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EDITORIALThe Challenge

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COMMENTARYExtolling the Armed

Forces of Liberia: Grandfather’s

Rekindled Hope

LOCAL NEWSTeacher’s

College Instructor Welcomes Transfer to

Fendell

BUSINESSTough Times for

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SPORTSBassa Targets

‘5 Years’ to Win Trophy

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Death Mars Bassa’s Trophy Celebration

-Several Sustain Severe Injuries in Accidents; Some Blame Deaths on ‘Neejee’By Leroy M. Sonpon, III from Grand Bassa

County

A 16-year-old, D a r l i n g -boy Philips, dubbed ‘Dad’ was crushed to death

when he accidentally fell from a low-belt truck this past Sat-urday, amid rejoicing over Grand Bassa County’s triumph in the National County Meet after 24 years of title-drought.

The truck, with the inscrip-tion ‘Grand Bassa County De-velopment Fund,’ rolled over the lad and crushed his chest

and smashed his skull near the entrance of the Doris Williams Sports Stadium.

He had slipped while he and friends were hanging on the vehicle’s tail-end after the pro-gram when the car was leav-ing the Doris Williams Sports

Cont’d on pg. 14

Motor Vehicles Now Required to Obtain 3rd Party Insurance

Vice Pres. Boakai displays the scheme as he launches Third Party Liability Insurance scheme

See story on Pg.14

Armed Forces Day Activities Released

Dr. Sawyer to Deliver Keynote Address

AFL’s marching band commanded by a female officer

See story on Pg.14

MONDAY, FEB. 3, 2014, vol. 16, No.68indd 2 2/3/14 12:10 AM

Daily Observer sunday, February 02, 2014 Page 10dTuesday, January 28, 2014

Foreign BriefsWorld NewsPage 2Monday, February 3, 2014

Sudan

El Salvador

Syria

Thailand

Pakistan South Sudan Conflict: 3.7m in ‘Need of Food’, Says UN

(BBC) - The United Nations has said it estimates 3.7 mil-lion people are in acute need of food in South Sudan as a re-sult of the civil conflict there.

The UN’s humanitarian co-ordinator in South Sudan Toby Lanzer told the BBC $1.3bn (£790m) was needed to deal with the crisis.

Violence broke out in South Sudan on 15 December, start-ing as violence between rival army factions.

It has now killed thousands of people and displaced around 860,000.

Mr Lanzer said it had also had profound effects on the country’s economy. “Largely because markets have been disrupted, people have been living under extreme duress, people aren’t able to move as they normally would,” he said.

“Nobody in mid-December... could have foreseen the scale of the emergency that now faces us. We are doing every-thing we can to avoid a catas-

trophe,” he added.The number of those need-

ing food represented around a third of South Sudan’s popula-tion, he said.

He said that in the city of Malakal, some civilians had stormed a warehouse where aid was being kept and “helped themselves”.

“Most of the looting was done by people who were so desperate for the aid that they simply couldn’t wait,” he said.

He said over that of 863,000 people who have been dis-

placed; 740,000 of them are still in South Sudan and the others have left for neighbour-ing countries.

Fighting continues A fragile ceasefire was

agreed last week between the two sides ahead of a second round of peace talks due to start on 7 February.

However, earlier this week, the medical charity MSF says 240 of its staff in South Sudan were forced to flee into the bush because of continuing insecurity.

MSF said the workers were among thousands of people trying to escape fighting in Unity State between govern-ment forces and rebels.

The fighting was sparked by a political dispute between President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar on 15 December.

Although both men have supporters from across South Sudan’s ethnic divides, fight-ing has often been commu-nal, with rebels targeting members of Mr Kiir’s Dinka ethnic group and government soldiers attacking Nuers, the group from which Mr Machar hails.

A ceasefire was agreed af-ter talks between the two but fighting has continued in some areas and correspondents say it could be further jeopardised by treason charges against some of Mr Machar’s allies over what authorities say was a “coup attempt” in December.

a third of south sudan’s population is now in “urgent need” of food, the UN says

Afghan Presidential Election Campaign Under Way

(BBC) - The campaign for Afghanistan’s presidential election has been formally launched, with rallies for key candidates in the capital, Ka-bul.

The election is scheduled to take place on 5 April.

There are 11 candidates to replace Hamid Karzai, who cannot stand again.

Security is the major issue, with the Taliban threatening to target the campaign. Two workers for candidate Abdul-lah Abdullah were shot dead in the western city of Herat on Saturday.

Security fears Thousands of people at-

tended rallies in halls in Kabul on Sunday as the campaign started, with posters now dot-ted around the city.

All the candidates have been given armoured vehicles and security guards.

Academic Ashraf Ghani, who is running with former Uzbek warlord Gen Abdul Rashid Dostum and ethnic

Hazara tribal chieftain Sarwar Danish as vice-presidents, promised at his rally to bring reforms.

He said the world should not be frightened of Afghanistan, nor should Afghans be afraid of the world.

One of those who attended, Arefa Alizada, told Agence France-Presse news agency he was concerned about security, referring to the deaths of the two campaign workers.

“If it worsens, I and many other people won’t be able to vote,” he said.

One of the main campaign

issues will be the presence of US forces beyond the end of the year - when Western forces are scheduled to leave.

A deal with the US was reached to retain thousands to train and mentor local security forces.

However, Mr Karzai has stalled on signing the agree-ment himself, suggesting his successor would complete the negotiations.

The Taliban has rejected the election and attacks in the cap-ital are already on the increase.

The UN condemned Satur-day’s attack in Herat, saying:

“This cowardly action consti-tutes a violent intimidation of electoral candidates and their supporters, and cannot be tol-erated.”

The last election, in 2009, was also dogged by allega-tions of vote rigging and in-timidation.

Mr Abdullah pulled out of a run-off vote, handing Mr Kar-zai another term.

The BBC’s David Loyn in Kabul says a clear winner in the first round is again unlike-ly, meaning a result may not be known until the summer.

Karzai’s brother, Qayum, and key ally Zalmai Rassoul, could be key challengers.

Another candidate, religious scholar Abdul Rasul Sayyaf, has a jihadist background that may concern the West.

Ethnic backgrounds will be a major issue in the elec-tion. Afghanistan’s key ethnic groups are Pashtun (42%), Ta-jik (27%), Hazara (9%), and Uzbek (9%).

an election poster for abdul rasul sayyaf in Kabul

Actor Philip Seymour Hoffman DiesBBC) - Oscar-winning

American actor Philip Sey-mour Hoffman has been found dead in New York, US media have reported.

The 46-year-old was found in his Manhattan apartment, the reports quote police as saying.

Medical officials have not yet commented on the the cause of death.

Hoffmann made his name in the 1990s in films includ-ing Boogie Nights and the Big Lebowski, before win-

ning the best actor Oscar for his portrayal of writer Truman Capote in 2005.

Throughout his career he featured in independent films as well as Hollywood block-

busters such as Mission Im-possible III.

His latest role was in the Hunger Games series of films.

As well as films, he also starred in Broadway plays and won two Tony Awards.

British actor John Hurt said the news had hit him “very hard”.

“He was a great actor, a great member of the film and theatre community. An extraordinary talent, directorially as well as an actor. He’ll be greatly missed,” he said.

Philip seymour Hoffman was a star of stage and screen

Egypt Court Acquits

Pro-Morsi Protesters(BBC) -A court in Egypt has

acquitted more than 60 sup-porters of ousted President Mohammed Morsi who were arrested during a violent pro-test last year.

Judges also cleared a cam-eraman working for the broad-caster Al-Jazeera.

The men, most of whom have links to the banned Mus-lim Brotherhood, had been accused of attempted murder and rioting following deadly clashes in Cairo.

They were demonstrating against Mr Morsi’s removal from power by the military in July 2013.

Egypt’s first democratically elected president is currently facing four separate trials on various charges.

Islamists have staged regular protests demanding his rein-statement, but have been met with a heavy crackdown in which hundreds have died.

The interim government has declared the Muslim Brother-hood a terrorist organisation and arrested thousands of its members since last year.

Media under attack Cameraman Mohamed Badr

and 61 other people went on trial in December, accused of involvement in violence dur-ing the protest in central Cairo on 15 July.

Hundreds of Morsi support-ers gathered at Ramses Square and some overran a police sta-tion. Clashes between ensued, leaving seven dead and more than 260 injured.

Al-Jazeera rejected the alle-gation that Mr Badr was a pro-tester, and said he was merely covering the event.

As the judge announced the acquittals on Sunday, defen-dants and their families shout-ed “Justice is done” and “Al-lahu Akbar” (God is Great).

Prosecutors said they were considering an appeal.

The media has increasingly become a target in the authori-ties’ crackdown on dissent, the BBC’s Bethany Bell, in Cairo, reports.

Last week, Egyptian pros-ecutors filed criminal charges against 20 other Al-Jazeera journalists, accusing them of conspiring with the Brother-hood, our correspondent says.

They include former BBC correspondent Peter Greste who was been held for more than a month with his produc-ers, Mohamed Fahmy and Ba-her Mohamed.

They were arrested on 29 December in Cairo for al-legedly holding illegal meet-ings with the banned Muslim Brotherhood.

In late January, Mr Greste sent a letter from Cairo’s Tora prison, calling the detentions an “attack on the freedom of speech”.

(BBC) - Pakistan’s Taliban have named politician and ex-cricketer Imran Khan as a member of a five-man team to enter into peace talks with the government.

Mr Khan’s party strongly fa-vours negotiations, but a state-ment said that he would prob-ably prefer to assist the peace process in another role.

PM Nawaz Sharif returned to power last May promising talks with the Taliban.

Deadly attacks have contin-ued and Mr Sharif said this week he was giving peace a last chance by naming a team.

(BBC) - Protests have dis-rupted Thailand’s general elec-tion, halting voting in parts of Bangkok and the south, but of-ficials say that 89% of polling stations operated normally.

Some six million registered voters were affected by the closures, the Election Com-mission said.

PM Yingluck Shinawatra called the vote to head off weeks of mass protests.

Her party is widely expected to win but legal challenges and a lack of a quorum of MPs may create a political limbo.

(BBC) - Syrian government forces have killed dozens of civilians in air raids in the northern city of Aleppo, activ-ists say.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) says about 90 people - most of them civilians - died when helicop-ters dropped barrel bombs on Saturday.

Aleppo has been the focus of bitter fighting between Presi-dent Bashar al-Assad’s forces and rebels.

Meanwhile militants linked to al-Qaeda are reported to have killed the leader of a rival Islamist militia there.

(BBC) - The people of El Salvador are voting in a presi-dential election.

The main rivals are current Vice-President Salvador San-chez Ceren of the left-wing FMLN party and Norman Qui-jano of the conservative Arena alliance.

Neither is expected to win outright because a third candi-date standing for a new inde-pendent party is likely to make a strong showing.

(BBC) Sudan has ordered the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to suspend its activities in the country.

The ICRC said it had re-ceived a letter from the Su-danese authorities citing “technical issues relating to its humanitarian plans for this year”, but giving no further details.

Sudan has in the past sus-pended or expelled humanitar-ian organisations.

Daily Observer Page 3Monday, February 3, 2014

Teacher’s College Instructor Welcomes Transfer to Fendell

by Joaquin sendolo

An instructor of the Teacher’s College of the University of Liberia has de-

scribed as “welcoming” the decision by the national gov-ernment to transfer all activi-ties of the University to the Fendell campus.

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on January 27, men-tioned in her Annual Message

to the National Legislature that instead of UL being a learning ground, it has turned into political ground; with students spending most of their learning time outside the classroom.

The President also observed that the Capitol Hill campus is not ideally located for students to focus on their educations, and as such there is a need to transfer all the colleges to the more idyllic location of Fend-

ell.Although the Teachers Col-

lege is on the Fendell cam-pus, Mr. Tom N. Wesseh is of the view that transferring all the colleges there, especially the undergraduate programs would be the best solution to enhancing students’ learning.

Besides the college of Busi-ness and Public Administra-tion still based on the main Capitol Hill campus, all the other colleges are now at

Fendell where about 23,000 of UL’s over 30,000 enrolled students go everyday to attend classes.

Mr. Wesseh, who teaches senior courses in Education, stressed that unlike the Fend-ell campus that possesses few distractions, the Capitol Hill

campus is located at the cen-ter of the city surrounded by diversions.

He said, “A learning environ-ment functions better without outside activities breaking stu-dents’ concentration; which is why bringing the University to Fendell will be a good idea.”

He noted that classrooms on the Fendell campus are well spaced with acceptable ven-tilation unlike the congested rooms of the Capitol Hill cam-pus.

While moving to Fendell is a good idea in the opinion of the Education instructor, the chal-lenge of accommodation still remains an issue.

Currently there are four com-plexes on the Fendell campus; the newly built Chinese com-plex containing classrooms and offices for administrators, the Engineer Building, the

Science Complex and the Aca-demic Building.

The Science building has over forty rooms, but most of them are intended for labs. They are occupied by old equipment that was partly looted by fighters, and since peace returned and school re-sumed in 2004, no progress has been made in restoring the equipment.

The Academic Building con-tains over thirty classrooms with the Electronic Processing Department (EPD) attached.

The Science Complex and the Academic Building appear dilapidated and in need reno-vation, if the entire undergrad-uate college can be transferred to Fendell then additional buildings need to be erected to accommodate the huge num-ber of students.

Mr. Wesseh: “Transferring to Fendell is a good idea.”

Gbowee Foundation Launches Free Education for Girls, Others

by alvin Worzi

The Gbowee Peace Foundation (Africa) has launched a tech-nical institute pro-

gram in the country for women and girls. The Foundation also included ex-combatants of all the former warring factions into their plan.

Their aim is to reduce the illiteracy rate in the country, while empowering women and girls, locally.

The launch was done at dur-ing its 2nd anniversary fund-raising gala, under the theme: “Advancing Girls’ Education & Entrepreneurships.”

The fundraising gala, which intended to raise at least three million United States dollars, was held at the Executive Pa-vilion on Broad Street, with a lot of national and internation-

al partners in attendance.Launching the Abigail Tech-

nical Institute and High School for Girls, Madam Leymah R. Gbowee, in whose honor the Foundation is named, said the foundation would focus on empowering women and girls in the country through intern-ship, mentorship, and career development.

According to Madam Gbow-ee, the Foundation has given many of its scholars interna-tional scholarships. Recipients were: Georgia Genoway, Kor-to Johnson, Ernestine Vulue, Yamah Lavelah and others; some will be traveling abroad for studies this year.

She further explained that the building of the technical in-stitute for women and girls was a way of starting something for girls. “The hope is that those that do not go to college can

learn something else and still remain on course,” she added.

Madam Gbowee, who is co-recipient of the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize, said the scholar-ships for women and girls have been extended to supporting ex-combatants as a way of tell-ing their own story.

She explained that contribu-tions were made towards the Foundation, after she had won Peace Prize, by some of her partners, who all around the world, including the United States.

The fundraising gala in-cluded honoring a number of individuals for their role in empowering women and girls in the country to the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa. Dai-ly Observer’s Marketing Man-ager, Bai Best, was one of the honorees.

One of the scholars of the Gbowee Peace Foundation, Africa, Ma-Hawa Ngaim, of the University of Liberia, said the Gbowee Scholarship was the best in the country, giving full support to women and girls in Africa.

She explained that Gbowee Peace Foundation was the only program in the country that gives stipends, school sup-plies, internships, and many others opportunities including workshops, academic devel-opment, and summer student exchange.

Madam Gbowee displays how the institution’s grounds would look like

by ishmael F. Menkor

Rural Integrated Center for Commu-nity Empowerment (RICCE) said shift-

ing from one farm land to an-other every year, destroys the nation’s forest and its wildlife.

RICCE made the disclosure to farmers and members of the East Nimba Nature Reserve community of Zortarpa.

The executive director of RICCE, Salome Cooper, ex-plained to locals that shifting farming makes labor more difficult by constantly moving from one location to the next. This subsequently leads to the destruction of the forest includ-ing the remaining species of wildlife.

Showing a film illustrating to locals how other methods of farming are done in other countries, she said, “in shifting farming methods, farmers do not yield more products from their farms,” and added: “shift-ing farming causes deforesta-tion due to the felling of trees after brushing.”

RICCE is acting on behalf of ArcelorMittal to teach the farmers living around the its operational areas to progress from old farming methods to new ones.

In January of last year, RIC-CE introduced a new farming method, to the communities, called “conservation agricul-ture.”

In conservation agriculture, according to the RICCE, the farmer is not required to burn the farm after brushing; in-stead they are encouraged to go ahead with their planting. This gives the farmer the opportu-nity to continue farming on the

Shifting Farming Destroys the Forestsays riCCe

same spot over and over with less energy being exerted.

“In conservation agriculture,” she said, “the same area can be used to plant different crops af-ter harvesting the first crops.”

During the visit of the Daily Observer to one of the dem-onstration sites where cas-sava was planted, the cassava seemed to grow with a richer consistency.

Ms. Cooper told the locals at the one-day awareness held in Zortarpa on January 30th “You don’t go in the ‘hard bush’ to make your farm, you can make it on the same area over and over and again. Just brush the same farming spot and go ahead with planting your crops, you will see the result.”

The Forestry Development Authority (FDA) and citizens of Zortarpa reached an agree-ment some years ago to co-manage the Northern Nimba Nature Reserve after years of a standoff between the FDA and communities over the survey-ing of the reserve.

ArcelorMittal also had a similar memorandum of un-derstanding with citizens of Gbar to co-manage the Gbar Community Forest located along the border with Guinea in 2012.

The citizens of the Zortarpa community are said to be em-bracing the new farming sys-tem introduced by RICCE/Mittal.

“This type of farming is prac-ticed worldwide, especially in countries where merchandise farming is carried out. Because of conservation agriculture countries like China and India are able to produce more food for their citizens and for im-portation,” said Renee Gibson, RICCE’s Program Officer.

Anthony Mankuah, principal of the local school in Zortarpa said, “We embraced this idea and we are going to put it into practice.”

“From the short demonstra-tion we received last year, we understood how much we were wasting. That is why we must thank RICCE for the training they continue to provide us,” he said.

Meanwhile the FDA Zone # 1 Warden in the concessional area, Edward Smallwood, congratulated RICCE for the awareness campaign on be-half of the FDA and urged the citizens to put what they have learned into practice to help conserve the forest.

riCCe staff with community members in Zortarpa

by alvin Worzi

The Ministry of Lands, Mines & Energy (LME) has drafted a new Act of

the minerals and mining sec-tor that seeks to prioritize the interest of the Liberian people and the country at large.

The Act is aimed at es-tablishing a framework for granting and regulating min-eral titles that authorizes re-connaissance, exploration and processing of minerals in an attractive way for investors while simultaneously ensuring

they contribute to the develop-ment of Liberia.

The Act, if passed, could encourage mining operations that are financially profitable, environmentally sound, and socially responsible to benefit the Liberian people.

Speaking to our reporter in an exclusive interview on Wednesday, January 29, at a one-day consultation on the update of the Liberian Mineral Mining Act held at a local ho-tel in Monrovia, Deputy LME Minister, Sam Ross, said the new Act has been carefully

reviewed. Mr. Ross explained review of the Act would en-sure harmony and beneficial relationships are created be-tween mining companies and the communities that are af-fected by minerals operations.

He explained that the gov-ernment of Liberia, through the LME, aims to provide eco-nomic and social opportunities for communities with mineral resources.

Mr. Ross further stated the new mining act would allow communities that explore re-sources to get additional ben-efits from mining operations in

MLME Drafts Act to Ensure National Equity in Mining Sector

the sector. He noted that most min-

ing companies in the country lacked the capacity to create harmonious relationships with the people of their operations’ various communities. This lack of a mutual understanding causes failure to develop these communities.

Mr. Ross said the LME seeks the opinions, views and participation of civil society organizations, the private sec-tor, government agencies and government ministries in order to safeguard the new Act.

He stressed the need for strengthening the country’s mining sector and providing

a reliable posture for com-munities concerning the way forward.

Mr. Ross concluded by ex-pressing his belief that Liberia was endowed with bountiful resources which should be used to create an international standard of living for it citi-zens.

Daily Observer sunday, February 02, 2014 Page 10dTuesday, January 28, 2014

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, February 3, 2014

Cont’t on page 9

Page 4

The Challenge for Capacitating Liberian-owned

BusinessesThe President, in her recent Annual Message to the Legislature

admitted that a paltry (measly, worthless) 25% of government’s purchases come from Liberian-owned businesses. This is, un-fortunately, a tacit admission that this government has failed to encourage its own people in business. But there is more to it.

However, let us deal first with the government’s own responsi-bility in the premises--why? Because the government, as in most countries, including the United States, is the biggest employer and contract giver. It is also that ONE BODY that wields ALL the political power in a country. And, just so we know, it is that POWER that can make ANYTHING happen in any country. In other words, it is the government that gets done what it wants done.

Daily Observer staff members, and many in the public, have often observed in small, medium-sized or big businesses--that there are always government officials hanging around these busi-nesses—doing what? Begging for favors, or having been sum-moned to receive a handout or gift.

When the Daily Observer got into trouble with a certain major Lebanese businessman in 2007 for exposing the sale of a rot-ten commodity, we learned that this particular businessman had NEVER visited the Ministry of Commerce. It was, instead, the Ministers of Commerce—in the Samuel Doe, Charles Taylor, Na-tional Transitional Government of Liberia (NTGL) regimes--and probably even before--that went to this Lebanese businessman’s office. He did not have to go to the Ministry of Commerce, be-cause there were NO questions, only answers—packaged gen-erously and neatly in brown envelopes, to be picked up by the Ministers themselves--nobody else.

But make no mistake! This has been going on for a very long time. That is why Liberia is not yet developed, but backward. The Daily Observer has often told the story of Moshe Meyer, who built the Ducor Hotel. When in 1972 President Tolbert add-ed Tourism to the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, the Minister G. Henry Andrews invited tourism devel-opers from around the world to present proposals to develop Li-berian tourism. Moshe Meyer returned, with some great propos-als. When we recalled that it was he who had built the Ducor, we asked him what had happened? Why had he, instead, developed tourism in La Cote d’Ivoire?

Mr. Meyer’s reply: He saw Liberia as the perfect place to launch tourism in West Africa because of her vibrant economy, her rich culture and her unique geographic position, THE Roberts In-ternational Airport was where Pan American Airways touched down first in Africa, before going on to any other African capital, including Lagos, Nigeria and Nairobi, Kenya. BUT the problem: After the Ducor was opened, President Tubman sent them to the other government offices to do the follow-up work for Tourism development. But everywhere he and his colleagues went, the officials in charge wanted a cut “up front.” “We didn’t have that kind of money; so when we found out that President Houphouet and his government were serious, we settled in Ivory Coast, built Hotel Ivoire, the Towers and the Ivorian Rivera.”

Liberia lost out completely!And we are still losing out, because of our selfishness, corrup-

tion and our patent lack of PATRIOTISM and SERIOUSNESS. THE SAME THING IS STILL HAPPENING. It is as though

we have learned NOTHING all these five decades. Remember, 1964 was 50 years ago! How long does it take for a people to learn?

The foregoing sums up the government side. What about our-selves as ordinary Liberians? Are we different? Or are we just like our past and present officials? How many of us have bor-rowed from our friends and relatives and refused to pay back? How many of us have borrowed money from banks and failed to pursue our professed businesses, and failed to pay back?

The Liberian Business Association (LIBA) and Central Bank Governor J. Mills Jones are among the few who are striving to give Liberians a new opportunity. We are told that so far, the beneficiaries are paying their LIBA debts.

Let us pray that this new beginning will make a substantial and sustained difference and that one day, at long last, Liberians will be empowered to take the lead in business in their own country.

Part two to follow tomorrow.

Extolling the Armed Forces of Liberia: Grandfather’s Rekindled Hope

by stephen b. lavalah

My maternal grandfather may have been in his early 20s with great conscious and a sense of patriotism when he was en-listed into the Liberia Fortier Force from its very beginning in 1908. He knew that such a decision was in the best interest of his country and the ideals of its founding fathers. From a small town behind Konia called Boi situated in Zorzor District, he began his journey to do his utmost best to defend the sovereignty and territo-rial boundaries of the country and make it more unified. His struggle and enormous sacrifices might have been seen as insig-nificant and little known in the eyes of the then ruling establishment and perhaps scores of Liberians as well as foreigners, but his sacrifices and loyalty will forever remain memorial.

His name along with many enlisted men who willingly joined the Liberia Frontier Force may be forgotten; however, his vigor and zest still persist. His courage to defend, safeguard and ensure tranquility may not be remembered, notwithstanding his voice calls many dedicated men and women to duty. His aspiration to demon-strate a high degree of patriotism in the midst of challenges may not be written in the pages of history for generations to read, although his love for country went beyond the quest to be known or hailed. His disciplinary action, respect for consti-tuted authority, and willingness to give his life for the ultimate goal to make Liberia a better place than what it is now may be overlooked, nevertheless, his action entreats us to do more. His picture and tools may not be seen in any museum in Liberia or around the world; nonetheless, it is imaginarily captured in the minds of many who still follow his lifelong career path.

Having been voluntarily recruited in the rural part of Liberia, he set his eyes on the horizon determined to make sig-nificant change in the midst of the odds. He set himself above the greed for power or wealth or status and decided to serve his country first in spite of his individual ambition or quest for self aggrandize-ment. He set himself apart in something more meaningful with a great sense of loyalty, obedience, and respect for human dignity. His sacrificial and selfless spirit transformed his entire life and created an

amazing opportunity. He was among the privileged few to have

been selected to migrate to the nation’s capital. With a high level of intelligence, brilliance and discipline, he gradually rose to pivotal leadership role. It was said that in 1944 during the first inauguration of President William V.S. Tumban, he was one of the many soldiers who paraded on the principal streets of Monrovia. Turn-ing back the time through a mental flight, I can see him smartly dressed in his mili-tary outfit and majestically stepping to the rhythm of the band. I can see him turning motions and giving salute. And I can still see him carry out the drilling procedures with confidence, pride, alertness, attention to detail, esprit de corps, and discipline. Under whatsoever climatic condition or constraint, he learned to muster the chal-lenges and kept hope alive.

Full of optimistic and enthusiastic com-portment, he refused to allow negativism and perception to change his course of ac-tion and passionate commitment to serve his country. He was resolved and focused to right the wrongs where necessary uti-lizing appropriate channels in seeking re-dress. His passion for human dignity and belief in freedom and social justice was beyond mere expression of words and facial illustration, but a matter of actions. He endured harsh training under the com-mand of our historic and long-term part-ner. He walked long distances to execute his duty without finding an excuse or complaining about logistical problem. He stood for nationhood. Besides, he left his comfort zone to selflessly risk his life and demonstrated a deep sense of loyalty and desire for lasting peace and tranquility.

The name Forkpah Vowu might sound funny and perhaps unpleasant and pos-sibly nowhere to be found in any archive or museum or pages of any history book or crafted on any stone; however, my grandfather was indeed a great hero. Old man Vowu had a special affection for his country, a sense of statesmanship, and a spirit of willingness to sacrifice for the common good of the country. He vigor-ously fought for people across this great land and envisioned a new Liberia that is greater than religion confessed, dialect spoken, county of origin, place of birth or family name. He understood that his country was bigger than the sum of his individual ambition and greater than his

quest for material possession. The story of my grandfather’s colossal

and unrecognizable sacrifices made to this “sweet land of liberty” is not only unique to him, but rather many gallant men and women who voluntarily joined the Libe-ria Frontier Force that later transition to becoming the Armed Forces of Liberia. Their achievements may be little known; however, their passion, patience and per-severance will forever be remembered in the memoir for those who care. Although, my grandfather and most of his colleagues if not all, who were originally enlisted into the frontier force may not be alive, but their legacy still live on and once ev-ery year we commemorate Armed Force Day to appreciate and honor our heroes and heroines.

Celebrating the Legacy

On February 11, we will once again celebrate the legacy of our valiant men and women in uniform. As a public na-tional holiday in the country, all govern-ment functionaries and private businesses as well as other institutions will remain closed in accordance with the law though with a few exceptions. Liberians from all walks of life will gather around street corners from Barclay Training Center to the bustling Board Street to witness the military parade. All too often, the most fascinating and exciting segment of the parade is that some people follow the parade alongside soldiers and other para-military personnel until they return to the starting point. The military and paramili-tary officers will be dressed in well-attired uniform. Many onlookers rise to the oc-casion to pay homage to patriotic men and women who are making the ultimate sacrifices to defend and preserve Liberia’s peace.

The soldiers display their military skills and techniques in front of the Command-er-In-Chief alongside a host of other dignitaries. Our courageous men and women demonstrate their preparedness and response mechanism to defeat their adversaries. They unite in spite of their diversity with a sense of common purpose to defend the sovereignty of Liberia. They serve their communities through volun-tary initiatives. They build bridges that connect towns, houses that shelter people,

You will always be my parents. No question about

that. But now I am the bread winner, so you do as I

say. It’s called role-swap!

Daily Observer sunday, February 02, 2014 Page 10dTuesday, January 28, 2014Monday, February 3, 2014 Page 5

Extolling the Armed Forcesclinics that provide healthcare, schools that educate people and foster social services.

With pride, dignity and in-tegrity for the moment they spectacularly march the street regardless of the prevailing circumstances. On this day, the government expends thou-sands of taxpayers’ resources to beautified barracks, update equipment and purchase state-of-the-art hardware. During the formal program to venerate Liberia’s Armed Forces Day, all sorts of thought-provoking and motivational speeches are delivered and many promises are renewed.

However, this year’s cel-ebration seems very interest-ing, because it comes at a time when Liberia was able to contribute troop to the United Nations backed peacekeeping force in Mali for the first time in the history of post-war Li-beria. It comes at a time when the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) is gradu-ally drawing down and in fact plans are on the way to end mission sometime this year. It comes at a time when Presi-dent Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has expressed commitment to ap-point a new Liberian Chief of

Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia and make the Army fully operational to take up re-sponsibilities amidst UNMIL departure. It comes at a time when the country is gradually transitioning from a fragile state to a more consolidated nation. And, it comes at a time when the Liberian security sector has got huge challenges most especially human re-source capability and logistics. Regardless of the situation, the military display along with all ceremonial practices will be carried out. The scene will be picturesque, but the challenges encounter every now and then by the illustrious men and women in uniform will still persist thereafter.

Beyond the Parade

Armed Forces Day should and must not be a matter of pa-rade or a mere public holiday. It should not be an occasion to deliver grandiloquent speech-es or rhetorical pronounce-ments. It should not be a dis-play of military hardware. It should not be an illustration of military skills and techniques. Instead, it is a ceremony to honor our veterans and extol

our sober, mature and gallant men and women in uniform. It is an occasion to appreci-ate military families for their enormous support to their sons and daughters. It is an event to dedicate new barracks, schools, hospitals and research institutions for the sole pur-pose of serving our military. Besides, it is a time to ensure that all patriotic Liberians who join the Armed Forces of Li-beria and other para-military institutions carrying the Flag of this Republic on their right arms are treated with dignity and respect as well as given all due courtesy in a timely and unique manner.

The family and even those outside the family of the patri-otic men and women serving the Armed Forces of Liberia along with other security sec-tor should be accorded oppor-tunity so as to appreciate that it is most honorable to be a soldier, respectable to be a po-lice officer, reputable to be an immigration officer, admirable to be a fire fighter and laudable to serve the country.

Forward March

The hoaxes and empty prom-ises have got to stop and wel-fare of the valiant and astute state security personnel must

be highly prioritized. The threats and humiliation ema-nating from presidential ap-pointees and well-connected supervisors can no longer be tolerated and need to immedi-ately end.

The human resource capac-ity gap, logistical problem and better incentive for the entire security sector need to be tak-en into serious consideration. The Government ought to increase budgetary allotment and continue to lobby for im-mense support for the security sector. More state resources should be apportioned for the provision of basic equipment and military hardware. The government must take strenu-ous measures to regulate and ensure that logistics being provided are utilized in accor-dance with establish principles and values. State security of-ficers who intentionally and recklessly damage state prop-erties should be investigated and if found guilty be pros-ecuted to set precedent. Ad-dressing these are ultimately prudent so as to stimulate and motivate promising men and women serving in the security sector to be vivacious, effec-tive, efficient, proactive and responsive in the execution of duties and responsibilities.

It is about time that the Gov-

ernment begins to concentrate on building institutions across this great land that would ca-ter to the security needs of the country. Instead of relying on the one and only Police Acad-emy in Paynesville City, the contemplation of government should be on constructing two or three academies outside Montserrado County. When academies are being erected in the rural parts of Liberia, police officers who graduate will become accustom to the environment and could even be excited to take up assign-ment in remote areas. Every security agency needs to or-ganize a monthly or quarterly in-service training initiative to enable security person-nel to acquire emerging skills and knowledge. Additionally, the national Legislature also must play a pivotal role in consolidating the already frag-ile peace through appropriate legislations and budgetary al-locations that would ensure better living conditions of the selfless men and women in state security uniforms and as well improve the stability of the country even after UNMIL departure.

The Armed Forces of Liberia needs to revitalize its barracks across the country and begins to open technical institutions

within the barracks or at ideal location so that soldiers can acquire practical training in various disciplines. The con-struction of military hospitals and colleges would also be a commendable idea. When soldiers have access to good health care facilities and qual-ity education, the army will be serviceable and in most cases call upon to provide peace-keeping mission in other trou-bling nations. This will defi-nitely provide exposure and empowerment opportunities for soldiers and more people would want to be enlisted.

With barely few days to yet another Armed Forces Day, it is a fervent hope that my grandfather dream of a pro-fessional, trained and well-equipped army will become a reality in the not too distance future.

about the author: Mr. ste-phen b. lavalah is an ad-vocate and the Founder & executive Director of youth exploring solutions (yes), a passionate, non-profit and voluntary grassroots youth-led development or-ganization. visit http://www.liberiayes.org to obtain more information about yes.

Specialists Provide Diabetes Education

-Want liberians to Observe balanced Diet

by Gloria T. Tamba

The Diabetes Man-agement Association of Liberia DMAL Director, Dr. Daniel

Smith, is admonishing Libe-rians to desist from the con-sumption of too-much fatty and sugar concentrated food. He said this could be done by observing proper eating habits (balance diet).

Dr. Smith said that if a bal-anced diet is adhered to by Li-berians, the high incidence of diabetes in the country could be reduced.

Diabetes mellitus is a disor-der of carbohydrate metabo-lism characterized by abnor-mally high levels of blood sugar in the form of glucose.

The disease occurs when the body does not produce enough of the hormone insulin or when the body’s cells cannot use insulin even if a sufficient amount is available.

Speaking at the Ministry of Information, Culture Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) yester-

day in Monrovia Mr. Smith said, “When the amount of insulin is inadequate, or when its action is blocked, glucose in the blood cannot be taken into the body’s cells. Glucose continues to accumulate in the blood stream and is passed out of the blood in the urine.”

He disclosed that an estimat-ed 300 million people around the world had diabetes at the turn of the 21lst century, with an alarming number of new cases diagnosed each year.

Noting that despite intensive research, the causes of diabe-tes mellitus remains unknown; however, medical experts have revealed that some contribut-ing factors to having diabetes include heredity and environ-mental aspects.

“There are three main types of diabetes mellitus, Type I, or insulin dependent, Type II, and gestational diabetes. Dis-cussing the three main types of diabetes mellitus, Mr. Smith said Type I is insulin depen-dent and formally known as juvenile-onset diabetes; this is

because it often develops dur-ing childhood but may occur at any age. Type II or non insulin dependent diabetes occurs in adults and gestational diabetes occurs in pregnant women,” detailed Dr. Smith.

Discussing the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, Dr. John Reed said “the presence of glucose in urine is an im-portant sign of diabetes, but it does not provide a definitive diagnosis. Diabetes must be confirmed with a blood test.”

“In one test, glucose is given to the patient in a beverage, after which blood samples are drawn and tested at intervals. Because the pancreas normal-ly responds to a rise in blood sugar by producing more insu-lin, a high glucose level after several hours indicates insuf-ficient insulin,” Dr. Reed ex-plained.

He continued, “Dietary con-trol is essential for all people with diabetes. People with Type I and Type II diabetes require insulin to control the disease. Dosages are specific

to the individual and must be monitored closely.”

He furthered that Type II dia-betics can use oral medications to control their blood sugar.

Diabetes can be easily dis-covered by a glucose tolerance test. A diabetic will have high blood sugar levels long after drinking a glucose solution. Too much insulin can result in weakness, anxiety, depression and even serious convulsions and collapsing. Glucose treat-ment or surgeries generally remedy this problem.

Meanwhile, the symptoms and complications of Type I diabetes if untreated can lead to a life threatening condition called ketoacidosis; which de-velops rapidly.

The symptoms include exces-sive urination diabetes include excessive urination, thirst, and appetite loss and vomiting. If not treated quickly, coma and death may follow.

Symptoms of Type II and gestational diabetes include excessive urination, thirst, hunger, some weight loss and fatigue. These symptoms ap-pear gradually and may even go unnoticed at first.

Gestational diabetes occurs in some women during preg-nancy but it usually disappears after the pregnancy is over.

Women who develop ges-tational diabetes are at higher risk for developing Type II dia-betes later in life.

The specialists used the me-dium to call on Liberians to prevent themselves from get-ting the incurable disease by staying away from unhealthy foods and exercising regularly.

 

Dr. Daniel smith (left) and Dr. John reed (right)

‘Sivans’ Reflect on the Past

-as They bid Colleague Farewellby alvin Worzi

40 long years after graduation from one of Liberia’s most fa-mous high schools,

the Ricks Institute in Virginia, outside Monrovia, members of the “class of Siva” last Thurs-day January 23, 2014 gathered in the home of Ms. Muna Stub-blefield at the James Spriggs Payne Airfield to bid their col-league, Mr. Othello Nance of Texas, USA, farewell.

The farewell comes in the wake of the recent burial of the younger brother of Mr. Nance, the late Reginald Nance, in Bensonville, outside Monro-via.

“Reggie,” as he was affec-tionately known, died during the Christmas season after a brief illness, having contrib-uted his quota to the nation in various professional fields.

Members of the “class of Siva” were brought together through the instrumentations of Caesar Hall, a noted na-tional basketball coach in Li-beria. Mr. Hall organized the few Sivans still residing in the country as well as other school mates.

Amongst those gathered for the fond farewell were Mr. Al-fred Harris, former Adminis-trative manager at the Liberia Petroleum Refinery Company (LPRC); Monroe Theophilus Weeks, Alias “Railroad Cow-boy;” former technocrat at the Ministry of Public Works, Sando Johnson; and Merkel Greene, son of the late vice

President of Liberia James E. Greene amongst other.

While the Sivans were re-flecting on life in the 1970s at the Ricks Institute, they proudly declared the Baptist run Educational Institution continues to promote quality and holistic education that at-tracts thousands of students thanks to the vision of the late President of Liberia and head of the Baptist Missionary and Education Convention (LB-MEC) Rev. Dr. William Rich-ard Tolbert, Jr.

Dr. Tolbert Jr. became the president of the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) a develop-ment leader in the country that is currently run by Chief Ad-ministrative Officer (CAO), Rev. Dr. Olu Q. Menjay. The BWA remains unwavering in creating an enabling learning environment that provides quality education with the req-uisite professional instructors and staff.

The wake-keeping and funer-al services of the late Reggie Nance took place at the First United Methodist Church on Ashmun Street in Monrovia. The occasion brought together brothers, sisters, cousins, and sympathizers who shared vivid reflections of Reggie. Reggie’s passing was also a catalyst for reuniting the “class of Siva” and the Ricks Institute family as they continue to make prog-ress in Liberia.

Daily Observer Page 6 Monday, February 3, 2014

to undertake the above activities (c) have previous successful investment and management of similar operations or at least five (5) years, (d) have proof of requisite financial resources to un-dertake the above described operations, (e) have good record of corporate social responsibility and must be willing to adhere to and support Liberia’s Content policies and regulations, and (f) if foreign, have a locally registered and licensed scrap broker and dealer company as its subsidiary associate or affiliate.

5. TENDER DOCUMENTSTender Documents for the purchase, removal and disposal of the said unused scrap metals currently located within the Concession area of AML and the Port of Buchanan may be obtained from the Procurement Unit, Office of the Assistant Superintendent for Development Grand Bassa County, Robert and Kilby Streets Buchanan City at the address below, from January 27, 2014, during official working hours on payment of a non-refundable bid fee of Five Thousand United States Dollars (US$5,000.00) for each lot payable by a manager’s Check to:” GRAND BASSA OPERATIONAL ACCOUNT”

6. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISISON OF BIDSDeadline for the submission of SEALED BIDS is March 7, 2014 at GMT. All Bids must be delivered and deposited in the tender box at the Office of the Procurement Unit, Office of the Assistant Superintendent for Development Grand Bassa County, Robert and Kilby Streets Buchanan City before said deadline. All late Bids will be rejected outright. Bids will be opened at 2:00 P.M. on March 7, 2014. All Bidders or their representatives are asked to be present.

7. ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONa. Information contained in this Invitation to Bid is indica-tive only and will be confirmed and amplified in the Bid Docu-ments.b. Interested firms may obtain further information from the Procurement Unit, Administration Building Buchanan, Grand Bassa County Republic of Liberia from 8:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. Mondays through Fridays or call Contacts Num-bers: +231886422063 or +231886945388 +23177755199 or +231886570243

1. INTRODUCTION AND INVITATIONWith consent of Central Government, on 22 July 2013, Grand Bassa County, by and through the County Administration, en-tered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Arcelor-Mittal Liberia (AML) and the National Port Authority Buchanan by which all old unused structures and scrap presently located in AML’s Concession area and within the Port of Buchanan have been turned over to Grand Bassa County. The County has de-cided to sell this scrap at market value and to use the proceeds for the benefit of the entire County.

The County therefore invites prospective bidders with requisite technical & financial qualifications and capabilities, to bid for the purchase, removal, and disposal of said scrap metals currently located within the concession area of AML and Grand Bassa County.

LOT 1:Cut scrap metals presently located in AML’s Concession area.LOT II:Old Equipment and scrap metals presently located within the Port of BuchananBidding will be conducted through the international Competitive Bidding (ICB) method of Procurement specified in the Public Procurement & Concession Acts (PPCA) and approved by the Public Procurement & Concession Commission (PPCC) and is open to all eligible bidders.

2. THE STOCKThe stock of scrap includes all abandoned equipment, parts and scrap metals, situated within the Concession Area of Arcelor Mittal Liberia (AML) and the Port of Buchanan; and is to be disposed of as in where is.Provision/Tentative inventory shall be provided Tender Docu-ments; however, bidders are required to conduct their own as-sessment to determine the exact locations, categories, quantities and qualities of the stock.

3. DIRECT FISCAL BENEFITS TO CENTRAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT FROM SALEProceeds from the sale shall be applied to and used for the benefit of the entire County of Grand Bassa. Appropriate sustainable added value, create job, project linage opportunities, social projects etc.

4. BUYER’S QUALIFICATION REQUIRE-MENTSThe successful bidder must (a) be a recognized local and/or re-gional and/or international entity with requisite experience in the steel industry to include the purchase, removal and disposal of scrap (b) have verifiable technical and managerial competence

INVITATION TO BIDFOR THE PURCHASE, REMOVAL AND DISPOSAL OF SCRAP METALS AND UN EQUIPMENT

ITB: GBC/ICB/100/01/2013/2014January 27, 2014

republic of liberia

MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRSCITY OF BUCHANAN

GRAND BASSA COUNTYOFFiCe OF THe sUPeriNTeNDeNT

Daily Observer Page 7 Monday, February 3, 2014

The Board of Directors of the Liberia Immunization Platform (LIP), a network of civil society organizations on the promotion and advocacy of inclusive im-munization in Liberia, is seeking applications to fill two (2) vacant positions at its national office in Monrovia for a one (1) year contractual period.

Positions: A. Job Title: Secretary GeneralSummary: The Secretary General (SG) is the head of the National Secretariat and shall be responsible for the overall management of the Secretariat. This unique role calls for a transformational leader who willcarry out the common vision and purpose of LIP.Candi-date for this position must be capable to deliver real strategic value to the general health service delivery frontline through the platform. This position requires the ability to build and maintain effective partnerships with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfares, local and international partners with niche in health and immunization and donor community.

Key Responsibilities• Lead and Manage the Liberia Immunization Platform• Oversee the successful implementation of all LIP’s programs;• Serve as Secretary to the Board of Directors• Provide cutting edge program management delivery for the Platform• Lead Policy advocacy strategies of the Platform• Ensure the implementation of programs aligned with the mission, vision and stra-

tegic plan of the Platform.• Identify funding opportunities and sources for projects and core funding, includ-

ing fundraising campaigns, and collection of membership dues • Package and share publicly the best practices of member organizations • Serve as the liaison between the Board of Directors and management staff;• Attend operational programs, project meetings on behalf of the Platform.• Create a work environment in which the Liberia Immunization Platform can

thrive:• Effectively supervise staff of the national secretariat and manage their perfor-

mances;• Effectively implement the administrative, human resource, financial and report-

ing policy and procedures of the Platform and its regional secretariats;• Serve as Secretary to the Board of Trustees and Standing Committees

Qualification:Applicant must hold at least a Bachelors Degree in Sociology, Social Work, Public Ad-ministration, Public Health or related fields with at least 10 year experience. Masters Degree in Public Health and health related studies are added advantages. Applicant must have worked in the health system, social work and civil society activities for at least three (3) years.

Submission of Application: Apply to the Interim Board of Directors, Liberia Immuniza-tion Platform (LIP). Submit your application and all supporting documents to: lipboard@gmail.com at later than February 7,, 2014.

B. Job Title: ADVOCACY OFFICERJOB DESCRIPTIONSummary TaskThe advocacy officer, as a full time staff of the secretariat, works under the supervision of the Secretary General in designing and carrying out the advocacy and visibility strategies of the Liberia Immunization Platform.

Key Responsibilities• Develop and deliver LIP advocacy & lobbying agenda and positions at the na-

tional, regional and district levels in consultation with the Secretary General and by extension, the Board of Directors

• Develop evidence based advocacy messages and/or materials such as presenta-tions, policy briefs etc in consultation with other staff and key stakeholders

• Develop and implement an advocacy strategy for the Platform• Liaise and seek to influence stakeholders including Ministries, Departments and

Agencies, Legislature relevant to the work of the LIP. • Develop and implement the research agenda and facilitate research on behalf of

the Platform for advocacy• Provide technical support to platform members in advocacy and research at na-

tional and regional district levels of the Republic of Liberia. • Engage in policy tracking and analysis to support advocacy • Assist the secretariat in Resource mobilization• Coordinate the development of systems for monitoring and evaluation of pro-

grams and Projects of the platform. • Promote Knowledge sharing and learning among membership of the network• Responsible for ICT, website development and maintenance, development of

newsletter and media relations that shows visibility of network activities. • Any other assignment from the Secretary General

Qualification:Applicant must hold Bachelors Degree in Sociology, Mass Communication or other re-lated fields of study and at least three years of work experience in social work and proac-tive advocacy. At least a certificate or diploma in health advocacy training is an added advantage.

Submission of Application: Apply to the Interim Board of Directors, Liberia Immunization Platform (LIP). Submit your application and all supporting documents to: lipboard@gmail.com at later than February 7,, 2014.

Vacancy Announcement

4. Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding (NCB) procedures specified in the Public Procurement & Concessions Act (PPCA) open to all bidders from Eligible Source Countries as de-fined in the Guidelines.

5. Qualifications requirements include: i) Working capital/liquidity to be able to execute the contract ii) At least three contracts of similar nature completed within the last five years. iii) Availability in Liberia of spare parts and after sales services. No margin of preference for goods manu-factured domestically shall be applied. Additional details are provided in the Bidding Documents.

6. Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information from the LCPS and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below between 9:00am to 5:00pm on business days from 6 January 2013.

7. A complete set of Bidding Documents in English may be purchased by interested bidders on the submission of a Written Application to the address below and upon payment of a non-refundable fee of One Hun-dred United States Dollars (USD 100.00). The method of payment will be bankers’ draft or wire transfer. Banking details will be provided upon request. The Bidding Documents will be provided in hard copy.

8. Bids must be delivered to the address at or before 6 February, 2013. Electronic bidding will not be permitted. Late bids will be rejected. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend in person at the address below on 6 February, 2013 at 11:00 hours GMT. All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security of 2% of bid price or an equivalent amount in a freely convertible currency.

9. The addresses referred to above are:

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

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  

 Contracts will be awarded on Lot basis Delivery is expected within 12 weeks to the Liberia College of Physicians & Surgeons (LCPS).

Invitation for Bids (IFB)Republic of Liberia

Expand Support to County decentralized Health & Social

Welfare ServicesIFB No: LCPS/NCB/001

1. This Invitation for Bids follows the General Procurement Notice for this Project that appeared online in Development Business of January 6, 2013.

2. The Liberia College of Physicians & Surgeons (LCPS) has received Financing from the Government of Liberia to expand support to strengthen the health care delivery system and it intends to apply part of the proceeds of this financing to payments under this Contract. Bidding will be governed by the Public Procurement & Concession Art (PCCA) of Liberia.

3. The Liberia college of Physicians and Surgeons now invites sealed bids from eligible and qualified bidders for the Supply of Vehicles under the following Lots:

Daily Observer Page 8 Monday, February 3, 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. 15 Media Institutions Honor CBL Governor Jones

(left) Cbl newly appointed Deputy Governor For economic Policy Mr. boima Kamara along with other Cbl Directors at the Program

(left) Cbl Newly appointed Deputy Governor For economy Policy Mr. boima Kamara and others Cbl Directors at the Ceremonica Media head and Cbl Director for administration D. sheba brown

Cbl Director for administration D. sheda brown and Cbl Chief Of satff Crayton Duncan

National Chronicle Publisher Philipbert brown gives reason behind the award as Governor looks on

Media Heads present the Man Of The year award to Governor Joesph Mills Jones

Media Heads unveil the award as Governor Joseph Mills Jones looks on

Governor Jones, Publishers and others in Group PhotoNational Chronicle Publisher Philipbert Browne and CBL Officials at the program

Cbl Deputy Governor Charles sirleaf at the Ceremony

Cbl executive Governor Dr. Joseph Mills Jones

Continued on page 9

Daily Observer Page 9 Monday, February 3, 2014

CBL Executive Governor Dr. J. Mills Jones Speaks at the Induction Ceremony of Student

Leadership at United Methodist University

Cbl Chief Of staff Crayton O. Dunman takes notes as Governor Jones look

Governor Jones chats with an official of UMU

Gee-say-D chats with Governor Jones

Some Students and relatives at the UMU induction ceremony

Cbl Director of administration D. sheba brown introduces Cbl executive Governor Dr. Joseph Mills

Jones Cbl executive Governor Dr. Joseph Mills Jones UMU Senior Class President Kate Love Manford

Rev. Bailey offers prayer for the Senior Class Officials UMU Senior Class Officials being inducted into office

Senior Class, Junior Class, Sophmore and Freshmen officials of the UMU Univesity some Guests at the Ceremony

Daily Observer Page 10 Monday, February 3, 2014

EOI NO: CSA/SG/TC/11/13IDA GRANT ID: TF 010792

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

The Government of Liberia (GoL) through the Civil Service Agency (CSA) has received a grant from the International Development Association (IDA) for Strengthening Governance-Civil Service Reforms and Capacity Building Project (CSRCBP). The Civil Service

Agency intends to apply part of the proceeds of this grant to eligible payments under the contract for hiring a Testing Consultant Firm to develop new Civil Services Tests that will reflect Regional and International Standards and meet the requirements of the CSA.

The CSA administers sixty-nine qualifying tests to individuals desirous of en-tering the service. Most of these tests have been administered for more than 20 years and need urgent revision to reflect the changing realities of the social, eco-nomic and technological environment which the public service has undergone since the development of these tests.

OBJECTIVES OF THIS CONSULTANCY, to:• Under take the revision of the existing Civil Service Entrance Tests that

are currently administered by the CSA. • Develop new tests as necessary and,• Develop and execute a capacity building plan to train staff of the CSA to

undertake similar tasks in future.

The assignment is estimated to cover approximately 100 staff-days over 150 calendar days. The start date of the assignment will be no later than seven (7) days upon the signing of the contract.

The Civil Service Agency now invites eligible Consulting Firms to indicate their interest in providing this services. Interested consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services by submitting their detailed information (brochures, past performance records, references of similar assignments executed in the recent past). They must also provide description of work experience both general and on similar assignments. Specific experience on World Bank funded projects will be an added advantage.

The shortlisting criteria are:• Experience in undertaking similar assignments and number of years in

business;• Experience in working with the World Bank and/or Donor-funded

Projects;• Technical and Managerial Organization of the Firm;• Availability of Competent Staff with relevant qualificatioin and experience

to undertake the assignment;• Experience developing Civil Service tests in the Sub-Sahara African

Region.

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). (“Consul-tant 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 sub-consultancy to enhance their qualifications.

A Consultant firm will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the World Bank’s Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultabts by World Bank Borrowers, Selection is Based on the Consultants’ Qualifications (CQS) as set out in consultant Guidelines (May 2004, Revised October 1, 2006, May 1, 2010 & January 2011).

Interested Consultants may obtain further information at the address below dur-ing office hours from 09:00 and 17:00hours, Mondays to Fridays.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form clearly marked: “Ref: Testing Consultant of the CSRCBP” at the address below in person or by mail or by email on or before Friday, February 14, 2014 at 17:00hours.

The Consultant/Projector CoordinatorCivil Service Reform and Capacity Building ProjectCivil Service Agency 63 Carey Street, Monrovia, LiberiaEmail: syaidoo11@gmail.com

Attention: The Consultant/Project Coordination-CSRCBP

Republic of LiberiaCivil Service Agency

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (REOI)(Testing Consultant Firm)

IDA GRANT ID: TF No. 010792

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

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

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

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

The Civil Service Agency now invites eligible Individual Consultants to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested consultants must provide information in-dicating that they are qualified to perform the services by submitting their detailed in-formation (CV, brochures, past performance records, references of similar assignments executed in the recent past). They must also provide description of work experience both general and on similar assignments. Specific experience on World Bank funded projects will be an added advantage. Selection will be based on qualifications and expe-rience stipulated below.

Consulting firms are allowed to propose individuals for this assignment. However, only the experience and qualifications of individuals shall be used in the selection process, and corporate experience shall not be taken into account and the contract would be signed with the proposed individual.

Qualifications and experience:i. The Firm- not less than 5-year experience in similar work with World Bank or Donor Funded Projects;ii. Key professional staff The following are the minimum Key Staff required for the assignment:a) Principal Consultant: An advanced degree in Economics, Finance, Law, Business Administration, Project Management, Public Administration or Public Policy (posses-sion of doctorate with an in-depth knowledge of governance reforms trends, and best practices in the global context is an advantage);

• At least ten years of relevant experience, five years of which shall be related to policy analysis;

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

• Experience in Africa and post conflict settings.• Computer literate, proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and IT packages;• Excellent oral communication, negotiating and writing skills;• Provide vision for organizational growth; and• Must provide sample of professional work done

b) Consultants: A minimum of a related undergraduate degreec) Human Resources Specialist:

• Must have a minimum Master’s Degree (preferably MBA)• At least 3-5 years professional work experiences• Specialized knowledge and experience of HR management

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.

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 during office hours from 09:00 and 17:00hours, Mondays to Fridays.

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

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

Attention: The Consultant/Project Coordination-CSRCBP

Republic of LiberiaCivil Service Reform and Capacity Building Project

Civil Service AgencyREQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (REOI)

(International Consultant)

Daily Observer Page 11 Monday, February 3, 2014

The Liberian Agricultural Company (LAC) located in District #3, Grand Bassa County has vacancy for a SENIOR INTERNAL AUDIT ASSISTANT.

REQUIRED COMPETENCE:Must possess a minimum of a Bachelor Degree in Accounting or FinanceUnder the direction of the Internal Audit Assistant Manager, the Auditor will be responsible for the timely execution of Risk-Based internal audits in accordance with the annual internal audit plan, documentation of Operating procedures/Manual as well as assisting with other audit mat-ters and projectsThorough knowledge of the theory, principles abs practices of accounting and auditing as applied to corporate entity.Must have the ability to plan, organize, and prioritize tasks in order to complete assignments in a timely manner and meet deadliness. Must have a good skill in computer applications (Microsoft Excel and Word); Analytical skillsMust have the ability to effectively and discreetly handle confidential information Must have the ability to communicate technical ideas effectively, both orally and in writing Working knowledge of Sun-Systen would be an advantageMust have the ability to determine compliance with policies and proceduresHe/she should not be more than forty-five (45) years of age

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:Conduct risk assessment of assigned Department of functional in established/required timeline.Establish risk-based audit programs (Assess Risks and develop the audit plan)Determine scope of review in conjunction with the Audit Assistant ManagerConduct audit testing of specified area and identify reporting issues and dimension of riskConduct Regulatory and corporate compliance assuranceAbility to document/update Accounting Manual of ProceduresAbility to respond to urgent events

WORKING EXPERIENCEMust have at least 2-4 years experience of training in a recognized Certified Public Accounting Firm or as Internal Auditor in any recognized business institution.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 February 17, 2014.

JOB VACANCY

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

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

Private Placement of

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

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

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

2014

LBDI Central Monrovia Branch

Ashmun & Randall Streets

Monrovia, Liberia.

LBDI Sinkor Branch9th Street, Sinkor,

TubmanBoulevard,

Monrovia, Liberia

Liberian Bank for Development and Investment

Information Memorandum

INVEST

TODAY!Visit our branches

and be a proud owner of CEMENCO

PUBLIC NOTICE TO ALL RESIDENTS OF THE WEST POINT COMMUNITY

February 2, 2014

Please be informed that there will be a survey conducted within the general area allocated for the construction of our New Community Center/Town hall by the firm of Design Builders D’Christell. This survey is hereby granted and approved by the Commissioner of West Point.

This survey will be conducted on Saturday February 8th, 2014 at the precise hour of 10:00am. We advise that all those with legitimate concerns, and special use permits granted to occupy areas af-fected by this survey to please be present, and have in their possession legal documents proving their specific claim/s.

Residents are hereby advised to take note and act accordingly as this will be the only chance to state your interest and prove your claim/s. Please let us work together for the Good and benefit of our community as we strive to create a new and better image for our Community.This notice is hereby approved for distribution by the Honorable Commissioner Flowers of the West Point Community.

SIGNED BY: __________________________________ Commissioner West Point Community

APPROVED BY:_______________________________ Magistrate West Point Community

CC: Kenneth Y Best Adolphus G. Mccritty-Architect for the Project

 

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

Short Term Vacancy: Administrative Assistant/Gbarnga

RTI is an independent non-profit research and technical services institute headquartered in Research Tri-angle Park, North Carolina, USA. Since 1958, RTI has provided clients in over 150 countries with cutting edge research and technical assistance in the areas of education and training, economic and social policy and planning, democratic governance and institutional development, energy and the environment, survey and statistics, health and pharmaceuticals, advanced technologies and product commercialization, and laboratory and chemistry services. RTI is an equal opportunity employer.

RTI is actively seeking an experienced and dynamic Administrative Assistant for a short term contract to be based in the RTI Project Sub Office on Cuttington University campus, Suakoko, Bong County. Un-der the direct supervision of the Agriculture Education Adviser (AEA), the Administrative Assistant will provide administrative, logistical and clerical support to the EHELD Sub Office and Contract Faculties assigned to the College of Agriculture and Sustainable Development at Cuttington University.

These responsibilities include but are not limited to:• Procurement of goods and services for the project sub office in consultation with the AEA, Ad-

min. Assistant/Monrovia and Finance Manager;• Management of office vehicles and fuel coupons and cards;• Submission of monthly fuel reports;• Coordination of staff/Contract Faculty vehicle requests for approval; • Receiving, responding and filing office correspondence;• Arranging and setting up meetings, workshops and conference calls;• Preparing meeting minutes;• Managing office petty cash and general office & guesthouse supplies;• Maintenance of inventory of all office and guesthouse assets; • Responding to request from Monrovia-based Administrative Assistance; • Overseeing project guesthouse maintenance;• Performing other tasks as maybe requested by the AEA, and COP/DCOP or their designee.

Minimum Qualifications:A. AA degree in a relevant subject and 2 years professional experience, supervisory experience preferred.B. Experience in Office administration, logistics management and event/meeting coordination. C. Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skillsD. Fluency in written and spoken English.

To Apply:Interested applicants should submit resume/CV, cover letter, and three (3) references to: pgony@eheld.rti.org or at the RTI Office located b/w 11th & 12th Streets, Payne Avenue, Sinkor, Monrovia, Liberia or the EHELD Sub Office, RDI Building, Cuttington University Campus, Suakoko, Bong County, no later than 4:30pm prompt on Friday, February 7, 2014.

Daily Observer Page 12 Monday, February 3, 2014

National Union of Organizations of the Disabled is a nonprofit na-tional based NGO that seeks to empower persons living with disabili-ties through its Human Rights, advocacy and other programs in col-laboration with its institutional partner, the DPOs, and government

agency administering the affairs of person with disabilities at national and policy level. NUOD together with DPOs and partners seek to restore the inherent dig-nity of persons living with disabilities in realizing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which have been fully ratified by Liberia on July 26, 2012. NUOD is currently operating in the fifteen counties of Liberia in various components of its program.

NUOD is currently seeking applications for the position of one Project Manager to be posted in the Central-Office, 17th Street, Sinkor (Montserrado County).

Duties and Responsibilities of the Project Manager:• Responsible to coordinate and manage the affairs of NUOD’s projects in

the fifteen counties of Liberia.• Provides quarterly narrative and financial reports on the project’s imple-

mentation in collaboration with the Admin/Financial Officer • Engage stakeholders and local authorities on mainstreaming and includ-

ing Pwds in local development planning• Provide continuous technical support on trainings and capacity building

opportunities for DPOs and NUOD County Chapters in the fifteen coun-ties of operations.

• Ensures proper dissemination and understanding on the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, UNCRPD in the fifteen counties

• Set up local advocacy group in other to raise sustained awareness on the rights and social inclusion of persons with disabilities in the fifteen coun-ties

• Lobby with potential partners for the expansion of NUOD’s policy agenda and programs

• Participate in local and international call for proposals for the promotion of NUOD’s mandate, programs and agenda

• Should have some basic knowledge of accounting (banking, budgeting expenditure)

• The Project Manager is responsible to fulfill any other Program related requirement. Ensure appropriate measures to secure organizational property are in place.

Minimum Qualifications:• Bachelor Degree in social science, management, or proposal writing and

development related fields with at least 3 years of experience with a non-governmental organizational in related fields, at least 5 years’ experience in similar capacity or working with persons with disabilities will be an advantage

• High level skills in program planning, implementation, management and prioritizing tasks.

• Strong communications, analytical, coordinating and report writing skill• Proven working experience in the disability sector, democratization and

governance is highly desirable.• Knowledge in UNCRPD, conflict tools, civic leadership, peace building

and human rights is added advantages.• A sound track record of designing and delivering programs (trainings,

workshops, seminars, conferences, and campaigns) • Ability to work independently, meet deadlines and flexible to work be-

yond normal office hours. • Should have working knowledge of English plus other local language

skills preferred.• Excellent presentation and computer skill in MS word and MS excel.

Women and Persons with Disabilities are strongly recommended to apply. Interested candidate are requested to send their complete application (CV and cover letter) to micjust1@yahoo.com or nuodliberia@gmail.com by February 10, 2014. Only shortlisted applicants who met the requirements above will be contacted for interview. Please, address applications to any of the following addresses:

The National PresidentNational Union of Organizations of the Disabled (NUOD)17th Street, Sinkor (beach side, opposite the Mosque), Monrovia, Liberia

or

AIFO-Liberia National Office, Old Road, Congo, Monrovia, Liberia

 

February 3, 2014

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

In keeping with our Constitution and Bye-Laws, and by directive of the President, Mr. Francis A. Dennis, Jr., an Annual General Meeting of the Liberia Chamber of Commerce (LCC) will be

held on Monday, February 10, 2014 at 4:30 p.m., at the Chamber’s Headquarters on Capitol Hill, Monrovia. The President and Treasurer will deliver their 2013 Annual Reports and General Elections will be held. All members are invited to be present.

Annual Membership dues are due and payable on January 5 of each year. Only members whose Membership are current will be allowed to vote at the Elections. Please make your dues current before the Elections. Payments can be made at the Chamber’s office on Capitol Hill from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Mondays through Fridays.

Liberia Chamber of CommerceQueen Avenue, Capitol Hill, P. O. Box 92 Monrovia, Liberia

Phone: +231-886-800-473 / +231-777-857-805Website: www.lcc.org.lr Email: info@lcc.org.lr

SKD Blvd, Near Somalia DriveFenced on 1 lot,

4 Bedrooms/2.5 Bathrooms,500gallon water tank, 40’ well,

& generator house.

Txt/Call 0555-468-217Viewing available everyday

Partially Furnished HOUSE FOR LEASE

Daily Observer sunday, February 02, 2014 Page 10dTuesday, January 28, 2014Monday, February 3, 2014 Page 13

Sime Darby ‘Needs More Land’

Many people may think that life for Sime Darby Plantation Libe-

ria’s operations is easy. But the reality on the ground is quite different for this Malaysian company struggling to deal with the challenge of getting to the lands covering the conces-sion areas from the locals. The company’s operations recently came to a standstill in Bomi and Grand Cape Mount counties as residents refused to relinquish their “ancestral” land to allow it expand.

In 2009, Sime Darby and the Government of Liberia signed a 63-year oil palm concession agreement in which the gov-ernment awarded over 220,000 hectares of land to the Malay-sian oil palm giant. That agree-ment marked Sime Darby’s maiden investment in Africa.

The concession area cov-ers four counties in Liberia: Bomi, Grand Cape Mount, and

Gbarpolu and Bong counties. The company settled at the old Guthrie Rubber Plantations in Bomi County. Until now, however, Sime Darby has only been allowed to plant its oil palm seedling and rubber on the 10,000 hectares of land once owned by the former Guthrie Plantation, which constitutes about 5% of the total conces-sion area.

The delay in the company’s expansion, Management says, is not due to a lack of resources; the delay has to do with un-settled differences between the company and locals over land-ownership. The problem is that the government is yet to ad-equately convince the locals to allow the company to expand.

The locals are claiming that they were left out of the nego-tiation process of the conces-sion by the government. This situation has put Sime Darby in a critical position, but the Gen-eral Manager of the company,

Mr. Roslin Azmy Hassan, an-nounced last week that his com-pany is making steady progress with the locals. “We are the Guinea pigs in this matter,” said the SDPL boss. “But we are a strong company that has a his-tory of making the difference in the midst of tough conditions as is the case here.”

“The local landowners have come to know Sime Darby as a responsible company that re-spects the rights of communi-ties,” he said. The Sime Darby Plantation Liberia (SDPL) gen-eral Manager noted that though his company has wasted two years without achieving its in-vestment objectives, there are glaring signs of improvement along the way.

“We are yet to be given ac-cess to new land by the commu-nities to commence planting. The only land we have planted is the 10,000 hectares that was once owned by Guthrie Planta-tions—that is within the Guthrie

cornerstone, which Sime Darby has planted. We haven’t moved outside of this cornerstone and this is discouraging,” Mr. Has-san added.

Mr. Hassan, who appeared more optimistic about SDPL’s future in Liberia, insisted that the company will continue to provide needed social services including healthcare, education, and community agriculture pro-grams, amongst others.

“We are now making steady headway in Zodua, Grand Cape Mount County, where crop counting (censoring) is ongoing to pave way for the compensa-tion of local residents and land clearing for expansion,”

SDPL currently runs a clinic in Guthrie—Marriage Camp where the company spends over US$20,000 for drugs monthly.

Healthcare services are pro-vided free of charge for SDPL workers and their dependents, including residents of Bomi and Cape Mount as well as accident

 

 

(l-r) sDPl boss Mr. roslin Hassan and oil palm harvesters in Cape Grand Mount

Jobs for Africa’s Youth Vital for Economic Progress

-New World bank report says

With more than half of Sub-Saharan Afri-ca’s population

now under the age of 25, and as many as 11 million young Africans expected to join the labor market every year for the next decade, creating millions of productive, well-paying jobs will be vital to boost economic growth, significantly cut pov-erty, and create shared prosper-ity in Africa, a new World Bank report on youth employment in Africa has observed.

While many African econo-mies have registered impres-sive economic growth in recent years, poverty levels across the region have not fallen as much as expected and young people looking for better-paying work have been at a great disadvan-tage. This is partly because many African countries rely heavily on oil, gas, and mineral extraction which boost eco-nomic growth but do little to create new jobs for the region’s fast-growing youth population or reduce overall rates of pov-erty.

In a new comprehensive re-

gional report on the subject, ‘Youth Employment in Sub-Saharan Africa’ notes that close to 80 percent of the workforce will continue to work on small farms and in household busi-nesses in the near future.

While the modern wage sec-tor is growing very fast in some countries, it cannot create enough jobs to meet the youth employment challenge now preoccupying governments in every corner of the continent.

“Attracting investment into large enterprises that create wage jobs in the mainstream ‘formal’ economy is critical, but it is only part of the solution to Africa’s youth employment challenge,” said Makhtar Diop, World Bank Vice President for Africa. “For the millions of young people who are just sur-viving in the hidden ‘informal’ sector, they will need greater access to land, skills training, and credit to thrive. This will be a game-changer for small farmers and entrepreneurs who will prosper as African econo-mies grow, in close cooperation with the private sector.”

Diop adds that making high-

quality science and technol-ogy education more accessible to young people and shaping higher education courses to fit the skills needed by the modern jobs market was increasingly a high priority for many African countries. New development partners such as China, India, and Brazil are actively working with the World Bank to help develop these science and tech-nology skills for Africa’s youth.

The new report notes that manufacturing, services, and agriculture are traditionally labor-intensive sectors that can generate productive work for young people. As working populations’ age in other parts of the world, young Africans could find their labor and skills increasingly in high demand internationally if their govern-ments pursue policies that im-prove education and job-train-ing for their youth.

For example, the report notes that young people who received cash grants from the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund to pay for their vocational train-ing and assets needed to start a business later earned 41 per-cent more than others who did not receive this support. They earned more because nearly

three-quarters of them took the opportunity to pay for training and enter a skilled trade. The program was particularly suc-cessful in helping young wom-en to break free of poverty.

Recent evidence also shows that programs that help young people acquire a range of complementary skills are very promising. In Liberia, a pro-gram that offered a combina-tion of technical, behavioral skills and business skills to ado-lescent girls and young women was highly effective in increas-ing their levels of employment

and income. The business and professional-behavioral skills training allowed them to raise their monthly incomes by an average of US$75—a 115 per-cent increase.

“Governments can ap-proach the youth employment challenge in two important ways—by helping to improve the business environment to spark more private investment, and also by investing more in young people’s education and other skills to create brighter life prospects for them,” said Deon Filmer, Lead Economist

at the World Bank and a co-author of the report.

Louise Fox, former Lead Economist at the World Bank and currently a visiting Profes-sor at UC Berkeley, notes: “In addition to promoting invest-ment and competitiveness, the quality of primary education, the right nutrition for young children, and basic healthcare for all are a must to improve the quality of life for Africa’s young people and their future productivity.”

victims, health officials said. The head of the clinic Mr. Sam T. Moore disclosed that over 2,000 patients are treated for minor sicknesses per month.

At the top of SDPL’s invest-ment is the modern Matambo Estate in Grand Cape Mount County. The estate alone, val-ued at about US$2.2 million, has over 22 units with about 193 apartments.

The Matambo Estate is built with religious balance. This means that the estate has a church and a mosque including a modern water supply system, a clinic, a playground, a town hall as well as a kindergarten, an elementary and a junior high school, amongst others.

Sime Darby also currently employs about 3,000 fulltime workers, 100 non-permanent workers and nearly 10,000 dai-ly hired contractors.

Mr. Hassan pledged to in-crease his workforce if the company is given more land. He made specific reference to Gbarpolu and Bong counties where Sime Darby is yet to step foot. But the SDPL GM expressed confidence that his company will begin venturing into the two counties this year.

Meanwhile, Sime Darby has begun scout harvesting some of its oil palm in Bomi and Grand Cape Mount counties. Our re-porter, who visited the farm, last week said he saw workers scout harvesting (cutting palm

nuts) from some of the oil palm trees.

Sime Darby was established almost 200 years ago by pio-neering English planters who planted rubber plantations in Malaysia. Most of the rubber planted was later converted to oil palm. Among those plant-ers were Alexander Guthrie, Daniel and Smith Harrison, Joseph Crosfield, William Sime and Henry d’Esterre and Her-bert Mitford Darby-founders of three great companies that today live on in Sime Darby Berhad.

Alexander Guthrie founded Guthrie &Company in 1921 as one of the first British trading enterprises in South East Asia, while Daniel and Smith Har-rison and their friend Joseph Crosfield, on the other hand, formed a tea and coffee trad-ing partnership called Harrison &Crosfield in England in 1844.

Sime Darby finally came to be when European businessmen William Sime, Henry d’Esterre Darby and Herbert Mitford Darby established Sime, Darby &Company in 1910. The Sime Darby brand is more than 100 years old though the company bears little resemblance to the small outfit that started life in Lalacca in 1910. It is the legacy of all three companies that very much make up today’s Sime Darby.

Daily Observer Page 14Monday, February 3, 2014 14

Stadium. That celebration in Buchan-

an City, Grand Bassa County, marked the official celebration of the county’s two trophies won in the 2013/2014 National County Meet.

The teenager’s accidental death was linked to connection of ‘neejee’ activities.

In Liberia ‘neejee,’ is usually interpreted as witchery and is always generally associated with the people of Grand Bas-sa County.

The Traffic Coordinator of the Grand Bassa Police De-

tachment, Inspector Stephen B. Kpoeh, told the Daily Ob-server Sunday morning that Darlingboy died instantly after he was run over by the truck on Saturday. He had been pro-nounced dead after he was rushed to the Liberian Govern-ment Hospital in Buchanan.

Inspector Kpoen said the truck driver, Samuel Barlingar, 48, has been investigated and is being detained by Police to avoid ‘unnecessary’ mob vio-lence.

He disclosed that from the preliminary investigations,

Driver Barlingar is not guilty, in accordance with Section 10.107 of the Police’s Traffic Law of Liberia; the late Dar-lingboy was hitching a ride without the driver’s knowl-edge.

Section 10.107 of the Police Traffic Law, under the sub-title Soliciting Rides, reads: “No person shall stand on any roadway for the purpose of soliciting a ride and from the driver of any vehicle.”

The Chief of Traffic of Grand Bassa Police Detach-ment, Inspector Allen Suah, told the Daily Observer, that after a conference with Grand Bassa’s Superintendent Etwe-

da Cooper, they instructed the family to bury the body yesterday (Sunday), because the county is not responsible for the boy’s death and burial. They promised to send a rep-resentative to meet with the family afterwards.

The late Darlingboy was laid to rest the day after his death (Sunday) due to his severe in-juries.

The deceased was a 3rd grade student of Lower Hard-landsville Public School and was helping to support his family through the sale of used clothes.

Darlingboy was the oldest of four sons from his parents,

who are both alive. He was living with his uncle, Alphon-so Philips, in Jeko’s Town, Buchanan. His parents are Timothy and Sundaymae Phil-ips, and they are living in the interior with the deceased’s brothers.

Mr. Robert Guah, a relative of the late Darlingboy ex-pressed disappointment and frustration over the absence of county authorities and mem-bers of the Grand Bassa Leg-islative Caucus, up to the time of burial.

Meanwhile, friends from Jeko’s Town have expressed their condolences to the be-reaved family; they urged the

family to investigate the death of Darlingboy, which they de-scribed as mysterious.

“How come out of ten peo-ple hanging from the truck, he alone fell and was killed in-stantly? There must be some-thing behind it,” a man only identified as Nyensuah stated.

According to Nyensuah, about three weeks ago, one Ben Roberts met a similarly mysterious death. “We think that it is not normal; there must be witch or neeje activi-ties behind them; we know it is all happening because elec-tions are around the corner,” Nyensuah lamented.

Death Mars Bassa

by Gloria T. Tamba

“During the last two years, a Liberian died each day as a result of motorcycle accident, totaling over 12,545 recorded accident cases every year,” Vice President Joseph N. Boakai recalled from statistics over the weekend at the launch of Liberia’s latest attempt at a Third Party Liability Insur-ance scheme.

The objective of the Compul-sory Motor Vehicle Third Par-ty Liability Insurance Scheme would be to remove the eco-nomic burden associated with motor vehicle accidents from the victims and their relatives and transfer same to the insur-ance company and to stimulate financial growth and solvency within the insurance sector and the Liberian economy at large. The scheme would require all motor vehicles registered

within the Republic of Liberia to obtain third party liability insurance.

“The ‘Compulsory Motor Third Party Liability Insur-ance Scheme’,” VP Boakai explained as he launched the scheme on Friday, January 31, 2014, “was enacted to law in 1972 by the National Legisla-ture to promote public safety.”

He said the Liberian Govern-ment has the primary objective to ensure the implementation of all road worthiness and safety laws and regulations throughout the length and breadth of this country, with the aim of protecting lives and property. “The urgent need of this course is obvious in our nation’s increasing incidence of vehicular accidents,” he stated.

According to VP Boakai, “Over the years there have been many accident cases; the

situation was further exacer-bated with the introduction of motorcycles for commercial purposes.”

“Statistics revealed that dur-ing the last two years, a Libe-rian died each day as a result of motorcycle accidents; total-ing over 12,545 recorded ac-cident cases every year. Sadly these accidents leave victims wounded, decapitated, and in the worst cases, dead. A to-tal of 9,456 accidents and 132 cases of resulting deaths were recorded in 2012. This begs the question as to the number and severity of those cases that were not recorded,” he added.

Giving those present a ‘re-ality check’, VP Boakai used statistics from the JFK Memo-rial Medical Center, revealing, “The period of July to Decem-ber 2012 recorded 1,773 ac-cident cases with 30 resultant deaths.

VP Boakai said what was troubling is the fact that these calamities left in their wake a

huge deficit in unpaid bills to the hospital during that six-month period.

He furthered that the alarm-ing data should be enough to awaken any conscious and responsible citizen and should amplify the quest for imple-menting legal road worthiness and safety measures to protect the lives and properties of our citizens and residents like.

“Today, therefore, we should all be hopeful that an impact-ful measure of this relevance that employs a law already on the books will go a long way to ensure that all motorists, passengers, and pedestrians have this safety net at their disposal. I implore all of us to view this insurance scheme as a safety net and savor the feel-ing and assurance of security imbedded in having hope even after falling victim to vehicu-lar accidents,” he added.

“As we launch this scheme today, let us do so with a firm resolve to uphold the highest

standards of justice fair play, and honesty. The Ministry of Transport (MOT) must keep an extra mile ahead, oversee-ing the scrupulous upholding of the tenets of contractual agreements between motorists and insurers,” The VP said.

The Liberian Vice President cautioned Liberians to re-main mindful that a scheme of this nature can only stand on pillars of confidence and commitment. He advised that a half-hearted and lop-sided approach will introduce cynicism, crooked dealings and resistance thus defeating the “noble purpose,” of the scheme.

He urged dealers of new and used vehicles and the various unions within the transport sector to complement the ef-forts of the relevant authorities to ensure compliance across the spectrum.

For his part Transport Min-ister S. Tonorlah Varpilah, dis-closed that the scheme worked

perfectly during the pre-war era.

Min. Varpilah said the reacti-vation of the scheme was short lived during the era of Presi-dent Charles G. Taylor. “This was primarily due to a number of factors, including lack of public trust for many insur-ance companies and weak institutional mechanisms to regulate the insurance indus-try,” he stated.

Transport Minister Varpilah furthered that the absence of an insurance scheme over the years has resulted in unbear-able economic hardships on the population and significant-ly impeded the social and eco-nomic growth of the country.

“The increasing number of traffic accidents is inflict-ing untold suffering on the poor. Road traffic accident victims--- many of whom are poor--- are often constrained to underwrite the cost of inju-ries and deaths.”

Motor Vehicles

by C.y. Kwanue

The Barclay Training Cen-ter (BTC) on UN Drive will on Tuesday, February 11,

witness activities marking this year’s Armed Forces Day cel-ebration.

The event marks the 57th an-niversary of the day, and 106th year of existence of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL); it dates back to 1908.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the Governance Commission, Dr. Amos Sawyer, has been selected by the Ministry of National Defence (MOD) to serve as keynote speaker.

The day’s activities will focus on the theme, “Enhanc-ing the Capabilities of the AFL to Meet Contemporary Chal-lenges;” it will also be marked by other activities that are in-tended to make the program a memorable one.

A change of command cer-emony will also be held, with the passing of an outgoing commander to an in-coming one; the presentation of the na-tional colors will be involved.

In her recent Annual Mes-sage, the Commander-In-Chief, (C-I-C) Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, mentioned that come February 11, the AFL will be placed in the hands of Liberi-ans, who will serve as Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of

Staff respectively. The expected COS takes

over from a veteran Nige-rian commanding officer-in-charge, Major-General Suraj A. Abdurrahman.

Meanwhile, agencies of government expected to par-ticipate alongside the AFL in the celebration on Tuesday, February 11, will include the Liberian National Police, Bu-reau of Immigration and Natu-ralization, Liberia National Fire Service, members of the Executive Protection Service, the Drugs Enforcement Agen-cy, National Scouts Associa-tion and other privately-owned security apparatus.

Pre-celebration activities for the occasion will begin on Thursday, February 6, with a symposium at the Monrovia City Hall. “Interagency Coop-eration: Fundamental Necessi-ty for the Security of Liberia.” The symposium will also be addressed by Dr. Sawyer.

On Friday, February 7, the army will hold a Jummat Service (a Moslem religious service) at the Gurley Street Mosque; it will be followed on Saturday with a clean-up cam-paign exercise and a medical outreach in the Township of West Point.

The West Point activities will accordingly be climaxed with an all-female sporting fi-esta between the AFL and the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization (BIN).

In addition, there will a mini knockout Olympic at the SKD Sports Complex in Paynes-ville, bringing face-to-face four football teams including the AFL, the Liberia Broad-casting System, the Liberia National Police, and the Police force of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL).

These activities will climax on Sunday, February 9, with a thanksgiving and intercessory prayer service at the Philadel-phia Central Church on Tub-man Boulevard in Cong Town.

AFL’s Historical Highlights

An Act of Legislature, passed February 6, 1908, es-tablished the Liberian Army under the name “Liberian Frontier Police Force.” A year later, the Act was amended and the army was renamed the Liberian Frontier Force with a total strength of only 600 officers and enlisted men, who wore short khaki trou-sers, red waistband, and caps, but no shoes. They were then commanded by foreigners, particularly British and Sierra Leonean officers.

However, like the Constitu-

tion of Liberia itself, the idea to celebrate the Armed Forces Day was again borrowed from the United States of America (USA), where the then Secre-tary of Defence, Louise John-son announced the creation of the day.

Also, in 1954, Colonel Francis M. Dean (Liberian), then Assistant Chief of Staff responsible for intelligence (G-2), conceived the idea and recommended in his annual message that a single-day be set aside each year to be cel-ebrated as the Armed Forces

Day.It was based on this that on

January 26, 1957, the Liberian Legislature passed an Act, set-ting aside February 11 each year as Armed Forces Day; it did so in recognition of the “bravery and meritorious” service of troops that brought down the so-called, army mu-tiny on February 11, 1909.

This Act further provides that past and present mem-bers of the Army, Navy (Coast Guard), and Air Force be also honoured on this day.

Armed Forces

The Government of Liberia (GOL) is concerned at the deteriorating secu-

rity, humanitarian, and human rights situation in the Central African Republic (CAR), characterized by intense and devastating religious and communal violence.

According to an Executive Mansion release quoting a dispatch from Addis Ababa, the Liberian Government, in a Statement issued Friday, January 31, at the ongoing 22nd African Union Summit in Ethiopia, asserts that the current state of peace and se-curity in the CAR is a cause for concern and should there-fore trigger concerted, robust, and expeditious actions by the international community,

with the aim to restoring the country on the path of peace, stability and democracy at the soonest.

The Liberian Government welcomes the recent election of Her Excellency Catherine Samba-Panza as Interim President of the Central Afri-can Republic, and the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2127 (2013) au-thorizing the deployment of the African-led International Support Mission in the Cen-tral African Republic (MIS-CA), which in December 2013 assumed authority over the ECCAS Peace and Con-solidation Mission in CAR (MICOPX).

The GOL Statement said that in spite of these laud-able developments, it is of

the view that the persistent climate of violence and in-stability requires a stronger and more robust international peacekeeping presence in the CAR.

The GOL supports the re-cent decision emanating from a meeting of the Peace and Security Council of the Af-rican Union (AU), held on January 29, 2014, endorsing the transformation of MIS-CA into a multi-dimensional peacekeeping mission under the aegis of the United Na-tions.

Liberia believes that such transformation represents the most viable means of secur-ing political stability and dealing with the complex and urgent situation in the Central African Republic.

Gov’t Issues Position on CAR

Pres. sirleaf

Daily Observer sunday, February 02, 2014 Page 10dTuesday, January 28, 2014For

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

Monday, February 3, 2014 Page 15

Bassa Targets ‘5 Years’ to Win Trophy

-as Thousands storm buchananby leroy M. sonpon, iii

Grand Bassa Super-intendent Etweda Cooper and acting chairman of the

Grand Bassa Legislative Cau-cus, Rep. Gabriel B. Smith, have expressed the hope of the county continuously winning the County Meet trophy, for at least five years.

They spoke to the Daily Ob-server, last Saturday to cel-ebrate winning the 2013-2014 County Meet in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County.

The celebration brought

over 50,000 Bassonians to the county capital, who marched and danced on the principal streets of Buchanan.

The trophies were presented to the Grand Bassa Legislative Caucus through the County Authority.

Madam Cooper said strate-gies are already in place to en-sure that Grand Bassa County retains its trophies for five years.

She hailed the football and basketball teams for their vic-tories as well as the athletics team for emerging 3rd place, and hoped better successes

for the kickball and volleyball teams.

She also commended the technical committees and the Grand Bassa Sports Associa-tion, headed by Arthur Jimmy.

Rep. Smith announced that the Caucus has resolved to give its moral and financial support to the Grand Bassa Sports Association.

She said Buchanan, known for its hospitality will pro-vide accommodation for the trophies for five years and thereafter give other counties chance.

Senator Nyonblee Karnga-

Lawrence and Rep. Jeh Byron Brown in separate remarks said Bassa’s dream is to at least win the trophies five con-secutive times.

The President of the Liberia National Oldtimer Associa-tion (LONA) Cllr. Theophilus Gould and former Barrolle President, Garmondeh Karnga amongst others Bassonians said in order to win the ‘tro-phies’ continuously, the team

Senator Karnga-Lawrence, Rep. Brown, Dep. Speaker Barchue and Rep. Smith; Supt. Cooper flanked by relatives and other Bassonians celebrating last Saturday

should be preserved, but make some recruitments, focus on training and provide financial incentives to the players.

The chairman of the program committee for the celebration, T. Nelson Williams, II ex-pressed his thanks and appreci-ation on behalf of the county to sponsors which contributed to the success of the celebration.

Some include: LPRC, NPA, Arcellor Mittal, Lonestar Cell,

Debbah Blasts Technicians’ Exclusion

Liberia’s ex-cele-brated football star, James Salinsa Deb-bah has frowned on

the program committee of the official celebration of trophies in Buchanan for not recogniz-ing, ‘technicians’ during the program last Saturday.

Salinsa, as he is affection-ately called, said the exclusion of the coaches, Mr. Garmon-deh Karnga, Cllr. Theophilus Gould and others, (including him), who contributed ‘tacti-cally’ to the success of the teams in the program was er-roneous.

He told newsmen over the weekend during the official celebration of the football and basketball trophies, that their exclusion has a ‘political un-dertone’, which h believed was mainly intended to pro-mote would-be candidates in the forthcoming Senatorial Election.

“We too, worked and moti-vated to win amidst financial and moral constraints,” Deb-bah said. “We all suppose to be recognized publicly.”

Meanwhile, the chairman of the program committee, T. Nelson Williams told news-

men that the technicians were thanked and recognized duly, but Debbah he never shown interest to attend any of the meetings.

Mr. William said Bassa citi-zens who expressed interest and attended the meeting were given the space to be part of the program.

The LPRC Boss clarified that the program was planned without any political under-tone, but rather with the sole purpose of celebrating the end of the title drought after 24 years.

LPRC Boss and Program Chairman T. Nelson Williams flanked by Deputy Speaker Barchue and LBDI CEO John Davis. Debbah:” We too worked and deserved to be

recognized, not only them”

Future Leaders FC, KYC in a Draw

Future leaders and KyC pose for the camera

The Karpeh Street Young Controllers last Saturday were forced to a 2-2 draw

by Future Leaders at the D. Twe sports pitch in the sub-committee’s 4th division league.

After an entertaining 22 min-

utes, KYC’s striker Samuel Segbe converted a direct kick for the opener in the 23rd min-ute to end the first half.

Upon resumption, Future Leaders’ Zwannah Jackson found the equalizer when his diagonal cross, zoomed into the net in the 80th minute.

Segbe was once again on target to increase KYC’s tally to 2-1 in the 86th minute and Future Leader’s Timothy Z. Sarwea found the equalizer seconds before the game offi-cially ended.

Libya Claims 2014 CAF Orange Nations’ Cup

Libya claimed the 2014 African Na-tions Championship (Chan) title after

defeating Ghana on a penalty shootout in the tournament fi-nal at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday evening.

The North Africans’ first piece of continental silver-ware arrived courtesy of a 4-3 shootout win over the Black Stars after the match had end-ed goalless after extra time.

It was the third successive match Libya won by a shoot-out, after ousting Gabon and Zimbabwe in the same manner in the quarter- and semifinals respectively.

The first half saw little in the way of goalmouth action, with the teams effectively cancel-ling each other out. Ghana had the edge in terms of pace and athleticism, but Libya were well organised and looked dangerous on the counter at-tack.

The Black Stars created their best chance of the first half as early as the second minute, with striker Siedu Bansey ar-riving late in the box to meet a left-wing cross and power a header on target, but goalkeep-er Mohamed Nashnush made a good diving save.

Four minutes later the Medi-terranean Knights threatened

to open the scoring as Elmu-tasem Abushnaf was put free on goal, but Ghana goalkeeper Stephen Adams came quickly off his line to win the ball cleanly at the striker’s feet.

Those two early chances were the highlights of an oth-erwise dull first 45 minutes that ended with the teams deadlocked at 0-0.

Just past the hour mark Gha-na had only the second effort on target in the match, but Aseidu Attorbrah’s long-range effort was no real test for Nashnush in the North African side’s goal.

Cellcom, Tsingtao, DsTV, Harry Greaves, amongst oth-ers.

The celebration’s attendance included an array of Bassa lawmakers: Deputy Speaker and Rep. Hans Barchue; Reps. Mary Karwor, Gabriel B. Smith, Jeh Byron Brown and Robertson N. Siaway.

Other senior citizens were the president of the Liberia Development Bank for Devel-opment (LBDI) John Davis, former Managing Director of the Liberia Petroleum Refin-ing Company (LPRC) Harry Greaves and former presiden-tial candidate and CEO for DsTv, Simeon Freeman.

Other lawmakers who at-tended the program, but are not from Grand Bassa are Reps. Tingbah, Eugene Fallah Kparkar and Acarous M. Gray.

Meanwhile, scores of Basso-nians, who spoke to the Daily Observer congratulated the teams for their victories and urged the Legislative Caucus and the County Authority to workout modalities to ensure the teams’ success.

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Debbah Confident of Grand Bassa Senate Victory -But He First Has to Become Certain of

Running---and Decide from WhereBy Leroy M. Sonpon, III from Grand Bassa

County

Liberia’s for-mer celebrated football star, James Salinsa Debbah, is positive about

winning the Senator’s Seat for Grand Bassa County in the up-coming 2014 Special Senato-rial Election.

It had been speculated he would run in Montserrado in the ensuring Special Senatorial Elections on October-2014--- a run he had denied up to this point.

On Saturday, in an exclusive interview in the Port City of Buchanan, Debbah, 42, told the Daily Observer that he is poised to be the ‘better candi-

date.’His statement was made

during the county’s official celebration of football and basketball trophies they had captured, just under a fortnight ago.

The former Mighty Barrolle and Lone Star striker said that his success would be based on the love the people of Grand Bassa County have for him.

Salinsa did not say which Party’s ticket he intends to run on in Grand Bassa Coun-ty’s Senatorial Race, giving the impression of a candi-dacy built on hope up to this point. Clearly, he will have to get busy soon if he is serious about what he wants to do.

In the 2005 and 2011 elec-tions, the player was linked to the Liberty Party (LP), but because of his connection to Ambassador George Weah, the political leader of the Con-gress for Democratic Change, (CDC), it is speculated that he

may run on the CDC ticket, if he is left out in the cold during the LP’s convention.

Debbah’s statement comes ahead of his petition ceremo-ny, which is tentatively sched-uled for next month.

“Let me say, I am contesting the Senatorial Race for Grand Bassa County and I am posi-tive of winning. It is obvious that my people will vote for me,” Debbah said.

Known as ‘Salinsa’ during his football playing days, Deb-bah is regarded as Liberia’s most popular football person-ality after George M. Weah, FIFA 1995 World Player of the Year and African football legend.

Meanwhile, Debbah has frowned on the program com-mittee of the official celebra-tion of trophies in Buchanan for not recognizing, ‘techni-cians’ during the program.

He said the exclusion of the coaches, Mr. Garmon-

deh Karnga, Cllr. Theophilus Gould and others, (including him) who contributed ‘tacti-cally’ to the success of the teams, was not correct.

He told newsmen over the weekend during the official celebration of the football and basketball trophies, that their exclusion had a ‘political un-dertone,’ which he believed was mainly intended to pro-mote would-be candidates in the forthcoming Senatorial Election.

“We too, worked and mo-tivated the team to win amid financial and moral con-straints,” Debbah said. “We all are supposed to be recognized publicly.”

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Program Committee, T. Nelson Williams told news-men that the technicians were thanked and recognized duly. Debbah, however, did not show any interest in attending any of the meetings.

Debbah is confident that Bassoians will elect him as their new senator

Mills Jones Gets Media Honor-For ‘Excellent Performance, Inclusive Economic Policy’

Central Bank E x e c u t i v e G o v e r n o r , Dr. J. Mills Jones, has received hon-

ors from 15 media institutions in Liberia for his unhindered policy of economic inclusion and poverty reduction. The Heritage, Frontpage Africa, Inprofile Daily, Evidence, Chronicle, Liberian Express and Concord Times, Corrup-tion Watch, The Inquirer, and The Catalyst, amongst others, honored Governor Jones as their “Man of the Year” after he took steps to help raise Li-berians out of poverty in 2013.

The spokesperson for these media houses, Philibert Brown remarked during the honoring program in Monrovia on Fri-day, that Governor Jones has

gone out on a limb to pierce the heart of poverty across Li-beria and taking tangible and practical action to minimize the menace.

Mr. Brown noted the 15 me-dia houses were not bought or influenced in any form or manner to honor Governor Jones.

He said it was necessary for journalists and media institu-tions to honor state actors who make a difference in the inter-est of the people. The honor-ing ceremony took place at the Central Bank of Liberia’s (CBL) Warren Street office. In response, Governor Jones thanked the media houses for recognizing and understand-ing the role CBL is playing in ensuring not only macro-economic and microeconomic stability, but inclusive eco-

nomic growth. The CBL boss noted that it

is a responsibility of the CBL to help alleviate poverty in the country. He emphasized that “poverty is not a badge of honor for Liberians to wear.”

The CBL, under the stew-ardship of Governor Jones, has made great strides in mak-ing financial loans available to key sectors of the economy through the banks.

Among these sectors are the agriculture and mortgage sec-tors, to which the Bank has made available US$7.5 mil-lion and US$10million respec-tively through select banks.

The CBL has also made available nearly L$400 mil-lion to registered non-banked financial institutions such as credit unions and village sav-ings and loans associations in

rural Liberia for onward lend-ing to market women in those parts of the country.

The fact is these media houses have been following the development of invest-

ments by the CBL and have decided to honor its Executive Governor for his sound leader-ship, which they said has led to the transformation of the economy and the banking in-dustry.

Though the Daily Observer was not among the 15 media institutions involved with the honors program, the paper was one of those that honored the Governor as “Person of the Year 2013.”

MONDAY, FEB. 3, 2014, vol. 16, No.68indd 1 2/3/14 12:10 AM