Monday, February 17, 2014 Edition

LAW & ORDER pg 7 TOP STORIES
News Extra
POLICE OFFICER JAILED FOR THEFT Accused of Robbing Chinese Business

Woman of US$10,000.00
IN DEFENSE OF CBL JONES

LINSU TAKES SENATE TO TASK OVER CONTROVERSIAL BILL
pg 5
CENTRAL BANK OF LIBERIA

MARKET BUYING AND SELLING RATES LIBERIAN DOLLARS PER US DOLLAR
FrontPage
www.frontpageafricaonline.com
VOL 8 NO.535 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2014
BUYING THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2014 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2014 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2014 L$80.00/US$1 L$80.00/US$1 L$80.00/US$1
SELLING L$81.00/US$1 L$81.00/US$1 L$81.00/US$1
These are indicative rates based on results of daily surveys of the foreign exchange market in Monrovia and its environs. The rates are collected from the Forex Bureaux and the commercials banks. The rates are not set by the Central Bank of Liberia.
Source: Research, Policy and Planning Department, Central Bank Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia
PRICE L$40
LIBERIAS DIESEL CRISIS NEARS END?
The vessel arrived at 9:35 am this morning and we will begin offloading today. There are two million gallons and we will work all day Sunday to ensure that we can supply institutions like the LEC, hospitals and by Monday, fuel should be available on the market, T. Nelson Williams, LPRC MD
TWO MILLION GALLONS ARRIVE
Business pg. 5
O-LA-LA
$25
only
Paris
Buy 2 Dual SIM phones and win a Romantic Weekend in Paris +Valentine room +$1000 for Shopping
Raffle Date: February 14, 2014
Terms & Conditions Apply
Page 2 | Frontpage
Monday, February 17, 2014
Rodney D. Sieh, rodney.sieh@FrontPageAfricaonline.com

For example, it will assist LEC in expanding power access to low income families. The NTA will pass on its savings by reduced fares to certain categories of customers including students, security personnel in uniform and the elderly," the LPRC management said at the time. "As this is a special bilateral commercial arrangement, only the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Liberian Ambassador in Kuwait are assisting the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC) in monitoring the progress of these discussions at this time. On the Kuwaiti side, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs is similarly assisting the Kuwait Petroleum Company, KPC," the management of LPRC averred in the press release. This is not the first time that a pledge of petroleum products have stirred controversy in Liberia. Similar tensions arose in the aftermath of Nigerian and Japanese Oil Agreements which were characterized by lack of proper accountability and transparency, prompting many to wonder why the Sirleaf administration continues to entangle itself in deals when it cannot control the turning back the hands of times to the Tolbert and Doe years using her criticisms of her predecessors in her book, This Child Will be Great in which she writes: "Doe got greedy and the people around him got greedy too, and collectively they began to feed off the state's largess like a pack of hyenas." President Ronald Reagan, seeing Liberia as an important cold War ally, propped up the murderous Doe for years, going so far as to invite him to the White House in 1982, where he was "warmly greeted by the president as 'Chairman Moe.' Sirleaf took it a step further in saying of Doe: "I look at the many idiots in whose hands our nation's fate and progress have been placed and I simply shake at the unnecessary and tremendous cost which we pay under the disguise of righting the wrongs of the past." As a civil servant, Sirleaf was often critical of the establishment, going the distance in criticizing government corruption at a conference on Liberia in the US in 1969, lambasting Tubmans 27-year rule 1944-1971 as a benevolent dictatorship. Sirleaf
Monrovia ast weeks announcement by Liberia governments chief spokesman Lewis Brown that President Ellen JohnsonSirleaf had tipped her son, Robert as a special envoy to Kuwait to lead negotiations with the Kuwaiti government for cheap petroleum products for Liberia, set off a firestorm and reignited a polarizing debate that haunted the president, climaxing with Roberts exit as chair of the lucrative National Oil Company of Liberia late last year. For several months now, the Liberian government has been dispatching delegations to Kuwait in a bid to speed up the process and seal the deal on promised petroleum products, the Kuwaitis had pledged to Liberia. However, the fact that Robert was already in Kuwait when the announcement was made, drew ire from critics overwhelmed by Sirleafs fascination in consistently putting her son in the line of her critics fire at her own political expense. Said Brown: Mr. Robert Sirleaf is in Kuwait as special envoy of the President. Many of you have heard that for at least two years, the government of Liberia has been negotiating with the Kuwaiti government, for the supply of petroleum product (what better time) at concessionary prices to be used in our overall sustainable economic growth and development initiatives; but also to assist the government in lowering (if we can get petroleum product supply in our country at concessionary prices-concession means, thats not the normal price they will give it to us for). But some critics remain confused over why Robert had to be sent to Kuwait when his mom had already led a high power delegation to Kuwait last November during which time she met with the authorities of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development to discuss the current state of Liberias infrastructure deficit, with specific attention on ports and roads development. It comes down to the Kuwaitis fascination with dealing with families, said an executive mansion source who spoke strictly on condition of anonymity. Said the source: The GOL has not been able to get the green light for these products from Kuwait for over a year. All the visit paid by the GOL folks, nothing. The President asked Robert to go and beg the Emir for help. You know the Middle East has this thing for the family business. So Robert went and begged them and the problem has been solved and relief is on the way. The source added that in addition to finalizing the petroleum arrangement, Robert was able to get the Kuwaitis to fast track (June/July 2014) $14MM worth of equipment for the Greenville port and secured additional funds from the Kuwait Development Fund to give $US40MM for the Garbanga-Melikona road. At the heart of the log jam is an announcement by the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company in 2012 that it had entered into discussions with the Kuwait Petroleum Company (KPC) for the supply of petroleum products at concessionary price. At the time, the LPRC management disclosed that the discussions were the result of a request made by Sirleaf during a previous visit to Kuwait. The request was for a special commercial arrangement between LPRC and KPC for the supply of petroleum products at discount price to enable LPRC bring relief in the form of fuel subsidy to the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), National Transit Authority (NTA) and the John F. Kennedy Hospital (JFK), among others. The deal was also aimed at helping these key institutions reduce the high cost of fuel and pass on the savings by expanding services to larger segments of the population, including vulnerable sectors.
public outcry that follows. To date, Liberians are still unsure what actually happened to the much publicized Nigerian and Japanese oil agreements although the General Auditing Commission (GAC) commissioned audits of the two oil agreements showed a lack of proper transparency and accountability. The reemergence of Robert comes as petroleum prices continue to run through the roof. In the wake of last weeks widespread shortage of fuel, many motorists were forced to dig deep into their pockets paying between $US8 and US$15 per gallon. The question many are now wondering is whether Roberts Kuwait adventure will reap rewards and how soon? More importantly, Roberts latest supplant into yet another petroleum play is splitting a wedge between supporters of Sirleaf and her detractors. On the one hand, Sirleafs supporters see Roberts financial background as a key reason his mom continue to call on him to save the day. On the other, hand the Presidents critics are taking her to task for
did not spare Tubmans successor, Tolbert, and while serving as a deputy minister of finance under Tolbert, used a graduation speech in 1972 to criticize the Americo- Liberian settler class of which she was a de facto member for its political and cultural hegemony over indigenous Liberians, warning of increasing sociopolitical tensions. In 1975, the Financial Times reported that Sirleaf fueled controversy when she stamped BULLSHIT on a request from Liberias finance minister to the query of a British contractor. The story triggered embarrassment for the government at the time and increased Sirleaf stature as a critical voice of the times. Ironically, decades later, some of Sirleafs critics say, the hand she dealt her predecessors are coming back to bite and the reemergence of Robert, in the petroleum play may have unearthed an old ghost Sirleafs supporters and even her detractors thought had now become a thing of the past and a nagging controversy laid to rest.
FrontPage EDITORIAL
v
Frontpage
Page 3
COMMENTARY
Commentary
CORRUPTION
From the Weeks to the McClains, post-war leader appears to be out of sync in dealing with the cancer she spoke gallantly to eradicate and is slowly flirting with an early entry into a lame-duck era.
INSINUATIONS FROM both Angelique Weeks, head of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority and her Communications Consultant Jarsea Burphy on Truth FM 96.1 this week that the LTA is under no obligation to abide by the laws of the Public Procurement Concessions Commission is a clear gauging point in deciphering why President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has lost the war against corruption in Liberia. NEVER MIND the confusion over what Sirleaf may or may not have said to Malawi President Joyce Banda last week in Llongwe; or the countless times she has let down Liberians in her pledge to go after the corrupt wherever they exist. Or more importantly, never mind the countless number of audit reports from the General Auditing Commission, eating dust at the Ministry of Justice. THE FACT OF the matter is, that these days, declarations from Sirleaf or announcement from the Executive Mansion that yet another commission has been set up to probe misdeeds by corrupt or reckless officials, are often greeted with skepticisms from an angry and antsy nation fed up with the Presidents often lapses in judgment and soft approach to dealing with graft. THE GROSS disrespect of the PPCC this week by the LTA came just days after a reported meeting held between Sirleaf and the LTA board, sadly in the absence of the PPCC whose rights were violated in total disregard for a body sanctioned by the international community and considered to be the first line of defense against corruption speaks volumes. WHAT DID president Sirleaf tell the LTA board that gave them strength to be so bold and defiant against the PPCC in the same fashion that many agencies and government ministries did during the John Morlu-led GAC era. WE WISH to once more remind President Sirleaf of her 2006 speech in which she forcefully stated: We know that if we are to achieve our economic and income distribution goals, we must take on forcibly and effectively the debilitating cancer of corruption. Corruption erodes faith in government because of the mismanagement and misapplication of public resources. It weakens accountability, transparency and justice. Corruption short changes and undermines key decision and policy making processes. It stifles private investments which create jobs and assures support from our partners. Corruption is a national cancer that creates hostility, distrust, and anger. SIRLEAF REMINDED LIBERIANS that throughout her 2005 campaign, she assured them that, if elected, her administration would wage war against corruption regardless of where it exists, or by whom it is practiced. Today, I renew this pledge. Corruption, under my Administration, will be the major public enemy. We will confront it. We will fight it. Any member of my Administration who sees this affirmation as mere posturing, or yet another attempt by yet another Liberian leader to play to the gallery on this grave issue should think twice. Anyone who desires to challenge us in this regard will do so at his or her personal disadvantage. TODAY, THAT pledge has apparently been forgotten with the Sirleaf administration struggling to bring corrupt officials to book. As a result some of her strongest allies are taking notice: Obviously in regards to accountability, prosecution has been very slow, says Alexander Soros, son of billionaire Hedge Fund Founder George Soros, a key ally to Sirleaf. WINNING THE WAR against corruption requires a robust and radical approach to dealing with those accused of robbing Liberia of resources. Too often, we have seen and heard Sirleaf come to the defense of corrupt officials in her midst. As a result these very officials have had the tendency to show disrespect to auditing and investigative agencies as is being done to the PPCC now and the GAC in the past. THE PRESIDENTS annual message in which she openly professed her love and admiration for a media-shy GAC did little to give any Liberian hope that she means well and is sincere about eradicating graft. WHAT THE PRESIDENT has repeatedly done, is giving hope to her officials that she will protect them even in the midst of wrong and will not rest until she destroys everything she worked for in more than 40 years of politics which was crowned with the Liberian presidency in 2006. FROM ALL INDICATIONS, it appears that Sirleaf has confined herself into believing that there is nothing she can do to end graft, so much so that many are finding it hard to believe that she did not make such recommendation to her counterpart, the President
WHY PRESIDENT SIRLEAF LOST THE WAR ON
FUELLING THE BASSA POLITICAL TENSION IS NEEDLESS: THE CASE OF THE AMERICAN BASED BASSA ASSOCIATIONS ONE-SIDED RANT
A Nat Bayjay Special Commentary nbayjay2010@gmail.com, (0777-402737, 0886-402737)
rightly shined its supposed Twin Mothers role. Yes, a twin mother calls two troubled children to the peace table, tell them that while you both hold and are entitled to your respective personal political ambitions, there is no need to continue this deadly politics that would eventually lead to ma and pa cause. Oh, you dont know that this is what it is going to lead to when one camp has already gotten thumbs-up from what is supposed to be a non-political and neutral group? Trust me, the battle could now take shape from a Youve done nothing for Grand Bassa versus Youre an Ellen bag boy to a more deadly one when civil, non-political and non-government groups like the GBCAA will not exercise some mature role. Such roles could include a general blasting on the two rival groups on why, like rightly stated in the GBCAA statement, that there have been no meaningful developments during the last eight years now. Such blasting would be encouraging the Bassa people, the direct employers of these men, to boycott this ensuing senatorial race and subsequent ones if they dont get the needed basic social services deserving of a group of decent people who has the countrys second largest seaport city but with nothing to brag about. Oh yes, such blasting should be holding accountable both camps why the countys immense economical hub potential is not being realized as some so-called investors resembling those of a 4-1-9 operations go there and rape the county. What Im saying here in simple terms is that both camps should be blasted at for ensuring thus far that there exists companies in the county that have old-aged agreements not benefitting the county; blasting both groups why they didnt take advantage of the Chinese construction groups presence to make sure that the other major routes reaching the under-renovation stadium and Unification Pavilion (FairGrounds) were paved and not just the one from Monrovia straight to the port. (I heard with such disgust that the County Administration vehemently failed on this right in the glaring eyes of the both Cllr. Brumskine and the Sen. Pro Temp. Findley camps. What a missed opportunity that other counties would have just leapt on just on getting such an offer!!!) These are the issues, GBCAA, that we need to be bringing to the fore of these two groups that are only bent on their own political interests and not giving a general achievement like the Grand Bassa Community College to one mans success. The countys enviable express highway and the community college are never achieved with one persons input. Otherwise, Mr. Tom Woweiyu should be single handedly getting that credit because he first introduced that bill during the Taylor Administration when he served as Pro Temp then. Infact, his called for a Grand Bassa University and not a community college. In summary, a political statement coming from a group like the GBCAA that backs one of two political rivals in a dangerous politically charged Bassa environment only resembles a political campaign for said person and by extension an annex of said persons political ambitions. Afterall, Grand Bassa County remains after the likes of Cllr. Brumskine and Hon. Findley would have left the scenes just as the likes of Charles Williams and even the fathers of both men who the county still remembers left the scenes and Bassa is still existing. Otherwise, the county is poised to remain undeveloped if those of us (the media, civil, non-political, non-government groups, etc) will continue to trend such paths in not calling to order political people whose ambitions are tearing the county and its people apart. Finally, its time we play our roles (as named above in different sectors) in translating our victorious theme A Mu Wa Badian, Deh Mu Wa Yun (We Will Beat Them, They Will Be Shame) in direct reference to those hecklers and anti-developmental antics that Grand Bassa County, one of three original founding counties of this great first African Republic, will succeed in the midst of their selfish desires. Afterall, its Two Trophies, One GoalBassa First. If BASSA IS GETTING BETTER then we must perform our roles adequate void of direct and dangerous political postures trending our county!!!!!!!!!!!!! About the Author: Nat Bayjay is a Media Consultant/Communication specialist. Doubling as a PUL Best Investigative & Best Environmental Journalist in 2011, Bayjay hails from Grand Bassa County and has used his journalistic profession to always highlight issues in the county including political, economical and socio news analyses. He was very instrumental in his Countys recent County Meet Glory when he served as the media specialist on the Sundaygar Dearboy led Mobilization Committee. Hes reachable on: nbayjay2010@gmail.com/0777402737.
v
rand Bassa County is once again in the news. This time, it is not about the countys recent impressive twin National County Meet glories which the people of that unique county are still celebrating. Rather, its about the obvious politics that has already begun showing its ugly head in a way determined enough to deceive outsiders that the county has more bad than good; that the people are more divided than united all in an attempt to overshadow the unity the thousands of Bassonians displayed when they celebrated their historic almost 24-years trophy drought passover only comparable to the Israelites triumph in Biblical times. As a Bassa citizen who is seriously concerned about the countys wellbeing, I was deeply taken aback that the Bassa Diaspora-based organization, the Grand Bassa County Association in the Americas (GBCAA) chose to rather add more fuel to the already blazing fire than to help calm the storm. Yes, politics is an inevitable game that no amount of combined football and basketball success can overtake, especially so in such a huge political season when Liberias test of continual sustained democracy gets tested once again with the senatorial mid-term elections. And Grand Bassa, of all counties, was the first to begin an early battle through the media that continues to witness a Charles Brumskine ledLiberty Party group versus a Senator Gbenzohngar Findley and camp. The recent? A barrage of attacks continues to leave the barrels of both camps political missiles aimed at each other. But when the US-based Grand Bassa Association through its president penned and widely distributed to the Liberian media what it termed Blasting Charles Brumskine For Stinging Attack On Protempt Findley, I was caught off-guard. And for simple reasons too. But before then, let me also make it clear here that as a journalist hailing from that county I have no side. As a matter of fact, my regular reportage on issues affecting Grand Bassa during my days at FrontPageAfrica had some of my colleagues jovially dubbing me The Bassa Journalist. Ofcourse, Im on record for even exposing lots of ills in the Bassa society including articles and news analyses on Brumskines Liberty Partys failures, so-called prominent and eminent Bassonians refusal to give back to the county, among others. On the other hand, Mr. Jerome Gayman, the President of the USA Bassa group, is a not just a personal friend and a senior brother to me, but also he runs an organization that had recognized my media work here and even awarded me its much acclaimed Humanitarian Pillar Award in recognition of my works in bringing to the fore issues affecting the county. With these stated, I register my deep disappointment in the GBCAAs article which I think should have been redirected towards calming the political tension in the county. Instead of blasting one of the two political rivals, most people including me thought the Associations role in such a troubled-water would be calling for an end to the unnecessary infighting taking place between the two sons of the county who are gradually building for themselves two different rival groups among the Bassa people at the complete ignoring of the strengthened unity of Grand Bassa. Afterall, the overall objectives of the six-years old US organization is to address the critical needs of the county and its people which include health, education and other social services. But with the route being taken by the Bassa Diaspora group, I think this will greatly dampen its purpose as enshrined in its Mission Statement: .to commit ourselves to human development in facilitating education, economic development, health, social services and advocacy for Grand Bassa County. Then the question now is with such political posture being exhibited by our reliable Diaspora group, how do the rest of the Bassaonians caught on the other side of the so-called political camp contribute towards such uniquely laid out objectives? No, I dont think the Bassa peoples economic and social services can only be realized through one source; no matter how small the combined contributions from the other side can be as compared to a single large contribution. The recent County Meet success speaks to it all, when small and big Bassonians drawn from all sectors of the large Bassa society including stepchild Rivercess County and foster brothers Margibi and Montserrado Counties joined hands in realizing that dream. By continuing that the Organization owes it to God and the Bassa people to meaningfully contribute its quota to national development and services as a non-profit and non-political organization, this clearly speaks to why the GBCAA needed a position statement that would have
of Malawi. LIBERIANS ARE fed up, tired and becoming increasingly disgusted at the level of corruption in Liberia today, they deserve better from a leader they believe in and gambled on twice. THOSE IN THE PRESIDENTS CIRCLE would want her to believe that her legacy is secured, that she has won two terms and has nothing else to prove to anyone. The reality is, when Ellen Johnson-Sirleafs number is up, it would be her name on the line, not those feeding her with the refrains now sounding beautiful to her ears. THIS HAS resulted in the Executive Mansion wrongly targeting
agencies responsible for cracking down and curbing corruption. Agencies like the GAC and the PPCC are being persecuted by officials and government institutions looking for an easy way out. TOO MANY FAMILIES like the Weeks, the McClains and the Sirleafs are running things with the belief that they are untouchable. Sadly, we have all seen this movie before and even Sirleaf knows how this rerun of a movie is going to end. For the sake of Liberia, we hope and pray, it doesnt come to that painful chapter again. Liberians are weary and they demand and deserve so much more. The Clock is Ticking.
FrontPage
Page 4 | Frontpage
AMID WASTE, WEEKS COMMENTS FROM IGNORES LOSS OF MILLIONS FPA ONLINE
GABRIEL ZARWEA
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT OUR STORIES ON THE WORLDWIDE WEB
Send your letters and comments to: editor@frontpageafricaonline.com

YOU WRITE; WE PUBLISH; THEY READ!
by the President. The outcome of the investigation will shed light on the many speculations among public observers. However, one source at the LTA has called on the Senate to order its own investigation, assuring them that they would certainly be surprised by what has been going on at the LTA. Moses Tarlue Sinkor, Monrovia
The Reader's Page
MATERNAL APPOINTMENT: ROBERT SIRLEAF EJS'S ENVOY TO KUWAIT
The Editor, The loss of millions of dollars by the Liberian Government through illegal termination of international calls has reportedly been ignored by LTA authorities. LTA Chairperson Angelique Weeks, reacting to the arrest of a Novafone employee for illegal use of SIM Boxes a couple of weeks ago said that This is another example of LTAs ongoing efforts in the fight to thwart criminal activities that deny government of much needed revenues from the telecom sector. Despite this statement, the issue has been totally ignored by the LTA and no word has been heard on efforts to recover the loss of millions of US dollars. The LTA chairperson made the comments when Husein Dakroub, ISP Technical Director of Novafone was arrested for operating an illegal syndicate that operated a clandestine SIM Box operation that illegally terminated international calls on Liberian networks causing the Government of Liberia losses in revenue estimated at several million US dollars. Novafone CEO, Mr. Chady Slim was also implicated in the clandestine operation, but his whereabouts remains a mystery to the Liberia National Police which is investigating the case. Reports indicate that Mr. Slim may be in hiding in neighboring Sierra Leone. Ms. Weeks reference to loss of much needed revenue by the government comes in the wake of wasteful spending of government revenue by the LTA to rent an office facility for over a million US dollars, which caused President Sirleaf to order an investigation into the lavish spending of government revenue and a freeze on LTAs bank accounts. Such wasteful spending of much needed revenue is coupled by a lack of interest in recovering the loss of million of US dollars suffered by the government. Furthermore, the LTA has failed to investigate the culpability of NOVAFONE in the illegal SIM BOX syndicate, especially in view of the involvement of two senior managers of NOVAFONE, including its CEO, Mr. Chady Slim. It is not enough to take the word of the company, but a thorough investigation must be undertaken to ensure that NOVAFONE was not directly involved. The illegal operation required the importation of sophisticated telecommunication equipment as well as access to local telecommunication service and technology, something NOVAFONE must explain. Some observers have argued that the LTAs hesitancy to carry out a full investigation of NOVAFONE may be due to the alleged affiliation of some members of the first family to the companys owner, Mr. George Aboujoude. Mr. Aboujoude has been reported to boast on many occasions that he is untouchable because of the first family links to the company. According to industry observers, the complexity of this case may undermine the governments and the Presidents ability to objectively investigate this case leaving Ms. Weeks free to walk despite her many indiscretions. The Senate has reportedly put on hold the confirmation of Ms. Weeks and two other Commissioners pending the investigation ordered
She will get what she looking from the Liberian people, they made it clare they do not want her criminal son in the government. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf still looking for way to build her criminal EMPEIR. ELIZABETH MATU TUBMAN FINANCIAL COMPTROLLER AT LIBERIA PETROLEUM REFINING COMPANY Gabriel Zarwea you will get what you looking for. Thank you Robert Sirleaf, the result oriental professional. Thanks you the Oil Sector reform. BENJAMEN QUAYE UNIVERSITY OF LIBERIA Elizabeth Matu Tubman, I would think you should concentrate on your supply chain problems at LPRC so as to avoid future fuel shortages than showering political praises on Robert Sirleaf. LPRC lacks inventory management and control. You rely on one supplier so that when that supplier has an issue, you have an issue. I am talking about your recent supply problem with Ivory Coast that has caused fuel shortages on the Liberian market. You have a CPA. In the US, you used it. In Liberia, you've refused to use it. It is all too common for you Ellen supporters to celebrate mediocrity than offer your best for the kind of money you get paid. By the way, without his mother, can Robert Sirleaf hold any of the positions he's held under any other Liberian president? This is not a trick question. Answer it sincerely. SELTUE R KARWEAYE SR. TOP COMMENTER METRO STATE Elizabeth Matu Tubman I am not surprise by your diatribe against those that questioning this failed regime because those that support this regime tend to look at thing from myopic perspective. Critical analysis is lacking here! We had seen over the years. Let call spade a spade. This President in her book "This Child Will Be Great" criticized Tolberts family enrichment games; Does Cronyism; Taylors Patronage politic and yet continue to appoint her sons and closed family members in her government in key economic and political positions of commanding influence and yet you and others think the Presidents decision is not in error and she has violated no law. Isn't that hypocrisy on her part? We had seen Angolan President's daughter due to Oil negotiation is the riches Woman in Africahttp://edition.cnn.com/.../isabel-dos-santosbillionaire/ and also seen the Equatorial Guinea President's Son who father is Madam Sirleaf best friend had gotten rich overnight and is now under investigation with his properties been seize in Europe and corruption.http://www.nytimes.com/.../for-obiangs-son-high-life-in... Shine your eyes. MASSA QUOIYAN UNIVERSITY OF LIBERIA President Sirleaf is looking for better days for Liberia.She stood and is still fighting for everybody to work together to make that dream come true. Unfortunately, we still have Liberian that do not want change and some of them go on the net to talk nonsense up to inciting violence. Liberian people had more than enough violence and it did not and will not help us. So let us think about our children future and engage into things that will help them tomorrow. Let us give Robert Sirleaf a chance. He is a liberian like you and myself. He just happen to be the son of our president and nobody can change it. MATTHEW GEORGE PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND I urge my fellow Liberian to stage popular upraising against Ellen and her corrupt officials. We all aware, there's are no government in the world that can ERADICATE corruption. Government strive to minimize corruption. As for the Liberian government led by STUPID Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, corruption is their daily function. GABRIEL ZARWEA ELLEN JOHNSON SIRLEAF GOVERNMENT IT IS A CRIMINAL GOVERNMENT. Liberian lost faith in her ability to run this country anymore.Any of you guys watch GOD FATHER MOVIE YET IF YOU DO EXACTLY THAT HOW SHE IS RUNNING LIBERIA. SHE NEED TO GO.
LTA COMMISSIONERS NOTHING BUT BORN ROGUES

The Editor: When will President Zero-Tolerance-for-Corruption admit publicly that LTA commissioners are nothing but born rogues?? Oh wait, I forgot: stealing is the norm in the Sirleaf Administration! (Re"Liberian President Freezes LTA Account Over U.S.?$1 Million Lease Deal) 1) But aren't these the same plunderers (LTA commissioners) who were under investigation, waaaay back, for "reckless plunder of revenue generated from the telecommunication sector" ? .(Re "Citing Unapproved Plunder of Millions, Liberia Legislature Orders Investigation of LTA, Frontpageafrica Online). 2) Aren't these the same sleazeballs who got busted for spending other people's hard-earned money to buy flashy cars for their non-essential government jobs? (Re "Flashy Cars Amid Abject Poverty: LTA Ignores Excessive Waste, in Rants at FPA) 3) Aren't these the same criminals who have arbitrary power to vote themselves ALL the money from the public treasure? Want a raise? Don't beg your boss (we the people). Just vote yourself one!....Want flashy cars for work? Don't use your own damn money to get one. Just cast a vote to get yourself one!.. .Want "cold water" from your Chinese landlord? No problem! Just jack up the lease agreement by US$300,000, then tell them (Chinese) to return it as kickback to you (LTA Commissioners)! OMG, Mr. Cha-cha-cha Ching is LTA Commissioners new bff (best friends forever)!.. But yet President Zero-Tolerance-for-Corruption continues to imagine these LTA looters as public servants, worthy of public trust!! She had the gall to re-appoint Angelique Tomboy Weeks as chair warmer of LTA, oops, I meant to say, chair woman! Come on, Madame President, show some spine! ....It's time to get rid of these born rogues! Their criminals acts are making our country poorer and poorer! Martin Scott Atlanta, Georgia martyretire@yahoo.com
The comments expressed here are those of our online readers and bloggers and do no represent the views of FrontPageAfrica
DISCLAIMER
Rodney D. Sieh, Managing Editor, 0886-738-666; 077-936-138, editor@FrontPageAfricaonline.com; rodney.sieh@FrontPageAfricaonline.com Wade C. L. Williams, News Desk Chief, wade. williams@frontpageafricaonline.com; 0880664793 Francis F.B. Mulbah, Layout Editor; 0886639382 REPORTERS Sports Editor, Danesius Marteh, danesius.marteh@ frontpageafricaonline.com, 0886236528 Henry Karmo, henry.karmo@frontpageafricaonline. com Al-varney Rogers al.rogers@frontpageafricaonline. com, 0886-304498
EDITORIAL TEAM
Sports Reporter, A. Macaulay Sombai,macaulay.sombai@ FrontpageAfricaonline.com, 077217428 COUNTY NEWS TEAM Grand Bassa, Alpha Daffae Senkpeni, 0777432042 Bong County, Selma Lomax, selma.lomax@ frontpageafricaonline.com, 0886-484666 Sinoe County, Leroy N.S Kanmoh, leroy.kanmoh@ frontpageafricaonline.com 0886257528 BUSINESS/ADVERTISING Kadi Coleman Porte, 0886-304-178/ 0777832753, advertise@ frontpageafricaonline.com
Monroviaolitics, some say is a dirty game that creates lifelong enemies especially among politicians in Africa, but sometimes these sworn enemies can become strange bedfellows. This is exactly the case with the lead opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) and the Unity Partyled government under the leadership of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Last week the CDC issued what people in the regime consider a more subtle critique of President Ellen Johnson Sirleafs annual message delivered in late January and the party has since been receiving verbal accolades for it which was culminated into formal thank you from the government. Clearly, as a government we would like to single out the reaction of the Congress for Democratic Change as being responsible, said Information Minister Lewis Brown on Thursday at the ministrys regular Press Briefing. So we thank the CDC, we will review the recommendations theyve made and we will entreat it with the seriousness it deserves. They did not just give a litany of the problems of the country, but they offered what the government believes are reasonable recommendations. Good ideas Brown said the government craves what he calls good ideas and with the lead opposition in the country providing one without criticizing the achievements of the government, the GoL was grateful for the gesture from what seems an unholy marriage. We are not a government determined to shoot ideas down, nor do we ever believe that we are the custodians of the best ideas by which our country can be advised, he said. The information mister told reporters at the briefing that the government continues to encourage the competition of ideas adding that even if others do not have the onus of leading the country at this time, it is important that they bring forth ideas and suggestions which the government as responsible as it is promise cannot ignore. We do not see ideas either based on who offered it or the affiliation of the individual offering it, said Brown on Thursday. We do not see good ideas as belonging to any party, we see it as belonging to Liberia and so it is a duty to review those ideas within the broader concept of advancing the causes of Liberians. CDC forwards recommendations Unlike its tradition of consistently criticizing the government over the years, the party took a different turn when they released a detailed paper dissecting the Presidents message and offering suggestions on solutions to
COLLABORATOR IN LIBERIA?
UP Govt Showers Opposition Praise
Wade C. L. Williams, wade.williams@frontpageafricaonline.com
CDC NEW REGIME
PAGE RONT
POLITICS
Frontpage
Page 5
problems. This year, the party saw things differently and it justifies why it responded this way. The CDC believes that while the ruling Unity Party, as would any ruling party, generally takes responsibility for governance failures and takes the credit for successes, failures that affect the lives of the Liberian people are too significant to be gauged primarily in political terms, since such failures have economic, social and development implications, stated the Party. The party in its recommendations to the government said it wishes to see changes in the lives of the ordinary Liberian this year. As 2014 commences, we challenge the ruling Unity Party to produce propoor results. The last six years have seen an inordinate amount of planning. The time to implement and transform is now, stated the party. The CDC stated that it would monitor implementation of priorities in infrastructure, education, agriculture and healthcare adding that it looks forward to see the impact of investments in agriculture and youth and capacity development on the ordinary Liberian. The party said it would go a step further in tracking down these expected changes by requesting the Legislature to strengthen oversight in a whole host of policy areas. The CDC will work to ensure our country transform from its image as a development backwater, rich in natural resources yet having the majority of its people eke an existence in extreme poverty, the party stated in its critique. The lead opposition vowed to acknowledge gains in instances of government success stories in the interest of the country and its people and remain merciless in its criticisms
in instances where failures abound, while at the same time providing an alternative consistent with its policy of constructive engagement. Through constructive engagement, we aim to avail to the Liberian people the kinds of policies and programs that might be seen under a CDC administration and we choose to use the annual reporting process to do this, said the party which once referred to other members of the opposition as regime collaborators. Continued the CDC: We deserve better and that is why the CDC is in this struggle to emancipate the people. We are willing to work with all partners who see a brighter and better future where peace, equality, equal opportunity and social justice prevail. However, we must all remember that we will rise and fall together because we, as Liberians, are in this together. The government seems to be have breathed a sigh of relief that the CDC has kind words this year despite other political parties including the Liberty Party talking truth to power in its response to the same annual message and the Movement for Progressive Change (MPC)s Simeon Freeman referring to President Sirleaf as the most irresponsible leader Liberia has ever had; something that angered the presidents friends. But Information Minister Lewis Brown said the others must this time around take queue from the CDC and learn to be positive. We received the recommendations of the Congress for Democratic Change and well faithfully review it and will incorporate those that are within the reach of our ability to do so and we again renew our pledge to all Liberians; there can be one President, there does not have to be one idea as a country,
he said. We will continue to encourage all of us; I know that party politics sometimes will not permit us but sometimes we should be as responsible as we want to be for our country. This is a good step in the right direction. Response to MPC Freeman Responding to what some in the administration see as unfair criticisms of MPCs Freeman, Minister Brown said the MPC leader has run out of ideas and has embarked on an idea copying spree. Also those who believe that forty years ago somebody said something, forty years later you think that is the thing youre supposed to be saying, because they said it; well lets stay with the original, we dont need duplicate leadership, he said without naming Freeman directly. Continued Brown: Why do you want to copy somebody forty years later? To prove that youre an historian or what? This is about going forward my people. If we revisit everything we did forty years ago, where would we take our country? Too many things have changed. You want to lead this country, youve got to recognize the changes taking place; dont burry yourself in the past. If somebody said irresponsible twenty years ago then you say thats what you must say today; come on, you can do better than that. At least be original in your thoughts, for Gods sake, let this country go forward. LP criticisms The opposition LP of Cllr. Charles Walker Brumskine in its critique of the Presidents annual address to the legislature said the UP Partyled Government under Sirleaf failed again to articulate a bold vision to bring the nation together in genuine
reconciliation. The partys strongly worded response accused the President of shifting the burden for reconciliation on the National Human Rights Commission which has been commissioned to conduct what the party calls a comprehensive ethnographic study of Liberias Pavala Hut system, within the next two years. Liberty Party has repeatedly reminded the President and her government that of all the work she has been called to do on behalf of the Liberian people by virtue of her position none is more important than the need to reconcile the nation, states the party in a statement read by Montserrado County Senatorial Aspirant, Benjamin Sanvee. The party criticized President Sirleaf for not giving the issue of reconciliation the attention it deserves and only mentioning the subject in passing during her state of the nation address delivered a week ago. The Presidents 2014 Annual Message devoted only 5 short paragraphs, in a 45page speech, to National Reconciliation and these paragraphs were buried in the section titled Governance and Public Institutions, the partys statement averred on Monday. This treatment of National Reconciliation was a slight improvement over the 2013 message in which the subject was discussed in only 3 short paragraphs. But as expected, the treatment of this national imperative in this years message was no different than that of the 2013 message in terms of substance. With the LP and other parties strongly criticizing the Presidents message, the government had no alternative but to stick to the CDC as a friend this time around. But many are waiting to see how far this friendship will go.
Page 6 | Frontpage
Monroviahe Monrovia City Court at the Temple of Justice Friday charged Police officer Mamadee Kelleh, Chief of Operation of the Zone #1 Depot on the Bushrod Island with theft of property and ordered him detained at the famous Monrovia Central Prison pending prosecution. Kellehs arrest and detention was followed by a formal complaint filed to the Monrovia City Court by a Chinese businesswoman Lilly Lee who accused the defendant of taking away her US$10,000.00 by deception. In the complaint the Chinese businesswoman alleged that she came to know the defendant through her brother (name not disclosed), who told her that the defendant was very helpful to them in the process of their car licenses while in the country and should always count on him for assistance. She claimed that the on January 30, 2014, she was expecting the amount of US$10,000.00 from her business partner, but she could not go there for the money because she had some guest at the time. Lee said she then decided to ask the defendant to assist her in getting the money. Complaint Lee indicated that the defendant agreed to get the money and went to her business partner and collected the money. She stated that after receiving the money the officer called her and she instructed him to give another business partner US$ 2,000 and bring the balance US$8,000.00 to her. She said the defendant did not deliver the money. The Chinese national said after the defendant received the money he informed her and she told him how to distribute the money but after series of
POLICE OFFICER JAILED FOR THEFT

Accused of Robbing Chinese Business Woman of US$10,000.00
Kennedy L. Yangian@frontpageafricaonline.com 077296781
PAGE RONT
LAW & ORDER
Frontpage
Page 7
INTERPOL TO PROVIDE TRAINING FOR LNP OFFICERS AS ORGANIZATION SECRETARY GENERAL MEETS POLICE BOSS
Kennedy L. Yangian@frontpageafricaonline.com 077296781
communications with him the defendant switched off his phone and there was no other communication held with him for several hours. Based on that the defendants action the complaint indicated
that she called her business partner to go after him and she immediately contacted the authority of the LNP who was able to get the defendant. He later told her that he had given the money to the wrong person
rather than the business partner that she described. Kelleh was then turned over to the Professional Standard Division (PSD) of the LNP until later on Friday when he was turned over to the court for
final adjudication of the case. I trusted this guy so much because he is a police officer but from his behavior he is a hard core criminal posing to be a police officer said an angry complainant Lee.
The writ of arrest issued by the Monrovia City Court indicated that the alleged act by the defendant is unlawful wicked and criminal and a violation of Section 15.51 of the New Penal Law of Liberia.
Monroviaack of logistics and training have become the major challenges facing the Liberia National Police (LNP) since the end of the civil unrest in the country barely 10 years ago that left the entire country devastated. Amidst these challenges there have been a number of calls made by the authority of the Liberia National Police to donors and other friendly countries to help the force with logistics and training in order for the it to effectively discharge its statutory responsibility of protecting lives and properties. In the wake of these calls the International Police organization, Interpol, which the LNP is also a member, has consented to provide training
and equipment to help the police beef up its operation especially at entry points in the country. Interpol Secretary General Ronald Noble made the disclosure Friday at the Headquarter of the LNP when he met with police boss Chris Massaquoi during his one-day visit to the country. In welcome remarks Police Director Massaquoi stated that he was very delighted to have the World Police organization Secretary General to acquaint himself with the activities of the LNP in the fight against crimes. One problem facing us in our quest against fighting crime in the county is the issue of human trafficking which has been experienced in recent times, said police boss Chris Massaquoi.
Outlining the purpose of his visit, Interpol Secretary General Noble stated that he was in Liberia to discuss with the countrys police boss on how they and Interpol could work together in combating crimes. Interpol is positive about how to collaborate with the LNP to combat piracy, human and drug trafficking, counterfeiting, said Noble. He said in the next three months Interpol will be providing equipment for the screening of passports for people entering the country and also training of Interpol staff of the Police and Immigration officers to carry out this task. He also disclosed that by next week an interim response team from Interpol will arrive in the country to work with the LNP in this regard.
Page 8 | Frontpage
TWO MILLION GALLONS ARRIVE F

Monrovia or days, Monrovia and parts of Liberia have experienced a crisis that has resulted to darkness, further compounding the already lack of stable electricity power for Monrovia and immediate environs. The current fuel crisis on the Liberian market is affecting the operations of many entities including the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) which supplies state entities with electric power. Private generators operated on fuel have not been able to run the usual hours leaving several communities, homes, businesses and offices in darkness. Liberia Broadcasting System, the only state radio went off the air since Thursday and has been off until midday Sunday making it impossible for the Government to communicate with the Liberian public. The Liberia Petroleum refining Company, responsible for storage of petroleum products blamed the situation on breakdown by its main supplier based in neighboring Ivory Coast. Investigation has established that the situation is causing serious impediment to many entities with the crisis now taking a political dimension with a former head of the LPRC blaming the current management for the problem. T. Nelson Williams, Managing Director of the LPRC told FrontPageAfrica that the current supply being offloaded is a consignment of 2 million gallons of fuel. The vessel arrived at 9:35 am this morning and we will begin offloading today. There are two million gallons and we will work all day Sunday to ensure that we can supply institutions like the LEC, hospitals and by Monday, fuel should be available on the market, T. Nelson Williams, LPRC MD told frontpageafrica on Saturday. On Sunday, tankers were seen around the vicinity of the LPRC, offloading fuel but it remains to seen when major entities like the LEC and others will receive supply. Williams says major entities including the LEC, hospitals, amongst others will receive first priority and during the course of today the fuel crisis will be resolved with supply available on the market. Besides, the problem encountered with the supplier in the Ivory Coast, Williams also blames ongoing rehabilitation work at the company, which he said cannot allow for the storage of supply over a long period. Williams says Right now LPRC is going through a major rehabilitation and expansion project. If we had backup tanks at this time, we would have had at least two months supply; but based on the unavailability of storage capacity we have only capacity to have 1 1/2 tanks available for fuel. This problem will be resolved permanently at the conclusion of this project, which will be July 2015. Following the completion of the rehabilitation exercise, Williams says the storage capacity will go from 43,000 metric tons to 69,000 metric tons which he indicated will give the LPRC the buffer to avoid future shortage crisis. Another project he disclosed will be implemented in Ganta to help support the storage facility in Monrovia. We are also starting the project in Ganta, we will also have that area as a strategic reserve location; so having extra capacity will really help, Williams stated. On the importation by companies, the LPRC MD explained that three companies are always allowed to import at a time. One of the issues in this case is that we had three companies bringing products at the same time. If we had one company bringing this time and another bringing behind it would have been a little easier, but we had three companies that combined to bring products on the same vessel. We are working on that and we will ensure that moving forward, this does not occur again. We will also have a second vessel en-route behind this vessel. We have always been on top of this in Liberia, this is an isolated incident that we dont expect to happen any time soon, Williams says. Harry Graves, who served as Managing Director of the LPRC sees things differently as he says the situation is as a consequence of incompetent management and massive corruption at the LPRC. Greaves says It is so serious that companies like Arcellor Mittal have since been considering closing down the mines because they dont have fuel to operate; so you cant say it is not a crisis. This crisis could have been completely avoided; the crisis is the result of basically two things incompetent management and massive corruption at LPRC. Greaves says the current LRC management has allowed few importers to hijack the importation market thereby having control over the supply of petroleum products on the market. Said Greaves: The current managing Director T. Nelson Williams has allowed his storage terminal to be hijacked by a trail of importers. Right now there are 11 importers at LPRC
F BUSINESS LIBERIAS DIESEL CRISIS Nears End?

PAGE RONT
Wade C.L. Williams, wade.williams@frontpageafricaonline.com
but there are few importers who have been allowed to hijack the importation. Aminata, which is owned by my good friend ShakaTuray, Shrimex, Musa Bility and () some people refer to them as the Mandingo mafia. They have been allowed to hijack the importation. This process goes back to 2012. In the most recent period, Shrimex, had requested license to import 6,500 metric tons of diesel which is equivalent to 2million gallons, that is about two weeks consumption. Every other importer who requested for permission to import were that they could not import until Shrimex brought this consignment; but Shrimex could not deliver. That is the actual reason for this particular crisis. They have been allowed to virtually monopolize the importation. He claims that the LPRC management is giving priority to few entities which he said to refer to as the Mandingo mafia to have preference over other entities operating in the petroleum industry with some entities taking control of others supply. Greaves Continued If you want to keep your finger on the pulse this is like your prima, you have to have that report so you know what is there. Generally you have to make sure you have a minimum of two million gallons on the ground at any point in time. If you are down to 50,000 gallons, what it means is that you have no proper inventory control. Another thing that has happened is that LPRC management has allowed importers to take other importers fuel. He cited that Total is one of the importers affected by the bad
management practice at the LPRC, indicating that the company is afraid to voice out for fear of retaliation. I give an example; right now Total is supposed to have close to 300,000 gallons of fuel a day why, because LPRC management has allowed Aminata, another importer to take Totals fuel to give to LEC. Under our law, that is expropriation. The government cannot take someone elses property and give it to somebody else without that persons consent or without compensation. That is illegal, it is unconstitutional and it is wrong. Many foreign companies operating in this country are afraid to make noise because they are afraid of retaliation. Total is not the only one, there are other foreign importers that are faced with this situation. Fuel shortage impacts Steel Giant World steel giant, Arcelor Mittal has also expressed that the unavailability of fuel is forcing the company to close down its mining. In a statement, the company stated Due to the current fuel shortage in Liberia, ArcelorMittal Liberia's operations will be mildly impacted over the next few days. In order to limit the impact of this fuel shortage, the company has put in place shortterm measures to ensure the companys 2014 operational targets are not affected. The company stated that all it sites in Liberia including Monrovia, Buchanan, Yekepa and Green Hill Quarry, remain operational with some adjustments at the port, rail and mine.
Monroviahe Liberia National Student Union (LINSU), has taken serious exception to the Senates decision to pass a bill that seeks to bar the Central Bank of Liberia Governor, Dr. J. Mills Jones from contesting for political office. The Senates proposed law that is currently before the House of Representatives for concurrence seeks to bar the executive governor and members in from contesting political offices within three years following the expiration of their tenure. The student group noted that the decision is in clear violation of the Liberian Constitution and the right of the individual to free association and participation. Article 18 of our Constitution declares "All Liberian citizens shall have equal opportunity for work and employment regardless of sex, creed, religion, political affiliation, status, ... and all shall be entitled to equal pay for equal work, stated LINSU. In view of Article 18, we maintain that Dr. Jones and other Duty Governors and Board members of the CBL are entitled to the right to job, irrespective of what a senator or group of senators may perceive as 'future political treat' from Gov. Jones. LINSU maintains that the Senate's action taken to pass such a bogus bill will hurt the people rather than the CBL family. What is emanating from the Senate has the poisonous ability to keep frustrating the hope of the ordinary people who continue to suffer under
IN DEFENSE OF CBL JONES

LINSU TAKES SENATE TO TASK OVER CONTROVERSIAL BILL
PAGE RONT
POLITICS
Frontpage
Page 9
Wade C.L. Williams, wade.williams@frontpageafricaonline.com

In fact, the national student movement of Liberia is urging the Governor to increase the volume of support in the towns and villages to various citizens' and students' groupings. The Governor must go, without fear or favor, to all places in the country where Senators fail to venture as a result of their failure to address the mammoth challenges facing their individual constituencies. In so far as it is the legitimate policy of the Central Bank of Liberia, Gov. Jones is assure of the general citizens' support and LINSU calls on him not to be deterred by the worries of Senators who are concerned if they will even get re-elected. LINSU has meanwhile issued a stern warning to the House urging it not to concur with the bill before it. But the student body assures the Legislature that it will stop at nothing in its quest to see the Senates decision overturned either through the executive or the judiciary. The student community, by this release, shall proceed to ensuring that the House of Representative does not concur with this 'death squad' bill against the ordinary people and struggling students being perpetrated by few senators, stated LINSU. We are taking this fight to the door steps of these Senators and to all counties and districts; we see this so-call bill as a direct attack against the survival of the ordinary people and not against Dr. Jones or members of the CBL family.
the irresponsible legislative workings of so-called senators speaks volume to short sightedness of lawmakers who should look far than near, stated LINSU at a press conference held on Sunday, February 15, 2014. The student group said the bill crafted by the Senate is not only unconstitutional but lacks all of the basic principles of
Monrovia he National Legislature special joint committee on Public Account has demanded the appearance of two former lawmakers of the 52nd National Legislature and two former officials of National oil Company NOCAL to answer to question about their involvement in a dubious transaction. Audits conducted by the General Auditing Commission (GAC) at NOCAL for the Fiscal years 2006/08 and 2009 uncovered that some former lawmakers and officials of NOCAL were involved into a fraudulent transaction of over hundred thousand United States Dollars (US$ 145,000.00), which was accordingly paid for lobbying. The GAC report accused former (CDC-District #8 Montserrado County) Rufus Neufville, (CDCDistrict #7 formerly District#1 Montserrado County) Alomiza Ennoch and Mr. Foday Kromah and Clemenceau Urey former President and vice President
of NOCAL of receiving over hundred thousand united sates dollars as lobby fees. Neufville during his tenure as a legislator served the 52nd National legislature as chairman of the House Committee on Concession and investment during which time alleged amount was paid to the legislature through him as lobby fees for the ratification of most of the oil blocks including the controversial block 13. Neufville since losing the district election to his former Party secretary general and chief of office staff Acarous Gray, served as Deputy Minister for Public affairs at the Ministry of Commerce where he was removed before been recently nominated as Chief of protocol Republic of Liberia. During Friday February 14 2009 appearance of NOCAL before the Legislature Public Accounts Committee (PAC) at the Capitol building to answer questions of misappropriation discovered in the GAC report against the NOCAL, for the fiscal years
good governance and people focused issues adding that if gross failure to deliver to the people they serve is not the fear of senators to live up to their political promises for which many will be voted out by their constituents which is highly dominated by students, then it is preposterous to fear a man who is yet to declare his political ambition.
FORMER LAWMAKERS, NOCAL OFFICIALS HOOKED IN CONTROVERSIAL $145K LOBBY DEAL

Henry Karmo (0886522495) henrykarmo47@gmail.com
communication on the 4th of February and a follow up on the 10th of the same month informing them of a scheduled hearing for the 12th of February which they were to attend but to their surprise NOCAL on Wednesday morning by 10 am replied the committee while they were already seated awaiting representatives from NOCAL for the hearing. In separate comments about the NOCAL late response to the committee communication, the committee with a membership of ten lawmakers said, the communication from NOCAL was an indirect insult to them and a cleaver attempt to render them irrelevant. Senator George Tengbeh of Lofa County said: this communication is a complete affront not only to this committee but to the entire legislature and the Liberian people. It is a disservice to us and I dont know why people should continue to think that Liberia should always be on one footing we must sent out a warning that people should take the taxpayers monies very serious and I recommending a serious consequence for NOCAL. Despite the frustration expressed by majority of the committee members Representative Matthew Zarzar of Sinoe County had a different opinion to his colleagues views, arguing that that there is a need for committee members to relax on their frustration because according to him the audit report hearing is based on audit conducted from 2006/09/08 at which time there were different individuals in charge at NOCAL . He also defended that the new officers at NOCAL need more time to familiarize themselves with reports of audit conducted in the past. After minutes of discussion among committee member a motion was filed by Senator George Tengbeh that NOCAL be made to appear on Friday February 14, 2014, indicating that failure on the part of NOCAL the GAC audit will be considered facts against NOCAL.
PAGE RONT
The group described Governor Jones as a man who is providing serious financial help to the people of Liberia and for the Senate to derive a legislative decision only for the purpose of denying a potential fear, when such a decision falls short of the constitution and the people's protection is what they called myopic. The Liberia National Student
Union and its student unions and county base associations at all universities and high schools are calling on Dr. J. Mills Jones to proceed with doing regular financial business with the suffering people and needy students of Liberia in obedience to the Financial Institution Act of 1999, which created the Central Bank of Liberia, stated LINSU.
CORRUPTION WATCH
2006/08/09 Dr. Randolph McClain President of NOCAL said, he could not answer to question of misappropriation for the years indicated because the current management was not at the time at NOCAL. McClain begged the committee not to allow him and his colleagues to attempt answering questions from the GAC audit report because according to him anything stated could not be true. The appearance of NOCAL Friday was a result of their failure to appear before the committee Wednesday of last week. The committee through its chair Senator Edward Dagoseh of Grand Cape Mount County said NOCAL was served a
Page 10 | Frontpage
LIBERIAN HEALTH WORKERS THREATEN GO-SLOW ACTION

PAGE RONT
HEALTH
PAGE RONT
POLITICS
GLAY RETURNS HOME WITH EYE ON GRAND GEDEH RACE
H
Monrovia -
ealth workers in Liberia have vowed to begin go-slow action by midday, Monday, February 17 against the government of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in demand of improved salary and incentives. The health workers have threatened that the action will continue until their demands are met. The workers amongst other things are demanding the resignations of the Countrys health Minister Dr. Walter Gwenigale and the Chief Medical officer Dr. Bernice Dahn and that the government increases their salaries and incentives. When contacted via mobile phone Dr. Gwenigale refused to comment on the matter noting that he does not conduct interview on the phone. Gwenigale said: I cannot do interview on the phone if you want to know the government position come to the Ministry of health Monday but will not give interview on the phone. The latest threat of go-slow by the health workers is scaring as the country health sector continues to face serious challenges in meeting the growing demands of the population. With the rate of maternal mortality and newborn mortality very high the issue of quality health services for all especially pregnant women and adolescent boys and girls is crucial to the growing population. The government of Liberia in 1994 at an International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the reduction in Maternal and Newborn Mortality in the country promised to put in place programs and policies that will improve the sector by providing access to health care for all Liberians with specific interest in access to quality education in collaboration with local and international NGOs and the Improvement of National capacity building for Citizens, population growth through the promotion of quality health Services where a high priority is been placed on the welfare and protection of Youths, the promotion of reproductive health where government is to ensure that access to reproductive health is created through primary health system. In a previous interview conducted with Dr. Cuallau Jabbeh Howe Director of the department of Family health, he said as at December 2013, the Ministry worked in building the capacity of over 50 health workers at the local and international level and has recruited and trained over hundred locally. The head of the Family Health Division at the Health Ministry also said various health teams in all parts of the country are recruiting individuals interested in working in the sector and sending them for training. Madam Howe also said, in fulfillment of the government commitment at the 1994 ICPD in reducing Maternal and Newborn Mortality, government has reduced maternal and newborn mortality from 999 per hundred thousand to 770 per hundred thousand through the creation of access to quality health services for all especially pregnant women and adolescent boys and girls. She also said, the success made by the government so far is a result of the governments international partners who she said are providing some of the basic materials free of charge. It is a privilege to say that the World health Organization 2010 survey conducted shows that Liberia now has the rate of 770 per every hundred thousand live birth, and the 2013 WHO report also show that infant Mortality that was at 72 has now dropped to 38 per every thousand live birth. She also disclosed that the government through the Ministry has made tremendous improvement in the protection of children against diseases through awareness.
A
Monrovia
prominent figure within the Grand Gedeh Diaspora community Mr. William Kohn Glay, Sr. arrived in Monrovia Sunday to explore possibilities of contesting the upcoming Senatorial elections in Grand Gedeh. Glay, who was recently petitioned by Grand Gedeans residing in Liberia, Australia, Nigeria and Ghana, is hoping that his elderly statesman advantage will prove pivotal to causing an upset in what is brewing to be one of the crowded fields in this years senatorial race. A son of the Gbobo section of Tchien District, Grand Gedeh County, Liberia, Glay was born on September 22, 1950 unto the union of Zoe Gbobo Glay (from Gbobo) and Nyoncia Jeanyeah (for Sapo). He holds a Bachelor's degree in Politic Science from the University of Liberia and a Certificate in Forestry from the German Forestry Mission at the College of Forestry, University of Liberia. He is a product of the William V. S. Tubman High School. Hon. Glay started his primary
education at the Zaih's Town Public school and later attended the Saint Phenomena Catholic school in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County, Liberia. With his involvement in politics and astute leadership ability, Hon. Glay was elected to the Liberian Legislature as a Representative for Tchien Distict, Grand Gedeh County in 1985. He served as Chairman on the committee for investment while in the Liberian Legislature. Hon. Glay was a Southeastern Regional Forester for the Forestry Development Authority of Liberia. He worked for the Special Security Services assigned in the convoy of both President William V. S. Tubman and William R. Tolbert respectively. With his vast business investment knowledge, Hon. Glay served as the Chief Executive Officer for S&G Consultant Firm. He is the current Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Wahoo Foundation International and the Founder & CEO of Nucia & Company Limited in the USA. Nucia main source of business is involved with the sales of Jet fuel and other Lubricants.
Frontpage
Page 11
February 15, 2014
PRESS RELEASE
My attention is studiously captivated by the numerous attempts to undermine the operations of logging Companies in Grand Gedeh County. This decision by the Global Witness, SDI, etc., has elicited enormous amount of discontentment by the citizenry of Grand Gedeh County especially the youths who are beneficiaries from the logging sector of the County. It is important by this statement to categorically refute and disclaim the information that the logging Companies have failed to comply with the Community rights laws as a framework for forest management. While it is true that post war Liberia economy is well underway for recovery and that the government is enthusiastic for direct forest investment in the economy; we are quite cognizant of the fact that absolutely no company that has got a license or concession with the Government of the Republic of Liberia to operate in Grand Gedeh County that willfully and deliberately choose to circumvent the legal framework that regulates the sector concerned such as the logging sector. The County administration of Grand Gedeh has been proactive in monitoring the activities of the Logging Companies that have purportedly been accused of not operating in the confines of the contract signed with the government especially in adherence to corporate social responsibilities. Meanwhile, there has been no formal complaint from the impacted Communities or the forest management committee or other related bodies, except those unscrupulous individual(s) being manipulated by external forces for their personal aggrandizement and leaving the faith of those they claimed to advocate for in an absolute jeopardy. Some of the Companies, from the inception of their operations in Grand Gedeh County have been responsible in living up to commitments as enshrined in the contract and the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with the directly affected communities of the logging activities. Just to name a few, the Liberian Hardwood Corporation has constructed an 81 kilometer road connecting River Cess and Grand Gedeh through Gboe Geewon which is the largest town in Gboe/Gbarzon Statutory District and other surrounding Towns and villages in the history of the County. The construction of this piece of road has alleviated the difficulties of the people especially the farmers to transport their local produce to the nearest market centers. The impact of the development has caused a tremendous drop in the prices of basic commodities especially rice. In addition, the Liberian hardwood Corporation has embarked on an assessment for the construction of another 40 KM road which will connect the Gboe Chiefdom to the District Headquarters of Jarwodee for the first time in the history of the County. In my mind I think this is an incredible progress being made by the Company to ensure that poverty is reduced from such dimension. More importantly, the operation of these companies in the County has given hope to the young people to breathe a sigh of relief through employment opportunity. It is important to note that the most sustainable way that we can use to assimilate young people in the society is to ensure the creation of jobs in the private sector. Already Counties in the Southeastern region especially Grand Gedeh is always at the center of cross border controversy where young people are in the limelight of accusation. The recipe of these unwholesome activities in any society can be ascribed to idleness. Based on these incontrovertible facts, the Grand Gedeh County Administration would like to entreat the indulgence of the Forestry Sector regulator and other stakeholders to endorse the full operations of these logging Companies so that Grand Gedeans and other Liberians can benefit through employment. Signed________________ Peter L. Solo Superintendent, Grand Gedeh County
Page 12 | Frontpage
Monroviainance Minister Amara Konneh has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), authorizing the Afriland First Bank to operationalize the Cash centers in River Gee and Grand Kru Counties in an effort to decentralize its treasury functions across the country. The MOU is part of an overall effort of the government of Liberia through the Ministry to expand fiscal operations at county level by taking services to the people to encourage growth and development in all fifteen counties. The Ministry of Finance in a release issued over the weekend stated that the MOU exemplifies governments plan to decentralize some of its treasury functions to the counties to grow their capacity for fiscal decentralization as envisaged in the recently promulgated national policy on decentralization and local governance. Currently, out of 15 counties, only nine are served by either commercial banks or the central bank of Liberia. As a consequence, the Ministry of Finance would charter UN flights on a monthly basis to deliver salaries to government staff working in those areas, stated the ministry. To alleviate this problem, the Ministry of Finance started to construct Cash centers, a mechanism that was launched by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in Gbarpolu County in July 2013. The ministry maintains that the
FINANCE DECENTRALIZES TREASURY FUNCTIONS
PAGE RONT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
F LEGISLATIVE BEAT NO ONE IS INFALLIBLE; LTA ADMITS IRREGULARITIES

PAGE RONT
primary objective of the cash center framework is to enable civil servants conveniently and timely access their salaries with little constraints. It however noted that the cash centers need to be operated by a professional team, therefore,
the offer to the commercial banks to partner with the government in operating the centers for mutual benefits is crucial; stressing that paying civil servants in these areas of employment increases their purchasing power.
The Finance ministry stated that it was due to this that the Ministry of Finance sought to partner with commercial banks through an open request to partner in the provision of cash services and other related banking services in Grand Kru
and River Gee Counties. To this call, the Afriland First Bank, a legal registered banking institution in the country expressed interest in the Cash Center process, sated the ministry. The Bank will empower
the local people through the provision of loans and other financial services. The government of Liberia will use the bank for revenue deposit and will partner with the Bank to foster timely payment of civil servant salaries.
Monrovia he acting chairman of the Liberia Telecommunication Authority Angelique Weeks has admitted to financial and other irregularities at the entity as contained in an audit report by the General Auditing Commission of Liberia. Responding to questions from lawmakers during public hearings on the GAC report, Commissioner Weeks admitted
that some of the claims made by the GAC in its audits report of the fiscal year 2006/08/09 are factual. Mr. Chairman and members of the committee no one is infallible we do a very good job but there are times when there are lapses. I make mistakes at time and when I catch it up I am mad at myself, said Weeks. Madam weeks who is currently in the spotlight over public
criticism for the signing of a controversial lease agreement with a Chinese firm for amount in the tune of one million one hundred and fifty five thousand united states dollars as fees for three years made the confession Friday February 14 at the public hearings by the Legislature joint Public Accounts Committee (PAC). At the hearing where she had been requested by the committee to answer to query
raised by the General Auditing commission in its Audit report for 2006/08/09 she was accused in the GAC report on several counts which include; internal Control Related Issues, Non-adherence to the PPCC Act, Absences of Fixed Assets register and Approved policy regulating fixed assets, lack of approved financial manual for accounting related procedures and over payment of per diem for foreign travel to LTA officials and employees. The GAC report also accused the LTA officials and employees of failing to retire travel documents on foreign travels for incidental allowance received, Non-Existence of approved budget and no budget to guide LTAs operation, nonpreparation and sub mission of Financial statements, checks valued at US$ 2,232.50 outstanding for more than six months, Deviation noted with payroll and LTA outstanding receivables, as well as status of prior year audit matters. The GAC in its report alleged that the internal audit function at the LTA was inadequate because according to the GAC it was been undertaken by one staff which is contrary to the requirements of the Internal control integrated framework,
published by the committee of sponsoring Organizations of the Trade way commission (COSO). Additionally, contrary to the requirements of International Standards for Professional Practice of internal auditing 1000, the LTA internal Audit operated without an approved internal audit Charter. These deficiencies noted could impact the authoritys attainment of its objectives, the GAC report said. The audit report also alleged that for the period 2010 and 2011, the management of LTA did not adhere to the PPCC act, 2005 for the procurement of some capital goods and award of contracts. GAC said: Examination of document revealed that procurement of capital goods were not supported by the relevant documentation. As observed, capital goods totaling to US$ 16,520.00 acquired by the LTA during the period under review were not supported by appropriate documentation. For instance the contracts were not published in procurement bulletin, gazette and news paper of wide national circulation, notice of each contract awarded. Section 37 of the PPCC act
of 2005 states that, procuring entity shall promptly publish in the procurement bulletin, gazette and any newspaper of wide national circulation notice of each contract award in which price of contract exceeds the threshold of US$ 25,000 in the case of contracts for procurement of goods. The LTA is also been accused of operating without budget guidance for a period January 1, 2009 to march 31,2009 which according to the auditors contravenes the 2007 act of the LTA. It was also discovered that despite the absence of a budget by the LTA expenditure as per the authority bank statement from the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) amounted to three hundred thirty six thousand one hundred and nine United States dollars (US$ 336,109.13) were incurred from the Authoritys account during the three months. Section 9(5) of the Telecommunication act of 2007, requires that the LTA board of Commissioners to prepare annual budget for the entitys operations to be submitted to the President of the Republic of Liberia for approval for the Authority operations.
GENDER ISSUES LIBERIA: "AS A WOMAN YOU HAVE TO FIGHT HARD TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY"
PAGE RONT
Frontpage
Page 13
Liberia's Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is the first elected female head of state in Africa. But as Wade C.L. Williams' award-winning report has shown, the harsh living conditions for Liberian women have not changed.
ade C.L. Williams has reached the top of the journalism ladder in her native Liberia - a rare achievement in a field that is often closed to women and is frequently dangerous. As an investigative reporter, she also heads the newsroom at FrontPage Africa, a newspaper and website based in the capital Monrovia. Williams' dedication and courage have brought her renown. She has received numerous awards, including the 2013 German Development Media Award. Her work has also been reprinted in the British Guardian and other international publications. Her winning African entry for the German Development Media Award details the crushing poverty many women and girls still experience in Liberia even though many promises have been made about improving female lives. Her report, "Still a Hard Life", recounts the struggles of Mercy Womeh, a teenager who breaks rocks in order to pay for her school fees. It is one of the few opportunities to earn money in a country where 85 percent of the population is unemployed and despite the fact that Liberia has a national economic growth
Wade C.L. Williams heads the newsroom at FrontPage Africa
Liberian teenager Mercy Womeh breaks rocks in order to pay for her school fees
rate of almost nine percent. What prompted you to research the conditions of poor women and girls in Liberia? Wade C.L. Williams: It was the level of poverty in Liberia that prompted me to research women's issues. The resilience I saw in these women surprised me - the fact that they didn't wait for the government to provide for them, but took matters into their own hands and found ways to generate income for themselves. This was a huge motivation to tell their stories. How did people in Liberia react to your report? People were shocked to learn that a young girl of Mercy's age did what she did to help fend for her family. Profiling Mercy was a way of telling the world how difficult life still is for many women and young girls because of poverty and despite the fact that Liberia has a woman president. In order to complete her high school education, Mercy still crushes rocks every day. After the story was published Mercy was able to get some financial assistance from people and these individuals are still helping her to fund her education. What is it like to be a female reporter in Liberia? Is it different compared to your male colleagues? Liberian society is dominated by men and so is the media sector. As a woman you have to fight hard to be taken seriously. There is also the issue of sexual harassment where the men you work with want to sleep with you and so do the men you interview.
Monroviaoreign Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan has strongly denied media reports that President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf ill-advised her Malawian counterpart, Her Excellency Madam Joyce Banda. During an interactive discussion with some Liberians on Wednesday afternoon at the Center for Exchange of Intellectual Opinions (CEIO) on Carey Street, the Liberian Foreign Minister, who accompanied the President to the southern African nation clarified that at no time did President Sirleaf tell President Banda not to fight corruption at a time when she, President Banda, is seeking re-election. Malawi is scheduled to hold Presidential and Parliamentary elections in May of this year. Let me tell you that the Malawian Press Secretary has come out with a clarification. But I can tell you that this statement that is going around, especially on the Internet, that President Sirleaf told the Malawian President not to fight corruption because it is a risk to fight corruption in an election year because people
with money will fight her which could lead to her defeat, I can tell you that this is a big, black lie. I say that with all the strength of my integrity because I was there. I was even behind the Press Secretary to get some clippings so that we can play so you can hear, Foreign Minister Ngafuan said in response to a young ladys inquiry on the matter. But continuing Foreign Minister Ngafuan added, What even President Banda said is that her sister [President Sirleaf] is her role model. They discussed a wide range of issues including the anticorruption fight and the risk that is involved. But she said publically at the state dinner that President Sirleaf encouraged her to stay the course, to soldier on, to continue the corruption fight in spite of the pending elections and the risk involved. Thats what President Banda said. He reminded his audience that Malawi is going to elections and, as a consequence, the Malawian political climate is getting very charged. Therefore, falsehoods and twisted facts may be peddled by individuals with ulterior motives.
A BIG, BLACK LIE

Ngafuan Labels Sirleafs Alleged Advise To Banda
PAGE RONT
NEWS EXTRA
On Reporters without Borders' World Press Freedom Index, Liberia is ranked 97th out of 179 countries. What are the working conditions like for journalists there? They are deplorable. Reporters are underpaid and lack the necessary equipment they need to work properly. As far as press freedom is concerned, if you compare it to the past, I would say Liberia has a relatively favorable working environment for journalists. There is much mistrust between the government and the media about freedom issues, but overall, you can report critically without being immediately killed. However, you can still quickly be charged with sedition or libel. These days, public officials have taken numerous journalists to court and we've seen a lot of
libel cases, even though there are no specific laws regarding these issues. What does an international award like the German Development Media Award mean to you? It means a lot and further motivates me. It has added so much prestige to the work I do and has also helped boost the level of credibility I have at home. What are your future goals as a journalist? I want to continue working as a journalist in Liberia but to also raise it to another level. If you ask me about my top priority, I would say it is to get a scholarship to study abroad, and then to come back home and start my own venture where most of the best reporters would be women.
The Foreign Minister Ngafuan then encouraged the jampacked audience at the haitai shop, dominated by the youth, not to lose sight of the progress
that has been made since the end of the civil conflict that has created the environment for economic recovery and development as well as the
institutionalization of the culture of democracy. We are not at the bottom of the bottomless pit. We are not way up there yet; but equally
so, we are not way down there. We have miles to go but we have made some significant progress that you need to note and appreciate.
Page 14 | Frontpage
KIEV (Reuters) krainian opposition protesters ended a two-month occupation of city hall in Kiev on Sunday and opened a road to limited traffic to meet an amnesty offer aimed at easing a standoff over President Viktor Yanukovich's rule. The authorities, for their part, withdrew riot police from a flashpoint district of the capital, near the Dynamo Kiev football stadium, where at least three protesters died in January in violence between ultraradical activists and police. Despite the conciliatory moves, opposition leaders sought to keep up pressure on Yanukovich, telling a rally in Kiev's Independence Square that he must abandon "dictatorial" powers and let them form a government that would be independent of him. Tension still simmered before a parliament session on Tuesday when Yanukovich may present his candidate for prime minister - a choice that will show if he is ready to make more concessions to the opposition after 12 weeks of often ugly street confrontation. Opposition leaders made it clear on Sunday they would also push at the parliament session for constitutional changes to reduce Yanukovich's powers. Pro, anti government protesters clashPlay video The unrest was sparked by Yanukovich in November when he spurned a free trade agreement long in the making with the European Union and opted for a $15 billion package of Russian credits and cheaper gas to shore up Ukraine's ailing economy. The revolt spiraled into countrywide protests at perceived sleaze and corruption in the Yanukovich administration and has
PAGE RONT
WORLD NEWS
IN BRIEF
HUGE FILIPINO CHARITY WALK BREAKS GUINNESS RECORDS
A
UKRAINE PROTESTERS, POLICE PULL BACK IN CONTEST OVER PRESIDENT
were on patrol, looking for government agents known locally as "titushki". A group of about 40 young men, wearing black balaclavas and carrying shields that announced they were from the 14th "self-defense" unit, marched through crowds gathered near the Dynamo Kiev football stadium, a frontline in the unrest. On Saturday, at the other end of the city, several men who protested against barricades in the city emerged with bloodied faces after clashes with local "self-defense" units. Western governments
v
HOUSE DEMS TRY TO FORCE VOTES ON WAGE, IMMIGRATION M
triggered a geopolitical tussle between East and West. As Russia beckons with the $15 billion aid package to plug holes in Ukraine's heavilyindebted economy, the United States and its Western allies have urged Yanukovich to move back towards an IMFbacked deal with Europe. At least six people have been killed and hundreds of people police and protesters - wounded in the bloodshed. As Sunday's peaceful rally unfolded on Independence Square, attracting several thousand, young club-wielding masked men from the radical fringe of the protest movement
expressed fears of an escalation of conflict and breakdown of law and order unless Yanukovich meets opposition demands.
have
"FRONT-LINE" DEAL All the same, tensions calmed at the Dynamo football stadium "front-line" with riot police leaving the streets and protesters opening a passage for limited traffic to go through barricades to government headquarters and parliament. On Sunday, former Economy Minister Arseny Yatseniuk repeated calls for constitutional changes that would strip Yanukovich of powers he has
accumulated and enable an opposition government to be formed to lead the ex-Soviet republic to economic recovery. After protesters departed Kiev's City Hall, which they had occupied since early December, Yatseniuk called on Ukraine's judicial authorities to live up to their amnesty promise and drop all criminal charges against protest activists. Demonstrators had swept into the main municipal building as popular revolt took off against Yanukovich's decision to ditch the EU trade pact in favor of a more immediately lucrative deal with Russia, Ukraine's former Soviet master.
MANILA, Philippines (AP) Philippine Christian sect has broken two records for organizing the largest charity walk in an effort to raise funds for survivors of last year's Typhoon Haiyan, a Guinness World Records official said Sunday. Guinness adjudicator Kirsty Bennett said 175,509 members of the Iglesia ni Cristo took part in Saturday's recordsetting walk along a scenic Manila bayside boulevard. The previous record was set in Singapore in 2000 when 77,500 people walked to promote healthy living. Bennett told a news conference in Manila on Sunday that Iglesia ni Cristo members in 28 other countries also held similar walks over the weekend, with the number of participants reaching 519,221 worldwide a record for the largest charity walk in multiple venues. The previous record was set in Canada, where 231,635 people took part in a charity walk at various sites in 2007. "It is a huge achievement," Bennett said before presenting a Guinness certificate to the Christian sect's leaders as the group's members applauded.
WASHINGTON (AP) ouse Democrats are determined to cast an electionyear spotlight on Republican opposition to raising the minimum wage and overhauling immigration laws. To try to accomplish that in the GOP-controlled House, Democrats are planning to rely on an infrequently used, rarely successful tactic known as a "discharge petition." It requires the minority party in this case, Democrats, who are unable to dictate the House agenda to persuade some two dozen Republicans to defy their leadership, join Democrats and force a vote on setting the federal minimum wage at $10.10 an hour. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California said
Democrats will push the wage issue when Congress returns from its break Feb. 24. Forcing a vote on a comprehensive overhaul of immigration laws could occur in a few months. Democratic leaders argue that a majority of Americans favor both steps, which are priorities for President Barack Obama, and say the House GOP is the obstacle. Republicans say Democrats are embarking on an approach that they know has little chance of success in an attempt to circumvent the will of the GOP-led House. The odds are daunting for Democrats in what clearly is political maneuvering ahead of the elections this fall. Some questions and answers on how it works.
itt Romney believes former President Bill Clinton "embarrassed the nation" with the Monica Lewinsky scandal, but doesn't think it will be a factor in 2016 if Hillary Clinton runs for president. I think Hillary Clinton, if she becomes a nominee, will have plenty to discuss about her own record, Romney said on NBC's "Meet The Press" on Sunday. I dont imagine that Bill Clinton is going to be a big part of it. But the former Massachusetts governor and 2012 Republican nominee was asked to comment on the 42nd president in light of the GOP's recent "resurrection" of the Clinton White House. He embarrassed the nation, Romney said of Clinton. He breached his responsibility, I think, as an adult and as a leader in his relationship. And I think thats very unfortunate. Clinton's sexual relationship with Lewinsky, then a 22-yearold White House intern, led to his impeachment in 1998 and subsequent trial. Clinton was eventually acquitted of the impeachment charges.
MITT ROMNEY: BILL CLINTON 'EMBARRASSED THE NATION'
Sport
Frontpage
Page 15
SPORT BRIEF
PODOLSKI STRIKES AS GUNNERS CLING ON FOR QUARTER-FINAL SPOT
BARACK YOUNG COMPTROLLERS THROUGH TO NEXT ROUND IN CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE AFTER IMPRESSIVE VICTORY
arrack Young Controllers (BYC) are through to the round of 32 in the Caf Champions League. BYC left it late to beat Ghanas Asante Kotoko 1-0 at a jampacked Antoinette Tubman Stadium on Sunday. It was a plot, which was conceived in New Kru Town and hatched at the ATS when midfield general Isaac Pupo found Blamo Nimle in space and the strikers feeble effort beat goalie Soulama Abdullahi, who was virtually on holiday in the 89th minute. That goal sent the ATS into rapture but their celebration will be a cause for concerns as ecstatic fans invaded the playing pitch much to the displeasure of the match commissioner. Kotoko coach Mas-ud Dramini had a cautious approach to the match as his charges sat deep in midfield and created fewer chances on goal. It was BYC who did all the attacking and their free flowing game was a delight to watch with President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, US ambassador Deborah Malac and Ghanaian ambassador to Liberia among the spectators in the VIP box. The party has started for BYC but they must cut short their play in order to eliminate Ivory Coasts Sewe Sport, who eliminated Mighty Barrolle more than four years ago. BYC coach Robert Lartey admitted that if Kotoko was a tough side to beat then there are tougher teams left in the second round. Sewe should have plenty of energy, having been unable to kick a ball due to the withdrawal of Guinea Bissaus FOS Balantas. BYC chief executive officer Robert Sirleaf, BYC president Sekou Konneh and Lartey were full of praises to LISCR FC president Mustapha Raji, Watanga FC senior vice president Andy Quamie and Liberians for the tremendous morale and financial support.
BYC DUMPS KOTOKO
rsenal held off a late fightback from Liverpool to book their place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup thanks to a 2-1 win at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Liberia Football Champions Barrack Young Comptrollers edge Ghanas Might Asante Kotoko 1-0 in the second leg of the African Champions League at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium in Monrovia Sunday. Blamo Nimleys lone goal deep in the second half was enough to shatter Kotoko. BYC now face Ivorian Champions Sewe Sports in the next round which kicks off the weekend of February 28 and March 7th.
Brendan Rodgers' side hammered Arsenal 5-1 at Anfield in the Premier League last weekend, but the north London club restored some pride by avenging that defeat to set up a last-eight encounter with Everton. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain handed the hosts an early advantage after 16 minutes, sliding the ball home from inside the area to register a third goal from his last three appearances at the Emirates Stadium. The England international then turned provider shortly after the interval, pulling a ball back for Lukas Podolski after a smart one-two between himself and Mesut Ozil.
Danesius Marteh, danesius.marteh@frontpageafricaonline.com & A. Macaulay Sombai
CAMP RENEWED BUT MANCHESTER CITY & MADRID WILL BE TRUE TEST OF MARTINO'S BARCELONA
I
Line-ups BYC: 3-Teah Dennis, 7-Lamine Jabateh (4-Blamo Nimle), 8-Alpha James, 11-Prince Saydee, 13-Gideon Williams, 14-Junior Barshall (15-Benjamin Gbamy), 18-Isaac Pupo, 19-Blama Kamara, 23-Prince Jetoh, 29-Trokon Myers (15-Sporo Somah) and 30-Nathaniel Sherman. Unused substitutes: 1-Wilson Sayou, 9-Teku Nahn, 22-Malachi Coker and 24-Francis Jallabah. Kotoko:2- Ben Adama, 5- Abieku Ainooson, 8-Jordan Opuku, 9-Siedu Bancey, 10- Larbi Koomson, 12-Rahim Ayew, 15-Prince Baffoe, 16-Soulama Abdullahi, 17-Richard Mpong, 20-Amos Frimpong 21-Kwabena Adusei. and
Substitutes: Joseph Addo, Amos Frimpong, Bobie Ansah, Eric Donkor, Ohene Brenya, Godfred Asante, Issah Yakubu, and Yussif Abdul Aziz.
t was quite a performance. When Barcelona last played Rayo Vallecano, the Catalans conceded possession to a rival team for the first time in 317 games amid questions over their Tiki Taka philosophy. On Saturday, however, Gerardo Martino's men were simply sublime. The Blaugrana passing philosophy looked very much intact in the Camp Nou clash. Lionel Messi scored two superb strikes, with Pedro, Alexis Sanchez, Adriano and Neymar all on target, the latter with a remarkable run and shot from distance to mark his comeback from injury in style. And assisting from midfeld, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas pulled the strings in what was the Catalans' most complete display of the season.
FrontPage
www.frontpageafricaonline.com
VOL 8 NO.535
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2014
Sports
PRICE L$40
BARACK YOUNG COMPTROLLERS THROUGH TO NEXT ROUND IN CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE AFTER IMPRESSIVE VICTORY
BYC DUMPS KOTOKO
O-LA-LA
$25
only
Paris
Buy 2 Dual SIM phones and win a Romantic Weekend in Paris +Valentine room +$1000 for Shopping
Raffle Date: February 14, 2014
Terms & Conditions Apply

Monday, February 17, 2014 Edition

Diunggah oleh

Informasi Dokumen

Hak Cipta

Format Tersedia

Bagikan dokumen Ini

Bagikan atau Tanam Dokumen

Opsi Berbagi

Apakah menurut Anda dokumen ini bermanfaat?

Apakah konten ini tidak pantas?

Hak Cipta:

Format Tersedia

Monday, February 17, 2014 Edition

Diunggah oleh

Hak Cipta:

Format Tersedia

LAW & ORDER pg 7 TOP STORIES

POLICE OFFICER JAILED FOR THEFT Accused of Robbing Chinese Business

IN DEFENSE OF CBL JONES

CENTRAL BANK OF LIBERIA

SELLING L$81.00/US$1 L$81.00/US$1 L$81.00/US$1

LIBERIAS DIESEL CRISIS NEARS END?

TWO MILLION GALLONS ARRIVE

Monday, February 17, 2014

Rodney D. Sieh, rodney.sieh@FrontPageAfricaonline.com

Monday, February 17, 2014

WHY PRESIDENT SIRLEAF LOST THE WAR ON

Send your letters and comments to: editor@frontpageafricaonline.com

The Reader's Page

Monday, February 17, 2014

MATERNAL APPOINTMENT: ROBERT SIRLEAF EJS'S ENVOY TO KUWAIT

LTA COMMISSIONERS NOTHING BUT BORN ROGUES

Monday, February 17, 2014

CDC NEW REGIME

Monday, February 17, 2014

Monday, February 17, 2014

POLICE OFFICER JAILED FOR THEFT

LAW & ORDER

TWO MILLION GALLONS ARRIVE F

F BUSINESS LIBERIAS DIESEL CRISIS Nears End?

Monday, February 17, 2014

Wade C.L. Williams, wade.williams@frontpageafricaonline.com

Monday, February 17, 2014

IN DEFENSE OF CBL JONES

Wade C.L. Williams, wade.williams@frontpageafricaonline.com

FORMER LAWMAKERS, NOCAL OFFICIALS HOOKED IN CONTROVERSIAL $145K LOBBY DEAL

LIBERIAN HEALTH WORKERS THREATEN GO-SLOW ACTION

Monday, February 17, 2014

GLAY RETURNS HOME WITH EYE ON GRAND GEDEH RACE

Monday, February 17, 2014

February 15, 2014

FINANCE DECENTRALIZES TREASURY FUNCTIONS

Monday, February 17, 2014

F LEGISLATIVE BEAT NO ONE IS INFALLIBLE; LTA ADMITS IRREGULARITIES

Henry Karmo (0886522495) henrykarmo47@gmail.com

Wade C.L. Williams heads the newsroom at FrontPage Africa

A BIG, BLACK LIE

Monday, February 17, 2014

HOUSE DEMS TRY TO FORCE VOTES ON WAGE, IMMIGRATION M

MITT ROMNEY: BILL CLINTON 'EMBARRASSED THE NATION'

Monday, February 17, 2014

BYC DUMPS KOTOKO

Danesius Marteh, danesius.marteh@frontpageafricaonline.com & A. Macaulay Sombai

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2014

BYC DUMPS KOTOKO

Anda mungkin juga menyukai