internet. Emwazi guarded western hostages and handled negotiations with their families. By all accounts he is a ruthless killer who has shown little compunction about his

gory, on-screen murders.Emwazi arrived in Britain as a young boy, aged six, after being born in Kuwait. He grew in up west London and was known as a polite, mild-mannered young man.Those who knew him say he had a penchant for wearing stylish clothes but remained an observant Muslim. The Post describes him as bearded and as careful not to make eye contact with women.He graduated in 2009 in information technology and is also fluent in Arabic. .However, instead of a computing career, Emwazi ended up on MI5’s radar.Over the course of a year he claimed to have been harassed and intimidated by the security services. In 2010 he went as far as to file a complaint with the Independent Police Complaints Commission over his treatment.

 

support nor the required incentive to tackle this problem. Let me assure you that if I'm elected president, I vow to change that," he added."We will give them adequate modern arms and ammunition, we will improve intelligence gathering... we will be tough on terrorists and tough on its root causes... in the affected areas.""No inch of Nigerian territory will ever be in the hands of the enemy," Buhari pledged, promising to return Nigeria to its former role as a stabilising force in west Africa.The Islamist insurgency, which began in 2009, has left more than 13,000 people dead and forced more than one million others to flee their homes.Jonathan and his administration have been widely criticised for failing to stop the violence, which has seen Boko Haram seize territory in the northeast and attack neighbouring countries.Elections scheduled for February 14 were delayed as the military said ongoing operations with soldiers from Chad, Cameroon and Niger meant that troops could not provide security on polling day.But Jonathan, his national

security advisor and the head of the army have said that major gains will be made by the new election date, March 28, to allow voting to take place.Critics have accused Jonathan and the PDP of delaying the vote to give them more time to seize back the momentum from the APC and Buhari said "any form of extension... will not be tolerated".Instead, he said free, fair and peaceful elections could "trigger a wave of democratic consolidation in Africa" and help to strengthen democracy in Nigeria.The 72-year-old, seen as an anti-corruption figure despite allegations of serious rights abuses by his regime in the 1980s, also responded to descriptions of himself as a former dictator."Let me say without sounding defensive that dictatorship was military rule, though some are less dictatorial than others," he said."I take responsibility for whatever happened under my watch. I cannot change the past but I can change the present and the future."So, before you is a former military ruler and a converted democrat who is ready to operate under democratic rules."

FrontpageFriday, February 27, 2015 Page 15

Stephen B. Lavalah, Contributing Writer

SportsSPORTS

DOUBLE INJURY BLOW FOR ATLETICO

 Atletico Madrid are sweating on the fitness of Guilherme Siqueira and Saul

Niguez after Wednesday's Champions League loss at Bayer Leverkusen.Both players were forced off during the first half of the 1-0 defeat in Germany, with Siqueira hobbling from the field in the 38th minute with a muscular problem before then being promptly followed down the tunnel by Saul, who took a heavy blow to his chest.

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois insists he knows how to stop Tottenham

striker Harry Kane ahead of the League Cup final on Sunday.The Spurs star has been in scintillating form in 2014-15, scoring 24 goals in all competitions, and will be out to add to his tally against the Blues goalkeeper at Wembley.Kane scored twice against the Belgian on New Year’s Day, as Spurs ran out 5-3 winners over Jose Mourinho's men at White Hart Lane in the Premier League, but Courtois believes he can stop the 21-year-old at the second attempt this weekend.

COURTOIS: I KNOW HOW TO STOP HARRY KANE

GENIUS MOMENT: SUAREZ TORMENTS HART AGAIN

One brilliant header, one powerful right-foot shot, another struck firmly with

his left, and a clever flick with the outside of his right foot. Four different goals by Luis Suarez with one connection – they were all scored against Joe Hart.If anybody is looking forward to the second leg of Barcelona v Manchester City it is surely Suarez, who seems to love playing against Hart. All those goals came in the last two games when Suarez and Hart faced each other: Uruguay’s 2-1 win against England at the World Cup, and Barcelona’s 2-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.

 

 

SAVE MAXWELL B. MILLER

Brilliant, smart, compassionate, affectionate, kindhearted,

talented, smiley and lively; these are some of the attributes too often used to describe an ailing young Liberian named Maxwell B. Miller, who is suffering from liver cancer and needs urgent medical attention in India worth no least than thirty thousand United States dollars (US$30,000.00). For the past weeks, families, friends, associates, acquaintances, and a host of people from all walks of life under the banner “Friends of Maxwell B. Miller” began a vigorous campaign to solicit funds to save the life of a determined and committed young man. The team of diligent volunteers has been working tirelessly and selflessly to raise the necessary funds to ensure Maxwell gets the needed medical treatment as quickly as possible. They have utilized multi-media publicity—television advertisements, radio talk shows, and masses social media engagements—to encourage and engender Liberians and foreigners assistance. They have bonded together with a common purpose of championing the well-being of a dear colleague irrespective of language spoken, religion confessed, pronunciation of last name, or worldly possession. They are galvanizing every single penny from anyone who cares for an outstanding young Liberian to get back on his feet and strive to rebuild the broken fabrics of war-torn Liberia.Absolutely, the team has done a tremendous job and needs to be accorded all due respect and endless commendation. However, the job is far from over, because the ultimate goal of raising at least thirty thousand United States Dollar (US$30,000.00) to give Maxwell the desire treatment as soon as possible is far from reach. Therefore, it is no longer only a “THEY” initiative. It is about “WE”, “OUR” and “US” venture as Liberians and foreigners alike residing in the territorial boundaries of Liberia as well as people in any part of the world to give to something more meaningful and worthwhile.

 

A Call for Support

We as Liberians in a small, but great nation endowed with abundant resources and an interconnected population should begin to rally in every quarter, village, town, clan, chiefdom, district and county to help an ailing young Liberian get the needed treatment. We as Liberians in a country, where everyday many of our compatriots kick the bucket as a result of awful healthcare delivery system have to take it as a duty to help each other out, hold each other up, stand up for each other and move each other up; instead of finding petty differences that divide us as a people. We as Liberians who have tasted the bitter swill of civil conflict and years of human suffering should muster the courage in burying our past behind with justice as a monument and carry forward unceasing love for each other, most especially for our ailing brother and friend who needs our urgent assistance. All this we can do, when we work together and rally around each other to save a life worth living like that of our fellow compatriot Maxwell B. Miller. Let us demonstrate to Maxwell that Liberia cares for each and every citizen, and it is no mistake he is a born Liberian. Our display of patriotism and nationalism should not be merely expression of words

or picturesque exhibition of red, white and blue, but our ability, willingness, and eagerness to our fellow citizen in dire need of help to survive from liver cancer. Imagine a young man suffering to survive from liver cancer in an already poverty-stricken country. Mull over a young Liberian who overcame the exceptional odds by living and growing up in a country torn apart by Civil War and yet still made it through one of Liberia’s premium institutions of higher learning to become part of an acclaimed corporate bank. Contemplate on an illustrious Liberian with the professional desire to create access to financial services for all Liberians regardless of location. Reflect on a passionate Liberian fully capable of lending his voice to the discussion to make private and public sector commit towards supporting young people’s demands and aspirations for a better future for Liberia and its people. Ponder about a prolific Liberian with the ability to provide a platform for youth and people of all ages to achieve their full potential and measure of happiness. Concentrate on someone who is capable of doing anything he puts his mind to.Indeed, Maxwell is a quick learner, and most importantly a moral human with a heart

full of compassion to serve humanity. Liberia is lucky to have such an inspired young man, possessing the brilliance and determination, to make his country a better place, where citizens can join hands in building a more cohesive, peaceful, healthy, sustainable and prosperous nation. Hence, it is no doubt that someone with such fascinating and amazing character desires our help to survive liver cancer.Our international partners, friendly nations, international nongovernmental organizations, and all non-profit medical institutions operating within the territorial boundaries of Liberia should come to the aid of a young man that needs immediate treatment. Our friends of Cuttington as well as collegians and academics should begin to consolidate efforts through voluntary donation to help a young alumnus of Cuttington University, who burnt the midnight candles and struggled to acquire topnotch education in order to contribute his quota in remaking and rebuilding Liberia among the comity of nations. Our religious leaders, Liberia Council of Churches, and the Interfaith Religious Council of Liberia should continue praying and provide the necessary assistance for Maxwell

and many others ailing people who cannot afford medical treatment. Our cabinet ministers, heads of autonomous agencies, chief executive officers of State-owned enterprises should support Maxwell acquire the much needed treatment through donation and any other lawful means possible. Our President and the mother of four male children should take Maxwell as one of her sons and do everything humanly and legally possible to aid Maxwell in his quest to obtain urgent medical treatment.

Accordingly, it will be left with us to relief a young Liberian from the burden of liver cancer that is ruining his promising life. It is on to us to make good our pledges and donate to save a life worth living, to bring smile on Maxwell’s face, to renew his hope, and to strengthen his desire in aspiring for greatness. It is upon us to begin today in donating any amount in Liberian dollars to account number 5303- 0500-1129-38 or in United States dollars to account number 5303-0500-1129-47. The account is at the United Bank of Africa (UBA) and the account title is Fatu N. Sirleaf and Francis F. Jusu. If anyone feel very strongly to helping Maxwell in any other way possible or desirous of acquiring information about the status of this astute young Liberian suffering from liver cancer should contact Francs F. Jusu on +231 776 583 827 or +231 886 583 827.Together all of us should muster the courage and give a chance to Maxwell to enjoy his fundamental right to live and work towards making his dream a reality. The task is upon us to raise thirty thousand United States dollars (US$30,000) within the shortest possible time, and with God’s help, let us do it to save Maxwell B. Miller our dear fellow Liberian and a citizen of this our one World. Through the eyes of faith and generous donation of the part of everyone, Maxwell will be healed.

About the author: Mr. Stephen B. Lavalah is an advocate and the Founder & Executive Director of Youth Exploring Solutions (YES), a passionate, non-profit and voluntary grassroots youth-led development organization. For more information about YES’ work in Liberia, please visit http://www.liberiayes.org.

 

VISIT UNCLE ZEH'S LAUNDRY & DRY CLEANING SERVICE ON CROWN HILL, BROAD STREET WHERE THE CUSTOMER COMES FIRST

CALL: 0775 149 376, 0775 149 161

Sportswww.frontpageafricaonline.comFrontPage

PRICE L$40VOL 9 NO.39 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2015

PENALTY HEARTACHEDejan Lovren was the villain as Liverpool crashed out of the Europa League after an agonising penalty

shootout defeat to Besiktas in Istanbul.Liverpool famously won the Champions League on penalties at the Ataturk Stadium against AC Milan in 2005 but their luck was out on this occasion as Lovren blazed over from 12 yards with the last kick before sudden death.Penalties arrived after a tense 120 minutes in Istanbul, with Tolgay Arslan's fine strike 18 minutes from the end of normal time cancelling out Mario Balotelli's first-leg goal to level the tie at 1-1.Ba - Liverpool's nemesis in last season's doomed Premier League title bid - should have sent Besiktas through in stoppage time, but the former Chelsea man crashed against the crossbar from six yards.There were few signs of nerves through the shootout as the first nine efforts were netted, but Lovren's wild effort ensured lightning would not strike twice for Liverpool 10 years on from their dramatic victory over Milan.Besiktas were subdued in the early going, seemingly inhibited - rather than inspired - by the fervent atmosphere created by their fans as Liverpool comfortably kept their first-leg lead intact.Bilic's side began the match on the front foot, but the first attempt on goal came from Liverpool's Raheem Sterling 20 minutes in.Alberto Moreno latched on to a clever flick from Balotelli - making his first start since November - down the left before pulling back to Sterling, whose effort from 20 yards was palmed away by Cenk Gonen.Daniel Sturridge and Moreno then tested Gonen in quick succession just after the half-hour mark as Liverpool warmed to their task and quietened

BESIKTAS 1-0 LIVERPOOL (5-4 ON PENS)

the vociferous Besiktas faithful.But Besiktas' players and fans were re-energised by the interval, and Bilic's men got their just reward for a much-improved display when substitute Arslan curled a superb left-footed shot beyond Simon Mignolet after good work from Gokhan Tore and Ba.The hosts continued pressing, but Liverpool just about held firm to force extra time - thanks to Ba missing a golden chance to settle matters inside 90 minutes.Besiktas remained on top through the extra period, Ba again going close only for Mignolet to stand firm at his near post.However, the Senegal striker's late miss would not prove costly, as Lovren followed up a string of well-placed efforts by launching the 10th penalty of the shootout high and wide to gift Besiktas a place in the next round.

for Reds after Lovren miss