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EDITION

EDITORIALNPA’s 25-year Master

Plan: The Port of Robertsport an Urgent

Priority

LOCAL NEWSGarbage

Scavengers Tread Dangerous Path

on Dumpsites

BUSINESS Bankers on Dual

Currency Regime

HEALTHNew Herbal

‘Medicine’ for Men Hits Liberia

COMMENTARYStatement to the

Nation by H.E. President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

SPORTSWhere is Lone

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30% of Liberia’s Forest Set for ConservationActing FDA Managing Director Discloses as Liberia and EU Sign Forestry Agreement

Mr. Amilhat and Liberian representative (left) signing the agreement and MD Karnwea speaking (right) as EU members and another panelist listen.

By Joaquin Sendolo, Observer Diplomatic

Correspondent

Acting For-estry De-velopment A u t h o r -ity (FDA) M a n a g i n g

Director Harrison Karnwea has disclosed that 30 percent

Cont’d on pg. 17

Ellen Frowns on Rapist Teachers

-Calls for Drastic Action against PerpetratorsBy Leroy M. Sonpon,

III, David A. Yates and Alvin Worzi

After several calls to end the act of rape being perpetrated by teach-

Cont’d on pg. 17

In Ellen Corkrum’s Secret Recording Saga HOTT FM to Produce Recordings in Court

See story on Pg.17

Senator Findley

Returns to Rural Bassa

See story on Pg.17

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, VOL, No.29.indd 2 12/3/13 12:45 AM

Daily Observer Tuesday, December 03, 2013 Tuesday, December 3, 2013Foreign Briefs

Page 2World News Boko Haram Crisis: Maiduguri

Curfew after Nigeria Attack(BBC) - A 24-hour curfew

has been imposed in the north-eastern Nigerian city of Maiduguri after a major attack.

Officials suspect Islamist militants from the Boko Haram group were behind an assault on a military airbase in the early hours of Monday.

A BBC correspondent says the large-scale, co-ordinated attack is a big setback for the Nigerian military.

Thousands of people have been killed since 2009, when Boko Haram launched its campaign to install Islamic law.

In May, a state of emergency was declared in Borno, of which Maiduguri is the capital, and there has been a massive military deployment to the worst-affected areas.

Chants of Allahu Akbar

The latest violence began about 03:00 local time (02:00 GMT) and included bomb and gun attacks, an AFP reporter in the city said.

“They entered Maiduguri from the bush, chanting ‘Allahu Akbar’ [God is great],” a Nigerian intelligence officer told the agency.

Some eyewitnesses said they had seen bodies with their throats slit.

Others said several vehicles had been driven out of the air base carrying the bodies of victims.

There are also reports of military checkpoints being attacked in different parts of the city.

Recent Boko Haram attacks have been in more rural areas, and it had appeared as though the military operation had made Maiduguri city far

safer, says the BBC Nigeria correspondent Will Ross.

Maiduguri’s civilian airport has also been closed as a result of the attack.

Mobile phone links to the city have been cut since May, when the state of emergency was declared.

Boko Haram was founded in Maiduguri 2002.

 

roads in Maiduguri were deserted on Monday in the wake of the attack

Ivory Coast ‘Targeted Laurent Gbagbo Allies’ in Ghana

(BBC) - Ivory Coast agents were sent to Ghana to kidnap or assassinate supporters of Ivorian ex-President Laurent Gbagbo, according to Ghanaian officials.

Ghana said it had foiled two such attacks, a letter sent to the United Nations Security Council said.

Several of Mr Gbagbo’s closest allies fled to Ghana after he was arrested in April 2011.

Mr Gbagbo refused to accept his defeat in 2010 elections. Some 3,000 people died in subsequent months of unrest.

The former president is now awaiting trial at The Hague on charges of crimes against humanity.

Earlier this year mass graves dating back to the 2010-11 violence were exhumed

The report to the UN security council was written by experts who monitor sanctions placed on Liberia.

The Ghanaian authorities claimed to have foiled at least two missions by Ivorian

agents in early 2013 and stated to the experts that at least one former Gbagbo supporter who had returned to Ivory Coast had been abducted and had disappeared.

The monitors say they have

not been able to independently verify the Ghanaian officials’ claims.

The panel of experts believe that former Gbagbo officials now living in Ghana finance cross-border attacks from neighbouring Liberia into Ivory Coast.

The UN experts said the Ivory Coast government paid pro-Gbagbo mercenaries in Liberia not to stage cross-border attacks. These payments were “particularly effective”, it found, because Liberian mercenaries tend not to have strong political involvement in Ivory Coast affairs.

The report expresses concern that this method of reducing cross-border attacks is not sustainable.

  Former ivorian President laurent Gbagbo is now awaiting trial in The Hague

Caffeine Energy Drinks ‘Intensify Heart Contractions’

(BBC) - Energy drinks packed with caffeine can change the way the heart beats, researchers warn.

The team from the University of Bonn in Germany imaged the hearts of 17 people an hour after they had an energy drink.

The study showed contractions were more forceful after the drink.

The team told the annual

meeting of the Radiological Society of North America that children and people with some health conditions should avoid the drinks.

Researcher Dr Jonas Dorner said: “Until now, we haven’t known exactly what effect these energy drinks have on the function of the heart.

“The amount of caffeine is up to three times higher than

in other caffeinated beverages like coffee or cola.

“There are many side effects known to be associated with a high intake of caffeine, including rapid heart rate, palpitations, rise in blood pressure and, in the most severe cases, seizures or sudden death.”

The researchers gave the participants a drink containing

32mg per 100ml of caffeine and 400mg per 100ml of another chemical, taurine.

Short-term impactThey showed the chamber

of the heart that pumps blood around the body, the left ventricle, was contracting harder an hour after the energy drink was taken than at the start of the study.

Dr Dorner added: “We’ve shown that energy drink consumption has a short-term impact on cardiac contractility.

“We don’t know exactly how or if this greater contractility of the heart impacts daily activities or athletic performance.”

The impact on people with heart disease is also unknown.

However, the research team advises that children and people with an irregular heartbeat should avoid the drinks.

 

UN Implicates Bashar al-

Assad in Syria War Crimes

(BBC) - The UN’s human rights chief has said an inquiry has produced evidence that war crimes were authorised in Syria at the “highest level”, including by President Bashar al-Assad.

It is the first time the UN’s human rights office has so directly implicated Mr Assad.

Commissioner Navi Pillay said her office held a list of others implicated by the inquiry.

It is estimated that more than 100,000 people have died in the conflict.

The UN’s commission of inquiry into Syria has produced “massive evidence... [of] very serious crimes, war crimes, crimes against humanity,” Ms Pillay said.

The evidence indicated responsibility “at the highest level of government, including the head of state”, she added.

The inquiry has also previously reported it has evidence that rebel forces in Syria have been guilty of human rights abuses.

 

bashar al-assad in syria

(BBC) - The Muslim Brotherhood has rejected Egypt’s new draft constitution.

The group said “abusive coupists” were trying to “distort Egypt’s legitimate constitution”, adopted under ousted President Mohammed Morsi last year.

The draft, approved by a constituent assembly late on Sunday, preserves some of the military’s wide-ranging powers and would allow a presidential election to be held before parliamentary polls.

It must be approved in a referendum this month or in January.

The vote is the first stage in the “democratic transition” promised by the interim government after Mr Morsi was deposed by the military in July.

Egypt

(BBC) - Somali Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon has lost a vote of confidence in parliament after 15 months in office, in what is seen as a blow to efforts to stabilise the country.

He fell out with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud last month after he tried to sack some of the president’s allies from the cabinet.

Mr Mohamud took office in 2012 in a UN-backed move to end years of conflict.

Islamist militant group al-Shabab still controls many areas.

Somali

(BBC) - The first reinforcements to the French force in the Central African Republic (CAR) are deploying in a bid to restore order after a rebel takeover.

Some 200 troops have arrived, with another 500 expected imminently.

Some former rebel forces have reportedly been leaving the capital, Bangui, as the French troops arrived in the city.

More than 10% of the 4.6 million population have fled their homes since Michel Djotodia seized power in March.

CAR

(BBC) - Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has rejected protesters’ demands that she step down, amid fresh clashes in Bangkok.

Ms Yingluck said the demands were not possible under the constitution, but that she remained open to talks.

More clashes broke out on Monday as protesters tried to storm the prime minister’s office, Government House.

Four people have died in Thailand’s worst political turmoil since the 2010 rallies that ended in violence.

“Anything I can do to make people happy, I am willing to do... but as prime minister, what I can do must be under the constitution,” Ms Yingluck said in a televised address.

Thailand

(BBC) - A Nigerian man said to be “near death” following a hunger strike is back in the UK after the Home Office flight deporting him had to turn around.

Lawyers for Isa Muazu, who has refused food for “over 100 days”, said he was back at Harmondsworth detention centre.

It is thought the Nigerian authorities did not clear the plane to land.

Mr Muazu sought asylum in the UK saying he would be killed by Islamic extremists back in Nigeria.

Nigeria

(BBC) - Demonstrators are blockading government buildings in the Ukrainian capital Kiev, as they step up their campaign for the resignation of the government.

Protesters have put up barricades on Independence Square, while others are entrenched inside city hall.

The unrest was triggered in November by President Viktor Yanukovych’s refusal to sign a deal on closer EU ties.

Opposition leaders have renewed demands that he stand down, and urged him to “stop political repression”.

The call was issued on Monday at a meeting in Parliament convened by Speaker Volodymyr Rybak, the Ukrainska Pravda news website reported.

Ukraine

Daily Observer Tuesday, December 03, 2013 Tuesday, December 3, 2013 Page 3

Garbage Scavengers Tread Dangerous Path on Dumpsites

by edwin M. Fayia iii

Several concerned environmentalist and health workers have warned that garbage

scavengers in search of whatever they can get their hands on at dumpsites are treading on dangerous ground.

Garbage scavengers are seen at the various dumpsites on a daily basis in Monrovia, either in search food or other scrap materials to make ends meets due to socio-economic hardship. Children who are occasionally seen at the garbage sites could also become innocent victims of the exposed medical waste.

Environmentalists have expressed concern about the potential harm these scavengers face from medical wastes being dumped by clinics and hospitals that do not have access to incinerators.

No official comment has come from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MoSW) in regards to the repercussions the syringes and needles could cause to the bodies of those who come in contact with them. Authorized officials at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have also not responded to the questions posed concerning the disposal of medical waste.

When some of the scavengers were contacted by our undercover reporter, they pointed out that since there are no jobs or other alternatives for earning income, the dumpsites

are the best option they have for survival.

Joe Belleh, 40, told the Daily Observer yesterday, that the level of hardship he has experienced in recent times is caused him to turn to scavenging the dumpsites as his only option.

“Whatever I collect at the dumpsites everyday is far better than me breaking into other people’s houses” Mr. Belleh stressed.

“I’m a resident of New Kru Town and have done my best over the past four years to find a sustainable job for my family of five, all efforts have proved fruitless,” Mr. Belleh asserted.

He further stressed the need for the Liberian Government, support partners, and stakeholders in the job creation sector to consider providing sustainable jobs for the huge

unemployed population of the nation.

“Job creation for Liberians should not be the usual rhetoric by our leaders and partners but, a practical approach that would create real jobs in the country,” Mr. Belleh concluded.

Madam Bellemu Tokpa, 52, of Waterside in central Monrovia indicated to our reporter that she has six children whose father is now dead, therefore she has to tour the dumpsites to collect material that could be sold to scrap dealers for a few Liberian dollars for their daily survival.

Madam Tokpa, who spoke through tears and obvious frustration, pointed out that some urgent steps must be taken to address the socio-economic hardship in Monrovia and the rest of the country.

She added that, “I will not

engage myself in prostitution under the cover darkness in order to feed my children, despite the dehumanizing conditions of our current status.”

In closing, Madam Tokpa called on the Liberian Government and crafters of the policy document on the ‘Poverty Reduction Strategy’ (PRS) to get to work and translate the instrument into reality so Liberians in the country could enjoy the security and dignity of employment.

Meanwhile, Liberians have urged the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Environmental Protection Agency to take appropriate action and act swiftly to formulate a public awareness campaign warning scavengers of the dangers posed by the various dumpsites in Monrovia.

Garbage scavengers at one of the biggest dumpsites in Monrovia

Tubman’s Birthday Celebrated in

Grand Style

by Gloria T. Tamba

Many residents of Monrovia have described this year’s November

29, celebration of the birthday of William V.S. Tubman as being peaceful and “celebrated in grand style.” Many attributed the calm situation to the safety measures put into place by the Liberia National Police (LNP).

Lots of people, especially youths, were seen in joyous, yet calm moods as they crowded the Bernard’s beach to celebrate the 118th birth anniversary of the late President William V. S. Tubman, as well as the official beginning of Liberia’s dry season.

Friday’s peaceful atmosphere was observed in stark contrast to years past, when indecent dressing, underage drinking, and other rude behavior typically characterized the celebration of the day.

At Bernard’s beach many Liberians were seen happyily celebrating their former President’s birthday with Lone star cell Communication Company playing the host for the day along with many local musicians.

Lone star cell company organized the program on Bernard’s beach where T-shirts, caps, bags, and other useful items were distributed to the people on the beach.

Lone star phones were sold for as little as six dollars US dollars ($US 6.00).

The beach was secured by

the Liberian National Police (LNP), while the International Red Cross (IRC) providing aid in the form of healthcare for the people enjoying the occasion. The LNP carefully observed the movements of the people that went to celebrate and made sure that a good safe time was had by all.

Several people interviewed by the Daily Observer over the weekend expressed satisfaction over this year’s celebration, describing it as well organized by the government.

“There were no deaths reported and there is a high level of decency on this beach in comparison with the past years. The GOL, especially the LNP, did extremely well because there have been no accidents and the traffic is moving smoothly. I personally have not encountered any rude behavior or indecent dressing on my way to the beach,” 23 year old Rufina George said.

George Brimah, 37, said “My family and I only come on the beach on this particular day because we think it is a special day for the people Liberia. This year’s November 29 celebration is a great day and I’m glad that there has been no violence.”

The restrictions of beaches on November 29 of every year started last year November, 2012, when the LNP authorities warned that individuals dressing indecently during the holiday celebration would be arrested. The police also said that they would arrest all those driving under the influence of different types of drugs and alcohol.

local musicians were also on hand to spice up the day

WE-CARE Foundation Distributes More Books

The WE-CARE Foundation, a local non-governmenta l e d u c a t i o n a l

organization, has distributed over 8,000 pieces of assorted books to scores of Liberian children. The books distribution took place on Friday, November 22, 2013 at the Samuel Kanyan Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville during this year’s Liberia Children Festival organized by UNICEF.

The program, held under the theme, “End Violence against Children” saw the coming together of various child welfare organizations in the county. Speaking at distribution ceremony, WE-CARE executive director T. Michael Weah said the distribution of books to the children was part of WE-CARE’s way of identifying with

the Liberian children as they celebrated their 5th National Festival. “Learning toread and write is the best gift for a child,”Mr. Weah concluded.

For her part, WE-CARE’s coordinator, Madam Yvonne Capehart-Weah said, the distribution of books at the UNICEF-sponsored program was the organization’s way of expressing its unrelenting support for education under the “Right to Education” of the Liberian children and the National Reading Campaign. She appreciated the support of their partners, the Canadian Organization for Development through Education (CODE), and the International Book Bank (IBB) for providing the books to WE-CARE Foundation for its Reading Liberia program.

ARDF-Canada & BFF Sign MOU For Quality Education

in Liberia- advocate to Construct Technical College for youth empowerment

Af r i c a - A s i a Development Relief Foundation (ADRF), based in Canada

and Better Future Foundation (BFF), a Liberian local NGO, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The signing ceremony which coincided with ADRF’s Second International conference was held in Bangkok, Thailand recently.

The MOU which establishes international framework for cooperation between ADRF and BFF also seeks to utilize best efforts to strengthen and support educational development in post-war Liberia.

The MOU, inked by BFF president, Rev. Augustine Arkoi, and Abe Wone, ADRF Canada Executive Director, is particularly prompted by the mutual desires of the two institutions to collaborate on creating awareness and soliciting financial, material, human resource, and technical support to ensure improved learning opportunities, particularly at New Hope Academy located in Paynesville, and extendedly, compliment educational development in other parts of Liberia.

The MOU also recognizes

efforts and pronouncements by President, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, on March 15, 2013, describing the country’s postwar education system as a “mess that is far below acceptable standards,” and a call by the leader on education stakeholders for a complete overhaul to fix education in Africa’s oldest Republic.

The ADRF-Canada, registered under the society laws of the Province of Alberta, and operating in the City of Calgary is also an NGO, duly recognized by the Government of Canada.

ADRF-Canada is dedicated to providing quality education to

youth and children, particularly in Africa and Asia, where human development remains a formidable challenge.

It also believes that all youth and children should be given equal access to education and opportunities to actualize their full potentials.

Similarly, BFF, a recognized and accredited NGO in Liberia is dedicated to the rebuilding of Liberia by promoting educational development, socio-economic and cultural understanding and cooperation.

It is the principal sponsor of the New Hope Academy which classes run from kindergarten to senior high levels. New Hope Academy, duly accredited by the Ministry of Education, was established in 1995 to provide educational opportunity to at-risked-youth and children in Liberia, a post-war country.

As an educational NGO, BFF has also been involved

in various programs aimed at cultivating youth entrepreneurial leadership and development at the Academy and other parts of the Liberian nation.

ADRF-Canada and BFF have common interest in enhancing youth and children development; and promote model learning opportunities at the New Hope Academy, consistent with complimenting post-war reconstruction efforts of the Government of Liberia.

In line with the MOU, ADRF-Canada and BFF will collaborate to plan, design and solicit support for the construction of a “New Hope Community College”, with the objective of providing technical & vocational learning opportunities to particularly graduates of New Hope Academy, and extendedly, youth throughout the country, many of whom grossly lack technical skills and expertise.

 

rev. augustine arkoi

Daily Observer Monday, December 02, 2013 Page 4Tuesday, November 5, 2013

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

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

Liberia’s First Independent Daily

0886812888, 0886472772www.liberianobserver.com

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

If a sea port is going to be in Robertsport, I’d better be there fast... very fast!

NPA’s 25-year Master Plan: The Port of Robertsport an

Urgent PriorityMadam Matilda Parker, National Port Authority (NPA)

Managing Director, has unveiled a US$2 billion “Master Plan” for the further development and expansion of the nation’s seaports. These include the Freeport of Monrovia, Liberia’s principal port, the Port of Buchanan in Grand Bassa, the Port of Greenville in Sinoe, and the Port of Harper in Maryland.

A significant new development has been added—building a brand new port in Robertsport, Grand Cape Mount County.

The improvement and expansion of the Freeport and the ports of Buchanan, Greenville and Harper are critical to the expansion of business and industry in Liberia. We hope that Matilda and her team, in collaboration with the development partners, will expedite the fundraising initiative so that work on the development and expansion may begin soonest. The development partners include the Scandinavia-based NIRAS Group A/S, which helped NPA develop the master plan, the APM Terminals and the GOL.

Before the war the Freeport of Monrovia was one of the most preferred transshipment points in West Africa and business people and marketers from many parts of Africa, including Ghana and Zambia flocked here to purchase goods for sale in their various countries. The war caused us to lose all that and one of the leading beneficiaries was tiny Gambia. Businesspeople found the Port of Banjul ideal for the transshipment of goods to landlocked nations such as Mali, Niger and others in West and Central Africa.

Much work has been done on the Freeport in recent years. The removal of sunken ships, dredging, purchase of new equipment and the contracting of the port management to the experienced Dutch company APM Terminals have all been part of the initiatives that have improved the Freeport’s operations.

Dredging and other initiatives have also taken place at the Ports of Buchanan and Greenville, making them ready for the export of iron ore, timber and other products. Much more needs to be done at the Port of Greenville to make it ready for the export of iron ore by the time the Putu Mines in Grand Gedeh County come into production three years hence.

But we strongly believe that the most urgent project Matilda Parker and her team at the NPA have on their hands at this time is the building of the Port of Robertsport in Grand Cape Mount County. Why?

The reason, the Western Clusters iron ore mines are soon to come into production and urgently need an exit strategy for the export of its ore. The railway that the Liberia Mining Company built in the 1940s to ship its ore from Bomi Hills to the Freeport of Monrovia was destroyed during the war, and hundreds of people have since built in its path. The GOL has indicated that it will cost US$30 million to re-locate people who have built in the path of that railway. This is why Sesa Goa, the Indian company operating the Western Clusters Mines is pleading with government to allow it to ship the ore by truck through Duala, until the railway is rebuilt. This is a most unpopular move, causing shivers among people who live, work and travel in and through that Cape Mount- Bomi-Gbarpolu-Brewerville-Virginia-Bushrod Island corridor. Most people believe this is totally unfeasible not only because the heavy duty trucks transporting the ore would quickly damage the feeble highway from Bomi to the Freeport of Monrovia. The traffic congestion that already exists, especially as one approaches the St. Paul Bridge and Duala on Bushrod Island will be multiplied more than a hundredfold. The highway will be quickly destroyed and it will be next to impossible for anyone to travel there.

But the Liberian government insists on allowing the iron ore company to use the corridor because GOL desperately needs the money the company will pay for the ore.

The answer to this economic and practical dilemma is the port in Cape Mount. But first the proposition has to be studied and well planned; then the money and expertise must be found to build the port.

In the face of this immense and awesome challenge, no one envies Matilda Parker.

Statement to the Nation by H.E. President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, on Indiscipline and Lifting the Gag Order Monday, December 2, 2013My Fellow Citizens:

We are happy to be back home. We thank the Almighty God for our successful and safe travels. As you know, to achieve the goals outlined in our Agenda for Transformation, we must continue to seek support from our development partners to rebuild the country, expand the economy and create jobs for Liberians. We must also continue to strengthen our peace. This is why I have directed the Justice Ministry and the Joint Security Task Force to take the necessary actions, in keeping with law, to stop the wave of lawlessness which is creeping upon the State.

Together, we are trying to become a free, prosperous, just, open, secure and democratic society. This national goal is important because only in such societies can we experience true equality and the full values of our citizenship – where our differences in tribe, age, gender, religion and political associations will not limit what each of us, and our children, can become. It is only in such societies that all Liberians can share in all of the opportunities that the State has to offer, and benefit from the natural resources which we own together.

However, building a free, prosperous, just, open, secure and democratic society will not happen simply because we want it to. It will happen if we respect our laws, preserve our peace, respect the rights of each other, and recommit ourselves to continue to work together to make it happen.

It means that as we grow in freedom to disagree and to express our disagreements, we must use the law, and apply it equally and fairly, to settle those disagreements. Being law-abiding, even when we disagree with one another, is the only way to secure our society. We can no longer use violence, or threaten to use violence, to express dissatisfactions or settle grievances. As we have all seen, peace is good for all of us, and violence is bad for all of us.

In rebuilding our society, we must not confuse the freedom which we now enjoy with lawlessness, which we must avoid. Being free is not an excuse to be lawless, because freedom is protected by the law. This is why no society can be free and, at the same time, be lawless. And so, from expressing disagreements to making claims, and from advocating for an issue to drawing attention to a cause, when we become lawless, we actually take away freedoms and deny rights.

We have said repeatedly, and say

again today, that this government will continue to protect the rights of citizens to demonstrate and protest. Peaceful demonstrations and protests are forms of free expression which we have vowed to uphold. What we cannot accept, and cannot permit, is to resort to means which threaten our collective peace, to express a disagreement.

Where you are aware of the rules to resolve an issue, and you ignore them, you will be held fully responsible, and be made to answer to the law for the consequences of your unlawful action. This is not without exception. In free and democratic societies, claiming a privilege or advocating a position is not a writ to violate the rights of others, or to be lawless.

We cannot be a peaceful society and, at the same time, be a lawless society. We cannot be a democratic society and, at the same time, use violence to solve problems. And we cannot be a society in which we demand privileges, and yet violate the fundamental rights of others. The fundamental duty of any democratic government is to protect the rights of all of its citizens. Government exists to protect us from each other. And we will do just that!

So, if anybody has something to say, we are always willing to listen. If any citizen feels bad about something, we are always willing to work with you to find a solution. But make no mistake: we will not allow anyone or group to violate the law or undermine our peace without consequences. It is really that simple.

A second issue which is not so simple is the issuance of a gag order on an ongoing court proceeding. Prosecuting lawyers sought and obtained the order from the court to minimize what appears to be attempts to provoke a trial in newspapers and on the radios rather than in the courts. We have been made to understand that were we to continue to do this, not only do we risk undermining the ongoing court trial, but also such public discussions as have been cited, locally as well as internationally, as a basis for accused persons to not benefit from a free and fair trial. The possibility, or lack thereof, of accused persons benefitting from free and fair trials is an important condition for extradition.

Recently, also, national security information about the Roberts International Airport was grossly distorted and leaked to the press, ostensibly to influence political discontent in the country and distract from the actual criminal charges and allegations of the violation of the public

trust which are the subjects of the indictments. To counter this wicked ploy, the government revealed what really amounts to national security information about ongoing procedures and practices at the International Airport.

We understand what the lawyers are trying to achieve, and appreciate their efforts to bring all accused persons to properly answer the indictments in the courts of competent jurisdictions. However, this is not just the duty of the lawyers. It is a shared duty of all Liberians to act in ways that will enable our courts to remain the proper venues for the conduct of free and fair trials of all accused persons. We expect that we will continue to do so.

However, we also understand the tangential impact of gag orders on free society. Moreover, this leadership has done nothing for which it is ashamed. It has absolutely nothing to hide. We have only been the victims of a warped and criminal mind who, to divert attention from her crime, has rendered evil for good. Therefore, well-intentioned as it is, I am concerned that the timing of this gag order would have offered a contrary impression and risk posing serious questions to our continued commitment to the exercise of free speech in the country.

Accordingly, the Justice Ministry has concluded the necessary proceedings with the relevant courts to lift the order. Moreover, I have directed that efforts be multiplied to bring all of the accused persons to trial. And in that light, government responses, whenever necessary, will be measured to avoid undermining the administration of justice in our country, and of equal importance, if not more important, the security of the State.

Finally, my Fellow Citizens, I want to close by urging everyone to reject the idea that every time a law is broken, government or society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to reject the notion that it is the government and the administration which is always wrong. It is time to appreciate the limits of tolerance. It is time to restore the universal precept that each individual is accountable for his actions. We cannot allow our fragile peace to slip from our grasp. This requires all Liberians to change their attitude for the good of the nation.

May God protect our Republic and strengthen our democracy.

Daily Observer Monday, December 02, 2013 Page 4Tuesday, November 5, 2013 Page 5Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Chinese Embassy Launches New Scholarship Scheme-Over 300 Liberian Students to Benefit Annually

William Q. Harmon

The Chinese Em-bassy in Liberia has launched two new local scholarship

schemes, namely: the Chinese Ambassador’s Scholarship (CAS), and the Chinese Enter-prises Scholarship (CES).

Both scholarships are for students from universities and other higher institutions of learning across the country.

The CAS, which is the first of its kind on the African continent, aims to benefit a substantial numbers of under-privileged students annually in Liberia. This would help close up Liberia’s huge human resource capacity gap in the country.

Beneficiaries of the two scholarships, when combined would total 313, with the cost of over US$134,450.

At a ceremony commemorat-ing the signing of the Memo-randum of Understanding (MOU) between the Embassy and heads of some of the se-

lected institutions, Ambassa-dor Zhao Jianhua said, it was a milestone for him to establish the CAS.

The Asian nation’s Envoy noted that the CAS and the CES are two star programs that would enhance educa-tional cooperation between Liberia and People’s Republic of China.

According to him, the CAS was established in 2011, while the CES was founded last year through the signing of an MOU between the Chinese Business Association (CBA) and the Ministry of Education-an initiative that was facili-tated by the Chinese Embassy.

“I’m glad to inform you that up to date, 217 students have benefitted from the two schol-arships, which is clearly an important contribution to hu-man resource development in Liberia.”

He furthered noted that giv-ing the smooth operation of CAS and CES and their posi-tive impact on Liberian youths and the society, China has de-

cided to continue carrying out on a larger scale the two schol-arships during this academic year.

“CAS will cover Suakoko-based Cuttington University in central Liberia for the first time this year, and the Dujar Technical College in Barners-ville will be added to the list of CES.”

As a result the number of re-cipients of CAS and CES the Diplomat said will increase this year to 90 and 223, respec-tively, with funding amounting to US$30,450 for CAS and US$100,000 for CES, a huge increase from last year.

In remarks also at the oc-casion also, Vice President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. underscored the importance of the schemes. He then appreci-ated the “great investment that China is doing in the country, especially in the area of work-force development.”

According to V.P Boakai, no investment is greater than that of investing in the capac-ity-building of the citizenry of a country; especially in its youth, who are in dire need of empowerment and employ-ment.

For the president of the Uni-versity of Liberia (UL), Dr. Emmet E. Dennis, he intimat-ed that Liberia, especially the UL Administration, is a major benefactor of China’s generos-ity, making specific reference to the Confucius Institute.

Dr. Dennis said the Con-fucius Institute has enabled Liberian students to learn the Chinese language and culture.

As such, he lauded Amb. Jianhua for “the great schol-arship programs intended to immensely benefit Liberian youths.”

Meanwhile the three uni-

versities to benefit from the CAS this academic year are University of Liberia, Cutting-ton University and the Wil-liam V.S. Tubman (WVSTU) University-based in Maryland County.

The number of scholarship recipients and the total amount to be spent for the three uni-versities, according to stipu-lations, is UL, 23 students, US$3,850; WVSTU, 37 stu-dents, US$6,025 and CU, 30, students, US$5,350

Nine other educational in-stitutions including UL, 32 students, US$6,050; WVSTU, 20 students, US$5,250; CU, 22 students, US$5,600; Stella Maris Polytechnic, 36 stu-dents, US$7,150; and Mon-rovia Vocational Training Center (MVTC), 16 students, US$4,800 will also benefit from the CES.

Others are, Grand Bassa Community College (GBCC), 12 students, US$2,250; Afri-can Methodist Episcopal Zion University (AMEZU), 15 stu-dents, US$3,050; Lofa County Community College (LCCC), 53 students, US$10,500; and Liberia Dujar Technical Col-

lege, 17 students, US$4,250.As per the arrangement de-

clared in the MOU, funds for CAS will be paid in checks to the three universities, while funds for CES will be col-lectively transferred to the Ministry of Education (MOE) by checks, except AMEZU, considering what the Embassy termed as its “distinct academ-ic term of arrangements.”

The eight Chinese enterpris-es that contributed to CES are, China Union, CHICO, CICO, China Dalian International Corporation, Qingjiang Inter-national Group Development Company, Wonderful New Energy Industry, ZTE Corpo-ration, Huawei Technologies.

Those who graced the occa-sion were the Minister of Edu-cation, Etmonia D. Tarpeh, Youths and Sports Minister, Eugene Lenn Nagbe, CU vice president for Academic Af-fairs, Theodore V.K Brown, and the director-general of the General Services Agency (GSA), Mary Broh, as well as several other government officials and heads of institu-tions of higher learning in the country.

 

Amb. Jianhua: ‘Our intention is to build the capacities of the youths’

Bong Citizens Want “Ellen’s Name” Removed from Library, But….-To Solicit Funds for Maintenance, Sustainability

By Leroy M. Sonpon, III

Cross section of citi-zens residing in Sa-lala District, includ-ing the disabled,

have called for the removal of the President’s name, Mrs. El-len Johnson-Sirleaf, owing to lack of financial support to the Library for its maintenance, since it was turnover in 201l, but Salala District Commis-sioner had urged citizens to ex-ercise patients as he seek sup-port in the President’s name.

Student Morris Tokpa and visually impaired Jefferson Sackie, in separate interviews with the Daily Observer ar-gued that they should not have find it ‘very difficult’ to use the library, owing to the lack of fuel to run the generator, in-ternet facilities and staff, after naming it in her honor by Sa-lala, the second oldest district in Liberia.

The library is called Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf Library and serves more than 2,000 stu-dents in the district.

Mr. Tokpa and Sackie be-lieved that if the President’s name is removed, and the Li-brary be called, Salala District Library, it would be better and easy to attract donors to main-tain and sustain it.

“We agreed to name the Li-

brary in honor of the Presi-dent; unfortunately, we have not benefitted anything from it. We have not use the library for the past two years, no fuel for the generator, no internet facilities and no staff to man-age the library,” Tokpa said. He added: “Life has to move on, let’s rename it in the dis-trict’s name and solicit funds to maintain the library.”

Visually impaired Sackie stated: “There is no reason why the President’s name should be on the library if she cannot support or is very dif-ficult to get to her for support. Let us remove her name and call it the Salala District Li-brary. I believed through that we could get support.”

The Library was constructed by Salala District Represen-tative Adam Bill Corneh in 2011, but the name was sug-gested by cross section of citi-zens residing in and out of Sa-lala District. They argued that

since it is a gift, the gift should not bear the donor’s name.

It comprised of two offices, a bathroom and two reading rooms; it is separated by book-shelves, has over 1,000 text-books, periodicals, novels, and educational reference books, dozens of computers, and a 5-KVA generator.

“Rep. Corneh built the Li-brary and provided books, computers, tables, chairs and stationaries as well as sani-tation materials following numerous outcries for such learning center,” an office staff spoke on condition of ano-nymity because he was not au-thorized to speak on behalf of the offices of Rep. Adam Bill Corneh.

“After the construction, he provided fuel for the generator and stipend for six months to library staff. During that pe-riod, every morning the library opened at 8 a.m. and closed by 6 p.m.”

 

Students swamped in the Library when it was newly open

Faith Academy High School: A Success

Faith Academy High School located in the People’s Street Com-munity of Gumpa

City, Nimba County is one of the schools making significant strive for educational uplift-ment in the country.

The school, formerly named the Sarty Academy, is located on a 2.5 acreage of land space. The name continued until the outburst of the Liberia civil crisis-(1989). It was estab-lished in 1985 by M. Sarkpa Sarty, as an elementary school, and operated in a rental build-ing. But now, the institution has grown to a full-fledged high school.

Sarty: “Because of the tre-mendous efforts we made to succeed by our method of teaching quality materials.”

The school is recognized and certificated by local edu-cational authority under the Nimba County School System (NCSS).

“The school was renamed the Faith Academy, because I have faith in my God that one day, it would attain a high school status, which is now something of history,” Mr. Sarty told the Daily Observer over the weekend in an exclu-

sive interview in the courtyard of the school in Gumpa or Ganta City.

“Our newly constructed building contains in total 12 classrooms, a library, store-room, teachers’ lounge, of-fices, etc.”

According to him, the incre-ment in the number of classes and the large influx of students to the school have immensely attributed to the upliftment of the school to attain senior high status.

The school, he said, has sufficient number of sitting capacities through which the students are also allowed to do “independent work.”

But interestingly, he added that each of the classrooms accommodates about 75 stu-dents, “because our adminis-tration does not receive sub-sidy from the government.”

The current enrollment of the Faith Academy is little over 475 with 73 twelve grad-ers-17 of who are females, ac-cording to Mr. Sarty.

He said, in recent time, the institution has also gained the support of a “reputable” part-ner-(the Pre-text). With that partnership, Pre-text, has also set up and designed a comput-er laboratory. The lab contains

45 pieces of computers, which the students, especially those in the upper classes are being allowed to learn from with the help of a trained, computer-literate instructor.

Whether to extend to a col-lege level or not, Mr. Sarty, however, disclosed that the institution has purchased sev-eral acres of lands in Mont-serrado County and other places around the country to construct it branches.

Instead of being a sole pro-prietorship, Mr. Sarty said that the Faith Academy has a board and a vibrant Parents Teachers Student Association (PTSA). The board and the PTSA are also involved with the day-to-day running of the school.

“The board members as well as the faculty staff have contributed immensely to the success of the school that took it to its present level,” said Mr. Sarty.

ChallengesThe successful running of

the school is of course, not without challenges owing to the passive behavior of stu-dents toward learning as well as the tardiness of some of the teachers themselves.

“Our challenges are enor-mous particularly the unseri-

 

Mr. Sarty, the Faith academy Proprietor

 

The campus of a privately-owned Faith Academy

ous behavior of the students to aggressively approach the les-sons, and the lateness of some teachers to come to classes.”

The delay in the payment of tuition by some of the parents too is something that retard “urgent development agenda,”

at the institution, but with the cooperation of the PTSA and the instructors, the school is its way to glory.”

DAILY OBSERVER Tuesday, December 3, 2013 Page 6

CHINA & AFRICASponsored by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China

Sponsored by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China. Please send your comments to the following email: chinaemb_lr@mfa.gov.cn

Move on Reforms, but not Rashly, Xi Says

President Xi Jinping has urged officials to push forward reforms but avoid being rash

and reckless in the process. During an inspection tour of

the eastern coastal province of Shandong from Sunday to Thursday, Xi said officials should strictly follow instruc-tions from the Communist Party of China Central Com-mittee and the central gov-ernment. He asked them not to “blindly advance” reforms without fully understanding the top leadership’s intention and plan.

Reforms must be unfolded in an orderly manner, and no one should make a “false start” if the central government lays out a timetable, he said. Offi-cials may not hold up reforms that are to be carried out as soon as possible, nor could they take measures that are poorly thought out and need more deliberation, he added.

Xi emphasized the role of the law in reform, saying offi-cials must obtain consent from courts if their reform measures concern legal issues.

In a seminar with experts and officials in the agricultural sector, Xi said food safety is and will always be one of the

government’s top priorities. He said China must be able to guarantee the food supply of its 1.3 billion people because “history has proved that even a huge fortune is of no use if a famine hits us”.

He warned officials not to accelerate urbanization hastily in hopes of making their re-form record look better, saying that more opportunities should be created for farmers to share the benefits of reforms.

Xi, whose father was a revo-lutionary leader before the CPC founded the People’s Republic of China, paid his re-spects to those who died fight-

ing for the founding of New China by presenting a basket of flowers at a cemetery of revolutionary martyrs in Linyi.

In Qufu, the hometown of Confucius, Xi said a flourish-ing culture is one of the pillars of a nation’s power. Tradition-al ethics must be honored and promoted in a way that can elevate the public’s morality, he added.

When visiting local busi-nesses in the province, Xi en-couraged government officials and entrepreneurs to invest more in innovation and diver-sify the products to find their niche in the market.

President Xi Jinping and Wang Kechang (right) walk to the 83-year-old villager’s home in Linshu, Shandong

province, on Monday. During an inspection tour of the province from Sunday to Thursday, Xi urged that

reforms be pushed forward.[Photo/China Daily]

(China Daily)

(China Daily)

(Xinhua)

China’s Reform Is of Significance to World

BEIJING - The just-concluded Third Plenary Session of the 18th Commu-

nist Party of China Central Committee and its decision on major reforms have outlined the blueprint for China’s fu-ture development.

Overseas experts believe that the plenum and its detailed document on “major issues concerning comprehensively deepening reforms” are of great significance both to Chi-na and the whole world.

The plenum was not only im-portant for China, but also for the global economy, Cheng Li, director of research of the John Thornton China Center of the Brookings Institution, told Xinhua in a recent interview.

“...(the decisions) can not only uplift public confidence through new economic op-portunities and new sources for growth, but also under-mine criticism and fear that economic reforms will not go far without other reforms,” he said.

Yukon Huang, senior re-searcher with Washington-based think tank Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said in a commentary piece on Financial Times that “China’s future lies as much in maintaining political stability as in sustaining rapid growth.”

“Fiscal reforms and reduced dependence on banks will improve transparency and promote accountability. Roll-ing back the power of state enterprises and streamlining government procedures will

restrain opportunities for rent seeking. Promotion of a ser-vices-oriented economy will reduce dependence on energy-intensive industries and help mitigate environmental degra-dation,” the commentary read.

He concluded that all this will give substance to the “Chinese Dream.”

The key concerns of the plenum are: breaking state monopolies, reforming land rights and intervening less in the market to release more vigor in the economy, said Alexei Maslov, head of School of Oriental Studies at State University - Higher School of Economics in Russia.

Joe Foudy at the Stern School of Business of New York Uni-versity sees three challenges in China’s reforms: how to over-come those vested interests, how to sequence these reforms and what the speed is going to be?

Chheang Vannarith, lecturer of Asia Pacific Studies at the University of Leeds, applaud-ed China’s decision to open up the banking sector by allowing qualified private capital to set up small- and medium-sized banks.

He said that small- and medi-um-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the foundation of the econ-omy, and financing is one of the key issues facing them.

“China needs also to as-sist the SMEs to be part of the national and international production network driven by Chinese multinational corpo-rations,” he said.

Former U.S. National Secu-rity Advisor Zbigniew Brzez-inski said “it’s a very encour-aging turn of event, which

emphasizes China’s construc-tive leading role in the far east but also international affairs generally.”

“We have to strive to infuse increasingly significant strate-gic content into our relation-ship,” he said, adding that the key is working together on is-sues that go beyond the scope of economic ties.

“I really appreciated the decisions of the plenum that outline a commitment on the market and on the green econ-omy as well as on the ability to handle competition with a positive perspective,” Milan Mayor Giuliano Pisapia said in an interview with Xinhua, adding “which means for ex-ample avoiding situations of monopoly, that are always negative.”

“Simplification and de-bu-reaucratization are efforts that we are all doing but only few have managed to make in a positive way and with the abil-ity to extend it to a wider terri-tory,” he said.

To comprehensively deepen reforms not only helps China plant the seeds for develop-ment, but also provides a possible solution to global problems such as maintaining world peace and stability, erad-icating poverty and protecting the environment, Chairman of the Bulgaria-China forum and former Bulgarian Vice Presi-dent Angel Marin said.

One challenge facing China is how to respond to the inter-national community’s expec-tation of the creation of a suc-cessful society model, which can be an example of sustain-able development, he said.

Rural Migrants Set to Benefit from Country’s Urbanization Reform

Population urbaniza-tion, which will of-fer rural migrants the same public services

that city residents enjoy, is the goal of the country’s rural re-form, a senior agricultural of-ficial said.

“Gradually allowing eligi-ble rural migrants to become official city residents is an important task for the coun-try’s future urbanization,”

said Chen Xiwen, director of the office for the Communist Party of China Central Com-mittee’s Leading Group on Rural Work.

“Meanwhile, even those who are not eligible at the moment should be granted access to some basic public services.”

The country’s hukou system, or household registration sys-tem, determines one’s place of residence. Residents use the system to gain access to basic welfare and public services. The system has long been con-

sidered a barrier to the coun-try’s urbanization.

Chen made the comments af-ter a decision on major issues on comprehensive reforms that were recently approved by the Third Plenary Session of the 18th Central Commit-tee of the Communist Party of China.

The document promised to accelerate reform in the hu-kou system to fully remove restrictions in towns and small cities, gradually ease restric-tion in midsize cities, and set

reasonable conditions for set-tling in big cities while strictly controlling the population of mega-cities. The country will promote the urban-rural inte-gration drive to ensure that ru-ral residents can equally share the benefits of modernization, it said.

For instance, while imple-menting and improving the most strict policies of arable land protection, the country will grant farmers rights to possess, use, benefit from and transfer their contracted land, as well as the right to use their land ownership as a collateral or guarantee, it said.

The document also made it clear that equal exchanges of urban-rural elements and bal-anced allocation of public re-sources will be promoted.

By the end of September, about 270 million rural resi-dents, or half of the country’s total rural labor force, were working in nonagricultural in-dustries, Chen said.

“Further reform in promot-ing the urban-rural integration should be focused on solving

problems such as land acquisi-tions with meager compensa-tion for farmers and unequal wages,” he said.

Also, improving public ser-vices in rural areas, such as in education, medical treatment and social endowment insur-ance, will be strengthened to attain a balanced allocation of public resources between ur-ban and rural areas, he added.

Agricultural experts believe that further rural reform is in line with the country’s move to promote agricultural mod-ernization.

Currently, many migrant workers, especially younger and skilled rural residents, want to live in the city, but previous restrictions on land transfers mean they have to start afresh, Wu Jingxue, di-rector of the Agricultural Economy Research Center at the Chinese Academy of Ag-ricultural Sciences, said on Tuesday.

“With policies allowing

farmers to participate on equal terms in the land market, many rural residents can use their land as a source of capital and make their dreams of moving to the city come true,” he said.

Meanwhile, the moderniza-tion of agriculture through large-scale planting based on joint-stock ownership of land will take place in more rural areas when a large number of rural residents move to the city, he said. The average of household arable land remains at about 0.3 hectare in China.

“Farmers will be more inter-ested in using more advanced technologies in agricultural production when they are farming on a larger scale,” he said.

The country should provide more support for develop-ing labor-intensive industries, such as logistics, as part of a continual effort to attract the rural labor force to work in the city in the future, he said.

Migrant workers in cities hope to gain access to the same level of welfare services as urban residents. Niu Yuan / For China Daily

DAILY OBSERVER Page 10 Tuesday December 3, 2013 7

1. The Government of Liberia through the Liberia Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (LEITI) has received a grant of UA270,000 (US$409,000) from the Fragile State Facility (Pillar III) of the African Development Bank, to finance the Technical Assistance and Capacity Building Support to the Liberia Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (TCB-LEITI) project.

2. The principal objectives of this project are:a) To enhance revenue transparency through in-depth reporting, dissemi-nation of reconciliation reports;b) Strengthening contract transparency by reviewing the post award pro-cess, and c) Build capacity of stakeholder on the Multi-Stakeholders Steering Group (MSG) and staff of the LEITI.

3. The project includes the following components:I. Post Award Performance and Publication – will include conducting of independent audits and / or investigations of the process by which each material concession, contract, license and other right awarded in 2012 by the Government of Liberia in respect of the forestry, mining, oil, agriculture and other designated resource sectors in Liberia in order to determine whether each was awarded in compliance with applicable Liberian Laws.

II. Institutional Capacity Building –will include building the capacity of civil society for continuous dialogue and engagement with the extractive industry. This component will also focus on the capacity building needs of the LEITI Multi-Stakeholders Steering Group (MSG) and traditional leaders to enhance their full understanding of the non-renewability of the country’s extractive resources, and how they can participate and engage with other stakeholders on the prudent use of these extractive resources. This component also includes capacity building activities for the LEITI staff to enhance their monitoring and evaluating roles of the extractive sectors.

III. Stakeholder Participation – this component will provide technical and financial support to civil society organizations in the Mining, Oil, Agriculture sectors, Gold & Diamond Miners and Brokers, and conduct GOL and LEITI joint workshop; fund Multi-Stakeholders constituency feedback mechanisms and provide awareness and sensitization to urban and rural communities.

4. Procurement: a) All consulting services required for the project will be procured in accordance with the African Development Bank’s Rules and Procedures for the Use of Consultants, May 2008 Edition(revised July 2012), using relevant Bank Standard Bidding Documents.b) Consultancy Services relating to communication, audit implementa-tion shall be procured through short listing of individual consultants.c) Audit services shall be procured by shortlisting of firms, using Least Cost Selection (LCS).d) The Services of Capacity Building training shall be procured through short listing of firms using Quality and Cost Based Selection (QCBS).Bidding documents are expected to be available from February, 2014.

5. Interested bidders may obtain further information, and should confirm their interest, by contacting:

Liberia Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (LEITI) Old Bureau of Budget Building, Adjacent the Executive Mansion, Capitol Hill, Monrovia, Liberia Konah D. Karmo Deputy Head of Secretariat Tel #: +231886546997/ +231 886823477 E-mail: kdkarmo@leiti.org.Ir

 

Office of the Secretariat Old Bureau of the Budget Office■ Adjacent the Executive Mansion■ Monrovia, Liberia

Liberia Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative

“OFFICE OF THE SECRETARIAT”

Republic of Liberia Technical Assistance and Capacity Building

Support to the Liberia Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (TCB-LEITI)

GENERAL PROCUREMENT NOTICE

Career OpportunityBRAC is the world’s largest, leading development organization dedicated to poverty allevia-tion and empowerment of the poor. Initiated in Bangladesh in 1972, BRAC now operates in 10 countries across Asia, Africa and the Americas. To counter poverty and promote social em-powerment, BRAC strategically integrates development programs in microfinance, agriculture, health, education, human rights and legal aid, community empowerment and more.

BRAC Liberia launched in 2008 with programs in Agriculture, Livestock and Poultry, Health Microfinance and Small Enterprise Development, now impacting the lives of over 560,000 Liberians. BRAC Liberia is looking for competent, dynamic and self motivated person to fill up the following position:

1. Medical Doctor Duty Station: Monrovia with extensive field visits into different countiesSalary: Negotiable

Minimum requirements:• Degree in Medicine (MD) from a recognized university• Preference will be given those who have MPH degree• Willing to work with underprivileged people from rural and urban areas • Strong personality & leadership skills & ability to work under pressure• Ability to work in a team• Computer literate • Good communication skills in English• Age: Maximum 40 years

2. Procurement OfficerDuty Station: BRAC Liberia Country Office in Monrovia with extensive field visits in different counties

Minimum requirements:• University degree in Business Administration• At least 2 years’ experience on related field including export & import knowledge• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English• Work in a fast paced environment under deadlines• Able to create and maintain a database of third party suitable vendors • Sufficient knowledge on Evaluation of bids for completeness and accuracy, Bid Sum-

maries/Tabulations, Track and monitor delivery of product(s) and Purchase Orders• Ability to work in team• Computer literate • Ability to work independently and take initiatives• Age: Maximum 35 years

3. Area Health Coordinator Duty Station: Different Counties in Liberia

Minimum requirements:• Bachelor of Science in nursing or Physician Assistant from a recognized institute.

Preference will be given to those with public health experience• Willing to work with the underprivileged people in rural and urban areas. • Ability to work in team• Computer literate • Good communication skill in English• Age maximum 35 years

4. Accounts Officer Duty Station: Monrovia

Minimum requirements:• University degree in Accounting/Finance, Business Administration• Five years knowledge and experience with computerized accounting systems• Ability to work in a team• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports on accounts• Good analytical skills for financial data, strong sense for detail and accuracy• Good communication skills in English• Reliable, able to work under pressure, good organizational skills and drive for results• Age: Maximum 35 years

5. Poultry & Hatchery Supervisor Duty Station: Kampala, Neekreen Township, Buchanan, Grand Bassa

Minimum requirements:• High school graduate from a recognized institute• Ability to manage the use of materials and equipment efficiently• Ability to keep records of time, production and costs.• Ability to make reports and recommendations • Knowledge on hatchery and feed mill activities.• Good communication skills in English • Age maximum 35 years

If you feel you have the right skills for any of the above mentioned positions, please send your CV with three referees along with a cover letter, scan copies of educational certificates, photo-copy of birth or nationality certificate/card and a recent passport size photograph to the follow-ing address no later than December 15, 2013. Please mention the name of the position on top of the cover letter and the envelope. You can also e-mail your application to hr.bracliberia@gmail.com. Please note only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

BRAC is an equal opportunities employer.

BRAC Liberia Country OfficeAllison Street (Near AGM School)Congo Town, MonroviaLiberia

DAILY OBSERVER Page 12 Tuesday December 3, 2013 8

AN ANTI-RAPE MESSAGE FROMPEACE AMBASSADOR GEORGE WEAH

Today we march to take a stand against violence, abuse and rape that affects our mothers, our sis-ters, our daughters. Rape is a crime of violence and power that leaves a terrible physical and

emotional pain on its victims and its time in our wonder-ful country of Liberia that we take a stand for change.

As a nation, it is our responsibility to change the tide, to work together to lower incidence of rape against young girls, boys and women. No longer can we continue in si-lence. Too often we know of assaults but do not speak up because of social stigma or we don’t want to get involved. We must encourage a national dialogue that discusses how we prevent such crimes and how we help those who are victimized.

We must ensure that rapists are persecuted to the fullest ex-tent of the law. We must talk to our boys and young men and help them understand that only weak men seek to hurt those who are weaker in an effort to make themselves feel powerful. We must begin to talk to our daughters and tell them how to protect themselves but also know that if they have been attacked and violated that it is ok to report it. We must provide help, counseling and support for victims.

Today I call on each of us to do your part because until this type of violence ends, this is all our problem. We must continue to have the conversation about this topic, no matter how uncomfortable until rape and violence against women in our country is eradicated. Special thanks to President Sirleaf and the men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity for creating the awareness of Rape and Gender-Based Violence. Walk on and redeem the time for the days are evil!

INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE, INC.

BID NOTICE

The International Rescue Committee, Inc. (IRC) is a pri-vate international, nonsectarian, voluntary organization providing relief, protection and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict.

IRC is implementing a Health Program in Lofa County un-der funding from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW), and is seeking bids/proposals for the provision of Construction Materials.

Interested and suitably qualified companies or service providers may request complete tender information from the IRC office lo-cated at:

Tubman Boulevard, Congo townOpposite Zone 3 Police StationP. O. Box 3912Monrovia, Liberia

Contact Person: Operations Coordinator/Acting Country DirectorTel: +231 777302938

Submission of all Bids runs from Tuesday 3rd December 2013 and closes on Tuesday 10th December, 2013 at 5:00pm.

Only to successful bidders will be contacted.

INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE, INC.

BID NOTICE

The International Rescue Committee, Inc. (IRC) is a pri-vate international, nonsectarian, voluntary organization providing relief, protection and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict.

IRC is implementing a Health Program in Lofa County under fund-ing from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW), and is seeking bids/proposals for the provision of Medical Supplies.

Interested and suitably qualified companies or service providers in and around Monrovia may request complete tender information from the IRC office located at:

Tubman Boulevard, Congo townOpposite Zone 3 Police StationP. O. Box 3912Monrovia, Liberia

Contact Person: Operations CoordinatorTel: +231 777302938

Submission of all Bids runs from Tuesday 3rd December 2013 and closes on Tuesday 10th December, 2013 at 5:00pm.

Only to successful bidders will be contacted.

DAILY OBSERVER Page 13 Tuesday December 3, 2013 14

REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA

FORESTRY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSENT (SESA) CONSULTATION FOR THE

READINESS PREPARATION ACTIVITIES

PROJECT ID: 124073

GRANT NO: TF012530

REFERENCE NO: FDA/FCPF/CONS/01

1. This request for Expression of Interest follows the General Procurement Notice for this Project

that appeared in the UN Development Business on October 8, 2013. The Government of Liberia through the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) has received financing from the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) for the Readiness Preparation Activities, and intends to apply part of the grant for consulting services for SESA Consultation.

2. Objectives The objectives of this assignment is to ensure a comprehensive and participatory Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) that can integrate environmental and social considerations into Liberia’s REDD+ readiness process in a manner consistent with Liberian environmental laws and regulations and the World Bank’s environmental and social safeguard policies. The SESA process is expected to be undertaken by a consortium made up of members of an international consulting company and of a Liberian consulting company or local NGO. The international consultant company should lead the SESA’s analytical work, have proven experience in applying World Bank safeguard policies and be responsible for the quality control of the whole SESA process. The local consultant is expected to lead the consultation and public participation process and contribute to SESA’s analytical work. This assignment is expected to be implemented in 17 months.

3. An initial Request for Expression of Interest (REOI) for this assignment was published. Expressions of interest (EOIs) submitted by firms/joint ventures were non-responsive to the shortlist criteria as advertised. The shortlist criteria have been revised and firms/joint ventures previously expressing interest are encouraged to take advantage of this revision. The Forestry Development Authority (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) now invites eligible consulting firms to indicate their interest in providing the SESA Consultation. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have

the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. Detail description of similar assignments must be provided. The shortlisting criteria are:

i) Experience in conducting Strategic Environmental and Social Assessments in the forestry sector with consideration to the World Bank Environmental and Social Safeguard Policy;

ii) Experience in mapping and the use of spatial analysis to identify critical areas of concentration of environmental and social issues;

iii) Experience in Stakeholder engagement and conflict resolution mechanisms; experience in Liberia is a plus.

iv) Availability of Competent Staff with relevant qualification and experience to undertake the assignment.

v) Experience in the Region (West Africa; Liberia is a plus).

4. 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 Conflict of Interest, January 2011 (“Consultant Guidelines”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

5. Consultants may associate with other firms in the form of a joint venture or a sub-consultancy

agreement to enhance their qualifications. 6. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Quality – and Cost – Based Selection

method (QCBS). 7. Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours 0900 to 1700

hours. 8. Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form, clearly marked: “Ref: Strategic

Environmental and Social Assessment Consultation”, to the address below in person, or by mail, or by e-mail by December 17, 2013 at 16:00 GMT.

Forestry Development Authority Whein Town, Mount Barclay P. O. Box 3010 Montserrado County Monrovia, Liberia Attention: Saah A. David, Jr, National REDD+ Project Coordinator Tel: +231(0)880699711 Email: fawasa@gmail.com cc: ephranu@yahoo.com

The Government of Liberia has secured financing from the European Investment Bank, Government of Norway, and KfW Development Bank for the rehabilitation of the 60-80 MW hydropower generating plant at Mount Coffee, in Liberia. The Mt. Coffee Hydropower Rehabilitation Project is being carried out by the Mt. Coffee Project Implementation Unit

(PIU) of the Liberia Electricity Corporation.

This International Invitation for Tendering with enclosed Post-Qualification relates to the Main Contract 2A for the Rehabilitation of the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant. This contract will include: The preparatory works including camp, re-construction of the main dam and rehabilitation of the existing ones, powerhouse, spillway and intake rehabilitation works, infrastructure and road works, and the coordination of other works.

This contract is expected to be implemented from May 2014 to December 2016.

The criteria to be used in the Post-Qualification evaluation are: Experience in the successful comple-tion of similar projects, Financial Situation, and Historical contract performance.

All firms are invited to participate in the Tendering.

Interested eligible Candidates may obtain further information from, and inspect the Post-Qualifica-tion Documents by contacting the tenderer:

Att. Emmanuel A. LawrenceDeputy Project ManagerMt. Coffee Project Implementation UnitLiberia Electricity CorporationWatersideMonrovia, Liberia Phone: +231 777 403 030 / +231 880 403 040Email: emmanuelalawrence@gmail.com

A complete set of Tender Documents may be purchased on the submission of an application to the above address, and upon payment of non-refundable fee of USD200.00 to:

FOR USD TRANSFER - CORRESPONDENT BANK: STANDARD CHARTERED NYAMERICA, NEW YORK, USA – SWIFT CODE: SCBLUS33A/C Title: United bank for Africa (Liberia) Ltd.ADDRESS: BROAD & NELSON STREETS, MONROVIA, LIBERIA SWIFT: UNAFLRLM – A/C # USD: 3582-025762-001Beneficiary’s Name: LEC-MOUNT COFFEE PROJECTBeneficiary’s A/C #: 53030030002628

FOR EURO TRANSFER – CORRESPONDENT BANK: DEUTSCHE BANK AG FRANKUFURT.FRANKFURT AM MAIN DE GERMANYSWIFT CODE: DEUTDEFF – IBAN: DE18500700100954798500A/C Title: United Bank for Africa (Liberia) Ltd.ADDRESS: BROAD & NELSON STREETS, MONROVIA, LIBERIA SWIFT: UNAFLRLM – A/C # EUR: 954798500Beneficiary’s Name: LEC-MOUNT COFFEE PROJECTBeneficiary’s A/C #: 53030030002628

On request, against anemailed copy of the evidence of the above payment, the Tender Documents will be sent to the applicant electronically to the e-mail address given by the applicant for this purpose.

Bid Security is not required for Post-Qualification, but for the bid a security of US$100,000.

A mandatory pre-bid meeting and a following site visit will be arranged for December 12th 2013. The meeting will be held in the Tenderer’s premises. The participation mustbe confirmed by December 11th 2013 at the Tenderer’s address in writing (email). No tender documents will be sold after December 11th 2013.

Request for Clarification related to Qualification shall be submitted not later than December 16th 2013 and Request for Clarification related to the Bid/Tender shall be submitted not later than January 3rd 2014.

The Qualification Document must be delivered in closed envelopes bearing the mention “Application for Post-Qualification of the Civil Works Contract 2A for the Mt. Coffee Rehabilitation Project,” on or before Friday January 3rd, 2014, 11:00 h Central European Time (CET), the Bid/Tender Documents must be delivered in closed envelops bearing the mention “Proposal of the Civil Works Contract 2A for the Mt. Coffee Rehabilitation Project” on or before Friday January 17th, 2014, 11:00 h Central European Time (CET). Both must be delivered to the address of the Owner’s Engineer Norplan-Fichtner Mount Coffee Joint Venture acting on behalf of the Employer, as follows: Norplan-Fichtner Mount Coffee Joint Venture Att. Mr. Nico Ruse C/O Fichtner Sarweystrasse 3 D-70191 Stuttgart Germany Phone(office):+497118995738 Fax: +49 711 8995 459 Email:Nico.Ruse@fichtner.de

LIBERIA ELECTRICITY CORPORATIONMt. Coffee Project Implementation Unit

P.O. BOX 10 - 165MONROVIA, LIBERIA

 

PROCUREMENT NOTICECONTRACTOR POST –QUALIFICATION AND TENDERING

HYDROPOWER PLANTMOUNT COFFEE HYDRO GENERATING PLANT REHABILITATION

LIBERIA

DAILY OBSERVER Page 8 Tuesday December 3, 2013 10

(Continued on page11

Republic of Liberia

Board of Tax AppealsRepublic of Liberia

Board of Tax Appeals

Daily Observer Tuesday, December 03, 2013 Tuesday, December 3, 2013 Page 10a

Weightlifters Thrill Onlookers on Tubman’s Birthday

Want Gov’t encourages People to exerciseby alaskai Moore

Johnson

Hundreds of onlookers were thrilled on Friday, N o v e m b e r

29, when weightlifters in Paynesville City lifted irons weighing hundreds of pounds, individually.

The weightlifters or “iron eaters” as they are referred to locally, chose to celebrate former President William V. S. Tubman’s 118th birthday by staging, at Duport Road Junction, a mini open-aired weightlifting competition among themselves.

The iron eaters, all from

Nani’s Fitness Gymnasium (NFG) nearby Duport Road Junction, began lifting weights from 100 pound to 224 pounds, which they considered as “lightweight.”

In the lightweight category, Charles S. Davies, alias Rayman, won McCarthy C. Chelerk, Jr, who is the student of Rayman.

Speaking to the Daily Observer, 17-year-old Chelerk, Jr., alias Mr. Decent, said he was glad to have come second to his coach Rayman.

At least four other persons had dropped out of the lightweight category leaving Rayman and Mr. Decent to be the only two contenders.

Both Rayman and Mr. Decent had failed to lift a 292-pound weight before Rayman won his student by lifting the 224-pound irons 10 times as oppose to Mr. Decent, who could only pump it eight times to the delight of onlookers, who sympathized and congratulated him for his resilient in taking the second place in the lightweight category.

Rayman told the Observer that he was proud that his student could come this far. However, he stated that as he needed to do more so Mr. Decent should not feel relaxed now but should work very hard so that he (Decent) can

beat him (Rayman) they next time they meet.

Following this category, the iron eaters then migrated to middleweight. There were eight who started lifting from 124 pounds. By the time the weight had reached 316 pounds, six of the weightlifters had fallen by the way leaving two men, who themselves failed to lift 330 pounds of irons after two trials each.

The heaviest weight of the day, measured at 348 pounds, was won by 25-year-old Jackson S. Koelami, alias Dry Giant, because of his body size. He had to beat at least eight persons.

Dry Giant told the Observer

that he is called by that name because his strength is not in his body size but in his muscles.

Jackson is indeed someone not with a huge and built-up body structure; he is rather a slim gentleman.

He further stated that he used to be very slim and weak until his friends used to bully him and others used to say that he had HIV and AIDS.

However, he said since joining the weightlifting sport three years ago, he has not fallen ill to common sicknesses like malaria.

“Look at me my brother; I am physically and mentally fit. I cannot tell when last I fell sick,” he boasted.

For his part, N. Edwin Wesley, president of Nani’s Fitness Gym, said they had gathered to showcase their talents.

“Over the year, you can have

these men arguing among themselves about who can lift the heaviest pounds so we deem it necessary to bring them out here around this time so that the public can be the best judges,” Wesley stated.

Wesley called on the government to urge Liberians, especially those above 18, to do more exercises. According to him, this will prolong their lives as they will be free from what he termed as common sicknesses, like malaria and their bodies’ defense system will be much more functional.

He erased the notion that bodybuilders or weightlifters can only be security personnel, assigned with some big shots or manning an entry to some facilities, but stated that it is better to have a good body structure for one’s own ego.

rayman (left) won his student Mr. Decent (right) in the lightwight category Koelami, alias Dry Giant lifted the heaviest weight of the day

Weightlifters who had come to showcase their talent on former President Tubman’s 118th birthday

squatting with tower around his neck is Wesley, president of Nani’s Fitness Gym

These two men lying on the bench failed to lift these 330-pound irons in the middleweight category

Daily Observer Tuesday, December 03, 2013 Tuesday, December 3, 2013 Page 10b

The Current and Future Roles of the IT Department (A Repeat)

by: Darren Wilkins | DWilkins@saha-

raTechnology.Com | 0777129092/0886703789

Information Technology (IT) involves the study, design, development, implementation, and the

support or management of computer-based information systems, particularly software applications and computer hardware, for the purpose of converting, storing, protecting, processing, transmitting, and securely retrieving information. Information Technology (IT) has many core components which often dictate how IT departments are structured. Some of these components include: hardware, software, networking & communications infrastructure, business intelligence (BI) & reporting, support, leadership, planning, security, governance, etc... The term information technology has mushroomed to encompass many aspects of computing, communications, and technology.

Armed with the definition of IT, it is important to know the role the IT department plays in every organization. To know an IT department’s role, you need to first understand the mission, goals, and objectives of the organization. An understanding of these three aspects of the organization,

paves the way to gaining important insight on the role that the IT department plays within that specific organization.

Now, from my understanding, the general role of the Information Technology (IT) department is to provide Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services and support in order to enable the organization to achieve its goals and objectives. Contrary to arguments made by some who try to make the IT department appear as only a risk or cost minimizer, the IT department basically serves as an ENABLER within the organization. The IT department is responsible for three major things within the organization: governance, infrastructure, and functionality. With regard to governance, the IT department provides the operating parameters for the use of IT systems, services, architecture, network, security, etc., within the organization. The IT department’s infrastructural responsibility is to ensure that the operating network and circuitry, in addition to other equipment that constitute the IT system, work in conformity with the established operating standards and procedures. System functionality is also a responsibility of the IT department. That is, the IT

department is to provide the capacity for operating applications development, storing and securing the electronic information the organization owns, and providing direct operating assistance in software use and data management to all functional areas in the organization.

That being said, the role of an IT department may vary depending on the type, goals, and objective of the organization. For example, the role of an IT department in a school or school district may be to support the educational technology needs of the school or schools, its students, faculty, and staff. In a business, the IT Department aligns IT with the business strategy to achieve the

overall goals and objectives of the business. The IT department helps create value by addressing the business needs of an organization. This can vary depending on how the firm’s uses IT. The same applies to government IT departments as well.

So basically, the IT department does the following and more as needed: design, develop, and implement data processing; provide ICT hardware and maintenance support services; implement security policies to safeguard the security of organizations hardware and its data; design, develop, manage, and maintain the organization’s website; provide IT Software Support services to the organization; takes responsibility for

the electronic storing and archiving of data; facilitate the storing and archiving of documentation of the organization; provide technical support for the use of ICT in the form of training and so on.

The IT Department of Tomorrow

Today, most IT department still have a full staff, a server room full of blade servers running to support mission-critical software and systems, websites, portals, etc…, that organizations currently leverage to meet their business goals. In a few years, this will go away. With virtualization, converged infrastructures and cloud computing, the traditional IT department model will soon be obsolete. These new technologies that have emerged are reshaping the data center landscape. The result of this will be a shrunk, or merged, and/or ultimately, a fizzled out IT department. And if it still exists, the role and structure of the future IT department will shift significantly. IT departments will not be siloed to special verticals as they are now. The point I am trying to make is that we will not see IT departments in which there’s a network team that handles all aspects of the networks or a server team that handles all aspect of server rooms. Rather, we will see a data

center manager emerge with a converged role. This person will not spend time on server installations or network upgrades, but on choosing the right applications to deploy and putting the right plans in place to help the organization streamline business processes.

In Liberia, we will still maintain the current oversized, centralized IT departments for the next five to ten years. This is because our national IT initiatives are still in its infancy. We will still need folks to implement IT Systems, install Ethernet networks, email servers, websites, directory services, etc… But as new technologies continue to emerge, most of the systems we use will continue to run themselves and will not require IT professionals to keep them running. This will make IT departments, as we currently know them, a relic. The reality on the future of IT departments is that organizations are going to keep a smaller IT team or group on staff, hire more consultants, and focus their IT resources on software, the cloud, and mobile devices. Mobile devices will eventually become our fully functioning PCs. This transition may not happen overnight, but it has long since begun.

 

Road Remains Crucial to Security along Liberia-Ivory Coast Border by ishmael F. Menkor

Bad road conditions along the Liberia-Ivory Coast border remain

important to peace and security within the bordering towns and villages in Nimba County.

On a security tour around the border recently, citizens expressed fear concerning their safety because of the deplorable conditions of the paths leading to their community from the main road.

Dahn Mongrue, head of the Community Watch Forum

in Kparblee said, “We are living in fear along this border because there are no good trails to connect us to the main road, and anything can happen to us without notice.”

“What would happen if someone crosses into our community with arms and causes mayhem, how would the security forces respond quickly when the road conditions are so bad?” he

asked.“Here in Kparblee, we are

faced with the condition where the other security forces on the other side of border (Ivory Coast) are mostly militia men carrying

The patrol team having meeting with citizens of Teahplay, where the a man was stabbed to death.

arms, and they sometime cross overnight into Liberia because there is no one to resist them,” he added.

According to our correspondent, the entire border road beginning from Dialah on the main road to Grand Gedeh entering Buutuo and up to Karnplay is in poor condition, thereby hampering movement of ordinary people and security.

These border areas are very porous and the Liberian security assigned there are not equipped to resist any aggression. With the added complication of the poor road conditions it would be very difficult for security forces to react swiftly to any incident.

On the 9th November, a 22-year-old man was stabbed to death by a jealous brother in-law in Teahplay, the home town of former Special

Security Services Director Benjamin Yeaten.

Because of the terrible road condition, it took police four days before reaching the crime scene. As a result, the citizens of Beahplay almost took the law into their own hands attempting to burn Teahplay in retaliation for the death of their kinsman.

The security patrol that covers Behwalay in Kparblee and other bordering towns, including Buutuo, is headed by Nimba Police Superintendent Tito Loden, and the BIN border patrol team and backed by UNMIL Head of Field Office Gilbrel Turay.

The purpose is to enhance coordination and collaboration among the security and the citizens through confidence building along the border.

DAILY OBSERVER Page 9 Tuesday December 3, 2013 11

Republic of Liberia

Board of Tax Appeals

Daily Observer Monday, December 02, 2013 Page 4Tuesday, November 5, 2013 Page 12Tuesday, December 3, 2013

New Herbal ‘Medicine’ for Men Hits Liberiaby alaskai Moore

Johnson, Observer Health Correspondent

A new Chinese herbal medicine enterprise has now hit the Li-

berian market with some of its medicinal products for men.

The company registered in Liberia, under the name Qunloon Liberia Limited (QLL), has decided to in-troduce at least two of its products, namely Recharg-er and Huichun Capsules on the Liberian market.

According to the Qun-loon’s agent, who spoke with the Observer Health Desk, the Recharger, which they described as male silkworm moth nourishing oral liquid, is an oral liquid packaged in small bottles.

“This liquid is effective not only for promoting man’s sexual function, in-creasing man’s sexual ener-gy, quick erection but also, keeping and prolonging sex periods, lack of strength on waist and knees, chilly sensations, fatigue and un-dersexed symptoms. It en-hances the body’s immune

system, balances man’s multi-sexual elements thus improving immunity and reinstates physical fitness,” QLL said in its promotional brochure.

They further stated that with Recharger, the users are assured of living a good life and becoming a real man to his partner.

They arguably assured would-be users that there are no side effects since their product is a herbal ex-tract.

As for the Huichun Cap-sules, which is also for men, it can be used in the treatment of prostate relat-ed diseases.

The prostate is a gland (about the size of a wallnut) of the male reproductive system that produces fluid for semen, which helps to transport sperms during male orgasm.

According medical docu-ments, almost all men have a possibility of some en-largement of the prostate. If the prostate grows too large, it presses against the urethra, making the flow of urine weaker, slower and difficult.

QLL stated that one may

have a different condi-tion such as Benign Pros-tatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis, which is the enlargement of the prostate. “It could occur frequently in men over the age of 50 and even sometimes 40. The enlargement may show symptoms such as weak urinary stream, difficulty in urination, frequent urina-tion both in the night and day, sensation of incom-plete emptying of bladder after urination, pain during urination and in some cases inability to urinate.”

According to them, there has never been any medi-cine like the one they have introduced, which has helped lots of patients get rid of urination problems, surgery (due to the danger of cancer), use of catheter.

QLL agents told the Ob-server that they are not au-thorized to retail the prod-ucts on the Liberia but they can only import it into the country and anyone inter-esting in the product can contact the Liberia Phar-macist Board. However, they stated that anyone who wants to know more about their products can visit their

website www.qunloon.com or their offices between Carey and Johnson Streets in Monrovia.

Mr. David Sumo, Man-aging Director of the Li-beria Medicine and Health Products Regulatory Au-thority (LMHRA) told our Health Correspondent that the authority was in the know of Qunloon, includ-

ing its products. However, Mr. Sumo stated that QLL was told that before they put any product out on the market, the authority had to firstly see the product(s) before they are released on the market. He confirmed that are also aware of the first two products — Re-charger and Huichun Cap-sules — that QLL is set to release on the market.

He also told the Observer that Qunloon was informed that any products it is bring-ing into the country should be labeled only in the Eng-lish language and not the Chinese language.

LMHRA is the body re-sponsible to accredit any-one or entity wanting to import and sell (retail or wholesale) medicinal prod-ucts on the Liberian market.

 Qunloon’s Huichun Capsules

Alpha Phi Alpha Joins the Fight against GBV

by leroy M. sonpon, iii

The Alpha Phi Al-pha Fraternity, renowned for engaging in host

of worthwhile activities, has once more come to the fold with another milestone program in an effort to fight against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

At a well-attended pro-gram, marking 16 Days of Activism (November

25 – December 10), to end gender-based violence, the Alpha Phi Alpha led a parade from the Fish Mar-ket in Sinkor to the Antoi-nette Tubman Stadium on the United Nations Drive where a program was held .

The exercise which brought together the busi-ness community, students, civil society groups, market women, health practitio-ners, athletes had several speakers, including Mr. T.

Nelson Williams, II, Alpha Phi Alpha president.

Mr. William stated: “For us at Alpha Phi Alpha, we are 100 percent behind ef-forts to stop and eradicate violence against women and children. Today begins not the 16 days of Activism but 365 days of Activism”.

Mr. Williams then gave information where an eight-year-old child named Massa was raped on the 29th of August this year, and died on August 30th with no autopsy done and the perpetrator still at large.

He disclosed that a hot line number, “1906” which he said will be used to re-port cases in bringing per-petrators of gender-based violence to justice.

The occasion was quite a memorable one that brought both sorrow and joy as caskets symbolizing children killed as a result of rape were displayed, while there were inspira-tional music and a host of chanting as people said no to SGBV.

 

Williams: “Women must be respected”

‘We Need to Work Together to Reduce New HIV Cases’

UNaiDs Country Directorby Gloria T.Tamba

“We need to work together to consolidate our suc-cesses and ensure that we achieve no new HIV transmission, especially from mother to child. We must strive together to achieve zero AIDS related deaths and zero stigma and discrimi-nation against people infected or affected by HIV and other key population,” Mr. Be-tru Tekle Woldesemayat stated. The UNAIDS Coun-

try Director, Mr. Betru Tekle Woldesemayat, made the statement at the ceremony mark-ing the cerebration of World AIDS day on De-cember 1. He said the United Na-

tions remains commit-ted to supporting the Government of Liberia as part of its collective efforts to achieve the goals of the Agenda for Transformation and the Millennium Develop-ment Goals. “We are aware of the

significant progress that has been made over the last few years to reduce the spread of HIV and mitigate the impact of AIDS on people in-fected or affected by HIV in Liberia. The establishment of the National AIDS Com-mission, whose Board is chaired by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, coupled with the pas-sage of the HIV public health amendment law, is ample testimony of the Government of Li-beria’s commitment to address the AIDS epi-demic.”

The UNAIDS Coun-try Director applauded the Government for what he termed as ef-forts to scale-up access to treatment for people living with HIV by in-creasing the number of HIV treatment sites from 19 sites in 2008 to 42 sites in 2012; and the percentage of adults and children living with HIV who are on treat-ment has increased from 6% in 2008 to 31% as at 2012.He said that it his sin-

cere hope that the vari-ous studies that are cur-rently being conducted under the leadership of the National AIDS Commission will en-hance our understanding of the AIDS epidemic in Liberia and enable us to institute appropriate strategies as we develop a new national strate-gic plan and investment framework next year.

DAILY OBSERVER Page 11 Tuesday December 3, 2013 13

Ingterested candidagtes may send the above said details to afconsyekepa@gmail.,com Or may depsit th said details to our Box at Labour Ministry-Monrovia

Afcons Infrastructure Ltd –Liberia the largest construction group available in Nimba County-Liberia is having the following vacancy for Liberian Citizens on Contract basis for our job at Tokadeh Mines, Yekepa-Nimba County.

Sr. No. Position Vacancy

Nos. Sr. No. Position Vacancy

Nos. 1 Bus Driver 10 12 Head-Mechanic 1

2 40' Trailor Driver 3 13 Tyreman 6

3 25' Dump Truck Driver 20 14 Forklift Operator 1

4 40' Volvo Truck Driver 20 15 Manlift Operator 7

5 JCB Bachkho Operator 2 16 Soil Investigation Lab Specialist 4

6 Grader Operator 2 17 QC Inspector (Soil Investigation)

8

7 Volvo Mechanic 2 18 Piling Rig Operator 2

8 CAT Specialist 2 19 Safety Supervisors 5

9 Auto Electrician 2 20 Formwork fixing Specialist 10

10 Dozer Operator 2 21 Formwork DOKA/RMDK Specialist

20

11 Batching plant/Scrapper Operator

2 22 Structural Erection Riggers 20

 

AFCONS INFRASTRUCTURE LTD - LIBERIA

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Minimum Experience – 5 to 10 Years.

All the above vacancies are available for relevant experienced personnel only.

Interview date will be announced shortly and will be conducted at Monrovia, Zolowee, Sekem-pa and Gbapa Recruitment centers.

Candidates are requested to send their CVs with valid documents, photo copy of driving li-cense, photos and also proof of Liberian Citizenship.

Selected candidates should produce Police clearance and Immigration clearance.

The Liberian Agricultural Company (LAC) located in District # 3, Grand Bassa County has vacan-cies in its Workshop Department for the following positions:

A. Heavy Duty Mechanic (2)B. Light Duty Mechanic (1)C. Auto-Electrician Helper (1)

REQUIRED COMPETENCE:A. POSITION: HEAVY DUTY MECHANIC (2)

1. Must have Diploma/Certificate or relevant documents to prove training in the career.2. Practical knowledge of vehicle and heavy equipment.3. Ability to work independently on vehicle and heavy equipment.4. Technical Knowledge of safety equipment and rules.5. Good organizational skills6. Ability to lead and motivate subordinates.7. Read and speak English fluently.

B. LIGHT DUTY MECHANIC (1)1. Must have Diploma/Certificate or relevant documents to prove training in the career.2. Practical knowledge of vehicle and light equipment.3. Ability to work independently on vehicle and equipment.4. Technical Knowledge of safety equipment and rules.5. Good organizational skills6. Ability to lead and motivate subordinates.7. Read and speak English fluently.

D. AUTO-ELECTRICIAN HELPER (1)1. Must have Diploma/Certificate or relevant or relevant documents to prove training in the

career.2. Technical knowledge of the job.3. Must have good organization skills.4. Ability to work independently5. Ability to lead and motivate subordinates6. Read and speak English fluently.

WORKING EXPERIENCE:He/she must have worked in similar capacity for a minimum of two (2) years.Application, Resume and supporting Documents including contact cell phone numbers should be submitted to the: HUMAN RESOURCES 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 DECEMBER 14, 2013.

Job Vacancy

November 26, 2013

REELIN (Liberia) Inc. wishes to inform its many debtors and suppliers of its decision to cease operations in Liberia on November 30, 2013.

As a consequence of the above, all vendors/creditors are required to submit a statement of REELIN’s account with them by or before December 15, 2013, attaching all supporting invoices and other relevant documenta-tions.

All of REELIN’s Debtors are also required to contact our Bushrod Island office on or before December 25, 2013 to make full settlement of their obligations or make full arrangement for the settlement thereof.

All customers/businesses/organizations with vehicle at our premises are requested to proceed to our main of-fices on Bushrod Island to finalize arrangements in or-der to take delivery of vehicles on or before December 15, 2013.

Existing and potentials customers desirous of continu-ing with the services REELIN has been rendering, are hereby informed that a new company, CICA Motors Liberia Inc. will be rendering the same services at the same premises effective December 1, 2013.

Please feel free to transfer your business to this company if you so desire, as the workforce of REELIN (Liberia) will become the employees of CICA Motors Liberia In-corporated effective December 1, 2013.

Please note that a small office space will be made available and remained open at Reelin’s Bushrod Island location for the purpose of handling the outstanding Receivable and Payable Accounts.

Please contact the following telephone numbers should you need further clarification. 0777-887-000 0777-887-444 0777-887-500Thank you very much for your patronage over the years.

Regards.

DAILY OBSERVER Page 13 Tuesday December 3, 2013 14

REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA

FORESTRY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSENT (SESA) CONSULTATION FOR THE

READINESS PREPARATION ACTIVITIES

PROJECT ID: 124073

GRANT NO: TF012530

REFERENCE NO: FDA/FCPF/CONS/01

1. This request for Expression of Interest follows the General Procurement Notice for this Project

that appeared in the UN Development Business on October 8, 2013. The Government of Liberia through the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) has received financing from the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) for the Readiness Preparation Activities, and intends to apply part of the grant for consulting services for SESA Consultation.

2. Objectives The objectives of this assignment is to ensure a comprehensive and participatory Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) that can integrate environmental and social considerations into Liberia’s REDD+ readiness process in a manner consistent with Liberian environmental laws and regulations and the World Bank’s environmental and social safeguard policies. The SESA process is expected to be undertaken by a consortium made up of members of an international consulting company and of a Liberian consulting company or local NGO. The international consultant company should lead the SESA’s analytical work, have proven experience in applying World Bank safeguard policies and be responsible for the quality control of the whole SESA process. The local consultant is expected to lead the consultation and public participation process and contribute to SESA’s analytical work. This assignment is expected to be implemented in 17 months.

3. An initial Request for Expression of Interest (REOI) for this assignment was published. Expressions of interest (EOIs) submitted by firms/joint ventures were non-responsive to the shortlist criteria as advertised. The shortlist criteria have been revised and firms/joint ventures previously expressing interest are encouraged to take advantage of this revision. The Forestry Development Authority (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) now invites eligible consulting firms to indicate their interest in providing the SESA Consultation. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have

the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. Detail description of similar assignments must be provided. The shortlisting criteria are:

i) Experience in conducting Strategic Environmental and Social Assessments in the forestry sector with consideration to the World Bank Environmental and Social Safeguard Policy;

ii) Experience in mapping and the use of spatial analysis to identify critical areas of concentration of environmental and social issues;

iii) Experience in Stakeholder engagement and conflict resolution mechanisms; experience in Liberia is a plus.

iv) Availability of Competent Staff with relevant qualification and experience to undertake the assignment.

v) Experience in the Region (West Africa; Liberia is a plus).

4. 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 Conflict of Interest, January 2011 (“Consultant Guidelines”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

5. Consultants may associate with other firms in the form of a joint venture or a sub-consultancy

agreement to enhance their qualifications. 6. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Quality – and Cost – Based Selection

method (QCBS). 7. Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours 0900 to 1700

hours. 8. Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form, clearly marked: “Ref: Strategic

Environmental and Social Assessment Consultation”, to the address below in person, or by mail, or by e-mail by December 17, 2013 at 16:00 GMT.

Forestry Development Authority Whein Town, Mount Barclay P. O. Box 3010 Montserrado County Monrovia, Liberia Attention: Saah A. David, Jr, National REDD+ Project Coordinator Tel: +231(0)880699711 Email: fawasa@gmail.com cc: ephranu@yahoo.com

The Government of Liberia has secured financing from the European Investment Bank, Government of Norway, and KfW Development Bank for the rehabilitation of the 60-80 MW hydropower generating plant at Mount Coffee, in Liberia. The Mt. Coffee Hydropower Rehabilitation Project is being carried out by the Mt. Coffee Project Implementation Unit

(PIU) of the Liberia Electricity Corporation.

This International Invitation for Tendering with enclosed Post-Qualification relates to the Main Contract 2A for the Rehabilitation of the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant. This contract will include: The preparatory works including camp, re-construction of the main dam and rehabilitation of the existing ones, powerhouse, spillway and intake rehabilitation works, infrastructure and road works, and the coordination of other works.

This contract is expected to be implemented from May 2014 to December 2016.

The criteria to be used in the Post-Qualification evaluation are: Experience in the successful comple-tion of similar projects, Financial Situation, and Historical contract performance.

All firms are invited to participate in the Tendering.

Interested eligible Candidates may obtain further information from, and inspect the Post-Qualifica-tion Documents by contacting the tenderer:

Att. Emmanuel A. LawrenceDeputy Project ManagerMt. Coffee Project Implementation UnitLiberia Electricity CorporationWatersideMonrovia, Liberia Phone: +231 777 403 030 / +231 880 403 040Email: emmanuelalawrence@gmail.com

A complete set of Tender Documents may be purchased on the submission of an application to the above address, and upon payment of non-refundable fee of USD200.00 to:

FOR USD TRANSFER - CORRESPONDENT BANK: STANDARD CHARTERED NYAMERICA, NEW YORK, USA – SWIFT CODE: SCBLUS33A/C Title: United bank for Africa (Liberia) Ltd.ADDRESS: BROAD & NELSON STREETS, MONROVIA, LIBERIA SWIFT: UNAFLRLM – A/C # USD: 3582-025762-001Beneficiary’s Name: LEC-MOUNT COFFEE PROJECTBeneficiary’s A/C #: 53030030002628

FOR EURO TRANSFER – CORRESPONDENT BANK: DEUTSCHE BANK AG FRANKUFURT.FRANKFURT AM MAIN DE GERMANYSWIFT CODE: DEUTDEFF – IBAN: DE18500700100954798500A/C Title: United Bank for Africa (Liberia) Ltd.ADDRESS: BROAD & NELSON STREETS, MONROVIA, LIBERIA SWIFT: UNAFLRLM – A/C # EUR: 954798500Beneficiary’s Name: LEC-MOUNT COFFEE PROJECTBeneficiary’s A/C #: 53030030002628

On request, against anemailed copy of the evidence of the above payment, the Tender Documents will be sent to the applicant electronically to the e-mail address given by the applicant for this purpose.

Bid Security is not required for Post-Qualification, but for the bid a security of US$100,000.

A mandatory pre-bid meeting and a following site visit will be arranged for December 12th 2013. The meeting will be held in the Tenderer’s premises. The participation mustbe confirmed by December 11th 2013 at the Tenderer’s address in writing (email). No tender documents will be sold after December 11th 2013.

Request for Clarification related to Qualification shall be submitted not later than December 16th 2013 and Request for Clarification related to the Bid/Tender shall be submitted not later than January 3rd 2014.

The Qualification Document must be delivered in closed envelopes bearing the mention “Application for Post-Qualification of the Civil Works Contract 2A for the Mt. Coffee Rehabilitation Project,” on or before Friday January 3rd, 2014, 11:00 h Central European Time (CET), the Bid/Tender Documents must be delivered in closed envelops bearing the mention “Proposal of the Civil Works Contract 2A for the Mt. Coffee Rehabilitation Project” on or before Friday January 17th, 2014, 11:00 h Central European Time (CET). Both must be delivered to the address of the Owner’s Engineer Norplan-Fichtner Mount Coffee Joint Venture acting on behalf of the Employer, as follows: Norplan-Fichtner Mount Coffee Joint Venture Att. Mr. Nico Ruse C/O Fichtner Sarweystrasse 3 D-70191 Stuttgart Germany Phone(office):+497118995738 Fax: +49 711 8995 459 Email:Nico.Ruse@fichtner.de

LIBERIA ELECTRICITY CORPORATIONMt. Coffee Project Implementation Unit

P.O. BOX 10 - 165MONROVIA, LIBERIA

 

PROCUREMENT NOTICECONTRACTOR POST –QUALIFICATION AND TENDERING

HYDROPOWER PLANTMOUNT COFFEE HYDRO GENERATING PLANT REHABILITATION

LIBERIA

DAILY OBSERVER Page 7 Tuesday December 3, 2013 15

Daily Observer Tuesday, December 03, 2013 Tuesday, December 3, 2013 Page 16

Bankers on Dual Currency Regime-as They Observe bankers’ Weekby George D. Kennedy

The debate over whether Liberia should espouse to a single currency

within the next three years is taking a wider dimension as bankers here have suggested that the country maintains the dual currency regime for now.

The Bankers Association of Liberia (LBA) is of the strongest opinion that should the country espouse to a single currency regime, preferably the Liberian dollar, the economy would suffer “a huge blow.” LBA president John B. S. Davies, III told a news conference commemorating this year’s annual Bankers’ Week yesterday that banks welcome the government of Liberia’s decision to migrate to a single currency in three years, but noted that such a decision should not be implemented in a hurry.

Mr. Davies observed that it would be dangerous for Liberia, an import-dependent economy, to rush into adopting a single currency regime particularly the Liberian dollar.

“There are some people who believe that the dual currency regime brings development,” Davies said. “But, on the

flipside of this, people are also holding wealth and riches in US dollars,” he stated.

Guaranty Trust Bank (GT Bank) Managing Director Dan Orogun advised that there should be no rush until the country can improve its export position. “You can’t rush now until all of the infrastructures are in place,” he said.

Finance Minister Amara M. Konneh recently announced that the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) has made a proposal to the government to migrate to a single currency within the next three years. Minister Konneh didn’t, however, say which currency was preferred by the CBL. On Monday, the LBA

commenced the observance of its annual Bankers’ Week with strong assurance to improving customer care and increase access to finance.

The banks gave this assurance as they began week-long activities marking the observance of Bankers’ Week in Monrovia under the theme: “Ensuring Stability of the Financial Sector through Credit Culture Enhancement.”

The observance of the week is intended to create awareness of the activities and functions of banks and their contribution to the Liberian economy as well as to engender a stronger appreciation of the banking sector.

Activities during the celebration will focus on interaction with the media and the general public including participation in radio talk shows showcasing the challenges and prospects of the banking industry and meeting with various stakeholders.

Staff from various banks will engage each other in a sports tournament while bank officials will visit centers for disadvantaged persons, amongst others. The Bankers’ Week, according to the Secretariat of the LBA, will be climaxed by a Gala Dinner on Friday with a key note address expected to be delivered by the Executive Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) Dr. Joseph Mills Jones.

In a joint news conference at the 9th Street head office of LBDI, Mr. Davies assured the public that the banking industry is taking a holistic approach in addressing customer care issues and access to finance. Mr. Davies, who is president and CEO of LBDI, also noted that banks will continue to work to ensure internal control enhancement. On whether banks are giving more loans to foreign businesses then Liberians, Davies said “more Liberians have benefitted from bank loans both in number and in monetary value.”

He, however, clarified that more foreign businesses have benefitted from loans

in the range of US$1 million and above. In this category, Davies noted, those foreign businesses benefitting from US$1 million loans and above constitutes about 54%, while Liberians benefitting in this category constitutes 46%.

The bankers also discussed several issues affecting the industry including dilapidated banknotes. United Bank for Africa (UBA) Managing Director, Chioma Mang, called on the public to accept the banknotes in circulation. She said the domestic banknote is easy to deal with on the market as the CBL continues to replace dilapidated banknotes.

Mr. Dan Orogun of GT Bank said unlike the LD, the mutilated USD banknote has to be flown to America to be changed “and that fees are charged for changing them.”

The Liberia Bankers Association (LBA) was founded in 1976 as a non-political, professional, not for profit, association. The primary objectives of the LBA are (a) to promote the continuance of a professional and sound banking system in Liberia; (b) to provide a forum for the discussion and communication of issues affecting the banking community in particular and the economy and development of Liberia in general, and (c) to promote public and individual education of the banking

industry and practices.The LBA is a major

advocacy group in pushing for development of the financial sector in Liberia.

Membership in the LBA is open to all banks having offices within the Republic of Liberia

The existing membership of the LBA is made up of the following institutions: Liberia Bank for Development and Investment (LBDI); Ecobank Liberia Limited; International Bank Liberia Limited; FIBank Liberia Ltd.; Global Bank Liberia Limited; UBA (Liberia) Limited; Guaranty Trust Bank (Liberia) Ltd., Access Bank Liberia Limited and Afriland First Bank Liberia Limited.

The current officers of the LBA are: Mr. John B. S. Davies, III (LBDI) – President; Madam Chioma Mang (UBA Liberia) – Vice President; Mr. Adekola Adeleke (Ecobank Liberia) – Treasurer.

The LBA aims to serve its members by enhancing their role as financial services providers. This is accomplished through advocacy activities both from a legislative and regulatory standpoint, public awareness and education, research, and the promotion of products and services that will help educate, train, inform and support members.

lba president &CeO of lbDi Mr. John b. Davies, iii at lbDi’s 48th anniversary ceremony

China’s Investment in Africa is Positive, Says Advisor

By Dinfin Mulupi (Cour-tesy: www.Howwemadeiti-

nafrica.com)

“I have a special thing for China because I feel

like the future of Africa’s prosperity is tied somewhat to China’s prosperity,” says Ghanaian entrepreneur Isaac Kwaku Fokuo. From cheap electronics to multi-million dollar infrastructure projects, China’s presence in Africa has become hard to miss. Some analysts praise the Asian giant for bringing much needed infrastructural development to Africa while others claim China is Africa’s modern day colonial master.

Fokuo, founder and board chairman of the Sino-Africa Centre of Excellence (SACE) Foundation, a programme geared towards improving China-African relations, argues that, overall, China’s growing investment, especially in the area of infrastructure development has had positive effects in Africa and should be encouraged.

“If you look at the effect of Chinese foreign direct investment in Africa over the last 20 years, even the most sceptical of critics will agree, the effect on the ground has been quite profound. Look at countries like Kenya, Angola, Ghana, Sudan and Nigeria. The infrastructure that Africa has lacked for many years is being built by the Chinese and that is a good thing.”

The SACE runs the China-Africa Internship Programme, which “brings very smart Chinese students to Africa to intern with African companies”, says Fokuo. The programme hopes to build relationships that “will translate into physical investments in the future”, particularly in the private sector.

“The African private sector should start engaging with the Chinese private sector,” says Fokuo, who is also CEO of the African Leadership Network, a community of new-generation leaders which seeks to create prosperity in the continent.

“The relationships we build

with these students goes a long way to the investment down the line. When these kids go back and now work in companies like Huawei… [they] understand how Africa works. These kids are going to influence China-Africa policy in the future and their perspective will be very different from that of someone who has never experienced Africa before.”

Investment adviceAn international business

development and finance expert, Fokuo stumbled into entrepreneurship eight years ago while living in the US.

“I wasn’t one of those kids who grew up thinking they are going to start their own company someday,” he says.

Fokuo says he worked on a project about Islamic finance and then decided to start Botho, an investment advisory firm which at the time worked with investors in Southeast Asia and the Gulf region.

When Fokuo moved back to Africa in 2010, Botho took a different turn.

“When I moved to Kenya

those projects were no longer viable because the scope was different, the amount of money needed here was just too small and investors were not willing to put US$50m in the businesses we were exploring here.”

Today Botho offers foreign investors advice on investment opportunities in emerging markets. The firm holds over $250m worth of Africa-based private equity and debt transaction projects ranging from commercial real estate, healthcare, cosmetics,

hospitality and agro-processing.

“In the investment space in Africa everyone complains about the lack of data and my philosophy is it’s not lack of data, its lack of creativity in finding good data sets,” says Fokuo. “What we do at Botho is to find the data that investors need to make intelligent business decisions, then we communicate this to investors in a language they understand. We use this as a platform to also link entrepreneurs and investors. We see a strong appetite among investors all over the world for projects to finance in Africa.”

Perception and skills trainingOne of the major hurdles

Botho faces in working with foreign investors is the perception that Africans “are not good enough”.

“If I go and sit across [from] an investor and I put a document in front of him and I say to him this is a good product and my colleague from Brazil puts a similar document in front of him, the investor is likely to go with my Brazilian colleague.”

Access to human resources, Fokuo says, is also a major challenge.

“I passionately believe that whatever we need to do, we can do as Africans. I have

met and worked with very intelligent, highly educated and entrepreneurial Africans who work really hard. My frustration is that at a macro-level, we have good education systems, but we are yet to translate good education into hard, market-ready skills. We need to do that, and we need to nurture a worker bee work ethic in our youth, so that the intern that walks through the door is prepared for work, both in terms of skills and attitude.”

Some of the lessons Fokuo has learnt in entrepreneurship include accepting and overcoming failure and ensuring proper execution of strategy.

“Everyone tells you failure is an important lesson in entrepreneurship and while that is cute to say, the reality feels like having the wind knocked out of you by a huge gorilla. If you are an entrepreneur and you fail or things don’t go your way, you need to be able to get up the next day and give it another shot no matter how tough or painful it is,” says Fokuo. “Don’t always expect the obvious and don’t be stuck in your ways and your mission statements. But you should also allow people to safely fail. Otherwise you stifle enterprise.”

isaac Kwaku Fokuo, founder and board

chairman of the sino-africa Centre of

Excellence Foundation

Daily Observer Page 17Tuesday, December 3, 2013

of Liberia’s forest has been set aside for conservation as a way of protecting them from deforestation.

Making the disclosure at the signing ceremony of the Vol-untary Partnership Agreement (VPA) Monday, December 02, in Monrovia, Mr. Karnwea said, “The decision is govern-ment’s own measure taken to protect Liberia’s forest and wildlife for future generations and as a defensive measure against the challenge of cli-mate change.”

He explained to the EU del-egation and officials of gov-ernment and other stakehold-ers that attended the ceremony that the FDA and the EU have signed a 6 million Euro agree-ment for the maintenance of protected areas in the Liberian forest.

Mr. Karnwea, a former In-ternal Affairs Minister, indi-cated that reforestation is high on the agenda of government, and that the FDA’s door was opened to people who wanted

to plant trees and carry on their planting for future harvesting.

He also stressed that before any certificate can be signed for a company to operate in the Liberian forest, it would have to be clarified through a technical system that indicates whether the certificate to be signed has met every legal re-quirement.

He said the system would also serve as a form of secu-rity, whereby those who may want to bypass the process will be restricted.

Mr. Karnwea, commenting on the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) signed be-tween the EU and Liberia, said Liberia would benefit im-mensely because every timber would be fully certificated, thereby providing evidence to display its legality on the mar-ket. He noted that without the certificate no exported timber would be sold on the world market.

He said this system makes knowing whether timber has

passed through the legal means to enter the world market more transparent, as opposed to the Private Use Permit which he described as a ‘disaster.’

He, however, clarified that the EU’s role in assisting Li-beria to maintain its forest through the VPA is not meant to create a monopoly for the EU.

The former Internal Affairs Minister described the chain sawing that often poses harm to the forest, as a “necessary evil,” and said if the VPA and other regulations governing the forest sector are enforced by all, those local chain saw operators harvesting the for-est would be discouraged and discontinued.

The VPA between the Euro-pean Union (EU) and Liberia is aimed at properly managing the Liberian natural rain forest for the benefit of its people and generations to come.

The signing ceremony on December 2, at a local hotel in Monrovia was attended by Europaid Director, Pierre Amilhat, EU Ambassador to Liberia, Attilio Pacifici, For-

estry Development Authority Manager, Harrison Karnwea, and representatives of the Li-berian Timber Association and civil society.

Also present at the signing ceremony were Agriculture Minister, Dr. Florence Che-noweth, and other officials of government from the Envi-ronmental Protection Agency (EPA), the General Auditing Commission (GAC), and rep-resentatives from the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL).

The VPA is an international agreement launched in 2009 between the EU and the Gov-ernment of Liberia to improve the governance of the forestry sector and ensure that the tim-ber imported into the EU has complied with Liberian legal requirements.

The Liberian legal require-ments wood needs to meet will enable the Liberian Gov-ernment and people to benefit through revenues, community support, and sustainable for-estry exploitation.

The European Union and the United Kingdom have mobi-

lized 17.7 million Euros in support to the development of Liberian capacities in this area so as to help Liberia makes the most of its rich natural re-sources.

The agreement also went further to support the Royal Society Protection of Birds, FERN and four Liberian Civil Society Organizations includ-ing Vosieda, Green Advocates, the Foundation for Commu-nity Initiatives (FCI), and the Save My Future Foundation to protect the Liberian forest by empowering communities and raising VPA awareness.

At a panel discussion held before the signing ceremony, Mr. Amilhat indicated that for-est management has become a paramount issue to many com-munities in countries that have them. He said the EU was interested not in the timber Liberia may possibly export to Europe, but in the proper management of the forest so that benefits from there can positively impact the people of today and the future.

Mr. Amilhat, who is visiting Liberia to discuss with gov-

ernment officials future and ongoing EU cooperation and support to Liberia, noted that what leaves Liberia to go to Europe may not be enough to generate the EU’s interest, but the VPA, which is of interest, is meant to create conditions that make Liberia and Liberi-ans the beneficiaries of their own resources.

He furthered that maintain-ing and properly managing the resources will enable the government and people to be-come more independent and not always have to depend on foreign aid.

European Union Ambas-sador to Liberia, Mr. Attilio Pacifici, asserted that the EU wants to help government in its drive to maintain its forest resources to develop the coun-try and build for the future.

He also stressed the EU wants the right thing to be done and urged Liberians, es-pecially those keeping watch on the forest, to identify any error that would be made on the part of EU so they can cor-rect it.

Liberia’s Forest

ers against students, Presi-dent Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on Monday, December 2, warned that her government would take drastic action against any teachers found guilty.

“School is the second place of training after the home, a place where parents depend on the teacher to provide edu-cation as well as proper dis-cipline; it is regrettable to see some teachers squandering this trust and using it to abuse

our children,” the President stated.

She warned the would-be-pedophile teachers, “Children are in your care to educate them and not to go against the ethics of the profession, and you are violating their rights by raping them in school, because of this fact, my gov-ernment will not reward any teachers found into such hab-its, just the opposite, we will expose them (rapists); we will

Ellen Frowns put them in the papers,” Presi-dent Sirleaf affirmed when she spoke at the re-launch of the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium on Lynch Street in Monrovia.

Madam Sirleaf added that in the past, rape was never an is-sue in Liberia, saying children used to go around playing the entire day. She wondered what has happened to us as a people when the issue of rape contin-ues to dominate the society.

President Sirleaf lamented the futures of the children who

have been taken away by rap-ist, and describe it as “total destruction” to the Liberian society and the world at large.

“The Government of Libe-ria in collaboration with the National Legislature and the Ministry of Justice will ensure that perpetrators be punished by law of this country,” she added.

The President called on teachers, parents, and guard-ians to help protect the chil-dren in the communities, be-cause “they will protect you in kind, when you get older.”

President Sirleaf also urged lawyers to stop defending al-leged rapists in the court, add-ing that perpetrators should be punished for their doings.

She made a commitment to end violence against women and girls on behalf of her gov-ernment.

She disclosed that funds are allocated in the national bud-get for the implementation of the National Action Plans on sexual and gender based vio-lence.

According to the President, there will be an upscale in ef-

forts within the Liberian Jus-tice System to improve wom-en and girls’ access to justice and end to end impunity for perpetrators of violence in the country.

Plan Liberia country Direc-tor Kaola Oumaru, who offi-cially launched the 16 Days of Activism, described childhood marriage and gender bias as ‘total violence.’

He urged human rights activ-ists and stakeholders to speak out against violence against women and girls, when they are called upon.

by abednego Davis

After request-ing Crimi-nal Court ‘C’ to issue an order to restrain me-

dia outlets from publishing or airing recordings of conversa-tions between Madam Ellen Corkrum and government of-ficials, the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) has ordered another writ of “subpoena duces tecum” against Hot FM, a local radio station.

The MOJ is the prosecuting arm of the government.

A subpoena duces tecum (or subpoena for production of

evidence) is a court summons ordering the recipient to appear before the court and produce documents or other tangible evidence for use at a hearing or trial.

Madam Corkrum, former managing director of the Libe-ria Airport Authority (LAA), her boyfriend, Melvin Johnson, and others were indicted by the government for economic sabo-tage, theft of property, criminal conspiracy, and misapplication of entrusted property.

Prior to the issuance of the indictment and the subsequent writ of arrest, the couple could not be seen anywhere in the country.

But, in the government’s

HOTT FM “Bill of Information” for the summon, a copy of which is in the possession of the Daily Observer, it said “informant (government) gives notice that it shall apply for a writ of sub-poena duces tecum to be served on Hot FM to produce the re-cording that was played on the morning of November 26, 2013, expressing the record-ing of Co-Respondent Ellen Corkrum and her purported re-cording of the President of the Republic of Liberia and other senior officials of government.”

The document further al-leged that the “act complained of is contrary to the Rules of Court and is intended to un-dermine justice and influence the opinion of the public and/or the Court for which cause the

respondents should be held in contempt.”

According to the government, on the morning of November 26, Hot FM hosted on one of its radio talk-shows Corkrum and Johnson, which the prosecution claimed they discussed several aspects of the pending case.

“They caused Hot FM to play several purported recordings of discussions held with senior officials of government, includ-ing President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.”

“Hot FM also gave notice during that program that it has more tapes of the recording made by Corkrum, which it will air from time in the future, all of which relate to or ema-nate from the activities of the co-respondents, while serving

as Managing Director of the Roberts International Airport (RIA),” government said in the bill.

They further indicated that apart from the impact of the broadcast of the recordings on the case, “now pending before the court, the recording of con-versations with government officials in their official capaci-ties, without their consent is not only illegal,” adding, “but has serious negative representa-tions on national security and hence cannot and should not countenanced (tolerated).”

“That allowing, Hot FM and all radio broadcasting station, newspapers organs and elec-tronic media to host Co-respon-dents, Corkrum and Johnson, during, which they will discuss

the case now pending before the court or to play recording illegally made by them.

And of discussion that she had with government officials, while serving as manager of RIA, and which touch directly or indirectly on the case, will undermine the integrity of the trial and due process of law,” prosecution maintained in the request.

Making reference to the law, prosecution claimed that under its practice, publications of any aspect of a case pending before the Court is prohibited.

‘Your Honor is respectfully requested to take judicial ac-tion of Rule Twenty (20) of the Rules of Court, specifically the Code of Moral and Professional Ethics,” the document insisted.

by J. burgess Carter

Following a barrage of criticisms from his Legislative col-leagues that he has abandoned the rural

dwellers of his county over the years, Grand Bassa County Se-nior Senator Gbehzohngar Find-ley recently conducted a two-day tour of District #2 of the county during which residents highlighted their problems and cried for remedies.

Travelling for over two hours on makeshift bridges and along narrow footpaths that stretched far across the district, Sen. Find-ley and his entourage went to

Gardour Town in Geegbarn Ad-ministrative District. Gardour Town is comprised of 17,000 inhabitants from five clans; the citizens told the Senator that the non-existence of roads is one of the major problems confronting their area.

According to residents, who spoke to our reporter, people in most of the areas walk between three to 12 hours to access mar-kets and essential facilities such as health and education, a situa-tion which they said adds to the already unfavorable living con-ditions people are faced with there.

To add insult to injury, the res-idents said their district is cut off

from the rest of Liberia, thanks to the lack of mobile telecom-munications network coverage.

The purpose of the two-day visit of the President Pro-Tem-pore of the Senate to Geegbarn was to honor a community town hall meeting, as part of his leg-islative function of constitu-ency work. The meeting at the Gardour Town’s square was impressively attended, compris-ing a cross-section of local au-thorities and ordinary residents of the five clans, and was char-acterized by a brief traditional welcome ceremony.

During the meeting, the citi-zens described Sen. Findley’s visit like a dream, because it was very rare to see a high pro-file government official walk for hours through the woods to

meet them.In their list of concerns, the cit-

izens highlighted road network as a critical element towards bolstering economic activities and alleviating entrenched pov-erty in the district. According to the citizens, the construction of the main road leading from Compound #2 to Geegbarn, would give them access to mar-kets and basic service facilities. They said they have already ini-tiated efforts to do small-scale road rehabilitation work but need construction implements such as shovels, wheelbarrows, and cutlasses amongst others.

Responding, Pro-Temp Find-ley reassured the citizens of his commitment to seek their inter-est at all levels, and said he has already begun consultation with

MANDRA Timber Company to resume construction work on the main road which it abandoned after government suspended the Private Use Permit (PUP), thus ceasing the company’s opera-tion.

But Pro-Temp Findley said the talks are in the advanced stage with the company and the Forestry Development Author-ity (FDA) to restart the road construction.

Meanwhile, Senate Findley has made a substantial donation towards the ongoing self-help road construction and other ini-tiatives in Geegbarn Adminis-tration District. He presented 50 gallons of gas, 25 bags of rice, and 100 thousand Liberian dol-lars. He also donated 10 pieces of steel rod and 20 bags of ce-

ment towards a bridge project in the district. In addition, the Pro-Temp donated 30 bags of ce-ment toward the Jumoue Town School project initiated by the community.

It may be recalled that some members of the Grand Bassa Legislative Caucus, including Grand Bassa’s only and first ever female Legislator, Nyon-blee Gangar-Lawrence, used the media to hit hard at the Pro-Tempore, accusing him of abandoning rural dwellers of the county.

Senator Lawrence declared that the Pro Tempore stands no chance for re-election in the 2014 Special Senatorial Elec-tion as a price for disconnecting with rural dwellers.

Senator Findley

SudokuPlace a number from 1 to 9 in every empty cell so

that each row, each column and each 3x3 box con-taining all the numbers from 1 to 9. No number can appear twice in a row, column or 3x3 box. Do not guess you can work it out by process of elimination.

GOOD LUCK!

Last week’s results:

With Fumbah Kromah & BSG

Daily Observer Tuesday, December 3, 2013 The Other Page

WORD SEARCH

Circle the 10 differences between the two illustrations below: Last week’s results:

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Blessed are those who comprehend the difference between

right and wrong; good and evil; life and death; oxygen and

smoke... and choose accordingly. The life you save is not just

your own, but the lives of those around you.

POLITICALLY X-P-DIENT

With A. Leslie Lumeh

Fantasy WorldALEBATTLECASTLECENTAURCHALICECROSSBOWCROWNDAGGERDRAWBRIDGEDUNGEON ELVESFARMFORESTGIANTSGNOMESGOLDGUARDSHEROHORSEINN

LANCEMACEMAGICMINSTRELMOATOGREPEASANTPEDDLERPOISONPRINCE QUESTSERVANTSPEARSSPRITESTEWTOWERWARLOCKWEAPONSWINEWITCH

I am appointed at the will and pleasure of the President. She’s... (ahem...) healthy

as a horse! Bubbly as a bee! SUPER like SATURDAY! Now, (ahem...) if

you’ll excuse me...

Daily Observer Monday, December 02, 2013 Page 4Tuesday, November 5, 2013 Page 19For

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

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

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Where is Lone Star Mobilization Committee’s Financial Report?

by leroy M. sonpon, iii

One of Liberia’s astute football stakeholders, Mu-stapha Raji, at a

recent press conference, told journalists that he has written football boss Musa Bility and his two Vice Presidents, rais-ing concern over the delay of the Lone Star Mobilization Committee’s financial report, which was in the tone of over US$800,000.

When our reporter asked Raji yesterday via mobile phone, if he has any response from his letter, he jokingly replied: “We are still waiting.”

Raji and other stakeholders have argued that under the Izetta Wesley’s administration, the Lone Star 2010 Mobiliza-tion Committee, headed by ex LFA boss Willard Russell, though also delayed, the com-mittee provided a comprehen-sive report, detailing income and expenditure during the qualifiers.

The Russell’s committee, which played a strategic role in rallying much needed cor-porate partnership to cover sal-ary and the hosting of matches during round one of the 2010 qualifiers, gave its report to the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Russell named the delay in the collection of payment from

the television rights for the Lone Star’s home clash with Algeria.

Raji said in his letter to Bil-ity, Musa Shannon and Adolph Lawrence, he reminded them of their responsibility to the Liberian public and therefore the need for the Edwin Snowe led Lone Star Mobilization Committee to make public its financial report.

The financial report is neces-sary to inform tax payers on how the money, collected from government entities for Lone Star’s trip to Nigeria was man-aged.

Before the team’s departure for the humiliating encoun-ter in Calabar, the Chairman Snowe disclosed at a press confab in Monrovia that about US$277,000.00 was collected from government’s corporate entities.

Chairman Snowe said the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) gave US $63,000.00, Na-tional Oil Company of Libe-ria (NOCAL) US$62,000.00, National Port Authority (NPA) US$59,000.00, Libe-ria Petroleum Refining Com-pany (LPRC) US$58,000.00, National Social Security & Welfare Corporation US$25,000.00 and a private entity called Nairas gave US$10,000.

Additional funds were col-

lected from governmental agencies as NOCAL recom-mitted itself with additional US $25,000 and the Liberia Business Association gave a huge amount as well as the CBL, raising the total to almost half a million United States Dollars. However, Chairman Snowe did not disclose the ad-ditional amount.

He reported that the mobi-lization committee was able to underwrite the cost of the team’s trip to Ghana and to Ni-ger for the friendly that ended 4-3 against the Lone Star.

Mr. Snowe at his press con-ference also stated that they were going to commercial-ize some seats on the flight to beef-up the committee’s strength with tickets sold for US$1,500.00.

It is yet to be known how many tickets were sold and how the money was spent on the national team.

Additionally, the LFA must explain how it happened that despite a chartered flight by Cellcom for the national team, the team arrived to Nigeria the day of the match, which did not provide enough time for the players to get set for the game. The mobilization com-mittee must make a full finan-cial report to be followed by an audit by a credible auditing firm.

Mustapha raji, rep. edwin snowe and Musa bility

Egypt Picks New National Team Coach

Shawki Gharib is the new coach of the Egypt national team, the Egyptian Football

Association has announced.The former Egypt midfielder

and assistant coach succeeds Bob Bradley, whose contract ended after their unsuccessful 2014 World Cup play-off.

Gharib, 54, had taken over as coach of Egyptian club Is-maily only last month.

He told Reuters: “I will do my best to make the fans hap-py and to build a team capable of achieving the ambitions of the Egyptian people.”

As a player, Gharib won the Africa Cup of Nations with

Egypt in 1986, and again as assistant coach to Hassan She-hata in 2006, 2008 and 2010.

The EFA has not given details of the length of the contract given to Gharib. However, the new boss of the Pharaohs said: “I am happy that the EFA has confidence in me.”

egypt’s national football team in a December 28, 2012 photo

World Cup Trophy Arrives in South Africa

The Fifa World Cup™ Trophy Tour arrived in South Africa on Sunday as part of its

programmed tour around the world, organised in partner-ship by Federation Internatio-nale de Football Association (FIFA) and The Coca-Cola Company.

In a tour spanning 89 coun-tries and six continents, the 2014 Fifa World Cup™ Tro-phy Tour takes soccer’s iconic trophy over 92,000 miles around the world, stopping in South Africa a few months be-fore reaching its final destina-tion in Brazil for the 2014 Fifa World Cup™ finals.

To mark its arrival in South Africa, the DG of Sport and Recreation, Alec Moemi, President of the South African Football Association, Danny Jordaan, and Therese Gear-hart, President of the Coca-Cola Southern Africa Business Unit will welcomed the trophy at a glittering welcome cer-emony on 1st December 2013 at Lanseria Airport, Randburg.

“The trophy’s arrival evokes special memories of the 2010 Fifa World Cup tournament, one of the best ever hosted in the world.This is the third time that Coca-Cola has partnered with Fifa to bring the trophy to people all around the world. We call it the World’s Cup, while the trophy is on tour,” said Gearhart.

The World Cup™ Trophy arrived from Tanzania, accom-panied by Fifa personnel and Coca-Cola leadership.

During the arrival ceremo-ny, dignitaries and celebrities from across the country saw the unveiling of the trophy

whilst the Drakensburg Boys Choir sang the South African version of the Coca-Cola an-them - a once in a life-time op-portunity for these boys.

After the arrival of the tro-phy to Lanseria, Coca-Cola will travel with the trophy to Diepsloot Kids Club, an or-ganisation that provides after-noon care for teens. The Club is linked to Hope Worldwide, a non-governmental organisa-tion that is supported by The Coca-Cola Company. About 150 young children received a lifetime surprise and experi-enced the magic of the World’s Cup.

“I think it’s extremely im-portant that every child gets the same opportunities to en-joy the world’s game. This trophy tour is just one of many initiatives we support around grass-roots soccer – Copa Co-ca-Cola being a main program

here in South Africa,” said Therese Gearhart.

Coca-Cola and Fifa have given more than one million people around the world the chance to experience foot-ball’s most coveted prize in their own communities. A small number of individuals have had the honour of hold-ing the Fifa World Cup Trophy and to date approximately 60 heads of state including For-mer President, Nelson Man-dela have had this exclusive opportunity.

From Lanseria, the trophy will make its way to South-Gate Mall until 3rd December 2013. Fans will be able to take pictures of the trophy, watch a holographic animation of the highlights of the competi-tion, participate in interactive workshops and enjoy many other activities.

aaron Mokoena with Happy Jele

CFS Captures YMCA Trophies in Nimbaby ishmael F. Menkor

The UNICEF Child Friendly School in Ganta City, on No-vember 22 defeated

Heritage Impact School, also of Ganta, Nimba County in both soccer and kickball to capture the YMCA inter –ju-nior high school league tro-phies.

Child Friendly School whipped the girls of Heritage Impact School 36-20 in kick-ball, dominating in the final rounds.

In the soccer game it was a 50 – 50 performance till

the 89th minute when Child Friend School found the net to win 1-0.

The Young Men Christian Association Ganta branch organized the tournament to include youths in sports to

launch its membership drive.The students earlier paraded

through Ganta’s major streets and it was followed by an in-door program before the grand final of the soccer and kickball games.

a scene in the soccer match

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Gov’t Renews Commitment to Fighting HIV&AIDS Epidemic -Mother to Child Transmission Can

Be Eliminated: Keynote SpeakerBy Alaskai Moore Johnson, Observer

Health Correspondent

The Liberian Government, through the Ministry of Health and Social Wel-

fare (MoHSW), has renewed its commitment to reducing the rate of HIV and AIDS in-fection in the country.

Presently, according to the National Aids Commission (NAC), the prevalent rate of infection in Liberia is 1.5 percent. This figure is based on the 2007 Liberia Demog-raphy and Health Survey (LDHS).

This means that at least 33,671 persons are living with the HIV virus, which leads to AIDS. Sixty percent of this number is females, ac-cording to the UNAIDS.

The Government’s renewed commitment was made by Assistant Health Minister for Preventive Services, Mr. Tolbert Nyenswah. He stated that the Ministry of Health has set up testing centers all around the country so that people could go there and be tested in order for them to know their statuses and live a healthy life.

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, in her official Procla-mation of the Day, stated that the Liberian citizenry consti-tutes the nation’s most vital

resource and that her govern-ment is cognizant to improv-ing the quality of life of its people by promulgating and promoting programs aimed at improving their health, well-being, and welfare, thereby preventing deaths and ill-nesses amongst the entire populace.

Mrs. Janice F. Gonoe, Di-rector of the Lutheran Church in Liberia’s HIV and AIDS Unit, who delivered the key-note address, stated that in 2012, it was estimated that there are 19,000 to 26,000 people living with HIV and AIDS in Liberia. Mrs. Gonoe said children aged zero to 14 made up between 3,100 to 4,400 and those orphaned due to AIDS aged zero to 17 made up 19,000 to 27,000.

According to her, the global theme, getting to the three ze-ros: zero new HIV infections; zero stigma and discrimina-tion and zero AIDS related deaths, meant that the major stakeholders envisions an

HIV free world.She further stated that Li-

beria’s theme, “Eliminat-ing HIV Transmission from Mother to Child: Yes, We Can,” was possible that pass-ing of the virus by mothers to their unborn babies during delivery can be eliminated. “From what we have seen in high-income countries is that mother to child transmission can be averted, stopped, or prevented. So, we say today that yes we can eliminate mother to child prevention,” she emphasized.

The Lutheran Church HIV and AIDS Unit head disclosed that Liberia started testing prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) in December 2004 and since that time, “Our antenatal mothers have been encour-aged to cooperate to do HIV test when they visit the health centers. We are having lot of successful stories of women who got tested, put on anti-retroviral therapy, benefited

from safe delivery practices and safe use of breast-milk substitutes and most of these babies are free of the HIV virus. There is hope in pre-vention of mother to child transmission. PMTCT is an important component in the fight against HIV and AIDS. With PMTCT, there can be drastic reduction in new in-fections, stigma and discrimi-nation and deaths.”

She encouraged men to get involved in PMTCT so that they and your wives can be counseled and tested together to have a healthy baby. “Men involvement in PMTCT is very low in Liberia. The women are suffering to share their HIV positive status with their partners. As a result, many women default PMTCT for fear of stigma or rejection by partner,” she added.

The anti-AIDS advocate averred that despite recent, improved services of mother to child prevention, only 38% of pregnant women receive antiretroviral drugs to prevent mother to child transmission. “If I was doing something and I was to be graded 38%, I will not be satisfied. The AIDS epidemic is still threat-ening and claiming the lives of children in Liberia. Parents are dying and leaving their infected children with no one wanting to care for as a result of stigma and discrimina-tion.”

Mrs. Gonoe urged everyone to do more in the fight against

HIV and AIDS, whose survi-vors are at least 29.5 million Africans, including Liberians living with the disease.

Mr. Michel Sidibé, Execu-tive Director of UNAIDS, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, in World AIDS Day Message, stated that for the first time we can see an end to an epidemic that has wrought such staggering devastation around the world. “For the first time we can say that we are beginning to con-trol the epidemic and not that the epidemic is controlling us,” he added.

“It is certain that ending the AIDS epidemic will mean so much to so many. It will mean zero new HIV infections, zero people dying of AIDS—and all people living with dignity and without fear of discrimi-nation. Ending AIDS will mean celebrating birthdays

instead of attending funerals.But make no mistake, stig-

ma, denial and complacency are still among us, putting us in danger of failing the next generation. We must join our hearts and our voices––to-gether we are stronger.

The world is poised to end AIDS and if we stay true to our vision we will remember this as the day that a lifelong of dreams began to transform into reality,” he stated.

December 1, every year is World AIDS Day and this year’s program was held at the Winners Chapel Church in Congo Town. It was at-tended government officials and development partners, including members of the UN Family. The band of the Armed Forces of Liberia was also on hand to spice the day.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, VOL, No.29.indd 1 12/3/13 12:45 AM