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VOL. 16. NO. 67

INSIDE THIS EDITION

NGOs: Why Now?
See Pg. 4

EDITORIAL

COMMENTARY
Liberias Staggering Macro-economic Woes: Tackle Supply-side Constraints
See Pg. 4

Role Swap
FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2014 PRICE: LD 40

www.liberianobserver.com

-Children Now Being Used as Breadwinners

LOCAL NEWS
Senators Fail to Hold Plenary Again
See Pg. 3

Tougher Action for Corrupt Officials

Deputy Speaker Insists
See story on Pg.14

Selling instead of spelling: From cold water to straw baskets, many children in Liberia these days are found out of school, passing precious days as breadwinners for their families.

LIB LIFE
We Have to Set Standards Around Here
See Pgs. 7-10

Ellen Nominates New Heads of APR Panel

See story on Pg.14

BUSINESS
Role Swap
See Pg. 13

Deputy Speaker Hans Barchue

SPORTS
BYC Should Work on Weaknesses before Kumasi Debacle
See Pg. 15

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President Sirleaf presides over the African Peer Review Forum in Addis Ababa on January 29

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Tuesday, January 28, DAILY OBSERVER Thursday, January 30, 2014 Friday, January 31, 2014 2014

World News

(BBC) Actress Scarlett Johansson has quit as an ambassador for Oxfam amid a row over her support for an Israeli company that operates in the occupied West Bank. A spokesman for the actress said she had a fundamental difference of opinion with the humanitarian group. She will remain a brand ambassador for SodaStream, which has a factory in the Jewish settlement of Maale Adumim. The settlements are considered illegal under international law, though Israel disputes this. About 500,000 Jews currently live in more than 100 settlements built since Israels 1967 occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Model for peace A statement from Ms Johanssons spokesman published on Wednesday announced that the Hollywood star had respectfully decided to end her ambassador role with Oxfam after eight years, according to the Associated Press. She and Oxfam have a fundamental difference of opinion in regards to the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement. She is very proud of her accomplishments and fundraising efforts during her tenure with Oxfam, it added. On Thursday, Oxfam issued a statement saying it had accepted Ms Johanssons decision to step down and was grateful for her many contributions. While Oxfam respects the independence of our ambassadors, Ms Johanssons role promoting the company SodaStream is incompatible with her role as an Oxfam Global Ambassador, it added. Oxfam believes that businesses, such as SodaStream, that operate in settlements further the ongoing poverty and denial of rights of the Palestinian communities that we work to support. The Avengers star signed up to be a global brand ambassador with SodaStream International Ltd earlier this month, and is due to appear in an advertisement for the firm during Sundays SuperBowl. Ms Johanssons statement added: SodaStream is a company that is not only committed to the environment but to building a bridge to peace between Israel and Palestine, supporting neighbours working alongside each other, receiving equal pay, equal benefits and equal rights. SodaStream - which makes products that allow people to produce carbonated soft drinks at home - operates one of the hundreds of factories constructed in some 20 Israeli-run industrial zones in the West Bank.

Scarlett Johansson Quits Oxfam Role Over Soda Stream Row

(BBC) The US says only around 4% of the chemical weapons declared by the Syrian government has been removed. Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel said he was concerned that the UN-backed plan to remove Syrias chemical arsenal was behind schedule. Mr Hagel told reporters in Poland that Damascus had to take responsibility for fulfilling its commitment. Delegates from Syrias government and opposition have attended peace talks in Geneva for a sixth day. UN mediator Lakhdar Brahimi told reporters that there had been both tense and promising moments. He said a minutes silence was held by the delegations on Thursday for all those killed in the conflict, which began in March 2011. In a separate development, a report from Human Rights Watch has accused the Syrian government of deliberately and unlawfully demolishing thousands of homes in opposition strongholds. The organisation said this was collective punishment of communities suspected of

US Concern at Syria Chemical Weapons Delay

Page 10d 2 Page

Foreign Briefs

Norway and Denmark are providing transport for Syrias weapons from the port of Latakia
supporting the rebellion. Chuck Hagels comments regarding the painfully slow efforts on the part of the Syrian government to dispose of its chemical weapons stockpiles should not come as a surprise to anyone. He said he did not know why the process was so far behind schedule, but, regardless, President Bashar al-Assads government need to fix this. White House spokesman Jay Carney, a world away from Warsaw, told reporters something very similar: We expect them to meet their obligations. Syria has said it possesses about 700 tonnes of deadly chemicals and 500 tonnes of precursor chemicals, the kind that become toxic when combined with other compounds. All almost all 1,200 tonnes were supposed to be removed by February 5. Mr Hagel said he had asked the Russian defence minister to try to influence the Syrian government to comply with the agreement. The first consignment of 16 tonnes, from two Syrian sites, left the port of Latakia on 7 January. A further shipment left on 27 January, according to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The international watchdog, which is overseeing the

Archbishops Criticise Nigerian and Ugandan Anti-Gay Laws

bill allowing for greater punishments for gay people, and those who fail to turn them in to police, has been passed by parliament, but blocked - for now - by President Yoweri Museveni. The laws have been heavily criticised by gay and human rights groups. UN human rights chief Navi Pillay described the Nigerian law as draconian. She said she had rarely seen a piece of legislation that in so few paragraphs directly violates so many basic, universal human rights. In their letter, the archbishops reiterated their support for a document known as the Dromantine Communique, published in 2005 by the primates of the Anglican Communion. The communique said: We continue unreservedly to be committed to the pastoral support and care of homosexual people. The victimisation or diminishment of human beings whose affections happen to be ordered towards people of the

destruction of Syrias chemical arsenal, is meeting in The Hague to discuss the operations progress. That meeting is likely to continue into Friday given the gravity of the situation, a spokesman told the BBC. In a statement to the OPCW, the US ambassador to the body, Robert Mikulak, said the effort to remove chemical agent and key precursor chemicals from Syria has seriously languished and stalled. The spotlight now is on Syria to proceed without further delay to comply with its obligations and make this effort a success, he added. Under the terms of the UNbacked plan to destroy Syrias arsenal, the Syrian authorities are responsible for packing and safely transporting the chemical weapons to the Mediterranean port of Latakia. Denmark and Norway are providing cargo ships and military escorts to take them to Italy, where they will be loaded onto a US Maritime Administration cargo ship, MV Cape Ray. The materials will be destroyed in international waters.

(BBC) Police in Tanzania are hunting a lone gunman who has killed at least eight people and injured three over several nights in the northern region of Mara. The killings began on Saturday night and included a raid on a bar. Witnesses say that in some cases the man demanded mobile phones and money, on other occasions he did not take anything from his victims, Tanzanias Citizen newspaper reports. The attacks have created fear in the district of Tarime, it says. According to Tanzanias Habari Leo paper, the gunman has also been attacking people he meets on the road. Many businesses are opening later in the morning and closing earlier to avoid the gunman, and the town of Tarime resembles a ghost town at night, the Citizen reports.

Tanzania

Archbishop Welby is on a five-day tour of four African countries

(BBC) The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have written to the presidents of Nigeria and Uganda, after being asked about laws there penalising gay people. The letter said homosexual people were loved and valued by God and should not be victimised or diminished. Nigeria and Uganda have both passed legislation targeting people with same-sex attraction. The letter is also addressed to all primates (heads of national Churches) in the worldwide Anglican Communion. Archbishops Justin Welby of Canterbury and John Sentamu of York said the letter was a result of questions about the Church of Englands attitude to new legislation in several countries that penalises people with same-sex attraction. The letter comes as Archbishop Welby starts a five-day tour of four African countries. Draconian In Nigeria this month, President Goodluck Jonathan signed into law a bill which bans same-sex marriages, gay groups and shows of same-sex public affection. In Uganda - Archbishop Sentamus native country - a

(BBC) A commuter has died after her scarf was caught in an escalator at a Montreal Metro station. The woman, said to be in her 30s, was found dead at the bot-

Woman Dies as Escalator Catches Her Scarf on Montreal Metro

tom of the moving staircase at Fabre station in the north of the Canadian city. Her hair was also apparently caught in the escalator in Thursday mornings incident. Montreal police said they would work with the coroners office to determine the circumstances of the fatality. Police spokesman JeanPierre Brabant told reporters:

same sex is anathema to us. We assure homosexual people that they are children of God, loved and valued by Him and deserving the best we can give - pastoral care and friendship. False gospel Archbishop Welbys stance on homosexual relationships has created tension with more traditionalist Anglicans. Last October, he held talks with members of the Global Anglican Future Conference (Gafcon), which condemns those who preach what it calls a false gospel claiming Gods blessing for same-sex unions. The primates of seven national Anglican churches in Africa attended Octobers Gafcon meeting, including Uganda and Nigeria. Archbishop Welby has said some gay couples have loving, stable and monogamous relationships of stunning quality. But he says he still supports the Church of Englands opposition to active homosexuality.

(BBC) More than two tonnes of ivory were found in a container destined for Vietnam, bringing the total found so far to almost four tonnes. Two Togolese men and a Vietnamese citizen have already been arrested in connection with the finds. Conservationists say the West African country has become a major hub for the illegal ivory trade between Central Africa and Asia. Togos Environment Minister Andre Johnson told AFP that all the containers were part of the same shipment, found at Lome port. The owner of the container is Vietnamese. He has been arrested with two Togolese nationals, he said. Investigations are still ongoing to dismantle this ivory trafficking network. Despite a global ban on the ivory trade nearly a quarter of a century ago, Africas elephant population is heading towards extinction. (BBC) The US government says it will seek the death penalty against Boston Marathon bombings suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev. US Attorney General Eric Holder said in a statement: The nature of the conduct at issue and the resultant harm compel this decision. Seventeen of 30 charges against the 20-year-old carry the possibility of capital punishment, including using a weapon of mass destruction to kill. The bombings killed three and injured more than 260 in April 2013. Mr Tsarnaev has pleaded not guilty and no trial date has been set. Prosecutors allege that Mr Tsarnaev and his deceased older brother, Tamerlan Tsarnaev, built and planted two pressure cooker bombs near the finish line of the marathon.

Togo

US

What we know now is that the womans scarf was caught in the escalator. When she bent over to try to get the scarf out, her hair was also caught.

DAILY OBSERVER Friday, January 31, 2014

Senators Fail to Hold Plenary Again -Emerge Tight-lipped and Stone-faced after two-hour Executive Session
Yesterdays unadopted agenda was loaded with several important items, among them discussion on the proposed Amendment to Elections Law; Report from the Committee on Banking and Finance; Report from the Ways, Means, Finance and Budget on the Act to Provide Fifteen Percent of the Fiscal National Budget for County Development; and a communication from Police Director Massaquoi. Other important items on the unused agenda included a report from the Committee on Banking and Currency on the confirmation hearing of Hon. Boakai S. Kamara, Deputy Governor for economic Policy-Designate, Central Bank of Liberia; and the much talked-about communication from the House of Representatives on the placement of US$73,000,000 in the 2014/2015 National Budget.

Page 3

By J. Burgess Carter

awmakers are not taking kindly to what they consider a half-hearted attempt by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to appease (quiet down, calm down) them for misbehavior by one of her lieutenants: the Chief of Police, Chris Massaquoi. Senators seem dissatisfied with a recent communication from President Sirleaf, concerning their call on her to take strong and appropriate action against Massaquoi, for what some have referred to as juvenile behavior . It may be recalled that President Sirleaf recently wrote the Senate replying a communication sent her in which that body complained of Director Massaquoi laying siege to the Capitol Building while the Senate was in plenary (full at-

Cross-section of Legislative Reporters lounge in the Senate Cafeteria as Senators deliberate in Executive Session.
tendance). President Sirleaf informed the Senate that she had written Director Massaquoi a strong letter of reprimand (scolding him) andsuspending him for two days to allow him time to write a letter of apology for personal presentated at a plenary sitting of the Senate. Since that communication, lawmakers have been observed as having assumed a non-cooperative stance with the Executive. That suggests that the Senators are divided over a decision they obviously have been mulling (considering, thinking about) in connection with reprimand they believe insufficient to discourage the Police Chief from misbehaving in the future.

Gates of Heaven Bishop Davis Visits Monrovia

Dr. Davis, who presides over at least seven churches and church-related institutions in Liberia, visited churches and missions in Liberia, partnering with the Gates of Heaven Assembly of Churches. Some of the Gates of Heaven Assembly of Churches partner churches in Liberia are Gates of Heaven Agape Ministry, Harbel; Gates of Heaven Agape Ministry, Thinker Village, Paynesville; Higher Grounds International Ministries, Duport Road, Paynesville; Gates of Heaven Agape Ministry, Center Street, Monrovia and Gates of Heaven Agape Ministries, Headquarters, Congo Town. Others are Jesus Christ Childrens Ministry, White Plains and Agape International Outreach Ministries, Social Welfare Branch, Liberia. Dr. Davis, who is set to depart on February 2, broke ground for the construction of Bishop Lena Thomas Academy in Bong County, Bishop Lena Thomas Childrens Village consisting of four dormitories in Robertsville, White Plains, Montserrado County and the construction of a multi-purpose Gates Agape
nessman. Commercial vehicle operator Freeman Browne, 38, noted that he is now able to make correct financial reports to the car owner owing to the absence of dishonest police officers at the Red-light Market. Im actually happy at the moment because, our tormentors have left the streets, Mr. Browne said jubilantly. A cassava seller, Madam

Meanwhile, one of the older Senators confided to a few journalists that executive sessions are being convened to deliberate important national issues that need to be kept out of the media. What is for the media and the general public, we discuss in plenary; what is for Executive Sessions remains exclusively so. For the second time since returning to the Capitol Building from their Constituency Break on January 13, Accordingly, members of the 53rd Senate yesterday failed to conduct open plenary; instead,the presiding officer seized the proposed agenda and asked for an Executive Session to discuss pressing national issues. Every attempt yesterday to draw even the most pressfriendly Senators to divulge a gist of what is being discussed in executive sessions, failed to yield results.

r. Maureen L. Davis, Presiding Prelate, Gates of Heaven Assembly of Churches, United States of America is on a

Edu. Min Tarpeh, left, and Rep. Mulbah joined Bishop Davis to break ground for the Lena Thomas Academy
Liberia. Dr. Davis last visited Liberia in the early 1980s. She had come along with her Grand MotherLena Thommission visit to asthen Presiding Bishop of the same Church, more than 30 years ago. I did not know then that I was going to be in Grandmas position today, she told the Daily Observer Wednesday, January 30, in an exclusive interview. Bishop Davis further told the Observer that she was excited to be back in Liberia.

Police German-Pay-Day Crackdown on Tormentors Ends at Red-light Market

Traders, Drivers, Others Rejoice
tense of violating traffic rules and regulations. After the crackdown, the captured officers were bundled into a police pick-up and sent to the LNPs central administration headquarters on Capitol Hill. The detained police officers are accused of seizing goods from traders under the guise of conducting investigations questioning why street vendors are selling on the main streets. Similar exercises have been carried out with less success at the general markets of Duala, Waterside and Broad, Randall, Mechlin Streets and many other commercial centers in Monrovia over the years. During the crackdown at the

few years ago, officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP) coined the now notorious phrase German Pay-day to describe the act of illegal seizure of goods and money from businesspeople by policemen. The LNP has recently taken measures to crackdown on those among their ranks troubling these civilians. Heeding the outcry from human rights activist and the public, the LNP mobilized a crack team of officers to storm the Red-light Market during peak business hours. When the LNP team arrived, they started arresting their fellow policemen observed to be

By Edwin M. Fayia III

Police Boss Chris Massaquoi of Liberia National Police

in the habit of seizing traders goods and issuing tickets illegally to drivers under the pre-

Red-light Market, hundreds of happy traders, commercial and private vehicle operators expressed delight over the action of the police. They called on LNP central administration to initiate similarly wellplanned exercises at other commercial districts in the country. The Daily Observer interviewed some of the jubilant traders at the Red-light Market last week who commended the polices action and urged LNP leadership to continue the initiative on a sustained basis. Thank God for the police action, I hope the LNP leadership will not redeploy these predators that have tormented us so much. These corrupt officers prevented us from making any real profit from our businesses, explained Francis Gonda, a 48-year-old busi-

church complex in Congo Town, Monrovia. Touching on how the funds would be raised for these projects, the Gates of Heaven Presiding Prelate said the funds would be raised by members of her churches in Liberia and the US. She also stated that they are going to work along with Bong County Representative George S. Mulbah, who donated the land to them, to help raise some fund for the project in Bong. She also stated that her Churches will do all they can to help in the rebuilding process of Liberia, which is recovering from a 14-year brutal and destructive civil conflict. Bishop Davis intoned that her Grandmother, who came to Liberia in the 1970s, had a heart for Liberia and its children and so she (Bishop Davis) would do all she can to help mold the minds of Liberian children after the love of Jesus Christ. We want to use our schools and churches to evangelize the people, she added. The groundbreaking ceremony in Bong was graced by Education Minister Etmonia Tarpeh and Rep. George Mulbah, among others.

Hawa Kollie Mulbah, 28, stated that she was glad the corrupt police officers had been removed and urged the LNP leadership to punish those officers for their illegal actions. Im so happy that this ugly German Pay-day business has ended, Madam Mulbah concluded.

Tuesday, 28, 2014 DAILY OBSERVER Friday, January 2014 Friday,January 31, 2014
Oh, how I wish our people could just read and understand before they jump to conclusions! So the VP say the Government should implement the all TRC recommendations ehn? Yeah, It is in the Newspaper

Page Page10d 4

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

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

The Liberian President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, in her State of the Nation address Monday, laid out new guidelines for non-governmental organizations working in the country. The President calculated that of the 997 NGOs working in the country, 87 percent were local or national NGOs, while the other 13 percent were international. Previously, she surmised, the role of NGOs focused on humanitarian assistance and development work. More recently, she observed, the emphasis has been on democracy and governance; human rights; environment and natural resources. In these latter functions, some NGOs have sought to become super-national bodies challenging national sovereignty even as they themselves lack national and international governance status and rules in transparency and accessibility. The President then immediately pivoted into a solution to this problem, as it were more transparency and accountability by NGOs in their delivery of services to our people. Many Liberians welcomed the news, but from a different perspective. Comments posted on social media networks suggested that for the number of NGOs present in the country, not much could be said for development. As such, many felt NGOs did need greater transparency and accountability. One commenter cited the case of an NGO owner who had become wealthy (mansion and all) thanks to his duty-free and tax-free privileges. Another stated that top government officials were involved in the NGO business. Looking at the Presidents statement, however, it would seem as though it was not directed at non-performing NGOs, but at NGOs whom she said had taken on super-national status and invaded Liberias sovereignty. It would seem as though when NGOs were merely posing and not doing much, there was no problem. It was when they started to challenge government policies that the need arose for greater transparency and accountability. This is a problem, and this administration needs to be careful this could backfire. Have we forgotten that free speech is a universal human right this administration has prided itself in protecting? Why are the rules different for NGOs? If the President had gone after newspapers in this regard, wed all be screaming bloody murder over new rules that smack of retribution for dissent! The message to NGOs here seems to be, Do your job (or dont) but keep your mouth shut and out of our business. The President is right in observing that humanitarian and development work has traditionally described the work of NGOs except that her scope is limited. What is humanitarian work if it does not stand up for the rights of others who cannot stand up for themselves? NGOs are typically as close to the ground as they can get all over the rural areas talking to the people. As such, they are often privy to first-hand information. If rural dwellers are losing their tribal lands to multi-national corporations, they are aware. How humanitarian would it be not to sound the alarm on matters that contribute to the underdevelopment of the marginalized and powerless? Indeed, perhaps the nature of humanitarian and development work has changed with the times! But are these rules really new? Yes and no, but more no than yes. The Daily Observer has in its possession a copy of the GOLs National Policy on Non-Governmental Organizations in Liberia. This document came into effect June 15, 2008 and was authored by Dr. Toga McIntosh, then Minister of Planning and Economic Affairs. It reads, among other things, that As NGOs are essential partners in identifying, defining and developing policies and driving development in Liberia, (emphasis added) this policy seeks to address the above concerns and ensure that an enabling environment is created for the smooth operation of NGOs, as well as ensuring human development. It is an integral part of the ongoing reform exercise. The over-riding and long-term objective is to provide better and more effective service to the Liberian people and nation. Section 9.1 also states that All vehicles owned by an accredited NGO shall bear NGO license plates and, where feasible (emphasis added), shall also bear the NGOs logo. The new version of Section 9.1 according to the President, however, is 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. Why? What happened to where feasible? Is it so that they do not go where they are not welcomed? Where has this document been anyway since 2008? Was it not necessary until NGOs became interested in democracy and governance, human rights, environment and natural resources?

NGOs: Why Now?

Oh, for true? Doggit. But den fire in de hole!

Liberias Staggering Macro-economic Woes: Tackle Supply-side Constraints

By Musa Dukuly (PhD), email: suawantiwar@yahoo.com
Policy Motivation
Economic activities remarkably expanded in Liberia, averaging seven to eight percent growth rate over the last five years, but inherent supply-side risks are eroding the gains. Existing economic indicators of spiraling inflation, depreciating exchange rate and diverse fiscal constraints are imminent economic challenges requiring wide range of policy debates and discussions to elicit pragmatic solutions. Sustaining the growth calls for pragmatic policy actions from all strategic fronts to help mitigate economic waste and redirect resources to productive sectors. Thus, this commentary seeks to provide a synopsis on monetary and fiscal implications of the supply-side constraints (i.e, factors that inhibit economic productivity). Supply-side and Monetary issues Liberias inept ability to handle supply-side constraints is mounting the inflationary pressure. In the face of weak external demand for Liberias exports and escalating price of fuel, the current macroeconomic imbalance is hurting all facets of the economy. The existing structural constraints, coupled with fragile fiscal and monetary coordination, are indicative of a threat to any strong macro-economic fundamentals (high foreign reserve, domestic savings, investments, etc), which are essentially vital for a sustained resuscitation of the real sectors. Stepping up effort to improve competitiveness of exports and promote agricultural activities would tame inflation by checking on the rising prices of food. The foregoing is suggestive that monetary phenomenon, as perceived by few stakeholders, may not be the main inducement of the persistent rise in prices, rather supply-side remains the pacemaker of our staggering economy. However, the general perception appears that the monetary authoritys financial inclusion program of advancing finance to the vulnerable businesses is influencing inflation, while others attribute the inflationary pressure to the depreciation in exchange rate, which is partly acceptable. Despite the relative exchange rate stability enjoyed in most of 2012, the economy was still exposed to inherent risk of potential depreciation in the exchange rate and high inflation due to sluggishness in priority investments to ease infrastructural constraints for a thriving real sector. In addition, the persistent current account deficit is mainly ensuing from high importation of goods (especially food and fuel) and the failure of the real sector to generate adequate foreign exchange. All of these have made the public uncertain of how long the various policies undertaken will go to dis-inflate and stabilize the economy. Aside from other external shocks, the wide spread between the exchange rate in banks and forex bureaus is underpinning an expanding parallel market that could likely increase transactions outside the banks and support inflation. Inward remittances are likely on a downward trajectory potentially due to the drawing down international staff (especially UNMIL) and slowing foreign aid. This phenomenon directly implies a high demand for dollars; the propagatory effect is leading to pass-through effect to rising prices. So, what is the policy fallback to narrow this gap? It is understandable that increased economic uncertainty provokes monetary authority to be discretionary in using unconventional monetary policy to stimulate output in Liberia. Based on the weak supply response, the monetary authoritys action of not instituting an expansionary policy is strategic, because it may influence higher inflation if production does not respond favorably to money growth. So, the current policy path of the monetary authority to support smallholders seems appropriate because of the limited interest of other financial institutions in small holders, which are the main springboard for livelihood by many downtrodden in Liberia today. The low cost credit to them (small holders) would help to boost domestic production and potentially ease the burden of inflation. The effectiveness of this policy however depends on whether significant portion of the exposures is directed at domestic activities in agriculture, furniture or other local-made products, instead of reenforcing the high importation of goods that is already subduing the economy. In any case, a key socioeconomic implication of the policy is a reduced financial struggle on economic agents, who may use portion of the investment returns to meet other payment needs (school, rent, medical, transport, etc), including food, which are the main absorbers of low-income households incentives in Liberia. Perennial intervention to contain build-up in the exchange rate pressure is also an indication of necessary utilization of monetary instrument in the short term, but it is not sustainable. The intervention mechanism, often counteracted by capital outflows and sometimes public hoarding of foreign currency in the economy, is likely complicating the economic stability. The need to partly offset the trade deficit via other capital inflows is vital to further contain exchange rate variability. Interestingly, this would ensure that the stability of the exchange rate vis a vis the demand for United States Dollars (USD) is not as badly out of balance as the supply. The Treasury bill regime (recently launched) is a worthy monetary venture for the medium to long term to control liquidity and ease some of the imbalances, but massive education and sensitization are required to make it more effective. In addition, de-dollarization effort in terms of payments of salaries and other domestic transactions in Liberian dollars ought to be reenforced to relieve the operational challenge on monetary policy. Fiscal policy and supply-side issues Tax mobilization has inched up, but fiscal policy still needs sound rethinking to strengthen effort in tackling development priorities that would remove supply-side bottlenecks. Increasing demand for recurrent expenditures has implications for budget deficit that propels inflation via its (deficit) financing. Given the financial constraints of the giant economies to assist Liberia with budget or program support, domestic window would remain thin to offset any budgetary shortfall. Thus, intention to raise the planned budget by more than 25% (cumulative) over the last three years may have been good, but risky due to donor fatigue and non-automation of revenue collection mechanism to ensure accuracy of revenue forecast. Thus, instituting expansionary fiscal policy without a tactful monetary policy remains a huge risk, given the perennial budget deficits endured over years. Realization of middle income cannot thrive on waste of resources and high consumption economy without sustained emphasis on production. In 2010, I stressed this point in one of my commentaries that Liberia should be wary of persistent salary increment because of the countrys limited and poor social infrastructure for earners to spend the income, fiscal difficulties of donors countries to support budgetary gap and the implication of increased taxes to finance the salary rise. It seems we are gradually feeling the pinch of money illusion, where households salaries are rising in nominal terms, but low in terms of value to venture into the market. Weak social infrastructure (school, hospitals, transportations, etc) is a reflection of high cost for the low income earners to access quality services, domestically. Fixing the macroeconomic problems, the legislature and the executive arm of government ought to understand these fundamentals that any percentage change in salary on the upward horizon puts huge pressure on the fiscal to source the fund and the monetary authorities to accommodate potential budgetary gap. Perhaps, expected returns from domestic resources such as diamond, gold, iron ore, royalty from oil etc are motivating factors behind the increasing incentives of public workers. Lets understand again that non-tax income, especially the ones emanating from mineral resources are non-deterministic in many perspectives (price fluctuation, low demand, resource depletion, etc), and therefore not a good instrument to consider for increasing the budget. Unless the country has stabilization fund where fixed proportion from mineral income is saved periodically for intervention, direct inclusion of all natural resource income into the budget is a high risk that we have often endured. Conclusion In concluding, the existing macroeconomic imbalance could haunt Liberia in the short and medium term if macroeconomic policy efforts are not urgently pursued by fiscal and monetary authorities in their actions to reduce supply-side constraints, and to consider adoption of inflation targeting lite in the medium term, which would obligate both authorities to control inflation. In the short term, fiscal effort should entail rapid reduction of expenditure wastes, while the monetary should continue to keep interest rate low/steady and prioritize local-made business ventures in its financial inclusivity program. About the Author Dukily is a senior economist at the West African Monetary Agency (WAMA) based in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The views expressed in this commentary do not represent WAMA.

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

DAILY OBSERVER LETTERS

Mr. Editor: The editorial of the Friday, January 24, 2014 edition of the Daily Observer captioned The way forward for Liberian Raw Materials did not go unnoticed. A variety of interposing occurrences distracted my mind, and withdrew my attention from writing earlier. Anyway, it is better late than never. Undeniably, the concern expressed in this editorial that China Union is shipping out tons and tons of iron ore from the Bong Mines Mountain Range without establishing a manufacturing company to manufacture even a portion of the thousands of tons of iron ore, being extracted from Liberia, into zinc, steel rods or other finished products is also of paramount concern to many well-meaning Liberians, I am in full conformity with the assertion that the time has come in this country for us to say NO MORE OF THAT, but the reality is that Liberia will remain in this state of backwardness and degradation as long as Liberian negotiators bargaining contracts with foreign investors on behalf of the government and people of Liberia exhibit more interest in receiving their brown envelops than in seeking the well-being of Liberia and the Liberian people. The editorial numerated three things that the Chinese have which Liberians lack: patriotism, hard work, and a sense of personal and national purpose. I would concord with the first and third, but not the second. I have stated repeatedly that Liberians are not lazy. Without doubt most of the employees working laboriously at public and private entities, including the ones managed by the Chinese and other foreign nationals, are Liberians. What can be asserted that is unquestionably true is that we, Liberians, have no love for our country and lack a sense of direction. It would be impossible to count the number of Liberians who are desirous of departing to the United States. Rather than put our house in order so as to enjoy the bountiful blessings that the God of nature has bestowed upon us. Liberians would prefer to reside in the U.S. or other foreign lands. Liberians are exceptional short-sighted; this is a blunt fact. Regrettably, this editorial mentioned that the Liberian Finance Minister Amara Konneh is yet to make good his pledge to equip government offices with locally produced furniture but what is even more regrettable is that the officials and members of the National Carpenters Union, who are directly affected by this unfulfilled pledge of Minister Konneh, are sitting as spectators expecting their rights and privileges to be delivered on silver platter. Hardly nothing is heard of this union making conscious effort to ensure that Minister Konneh fulfills this pledge. The way forward for Liberian raw materials to develop our own industries is to stop leaving our destiny in the hands of greedy and self centered government officials who wish to see no change in the status quo owing to the gains they are reaping on a daily basis. The time is Now when all Liberians must, not only through words, but actions such as peace marches and non-violent demonstrations, ensure that the bountiful blessings from God benefit Liberians, many of whom live in abject poverty, instead of a selected few. Let me close with a quote from Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. : The ultimate tragedy is not the brutality of bad people but the silence of good people. Jahbulleh C. Dempster 3rd Street, Saye Town Sinkor

INVEST TODAY! Visit our branches and be a proud owner of CEMENCO

Liberian Bank for Development and Investment

Information Memorandum

CAR FOR SALE

TYPE COLOR MODEL A/C & ENGINE CONTACT # : : : : : NISSAN XTERRA SILVER 2002 PERFECT 0886552948 OR 0777474313

LBDI Central Monrovia Branch Ashmun & Randall Streets Monrovia, Liberia.

Private Placement of 206,572

Common Stocks of the Liberia Cement Corporation at US$12 per Stock Payable in Full On Application
This offer document is simply an Information Memorandum and does not in any respect represent a prospectus. The offer document and the securities that it bears are directed at selected investors as well as the members of the general public. Every prospective investor to whom this document has been addressed is expected to conduct independent evaluation of the Financial Position and operating results of the Liberia Cement Company.

LBDI Sinkor Branch 9th Street, Sinkor, Tubman Boulevard, Monrovia, Liberia

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

Procedures: 1. Application forms are free and available at LBDI Branches on 9th Street Sinkor and Randall & Ashmun Streets 2. Payment can be made by Cash, Managers Check or Debit Authorization

NOV. 18, 2013: Close of Offer: Feb. 18, 2014

Found at all major supermarkets in downtown Monrovia

Indeed, No More of That

Friday, January 31, 2014

Page 10 5

DAILY OBSERVER

Friday, January 31, 2014

Page 6

MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS

OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT

Republic of Liberia

CITY OF BUCHANAN GRAND BASSA COUNTY

INVITATION TO BID FOR THE PURCHASE, REMOVAL AND DISPOSAL OF SCRAP METALS AND UN EQUIPMENT ITB: GBC/ICB/100/01/2013/2014
January 27, 2014
1.
With consent of Central Government, on 22 July 2013, Grand Bassa County, by and through the County Administration, entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) and the National Port Authority Buchanan by which all old unused structures and scrap presently located in AMLs Concession area and within the Port of Buchanan have been turned over to Grand Bassa County. The County has decided to sell this scrap at market value and to use the proceeds for the benefit of the entire County. The County therefore invites prospective bidders with requisite technical & financial qualifications and capabilities, to bid for the purchase, removal, and disposal of said scrap metals currently located within the concession area of AML and Grand Bassa County. LOT 1: Cut scrap metals presently located in AMLs Concession area. LOT II: Old Equipment and scrap metals presently located within the Port of Buchanan Bidding will be conducted through the international Competitive Bidding (ICB) method of Procurement specified in the Public Procurement & Concession Acts (PPCA) and approved by the Public Procurement & Concession Commission (PPCC) and is open to all eligible bidders.

INTRODUCTION AND INVITATION

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

Tender Documents for the purchase, removal and disposal of the said unused scrap metals currently located within the Concession area of AML and the Port of Buchanan may be obtained from the Procurement Unit, Office of the Assistant Superintendent for Development Grand Bassa County, Robert and Kilby Streets Buchanan City at the address below, from January 27, 2014, during official working hours on payment of a non-refundable bid fee of Five Thousand United States Dollars (US$5,000.00) for each lot payable by a managers Check to: GRAND BASSA OPERATIONAL ACCOUNT 6. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISISON OF BIDS Deadline for the submission of SEALED BIDS is March 7, 2014 at GMT. All Bids must be delivered and deposited in the tender box at the Office of the Procurement Unit, Office of the Assistant Superintendent for Development Grand Bassa County, Robert and Kilby Streets Buchanan City before said deadline. All late Bids will be rejected outright. Bids will be opened at 2:00 P.M. on March 7, 2014. All Bidders or their representatives are asked to be present.
a. Information contained in this Invitation to Bid is indicative only and will be confirmed and amplified in the Bid Documents. b. Interested firms may obtain further information from the Procurement Unit, Administration Building Buchanan, Grand Bassa County Republic of Liberia from 8:00 A.M. 4:00 P.M. Mondays through Fridays or call Contacts Numbers: +231886422063 or +231886945388 +23177755199 or +231886570243

5.

TENDER DOCUMENTS

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

2.

THE STOCK

7.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

3. DIRECT FISCAL BENEFITS TO CENTRAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT FROM SALE

Proceeds from the sale shall be applied to and used for the benefit of the entire County of Grand Bassa. Appropriate sustainable added value, create job, project linage opportunities, social projects etc.

The successful bidder must (a) be a recognized local and/or regional and/or international entity with requisite experience in the steel industry to include the purchase, removal and disposal of scrap (b) have verifiable technical and managerial competence

4. BUYERS MENTS

QUALIFICATION

REQUIRE-

Entertainment:

Mighty Blow

LIBLife
Arts Style Travel Entertainment
Page 10

DAILY OBSERVER Friday, January 2014 Friday, 31, January 31, 2014

Page 7

We Have to Set Standards Around Here

-DJ As A Boy, Radio/TV personality and one of Liberias leading showbiz promoters

Entertainment:

Hes back in the game and with a change of name, the Short Story: old fire A Teenagers chunk Revenge is still not hard to catch
Page 8 Page 9

Suakoko Chief Elder Visits the White House

Page 8

Crooking the Crook

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DAILY OBSERVER Friday, January 2014 Friday, 31, January 31, 2014

Entertainment
By Yewa Sandy

J As A Boy is not your average media personality or entertainer, hes one of Liberias leading showbiz promoters. When it comes to being proud of who you are and what you represent, DJ As A Boy tries tremendously hard to tell the world about Liberia in his own way. Thats why Im called DJ As A boy, Im humble, straight, strong, faithful and submissive as a boy would be, As A Boy stated. Many know him as Duplex Rickey Jaeploe, shareowner of a marketing, entertainment and promotional company called Liberty Entertainment. We just signed artist Co.Z, thats one of our ways of giving back and we hope to sign more Liberian artists, he added. Hes also involved in numerous projects that have permitted him to stretch his promotional capacity in diverse directions towards helping the Liberian entertainment industry. Im also a Producer/TV host and radio announcer at Kings FM, Clar TV and City FM. I run an online program and work with the Exclusive Magazine. Right now Im trying to open my own magazine called The Shizzle. Its going to be strictly about Liberian entertainment; no foreign things. he stressed. DJ As A Boy has not only made a remarkable change in the way entertainment is seen through media over the years with his broadcasting skills, he has also been aiding artists who go to him for help. I see the Liberian artists in the street begging everyday and when they come to me for

s a saying goes in Liberia, whatever was meant for you will see your face. So it was with the Chief Elder of Suakoko District in Bong County, Sulunteh Yeibah, who made history when he recently visited the White House in Washington, D.C. Chief Sulunteh Yeibah is currently in the United States visiting his son, H.E. Jeremiah C. Sulunteh, Liberias Ambassador to the United States. As part of the American Christmas tradition, the Sulunteh family was invited to the White House and the Chief went as member of the Sulunteh family. The visit included a tour of the White House, guided by a protocol officer. However, because Elder Sulunteh

By Gabriel I. H. Williams

Suakoko Chief Elder Visits the White House

help I usually get in the street with them to see what best I can do to help, he said. DJ As A Boy has won three awards since 2007 for his role in promoting the Liberian music and film industries, and for also having a genuine passion for what he does naturally. When it comes to the promotion of music, DJ As A Boy prefers to surround himself with only Liberian content, never allowing any foreign content into his broadcast. Coming to the promotion of music, I wake up every day and come to Kings FM to promote Lib music. I sit on TV and promote Liberian videos. I have an online program called DJ As A Boy, I have a page called The Shizzle where I promote Liberian artist from all around the world that I talk to everyday. I only play Liberian songs; I dont play any other songs on the radio. I write entertainment only on Liberian stars, I check behind my artists; I know about them and help their game, he added. In as much, one may be wondering where it all started for this humble yet friendly entertainer. When asked about his passion for entertainment, most especially Liberian entertainment, he had this to say: Ive been entertaining since I was 10 years-old. I used to go around singing. Five years ago, after I stopped playing basketball and couldnt play anymore, I promoted it and started basketball and entertainment promotions. Im doing it because I have passion for it. Its a passion and what I want to do. Im capable enough. I love entertainment; it strengthens your mind, soul and spirit. Each time someone

-DJ As A Boy, Radio/TV personality and one of Liberias leading showbiz promoters
performs in front of you, it helps change your lifestyle and helps make you a better person, and helps give you a new look about yourself. Furthermore, according to the DJ, he did not reach to the height he finds himself today because of connection or who he knows, its simply because of his hard work despite the challenges he had to face. Some of the challenges we face as entertainers are the way people think about us. As entertainers, we have to set the standards around here. You see Funk Master D, DJ Blue, Lady Emotionz and the late Ralph Lincoln (Shot out to him and may his soul rest in perfect peace)? These guys are trying to set the standard for other people who actually want to follow the game. You have to believe in what you want to do; you have to go after it. You have to actually be strong about it. Im proud of these guys who are setting a standard. He noted. Meanwhile, DJ As A Boy has already begun to venture into two new undertakings to include a memorial service for the late lifestyle/entertainment writer Ralph Lincoln, a project that he looks forward to. Im Working on Ralph Lincoln funeral memorial February 28, 2014. We want to do a memorial night on a Friday. Ralph played a very important role in the entertainment industry we cannot root that up; we have to give him his flowers. People dont want to do that, so were

We Have to Set Standards Around Here

Page 8

going to do it. Ralph never received a good burial, and we have to make our presence felt since we never had the chance to do that. We have to do that to help ourselves in the future also, he sadly added. With a Peoples Award in the works as well, DJ As A boy says that Liberians should be given gratitude for their positive contributions to its development. The peoples award is for the people, and people look

up to us as entertainers to do something like that. Lets do the peoples awards and give back to people because if you want to move forward in life, you have to know where you are from. Why cant we organize a program at least honor these guys and give them the flowers while they are alive? he questioned. As the Liberians would put it, DJ As A Boy has been trying his best to make a difference Sinyea, Bong County. Responding to a question on how Suakoko Town was established, Elder Sulunteh provided an interesting historical account. He informed the gathering that the town of Suakoko was originally called Nyalinsue before Madam Suakoko migrated there. According to him, Ne-Sua Koko, as she was affectionately called, had fled inner fighting (referred to as the native or country war) from her home in Gbansue Korlorkwe, Zota District, Bong County. Ne-Sua made a stop-over in Nyalinsue and later sought refuge there, while traveling with a group of people, who were also fleeing the war. He indicated that Ne-Sua later requested the elders of Nyalinsue area for a piece of land to make her cassava farm in order to feed her followers. Her request was granted and she made a big cassava and plantain farm, where she built a large kitchen. As years went by, according to Elder Sulunteh, many of Ne-Suas followers made their own gardens and built

in a country that hardly wants to accept the music industrys next level. I think the entertainers in Liberia have not looked upon entertainment as another way of life; it helps in growth and development in our country. I think [our] entertainment needs to be given a fair shot and be appreciated for what it is and does for us as Liberians, he closed. individual kitchens. Ne-Suas farm soon developed into a little village and became a famous meeting place that was called Ne-Suata (meaning Ne-suas place), and it later became Suakoko-Ta. Elder Sulunteh further narrated that many of the followers of Ne-Sua were young girls and, as they grew, their hands were sought in marriage by young men from Nyalinsue and its environs. This made Ne-Sua very influential as the young couples later made farms for her, and that was the beginning of the establishment of what is today called Suakoko-Ta, meaning Suakoko Town. Ne-Suas only son, Mulbah Yonko, became paramount chief of Suakoko Chiefdom, now Suakoko District. Although in a very cold weather, Elder Sulunteh continues to enjoy the comfort of his grand and great-grand children, who traveled from Toronto, Canada to spend the Christmas and New Year in Washington, D.C.

Chief elder Sulunteh Yeibah, with his son. Ambassador Jeremiah C. Sulunteh, and his grandson. Jeremiah Sulunteh. Jr., at the White House

does not speak English, Ambassador Sulunteh served as an interpreter in the Kpelle language, for his father. They saw the Presidential Dining Room, the Red Room, and the Blue Room, as well as other historical areas of the White House. In addition to the White House visit, Elder Sulunteh was a guest at a meeting of the United Suakoko Development Association in the Americas, in Washington, D.C. Offering words of encouragement to the group, Elder Sulunteh said that no matter whatever they do in the U.S. or how long they live there, they should never forget about their homeland, Liberia. The United Suakoko Development Association in the Americas is currently supporting the Suakoko Central High School and the G. W. Gibson High School in

DAILY OBSERVER
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. 1 December 2013

Friday, January 31, 2014 Republic of Liberia

Page 8a 8

JOB OPPORTUN ITY: Open to all qualified candidates

A.M.E. ZION UNIVERSITY

Civil Service Agency

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (REOI) (Testing Consultant Firm)
EOI NO: CSA/SG/TC/11/13 IDA GRANT ID: TF 010792

nly

No online Degrees, please !

Divinity Divinity Liberal Arts Liberal Arts

College of General Studies Services Tests that will reflect Regional and International Standards and meet the requirements of the CSA. The public is hereby informed that the The CSA administers sixty-nine qualifying tests to individuals desirous of enfollowing position of VICE PRESIDENT FOR tering the service. Most of these tests have been administered for more than 20 years and need urgent revision to reflect the changing realities of the social, ecoACADEMIC AFFAIRS, now exists and is opened nomic and technological environment which the public service has undergone since the development of these tests. till February 15th 2014.
The AME-ZION UNIVERSITY is an accredited Church owned University for Higher learning. It is currently seeking an Academic Professional who possesses the Academic Genre to effectively assume the custodianship of all academic activities of the University as the VPAA.

Allied Health Allied Health REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST Science & Tech he Government of Liberia (GoL) through the Civil Service Agency Science & Tech (CSA) has received a grant from the International Development Criminal Justice Association (IDA) for Strengthening Governance-Civil Service Business & Public Admin Criminal Justice Reforms and Capacity Building Project (CSRCBP). The Civil Service Agency intends to apply part of the proceeds of this grant to eligible payments Business & Public College of General StudiesAdmin

under the contract for hiring a Testing Consultant Firm to develop new Civil

1. Background:

OBJECTIVES OF THIS CONSULTANCY, to: Under take the revision of the existing Civil Service Entrance Tests that are currently administered by the CSA. Develop new tests as necessary and, Develop and execute a capacity building plan to train staff of the CSA to undertake similar tasks in future. The assignment is estimated to cover approximately 100 staff-days over 150 calendar days. The start date of the assignment will be no later than seven (7) days upon the signing of the contract. The Civil Service Agency now invites eligible Consulting Firms to indicate their interest in providing this services. Interested consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services by submitting their detailed information (brochures, past performance records, references of similar assignments executed in the recent past). They must also provide description of work experience both general and on similar assignments. Specific experience on World Bank funded projects will be an added advantage. The shortlisting criteria are: Experience in undertaking similar assignments and number of years in business; Experience in working with the World Bank and/or Donor-funded Projects; Technical and Managerial Organization of the Firm; Availability of Competent Staff with relevant qualificatioin and experience to undertake the assignment; Experience developing Civil Service tests in the Sub-Sahara African Region. The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraph 1.9 of the World Banks Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits & Grants by World Bank Borrowers (January 2011). (Consultant Guidelines), setting forth the World Banks policy on conflict of interest. Consultants may associate with other firms in the form of a joint venture or a sub-consultancy to enhance their qualifications. A Consultant firm will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the World Banks Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultabts by World Bank Borrowers, Selection is Based on the Consultants Qualifications (CQS) as set out in consultant Guidelines (May 2004, Revised October 1, 2006, May 1, 2010 & January 2011). Interested Consultants may obtain further information at the address below during office hours from 09:00 and 17:00hours, Mondays to Fridays. Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form clearly marked: Ref: Testing Consultant of the CSRCBP at the address below in person or by mail or by email on or before Friday, February 14, 2014 at 17:00hours. The Consultant/Projector Coordinator Civil Service Reform and Capacity Building Project Civil Service Agency 63 Carey Street, Monrovia, Liberia Email: syaidoo11@gmail.com Attention: The Consultant/Project Coordination-CSRCBP

Responsibility:

To supervise the development of an Academic Curriculum/Program directed towards the manpower development needs of the society at large. Will be charged with the responsibility for supervising the activities of the Deans, Chairpersons and will assist with the development of all Academic Programs for the University and must submit quarterly reports to the President, regarding the achievements and challenges of the University. The Vice President for Academic Affairs will serve as Vice Chairman of the Faculty Senate. He/she shall assist the president in executing the academic affairs of the University in line with the vision, mission and core values of the Institution. As the chief custodian of academic activity, He/she shall be responsible for the updating of the academic curriculum in order to make certain that the material contents remain comprehensively comparable to that of our peer Institutions. He/she will review periodically, the curriculum and other academic programs for the purpose of updating the quality of material-content and will coordinate all Instructional programs. He/she will assist in recruiting and maintaining a competent academic faculty while performing any other duties that may be assigned by the President.

This Position requires a PhD cognizant to the academic disciplines, such as; Biology, Chemistry Physics, English, Mathematics, Mass-Communications, History, Geography, Sociology, Anthropology, Public Administration, Political Science, Philosophy, Criminology, Literature, all relevant to the Humanity or Natural Sciences, or an EdD in Education with emphasis in Curriculum Development and Supervision with a minimum of (3-5) five years experience in a College/University. A copy of the candidates Dissertation or Thesis for the PhD must be submitted along with all qualifying documents, if the degree of PhD/EdD was acquired less than 10 years ago. For the EdD, candidates must present their EdDs major (projects-paper) for evaluation. However, if the candidate(s) graduated more than 10 ten years ago, this requirement will be waived, until after the interview. If the candidate is selected, he or she will be required to present a certified copy that can be authenticated. No online PhD or EdD will be accepted. Salary is attractive along with good fringe benefits and others like vehicle, gasoline, daily allowance, and a monthly allowance for communications. To Apply: Interested applicants must submit a detailed Cover-Letter indicating their achievements, and their Vision for this position and the University. Applicants must also submit a Resume/ CV, to the Chairman of the Search Committee through the Human Resource Office on the Benson Street Campus by February 15th, 2014, no later than 4PM. Address: Chairman of the Search Committee (VPAA Position), C/O the Director of Human Resources AME-ZION UNIVERSITY, 166 Benson Street, Monrovia Liberia

Minimum Qualification:

DAILY OBSERVER

Friday, January 31, 2014

Page 8b 9

REVISED INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) Liberia Electricity Corporation

SUPPLY, DELIVERY, INSTALLATION & COMMISSIONING OF ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING (ERP) HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE FOR THE LIBERIA ELECTRICITY CORPORATION

Liberia Electricity Sector Enhancement Project (LESEP)

The estimated delivery period of the ERP/IT System is 6 months.

P.O.Box10-165 Waterside 1000 Monrovia, 10 Liberia

IFB Number: ICB/LEC/LESEP/ERP/04/13/14 INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIVE BIDDING

1. This Invitation for Bids (IFB) follows the General Procurement Notice (GPN) for this project that appeared in UNDB online, on March 7, 2012. 2. The Government of Liberia has received a grant from the Government of Norway toward the cost of the Liberia Electricity Sector Enhancement Project (LESEP). 3. The Liberia Electricity Corporation acting as the Implementing Agency intends to apply part of the proceeds of this grant to payments under the contract No: IFB Number: ICB/LEC/LESEP/ERP/04/13/14, for the Supply, Delivery, Installation & Commissioning of ERP Hardware and Software for the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC). 4. The Liberia Electricity Corporation now invites sealed bids from eligible and qualified bidders for the Supply of the above mentioned goods and related services to be installed at the following sites: i. LEC Head Offices, Computer Center, Waterside, Monrovia, Liberia for the Main Data Center ii. LEC Bushrod Offices, Computer Center, Bushrod Island, Monrovia, Liberia for the Disaster Recovery Site as described in the Schedule of Requirement of the bid document and summarized below: Bidder should note that this tender is a single package and is to be tendered as a whole.

5. Bidding will be conducted through the International Competitive Bidding (ICB) procedures specified in the Government of Liberias Public Procurement and Concessions Commission Act and Regulations (PPCA) and approved by the PPCC, and are open to all bidders from Eligible Source Countries as defined in the Guidelines. 6. Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information from the Liberia Electricity Corporation and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 0900 to 1700 hours, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays. More information on how to purchase bidding documents can be obtained by contacting Thelma Saunders or Alfred Cassell at tsaunders@lecliberia.com and acassell@lecliberia.com respectively. 7. Qualifications requirements include: a) Bidders must have successfully completed at least two (2) similar contracts done within the last three (3) years, of similar nature and complexity, each with a value of at least US$ two million (USD2,000,000). For a Joint Venture, the Partners should collectively meet this specific experience provided each joint venture Partner has had relevant experience in the component contract it is designated to perform. b) Minimum average annual turnover of US$2,000,000 (USD 2million), calculated as total certified payments received for contracts in progress or completed, within the last two (2) years. c) The Bidder shall also demonstrate that it has access to financial means (evidence of a line of credit), sufficient to meet the cash flow amount of USD 500,000.00 US Dollars (USD 500,000). d) A margin of preference for certain goods manufactured domestically shall not be applied. e) Bidders must provide audited Financial Reports for the last two 2 years 2011 and 2012, depending on the financial year of the firm. f) Bidders must provide a Certificate of Registration g) Bidders must provide prove of authorization from Microsoft Corporation as Implementation agents/partners for Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 product. h) Additional details are provided in the Bidding Documents.. 8. A complete set of Bidding Documents in English may be purchased by interested bidders on the submission of a written Application to the address below and upon payment of a non-refundable fee Two Hundred United States Dollars (US$200.00). The method of payment will be Bankers Check in favor of LEC or paid in cash to the Chief Accountant Office, 3rd Floor, LEC Central Office. Alternatively, a direct payment into Liberia Electricity Corporation Project Account No: 10610000012034, (Swift Code No. ECOCLRLM) held with ECO BANK LIBERIA LTD and submitting the payment advice as evidence to collect the Bid Documents. 9. Bids must be delivered to the address below at or before 10:00 am local time, on February 27, 2014. Electronic bidding will not be permitted. Late bids will be rejected. 10. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders representatives who choose to attend in person at the address below at 10:00 am local time, on February 27, 2014. All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security of Twenty Thousand United States Dollars (US$20,000.00) or in an equivalent amount in a freely convertible currency. 11. An on line bidders pre bid meeting shall be held on February 3, 2014 and detailed on LEC Website as shown below. 12. The address referred to above is: The Chief Executive Officer, Liberia Electricity Corporation P.O Box10 165 Waterside 1000 Monrovia, 10 Liberia Email:jnchoe@lecliberia.com, dbeyan@lecliberia.com, and gwatkins@lecliberia. com and copied to gsylvestre@mhi.mb.ca This information will also be available on the LEC website as shown below: www. lecliberia.com

Item Description of ERP/IT System N 1

Unit of QNTY Measure 1

Supply (Customization & Development) and Installation of the LOT Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software application (100 concurrent users, 250 users license) Supply, Installation and commissioning of the Servers for the ERP Supply, Installation and commissioning of the 42U server rack and Server UPS Supply, Installation and commissioning of Network Equipment (router, firewall and switch) Supply, Installation and commissioning of Backup Hardware Symantec NetBackup 5230 for Windows environment Supply, Installation and commissioning of Network Software (100 concurrent users)license Citrix Enterprise Edition Worx Mobile App; XenApp; XenClient; XenDesktop; XenMobile; XenServer; ShareFile; Network Management Software Supply, Installation and commissioning of Developer Tools Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 (10 user license) Supply, Installation and commissioning of Backup Software Symantec NetBackup Enterprise for Windows environment Server accessories, tools and other accessories required for the installation and commissioning of servers, network equipment, backup and Enterprise Planning Software application IT and Functional Expert Training (refer to Table - 3) End User Training (refer to Table - 3) Technical Support (Recurrent Annual Support and Maintenance) No No LOT LOT LOT

2 3 4 5 6

10 2 1 2 1

7 8 9 10 11 12

LOT LOT LOT LOT LOT LOT

1 1 1 1 1 1

DAILY OBSERVER Friday, January 2014 Friday, 31, January 31, 2014

By Yewa Sandy

Short Story:

he big judge said I would be in jail for one year, for revenging on those who had hurt me, and I had been in jail for the last six months. What did I do? I was just 14 years of age, and this is my story: It all began a year ago with a phone call from a strange man who said he wanted to speak to my mother She isnt here, I told him. As I hung up the phone, I proceeded to finish my daily chores of cleaning my room before going outside to play when the phone rang again. Hello, I said impatiently. Can I come over and play with you little girl? asked the caller. Who is this, and what do you want? I asked, curiously, for I was only fourteen years of age. Im on my way over to your house to see your mom, and to play with you, the voice said, mockingly. Well, she isnt here right now, and I dont play with men, I said. They say curiosity always kills the cat. My own curiosity began to overwhelm me like so many other things normally do, so I proceeded with questions. How do you know my mother, did she tell you to call to see if I am home? So, she isnt home right? the voice of the man asked, while refusing to answer my questions. Since you know where I live, I replied. Come and find out. I hung up again on him.

Months later I would come to realize that by jokingly inviting this man to our house, it was considered premeditated, and that would become the defense. After taking shower to go and hang out with my girlfriends, I heard an unexpected knock on our front door. Thinking that it could probably be mother, I rushed to the door, flinging it open. Mother once beat me up for taking too long to open the door, and I didnt want to feel that kind of pain again. Standing there were two men I had never seen before, one was wearing a t-shirt that read Dont Worry, Be Happy, while the other had on a shirt that was totally filthy, and an unshaven beard. Looking down at their shoes, something that mother unconsciously taught me to do whenever men approached me. Can I help you? All hell broke loose by that simple question. One of the mens hands reached across my face. Ouch, that hurts, I yelled. By now I was blinded and his hand also covered my mouth. You have a sweet mouth little girl, just like how I had imagined, I heard the voice, the same I had heard on the phone say. He began to tear my clothes off my body. Oh Lord this could not be happening to me, I thought. You smell so sweet little girl, the voice added. I wiggled under his aggression and thats when I felt it, something I was used to feeling by now, something that

A Teenagers Revenge

Page 9

my mother forced me to feel on a daily bases whenever she brought men into our house to spend the night, a move that helped put food on our table. Youre so sweet little girl, so sweet, a second voice said. Suddenly, I stopped fighting and decided to lie still until the men were finished with me. It continued for seemed to me as hours, as each took turns with me. The pain was so massive I could not feel my mid-section, but my legs and back were in terrible pain. One of the men said, We have to hurry up and leave now, shes had enough, we only paid her mother for two

hours with her. My mother? Could this be possible? Yes, my mother had always tried to ruin my life and had told me that she didnt want me by going out of her way to show me that I was an unwanted child. Did my mother really send these men here to rape me, or was it one of her business propositions that she always prepared for me? Whatever the case, she always punished me, and this time, I promised not let it go. It seemed like days had passed when one of the men lifted me from the ground and placed me unto our living

Crooking the Crook

f you think that you are a crook, someone may be even crooked than you! This was the case with a certain motor cyclist and another who happened to be an ex-motor cyclist. But because of the ex-motor cyclists crookedness in the past, no one was willing to entrust him with a motor bike. The ex-motor cyclist, during the past, was never faithful to his employers. He would convert the daily proceeds to his personal use, for which he was now without a job. Additionally, he was always in the habit of tricking blind people whenever they sought to ride with him and blackmail them. Whenever a blind fellow would give him a $100.00 or $50.00 bank note, and knowing that the distance was at least $20.00 or less, he would tell the blind fellow that the amount was $20.00 LD when the fare for the distance was actually $20.00 LD or $10.00LD. This was how the tricky motor cyclist continued and cheated blind people all the

By Edward Boakai

while he was running his motor bike. Most of his fellow motor cyclists would advise him to desist from such an ungodly behavior; yet he would not see reason to change until this fateful day, when he eventually encountered his match. This day, the ex-motor cyclist masqueraded as a blind fellow and went on the field where this crook fellow always abused blind folks. He decided to do away with the crook motor cyclists motor bike and put an end to his bad career since the latter

thought earning an honest living was difficult. Once on the field where this crook motor cyclist ran his bike, the ex-motor cyclist soon encountered him, thereby pretending to be blind and presenting him a $50.00LD bank note! Hello my friend, he greeted the crook. Yes, what can I do for you? the crook motor cyclist asked the pretentious blind man. I want you to look at this money and tell me how much it is, he told the crook.

This is $20.00LD, he told the blind man. Are you sure about this? the blind man asked. Yes, indeed, he assured the blind man. Okay then buy $15.00LD worth of bread and a bag of cold water for me, the blind man asked him for a favour which the crook gladly did and took the $ 30.00LD change for himself. As soon as the masquerade blind man got through eating the bread, he presented yet another bank note to the

room couch. You can sleep now sweet thing, well be seeing you, his distant voice said. I vomited at that instant. I knew I would no longer gain peoples respect, if they found out what had happened to me. I closed my eyes and the Lord knew when I awoke up, but I awoke to a blurry vision of my mother sitting next to me. Pull up and come eat, she said as if nothing had happened. I panicked as I looked around thinking that I would see my two assailants. My mother pulled me into a standing position and shook me, You didnt do a conscienceless motor cyclist. This time, it was a US$20.00 bank note. Look at this, the blind man said, handling the crook motor cyclist the bank note. How much is it? he asked the crook. This is a US$5.00 bank note, he told the blind man. Okay then! the masquerade blind man said with a sigh. What is the fare from here to Bong Mines? he asked the crook. The fare is 35.00LD, the crook said in confidence knowing that the fare from Kakata to Bong Mines was $250.00LD. Then what is the value of the US$ 5.00 in Liberian dollars? the blind man wanted to know. Its LD$400.00 at eighty Liberian dollars to one United States Dollar, he answered. So, I will have LD$50.00 change when you take me to Bong Mines, the blind man asked him. Yes, indeed, the crook assured the masquerade blind fellow. Okay then. Please take me to Bong Mines, the blind fellow finally told the crook. How happy the crook motorcyclist thought he would soon come to be, thinking that he would crook the masquerade blind fellow out of US$15.00 and though he did not know what was on

good job Delphinia, the men complained that you resisted the whole time. She knew about my attack after all, and now here she was blaming me. Mother, I was raped, they hurt me so badly, I began to cry. Ah man, dont cry, at least we have us some money now, she said. I felt bitter and wanted to revenge. For weeks afterward, I decided that I would kill my mother for what she did to me. While in her room one night, I found where she kept her gun and decided to hold on to it for safe keeping in case I was ever attacked again. One morning while eating breakfast, I had the gun hidden under the kitchen table when my mother came to me with another one of her schemes. This man wants to see you dear, so come and talk to him and help him, she said. Standing there next to my mother was the man who had raped me. Mama, thats him, I whispered minutes before he approached me. I could not remember what happened after that, but as I came to myself minutes later, I realized that my mother and the rapist were lying dead on our kitchen floor. Five minutes later, the police came for me. the mind of the man who he apparently mistook for a blind man. He therefore hurriedly put the blind fellow on his motor bike but the blind man astonishingly started the bike and did away with it within the twinkle of an eye, to the amazement of those that stood by at the Bong Mines Parking Station. The confused crook began to cry, My people your come; the blind man is running away with my motorbike! He sobbed and began to sweat at the same time. He could not believe his own eyes! But some of those on the dramatic scene did not take the crook motor cyclist serious though; for how could a blind man have the ability to ride a motor bike, or run away with it? They, therefore, did not assist him in chasing after the blind man; not even other motor cyclists who happened to be on the scene. Yet, some of them too began to laugh in hysteria saying, He thought he was a super crook but a blind man has taught him a lesson. The crook motorcyclist therefore learned a hard lesson that day and probably saw reason to change his attitude. Despite every effort he made to retrieve the motor bike, it was to no avail.

DAILY OBSERVER Friday, January 2014 Friday, 31, January 31, 2014

Entertainment

Interview by Yewa Sandy

. Ronald Freeman Jr., commonly known as Mighty Blow (formerly Nigga Blow) is one of the most talked about Liberian Hip-Hop/ Hip-Co rappers. Over the years, Mighty Blow has enlightened his audience with hit tracks such as Old Fire Chunk (not hard to catch) and Strange Food In My Eating Pan, gaining him a popularity and where he finds himself today as a international superstar/ entertainer. Despite the many rumors and questions surrounding his music career and where he stands today in Liberias limitless entertainment industry, LIB LIFE caught up with the admired musician to find out the truth and to set the record straight once and for all about his career. LIB LIFE: Wow, I dont know what to call you because I heard something about a name change,

black man can call a black man nigga. It happened in Cellcom where I found white people calling me Nigga Blow and I understood what he was trying to say. LIB LIFE: Tell us things about Mighty Blow that we dont know? Blow: I was born and raised in Monrovia. Im a Kpelle/Kru man from Bong County; my mother is a Kru woman while my father is a Kpelle man. Back in the days in high school, I played football up to second division and thought that I would be a football player, but (he laughs). Ive got skills up till now and plan on organizing a game with my crew HipCo All Stars and The State Runners Empire so people can see their musicians playing. From football I started break-dancing. The dancing evolved into the whole entertainment business of music. I danced for 3-4 years. LIB LIFE: Wow, youve been entertaining people

Mighty Blow
Page 10

Hes back in the game and with a change of name, the old fire chunk is still not hard to catch

me Busta Rhymes in school. I listened to Tupac and learned his songs word for word. I used to listen to Biggie and Jay-Z, whos my favorite rapper. LIB LIFE: With that said, how did you finally get noticed as an artist and into the recording studio? Blow: While dancing, a friend of mine named Ragga E, who works at Red Eyez Entertainment, heard me rapping freestyle one day and asked me if I had ever rapped in front of a crowd before. And I told him no. He actually inspired me to get into rap business because he said that I had a good voice. In that period of time, LIB records CEO Sammy Bokai Jr. came from London and opened auditions for fellas to come out and justify. He wanted to form LIB records, and thats how Ragga E took me to there and the CEO liked my voice. And I started to do my thing. LIB LIFE: I heard that your first track was prepared under troubling circumstances. Tell us about that. Blow: The 1st song I did was called Tribute. Our CEO along with George Weah took us to Sierra Leone (Salone) to record right after the war was over. While going to Salone, we had a serious accident and lost one of our friends named Tim. When we came back to Liberia we did a tribute song. After that incident, our CEO went back to London and LIB records split and everyone went solo. LIB LIFE: After going solo, what undertakings did you make? Blow: Well, Strange Food In My Eating Pan was my first single and also my very first hit song, which put me on the map. The track basically described me leaving my house with out giving my girl any food money, and then coming back home to meet chicken chicken thigh in my pan strange food in my eating pan. Where did she get it from because I wasnt able to leave her with any money?

out of the way, whats your relationship with Cellcom like now? Blow: I came recently and the CEO called me and told me to come over and sign another one-year contract and Ive started doing the promotions and stuff. Cellcom is doing well for me, sponsoring me, taking care of my promotions, house, family and car. LIB LIFE: Now that you have again secured yourself and your career, what projects are you taking on right now? Blow: Ive got my HipHop and Hip-Co album coming out. Liberians only know me as a Hip-Co artist because of my two hit tracks that were done in Colloquia. But when it comes to Hip-Hop, I blow it as well. Liberia is my country and thats why I do Hip-Co, but I want LIB to know that I can change my style and thats why I decided to come out with a Hip-Hop album. LIB LIFE: Thats great and I wish you success in that. With the growing population of artists in the industry, do you think it will be a challenge to create a whole new image of your rap style? Blow: I just have to step up my game because in every area of life there is competition. When you look at music on the other hand, there is a lot of competition because if you sit there and dont put any music out there and someone else does, people are going to listen to that other artist. As for me, I feel I have to work; being the best isnt all about telling yourself youre the best, you have to work towards it. LIB LIFE: Before we go, would you like to share anything with your fans? Blow: In the next five years I want to see myself hitting the world, not just Liberia, but internationally. I want to drop a song that will hit the whole market, thats my focus right now. Keep on loving me because I am doing everything to strengthen my game to build up fire!

(Laughter) LIB LIFE: That was your first hit single, but tell us a little about your second hit and how it led you to signing a contract with Cellcom? Blow: Old Fire Trunk made me popular and thats when I signed a one-year contract with Cellcom. LIB LIFE: Must have been nice working with a GSM company, can you describe what it was like working with Cellcom? Blow: Working with Cellcom was straight up. But I only had problems with my own producers and manager. LIB LIFE: Rumor has it that Cellcom terminated your contract due to problems. Can you tell me about that? Blow: People contradicted the story saying that Blow had a problem with Cellcom. The truth is that people misunderstood this. I was with Cellcom and everything was fine. I signed a US$45,000 contract, was given a Nissan Pathfinder and we started operating. I used to travel and come back. The problem was with my manager and producer; they took a lot of money

from me. Money I was to get from Cellcom. When they took the money and ran away with it, I went to Cellcom to ask about it when they told me they had already paid my manager. More contradictions came when one day I was in the crib when I heard my song off my album that I did with Cellcom being played by one of these street music vendors passing by. When I checked, I noticed that he had a duplicate CD of my stuff, and when I asked him about it, he confessed that he got it from the money exchange boys selling in front of Cellcom. LIB LIFE: That really must have made you upset? Blow: I went to the boys that change money in front of Cellcom and met the duplicates there. I took the police for them and it had nothing to do with Cellcom. It was that scene that made people to contradict the story. In fact, my contract with Cellcom was already over by then, but I still used to visit the CEO and eat my small thing here and there. We were still cool. LIB LIFE: You just answered a major question that the Liberian community has always wanted to ask you. Now that we have that

whats up with that? (Laughter) Blow: Back in the days I was Nigga blow, but I changed it to Mighty Blow because of my manager. He told me to change it because of the general understanding that only a

for quite awhile now, isnt that so? Blow: Yes. Back in the day, even while I was playing football I used to like music. Id rap at college shows imitating Tupac and Busta Rhymes, and it had everyone calling

DAILY OBSERVER

Friday, January 31, 2014

Page11 7

Ministry of Finance
1000 Monrovia 10 Liberia
P. O. Box 9013 Broad & Mechlin Streets

REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST For the Provision of VALUATION OF MOUNT NIMBA MINNING PROJECT
equity position in the project base upon either one of the following globally accepted methodologies: i. Income ii. Market iii. Assets The complete valuation of the project will also include calculations based upon either one or combinations of the following valuation models including but not limited to: a) Cash Flow/ Net Present Values , b) Comparable Transactions, c) Cash Flow Multiples/ Comparable P/Es and d) IRR The Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Finance now invites eligible Firms to indicate their interest in providing the services. It is proposed that the valuation exercise will take not more than 90 days to complete with a written report presented to the Government of Liberia. Interested Firms must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, past performance history,etc.) The Expression of Interest should also include at a minimum the cost, description of the methodology to be employed, the CVs of the Team Members, proposed timeframe, if a differs from the required time as set forth in the Terms of Reference, brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, past performance history,etc. A consultancy firm will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission Act, of the Republic of Liberia. Only shortlisted Firms will be sent the Request for Proposals. Interested Firms may obtain further information at the address below from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM GMT at the Procurement Unit, 3rd Floor Room 045, Ministry of Finance, Broad & Mechlin Streets, Monrovia, Liberia. Expressions of interest must be delivered to the address below by 2:00 PM on or before February 14, 2014. Attn. William J. Hagba Director of Procurement 3rd Floor Room 045 Ministry of Finance P. O. Box 9013 Broad & Mechlin Streets 1000 Monrovia 10 Liberia Tel: +231886563518/0880753568

he Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Finance has appropriated funds in the FY13/14 National Budget and intends to apply part of this to payments under the contract for Consultancy Services for Valuation of Mount Nimba Mining Project.

Background In 2005, the Government of Liberia (GOL) entered into a Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) with ArcelorMittal (AML) for the re-development of Mount Nimba at Tokadeh, Nimba County. The Agreement has been amended twice: First in 2006 and then in 2013. The project is a joint venture between the Government of Liberia (30%) and AML (70%) with the corresponding initial capital amounts of $15 and $35 million respectively. When the original feasibility was conducted, it was estimated that the re-development of the mine would cost approximately US$900 million. In 2011, AML completed new feasibility study that puts the estimated project cost to US$2. 1 billionwith the project divided into 2 phases: Phase 1 which is still ongoing involves the shipping of direct ship ore (DSO) with iron (Fe) content around 58%. Phase 2 which is expected to start in 2015 will involve the shipping of palletized concentrate. Currently, AML is producing and shipping nearly 4 MT pa of DSO. By 2015, the project is expected to be shipping approximately 15 MT pa. Based on the financial model, the companys ramped up operations were slated for years 2010 through 2015 at which time, the shipment of DSO would cease. As the project aggressively moves to phase 2 based upon the in initial projected financial model, AML has indicated the need for increased financing through the injection of capital by its shareholders. The Government of Liberia in an attempt to meet its financial obligations as a minority shareholder, needs to hire an internationally recognized and competent third party to work with a competent local entity in undertaking a quick valuation of the project in order to provide both a book and fair market value of its equity stake in AMLas at December 31, 2012. Accordingly, the GOL will use the valuation as a basis for the determination raising capital to finance its position. Scope Accordingly, the Government of Liberia is seeking a company that will perform,among other things, the following tasks: 1. Analysis of mines financial statements, cash flows and projections 2. Review of projected expenditures (capitalized VS. expensed) 3 Analysis of supply, demand and future price for iron ore, along with transportation costs 4. Review and confirm existing resource information to determine/ confirm: i. Extent of reserve andresources(Rule 7,43-101 and/ or JORC) ii. Ability to expand reserves iii. The level of economic ore extraction iv. Mine plan 5. Explore and advise on strategic financing options for the GOLs

Signed: ________________________________________ Procurement Director Approved: _______________________________________ Deputy Minister for Administration

Tuesday, January 28, 31, 2014 DAILY OBSERVER Thursday, January 30, 2014 Friday, January 2014

Page 12 Page10d

The Rev. James B. Sellee, Rector of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Camp Johnson Road, Monrovia

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, TRUE WORSHIP AND HOW IT CAN THE MOST COMPASSIONATE, THE MOST MERCIFUL IMPACT ALL OF LIFE (PART FOUR): CIVILIZATION-AL-ISLAMIC PER SPECTIVE BUILDING AN IDEAL MUSLIM SOCIETY WORSHIP AND UNITY
of true worship is right living with God, fellow human beings and the environment. Worship should fill us with the zeal and zest to do good works: works of mercy, justice and personal and communal peace. Christian believers go to worship in order to recharge their spiritual batteries, to be reminded of what they ought to do everyday and every second of every hour. Worship ought to make one a better husband, wife, child, neighbor or person at home, at work and at play. It enables us to have and maintain right relationships with God and the neighbor. True worship and right living go hand in hand. Genuine worship should promote unity. One of the devastating consequences of sin is that it mars all of our relationships. There is always a real danger of divisive tendency, attitude and action in our social dealings. Nations, institutions, communities, organizations and families are threatened by disunity. Factionalism, tribalism, sectionalism, and partisan spirit are forms of divisions or disunity. Disunity results from divided minds and non-cooperation attitudes and ways. Some of the common causes of divisions among groups are selfishness, greed, favoritism (pick and choose tendency and way), insincerity, the absence of true love and sometime downright ignorance. There is always a tendency to promote self at the expense of other selves. Disunity weakens and impedes the progress of families, institutions, communities and nations. The answer to this common human fault of disunity is unity. Unity means working together to pursue the common good, fellowshipping, bearing one anothers burdens, sharing our gifts and talents, forgiving each other, correcting one another in love, and encouraging one another to love and serve better. There is strength in unity. The Bible says a city or house that is divided against itself will fall (Matt. 12:25). Abraham Lincoln popularized this biblical adage in the phrase united we stand, divided we fall. Unity is a must for peace and progress in all of our social interactions. Unity, of course, does not mean uniformity which is all of us thinking, dressing, worshipping and doing everything utterly like. Genuine unity allows diversity and the right kind of diversity strengthens unity. Differences of outlooks, cultures, economies, and religious faiths and practices when managed well can enhance our unity. We all can learn from and be strengthened by the good things other people do differently and better than us. True worship should drive us to unity and promoting unity. It teaches us that we have one heavenly father and are therefore brothers and sisters. Worship calls us to seek the welfare of others. True worshippers seek the peace and unity of the family, community, institution, the nation and the world. Worship that does not seek the unity of worshippers and the wider community is false and empty.

(PART THIRTY ONE)

them if they talk! And there, they blamed themselves saying: You are indeed the wrongheaded who are wrongful of actions. But (being) overturned by imprudence in their minds and by subversion of reason they said to him: You knew very well that these idols do not talk! Do you worship then besides Allah, said Ibrahim/ Abraham, objects which neither profit you nor can do you harm, fie on you, he added, and on those objects you worship besides Allah, can you not think in a sensible and logical manner and employ the faculty of reason in forming conclusion! Nonetheless, they said, burn him and uphold your gods if indeed you intend to maintain your system of faith and worship and sustain it against criticism (21:57-68). When Prophet Ibrahim/Abraham (AS) made this threat, some of his people heard it and took note. However, they had a festival which they could not but go out to celebrate. On their way to the festival they asked the servant of Allah whether he was not going to the festival with them. His reply was short and simple, I am sick; and therefore he would not go. When the people left and went out to celebrate their festival, the Prophet (AS) took that opportunity to destroy them in the manner and form as stated in the above quotation. It is held that the ultimate inclination and purpose of Prophet Ibrahim/Abraham was that by so doing, he would be summoned and questioned. He felt that would be a better opportunity to tell such great gathering about the level of their ignorance and how misguide, astray and foolish they had become in their worship of idols which could not defend themselves from harm or help themselves from unforeseeable imminent danger. Off-course, those who cannot help themselves, how could they help others? So, when Prophet Ibrahim/ Abraham was brought before the multitude of people and asked, he told them thus: But it was their chief (idol) who did it, said Ibrahim/Abraham; ask them if they talk! The chief idol being physically present, and if it was something tangible, could have heard the Prophet saying and react to it. However, it miserably failed to say anything. Hence, this caused the people of Prophet Ibrahim/ Abraham (AS) to fall prey to shamefulness And there, they blamed themselves. Observing this, Prophet Ibrahim/Abraham (AS), seized the opportunity to

By Sheikh Kafumba F. Konneh

All praise belongs to Allah; and may His peace and blessings be upon His Prophet, his household, his companions and all those who rightly follow their foot-steps. Ameen!

he thrust of this fourth article of the series on the impact of true worship on all of life is on the link between true worship and unity. Genuine worship ought to issue into the unity of worshippers, those around them and the environment. How then does worship promote unity? What kind of unity does genuine worship lead to? Let us explore in brief below. We begin by summarizing the third article on worship and right living. True worship leads to right living and right living is an expression of true worship. We cannot therefore afford to come from a worship Service filled with hatred, jealousy, bitterness, war and immoral thoughts and desires. A worship Service prepares us for loving deeds and not for evil. The worship Service ends with a dismissal or closing prayer but true worship continues in the lives of true worshippers in the forms of honesty, sharing, caring for others, and promoting justices for all. True worship must therefore undergird and influence our decision making and every thought and deed of ours. Being God-conscious in every aspect of our lives and not only when we are in Church and other Church activities is a mark of true worship. True worship is about how we live on daily basis how we react to situations and treat other people. The mark

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n our last edition we concluded our discourse concerning Prophet Ibrahim/ Abrahams (AS) engagement of his people. He raised issues with them concerning worshipping of idols; and told them thus: But you and your fathers were erroneous in your system of faith and worship (21:54). Their answer was made in a question form and it reads thus: Have you brought us the truth, or are you one of those who make this the object of a joke!? Prophet Ibrahim/ Abraham answer to their question was clear, concise and precise. That is, he said thus: But your God is the Allah-Creator of heavens and the earth Who generated them and brought them into existence and to this effect I sincerely bear witness (21:56). Today, in this edition, Insha-Allah, we shall try to continue this discourse. Off-course, Prophet Ibrahim/ Abraham was alone at the beginning of his engagement of his people, but was certainly sure of the success of his mission and approached it courageously, dedicatedly and unmitigatedly. Perhaps it was against this background that he told his people thus: And by Allah, I will plot down your idols to dethrone them after you have gone and turned your backs. The servant of Allah was very serious and meant what he said. He there and then did not stop at mere rhetoric, but made sure that he practicalized his vow. The Scripture tells us that in consequence of his seriousness, he: And so he reduced them-the idols-into a useless form except their biggest so that they might turn to it for information. And when they returned, they said: He who has done this to our gods is indeed wrong-headed and wrongful of actions. Some of them said: We heard a young man by the name of Ibrahim/ Abraham cursing them and calling them names Bring him here before the people, they said, so that they may witness with their own eyes the consequence, for he- Ibrahim/Abraham has much to answer for, and when he was brought over they said to him: Was it you Ibrahim/Abraham who did this to our gods! But it was their chief (idol) who did it, said Ibrahim/Abraham; ask

compound their self-blaming. He then said thus: You are indeed the wrong-headed who are wrongful of actions. But (being) overturned by imprudence in their minds and by subversion of reason they said to him: You knew very well that these idols do not talk! Do you worship then besides Allah, said Ibrahim/Abraham, objects which neither profit you nor can do you harm, fie on you, he added, and on those objects you worship besides Allah, can you not think in a sensible and logical manner and employ the faculty of reason in forming conclusion! Prophet Ibrahim/Abraham had thought and hoped that his people would pause briefly, meditate reflectively and act maturely. However, his people was blinded by superstition belief and deprived of the Divine Grace; and hence, had no desire to understand and appreciate Allahs will and His Revelations. This was so because their minds were fogged and could not understand. By the same trend, their ears were clogged and for which, they could not hear. So, being totally and unmitigatedly bent on in their evil inclination and determination could not amend and refine their character and belief system. There and then, decided to burn Prophet Ibrahim/Abraham (AS) alive. However, Allahthe Almighty Who chosen and designated him, was his side. Hence, Allah commends thus: O fire! Be cool and maintain your coolness and afford Ibrahim/Abraham safety and security and We (Allah) graced him with peace of mind. So conditioned, they thought of contriving against him, but We (Allah) made them losers who lost the most. And We (Allah) rescued him together with Lot (his nephew) and delivered them to the land which We (Allah) had blessed, the land where many divine messages were revealed for all. And We (Allah) bestowed on him Ishihaqa/ Isaac and in addition We (Allah) graced him with Yacub/Jacob (a grandson) each of whom We (Allah) characterized by virtue and righteousness. And We (Allah) made them leaders of faith guiding people into all truth as We (Allah) willed and We (Allah) inspired to them the deeds of wisdom and piety and the act of worship and alms giving and they were exclusively devoted to serving Our (Allahs) purpose and they worshipped Us (Allah-the only Majestic) and Us alone (21:69-73).

DAILY OBSERVER Friday, January 2014 Friday, 31, January 31, 2014

Page 13

-Children Now Being Used as Breadwinners

t is often said that children are blessings from God and are the future of every society. This calls for them to be properly educated and nurtured with morality and with ardent love and care from parents, guardians and others to prepare them to face the future. But the case is often most times, quite different in Liberia; as many children, including the ones pictured above, who forced to survive on the streets selling to make ends-meets for their parents. The issues of child abuse, labor, trafficking and other crimes suffered by children are on the rampage throughout the country even though the Liberian National Police have reportedly taken measures to curtail these happenings. Many children in Liberia, as young as 7, 8, and 9 are forced into the roles of breadwinners, without chances to acquire an education that would assure them of a better future. This

Role Swap
Little Daniel and Martha have to sell before they can have food the day
bread and other items on the streets and parts of Monrovia. We spoke with two young children, Daniel Yansaih and Martha Nyanquoi, who were selling bathing siphon or sponge at the Bus Station on McDonald Street. These cut sponges are torn from a whole mosquito net, which are brought into the country by donors and given to the Liberian government for use in prevention of mosquito. These things slip out of the governments control and end up in streets being sold siphons distance they cover morning and evening is nearly five kilometers from central Monrovia, where they come to sell every day. Their torn siphons or sponges are sold for L$10 or 25. They highest they have ever made in their trade is L$600 (US$7.50 at prevailing exchange rate between the Liberian and US dollars). According to Daniel, who is a student of the Joel Elementary School at Tusa Field, his mother lives in the Caldwell area and currently works for white people as a cook and cleaner, I can go spend time with my mother and come back to Aunty Mary. I am not feeling fine selling in the streets, but I have to do it in order to help my aunt pay my school fees and provide food for us. My aunt is also selling the same market I am, Daniel disclosed. He explained that the living conditions of children in the country are not being looked at by the national government. Daniel then called on the government to support the youthful generation for the challenges ahead, adding that the future of children must be seen as important by the government. At the same time, Martha, Daniels selling mate said, In spite of my selling in the street, I am hoping to get a better education because I have the dream of becoming some one important in my country. Martha explained that her father, Pewee Nyanquoi, is suffering from a sickness that has left him unemployed for years. This is the reason why I am selling on the streets and it is the only we will have food to eat. Despite living this destitute life, little Martha called on Liberian children to obey their parents and focus on their education if they have the opportunity to go to school. My friends laugh at me when I am coming to sell, but

By Alvin Worzi & Gloria T. Tamba

it doesnt move me because I am working towards my goal. I have to sell and work hard in order to get a better education. Since the Observer could not get a direct response from the parents or guardians of Martha and Daniel, we decided to look back at a similar story we ran in our Thursdays January 30th edition. In that article, a little boy of eight, Joseph Flomo, a student of the J. F. Clarke Kindergarten School in Gbarnga, said that it is through the sale of baskets (ones used as chicken houses) that his father is able to send him to school. The J. F. Clarke Kindergarten School is a government-run elementary school situated in the Bad Habit Land Community on the Kokoyah Road in Gbarnga. I have to come from school to go and sell the baskets before we can eat anything Joseph Flomo told the Daily Observer. He informed this paper that he is the youngest of three and that his mother died as the result of labor complications; leaving behind he, his siblings and his father who is disabled. I should have been in the second grade, but due to my irregularity in class coupled with my engagement with the

selling, I have had difficulty with my lessons Little Joseph Flomo disclosed. An investigation conducted by this paper established that many school going children between the ages of seven to ten years in Gbarnga are involved in street selling despite its publicized government free and compulsory school program. Even in the face of persistent cries from human rights groups operating in the county condemning the use of minors as bread winners; it appears as if many parents are still making use of their children to contribute to their household incomes. Many parents who spoke to the Daily Observer attributed the rising number of street selling children to the high cost of living.

Nyamah Dolo, a mother of five told the Observer that her children are selling not because of extreme hardship but what she termed as training so that they would not be beggars or liabilities to society. You see me, my mother reared me the hard way, this is the reason I am on my own Nyamah emphasized. Another mother, Korto Kollie, a former teacher, stressed that due to the current economic insecurity in the country, specifically in rural Liberia, many parents engaged their children in petit business in order to provide some financial stability to the home. If the children do not sell, how will the home be stable when the man (husband) is unemployed? she asked.

Little Joseph Flomo selling baskets

simply means these children--who number in the hundreds of thousands--- are facing a depressing future. During a tour around Monrovia, Thursday, our reporters observed that many kids are selling in order to feed thier parents and themselves. This is a responsibility that has been either willingly neglected by their parents/guardians or because of the economic situation when Papa is not able to come home. The children sold water,

by these kids some adults. Martha and Daniel, who did not say their ages because they did not know, disclosed that it was difficult for them to receive an education as well as make a living, adding that We have to sell before receiving something to eat at home. The two children from the New Georgia Estate area, explained that they usually walk from the New Georgia Estate to central Monrovia to sell bathing siphons for their guardian, Ma Mary. The

DAILY OBSERVER Friday, January 31, 2014

Tougher Action
By Keith Morris

14 Page 14
GAC seriously in an effort to serve as a deterrent to wouldbe perpetrators, the Grand Bassa County lawmaker argued. Representative Barchue used the occasion to call on authorities of the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) to formulate the right measures to combat the decrease in the value of the Liberian dollar to the United States dollars. He maintained that CBL mended that the APRM Forum be made a permanent part of the African Union system, and urged the Committee of Heads of State of the Forum to support and protect the continents mechanism in fulfilling its mandate for the benefit of Africa. Speaking earlier, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Haile Mariam Desalegn, expressed gratitude to President Sirleaf for the exemplary leadership of the APRM Forum. PM Desalegn, who is also Chairperson of the Assembly of AU, said APR Forum is the means by which the continent can say no to undue interference from outside forces; and when the continent knows exactly what to do to ensure security, good governance, development and democratic rule. He hoped that more countries would accede to the APRM Process. The Chairperson of the AU Commission, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, recognized the APRM Forum as the continents self-monitoring mechanism that must be supported should have the capacity to address complex problems in the economy, and come up with the right principles to achieve its goal. Deputy Speaker Barchue described the decline in the Liberian dollars and the current state of the Liberian economy as unfortunate, raising concern about the prospects of growth and human development of the Liberian people. by all of its leaders. Madam Zuma, who is the wife of South African President, Jacob Zuma, reminded the forum members that the APRM Forum was created in 2003 to help promote good governance and economic change, and insisted that the APRM represents an early warning system for potential problems in Member States. The APR Mechanism, an initiative of the African Union that was established in March 2003 by the Heads of State and Government Implementation Committee of the New Partnership for Africas Development (NEPAD), is an instrument for monitoring performance in governance among Member States, and provides support for the improvement of such performance. Thirty-four AU Member States, including Liberia, have voluntarily acceded to the Mechanism. Seventeen countries that have completed their self-assessment have been peer-reviewed by the Forum of Heads of State and Government.

D P

e p u t y H o u s e Speaker Hans Barchue wants rigid and uncompromising measures instituted by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in order to

curb corruption. In a Daily Observer interview, Deputy Speaker Barchue stated that as corruption remains a major challenge affecting the development of this Liberia, very harsh action should be taken against those caught in dishonest and illegal practices. He wants President Sirleaf

By William Q. Harmon

Ellen Nominates
rica. The AU leaders have also launched 2014 as the Year of Agriculture and Food Security in Africa. President Sirleaf made the nomination, according to a dispatch from the Ethiopia Capital, Addis-Ababa on Wednesday 29, 2014, when she chaired the 20th Summit of the Committee of Heads of State and Government of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). Ambassador Ndangiza succeeds the outgoing Chairperson of the APR Panel, Barrister Akere Tabeng Muna of Cameroon, who served as a Panel Member from 2003 to January 2014. She was first appointed as member of the APR Panel of Eminent Persons at the 16th Summit of the APR Forum in January 2012. The new Vice-Chair was at the same time appointed to the APR Panel. Additionally, President Sirleaf recommended the appointment of three distin-

suspend officials implicated in the General Auditing Commissions (GAC) investigation of corrupt practices in public offices. If those accused of corruption remain in office while court proceedings are ongoing, they will have time and opportunity to cover-up in order to show that they are not guilty. He appealed to the Chief Executive to begin suspenguished Africans as new Panel Members to replace Barrister Muna (Cameroon), Barrister Jullienne Onziel Gnelenga (Congo Brazzaville) and Dr. Amos C. Sawyer (Liberia) whose four-year tenure as Panel Members expires this month. Those preferred by the Liberian leader are: Edem Kojo (Togo), Professor Abo Mengeuel (Sudan), and Mr. Mahamoud Yossouf Khayal (Chad). President Sirleaf lauded the outgoing panelists, for what she termed their invaluable role in the progress of APRM, and I look forward to your continued support to this proud Pan-African initiative. She pointed out that in the last 10 years, the APRM has proven itself an important tool for detecting possible fault lines in the continents national governance systems; has shown its strength as an early warning mechanism for emerging issues and potential crisis in some countries reviewed; and has equally provided an opportunity to show-

sion as a new strategy in tackling corruption---an offense he considered systemic and chronic in the Liberian society. If am accused and still maintain in that position, I will have time to manage and manipulate documents to protect my interest. We need to come up with a policy to address cases that come out of the GAC reports. Government needs to take reports from the case the best practices in some countries on the continent. President Sirleaf maintained that Africas success in achieving the standards set for good governance is heavily dependent on its ability to ensure self-governance and respect for the rules, protocols, and structures that constitute the Mechanism. She cautioned the important strengthening the lines of communication between the bodies that make up the APRM, to ensure that informed and prudent administrative decisions are made by those vested with the proper authority to make them. This includes the implementation of the Mechanism structure which was approved by the Forum in May 2013, she said. She called for the vetting of staff of the APRM Secretariat with swiftness and urgency, stressing that it must be done transparently and fairly. She thanked South Africa for agreeing to undertake the hiring of a firm to facilitate the recruitment process. President Sirleaf had recom-

resident Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, as Chairperson of the African Peers Review (APR) Forum, has nominated, for consideration and appointment two prominent diplomats to head the APR Panel of eminent persons. Those nominated by the Liberian leader include Ambassador Fatuma Nyirakobwa Ndangiza of Rwanda and Ambassador Ashraf Rashed of Egypt as the new Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, respectively, of the APR Panel. Heads of State and Government are presently in the Ethiopian Capital, Addis-Ababa, attending the 22nd Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU), where several cardinal issues including a report of activities of the AU Peace and Security Council and the state of peace and security in Af-

Traditional Secret Societies Hindering School Operation in Bong

-Says County Education Officer
said the Poro and Sande Secret societies are primarily for the training of boys and girls in the areas of respect for older people and marriage. Speaking recently in the town of Wainsue, a few miles away from the provincial town of Gbarnga, Mrs. Bonner emphasized that enrollment in most of the schools--- specifically in the leeward districts where activities of the Poro and Sande societies are active--- has dropped considerably.

T
D

By Marcus N. Malayea in Gbarnga Bong County

he County Education Officer for Bong County, Mrs. Beatrice Saye Bonner, has disclosed that schools activities are being stalled as the result of the operation of traditional culture (poro and sande secret societies) in the county. Our Correspondent in Bong

The County Education Officer maintained that despite governments free and compulsory primary education initiative, many parents are still sending their children to the Poro and Sande societies during normal school activities. Madam Bonner told the audience that her administration and the Government of Liberia were not against the operation of the traditional secret societies; but stressed that it should be carried out when the students are on break.

Government Urged to Teach HIV&AIDS in Schools

LCL HIV&AIDS Advocacy Officer Asserts
living with the virus. We need more education in every corner of our society to help reduce the spread of HIV in Liberia, he added. He said if the next generation is sensitized about HIV and AIDS issues, Liberia would reach its goal of a zero infection rate soon; and stigma and discrimination against people living with the virus would reduce. The LCL HIV and AIDS Advocacy and IEC Officer called on the Liberian government to take this move seriously in order to save the countrys younger generation; adding: Half of our population consists of young people, so we have to move the campaign to another level.

espite the many challenges faced by advocacy groups championing the rights of people living with HIV, the response remains strong throughout the country with a call from the Lutheran Church in Liberias (LCL) HIV and AIDS program Advocacy officer for lessons on HIV and AIDS to be taught from elementary to high school levels in Liberia. According to the LCL HIV and AIDS Program Advocacy officer, Batie Nah, This move would help the younger generation build the campaign against HIV and AIDS while making them aware of the harmful effect it has on the Liberian society.

Mr. Batie Nat, LCL HIV and AIDS Program Advocacy and IEC Officer
Mr. Nah made his assertion over the weekend in an exclusive interview with journalists. He stressed that there was a need for more awareness in schools, offices and communities where there are people

We are not against our cultural heritage, but we want our people to understand that the practice should not be prioritized over education. This has a direct effect on our childrens future. We plead with our traditional leaders to see reason and to adjust the exercises of traditional culture to a time when schools are closed Madam Bonner pleaded. The CEO explained the practices are not deeply affecting the urban schools as much as the rural schools where the vast majority of the student population lives. This practice is greatly affecting our girls because by the time they are 10 they begin to grow breasts and are suitable for the Sende Bush. This is why we are appealing to our traditional leaders for Commenting on the issue of stigma and discrimination, he indicated that Liberia is yet to have a stigma and discrimination free atmosphere, thus causing a lot of problems in the disclosure of HIV positive status. Most families neglect their relatives and loved ones because of their HIV status, this is making them feel isolated from society, he disclosed. Nah maintained that most people are not willing to accept their status, thereby causing more harm than good for the national HIV and AIDS in the country.

adjustment in the exercise, the County Education Officer emphasized. Madam Bonner reiterated that if no concrete measures are put into place to regulate the duration of the cultural practices, it may lead many people to drop out of school altogether; especially the girls. When contacted the Chief Elder for Bong County Moses Suakollie confirmed that the practice was going on in some parts of the county but was swift to notify this paper that his leadership is in constant communication with the requisite authorities for negotiation. Mr. Suakollie told the Daily Observer that the traditional Zoes and the county leadership are working out modalities to see how they can set up a timetable for the practice. According to him, acceptance of status and adherence to treatment would help reduce the spread of the virus and prolong life span of the infected, noting that this can only happen in a stigma and discrimination free society. He further noted that the rate of stigma and discrimination in rural Liberia is higher than that of Monrovia and its environs; he further stressed that the rural parts of the country are being cut off from more awareness on the issues of stigma and discrimination. Mr. Nah said the LCL HIV and AIDS Program has ex-

When everything works well, the time frame for the practice will be at most one month instead of the regular one year Mr. Suakollie clarified. Despite human rights groups and the international communitys persistent condemnation of the practice--- specifically female genital mutilation--Liberia is one of the countries in Africa that still continues the practice. Sampling the views of the ordinary citizens, many described the County Education Officers statement as disrespect to tradition, while other believed that the practice be suspended during normal school activities to provide opportunities for school enrollment.

panded in order to reach rural dwellers on this epidemic, and is also collaborating with various community-based groups to enhance the awareness campaign. He cautioned Liberians to accept their family members infected with HIV to encourage them and give them hope. The 13th Street stationed Lutheran Church in Liberia HIV and AIDS program was established over eight years ago and provides voluntary testing and counseling for people living with the virus as well as people whose families are infected.

Tuesday, January 28, 2014 DAILY OBSERVER Thursday, January 30, 2014 Friday, January 31, 2014

Page 10d Page 15

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

BYC Should Work on Weaknesses before Kumasi Debacle

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

their opponents. The burden falls on goalkeeper Nathaniel Sherman to come out of the post to make a save or to punch the ball desperately offtarget. BYCs defense is not good enough to ward off an effective striking force, especially from a team whose style of attack is foreign to them. Even playing against Blue Angels and Jubilee, the defense was not good enough and at instances where there was a corner-kick awarded to their opponents, poor defensive work create so much confusion and to leave the goalkeeper vulnerable. This situation questions what is being done by the technical team to prepare for their games. BYCs midfield does not coordinate well. When a ball is intercepted much effort is not used to get the ball and even if the ball is retrieved, the midfield makes a hopeless use of a pass that leaves the running striker breathless, as the ball roles off target. Another thing, the players hold on to the ball more than necessary and realize too late presence at this all important event to celebrate this historic occasion with us, the Bassa Lawmaker wrote the House of Representatives. In the 2013/14 Meet and particularly on Saturday, the 11th of January 2014, the Gbehzohn Boys from Grand Bassa dumped the Kpetawe Boys of Bong to clinch the Basketball Trophy. The following day, on Sunday, Grand Bassa pinned favorite Nimba County, 2-1 to that they are subdued with less energy left, and as a result the ball in an opponents hands pushes the defense against the wall. What about set-pieces: that is corner-kicks, throw-ins, direct and indirect kicks? BYC players do not utilize these setpieces well to their advantage. At best, they do it in a haphazard fashion that one is reminded of guessing a winner in a European league match between Chelsea and Barcelona. Goalkeeper Nathaniel Sherman is put under too much pressure due to the problems analyzed here that he is forced to work from the blindside on the field, which causes danger to the team. There are always a cheering squad, drumming and singing but it does not have any bearing on the players, as the game proceeds. Lets hope BYC coach is reading my analysis of his players weaknesses and work on them. Because to Kumasi and back is not a childs play. win the popular Football Trophy. David Payes brace was enough to upset the Mountain Boys on Nimba in front of the record crowd. Nimba County grabbed the volleyball title; Bong County clinched the kickball trophy while Nimba County emerged the 1st place winner in the overall athletics, followed by Grand Cape Mount and Grand Bassa.

By Omari Jackson

he Barrack Young Controllers, BYC, football team will represent Liberia in the CAF African Championships this year. Their first encounter in the preliminary rounds is against no other team than Ghanas Champion club, Asante Kotoko. BYC is making feverish preparation for the February showdown and the first leg comes on at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, Ghana, and the return-leg will be in Monrovia, after two weeks. How well is BYC preparing for its first leg showdown in Kumasi? Are the players aware of the challenge they will face in Kumasi? It may seem nave for me to ask the last question but I have a strong reason for

Barrack Young Controllers FC

posing such a rhetorical question. This is because I watched BYCs last two league matches against Blue Angels and Jubilee FC and I was shocked at the teams lack of technical and tactical preparedness. Among technical errors I observed in their two last matches was the lack of team-work as a unit. BYC forwards dont seem to get a clearer understanding of team-work as in both matches mentioned, passes went to wrong opponents and on several occasions, they went to where team-mates were not there or were far away from. Another issue was the apparent lack of energy in the players. On several occasions team-mates off the ball would simply watch their friends, instead of creating spaces and calling for the ball. With such lack of coordination, whenever the ball is lobbed into BYCs defense, there is complete confusion and as a result they will run and leave their positions for

Bassonians in 100,000 March Celebration of Trophies Saturday

By Leroy M. Sonpon, III We are happy to win This celebration marks after 24 years a new begining
Bassa Hooray, Bassa oh..yea.

ver 100, 000 Bassonians residing in other parts of the country are expected to converge in their homeland, in the Port City of Buchanan, Grand Bassa County to celebrate the triumphs of the football and basketball trophies from the 2013/2014 County Meet tomorrow, Saturday, February 1, 2014. The trophies put an end to the Countys title droughts after 24 years. The grand match, whose attire is expected to be dominated with red or blue, will begin during the morning hours from Monrovia Junction located at Benson River Community, Lower Buchanan, and ends at the refurbished Doris Williams Sports Stadium at the Fair Ground, located behind the Bassas Executive Pavilion, for an official indoor program. The march will be led by Grand Bassa Legislative Caucus alongside the Countys Administration, headed by Superintendent Etweda Cooper, including some prominent citizens. They are: Cllr. Charles Brumskine, Rev. Abba Karnga,

Well take it again next year. Chief Zanzan Karwor, Madam Estella Pailiy and Gender Minister Julia Duncan-Cassell. The Grand Bassa Legislative Caucus is comprised of Senate Pro Tempore Gbehzohgar Findley, Senator Nyonble Karnga-Lawrence, Deputy Speaker and Hans Barchue; Representatives Mary Karwor, Gabriel B. Smith, Jeh Byron Brown and Robertson N. Siaway. The celebration is to plainly and loudly send the message across to the other 15 counties that, THIS IS BASSAS TIME, according to the organizers. During the indoor program, the organizers said, players from the football and basketball teams will be honored for their exploits, as well as athletes from the track and edition for clinching the third place in the overall event. Moreover, players from the kickball and volleyball will be encouraged. There will be speeches and might be climaxed with the disclosure of the budget for the FIVE TEAMS in the 2014/2015 National County Sports and a date for the launch for their early preparation. The Acting Chairman of the Grand Bassa Legislative Caucus, Gabriel B. Smith, has formally communicated to Speaker J. Alex Tyler and the other 72 members of the House of Representatives to grace the occasion. We believe that the victory for Bassa is a victory for the entire nation and therefore we request the honor of your

ore than 60 Zimbabwean players have been banned over the Asiagate matchfixing scandal without a fair legal hearing, the world soccer players union FIFPro said on Wednesday. The players were banned by the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) in 2012 after it ruled that matches played by the national team in Asia in 2007 and 2009 were manipulated. For almost two years these players have been waiting for justice to prevail, said FIFPro in a statement. Innocent players have lost their jobs which has not only hurt their personal lives but also that of their families and relatives. FIFPro said it had written

Zimbabweans not Given a Fair Hearing

to soccers world governing body Fifa several times urging it to intervene but had yet to receive a response. The situation is unacceptable, said a letter sent to Fifa by Stephane Burchkalter, head of FIFPros Africa division. We would like to request Fifa to confirm the sanctions are illegal, and the players involved are in a position to find a new club. ZIFA had failed to follow proper disciplinary procedures, FIFPro added. Among other objections, players were not cited properly, players were not properly charged, players were not formally charged, some players did not even travel or play with the national team when the fixed matches took place.

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

ADVERTISE HERE TODaY. CaLL 0886472772

VOL. 16. NO. 67 FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2014

What Did Dr. Owl Say?

How can our economy and society improve when proliferate generations who cannot spell what they sell?

Capitol Hill Sounds Alarm over Mistakes

PRICE: LD 40

R
T

in National Budget
By Keith Morris

epresentatives on Capitol Hill have expressed dismay over discrepancies they claimed have been identified in the approved 2013/2014

Court Orders Late Hages Assets Audited

By Abednego Davis

National Budget. Plenary Thursday, January 30, said that it is concerned these irregularities have the propensity to confuse the electorate and create tension in the counties. The Lower Houses concern is based on a communication addressed to the plenary from

River Cess County Representative Francis S. Paye. Rep. Paye pointed out what he believed to be several inconsistencies in the published Citizens Guide of Liberia. The Citizens Guide is a document published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from the Ministry of Finance detail-

Capitol Building
ing all concession companies, how much financial benefits a particular county has and what projects are to be undertaken in these locations. According to Rep. Paye, interchanged budget lines intended for River Cess were shifted to River Gee County. He made specific reference to pages 52 to 55, involving
the Hage Estate has with Ecobank. Ensure that he establishes an account, if such account is not already established, into which all monies belonging to the Hage Estate are deposited, the Chief Justice declared. Operation of the account shall be with the approval of the Monthly and Probate Court for Montserrado County. He further instructed the lower court, Investigate the allegations of malpractices alleged to have been committed by Jawhary in his handling of the Hage Estates properties in-

US$732,000 worth of Social Development Funds allotted by concession companies operating in River Cess County that was placed under River Gee County. Anardarko Block 10, Chevron LB11, Chevron LB12 and EJ & J Logging Company and AmLib were all transported to other areas of outside their recluding the Estate loans. Revoke his letters of testament in the event that the investigation conducted reveals that he has engaged in misconduct or mismanagement of the affairs of the Hage Estate, the head of the Supreme Court further insisted. Determine whether or not the lease agreement executed by and between Oumou SirleafHage and Milard Hage has expired, in accordance with its terms and conditions, ordered Justice Korkpor. He continued In the event that said lease agreement is de-

quired places, Representative Paye claimed. The much-talked about Block 13 that was previously rumored to be located in River Cess County, was rather seen under Grand Bassa County. Now the same budgetary transfer is occurring in the case of River Gee; this make us believe that there must have been some politics involved in denying River Cess its justifiable benefits, Rep. Paye pointed out. Rep. Paye, a former River Cess Superintendent, demanded corrections for the records sake to all errors identified in the final and approved Budget. According to Rep. Paye, by doing so we will have socioeconomic growth and development for all of our various political sub-divisions.

he Supreme Court has ordered the lower court to conduct an immediate audit of the late Milard Hages Estate assets. Delivering the High Courts opinion on January 24, Chief Justice Francis S. Korkpor declared that the Court order for a comprehensive audit to be conducted for both the period the executor administered the Hage estate and the period Ecobank collected proceeds of the Estate to cover loans given by the bank to the late Hage, to ensure that no legal or irregular acts were perpetrated on the Estate. He said, This case has been in court for a long time without final determination; the Monthly Probate Court is mandated to give first priority handling. The late Hage was one of the leading Lebanese businessmen in the country, leaving behind extensive properties. After his death another Lebanese citizen, Bassam H. Jawhary, became the executor of his estate. However, one of the late Hages wives, Madam Oumou Sirleaf Hage, a Liberian, filed a motion to the Monthly and Probate Court praying the court

Supreme Court of Liberia

to exclude certain properties said to be owned by her, from the testate estate of the late Milard Hage. She also requested the court to have Bassam H. Jawhary audited in respect of the administration of said estate. But, Judge Vinton J. Holder denied Mrs. Sirleaf Hages request asking for what she claims are her properties to be excluded from the estate of her late husband. He agreed for Bassam to undertake an audit of his stewardship of the estate and make a report to the court. That ruling did not go down well with Bassam who later announced an appeal to the High Court. Chief Justice Korkpor later declared the audit shall include recommendations of steps and actions to be taken in the event of any findings of improper collectors or use of all estates funds by any of the fiduciaries. He continued: The foregoing acts shall be without prejudice to any actions commenced or pending in any courts of the Republic by or between any of the parties named herein. He instructed Judge Holder: You are to order Jawhary to furnish a detailed statement of the status of the loan facility

termined to have expired rent all properties covered by the agreement with Oumou Sirleaf Hage. He again instructed the court to determine whether or not the property or properties covered by the lease agreement include properties owned by the children of Milard Hage and Oumou Sirleaf Hage. And, if so, render void the lease agreement by and between Oumou and Milard Hage, in so far as it covers and relates to the properties owned by said children, the Chief Justice 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.

FRIDAY, JAN. 31, 2014, vol. 16, No.67indd 1

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