The FULL TEXT of the Presidents Annual Message tot he National Legislature begins on Page 4!

VOL. 16. NO. 65 TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2014 PRICE: LD 40

INSIDE THIS EDITION

EDITORIAL
The Hydro: What Happened to the 1000 Megawatt Plan?
See Pg. 4

Repressive PRC Laws for Repeal by Senate

-Pres. Sirleaf Announces; Sends Several Bills for Ratification
resident Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Monday, January 27, announced that the Executive Branch of Government has sent several Bills to the 53rd Legislature for enactment and/ or ratification, among them the Bill to Repeal All Repressive Laws found in statutes and decrees of the defunct Peoples Redemption Council (PRC). Delivering her Annual Message before the joint session of the 53rd Legislature in the Joint Chamber of the Legisla-

www.liberianobserver.com

COMMENTARY
ANNUAL MESSAGE to the Third Session of the 53rd National Legislature of the Republic of Liberia
See Pg. 4

By J. Burgess Carter

LOCAL NEWS
206 Women Graduate from Skills Training Program
See Pg. 3

BUSINESS
Ecobank Brings Innovation to Banking
See Pg. 16

Govt to Streamline The World Commission on is at Risk! Higher Education

n an apparent reaction to the handling of activities at the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) over the years, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Monday, January 27, announced that a bill intended to streamline (update, reorganize) and im-

President Sirleaf entering the Joint Chamber to deliver her Annual Message

Contd on pg. 17

Dallas Cup Participation is to Develop Young Ambassadors, Doc Lawson

See Pg. 19

SPORTS

-Says Pres. Sirleaf

-As Youth Unemployment Increases World Leaders Sound Alarm at World Economic Forum See story on Pg.17

By C.Y. Kwanue

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The future is pan-African

Contd on pg. 17

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Tuesday, November 5,27, 2013 DAILY OBSERVER Monday, January 2014 Tuesday, January 28, 2014

World News

Hospital Ends Life support for Pregnant Woman

Erick Munoz had filed suit to end his pregnant wifes life support, arguing she was legally deceased
(BBC) - A brain-dead woman kept alive by a hospital in Texas because she was pregnant has been taken off life support. A court had ruled that John Peter Smith Hospital must stop life-saving measures for Marlise Munoz by Monday. Mrs Munoz, 33, was 14 weeks pregnant when she fell unconscious in November. It is believed she had a blood clot. Her family wanted to let her die, but the hospital had argued it had a legal duty to protect the unborn child. Against her wishes Her life support was turned off at 11:29 local time (17.29 GMT) Sunday, family members told News 8. May Marlise Munoz finally rest in peace, and her family find the strength to complete what has been an unbearably long and arduous journey, lawyers for the family said in a statement. Mrs Munozs husband, Erick, filed suit against the hospital on 14 January, arguing that keeping her on life support went against her wishes as a paramedic familiar with end-of-life issues. The familys lawyers also provided medical records revealing that the foetus was distinctly abnormal as a result of oxygen deprivation. The hospital in the city of Fort Worth had denied the familys request, citing a Texas law saying life-sustaining treatment cannot be withdrawn from a pregnant patient, regardless of her end-of-life wishes. But on Friday, RH Judge Wallace ruled that Mrs Munoz, who was about 22 weeks pregnant, was legally dead. He ordered her life support to be removed by 17:00 local time (23:00 GMT) on Monday. Mrs Munoz, 33, has remained unconscious since her husband discovered her on the kitchen floor on 26 November while pregnant with the couples second child. A blood clot has been listed as a possible cause.

(BBC) - Ugandas government says it doubts rebel leader Joseph Kony is serious about peace after he purportedly sent a letter asking for forgiveness and calling for talks. Government official Henry Okello-Oryem said a telephone conversation arranged with Mr Kony had failed to materialise. The letter reportedly saw Mr Kony say his Lords Resistance Army (LRA) rebel group was committed to end this war. It has waged an insurgency for more than 20 years. It is notorious for abducting children to serve as sex slaves and child soldiers. Peace envoy Mr Kony is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes. Several thousand African troops, backed by 100 US special forces, have been hunting him and other fighters of the LRA across the region. The US has offered up to $5m (3.3m) for leads resulting in his arrest. Talks between the government and LRA collapsed in

Uganda Doubts LRAs Joseph Kony Serious About Talks

Page 2 4 Page
Foreign Briefs

Joseph Kony is wanted on war crimes charges

2008 after ICC refused to yield to Mr Konys demand to drop the arrest warrant. I want to assure the people of Uganda that, we are committed to a sustainable peaceful political settlement of our long war with the government of [President Yoweri] Museveni, Mr Kony is quoted as saying in the purported letter, published in Ugandas privately owned Daily Monitor newspaper. We are willing and ready to forgive and seek forgiveness, and continue to seek peaceful means to end this war which has cut across a swathe of Africa for the people of the Great Lakes and the Nile-Congo Basin to find peace. Mr Okello-Oryem, Ugandas Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, told the BBC that Mission Okello, a man claiming to represent the rebel leader, was behind the latest initiative. He had agreed to a time and date to hold a telephone conversation with Mr Kony, but it never happened, Mr OkelloOryem. Mr Okello told him Mr Kony was worried that US satellites operating in the neighbour-

(BBC) Tunisias parliament has adopted a new constitution - the first since the ousting of President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali three years ago. The National Constituent Assembly passed the text by 200 votes from 216. Analysts say politicians hope it will send out a message of stability after months of deadlock between Islamist and secular forces. Meanwhile, Prime Ministerdesignate Mehdi Jomaa says he has formed a new caretaker government. There was a sense of joy, pride and relief inside the assembly, when it became clear that the new constitution had been adopted with an overwhelming majority. Members of the public and the assembly gasped first, and then embraced each other, while they sang the national anthem. Politicians here are hoping to send a message of stability and unity, not only to the Tunisian public, but also to international lenders. If put into practice, clauses such as Article 45, which requires the government to create parity for women in all legislative assemblies in the country, are bound to make history. The governing Islamist Ennahdha party made some concessions, most importantly the removal of references to Islamic law to get the text passed. But large parts of the Tu-

Tunisia Assembly Passes New Constitution

ing Central African Republic (CAR) and the region would locate him, Mr Okello-Oryem added. Mr Okello told the BBC the conversation had not taken place because of technical problems. But Mr Okello-Oryem said he was not sure whether Mr Okello was a genuine representative of Mr Kony, and if the LRA leader was serious about peace the two of them would have already spoken, The LRA was forced out of Uganda in 2005 and since then has wreaked havoc in CAR and other neighbouring states. Mr Kony claims the LRAs mission is to install a government in Uganda based on the Biblical Ten Commandments. In November, then-CAR ruler Michel Djotodia said his government was in talks with him about his surrender. However, African diplomats cast doubts on Mr Djotodias claim. Mr Djotodia resigned as CAR interim president earlier this month.

(BBC) Italian police are hunting for a stolen holy relic that contains the blood of Pope John Paul ll. It appears to have been taken during the burglary of a small chapel that was a place of special significance to the late Pope. The church of San Pietro della Ienca lies in an isolated spot in the mountains of central Abruzzo region. Over the weekend, thieves broke some protective iron bars and forced their way in through a window. They left the collection box, but took a crucifix and the priceless relic, which contains a piece of gauze once soaked in the blood of the late Pope one of only three such relics in the world.

Italy

(BBC) Chinas Jade Rabbit Moon rover is in trouble after experiencing a mechanical control abnormality, state media report. The Moon exploration vehicle ran into problems due to the moons complicated lunar surface environment, Xinhua news agency said, citing science officials. The rover landed in December as part of Chinas Change-3 mission - the first soft landing on the Moon since 1976.

China

Assembly members waved the Tunisian flag in celebration after the constitution was passed
nisian public remain unconvinced that this constitution will actually make a difference to their lives. Many feel that the drafting process took too long. Inflation and unemployment remain stubbornly high, while the coffers of the government are empty. The cabinet consists mainly of independents and technocrats, and is expected to run the country until new elections. No date has been set for the polls. Historic milestone After the vote on Sunday, the Tunisian flag was unfurled and parliamentarians embraced each other inside the chamber. This constitution, without being perfect, is one of consensus, AP quoted assembly speaker Mustapha Ben Jaafar as saying. Parliament agreed the text on Friday after the governing Ennahda party granted a number of concessions, including dropping references to Islamic law. It guarantees freedom of worship but says Islam is the state religion. It also forbids attacks on the sacred, which analysts say is open to interpretation. The text also recognises equality between men and women for the first time. UN chief Ban Ki-moon hailed the agreement as a historic milestone. Tunisias example can be a model to other peoples seeking reforms, his spokesman said, reports the AFP news agency. Tunis-based journalist Naveena Kottoor says large parts of the Tunisian public remain unconvinced that this constitution will actually make a difference to their lives, with many more concerned about the countrys economic problems. Ennahda, a moderate Islamist party, won the first democratic elections after long-time ruler Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali was forced from power in 2011. But it has faced fierce opposition from secular groups, who have accused it being too close to militant groups charges it strongly denies. It has also been unable to end an economic crisis, another factor in widespread street protests. The constitution required two-thirds of assembly members to vote in favour. A signing ceremony is expected to follow. The killing of two secular politicians last year sparked a political crisis in Tunisia.

(BBC) Ukraines justice minister has warned anti-government protesters occupying her ministry she will call for a state of emergency if they do not leave. Olena Lukash told local media she would ask the National Security and Defence Council to introduce the measures. The ministry became the latest government building to be occupied on Sunday, with protesters setting up bags of snow as barricades outside. Unrest and occupations of municipal buildings are spreading across Ukraine.

Ukraine

(BBC) Five Egyptian embassy staff who were kidnapped in the Libyan capital Tripoli have been freed, Libyan officials say. The countrys deputy foreign minister, Razak Grady, said three diplomats had been released and the others were being handed over to the authorities. Four Egyptian officials were snatched from their homes on Saturday with another seized on Friday. Egypt freed Libyan militia commander Shabaan Hadiya after the release of its embassy staff. However, Egyptian and Libyan government sources denied that Mr Hadiyas release was part of a deal with the hostage-takers, Reuters news agency reports.

Libya

206 Women Graduate from Skills Training Program

DAILY OBSERVER Tuesday, January 28, 2014
n an effort to restore lost hope and dignity to vulnerable Liberian women, a local Non-Governmental Organization, Sarah Ricks Foundation (SRF) on Saturday, January 25, graduated 206 women including girls from its one year free life skills training program. The 206 women obtained certificates in various disciplines such as, Tailoring, Cosmetology, Home Economics, Soap-making, and Tie-dying amongst other. The Sarah Ricks Foundation is an NGO established to provide free life skills training to less fortunate adolescent girls and women in Liberia. The founder and general overseer of the institution, Madam Winifred M. Ricks, gave an overview of the pro-

Page 3

By David A. Yates

ver the week end three schools in Grand Bassa County completed a nine month garden program aimed at training students with some basic agricultural knowledge to make them productive citizens. The schools include, Liberian Christian High School, Little Bassa Public School and Gorbleh Public School. The program is being carried out by the Community Youth Network Program (CYNP) with support from the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and its partners. The garden competition ceremony was held in Buchanan City, attended by staff of the MoA, the Food and Enterprise Development Program (FED), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the USAID Advancing Youths Project

By Judoemue M. Kollie

3 Schools Win Garden Competition

Toe explained that the garden program could not have been successful without the support of the MoA and its partners. We are grateful to the MoA and partners for providing all the necessary support; including technical services to implement the program. He named seeds, tools, fertilizers and other farming implements that they received to extend to the various schools. According to him the program is helping to promote a higher level of food security in the county. Today many of the students learning agriculture are demonstrating the knowledge they acquired in their various communities. It is helping them to increase the production of food and serving as income generation, he told the audience at the program. In his keynote address, the Assistant Minister for Technical and Vocational Training at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, M. Boakai Jeleiba, stressed the need for the country to prioritize vocational training for its youths. Young people must be taught to work with their hands in order to build the country. Teaching agriculture to students is the best way to move Liberia forward, he stressed. According to Minister Jeleiba focusing on training youths in agriculture would help solve the problem of unemployment in the country. The crisis in Liberia is not about unemployment, but the lack of the citizens capacities in taking advantage of available opportunities, he noted. He called for a legislation that would ensure that vocational education is prioritized in the country. For his part, the Deputy Minister for Extension Services at the MoA, Thomas Gbokie, said that his ministry has the

gram, saying that the decision to establish SRF for womens empowerment came from concerns over the slow pace of improvement in the lives of women and young girls in the country. According to her, women in Liberia have been discriminated against for a long time; a situation she said has resulted in a vast population of unlettered women. The situation has affected these women to the extent that they are unable to help their husbands at home. She asserted that womens empowerment and business opportunities are limited and that acts violence and discrimination against them have become daily occurrences for many of them. The Sarah Ricks Foundation thought it wise to train them (women) free-of-

charge, said Madam Ricks. Madam Ricks further noted that this graduation would help set the pace for these graduates to showcase their new talents; which she described as being highly sustainable. She said though their journey was not easy, these women stood the test of time just to receive domestic and professional skills that would help eradicate poverty in their lives. The SRFs boss made it a point to note that since the establishment of the foundation, only Representative J. Gabriel Nyenkan had contributed to the program with the amount of LD$50,000. Madam Ricks further disclosed that the Management of SRF is using five gallons of fuel per day just to sustain the program. Due to a lack of financial support and based

(L-r) graduates of the Sarah Ricks Foundation looks on as the founder Madam Ricks speaks
upon the demands of maintaining the program, management has decided to close down the program. Serving as keynote speaker, district # 11 Representative J.Gabriel Nyenkan lauded the founder of the institution, Madam Winifred M. Ricks; describing her as champion of change in the district. Representative Nyenkan noted that womens empowerment is very important in our modern world. He said women are caretakers and often spend more times with their kids at home; therefore they needed to be empowered at all times. I am happy to see young ladies getting involved in helping women who have been marginalized over the years. The district # 11 representative also used the occasion to make another commitment by pledging the amount of LD$100,000.00 to the foundation in hopes they would continue the program. mandate to providing training for Liberians who are interested in acquiring agricultural knowledge. The ministry attached seriousness to students being taught agriculture in the various institutions across the country. This is why we are inviting partners to come into our country to help, he disclosed. Minister Gbokie said that the program is being designed to sustain the countrys food security. To sustain food security in the country, kids must be taught agriculture, he stated. He used the occasion to call on the youth to venture into the agricultural sector as a way of improving their lives. If you plant crops or raise animals, you would be empowering yourself with income, he encouraged the young people. The Chief of Party of FED, Agnes Lux, stated that her institution is supporting the school garden program in the country as part of the effort to improve food security. She said that FED is supporting farmers in rice production, vegetable and livestock farming. Many of you young people can get empowered through our program to build the capacities of Liberian farmers. We want as many of you as possible to partake in the program in the three counties, she explained She named the counties as, Nimba, Bong and Montserrado. Meanwhile, a cash award of LD$50,000.00, LD$20,000.00 and $LD10, 000.00 were presented to the 3 schools for their successful dedication in implementing the garden program. The money was provided by the Ministry of Youth and Sports

Gorbleh Public School (first winner) receiving the award from the MoA and partners
along with local authorities of the county. Giving an overview of the program on Saturday, the executive director of CYNP, Junior Toe disclosed that twenty schools participated in the program (Back to School Garden Competition) in the county. He said it had succeeded in training nearly 2,500 young farmers in methods of cassava planting, and vegetable production from the various institutions. He mentioned that the students acquired skills in improved agriculture methods including nursery management, garden beds construction, and pest control among other agricultural practices.

Duplication of Humanitarian Functions Worrisome

-Says Head of Liberian Red Cross
The LNRCS was established by an act of National Legislature as a humanitarian relief organization guided by the Federation Strategy 2020 and its five year strategic plan. Speaking at the signing of a Cooperative Framework (CFW) agreement with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Monrovia, the LNRCSs president, Emmanuel Kparhand, called on those in the sector to channel their resources through the Red Cross. Mr. Kparhand said the Liberian Red Cross has the vision and determination to tackle major challenges presently

By William Q. Harmon

he president of the Liberian National Red Cross Society (LNRCS) has spoken strongly against the duplication of the humanitarian functions of the LNRCS by other non-governmental organizations as well as some government ministries and agencies. The LNRCS, prior to the Liberian civil crisis, was the most renowned and recognized humanitarian services provider in Liberia. The entity regulated every humanitarian service program in the country.

confronting humanity; but noted that most government ministries, public corporations, and multi-national companies are now involved in relief work. Due to the civil war, the influx of humanitarian assistance programs from international and national organizations, government entities, as well as individual philanthropist has been on the increase. Though the influx of humanitarian services was highly appreciated by the LNRCS during the war years as they could not handle it all alone; it also meant that the sector became unregulated. It start-

ed taking less consideration concerning who provided what, when it was received and where it was going. Some organizations are even using the name of the humanitarian sector to exploit funds from donors and philanthropist while these finances are not actually being used for the intended people and purposes This situation has become a serious worry for the LNRCS president; a trend he said should no longer be followed. Mr. Kparhand called for all assistance and resources to be channeled solely through his entity. The LNRCS boss indicated that the efforts by others in humanitarian work are highly

appreciated; but called on those involved to redirect their resources to fortify the Liberian Red Cross. Mr. Kparhand maintained the LNRCS is the only institution with the statutory mandate and ability to carry out relief activities successfully in Liberia. He assured all donors of a high level of transparency in expending their resources for the purposes intended. He also called on government and key stakeholders to increase support in terms of resources, technical assistance and opportunities for the Liberian Red Cross to help alleviate human suffering and save the lives of the nations most vulnerable.

Tuesday, January 28, 2014 DAILY OBSERVER Tuesday, January 28, 2014 Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Page Page10d 4

Published by Liberian Observer Corporation P.O. Box 1858, Monrovia

Liberias First Independent Daily 0886812888, 0886472772 www.liberianobserver.com

The Hydro: What Happened to the 1000 Megawatt Plan?

Sometime around 2008 when plans for the rehabilitation of the Mount Coffee Hydro-electric Plant were being concretized, the World Bank indicated that they were prepared to help the government raise the money for an 800 to 1000 megawatt hydro capacity. We remember distinctly calling in an editorial on the Liberian government to take very seriously this indication from the Bank of its willingness to work with us to achieve that goal. Either some of our development partners did not think Liberia deserved that, or our officials did not work hard enough toward that goal. Last Saturday the President settled for 60 megawatts--not even the original 64 megawatt capacity that was installed a half century ago, in 1964. In 2008, the experts were saying that the current energy demand in Monrovia alone was 200 megawatts, and another 600 in the rest of the country, including the iron ore mining operations. Now we have to settle for a meager 60 megawatts, promised by the first quarter of 2016. Was this the result of mean spiritedness on the part of some of our development partners, or was it the failure of Liberian diplomacy, determination and hard work? One of our biggest diplomatic disappointments was United States President George Bushs visit to Liberia on February 26, 2008 when, after earlier faithfully promising to help us restore the hydro, he announced that he would send us several thousand textbooks for Liberian schools! Diplomatically, all we could do was to say Thank you, Mr. President. But is that why he visited Americas oldest and most trusted African friend? But lets remember that the Americans, who won their war for independence in 1776, have made a monumental success of their country, making it, by the end of World War II in 1945 the worlds first super power. They started off on the right footing--with a corps of serious-minded, selfless, visionary and hardworking leaders who were determined to make a success of their nationalistic venture. One leading American anthem captured the spirit of the times in its description of the American Founders: who more than self their country loved. True, there were and remained very serious problems in Americaamong them slavery and racism. But embedded in the American Constitution was the provision for amendments that paved the way for the gradual development of a more perfect union. Today America has its first Black President. Why have we digressed from the Hydro to talk about America? Because we have to ask ourselves how serious are we Liberians as a people? Can we say, as the early American leaders said and demonstrated, that we love our country more than we love ourselves? that we are prepared to work THE HARDEST for our country to make it a success? Do we truly love our own people more than we love ourselves and our foreign friends? Are we prepared to do everything possible to encourage, lift up and promote our own people first, to ensure their success at whatever good and constructive they undertake? Well, whatever our answers to these questions, we must admit that THESE are the things that the Americans do, and that is why they are counted the worlds most successful nation--a country that most people around the world admire and want at least to visit--or stay in. So the Americans have built a great and rich nation and they have every right to do whatever they want with their money. Liberia, too, is a country that people love to visit and reside in. Why? Because Liberia is rich, and that Liberians, leaders and people, for reasons difficult to understand, favor the foreigner over and against their own people. No nation with that kind of disposition can ever prosper. So the day we decide we need a 1000 megawatt hydro, and are prepared to work the hardest to get it, a 1000 megawatt hydro will be ours. That is the same for any goal we set for ourselves, be it self-sufficiency in food, quality education for our children, or anything else. Bottom line, we Liberians have got to become a more serious people, more loving to and supportive of one another. These are among the basic ingredients of national success. Without it, forget it.

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

ANNUAL MESSAGE to the Third Session of the 53rd National Legislature of the Republic of Liberia Theme: Consolidating the Processes of Transformation
By Her Excellency Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf President of the Republic of Liberia Capitol Hill, Monrovia Monday, 27 January 2014 (As Prepared)
Mr. Vice President and President of the Senate, and Mrs. Boakai; Mr. Speaker; Mr. President Pro-Tempore; Honorable Members of the Legislature; Mr. Chief Justice, Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, and Members of the Judiciary; The Dean and Members of the Cabinet and Other Government Officials; Mr. Doyen, Excellencies and Members of the Diplomatic Corps; Her Excellency, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations; Officers and Staff of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL); The Command Officer-in-Charge, Men and Women of the Armed Forces of Liberia; Former Officials of Government; Traditional Leaders, Chiefs and Elders; The Clergy; Political and Business Leaders; Officers and Members of the Bar Association; Labor and Trade Unions; Youth and Student Organizations; Civil Society Organizations; Members of the Media; Special Guests; Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen; Fellow Liberians: INTRODUCTION Once again, in fulfillment of the mandate given by Article 58 of our Constitution, we are here to present the Administrations legislative program and report to you on the State of the Republic. As we have done in the past, a full Executive Report, with comparative statistics, will subsequently be submitted to you. We hope that you will use it as a reference for more detailed information on the various public sector entities. First, let us all give praise and thanks to the Almighty God for his manifold blessings upon our Nation, including our celebration, in 2013, of a decade of peace, stability and continued development. With saddened hearts we bade final farewell, in 2013, to cherished loved ones. In their memory, please join me in a moment of silent meditation. Thank you. Mr. Vice President and President of the Senate: Let me again, in this public manner, express my thanks and gratitude for your dedication and unflinching commitment to the national cause we embarked upon together nine years ago. I know that I can continue to count on you for support as we consolidate the progress and meet the challenges of the next four years. Mr. Speaker and Mr. President Pro-Tempore: Thank you for your dedicated leadership of this august body, and for passage of significant legislations to improve the lives of our people. Honorable Legislators: We welcome all of you back, from your annual Recess, and look forward to continued good working relations. Honorable Legislators: In addressing the Third Session of the 52nd National Legislature on January 28, 2008, I said that we could not bring quick fixes to the monumental problems that we inherited, that our tasks would be difficult and our challenges demanding. They remain so today. We know that we have some distance to travel to overcome the challenges bequeathed to us by the long years of conflict, division, marginalization and exclusion. We know that it will require commitment to stay the course in the fight against corruption. We know that it will take courage to ensure that rights and freedoms are protected. But today, the bonds of our nation are stronger; the direction of our advance is clearer; and the common purpose of nation-building is compelling us to reach out to each other beyond our superficial differences in tribe, age, gender, religion and associations. Therefore, Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. President Pro-Tempore, notwithstanding the mounting challenges we face, and the difficult roads we must continue to travel, as a consequence of our combined efforts and the resilience of our people, I am proud to report to you that our Republic is, today, stronger, safer, and steadier than it has been in many years. I can thus say, with confidence, that the consolidation of the processes of Liberias renewal is solid; that our Agenda for Transformation, within the context of our National Vision 2030, is sound, realistic and achievable. I salute all Liberians, and thank our development partners for this remarkable achievement. LEGISLATIVE AGENDA Mr. Vice President and President of the Senate, Mr. Speaker, Mr. President ProTempore and Members of the Legislature: Thank you, again, for your cooperation in passing into law several pieces of legislation relevant to the reconstruction process of our dear country. The records show that 46 bills were passed and received during the 2nd Session of the 53rd Legislature. The ratified bills include the Mount Coffee Hydro-Generation Rehabilitation Finance Contract between Government and the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the International Development Association (IDA) for the Accelerated Electricity Expansion Project, and the Liberia Financing Agreement between Government and the International Development Association for the West African Power Pool plus the Act ratifying the Treaty for the Construction, Operation and Development of the Interconnection Lines joining Cte dIvoire, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. These will lead to the rebuilding and expansion of generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, providing an economic stimulus of widespread effect. An economic boost is also expected from passage of the Act ratifying the Loan Agreement between Government and the African Development Bank (acting on behalf of the Nigeria Trust Fund) and between Government and the African Development Fund (on behalf of the Fragile States Unit) which will give us a paved highway along that critical corridor connecting Harper and Karloken, that links our most southeasterly county, Maryland, to the rest of the country. Honorable Ladies and Gentlemen: We recall also your ratification of the Restated and Amended Production Sharing Contract for LB-13 between Government and ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Liberia Ltd., a subsidiary of the worlds largest oil company, and Canadian Overseas Petroleum (Bermuda). This contract

Contt on page 9

Zoning Law Enforcement Is in the Right Direction, Madam President

Tuesday, 28, 2014 DAILY OBSERVER Tuesday, January 28, 2014 Tuesday,January January 28, 2014 Letter

Page 10d Page 5

Mr. Editor, I want to thank President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for emphasis made on the enforcement of the zoning law of Liberia, and to also urge her to be realistic in ensuring that this law is enforced as stated and not merely for the sake of public speaking. As you may know, development is being hindered by payment to illegal squatters for land that they do not own, and seeing this weakness on the part of government, squatters are making use of it to get lucrative gains from Liberians taxes. As the President recalled in her Annual Message, such are the cases with Peace Island where the Ministerial Complex is expected to be built, the Ducor Hotel, roadside dwellers, etc. I believe Liberians engaged in this act know that they are doing wrong, but who to tell them and what action to affect their unwholesome act remain the problem. While human rights remain cardinal to the objective of this government, it is also expedient to note that to every human right there is a responsibility. These indolent and illegal squatters will not continue to deliberately do things to benefit from our taxes while development we should also benefit from is impeded. The plan to remove them must also go with NO PAYMENT for squatting. This will bring to their senses the wrong they are doing. Let Madam President know that Liberians are law abiding when law is enforced to the letter, but when law is weak, they lose interest in that leader. Please forget about making yourself being loved now as it will come later when you do what will interest the public most. Remember Machiavellis Principle on Leadership: It is much safer to be feared than loved, if one of the two has to be wanting.. And men have less scruple in offending one who makes him/herself loved than one who makes him/herself feared; for love is held by a chain of obligation which, men being selfish, is broken whenever it serves their purpose; but fear is maintained by a dread of punishment which never fails. This goes to say that enforcing the law to instill fear in people for wrong doing will achieve the purpose of development than nurturing evil doers with money that they do not deserve. May this decision be effective and also be extended to corrupt officials. Joaquin Sendolo 24th Street, Sinkor 0886838535 jmeahkeehsendolo@yahoo.co.uk

Kingdom Care Medical Center Reaches Rural Communities with Health Care

n official of the Ministry of Education (MOE) in Bain Garr Education District in Nimba County has stressed the need for an additional high school to accommodate the growing number of students seeking secondary education in the district. District Education Officer (DEO), J. Lynon Martor, told the Liberia News Agency recently that the district has an overall enrollment of 23,050 students. This figure is comprised of 12,672 males and 10,378 females in 27 public schools in the district. Bain Garr district only has one high school. This, he observed, has led to an overwhelming influx of students seeking high school education at the John Wesley Pearson (J.W. Pearson) High School. J. W. Pearson High was established in the early 1950s and remains the only senior high school in Ganta; the commercial capital of

Nimbas New DEO Wants Second High School in Bain Garr District
Nimba County. Mr. Martor also lamented that the Pearson High School lacks adequate chairs and classrooms to accommodate the large number of students. Recently, the Principal of the school, James Saye Kardamie, in an exclusive interview with the Daily Observer made a similar claim indicating that the lack of chairs and instructional materials was greatly hampering the learning conditions of the students. Mr. Kardamie then attributed the inadequate supply of chairs to the school to what he described as, constant theft of chairs due to the school compounds lack of a fence. However, according to Mr. Martor, the only ongoing projects in the entire Bain Garr Education District are the renovation of the J. W Pearson auditorium and the Bain Garr DEOs Office-located in the courtyard of the school. The auditorium, he explained, contains three new classrooms separated by plywood partitions and a hall that was constructed by the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) in the late 70s. The DEO observed that the auditoriums renovation project is being sponsored by the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF), while the renovation of the DEOs office is being implemented as a community initiative, which still needs additional funding to complete. Mr. Mator then called on Nimba Countys local government and development partners to build an additional high school to accommodate the large number of students seeking education in the most populated education district of the county. He also appealed to the authorities at the MOE to provide chairs and prescribed text books to ease the difficulties faced by students and school administrators in imparting knowledge to their students.

ore than 7 communities in Panta District, Bong County, have benefited from a weeklong free healthcare delivery service rendered by a team of medical practitioners from the Kingdom Care Medical Center Mobile Clinic (KCMC) in Monrovia. The initiative was sponsored through CHEVRON and the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) according to the head of KCMC, Dr. Martha Zarway. The communities benefiting from the health services include Bellemu, Foequelleh, Garmu, Gbaota, and Shankpowar among others. Over 300 residents from these various communities--- including the elders and local authorities of Panta District--- turned out last Tuesday for the first day of treatment. They seemed overwhelmed with joy at the presence of the nurses and doctor and gave them a rousing traditional welcome. In his welcome remarks on Tuesday, January 21, the chief elder of Panta District, Tokpa Dolo, said that they were pleased with the opportunity to access free medical

(Top) patients awaiting treatment and (bottom) Dr. Martha Zarway head of KCMC attending to the patients in the cue.
services. Your presence here today is a manifestation of love, which has already brought healing to our lives. We are therefore very grateful you came, he told the medical team. He disclosed that health services in their district were scarce; as local clinics are often found lacking drugs to treat patients. Many times it is difficult for our wives and children to get adequate health care, he mentioned. In an interview with journalists at the location of the KCMC on Tuesday, the commissioner of Panta District, Willington Bellepu, called on the government of Liberia to improve health care delivery services in his district. He said that with good health, people in his district could work more efficiently to improve their lives. He used the occasion to thank CHEVRON and NOCAL for identifying with his people on the matter of their health. Giving an overview of their activities, the head of KCMCs medical team, Dr. Zarway, stated that the health care delivery service was intended to fulfill social corporate responsibilities of both NOCAL and CHEVRON. She said her institution is collaborating with the two companies to ensure that Liberian citizens--- mainly those from the rural parts of the country--- get access to free treatment. According to Dr. Zarway medical conditions such as pregnancy, anemia, malaria, bronchopneumonia, hypertension and others were considered for treatment at the various centers. She explained that during the exercise patients with critical illnesses were referred to the Kingdom Care clinic or bigger health facilities. Dr. Zarway disclosed that the program started in January 2013 in rural Montserrado and Grand Bassa Counties with around 2,700 people benefitting (a weeklong treatment per trip). Meanwhile, some beneficiaries of the treatment described it as being very helpful. They lauded the medical team of KCMC and its partners for the kind gesture.

Found at all major supermarkets in downtown Monrovia

DAILY OBSERVER

he most important holiday for Chinese around the world is undoubtedly Chinese New Year -- and it all started out of fear. The centuries-old legend on the origins of the New Year celebration varies from teller to teller, but they all include a story of a terrible mythical monster who preyed on villagers. The lion-like monsters name was Nian which is also the Chinese word for year. The stories also all include a wise old man who counsels the villagers to ward off the evil Nian by making loud noises with drums and firecrackers and hanging red paper cutouts and scrolls on their doors because for some reason, the Nian is scared of the color red.

CHINA & AFRICA The History of Chinese New Year

Sponsored by the Embassy of the Peoples Republic of China

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Page 6

The villagers took the old mans advice and the Nian was conquered. On the anniversary of the date, the Chinese recognize the passing of the Nian known in Chinese as guo nian, which is also synonymous with celebrating the new year. Based on the Lunar Calendar

Take a Sip of Chinese New Year Traditions

(Xin Hua)

The date of Chinese New Year changes each year as it is based on the lunar calendar. While the western Gregorian calendar is based on the earths orbit around the sun, China and most Asian countries use the lunar calendar that is based on the moons orbit around the earth. Chinese New Year always falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice. Other

Asian countries such as Korea, Japan and Vietnam also celebrate New Year using the lunar calendar. While both Buddhism and Daoism have unique customs during the New Year, Chinese New Year is far older than both religions. Like many agrarian societies, Chinese New Year is rooted in much a celebration of spring just like Easter or Passover. Depending on where rice is grown in China, the rice season lasts from roughly May to September (north China), April to October (Yangtze River Valley), or March to November (Southeast China). The New Year was likely the start of preparations for a new growing season. Spring cleaning is a common theme during this time, as many Chinese will clean

out their homes during the holiday. The New Year celebration could even have been a way to break up the boredom of the long winter months. Traditional Customs On this day, families travel long distances to meet and make merry. Known as the Spring movement or Chunyun, a great migration takes place in China during this period where many travelers brave the crowds to get to their hometowns. Though the holiday is only

about a week-long, traditionally it is a 15-day holiday during which firecrackers are lit, drums can be heard on the streets, red lanterns glow at night, and red paper cutouts and calligraphy hangings are hung on doors. Celebrations conclude on the 15th day with the Lantern Festival. Children are also given red envelopes with money inside. Many cities around the world also hold New Year parades complete with a dragon and lion dance. Food is an important component to New Year. Tradi-

tional foods include nian gao or sweet sticky rice cake and savory dumplings - which are round and symbolize neverending wealth. In China, New Year celebrations are synonymous with Spring Festival and it is typically a week-long celebration. China Central Television has held an annual New Years Gala since 1982, which was and is still televised across the country and now via satellite to the world.

2014 is the Year of the Horse according to Chinese zodiac. The Year of the Horse starts from Jan. 31, 2014 (the Lunar New Year / Spring Festival of China) and lasts to Feb. 18, 2015.

Chinese Zodiac Horse

he spirit of the horse is recognized to be the Chinese peoples ethos making unremitting efforts to improve themselves. It is energetic, bright, warm-hearted, intelligent and able. Ancient people liked to designate an able person as Qianli Ma, a horse that covers a thousand li a day (one li equals 500 meters). Strengths

glamorous circles while pursuing high profile careers. They tend to interfere in many things and frequently fail to finish projects of their own. Fortune Foretelling in 2014 Overview: It is their order to encounter the Year of Birth (Benming Nian), a year to offend Taisui, the god in charge of peoples fortune. In 2014, their fortune in all aspects will fluctuate, so will require great care. They may feel more stressed out, in which case they are advised to talk about it with close friends or councilors, and take part in group activities. Faced with any difficulties, they should be strong to overcome them all. If they treat people around them friendly and behave righteously, they will get through the year smoothly. Career: Horse people are easily offended this year even for trifles, and seem not to keep a harmonious relationship with colleagues. Sometimes they doubt themselves too much, leading to a gradual loss of confidence. When finishing a task, they seek confirmation again and again from people around them. In this case, it is suggested to be confident and talk more to family instead of complaining to colleagues. Just keep a low profile, get along well with your boss and be careful of tricks by mean people and then achievements in your job

International students pose for photos with their couplets writing works in Nanjing, East Chinas Jiangsu province, Jan 20, 2014. A couplet, or a pair of lines of poetry written on red paper, is an important decoration during Spring Festival, or Chinese Lunar New Year, as it is placed at the entrance of a house. Dozens of international students from Nanjing Agriculture University experienced the preparation for the coming Spring Festival, which falls on Jan 31 this year. (You You/Asianewsphoto)

Students learn paper-cutting at a cultural exchange session in Nanjing, East Chinas Jiangsu province, Jan 20, 2014. (You You/Asianewsphoto)

People born in the year of the horse have ingenious communicating techniques and in their community they always want to be in the limelight. They are clever, kind to others, and like to join in a venture career. Although they sometimes talk too much, they are cheerful, perceptive, talented, earthy but stubborn. They like entertainment and large crowds. They are popular among friends, active at work and refuse to be reconciled to failure, although their endeavor cannot last indefinitely. Weaknesses They cannot bear too much constraint. However their interest may be only superficial and lacking real substance. They are usually impatient and hot blooded about everything other than their daily work. They are independent and rarely listen to advice. Failure may result in pessimism. They usually have strong endurance but with bad temper. Flamboyant by nature, they are wasteful since they are not good with matters of finance due to a lack of budgetary efficiency. Some of those who are born in the horse like to move in

International students show their paper-cutting works in Nanjing, Jan 20, 2014. Paper-cutting, or Jianzhi, a traditional folk art, is widely applied in China for festival decorations. (You You/Asianewsphoto)

will come. Wealth: Their financial fortune will be unstable in 2014. It seems that there will be much unexpected cost. Thus to make ends meet comes first When managing money matters, they should consider accepting others suggestion. It is necessary to be careful to make any investment. Businesspeople should make a full scheme before making a large amount of investment, because the market will be changeable in the year. Relationships: The fortune in love life for horse people will be just so-so. If they would like to get married in the year, it is strongly suggested to select an auspicious date according to the dates of birth of the bride and the bridegroom, or they will suffer a lot in marriage. Singles may meet several people that they have feelings for, but none of them are doomed to be their Mr./Ms. Right. If faced with a dilemma, theyd better refer to the idea or suggestion of their relatives and friends. Husband and wife will argue a lot in the year; a focus on communication and mutual understanding can avoid it. For all lovers, mutual trust is the secret for an everlasting relationship. Health: As they offend Taisui this year, they may suffer some discomforts. Some insidious diseases like dermatosis may happen. To avoid that, theyd better have a full physical examination. Besides, they also need to be careful to avoid unexpected injuries by knives and others sharp items. Females should pay attention to problem in urinary system and males need to care more about their stomach. Adjusting their emotions and traveling outside will help with their health as well. They also need to remember not to eat too much for each meal.

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

DAILY OBSERVER

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

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Vacancy Announcement

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

Positions: A. Job Title: Secretary General Summary: The Secretary General (SG) is the head of the National Secretariat and shall be responsible for the overall management of the Secretariat. This unique role calls for a transformational leader who willcarry out the common vision and purpose of LIP.Candidate for this position must be capable to deliver real strategic value to the general health service delivery frontline through the platform. This position requires the ability to build and maintain effective partnerships with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfares, local and international partners with niche in health and immunization and donor community. Key Responsibilities Lead and Manage the Liberia Immunization Platform Oversee the successful implementation of all LIPs programs; Serve as Secretary to the Board of Directors Provide cutting edge program management delivery for the Platform Lead Policy advocacy strategies of the Platform Ensure the implementation of programs aligned with the mission, vision and strategic plan of the Platform. Identify funding opportunities and sources for projects and core funding, including fundraising campaigns, and collection of membership dues Package and share publicly the best practices of member organizations Serve as the liaison between the Board of Directors and management staff; Attend operational programs, project meetings on behalf of the Platform. Create a work environment in which the Liberia Immunization Platform can thrive: Effectively supervise staff of the national secretariat and manage their performances; Effectively implement the administrative, human resource, financial and reporting policy and procedures of the Platform and its regional secretariats; Serve as Secretary to the Board of Trustees and Standing Committees

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

he Office of the Township Commissioner of Crozierville request the presence of all Crozierville citizens and residents to attend a very important development meeting slated for Wednesday, January 29, 2014 at the hour of 11:00AM at the Town Hall. Prominent among issues to be discussed are the planning of the 150 years Anniversary of the Township, the reactivation of the Civic League and the appointment of the Common Council. This announcement should claim the attention of the below listed planning committee members: 1. Citizen Milton Weeks 2. Citizen Kenneth Y. Best 3. Citizen Emmett Flomo 4. Women Leader 5. Citizen Timothy K. Padmore 6. Citizen Amos Teleh 7. Citizen Ajah S. Padmore Signed: ________________________ Timothy K. Padmore Town Clerk Approved: _______________________ Hon. J. Alexander Thorpe Commissioner

Qualification: Applicant must hold at least a Bachelors Degree in Sociology, Social Work, Public Administration, Public Health or related fields with at least 10 year experience. Masters Degree in Public Health and health related studies are added advantages. Applicant must have worked in the health system, social work and civil society activities for at least three (3) years. Submission of Application: Apply to the Interim Board of Directors, Liberia Immunization Platform (LIP). Submit your application and all supporting documents to: lipboard@ gmail.com at later than February 7,, 2014. B. Job Title: ADVOCACY OFFICER JOB DESCRIPTION Summary Task The advocacy officer, as a full time staff of the secretariat, works under the supervision of the Secretary General in designing and carrying out the advocacy and visibility strategies of the Liberia Immunization Platform. Key Responsibilities Develop and deliver LIP advocacy & lobbying agenda and positions at the national, regional and district levels in consultation with the Secretary General and by extension, the Board of Directors Develop evidence based advocacy messages and/or materials such as presentations, policy briefs etc in consultation with other staff and key stakeholders Develop and implement an advocacy strategy for the Platform Liaise and seek to influence stakeholders including Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Legislature relevant to the work of the LIP. Develop and implement the research agenda and facilitate research on behalf of the Platform for advocacy Provide technical support to platform members in advocacy and research at national and regional district levels of the Republic of Liberia. Engage in policy tracking and analysis to support advocacy Assist the secretariat in Resource mobilization Coordinate the development of systems for monitoring and evaluation of programs and Projects of the platform. Promote Knowledge sharing and learning among membership of the network Responsible for ICT, website development and maintenance, development of newsletter and media relations that shows visibility of network activities. Any other assignment from the Secretary General Qualification: Applicant must hold Bachelors Degree in Sociology, Mass Communication or other related fields of study and at least three years of work experience in social work and proactive advocacy. At least a certificate or diploma in health advocacy training is an added advantage. Submission of Application: Apply to the Interim Board of Directors, Liberia Immunization Platform (LIP). Submit your application and all supporting documents to: lipboard@gmail.com at later than February 7,, 2014.

Tuesday, January January 28, 2014 DAILY OBSERVER Tuesday, January 2014 Tuesday, 28,28, 2014

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How Would Our Ministries, Agencies and other Organizations Fare When a Software Audit is Performed?
f someone was to ask how much the Government of Liberia (GoL) or Liberian businesses spend on proprietary and commercial software, I am not sure you would get a straight answer. This is just my opinion, of course. But, if a software audit was done today at our ministries, state-owned enterprises (SOEs), businesses, and other organizations, how would they fare? In todays article, I briefly discuss software audit and its impact on our society. Before I proceed, let clarify the misunderstanding that a few IT professionals have about a software audit. Software audit is different from Information Technology (IT) audit. A software audit or software licensing audit, on which this article focuses, is a regular investigation of the software installed on all computers in an organization to ensure that it is authorized or licensed. The process minimizes the risk of prosecution for software theft, as well as the risk of malware through uncontrolled software copying. In addition, a software audit ensures that the right technical support is available to all users. On the other hand, an Information Technology Audit or

By: Darren Wilkins | 0777129092/0886703789 | DWilkins@ SaharaTechnology.Com

10 Classrooms Under Construction in Bong County

IT Audit is an examination of the checks and balances, or controls, within an information technology (IT) group. In this process, evidence of an organizations information systems, practices, and operations are collected and evaluated. The evidence culled from this evaluation is used to determine whether the organizations information system is safeguarding the information assets, maintaining data integrity, and operating effectively and efficiently to achieve the organizations business goals or objectives. As I said earlier, the focus of this article is on software audit and this is what I discuss in following paragraphs. Many of the IT professionals I know in Liberia (some of them working at government establishments), carry a software wallet or portable storage device that stores costly proprietary software on them. I often wonder how they manage to obtain their repository of software knowing that the cost of commercial software is extremely prohibitive. For example, the Microsoft Windows 8 operating system is about $200 USD or more per copy. This amount is more than what some IT professionals make monthly in Liberia. So, it doesnt take a Rocket Scientist to figure out that software piracy is ubiquitous in Liberia, and the entire continent of Africa. In fact, report on global

Darren Wilkins
software piracy by the International Data Corporation (IDC) found that 80% of all software sold in Africa is pirated. This level of piracy, according to the IDCs report, causes Africas economy to suffer to the tune of over USD$1 billion. Software piracy is mostly found among consumers and small businesses, and the increasing availability of unlicensed software at online peer-to-peer file-sharing sites. For every legal copy of software that comes out more than one copy of it is made and distributed illegally, and Liberia is not alien to this phenomenon. Honestly, I dont think a lot of folks in Liberia bother to think of the ethical or economic consequences of pirating software; just as folks dont give thought do music or movie piracy. Companies like Microsoft, Oracle, Adobe, IBM, and other large software publishers often perform an audit of their customers. And when organizations are found to be in violation of licensing agreements, significant fines are placed on them. Despite this, no software publisher has successfully found a 100% secure method to control pirated software. Illegal software is freely available and readily accessible in many forms: on CDs, both home-recorded and mass-produced, and across the Internet. But does this mean that our government entities should have illegal software

installed on their computers? For many businesses and organizations in Liberia, the term software auditing is foreign. And even if there is a remote thought of software audit, it is without a doubt given the lowest priority. Obviously, there are many reasons for this: very little interest in ICT and the lack of funding to purchase legitimate software. But the most vivid reason for this is the proverbial and ubiquitous problem that haunts us in Liberia; the lack of knowledge of software auditing and piracy, as well as their impact on organizations. Software audits provide several benefits for an organization, especially the Government of Liberia. It can be an effective and efficient way to improve software distribution, and help avoid copyright infringement prosecution by software companies like Microsoft. This is something I wish policy makers would take seriously. In fact, the Business Software Alliance (BSA), which is the leading advocate for the global software industry before governments and in the international marketplace, lists five key elements that it believes governments must implement in order to reduce piracy in their respective countries. Perhaps our policymakers can begin by taking a look at those five elements. Now, lets get back to my original question: Do we know

how much the Government of Liberia (GoL) spends on proprietary software? I would assume that it does spend a lot of money on proprietary software. And these software are greatly under-utilized, partly because of the lack of skills or proper training, and often because they were deployed without due diligence or research. Now, do you understand why I have always advocated the development and use of Open source software in Liberia? Such an initiative could allow software to be produced locally thereby empowering Liberians through entrepreneurship, and reducing the risks that software piracy brings. If we invest the same amount spent purchasing proprietary software on Open Source Software development in Liberia, we may just be able to stimulate economic activity via a software ecosystem and reduce, if not eliminate, the amount spent on proprietary software. I reckon we might need to provide strong quantitative data to help us make a strong economic argument to our policymakers, for why we should adopt open source software. To make this argument, you need to collect data on the number of licenses that are purchased by the government, businesses, etc. The question is, where do you find the data? ceeds from our farms to pay the teachers and to settle other expenses. The City Refuge pastor disclosed that his school will have a library and computer laboratory to better equip the students. Meanwhile, Pastor Kueniseur has called on the government and philanthropic organizations in the country to assist him in the implementation of the project.

n an effort to meet the educational needs of residents of Bong County, a 10-classroom school is currently under construction in Bellemu, Panta District. to meet the educational quest of the school-going kids. The project is being undertaken by the congregation of the City Refuge Church, located in Bellemu Town. In an exclusive interview with the Daily Observer newspaper recently in Bellemu Town, the Pastor of the Church, Reverend Jackson Kueniseur, disclosed that the project is intended to address the increment in the schools enrollment. According to him, the current enrollment is at 800 students from primary to secondary level, and for that, the school

By Judoemue M. Kollie, from Panta District, Bong County

the district just to attend this school, Pastor Kueniseur added. Considering that many of the citizens around this area cannot afford to pay tuition for their children, we have decided to assist the parents in achieving their goals, he said. He mentioned that as a way to sustain the school, the administration has established an agricultural project to raise money. We get money from pro-

Rev. Kueniseur standing before the foundation of the school in Bellemu, Panta District
is established as a tuition free school. Pastor Kueniseur explained, I established the school after the civil crisis to help compliment the educational needs of citizens in his district. The school, he said, is being supported through assistance from friends locally and abroad. After I returned from exile at the end of Liberias civil war, I decided to help my people through the establishment of a school. Today, we have many children leaving their various communities in

Tuesday, January 28, 28, 2014 DAILY OBSERVER Tuesday, January Tuesday, January 28, 2014 2014

brings into the offshore oil exploration arena in our territory another reputable, credible giant oil company. It elevates Liberia on the list of frontier countries with encouraging prospects. Today, in the mineral resource sector, Liberia boasts the presence of some of the largest, most-experienced, and reputable companies as contracting partners for exploration and extraction of our mineral and hydrocarbon resources. Honorable Ladies and Gentlemen: We were especially pleased that you ratified the Financing Agreements with the International Development Association for the Smallholder Agricultural Productivity Enhancement and Commercialization Project, and for the Smallholder Tree Crop Revitalization Project, both aimed at stimulating agricultural production among our small farmers. We also recall passage of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement with the European Commission, which sets the stage for assured access of our forests products into European markets. Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. President-Pro Tempore, Honorable Ladies and Gentlemen: Thank you for the several bills passed in support of good governance and the rule of law, thereby promoting administrative efficiency and fostering peace and security for our people. Paramount among these were bills to improve the investment climate and strengthen the financial system against money laundering by, among other things, establishing a Financial Intelligence Unit; and creating the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and a semi-autonomous Revenue Authority. Our Penal Code was strengthened by amendments on illicit human trafficking, extortion, environmental crimes, and fraud. The Jury Law was amended to expand access to justice, improve sentencing in criminal cases, and to better facilitate the conduct of trials. For local government, several new statutory districts were established which are likely to be integrated into a larger governance structure once the Local Government Act is passed. This will ensure that new statutory districts are not created solely for political purposes or would not impose undue burdens on the National Budget. As you commence this 3rd Session of the 53rd Legislature, we urge you to consider passage of other bills that have been submitted but remain under deliberations. In particular, we refer to Bills that would: Amend the Penal Code by providing for the Criminal Conveyance of Land; Amend the Act establishing the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission to provide for immediate Direct Prosecutorial Powers; Amend the New Executive Law of 1972 to establish the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection; Repeal Chapter 60 of the Executive Law Creating the

ANNUAL MESSAGE

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John F. Kennedy Medical Center and replace it with a new Chapter 60 to be titled The John F. Kennedy Medical Center Act (2013); Amend the Telecommunications Act of 2007 with respect to the Liberia Telecommunications Authority; and Amend Title 21 of the Liberian Code of Laws of 1956 to update the provisions of the Maritime Law and Maritime regulations to implement the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006. Honorable Ladies and Gentlemen: Several Bills already submitted await your ratification. They are: the Instrument of Accession to the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Convention on the Simplification and Harmonization of Customs Procedures; the Financing Agreement for the Health Systems Strengthening Project between Government and the International Development Association (IDA); the African Nuclear Weapon Free Zone Treaty; the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union; the Bamako Convention on the Ban of the Importation and the Control of Hazardous Wastes in Africa; the Constitution of the African Civil Aviation Commission; the Charter of the Africa Finance Corporation; the African Union Convention on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources; the African Union NonAggression and Common Defence Pact; the Protocol on the Statute of the African Court of Justice and Human Rights; the OAU Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism; the Protocol to the OAU Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism; the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance; the Convention on the African Energy Commission; the OAU Convention for the Elimination of Mercenarism in Africa; the Cotonou Partnership Agreement; and the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons. Mr. Vice President and President of the Senate, Mr. Speaker, Mr. President Pro-Tempore and Honorable Legislators: We intend to submit several new bills, in particular: A Bill to ratify the Loan Agreement between the National Port Authority and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development for the Port of Greenville Rehabilitation Project; A Bill to Amend the Judiciary Law to Create Criminal Court F of the First Judicial Circuit, Montserrado County and Special Divisions of the Circuit Courts of other Counties to have Exclusive Original

Jurisdiction over Corruption and Related Economic and Financial Crimes; A Bill to ratify the 1988 United Nations Convention against Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances; A Bill to Amend the Executive Law, Chapter 22, on the Ministry of Justice, Subchapter F, to strengthen the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency; A new Controlled Drug and Substances Act; A Bill to Establish the Rubber Development Fund to mobilize financial resources to regenerate the rubber sector; A Bill to Establish a Securities Market in Liberia; A new Local Government Act in harmony with national policies designed to more efficiently render services in a decentralized manner; An Amendment to the Public Health Law to add a new Chapter on Mental Health; An Amendment to the Civil Procedure Law on Special Proceedings Concerning Mentally Disabled and Legally Incompetent Persons to be titled the Mental Health Procedural Act; A new law for regulating insurance to be titled the Insurance Act (2014); An Amendment to the Charter of the University of Liberia; An Amendment to the 1989 Act Creating the National Commission on Higher Education; A Bill to Establish the Liberia National Tourism Authority; A Bill to ratify the protocol establishing the Community Court of Justice for ECOWAS; Multiple Bills relating to ratification of several treaties, conventions and protocols Government has signed with the United Nations World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Africa Regional Property Organization (AFRIPO) to protect the literary and artistic works of musicians, motion picture producers, writers and inventors; An Amendment to the Mineral Development Agreement among the Government of Liberia, Sesa Goa Limited and Bloom Fountain Limited; A Bill to ratify the Hague Convention on Inter-Country Adoptions; A Bill Outlining Procedures for the Exercise of the Constitutional Authority for Expropriation; A Bill to ratify a Mineral Development Agreement between Government and Hummingbird Resources (Liberia) Inc.; A Bill to ratify a Concession Agreement between Government and the Liberia Cocoa Corporation, a wholly Liberian-sponsored agricultural enterprise; and A Bill to ratify a Power Purchase Agreement and an Implementation Agreement between Jindal Corporation and Government for the construction of a 175 MW coal power plant. Honorable Ladies and Gentlemen: Additionally, we will be submitting, for your consideration: A Bill to Create Special Economic Zones in the coun-

try; A Bill to Establish an Energy Law to govern the energy sector; and A Bill for National Wildlife Conservation and for the Management of Protected Areas of Liberia; and Concurrently, in keeping with the Forestry Reform Law of 2006 that requires Government to place 1.5 million hectares (30 percent) of forestlands under protection, we will submit a bill to establish the Gola National Park. Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. President ProTempore and Members of this Honorable Legislature: Laws crafted must be consistent with our national interests, determining, before submission to you, the financial implications. Antiquated laws that retard the promotion of our fledgling democracy should be abolished. This Government was one of the first two African States that signed the Table Mountain Declaration, which calls for decriminalizing freedom of expression. Therefore, we will submit, for your consideration, bills to repeal all repressive laws as found in the statutes and in decrees of the PRC. During the last several weeks, Honorable Members of the House of Representatives have been conducting consultations on a new Petroleum Law and the restructuring of the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL). We trust the process you have undertaken will lead to a Petroleum Act that we would find suitable to approve. Honorable Ladies and Gentlemen: During the period under review, we issued seven (7) Executive Orders to address national imperatives. They are: Executive Order #49 Extension of Executive Order No. 36 Exempting the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation from Customs Duties on Certain Products; Executive Order #50 Moratorium on the Exportation of Unprocessed Natural Rubber; Executive Order #51 Extension of Executive Order #41 Exempting Selected Entities from Customs Duties on Fuel; Executive Order #52 Suspension of Sections 904(a) and 904(b) of the Revenue Code of Liberia as Amended 2011; Executive Order #53 Moratorium on Public Land Sales; Executive Order #54 Temporary Suspension of Import Duty and Goods and Services Tax on Commercial Public Transport Buses; and on Spare Parts for the National Transit Authority (NTA) Buses; and Executive Order #55 Re-Issuance of an Administrative Code of Conduct for Members of the Executive Branch of Government. THE STATE OF THE ECONOMY Honorable Ladies and Gentlemen: We have indeed made significant advances in economic growth and development over the last eight years of our national stewardship. We are proud of the achievements of the Liberian people. But we must all be reminded that our country is recovering from a low economic base where 90 percent of our pro-

ductive capacity had been destroyed, which is arguably the greatest decrease in economic output recorded in any country since World War II. Coming from where we were a broken, destroyed and nearly incapacitated country we have made marked progress in economic revitalization and the restoration of basic social services as part of the governance pact with the Liberian people. Socioeconomic conditions have improved as a result of the combined strong efforts of the national government, the people of Liberia and our development partners. As much as has been achieved in economic and social development and reduction in the effects of the multi-dimensions of poverty, we do admit that significantly more must be done and more will be done. What is required now is continued peace and stability and the combined efforts of all Liberians in advancing the national cause of shared growth and development. In the decades preceding instability, Liberias growth record was remarkable as shown in statistical terms, but this masked serious problems of poverty and inequality in much of the country. The Agenda for Transformation recognizes this, pointing out that Vision 2030 will only be achieved if there is Economic Transformation addressing long-standing structural deficiencies. The beginning years of our national recovery required reactivation of growth in those traditional economic sectors; however, these latter years demand a commitment not to repeat the mistakes of the past to respond to inequality by lifting a larger number of the population out of long-standing poverty through inclusive growth. Historically, our growth potential is challenged by chronic deficits in critical infrastructure, and a largely undiversified economy dependent mainly upon traditional export products iron ore, rubber and timber which are exposed to global markets volatility. Despite these historical constraints and the sluggishness of global economic recovery in the last two years, the Liberian economy continues to be resilient. Growth registered an average annual 8 percent between 2006-2013 the third highest in the ECOWAS region and well above the subSaharan Africa average of 2.5 percent. Growth and progress could have registered even higher levels if greater effort had been made to unleash the potential consistent with the more than US$16 billion which was mobilized in Direct Foreign Investment. As we move to address historical constraints, infrastructure is a first priority. An economic Constraints Analysis conducted by the Government in collaboration with the Millennium Challenge Corporation, has identified electricity and roads as the two binding constraints to economic growth and private investment. Reform of the fiscal system which started in 2006 is still a long way away from the ef-

ficiency level required to fully support our economic aspirations. The budget has increased significantly since FY2006/7, allowing service provision and investment to expand. Core revenue (tax revenue, non-tax revenue and grants) increased by an average of 29 percent each year, and total revenues, including contingent revenue and on-budget borrowing, rose from US$148 million in FY2006/7 to US$559 million in FY2012/13. Continued sluggishness in core revenue, increasing by only 17 percent over the previous year, and an average 27 percent over the seven years, suggests more effort to strengthen the Ministry of Finance which needs to take bolder steps, including proposed legislation to broaden the tax base. Even though good partnership relations through grant support and one-off payments from sign-on bonuses have covered revenue gaps over the past years, this practice is not sustainable and could become a disincentive to efficiency in tax collection and tax consciousness. A vigorous tax enforcement plan is being finalized by the Ministry of Finance, to be implemented by a Special Task Force as we move to make the Revenue Authority operational at a much faster pace. The activities of this Task Force may cause discomfort and embarrassment for some public officials and prominent individuals and businesses that are yet to pay their fair share of taxes. We encourage each of us to check our records and move quickly into full compliance. It is only by paying our fair share of taxes that we can boast of truly contributing to our national reconstruction and development. Expenditure for budget year 2012/13 totaled US$593 million, an increase of 22 percent over the previous year and annual average growth of 28 percent over the seven-year period. Recurrent expenditure, especially wages and salaries and goods and services, continue to dominate the budget, crowding out the capital expenditure required for a growing economy. In 2012/13, this amounted to US$326 million out of a total expenditure of US$593 million. Capital expenditure in the Public Sector Investment Plan (PSIP) increased to US$138 million in FY2012/13 from the US$51.9 million allocated in the previous year. This included off-budget lending of US$14.4 million through concessional loans and credits. Additional off-budget financing through grants and loans to support programs and projects amounted to a disbursed amount of US$499 million, representing about 83 percent of the aid projection of US$567 million. Loans contracted from external sources to date total approximately US$757 million. In support of a wide range of development activities, Acts covering US$456 million have been ratified while Acts for US$300 million are currently before you pending ratification.

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Tuesday, January 28, 2014 DAILY OBSERVER Tuesday, January 28, 2014 Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Domestic debt service during the period totaled approximately US$40 million, representing settlement of Central Bank of Liberias US$7.5 million bridge and US$21.2 million overdraft facilities. An additional US$11.8 million was paid to settle other domestic debts, and US$7.09 million to external debts. Having complied with the requirements of the HIPC program, which led to the waiver of a significant portion of our external debt, Liberia is able to access financial markets once again to increase public sector investment with fiscally prudent borrowings aimed solely at addressing the infrastructure deficit. For the first time, the FY2012/13 budget was prepared using a Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), a process that programs revenues and expenditure over a three-year period, thus aligning with the Agenda for Transformation. Many challenges remain in improving financial management, a situation exacerbated by unduly long procurement processes which must be corrected. We are addressing these shortcomings by strengthening the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework budget process; strengthening the technical capacity of the Project Management Office in the Department of Budget; and reviewing the laws, provisions and organizational arrangements in the procurement process. We will also implement stringent guidelines relating to the State-Owned Enterprises which will no longer be allowed to make discretionary disbursements, approved by self-serving Boards that are not in conformity with our priorities and goals. Honorable Legislators: If we are to achieve our development goals and respond to the calls of our citizens for better roads, more lights, available and affordable power, more water, more schools and more hospitals, we must reduce the waste in recurrent expenditure, and increase public sector investments to the level of minimum annual US$150 million, as required to achieve our growth targets. We therefore ask, in the interest of a smooth budget process in this political year, that you exercise caution and consultation in your review and action on the budget submitted by the Executive. We too want more development in the rural areas, but this can only be achieved through a realistic budgetary process and a collaborative effort that recognizes respective constitutional mandates. The financial system has continued to expand under the guidance of the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) in branch networks, foreign exchange bureaux and credit unions. This resulted in significant expansion in credit which was buoyed by policy measures relating to more stringent action by the CBL and the Commercial Court, resulting in a decrease in non-performing loans. Credit expansion will

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also be positively impacted once delayed implementation of the decision to reduce the reserve requirement of commercial banks is made, thus bringing the CBL in harmony with similar institutions in the region. Credit expansion will also have greater potential and maximum impact when citizens demonstrate their responsibility by repaying their loans, a factor which continues to weaken access to credit for local companies. Relatively stable since 2010, the Liberian dollar came under enormous pressure during the year, resulting in a depreciation of 15 percent. This was due in part to deteriorating terms of trade caused by rising demand for imports and decline in exports from rubber which, along with iron ore, represents 95 percent of total exports. The UNMIL drawdown has also impacted the injection of foreign exchange into our market. The depreciation was also due to speculative capital flight which was addressed by CBL intervention in the foreign exchange market, which mopped up excess Liberian dollar liquidity that contributes to exchange rate volatility. At the same time, international reserves fell US$14 million below the target level required under our program with the International Monetary Fund, implying less than three-month import cover. A CBL decision placed US$22 million in commercial banks as economic stimulus lending to the agricultural and construction sectors and to Liberian businesses. The beneficial results of this action can only be assured through better coordination and cooperation by the leadership of the Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance. Nevertheless, the high level of dollarization moderated the effect of the depreciation, keeping inflation at a singledigit 7.5 percent, which compares favorably with other countries in the region. The reserve target under our program with the International Monetary Fund was also met at the end of December. The CBL remains a strong institution with potential to do more in support of growth in the economy. Significant progress has been made in regulating the activities of the insurance sector, modernizing the payments system and establishing a collateral registry. The issuance of 90-day Treasury bill denominated in Liberian dollar commenced in the fourth quarter of FY2012/13, primarily to facilitate revenue smoothing and as an initial step towards the creation of a domestic money market. A four-year roadmap was formulated to address the dual currency issue through a rational and gradual transition process of de-dollarization through the removal of barriers to increase demand for transaction in Liberian dollars. A more effective cooperative role by the monetary and fiscal authorities will ensure that the economy performs as planned and the roadmap is implement-

ed as envisioned. Agriculture remains the key sector of the economy for local employment creation, poverty reduction, food security and income generation, as over 60 percent of the population depends on this sector for livelihood. Food security is listed as a national priority, but we must admit that there has been under-investment by both the public and private sectors. Only massive investment can fix this under-performing sector so that it can play the vital role of delivering inclusive economic growth, environmental sustainability and longterm poverty reduction. Our scarce budget resources cannot do this, given the many other priorities, so we will need to attract investment from the private sector. At the same time, the private sector will not respond if there is continued harassment, extortion and unreasonable community demands. Consistent with national priority, the Ministry of Agriculture has mobilized support for smallholders with production potential in rubber, coffee and cocoa, as they will have positive impact on exports and employment. More needs to be done for smallholders in food crop and animal production who continue to produce at subsistence level in the informal sector. Support will require more than tools and seeds, as the lack of roads, storage and markets also serve as major constraints. Bold action may be required by shifting from the existing low funding level to one that will build a solid foundation for a highly productive, internationally competitive and diversified agricultural sector. The 2014/15 budget submission will thus include: support for access to credit for farmers at an initial funding level of US$9.3 million; addressing the serious health concerns of small farmers especially those producing rice in the more productive lowlands fields with a three-year annual investment of US$ 1.7 million; and a three-year agricultural mechanization proposal with an annual investment of US$2.3 million. Progress was made in developing the poultry industry. With direct support from the former President of Nigeria, the Obasanjo Farms, Liberia (OBL) was established in Grand Cape Mount County, and the first part of the operation the production and sale of fresh eggs was formally opened for business in July. A hatchery for the supply of dayold chicks will become operational in early March, and a Feed Mill will become fully operational thereafter. Project New Outlook (PNO), an agricultural-based NGO established in 1998, is headed by its founder and Executive Director, Mrs. Beatrice Togba Wuo, with their head office at Barnard Farm, Paynesville, and two production sites in Zoe Dahn Clan. With funding from the Finnish Refugee Council, PMO launched a community-based program in 1999 with vulnerable women widows, single parents and young girls that have dropped

out of school, are unemployed, and yet bearing children from the Forzohn Community, Mambahn District, and lower Margibi County. Between 2003-2006, PNO worked in 30 communities in Margibi County, in partnership with Mercy Corps, and provided training and support for improved farming methods. Mrs. Togba Wuo and her team are currently partnering with Finn Church Aid to implement two agricultural projects in which they support 96 vulnerable women farmers that have been trained to produce and market eggs and assorted vegetables in rural and urban areas of Montserrado County. We commend them and recognize Mrs. Togba Wuos presence here today. Important action has been taken to stimulate the fishing industry, which has the potential to supply the local and export markets, increase revenue and create jobs. Tuna fish licensing will commence in February; and two fish landing clusters a one-stop center where caught fish are stored, processed and distributed for the local market or for export will be constructed in Grand Bassa and Grand Cape Mount Counties. A coastal station will be built in Harper, Maryland County; and industrial fish offloading and export jetties will be constructed at the Freeport of Monrovia. The head office of the Bureau of National Fisheries will be constructed at the Omega Village, in Paynesville, to monitor the implementation of the National Fisheries Policy. Legislation, as required, is near completion for submission to you. Land is the critical asset of a natural resource rich country. Liberia has a total land area of 111,370 square kilometers, including 96,320 square kilometers of land and 15,050 square kilometers of water. Agriculture land constitutes about 27 percent of the total land area, but only about 5 percent of the land mass is under cultivation, making land utilization extremely low and lagging behind other countries in the region. Access to land and security of tenure have been major constraints to increased production and productivity in the concession agriculture sector. This is due to competing and conflicting rights of tenure among mining, agriculture and forestry operators, creating tensions exacerbated by the historical claims to land in affected rural communities. The Government has responded robustly to the issue. The Land Rights Policy promulgated in May is the clearest and most comprehensive categorization of land rights ever articulated in public policy in Liberia. Categories of land rights include: Private Land Rights, Customary Land Rights, Government Land Rights, and Public Land Rights. The Land Rights Policy represents a paradigm shift away from the unwritten but widely accepted policy of the past that gave government ownership rights over all lands. This is consistent with our decentralization program, and will provide opportunities

for empowering rural communities by allowing them to manage their land and landbased resources so as to advance their economic growth and development. To ensure implementation of the new Policy, a draft Land Rights Law has been completed and is undergoing public validation for subsequent submission to you. The Land Commission has also tackled other areas in the land sector. Land disputes continue to be a dominant feature of community life throughout the country. Land Coordination Centers have been established and are fully operational in Lofa, Margibi, Bong, Nimba and Maryland Counties. They serve as pilots in coordinating Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) for dealing with land disputes in these five counties. Passage of the Criminal Conveyance of Land Bill is awaiting House concurrence. This bill which addresses criminal activities in the land sector, such as fraudulent sales, will enhance access to land and improve tenure security. There is urgent need to create a new land agency, which would consolidate the land sector and improve efficiency and transparency of land administration and management. A draft creating the new agency is under review and will subsequently be forwarded to you. Liberia is rich in natural resources: virgin forests accounting for 43 percent of the biodiversity in West Africa; mountains filled with iron ore, gold and other minerals; fertile land, with plentiful rain for agriculture; and our share of the Atlantic Ocean filled with varieties of fish and the potential for hydrocarbon. The exploitation of these resources must be done in an appropriate governance framework that will protect the national interest but continue to create a conducive environment for investment. The management of our natural resources calls for an open and transparent environment which guarantees investors a fair return on their investment, while maximizing benefits for Liberian citizens and Liberian businesses. New forest laws stress the integration of community, conservation, and commercial forest management, while a Community Rights Law empowers communities to fully engage in the management of forest resources. The National Forestry Reform Law of 2006 makes provision for the issuance of five categories of forest resource licenses to access forest contracts: Forest Management Contract (FMC), Timber Sales Contract (TSC); Private Use Permit (PUP); Forest Use Permit (FUP); and Community Forestry. Poor management of the implementation of those laws resulted in a setback in attracting quality investors to the sector and in a major loss in revenue. The issuance of 63 PUPs prior to the formulation of relevant regulations to guide the process raised national and international concerns. A Spe-

cial Independent Investigating Body (SIIB) we constituted to probe the matter made recommendations that led to a moratorium on the issuance and operations of all PUPs pending the validation of the draft regulation. Meanwhile, 29 of the 63 PUPs issued have been revoked, while the remaining 34 are being reviewed for further action and possible cancellation. It should be noted, however, that this has no effect on forest operations which continue for entities with valid Forest Management Contracts. Full revival of the sector, including contributions to revenue, is expected with passage of the legislation relating to bid premiums. The Board of Directors has been reconstituted and new management has taken bold steps toward compliance with all laws and regulations. The Voluntary Partnership Agreement with the European Union should attract quality investors committed to value addition to the sector. The National Bureau of Concessions began work, with stakeholders, to develop a uniform national template to monitor and evaluate the compliance of concessionaires in the country, in order to reduce the many and often confusing reportorial lines. A National Concessions Cadastre is to be established for the administration and operation of a unified National Concessions Database System that will integrate and consolidate a repository of concession information. The Bureau is to make certain that concessionaires remain in full compliance with the terms and conditions of their respective concession agreements, and ensures that Liberian citizens and firms get the anticipated employment and business opportunities from these concession contracts. The Bureau faces challenges, including the lack of human capacity, logistics and insufficient budget allocation. The new management is expected to address these challenges to meet the purpose for which the Bureau was created. The Liberia Maritime Authority, despite the current global economic crisis was able to conduct its planned activities, contributing approximately US$19 million to the National Budget. The Liberia Marine Training Institute, opened in October 2011 after closure since 1989, graduated 80, bringing to over 500 the number of trained and certified Liberians who are now prepared for employment in the Maritime sector. This is most inadequate when we consider that 4,000 vessels are registered under our Flag. Plans are under way to expand opportunities and train more Liberians for employment in maritime work. The Authority initiated the innovative Beaches and Waterways project which, in its fifth year of operation, continued to employ over 1,900 beach community dwellers. This adds value, as many citizens can now walk and play on the beach without risk to safety and unsanitary conditions.

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In 2013, Liberia was one of three sub-Saharan African States re-elected, for the 20142015 biennium, to the International Maritime Organization Assemblys 40-Member Council, a notable achievement of the Authority. The Ministry of Commerce is exploring ways to address the growing trade deficit and the difficult situation faced by consumers who are experiencing the negative consequences of the exchange rate depreciation. This highlights the urgent need to expand the export sector and diversify our economy away from traditional exports to new value-added sectors. The fastest growing sectors are dominated by micro, small and medium-sized businesses, located in the service and industrial sectors that are producing beverages, vegetable oils, flour, plastic products, agricultural goods and cement. New firms established in 2013 are developing value-added sectors such as biscuit manufacturing and furniture. One such company, the TIBA Industrial Group, is a local manufacturer of a variety of biscuit products Marie, Nice, Ginger, Digestive, Glucose, and Cream Cracker all of them very familiar to Liberians. TIBA biscuits are 100 percent manufactured and packaged here, with plans to export Made in Liberia products. TIBA currently employs 90 Liberians operating one shift 90 percent of whom are women. At full capacity, the plant will operate three eight-hour shifts seven days a week, thereby increasing its workforce to 270 Liberians. This is an excellent example of the private sector creating industrial jobs for Liberians, and we want to recognize here and applaud the proprietors of the TIBA Group: Mackel Gharib, his father Rizkallah Gharib, and Cousin Atta Gharib. We applaud another successful Liberian businessman who CNN has recognized as the street vendor who turned US$200 into a potential multimillion-dollar business. He is Mr. Fomba Trawally, founder and owner of National Toiletries Inc. (NTI). Under the label of Kumba, Bendu & Sons, NTI manufactures paper towels, napkins, toilet paper and baby diapers, as well as cleaning products. The company, which started production a little over a year ago, has 45 employees -- 32 of them women -- and is located in Whein Town, in Montserrado County. Let us recognize and appreciate this enterprising Liberian. The Ministry ensured that MSMEs are assisted with a supportive business climate, by eliminating the L$4,200 business license fee and simplifying the procedures so that the entire registration process takes an average 48 hours. Liberia is thus rated the third easiest place to register a business in sub-Saharan Africa. This was highlighted during the first MSME Conference which brought together 800 participants comprising banking institutions, service pro-

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viders and international equity investors, while equally highlighting the challenges faced by local entrepreneurs. As a partial response to this challenge, we are preparing the guidelines for scrupulous implementation of Governments decision to direct 25 percent of public procurement of goods and services to Liberian businesses, which amounts to access to millions of dollars in public procurement opportunities. These businesses will also be helped by the Liberia Innovation Fund for Entrepreneurs (LIFE), in joint support from budget resources and the Liberia Bank for Development and Investment (LBDI). Efforts are under way to formulate policies and systems to protect consumers from arbitrary price increase and from poor quality goods. Without prejudice to our commitment to competitive open markets, we are considering ways to help private investment in local industries, which need protection from the influx of competing imports. Another measure under consideration is to impose a oneyear transitional period after which non-Liberians will be restricted to wholesaling, providing retailing opportunities for Liberians. The government has provided multiple opportunities to bring business to local SMEs, totaling over US$400,000 in the last year. Additionally these businesses have access to assistance in business planning and development. More help to local businesses translates into more jobs for the Liberian people. Tax waivers, the first SME Directory and an entrepreneurial exchange with Forbes Magazine were some of the initiatives undertaken during the year on behalf of SMEs. Among initiatives for jobplacement opportunities is the WELD program, which recently graduated over 300 students in the areas of welding, carpentry, and heavyduty machinery. This program will be continued through the Booker Washington Institute, which has already provided the land for constructing a training facility through the UNIDO/ Komatsu project. Having been classified in 2013 by the World Bank Doing Business Survey as the third easiest place to register a business in sub-Saharan Africa, Liberia is now poised for more progress in achieving accession to the World Trade Organization. FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Honorable Members of the Legislature: Consistent with our national interest, the Executive continues to engage positively with all friendly countries and peoples around the world. We play an active and leadership role in the Mano River Union (MRU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, upholding the ideals of peace and security, and the advancement of regional

integration and cooperation. Overall peace and stability in West Africa has remained stable through the individual and collective efforts of ECOWAS Member States. Notwithstanding, the region faces multiple political and security challenges, mainly linked to transnational organized crimes, piracy and terrorist activities. Liberia was proud to contribute an infantry platoon-size unit of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) to join the Africa International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA) the first time that our country is participating in peacekeeping operations in 52 years. Liberia successfully participated in the 50th Anniversary of the Organization of African Unity/African Union (OAU/ AU) and, as a founding Member State, planned and executed several nationwide activities in commemoration of the historic event. We also participated in the AUs Extraordinary Session, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in May, also marking the celebration of the Anniversary. We continue to serve Africa in leadership positions under the African Union Commission mandate: the African Peer Review Mechanism, aimed to improve governance processes; and the High-Level Committee of African Heads of State to ensure inclusion of Africas Common Position in the Post-2015 Global Development Agenda. We also chaired the High-Level Panel on Fragile States, under the aegis of the African Development Bank, which aims to mitigate the vulnerability of fragile States to new political and economic shocks. Honorable Members of the Legislature: As a result of intense diplomacy and concrete confidence-building measures, our administration has deepened friendly relations with the Government and people of Cte dIvoire, forging positive cooperation to address borderline tensions such as that which occurred in 2012. Our two governments, with support from the UN Missions in Liberia and Cte dIvoire, made good our respective commitments to stabilize and restore calm along our border through measures intended to bolster security and build confidence. Meetings in Monrovia in September and October among our two governments and the UN peacekeeping missions, led to the establishment of a Joint Council of Chiefs and Elders to encourage border safety and continual promotion of confidence-building. Our administration continues to pursue a robust development diplomacy agenda through the conclusion of cooperation agreements and joint commissions with friendly governments, including the Peoples Republic of China, Japan, India, Indonesia, Guinea, Qatar, Equatorial Guinea, Brazil and Cte dIvoire. Memoranda of Understanding and Statements of Intent were also concluded with the United States of America and the European Union, establishing political consultation mechanisms for the promotion of bilateral co-

operation. A bilateral forum with the European Commission was held during the year, and similar fora are planned in the United States and Japan in the next few months. Liberia, as one of three cochairs, hosted, last January, the Third Meeting of the HighLevel Panel of Eminent Persons established by the United Nations Secretary-General to craft a global development framework to replace the Millennium Development Goals when they expire at the end of 2015. We recommend your reading of the report of the Panel, titled A New Global Partnership: Eradicate Poverty and Transform Economies through Sustainable Development, which has received global acclaim. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs notes with satisfaction the increased foreign diplomatic presence in Liberia as a result of effective diplomacy, and a vote of confidence in the countrys future. These include the reopening of the British Embassy in Monrovia, with a Resident Ambassador, after more than 20 years of nonresident diplomatic presence; and opening of Embassies of Brazil, Sweden and the State of Qatar in Monrovia, at the level of Resident Ambassadors. There are about 38 facilities housing our Chanceries and the residences of our diplomatic staff abroad. Fifteen of these properties are owned by Government. The properties in Washington D.C., Paris and Abuja are in relative good shape; the rest are in serious disrepair and have suffered from neglect over the last quarter century of our civil crisis. Most of these properties are located in prime areas around the world and, with enough funding to give them a facelift, Government could find itself owning properties of great value. Most of the Embassies are understaffed. Staff accommodation is less than desirable, and because of inadequate rental allowances, many of the officers are forced to live in areas that are not representative of their status as diplomats of the Republic. Additionally, there is no provision in the budget for education allowance or medical insurance coverage for staff and, in many instances, Government is in breach of laws of the host countries regarding benefits of local employees. In the MRU region, we own prime properties for Chanceries in Abidjan, Conakry and Freetown, which are in urgent need of repair and renovation. The residence of the current Vice President of Ghana is a neighbor to the premises of our Embassy, and our Chancery is occupying land in the heart of Accra that is a few feet of the Foreign Ministry of Ghana. If immediate action is not taken to erect decent structures in these two locations, Government could lose them. The same goes for the property in Addis Ababa. Because Liberia was among the first to acquire property in that country, our Embassy is within a stones throw of the new multi-

million-dollar AU Commission Headquarters. The Ethiopian Government has been patient with us, but we could lose the property unless we meet the standards for properties within that vicinity. In all, Government may need an allotment of at least US$20 million in order to bring all of our properties to a minimum standard so that they do not stand out among glittering buildings around the world. Such an allotment would also enable us to improve salaries and other benefits for our staff, and would make it easier to rotate, retire and clean up the Foreign Service. SECURITY, PEACE, JUSTICE, AND RULE OF LAW The celebration of a Decade of Peace in 2013 was a milestone achievement for us as a nation, regardless of our individual status, ethnicity, political and religious affiliations. We are all proud of this collective achievement, recognizing that violence, which knows no boundaries or differences, shatters and destroys; while peace pools the resources of a people, leading them to greater development. With the support of the international community, especially the United States and United Nations peacekeeping and peace-building efforts, Liberia has rebuilt a new, ethnically balanced and professional army; and has embarked upon a process to enhance the professional capacity of the Liberia National Police, immigration and intelligence agencies in line with their responsibility for security within our borders. However, much work remains to be done, and so we welcome the recent UN Security Council Resolution 2116 that extends the mandate of UN peacekeepers to September 30, 2014. Under the leadership of the Ministry of National Defense, a 1,980-person-strong Armed Forces of Liberia continues to position itself to support a democratic environment through tactical and technical proficiencies and the development of a robust capacity to defend our territorial integrity. The Armed Forces Training Command, now headquartered at the newly renovated Todee Camp, assumed responsibility for tactical and proficiency training locally, and is presently training 140 new army recruits, which will be increased by some 400 recruits who were vetted and endorsed by the Joint Personnel Board. The AFL is also expanding its Engineering and Medical Units to assist in reconstruction projects and social service delivery. Similarly, the Coast Guard, of 82 persons, is expanding and strengthening its capabilities to patrol and protect our maritime domain, as evidenced by the arrests of several illegal fishing vessels in our waters. The UNMIL transition plan, which transfers security management of the state to the Government of Liberia, has entered its second phase, having completed phase one in the

following strategic locations: Robertsport, Foya District, and the Loguatou Border, Nimba County. Plans are well under way for trained security units to fill security personnel gaps created by the UNMIL drawdown. Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. President ProTempore: In my last years Annual Message, I indicated that we would, at the 2014 Armed Forces Day Celebration, install a Liberian Army Chief of Staff. Having consulted the relevant committees and your good selves, we have officially nominated, for confirmation by the Honorable Senate, the Chief of Staff, the Deputy Chief of Staff and the Brigade Commander, all of whom, if confirmed, would be installed in these positions on February 11, Armed Forces Day. We will then bid farewell to General Suraj Abdurrahman who has served us so well as the Command Officer-in-Charge. In collaboration with the United Nations Peacekeeping Department, the Ministry of Justice managed the establishment of a regional justice and security facility, called the Hub, to decentralize and strengthen the Criminal Justice System. The first Hub, established in Gbarnga to serve Bong, Lofa and Nimba, was inaugurated in February 2013 and is currently at 95 percent completion. This has facilitated a successful management of disruptions in the three counties in the Gbarnga Region over the past year. The new Circuit Courthouses which will open within a month, buttressed by construction of three Magisterial Courts, in each of the other two Hub counties, will further strengthen and make the justice system more accessible to our citizens in the leeward counties. The inclusion of immigration services, starting in the Gbarnga Hub Region, will pre-empt the need to travel to Monrovia to regularize immigration status. The construction of Hubs 2 and 3, in Zwedru and Harper, respectively, will commence soon. Similar facilities should follow, within the next year, for Buchanan and Tubmanburg, thus covering the entire country on a regional basis. As mentioned earlier, an Alternative Dispute Resolution program has been established to enhance citizens access to justice. Activities under this action will include a scoping study to map and evaluate existing approaches; and a pilot project to explore and support innovative approaches at the local level. Probation services that now cover only Montserrado, Bong, Nimba and Lofa will be expanded this year to include the entire country so that criminal defendants who deserve a second chance will have the opportunity to avail themselves of that right. The prosecutorial capacity of the Ministry of Justice remains weak, although greatly enhanced by the appointment of a new Solicitor General. Progress is noted in the prosecution of gender-based violence, bank

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fraud, murder, armed robbery and corruption. A total of 172 cases were tried, with the government winning guilty verdicts in 144 of them. During the year, a comprehensive nationwide baseline assessment of the Liberia National Police (LNP) was conducted to identify issues and develop a strategic framework for promoting effectiveness and advancement within the service. This is in recognition of the need to address difficulties faced by the LNP in terms of compensation, barracks, and logistics. A forthcoming reorganization and restructuring of the LNP will address these issues and ensure proper treatment for long-tenured officers who have served us well and kept our nation safe. Training of police at the Police Academy to increase the current strength is ongoing. It is projected that, annually, 600 new graduates from the Academy will enter the LNP. This number will have to be substantially increased to meet the UNMIL drawdown target. We are pleased that the last graduating class included 97 university graduates, who are expected to help enhance the professionalism of the police. Concerns continue about reported corruption and disorderly conduct by police officers that undermine the reputation of the hundreds who continue to serve honorably despite the difficulties. The LNP must continue to enhance the capacity of its Professional Standards Division to investigate unethical conduct. We ask citizens to continue submitting complaints on unethical conduct for investigation. In light of the substantial increase in vehicles and the lack of alternative roads, the record showed significant increases in the rate of injuries, deaths and property damage resulting from accidents caused by motorcyclists, particularly on the main arteries. It thus became necessary, as a public safety measure, to regulate and enforce the movement of motorcyclists in and around Monrovia, particularly on Tubman Boulevard. The sharp decline in the number of motor vehicle accidents indicates that this was the right decision. The Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS), as another safety-promoting measure, undertook a massive Fire Prevention and Safety Awareness campaign in six major communities in Monrovia and its environs. It is planned to extend this to certain at-risk communities in other counties. The government has expressed special gratitude to the Fire Rescue Alliance of Minnesota, USA, for its support in procuring new fire service equipment and in-service training for LNFS officers. The fight against trafficking in persons (TIP) is gaining momentum. Amendment to the 2005 Act on Trafficking in Persons to include Migrant Smuggling, resulted in a number of offenders being investigated and prosecuted for human trafficking. Endorsement of

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the five-year National Action Plan and early prosecution of offenders will add to this momentum and give evidence of progress to reverse the negative reporting which the country faces. Drug usage and drug-related offenses remain one of the greatest security challenges, as our small country is plagued by an alarming rate of drug abuse and drug trafficking. Major effort is under way by the Drug Enforcement Agency, in coordination with other security agencies, to enforce vigilance and aggressive response in investigating and dismantling domestic illicit drug activities. Two major cases involving international offenses were prevented by the Drug Enforcement Agency and the National Security Agency, resulting in indictment in U.S. courts.

ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION Honorable Members of the Legislature, My Fellow Liberians: The absence of reliable and affordable electricity, and the poor condition of a significant portion of our primary road network, represents major constraints to private sector value addition, investment and overall national development. If we are to achieve the economic transformation of our country, which guarantees a future of prosperity and employment for our youthful population, it is paramount that we invest, among other things, in infrastructure, giving priority to power, roads and ports, as well as to agriculture and forestry which have the potential to expand the economy for rural participation and food security. Our Energy Program, under the leadership of the Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy, is guided by a comprehensive electricity master plan which covers the development of electricity infrastructure and expansion of access to quality and affordable electricity services in the short, medium and long term. In the short term, the focus is to expand the transmission and distribution infrastructure and to respond to the demand of residential and commercial customers. The medium term of one to three years will see major expansion in generation capacity. In this regard, rehabilitation of the Mount Coffee hydroelectric power plant, our flagship program, is well on course. Manufacturing of the turbines, the most critical component of the project, is already under way, and physical work on the powerhouse and dam has already commenced. Two days ago, on January 25, to the rousing reception and delight of the people of Louisiana, a few of you joined me and several of our partners in groundbreaking for the civil works phase of the project. Even as Mount Coffee progresses, plans formulated by the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) call for continually increasing our power-generation capacity by

constructing three heavy fuel oil (HFO) power plants at the Bushrod Island facility. A total capacity of 38 megawatts will more than double the existing generation capacity, enabling us to connect more customers and offer electricity services at more affordable prices. In order to upgrade the grid to absorb the power generated from Mount Coffee and the HFO power plants, the grid will be extended to new areas in the city, including the City Center, Sinkor, and communities along Duport Road, Rehab Road, Zuba Town Road and ELWA Road. The Cross-Border Project, through which electricity will be provided to Maryland, Grand Gedeh and Nimba Counties from Cte dIvoire, progressed significantly, thereby expanding electricity access outside of Monrovia. Citizens are today rejoicing in Ganta, Saclepea and Sanniquellie as grid lights reach cities in Nimba, with Grand Gedeh and Maryland to benefit similarly within the next few weeks. The commissioned Yandehoun micro-hydro power plant, in Lofa County, is already supplying power to Yandehoun and surrounding towns, benefitting close to 1,000 persons. Plans are under way to secure a US$50 million facility to replicate this success, constructing up to ten mini- and microhydro power plants in rural areas across the country. The Three Corridors Project to construct a transmission line from Monrovia to Kakata, Monrovia to Klay, and Monrovia to Harbel is well advanced. A US$144 million line of credit from the Republic of India for the construction of high-voltage 225 kV transmission lines across the country will facilitate the delivery of power services in these corridors. Liberia was among six African countries included in U.S. President Barack Obamas Power Africa initiative, which aims to double electricity access in sub-Saharan Africa by building on the continents potential in gas and oil as well as its huge potential to develop clean energy. Power Africa will mobilize the U.S. private sector to add 10,000 megawatts of cleaner, more efficient electricity generation capacity, while also increasing electricity access by at least 20 million new households and businesses. We are actively engaged in identifying a U.S. private sector partner, as required by the program, to ensure that Liberia succeeds in benefitting from this important initiative. Deteriorated and inadequate road networks throughout Liberia have had adverse effects on the costs and transport of goods and services, vehicle operation costs, safe movement of citizens and residents within our borders, regional investments and trade opportunities, and the delivery of development and humanitarian assistance for our citizens. In order to address this situation, we have, under the direction of the Ministry of Public Works, invested huge sums in the construction of roads and bridges. These investments fo-

cus principally on primary road networks that connect production areas to markets, connect county capitals, and enhance national and sub-regional security, trade and commerce. Pavement of the Diahn-Blae Gbehzohn Highway, in Grand Bassa County, is completed. Construction is now accelerating on two major corridors: the Red-light to Gbarnga to Ganta (Guinea Border) Highway and the Kakata to Bong Mines Road. In order to address the delay, and in conformity with financial requirements, the Government had to pay over US$22 million to resettle individuals with properties in the right of way many of whom lacked title and built illegally, knowing the road construction was coming. By the end of 2014, our people will begin to feel the immediate impact of these major developments in their lives reduced travel time and costs of vehicle operation and maintenance, better access to and reduction in costs of basic goods and services, and enhanced development in affected communities. Efforts and negotiations are under way, in fulfillment of our commitment to connect county capitals with paved roads. Feasibility studies and detailed engineering design for the Kornia to Voinjama and Mendekorma Corridors are completed, and a similar study for the Gbarnga to Kornia Corridor is nearing completion. A special donor conference, in Monrovia, is planned for this year, to mobilize support for the construction of these vital roads which have high economic potential. The importance of this road is sufficiently high, requiring, if necessary, the allocation of budget resources to achieve this objective. We are unlikely to be able to meet our commitment to pave the Buchanan to Cestos to Greenville Corridor in time for the July 26 celebration, but an upgrade will take place as we seek financing for the full pavement. The first phase of the asphalt pavement of at least 50 kilometers of road that will link Harper to Karloken is scheduled to commence this year a significant milestone that signifies Governments commitment, making the southeast section of the country more accessible. The Ganta to Harper road has been divided into segments to allow for phased development: Ganta to Tappita, Tappita to Zwedru, Zwedru to Fish Town and Fish Town to Harper. Feasibility studies for the segment between Zwedru and Fish Town are under way, as we seek financing for the feasibility and pavement of all segments. In partnership with the Government of Sweden, the development of our feeder road networks continues. More than 100 kilometers of feeder roads have been rehabilitated in Nimba and Lofa Counties, thereby increasing community-level farm to market access and connectivity to secondary and primary roads. Plans for the pavement upgrade of the 70-kilometer road between Ganta and Yekepa are concluded, with work expected to commence this year. The

pavement was upgraded from double surface treatment chip seal to full asphalt pavement in consideration of the anticipated typical traffic load. As a means of accelerating our road construction program, we will require all concessionaires to deliver on their commitments for road infrastructure development as agreed in their individual concession agreements. This includes pavement of the Zwedru to Greenville and Tubmanburg to Kongo Corridors. Maintaining laterite roads remains one of the biggest challenges, a situation largely necessitated by budgetary and capacity limitations. This is not helped by an extended rainy season, and the continued abuse and misuse of our roads by road users, particularly with overloaded, multi-axle trucks. Investment in the upgrading of urban roads is part of an initiative to be felt not only in Monrovia and its environs, but throughout the country. An overall Urban Renewal Initiative aims at upgrading critical community/neighborhood roads to asphalt paved roads. Investments in this initiative include complete upgrade of the SKD Boulevard to a fourlane road corridor; and linking the Monrovia-Paynesville Highway to Somalia Drive. Asphalt overlay works are ongoing on over 10 kilometers of Sinkor streets and avenues, and asphalt upgrades are in progress on the Jamaica, Clara Town, AB Tolbert, Duport, Soul Clinic and Police Academy Road Corridors. Construction of a new double-lane Caldwell Bridge will be completed before the end of 2014, completing the first phase of intervention in the rehabilitation of the Caldwell to Louisiana Road Corridor. A new policy initiative will require that all major road infrastructure projects passing through major cities and county capitals must ensure that primary streets in these cities are also paved. Reconstruction and upgrade of Somalia Drive will begin within the next month. With support from the Government of Japan, we have commenced an investigatory survey within communities to identify and lay out the auxiliary alleys and roads along the ELWA to RIA Corridor, to ensure proper zoning, planning and laying out of communities. This initiative shall provide a model action plan template for developing communities, designing and constructing road corridors, thus minimizing the potential for citizens to continue building within the rights-of-ways (ROWs). The success of this program will afford Government the opportunity to replicate these activities in other major urban communities throughout the country. There has been less than satisfactory progress on the enforcement of our Zoning Laws and land-use planning regulations. Although hundreds of Stop Work and Removal Orders in Monrovia were issued, developers and builders continue to ignore the rules of engagement, by constructing without the approval and permitting required by the Government. In order to en-

force our zoning ordinances and laws, all illegal structures built within the rights-of-ways of existing and future road corridors will be removed. I have also instructed the Ministry of Public Works to demolish all structures on Tubman Boulevard that violate pedestrian pavement safety and the Zoning Laws. Those who, for personal gain, have allowed the defacing of our prime corridor will face the brunt of their illegal and corrupt practices. We recognize the challenges throughout the country for affordable housing, and in this regard, are pleased to report that plans are near completion for a 500-unit housing complex near the University of Liberia Fendell Campus, with support from the Government of Equatorial Guinea as a show of solidarity among African nations. The housing situation at West Point, which accommodates 31,000 citizens, demands a long-delayed response. Architectural design is under way to address this problem for which your approval will be sought through budgetary allocation in the next fiscal year. Construction or rehabilitation of new facilities at the Monrovia Vocational Training Center in Paynesville is nearing completion, but we have experienced delays in rehabilitation or construction of the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex, a new Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, and expansion of facilities at the Capitol Building Complex. These delays, which include land ownership and long-standing contractual arrangements and depositor rights, have also delayed reconstruction of important public facilities, including Ducor Hotel, Hotel Africa, the National Housing & Savings Bank Building, and the E.J. Roye Building. We can no longer accept these claims and delays, and will move, with court action or otherwise, as required, to complete these works. Large holdings of urban land have also delayed the development of our cities, a situation that must be addressed through the draft Act that provides the process for implementing the constitutional right of eminent domain. The transport sector is beginning to feel the effect of the reform under the Transformation Agenda and management by the Ministry of Transport. A Sector Master Plan was concluded which includes the rehabilitation and modernization of three of the countrys four seaports and the one international airport. Plans are under way to rehabilitate several county airstrips, the first one already operational in Foya through support of the NGO, Samaritans Purse. Surveys, policies and strategic plans aimed at improving travel efficiency and road safety for the road system are well advanced, awaiting detailed project planning for implementation. The National Port Authority has performed well to counter the situation in which the lack of maintenance over decades left our seaports in dire straits. A 25-year Port Master Plan,

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which includes investment in human capacity development, was completed during the year. Under a public-private partnership arrangement, the 600-meter Marginal Wharf and the mining pier at the Freeport of Monrovia were completed. Dredging and development at the Sinoe and Buchanan Ports have improved efficiency, with Buchanan judged ready for 24-hour operations. Discussions are under way to secure third-party user rights at the Buchanan Port to facilitate export of iron ore from Guinea. This will result in significant financial and economic benefit to Liberia. Discussions are also well advanced to meet the requirement for access to port facilities for exports of iron ore from the Bong and Bomi deposits and exports of agricultural produce from Sinoe and Grand Cape Mount. The Port Authority faces challenges of insufficient space, requiring action by Government to acquire seafront property from county or individuals by purchase or exercise of eminent domain. Another challenge relates to requests from several investors to construct new ports for the export of their products. This must be handled with caution so as not to exacerbate the serious erosion along the entire coastline. Far from the early days when only one or two airlines flew into Roberts International Airport (RIA), the Airport now services 11 regular international airlines. Passenger numbers have increased on an average of 25,000 a year. With numerous airlines providing services to regional capitals and destinations in Asia, North America and Africa, ticket prices have become so competitive that it is possible to fly round-trip to Accra for less than US$300 more than a 100 percent decrease in airfare from as little as four years ago. We are currently negotiating financing with the European Investment Bank, the Saudi Fund for Development and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa to begin the first phase of rehabilitation of the Airport this calendar year. A major setback in efforts for the development of the airport resulted from an unscrupulous and conspiring newly recruited Managing Director, who returned kindness and deference with entrapment and intriguing accusations to damage the credibility of several individuals and the image of the country. This matter is under review by counsel in the United States for legal redress, including extradition. An informal perception survey undertaken by the Ministry of Transport indicates that although power is considered a number one priority due to the implication for business and investment in industry, the Liberian people consider good roads as a major condition for improvement in their welfare. The ongoing work for improvement in road condition throughout the country is a response to this call, which will

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also reduce the high level of road traffic deaths and injuries, and as means of reducing the cost of transportation to facilitate better flow of goods and services. The same results are expected from the installation of weighbridges, the first currently under construction on the Diahn-Blah Gbehzhohn Highway. Additionally, a requirement for Third Party Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance will be enforced beginning next month by 18 insurance companies recently certified by the Central Bank of Liberia. This action will be enhanced by the established One Day One Stop Shop Platform for vehicle registration and driver license issuance. Useful transport services are provided throughout the country by motorcyclists operating over 70,000 motorcycles. A few months ago, as a means of reducing the alarming traffic congestion and level of deaths and injuries, it became necessary to restrict motorcycling traffic on the primary artery, Tubman Boulevard. The Ministry of Transport continues to work with the Motorcyclist Union to identify means to assist them. The National Transit Authority continues to provide reliable and safe road transport services on all existing roads in Montserrado County, with expansion to Bo Waterside, Buchanan, Gbarnga, Harbel, Schieffelin, Kakata and Zwedru. Special transport service, with Government subsidy, is provided to students who commute from Monrovia and environs to the University of Liberia Fendell Campus. The NTA completed a total of 644,389 passenger trips between March and December 2013 in favor of UL students. Further expansion of NTA service is hampered by limited fleet. The conclusion of local purchase of nine buses will relieve transport difficulties on Tubman Boulevard, and successful conclusion of ongoing negotiation with the Government of India for 15 additional buses will expand national service to commuters, including those in Gbarnga, Kakata and Bo Waterside who will benefit from the construction of modern bus stations. The General Services Agency (GSA) is the custodian of Government of Liberia properties and physical assets. This gives it the authority to execute leases, to enforce proper use of vehicles and other assets; to monitor the use and cost of assets purchased through public resources. New leadership at GSA is, perhaps for the first time in decades, trying to carry out these responsibilities successfully. To enable the GSA to accurately record and track all Government assets, and ensure their effective and efficient management for the next generation, urgent funding is required to purchase the Inventory Registry and Assets Management Systems, and implement the Fleet Management System. The Ministry of Finance has been instructed to

respond to this need, without further delay. The telecommunications sector continues to expand. Landing of the Africa Coast & Europe (ACE) fiber cable in Liberia on November 3, 2011, represents a milestone for which the Managing Director of the Liberia Telecommunications Corporation must be applauded for his tireless effort in this achievement. Today, approximately 193,912 Internet subscribers benefit from fast-speed Internet connectivity, with positive impact on income, competition, employment and potential direct foreign investment. The absence of a terrestrial network as a national backbone has constrained growth in this service a situation to be addressed once the ongoing study on design and cost is concluded. This will also facilitate connectivity in the Mano River countries, thereby promoting regional integration. As a result of the conclusion of an agreement which failed to meet our legal requirement, the entire LIBTELCO Board of Directors and Managing Director have been suspended until an ongoing investigation is concluded. A reconstitution of the Board and a restructuring of management will follow. The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) had a successful and active year of regulatory oversight in the execution of its statutory function. A major contribution was made to the establishment of the Cable Consortium and Liberias launch, in January 2013, of the ACE (Africa Coast to Europe) fiber optic cable. Consumers are thus able to access true high-speed broadband connectivity through their service providers, the majority of whom are connected to the landing terminal station. This massive operational initiative, funded by a loan with support from the World Bank through the West Africa Regional Communications Infrastructure Program (WARCIP) Liberia Project, will be beneficial for a national capital intensive effort to connect the nation to fast, lowcost, broadband services. The LTAs new International Gateway Monitoring (IGM) program monitors the performance of incoming international calls to Liberia, providing accurate revenue assurance, quality of service and anti-fraud management. Since its official launch in April 2013, the IGM program has made significant contribution to Governments revenue. This amount could have been significantly more, were it not for losses attributable to fraudsters use of illegal SIM Boxes to avoid paying regulatory fees for incoming international calls through the IGM system. The LTA has given assurance that it will continue to vigilantly go after entities and individuals who try to deprive Government of its revenue in the telecommunication sector. A long-tenure licensed operator, Libercell, was forced to close for lack of resources, and is likely to face auction of its assets to settle outstanding debts to the Government. In adherence to the mandate

of ECOWAS Member States to enact national laws that will develop, modernize and coordinate telecommunications networks throughout the region, the LTA led the process in Liberia to transpose nine legal instruments into national laws that are intended to protect the publics use of telecommunication services and to mobilize national and international financial resources aimed at attracting private sector participation in the provision of telecommunication services in the sub-region. The LTA and the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications are working towards ensuring compliance with the ITUs June 17, 2015, digital migration deadline. Designated frequencies are assigned for Liberia in the re-planning process, and public and consumer awareness campaigns on migration issues have been planned. The Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) has broadened its coverage and has extended its services through the national television to five counties Montserrado, Margibi, Grand Bassa, Bomi and Grand Cape Mount. The introduction of television services has expanded the scope of service. Nevertheless, cost-efficient and reliable service is likely to be constrained unless there is success in ongoing efforts to mobilize the resources and support to migrate from analogue to digital terrestrial broadcasting by 2015 as internationally required. The cost of the installation is estimated at over US$50 million. Until that time, both technologies known as dual illumination, will be used, but we must move quickly to find the means to bring Liberia into the modern technological era. The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications has been able to expand and modernize postal services despite limited budgetary and financial support. Twelve of the 15 counties now have functioning post offices, with plans to construct similar facilities in the remaining three. Services at the main Monrovia Post Office are exemplary, having improved to the level of efficiency which enables them to provide mail and package service to citizens at home and abroad and to resident international citizens and institutions. A pilot program to number structures under a National Postal Address System will further enhance the service. Plans for a future regime which consists of a modern financial electronic transaction processing platform will facilitate the capacity to provide postal financial services such as Local and Regional Electronic Money Order, and Wage/Salary Payments to pensioned government employees, as required by the Universal Postal Union (UPU) protocol. HUMAN DEVELOPMENT Human development is central to our transformation agenda, and our goal is to improve the quality of life of Liberians by investing in more accessible

and higher quality education; affordable and accessible quality healthcare; social protection for vulnerable citizens; and expanded access to healthy and environmentally friendly water and sanitation services. Education is the most critical element of a development agenda. It is not cheap and it requires sacrifices by parents, students, teachers, leaders, and the entire nation. Our situation is made more difficult by the damage, displacement and cultural mutation of the past, by the spacial nature of our habitation, by the listless attitude of beneficiaries, by the institutional aversion to change. According to the 2010 Census the system, as currently exists, consists of 2,849 schools 2103 of which are public, 343 private, 226 religious and mission schools, and 177 community schools. There are five community colleges existing or in pre-operational status Grand Bassa, Bomi, Bong, Grand Gedeh, Lofa, and Nimba; nine four-year degreegranting institutions, including the University of Liberia and Tubman University which are public; two vocational training institutes Booker Washington Institute, which plans to move from high school to junior college; and the Monrovia Vocational Training Center, which should move this year into new modern and well-equipped facilities. The University of Liberia has a current enrollment of 34,000 students in facilities, at both the Capitol Hill and Fendell campuses, that are most inadequate for the numbers. It is time that we create a more conducive atmosphere for learning consistent with what pertains in other countries by completing the Fendell Campus with all the boarding, housing, academic and sporting facilities that are required. A survey of the land is nearing completion after which we will start the process of demolishing the structures, most of them illegal, which have prevented the building of a proper university. Proposals will be made in the next budget to start this process of full relocation from the politics of Capitol Hill to the knowledge center of Fendell. Tubman University, a proper learning environment, with enrollment of 838 for the first semester of the academic year 2013-2014, is gaining the reputation of a quality technical institution, under a no-nonsense administration. The University will hold its first Commencement program in June 2014. More financial support will enable us to train the professionals needed to enhance national capacity. This will be reflected in our next fiscal budget submission. While we initiated and promoted the establishment of community colleges, it is clear that we must now limit further expansion due to the lack of teachers and education materials that will result in quality education. A shifting to regional community colleges is now under consideration. Honorable Legislators and Fellow Liberians: Several months ago, I used rather unsavory terms to describe the

education system. I did so as a reality check and a call to action. The Constraints Analysis puts the case: Though overall school enrolment and educational attainment rates have seen improvements in recent years, it is also important to note that a large percentage of Liberias current workforce is made up of unskilled labor, particularly in the rural areas and among women. Forty-five percent of Liberian males age 15 and over have no education or did not complete primary school, and 67 percent of females have no or did not complete primary school. The literacy rate is 57 percent. The quality of education will also remain a major challenge in the medium term as most educational institutions lack the necessary laboratory and training materials, and are in need of reconstruction. The performance of the students who have taken nationally administered secondary school examinations tend to be below standard, although there is slow gradual improvement. A large number of primary school students are considered inadequately prepared for school. For example, early grade reading results from the 2010 Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA) show an average score well below the average for the region. This poor foundation makes it difficult for students that move on to junior and secondary high school and into the workplace. The quality of technical/vocational training system also is extremely poor and limited in scope. A 2008 ILO Technical and Vocational Education and Training Tracer Study found that 93% of TVET institutions in Liberia had poor quality education; 69% provided training not relevant to marketplace; and only 19% of graduates were able to find full employment. Following a Sector Review, an Education Task Force was established to formulate a four-year plan to respond to the crisis in education. The Operational Plan 2014-2016 focuses on three key areas: increased learning achievement by improving the quality and conditions of teaching and learning; improvement in student performance and completion through increased access, enrolment, transition and retention; transformation of systems through improved education governance and management within the context of decentralization for effective delivery of education services. Admittedly, the implementation of the Plan is a tall order with huge financial implications. But we must start the process as there is no better way to ensure a better future for our children. I will revert to you once the financial implications of the Plan have been determined. The Ministry of Youth and Sports continues it response to the growing number of youth through efforts to increase employment and employability by providing short-term jobs, technical and vocational training, and sports development.

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Tuesday, January 28, 2014 DAILY OBSERVER Tuesday, January 28, 2014 Tuesday, January 28, 2014

To address youth unemployment in particular, the Liberia Youth Employment Program (LYEP), in which the government will invest US$75 million over the next five years, was launched. It has provided one-year employment for over 3,000 youths who are currently supporting various city corporations in improving waste and sanitation in 26 cities in the 15 counties. As part of a scaling up of the LYEP, plans are under way to fund the technical and vocational training component of the LYEP in next years budget. This will ensure that many of the youths who are currently working will have the opportunity to acquire technical skills for more gainful employment. To prepare youth to seek employment opportunities outside the LYEP, 200 youths were trained in satellite maintenance and installation to meet the growing needs for digital satellite TV connection in the country, and many are already serving as contractors for satellite service providers. This year, other components of the program aimed at providing skills and entrepreneurship opportunities for the empowerment of youth are expected to be launched. This will include: vacations jobs for 5,000 young people under the Special Presidential Back to School Clean up Initiative; the National Youth Volunteer Service Program, which complements the work of key government agencies providing basic services in the areas of education, health, and agriculture and community development in rural parts of Liberia; job readiness training for 100 senior high school female students in information and communication technology; the National Cadet Program, to train scholarly university students at varying ministries and the public sector and develop a new breed of professionals in government. The Youth, Employment, Skills Training (YES) Program, which in 2013 trained 2,088 youths (689 female and 1,399 male) in various categories of skills and vocational education, including agriculture, general hospitality, food preservation, tailoring, fashion design and road maintenance, was successful in placing 580 of them in jobs, while efforts continue to place the remaining 1,508 over the next ten months. A Task Force on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) was established to coordinate and help implement strategies that would close the skills gap, and provide high-quality, demanddriven skills training programs that align with private sector needs. These programs are crucial in helping Liberias youth obtain jobs until the private sector is fully developed and a diversified economy is fully operational to absorb a larger proportion of the labor force. Sports have proved to be a major catalyst for peace, reconciliation and development. The 2012/2013 National County Meet, won by Grand Cape

ANNUAL MESSAGE

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Mount, was held under the theme of Peace and Unity; that of the 2013/2014 Games is Celebrating Ten Years of Peace through Sports. The Games provided short-term employment opportunities for 1,365 youth athletes participating in sporting disciplines. We congratulate Grand Bassa County for winning this years Football Trophy. We are proud of and applaud our National Amputee Football Team which has won, for the third consecutive time, the championship of the Cup of African Nations on Amputee Football, winning the 4th Cup of African Nations on Amputee Football (CANAF) in Nairobi a month ago. I was proud to accept/receive their trophy at the finals of the National County Meet a week ago. With support from the Office of the Senior Advisor (OSA), and with a focus on youth empowerment and enterprise development, a modernized car wash center, the first of its kind, called the Executive Car Wash, located at the Old Road Junction in Congo Town was established. The construction work, on land donated by the Von Ballmoos family, took three months, at a cost of US$87,000, privately donated. A 30-day training period including courses in financial management and business registration was undertaken, responding to the commitment to our youth. Today, 54 young lives, removed from the streets, have forever changed; 22 of them have returned to school by financing their own education giving hope via empowerment. They now generate over US$5,000 monthly from the car wash and other services. I am pleased to present to you representatives of these successful young entrepreneurs, whose example will be replicated by the construction of three such facilities with the support of NOCAL. Labor and employment are sides of the same coin. Creating enough jobs so that our people are gainfully employed is essential if they are to work their way out of poverty, thereby enabling our country to reach middle-income status by the year 2030. For this to occur, it is the private sector, rather than government, that must drive the economy and generate more and better employment. Agricultural and mining concessions are expected to generate over 100,000 jobs over their multi-year term, but this is insufficient to absorb the 50,000 youth that are entering the labor force each year. At the same time, with clear policy on linkages and local content, concessions will provide a major opportunity for Liberian businesses to supply goods and services, leading to additional job creation. Despite the countrys robust growth since 2006, unemployment, especially youth unemployment, remains high and a major challenge. According to the Labor Force Survey 2010, vulnerable employment accounted for 77.9 percent of

total employment, while informal employment was a staggering 68 percent. Such high levels of vulnerable and informal sector employment sector mean the Government would have to strengthen efforts to build skills of workers and provide incentives for informal sector businesses to formalize. A Rapid Assessment on Job Creation was conducted under the auspices of the Ministry of Labour with the objective of (i) determining the sociodemogaphic characteristics of new entrants into the formal sector; (ii) establishing wellacceptable indicators on the additional jobs created in the economy; and (iii) furnishing policy makers with the required tool for decision-making on the labour market. In the light of surveys undertaken, the Labour Ministry has formulated policies and strategies to guide the activities of the sector. These include the National Employment Policy Action Plan, along with its monitoring and evaluation secretariat; the 2010 National Child Labour Survey Results the first report of its kind on child labor activities in the country; and a five-year National Action Plan to fight human trafficking. The welfare of workers improved considerably under Collective Bargaining Agreements, nine of which were signed between the management of several companies and their respective workers unions, with significant improvements in the living and working conditions of workers. Unskilled workers at these companies now receive US$5 or above as daily wages. The Ministry also docketed 1,515 labor cases from aggrieved employers and employees in the workplace. This high number of cases, an indication that Liberians now have greater confidence in the system and know that cases reported to the Ministry will be speedily adjudicated. Honorable Ladies and Gentlemen: A great human capital resource for the development of this country lies in the Liberian Diaspora. We trust that as you move forward during this session, and in your deliberations, you will give adequate consideration to the recognition of citizens rights for those persons born as Liberians, and those born of Liberian parentage who wish to contribute fully to the development of this country as citizens. The grant of Liberian citizenship would enable us to draw on the wealth of financial, technical and other resources available to that category of persons that could be deployed nationally. The health sector, under the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, continues to perform well, maintaining the support and confidence from partners who contribute to a pool fund in which priorities are collectively agreed and implemented. As a major decentralization effort, health service centers have been established in all 15 counties, with aggregate staff of almost 9,000. The training of doctors and other health practitioners, locally

and abroad, has enabled the placement of doctors in all 15 county hospitals. Similarly, a post-graduate residency program will deploy specialists in all county hospitals. The country can boast of over 173 Liberian and 83 foreign doctors, up from a total of 90 doctors in 2006, and almost 9,000 health workers, including 699 trained midwives. The construction of five microscopic laboratories in five counties, the installation of solar panels at health facilities in six counties, and the construction of eight incinerators to improve waste management and sanitation in eight counties will enhance the quality of health service delivery. The launch of the Promise Renewed Program, in line with the international Child Survival Call to Action, will further accelerate the reduction of childhood mortality and improve child health. The Ministry, in an effort to address the plight of vulnerable children provided support to 83 orphanages that cater to 3,357 orphans throughout the country. A National Health Insurance Scheme, now under consideration and planning, is essential to expand citizens access to health service, and will be presented to you for possible commencement in the next fiscal year. Despite progress in the sector, major challenges remain. Additional resources will be required to absorb and incentivize the increasing number of doctors and health workers that are trained annually. County hospitals need renovation and equipment enhancement, with Phebe and Redemption Hospitals requiring special allocation. The JFK Medical Center performs the role of country and national referral facility. In the past year, the number of patients receiving service increased significantly to a monthly count of 9,700, up from almost 8,700 in 2012. Lack of a full range of sophisticated equipment limits the quality of care that JFK renders, but this lack is fulfilled in large measure at the Jackson F. Doe Memorial Regional Referral Hospital, which serves monthly patients totaling 1,242 from the country and from regional countries as well. In order to provide ready access for minor health cases, more clinics and health centers would need to be constructed at district and community levels. Availability and affordability of drugs throughout the country is also an area to be addressed by change in the mandate and structure of the National Drug Service. Governments commitment to free health services for children under five must remain resolute. There is good news in the sector. The number of children receiving basic vaccines has increased significantly, with Liberia having already achieved the target set for the year 2021 90 percent of children under one year are receiving the DPT3/pentavalent 3 vaccination. The distribution of 100,000 long-lasting mosquito nets to pregnant women receiving antenatal care, contributed to the reduction in the prevalence

of malaria from 66 percent in 2005 to 28 percent in 2013; there has been no outbreak of infectious diseases since 2006; and the population living within 5 kilometers, or one hours walk from the nearest health facility increased from 69 to 72 percent the previous year, making us well on track for the 2021 target at 85 percent. The maternal mortality rate, although still unacceptably high, has reduced considerably, from 994 in 2007 to 770 per 100,000 live births, with the target at 497 by the year 2021. The under-five mortality rate has declined significantly that Liberia is joining the countries in Africa that are considered to be on-track to achieve Millennium Development Goal 4 by the 2015 deadline. This makes us likely to achieve two of the eight goals a remarkable achievement since Liberias effort on these Goals started six years after the kick-off of the MDGs in the year 2000. This Government remains committed to improving overall health and the quality of life of our people, and increasing access to safe drinking water is at the core of our plan. By reducing the incidence of water-related diseases in our urban centers and rural communities across the country, we will be able to further reduce under-five mortality. We have continued our expansion of pipe-borne water to thousands of customers in and around Monrovia, and in places where it is as yet cost prohibitive to introduce pipe-borne water, we have increased the number of boreholes and sanitation facilities. Ongoing improvement at the White Plains water treatment plant will increase the daily output of water from 6 million to 10 million gallons by years end. Even though we now supply as much water to Monrovia as was available before the war, the increase in population means that we have to do more. Efforts are under way to bring online two high-lift electric pumps of 12 million-gallon capacity, allowing us to deliver up to 24 million gallons daily. As a result of these efforts, the water supply to Monrovia and its environs has increased by 30 percent over the past year. Some 175 water kiosks have been activated, reflecting a 60 percent increase in pro-poor water access. As most Liberians will be quick to point out, Liberia is not Monrovia. In partnership with the African Development Bank, we have succeeded in supplying water either full time or on a partial basis in Buchanan, Kakata, Zwedru and Robertsport. With support from USAID, the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation is completing a situational analysis in Voinjama, Sanniquellie and Robertsport, the result of which will form the basis of civil works in these cities. Surveys are also being concluded on water facilities in Greenville, Gbarnga, Ganta and Harper, in order to determine the scale of the required works and funding sources for implementation. Crozierville, Bensonville and the University of Liberias Fendell Campus will

be served this year, once the second set of high-lift pumps has been installed. The development of a Rural Water Program, to include an operational plan, a program implementation manual, monitoring and evaluation, and operation and maintenance frameworks, is under way. An updated assessment is required for rehabilitating and improving the Fiamah Treatment Plant for the Monrovia sewage system. The scale of the devastation of infrastructure in and around Monrovia is evident for all to see. However, we still needed an objective evaluation of the facilities and the projected cost to restore and expand the citys infrastructure. We therefore worked with the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) who has produced a Master Plan for the restoration and improvement of urban facilities in Monrovia. That plan covers everything: roads, water supply, sewage and sanitation and drainage systems. At a projected cost of approximately US$594 million, it is impossible to implement the entire plan at one go. However, we must tackle some of its more urgent components, such as the drainage system in central Monrovia, Bushrod Island and Sinkor. The US$10 million projected cost of this urgent work will be included in the next fiscal years budget submission. GOVERNANCE AND PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. President ProTempore, Honorable Members of the 53rd Legislature: Our economic transformation for growth and development would be unsustainable without reforms to governance and public institutions. It remains the goal of this administration, in partnership with citizens, to create transparent, accountable and responsible public institutions that contribute to economic and social development as well as inclusive and participatory governance systems. Our governance reform program receives praises both in Africa and beyond. The 2013 Mo Ibrahim Index of African Governance ranked Liberia 9th in Africa in terms of the participation of its people in the political life of the nation. The Governance Commission has developed a plan of action for the deconcentration and devolution of functions to sub-national units. A draft Local Government Act, if passed into law, will provide the legal basis for implementing the National Policy on Decentralization and Local Governance, aimed essentially at the delegation of political, fiscal and administrative powers to sub-national units, to promote efficient service delivery. The expansion of public services to local government jurisdictions is a very important phase of the decentralization program, especially as we implement the UMIL transition. Our Vision 2030 includes the five-year Liberia National His-

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Monrovias Transport System Needs Urgent Overhaul

onrovias transport menace needs an urgent and practical over-haul for the services to commuters to become responsive and remain sustainable in the country. The warning was recently registered by an urban commuter, Wellington G. Philibert, in an exclusive interview with the Daily Observer in Monrovia. Philibert also suggested to the Liberian Government and stakeholders in the transport sector that constant interactions amongst Liberians and the greater business community are critical to economic

DAILY OBSERVER Tuesday, January 28, 2014

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By Edwin M. Fayia III

Mr. Wellington G. Philibert

prosperity, peace, and stability. Mr. Philibert regretted that Liberians, business people and foreign residents are enduring so much hardship at the hands of unscrupulous

CSOs Lack Financial President Sirleaf Receives Major Award Independence

commercial drivers and other public service transport providers in Monrovia and other parts of the country. He pointed out that on a daily basis Liberians, ordinary commuters especially, are seen at various street corners in ubiquitous (seen everywhere) scrambles for commercial vehicles to take them to their homes in Monrovia and its environs. Mr. Philibert also claimed that over the years the Ministry of Transport (MOT) has not been able to formulate strategies that would be responsive to the desperate needs of Liberians in urban and rural parts of the nation. Asked what could be the alternative, Mr. Philibert said

that the MOT and other key stakeholders in the transport sector must craft policies that would attract the attention of development support partners in the country. He added that the MOT, as a matter of policy, must procure inexpensive vehicles in order to meet the growing demands of commuters and the greater business community in Monrovia and other rural cities. Shedding light on recent moves by the MOT to secure more commercial vehicles for the commuting public, Mr. Philibert noted that those actions must be translated into practical instruments. Philibert expressed the hope that those policy state-

ments do not turn out mere rhetoric and sugar-coated utterances intended to please the suffering, commuting Liberian public. When citizens and business people commute freely, a lot of things are achieved along the socio-economic and political fronts in the country, Mr. Philibert asserted. I want the Liberian Government, policy makers and key transport stakeholders to prioritize the provision of sustained transport services for Liberians, business people and foreign residents in 2014 and beyond, Mr. Philibert emphasized.

If the transport menace continues to haunt Liberians and business people in their own country, the dream of a new Liberia would remain an illusion, he declared. Mr. Philibert also underscored the need for the top leadership of the nation to get involved in finding an amicable resolution to the transportation crisis that permeates the nation in every shape and form. In closing, Mr. Philibert sounded a clarion call on the leaders of the nation to consider the interest and love of their countrymen and women as well as human rights issues, as paramount.

from Africas Youth

iberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has been awarded the Protect the Goal Leadership Award presented at the 4th Pan-African Youth Leadership Summit in Dakar. The conference, which was organized by the Pan-African Network of Youth Leaders to the United Nations in collaboration with UNAIDS and UNFPA brought together more than 500 young Africans to the Senegalese capital of Dakar from 13-17 January 2014. Acclaimed Liberian youth activist and Executive Director of Youth Action International, Dr. Kimmie Weeks, who represented President Sirleaf at the event and received the award on the Presidents behalf referred to the award as a milestone for Liberia and a challenge to do more to address issues affecting Liberias youth. Weeks noted: this award from the youth of Africa is a

recognition of the work the President has already done, a realization of the importance of her role on as co-chair of eminent persons addressing the post 2015 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and also the major and important task of addressing youth unemployment issues in Liberia. A letter from UNAIDS to President Sirleaf noted further that the award was being presented to her for her role in supporting young people and bridging gender gaps, and for dedication to fighting HIV/AIDS that encompasses the spirit of UNAIDS Protect the Goal campaign. Held under the theme: Youth unemployment in the post-2015 development agenda, the conference focused on major issues affecting Africas youth population including unemployment, HIV/AIDS and youth participation in the advancement of the Millennium Development Goals. At the close of

NGO Report Shows

A
Weeks, left, took the award on behalf of President Sirleaf
the summit, African youth leaders called on governments across the continent to set up a Dakar Appeal fund for tackling youth unemployment as they wrapped up the five-day conference. Reiterating the key outcome of the conference, Mr. Djibril Diallo, Special Adviser to the Executive Director of UNAIDS said: young people have called for the heads of state and government to sort out the problem of unemployment. The Network of Youth Leaders of Africa and the Diaspora (NYLAD), which organized the event with the United Nations, is to make a formal request for the fund through Senegalese President Macky Sall and his Malian counterpart Ibrahim Boubacar Keita to the United Nations and African Union.

By Keith Morris

New report from the non-governmental sector shows that Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) solely depend on foreign donors for funding in order to support their respective projects. Subah-Belleh Associates in collaborated with Management Systems International (MSI) at the weekend launched the CSO Sustainability Index for Sub-Saharan Africa, a model instituted by USAID to study the strength and overall viability of CSO sectors in each West

ceiving funding and become largely inactive after attempts to win foreign donor funding fail, Mr. Subah added. Sourcing local funding is virtually nil due to our depressed economy and these NGOS lack good financial management system. Transparency and accountability is a challenge for most of our NGOS. In nutshell, most of our NGOS are not financially potent in terms of sustaining their programs after donor funding phase out. The report contains the overall rating of CSO Sustainability

Cross section of participants at the launch

African country. This exercise is a USAIDsponsored project, which is contracted to MSI and the International Centre for Non-forProfit Law (ICNL), who manages the process. During the launch of the index, Mr. Guzeh P. Subah, a consultant at Subah-Belleh Associate indicated that most CSOs in Liberia survive on grant from international donors, and as such, have no financial independence in performing their duties as CSOs. The report described said condition as the worst scenario recorded in the areas of financial viability with a rating of 5.8 which indicate that sustainability is impeded. The report covers 2012/2013 period and captures many issues facing CSOs and NGOs across the Western region. This rating indicates that most CSOs survive from grant or depend financially on one or more foreign sponsors, Mr. Subah told a gathering of CSOs. It highlights that many CSOs are created in the hopes of rein terms of seven dimensions including legal environment, organizational capacity, financial viability, advocacy, service provision, infrastructure and public Image. Each of the dimensions is rated in terms of sustainability enhanced, sustainability evolving and sustainability impeded. The significant of the report shows that CSO leaders and activists have found the Index process and final product to be a useful opportunity to look at the larger picture and reflect on sectors advancements and remaining challenges. According to Mr. Subah, the report is evidence based. Its findings are not the result of an empirical research. Findings are obtained largely from local panel of experts and CSO practitioners who are versed on the activities of CSOs. Their views are not considered final but are taken in comparison with the findings of others. In effect, cross references are made before findings are published, he said.

No Competition amongst Liberian Students

Voinjama Multilateral School Principal Opines
and responsibilities to cater to. Despite majority of students being parents, they must be given due respect. But with that respect they are tasked with the responsibility of studying their lessons. If our students are studying well, they will have the kind of competition that once existed amongst Liberian students years ago, he asserted. He said his institution as its own way of keeping the students focused, sizes the tie of any senior student who fails two or more subject and gives red shirt to any junior student who fails three subjects and above. The principal noted that the removing of tie from senior students serves as motivation to continue studying their oinjama Multilateral High School Principal, Mr. Ericson Boakai, has said that there is no competition amongst Liberian students. Mr. Boakai made the statement on Friday when he spoke to a team of journalist on the school campus in Voinjama City, Lofa County. The principal said students have taken more interest in social activities than studying their regular lessons after schooling hours. He said this is because 90% percent of Liberian students are parents and therefore, they all have their families

By: Conscience N. Tequah

lessons. He, however, said the school still lacks some basic materials needed to smoothen the learning environment for the students. During the civil crisis, this institution was badly damaged by rebels at the time. In the process, we lost so many things that would have contributed greatly to our learning process now. If we had a laboratory, library, computer room and enough reading books, students wouldnt spend time watching champions league and going to video clubs because these activities will keep them busy after schooling hours. Students spend the whole day looking for money, ridding pen pen and its really

affecting the learning process greatly, he explained. The principal said with over 1200 students last semester, the institution has been able to maintain it good records at the West African Examination Council (WAEC). We have also put polices into place to make sure that there will be no room for teacher and student relationship. If a teacher is cut in the act, he or she loses their job on the spot. As for the student, he/she will be expelled immediately. The school has also engaged in other extra curriculum activities like quizzing, debates and sports to keep the students equip and ready to compete with other schools around the Country, he noted.

Delaware Corrections Minor Wins Major Award

DAILY OBSERVER Tuesday, January 28, 2014

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April Hall, Linwood Hancock, Stacey Hollis, Jayme Jackson, Linda Kemp, Natasha Knight, Patricia May, Michael McMahon, Claudette Pettyjohn, Ricky Porter Sr., Megan Radcliffe, Larry Savage, James Simms, Evelyn Stevenson, Stefanie Streets, LaTangia Sutton, Angela Williams and Tom Zanda. The staff was also lauded for interacting with outside agencies such as the Department of Labor, Education, Health and Social Services, Delaware State Housing Authority, Connections and Delaware Center for Justice to assist in transitioning into re-entry into the community. Facility treatment staff empowers their clients by presenting treatment programs that prepare the clients to live well in the institution and in the community upon release, said a NASW announcement of the award. These programs provide mental health treatment through psychotherapy, educational opportunities, vocational training, work assignments, spiritual/religious programs and a variety of other classes and programming.

By Craig Anderson, Delaware State News

MYRNA Youve likely interacted with or at least been near the finished product of 2012 Delaware Social Worker of the Years efforts several times and never even noticed. Thats because Dover resident Leona G. Minor is really good at her craft changing behaviors of prison inmates who are 97 percent likely to be released into the everyday world at some point after incarceration. Thanks to the effectiveness of her self-designed Options Program thats focused on helping convicts understand the root of their issues and then control their thoughts before trouble arrives, hundreds of men have left the penal system with the ability to get a job, live within a community, interact with family and generally keep their lives on track. Working as a Master Correctional Counselor with the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center, Ms. Minor was shown that not all offenders are incorrigible or incapable of existing in a society of law and boundaries. Most people believe when individuals are incarcerated that its the end for them, said Ms. Minor, who has administered the nine-month program for approximately five years at clips of two hours per week. However, theres so much they can learn and be exposed to during a time when they

Leona Minor slow of Dover sits inside James T.social Vaughn can potentially down the social part of work, Correctional Center near Smyrna their lives and analyze what JTVCC Warden Perry Phelps has caused their problems. said. The average citizen may With a better understanding of not identify or recognize that the why part of it, they can correctional counselors are the then address the opportunity social workers for those who of how to make changes to have reached the deepest end avoid future mistakes. of the treatment services specThe Delaware chapter of the trum. National Association of Social Ms. Minor often exceeds Workers saluted her work by the established standards for making Ms. Minor the first her position. from a state agency to capture Both Warden Phelps and JTtop honors. VCC Treatment Administrator Knowing that 97 percent of Ron Hosterman pointed to Ms. the individuals incarcerated Minors work with fledgling in Delaware are going to be social workers through on-site released truly shows the sig- supervisor duties during field nificance and importance of training as benefiting generathe work being done by Leona tions to come. and all of the Departments Leona has been apprecicounselors and treatment ser- ated not only for her counselvices staff, Department of ing role, but also as someone Correction spokesman John R. who for years has been the Painter said. on-site supervisor for Masters DOC officials, who already in Social Work interns from awarded the 54-year-old with Delaware State University, an prestigious Golden Key nods investment in the future that in 2008 and 2011, were effu- has helped to bring highly sive in their praise when citing qualified candidates to evena wide range of contributions tual employment in Treatment that Ms. Minor provides. Services at (JTVCC), Mr. Leona is an outstanding Hosterman said. employee who understands She returned the credit back

to JTVCC administration, saying that none of the programs and initiatives could succeed without structural support from the DOC decision-makers. Im always excited to come to work and work with good people, said Ms. Minor, who also serves as an administrator for the Alcoholics Anonymous program. I love my job. If I can help somebody who is not cognizant of what is wrong with him understand more, then Ive had a fruitful day. My goal is to let them know that even though they find themselves in a bad current situation, its not the end for them. Originally from Liberia, Ms. Minor migrated to the United States due to her countrys civil war. While in West Africa, she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology/ Management from the University of Liberia. At Delaware State University, Ms. Minor earned a Masters in Social Work degree. She studied and earned certificates from the Royal Institute of Public Administration

in London, England, and the National Institute of Public Administration in Peshawar, Pakistan. Mrs. Minor is married to the Rev. Dr. S. Alexander Minor and they have four children. Vaughn workers honored On March 21, JTVCC facility staff was presented with the Social Work Agency of the Year by the NASWs Delaware chapter. The NASW Agency of the Year accolade is the chapters highest honor and it recognizes a human services organization that exhibits the values, ethics and principles of the NASW and the social work profession, a press release said. Vaughn staff attains these standards through their overall support to the clients they serve with incarceration and rehabilitation programs that address societal and offenders needs. JTVCC employees honored included Mr. Phelps, Mr. Hosterman, Ms. Minor, Cindy Atallian, Jessica Barton, Maleek Brown, Catherine Daramola, Daina Davis, Loretta Edwards, Kevin Fletcher,

Finnish Delegation Meets President Sirleaf

RYHF Promises More Scholarships

promised to provide more scholarships for Liberian students who want to study Agriculture, Nursing, Social Work and General Sciences just to name a few. At a recent press conference in Monrovia, the Country Director of RYHF, Alexander Ireland, said the objective of the scholarship program is to provide educational opportunities for students without the means to enrol in any of the countrys institutions of higher learning. Mr. Ireland indicated that scholarship fees from his organization would be paid directly into the account of any of the successful applicants. He also pointed out that the scholarship program would be fair and transparent as it would be applied online. Mr. Ireland detailed, All we need from the students is a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0, which automatically qualifies any student for our program. Currently, he said, the RYHF has 75 students attending various universities benefitting from the scholarship

Alexander Ireland, country director of Raise Your Hand Foundation

By David A. Yates

he hopes of many underprivileged students to attain a university education may be realized thanks to a local non-governmental organization (NGO) making efforts for that to happen. The NGO, Raise Your Hand Foundation (RYHF), has

program. Mr. Ireland furthered that the program would be widening to cater to more students across the country regardless of their social standing or location; falling in line with his organizations belief in building the capacity of all young Liberians. RYHF is meeting students in their respective communities and sharing ideas with them regarding their academic and emotional situations. We are doing this through the development of peer and professional tutoring programs for all ages, he explained. Mr. Ireland also took the opportunity to acknowledge the recent honor bestowed upon him and his organization by the management of the Daily Observer as the Peoples Choice Person of the Year for 2013. The RYHFs recommendation for the Daily Observer newspapers prestigious 2013 Award was made by members of the public that followed its activities over the years.

inn Church Aid (FCA) hosted a high level delegation from Finland last week, including two former ministers Ms. Elisabeth Rehn (Defense) and Ms. Heidi Hautala (International Development & Ownership Steering Issues). The visiting delegation represented FCA-run networks of experts in education and womens entrepreneurship. Culmination of the visit in Liberia took place on Saturday, when the delegation met with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Discussion with President Sirleaf brought up various topics of the state of Liberia and how international NGOs like Finn Church Aid can contribute to its development. Teachers from Finland President Sirleaf shared her concern about inadequate resources in education sector and lack of qualified teachers in Liberia. At the same time, Finland is internationally known for its equitable and high quality education system and outstanding teacher training. Executive Director of Finn Church Aid (FCA) Mr. Antti Pentikinen confirmed FCAs commitment to support development of education in Liberia. In Finland we have created a network called Teachers without Borders. The network consists of hundreds of teachers who are willing to help in developing countries. FCA is planning to bring the first voluntary teachers from Finland to Liberia this year, Pen-

President meeting with the Finnish delegation at the Ministry of Foreign Ministry
tikinen explained. Finn Church Aid supports the strong entrepreneurial spirit of Liberian women This was not the first time for an FCA-run delegation to meet with President Sirleaf. In 2007 Finn Church Aid invited Finnish women in leading positions to visit Liberia. Being impressed by the resilience of Liberian women they decided to establish a fundraising network Womens Bank for supporting FCAs work for empowering women in developing countries. The entrepreneurial spirit in Liberia is strong. The government is aiming to strengthen business capacities of women and create an entrepreneur friendly environment, President Sirleaf stated. She said that international NGOs like Finn Church Aid have a crucial role in the economic empowerment of women. So far Womens Bank volunteers in Finland have raised approximately USD 10 million to support the livelihoods and entrepreneurship of the most vulnerable women in different parts of the world. Funds are channeled through Finn Church Aid to local partners. One of the success stories of Finn Church Aid in Liberia is a poultry farm in Margibi County, run by a local NGO, Project New Outlook (PNO). Small-scale egg production creates livelihood and small business to rural women benefiting their communities. President Sirleaf acknowledged the importance and potential of FCAs poultry projects. Currently Liberia is highly dependent on imported eggs. Supporting rural womens livelihood not only contributes to their empowerment but also helps Liberia to become less dependent on imports. I am well aware of FCAs work for the most vulnerable women. My Vice President visited one of the chicken farms supported by Finn Church Aid and brought me eggs! President Sirleaf told the delegation. Finn Church Aid delegation met also with SRSG Karin Landgren at UNMIL as well as the Minister of Education Etmonia David Tarpeh.

Tuesday, January 28,28, 2014 DAILY OBSERVER Tuesday, January 28, 2014 Tuesday, 2014

tory Project which aims to provide guidelines for devising a history curriculum for Liberian schools, and has the potential to contribute to national reconciliation, unity and social cohesion. Other important initiatives include the work of the Constitution Review Committee and the National Symbols Project. After due consultation, we have endorsed the recommendation of the GC to move ahead on a stakeholders consultation regarding the need for change in the National Symbols the Flag, Motto and Decorations, as proposed in the development agenda, Vision 2030. Work on public sector reform aims to make governance more responsive, effective and efficient, thereby improving living standards resulted in the restructuring of 13 government agencies, including the restructuring and re-naming of the Ministries of Gender and Development, Internal Affairs, and Health and Social Welfare, as well as the establishment of the Liberia National Tourism Authority. The reform agenda also calls for the establishment of a Civil Service Commission to make it more autonomous, so as to enhance merit-based appointments and strengthen professionalism. The establishment of the position of Principal Administrative Officer, to ensure continuity and build institutional memory, is far behind schedule, requiring early action by both the Executive and Legislature. The GC has also promoted, through the National Integrity Forum, the National Code of Conduct; the Legislative Monitoring, Transparency & Accountability Project; and the Integrity Barometer, which contains an assessment of the public experience of corrupt practices. We congratulate the Honorable Liberian Senate, with special thanks to the sponsoring Senators, in passing the Code of Conduct Bill, and we urge you, distinguished Members of the House, to join your counterparts in doing so. Mr. Speaker and Honorable Members of the Legislature: The new leadership of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, building upon the progress of the past, has initiated a dynamic program of re-engagement with our 15 counties. In a partnership of local government authorities and citizens, the Ministry successfully led the first ever effort to co-host, simultaneously, our 165th Independence Celebrations in the three western counties: Grand Cape Mount, Gbarpolu and Bomi. In October, in furtherance of consolidating trans-border peace, security, and stability between the Republic of Cte dIvoire and our country, the Government hosted the First Joint Council of Chiefs and Elders Meeting in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh. President Alassane Ouattara and I participated in the closing program of the meeting which was attended by Chiefs, Elders, and

ANNUAL MESSAGE
eminent political and community leaders from our two countries. A follow-up meeting is planned for March in Guiglo, Cte dIvoire. In the spirit of the Zwedru meeting, future peace promotion meetings will include our other sisterly Republics of the Mano River region, Sierra Leone and Guinea. Other programs aimed at trans-border peace, to be undertaken during the first half of this year, will focus on youth and women. A further consolidation of domestic peace and reconciliation involved the final payment of more than L$43 million, or US$577,288 equivalent to 244 respondents to settle land and property claims in Nimba County. Several key partners continue to strongly support our peace building, reconciliation and decentralization programs. The United Nations, through the Peace Building Support Office and the Liberia Configuration in New York, provided US$15 million to support various aspects of the programs in security, youth development, constitution review, governance, law reform, Palava Hut Talk, as well as community and faithbased peace and reconciliation initiatives. Other reconciliation and conflict-resolution efforts were undertaken between the affected communities and concessionaires in Sinoe, Bong, Bomi and Grand Cape Mount. Together, we took a major step aimed at decentralizing financial management and accountability by the appointment of Assistant Superintendents for Fiscal Affairs. In making these appointments we were guided by experience and competence, not regionalism, ensuring focus on development of our country rather than distraction by local politics. During the reporting period, the Liberia Decentralization Implementation Plan (LDIP), the guiding document for implementation of the National Policy on Decentralization and Local Governance, was formulated and signed. We are committed, under this partnership program, to provide US$24 million which will be included in the next fiscal year budget submission. We are pleased to report that the Millennium Village project in Korkoya District has been revived with funding from the Government of Norway, and we can now ensure completion of the villages with modern facilities, as envisioned. Honorable Legislators: In advancing our flagship programs Peace Building and National Reconciliation and Decentralization the National Reconciliation Roadmap was launched, in June, with the participation of Liberias Peace Ambassador, George M. Weah. The Roadmap, under direction of our Ministry of Internal Affairs, noted our nations history of cleavage, disunity and confrontation, but also a history of a resilient people who have, time and time again, risen above the odds, able to stand tall in the midst of adver-

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sity to reach across the divide and promote a united country. We urge Liberians to muster the courage to let bygones be bygones, and embrace one another with a new mind, a new spirit and a new attitude. The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that ended the Liberian civil conflict called for the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and an Independent National Commission on Human Rights, thought to be essential for lasting peace in Liberia. In its final report, in June 2009, the TRC recommended the creation of a National Palava Hut Program as a traditional and cultural conflict resolution mechanism common in rural Liberia, and that the INCHR should oversee the Palava Hut process and coordinate its activities. In the lead-up to the launch of the National Palava Hut Program, in Zwedru, on October 19, the INCHR held consultative meetings in 13 counties, in which about 1,000 citizens, representing all groups, participated. The official launch took place in the presence of other stakeholders and international partners. We used the occasion to challenge the INCHR, traditional and religious leaders, the Liberia Council of Churches, the Muslim Council, political parties, civil society and all Liberians to fully participate and support the National Palava Hut Program, in order to ensure lasting peace and harmony. A National Palava Hut Technical Forum was held in November to determine the commonalities and differences of the Palava Hut Practice among the four linguistic groups in Liberia, in order to design preliminary guidelines and methodologies for a system which is uniformly applicable throughout the country. The next steps in this process, which must conclude within the next two years, will be to conduct a comprehensive ethnographic study of Liberias Palava Hut System; create nationwide awareness on the process, safety and benefits of the Palava Hut System; and conduct the Palava Hut Talks, in the form of communitybased truth-telling, atonement and psychosocial recovery. Palava Hut dialogues and discussions will take place in towns, villages and cities across the country, and will provide victims and perpetrators a safe space to tell their stories and seek the means of fostering national peace and reconciliation. I urge the new leadership of the Independent Human Rights Commission to accelerate this process, and I appeal to all Liberians to endorse and participate in its implementation. The Civil Service is the backbone of the government, yet it continually underserves the Liberian people due to low performance and a runaway wage bill. When a large portion of civil servants have little motivation or capacity to do the work they are charged to do, this undermines the ability of government to provide even the most basic of services. Our people deserve, and expect, better.

Unfortunately, the current system simply does not attract or retain talent, nor does it reward performance. The Civil Service examinations are outdated, which makes them a poor judge of ability and character. Civil servants continue to be paid unequally, lack essential tools such as computers and printers, and have few incentives to excel due to weak Human Resources management processes such as poor oversight and performance evaluation. As a result of measures undertaken to clean up the civil service payroll through the implementation of the biometrics system, we have begun to see a slight decrease in the total numbers. While in 2013 there were 35,664 regular and 8,580 supplementary employees, in January 2014 the number stood at 35,445 regular and 8,512 supplementary employees. The Civil Services wage bill, which includes thousands of ghosts, is still bloated, nearing one-third of the total national budget. Every day we waste precious resources to maintain a broken system that, instead, could be used to fund important activities such as expanding our power grid, purchasing chalkboards for our schools, and stocking our health facilities with medicine. To make sure that the next generation of civil servants can meet the challenges and the needs of the future, each year the Government funds a number of Liberians, numbering over 380 today, to pursue degrees in five strategic fields Health, Education, Engineering, Agriculture, and Public Administration in more than ten countries, including Australia, Botswana, China, India, Morocco, and the United States. The reform of our Civil Service rests on three key legs: to optimize the size of the Civil Service, so that it can perform its mandates sustainably and cost-effectively; to reform the pay structure to attract and retain talent; and to remove favoritism, bias, and replace them with merit-based and performance-driven principles. It has not been an easy task, but we have made good progress and have ongoing dialogue with partners for support. We expect to submit the details and costing of this very important initiative for start of implementation in the next fiscal year budget. The recent Constraints Analysis reports that corruption remains endemic, although the country has improved on key corruption indicators. Enhancing integrity in public life has to remain a preoccupation of all of us. Reforms in the Civil Service, establishment of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission, the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission, the Liberia Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative, the Commercial Court, the Freedom of Information Act, the Code of Conduct when enacted into law are all measures that will make a difference only if we respect and make them work. We have made significant progress on the preventive side in combat-

ing the scourge of corruption, and acknowledge the reforms ongoing in the Judiciary that will enhance our efforts on the punishment side of our fight. A reorganized General Auditing Commission (GAC) has initiated 57 audits for 2013, giving us an opportunity to break from the lethargy of inaction on past reports that were challenged. Our Constitution and laws are clear on accountability in the use of public resources. We will therefore require that work plans of the GAC go beyond the Executive to include the other two branches of government. We look forward to a reorganized and re-energized GAC that is media shy and committed to a good governance process which ensures the highest level of integrity and a commitment to uphold the public trust. We also commend the work of your Joint Public Accounts Committee which has initiated public hearings on the reports. A new draft GAC Bill will be submitted to you and, if enacted into law, will meet our commitment to place GAC operations on par with other Supreme Audit institutions by ensuring full financial and operational independence. The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) investigated and prosecuted corruption cases; created awareness about the ills of corruption through education and prevention activities; and executed the Income, Assets and Liabilities Disclosure Regime and the Assets Verification Exercise. Of 18 cases reported to the Commission, six were investigated and concluded, and a guilty verdict, under appeal, was handed down in the case involving the purchase of uniforms for the Emergency Response Unit of the Liberia National Police. Public officials filed 42 declarations, after which a fiveperson committee was established to ascertain which assets have been declared; whether assets have been truthfully declared; how those assets were acquired, and whether they are commensurate with income. Renewed declaration of assets and a verification exercise will be required by all officials of the Executive, consistent with the example I have set by my own filing on the second anniversary of the first filing, as required by the Code of Conduct. Among the challenges faced by LACC are: insufficient inhouse prosecutors to investigate and prosecute corruption cases; the absence of critical complementary legal instruments to enhance its work, such as a Whistleblower Act, a Code of Conduct for Liberian Public Servants, and Corrupt Offenses and Illicit Enrichment Acts; difficulty in obtaining documents from some ministries and agencies, which is hindering ongoing investigations; the lack of subpoena power; and the lack of a Fast Track Court to deal exclusively with corruption cases. We intend to work with the Commission to draft and submit to the Legislature for enactment these critical anticorruption instruments, which are also recommended by the

United Nations Convention against Corruption. At the same time, we intend to resubmit an amendment for greater prosecutorial powers for LACC, so that it can prosecute as soon as an investigation establishes cause. Under its mandate, the National Elections Commission (NEC) conducts free, fair, transparent and credible elections. The tenure of membership of the NEC having expired, a new corps of Commissioners, with the consent of the Senate, was appointed. With renewed vigor, the NEC has begun work on voter registration preparatory to the 2014 Special Senatorial Election. In 2013, the Commission successfully conducted one Senatorial By-election in Grand Bassa County, to fill the vacant seat created by the unfortunate death of Senator John Francis Whitfield. Other activities included interactions with the 31 registered political parties directly and/or through the Inter-Party Consultative Committee; and providing appropriate forums for voters education. More financial support is required to enable the Commission to conduct this years Election. OPEN SOCIETY: THE MEDIA From where we were just ten years ago, the media market has evolved remarkably. Today there are more than 30 newspapers and online services, 19 radio stations and 45 community radio stations all independently owned and operated. This is a positive development which needs to be commended. A free media is an indispensable tool to the preservation, promotion and protection of a free, democratic society. It can be an effective mirror for society. It is an industry that trades in news and has great impact on public opinion. It therefore has a grave responsibility to make sure information is disseminated; and that the information so disseminated, most importantly, is accurate. This is a political year, and elections are around the corner. Great interests will be at stake. People will speak loudly to be heard and will want the media as their echo chambers. The media will play a major role in this years elections. The worse that could happen, and which we do not expect and do not want, is a media that transforms itself into political weaponry of selfish individuals. The media can impact our electoral process, and we hope it will do so by orienting the political debate, bringing the issues to the people and to the candidates, and by playing the responsible role expected of it. The nation of freedom and peace we want is the personal responsibility of each of us. During the years, we have taken steps to create an enabling environment: we created the office of an Independent Freedom of Information Commissioner; engaged civil society on issues of transparency and accountability within the

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Tuesday, January 28, 28, 2014 DAILY OBSERVER Tuesday, January 2014

framework of the Open Governance Partnership; began implementing the Freedom of Information Law; signed the Table Mountain Declaration, thus becoming only the second African State to do so. All these are clear indications of our inalienable attachment to the values of free speech, free thinking and unfettered access to information. But freedom is not free, and the price is oftentimes not measured in monetary value. The price the nation and many innocent victims pay from irresponsible reporting damages the image of our country, damages to hard-won reputations, and adversely affect national growth and development opportunities. As we maintain our values, supporting the right of free expression, we must do so conscious that the purpose of that value is the collective enhancement of our society. We must therefore rebuff abuse of that right and recognize that the Constitution requires that we are responsible for the abuse of that right. The children of Liberia deserve to inherit a better society a stronger, united Nation. Let us in unison strive to achieve and bequeath that to them. NGO ACTIVITIES IN LIBERIA Since the restoration of peace and democratic governance in Liberia, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) both national and international continue to contribute to the reconstruction process of our country. To date, Liberia has a total of 997 NGOs 874 National and 123 International operating in the 15 counties of Liberia. These NGOs had traditionally provided services in wide areas of humanitarian assistance and development. More recently the emphasis has been on democracy and governance; human rights; environment and natural resources. In these latter functions, some NGOs have sought to become supernational bodies challenging national sovereignty even as they themselves lack national and international governance status and rules in transparency and accessibility. As we strive to speed up our post-conflict development, we must ensure efficiency, transparency and accountability by NGOs in their delivery of services to our people. We must guarantee a strong intersectoral framework and information-sharing mechanisms between the institutions of government and non-governmental organizations. To ensure that we achieve this partnership, the Government will require national and international NGOs to submit a report of their annual activities, and register with the relevant government agency every year; that NGOs disclose to the Government of Liberia the details of the funds pledged by donors for project implementation in the country; that funds secured for capacity building are utilized, in collaboration

ANNUAL MESSAGE

with the relevant Ministries or Agencies of Government; that all funds released to NGOs by a donor should be transferred from the donor to the NGOs through an account in a commercial bank in Liberia; that all vehicles owned by NGOs should be registered in the name of the organization and be clearly marked with the name and logo of the organization or face impoundment; and that all assets owned by international non-governmental organizations purchased or acquired with donor funds are the property of the Liberian people who are the direct beneficiaries. In an instance where an organization decides to close down its operations, the organization shall surrender such assets to the sector Ministries or Agencies of Government in which such NGO operated. CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES Honorable Legislators: The Agenda for Transformation identifies a number of crosscutting issues gender, child protection, disabilities, youth empowerment, the environment, HIV/AIDS, human rights, and labor and employment. The Ministry of Gender and Development is successfully leading us to the achievement of Millennium Development Goal number 3 on gender equality and the empowerment of women. One of the biggest challenges is sexual violence, a growing concern in our country, especially the rape of young children. Of all the rape cases reported from the 15 counties, over 65 percent were children below 14 years. Last year, ten children between the ages of 3 and 14 years died as a result of rape. It is shameful that this continues to mar the image of our country. The law which makes rape a non-bailable offense has had limited effect because of families of victims who are easily compromised, by the lack of evidence, and by sympathetic judges. I chaired a meeting of women leaders and representatives of women organizations who are working on a program that will call on religious, traditional and community leaders, parents, teachers, women and youth groups to become agents of change and commit to take action to prevent sexual violence, as this is everyones responsibility. We need your support also, to ensure that our children and our women are safe. While we have done well in the enrollment of girls in primary schools, retention is a problem. In response, the Ministry renovated a dormitory, and recruited and enrolled 60 vulnerable and underprivileged girls from Grand Cape Mount, Gbarpolu, Bomi and rural Montserrado at Ricks Institute and Bromley Mission to complete their secondary education. A further 125 girls, recruited from Nimba, Lofa, Bong and Grand Bassa, are enrolled at the newly renovated Victoria A. Tolbert Girls Hostel in Gbalatuah, Bong County.

The Economic Empowerment of Adolescent Girls and Young Women (EPAG) project has, since 2009, increased employment and incomes among 2,500 adolescent girls and young women between ages 16-27 years in business development skills, job skills, and life skills, in Montserrado and Margibi Counties. A third round of training, targeting an additional 1,000 adolescent girls and young women, is under way in Montserrado, Margibi, and Grand Bassa. The Social Cash Transfer program, under the Social Protection component, provided monthly cash transfers to 3,448 households 60 percent of them headed by females which translate into 14,083 individuals in Bomi and Maryland Counties. Some 5,162 children are benefiting from education grants or schools bonuses under the program. Eight rural women who obtained solar engineering training have used their skills to electrify 171 houses in communities in Grand Bassa, rural Montserrado, Lofa and Grand Cape Mount. In partnership with Liberia, the Foundation for Women (FFW) a pet program of our Vice President has, since 2007, provided microloans to more than 10,000 women in 14 of the 15 counties. An excellent example of the entrepreneurial spirit of women is the story of Madam Ducas Guannu and Madam Wehyee Paikao, both of Peace Island, Congo Town. The two market women, both in their mid-sixties, have for several years benefited from microloans offered by FFWLiberia. They received their first loans of L$6,000 each in 2009. Having successfully paid back all subsequent loans, they received their fourth loans of L$15,000 each in 2011. They then decided on something unique; they formed a partnership whereby they pooled their finances and opened their own business, a mini-store to sell building materials. In October 2013, when they paid off their sixth loan of L$25,000 each, and were expected to request additional funding, Ducas and Wehyee surprised the Foundation, by telling them, We now run our own business; we will manage it without the loan. Their mini-store, whose daily sales cover their family needs and business expansion, cannot compare with bigger stores doing similar business, but we applaud this entrepreneurial spirit, and ask you to patronize them by buying from their store. Please recognize them in our audience today. Environmental quality is particularly important for economic output, sustainable livelihood, and poverty reduction. Liberia is richly endowed with natural capital and has a climate favorable to agriculture and environmental quality for the survival of our people. However, the current adverse effects of pollution and climate change will negatively impact the health of communities and the economy unless measures are taken to address environmental challenges. Sustainable environment management is

the third dimension of sustainable economic development, requiring a concerted effort to protect the environment as the underpinning of the livelihood of our people. The Environment Protection Agency (EPA), the national focal agency mandated to protect the environment and support the government in the sustainable use of our natural resources, faces many challenges in fulfilling its mandate. The Agency needs to be fully modernized to tackle the many global environmental problems affecting the country. The Agency has been successful in securing funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to carry out pilot projects to enhance resilience of vulnerable coastal areas to climate change risk in three of our coastal cities that are badly threatened by coastal erosion, namely Monrovia, Buchanan and Robertsport. Presently, construction work is ongoing in Buchanan, and work there and at the other two pilot sites will help us find solutions to apply to threats along our 597,000 kilometer coastline. NECROLOGY Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. President ProTempore, Members of the Legislature, Ladies and Gentlemen: Nothing replaces the memories and roles that departed officials and loved ones played in the life of our nation. During this reporting period, with a heavy heart we bade farewell to Archbishop Michael Kpakala Francis, of the Catholic Diocese of Monrovia; and His Excellency Moses Zeh Blah, former President of the Republic of Liberia. Several government officials and prominent citizens were also called home to rest. Among them are: Hon. John F. Whitfield, Senator, Grand Bassa County; Hon. Robert Benjamin Freeman, former Member of the House of Representatives, Montserrado County; Hon. Isaac Tozay Dahn, former Member of the House of Representatives, Nimba County; Hon. Francis K. Garbo, former Representative of Zorzor District, Lofa County; Hon. Leroy E. Francis, former Mayor, City of Marshall and Representative of Margibi County; We bade farewell to: Counsellor R. Leroy Urey, former Chairman of the Independent National Commission on Human Rights and former Deputy Minister/Legal Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Hon. Charles A. Greene, former Executive Governor, CBL; Hon. Edwin J. Williams, former Minister of Finance; Hon. Louis Alford Ross Sr., former Minister of Agriculture; Hon. M. Tarnue Mawolo, former Minister of State without Portfolio; Hon. Harold J. Monger, Director General, Liberia Institute of Public Administration; Hon. Theophilus Totee Bettie, Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Liberia; Hon. Gedeon Kofi Michael Gadegbeku, former Auditor General, Republic of Liberia; Hon. Malchaiah Walter Goda Baker Sr., former Deputy Minister, Ministry of

Lands, Mines and Energy; Hon Samuel T. Hooke, Sr. former Deputy Minister for Administration, Ministry of Agriculture; and Hon. Samuel Othello Coleman, Sr., Ambassador accredited to the Benelux Countries. We also lost: Hon. Augustus Emery Major, Deputy Director for Operations, General Services Agency; Hon. Henry Y. Allison, former Director of Finance, GSA; Hon. Jonathan H. Knuckles, former Tax Collector, Treasury Department; and Hon. Jon Lancelot Macauley, former Director, Animal Multiplication Division, Ministry of Agriculture. Also departed were: Mother Irene Gbessay Jaleiba-Paasewe, former City Mayor, Robertsport City; Mother Maryann Elizabeth Smith, former Head Matron, John F. Kennedy, Medical Center; Mother Adeline Beatrice Weaver Neal, former professional nurse; Rev. Judson Benedict Addy, Sr. First Precision Machinist of Liberia; Mr. Adolphus Bedell Smith, Sports Icon and Member of the Board of Tax Appeals. CONCLUSION Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. President ProTempore, Members of the Legislature, Fellow Liberians: By numerous objective accounts, over the difficult course of the last decade, ever so increasingly, the democratic character of the Republic continues to be strengthened; the independence of the three coordinate branches of the government sharpened; the foundational principles of separation of powers and checks and balances entrenched; and the previously narrowed participation of the people in national decision-making broadened. At the same time, from the Mano River Union to the African Union and the United Nations from bilateral to multilateral interactions the Liberian nation has been returned to respect and prominence around the family table of the world. As is expected of the oldest independent African Republic, we have continued to bring the fullness of our capacities and the value of our experiences to enable the global search for international peace, regional integration and economic transformation. Today, our Republic is stronger, safer, securer and steadier than it has been in many years. A stronger, safer, securer and steadier Republic has increasingly meant that peacekeepers will stand down and the Government will stand up. It means that we can no longer only rely on development partners to fund our budget, build our schools, hospitals, roads and ports, and educate our people the overdue tasks by which we expand the economy and increase opportunities for all Liberians. Indeed, a stronger, safer, securer and steadier Republic means that each year will be more challenging than the previous not because we will be expected to do less, but because we will be expected to do more. There will be more Liberians to be empowered; more

electric power to be generated and distributed; more doctors and nurses and teachers and policemen to be trained and deployed; more quality education for our students not only to develop the skills they need to find a livelihood at home, but also to compete with their contemporaries in the global marketplace. There will be more jobs to be created; more opportunities to be provided; and more Liberians to be uplifted. Each year, we will be expected to do more than the previous. Admittedly, while we must collectively do more, the public fight against corruption, abuses of power and the misuse of government resources is being emboldened and intensified. With your help, through decided reforms and progressive practices of inclusion, openness and accountability, we will continue to exercise the maximum feasible participation of Liberians in the management of our economy, and advance the general welfare of all Liberians. Honorable Legislators: As I said last year, in previous decades, we fought for political freedom and the right to vote and participate in a democratic process. It is now time for economic freedom, which can only be achieved through increased citizens participation in our economy through the implementation of an aggressive Liberianization model. But as we pursue the goals of Liberianization, our citizens must be guided by the principles of business ethics, such as honesty, trust and creditworthiness. No country can improve the lot of its people, if business relationships are categorized by a lack of trust and refusal to pay legitimate debts. We urge our citizens to prepare themselves to move into profitable areas of the economy through a process of learning, apprenticeship and, above all, a burning desire to make substantial contributions to our economic growth and development. Our citizens must be prepared to relinquish long-standing business relationships and forego vested interests, if our Liberianization is to be real and realized. Our citizens must go back to their counties of origin for the farms they make and the houses they build. Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. President ProTempore, Ladies and Gentlemen: Much has already been done, but deep in my heart I know we can do more. However, to do this, we must demand more of each other more accountability, more reforms, and importantly, more emphasis on how we achieve the common good for our people as opposed to how we maneuver to bring each other down. We can disagree with each others ideas and yet, together, celebrate Liberias success and progress. We must look beyond narrow self-interests beyond what is good for our political parties and see what is best for our country. The truth is clear: A better Liberia works well for all Liberians; a better Liberia is a credit to all Liberians. May God bless our beloved Republic, our Liberia. I thank you.

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0886554882/0777544882

New Skills Training Program Launched

Mr. Tomah explains the objective of the project

A groundbreaking of the proposed project above

of the late Curtis Y. Tomah, son of the chief executive officer (CEO) and president of the 21st Century Engineering and Construction Company, Cooper Y. Tomah and his wife, Georgia W. Tomah. The ceremony, which was held by the Tomah family from Nimba County, was officiated by Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh of the Tuan and Tweh Law Firm. The multi-million dollars proposed modern State-of-the Arts gymnasium situated on 10 acres of land, would also be comprised of other education and training facilities. If completed, Mr. Tomah says the center would be named in honor of his late son, Curtis Y. Tomah. Through the aid of the Curtis Y. Tomah Foundation the facility would help train youths in the host community and across the country in athletics and various disciplines. The late C.Y. Tomah, 24, according to his father, was a college student at the Midwestern State University in

he official ground breaking ceremony for The Purified Skills and Training Center, was held over the weekend in Kpei Town, near Scheflin, Lower Margibi County under the theme, The Purified King Legacy Lives On. The exercise is in memory

Dallas, Texas, USA, where he earlier obtained a Bachelor of Business degree (BBA) in Accounting. He was left with a semester to graduate and become a certified public accountant (CPA), Mr. Tomah lamented. Unfortunately, Curtis died last year June in America after being reportedly hit by a drunk driver while he was sitting near the roadside reading over his notes. According to the late Curtis

British Ambassador Attaches Importance to Reading

-AALG Launches Children Reading Room Program

Ann Sandell School Receives Intl Help

father, the project is being undertaken with funding expected to come from: the Tomah family, their many friends in and out of Liberia, various organizations and departmental heads of the S.T. United Methodist Church. The launch of the project was attended by several high profile individuals including the Managing Director of the Liberia Produce Marketing Corporation, Nyan Mantein, and the Director of the Regional Science graduate program at the University of Liberia, Francis N. Manwein, among others. Most of those who attended the ceremony were touched by the emotions of the Tomah family, and as such, they made personal financial contributions and pledges in kind with bags of cement and truck loads of sand to be picked up at a later date from their respective offices.

Student celebrate with their gift items

Left: Ambassador Cochrane-Dyet and Ms Duncan chatting; Right: A beneficiary of the reading program cuts ribbon for the opening of the program. By Joaquin Sendolo, Observer Diplomatic Correspondent
drens welfare. He noted that reading opens children to new ideas while broadening their vocabulary and that parents should do all in their power to make reading a central part of their childrens lives. He urged parents to get their children take at least ten minutes to read a book every night before going to sleep; which according to him would strengthen their childrens foundation in reading. Also speaking at the ceremony was the Belgian Honorary Consul and Country Manager of Brussels Airlines to Liberia, Frederic Vloeberghs, who said reading is paramount (highly important) to the upbringing of successful and confident children; and that an emphasis on good reading habits at the preliminary stages of childhood was a must for a stronger society. He assured the AALG group that he would help them to attain suitable reading materials for their young beneficiaries. He said he would convince some of his friends to send him books after they have been replaced in their personal libraries. In an exclusive interview with the Daily Observer, the head of the Association for the Advancement of Liberian Girls (AALG), Stephanie Salamartu Duncan, said she came up with the idea to establish a reading room for children while she was in the United States. She explained her reason for this was because she grew up with a love of reading and wanted to help Liberian children develop a similar passion for the written word. She stressed that when she returned to Liberia, there was no childrens library to orientate them in reading; and therefore decided to start one. This is free for the children; no one is going to pay money for coming here to read, she asserted. Acknowledging the absence of television and other learning devices in many homes across Liberia, Ms Duncan said providing an opportunity for children to read would open them to another world. Generally speaking, Ms. Duncan said the attitude toward reading in Liberia is very poor; however, she said the nations current generations of children are more interested in reading than those before them. She expressed hope they would make use of the program to improve their reading skills. She disclosed that AALG currently has two reading centers in Monrovia, one in Congo Town and the other re cently launched in Sinkor near the National Investment Commission (NIC). According to Ms. Duncan, other areas have been identified in Gardnersville, Paynesville and Caldwell to establish reading rooms so children there can benefit. She then called on Liberians willing to help volunteer their services to the program for the benefit of Liberian children. The reading program covers preschool children up to sixth grade. AALGs boss said they need people who would teach the children reading and how to phonetically pronounce words to the understanding of listeners. Meanwhile, the establishment of reading rooms for children by AALG complements an initiative undertaken by the Liberian Government through the Ministry of Education to launch a national reading program for students. It can be recalled that in 2013 the Ministry of Education

ritish Ambassador to Liberia, Mr. Fergus Cochrane-Dyet, has underscored the need for parents to encourage their children---especially their teenagers--- to engage in good reading habits. Speaking January 27, at a brief ceremony marking the opening of childrens reading room established by the Association for the Advancement of Liberian Girls (AALG), Ambassador Cochrane-Dyet stressed that in almost every part of the world today there are devices and activities diverting childrens minds from reading. He pointed out the emergence of digital technology as a key factor to modern childrens disregard for reading; as they often give preference to Facebook and video games amongst other distractions. The British Diplomat--- who also contributed an unspecified amount to this project--indicated that he and his wife are also parents, and as such feel the need to contribute to anything that relates to chil-

id for Liberia is a group founded by Liberians living in Switzerland. The organization is aimed at helping needy Liberians with non-interest loans; benefiting the likes of market women and other institutions. Recently, Aid Liberia rendered help to the Ann Sandell Foundation and a self-supported institution, the Sylvia Keller School. They gave the school an undisclosed amount of cash to buy instructional materials and to construct a playground. In an exclusive interview with the Daily Observer over the weekend, the founder and proprietor of the Ann Sandell launched a national reading program to allow schools to attach importance to students reading. Already being described by the President as a mess, the

Ann Sandell Students merry-make with their newly donated reading books
Foundation, Leabeh Gboko Gbowee, said Aid Liberia has been collaborating with the two locally-based institutions of learning since the early 2000s. According to Mrs. Gbowee, last year the institution provided money that helped pay the monthly salaries of some of the instructors at the Sylvia Keller School. Aid Liberia also purchased several reading books for over 325 students. The organization also provided adequate teaching materials for the schools Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) and a Christmas presentation including food and gift items for over 1000 kids. education system of Liberia is full of challenges; with many students graduating from high school and universities still unable to compose a simple sentence or read.

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

REPORTS TO:

Programming and Training Manager (PTM)

POSITION BRIEF: The ED PTS serves as a member of the Programming and Training (P&T) team and supports 80-100 Volunteers in training, program, administration, and other Volunteer support issues. The ED PTS has responsibility for supporting the planning, development, implementation and administration of Peace Corps Liberias programming and training activities. The ED PTS will support all P&T related activities for the Education Project with support and direction from the Education Program Manager (ED PM) and PTM. During the Pre-Service Training (PST) and In-Service Training (IST) cycles, the PTS will be the full-time technical trainer for the Education Project and will receive support and direction from the TM and ED PM. The ED PTS also represents Peace Corps Liberia with governmental officials and representatives of non-governmental and host country organizations. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES A. Project and Program Support Site Development Site Visits Administrative Program Support Volunteer Program Support B. Development and Implementation Of Training Activities C. Administrative and other Volunteer Support D. Grants Coordination and Management E. Information Resource Center Management F. Safety and Security QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE Education: Bachelors degree in education, project management, community development or relevant field. Experience: Three years progressively responsible experience in Education field and/or community development. Trainer of trainers and adult training experience. Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes: Knowledge of and experience with adult education, education in Liberia, and participatory community analysis for development. Strong experience with group facilitation, session plan design, and cultural adaptation & sensitivity training. Computer skills with Microsoft Office required. Ability to work with minimal supervision Ability to manage and administer small grant programs. Position requires a valid Liberia drivers license and ability to drive a manual vehicle (stick shift). ED PTS must be available and willing to travel throughout Liberia approximately 50-60% of time either accompanied by PM or alone. For a complete Statement of Work please send a request to pcjobs@lr.@peacecorps.gov. Submit a letter of interest, resume and three reference contacts as attachments via email to: pcjobs@lr.peacecorps.gov. No phone calls please. The deadline for applications is January 13, 2014. Applications received after this date may be considered at the discretion of the Contracting Officer. A detailed Statement of Work can be obtained at the guard stations of the Peace Corps Office in Congo Town.

December 2013

A PICTORIAL ON THE ECOBANKS DEPOSIT MOBILIZATION CAMPAIGN FINAL DRAW HELD AT THE SINKOR BRANCH, 5TH STREET, ON JANUARY 23, 2014.

DAILY OBSERVER

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Page 14 8

Giant Prize of Ecobank Deposit Mobilization Campaign promotion draw

A customer selecting the ticket, while officials of Liberia National Lotteries observe the process

Winner Cecelia Jolo and some family members pose for a photo

Ecobank Board Chair, Mrs Clavenda Bright - Parker and MD, Kola Adeleke

Ecobank ED welcomes Board Chair

Ecobank Head of Marketing & Communications, Ms. Ivy Fairley, Head of Domestic Bank, Mrs. Doreen Mcintosh, winner Cecelia Jolo & Area 1 Manager Mr. Gibson Kollie pose for a photo

Some of Ecobank Board Members seated at the raffle draw - left to right, Mr. Charles Annanaba, Mr. Sam Adjei, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Roberts and Mrs Willyemai King - Tolbert

DAILY OBSERVER

Pictorial of the Welcoming Ceremony Held for Rev. Dr. Jack and Nell Chinchen, Founders of the ABC University in Yekepa, Nimba County, at the Chapel of the University on 25th January 2014.
Pictorial by Ishmael F. Menkor

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Page15 9

Dr. Jack Chinchen Founder of ABC University in Yekepa with Dr. Amos Miamen at the Chapel during the ceremony marking his arrival

Pastor of Pentecostal Church giving the benediction

Rev. Dr. Jack and Nell Chinchen

Members of other churches that graced the occasion

Choir of the Petencostal Church dancing at the ceremony

ABCU Students warmly received their founders Rev. and Mrs. Chinchen after many years of being away

Faculty members of ABCU witnessing the ceremony.

Rev. Jack and Nell Chinchen (center) seated with Dr. Miamen (right)

Female students listening attentively during the welcoming ceremony

Rev. Jack and Nell Chinchen at their welcoming ceremony

Students from other institutions pay their homage

The audience jubilating

Some of the female students in joyful mood at the occasion

Tuesday, January 28, 28, 2014 DAILY OBSERVER Tuesday, January Tuesday, January 28, 2014 2014

Page 10d Page 16

Ecobank Brings Innovation to Banking

-Raffle Draw Winner Asserts; As She Takes Delivery of Her Brand New Car
I am very happy; she said that I was selected winner of the giant prize of the EDMC raffle draw. I am glad to the extent that I dont even know how to express my joy, she said. Accompanied to Monrovia by her family members including her brother and sisters, Mrs. Jolo observed that Ecobank has added a new flavor to the banking industry in Liberia by awarding customers for saving money in their personal accounts. The EDMC required customers to regularly deposit US$100 in their savings accounts in order to qualify them for the draw. But Mrs. Jolo said she was not aware of the EDMC promo. I didnt know about this promo, Madam Jolo said as she beamed with smiles. On Thursday, January 23, Mrs. Jolo was phoned via mobile phone after her account number was luckily chosen by a customer through a raffle draw at the Ecobank Sinkor Branch. Her account number was picked from among over 31,000 other account numbers for other customers who also qualified for the grand prize draw. The raffle draw was supervised by the Liberia National Lotteries, the legal body responsible for all raffle draws in Liberia. Ecobank Managing Director

he giant prize winner of the 2013/2014 Ecobank Deposit Mobilization Campaign (EDMC) raffle draw has taken delivery of her award in Monrovia. Mrs. Cecelia Harries Jolo arrived in Monrovia from Zwedru; Grand Gedeh County over the weekend to take delivery of her four-door Chevrolet valued US$15,000. The Airstrip supervisor and business woman, who sells cement and petroleum products in Zwedru city, the provincial capital of Grand Gedeh County, told our reporter that she was ecstatic to have been selected lucky winner of the Ecobank Deposit Mobilization Campaign draw.

Mrs. Jolo, second from left, took delivery of this brand new vehicle Monday, January 27
Mr. Kola Adeleke, Monday, handed the keys over to Mrs. Jolo who was smartly dressed in orange skirt, a pair of black heel shoes, a black and white blouse and a pair of black jacket. I am going to take this car to Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County to ride it around the city center. This car will also take me to job, she stated. The EDMC grand prize winner, who is also a student of the Grand Gedeh Community College, said she will drive her car to school so that other students can be encouraged to deposit and save their monies with Ecobank Liberia. She told the public about the importance of saving their money with the Bank. I felt so glad when the Ecobank Managing Director handed the keys over to me and asked me to sit in the car, Jolo noted. Mrs. Jolo is a mother of four: two girls and two boys. She thanked Ecobank Management for the promotion and for helping to change her life.

Businessman Promises More to Liberia

Forget Govt Jobs and Invest in Business

-Mr.Saryon says business brings more employment opportunities for Youth
By Gloria T. Tamba

T
Halabi receiving certificate of appreciation from a Royal Communications official as other Monroe Chicken staff look on
ne of Liberias recognized restaurants has promised better services to it many customers in the wake of increased prices of commodities on Liberias local market. The Monroe Chicken restaurant has expressed its commitment to meeting the needs of its customers in the country despite the increase in prices of commodities being experienced in Liberia. The head of the Monroe Chicken, Mazen K. Halabi said the institution has over the years continued to give better services to it many customers in the country. He stated: We will continue to improve even as Liberia changes from day to day. Mr. Halabi stressed the need for businesses to promote changes in the economy

By Alvin Worzi

through the mains of services to the people of Liberia, adding that the country has improved over the years in terms of business and little in terms of development. I want to encourage other business people in the country to help improve the life of Liberians as well as citizens in the country to stays a great place to live with a good business environment for everyone. Mr. Halabi spoke with journalists at the honoring program of his institution yesterday January 22, by the Cooperate Investigative Journalist Network (CIJN) as the Best Service Provider of the Year 2013. The Cooperate Investigative Journalist Network (CIJN) in their honoring program said, the Monroe Chicken has been serving the people of Liberia with best services, and could be awarded as the best service

provider base on the investigation conducted for the year under review. Mr. Konneh explained that, based on the investigation of institutions operating in the country by the network, especially in Monrovia, we are pleased to honor the Monroe Chicken as the Best Service Provider of the year 2013. The manager for customer service at Monroe Chicken, Agnes T. Doe, said the institution was grateful for the honor and urged the CIJN to continue being a watch dog in society, stating that Liberia needs youth involvement for progress and most especially the area of development. I want to express my gratitude to the network for recognizing Monroe Chicken with this award. As a young leader of this business entity, I will continue to progress and do all that is necessary for our customers, she concluded.

he Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a business Consortium has called on Liberians, especially those who see government jobs as the only means through which they can serve their country and its citizens, to resign their positions and establish businesses that would employ Liberians, many of whom are young and vulnerably unemployed. Mr. Sam Saryon who owns City Construction Inc, a construction company; Securitax Security, a security firm, and Sabanoh enterprises, a stationery supplier and printing press; said that it would be prudent for privileged Liberians to become engaged in entrepreneurship that would give more Liberians employment opportunities rather than only running after government jobs. The head of City Construction Inc. made these statements on Thursday January 23, when Royal Communications Inc honored him as Business Executive of the year for 2012-2013. Royal communication is a consortium of various media institutions that include Kings 88.5 FM, Clar Television and City FM, which are all owned

Mr. Saryon making remark after receiving the award

by football legend George Weah. The Director of News and Programming at Royal Communication, Mr. Darlington Pelenah, said that the selection of Mr. Saryon as Business Executive of the year is as a result of his outstanding contributions helping the government of Liberia to buttress its Poverty Reduction Strategy by providing jobs to vulnerable Liberians. He said the result came following detailed discussions held with editors and a survey of views among Liberian entrepreneurs. Mr. Saryon upon being awarded said, Receiving this award has inspired me to work harder than ever to provide job opportunities for the Liberian people. He said his companies have made hiring Liberians a priority; already having employed 1,800 citizens. He described this as his contribution towards the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS). Mr.Saryon also used the medium as an opportunity to call on the youth of Liberia to stop using violence as a means to get attention. He expressed the belief that using violence to solve problems only escalates into more unnecessary violence. Its time for the youth of Liberia to rise up and put violence behind them so they can focus on their future.

DAILY OBSERVER Tuesday, January 28, 2014

ture at the Capitol Building, President Sirleaf reminded the lawmakers that Liberia was among the first African countries to sign the Table Mountain Declaration calling for the decriminalization of the freedom of expression. Any specific law that retards the promotion of our fledgling democracy should be abolished. Therefore, we will submit for your consideration a Bill to repeal all repressive laws that are found in statutes and decrees of the PRC.

Repressive

Page 17
to the public health law to add another chapter on mental health; a Bill on the Charter of the University of Liberia, an amendment to the 1989 Act creating the National Commission on Higher Education, and a Bill to Ratify the National Tourism Authority. Other important Bills sent to the 53rd Senate during its third session are ones to revise the 1972 Act that created the John F. Kennedy Medical Center to respond to international best practices and development in the healthcare delivery system. Meanwhile, President Sirleaf Monday thanked members of suspected of operating in the country with fake academic credentials. The exercise to uncover those individuals and institutions suspected of being fraudulent is headed by Dr. Dahn and being assisted by its director for monitoring and evaluating, Reginald Mehnpeine. Delivering her annual address, President Sirleaf also disclosed that due to the limthe second session of the 53rd Legislature for their cooperation in passing into law several pieces of legislation, amounting to 46 Bills which she received, but urged them to consider the passage of other Bills that have been submitted, but remain under consideration in particular, the Bill to Amend the Penal Code by providing the Criminal Conveyance of the Land; and the Bill Establishing the Liberian Anti-Corruption Commission to provide direct prosecutorial power among others. ited number of trained instructors to meet the demands of the community colleges, all efforts being made by the government to construct more colleges at the community level are hereby suspended. Community colleges are presently operational in five of the 15 counties. These include the Nimba, Bomi, Brand Bassa, Lofa and Grand Gedeh community colleges. unemployed tend to migrate to the worlds cities, exacerbating urbanization pressures through a growing concentration of urban labor supply. Also addressing the session was the first female President of the Republic of Korea, Park Geun-Hye, who urged the world to join her countrys journey towards the development of a creative economy where more youths would be involved across the globe. She also called upon participants of the 2014 World Economic Forum to work towards an economic engine that takes the world beyond current constraints---especially the youth unemployment problem.

prove the sector is in the offing at the 53rd National Legislature for enactment into law. According to the President, if the bill is passed and enacted into law, the NCHE would have greater powers and the inclusion of additional commissioners who would see to it that the educational sector of the country--- specifically at

Govt

Another Bill announced by President Sirleaf that received an ovation from the lawmakers, is one for National Wild Life Conservation for the Management and Protection of Liberias forest, which she said is in keeping with the Forest Reform Law of 2006 that requires government to keep 1.5 million hectares of forest land under protection. We will submit a Bill to establish the Gola National Park, she also proclaimed. Other Bills announced by

President Sirleaf Monday for the Senates consideration include: the Bill to Create Special Economic Zones in Liberia; the Bill to Establish the Energy Law to Govern the Energy Sector; the Bill to Ratify the Loan Agreement between the NPA and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development for the Port of Greenville Rehabilitation Project: the Bill to Amend the Judiciary Law to Create Criminal Court F of the First Judicial Circuit in Montserrado County and a Special Division of the Circuit Courts in other counties to have exclusive original jurisdictions Kadiker Rex Dahn. However, being cognizant of the need to improve the educational system, the Liberian leader, while delivering her Annual Message to the nation, at the National Legislature Monday, informed Liberians that an act to expand and improve the commission with the inclusion of other commissioners with various terms of references was well underway.

over corruption and the basic economic and financial crimes; the Bill to Ratify the 1988 UN Convention against Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and other substances; the Bill to Amend the Executive Law Chapter 22 on the Ministry of Justice Chapter F to establish the Drug Enforcement Agency, the new control, drug and substance Act; the Bill to Establish the Security Market in Liberia; the New Local Government Act in Harmony with the National Policy Designed to more efficiently render services in a decentralized manner, an amendment The exercise, according to the President, is to make the Commission more functional and proactive. It would have the full authority to regularly monitor the higher learning sector throughout the country; including its five community colleges. In recent times, the Commission has busied itself with cracking down on persons and institutions of higher learning

orld leade r s , i n cludi n g President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and her Korean counterpart, Park Geun-Hye, among others have expressed fear over the alarming unemployment rate of young people globally at the justended World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland. This situation, they said, has the potential to destabilize countries that have high numbers of unemployed youths. At the opening of the WEF on Wednesday January 22, the two female leaders told the audience that the world must, at this crucial time, be prepared to tackle head-on the issue of youth unemployment. Otherwise, the world risks imminent political instability and economic disruption. A report from the International Labor Organization (ILO) in 2013, estimated the global youth unemployment rate at 12.6 percent, implying unemployment of 73.8 million young people. In developed economies, youth unemployment increased by 24.9 percent since 2008. Some large economies, like Spain and Greece, registered unemployment rates of over 50 percent. During the same period last year, youth unemployment rates in developing economies were highest in the Middle East and North Africa, at 28.3 percent and 23.7 percent, respectively. In sub-Saharan Africa it stood at 11.8 percent. According to global statistics, young people constitute over fifty percent of the worlds population. This high level of unemployment does not bode well for the stability of the globe; especially in developing countries where their

The World

the tertiary level--- is well coordinated and improved. Since the creation of the NCHE through the Act of the National Legislature, the entity has been effectively manned by the director-general; Dr. Michael P. Slawon, with the assistance of President Sirleafs newly appointed deputy without portfolio, Dr.

By William Q. Harmon

young people could become disenchanted at any given time. President Sirleaf told world leaders at the forum that unless the world finds a solution to youth unemployment, the consequences for society are likely to be civil upheaval, political instability, and economic disruption on a global scale. The Liberian leader and some of her colleagues made several recommendations that they (world leaders) could consider collectively to tackle the menace of youth unemployment the world over. President Sirleaf said that one of the solutions to this problem would be for large corporations that have obtained concessions in developing countries to address the unemployment problem through training, social benefits to the communities whose resources they are profiting from. She noted that there must also be urgent responses to the call for links between the activities of large corporations and the economy at large. She acknowledged that there is clear evidence that significant employment is not created by large concessions and corporations, which are largely capital intensive in their operations. Rather, it is the small and medium-sized enterprises which lead to the development of a middle class, the most sustainable driver of employment. She attributed high rates of youth unemployment to a missing pool of skilled labor, as well as insufficient growth to absorb growing labor forces. Consequently, surplus workers face vulnerabilities as they are pushed into the informal sector where they lack regular income, benefits, job security, and pensions. The Liberian President also pointed out that structural unemployment affects most vulnerable young people. These youths comprise large numbers of economic migrants-

President Sirleaf chats with Prof. Klaus Schwab, founder of the World Economic Forum, in Davos, Switzerland

--particularly from Asia and Africa---who continue to seek refuge in Europe. They risk their lives in perilous voyages to pursue a livelihood and often face racial tensions in host countries.

ABC University Founders Return After 20 Years

She quoted an African Development Bank finding that in most countries in sub-Saharan Africa and in all of North Africa; it is easier for men to get jobs than it is for women. President Sirleaf emphasized

that the effects of unemployment on women is similar to those faced by the worlds youth. Besides being a tipping point for political instability, she observed, that pools of the

By Ishmael F. Menkor

he founders of African Bible College University, Rev. Dr. Jack and Nell Chinchen, were warmly received upon arrival on the ABCU campus in Yekepa on the 25th January 2014 by faculty and students, as well as members of the Yekepa community in general. A well-attended ceremony in the University Chapel that brought together ABCU staff and students, students from other schools within Yekepa and some concerned citizens as well as churches and their members, the founders expressed the happiness of being back in Liberia after many years. Sharing their deep love for Liberia, they expressed how sad it was when they were forced to leave Liberia during the civil war in 1990. According to history the vision for Bible Colleges across Africa began in the hearts of Dr. and Mrs. Chinchen after

they had spent seven years as missionaries in the interior of Liberia, training pastors and assisting in the operation the ENI Mission School in Sinoe. During that time, they recognized the need for a college to meet the educational and spiritual needs of secondary school graduates. As a result, the Chinchens designed a four year course of university standard that would meet the highest academic standards with the qualification to offer a Bachelor of Arts Degree. In July, 1975, Dr. and Mrs. Chinchen were granted thirty acres of land in the midst of the beautiful Yekepa Community by the LAMCO Corporation where today the institution is situated. The mission organization, African Bible Colleges Inc., was chartered in the State of Mississippi, USA and ground was broken in 1977. The African Bible College, as it was called then, opened for classes in March of 1979 with an initial intake of 22 stu-

Rev. Dr. Jack and Nell Chinchen at the welcoming ceremony held in their honor in Yekepa.
dents, but the population has grown up to 150 students with a radio station where communication students go for practical. The colleges facilities suffered various degrees of war related damages, including, looting and de-roofing until it finally closed in 1994 leaving the beautiful academic community encroached by forest. With the help from Samaritans Purse, the restoration of the campus began in 2003 and classes resumed in 2008. In October of the same year the college was granted a university status by the Liberia Commission on Higher Education. The Chinchens dream of establishing African Colleges began in Liberia and is now extending to other parts of Africa including Malawi and Uganda. According to Mrs. Chinchen, the Malawi Branch has about 300 students with a modern television station while the Ugandan Branch has about 150 students. Dr. Amos Miamen, a member of ABCs first graduating class in 1983, obtained further studies in the United States and is the current President of the Liberian Campus. Meanwhile, Rev. Dr. Jack and Nell Chinchen are expected to spend about six months in Liberia before returning to Malawi, where they have lived since they departed Liberia over 20 years ago.

DAILY OBSERVER Tuesday, January 28, 2013

The Other Page

WORD SEARCH

SUDOKU
Place a number from 1 to 9 in every empty cell so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box containing 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!

ASSIST BACKBOARD BALL BASKET BENCH BLOCK CENTER CLOCK COACH COURT DRIBBLING FOUL FREE THROW GAME HALF-TIME HOOP

Basketball
JERSEY LAY-UP NET OUT OF BOUNDS OVERTIME PASSING PLAYER POINT GUARD POINTS POWER FORWARD QUARTER REBOUND REFEREE RIM GUARD SHOT SMALL

SCOREBOARD SHOOTING

SLAM DUNK FORWARD SNEAKERS SUBSTITUTIONS TEAM THREE POINTER TIME-OUT TRAVELING

With Fumbah Kromah & BSG

Blessed are those that move with a sense of purpose and determination, for they shall get closer to their dreams.
Last weeks results:

POLITICALLY X-P-DIENT
With A. Leslie Lumeh

My man, it is your own people who dont want to respect you. In my country, everyone respects me.

Circle the 10 differences between the two illustrations below:

BRAIN GAME

WITH Fumbah Kromah

Last weeks results:

Tuesday, November 5,28, 2013 DAILY OBSERVER Monday, January 27, 2014 Tuesday, 2014

Page 19 Page 4

Fo r ad qu ve ick rt ise bu in sine th ss is re sp su ac lts e ,

he President and Chief Executive Officer of DonamiSport, Doc Lawson has said that his objective to ensure an U14 Liberian soccer team at this years Dallas Cup in Dallas, Texas, (April 13-20, 2014) is to make the players ambassadors to tell the world that Liberian youths have moved on from war to rebuilding their nation. He told the Daily Observer yesterday in an interview in Monrovia that his organization is pushing the effort to give the U14 players the opportunity to profile Liberias image to the world in a positive way and thirdly, to offer them a chance to attend higher institutions either in Liberia or abroad. He said there will be a selection process, after a series of competitions to get a 25man team of players that will eventually reduce to the final 18-man team and with two coaches for the Dr. Pepper

8-day Coaching Dallas Cup Participation is to Develop Seminar for Cyclists Young Ambassadors, Doc Lawson
to develop positive character, and for the young people to provide role models for other young people, as Liberia strives to rebuilds its human capacity. He urged the Government of Liberia to demonstrate maximum interest in his organizations initiative and pointed out that meetings are scheduled with the Liberia Football Association and the Ministry of Youth and Sports for further discussions on the forthcoming participation of Liberia in the historic Dallas Cup tournament in Dallas, Texas, United States. Meanwhile, he revealed that DonamiSports 2014 youth league, which begins in late March, will involve teams in Lofa, Grand Kru and locations in Monrovia, including G. W. Gibson, and PHP Community. He explained that he is targeting nearly 6,000 kids, one thousand more than the pilot edition last year. n eight-day coaching seminar for fifteen coaches of the Liberia National Cycling Association (LINCA) will begin on January 29 and end on February 5, 2014 in Monrovia. The seminar is under the Liberia National Olympic Committee, LNOC, and being sponsored by Olympic Solidarity of the International Olympic Committee. It is being conducted with the support of the International Cycling Union. The President of LINCA, Jerry Freeman in an interview yesterday said the seminar will be held at the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Paynes-

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

DonamiSports CEO Doc Lawson

Dallas Cup tournament in the United States. The final 18-man team will be the nucleus to begin the DonamiSports Academy that may be the eventual culmination of our agenda, he said. He explained that DonamiSports initiative involves both sports and education aspects, which will provide a career path for young people in their search for a better future. The 18-man team of players will receive opportunities either in Liberia or abroad, specifically the United States and Canada, in both sports and college, Doc Lawson, who arrived in the country, last Friday, after several months in the United States, said. He noted that the primary objective of the program is

Adusei Goal Sends Ghana Through

ville. Freeman said, The techniques of riding and maintaining a bicycle will be taught at the seminar. Former British cyclist Richard Shepherd will serve as the trainer, he said. At the end of the training they will be certificated as cycling coaches. He added: With the coaches, we hope the government will increase its budgetary allotment to the LINCA to decentralize the sport. Meanwhile, the LINCA boss extended appreciation to the LNOC for the first-ever technical training and to the Ministry of Youth and Sports for providing the facility to conduct the training.

Peterson Downs Jean to Retain IBF Title

merican Lamont Peterson kept his International Boxing Federation light-welterweight title on last Saturday after a unanimous 12-round decision over previously unbeaten Canadian Dierry Jean. Judges gave home-town hero Peterson the triumph by scores of 118-111, 116-112 and 115113, improving his record to

American Lamont Peterson keeps his light-welterweight title after a unanimous 12-round decision over Dierry Jean in Washington.
32-2 with one draw before 5668 at the Washington Armory. A day after his 30th birthday, Peterson revived his career after being stopped for the first time in May by Argentinas Lucas Matthysse in the third round of a catch-weight bout, where his crown was not at risk. I had to go out there and show people I have still got it, Peterson said. Every time I think I have it easy, there is another setback. I have showed I can get back up. Thats my purpose in life. I try to represent something to people trying to find a way out of their struggles and inspire them. Jean, in his first world-title bout, fell to 25-1 but took his first loss in stride. Maybe it was just a matter

of experience, Jean said. Im definitely leaving with my head held high. I fought a hard fight. Life goes on. For Peterson, the goal is a showdown with unbeaten American Danny Garcia, who holds the World Boxing Association and World Boxing Council crowns, for an undisputed title. I would like to be considered the best 140-pounder in the world. If its Danny Garcia next, then thats what it is, Peterson said. Jean, a 31-year-old born in Haiti but based in Montreal, exchanged tentative jabs with Peterson early on. Peterson landed a right to the chin off a clinch in the second, but Jean used his speed edge to punch the champion into the ropes late in the round. Peterson, who had the reach and height advantage, evaded Jean several times to escape trouble in the third and both fighters became more defensive. The champion started the sixth round aggressively and pressed the attack, pounding Jean against the ropes with flurries of punches, opening a cut near Jeans right eye. Jean began to connect well with single blows in the seventh and eighth, but could not stop Peterson taking control of the fight in the later rounds. AP

penalty goal by Kwabina Adusei has put Ghana into a highly-anticipated African Nations Championship semifinal against Nigeria as beaten opponents DR Congo prepare to go home. It was a tightly-contested match and DRC had a penalty appeal denied in the dying seconds of the game. Ghana was the first to threaten in the seventh minute when Mpongs header went well wide after some early pressure on the DRC defence. Then, six minutes later DRC had a good chance on goal when Mubele skinned his marker but sent his powerful effort from inside the area way over and into the crowd. In the 27th minute Ghana went very close through Anobaah - who scored the opening goal for Ghana in this years tournament when he danced his way past a few DRC defenders before directing his effort onto the post from an acute angle. Eight minutes later DRC got

Black Stars of Ghana

into a good position to score but Simbas striker Mabidi ballooned his effort way over the crossbar. Two minutes before the halftime break Ghana had another chance when the ball fell nicely for Adusei, but he could not make it count for the Black Stars. As the second half started there was a chance for DRC, but Lusadisu sliced his effort wide of goal from outside the area. In the 54th minute, DRC nearly gifted Yahaya Mohammed a goal, but goalkeeper Robert Kidiaba reacted well to clear the ball from Yahayas feet following a horrible back pass. In the 84th minute the impressive Yahaya Mohammed should have made it two for Ghana when he was right in front of the keeper and missed. DRC had a penalty appeal denied in the dying moments of referees optional time, which lasted for as many as six minutes.

Fo r ad qu ve ick rt ise bu in sine th ss is re sp su ac lts e ,

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VOL. 16. NO. 65

What Did Dr. Owl Say?

The hands that make mistakes belong to those who work. Dr. Owls African Guest

resident Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Monday, January 27, assured citizens that paved roads in all communities were definitely be a part of her 2014 agenda for the transformation of Liberias

Prez Sirleaf Assures Community of Paved Roads Project

By Alvin Worzi
infrastructure. According to the President, a number of communities in the country were suffering as a result of bad roads and rights-of-ways congested by illegal structures blocking the main streets. In order to enforce our zoning ordinances and laws, all illegal structures built within the rights-of-ways of existing and future road corridors will be removed. I have also instructed the Ministry of Public Works to demolish all structures on Tubman Boulevard that violate pedestrian pavement safety and the Zoning Laws. Those who, for personal gain, have allowed the defacing of our prime corridor will face the brunt of their illegal and corrupt practices, said the President. According to President Sirleaf, the pavement of community roads and demolitions preceding them are intended to create free links to all streets. She made it clear that viable options were in the works for those who would be evicted from their homes.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2014

PRICE: LD 40
proval will be sought through budgetary allocation in the next fiscal year, the President explained. She further stated that the demolitions by the Ministry of Public Work, would also affect rural areas including Ganta, Voinjama, Gbarnga, and other communities and residents in all parts of the nation to further the agenda for transformation. The Ministry of Public Works is yet to be contacted concerning the demolitions exercises and the pavement of roads the President stated was set to begin this year.

Courts Writ Backfires

By Abednego Davis
among others. She was later released after her lawyer secured a bail bond for her to appear at the Court on Monday. Interestingly, when Madam Kikla and her lawyer appeared before Magistrate Nelson B. Chineh, it was reported that City Solicitor Samuel T. Solomon (the State lawyer) dissociated his office from preparing that writ. This dissociation occurred even though his signature and cell phone number were seen on a copy of the writ presently in the possession of the Daily Observer. The meeting was held in Magistrate Chinehs chamber. Immediately, following the closed door conference, the government lawyer, in an interview with journalists, at the Temple of Justice insisted I do not know about the writ. If had known about it, I wouldnt have allowed the woman to go to jail. The college definitely exists and they applied for the scholarship. They lost the opportunity because we understood that they provided fake documents, the City Solicitor indicated. He furthered You can go and ask the clerk of the court, he knows who requested for the writ. When the assistant clerk, Matthew Kpah, was contacted by the Observer, he admitted preparing the writ, claiming it was ordered by the City Solicitor. He cant stand in front of me to say that he does not know about it. Whose signature is this? It is his and he ordered me to prepare and give it to the bailiff to send her to jail, Mr. Kpah said But, one of the students who claimed to have paid the clerk to issue that writ told the Observer My friends asked me to pay US$10 to facilitate the preparation of the document, and I did. John Don Toe said he regretted the action, blaming it on his colleague. Im here to ask the court to withdraw my writ. I never wanted to file for the writ. It was my colleagues who misled us to do what we did, Toe regrettably told the Observer. Giving her side of the story to the Observer, Madam Kika said she was shocked

We recognize the challenges throughout the country for affordable housing, and in this regard, are pleased to report that plans are near completion for a 500-unit housing complex near the University of Liberia Fendell Campus, with support from the Government of Equatorial Guinea as a show of solidarity among African nations. The housing situation at West Point, which accommodates 31,000 citizens, demands a long-delayed response. Architectural design is under way to address this problem for which your ap-

hearing for a writ (document) that landed M a d a m Sunanda Kikla, a Canadian national behind bars at the Monrovia Central Prison, failed to take place on Monday, January 27, at the Monrovia City Court. The reason was that the state lawyer claimed he did not authorize the court clerk to prepare the document; neither did he have any knowledge as to how it was prepared. Madam Kikla is the president of Fraser Community College in British Columbia, a province of Canada. She was jailed on Friday, January 25 following a Writ of Arrest issued on behalf of six (6) Liberian students by the court, alleging she received over US$4,000 to award scholarships to them to study at her college, unfortunately, that did not happen. They were to study in various disciplines ranging from engineering, information technology, and agriculture

to have been detained only based on a verbal allegation. Is this how the court system works in Liberia? How could somebody be jailed based on a mere allegation? she wondered. Do you mean I was jailed for only US$10? That is ridiculous, I am going to take legal action, she threatened. She also admitted that the students applied for the scholarship online and were accepted. Regrettably, she said the students presented fake documents that caused Canadian immigration to deny them

entry visas. They could not get the scholarship because most of them provided fake documents which caused the Citizenship and Immigration branch of Canadas High Commission of Visas based in Accra, Ghana to deny them, said Ms. Kikla supporting the City Solicitors statements. According to Ms. Kikla, her trip to Liberia was to update the students about the status of their scholarships. Though, they were denied, we have filed an application to the Federal Court in Canada to look into the case. This is why I came back to encourage them. But they were not patient. If I wanted

to dupe them why would I decide to come back? she wondered. Im here because we went to help Liberians to study in Canada, she said. Delving into the scholarship issue and the legitimacy of the college, Ms. Kikla said, the college does exist and we have an agreement with the students regarding the refund of their money. In this case you cant blame the college. We provided them with the opportunity but they misused it. They decided to cheat, so you can hold us responsible for their actions, she concluded.

Published by the Liberian Observer Corporation (LOC), 23 McDonald Street, P.O. Box 1858, Monrovia, Liberia; Tel: 06 812-888; 06 578476; and 06 472772; Printed by the Observer Printing Press; Bai S. Best, Marketing Manager; Lindiw Khumalo Yasiah, Business Strategist; Publisher & Managing Director, Kenneth Y. Best.

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