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1WATCH OUT FOR GRAND DRAW JANUARY 10, 2014!

‘We Are All Corrupt’

Most Reverend Louis Ziegler, Catholic Archbishop of Monrovia

By J. Burgess Carter

The Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Monrovia, Rt. Rev. Louis Ziegler, has

described as unfortunate, the habit of reserving accusations of corruption for only those in the leadership of any organi-

zations. Archbishop Ziegler said that Liberians must face themselves and come to rec-ognize that the whole country is corrupt.

“We are all corrupt and we need to admit that and try to work on ourselves individu-ally, and then we will be able to look at the other person and say he/she is corrupt.”

Archbishop Ziegler was

speaking on the eve of the New Year 2014, and also de-livering a homily (short ser-mon, lecture) during New Year’s Day Mass at the Sacred Heart Cathedral on Broad Street.

He said the fight of corrup-tion must start from some-where, mainly the family and

Cont’d on pg. 14

Sinoe Citizens Take Nyenpan, Teahjah to Task

-Refute Claim of Tribal DiscordBy Leroy M. Sonpon,

III

The board members of the Move-ment of Rec-o n c i l i a t i o n and Reunifi-

cation of Sinoe Citizens, with headquarters and operations in Sinoe County, in a unani-mous and uncompromis-ing voice, have frowned on Senator Mobutu Nyenpan and Superintendent J. Milton Teahjay for one trying to use his tribe against the other for

political gain---at the expense of Sinoe Citizens.

The secretary-general of the board of directors, Rev. Joe Theyetee Jarwlea, Founder and executive director of the Movement, told the Daily Observer in an exclusive in-terview, that the two political leaders have been cited by the Movement; the duo (two) are expected to clarify the claim of each, that the other is sow-ing enmity (hostility, bad feelings) between the two tribes they represent.

Rev. Jarwlea said the board’s membership cuts

across denominations and tribes, and even has Iman Musa Kieta, is its chairman. And because ethnicity should be subordinated to the inter-est of the collective, some senior citizens of the county are “furious and embarrassed over how far the Senator and the Superintendent have let their political interests take them, it has been observed.

Other members of the board include Jacob Teah, William Slebo, Alice Karmo, Emma Wesseh, Saywon Wah and Joe Domowou.

Cont’d on pg. 14

People’s Choice: Alexander Ireland is

Person of the Year 2013Interview by David A. Yates

and Judoemoe M. Kollie

When the Daily Ob-server editorial staff assembled in

early December 2013 to plan its end-of-year coverage, one of the main topics, as usual, was who we would choose as Person of the Year. We had thrown about several names, most of which are prominent in society, and predominantly in the political realm. We also realized that some of the same old names were coming up

Cont’d on pg. 8b

Expectations for 2014 See

pg. 14

FRIDAY, JAN. 3, 2014, vol. 16, No.48indd 2 1/3/14 12:17 AM

Daily Observer Thursday, January 02, 2014 Friday, January 3, 2014Foreign Briefs

Page 2World News Beirut Blast Kills at Least

Five in Hezbollah Stronghold(BBC) - At least five people

have been killed and 20 hurt in a car bomb which hit a southern suburb of the Lebanese capital Beirut, media and officials say.

The suburb is a stronghold of the Shia militant group Hezbollah.

Hezbollah’s al-Manar TV station said the blast destroyed part of a facade of a building in a densely populated area of Haret Hreik district.

The city has been recently been hit by attacks linked to heightened Sunni-Shia tensions over the Syrian war.

Former minister Mohamad Chatah, a Sunni and a critic of Hezbollah, was killed by a car bomb last Friday. Six other people died and at least 50 were injured.

Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri, to whom Mr Chatah was an adviser, blamed Hezbollah for that attack but it has denied any involvement.

No-one has yet said they carried out the attack, but it came a day after Majid alMajid, the head of a Sunni jihadist group which claimed a suicide bomb attack on the Iranian embassy in Beirut in November, was reportedly arrested.

Al-Manar TV showed large

crowds gathered around twisted and burnt-out vehicles in front of a building that had been badly damaged in Thursday’s blast.

Initial reports say the bomb was detonated in a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

The street is home to shops, restaurants and residential buildings. The TV said the explosion took place a few hundred metres from the nearest Hezbollah political offices.

“Suddenly, the whole area went bright and we started running away,” Ali Oleik, an

accountant working in a nearby building, told the Associated Press news agency.

BBC Arab affairs editor Sebastian Usher says the bomb is not one of the biggest of the recent incidents, but its impact was considerable because it was detonated during rush hour.

That attack, in the same part of the city as Thursday’s bomb, left 23 people dead.

Majid al-Majid, the Saudi “emir” of the al-Qaeda-linked Abdullah Azzam Brigades, had said that attacks would continue

in Lebanon until Iranian and Hezbollah forces stopped fighting alongside government forces in Syria.

Hezbollah has sent fighters to help Syrian President Assad in the war against Sunni-led rebels. President Assad comes from the Alawite sect, an offshoot of Shia Islam.

Earlier in December, a senior Hezbollah commander with close links to Iran, Hassan Lakkis, was shot dead outside his home near Beirut.

 

Footage showed the aftermath of the blast

Rwanda Exile ‘Murdered’ in

Johannesburg

(BBC) - Exiled former Rwandan intelligence chief Patrick Karegeya has been apparently murdered in a Johannesburg hotel room, South African police say.

They say the dissident might have been strangled, with a rope and bloodied towel found in the hotel room safe.

Mr Karegeya was stripped of the rank of colonel after falling out with his former ally, President Paul Kagame.

President Kagame’s allies have previously denied accusations of links to a series of dissident attacks.

Mr Karegeya, 53, formerly head of Rwanda’s foreign intelligence service, had lived for the past six years in South Africa, where he had been granted political asylum.

A fellow exiled dissident, former army chief Faustin Kayumba Nyamwasa, has survived two assassination attempts since fleeing to South Africa in 2010.

Critics of Rwandan President Paul Kagame tend to flee the country as soon as they fall out with him because they fear it is too dangerous to stay.

But many have met mysterious deaths abroad, although the president and his allies have always denied any responsibility.

Rwanda’s first post-genocide Interior Minister, Seth Sendashonga, was shot dead in Nairobi shortly after resigning in 1996, leading to a diplomatic row between Kenya and Rwanda. The Metropolitan Police has warned two dissidents based in London of threats to kill them. And there were two attempts to kill former army chief Faustin Kayumba Nyamwasa in South Africa.

The apparent murder of Patrick Karegeya, also in South Africa, will make Rwandan dissidents feel even less safe. His death is a big blow to the opposition party he founded, the Rwanda National Congress. But it also has the potential to be a huge embarrassment for President Kagame.

The pair formed a new opposition party - the Rwanda National Congress - in 2010.

Gen Nyamwasa told the BBC that Mr Karegeya had gone to the upmarket Michelangelo Towers hotel to meet “somebody he knew very well, somebody who had come from Kigali”.

He accused the Rwandan government of being behind the killing.

Rwanda’s ambassador to South Africa, Vincent Karega, dismissed this as an “emotional reaction and opportunistic way of playing politics”, reports The Associated Press news agency.

 Patrick Karegeya formed an opposition party in

2010

Cuba Leader Raul Castro Warns of ‘Subversive Campaign’

(BBC) - Cuban President Raul Castro has warned that Cuba is confronting “ideological and political subversion aimed at toppling its socialist system”.

In a speech commemorating the 55th anniversary of the Cuban revolution, Mr Castro said “global power centres” were “subtly introducing neo-liberal and neo-colonial

thinking” into Cuba.But the president said he was

confident the country “would emerge victorious”.

He was speaking in Santiago, where his brother Fidel declared victory in 1959.

Fidel Castro and his 9,000-strong guerrilla army overthrew US-backed ruler Fulgencio Batista on 1 January

1959.Fidel Castro went on to lead

the country for almost five decades, handing power over to Raul in July 2006 when he became seriously ill.

Raul Castro led the commemorative anniversary gala at Cespedes park in Cuba’s second largest city, Santiago - the same spot from where his brother told his supporters in 1959 that the overthrow of Fulgencio Batista had been successful.

“It’s been 55 years of constant struggle against the plans of 11 US administrations, that with varying hostility, have not stopped in their goal to change the economic and social regime brought about by the revolution,” he said.

Cuba has long blamed the US and the trade embargo it has been enforcing since 1960 for the island’s economic woes.

But in Wednesday’s speech Mr Castro acknowledged mistakes had been made: “The

revolution’s programme will be updated every five years so that it can always answer to the true interests of the people and promptly correct any errors.”

Mr Castro has been implementing a series of economic reforms since he took over from his brother, including easing regulations on loans, home and car ownership, and loosening travel restrictions.

In December, he shook hands with US President Barack Obama in a gesture which led to speculation as to whether it would signal a thawing of relations between the two foes.

But on Wednesday, Mr Castro defended the revolution, saying it “continues the same, without compromise with anybody, absolute with the people”.

Fidel Castro, 87, did not attend the ceremony, but a Spanish newspaper journalist who spoke to him in December said he was “healthy and alert” during the 2.5-hour interview.

 

raul Castro delivered his speech from the same spot where his brother declared victory in 1959

DR Congo Commander Ndala ‘Killed in Ambush’(BBC) - The commander of

government troops fighting Ugandan Islamist rebels in eastern DR Congo has been killed, a government spokesman said.

Colonel Mamadou Ndala died along with two bodyguards in an ambush in North Kivu province, the spokesman said.

It appeared to be the work of the rebel Alliance of Democratic Forces and National Army for the Liberation of Uganda (ADF-Nalu), he added.

DR Congo, with UN help, is trying to crack down on armed

groups in the area.There are believed to be at

least 10 such groups, ADF-Nalu is considered to be the only Islamist organisation.

Col Ndala was credited with defeating the M23 rebel group in November.

“This is really an immense loss for the armed forces and the republic,” government spokesman Lambert Mende told AFP news agency.

The ADF-Nalu was blamed for a brutal attack on civilians in villages around the town of Beni last month.

At least 40 people - including women and children - were killed. Most appeared to have

been hacked to death and three girls had been raped and then beheaded.

 

Government troops are fighting rebel groups in North Kivu province

(BBC) - Special forces in Iraq are fighting jihadist militants who have reportedly taken over swathes of two cities.

The clashes with fighters from the al-Qaeda linked Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) are taking place in Fallujah and Ramadi.

Both cities are in the province of Anbar where Sunni militant activity has been on the rise.

Iraq

(BBC) - The condition of Israel’s former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon - who has been in a coma since 2006 - is now critical, “with some danger to life”, his doctors have said.

Mr Sharon, 85, is suffering from a malfunction of several organs including the kidneys, they said.

He became prime minister in 2001 and suffered a mild stroke in 2005.

Israel

(BBC) - The American actor James Avery has died aged 68, his publicist has said.

He was best known for his role as Phil Banks in US television series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air with Will Smith.

His fellow cast member in the show Alfonso Ribeiro, who played his son Carlton, tweeted: “I’m deeply saddened to say that James Avery has passed away.

US

(BBC) - A senior Chinese official has been sacked in relation to a major electoral fraud scandal, the Communist Party’s discipline watchdog said.

Tong Mingqian, a Hunan official, was negligent and failed to handle the cases of bribery, the watchdog said.

More than 500 lawmakers in Hunan resigned last week after it emerged they had accepted bribes to elect provincial parliament members.

China

(BBC) - Pakistan’s former military ruler Pervez Musharraf is in hospital after his lawyers said he suffered chest pains on his way to court for his treason trial.

The 70-year-old was transferred to the Armed Forces Cardiology Hospital in Rawalpindi and is undergoing tests.

It is the third time the former president has failed to appear in court following two previous security scares.

Pakistan

(BBC) - A Palestinian diplomat has been killed by an explosion at his home in the Czech capital Prague.

Jamal al-Jamal, the head of the Palestinian mission, had been taken to hospital after the explosion but died of his injuries some four hours later.

Palestinian officials said the blast happened when Mr Jamal was moving a safe. Czech police say there is no evidence that it was a planned attack. A 52-year-old woman was also taken to hospital suffering from shock.

The explosion happened at a two-storey property in the city’s Suchdol district.

Palestine

Daily Observer Thursday, January 02, 2014 Friday, January 3, 2014 Page 3

FUN to Resume Farmers’ Consultation

by Judoemue M. Kollie

The Farmers’ Union Network of Liberia (FUN) is expected to soon resume its

consultation meeting with farmers across the country.

The program officer of FUN, John Alphanso Perkins, made the disclosure to the Daily Observer, Thursday, January 02, 2014, at his office in Paynesville.

FUN is a national farmer organization that seeks to address the plight of Liberian farmers.

It is being supported

through the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), with

funding from the Italian government.

According to Mr. Perkins

the pending meeting will begin early this month with three counties including Bong, Nimba and Grand Bassa.

He explained that the meeting is intended to organize the farmers to attract needed supports from government and its partners.

He also added that it would provide an opportunity for farmers to explain their success stories and constraints in agriculture.

Perkins mentioned that his organization is involved in knowing the challenges of farmers in the country

Mr. John Alphanso Perkins, Program Officer of FUN

ULFB Identifies with Orphans

so that they (FUN) can engage central government to address their (farmers’) concerns.

“FUN is working tirelessly to ensure that farmers are organized with a leadership structure to champion their own cause,” Perkins disclosed, adding that the initiative stated last year with several farmers being registered in four counties.

He named the counties as Margibi, Lofa, Gbarpolu and Bomi.

“ These consultations have succeeded to the extent that the farmers are now working as group to improve food production. They have considered it as a best step to move agriculture forward,” he said.

He, however, stated that in many of the places where these meetings where held it was discovered that about 90 percent of Liberian farmers

are successful in farming without outside assistance.

“Many of our farmers are working on their own to reduce poverty in their lives as we discovered in their success stories. It is great to hear that through farming many have own properties and support families. This is the major reason that we are encouraging them to take agriculture seriously. We tell them to see farming no longer as subsistence but commercial,” he told this paper.

He continues that his organization is working to create more market opportunities for farmers.

“Limited market is serious problem and so we are linking the farmers with individuals to purchase their produce.

-Donates US$4,000 Worth of SuppliesBy William Q. Harmon

The Universities of Liberia Fraternity Bond, (ULFB) a philanthropist

organization, over the weekend brought smiles to a number of young orphans in the port city of Buchanan, Grand Bassa.

The organization, which comprises graduates of various universities in the country, donated to the God Heritage Charity Orphanage and the Todcad Charity Orphanage homes in Grand Bassa County, 50 bags of 100lb-rice, 31 mattress, 2 bags of children’s toys, 3 cartons of note books, 30 pieces of mosquito nets, 4 bags of used clothing, 1 carton of chalk and several pairs of used shoes Presenting the items, The President of ULFB, Prince Koinah, explained that his organization was proud to help needy orphans during

this festive season. He put the cost of the items at over four thousand United States dollars (US$ 4,000.00).

According to Mr. Koinah, his organization is a social movement that believes in helping the downtrodden and less fortunate people. He said ULFB is a philanthropic organization that seeks to give hope to the hopeless for the betterment of society.

The donation he added was made possible through voluntary contributions from members of the organization over the year. He noted that his organization since last year has begun identifying with people in need.

A caregiver at one of the two orphanages, Mother Dorothy Kumeh, who received the items on behalf of her home, lauded ULFB for the gesture and promised that it would be use to adequately benefit the children.

Mother Kumeh, while shedding tears, disclosed

that her orphanage home has been surviving through donations from the United Nations Peace Keepers assigned in the county.

She said that efforts to attract some help from county officials, donors and the government have turned out a waste of time.

“I usually go to the UN Peace Keepers to ask for food so that these orphans can have something to eat. The peacekeepers are doing extremely well for the children and me, as they always come to our aid,” Mother Kumeh stressed.

J. Fallah Kokoe, founder of the Todcad Charity Orphanage Home called the donation a dream come true for the children.

Founder Kokoe said that the orphans had no hope of celebrating the New Year well, due to the difficulties they were going through. He said the children were not eating regularly because

they have no food and they were also sleeping on top of wood, strapped together with cords, forming veritable rafts of hard-wood to sleep on, lacking mattresses.

Kokoe said that he was doing everything to help make the children happy,

but found it difficult to bring them that joy they need.

“This orphanage home was established more than 10 years ago and if you took a look at the in- side of the building, you would find that the orphans are sleeping comfortably.

He promised to use the items for the intended purpose, and called on other well-meaning Liberians to follow the good example of Universities of Liberia Fraternity Bond.

Two ULFB members Posed with the donation

Determined Youth Club Calls for Unity among YouthsBy Alvin Worzi

De t e r m i n e d Y o u t h Club in the Chocolate City

Community Christmas Day celebrated in ‘grand style’ with friends and family members when it brought together young people from across the country.

The head of the club, Ms. Ellen Miller, said the organization is aimed at bringing youth in the

community and throughout the country under an umbrella of unity.

Ms. Miller stated that over the years, youths have been plagued by disunity in many communities. “I see it as a challenge for us to come together, move ahead, and let the past be forgotten,” she added.

She called on the general public to take advantage of the opportunity as membership of the organization was open

to them, adding that it is important to be a part of a unifying institution that prioritizes the interest of young people in the country.

Ms. Miller stated that challenges faced by young people were many, explaining that “peer pressure is something that most young people are working on as we speak, visiting nightclubs has become a hobby of many young people, as a result,

their friends now want them to be part of that lifestyle.”

She further said the organization gets positively involved in its members’ relationships, birthday celebrations, graduations and other events that may occur.

Another member of the Determined Youth Club, Margaret W. Kollie, said it was time for love and unity to be shared among young in the country.

Ms. ellen Miller

Daily Observer Thursday, January 02, 2014 Page 4Tuesday, November 5, 2013

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

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

Liberia’s First Independent Daily

0886812888, 0886472772www.liberianobserver.com

Friday, January 3, 2014

Cont’t on page 8c

Is There Any Traction on Vision 2030?

At the close of 2013 the Executive Mansion issued two press releases broadly quoting President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on several significant issues.

The first quoted her as telling the Council of Traditional Chiefs exactly what she thought they wanted to hear—that the government’s focus in the New Year, 2014, would be on issues that matter most to the people upcountry—agriculture, roads, power and water.

In the second release, she was quoted as reemphasizing infrastructural development, and getting agricultural concessions back to work. She also made passing references to such cross-cutting issues as youth unemployment and gender equality.

We are not asking for emulating the past, but we definitely believe that the people, on the auspicious occasion of ushering in the New Year, deserve to hear more directly from their President. During the Tubman era the President held an Annual Reception on New Year’s Day for the Diplomatic Corps. There were two speeches on that occasion, the first by the President and the second by the Doyen of the Diplomatic Corps, responding to the President. The President’s speech covered in general national and world issues, and the Doyen responded in kind.

President Sirleaf, meanwhile, has her own style. She prefers to hold an open house on New Year’s Day where anyone, nationals and foreigners alike, may walk in, greet and have a chat with her, partake of some food and drink and fraternizing with other guests.

But presidential entertainment history aside, the purpose of this editorial is to bring back to national discussion Vision 2030 and all that comes with it. For there is fear that once the declarations were made in Gbarnga a year ago, not much has since been heard about the subject. Yet there are many of our social fundamentals are at stake: issues of identity, integrity, unity, legitimacy, social inclusiveness (we continue to think, speak, and act as a divided people), and the plight of the broad masses of our people (set against obscene salaries for legislators and some in the Executive).

Within the framework of Vision 2030 (“One People, one nation, united for sustainable peace and development.”), which was climaxed in Gbarnga, the nation purportedly resolved to place such intangible but critical issues front and center on the national reform agenda. Since the Gbarnga Declaration of December 2012, however, there has been little visible movement regarding implementation of the Vision.

Though we hear rumblings of projects such as the National History Project, the National Symbols Project as a complement to the Constitution review process, many of these projects have yet to take off, some due to budgetary constraints, we are told. Might there be a financial way where there is political will?

Even well-funded byproducts of Vision 2030 such as the Reconciliation Roadmap and the Agenda for Transformation are raising a multitude of questions when one considers that between Nobel Laureate Leymah Gbowee and Ambassador George Weah there is no visible sign of the pursuit of national reconciliation. In addition, budgetary and monetary challenges leave askance the new economic (growth?) development plan.

And yet we continue to aspire to a middle-income country come 2030. What will be the social foundation of such a country?

We believe the time is at hand for this administration to pause and to recollect itself as regards its original governance agenda, and then to think and act on at least two things. The first is to focus on committed implementation of Vision 2030 and its essential byproducts. The second is to give fresh consideration to doing those things that will make sustainable and irreversible the fundamental programs and policies of the Johnson Sirleaf administration. There is too much at risk for the future of this country otherwise.

The Vision 2030 process, which gave people in all parts of the country to a chance to be heard, has raised so much hope that things can get better for all Liberians. Let us never permit those hopes to be dashed. We do so at our own national peril.

But nobody wants that! So let us get on with placing these matters once again at the center of our national discussion; and finding the money for implementation.

address by Ophelia inez Weeks, Ph.D., Dean & Professor, T. J. r. Faulkner College of science and Technology, University of liberia at the Commencement of the 59th Graduating Class of the Tubman National institute of

Medical arts (TNiMa), held at the Monrovia Christian Fellowship building, 9th street, sinkor, Monrovia, liberia, 10:00 aM, saturday, December 28th, 2013

Members of the JFK Medical Center Board of Directors; Faculty, Staff and Students of TNIMA; The JFK Medical Center Family; Ministers and Officials of Government;Development Partners; Family and Friends of TNIMA Graduates; Members of the Media;Distinguished Guests; Fellow Liberians; …And most especially, Graduates:

Thank you for your invitation, and for af-fording me the opportunity to say a few words to this 2013 graduating class of the Tubman National Institute of Medical Arts. As Dean of the T. J. R. Faulkner College of Science and Technology at the University of Liberia, I would be remiss if I did not first bring you greetings from the College, as well as take this opportunity to acquaint you with the college.

The T. J. R. Faulkner College of Science and Technology at the University of Libe-ria consists of an Engineering Division that includes Civil Engineering, Electrical En-gineering, Mining Engineering & Geology Departments. The College also has a Natural Science Division that houses Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology Depart-ments. Our primary focus is to provide ba-sic training in engineering and the natural sciences, bearing in mind that science and engineering are critical drivers of a nation’s development. As do most, if not all institu-tions of learning in Liberia today, we too face many challenges in our efforts to provide sci-ence and technology education in post-war Liberia. Largely because of limited facilities such as laboratories, libraries, and inadequate telecommunications, as well as inadequate access to the Internet, which can provide ac-cess to educational tools and teaching materi-als. These challenges indicate that there is an immediate need to upgrade and add to exist-ing facilities and infrastructure, and provide students and faculty with requisite resources needed to support the socio-economic devel-opment of Liberia. I hope that we all real-ize this (…and, I sincerely hope that relevant members of the legislature realize this too) that together, we must put all of our collec-tive energy toward developing science & technology institutions that will drive Libe-ria’s development, relevant to the 21st centu-ry. Students, this requires that you put in the time to study and to learn, in order to acquire the skills that are needed to build the Libe-ria of your dreams, rather than destructively and aimlessly following anyone who yells the loudest, without thought or constructive purpose. It takes no time to destroy, but a lifetime may be required to rebuild.

On Monday, December 16th, I was asked to deliver your keynote address and I agreed without hesitation. Three days passed by, and it was while I was socializing with friends on that Friday evening/early morning that a statement entered the conversation. It was a passing statement, but one that resonated with me. I have converted that statement into

a question, and so this morning/today, I am challenging each of you with that question …DYLL?

“Do You Love Liberia?”I have been a faculty member in a univer-

sity setting now for over 28 years. At the beginning of each semester, for each of my courses, I start off by informing students that my responsibility to them as an instructor, as a professor, is to provide them with concepts, examples and mechanisms for understanding the course material. It is then their respon-sibility as students to put in the study time to understand the concepts and ultimately to learn the material. And over the years, I have come to realize that I should always present material in the simplest possible manner to ensure that as many students as possible leave the classroom with a basic understanding. I tell my students that lecture material will be presented as simply as possible, and that they can make the material as complicated as they want. So this morning/today, my message to you is simple, and I am challenging you with a very simple question.

“Do You Love Liberia?”When you love someone or something, how

do you express your love? What do you do? You cherish, you protect, you honor, you do everything in your power to sustain, for as long as you can, that which you love. You don’t want it/him/her to leave, and you want nothing to harm that which you love. You want your loved one to shine, you want to make sure everyone envies you because of the good thing you have. You want your loved one to grow and to prosper.

If you love Liberia, show it. Show it in ev-erything you do, via every fiber of your be-ing, because that is what it will take, from each of us to make Liberia what it can be! And how do you make this happen? Service is one simple example of how you can. Love can be shown and expressed in many ways (giving of your time, taking action, its not only big things that count, sometimes, the small things count even more); and so can service because of our many perspectives, exposures, training, and economic standing. For example, taking an extra 5 minutes to talk with a patient; making an extra effort to get to work, when you know most will not be-cause of the rain, staying a little longer, even though your shift is up, but you know it will make a world of difference to your patient; taking the initiative to organize some of your peers on projects that could be beneficial to your community.

Today, you are 112 trained candidates who will be receiving diplomas, and who repre-sent the 59th graduating class of TNIMA. TNIMA was established in 1945 through a cooperative and joint effort of the Libe-rian National Public Health Services now the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the United States Mission. At the time there were two training programs for nurses: practical and professional nursing, which

were merged, and other health related pro-grams, like the Medical Laboratory Program. TNIMA was named in honor of the presid-ing President, William V. S. Tubman. Seven (7) years later, in 1952, a 2-year Midwifery Program was established which later began a 3-year program; and with the assistance of the WHO, a one-year School of Sanitation was added later that year. Nine (9) years later in 1961, a two-year Environmental Health program evolved. The Environmental Health Program is now a 3-year program. In 1965, with the assistance of WHO and UNICEF, a one-year Physician Assistant Program was launched. It is now a 3-year program.

For me, I am very passionate about service, especially service to Liberia. Two principle tenets drive this passion: my upbringing, and the educational foundation I received in Libe-ria. This is because the person that I am today is largely molded by the core moral values, and sense of responsibility instilled in me by my family, and the educational foundation I received within the educational system of Liberia, and its societal framework. My pri-mary education was received at B. W. Payne Kindergarten located on Camp Johnson Road & Benson Street, at Monrovia Demonstration Elementary School on Clay Street, and at St. Teresa’s Convent. My secondary education was at the College of West Africa, where I graduated from high school in 1968. My tertiary education began at the University of Liberia. While that was then, and under very different circumstances and conditions, it is all the more reason why today, in Liberia, there should be an uncompromising, unre-lenting, no-holds-barred-approach to educa-tion, including vocational education. As the second eldest, of many siblings, I grew up right here in Monrovia. What’s important to note, is that while growing-up, our parents made sure that each one of us had chores and responsibilities, including older siblings be-ing responsible for younger siblings. When I think back to this time in my life as a pre-teen and teenager, when I was responsible for making sure that my sister who is 8 years my junior, had brushed her teeth and was properly dressed and on time for school, and likewise for older brothers being responsible for our younger brothers, I am convinced that this very idea of being responsible for anoth-er human being at a young age, has contrib-uted largely to our sense of community, and duty to responsible service. I would like for you to recall TNIMA’s Motto: “Responding Responsibly to Responsibility”

I ask you again, DYLL, Do You Love Li-beria? Now, I would like for you to personal-ize the question and ask yourself “Do I Love Liberia?” What am I going to do to show my love for my country?

The education and training that we receive does not prepare us for today; our training, our preparation is a promise for tomorrow,

Do You Love Liberia?

Daily Observer Thursday, January 02, 2014 Page 4Tuesday, November 5, 2013 Page 5Friday, January 3, 2014

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tHe adveNt aNd tHe NeCessitY oF BeiNG PrePared For oPPortUNities (Part FoUr): tHe BeNeFits/

advaNtaGes oF PreParatioNsThe rev. James b. sellee,

rector of st. Thomas episcopal Church, Camp Johnson road, Monrovia

This fourth and con-cluding article of the series on the neces-sity of preparations

summarizes the first three ar-ticles and closes on the major benefits and advantages of be-ing adequately prepared and staying prepared at all times.

The introductory article of the series observed the fol-lowing: during the first Ad-vent God sent his messenger (prophet) John to prepare the way for Jesus. And John in-deed had a message for them. His message was a call for in-dividual and national renewal and the preparations needed to be ready to be directed and led by God Almighty Him-self in all the vicissitudes and changes of life. Hence, Advent is about preparing our hearts and minds and homes to re-ceive God’s supreme gift, Je-sus Christ and to strive to live the way he desires. The best way to prepare for this impor-tant gift and event is repen-tance which means the change of heart, mind and conduct. This in turn means getting rid of evil in its myriad forms and holding fast to what is good. In other words, not to be over-come and ruled by evil but rather to overcome evil with good by thinking and doing those things that build up self, the family, community and the wider society.

The particular emphasis of the series is on preparation. What then does it mean to prepare for someone or some-thing important? The Oxford Advanced Learner’s Diction-

ary defines the word to prepare as the art of making someone or something ready to be used or to do something. It means “to make yourself ready to do something or for something you expect to happen”.

The second article noted the following points: why is be-ing prepared so important in life? Someone has clearly and rightly said that if we fail to prepare we prepare to fail! The fact of the matter is that preparation is one of the key requirements for succeeding in life in general and in most endeavors. Preparations help one make use of the many opportunities and challenges that one encounters. It ensures success or at least the satisfac-tion of having done one’s best. Success should not always be the measure of one’s worth but rather giving one’s best in terms of preparation and do-ing one’s best in the face of a particular challenge or oppor-tunity. If one does his/her part well and yet fails then, from a Christian perspective, God has something better in store. One must always prepare for the important things in life in order to take advantage of op-portunities when they come and to experience the pleasure of having done one’s best in executing significant tasks.

In the third article the follow-ing points were made: prepa-rations of most kind involve three essentials: knowledge, skills and experience. To be prepared for any tasks or situa-tions is to have the knowledge required to perform the task at hand or to face the situation confronting one or the expect-ing task or situation.

In addition to knowledge, skills and experience, ade-

quate preparations require two essential elements. These ele-ments are discipline and per-sistence. The word discipline in a more general sense is the art of controlling and direct-ing one’s mind, heart and body in a way that leads to self-control, obedience to what is right, just and fair in the sight of God and man. It is the train-ing of the whole person in the attainment of positive results in life’s main goals.

Persistence is the ability to hold on, keep pressing on, and doing all one can till the expected result is obtained. According to the Encarta dic-tionaries, persistence is “the quality of continuing steadily despite problems and diffi-culties”. Without persistence many of us would experience failures most of the time. We all meet or face many odds or challenges in our varied facets of life in the pursuance of big and small goals and objectives in life. Discipline and persis-tence derive from being fo-cused on worthwhile goals and objectives in life. To prepare well is to pursue knowledge, skills and experience coupled with the virtues of discipline and perseverance.

In short preparations give one the added advantage of being ready to make the most of the opportunities and chal-lenges of life as they come and a sense of having done one’s best in given situations. It is a general truth that those who prepare themselves well be-fore they are confronted with various circumstances and op-portunities tend to do by far better than those who do not prepare but rather leave things to chance.

iN THe NaMe OF allaH, THe MOsT COMPassiONaTe, THe MOsT MerCiFUl

Civilization-al-islamic PerspectiveBuilding an ideal Muslim society (Part twenty eight)by sheikh Kafumba F.

Konneh

all praise belongs to allah; and may His peace and bless-ings be upon His Prophet, his household, his companions and all those who rightly follow their foot-steps. ameen!

In our last discourse we commented on the bulk of verses 27-29 of chapter twenty. Today, we shall, by

Allah’s will, address ourselves to the enjoinment appertains to eat-ing from the sacrifice you made in commemoration of Ibrahim’s Day, as well as sharing with your relatives, neighbours. Al-Islam as religion of liberality, generosity and humanitarian, the Scripture also enjoins sharing the said sacrifice meat with “the indi-gent and the needy (particularly those) who are in need of alms”. All these ritual activities men-tioned in these verses are to be carried out during the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. The Prophet (SAW) is to have said that: “There are no days that are greater before Al-lah or in which deeds are more beloved to Him (Allah) than these ten days, so increase you “Tahalil” (a ritual utterance of the formula of “la’ ilah illa’ llah” There is no god but Allah; Takbir (praising Allah with laudation, extolment, exaltation, glorifica-tion and exclamation; and Tah-mid (commendable praising and encomiums) during these days”. Also within these ten days, there are few memorable holy days. Such as “Arafat” which ritual activity is usually held on the ninth day of Dhul-Hajjah at Mount Arafat and of “An-Nahr” the day of sacrifice which is usually held on the tenth day of the said month. Mount Arafat is where the alpha parent (Adam and Hawwah/Eve met after fall-ing apart from heaven. There all the pilgrims assemble to listen to annual sermon in commemora-tion of Prophet (AS) attempt to sacrifice his son. After carrying out of all these rituals, a pilgrim is urged that before departure, he/she should: “again go round the ancient Sacrosanct House in procession”. This latter enjoin-ment is regard as a way of bear-ing fare-ware to the Holy House of Ka’ba.

By the same trend the Scripture enjoins the pilgrims thus: “And when you have concluded your religious devotions and pilgrim-age has had all its rites, then praise Allah and extol His glo-rious attributes as you custom-arily praise your forefathers in pagan times, but Allah’s praises and glorious attributes should be extolled from one’s heart and in-most being with the deepest men-tal feeling. Nonetheless, among people are those whose thoughts are those whose thoughts are set upon the mundane things of this world; they invoke Allah to bestow upon them the comforts of life to minister to their enjoy-ment and content, and in con-sequence never shall such-like

persons have a share in the Here-after. There are also others whose thoughts are set upon both, this world and the world-to-come: they invoke Allah to bestow upon them His prevenient and efficacious grace here and His efficacious grace Hereafter nd to save their bodies and minds from the suffering inflicted by the Fire. Such-like persons shall be appor-tioned the reward they merit for their deeds. Allah is swift indeed in putting the law in execution” (2:200-202).

Al-Islam also sets aside num-ber of months and days for de-votional thoughts, religious and spiritual rites. Explaining the rationale behind the creation of calendar, months and days, the Scripture tells us that: “The cal-endar introduced by Allah at the point of time at which He cre-ated the universe – the heavens and the earth – determines the month as the space of time from one new moon to the next, which corresponds to the period of one complete revolution of the moon in reference to a point, fixed or movable, and divides the year accordingly into twelve revolu-tions or months, four of which are sacred and exclusively ap-propriated to some special pur-pose which is emblematic of this right and commendable religion. Therefore, do not wrong your-selves during this period of time nor discredit yourselves by word or thought” (9:36).

The four of the twelve months refers to in the just quoted Al-Qur’anic verse are known and called within Al-Islamic ter-minology as: Dhul al Qa’dah, Dhul al Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab. The 11th, 12th and 13th of Dhul Hajj are considered as spiritual celebrative days after the performance of pilgrimage. In this regard, the Scripture says thus: “And exercise your minds in the devotional thought and in the spoken discourse of the meditative character on certain numbered (three) days which follow the conclusion of pilgrim-age when Satan’s figure is pelted with stones in the valley of Mina. Optional as this is, you incur no blame if you should leave Makka (Mecca) two days earlier or two days or two days later than the due date if deep in your hearts you venerate Allah and entertain the profound reverence dutiful to Him and you faithfully real-ize that to Him (Allah) shall you be thronged” (2:203). This verse spells out that Al-Islamic calen-dar, months of the year and days of the week are all ordained by Allah-the Almighty; and that there is no idolatry term or lan-guage associated with any. What a spiritual virtue!

Recoursing to the main theme, it is worth mentioning that Prophet Ibrahim/Abraham (AS) used to remind himself of the re-sponse Allah gives to his inquiry as to whether his assignation as Imam/Religious leader of the world; and the Lord said that: “My assignation is not designate to the wrong-headed who are

wrongful of actions”. So, every aspect of his act was calculated toward realization of the end ob-jective of his mission, including winning the pleasure of Allah-thereby absorbing his “prog-eny (particularly those who are unmitigatedly) devout (Divine Services) with prayful minds and expressive of prayer”.

Perhaps it was against this background that Prophet Mu-hammad (SAW) enlists ten ad-ditional ritual acts and activities which Allah assigns to Prophet Ibrahim/Abraham (AS). They are referred to in Al-Islamic parlance as “Taha’rah” (purity, ablution). They are also called as: “Fitrah” (meaning: instinct, natural con-stitution). Five of the ten can be found on the head and the re-maining five are on the body. In aggregate they are: (1) trimming the mustache; (2) growing the beard; (3) using Siwa’k; (4) rins-ing the mouth; (5) inhaling and then exhaling water (in ablution). These are the five can be found on the head. The remaining five are: (6 trimming the nails; (7) shaving the public hairs; (8) cir-cumcision (this is mandatory for male and an act of honour for fe-male; and of course, it is one time in one’s life); (9) plucking hairs under the arm; and (10) washing the private parts with water after answering the call of nature.

Another testing Prophet Ibra-him/Abraham (AS) underwent and he implemented were aban-doning his disbelieving people when Allah commanded him to do so, disputing with Nimrod (king of Babylon) about Allah. The Scripture tells us this story thus: “Have you not seen (O Muhammad) into the discourse which was held by the one who argued with Ibrahim/Abraham against Allah, the Creator, just because he was in a position of power over the kingdom which was conferred on him by Allah. Ibrahim/Abraham said: Allah, my Creator, is He Who gives life and determines the moment of death. The man said: So do I, I grant life and occasion death. Then Ibrahim/Abraham said: Allah causes the sun to rise in the east, do then cause it to rise from the west. And there was the presumptuous infidel thrown into confusion and defeat, and Allah does not guide to His path of rectitude the wrong-headed who are wrongful of actions” (2:258). Another testing were: being pa-tient when he was thrown in the fire (although this was extremely traumatic), migrating from his homeland when Allah command-ed him to do so, patience with the monetary and material demand of hosting guests by Allah’s com-mand, and Allah’s order for him to slaughter his son. All these and many others indicate the inscru-table testing of Allah. A servant of Allah, or man of God in the Liberian theological parlance, is bound to withstand, abide by, and exercise! May Allah guide us to this direction. Ameen!

Daily Observer Page 6 Friday January 3, 2014

FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE UNIT (FIU)Beauty Building, Mechlin Street

Monrovia, Liberia

JOB VACANCY

The Republic of Liberia is a member of the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA). Consistent with the requirements for membership, the Government of Liberia has established a Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), pursuant to an Act of the Legislature, approved on April 30, 2013 to

serve as the central, national agency of the Republic of Liberia for receiving, requesting, con-ducting preliminary investigation, analyzing and disseminating information concerning sus-pected proceeds of crime and terrorist property. The FIU is located in the City of Monrovia and functions under the guidance and direction of a Board of directors.

The Government of Liberia is inviting applications from qualified Liberians for the position of Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Under the general supervision of the Board of Directors, the Director of the FIU shall: 1. Plan, organize, implement, manage, direct and supervise the appropriate organizational, institutional and operational framework of the FIU and formulate policies, rules and regulation to carry out the statutory functions of the FIU, which includes among others to

• Receive and analyze intelligence and other public and non-public information in order to disseminate useful information to law enforcement and other competent authorities involved in investigation, prosecution, detection and prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing;

• Trace and monitor property and assets suspected to be related to money laundering or its predicate offences of money laundering and terrorist financing;

• Build capacity of the FIU trough training on anti-money laundering and combating terrorist financing (AML/CFT) standards, inspection procedures, reporting, and other obligations

• Participate in AML/CFT inspection of supervisory authorities to monitor compliance with AML/CFT reporting and other obligation;

2. Coordinate closely with the Ministry of Justice and other domestic and foreign law enforcement authorities, including in particular the Office of the Solicitor General (SG), the Liberia National Police (LNP), the Bureau of Immigration (BIN), Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), as well as with banks and other financial institutions in furtherance of the mandate, functions and activities of the FIU.3. Initiate appropriate protocols with local, regional and international intelligence organiza-tions with the aim of fighting activities of criminal organizations and money laundering in general.4. Represent Liberia in international AML/CFT meetings, including GIABA; 5. Conduct annual AML/CFT monitoring and evaluation surveys to assess and improve effectiveness of the national AML/CFT system; and6. Inform the Board of Directors regularly on developments within the FIU, its activities, and its cooperation with all key partners and stakeholders; including the submission of periodic reports as may be required by the Board. 7. Perform other tasks, as required by Statute and by the Board in furtherance of the mandate and activities of the FIU.

CORE COMPETENCIES:The candidate must demonstrate proficiency in the following competences:

• Professionalism: The candidate must demonstrate a solid understanding of money laundering, proceeds of crime and terrorist financing; Knowledge of international AML/CFT standards and requirements; an in-depth knowledge and experience in information gathering, investigation, and reporting; experience in policy analysis and interactions with counterparts from other countries; experience in Information technology (IT) and in designing and delivering training and capacity building pro-grams.

• Communication: The candidate must speak and write clearly and effectively; and demonstrate capacity to listen to others and responds appropriately.

• Teamwork: The candidate must demonstrate capacity to work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals.

• Judgment/ Decision Making: The candidate must have the capacity to make judg-ments and take tough decisions when necessary in complex situations.

• Vision: The candidate must be able to identify strategic issues, opportunities and risks; generate and communicate broad and compelling organizational direction, and inspire others to pursue that same direction.

QUALIFICATION:Education

• Advanced University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent), in law, law enforce-ment, business administration, accounting /financial/business management or Social Sciences.

• A first level university degree with qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience• At least 7 years of progressively responsible technical and managerial experience in

public or private sector in law, law enforcement, criminal and or financial investiga-tions, financial supervision/regulation and anti-corruption.

• Qualifying years of experience are calculated following the receipt of the first level university degree.

APPLICATIONSInterested applicants must submit their applications with supporting documents including copies of degrees to: The Chairman, Board of Directors of FIU, Central Bank of Liberia, Carey and Warrant Street, Monrovia, Liberia.

DEADLINEThe dead line for receipt of applications is January 21, 2014. No applications will be accepted after this date

REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA

MINISTRY OF JUSTICESTRENGTHENING GOVERNANCE- IMPROVING ACCESS

TO JUSTICE AND ACCOUNTABILITYGrant No: TF011340

NATIONAL CONSULTANT SERVICES: ACCESS TO JUSTICE (ADR) ADVISOR

Request for Expressions of Interest1. IntroductionThe Government of Liberia has received a grant from the International Development Association (IDA) toward the cost of strengthening Governance – Improving Access to Justice and Accountability and intends to apply part of the proceeds of this grant to pay-ments under the contract for the recruitment of a National Consultant.

2. BackgroundAlternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), including various forms of mediation, arbitration and other justice services, is regularly referenced as a solution to challenges faced by the Liberian justice system, including: increasing congestion of court dockets; high numbers of land disputes; significant costs of litigation; procedural delay; and the adversarial na-ture of proceedings. The Ministry of Justice’s three-year ADR project will explore ways by which the justice system can be more responsive to the needs of Liberians and exam-ine means of resolving disputes outside of the formal legal process. The overall objective of the ADR project is to determine how ADR is being used in the Liberian context and pi-lot models that increase the effectiveness, accountability and sustainability of local ADR initiatives through some form of institutionalization or support by the MOJ.

3. Objective of the AssignmentThe objective of the assignment is to provide management, administrative and technical advice and support to the Ministry of Justice on the establishment of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Liberia through the piloting of ADR system in four counties.

Duties & Responsibilities:Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the National Consultant in collaboration with the International Consultant will be responsible for helping to facilitate, consensus building and design of the pilot ADR activities; and establishment of pilots in four coun-ties. The consultant will work in close collaboration with officials in the MOJ, in partner-ship with key strategic partners including the Judiciary, the Law Reform Commission, the Land Commission, the Liberia National Bar Association, Tribal Governors Association, representatives of civil society groups, community leaders / elders and chiefs and justice actors.

The Ministry of Justice now invites eligible individual Liberian nationals to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested consultants must provide information indi-cating that they are qualified to perform the services (CVs, description of similar assign-ments, experience in similar conditions).

QualificationsThe Access to Justice (ADR) National Consultant shall have the following educational and professional qualifications:a. Graduate degree in Law, Public Administration, Political Science, or related areas;b. A minimum of five years of relevant working experience; c. Experience working on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and working with traditional communities in Liberia strongly preferred;d. Excellent writing and communication skills;e. Demonstrated experience in conducting research on issues related to Dispute Resolution in similar contexts;f. Familiarity with Liberia’s social and legal systems

An Individual consultant will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the World Bank’s Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits and Grants by World Bank Borrowers” dated January 2011. Interested individual consultants may obtain further information at the address below from Monday to Friday between 0830 hrs and 1630 hrs during working days.

Expressions of Interest, clearly marked “Access to Justice (ADR) Advisor –National ”, must be delivered to the address below by hand, mail or email, by 1400 Hrs no later than January 14, 2014. Only short listed candidates will be contacted. The ADR Program Ministry of Justice, Third Floor Ashmun Street, Monrovia, Liberia

Or By e-mail: adr.liberia@gmail.com

DAILY OBSERVER Thursday, January 02, 2014 Friday, January 3, 2014 Page 7

LIBArts • Style • Travel • Entertainment

LifeEntertainment

Short Story: Criminal Lawyer Jason

Doe Concludes:The Case of the Angry Candidate

Page 9

Lifestyle Journalist Dies of Chicken Pox

Hott Fm Celebrates 3 years of Existence

FOXY BLACK- LIB’s LATEST SENSATION

Entertainment:

The late Ralph J. Lincoln

Marian K. Suah a.k.a Foxy Black

Page 8

Page 8

Page 8

Daily Observer Thursday, January 02, 2014 Friday, January 3, 2014 Page 8

EntertainmentFOXY BLACK- LIB’s LATEST SENSATION

By Makanfi Kamara

It is absolutely unbelievable but surprisingly true that indeed mama Liberia is

really producing some talented and outstanding inspiring young entertainers. Yes! There are good things that do come out of our entertainment industry.

As the entertainment industry is gradually exhaling towards adding more value and creativity into its limelight, so is also one very extraordinary young lady who is also very determined to get a taste of the pie!

Marian K. Suah who is commonly known as Foxy Black, is gradually making a break through into the music setting with a flow of a foreign vibe that not most Liberian musician are able to get away with and boy!, she does it with such ease and style. “I was just sick and tired of hearing our DJs play foreign music all day instead of their own. So I did this song imitating a Ghanaian accent just to let them know that we are as good as those foreigners that they love to listen to and that we’re even better. Listening to the single, the first thing that came to mind was who is this new Ghanaian singer later did I know it was one of our very own.

The ebony skinned, auto tune

singer whose recent single, titled “18yrs” has drawn the attention of many, with its hot beats and foreign accent lyrics is definitely a danced to kind of music. Foxy told Lib Life, “ I’ve always had a passion for doing something different musically and being in the spotlight” in which her latest single has given- that breakthrough and limelight, catching the ears and attention of many especially her very first manager Fuhbi Henries who was amazed at how talented this young woman is. “Foxy has some real talent” he told this paper and with such gift I just want to help her make her dream become a reality” he concluded.

Sometimes it is often said no pain no gain and being an entertainer for over seven years now Foxy has had her share of the entertainment what we would like to consider “Entertainment catastrophes”

From being an actress to producing her very own movie title “Wrong Decision” this innovative mama has had her share and taste of almost every aspects of the entertainment business and the shocking realities of not “not because you are an actress/actor or a producer, musician, means that success will come to you easily” especially in Liberia, Foxy found out that it take way more than just singing a song or smiling at the camera, it took hard work, determination and perseverance in order to keep up in this game.“I had to put a hold to the movie business for now because I wasn’t getting anything out of it, I was rather spending my own money and getting nothing in return” adding “ our Liberian people rather support outsiders than their own people, you will find out that they will quicker purchase a Ghanaian or Nigerian movie

than a Liberian movie”. Therefore out of frustration, Foxy had to focus her energy somewhere else and heartily took an advice from her mentor and manager Fuhbi Henries to direct all that energy into her music.

Despite the fact that Foxy is so much engrossed with her music business, that has not stopped her from getting an education. Interestingly, when foxy is not writing lyrics and in studio, she is found cracking that brain of hers at the Smythe Institute of Learning, where she is presently a sophomore student in the field of nursing. Being in the limelight is not all that matters to this young talent but saving lives is also something that touches her heart.” I think that is the sweet side of me, I’ve always had a humanitarian her, there is nothing that gives me much joy than giving a helping hand and saving a life”. Adding, “ You see, life is all about how you live and how you relate to people, what you can do in your everyday’s life to put a smile on someone’s face is what that matters to me each and every day”.

Foxy black may have gotten to that spotlight that she envisioned, but one thing’s for sure with that determination and innovation that she has going, Foxy sure will get to that top of the ladder, exactly where she wants to be.

Lifestyle Journalist Dies of

Chicken Pox by yewa sandy

A n o t a b l e e n t e r t a i n m e n t /lifestyle writer and radio broadcaster

that has contributed to the Liberian media for several years, with the Renaissance Communications Incorporated and FrontPage Newspaper, has passed away on Dec 24, 2013. He was 28.

Ralph J. Lincoln, a motivating, creative and investigative writer from the Duport Road community, was a calm and compassionate journalist who preferred showing his contributions to his country through his print and broadcasting skills. Always ready to please other’s, Ralph won many a friend because of his warm heart, and will be surely missed.

Sadly, the late Ralph posted a couple of comments on his Facebook page before passing away that indicates he could have died of Chicken pox.

November 27, 2013 Facebook post: “The past five days have been a tough battle for me. Been down with Chicken [pox].”

December 1, 2013 Facebook Post: When trouble strikes, there you discover who loves you and/or who hates you. The past few days have proven to me who my true friends and foes are. Thanks to everyone who called, commented and

inbox me during my testing times. God bless you Mightily.

Chickenpox is rarely fatal, although it is generally more severe in adult men than in women or children.

Meanwhile, The FrontPage newspaper published a story “gone to soon” describing from those who were present at Ralph’s death, his ailing condition before his death.

“It just turn from one thing to something else and we could not figure out what it was” his sister Johanna was quoted saying.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Jemima, two children, Blessing and Ralph Jr., and his mother Roseline Langar, three sisters’ and a host of relatives.

From the LIB Life crew: You will always be missed Ralph as the Lord covers you with his protected wing through your next journey, sleep.

Hott Fm Celebrates 3 years of Existence

by yewa sandy

Commonly known as “The people’s station,” Hottfm 107.9 celebrated its

3rd year anniversary on Dec 28, 2013 by hosting a 3 day b-day bash extravaganza.

Described as being one of the most reliable, entertaining and politically drawn in radio stations in Liberia by a recent survey conducted online, Hottfm has a lot to be grateful for this year, especially for it’s fan’s.

“ We have finally advanced our station to a international level. People from all over the world can now listen to us and get a chance to be a part of our station live online.,” announced co-owner DJ Blue during a staff meeting.

With the launching of their new website and online radio streaming, Hottfm has advanced itself to another level that other radio stations have yet to reach. “This is a way to promote ourselves and show people that we are the best” he added.

Day one of the event, which was hosted on Dec 27, 2013, had a turn up of hundreds of officially dressed cadet, executives, youths, students, musicians and politicians dressed in all over black.

Black was the dress code for that night’s event at Sky bar, drawing in exclusively dressed celebrities on the black carpet

“The black carpet represented that days event. Haven’t you

ever seen a black carpet event before?” asked Disturbing the Peace, DJ Shizzle of Hottfm 107.9

For those of you who have never seen hundreds of people dressed in black all at once; it’s a frightening sight. [Laughter]

“Good day world. For on behalf of Hottfm team, we like to say thanks to all for making the black party a success.” Co-owner Hazem Harb posted on

DJ Blue, DJ Master Queen and Hazem Harb

The late ralph J. lincoln

facebook after the show.Day two was the actual

birthday bash and website launching that took place at club temptations. With many international visitors here in to Liberia for the holiday season, they found their cup of tea and felt right at home with the B-Day bash atmosphere and Jamboree that saw hundreds and thousands of fans from all walks of life.

“ Yo, I had a great time! Anything that Hottfm is apart of is Fiyah, hot!” screamed a long time fan Habib Sirleaf

Day three, which hosted a live concert from pretty much every Hip-Hop, RnB and Hip-Co artist, this time around saw

thousands of Hottfm fans.“The show was jammed

pack. Hottfm has fan base yah,” stated Mr. Smith of Mr. Smith Entertainment.

Hottfm has done well in the hood before, and with the proceedings from the three-day event, it will enable the station to be able to do more good for more people in the hood.

“Hottfm is reaching out to the people, and with the money that we make from our B-day bash, we will be using it to be able to go into various communities to give back, and reach out more” stated DJ Master Queen of Hottfm via phone.

Daily Observer Page 8 Friday January 3, 2014 8a

INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENTSave the Children saves children’s lives, fight for their rights and help them fulfill their potentials. Save the Children started work in Liberia in 1991 with an emergency program focusing on the immediate needs of children affected by the conflict. Save the Children currently operates in eight counties across Liberia and works in: education, health and child protection, child rights governance and response to humanitarian emergencies.

Commitment to Child Protection:Save the Children is committed to keeping children safe from abuse and harm. Candidates applying for these positions will be subject to the Child Safeguarding recruitment procedures and checks.

Accountability Commitment: Save the Children is committed to be transparent to children, their carers and communities with whom it works by promoting and abiding by existing organizational accountability system which includes - sharing relevant information on its work with children, their carers and communities with whom Save the Children works; reporting concerns raised by children, their carers and communities about the intervention and involving children at all stages of the intervention.

We are seeking for qualified professionals with solid background and demon-strated experiences in the below position:

District Health Supervisor – Margibi Field Office

Key Accountabilities:Strategy Implement accountable activities via effective information sharing, participation and M&E practices. Ensure that all beneficiaries of your programme are receiving ongoing, age-appropriate verbal or written information in relevant languages about Save the Children’s Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct. Have update situation analysis of the health situation in the respective district. Develop plan and strategies to improve on the health situation/outcomes in the districts Support the establishment of functional community structures gCHVs, CHC/CHDC, TTMs, Women’s group etc. Work with Certified Midwives/Community Health Focal persons and the DHOs (District Health Officer) to plan monthly and quarterly meetings with TTMs, gCHVs /CHC/CHDC and Women groups

CoordinationSupport and work with DHOs, the Community health focal persons and Officers In charge of Clinics in the respective district to develop quarterly supervision calendar for all community health volunteers and supported health facilities. With Health Program staff ,the DHOs County Health Team (CHT) to ensure community health services in clinic’s catchment areas meet MOSWH guidelines and develop strategies to improve practitioners’ capacity to meet appropriate standards. Promote children’s and women participation in health service management and in defining their health service needs. Act as the County Health Coordinator in the absence of the County Health Co-ordinator Participate in proposals development

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCEPA, RN, BSc in Nursing or Public Health.Experience in community work.

How to Apply:Applications along with a copy of your CV, a contact telephone number and the names of 3 referees whom you have previously worked for, quoting their email addresses properly and send to this email address liberia.vacancy@savethe-children.org or to the HR/Support Services Department. Clearly label/quote the job title on your envelope and hand deliver to the Security Guard at Save the Children’s nearest offices in (Monrovia, Margibi, Gbarnga, Zwedru & Nimba). Deadline for the submission of application is 6th January 2014, at 4:00 PM. If you fail to indicate the job title on the envelope, your application will not be accepted. Phone calls are not allowed and only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Save the Children is an equal opportunities employer - Women are encouraged to apply

 

Vacancy Number : UNFPA/LBR/VA/004/13Post Title : DRIVERContract Type (Level) : Service Contract (SC - 2) One year ini tially, renewable subject to satisfactory performanceDuty Station : Monrovia, Liberia Date of Issue : 27 December 2013Closing Date : 10 January 2014

Duties and responsibilities:

United Nations Population Fund

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the UNFPA International Operations Manager, and the direct supervision of the Administrative Associate, the Driver will provides reliable and safe driving services to the UNFPA Liberia Country Office ensuring high accuracy of work. The Driver demonstrates a client-oriented approach, high sense of responsibility, courtesy, tact and the ability to work with people of different national and cultural backgrounds. The Driver will specifically carry out the following duties and responsibilities:.

• Ensures provision of reliable and secured driving services by (a) driving office vehicles for the transport of authorized per-sonnel and delivery and collection of mail, documents and other items (b) meeting official personnel and visitors at the airport, and arranging visa and customs formalities when required;

• Ensures cost-savings through proper use of vehicle through ac-curate maintenance of daily vehicle logs, provision of inputs to preparation of the vehicle maintenance plans and reports;

• Ensure proper day-to-day maintenance of the assigned vehicle through timely minor repairs, arrangements for major repairs, timely change of oil, check of tires, brakes, car washing, etc.

• Ensures proper use of vehicle maintenance plans and assis-tance in preparing vehicle history report.

• Ensures availability of all the required documents/supplies including vehicle insurance, vehicle registration, vehicle logs, office directory, map of the city/country, first aid kit, and neces-sary spare parts in the assigned vehicle.

• Ensures that the steps required by rules and regulations are taken in case of involvement in an accident.

• Performs other tasks as assigned by the supervisor

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE• Completed Secondary Level education • Valid driver’s license• Three years work experience as a driver in an international or-

ganization, embassy or UN system with a safe driving record.• Knowledge of driving rules and regulations, chauffeur protocol

and courtesies, and local roads and conditions • Skills in minor vehicle repairs

HOW TO APPLYCandidates should submit their applications indicating post and vacancy number, attach an updated CV, and a complete United Nations Personnel History Form P.11 obtainable from the UNFPA office or on the UNFPA website at www.unfpa.org. All applications should be marked confidential and addressed to the UNFPA Representative, H.G. Plaza, 5th Floor, Mamba Point, P.O Box 10-0274, 1000 Monrovia, Liberia.

The last date to receive applications will be 10 January 2014. UNFPA will only respond to applicants who will meet the stated job requirements.

Please  note  that  this  post  is  a  National  Post  and  is  opened  to  applicants  of  either  sex.  Preference  will  be  given  to  equally  qualified  women  candidates.  

 

 

 

Daily Observer Page 8Friday, January 3, 2014

Daily Observer Friday, January 03, 2014 Page 4Tuesday, November 5, 2013Friday, January 3, 2014 Page 8c

Do You Love Liberia?the Liberia of tomorrow.

No matter how wealthy, how prosperous you are, enjoyment of that wealth, or productive ex-pression of that wealth is stifled/hampered if you are sick. For Li-beria to be prosperous, we need a patriotic, educated and healthy society. You are now part of the response to the mandate of the Tubman National Institute of Medical Arts…. to produce Para-medical health workers who are well trained to contribute their quota in the health care delivery system of Liberia. As you step out to provide service to Liberia, let discipline, honesty, trustwor-thiness, compassion, and patrio-tism be your guideposts.

Today, TNIMA is producing 42 additional Professional (Reg-istered) Nurses that originate from many regions of Liberia. Consider making a contribution in your home region, not only in Monrovia. Remember what you learned; that a professional nurse uses compassion, care, and intel-ligence to attend to patients of all ages. As a Professional Nurse, you are a caregiver, educator, manager, and patient advocate. You work to promote health and prevent disease. When illness occurs, you assist your patients and their families by providing physical care, emotional support, and education. You perform as-sessments, document care, assist with diagnostic tests, adminis-ter treatments and medications, monitor advanced technology and equipment, and participate in patient follow-up and rehabili-tation. As a professional nurse you are a vital member of Libe-ria’s healthcare team. Show how much you love Liberia. Serve her well.

Today, TNIMA is producing 33 additional Physician Assis-tants. What will your contribu-tion be? How will you show that you love Liberia? The Liberian Physician Assistant Program was established largely for the devel-opment of health workers for the rural areas of Liberia where you practice medicine with a physi-cian’s supervision and bring a range of knowledge and skills to patient care. And, as a Physician Assistant you function as an in-tegral member of the health care delivery team, interacting pro-fessionally and respectfully with others, seeking help or guidance when needed, modeling ethical standards and working together with others for the benefit of pa-tients. You inspire others through word and deed, and give self-lessly of your time and talent to serve the community and the Physician Assistant profession. Show how much you love Libe-ria. Serve her well.

Today, TNIMA is producing an additional 17 Midwives who are professionally trained with the hope that each of you, as a health care professional, will provide care to women during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period,

as well as care to the newborn. You are expected to take mea-sures to prevent health problems in pregnancy, to detect abnormal conditions, get medical assis-tance when necessary, and per-form emergency measures in the absence of other medical help. Show how much you love Libe-ria. Serve her well.

Today, TNIMA is producing 11 additional professionally trained Laboratory Technicians. You are expected to work very hard be-hind the scenes. You serve as an important link in the framework of hospitals and clinics, because you conduct the crucial tests and analyses that physicians use to make their diagnoses. As medi-cal laboratory technicians you are responsible for a number of tasks, including examining seemingly mundane things like body fluids and cells and match-ing blood for transfusions, po-tential life or death tasks. Most times, your job requires the use of sophisticated laboratory equipment, and with continued advancements in technology, your work is becoming more and more analytical. Therefore, the expectation is that you should have excellent judgment skills. Show how much you love Libe-ria. Serve her well.

Today, TNIMA is producing 9 additional Environmental Health Professionals. What will you do to proactively educate the Libe-rian population? It’s been more than 60 years now since the School of Environmental Health was established, but many of Li-beria’s common illnesses (like typhoid fever, malaria, diarrhea) are still a result of poor sanitation and poor hygiene. What will you do differently to help end this? It’s no secret that poor sanitation & hygiene have far-reaching ef-fects… increased likelihood of sickness, even body odor issues. How productive can a person be when he or she is sick? With limited access to preventative and curative healthcare, a minor illness can evolve into a major sickness. How will that person access or keep a job if his or her mere presence in a room is of-fensive? …All of these factors contribute to being successful in developing the workforce, the human capacity aspect of a na-tion…the building of a nation. Show how much you love Libe-ria. Serve her well.

I am asking these health care professionals to show that they love Liberia by serving Liberia well. Yet, love is not a one-way street. Love is a two-way street. The powers-that-be must realize that our health care profession-als must be sufficiently compen-sated for the important work that they do. Sufficient compensa-tion suggests appreciation for this vital segment of our society, serves as incentive for others to consider health care professions as viable career choices and life’s work options, and in turn

helps to reduce the huge human resource deficit that Liberia cur-rently has in its health care deliv-ery system. Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and our Civil Service Agency, show that you love Liberia, compensate our health care professionals well.

Let me conclude with a re-minder that all Liberians, includ-ing Members of the JFK Medical Center Board of Directors, Fac-ulty, Staff and Students of TNI-MA, JFK Medical Center Family, Ministers and Officials of Gov-ernment, Members of the Senate, Legislature and Judiciary, Family and Friends of TNIMA Gradu-ates, Members of the Media; that overall, we all need to come together, and move away from the “Business as Usual” Modus Operandi where corruption with-out consequences is manifested through continual stealing, lying, cheating, bribery, and dishon-esty… We need to move away from where malfeasance (doing something that is wrong), mis-feasance (doing something that is right for the wrong reasons) and nonfeasance (doing nothing when you should do something), live large! Absolutely none of these does anything for advanc-ing and developing Liberia.

Graduates, malfeasance (doing something that is wrong), mis-feasance (doing something that is right for the wrong reasons) and nonfeasance (doing nothing when you should do something), all do nothing for advancing and developing Liberia, please do not serve as perpetrators, or suc-cumb to these destructive forces. Prolonged conflict, as is the case during wartime, is characterized by limited oversight and ac-countability, and consequently, a breakdown in cultural & soci-etal mores. Why? It usually is because of the need to survive, at the exclusion of everything else. During wartime, it comes as no surprise that only “today” matters because tomorrow is not promised. Therefore, over a pro-tracted period, the abnormal be-comes the normal. But we are no longer at war, and these aberrant practices should not continue; we can each do our part to stop this madness.

When each of us puts our indi-vidual “I love Liberia” effort into a collective basket, the outcome becomes “We Love Liberia”, and our individual acts become a collective reality. This kind of potential reality is epitomized in the 2nd stanza of our national anthem:

“…In union strong success is sure. We cannot fail! With God above, our rights to prove,

We will over all prevail. We will over all prevail. With heart and hand our country’s cause de-fending, We’ll meet the foe with valour unpretending. Long live Liberia…” I LOVE LIBERIA. DO YOU LOVE LIBERIA? Thank you.

The Life and Death of Ralph Lincoln, Liberian Entertainment Writer and Promoter

by Nvasekie N. Konneh

Another sad death news from Liberia of another young talented Liberian.

This time it’s a young man by the name of J. Ralph Lincoln. Ralph was 28 years of age, an entertainment and lifestyle writer for FrontPage Africa and former Editor-in-Chief of Up-town Reviews newspaper. He passed away on December 24, 2013 after a brief illness. Ac-cording to brief obituary on Frontpage Africa website, Ralph developed chicken pox in late November 2013 which “turned from one thing to something else and we could not figure out what it was,” says his sister Jo-hanna. This suggests there might have been something mysterious about his death. The shocker is that he died on Christmas Eve and was buried the same day “because the body had dete-riorated at a fast rate - and not in condition to hold for a nor-mal funeral.” According to his heart-broken mother, Roseline Langar, “He was so young, so loving and kind, always had a smile on his face and never hurt anyone.” Meanwhile a memorial service for the deceased is being planned by the family.

Ralph was a very talented young man. He was a prolific writer but his writing was not about politics, which inundates the Liberian media landscape. The focus of his prolific writing was entertainment. His energy was directed at promoting Libe-rian artists in the areas of music and movies as well as promot-ing various events like beauty pageants. So for him it was all about “Liberian entertainment industry” even though there is no such thing as glamorous as compared to Nollywood, Nigeri-an entertainment industry. It was that kind of development Ralph thought he could contribute to develop in Liberia. Not only was he a prolific writer, he was also a very good graphic designer. Had the eyes for fashion. That’s why he was the life style and enter-tainment writer for Frontpage Africa before I met him in late November 2010 in Monrovia.

While in Liberia in 2010, lead-ing to 2011, I decided to estab-lish an alternative newspaper to focus on issues that are not normally covered in the Liberian newspapers. With the excep-tion of Frontpage Africa with its weekly Life Style section, and Daily Observer with its weekly Arts and Literary column, Libe-rian newspapers mostly focus on politics. So the alternative paper I had envisioned would focus primarily on Liberian “arts, cul-ture and tourism.” I planned to publish articles on books and writers, fashion and fashion de-signers, musicians, food and res-taurants, night lives, hospitality, visual artists etc. In other words, I wanted to publish a weekly pa-per that would highlight urban vibe of Liberia. Pretty ambitious project. In that process I came across a young man who shared that vision.

One day I went to Frontpage Africa’s offices in Congon Town specifically to see the man with the by line of Ralph Lincoln. I waited in the lobby as the office boy went to tell him that some-one was looking for him. When he came, I was not expecting to see someone as young as he was.

I guess I had imagined him to be someone bigger than the young man I saw in front of me. I told him I had a press release about the launching of an alternative newspaper which I wanted him to carry in his life style column. He was very excited when he went through the press release. The next day I too was excited to see the press release published, announcing the official launch-ing of the Uptown Review newspaper at the Crystal Ocean View hotel in Mamba Point, Monrovia. That was the start of my relationship with Ralph Lin-coln. At the official launching of Uptown Review on January 7, 2011, he came along with the newly crowned Miss Liberia, Monica Subrimannie to show his support for my project.

Days after, he became a regu-lar visitor to my office on Broad Street opposite the Immigration office, and each time he came, we would have long conversa-tions about our shared vision. For me, Uptown Reviews was about the entire creative artis-tic arena of Liberia, meaning, literature, fashion, music mov-ies etc. For Ralph, it was more about music and musicians and movies and actors and actresses which he called the creative force of “Liberian entertainment industry”. He told me that while I was focused on the intellec-tual side of things, he believed that entertainment will do well in grabbing the public attention since we were a new media en-tity in a crowded media market. He said since there was no such paper in the market, we should design the covers to be as enter-tainingly eye-catching, even if we had to bury other important stories inside the paper. He told me he had served as editor-in-chief for an entertainment paper before and it was very success-ful. We agreed to work together. He said he was willing to re-sign from Frontpage Africa to focus on Uptown Reviews and its growth. He had lots of en-ergy and was very prolific. The one page or sometime half page Frontpage Africa allotted him was not enough space to cover all the territories he wanted to cover as an entertainment writer. So he figured that he could have more space with Uptown Re-views for all his creative ideas. We settled on him becoming the editor-in-chief while I remained the managing editor and pub-lisher. So over the months we worked together until I returned to the states in mid 2011 with the plan to continue to support the publication from here. But the obstacle to progress was that the two persons I expected to work together in Liberia, Ralph Lin-coln and Mike Jabateh, my right hand man in Liberia, could not see eye to eye. Ralph told me his dislike for Mike and with the tense relation between the two of them it was difficult to move for-ward while I was here in the U.S.

Even though the project did not continue, Ralph and I main-tained contact through Facebook and occasional phone calls. There was always the hope that we could restart the Uptown Re-views one day, God willing. But as things stands now, that was not to be while he was alive.

At the time of his recent death, Ralph was a producer and pre-senter at the Renaissance Com-munication Inc., the parent com-pany of Truth FM and Real TV.

While further description on his Facebook page says he was a “project development specialist, consultant, event planner, radio/TV host and charismatic leader,” Ralph was also a pastor. He got married sometime last year and I am now happy I didn’t turn him down when he wanted my help. I had the opportunity of meeting his mother and other relatives once. That was another occa-sion of sickness when he went to his mother’s place on Duport Road. When I met his mother and her big sister, he introduced me to them as “his good and car-ing friend.” Talking from one thing to another, I realized that Ralph and his family were Gios from Kpaytuo, Nimba County. Kpaytuo is featured prominently in my book, “The Land of My Father’s Birth.” Kpaytuo is a place where I partly grew up in Liberia. Until I met with his mother, religion and ethnicity did not factor in our relationship and conversation. After he got well and came back to the office, I told Mike, “Ralph is home boy from Kpaytuo” and from then on he and Mike spoke Gio con-stantly in the office. While this ethnic factor was important, our relationship was all about shared vision and professionalism. But discovering the fact that he was from Kpaytuo only re-enforced our relationship.

The last time I chatted with him on Facebook he told me he was working with my nephew Layee Bility, the manager of Truth FM and Real TV. I was encouraged when he told me they were working on some of the ideas he and I had dis-cussed while we still hoped for the return of Uptown Reviews one day. He told me he and my nephew Layee were publishing a Life Style magazine called Ulti-mate Choice. As I go through his Facebook page now, I see the fol-lowing message from Layee Bil-ity, “I remember planning DIVA 2014 with you and taking about how successful it’d turn out. I promised you bro, this show will go on and I’ll make you proud. you’ll always be in my heart.” So at the time of his death, Ralph was planning a show, Diva 2014. According to information on his Facebook page, the Goals of Diva 2014 are as followed: 1. To turn the talents of young Libe-rian women into careers for self sustainability and national de-velopment; 2. To create jobs and employment opportunities for the youthful population of Li-beria, thereby fighting the high rate of poverty presently in the country; 3. To redefine a sense of identity for the modeling and tourism sectors of Liberia; 4. To use DIVA 2014® as a bench-mark to promote the corporate images, products and services of our sponsors and partners. Writ-ing project proposals and plan-ning events were Ralph’s areas. Unfortunately, Ralph will not be around to carry on this vision of Diva 2014. I hope others that were working with him will be able to carry on with the same level of commitment.

Ralph was a consummate communicator, not only writing for publication in newspapers. He had a constant presence on Facebook, promoting his vari-ous projects. On his posting on December 1, 2013, he said, “When trouble strikes, there you discover who loves you and/or who hates you. The past few

days have proven to me who my true friends and foes are. Thanks to everyone who called, com-mented and inbox me during my testing times. God bless you Mightily.”

Though Ralph Lincoln is phys-ically dead, I hope his dream for the Liberia entertainment industry is not dead. I believe his prolific writings inspired some young people who may step up into his shoes to con-tinue to carry on. The Liberian entertainment industry has lost a true champion, a strong pro-moter who sacrificed so much

to profile their struggle and suc-cesses. He was the promoter for David Mell. In his Frontpage Africa column and through the pages of the Uptown Reviews he spotlighted many Liberian artists who wouldn’t have gotten any attention from other media enti-ties in the country. On behalf of the staffs of Uptown Reviews he worked with, Mike Jabateh, He-lene Diggs, Hawa Kromah, Ger-aldine Brown, Henry Karngar Ovie Gbashomiren, Ansu Don-zo, I say RIP Ralph. Go easy, you will surely be missed. We will surely resurrect the Uptown

Reviews as you and I discussed in our last Facebook chat.

about the author: Nvasekie Konneh is the author of the book, “The land of My Fa-ther’s birth,” a memoir of the liberian civil war and “Going to War for america,” a collec-tion of poems about his expe-rience in the Us Navy and the liberian civil war. He is the publisher of the Uptown News-paper for which ralph lincoln wrote. He can be reached at 267-407-5735 or Knvasekie@yahoo.com or Konnlove@aol.com

Daily Observer Page 9 Friday January 3, 2014 8d

A. DECLARATION:I, Lee Oliver Dia Mitchell, of the City of Seventy-second, Paynesville, Monrovia, Montserrado County, Republic of Liberia, am of sound mind, and not acting under duress, menace, fraud or un-due influence of any person or persons, and do hereby make, publish, and declare this instrument my last Will and Testament, and do hereby revoke any and all other Wills and Codicils heretofore made by me.

B. IMMEDIATELY UPON MY DEATH:I hereby make the following specific request upon my DEATH:

-I hereby direct that in the case of my demise, there should be no autopsy/post mortem-I hereby direct that my mortal remains be laid to rest within THREE days at our Family’s plot at Millsburg, Montserrado County

-I hereby direct that there should be no EMBALMENT. C. CONCERNING MY FUNERAL/BURIAL:

-I desire that everything is done in moderation.-Church tradition provides that the Episcopal Church (Diocesan Office) will make available ad-equate funds towards funeral expenses.

-A memorial Service can be arranged at a later date if the Church cannot fit it into the schedule.-The entire Funeral and Burial ceremony will be directed by my wife, Georgiana, aided by my brother, George, my Cousin, Clariss. If any of the above should predecease me, Thomas and Rich-lieu Mitchell should be added in the same order.

D. CONCERNING THE READING OF THIS WILL AND TESTAMENT:• The full text of this will and Testament should be read 40 days or more after my death in the presence of:i. my wife, Georgiana Rosezetta Mitchell, and her (our) childrenii. my brothers: George, Thomas, Richlieuiii. my cousin, Clariss

• The meeting in which the reading will be done is purely private and only close friends of the Mitchell Family could be invited to attend.

• The Custodian of this Will and Testament will extend invitation to all of the above men-tioned to meet for the said purpose at my Seventy-second Residence at a stated time. Thereafter, s/he will go ahead with the meeting, except if my wife, Georgiana, and brother, George, are not be available.

• The full text of the Will and Testament must be read by my brother, George, or my son, Rev. John Worjloh Mitchell

• After reading, one copy of the document should be turned over to my wife, Georgiana, and the other copy to my brother, George.

E. INTRODUCTION OF MY IMMEDIATE FAMILY CONSIDERED IN THIS WILLI am a married person, and my Spouse is Georgiana Rosezetta Mitchell. My children (both natural and adopted) are Leo Dakanah Mitchell; John Worjloh Mitchell; Leonie Doryehn Mitchell-Taylor; Leeta Duwele Mitchell; Leanna Dinah Mitchell; Leonard Oliver Dormah Mitchell; Lysanna Mitch-ell; Felicia D. Mitchell; and Teta M. Mitchell.

F. THE EXECUTOR/EXECUTRIX OF THIS WILL:I nominate and appoint my wife, Georgiana, my Cousin and my Brother, George, as Executor/Ex-ecutrix of this Will. In the event that the Executor/Executrix shall predecease me or fails to serve as such, I nominate and appoint Bro. Thomas Mitchell as Executor. I further direct that the appointee hereunder shall not be required to give any bond for the faithful performance of his duties.

G. PAYMENT OF JUST DEBTS, FUNERAL EXPENSES, ETC.I order and direct that my just debts, funeral expenses, expenses for the administration of my estate and inheritance, Taxes upon said estate and inheritance, except those, if any, which are secured by mortgage or deed of trust, shall be paid as soon after my death as may be practical.

H. CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF MY MINORMy lump sum death benefit in the amount of US$ 5,000.00 (five thousand US Dollars) from the Episcopal Church in America should be given to my wife. She will use same to care and manage affairs of the minor children. In the event that my Spouse predecease me or fail to serve as such, then I nominate Thomas and George, my brothers. All my property will be on the charge of my wife Georgiana, until she dies, and no property should be sold for no reason whatsoever.

I. MY HOUSE AT SEVENTY-SECOND:My house is situated in one of the two lots our late mother bought for me and my brother, George. I direct that this house be given to my son and daughter, Dormah and Dinah. The second lot which adjoins mine, should be given to my younger brother, George, so he can construct his own house if he so desires.

J. MY HOUSE AT THE HARDLANDVILLE, GRAND BASSA COUNTY:I also direct that same arrangement be made with the four lots property left for us in Hardlandville, Grand Bassa County, by our Mother. I direct that said property be resurveyed into two equal parts. The two lots with the house thereon should be given to my daughter, Doryen. The second two lots should be given to my brother, George Z. Mitchell.

K. MY THIRTY-FOUR (34) ACRES OF LAND IN JOHNSONVILLE:I have thirty-four acres of land in Johnsonville, Monrovia, Montserrado County. I direct and order that the property be surveyed, and ten (10) acres therefrom should be given to my brother, George. The remaining twenty-four (24) acres should be divided such that Dakanah, John, Doryehn, Duwele, Dinah, and Dormah receive each three (3) acres; the rest of the children, Lysanna, Felicia and Teta, receive two (2) acres each.

L. MY PROPERTY LEFT IN GANTA AND KARNWEE, NIMBA COUNTY:Regarding the property left in Ganta and Karnwee, Nimba County, I direct that they be divided into two equal parts, with one portion going to my brother, George, and the other going to my son, Dakanah.

M. MY TWO HUNDRED (200) ACRE PROPERTY ON BELLEFANAI ROADI order and direct that my two hundred (200) acres property on the Bellefanai Road should remain with my children, with Dakanah being in control, and should ensure that proceeds are shared with his siblings-Dakanah, Dormah, Lyssana, Felicia and Theta.

N. MY FIVE (5) ACRES OF LAND AT THE SARPO COMMUNITY, GREENVILLE, SINOE COUNTY:In Greenville, Sinoe County, I have five (5) acres of land in the Sarpo Community. This property should be re-surveyed and manage by My son, Rev. Fr. John Worjloh Mitchell for his benefit, his sisters, Doryehn, Duwele and Dinah Mitchell, and brother Dormah Mitchell.

O. MY PROPERTY AT KINGSVILLE, LOWER CAREYSBURG, MONTSERRADO COUNTY:We have one (1) lot in Kingsville (No. 7 gate), lower Careysburg. This should be divided into two parts. Half a lot should go to my brother, George. My portion of half lot should go to my daughter, Theta.

P. THE FRANCES MITCHELL MEMORIAL ACADEMY, KAKATA, MARGIBI COUNTY.Regarding the Frances Mitchell Memorial Academy in Kakata, I direct that my position as Manager goes to George, and whatever shares I should get must also go to him. If George should die, the said shares should go to my sons, Leo Dakanah, John Worjloh, and Leonard Oliver Dormah Mitchell.

Q. MY PROPERTY ON MAMBA POINT, MONROVIA:The property on Mamba Point, Monrovia, otherwise described as “98 Wellington and Haider Apart-ments”, should be treated as a HOMESTEAD, and should be under the control of my wife, Geor-giana, during her natural life. When she dies, all my children should benefit, with Darkanah and John being in charge to ensure that all their sisters and brothers have equal share. However, the shares should be calculate after the sum of $200 (two hundred US Dollars) has been deducted from proceeds of the Homestead for each month as support to the Episcopal Ministry of Rev. John Wor-jloh Mitchell. THIS PROPERTY SHOULD NEVER BE SOLD!

R. THE RESIDUE OF MY ESTATE AND PROPERTY:I hereby give, devise and bequeath all of the rest and residue of my estate, all property over which I have power to dispose of to my wife, Georgiana Rosezetta Mitchell during her natural life.

S. AUTHORIZATION & SUBSCRIPTION:I, LEE OLIVER MITCHELL, HEREBY AUTHORIZE MY EXECUTOR/EXECUTRIX TO EX-ERCISE ALL POWER, RIGHTS, DISCRETION AND DUTIES DEEMED NECESSARY FOR THE PROPER ADMINISTRATION AND DISPOSITION OF MY ESTATE AND PROPERTY DESCRIBED ABOVE. I SUBSCRIBE MY NAME TO THIS WILL THIS 29 DAY OF OCTO-BER, IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD, 2008.

T. DECLARATION BY WITNESSES:On the day written below, Rev. Fr. Lee O. Dia Mitchell declared to us, the undersigned, that this instrument consisting of FOUR (4) pages, is his last WILL and TESTAMENT, and requested us to act as WITNESSES to it. He thereupon signed this Will in our presence, all of us being present at the same time, we now in his presence, and in the presence of each other subscribed our names as WITNESSES.

It is our belief that Rev. Fr. Lee O. Dia Mitchell is of sound mind and under no constraint or undue influence whatsoever.

THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OFREVEREND FATHER LEE O. DIA MITCHELL

Daily Observer Thursday, January 02, 2014 Friday, January 3, 2014 Page 9

Short Story:The Case of the Angry

Candidate

Criminal Lawyer Jason Doe Concludes:by Omari Jackson

The tension that concluded the morning session was discernible

when the afternoon session began. Judge Martina Yuo leaned forward on her bench and said, “Counselor Doe will begin his cross-examination of Officer Jackson Payne,” and then relaxed in her chair. She followed it up by dropping her glasses in front of her and it made a slight echo.

Jason Doe, tall and agile, shifted himself and strolled leisurely towards Officer Payne in the witness stand. The lawyer smiled momentarily like a boxer about to pounce on his enemy. There was a nagging sense of confidence discernible in his demeanor.

“Col. Payne,” Counselor Doe said, “Ephraim Sackor was one of the candidates for the president in the recent Media Union elections?”

“Yes.”“And he lost his bid for

the presidency and reports indicated that he was meanwhile referred to as the angry candidate by his colleagues who did not live to his expectation?”

“Yes.”The lawyer made a swift

retreat to his table and in that moment met the eyes of defendant Ephraim Sackor, whose gaze filled him with uncertainty.

The lawyer shrugged his shoulders and marched towards the witness. In his unusual baritone, Cllr. Doe said, “Ephraim Sackor, your investigations concluded, and this was from his wife that he had a mental breakdown?”

“Yes.”“Did you verify that

statement from a professional psychologist?”

“No.”“Mrs. Sackor is not a

professional psychologist?”“That’s true.”The lawyer frowned

thoughtfully.“How then could not

agree with her ‘opinion’ that Ephraim Sackor suffered a mental breakdown after he lost the Media Elections?”

The witness gave a deep breath and said, “Mrs. Sackor knows her husband better than anybody else. She did not have any demonstrate any hatred towards him and therefore her observation seemed probable.

“Additionally, she was keenly involved in the Media Elections and after her husband’s loss she spent considerable time with him and was in the best position to make an opinion of fact. It therefore seemed right to believe her.”

Jason Doe frowned again, and turning to Judge Martina Yuo, said, “It is true she is the wife of the defendant but at the same time she is not a professional in the field

of psychology to accurately diagnose the mental state of a man who is facing murder charges and you accepted her opinion as a fact, Col. Payne?”

Col. Payne readjusted himself in the witness, for it seemed the question had jolted him. He shrugged his shoulders in an attempt to rise above the shock and was said, “Mrs. Sackor, I must admit, is not a psychologist and neither is she with the authority to point out her husband’s mental state, but her closeness with him, as a husband. She did not have any ulterior motive and that gave us the assurance that she was speaking of fact.”

“So then,” Jason Doe said, “you were investigating a case, involving the death of a citizen of much influence, and you surprisingly based a statement of fact which a man’s life hangs, on the opinion of an unprofessional.” Suddenly, Prosecutor Samson Swen was on his feet.

“The opinion of the defendant’s wife is one aspect to develop the case, Counselor.”

“You’re right,” Jason Doe retorted, “but in a case that demands without reasonable doubt, it makes a whole lot of sense to base the conclusion on a professional psychologist after a thorough examination?”

Judge Yuo weighed in the case and responded, “The Court does not expect the prosecutor to intervene in the defense counsel’s trend of cross examination, bringing out an apparent source that is not an authority on a man whose life hangs in a balance, as to whether he contributed to the death of the decedent.

“The Court is much interested in professional sources that could bear much on the case and hence Counselor Doe has the Court’s support to bring out an apparent error of assigning an authority to an opinion of a spouse who in a greater measure should be siding with her husband.”

“Thank you, Your Honor,” Prosecutor Swen said, “I was trying to point out that the woman’s honest opinion should not unnecessarily delay the case, though she is not an expert.”

“Very well,” Judge Yuo said, and glaring at the prosecutor noted. “Since the prosecutor agrees with the defense’s position, it is therefore not necessary for any intervention.”

“Thank you, Your Honor,” the prosecutor conceded, and the negative blow of his position could not be lost on the spectators, but Jason Doe, in a triumphant response, said, “Ephraim Sackor visited the decedent two hours before he died?”

“Yes.”“And the toxicologist report

indicated that his death came two hours after the

defendant’s visit?”“Yes.”“Referring to the

Promissory Note, which you testified in Court; when was the defendant expected to pay his loan?”

“It was on October 15.”“Was a specific time of

the day specified in the Promissory Note?”

“No.”“Therefore,” Jason Doe

said, “the defendant was supposed to visit the decedent on October 15?”

“Yes,” Officer Payne said, “and his visit was to be accompanied with the money.”

“Did the Promissory Note made any specific indication about his visit without the money?”

“It did not state the way you put it but his visit evidently should have been accompanied with the money,” Officer Payne retorted, a bit irritably.

“But,” the lawyer said with an amount of interest, “it did not state that he must not visit the lender unless he had the money.”

“It did not state in that clear terms but it was obvious.”

A mild laughter swept through the courtroom and Jason Doe allowed the echo to fill the air.

“The decedent, Clinton Dahn was an elderly man?”

“Yes.”“How elderly, Officer

Payne?”“He was in his 50s.”“And how did you know

that he was in poor health? Did you have any idea what medications he was prescribed for?”

Suddenly, all attention swept towards the corner of the Courtroom where

the widow, Comfort Dahn and other family members sat, displaying a suppressed emotion but the voice of the witness responded:

“The decedent suffered from high blood pressure.”

“Was he under any strict instructions regarding the use of medicines prescribed for him?”

“It’s obvious. His prescribed medications were Thiazide Diuretics and Beta Blockers.”

“Thiazide Diuretics,” the lawyer said, and after some hesitation said, “yes these kinds of drugs are sometimes called ‘water pills’ and they act on kidneys to help the body eliminate sodium and water, reducing blood volume. During your investigations did it occur to you that the efficient administration of these drugs required a family member or a nurse?”

The officer strained his eyes and pretended he was recollecting what had transpired and said, “We were assured that dosage was administered by his widow Comfort Dahn.”

“Who assured you, officer?”“His widow, Comfort

Dahn.”“Therefore,” Jason Doe

said, “when you returned to the house on October 27th, did anything you observed raised your suspicion about the cause of death?”

Col. Payne seemed confused and after hesitation, said, “It did not seem anything much at the time but now that you are asking about it, let me explain she violated police instructions by cleaning up the house.”

The lawyer returned to the prosecution table and looked through papers and returning to the witness said, “What

was her reaction when one of the officers confronted her?”

“She mumbled that she did not mean to kill her husband and we thought her reaction was due to the shock of his death.”

“And did that move you to investigate that angle, officer?” Officer Payne was considering the question when an echo of tears broke out at the corner where Widow Comfort Dahn was mumbling to herself.

The courtroom was taken aback as her hysteria increased. Bailiffs and several police officers rushed to the scene.

Meanwhile, the widow informed the officers that she wanted to make some issues clear about the death of her husband. The information was communicated to Judge Yuo, who advised and warned her that she did not have to increase her discomfort by making any incriminating statements.

Her insistence was so strong that she was sworn in, and positioned herself to clear the air, as a witness for the prosecution. Her face was that of a woman whose world had come to the end with an action she did not mean to execute. In the dock she straightened up, squeezed her lips and stared in the air, as if she was seeking some intervention.

Her hands trembled and she grabbed the edges of the witness stand. When she began to speak, it was in a well-modulated tone which took the courtroom by surprise.

“Clinton’s death,” she said, fighting back tears, “was not by that man, for it was an accident.

A hush swept through the

courtroom, and seconds later, she resumed, and kept her composure intact.

“I did not mean to have caused his death,” her voice echoed the meaning across the courtroom, as spectators strained their ears.

“When I learnt that Clinton had given such huge amount to someone, I thought the recipient was a woman.

“So I went to him after I had collected all his medications and threatened that either he confessed the name of the woman who he had given the money to, otherwise I would not give them to him.”

The silence in the courtroom was deafening and even a drop of a pin could have been heard. Judge Yuo sat, relaxed in her bench as her ears received the shocking revelations.

Jason Doe, who did not seem at all surprise, was already seated at the defense table, with his ears straining, his eyes glinted with a frown on his face.

After a couple of seconds, the widow continued, solemnly, “I did not mean to cause his death but when I realized what I had done, it was apparently too late to save him.”

As the witness, once again, hesitated, Judge Martina Yuo signaled the defense and the prosecution to a whispered conference.

Few seconds later, Judge Yuo announced the release of defendant Ephraim Sackor from further police custody and ordered the widow Comfort Dahn held for the murder of her husband, businessman Clinton Dahn. The End

Daily Observer Page 11 Friday January 3, 2014 10

Pictorial Marking the Official Presentation of the Financial Times Group of London’s “Best Bank

Award” Won by Ecobank – Liberia to the Executive Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL), Held

at the CBL’s Conference Room

Cbl Governor Jones receiving award from ecobank board Chair Mrs. Clavenda bright Parker Governor Jones displying ecobank international award

MD Kola adeleke and board Chair Mrs. Parker

ecobank MD Kola adeleke speaking at the ceremony

ecobank MD and board members during the award Presentation programsome members of Cbl board of Governors and head of Cbl banking supervision Mr.

Kamara

ecobank MD Chats with head of Communication

Cbl Governor Post with ecobank MD and Others

Daily Observer Page 7 Friday January 3, 2014 11

MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRSOffice of the Superintendent

Grand Bassa County Development FundCity of Buchanan, Grand Bassa CountyNATIONAL COMPETITIVE BIDDING (NCB)

INVITATION FOR BID (IFB)FOR THE PURCHASE OF A BRAND NEW VEHICLE

IFB NO. GBC/NCB/100/01/2012/2013

The Grand Bassa County Administration has received funding from Arcelor Mittal/The National Gov-ernment of Liberia through the County Social Development fund and intends to use portion of the fund towards the purchase of one new vehicle to facilitate the smooth implementation of projects in the County.

The County therefore invites SEALED bids from eligible and qualified bidders for the supply of one new vehicle as indicated below:

Bidding will be conducted through the NATIONAL COMPETITIVE BIDDING PROCEDURES as specified in th PUBLIC PROCUREMENT CONCESSION ACTS (PPCA) and approved by the PUBLIC PROCUREMENT COMMISSION.

QUALIFICATION/REQUIREMENT INCLUDES:• PAST PERFORMANCE INCLUDING THE NAME OF AT LEAST 2 CLIENTS,• CURRENT BUSINESS REGISTRATION• CURRENT TAX CLEARANCE • SOCIAL SECURITY TAX CLEARANCE • GUARANTEE SCHEDULE OF DELIVERY• Bid security of 2% of quoted bid price by bidder in absolute value drawn on a reputable bank in

Liberia• Availability of spare parts• Vehicle maintenance workshop is an added advantage

Interested bidders may obtain additional information and bid documents from the Procurement Unit in the Office of the Assistant Superintendent for Development Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County Starting from December 6, 2013 (Monday to Friday) 9:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Daily for a Non-refundable fee of US$100.00(One Hundred United States Dollars)

Sealed bid must be delivered to the Procurement Unit of the Procurement Committee on the 3rd day of January 2014 at the hour of 2:00 P.M. and bids will be opened the same day in the presence of bidders or their representatives. All late bids will be returned unopened. No alternative bids or electronic bids will be accepted.

THE ADDRESSED REFERRED TO ABOVE IS:The Procurement Unit

Project Management Committee (PMC)Office of the Assistant Superintendent for Development

Grand Bassa County

Daily Observer Page 10 Friday January 3, 2014 12  

EXCELLENCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION FOR LIBERIAN DEVELOPMENT (EHELD)11th and 12 Streets, Payne’s Avenue, Sinkor • Monrovia, Liberia • Telephone 231 776 399 312 • www.rti.org

Request for Quote/Proposal (RFQ/RFP)

All qualify suppliers should pick up a copy of the bidding document that include the detail specifications of the desktop computers and the bid evaluation factors from the below address: USAID-RTIInternationalProjectFieldOffice Payne Avenue (Between 11th & 12th Streets), Sinkor Monrovia, Liberia

Sealed bids are to be submitted by the close of business on Thursday, January 9, 2014.

Commodity/Service Required: Purchase,  Delivery  &  Installation  of  100  Desktops  Computers  &  Accessories    

Type of Procurement: One-Off Purchase Agreement

Type of Contract: Fixed Price Term of Contract: January 1-31, 2014 Contract Funding: EHC-E-06-04-00004-00

This Procurement supports: USAID/RTI International EHELD Project Supplier Candidate:

Submit Sealed Proposal To:

Prince K. Gony, Payne Avenue (Between 11th & 12th Streets) Sinkor, Monrovia, Liberia Office Telephone: +231776 399 312 Personal: +231776 551 727 +231886 551 727

Date of Issue of RFP: December 31, 2013

Date Questions from Supplier Due January 6, 2014

Date Proposal Due: January 7, 2014  

Date  Purchase  Order  Issued  to  Supplier  (s)  

January 9, 2014

Method of Submittal:

Respond  via  e-­‐mail  or  hand  deliver  sealed  hardcopy  with  attached  documents  in  MSWord  /  pdf  format.  The  Offeror  agrees  to  hold  the  prices  in  its  offer  firm  for  90  days  from  the  date  specified  for  the  receipt  of  offers,  unless  another  time  is  specified  in  the  addendum  of  the  RFP/RFQ.  

Solicitation Number: RTI/EHELD-2013-12-005 Attachments to RFP:

All bidders are responsible to carefully review each attachment and follow any instructions that may be relevant to this procurement.

1.Attachment “A”–Commodity Specifications 2.Attachment “B”–Instructions to Offerors/Sellers 3.All PO Terms and Conditions are listed on our website atwww.rti.org/poterms

 

 

• RFQ  No.      

RFQ-­‐MDF-­‐078  

• Date   December  26,  2013  

• Title   Supply  and  Delivery  of  Agro  Equipment  

• Issuing   Office   &  Address   for  Submission   of  Quotes  

   

DAI    USAID  Food  and  Enterprise  Development  (FED)  6th  Street  ,  Sinkor,  Monrovia  

• Contact  Person  for  Questions  regarding  office  location  or  admin  details  

MDF  Manager  Telephone:  +0886547541    

• Anticipated  Award  Type  

Fixed  Unit  Purchase  Order    

• Delivery  date   Two  months  after  the  signing  of  Purchase  Order  

• Basis  for  Award   An   award   will   be  made   based   on   the   Price,   Availability,   Quality,   Delivery  Timeframe   and   Referencesto   the   vendor   whobest   meets   all   the  requirements  specified  in  the  RFQ.  

Food and Enterprise Development (FED)Supply and Delivery of Agro Equipment

PURPOSE:DAI, implementer of theUSAID funded Food and Enterprise Development (FED) Program, invites qualified vendors to submit quotes for the Supply and Delivery of Agro Equipment (see Appendix B for details) in support of program implementation. INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMISSION OF QUOTESClosing date of this RFQ is WednesdayJanuary 8, 2014Specialinstruction:InterestedvendorsshouldcomeatFEDofficesbetween9amto5pmdaily,attheaboveaddress, to pick up the following:

1. Detailed instructions regarding bid submission2. List of documentation required to accompany bids3. DetailedlistingandSpecificationsoftherequiredequipment

Quotes should be submitted on vendor’s pro-forma invoicevia hard copy in a sealed envelope, as follows:ATTENTION: RFQ-MDF-078 Market Development Fund FOOD AND ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM 6TH STREET, SINKOR MONROVIA, LIBERIA

Request for Quotation (RFQ)

LIBERIA NATIONAL POLICEINVITATION FOR BIDS

For the Procurement of Goods(CLEANING MATERIALS & VEHICLES SPARE PARTS FOR REPAIR AND

MAINTENANCE)IFB NO: LNP/NCB/001/13/14 & IFB NO: LNP/NVB/002/13/14

 

The Government of the Republic of Liberia through the Liberia National Police (LNP) has received budgetary allotment from the National Budget for the fiscal year 2013-2014 and intends to apply it towards the procurement of CLEANING MATERIALS & VEHICLES SPARE PARTS FOR REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE.

The LNP now invites sealed bids form eligible registered bidders for the supply of CLEANING MATERIALS & REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE OF VEHICLES SPARE PARTS for the fiscal year 2013/2014.

Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding (NCB) process as enshrined in the PPCCA.

SPECIFICATION

 

NO   DESCRIPTION   QTY  

IFB  NO:  LNP/NCB/001/13/14  

Cleaning  Materials   Assorted  

IFB  NO:  LNP.NCB.002/13/14  

Vehicle  Spare  Parts  for  Repair  &  Maintenance  

Assorted  

Qualification requirements includes:• Articles of Incorporation• Valid Tax Clearance • Valid Business Registration Certificate• Past performance records including the names and contact numbers of at least two clients.

All interested eligible bidders may obtain copy of the bidding document from the Procurement Unit of the LNP for a nonrefundable fee of One Hundred United States Dollars (US$100.00) beginning January 2, 2014 from 9:00Am to 3:00PM. Monday to Friday.

All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security Declaration.

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Daily Observer Thursday, January 02, 2014 Friday, January 3, 2014 Page 13

Ganta Wood Assn. Making a Difference in Nimbaby C.y. Kwanue

Local-based wood-workers in Ganta, the commercial hub of Nimba County,

under the banner of the Gompa United Wood Association, (GUWA) has over the years empowered its members as well as individuals engaged in construction and other sylvan (wood-related) activity in the area, by proving them with quality processed and or finished wood products.

GUWA is an auxiliary of the Liberia Chain-saw and Timber Dealer Union, also based in Ganta, Nimba County, and a full member of the Liberia Business Association (LIBA).

Established since August 2007, GUWA now has a full membership of 15 persons. However, its activities are spread across the six original districts in the county.

Joe K. Touah, Sr., is the association’s deputy manager for Administration. He made the above disclosures recently in Ganta at the entity’s main offices to the Daily Observer.

GUWA, according to Mr. Touah, is located on two lots in

the Deikermein Community. “It has economically empowered its members through a loan of US$35,000 received from the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) through the bank’s loan scheme. The loan scheme is made possible through the leadership of the bank’s executive governor, Dr. Joseph Mills Jones.

“That money,” Mr. Touah said, “has helped them

purchased the first set of modern wood-processing devices/machines, and upgraded our workshop as well.”

According to him, the primary objective of GUWA is to among other things, empower its members, and improve the living standards of most of the rural dwellers that are in the business of reconstructing homes that suffered damage from the war.

“As such, we offer reasonable prices as low as L$100 for a piece of processed or finished 2x2 to our customers.

“For example,” Mr. Touah said, “a piece processed 2x2 is sold by GUWA for at least L$100, and upward to include prices of 2x4, 2x6, etc. This is because, at such prices, customers are being

encouraged to purchase more pieces of woods for construction purposes.

According to him, apart

from selling wood, GUWA intends to venture into bigger businesses such like furniture manufacturing and or building construction.

“To control our own economy, we, from the beginning of our

establishment, taxed each of our official members to make a personal financial contribution towards the upkeep of the association.”

GUWA administration is structured is such a way that sales is controlled by Mr. Anthony Sulu, while its finances are managed by Mr. William Teage.

ChallengesLike any other organization,

GUWA has its own challenges, some of which include the payment of tax to the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) and to the Revenue Division at the Ministry of Finance.

With all the stumbling blocks including the payment of tax, and the rental fee for the land its operates on, the association has continued to strive and better serve the residents of Ganta in particular and the people of Nimba County in

general.In the face of such challenges,

the association is appealing to relevant authorities to come to its aid through the reduction of taxes, and personal financial contributions or by becoming a full member to GUWA.

Two employees processing wood using machines that were manually set up

Processed stockpiles of woods at the workshop

Touah, sitting in his wood workshop, said the entity

intends to venture in other activities, including the

manufacture of furniture

Ecobank Liberia Grabs Int’l Award Again

After closing 2012 with an award as the best bank in Liberia, Ecobank

has again closed 2013 as the “best bank” in Liberia by the Banker Magazine, a part of the Financial Times Group.

Amongst 155 international financial institutions present in London at an awards program, organized by the world’s leading business news and information magazine, Ecobank-Liberia, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Mali and Niger were named as number one in their respective countries.

The award received by Ecobank-Liberia was recently

presented to the Board of Governors of the Central Bank of Liberia.

Presenting the award to the Executive Governor of CBL, Dr. J, Mills Jones, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ecobank Liberia, Mrs. Claveda Bright-Parker noted, the award was won because of the confidence reposed in the bank by its valued customers.

Mrs. Bright-Parker pledged the bank’s continued commitment to providing accessible, convenient and reliable banking and financial products and services to the people of Liberia.

Speaking on behalf of the

Board of Governors of the CBL, Madam Mildred Reeves commended Ecobank Liberia for the recognition.

She urged the Management and staff of Ecobank to continue doing its best in order to improve the banking sector of Liberia, whilst sharing the strategy behind its achievement with other commercial banks, to ensure a vibrant banking sector.

Also in his remarks, Mr. Kola Adeleke, managing director of Ecobank-Liberia disclosed that the bank major priority is to ensure that the banking sector of Liberia completes with other sectors in Africa.

Cbl executive Governor Dr, Jones display ecobank award, while the bank’s board director Madam bright-Parker looks on

Daily Observer Page 14Friday, January 3, 2014

all other sectors of the society where traces of corruption can be found.

‘For somebody to come out and say we will fight it, (corruption) we have to start from somewhere, and I think the best place to start is from the very family that we have; from the homes and then we move on to all institutions that make up the country. Other than that, we are wasting our time. We are not really fight-

ing corruption because we are practicing it every day.’

Bishop Ziegler lamented that Liberia was not winning the fight against corruption because it is like fighting oneself. “So talking about fighting corruption, all of us citizens of Liberia must roll up our sleeves and fight, not looking up anyone, but first of all looking up ‘myself.’ ”

He warned that until Liberi-ans are willing to fight and kill

their inner-selves; that thing in them that is making them corrupt, the country is going nowhere. “We are all corrupt and we need to admit that and try to work on ourselves indi-vidually, and then we will be able to look at the other per-son and say he/she is corrupt.’

On the question of whether past and present administra-tions have been using the country’s natural resources properly, Archbishop Ziegler said he did not want to blame one single person or adminis-

tration. ‘I think all of those who

have administered the coun-try tried one way or another to use the resources in a very limited way to develop the country. I think that in most cases, the resources have gone to things other than develop-ing the country.’

He said one of the reasons why development continues to elude the country, is the unwillingness of incoming leaders to develop on what the other had started, thus making

things very difficult.Speaking on the infamous

secret recording of former Robert International Airport Managing Director Ellen Corkrum of government of-ficials, Bishop Ziegler won-dered why “a person would take a recorder and come to me, hold a conversation and record me unknowingly and then later come and broadcast it; what is the intention of the person and this is what Liberi-ans should try to find out.”

Bishop Ziegler refused to

be drawn into the argument that Madam Corkrum’s ac-tion was in line with the fight of corruption, saying it could be possible that she is trying to promote herself instead of fighting corruption.

“It takes me lot to believe any of those recordings’ but if it is true that some people in government helped her to es-cape (from danger) and know the position of the person, why should I go and release the information that was given me to the public? Why?”

We Are

The two opponents have not been told how soon they will be allowed to state their cases before the Board.

The Movement became con-cerned following a story in the Daily Observer article that trumpeted “Tribal Tension in Sinoe County.

A reporting team had just returned from Sinoe County, and the consensus (agreement) was that the county was on the brink of a tribal conflict---courtesy of Senator Mobuto and Superintendent Teahjay, who were pointing fingers at one-another and creating ten-sion between the ‘Kru-Sec-tion’ and the ‘Sarpo-Section.’

Rev. Jarwlea confirmed the formation and existence of the two sections but argued that they are pre-occupied with promoting unity, development

and peace, amongst the tribal groups.

“We have four major groups; each group is organized and has its head; the Kru, the Sar-pos, the Grebo and the Ameri-co-Liberian. However, there isn’t tribal tension and we will not allow Senator Nyenpan and Superintendent Teahjay to spoil the peace we are enjoy-ing,” Rev. Jarwlea declared.

“Over the years, we have been championing reconcili-ation, transparency, account-ability, non-violence, unity and peace --- and we made headways; but it seems our efforts are been dashed to the ground with this tribal disunity that our two honorable men--- Senator Nyenpan and Super-intendent Teahjay---have been stirring up”

The Secretary of the Move-

ment said that plans are on the way, for a “county confer-ence,” to foster reconciliation and unity amongst the citizens of Sinoe; that, it was pointed out, does not suggest that there are tribal tension.

It may be recalled that Sinoe Superintendent J. Mil-ton Teahjay, a Kru man, con-fessed being responsible for the reactivation of the ‘48 Kru Sections,’ but clarified that it was wrongly perceived. He claimed it was intended to fos-ter peace, development, and unity among the Kru tribe.

“Compared to past Superin-tendents, my office is the epit-ome of tribal equilibrium, but because of pervasive politick-ing by Senator Mobutu Nyen-pan and Rep. Matthew Zarzar, tribal disunity is hurting the county,” Superintendent Teah-jay told our reporter.

A widely reported rumor said Sen. Nyenpan and the

late Nelson Wah Bah secretly told the Sarpos in 2005, not to vote for a Kru candidate; that is supposed to have paved the way for Sen. Joseph Nagbe to emerge as Junior Senator. They also argued that prior to the elections of Rep. Zarzar of District #3, who replaced the late Rep. Bah, Rep. Zarzar promised to reconcile the Krus and Sarpos. He failed to do so after getting elected.

Senator Nyenpan, a Sarpo man, refuted the rumor and Superintendent Teahjay’s al-legation and labeled him the “virus of the county.”

He told the Daily Observer that prior to the appointment of Superintendent Teahjay, the people of Sinoe were peaceful and united, but the emergence of Teahjay brought disunity among the tribes.

Despite the heating up of the in-fighting between the Sarpos and Krus in 2011, Sinoe Coun-

ty Police Chief Superintendent Lloyd B. Togba said there has not been a major standoff.

“There is no tribal disunity though there are Kru and Sarpo Sections, and we believe they are there for development,” Police Supt. Togba said.

A group of youths, under the umbrella, Concerned Citi-zens of Sinoe County, admit-ted to the tribal division in the county, but argued that the Kru section also referred to as ‘48 Kru Section’ and the Sarpo section, called ‘Six Sarpo Sec-tion’ were established to pro-mote unity, development, and peace among tribal groups, but interferences by political actors have overshadowed the status quo.

Edward Kanmoh, secretary of Concerned Citizens, and three other members, Nelson Myers, Jlakon Blamoh, and Bill Wleh, said that the seed of tribal disunity was planted

by Senator Mobutu Nyenpan, and Representative Matthew Zarzar.

This allegation was denied by Curtis Jackson, Elijah Doe, and Alexander Wah, members of another youth group---Youth United for De-velopment, who accused Su-perintendent J. Milton Teahjay of igniting and promoting dis-unity among Sarpos and Krus in the county.

For his part, the president of the Tatweh Youth Group, who is also the head of the Federa-tion of Liberian Youth branch in Greenville, Hilary Quiatoh, also confirmed the division among the two major tribes.

“The Kru and Sarpo Sections depict a division, but we want to suggest peace conferences and meetings for the sake of bringing peace to our people,” Mr. Quiatoh said.

Sinoe Citizens

by: Conscience N. Tequah

After 366 days in 2013, we have begun a New Year. With barely

three days into 2014, many citizens have already begun to expect more of the govern-ment this year.

In every sector of govern-ment, Liberians want change and new ideas that will benefit their country and its economy.

The Daily Observer’s re-porter toured Monrovia yes-terday to hear from citizens concerning their expectations from government in 2014. Unsurprisingly, everyone had different expectations.

Moses Forkpah, a resident of the Fiamah Community in Sinkor, said that this 2014, government should pay more attention to the financial sec-tor. Mr. Forkpah called on them to see how banking in-stitutions can be improved in the services they render to the public.

“The Banking sector in Li-beria is very important, so the kind of services rendered should be up to international standards because there will always be guest in the country and they cannot be inconve-nienced,” he explained.

“Over the years, the finan-cial sector of Liberia has improved tremendously, but more has to be done. Our Bankers need more education on how to deal with customers

and clients as well,” Mr. Fork-pah said.

He also said President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf should take bold steps in the reduction of corruption, adding that the President and her colleagues should also take a more de-tailed look at concession agreements.

“It would also be in the coun-try’s interest if the President encourages more investors in the country because if they come to Liberia, there would be other responsibilities given to them. When I say respon-sibilities, I mean they would help improve other areas the county is still struggling with. Areas like water, health, elec-tricity and employment,” Mr. Forkpah concluded.

Mrs. Beatrice Holt, a resi-dent of the Old Road Com-munity, said the government has to put in place more poli-cies to combat the high rate of teenage pregnancy.

She said teenage pregnancy in Liberia remains a serious issue that has hampered the improvement and well-being of the nation’s young girls

“Our young girls these days are ruining their future for no reason. This is bad for our country. These young girls could be future leaders and decision makers; that is why they have to be protected and educated on what is right and how they should lead a healthy life,” Mrs. Holt asserted.

The Gender Ministry has done a lot to help these young women, but the minster needs

to expand upon her good work and tackle the issue more ag-gressively. Women are im-portant to every society and we cannot sit by and watch our young girls ruining their chances of becoming role models in the African set-ting,” she said.

For his part, Mr. Chucks Chosen, owner of the Chucks Chosen Business Center on Carey Street said if Liberians want a changed society, Li-berians must look up to God first.

He said Liberians must learn to accept that without the help

of God, Liberia will not expe-rience a change in this New Year.

However, he noted the Gov-ernment of Liberia should im-prove on its education system because it is through educa-tion Liberia will have good leaders for the future.

‘This Government should see how it can implement better policies to improve the education system. Teachers should be paid their proper salaries, and students should be given the necessary items needed for successful learn-ing,” Mr. Chosen explained.

We also spoke with Mrs. Watchen Bruce, the Chief of Party of the International Executive Services Corps (IESC), who said she would like to see the government working in close relationship with private sector in 2014.

She said that with such a partnership the private sector would be able to achieve its intended goals.

“Since IESC’s work is to help expand businesses across the country, we want to col-laborate with government to improve access to finance. We also want to build the capac-

ity of business owners,” Mrs. Bruce detailed.

“We want to help people know how to maintain their businesses and get steady profits so they can witness a physical manifestation of their achievements. This is being achieved through a program called Investing for Business Expansion sponsored by US-AID. Closer partnership with government is very important to these kinds of initiatives,” she concluded.

Moses Forkpah and iesC Chief of Party Watchen bruce

Expectations

Daily Observer Thursday, January 02, 2014 Page 4Tuesday, November 5, 2013For

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

Friday, January 3, 2014 Page 15

Amputee Lone Star: The Success Story in 2013

by Omari Jackson

Despite the failure of Liberian foot-ball and basketball teams to have won

titles in 2013, the Amputee Lone Star soccer team stood out as the only success story.

The team’s story in 2013 included the team’s victory in the African Nations Amputee Champions in Nairobi, Kenya. The team gladly did what oth-er teams could not do.

Granted that there are dif-ferences in the game, the fact that the players successfully defended their continental championship title and made an impressive win in far away Nairobi Kenya is nothing but impressive.

And thanks to skipper Festus Harrison, the player many of his adoring fans nicknamed Kaka, after AC Milan’s the mask man. Festus lost his left leg when he was two years, and football has been his life.

Kaka’s movement on the ball is the more remarkable for he has been playing the game with passion. He has devel-oped certain ability with the ball and he carries it with ease.

One report described his au-thority with the ball this way: “He runs at pace towards the corner and he suddenly plants one crutch in the sand and swings 270 degrees, taking the ball with him. The defender trips over his own crutches and Kaka steams towards goal.”

Another player is Moses

Kolie, who is lovely referred to as Drogba, after that great Ivorian giant Didier Drogba. The five-foot Liberian Drog-ba scores many of the team’s goals, earning him the name Drogba.

A career soccer player, Drogba scores at will and his friends love him for that.

Another report described Liberian Drogba this way: “Drogba swings on his crutch-es in an elaborate celebration, then looks over with I “told-you-so” grin on his face and slaps the ball into the net, and his friends hop over to em-

brace him.”In their recent African Na-

tions Cup finals in Kenya, Liberia defeated Angola 2-1 before a record crowd at the Nyayo Sports Stadium to win and set a historic record as the three-time winner. For now the Amputee Lone Star is the only team that has proven to repre-

sent Liberia with victories.But in their efforts to better

represent Liberia in continen-tal games, the team has to go through lots of challenges till help came from important places. There were times when the playing team cried for sup-port.

At the last crucial trip in Ke-nya, President Sirleaf personal-

ly provided U$4,000.00; Soc-cer4Hope gave U$1,000.00 and Mr. Robert Sirleaf (BYC) also provided a considerable amount.

The National Oil Company of Liberia, NOCAL, made the team’s trip to Kenya possible and the team did not disap-point the nation as a result. What is impressive about the Amputee Lone Star is the play-ers’ determination to achieve what their fellows in the regu-lar Lone Star have failed to do, despite huge financial support.

Festus Harrison Kaka and his colleagues deserve the appre-

ciation of all Liberians. They have proven how capable they are to defend their own and to make the country proud.

We must be determined to help the Amputee Lone Star in 2014 so that they can continue to improve the image of the country in the only competi-tion that we are the champions.

skipper Festus Harrison (Kaka) of amputee lone

star

Kotoko Dominates Ghana’s Chan Squad

Ghana have made the difficult deci-sion on which four players to cut from

their provisional squad train-ing in Namibia and named their final 23-man selection for the upcoming African Nations Championship.

Coach Maxwell Konadu settled on a selection that has eight players from halfway point leaders Asante Kotoko and includes the three top scor-ers from the premier league – Seidu Bansey (Hasaacas), Sul-ley Mohammed (King Faisal) and Samuel Afful (Kotoko).

Hearts of Oak captain Moro Abubakar is among four play-ers axed from the squad along with Heart of Lions experi-enced midfielder Edmund Owusu Ansah, Ebusua Dwarfs striker Richard Gadze and Wa All Stars defender Joshua Otoo.

Ghana playa friendly against Namibia in Windhoek on Saturday before heading to South Africa where they will be based in Bloemfontein and

take on Libya, Ethiopia and Congo in Group C.

Goalkeepers: Foli Adade (Medeama), Stephen Adams (Aduana Stars), Isaac Amoako (Asante Kotoko)

Defenders: Kwabena Adu-sei, Abeiku Ainooson (both Asante Kotoko), Tijani Joshua (AshantiGold), Francis Mor-ton (Ebusua Dwarfs), Alfred Nelson (Liberty Profession-als), Godfred Saka (Aduana Stars), Nuru Sulley (Hearts of Oak)

Midfielders: Michael Akuffo (Asante Kotoko), Theophilus Anobaah (Medeama), Aseidu Attorbrah (New Edubiase), Latif Mohammed (Ashan-tiGold), Yahaya Moham-med, Richard Mpong, Jordan Opoku (all Asante Kotoko), Jackson Owusu (Berekum Chelsea)

Strikers: Samuel Afful (Hasaacas), Paul De-Vries Asare (Wa All Stars), Seidu Bansey (Asante Kotoko), Kennedy Boateng (Medeama), Sulley Mohammed (King Faisal)

Kotoko’s abubakar Mohammed

Women’s Premier League in Nigeria

Delta Queens head coach; Dan Evu-mena has rallied his colleagues to

make a huge success of the maiden edition of the Nigeria Women’s Premier League due to kick off on February 15.

The 12-team elite league will be played among the reg-istered top six finishers in each of the groups in the 2012/13

Nigeria Women’s Professional League (NWPL).

The debutants are Group A winners, Nasarawa Amazons, Delta Queens, FC Robo, Ad-amawa Queens, Osun Babes and FC Taraba Queens as well as Group B winners, Rivers Angels, Bayelsa Queens, Peli-can Stars, Ibom Angels, Sun-shine Queens and Police Ma-chine is scheduled to kickoff on February 15, 2014.

Evumena said his side will adhere strictly to the timetable and enjoined the league body to work assiduously to ensure the league date and program are sacrosanct.

“The Nigeria Women’s Pre-mier League is a reality and will surely make its debut on February 15 among the 12 teams that excelled at the 2012/13 Nigeria Women’s Professional League. Delta Queens have already picked

their form and will meet the submission date deadline.

“I know the Premier League hitch will most likely come from the clubs not the board but I’m begging the clubs to cooperate with the league body to make the kickoff date sacrosanct.

“The league body, too must fashion out the calendar so as to fit in into the programs of the World Cup, African Wom-en’s Championship as well as the NFF (Nigeria Football Federation) Federation Cup competitions.

“When dates are respected

people are likely to take the program serious, so I call on my colleagues to rise up to the occasion and make the Nigeria Women’s Premier League a dream come true on February 15,” said the former Falconets coach to supersport.com.

Evumena said it is the dream of his side to continue to dic-tate the pace of the women’s league in the land.

“We’re still the subsisting women’s league champions and we hope to extend our leadership even in the Premier League,” Evumena said.

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Kpademai Citizens Crave More Development-Laud Media Veteran for Electrifying Their Town, and Other Developments

By William Q. Harmon

The town of Kpademai and its citizens are craving more d e v e l o p m e n t despite being

considered the most modern and civilized town in Lofa County and by extension Libe-ria in terms of modern facilities and other amenities.

The town residents, through an initiative of one of their re-nowned sons, Journalist Aaron Kollie, just completed the con-struction of a modern town hall equipped with a refrigera-tor, DSTV service shown on a 52-inch plasma television, and a 10-KVA generator that sup-plies electricity for at least eight hours daily.

Kpademai’s citizens gathered on Christmas Day for a reunion. Most of them reside in Monro-

via, others reside in other parts of Lofa, and throughout the country. During the festivities most of the citizens called on central and regional govern-ment officials to take develop-ment to the people.

Kpademai is known as the “City in the Forest”, and is located in Voinjama District with the fog-covered Wologizi Mountain overlooking the town all year round. The surround-

ings are lush and green with clean natural air and fresh flow-ing river and streams at one end of the town. Nearly 2000 resi-dents living in 150 houses in the town.

They lauded Mr. Kollie for the initiative, which they said would add another dimension to the town’s daily life; which is principally concerned with going to and coming from the farm, and then going to bed.

The residents thanked Mr. Kollie for adding amusement to their daily routine by building the town hall where they con-verge every evening to watch DSTV and interact. The citizens termed the construction of the town hall and its following in-centives as a milestone.

They called on other well-meaning citizens of the county to emulate the example of the veteran Liberian journalist and

Journalist Aaron Kollie and Kpademai citizens at a reunion gathering

engage in projects to improve the lives of rural dwellers.

Saybah Kollie, a resident said: “We want to call on our govern-ment officials and other big peo-ple in our society to start help-ing us village people. All of the natural resources that the people are enjoying in Monrovia come from the interior, but our gov-ernment officials forget to give back to us. It is unfortunate that we have been considered the least among our nation’s people.

She furthered, “We are grate-ful to Brother Aaron Kollie who has seen the need to give back to his people by constructing this beautiful town hall and pro-viding us with electricity every night, we are very grateful to him. If more of our brothers and sisters who have achieved Mr. Kollie’s level in society were giving back to us villagers’, our lives could improve a little bit.”

“We no longer have to go on the three-hour walk to the main road to charge our phones any-more because we have electric-ity in our town now. When it is in the evening are happy to come to town and watch DSTV. Mr. Kollie will always be in

our hearts because of what he has done in this town. He has proven his love for us,” a youth who identified himself as Subah Farkollie, said.

For his part, the man in the center of the development ini-tiatives, Mr. Aaron Kollie said that he was proud to see his peo-ple so anxious to develop their town and their lives. “When I announced this initiative my people embraced it wholeheart-edly, and everyone, including women and children, worked tirelessly for us to reach where we are today.

“This initiative’s credits should not be attributed to me, but the people, because they have been in the center of it all. I am grateful that we have reached this far. I want to call on everyone to see this project as their own and take good care of it so we all can benefit mean-ingfully,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, the resident dis-closed that the town chief asked them to contribute LD $50.00 every month for the up-keep and running of the generator and other equipment.Nimba Joint-Security Boosts Security

at the Liberia-Ivory Coast BorderBy Ishmael F. Menkor

Joint security in Nimba County is working hard to en-sure that security along the Liberia-Ivory Coast border

remains stable and peaceful---thanks to the involvement of many of the locals.

On Sunday, 29th December 2013, a joint security team led by Nimba Police Superinten-dent Tito Loden---with sup-port from the United Nations Mission in Liberia, (UNMIL) began another round of what is known as a ‘confident build-ing,’ border- patrol along the Liberia-Ivory Coast border beginning from Dulay in the North, to Buutuo in the South.

The security apparatus held a series of discussions with community leaders in almost all the towns and villages vis-ited, asking the locals to de-velop some confidence in the

security assigned their com-munity. It was suggested that they kept abreast of any and all information that had the propensity to generate a sense of insecurity or create anxiety.

“This patrol is called ‘confi-dence building’ border-patrol because we want the citizens to have confidence in their se-curity officers so that together, we can combat crimes,” Supt. Tito Loden said.

“We depend on you people highly for information to en-sure immediate action on any security issue in your area,” said Maj. J Gondah Walkie Jr., Commander BIN Border Pa-trol Unit in Nimba.

Since the war most of the bordering roads are yet to be rehabilitated making very cru-cial for security operation to be effective.

“There is a shorter road here linking Buutuo to Behwahlay, passing through the home of former SSS Director Yeaten;

but it is yet to be rehabilitat-ed,” an elderly lady told this reporter outside of the meeting in Buutuo.

“This piece of road covers several communities, all of which have a crossing point to the Ivory Coast; there is no security assigned to those ar-eas because of the road condi-tion,” she added.

The presence of the patrol team brought great relieved to communities bordering the frontier with the Ivory Coast because according to some citizens, the lack of armed-se-curity within their areas makes them vulnerable.

“Even though the relation-ship with our Ivorian counter-part is cordial, the presence of our armed-security around us makes us proud and we are very impressed and happy,” said Joseph Gbeadeh, Youth Leader in Gborplay Town.

The patrol includes; the Bor-der Patrol Unit of the Bureau

of Immigration and Natural-ization, the Emergency Re-sponse Unit of Liberia Na-tional Police, the UN Head of Field Office in Nimba and UNMIL police.

Meanwhile, the head of UN Field, Mr. Gibril Tory has thanked the citizens for keep-ing the peace in Liberia.

He also urged them to col-laborate with the security so as to maintain the peace and security in the country; as he put, the “police cannot oper-ate effectively without your collaboration---and security begins with you.”

“We want peace and when there is peace there will be de-velopment,” he added.

Insecurity had been looming along the border with The Ivo-ry Coast since 2010, marked by repeated cross-border at-tacks, allegedly by forces loy-al to former Ivorian President, Laurent Gbagbo.

In April, last year, there was shooting around Buutuo on the Ivorian side of the border by the Ivorian Military who became suspicious of a cross-border attack from Liberia.

FRIDAY, JAN. 3, 2014, vol. 16, No.48indd 1 1/3/14 12:17 AM