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EDITION

EDITORIALPut the National Cultural Center

Where It Belongs: in Bomi’s Dowein

District

LOCAL NEWS‘Illegal’

Convention

COMMENTARYAward Should Spur Treasury Boss Konneh

BUSINESSAir Cote d’Ivoire Adds Liberia to

19-Nation Route

SPORTS‘Vandalism is

Unacceptable in Sports,’ - Minister

Eugene Nagbe

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See Pg. 19

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S/Court Suspends Justice Minister

For Relocating Liberia’s Cultural Center Faraway from Culture and forgetting Bai T. Moore

Observer Publisher, Bai T. Moore’s Son, Critical of Government

Justice Minister Tah has been barred from practicing law in Liberia for six months

Vice President Boakai in an interview with Daily Observer

See story on Pg.14

See story on Pg.14

Boakai Resists Gay Marriage, Embraces FGM

Mr. Best (left) stressing the need to remember the late Bai T. Moore, while photographer extraordinaire, Sando Moore, son of Bai T. Moore, expressed reservations about treatment given his late father

Cont’d on pg. 14

By Joaquin Sendolo

The publisher and managing direc-tor of the Daily Observer, Ken-neth Y. Best,

says that forgetting Liberian cultural hero, Bai T. Moore,

and relocating the Liberian Culture Center to Marshall, manifests ingratitude on the part of the Liberian govern-ment to the long-time cul-tural icon, poet and novelist.

Speaking in Dimeh Town in Bomi County last Friday at a program marking the 26th an-

niversary of Bai T. Moore’s death, Mr. Best described Mr. Moore as a patriot in the cul-tural realm who along with a few others, put Liberia on the cultural map of the world. But the publisher wondered

MONDAY, JAN. 13, 2014, vol. 16, No.indd 2 1/12/14 11:50 PM

Daily Observer sunday, January 12, 2014 Monday, January 13, 2014Foreign Briefs

Page 2World News Iran Nuclear Deal to Enter

into Force on 20 January(BBC) - An interim

agreement to freeze Iran’s nuclear programme will enter into force on 20 January, it has been announced.

The deal, agreed in talks with world powers in November, envisages easing of some international sanctions on Tehran.

US President Barack Obama welcomed the news but said more work was needed to strike a long-term deal. He threatened new sanctions if there was a breach.

The West accuses Iran of seeking nuclear weapons, but Tehran has consistently denied that.

The EU’s foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said the world powers would now ask the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog (IAEA) to verify the deal’s implementation.

Ms Ashton represents the five permanent members of the UN Security Council - US, Russia, China, France and Britain - plus Germany in the

talks with Iran. “We will ask the IAEA

to undertake the necessary nuclear-related monitoring and verification activities,” she said.

What Iran will do: • Halt enrichment of uranium

above 5% purity• “Neutralise” its stockpile of

near-20%-enriched uranium• Not install any more

centrifuges (the machines used to enrich uranium)

What world powers will do:• Not impose further nuclear-

related sanctions

• Suspend certain sanctions on trade

• Transfer $4.2bn (£2.6bn) to Iran in instalments from sales of its oil

Under the terms of the deal, Iran has agreed to halt enrichment of uranium above 5% purity, “neutralise” its stockpile of near-20%-enriched uranium and provide daily access to inspectors.

In return, the world powers agreed to suspend certain sanctions on trade in gold and precious metals, Iran’s automotive sector, and its

petrochemical exports.In his statement, President

Obama said: “Beginning 20 January, Iran will for the first time start eliminating its stockpile of higher levels of enriched uranium and dismantling some of the infrastructure that makes such enrichment possible.”

In return, he added, over the next six months the US and the other five powers would begin to implement “modest relief” so long as Iran fulfilled its obligations.

“Meanwhile, we will continue to vigorously enforce the broader sanctions regime, and if Iran fails to meet its commitments we will move to increase our sanctions,” he said.

And in a warning to his critics in the US Congress, who want to impose additional sanctions, he said he would veto any legislation enacting new sanctions during the negotiations.

 UN inspectors visited iran’s arak heavy water production plant last month

Pope Francis to Appoint 19 New Cardinals

(BBC) - Pope Francis is to appoint 19 new cardinals next month, including churchmen from Haiti and Burkina Faso, reflecting his commitment to the poor.

Cardinals, who wear red hats and robes, are the most senior clergymen in the Roman Catholic Church below the Pope.

Sixteen of the new appointees are under 80, making them eligible to enter a conclave to elect the Pope’s successor.

The new cardinals will be formally instated at a ceremony, known as a consistory, on 22 February.

Some of the new cardinals are very well-known figures, who would have been almost automatic choices - not least

the Vatican’s newly appointed secretary of state, Archbishop Pietro Parolin.

But others from more remote corners of the Catholic world are much less familiar. The Vatican’s brief biographies give just the barest outline of their careers.

But we know the type of men that Pope Francis is likely to have gone looking for.

They would have been clerics who have demonstrated a readiness to immerse themselves in the lives and problems of the believers around them.

Pope Francis admires priests who, in his words, “smell of their flock”.

And his new appointees from places like Haiti and Burkina

Faso will surely know all about the hardship and poverty endured by many Catholics in Africa and the Americas.

The three clergymen over 80 come from Spain, Italy and the Caribbean island of St Lucia. They will assume the title cardinal emeritus.

‘Humbling moment’ Pope Francis named his new

cardinals during his weekly, Sunday address to worshippers gathered in St Peter’s Square.

They come from all corners of the world, including Italy, Germany, Britain, Nicaragua, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, South Korea, Chile and the Philippines.

As expected, a few of those named are very well-known, established figures at the Vatican, says the BBC’s Alan Johnston in Rome.

But among those chosen are also men from countries like Haiti, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso.

The Vatican spokesman said that this was in keeping with the Pope’s drive to put the world’s poor at the core of the Church’s mission.

The Archbishop of Westminster, Vincent Nichols has been named as one of the new cardinals, and said he was deeply moved by what he called the honour conferred by the Pope on the Catholic Church in England and Wales.

“Personally this is a humbling moment,” he said.

The 19 new Cardinals• Archbishop Pietro Parolin

(Italy)• Archbishop Lorenzo

Baldisseri (Italy)• Archbishop Gerhard

Ludwig Muller (Germany)• Archbishop, Beniamino

Stella (Italy)• Archbishop Vincent

Nichols (Britain)• Archbishop Leopoldo José

Brenes Solórzano (Nicaragua)• Archbishop Gérald Cyprien

Lacroix (Canada)• Archbishop Jean-Pierre

Kutwa (Ivory Coast)• Archbishop Orani João

Tempesta (Brazil)• Archbishop Gualtiero

Bassetti (Italy)• Archbishop Mario Aurelio

Poli (Argentina)• Archbishop Andrew Yeom

Soo Jung (South Korea)• Archbishop Ricardo Ezzati

Andrello (Chile)• Archbishop Philippe

Nakellentuba Ouédraogo (Burkina Faso)

• Archbishop Orlando B. Quevedo (Philippines)

• Archbishop Chibly Langlois (Haiti)

• Monsignor Loris Francesco Capovilla (Italy) *

• Archbishop Fernando Sebastián Aguilar (Spain) *

• Monsignor Kelvin Edward Felix (St Lucia)

 Pope Francis named his new cardinals during his sunday address

Ariel Sharon Death: Israelis

Pay Respects at Knesset

(BBC) - Thousands of Israelis have filed past the body of ex-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, who died on Saturday aged 85 - after eight years in a coma.

Draped in a flag, his coffin lay in state outside the parliament building in Jerusalem.

A state funeral will take place on Monday before a military burial ceremony at his ranch near Sderot.

Israeli and world figures have paid tribute to Mr Sharon but there was little sorrow among Palestinians.

Many Israelis felt they’d said goodbye to Ariel Sharon when he slipped into a coma eight years ago.

But the end of that long and agonizing period for his family when he lay suspended between life and death has prompted an outpouring of grief and reflection.

Sharon was a part of the generation that created the state of Israel and even Israelis who didn’t much care for his politics recognized his stature.

Shuttle buses will take members of the public to the Knesset, the Israeli parliament where his coffin will lie in state. One of the pick-up points will be at Latrun - an old British Army fortress on the road between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv where the young Ariel Sharon fought - and was seriously injured - in the war of independence back in 1948.

Given the bitterly divided history of the modern Middle East it’s inevitable perhaps that a man eulogized by Israelis would be demonized by its Arab enemies. Nothing in that would have surprised Sharon who understood the region well and saw his role as the establishment and protection of the Jewish state in which he passionately believed.

Mr Sharon’s body was brought to the Knesset (the Israeli parliament) on Sunday morning and his coffin was then placed on a podium in the plaza outside the building, where it lay in state throughout the day.

Prayers were said as flags flew at half mast. President Shimon Peres laid a wreath and stood in silence beside the coffin.

A steady stream of thousands of people filed past the podium. Many took pictures while others lit candles in memory of the former leader.

The number of people grew as darkness fell, with some elderly mourners moved to tears.

Ministers held a minute’s silence at Sunday’s cabinet meeting to remember their former leader. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his colleagues that Mr Sharon was “tied to the land and knew that it had to be defended”.

A state funeral will be held at the Knesset on Monday, before Mr Sharon’s body is

taken to his farm, Sycamore ranch, near Sderot in southern Israel where he will be buried in a military ceremony next to his wife Lili, who died in 2000.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to accompany the coffin on his final journey, Israeli army radio reports.

Dignitaries from around the world are thought likely to

attend the Knesset memorial service, including US Vice President Joe Biden, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Middle East international envoy Tony Blair and German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

• 07:30 GMT Knesset state memorial service in Jerusalem attended by international dignitaries

(BBC) - Rival militiamen have embraced each other in a district of the Central African Republic capital Bangui after the French military brokered a truce. Gunmen laid down arms in the city’s southern district of Bimbo after days of bitter fighting there between Muslim and Christian groups. The violence-racked city is much calmer though fighting continues elsewhere, a BBC correspondent reports.Talks are due to begin on Monday on electing a new, acting president.

CAR

(BBC) - Venezuela’s interior minister has given out his personal mobile phone number on live television, and urged police officers to call him directly to report cases of corruption within the force. Miguel Rodriguez said rooting out corruption was the only way for the police to regain public trust. Police corruption is seen as one reason why Venezuela has one of the highest murder rates in the world. His comments come amid public anger after the murder of Monica Spear.

Venezuela

(BBC) - Egypt’s army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi will run for president if the people request it and the military supports the bid, state media quote him saying. “If I nominate myself, there must be a popular demand, and a mandate from my army,” state paper Al-Ahram quoted him as telling Egyptian officials. The general feels he could not stand aside if there was palpable demand for him to run, an official told AFP. Recent local reports have suggested the general is eyeing a presidential bid.

Egypt

(BBC) - French First Lady Valerie Trierweiler has been admitted to hospital after media reports of an alleged affair involving President Francois Hollande. She entered hospital on Friday “for rest and some tests”, her office said, after Closer magazine published images linking him to actress Julie Gayet. Mr. Hollande did not deny the report but protested at invasion of his privacy. Conservative opposition leader Jean-Francois Cope has suggested the drama has damaged France’s image abroad.

France

 

Ariel Sharon’s coffin lay in state outside the parliament building

(BBC) - Tunisia’s Islamist Prime Minister Ali Larayedh has resigned, fulfilling a pledge taken last year to help end the country’s political deadlock.

The political crisis was brought about by the assassination of secular politician Mohamed Brahimi in July.

He will be replaced by Industry Minister Mehdi Jomaa, who will head a non-partisan, caretaker government.

Tunisia

Daily Observer sunday, January 12, 2014 Page 4Tuesday, November 5, 2013Monday, January 13, 2013 Page 3

‘Illegal’ ConventionGould, NeC Describes NPP rally

by Keith Morris

National Patriotic Party (NPP) em-battled chairman Cllr. Theophilus

C. Gould has termed as ille-gal, a recent convention of the party as announced by some National Executive Commit-tee members of the party.

Representatives James Ban-ney, George Mulbah and Abraham V. Coneh, along with several others are holding a political rally in Congo Town for the purpose of conducting the 6th Biennial Convention of the NPP.

In conversation with the Dai-ly Observer Thursday, January 09, Cllr. Gould described the rally as “George Mulbah and others illegal rally.”

He maintained that the rally is for a few renegade members and does not cover the entire membership. He announced that NPP has a planned con-vention as mandated by the electoral governing body and not an event recognized by an illegitimate body.

Cllr. Gould said he remains chairman who has the all- le-gal standing to conduct the convention, according to the laws of the party and the Na-tional Elections Commission (NEC).

However, Rep. Banney told

reporters that the convention is legal and considered by a two-third membership of NPP.

Rep. Banney agreed that chairman Gould will not at-tend the convention as presid-ing officer but failed to name who chairs the convention in the absence of NPP chairman.

NEC recently suspended

NPP for failing to conduct its affairs properly in accordance with party policy and electoral laws.

According the Commission, the party remains suspended until a convention can be con-ducted under the authority of Cllr. Gould as chairman, Joel

Kennedy Media and Outreach Director of NEC told this pa-per yesterday.

The “so-called convention” as claimed by Cllr. Gould started yesterday with only two countie’s delegates in attendance, River Cess and Montserrado.

Interestingly, the ‘James Banney and others conven-tion’ started with delegates having no access to the party’s

building that remains lock with Gould in possession of the keys to the building.

For hours, Representatives Banney, Mulbah and Corneh were lockup in a car strategiz-ing how to begin the process that is heavily guarded by po-lice officers. Up to press time,

delegates could not get in the main headquarters and setup tanks for shelter.

Rep. Banney accused Cllr. Gould of leasing NPP property in Sinkor to Ezzat Eid for 60 years without the consent of the National Executive Com-mittee members; but Gould rubbished the allegation stat-ing “the party leadership does not need the signatures of the entire body for such a legal

document or arrangement.”NPP headquarters was

Wednesday, 8 January a scene of disorder and rioting with party authorities nearly engag-ing in a fist fight. Police had to quickly rush in to save lives and property.

scene of the locked NPP Headquarters

says liberian veterinarian

‘Veterinary Medicine is Scarce in Liberia’

by Judoemue Mohmoh Kollie

A Liberian veteri-narian says that in order to increase poultry and meat

production in the country, there is a need for Liberians to think about the establish-ment of animal medicine business in the country.

Mr. Charles Holkins, chief executive officer of the Price Trading Incorporated vet-erinary store, made the state-ment yesterday to the Daily Observer in an exclusive in-terview at his business center in Monrovia.

According to Mr. Holkins, due to the scarcity of animal drugs in the country, Liberian animal farmers find it dif-ficult to get access to veteri-nary medicine.

“Providing veterinary medicine for local farmers would help enhance animal production in the country. I have observed that many ani-mal farmers are traveling to neighboring countries to pur-

chase drugs for the health of their animals.

He said that it is because of this need, he has established a drug store in the country.

“I have initiated the estab-lishment of veterinary phar-macies on Somalia Drive, Monrovia, and another branch in Ganta to address the urgent need of animal farmers. I believe it is by this means that we can reduce the constraints facing animal farmers.

He stated that the drugs are sold at an affordable price.

Mr. Holkins explained that they are also involved in pro-viding technical services to the farmers.

“Many of the farmers lack the technical knowledge to treat their livestock and poul-try,” he explained.

The Price Trading Incorpo-rated Store is the only drug store for animals in Liberia since the end of the Liberian civil crisis. It was established in 2010, to help solve vet-erinary drug scarcity, thus enhancing poultry and meat production.

President Sirleaf Names Officials to Forestry Development Authority,

Bureau of Immigration & Naturalization, National Archives

President Ellen John-son Sirleaf has ap-pointed the following officials to positions

in government, pending con-firmation hearingswhere ap-plicable,

Forestry Development Authority

Mr. Harrison Karnwea – Managing Director

Mr. Kedrick Johnson – As-sistant Managing Director for Administration

Mr. Darlington Saykay Tua-gben – Assistant Managing Director for Operations

Bureau of Immigration & Naturalization

Mr. Lemuel Reeves – Com-missioner

Mr. Robert Budy – Deputy Commissioner for Operations

(re-instated)

National ArchivesMr. Martin Saye Kollah –

Assistant Director for Admin-istration

Prez. ellen Johnson-sirleaf

Deaf Program Director Underscores Challenges facing Deaf Children in Liberia

by Joaquin sendolo

The Director of Hope for the Deaf, David T. Worlobah, says deaf children and

even adults in Liberia are more vulnerable than other physi-cally challenged people.

Mr. Worlobah speaking in an interview with the Daily Ob-server recently at the Hope for the Deaf Center on the com-pound of the United Method-ist on 13th Street said because deaf persons appear like nor-mal people, they are made to feel deprived by the way peo-ple talk or act to them.

Worlobah spoke at a brief program organized by the Hope for the Deaf to compile a documentary on problems fac-ing deaf people in Liberia.

Citing several instances about ugly treatments given deaf persons, Worlobah said they find it more difficult to cross motor roads especially in Monrovia and other busy towns because they are unable to communicate to the under-standing of drivers.

He said deaf children spend much time standing by road-side to seeking assistance to cross because they unable to communicate with normal people.

“And when he/she gets on car without communicating as others do, people make them

to feel inferior,” he added. He further noted that deaf

girls are vulnerable to rap-ists because they are unable to speak out to the hearing of people, and as such they are rapped on many occasions.

He said at one point in time two deaf girls were raped and the alleged perpetrators were detained for a day at the Mon-rovia Central Prison, but he was surprised to see the same men out after a day.

He added that most times some men will pregnant deaf girls and go away from them because they are unable to call names, stressing, “They are indeed vulnerable and need help from government to have

a well prepared center with trained people to teach them.”

“Another key instance here that is a serious challenge is medical treatment for the deaf at a health center. There is no one, not even the parent to in-terpret to the medical person-nel the health problem encoun-tered by the deaf. This has led to the death of one of my students identified as Patience because the doctor could not diagnosed her case as the par-ent were unable to interpret her concerns to that doctor,” Worlobah said.

He cited another instance that many parents do not iden-tify with the deaf as they do to other children who are not

challenged by this condition.Concerning academic chal-

lenge and job opportunities for the deaf, Mr. Worlobah recalled that the Hope for the Deaf was established to pro-vide education for the deaf children through sign commu-nication to make them market-able.

He said they started the pro-gram with a tutorial class ear-lier, and in 2003 it became a fully recognized institution for the deaf in Liberia.

“We provide academic edu-cation and vocational skills to give these deaf children the opportunities to be marketable in the society. As you may know, it is quite challenging

 

a group of deaf students singing in sign and dancing to a music

for a normal person without a degree to get a job. What’s about deaf person who cannot explain his/her potential? We therefore did this to teach them through sign that they will overcome the challenges,” he noted.

Specifically for the voca-tional skills the director noted that students are learning shoe

making and Tailoring.He said the deaf persons in

Liberia are grossly marginal-ized in terms of education as communication with them is skillfully done through sign. By that he said it will be better government provides a center with trained people in sign communication to provide op-portunity for these people.

Daily Observer sunday, January 12, 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

Monday, January 13, 2014

Put the National Cultural Center Where It Belongs: in Bomi’s Dowein District

Most of us have heard of Bai T. Moore, the celebrated Liberian and international cultural icon, who did so much for cultural reawakening in Liberia.

But how many of us have heard of Dwuala Bukele? Well, he was the inventor of the Vai Script, the written expression of the Vai language. It was one of only two African languages that have their original scripts, unrelated to the Latin or Arabic alphabets. In other words, they are original.

So what is the point about these two men? What is the relationship between Bai T. Moore and Dwuala Bukele?

Both of them hail from the same Dowein culture that links the Vais (Dwuala), Golas and the Deys (Bai T.). These cultures have very deep and strong linkages with indigenous cultures that crisscross Montserrado, Margibi (especially the greater Kakata-Firestone area), Bong, Nimba, Grand Bassa, Lofa and

Gbarpolu counties. It is in these cultures that the Porro and Sande traditions are strongest.

Bai T. Moore’s remains are buried in Dimeh. Not far up the street from Dimeh is the Besao Cultural Village, a place that Bai T. frequently took cultural enthusiasts on pilgrimages. We understand that some of the early Liberian kings are buried there.

The point we are trying to make is that we know of no better place for the National Cultural Center that in the Dimeh-Besao areas. But the Ministry of Information and the Liberian government want to plant the new Cultural Center in Marshall, a place totally alien to Liberian indigenous culture. We know of no Porro or Sande bushes in Marshall, nor do we know of any substantial cultural groups in the area. What we do remember is that when Mr. John Bestman opened his motel in Marshall a few years ago, he invited Julie Endee and her Crusaders for Peace to do the cultural honors for Vice President Joseph N. Boakai and other dignitaries.

On the other hand, there are many cultural activities ongoing all of the time in Dimeh and Besao. Both the Porro and Sande bushes are in Besao. Unconfirmed sources say it was in Besao that President Tolbert joined the Porro Society. We understand that in 1978 he accompanied the King of Lesotho to Besao. And King Njola, one of the signers of the Land Treaty with the settlers, is buried in Besao. Another very powerful historical figure, King Sao Boso, is buried not too far from Besao, in Gbarpolu, most probably in Bopolu, one of the county’s main towns.

This Dewoin area we are proposing for the location of the National Cultural Center is, it seems to us, the most natural place for such a center. What is there in Marshall besides the fishing village of Fanti Town? Yes, there is the proposed new headquarters of the Liberian Maritime Authority, but that is not a cultural but a marine institution. They have their performances, but these are on the sea. We hope that one day they will build a dry dock there for the repair of vessels traveling to West Africa.

Marshall is also a potentially great tourist destination. We pray that it will be the home of at least two five-star hotels. The tourists could travel from there to the Dowein District to see first class cultural performances. That would be an expedition that tourists would fondly remember.

We trust that the government will see reason to change its mind about where to put the National Cultural Center and place it where it belongs, in the Dowein District, especially Besao, which already has an open air theatre and all other facilities relevant to a cultural village. The people of Besao have made it plain that they would welcome the National Cultural Center in their area. The culture is already there in abundance. All that will be needed would be build a modern theatre, an Arts and Crafts Shop, and the 23 or more cultural villages to accommodate the acrobats, artists, dancers, dramatists, drummers, singers and all other cultural experts from Liberia’s 16 major ethnic groups. There, as they did for decades in Kendeja, they can dwell together in peace, harmony and creativity, practicing and refining their crafts and preparing to present their ingenious cultural displays to the nation and the world.

Award Should Spur Treasury Boss Konnehby F. Momolu Dorley, istanbul

University, ba international relations and Politics

(dorleymomolu@gmail.com)

After being molested in a spate of secret recordings, in which fellow government officials took a private and personal spite at him, Liberia’s treasury boss Amara Konneh’s efforts and commitment in mending the nation’s broken fiscal policy have received a clear, implicit endorse-ment. Amidst public bashing and banter for his robust administrative and pro-fessional style, Konneh has stuck to his brand and does not seem wrong.

His brand, uncommon in Liberia and Africa, has not gone unnoticed. A horde of financial analysts and scholars of the London-based Magazine-the Bankers - which project expert’s opinion on global financial prudence have awarded its 2013 Africa Minister of Finance of the Year to Liberia’s Amara Konneh. The Magazine credits Konneh for wide-ranging econom-ic reforms that are being carried out to de-velop Liberia’s institutions, infrastructure and financial system.

The news that Minister Konneh is Af-rica’s Finance Minister of the year among five dozens colleagues on the continent with some of the world’s emerging econo-mies, has already triggered heated de-bates on various social networks, where Liberians have their presence. Opponents of the Government and Konneh are indi-cating that the award has less novelty for the country and its many slum dwellers scratching bare subsistence.

For a wrecked West African country, only a couple of years ago with hardly a beacon of hope on the horizons for finan-cial palpability, often portrayed by cyn-ics as a poster child for corruption, the approbation from the magazine is a sign that amidst all the odds, the Ministry of Finance is tightening the screw in a bid to curb graft.

The Bankers, a subsidiary of the Finan-cial Times, divulged that Liberian fiscal manager’s award represents a vote of con-fidence by the markets in the role played by the Liberian Minister of Finance over the past year.

Walking through his script of civic duty to enumerate the state of Liberia’s economy, Konneh told Frontpage Af-rica last year, “The economy is moving in the right direction, especially looking at where we were saying five years ago. The problem is the growth we have seen has not created opportunities for employ-ment. And the reason is we do not have the necessary investment activities that can absorb a good portion of the labor we have in supply, mainly cheap labor. The

vast majority of young people looking for work simply want to make ends meet and feed their families. They need cash-based jobs. All the concession operations combined at this stage of their develop-ment cannot even absorb 5% of this job supply, as much more work is required to ensure they develop and expand, creating a job demand potential. The government itself cannot even address this problem through our bureaucracy. So, we need to create the enabling environment to stimu-late growth in the economy that would in turn create job opportunities. By provid-ing cheap electricity, access to roads and expanding our ports, we remove critical constraints to grow and provide the incen-tive for industries to invest in the country. Until these constraints are removed, we are not going to attract these kinds of in-vestments.”

We agree with the Minister that sorting out the issue of power; road networks will definitely spurs the economy to a double digits growth and create job opportunities. However, quick impact measures that will arrest the current high level of youth un-employment should be of paramount con-cern to the Liberian government.

We understand that Liberia is operating on a thin budget which cannot cater to the country huge needs after years of war. However, most of the meager resources are expended on government salaries and perhaps some of these fat salaries should be chiseled away and directed to pro-poor programs.

In most nations, young people are feel-ing the pinch of the economy downturns. Jobs are in short or no supply as the eco-nomic gravitates from labor intensive to capital intensive. Young people in Liberia have little interest in rocking the boat evi-dence of the growing trade in drugs, rob-bery, and the rampant commotion for the

president to step-down is eloquent of their despairs.

Putting these people to work should be the utmost priority of the Government. And that leads me to the rehearsal of my recommendation couple of years ago. Smart governments around the world have crafted novel ways and means to deal with such pressing economy issues — youth unemployment.

Governments are partnering with private institutions in setting up Venture Capi-tal. These financial resources in various forms of assistance are provided to early-stage, high-potential, high risk, growth startup companies. The venture capital fund makes money by owning equity in the companies it invests in, which usu-ally have a novel technology or business model.

Every year, these governments running the capital host program wherein young people pitch their project teasers. These project teasers are then evaluated and the ones with high potentials to succeed are selected and awarded seed funding.

This is a novel way in which the Libe-rian government and private sectors – es-pecially those multi-million dollars com-panies operating in Liberia can construct an institution that systematically creates networks for the new firms and industries, put young people to work.

This institution helps in identifying and combining pieces of ingenuities on finance, technical expertise, know-hows of marketing and business models. Once integrated, these enterprises succeed by becoming nodes in the search networks for designing and building products in their domain.

With a sail in his wings, we are calling on the Finance Minister to set aside a bud-get for such initiative in 2014. Don’t say, Liberians don’t have brains, - the nation is a virgin paradise for start-ups and there are many industrious and inventive Li-berians born into abject poverty but who may yet birth grand, ground-breaking ideas. What this requires is an ignition, a little push-up from the government to tap into these untapped potentials.

Konneh has established his and it now has peer endorsement. I urge him to turn the energy on working for and with Libe-ria’s next generation of technocrats. Rep-licate your brand among Liberia’s young people, touch and torch more young lives. I challenge you in 2014 to begin a pro-gram that identifies smart universities and college students, determine high school graduates and innovative ordinary people who seek to thrive and deserve a thrust. Don’t rest on your laurels, for to who much is given, much is expected. It is my hope this is the start and not the end.

F. Momolu Dorley

THE INGREDIENT THE EXPEDIENT

Craftsman

Journalist

Historian

Professor Talkertive

Ex-rebel

Politician

“Former Liberian”

Gravy -SeekerFarmer

CRITERIA FOR

CULTURAL LEADERSHIP

?

Daily Observer Page 13 Monday, January 13, 2014 5

LIBERIA COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS & SURGEONS (LCPS)Job Description

JOB TITLE: Office/Clerical AssistantREPORT TO: AdministratorJOB PURPOSE: To assist the secretariat in the effective day-to-day operation of a newly established institution.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES• Assistwithofficeandclericalsupport,includingback-upservicestoreceptionist.• Assistinmaintainingallrelevantpersonnelfiles.• Ensurethatthesecretariathasthesuppliesandequipmenttoundertakeitswork.• Ensurethattheofficepremisesaremaintainedandutilitiesareavailable.• Assistwithlogisticalarrangementsformeetings,includingrefreshments,etc.• Deliver necessary materials and supplies to various members and departments.• Maintainofficespaceandpremises.• Assistwithfiling,dataentry,basictyping(circular,memo,etc.),dispatchingdocuments,etc.• Keepingsimpleinventoryofstoreroom.• Perform other duties as may be directed by the secretariat.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE• Mustbeagraduateofarecognizedhighschoolwithpriorexperienceasanoffice/clericalassistant.• Onetotwoyearsofcollegeexperiencewillbeanaddedadvantage.• Mustbecomputer literatewithacertificateofcompetence in theuseofMicrosoftWord,Excel,

PowerPoint,etc. OTHER QUALITIES OR REQUIREMENTS

• Goodinterpersonalskills.• Mustbeaneffectiveteamplayer,politeandtactful.• Goodoralcommunicationskills,aswellasrelativelygoodwritingskills.• Must be an Ability to meet deadlines.

COMPENSATIONSalaryand/orincentiveswillbeattractive.

APPLICATION DEADLINE Friday,January17,2014

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS• Letterofapplicationstatingrelevantqualificationsand/orexperiencefortheposition.• CurriculumVitae(CV).• Names,addresses,e-mailsand/orphonenumbersofthreereferences.

SUBMIT APPLICATION MATERIALS TO AdministrativeAssistant/Secretary LiberiaCollegeofPhysicians&Surgeons(LCPS) GroundFloor,OldMinistryofHealthBuilding CapitolBye-Pass Monrovia,Liberia

Or

E-mail relevant documents in word versions to lcpsalphonso@gmail.comwiththeJobTitleastheSubjectofthe electronic communication.

LIBERIA COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS & SURGEONS (LCPS)Job Description

JOB TITLE: DriverREPORT TO: Administrator

JOB PURPOSE:ThenewlycreatedLiberiaCollegeofPhysicians&Surgeons(LCPS)wishestoemploytheservicesofadriveronafulltimebasistooperatevehicle(s)fortheinstitution.

ELIGIBILITYTheapplicantmustbeingoodhealth.He/shemusthavenotlessthana9thgradeeducationandmustbeabletoreadandwriteinsimpleEnglish.He/shemustbeabletofollowinstructionsanddirections,logdrivingrecordsandperformproperdocumentation,whereapplicable.

The applicant must have a valid driver’s license and must be able to operate both a standard shift vehicle and an automatic transmission vehicle.

Theapplicantmusthavebeenalicenseddriverforatleastfive(5)ears.

Males and females may apply.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTATIONSTheselectedapplicantwillworkunderthesupervisionoftheCouncilonafulltimebasisfromMondaystoFridays,andonSaturdaysandSundayswhenrequired.He/shemayberequiredtotravelacrossthecountry,bothurbanandruralareas,asisscheduledbytheSecretaryGeneralorotherofficialsoftheLCPS.

Thesuccessfulapplicantwillbeexpectedtomonitorscheduledvehicleservicingandensurethatnor-malservicingandmaintenanceproceduresofvehiclesunderhis/hercarearestrictlyadheredto.

COMPENSATIONSalaryand/orincentiveswillbeattractive.

APPLICATION DEADLINE Friday,January17,2014

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS• Letterofapplicationstatingrelevantqualificationsand/orexperiencefortheposition.• CurriculumVitae(CV).• Names,addresses,e-mailsand/orphonenumbersofthreereferences.

SUBMIT APPLICATION MATERIALS TO AdministrativeAssistant/Secretary LiberiaCollegeofPhysicians&Surgeons(LCPS) GroundFloor,OldMinistryofHealthBuilding CapitolBye-Pass Monrovia,Liberia

Or

E-mail relevant documents in word versions to lcpsalphonso@gmail.comwiththeJobTitleastheSubjectoftheelectroniccommunication.

4.BiddingwillbeconductedthroughtheNationalCompetitiveBidding(NCB)proceduresspecifiedinthePublicProcurement&ConcessionsAct(PPCA)opentoallbiddersfromEligibleSourceCountriesasde-finedintheGuidelines.

5.Qualificationsrequirementsinclude:i)Workingcapital/liquiditytobeabletoexecutethecontractii)Atleastthreecontractsofsimilarnaturecompletedwithinthelastfiveyears.iii)AvailabilityinLiberiaofsparepartsandaftersalesservices.Nomarginofpreferenceforgoodsmanu-factured domestically shall be applied. Additional details are provided intheBiddingDocuments.

6. Interestedeligiblebiddersmayobtainfurther informationfromtheLCPSandinspecttheBiddingDocumentsattheaddressgivenbelowbetween9:00amto5:00pmonbusinessdaysfrom6 January 2013.

7.AcompletesetofBiddingDocumentsinEnglishmaybepurchasedbyinterestedbiddersonthesubmissionofaWrittenApplicationtotheaddressbelowanduponpaymentofanon-refundablefeeofOneHun-dredUnitedStatesDollars(USD100.00).Themethodofpaymentwillbebankers’draftorwiretransfer.Bankingdetailswillbeprovideduponrequest.TheBiddingDocumentswillbeprovidedinhardcopy.

8.Bidsmustbedeliveredtotheaddressatorbefore6 February, 2013. Electronic bidding will not be permitted. Late bids will be rejected.Bidswillbeopenedinthepresenceofthebidders’representativeswhochoose to attend in person at the address below on 6 February, 2013 at 11:00 hours GMT. AllbidsmustbeaccompaniedbyaBidSecurityof2%ofbidpriceoranequivalentamountinafreelyconvertiblecurrency.

9.Theaddressesreferredtoaboveare:

For obtaining information For Bid Opening:and bid submission:

The Finance Manager Liberia College of Physicians &Liberia College of Physicians & Surgeons (LCPS)Surgeons (LCPS) Conference RoomOld Health Ministry, Old Health Ministry, Capitol Bye-Pass Capitol Bye-PassMonrovia, Liberia Monrovia, Liberia

Invitation for Bids (IFB)Republic of Liberia

Expand Support to County decentralized Health & Social

Welfare ServicesIFB No: LCPS/NCB/001

1.ThisInvitationforBidsfollowstheGeneralProcurementNoticeforthisProjectthatappearedonlineinDevelopmentBusinessofJanuary6,2013.

2.TheLiberiaCollegeofPhysicians&Surgeons(LCPS)hasreceivedFinancing from the Government of Liberia to expand support tostrengthenthehealthcaredeliverysystemanditintendstoapplypartoftheproceedsofthisfinancingtopaymentsunderthisContract.BiddingwillbegovernedbythePublicProcurement&ConcessionArt(PCCA)of Liberia.

3.TheLiberiacollegeofPhysiciansandSurgeonsnowinvitessealedbidsfromeligibleandqualifiedbiddersfortheSupplyofVehiclesunderthefollowingLots:ContractswillbeawardedonLotbasisDeliveryisexpectedwithin12weekstotheLiberiaCollegeofPhysicians&Surgeons(LCPS).

Lot   Description   Qty   Unit   Bid  Security  Amount  

1   Double  Cabin  Pickup  Vehicles  (4x4)   1   Ea  2   Mini  Van/Bus   1   Ea  

2%  of  Bid  Price  

 

Daily Observer Page 6 Monday, January 13, 2014

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).

Qualifications The 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

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

Daily Observer Page 7 Monday, January 13, 2014

Interested Offerors may obtain a full copy of the RFP which contains detailed instructions for preparation of the proposal. The RFP may be collected from the address and/or contact person above.

USAID Food & Enterprise Development Program (FED)Request for Proposals (RFP-MDF-0020)—Reconstruction of Fabrar Inc. warehouse

RFP No. RFP-MDF-0020

Issue Date January 7, 2014 Title Reconstruction of Fabrar Inc. warehouse Objective Please see body of this RFP Issuing Office & Email/Physical Address for Submission of Proposals

FED office, 6th St. Sinkor, Monrovia (Opposite Greenland Supermarket) FEDMDF@dai.com

Date for bidders to submit contact information of individuals to travel with FED to Kakata for site visit on Monday January 13, 2014.

January 13, 2014 (please email FEDMDF@dai.com which the names and contact details of individuals for site visit)

Date for mandatory site visit to Kakataand bidders conference (FED vehicle will take bidders to project site) – Day Trip

January 15, 2013 (Itinerary: 9:00am leave FED Monrovia Office 10:15 arrive Kakata 11:00 to 12:30pm site visit and bidder conference 1:30pm return to FED Monrovia Office

Deadline for submission of questions, in writing

January 14, 2014 at 5:00 PM (Submit to FEDMDF@dai.com)

Deadline for the submission of proposal

January 22, 2014, at 5:00 PM

Contact Person MDF Department Mobile: 0888-9072-88 FEDMDF@dai.com

Anticipated Award Type Fixed Price Subcontract Basis for Award DAI/FED intends to award a subcontract resulting from this

solicitation to the responsible company (ies) whose proposal(s) represents the best value after evaluation in accordance with the factors in this solicitation.

Solicitation Type Trade Off Location of Activity Kakata, Margibi County Proposed Period of Performance

January 25, 2014 to February28, 2014

 

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

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

Private Placement of

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

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

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

2014

LBDI Central Monrovia Branch

Ashmun & Randall Streets

Monrovia, Liberia.

LBDI Sinkor Branch9th Street, Sinkor,

TubmanBoulevard,

Monrovia, Liberia

Liberian Bank for Development and Investment

Information Memorandum

INVEST

TODAY!Visit our branches

and be a proud owner of CEMENCO

Peace Corps

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Management & Operations (DMO) and General Services Trans-portation, incumbent is responsible for driving Peace Corps vehicles and providing general maintenance for all Peace Corps vehicles; performs office errands assigned by DMO, picks up and delivers mail. Extensive travel throughout Liberia is required.

Basic Duties:• The incumbent is required to provide safe, professional and courteous transport for staff, volunteers and other

personnel conducting official PC.• Serves as Duty Driver, both at the office and up-country during training activities, • Provides vehicle support during emergency situations• Assures that vehicles are operated in accordance with PC, Embassy and other USG guidelines, and manufacturer

specifications. • Maintains the daily vehicle logs and reports all vehicle malfunctions or problems to the A/GSO.• Records repair and maintenance operations of assigned PC vehicle as outlined in the Vehicle Maintenance

Log. • Ensures that vehicles are cleaned, inside and outside, every day

Other Duties• The incumbent may be required to courier cash and/or purchase orders to various vendors who furnish supplies

and/or services to PST/IST training site, or other locations as directed by the DMO. He/she may also be required to courier cash to PC trainees or volunteers. He/she will not be functioning as a procurement or disbursing of-ficial but will only be acting as an intermediary between the DMO or Disbursing Officer and the recipient. In the case of dealing with vendors, the incumbent will not exercise any procurement discretion concerning the sup-plies or services to be purchased or the cost limits of these purchases; these will be determined by the DMO.

• Be knowledgeable and supportive of PC/Liberia safety and security policies and procedures, to include timely reporting of suspicious incidents, persons or articles.

• Performs all other duties as necessary or requested by the Admin Officer.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCEEDUCATION: Completion of Secondary School is required.

PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE: At least two years of previous work experience as a driver with US Government Missions, UN Missions, INGO or NGOs is required. LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY: Proficient in both written and spoken English.

KNOWLEDGE: Must have knowledge of road conditions throughout Liberia and ability to plan vehicle maintenance for such conditions; must be able to demonstrate accuracy in filling out paperwork; knowledge of general vehicle mainte-nance.

ABILITIES AND SKILLS: Must possess a valid Liberian driver’s license. Demonstrated ability to drive under difficult situations in rural Liberia and adhere to driving laws. Ability to maintain vehicles in good working condition.

To apply: Submit a Cover Letter addressing candidate’s qualifications for the position, a resume or curriculum vitae, copy of driver’s license, diplomas, certificates and the names and contact information for 3 references via email to: pcjobs@lr.peacecorps.gov

Please note: Only individuals selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls will be accepted. Contract is contingent on a security background and medical check

The deadline for applications is January 17, 2014. Applications received after this date may be considered at the discretion of the Contracting Officer. A detailed Statement of Work can be obtained via email request to the pcjobs@lr.peacecorps.gov

  January 3, 2014

FINAL NOTICE!POST-GRADUATE DIPLOMA PROGRAM IN

PROTOCOL & ETIQUETTE

Registration for the Post-graduate diploma training program in protocol and etiquette continues at the National Law Library on Ashmun Street opposite the Centennial Memorial Pavilion and ends January 18, 2014. The registration fee is US$25.00 or its

equivalent in LD. Classes will commence on Saturday, February 1, 2014 and end on June 14, 2014.

The Liberia Institute of Protocol & Etiquette (LIPE) effectively educates and coaches its participants the empowering skills of diplomatic/governmental and international protocol as well as business and corporate etiquette, dining skills, and professional image strategies.

The Institute has added to its curriculum for academic 2013/2014 a course in Peace and Conflict Resolution and Management. This course introduces students to the processes of understanding and changing social conditions in order to lead to a more peaceful, just, and conflict-free society and world.

Requirement for enrollment: Candidate must be College graduate or graduating seniors.Classes will be conducted on Saturdays at 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. on the Institute’s Main Campus in Chocolate City, Gardnersville, Monrovia. For additional information, please call Nos. 0886-514980/0777-061847, or email us: liprotetiquette2007@yahoo.com .

Signed: The AdministrationLIBERIA INSTITUTE OF PROTOCOL & ETIQUETTE (LIPE)

Daily Observer Page 8 Monday, January 13, 2014

1 December 2013

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

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

Republic of LiberiaIntegrated Public Financial Management Reform Project (IPFMRP); Ministry of Finance Credit No.: IDA50260

Assignment Title: Security and Business Continuity Planning Consultant

The Republic of Liberia has received a Financing from the Swedish International Develop-ment Cooperation Agency (SIDA), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the International Development Association (IDA) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) toward the cost of an Integrated Public Financial Management Reform Project

(IPFMRP), and it intends to apply part of the proceeds of this financing for consulting services.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include the following: a) Security and Data Access Planb) Business Continuity Planc) ICT Change Management Plan

A. Security 1. Analyze the current MoF and IFMIS environment and submit report on threats and potential

threats.2. Review our current security policy and work with the relevant stakeholders to draft a revised

security policy that reflect the current and emerging challenges at MoF and IFMIS.3. Conduct a deep security assessment of the overall infrastructure and confirm that our firewall

rules and policies are in line with international best practices4. Conduct a thorough review of the security settings and policies within IFMIS and make the

necessary recommendation for access controls and rights.5. The standard deliverable should be a written report that entails the following:a. An Executive Summaryb. Description of assessment methodology c. Findings with associated risk rankingsd. ICT Security/Network Policye. IFMIS security Policy f. Recommendations and supporting appendices

B. Business Continuity Plan1. Analyze impact on, and risk to, essential business functions or information systems to identify

acceptable recovery time periods and resource requirements.2. Conduct and oversee contingency plan integration and operation.3. Create business continuity and disaster recovery plan.4. Create and administer training and awareness presentations or materials.5. Create scenarios to re-establish operations from various types of business disruptions.6. Develop emergency management plans for recovery decision making and communications,

continuity of critical departmental processes, or temporary shut-down of non-critical func-tions to ensure continuity of operation and governance.

7. Identify opportunities for strategic improvement or mitigation of business interruption and other risks caused by business, regulatory, or industry-specific change initiatives.

8. Write reports to summarize testing activities, including descriptions of goals, planning, sched-uling, execution, results, analysis, conclusions, and recommendations.

9. Recommend or implement methods to monitor, evaluate, or enable resolution of safety, opera-tions, or compliance interruptions.

10. Develop disaster recovery plans for physical locations with critical assets such as the data center and mini data center.

C. ICT Change Management1. Review the current ICT Change Management process that are in place2. Recommend an ICT Change management process for the Ministry and IFMIS3. Submit an ICT Change Management Menu for the Ministry that extends to ICT projects4. Conduct lite ICT Change Management workshops or training (one weeks) for ICT personnel

The Ministry of Finance now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrat-ing that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. The shortlisting criteria are:

1. MUST be an ICT firm with a minimum of five (5) years of ICT consultancy experience.2. MUST have executed a security or BCP project in the last 4 years.3. Must be a registered ICT business.4. The firm MUST provide verifiable references of completing a security or BCP project over

the last four years.5. The firm MUST have experience in delivering ICT solution to governmental institution.

The assignment is to be completed within 90 days of contract award.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraph 1.9 of the World Bank’s Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants [under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits & Grants] by World Bank Borrowers, January 2011 (“Consultant Guidelines”), setting forth the World Bank’s Policy on conflict of interest.

Consultants may associate with other firms in the form of a joint venture or a subconsultancy to enhance their qualifications.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the ‘Selection based on Consultants’ Qualification (CQS) method set out in the Consultant Guidelines.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours 0900 to 1600 hours.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by fax, or by e-mail) by24th January, 2014.

Integrated Public Financial Management Reform Project (IPFMRP)Attn: Mr. Bernard Jappah, PFM Reforms CoordinatorMinistry of Finance, 4th FloorBroad and Mechlin StreetsMonrovia, LiberiaTell: +231886512462E-Mail: bjappah@liftliberia.gov.lr

Cc: ivanofei@hotmail.com

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST(CONSULTING SERVICES – FIRMS SELECTION)

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST(CONSULTING SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL

CONSULTANT SELECTION)Republic of LiberiaIntegrated Public Financial Management Reform Project (IPFMRP); Ministry of Finance Credit No.: IDA50260

Assignment Title: Public Financial Management (PFM) Specialist

The Republic of Liberia has received a Financing from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Interna-tional Development Association (IDA) and the African Development

Bank (AfDB) toward the cost of an Integrated Public Financial Management Reform Project (IPFMRP), and it intends to apply part of the proceeds of this financing for consulting services.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include the following:

The PFM Specialist will Review and Refine the existing legal framework to conform to the new developments in Public Financial Management including the harmonization of various pieces of legislation and the provision for the fiscal decentralization initiative.

The main tasks of the PFM Specialist will be as follows:

a) Serve as Technical Lead (TL) in the review of existing Public Financial Management Legislations.b) He/She will serve as a Secretariat for a Working Committee of selected technicians from public finance institutions of governmentc) He/she will provide leadership in the following:i) Reconciliation of the dictates of other laws and governance frameworks with the current PFM legal framework .ii) Review for consistency between the PFM Law and its attendant regula-tions.iii) Drafting appropriate amendments to the Act, for submission by the Min-ister of Finance to the National Legislature through the Office of the President.iv) Drafting revisions, where required, to the PFM regulations for promul-gation by the Minister of Finance.v) Draft recommendations for reconciling the government’s fiscal year to that of reporting entities (eg. State-owned enterprises)

The assignment is for four (4) working weeks

The Ministry of Finance now invites eligible individuals (“Consultants”) to in-dicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should pro-vide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. The shortlisting criteria are: a) Graduate degree in either public finance, public policy, economics, or related field. A law degree will be an added advantageb) The candidate must have worked for at least seven years in Government or a Multilateral institution in the field of public finance management as either a PFM Advisor Expert or functionary and has expert knowledge of public finance management operations.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraph 1.9 of the World Bank’s Guidelines: selection and employment of Consultants [under ibrD loans and iDa Credits & Grants] by World bank borrowers, January 2011 (“Consultant Guidelines”).

The Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant Selection method set out in the Consultant Guidelines.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours 0900 to 1600 hours.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by fax, or by e-mail) by 24thJanuary, 2014.

Integrated Public Financial Management Reform Project (IPFMRP)Attn: Mr. Bernard Jappah, PFM Reforms CoordinatorMinistry of Finance, 4th FloorBroad and Mechlin StreetsMonrovia, LiberiaTell: +231886512462E-Mail: bjappah@liftliberia.gov.lr

Cc: ivanofei@hotmail.com

Daily Observer Page 9 Monday, January 13, 2014

Ensure the operation of plant/production machinery and mechanical equip-ment by performing preventive, corrective and predictive maintenance tasks on production machines, conveyor systems, heating systems, mo-tors, engines, and pneumatic tools; following diagrams, sketches, opera-

tion manuals, manufacturers’ instructions, and engineering specifications.

Description of main tasks: The successful candidate will• Plan, organize and coordinate an array of activities pertaining to the main-

tenance and repairs of plant/production machines and equipment and build-ings and facilities.

• Design maintenance and repair strategies, procedures and methods.• Read and interpret blue prints, technical drawings, schematic, and com-

puter generated reports.• Confer with Chief of Maintenance and Repairs and other maintenance per-

sonnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions and provide technical information.

• Maintain, repair and service all machinery and production equipment.• Assemble, install, replace, modify, and adjust all types of mechanical/pro-

duction equipment.• Troubleshoot and diagnose faults.• In collaboration with engineers from overseas, lead the mechanical tem in

installing and commissioning new equipment and machinery.• In collaboration with engineers from overseas, lead the mechanical team in

installing and commissioning new equipment and machinery.• Supervise and assign the work of mechanical maintenance employees; in-

spect work for accuracy/completeness; participate in performing review and performance management.

• Coordinate all mechanical and building and facility maintenance and repair activities; ensure proper coordination between mechanical and electrical maintenance and production (brewing and bottling).

• Perform routine fire alarm tests.• Ensure safety and operation regulations are strictly adhered to and in place

to protect human life machinery and installations.• Maintain records of all maintenance and repair work performed.• Summary bookkeeping of every major machine and installation with ID-

Information, used spare parts overview and monthly condition evaluation.• Inventory and control tools, supplies and materials for maintenance;

estimate time and materials needed for work; make request for tools needed.• Perform internal quality audits and quality control.

Position specifications• Advance training in industrial mechanics or bachelor’s degree in mechanical

engineering.• Minimum of five years’ mechanical/industrial maintenance and repair

experience.• Knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic systems.• Background in plant/production machinery maintenance and repairs.• Ability to maintain heating, cooling and boiler system.• Proven tools and materials management skills.• Basic principles of record keeping.• Ability to work under pressure.• Team building and leadership skills.• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.• Ability to use a variety of hand and motorized tools, and operate light

motorized equipment.• Strong adherence to safety standards: work in a safe manner; follow

company’s safety practices and procedures; identify, correct and report safety hazards.

• Ability to perform highly physical tasks.• Not older than 45 years.

Mode of Application

Submit applications and resumes with supporting credentials to: Mrs. Hawa Dagbe HR & Legal Department Monrovia Breweries Inc. Duala, Monrovia

No applications will be accepted after 24 January 2014.

JOB VACANCYPosition: Senior Mechanic, Maintenance & RepairsJob Summary

MONROVIA BREWERIES INC.DUALA, MONROVIA

NATIONAL COMPETITIVE BIDDINGRequest for Expressions of InterestFOR ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES

(RE-ADVERTISED)IFB NO. NASSCORP/NCB/015/13/14

The National Social Security & Welfare Corporation invites Expression of Interest from interested Architectural Consult-ing Firms for the provision of Architectural Services required for the construction of its Regional Administrative Head-

quarters to be situated in Kakata, Margibi County. The successful firm will be responsible to develop schematic and detailed designs, Bill of Quantities, Tender Documents, implement the tendering process, and provide quality supervisory services during the construction process.

Interested architectural firms who meet the pre-qualification criteria may furnish their Expression of Interest with all necessary documents in a sealed cover along with the covering letter duly signed by an au-thorized signatory.

Pre-qualification requirements include the following:1. Detailed corporate profile including structure and management inventory;2. Past performance report indicating successful implementation of at least three similar projects with verifiable references;3. Membership with local and/or international accrediting agen-cies relative to the provision of architectural services;4. A list of key implementing staffs with the relevant educational/technical background5. Financial capability statement and tax clearances;6. Legal documents including articles of incorporation and busi-ness registration documents; and7. Payment of social security benefits where applicable.

Upon evaluation of the EOI, firms whose submissions meet the pre-qualification requirements will be shortlisted and issued bid solicitation documents including the Terms of Reference for the Architectural ser-vices. The documents will request the firms to submit their Technical and Financial proposals, which indicate the competing firm’s technical approach to providing the services and the associated remuneration. The winner will be selected based on the fulfillment of the evalua-tion criteria set forth in the bid documents. Shortlisted firms will be required to pay a non-refundable fee of US$50.00 for bid documents.

Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information from the Procurement Unit in the office of the Coordinator of General Services at the NASSCORP Complex on 15th Street, from Thursday, January 9, 2014 to Thursday, January 23, 2014 from 10:00am. to 3:00pm on workdays.

Deadline for the submission of EOIs is Thursday, January 30, 2014 at 2:00pm. Bids will be opened on the same day at 2:00 pm in the Board Room of NASSCORP located at the Complex Offices on 15th Street, Sinkor, Monrovia in the presence of bidders’ representatives who choose to attend the bid opening. All EIOs must be sealed and hand-delivered to the following address: The Coordinator, General Services Department, NASSCORP Complex, 15th Street, Sinkor, Monrovia, Liberia

Please note that Electronic bidding will not be permitted, and that late bids will be rejected and returned unopened. NASSCORP reserves the right to reject all bids at no cost to the Corporation.

__________________________ Signed: The Management NASSCORP

Daily Observer Page 10 Monday, January 13, 2014

The Liberian Agricultural Company (LAC) located in District #3, Grand Bassa County has vacancies for GRADER OPERATORS in its Road Maintenance Department.

REQUIRED COMPETENCE:Must have Diploma/Certificate or relevant documents to prove training in the career.Must be between the ages of 25 and 40 years old.Ability to work independently without much supervision.Must have a valid class “C” driver’s license.Must have experience in operating heavy duty equipment.Effective verbal and listening communication skills.Knowledge of equipment maintenance and storage procedures.Ability to read and record daily activitiesProficient knowledge in workplace safety requirements, equipment cleaning standards and procedures.

WORKING EXPERIENCE:He/she must have worked in similar capacity for a minimum of three (3) to five (5) years.

Application, Resume and Supporting Documents including contact cell phone numbers should be submitted to the: HUMAN RESOURCE ASSISTANT MANAGER LIBERIAN AGRICULTURAL COMPANY (LAC) 20TH STREET, SINKOR TUBMAN BOULEVARD MONROVIA, LIBERIA

ONLY SHORT LISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED FOR AN INTERVIEW OR OTHERWISE.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION IS JANUARY 25, 2014.

JOB VACANCY

            

 

  

     

  

APPLY NOWAPPLICATION DEADLINE: 10 JANUARY 2014 Call 0886 106 172 or email wajavon@lr.mercycorps.org to request an application form or to learn more 

Your 3‐step plan to hosting an apprentice: 1. Apply today to host one or more apprentices. 

You identify education, skill and experience requirements. We will visit you to discuss. 

2. We do the hard work. We prepare catalogues of apprenticeships, conduct outreach to qualified youth & prepare a candidate shortlist. 

3. You select. You sit on the interview panel to help pick the best candidates.

What businesses have gained from the apprenticeship program so far:   356 apprentices supported to 

conduct apprenticeships.  9360 hours of free labor from 

work‐ready youth.  Host businesses have sought to employ 47% of 

apprentices upon completion of the program so far. 

Ask our partner businesses:  Liberia Equipment, The Palace Hotel Bar and Restaurant, 

Heart & Hands Electrical and Electronics Design, and dozens more. 

About PROSPECTS: PROSPECTS is a youth employment program supported by the Swedish Government and Chevron, implemented by Mercy Corps.  

Struggling to find high quality staff? Looking for talented young Liberians to move your business forward? 

GROW YOUR BUSINESS WITH A PROSPECTS APPRENTICE 

A Contribution to Liberia’s Future Mercy Corps provides weekly business skills training to all apprentices to enhance their leadership, management, and financial skills.  On‐the‐job training at your business provides them the work skills to be excellent employees.

Free Labor for 3  months Mercy Corps supports 60 work days of apprenticeship. If you are impressed with their work upon graduation, you can hire them. If they are not the right fit, there is no commitment. 

Business‐Apprentice Matchmaking  We search far and wide to find the best candidates to match your apprenticeship requirements.  

Stipend Support to Apprentices Mercy Corps provides stipends to apprentices – you bear no cost during the apprenticeship period. Small businesses can request for limited funding to offset any material costs incurred in hosting apprentices. 

What the Apprenticeship program can offer YOUR business:

17

The Liberian Agricultural Company (LAC) located in District #3, Grand Bassa County has vacancies in its ELECTRICAL DEPARTMENT for the following positions.

A. POWER PLANT ATTENDANTS(2)

REQUIRED COMPETENCE:1. Must be at least a High School Graduate and capable of reading and following

instructions.2. Age Requirement 20 to 30 years.3. Practical mechanical knowledge that is, ability to check oil level, water level. belt

tension, etc.)4. Ability to carry out vision inspection, etc.

B. FACTORY ELECTRICIAN(1)

REQUIRED COMPETENCE:1. Must have Diploma/Certificate or relevant documents to prove training in the career

from a recognized Vocational Training Institution.2. Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.3. Technical knowledge of safety equipment and regulation.4. Good organizational skills5. Ability to lead and motivate subordinates6. Read and speak English fluently

WORKING EXPERIENCE:He/she must have worked in similar capacity for a minimum of five (5) years.

Application, Resume and Supporting Documents including contact cell phone numbers should be submitted to the: HUMAN RESOURCE ASSISTANT MANAGER LIBERIAN AGRICULTURAL COMPANY (LAC) 20TH STREET, SINKOR TUBMAN BOULEVARD MONROVIA, LIBERIA

ONLY SHORT LISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED FOR AN INTERVIEW OR OTHERWISE.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION IS JANUARY 25, 2014.

JOB VACANCY

Daily Observer Page 11 Monday, January 13, 2014

Las Vegas, USA, Jan. 6th, 2014 – Hisense announced at its Press Conference on January 6th that the company will officially roll out VIDAA TV, an internet-based television set, in the North American market in March through the company’s main distribution channels in the United States.

“Smart TV will offer Hisense an opportunity to achieve its goal of being among the world’s top three,” said Lin Lan, Vice President at Hisense International. His rea-soning is based on market research showing that the household penetration rate of smart TVs in the United States has only reached 20%. The low penetration rate is due to the complexity of operating such TV sets, mak-ing the large slice of the US population who prefer sim-ple operations. The same market research snows 45% of American households planning to buy a new TV set and, in two years, 42% of those purchases being for a smart version. “This is an opportunity for us. So far no easy-to-operate smart TV set has made its appearance in the American market, and Apple has not yet launched its product. Any technology that is problematic for the vast majority of users is certainly not well-conceived. The benefit of VIDAA is that it is easy to use, a major selling point in the US market, “Lin said. Lin emphasized that he has high expectations for the market performance of the VIDAA TV set.

The Hisense VIDAA displayed at CES features four basic function keys, allowing for a quick and seamless switch between live TV and internet video. The technology was developed by the Canada-based technical team acquired by Hisense. “The innovative technology behind VIDA focuses of on intelligent yet simple human-computer interaction and is the result of Hisense’s innovative thinking about the internet. This price-competitive product will help the company to rapidly build and expand its presence in the U.S. market,” said Chris Tyghe, marketing manager at Hisense.

VIDAA TV has been widely accepted by consumers across China with sales having exceeded 1 million units in the eight months since the product’s initial launch in that market. Over 95 percent of VIDAA TV’s buyers have activated VIDAA’s internet services with internet service usage level through the set also exceeding 95 peercent.

TECHNOLOGY COLUMNHisense VIDAA TV to Become Available in the

United States

Hisense

JUDICIAL BRANCH SHERIFF’S OFFICECOMMERCIAL COURT TEMPLE OF JUSTICEMONTSERRADO COUNTY MONROVIA, LIBERIA

Afriland First Bank Liberia Limited by & thru its )President/CEO, Mr. Hamadou Ownarou Bayo ) Bayo of the City of Monrovia, Republic of Liberia. )

-----------------------------------------------PETITIONER ) ) PETITION FOR Versus ) FORECLOSURE OF A ) MORTGAGE DEEDF.M.T. Construction Company by & thru its ) CEO, Mr. Gabriel K. Frimpong and all Authorized )Officers of said entity also of the’ City of Monrovia, )Republic of Liberia…..RESPONDENT)

NOTICE OF SALEWHEREAS, Final Judgment in the above entitled captioned case was rendered against the said Respondent/Company by this Honorable Court on the 4th day of December, A. D. 2013, adjudging the Defendant liable to pay the amount owned Plaintiff Management of Afriland First Bank Liberia Limited in the sum of US$43,016.97 (Forty-Three Thousand Sixteen United States Dollars Ninety-Seven Cents), including interest and other charges.

WHEREAS, Defendant failed to make settlement of the total amount of US$43,016.97 (Forty-Three Thousand Sixteen United States Dollars Ninety-Seven Cents), a Writ of Execution was accordingly issued, served and returned served and the Sheriff of this Court levied upon the asset of the Respondent, F.M.T. Construction Company by & thru its CEO, Mr. Gabriel K. Frimpong and all Authorized Officers of said entity which property is situated and lying in the City of Monrovia, Montserrado County, Republic of Liberia with the properties herein described as follows, to wit:

“Commencing at the Northeastern corner of the adjoining parcel of land owned by Tuma E. George (FC 10) property, thence running on magnet bearing as follows; thence run-ning North 730 - 15 inc. east 50 feet parallel with an existing twenty five (25) feet to a point, thence running on South 160 - 450 East 35 feet parallel with Felicia Y. Wolo (FC-12) Property to a point, thence running 160 – 450 west, 55 feet parallel to the point if commencement and Containing Zero point Two Five (0.25) Town Lot of Land with a house in it an no more.”

NOW THEREFORE, the general public is hereby informed that by virtue of this levy and pursuant to the Final Judgment and the Writ of Execution served on the herein described as-set/property, said property will be sold to the highest bidder on the grounds of the Temple of Justice, Capitol Hill, Republic of Liberia, on the 21st day of January, A.D. 2014, at the hour of 10:00 a.m. in the morning to raise the total sum of US$43,016.97 (Forty-Three Thousand Sixteen United States Dollars Ninety-Seven Cents).

Interested persons may inspect said property/asset through the Offices of the Sheriff of the Commercial Court of Liberia, Montserrado County, Republic of Liberia during Official work-ing hours of the Commercial Court for further information as to the date and time of sale.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND SEAL OF COURT THIS 10TH DAY OF JANUARY, A.D. 2014SEALED OF COURT:

CAR FOR SALETYPE : NISSAN XTERRACOLOR : SILVERMODEL : 2002A/C & ENGINE : PERFECTCONTACT # : 0886552948 OR 0777474313

CALL NOw: 0777472772TO ADVERTISE

Daily Observer Page 12 Monday, January 13, 2014

REPUBLIC OF LIBERIALAND COMMISSION

Opening Date: January 10th 2014Closing Date: January 22nd 2014Position: Program Officer for Community Land RightsSalary: Attractive Remuneration

KEY RESPONSIBLITIES• WorkwiththeCommunityLandRightsRecognitionImplementationTeam(CLRIT)toconductanalysisofexisting

customarylandtenuresystems;• WorkwiththeCLRITtoimplementactivitiesforCustomaryLandRecognition;• Liaiseandcollaboratewithotherstakeholdersinvolvedincommunitylandrecognitionandtitling;• Assisttoundertakeaninventoryofconcessionsinthenaturalresourcessectorwithfocusontheirpolicy,legaland

institutionalaspects;• Work inclosecollaborationwith theProgramOfficers forLandDisputeResolution;LandUseManagement,and

LandAdministration;• Formulatearrangementsforconflictmediationandresolutionoveroverlappinglandclaimsandrelateddisputes;• CollaboratewiththeMonitoringandEvaluationCoordinationOfficertoidentifyoptionsforsustainedmonitoringand

evaluationoftheactivitiesofconcessionsoncustomaryland;• Developaworkplanandabudgettofundactivities;and• Performotherdutiesandresponsibilitiesassignedthroughtheappropriateauthorities.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED• Advanceduniversitydegree(Master’sdegreeorequivalentexperience),preferablyinasocialsciencediscipline.• Trainingandexperienceinfieldresearchandcommunitydevelopment.• ExperiencelivingandworkinginruralLiberiaanasset.• Capacitytoproducehigh-qualitybriefsandreports.

Skills• Must have knowledge of contemporary Liberia land rights issues as they relate to emerging land policies and

legislations;• Musthavetheabilitytonegotiateandpromoteanenablingconditionfordialoguebetweenconcessionaireandmem-

bersofconcernedcustomarycommunity;• Musthaveexcellentreportwritingskillsandabletoanalyticallyarticulateissues;• Musthaveabilitytoorganizeandconductmeetingsaswellasgatherandreportfeedbackfromthemeetings;• Musthavegoodteamworkingskillsandexperienceinanalyzingfieldreports;and• Musthavecomputerknowledgeskills.

Selection processAfterinitialscreeningofapplications,qualifiedapplicantswillbeinvitedforaninterview.Onlyshortedlistedapplicantswillbecontacted.

How to apply • Interestedcandidatesforthispositionshouldsubmitthefollowing:• Aclearlytypedapplicationletterwhichbrieflysummarizeswhyyoubelieveyouarequalifiedforthispositionand

yourrelevantexperience;• CurrentResume;and• The names and contact details of three references that can attest to your professional qualifications and orwork

experience.

Submitapplicationto: TheDirector LandCommission Between8th&9thStreets JallahTownRoad/Sinkor Monrovia,Liberia

The Land Commission is an equal opportunity employer, and welcomes applications from all segments of the Liberian society including women and the physically challenged.

JOB VACANCY JOB VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENTOpening Date: January 10th 2014Closing Date: January 22nd 2014Position: Monitoring and Evaluation Coordination OfficerSalary: Attractive Remuneration

KEY RESPONSIBLITIES• Developincollaborationwithimplementingpartners,amonitoringandevaluationsystemforeachoftheprogramarea,aswell

asfortheinstitutionalcapacityoftheCommission;• Withstakeholders,setouttheframeworkandproceduresfortheevaluationofboththeGovernmentofLiberiaanddonorfunded

projectactivities;• GuidetheprocessforidentifyinganddesigningthekeyindicatorstocapturetheimpactoftheworkoftheCommission,includ-

ingresultingbehaviorchangewithparticularattentiontogenderdifferences;• Establishbaselinesandtargetsforeachyearandreviewannuallywiththefindingspublishedintheannualreport;• Organizeandundertaketrainingwithstakeholders,includingprimarystakeholdersinM&Eskills;• Incollaborationwithprogramstaffandimplementingpartners,ensureimplementationofM&Estrategiesandframeworks;• Incollaborationwithprogramofficersandstaffofthefinancialdivision,trackM&Eactivityandprojectbudgets;• Incollaborationwithprogramstaff,identifythesuccesses,challengesandlessonslearnedofprogramactivities,andensure

appropriateflowofinformationtotheCommissionandimplementingpartners,anddonors;• Incollaborationwithprogramstaff,ensure thatnecessaryM&Eplanning,budgetingandmanagementactivitiesoccur to

facilitatesmoothandefficientprogramfunctioning;• Prepare reports onM&Efindings, as required,working closelywithfinancial controller, technical staff and implementing

partners,andmakeregularreportstotheSeniorProgramOfficer,DirectorandtheBoardofCommissionershighlightingareasofconcern(s)andpreparingdocumentsforreviewatmeetings;

• UndertakeregularvisitstothefieldtosupportimplementationofM&Eandtoidentifywhereadaptationsmightbeneeded;• Serve as secretaryduring all land sector coordination and tripartite reviewmeetings among theLC, sectorministries, and

donors.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPEREINCE REQUIRED• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent experience), preferably in statistics or a related social science

disciplinewithexperienceinfieldresearch;• AtleastfiveyearsofMonitoringandEvaluationexperience(essential);and• Capacitytoproducehigh-qualitybriefsandreports.

Skills• GoodlevelofproficiencyinWindowsExcelandquantitativeanalysis;• AbilitytodesignM&Etools,surveys,surveillancesystems,andevaluations;• Demonstratedabilitytotrainandbuildcapacityofothers;• Stronginterpersonalskills;• Experienceinanon-governmentalorganizationorintheUnitedNations(desirable);• PlanningandimplementationofM&Esystems;• Facilitatinglearning-orientedanalysissessionsofM&Edatawithmultiplestakeholders;and• Informationanalysisandreportwriting.

Other Conditions:• Willingtoundertakeregularfieldvisitsandinteractwithdifferentstakeholders,especiallyprimarystakeholders;

Selection processAfterinitialscreeningofapplications,qualifiedapplicantswillbeinvitedforaninterview.Onlyshortedlistedapplicantswillbecontacted.How to applyInterestedcandidatesforthispositionshouldsubmitthefollowing:

• Aclearlytypedapplicationletterwhichbrieflysummarizeswhyyoubelieveyouarequalifiedforthisposition;• CurrentResume;and• Thenamesandcontactdetailsofthreereferencesthatcanattesttoyourprofessionalqualificationsandorworkexperience.

Submit application to: TheDirector LandCommission Between8th&9thStreets JallahTownRoad/Sinkor Monrovia,Liberia

The Land Commission is an equal opportunity employer, and welcomes applications from all segments of the Liberian society including women and the physically challenged.

JOB VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENTOpening Date: January 10th 2014Closing Date-: January 22nd 2014 Positions: Program Assistants (6)Salary: Attractive Remuneration

TheLandCommissionisseekingapplicationsfromsuitablyqualifiedLiberianstooccupythefollowingpositionswithintheTechnicalSecretariatoftheCommission.

1. Program Assistant for Land Policy and Program2. Program Assistant for Land Law Reform3. Program Assistant for Land Administration4. Program Assistant for Land Use Management5. Program Assistant for Land Dispute Resolution; and6. Information and Communication Assistant

KEY RESPONSIBLITIES Program Development and Management

• AssisttheProgramOfficertodevelopdraftdocumentsconsistentwiththeLiberiaLandProgram;• AssisttheProgramOfficertopreparereports,studies,backgroundpapers,policyguidelines/statements,correspondences,andpresenta-

tions;• Conductfollow-upwithrelevantsectorinstitutionsonmattersrelatedtoprogramarea;• AssistwiththereviewofprogramspecificandrelatedstudiesconductedfortheCommission.Ensurethatfindingsandrecommendations

areprovidedtotheProgramofficerforhisreviewwithcopiestotheDirector,theSeniorProgramOfficer,theoverseeingCommissionerandtheChairforfurtherreviewandappropriateaction(s);

• Workwithotherprogramassistantstocoordinateworkactivities,meetdeadlines,andprovidesupportwhereneeded;and• PerformotherdutiesandresponsibilitiesassignedbytheProgramOfficer,SeniorProgramOfficer,Directorandotherappropriateauthori-

tiesoftheCommission.

Operational and Administrative Support• Maintainconfidentialjob-relatedrecordsfortheProgramOfficer;• ActasthemaincontactpersonduringtheabsenceoftheProgramOfficer,followinguponactionswithappropriatein-housestaff;• Acknowledgereceiptofcorrespondenceanddocumentationin theabsenceof theProgramOfficer,anddraftpreliminaryversionsof

correspondencetobesignedbytheProgramOfficerorrelevantstaff;• CollaboratewithrelevantprogramareasforconveningofpublicconsultationsandworkshopsunderthedirectsupervisionoftheProgram

Officer;• AssistindisseminatingallinternalandexternalprogramrelatedmaterialstostaffandstakeholdersunderthesupervisionoftheProgram

Officer;• Assistinorganizingmeetingsoftheprogramareaandtakeminutes;• FollowuponactionstakenandrecommendationsmadeatmeetingsunderthedirectionoftheProgramOfficer;• Develop andmaintain an efficient filing system and index for program and project documents under the guidance of the Program

Assistant;• Ensuretheavailabilityofanupdatedlistofaddressesofdifferentpartnersinvolvedinprogramimplementationofthearea;• Ensurethatlogisticalissuesaresortedoutfortheworkshops(bookingthevenue,budgetpreparation,equipmentandstationerytobe

used);and• FollowupwiththeProgramOfficertoensurethatimplementingPartner’s(IP)requestsarerespondedto.

Essential Qualifications• MinimumofBachelor’sdegreeindisciplinerelevanttotheposition;• Experienceworkinginasimilarorassociatedrole;• Goodknowledgeregardingarangeoflandandnaturalresourcesissues;and• Goodresearchandwritingskills

Required Skills and Abilities• Respectableorganizationalskillsandtrackrecordinplanningandcoordination,self-drivenwiththeabilitytodevelopclearobjectives

thatareconsistentwithestablishedstrategiesandcopingmechanisms;• Teamwork:abilitytodevelop,establishandmaintaingoodworkingrelationshipsinamulti-disciplinaryandmulti-stakeholderenviron-

ment;• Demonstratedabilitytoplanandthinkstrategically,setrealisticgoalsandobjectives,andbalancemultiplepriorities;• Excellentwrittenandoralcommunicationskills;excellentjudgmentincommunicatingwithinavarietyofsettings;• Creative,enthusiasticandindependent;demonstratesahighdegreeofinitiative;results-oriented;and• Proficiencyincomputeruse,includinginternet,databases,email,MSWord,PowerPoint,Excel,andotherelectronicmediaapplications;

Selection ProcessAfterinitialscreeningofapplications,qualifiedapplicantswillbeinvitedforaninterview.Onlyshortedlistedapplicantswillbecontacted.How to apply Interestedcandidatesforthepositionshouldsubmitthefollowing:

• Aclearlytypedapplicationletterwhichbrieflysummarizeswhyyoubelieveyouarequalifiedforthisposition;• CurrentResume;and• Thenamesandcontactdetailsofthreereferencesthatcanattestforyourprofessionalqualificationsandorworkexperience.

Submit application to: TheDirector LandCommission Between8th&9thStreets JallahTownRoad/Sinkor Monrovia,Liberia

The Land Commission is an equal opportunity employer, and welcomes applications from all segments of the Liberian society including women and the physically challenged.

JOB VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENTOpening Date-: January 10th 2014Closing Date: mJanuary 22nd 2014Position: Program Officer for Land Policy and ProgramSalary: Attractive Remuneration

KEY RESPONSIBLITIES• Carryoutresearchandidentifykeyissuesthatarecriticaltothelandpolicyandlegalreformprocess;• Collaboratewithotherprogramofficers to identifyandaddress issuesacrossprogramsandprojectswith

policycomponents;• Reviewandassistinthepreparationofreports,studies,backgroundpapers,guidelines/statements,correspon-

dences,andpresentationsrelatedtolandpolicyreform;• Collaboratewithrelevantprogramareasfortheconveningofpublicconsultationsandworkshopsonland

policyrelatedissuesandmatters;• Networkwithdonors,governmentagencies,andresearchinstitutionswithinterestinlandpolicyandrelated

reforms;• Assistinpreparingdraftlandpoliciesby,amongotherthings,workingwithandprovidingtechnicalsupport

tothepolicydevelopmentprocess;• ReviewlandpolicyandrelatedstudiesconductedfortheCommission.Ensurethatfindingsandrecommen-

dationsareprovidedtotheDirector,theSeniorProgramOfficer,theoverseeingCommissionerandtheChairforfurtherreviewandappropriateaction(s);

• Actasafocalpointforthecompilationofallinformationregardinglandpolicyreform;• SupervisetheactivitiesoftheProgramAssistantforLandPolicy;• MonitortheactivitiesoftheProgramAssistantandAdministrativeAssistant(assignedtotheofficeofthe

Commissioner)toensurethatthereisconstantflowofinformationbetweenthetwooffices;• Represent theTechnicalSecretariatof theLandCommission inmeetings,events,workshopson relevant

themesthatfallwithintheprogrammaticareaoflandpolicyreformwhensodesignated;and• PerformotherdutiesandresponsibilitiesassignedbytheBoardofCommissionersthroughtheappropriate

authorities.

QUALIFICATIONS• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent experience), preferably in land or natural re-

sources,businessadministration,publicadministration,economics,oradisciplinerelevanttotheposition;• Minimum3-5years’experienceworkinginasimilarorassociatedrole;• Goodknowledgeregardingarangeoflandandnaturalresourcesissues;and• Strongresearchandwritingskills

Other skills• Proficiencyincomputeruse,includinginternet,databases,email,MSWord,PowerPoint,Excel,andother

electronicmediaapplications;• Demonstratedexperienceinperformingresearchusingavarietyofelectronicandtraditionalsources;• Excellentinterpersonal,analyticalandproblemsolvingskills;and• Abilitytoread,writeandotherwisecorrespondeffectivelyintheEnglishlanguage.

Selection ProcessAfterinitialscreeningofapplications,qualifiedapplicantswillbeinvitedforaninterview.Onlyshortedlistedapplicantswillbecontacted.How to applyInterestedcandidatesforthispositionshouldsubmitthefollowing:

• Aclearlytypedapplicationletterwhichbrieflysummarizeswhyyoubelieveyouarequalifiedforthisposition;• CurrentResume;and• Thenamesandcontactdetailsofthreereferencesthatcanattesttoyourprofessionalqualificationsandor

workexperience.

Submitapplicationto: TheDirector LandCommission Between8th&9thStreets JallahTownRoad/Sinkor Monrovia,Liberia

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Daily Observer sunday, January 12, 2014 Monday, January 13, 2014 Page 13

Air Cote d’Ivoire Adds Liberia to 19-Nation Route by Gloria T. Tamba

Regular travelers between Liberia and la Cote d’Ivoire may be sighing with

great relief at the new and only alternative to braving the intense, unpaved terrain between the two countries as they have for nearly a decade, since Air Cote d’Ivoire added Liberia to its 19-nation continental route.

Announcing its 19-nation route at a major press conference at the airline’s Abidjan hub over the weekend, CEO Mr. Rene Decurey pledged to make Air Cote d’Ivoire’s the leading airline in West and Central Africa. Established on May 15, 2012 with the help of current Ivorian President Al Hassan

Ouattara, the airliner’s initial capitalization of US$5 million investment has already increased ten-fold to US$50 million and is poised to reach US$130 million by the second half of 2014, Mr. Decurey disclosed. According to him, Air Cote d’Ivoire is a joint venture between the Government of Cote d’Ivoire (65%), Ivorian private company Golden Rod Investment (15%) and Air France (20%).

The CEO said the Ivorian leader made it clear to Ivoirians that the development of their country definitely needed a reliable airline that would be able to take passengers in and out if Ivory Coast. He said, President Outtara asked the company’s chairman Abdoulaye Coulibaly to work along with

him (Decurey) to put the airline together which they did; and the airline is now taking passengers into several countries in Africa.

Their major challenge, said Decurey, is to build a lasting and profitable company through the continual quest for customer satisfaction, the cohesion and professionalism of their personnel, the destiny of their hub, re-enforced by solid

Air Côte d’Ivoire now has four flights to Monrovia weekly.

alliances. The challenge requires the company to be flexible, innovative and to engage in corporate social responsibility.

The Air Cote d’Ivoire fleet is composed of two Airbus A-319S (equipped with 12 seats in business class and 96 seats in economy class) and 1 Embraer 170 (equipped with eight seats in business class and 60 seats in economy class). The airplanes

are destined for the regional network and company plans is to increase its fleet with seven more aircrafts over the next five years. In 2014, the company foresees the acquisition of two Bombardier Q400s for its domestic network and one additional airbus A-319.

The company begins operation with four flights but the CEO promised to increase the number

of flights before the end of 2014. Responding to flights flying to Liberia, he said “Liberia is a neighboring country with Ivory Coast and currently there is total peace in the country.” He used the medium to thank President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, describing her as “a loving President” that cares about other countries. He disclosed that the airline is now flying to Liberia four times weekly and that he hopes to expand his flight weekly in Liberia. Other officials of the company include Patrick Kone, Jean-Pierre Chonavel, Director for finance and Human Resources and Laurent Loukou, Director General for Commercial and Marketing.

Vibrant Enterprise Sector Unlocks Jobs

-World Bank Says in 2014 World Development Report

The fear of losing or not finding a job is a primary concern for most people.

According to the World Bank Development Report (WDR) 2014, about three quarters of respondents in developing countries worry a “great deal” about being unemployed. The survey notes having a job is indeed valuable: it produces income to support consumption and to help meet important goals, such as providing education, health care, and assets for family members.

A job also contributes to self esteem, a sense of personal security, and even social cohesion.

The Bank insists these benefits are pillars of resilience and prosperity for households and communities alike. The WDR, however, notes that not all jobs are the same for purposes of risk management.

From the perspective of workers, jobs that provide secure and increasing income and a safe working environment are preferable to jobs that do not carry those benefits. Moreover, jobs that produce goods and services that consumers want and can rely on and jobs that respect and conserve the environment are better from society’s perspective, the report observed.

The Bank argues that a vibrant enterprise sector is best situated to provide such jobs through its potential to mitigate the risk of unemployment, reallocate resources to create opportunities, and contribute to worker, consumer, and environmental protection.

The Bank further argues that two characteristics—flexibility and formality can greatly help enterprises support people’s risk management.

The WDR highlights two examples of continents apart and illustrates how flexibility

and formality can improve the enterprise sector’s capacity to foster people’s resilience and promote prosperity.

The first example illustrates the importance of flexibility. In Europe, Denmark, Germany, and Spain are among the many countries hit hard by the recent global economic and financial crises: Denmark from an overheated labor market, Germany from a shock to global demand, and Spain from a popped real estate bubble.

“By the beginning of 2013, more than 25 percent of Spain’s labor force was unemployed. Denmark’s unemployment rate also increased, but to a much lower 7.4 percent. In Germany, the rate was just 5.3 percent,” the WDR stated.

According to the WDR, many factors explain the different experiences of these three countries. For one thing, the shock that hit Spain was larger than those affecting Denmark and Germany.

But explanations of the widely different unemployment outcomes should also consider the flexibility of the labor markets in those countries.

Labor market reforms in Germany, the report explains, helped moderate wage increases before the international crisis

and enabled employees and firms to adjust hours worked through work sharing without the need for layoffs.

In Denmark, job separations were high, but unemployment spells were short and eased by a robust safety net and retraining programs for the unemployed.

In Spain, in contrast, where a high percentage of the workforce was employed in the hard-hit construction sector, stringent employment regulations with significant severance costs, along with other structural factors such as the relatively high share of unskilled young labor, have added to the high and persistent unemployment.

The second example shows the benefits for enterprises of becoming formal. In Peru in recent years, informal mines have sprung up in response to rising gold prices. Ignoring existing regulations, these informal mines have caused significant deforestation, notes the WDR.

The mercury used in the extraction process has contaminated rivers and the atmosphere and threatened human health. In the La Libertad region, according to the report, the Poderosa Mining Company took an innovative approach to the problem after informal miners invaded one of its mining concessions.

The Bank explained that the company began to formalize the invading miners, signing agreements that allowed them to continue mining under its direction. The agreements, which meet international environmental management quality standards, have increased the small miners’ income and decreased the harm from deforestation and mercury contamination.

These two stories convey the main message that flexibility and formality enhance the enterprise sector’s ability to

contribute to people’s resilience and prosperity.

An enterprise sector that is flexible is more capable of responding to shocks by reallocating resources within and across enterprises and of innovating in an ever-changing world, the WDR adds. “An enterprise sector that is formal is better situated to take advantage of legal protection and contract enforcement and to make better use of public infrastructure.”

In addition, formal enterprises can be more easily held accountable for their impact on worker safety and on consumer and environmental well-being. There are both synergies and trade-offs between flexibility and formality.

In countries with responsible and strong state institutions and streamlined regulations, formality enhances flexibility.

In countries with weak state institutions and cumbersome regulatory regimes such as Liberia, however, the cost of formality can be too large for the majority of enterprises and workers.

In this case, “informal is normal,” and informality is a means for the economy to achieve a certain degree of flexibility and for workers to access a practical safety net.

A diverse array of workers

and enterprises then remains informal because they are excluded from or choose not to join a formal sector that offers limited benefits.

Informality is often a second-best response, however. The majority of the poor work in the informal sector out of necessity rather than choice.

In Ghana, for example, more than 60 percent of informal salaried and self-employed workers without employees would rather have formal wage jobs. Informal mechanisms may be effective for small firms and simple transactions, but are insufficient for larger firms and complex relations with workers and markets.

That may be why wage employment as a share of total employment increases as a country develops.

Notwithstanding significant variation across and within regions, self-employment—a large part of which is likely of a subsistence nature—is widespread in the developing world. If the enterprise sector is to fulfill its role in supporting people’s risk management, public policy for the sector requires reforms that balance the economy’s need for flexibility with society’s need for legal and regulatory protections.

The WDR argues for a

combination of reforms to help the enterprise sector become flexible as it gradually becomes formal.

These reforms, according to WDR, include improving the basic foundations of the enterprise sector by strengthening property rights and reducing uncertainty about government policy; implementing and enforcing sound regulations; and providing inclusive social protection.

In the longer run, when sound regulations for flexibility are in place, the government can pursue reforms that encourage both flexibility and formality by spurring innovation; increasing the skill level of the labor force; and enhancing worker, consumer, and environmental protections.

These reforms are necessary not only to increase growth but to enhance people’s resilience and to promote prosperity.

Although the risks that enterprises themselves face and their risk-taking decisions are very important aspects of a vibrant enterprise sector, the WDR maintains its focus on risks faced by people. It thus focuses on the enterprise sector as a sector and on its function of supporting people and society in managing risk in different ways.

Jim yong Kim, World Bank Group President

Daily Observer Page 14Friday, January 10, 2014

Justice Minister

Boakai Resists

Observer Publisher

by abednego Davis

The Justice Minister and At-torney General, Cllr. Christia-na P. Tah, has been suspended from practicing law within Li-beria for six months.

Cllr. Beyan D. Howard, Sieh’s lead defense lawyer was also declared barred---for three months---from practic-ing law.

The two were held in con-tempt for disrespecting the Supreme Court of Liberia by allowing FrontPage Africa’s managing editor, Rodney D. Sieh, a ‘Compassionate Leave’ from prison to seek medical at-tention---as prayed for by Mr. Sieh’s attorneys.

Delivering the Supreme Court’s opinion on Friday, January 10, Chief Justice Francis S. Korkpor said that,

“after carefully reviewing the records, hearing the arguments and contentions advanced by the counsels representing the parties and considering the laws relied upon, the Court pronounced co-respondent Christiana P. Tah, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, hereby suspended from the practice of law in the Republic of Liberia directly or indirect-ly for a period of six months.”

The contempt proceedings and findings stemmed from “…her role in releasing Rod-ney D. Sieh from prison as well as, her persistent affront to this court, demonstrated by her refusal to reverse the ac-tion, which formed the basis for the contempt proceedings.

“While, for his role played in the release of Rodney D. Sieh from prison, Counselor Beyan

Howard is suspended from the practice of law directly and indirectly for a period of three (3) months,” the Chief Jusice further ruled.

Unlike the Court’s explana-tion regarding Justice Minister Tah, the Court only referenced a ‘role’ played by Cllr. Beyan Howard ; it did not say what he had done that was contemp-tuous.

Absent as to what aspect of the role Cllr. Howard played that the Court had considered contemptuous, we are left with little more to inform the public than the fact (as has been re-ported) that Cllr. Howard had prayed the Justice Minister to grant his client the controver-sial ‘Compassion Leave’ that the Justice Minister believed had sufficient basis in law, to grant.

Cllr. Howard’s appeal for the ‘Compassionate Leave,’ along with Minister Tah’s decision

to cooperate, were described by the Court as “…contempt against the Judiciary.”

Minster Tah had relied on Section 34.20 of the Crimi-nal Procedure Law of Liberia and released Mr. Sieh from further detention at the Mon-rovia Central Prison, where he had fallen ill while imprisoned there after the Court remanded (sent prisoner to custody) him there for ‘contempt’ of court in connection with the case in which former Agriculture minister Dr. J. Chris Toe sued Sieh and the Frontpage Af-rica newspaper for libel. Af-ter a heated legal battle that brought much international attention, Sieh finally apolo-gized to Dr. Toe in an October 13, 2013 letter. The apology fulfilled the plaintiff’s require-ment in order to forgive the US$1.5 million fine levied by the Court against Sieh and se-cured the defendant’s release

from prison. But it was that very law that

Justice Minister Tah---and, according to the Court, her codefendant, and partner in contemptible behavior, Cllr. Howard, had relied on. The Court thought otherwise:

“Their actions were not in consonance with Section 34.20 of the Criminal Pro-cedure Law of Liberia.” The Chief Justice stressed, “It was instead deliberately intended to proceed through the Execu-tive Branch of Government and release a prisoner who had been imprisoned for contempt of court without any reference to the judiciary.”

‘That is in utter violation of the doctrine of separation of powers as enshrined in our Constitution. Their actions are therefore punishable as such,” Chief Justice Korkpor declared.

The Clerk of this Court is hereby ordered to communi-cate with the respondents, in-forming them of the judgment of this Court. “And it is so or-dered,” Chief Justice Korkpor instructed.

Prior to hearing of the con-tempt case, Cllr. T. Negbelee Warner, Cllr. Cyril Jones and Cllr. David A. B. Jallah ap-peared as “Amici Curiae” meaning Friends of the Court, while Cllr. Betty Lamin-Bla-mo, solicitor General and Cllr. M. Wilkins Wright , former Solicitor-General appeared for co-respondent Christiana P. Tah, Minister of Justice and Attorney General.

Cllr. Alexander B. Zoe and Cllr. J. Lavela Supuwood ap-peared for co-respondent Cllr. Beyan D. Howard.

(With an assist from Keith

Neville a. best)

by Keith Morris

Vice President Jo-seph N. Boakai has for the first time openly frowned

on calls to legalize same-sex marriage and abolish Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Liberia.

Gay rights campaigners al-legedly backed by some west-ern governments in 2013, stepped up a campaign asking the National Legislature to pass same-sex marriage legis-

lation and decriminalize said practice. They had also advo-cated that rights be given to individuals who want to be in same-sex relationship to marry and have family.

However, in an exclusive interview with the Daily Ob-server over the weekend, Vice President Boakai stated: “We have not reached a point where we can appreciate gay mar-riage [in Liberia].”

“I’m an African, a Liberian and a Christian. I have not got-ten to the point where I will

appreciate same-sex marriage and I am not going to be shy about it, let me be frank about that. It is a difficult thing for me because I have not come close to anything that will make me settle for that---not to mention my own religious background as a Christian.”

However, the VP was quick to add that maybe some Chris-tians are involved in same-sex marriage but from his Chris-tian orientation, he added: “It’s a hard-stuff for me to swallow.”

Liberia’s Deputy President further kicked against the practice, stressing that Bibli-

cal teachings do not encour-age such and so Africans and Christians should as well resist this ugly practice.

He intoned that any laws supporting this practice will certainly not meet his ap-proval.

Meanwhile, the Vice Presi-dent at the same time embraced the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) adding that there are some positive things that need to be learned.

He described FGM as a “sticky and an aged-old tradi-tion” that cannot be abolished overnight.

The Vice President said re-

gardless of international pro-tocols and treaties, the practice of a tradition should not be up-rightly rejected.

“Let us understand that what may be reasonable to us be-cause of treaties; we should believe that when we make decisions we have to know how those decisions impact our people.

They might not have been educated to a certain desir-able level; we need to educate our people. There might be certain things that we are do-ing that need to be amended. There are some dangers about it that we need to educate our

people about and show them the causes and effects (of these dangers). We cannot just get up and say everything that is placed on our table, we will go along with, whether or not a majority of our people are on board. I think this is an issue that needs a referendum but with proper education to show our people the causes and ef-fects,” Mr. Boakai repeated.

He was quick to note that no single government or leader-ship “should just put a pen through it and say we should not practice it, we should con-sider the impact it will have on our people.”

why the Liberian Government and the Ministry of Informa-tion are running away from Bai T. Moore.

He recalled that a few years back the Ministry of Informa-tion Cultural Affairs & Tour-ism under pension scheme gave LD$300 to Bai T. Moore’s widow, and later in-creased to a thousand Liberian Dollars.

“Could this be what Bai T. Moore should get in this coun-try with all the sacrifices he made to lift Liberian culture?” Mr. Best asked.

He recalled that the National Cultural Center at Kendeja had been closed, giving way to construction of the RLJ Ho-tel where, unlike the Cultural Center, no Liberian can have access to except one who is financially potent.

“What do Liberians go there for? Food, yes, but what is there that can be particularly called Liberian?”

Many years have elapsed since the National Cultural Center was closed and very little or no attention has been given to its revival. It would seem as though Bai T. Moore and others who promoted cul-ture in this country are now totally forgotten.

He noted that the cultural center was a place where peo-ple used to go to be entertained and learn about Liberian Cul-ture, but now no Liberian can boast of learning from his/her

culture because they have no-where to go and learn it.

Making reference to his son Bai Best, Mr. Best said he and his wife Mae Gene, upon their return from Nairobi, Kenya, in 1980 to start the Daily Ob-server, made it a habit of tak-ing their children regularly to the Cultural Center at Kendeja to expose them to their culture. Bai was only four when he and his siblings were taken to the culture center. It was then that he watched the celebrated Li-berian acrobat, Jacob Dweh from Grand Gedeh County mingling his little body in all directions. At one point, Ja-cob started walking on his two hands on the ground with his legs in the air.

“When we returned home, Bai had become so inspired by Jacob Dweh that upon entering our home at Voker Mission, Bai immediately started do-ing the same thing he had seen Jacob do. To our amazement, Bai started walking on his hands with his two legs behind him in the air. “Today at 35,” Mr. Best told his Dimeh audi-ence, “Bai can still perform that feat. I tell this story to em-phasize how important culture is to a people. It inspires them and fills them with creativity, empowering them to do things they would not ordinarily do. Bottom line, we play with our culture at our own peril. We will never know how much we are losing—we and most espe-

cially our children.”He also recalled his en-

counter with an Italian family during a visit to Italy in early 1970s. He saw a couple take their infant child to visit an old Italian ship.

Having asked why they would take the baby to that occasion, their answer was to instill the culture of the land in the baby at early age so that they would grow to know it and appreciate their country’s contribution to world civiliza-tion.

The assertive Manager and veteran Liberian Journalist also frowned on Government for relocating the National Cultural Center in Marshall in where he said there were, “yes, beautiful beaches and a fishing village named Fanti Town. But what is in Marshall that repre-sents the genesis of Liberian Culture?

Mr. Best made reference to a four-year old child marvel-ously performed a cultural dance during the occasion in Dimeh. He observed that she had not been chosen as one of the dancers of the day, but un-uniformed, she started dancing because it was in her blood. Mr. Best said the performance of the little girl clearly dem-onstrates that Liberian Cul-ture originated from counties including Margibi, Montser-rado, Bong, Lofa, Gbarpolu, Bomi and Grand Cape Mount. “This Dowein District, includ-ing Cape Mount, Bomi and Gbarpolou, is the center of our culture, having produced

such eminent figures as Bai T. Moore and Dwualu Bukele, the inventor of the Vai Script.

Mr. Best strongly recom-mended and called on govern-ment to relocate the National Cultural Center to Bomi. This would not only get people to remember Bai T. Moore, Libe-ria’s Cultural hero who wrote many books about Liberian Culture and always dressed to reflect his culture. The culture is already here, as seen by the three female masked dancers that brilliantly entertained the Dimeh audience last Friday.

For Sando Moore, one of Bai T. Moore’s surviving sons, he expressed that his late father did much for the country to promote Liberian Culture, but he (Bai T. Moore) is now to-tally forgotten.

Sando said since his father died 26 years ago, the Gov-ernment of Liberia has not organized a program or built anything in his memory to symbolize and remind people about the great work he did to promote Liberian Culture.

As Liberia’s leading photo Journalists and publisher of the Images Magazine, Mr. Moore contended that it is bet-ter to honor people who are honest and dedicated to work of the country than to glorify corrupt people who misuse and abuse their country for their selfish gains.

The ceremony marking 26 years of Bai T. Moore’s death was attended by high profile government officials includ-ing House Speaker Alex Ty-

ler, Bomi County Senator and Chairman of the Bomi Legis-lative Caucus, Lahai Gbabye Lansanah and County Rep-resentative S. Gayah Karmo. Also in attendance was former Liberian Ambassador to China and former Bomi Legislative aspirant, Madam Neh Dukuly-Tolbert, former Bomi County Senator Richard Divine, De-wein District Commissioner Foley Siryon, who is a former Daily Observer photographer, and Dey Governor Blama Gaye. Other eminent citi-zens present included Madam Musu Kiadii of the National Governors Council of Liberia, Demeh Women Group Chair-lady, Janet Rogers, Siafa Bal-lah, son of the late culture pro-moter Peter Ballah (Flomo), and Morris Johnson, a class-room teacher.

Madam Neh Dukuly Tol-bert thanked Sando Moore for inviting her to the occasion, and said she wholeheartedly agreed with Mr. Best that the National Cultural Center need-ed to be relocated in the Bomi area, where Liberian culture is already vibrant and I being

practiced on a daily basis. She pledged to lobby for the Cen-ter to be relocated in its natural habitat.

Responding to concerns raised by Mr. Best and Moore, House Speaker Alex Tyler said the people of Bomi are partly responsible for the neglect of their father and son, the late Bai T. Moore. The Bomi people have not been assertive enough, he admitted.

But this will change, he de-clared. “The county has ca-pable men and women who should keep the flame of Bai T. Moore burning. And we will do what we have to do.

Speaker Tyler said he con-curred with the views of K.Y. Best that the National Cultural Center should be relocated to Bomi, where Liberian culture is already in action. He said he would approach the President of Liberia for prompt action.

Among some of Bai T. Moore’s publications for which he is widely known are Murder in the Cassava Patch, Ebony Dust, a collection of poems and Gola Boy in Amer-ica.

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Monday, January 13, 2014 Page 15

‘Vandalism is Unacceptable in Sports’ -Minister Eugene NagbeYouth & Sports

Minister Lenn Eu-gene Nagbe has said that it is un-

acceptable for any Liberian to encourage any act of vandal-ism in sports.

Minister Nagbe told journal-ists last Saturday at the Sam-uel Kanyon Sports Complex that under his leadership, no Liberian will be allowed to use violence to get an objec-tive achieved in the on-going County Meet.

He said the theme of the 2014 National County Sports Meet is to celebrate the unin-terrupted ten years of peace in the country, and therefore all actions must be geared to-wards that.

Minister Nagbe noted that statements of threats from an alleged member of the Mont-serrado Legislative Caucus (on the radio) to use force or to interrupt the soccer match scheduled for January 12, be-tween Grand Gedeh and Lofa demonstrates their unwilling-ness to let other Liberians en-joy peace.

“We set rules and regulations that govern the County Meet,” Minister Nagbe said, “and we conducted workshops for all county leaders and their sports

officers before the meet.”Minister Nagbe said techni-

cal visits were also made to the four host counties.

“The rules and regulations were published and made available to all participants,” Minister Nagbe said.

He explained that the Ap-peals Board of the County

Meet’s membership includes Liberians of integrity, and named members as Mr. Chu-chu Horton, Prof. Wilson Tarpeh and Minister Julia Duncan Cassell.

“The committee carried its work and rendered its decision based on the available infor-mation in a case which Grand Gedeh filed against Maryland County, concerning a player reported not to be a Liberian,” Minister Nagbe said.

He said the protest was han-dled by the committee in the spirit of the game.

“I am from Maryland County and the case affected Maryland County. Rules and regulations about the game must be re-spected.

“If in the past decisions were made outside the rules, let it be known that we are setting a standard for the right thing to be done,” Minister Nagbe said.

He regretted that there are certain Liberians who tend to heap abuses and make unwar-ranted charges against others before investigating the facts.

Minister Nagbe said those who allegedly made state-ments on radio to the effect of encouraging violence should be ashamed of themselves.

“It is critical to adhere to rules and regulations devel-oped to ensure the success of the County Meet,” he said.

Meanwhile, Minister Nagbe appealed to journalists to in-vestigate matters before as-suming in their conclusions of the misapplication of funds provided by government for a particular purpose.

He said the ministry has not misused any amount in the US$1.1million (NOCAL pro-vided US$500,000) that the Liberian government provided for the hosting of the county meet.

“All our transactions are done by check and they are available for verification,” Nagbe said.

He also refuted allegation that companies outside Liberia were used to purchase jerseys for the tournament at the ex-pense of Liberian companies.

“We used the PPCC and Li-berian companies used went through the rules by law,” Nagbe added.

Contributing, Mr. Chuchu Horton appealed to Liberians not to engage in any act of vio-lence but should rather allow the theme of the tournament to guide the progression of the Meet.

A spokesman for the Minis-try of Internal Affairs assured Liberians that the on-going meet will proceed as planned, without violence or any intimi-dation.

youth and sports Minister eugene Nagbe

SWAL Must Wake Up, Declares Richard

Manuba--as he announces sWal Presidential bid

ELBC’s Richard Ma-nuba last Friday de-clared his candidacy for the forthcoming,

Jan. 24, presidential race of the Sports Writers Association of Liberia, SWAL.

Making an official an-nouncement at the PUL offices of his intent to run for the Jan. 24 presidential race on Clay Street in Monrovia, Manuba said modernization indicates new levels of development and it is time for the SWAL to wake up with the times.

“That is why,” Manuba said, “the association (SWAL) must face the challenges with a credible leadership.”

As a result, he said, “I de-clare my candidacy and I come to the task with a high level of commitment.”

He told the gathering that if elected, his administration will embark on three key issues.

“The first is to make SWAL an institution to be able to work with development part-ners.

“Second is to seek corporate support and sponsorship since the association cannot depend on membership dues for im-provement and third SWAL will be strengthened to make it independent.”

He spoke of the reactivation of the Herbert Grigsby Forum, along with a monthly SWAL Activity Report Lecture Series that will bring leaders of all

sporting organizations to dia-logue with SWAL.

“We will then be able to un-derstand the problems that say Martial Arts or Taekwondo is facing and then work together to bring results,” Manuba said.

Manuba said the welfare of SWAL members is high on his agenda to ensure capacity of the members.

He assured SWAL members that if elected, his administra-tion will work with the Univer-sity of Liberia to ensure that a scholarship program meant for sports journalists benefits the association.

Manuba has worked as a journalist for the last thirteen years. He is expected to gradu-ate from the University of Li-beria this year, 2014.

His degrees are in sociology and mass communication.

richard Manuba—sWal Presidential candidate

FIFA Approves LFA Statutes

The world’s football governing body, FIFA, has informed the Liberia Football

Association, LFA that it has accepted and approved of its statues.

A letter from FIFA signed by Marco Villiger, director of Le-gal Affairs and Oliver Jaberg, head of Corporate Legal, said, “We hereby confirm the draft of the Statues of the LFA sent to FIFA on 19 December 2013 meets all the requirements of FIFA.

“We take this opportunity to congratulate you on your excellent work and we thank you for your valuable coop-eration.”

FIFA meanwhile requested the LFA to send a ratified and

signed version of the approved Statues by indicating the date of ratification to its headquar-ters.

A copy of the Statutes was sent to CAF’s headquarters in Cairo, Egypt.

lFa boss bility

CHAN 2014: South Africa, Mali Win

South Africa’s Bafana Bafana made an im-pressive show in their first game last Satur-

day against Mozambique with a 3-1 win in Cape Town.

In the second game in Cape Town, Mali defeated Nigeria 2-1.

Morocco and Zimbabwe played to a 0-0 draw in their group match. The tournament is for players who play at their

respective countries and have not traveled abroad.

Libya and Ethiopia will start their 2014 African Nations Championship on a posi-tive note when they meet in a Group C at the Free State Stadium on Monday tonight, kick-off at 8.p.m.

The other teams in Group C are Ghana and Congo, who will face each other at the same venue this afternoon.

Nimba Defeats G. Kru in Q-finals

by leroy M. sonpon, lll

Sam Jackson of Nimba County yesterday scored the opening goal in the 29th min-

ute against Grand Kru County at the SKD Complex in the first quarter-finals.

Nimba’s potent striker Prince Chappy increased the tally to 2-0 in the 58th minute.

However, Nimba’s defender

Nicholas Swen reduced the tally when he scored an own goal in the 65th minute.

The second quarter final be-tween Grand Gedeh and Lofa in football was in progress at press time.

In kickball, Montserrado and Grand Kru were eliminated from the competition.

Margibi defeated Montser-rado 9-5 and Grand Kru lost 3-4 to Gbarpolu.

Coach sewnet bishaw of ehiopia

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A people without culture are a people without an

identity.

-Dr. Owl’s Philosophical Guest

In Canadian Investor’s Mining License Case

Supreme Court Rejects Government Appeals

By Abednego Davis

The Govern-ment of Libe-ria’s appeal to turn over the judgment of the Civil Law

Court against the Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy was on Friday, January 10, denied by the Supreme Court.

Giving the Higher Court’s opinion on the appeal, Associ-ate Justice Philip A. Z. Banks declared that the “Clerk of Court is hereby ordered to send a mandate to the lower court to resume jurisdiction over the case and to reinforce the judgment of this lower court in accordance with the law. Costs of these proceed-ings are disallowed. And it is hereby so ordered.”

The Civil Law Court in 2012 granted a motion protesting against the termination of a mineral exploration agree-ment and revoking of mining licenses of Mr. Leonard Lind-strom, a Canadian Investor, by the Ministry.

Mr. Lindstrom is the owner of the Liberty Group of Com-panies which comprises of six other mining companies including; Liberty Gold and Diamond Mining Company, T. Rex Resources Inc, G -10 Ex-ploration Inc, Golden Ventures Inc. Magma Mineral Resourc-es and Craton Development.

He is the author of the book Title “Corruption 101, Liberia Style.”

In that ruling the Civil Law Court declared that the “act of the Ministry of Lands, Mines

and Energy is hereby declared illegal, irregular, improper, un-lawful and the termination of Mr. Lindstrom’s licenses are hereby ordered reinstated.”

It further stated, “With offi-cial extension for at least four years the current date with all rights and privileges apper-taining thereto, and it is hereby so ordered.”

That judgment was seriously rejected by the Ministry which announced an appeal to the Higher Court.

Giving justification of the Higher Court’s denial, Justice Banks explained that “no-where in any of the letters of termination, did the Acting Minister of Lands, Mines and Energy inform the licensees, Mr. Lindstrom’s companies, that they had the right to con-test the termination of the min-eral exploration agreement or the license held by them with-in thirty (30) days of the date of the letter of termination.”

Justice Banks clarified that the “net effect of this omission is that none of the companies

were notified that they had the right to contest the termina-tion.

Referring to the law, the As-sociate Justice noted “our law is clear on the issue. It is only upon such notice that the ap-pellees (Mr. Lindstrom) would have been informed of the right to contest the termina-tion.” He insisted “notice is the key component of our jurisdic-tion and it was not for the ap-pellant (Ministry) to dispense with that critical requirement.”

He continued, “the appel-lant cannot make the argument that the appellees waived their right to contest the termination or to a hearing on the termi-nation because they failed to contest the termination within thirty (30) days of the date of the notice of termination.”

“Therefore,” the Associate Justice noted “in that light, we reject the contention of the ap-pellant that the appellees were accorded the due-process of law opportunity provided by the Constitution and the sev-eral provisions of our statures,

as well as, the regulation, but chose to waive the right or that opportunity.”

Accordingly, Justice Banks stated, “we hold that as no right to a hearing was accord-ed the appellees and no right of due-process was waived by them, the trial judge was cor-rect in holding that the appel-lees were denied their right to due- process of law.

And by that denial, the action of the appellant was rendered null and void and of no legal effect.”

He concluded, “The said act by the appellant in terminat-ing the mineral exploration Agreement and the license held by the appellees is hereby reversed and the rights and li-cense held by the appellees re-instated to last for the remain-ing period granted them.”

The case grew on October 25, 2010, when Mr. Lindstrom requested the court to enter into a declaratory judgment against the Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy, alleging among other things that his companies is a registered busi-ness entity in the Country and was granted licenses to oper-ate under the laws of Liberia.

He further argued that the concession agreement be-tween the two parties was also signed since 2004.

They further contended that despite the existence of the agreement, the respondent Ministry terminated its agree-ment.

According to him, after re-ceiving the notice of termi-nation of the agreement, he wrote the Ministry requesting

for a hearing, which hearing was denied.

He contended that the Min-istry’s action was contrary to the mining laws of Liberia, the agreement as well as the regu-lations promulgated by them on November 3, 2010, because his company does not owe government.

But, the Ministry on the oth-er hand, argued that following reconciliation of vouchers and payment Mr. Lindstorm com-panies were actually indebted to government in the amount of US$280,000.

They further contended that Lindstrom only paid for Liber-ty Gold and Diamond Mining

Company and G-10 Explora-tion, but failed to pay for the other three companies namely; T. Rex Resources Inc, Golden Ventures Inc. Magma Mineral Resources.

Besides, that the companies bills and payment were not made: and that even the two institutions named that they paid for, failed and refused to submit the work plan as re-quired for those institutions.

It was based on these irregu-larities; the Ministry alleged that it took the decision to ter-minate Mr. Lindstorm’s min-ing exploration agreement and his companies’ licenses.

Liberty Mining CEO Len Lindstrom, in whose favor the High Court ruled over the weekend