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INSIDE THIS EDITION

EDITORIAL
Nelson Mandela: The Past Centurys Greatest Statesman
See Pg. 4

Memorial Service for Mandela at Centennial Pavilion Tomorrow

Ellen Describes Him as Towering and Inspiring World Leader; Flags to Be Flown at Half-Mast for 3 Days

www.liberianobserver.com

COMMENTARY
I knew Mandela
See Pg. 4

LOCAL NEWS
German Embassy Recognizes Margret Nimenes Humanitarian Work
See Pg. 3

By Alaskai Moore Johnson

he South African Embassy near Monrovia has released the official state memorial protocol for the late African and world icon and hero, for-

mer South African President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. Mr. Mandela, the first democratically elected president of the Republic of South Africa, departed the world at around 20:50 GMT on the 5th of December. He was 95. The South African Embassy said a memorial service will be held in honor of Mr. Man-

dela, at the Centennial Memorial Pavilion on Broad Street on Tuesday, December 10, beginning at some point between 1:00 p.m. and 2: 00.p.m. The South Africans announced the opening of the Book of Condolence for Mr. Mandela at their embassy

Contd on pg. 14

US Amb. Pledges Support to LNP

See story on Pg.14

US$300K Free Pentecostal Global Mission Hospital Needs Support

See story on Pg.14

BUSINESS
Mills Jones Allays Public Fear
See Pg. 13

SPORTS
WORLD CUP 2014 FIXTURES: Your complete guide to every game in Brazil
See Pg. 15

---As Ellen, Tony Blair, Express Optimism over Liberias Progress

AGI Promises More Support to Liberia

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DAILY OBSERVER Sunday, December 08, 2013 Monday, December 9, 2013

World News

(BBC) - Hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets in the Ukrainian capital Kiev seeking the resignation of the government for refusing a deal on closer ties with the European Union. Protest leaders have given President Viktor Yanukovych 48 hours to dismiss the government. They are setting up barricades outside the PMs offices. Mr Yanukovych has said he shelved the EU deal after Russian opposition. President Vladimir Putin has urged Kiev to join a Russian-led customs union. In another development on Sunday, the Ukrainian Security Service said it was investigating some politicians on suspicion of what it called actions aimed at seizing state power. It did not name the politicians. Energy dispute Both Russia and Ukraine denied that the issue of Kiev joining the customs union along with Belarus and Kazakhstan came up during the PutinYanukovych meeting in Sochi, in southern Russia, on Saturday. Any signature to a deal on forming a new Soviet Union means the breakup of the country, Arseniy Yatsenyuk Opposition politician said. Correspondents had earlier speculated that an agreement on Ukraine joining the customs union might be reached in return for reduced energy prices. The two neighbours have also been trying to resolve a longrunning dispute over energy supplies. Ukraine depends on imports of Russian gas, but the supplier, Gazprom, has recently complained that Kiev had fallen behind in payments. Disputes over supplies to Ukraine before 2009 saw Gazprom temporarily cutting off supplies. Pipelines passing through Ukraine also pump Russian gas to many EU member states. The main demand of the demonstrators is the resignation of the government Some demonstrators have come out prepared after clashes with police last week left many injured Revolution of dignity Any signature to a deal on forming a new Soviet Union means the breakup of the country, said Arseniy Yatsenyuk, a prominent opposition member. Waving EU and Ukrainian flags, protesters on Sunday congregated on Kievs Independence Square - the scene of previous clashes with police. Ukraines special police force, Berkut, has been widely condemned for beating protesters in the square - known as Maidan. The opposition party of jailed former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko has urged people to chase the president until he falls. We are on a razors edge between a final plunge into cruel dictatorship and a return home to the European community, Mrs Tymoshenko said in a message to the crowd read out by her daughter.

Ukraines Capital Kiev Gripped by Huge Pro-EU Demonstration

Mandela Death: Day of Prayer in South Africa

Page 2
Foreign Briefs

(BBC) - A surprise strong showing by a new anticorruption party in India has helped to topple the ruling Congress party in Delhi assembly elections. The leader of the Common Mans Party, Arvind Kejriwal, has defeated Delhis longserving Congress chief minister Sheila Dikshit and taken her seat. In Delhi, party supporters danced and waved brooms - the symbol of their party - in the air. The Congress party has also lost control of Delhis 70-seat assembly. (BBC) - Egyptian police say they have recovered an ancient statue of Tutankhamuns sister, stolen during unrest in August. The limestone figurine believed to be of Ankhesamon was among hundreds of artefacts taken from the museum in Mallawi, amid the unrest following the overthrow of President Mohammed Morsi. It was traced by police to a coffee shop owner in the Khan el-Khalili bazaar district of the capital, Cairo. A senior official told the BBC the statue was largely in a good condition.

India

President Zuma paid tribute to Nelson Mandela: He believed in caring and he cared for our nation
(BBC) - People in South Africa are taking part in a day of prayer and reflection for Nelson Mandela, who died on Thursday. At the Bryanston Methodist church in Johannesburg, President Jacob Zuma urged South Africans not to forget the values Mr Mandela stood for. At the Regina Mundi Catholic Church in Soweto, priest Sebastian Roussouw said the late president had been a light in the darkness. A national memorial service is due to be held on Tuesday. Mr Mandela will be buried in his home of Qunu on Sunday security there has been stepped up Mr Mandelas successor as president, Thabo Mbeki, will attend a service at the Oxford Shul synagogue in Johannesburg in the afternoon. Other senior politicians and ANC officials are attending services across the country, in what correspondents say it an attempt to involve more scattered communities. Guard of honour The focal points for public remembrance have so far been Mr Mandelas house in the Johannesburg suburb of Houghton and his old home in Soweto. Mourners and wellwishers there have lit candles and laid thousands of wreaths of flowers. Mr Mandelas body will lie in state on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at the heart of the South African government in Pretoria, before his funeral on Sunday. His body will be taken each day at 07:00 from the mortuary to the city hall through the streets of Pretoria. Members of the public have been encouraged to line the route and form a guard of honour. The family will view the body on Wednesday morning before the public are allowed to file past from 12:00. Bishop Mosa Sono summed up the mood in this extremely religious nation when he told thousands of worshippers at the

Members of the MK, the military wing of the ANC, paid their respects outside Mr Mandelas former home in Houghton, Johannesburg
Grace Bible Church in Soweto: Thank God for Madiba. An image of Nelson Mandelas face was displayed on the screen, while his famous Im prepared to die speech was played to the congregation, so numerous that plastic chairs had been set up outside the main hall to accommodate them. We are celebrating his life, not mourning his passing, said Tebeho Mahlope, 34. He was old, he needed to rest, he has done what he needed to do, said Pamela Mpanza, 29. The nearby Regina Mundi Catholic Church in Soweto, known as the peoples church, was used by anti-apartheid campaigners as a secure venue to plan their outlawed activities after Mr Mandela was arrested. Here too, the priest spoke of the light and hope the Father of the Nation had brought to South Africa and the world. Mr Mandelas body will lie in state in Pretoria on the following three days and he will be given a state funeral on 15 December. South Africans have been holding vigils since Mr Mandela died at home at the age of 95, after several months of ill health. Addressing the congregation in Johannesburg - including members of the Mandela family - Mr Zuma praised Mr Mandela for his commitment to peace and reconciliation. He stood for freedom, he fought against those who oppressed others. He wanted everyone to be free. In Sundays service at the Regina Mundi Church - which acted as a vital meeting place during the apartheid era - priest Sebastian Roussouw praised Mr Mandela for his humility and forgiveness. Madiba did not doubt the light. He paved the way for a better future, but he cannot do it alone, he said, referring to Mr Mandela by his clan name. In Cape Town, Archbishop Thabo Makgoba said Mr Mandela was a powerful and continuing reminder that individuals do have the power to make change happen in the world.

Egypt

(BBC) - French troops have reached the town of Bossangoa in the Central African Republic, which has been paralysed by communal fighting. France is deploying 1,600 troops to help end the fighting in the country, alongside a larger African Union force. French Defence Minister JeanYves Le Drian told the BBC the mission was aimed at creating stability to enable humanitarian aid to arrive. The CAR has been in turmoil since the president was ousted in March. Francois Bozize was overthrown by a rebel alliance known as Seleka in March. Its leader, Michel Djotodia, took over as president. Armed gangs, mainly former Seleka rebels, now control most of the landlocked country. Recently the violence in the chronically unstable country has taken on a sectarian tone, with Muslim and Christian communities pitted against one another. French Defence Minister JeanYves Le Drian said that plans advanced rapidly due to the escalation in violence French President Francois Hollande said he believed security could be restored within six months.

CAR Violence: French Troops Reach Town of Bossangoa

Thousands have been displaced by the violence around Bossangoa

But when asked about the future role of Mr Djotodia, he said: You cannot leave in place a president who has been unable to do anything and who has even let things happen. Thousands stranded Around 80 French troops reached Bossangoa late on Saturday. Some 30 people have been reported killed there in the past three days and African peacekeepers have been struggling to help nearly 1,000 displaced civilians who have fled to their base. The largely Muslim Seleka rebels have been accused of atrocities against Christian communities These civilians, mostly women and children, are crammed together on the dusty ground with no shelter, the BBCs Thomas Fessy reports. Basic medication is now being distributed but the people can only wait for a lull in the fighting to fetch food and water outside, he says. We accelerated our operations on Thursday to respond to the violence, Mr Le Drian said, adding that French troops were working with Congolese troops in Bossangoa who are part of the AU force. The size of the AU force is to rise to 6,000 troops. Some 40,000 Christians have sought refuge around a church in Bossangoa, which lies 300km (190 miles) north of the capital. About 7,000 Muslims are stranded at a school located on

the other side of the town. No-one was moving on the main thoroughfare between the two locations earlier on Saturday, our correspondent says. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said on Saturday that as many as 9,000 peacekeepers would be required to move into the CAR, and he hoped they would eventually become a United Nations operation. Everything is destroyed An estimated 10% of CARs 4.6 million people have fled their homes, while more than a million urgently need food aid, according to the UN. The largely Muslim rebels controlling much of the country have been accused of atrocities against Christians, and fighting between Muslim and Christian militias has broken out in the capital, Bangui, and elsewhere. Christian communities have now set up so-called antibalaka self-defence forces, most of them loyal to the ousted president. The latest bloodshed in the capital is said to have started as militias loyal to Mr Bozize attacked the city. At least 394 people have died in three days of fighting in the capital alone, the Red Cross says.

(BBC) - Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party of Thailand: We no longer want to be part of this House of Representatives Thailands opposition MPs are to resign en masse, officials say, after weeks of anti-government protests in Bangkok. Opposition-backed street protesters have been trying to oust PM Yingluck Shinawatra, saying she is controlled by her brother, former PM Thaksin. Protest leader Suthep Thauksuban, a former deputy PM, has rejected dialogue and called for a final push to overthrow the government on Monday. Ms Yingluck has proposed a referendum on the countrys political crisis.

Thailand

(BBC) - Inspectors from the UNs nuclear agency are visiting Irans Arak heavy water production plant for the first time in more than two years. The visit comes two weeks after a six-month interim agreement was reached between Iran and world powers over the countrys nuclear programme. Iran has agreed to curb some nuclear activities for six months in return for sanctions relief. It has promised not to commission or fuel the Arak reactor during that time. The Arak heavy water production plant is designed to supply a research reactor under construction nearby.

UN

(BBC) - South Korea has announced it is expanding its air defence zone, which will now partially overlap with a similar zone announced by China. The two zones will now both include a rock claimed by both countries and controlled by South Korea. The defence ministry said it would co-ordinate with related countries.

South Korea

German Embassy Recognizes Margret Concern Mounts over Jonah Capital Nimenes Humanitarian Work

DAILY OBSERVER Sunday, December 08, 2013 Monday, December 9, 2013

Page 3

By Joaquin Sendolo, Observer Diplomatic Correspondent

he German Embassy near Monrovia has presented a certificate of honor to Margret Gieraths- Nimene, operator and owner of the GerLib Clinic and other facilities in Paynesville, outside Monrovia. She was presented with the award for her humanitarian works with less fortunate Liberians. The honor represents Germanys Federal Order of Merit with approval from its President, Mr. Joachim Gauck. Mrs. Nimene is a German, who was married to the late Dr. Domo Nimene, a Liberian who was killed in 1998 by rebel soldiers during the Liberian civil crisis. German Ambassador, Ralph Timmermann, recounting Mrs. Nimenes achievements in Liberia, recalled that in 1985 she (Mrs. Nimeme) opened a clinic in Paynesville that offered treatment to its patients at a low cost; she later established two more. Ambassador Timmermann further indicated that when the brutal civil crisis began in December 1989, the couple did not flee choosing to stay in Liberia; a decision that caused them to suffer humiliation at the hands of rebels. The Ambassador noted, In mid 1990, things became so bad that they were forced to flee the country, but Mrs. Nimene could not let go of Liberia and everything she had left there, so she returned to Monrovia six months later on a ship. According to him, the ship

Mrs. Nimene displaying her certificate (left) and Ambassador Timmermann(right).

on which she sailed arrived with doctors and was filled with 1,500 tons of rice, relief goods, and medical supplies, which paved the way for her to organize a relief operation in the war-torn city of Monrovia. The doctors and nurses on board the ship reportedly saved thousands of lives during that time. Not deterred by the effects of the war, which caused many of the establishments to be destroyed, according to Ambassador Timmermann, Mrs. Nimene reconstructed the GerLib Clinic with support from the German Embassy and private donations. In addition to the clinic, she also opened a community center in Paynesville where free education, skills training, and adult literacy programs are offered for children and young people in the community. Mrs. Margret GierathsNimene has worked tirelessly for the benefit of the poor. She never received any salary for her work at the clinic, and all her savings have gone into her work for the community; something I believe distinguishes her from others. That is why I believe she deserves this honor bestowed upon her, Ambassador Timmermann said. Mrs. Margret GierathsNimene in a brief interview following the honoring told this paper that her passion is developed from the view point that most of the people benefiting from her humanitarian works are poor without employment opportunities. She said with assistance from friends she is able to underwrite the cost of medications and other needs the beneficiaries need, and was happy to have this honor. However, Madam Nimene stressed that Liberia is her second home now having married to a Liberian, and she does not intend to stop from this work she is called to do. She came to Liberia in 1983 and has been here since. She said even though she is aging and there may be challenges, she cannot predict whether she will go back home until the need arises. At the Mamba Point Hotel

74 Persons Get Community Policing Training

where the honoring ceremony took place on December 6, several pictures showing Liberians with different health conditions were displayed. Each individual had two photos, one showing the time of his/her illness or living condition, and the other showing improvements that have come through the intervention of Mrs. Nimene. Although Mrs. Nimenes work is an individual initiative developed from passion couple with marital tie between her and her late Liberian husband, it remains clear that German is a long standing friend to Liberia in history. Germany opened the Bong Mining Company in the 1950; they have had a history of improving the Agriculture Sector of Liberia prior to the war. Bong Mines supported the Nimba County Rural Development Project (NCRDP) and Bong County Agriculture Development Project (BCADP), which brought new style of agricultural activities to the rural dwellers of those counties. Since the end of the Liberian civil crisis, Germany has contributed to post-war development of the country through logistics to the security sector, funds for the rehabilitation of the Mount Coffee hydro plant, and focusing on gender related programs. The German nongovernmental organization, Welthungerhilfe, is operating in south-eastern Liberia in the Agriculture Sector to elate Liberians there in food production and security.

Operation in Nimba

Cross Section of Buu Yao Citizens at the Meeting in Beaplay By Ishmael F. Menkor/ David B. Wongbor in Nimba
community and the county at large should benefit from, Commissioner Daniel Zekpeh stated. Some citizens were threatening to take the law into their own hands to stop the company operating until a full agreement could be reached on what their social benefits should be. Nimba County is one of the post-war counties, which have witnessed a boom in mining companies rushing to it for exploration activities. One of such companies is BHP Biliton, an Australian Mining Company. Its been in Nimba for more than five years now. Before starting its exploration, BHP Billiton reached an agreement with the county and the affected communities where their operations were based. According to our Correspondent, BHP Billiton presently gives over US$100,000 every year in social benefits to Nimba County. At the same time, BHP Billiton has opened up most of the feeder roads around their concessional areas. Jonah Capital has been operating on three mountains, including Gbeiadia, Gorn, and Borberh since last year, but the community and the county are yet to benefit from them in any form. Feeder roads around the most-affected community are still untouched. The citizens meeting ended with the district selecting seven citizens to work alongside the company, so they can give feedback on the level of work the company had carried out. Jonah Capital was represented at the meeting by its Operations Manager, Stephen Alfuo. Alfuo said the company was still carrying on exploration and could not reach any MOU with the citizens until they discovered what they were exploring for. large by reporting all crimes to the proper authorities. The Paramount Chief of Gbor Administrative District ,David Beangar, also expressed happiness over the training of the CWF and urged them to be respectful to all chiefs and work hard to bring peace in the community. Mr. Gilbrel Turay, the UN Head of Field Office in Nimba said, only Liberians can bring peace to Liberia and UNMIL will work along with the police to build your capacity.

CWF members in picture with police during graduation ceremony

n the November 16, at least 74 Community Watch Forum (CWF) members received certificates of attendance from the Liberia National Police and UNMIL for participating in training for community policing in the Gbor Administrative District in Nimba County. The training was intended to give the citizens the skills neccesary to serve as guards in their community. This would allow ordinary citizens to contribute towards keeping law and order. During the certification

By Ishmael F. Menkor

of graduates, the Police Commander of Nimba, Tito Loden, told the graduating members of the CWF to be proactive by helping prevent crime in their communities. He warned them not to be uneccesarily brutal towards

anyone or attempt to make arrests as it was not their responsibility. The National chairman of the CWF, I. Nyenati Kaffey, told the CWF that the safety of the community rests in their hands.

We are not security officers, but we have a duty to expose every situation that has the potential to create insecurity in our community, he said. Mr. Kaffey said, We are the ears of the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Police, the BIN, and the Gender Ministry as well; your ability to evaluate a particular situation is part of your duty. You are not there to settle criminal issues, but to aid the police, DEA, BIN, and other security agencies with information, he added. According to the overview, the CWF provides 95% of the information on criminal activity in the Gbor District,

oncern is said to be mounting in the BuuYao District of Nimba County, over the year-long operations of a mining company known as Jonah Capital. On the November 16th, citizens of the district called a meeting. In that meeting, they questioned the company about its operations and lack of benefits to the community. The meeting, which was presided over by Representative Samuel Korgar of Nimba Electoral District # 5 and District Commissioner Daniel Zekpeh, brought together over 100 concerned citizens. We want to know the details of how you got here, and what would be our potential benefits from the work you are carrying out, Daniel Zekpeh, inquired of the Jonah Capitals management. Jonah Capital is a Ghanaianbased Australian and British mining company. They have been carrying out exploration on a mountain range located between BuuYao and Tweh River Administrative Districts, precisely around Yao Nanlah and Beo Ganaglay. The citizens said since Jonah Capital began operating in their district, there have been no visible benefits for their communities where the exploration is taking place. Our correspondent said the road along the mining site remains in poor condition and there have been no community outreach programs to tell the community of their basic social benefits. The issue of social assistance to the community is said to be in limbo, as no one knows how much is being spent on the project to determine the percentage the and are working in nearly all the communities in Liberia. It was the CWF that helped the authorities to arrest the perpetrator in the murder case of a 22-year-old man in Teahplay on the 9th of November. He was caught escaping to Grand Gedeh Gold Camp, a place where many criminals are said to be hiding. Also speaking at the ceremony was Cllr. Yarmie Quiqui Gbeinsaye, who urged the CWF to be dutiful to their community and the country at

CWF inducted in during the ceremony

Tuesday, November 5, 9, 2013 DAILY OBSERVER Sunday, December 08, 2013 Monday, December 2013

Page 4

We Miss You!
Published by Liberian Observer Corporation P.O. Box 1858, Monrovia

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

Nelson Mandela: The Past Centurys Greatest Statesman

In the passing of Nelson Mandela, the worldnot just South Africa and Africahas lost the greatest statesman of the past century! Why do we say that, over such giants as Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt who, under God and with the help of the Soviet Unions Josef Stalin, redeemed the world from Hitlers Nazi Germany? It is because though Churchill and Roosevelt made great contributions to world peace, their role was limited because, when the guns of World War II went silent in 1945 with the defeat of the Axis Powers, Germany, Italy and Japan, over a billion people yet remained under the yoke of colonial and racial bondage. Among these were most of Africa, including apartheid South Africa; Angola and Mozambique, under racist Portuguese rule; and Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), under English white minority rule. Most of Asia also remained under British colonial rule, and in 1945 Winston Churchill declared, I did not become Prime Minister to preside over the liquidation of the British Empire. Ghana gained her independence in 1957, followed in 1960 by many other nations, including Nigeria. By 1965 most African countries were independent; followed 10 years later by Angola and Mozambique; then Zimbabwe, 1980, and Namibia, 1984. The last long haul was South Africa, whose white minority of three million, mainly of Dutch descent called Afrikaners, dominated 25 million Blacks and over a million Colored people. On January 8, 1912 the African National Congress (ANC) was formed, followed in 1961 by its military wing, headed by the young black South African lawyer Nelson Mandela. That same year the Sharpeville Massacre occurred, when S.A. police shot and killed 69 and wounded hundreds of men, women and children who were peacefully protesting the compulsory use of passes by Black Africans. Vusumunzi (Vus) Make of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), who later spent many years teaching at the University of Liberia, helped organize the Sharpeville March. That same month the ANC, led by Mandela and others, burned their own passes. This action was followed by thousands of other blacks across the country. That led to Mandelas arrest, on March 30, 1961, with the aid of the American Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). He was to remain imprisoned on Robben Island for 27 years. In 1975 American Secretary of State Henry Kissinger said white minority rule in South Africa was there to stay and there was nothing anyone could do about it! That, however, proved to be a monumental miscalculation, to quote Canon Burgess Carr, then General Secretary of the Nairobi-based All Africa Conference of Churches. British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, too, later called the ANC a terrorist organization. But the struggle for a free South Africa continued with the ANC, PAC and Steve Biko, whom the South African government later brutally murdered. In 1976, however, Soweto students staged an uprising to protest forcibly learning Afrikaans, which they called the oppressors language. S.A. security forces killed many children. The crack in apartheid commenced with the sudden collapse of communism and the Cold War in 1989. The SA government lost its communist boogeyman and quickly decided to free Nelson Mandela in 1991. That spelled the end of apartheid. Soon the ANC was unbanned and immediately began campaigning for the impending presidential and legislative elections. In October 1993 Nelson Mandela and de Klerk were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. In the April 27, 1994 elections, the ANC achieved a landslide victory, and on May 10, 1994 Nelson Mandela was sworn in as South Africas first Black President and first democratically elected leader. Instead of using that overwhelming electoral mandate to spew out bitterness and retribution, Mandela extended a hand of love and reconciliation to his peoples oppressors and invited Afrikaner leader F.W. de Klerk to share power as a Deputy Vice President in the new government. Mandela did one thing more to complete his reconciliatory act. He appointed Mangosutho Buthelezi, the powerful Zulu chief and vigorous ANC opponent, to the powerful position of Minister of Internal Affairs. Buthelezis opposition became immediately neutralized. Unlike so many leaders, Mandela served one term and passed the torch to the younger generation. It is for these reasons that we consider him the political saint of the 20th century. One Liberian lady put it thus: Nelson Mandela was Jesus Christ in politics. For us at the Daily Observer he was the past centurys greatest statesman.

I Knew Mandela
middle of doing that when I received a message about Nelson Mandela. I met Mr. Mandela after he disembarked the plane. We began a series of meeting with various Malian ministers. Our meeting with President Keita was quite brief and altogether he did not stay in Bamako for more than a week. I took him to the airport for his departure. The plane was delayed and we sat in my car for a protracted period of time and had time to talk. He taught me the correct pronunciation

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

By Amb. Lafayette Diggs The message from the State Department in early 1962 was brief and to the point. It said simply Nelson Mandela arrives in Bamako by flight No-. You are hereby directed to meet him and extend all courtesies. That in diplomatic official language meant that I was authorized to do everything to make this visit a success. The message was signed by Deputy Secretary of State Ernest Eastman. First, I must confess that although I knew the role that Liberia was playing in the African freedom struggle and all the independence movements of the early 1960s, I did not know Nelson Mandela. I knew he was South African. I duly acknowledged the message from the State Department and was further informed by Deputy Secretary of State Ernest Eastman had just paid a visit to President Tubman and that Mandela did not speak French. I was instructed to be his guide and interpreter. Mali, at the time was under the regime of President Modibo Keita. My role in Mali at the time was to open a Liberian Embassy for the up-coming State Visit of President Tubman to President Modibo Keita. I discovered that there were no houses to lease or rent in Bamako and the State Department had given me the go-ahead to construct and build an Embassy from scratch. I was in the

The Late Mr. Nelson Mandela first black President of South Africa

for the word apartheid. He told me that it is pronounced as apart-hate. Just before he boarded the plane he said to me, Lafayette, South Africa is very beautiful country except for that God-dam apartheid. We had talked mainly about the African struggle at the time and I must say that I was so distracted by my own pressing Embassy obligations that I was somewhat anxious to rid myself of the visiting fireman even though I had been impressed enough to ask him to give me his autograph which he wrote in a book I had with me in the car at the time. To my friend, Lafayette Diggs. Many year later when I was assigned to Kenya, I showed the book to Ambassador Henry Fahnbulleh, who saw the signature and took the book from me. He never returned it.

When I saw Nelson Mandela off that afternoon I had no idea that he would be in prison in a few months. Liberia, at the time under President Tubman was keenly involved in the independence struggle everywhere on the African Continent. Together with Ethiopia, we took on the rest of the world on the question of South West Africa now Namibia and nearly won freedom for that country while Nelson Mandela was still in the Robben Island prison. President Tubman died in 1971 but his successor, President William Tolbert, continued the struggled unabated. Liberia supported all of the liberation movements without discrimination. I was sent to South Africa on several missions. South Africa at the time was struggling with the world-wide condemnation of the system of apartheid. One of my missions involved a clandestine errand to the Pan Africanst Congress (PAC), the opposition liberation movement to Mandelas movements the African National Congress (ANC). I was able to see the country and people at first hand and confirm what Nelson Mandela had said to me at the airport in Bamako. South Africa is a beautiful country and the people both, white and black are wonderful and gracious. During one of my missions to South Africa, I was given status of honorary white and kept on the white side of the fence separating the two races. I still remember the look of consideration of the two black female sweepers on the other side of the fence when they saw me standing there on the white side. Later during my tenure at the United Nations, I would meet Thabo Mbeki, Neo Numazana and members of Concern of South Africa Trade Union (COSATU). Incidentally, Neo Numazana, a high official in the ANC was a graduate of Cuttington College in Suakoko. (He was in the same class 1958 as my brother Dr. Joseph Diggs).

DAILY OBSERVER

Monday December 9, 2013

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DAILY OBSERVER

Monday December 9, 2013

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The National Reading Campaign Encourages Families to Read Together to Improve Literacy in Liberia
The National Reading Campaign led by the Ministry of Education with support from various NGOs has created a suggested list of reading activities that do not cost anything for families to do together. Studies show that children who practice reading at home become very good readers. Every month a new calendar will be released in the newspaper and will be distributed in some schools. In October and November books were provided for Building Emerging Leaders and the Omega Market School libraries. In addition, Peace Corps volunteers also received books to distribute in the counties where they volunteer.

December 2013
Sunday 1
Count the days of this calendar and count the days until Christmas.

Monday 2
Go to the market and help your child identify the colors and number of different fruits.

Reading and Learning Activities for Families

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday 3
Identify animals and say the sounds they make with your child. Plant a seed outside and water it when it is dry.

Friday 6
Read 5 minutes with your child.

Saturday 7
Sing Mary had a Little Lamb or another childrens song.

5
Write and say words that start with the letter B.

8
Practice reading these sight words: I, he, she, they, about, does Teach your child how to cook something and show him/her how you measure ingredients.

10
Teach your child how to draw a star. *

11
Practice rhyming words: bet, let, met, pet, set

12
Write and say words that start with the letter C. Talk about the different sounds (circus, car).

13
Hop up and down while counting to 20. Option Repeat 5 times to equal 100 hops.

14
Teach your child a Christmas song you learned when you were a child.

15
Ask your neighbor if they have a book you can borrow to read with your child.

16
Ask your child to practice writing numbers 1-10.

17
Look at a map and read the names of many of the countries in Africa.

18
Play a game with your child. One idea is Red Light, Green Light. You say red for stop and green for go.

19
Write and say words that start with the letter D. Look for things that start with D.

20
Make a festive Christmas decoration with your child.

21
Ask your child to practice writing the ABCs.

22
Tell your child to point to their head, shoulders, knees, and toes. Repeat and go faster each time.

23
Ask your child to draw a picture of a Christmas tree.

24
Teach your child about a Liberian Christmas tradition. Christmas Day

25
Merry Christmas! Sing Silent Night or another Christmas song.

26
Write and say words that start with E or words that have E in them, like egg and teeth. cot, dot, lot, pot, rot

27
Practice rhyming words:

28
Use different materials to build something with your child.

29
Tonight if the sky is clear go out and look at the stars. Find patterns.

30
Ask your child if he or she has any New Years resolutions or things they want to start doing. New Years Eve

31
Talk about how tomorrow is the first day of the New Year 2014.

DAILY OBSERVER

Monday December 9, 2013

Page 7

Request for Expression of Interest for National Policy Analyst Consultant to Assist the National Civil Society Council of Liberia (NCSCL) in its Policy Formulation
Background information: The National Civil Society Council of Liberia and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems invite eligible national consultants to express their intent to provide these services. Interested persons are requested to submit curriculum vitae, a letter of application, and sample of past professional work performed as evidence in developing and analyzing policy documents. Date: December 4th, 2013 Duty Station: NCSCL Secretariat Office Duration: 2 Months Term of Reference: Duties & Responsibilities: Review the existing policies, program strategies and institutional arrangement and effectiveness to address NCSCL challenges in the area of coordination Conduct consultative forums with relevant government ministries and agencies as well as the CSOs regarding the contents and relevance of policy documents and strategies to overcome challenges to implement same. Conduct a validation conference that will include targeted CSOs communities from the 15 counties, ministries and agencies as well as international partners and donors to approve a consolidated version of the CSOs Policy framework that will include all sectors of CSOs. Work closely with IFES, GC, MoPEA, National Legislature and the NCSCL for cabinet approval, editing and subsequent printing of policy documents. Prepare and submit to the NCSCL Secretariat for inputs or comments a detailed draft report on findings to be presented at a validation conference Prepare and submit to the NCSCL Secretariat a final report Qualifications: A graduate degree in social science or discipline equivalent to 5 to 10 years of experience of policy development Extensive experience in research, addressing policy and challenges, providing technical advice and publication Must be computer literate Facilitation skills is an added advantage Excellent skills in report writing and negotiation. The selection criteria shall be in line with the regulations and procedures of USAID through IFES. You may visit the following website for the application requirements at www.ncscliberia. org Interested persons are to submit their letter of intent along with CVs and evidence of work experience on or before the 17th of December 2013 to: Mr. Florim Purova Country Director, International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) Wrotto Town, Sinkor, Monrovia, Liberia or Email: ncscljobs @gmail .com Only short listed persons will be called for interview.

Vacancy Announcement
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE PURPOSE: The Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Liberia is responsible for the development of the agriculture sector. It does so by ensuring that an effective organizational structure is out in place and is manned by staff capable of planning, coordinating, implementing, monitoring and evaluating agricultural development programs periodically. It also ensures that its staff and the farmers are trained to cope with the challenges of the agricultural activities. The ministry is seeking qualified candidate to fill the position of Public Relations Specialist. Position Title: Public Relations Specialist Unit: Department of Administration Immediate Supervisor: Minister of Agriculture Immediate Subordinates: Communication Division Staff SUMMARY OF POSITION: The Communication Specialist is responsible to implement an overall communications strategy for the MoA, bridging gap between stakeholders and the ministry. He/she is the Spokesperson for the Ministry. He/She conveys the policies and interests of the Ministry to the public through various modes of media. It is the responsibility of the Public Relations Specialist to promote the products and services of the Ministry of Agriculture which will help create a positive image of the Ministry thereby strengthening its credibility. OBJECTIVE OF POSITION: To manage communications between the MoA and stakeholders; through collaboration with agriculture staff, the public and stakeholders; Ensure that the MoA mandates are widely understood, both by government officials across the public sectors and agencies, and by the citizens of the Country, in order to maintain continued political and popular support for government efforts to address food insecurity and food production. Assess perceived communications needs within or pertaining to the MoA. This will entail meeting with the Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Department heads and key stakeholders working in collaboration with the MoA. Establish communication channels extending to country, district, and community levels with which individuals and civil society organizations in Liberia, express opinions and be informed on food security and nutrition priorities and programming. Implement the strategy for Moa communications focusing on: Producing a monthly newsletter and weekly radio or television program in Monrovia and on rural media stations; Under directives, organize public events related to agriculture and food security and nutrition; Assist in designing and maintaining of the Moa website focusing on: Content preparation as well as provide materials to be uploaded to the website and other news agencies regarding activities of the MoA; As directed, represent the Ministry of Agriculture at agriculture related forums/debates and contribute to technical interactions and discussions on the same. Submit daily, weekly or monthly report on the activities carried out, results achieved, constraints encountered and if they were resolved (how?), if not, (why?) and make recommendations accordingly; Perform other duties as requested by the Minister or through his/her designee. Convey the policies and interests of the organization to the public; Promote the people, services and solutions of the Ministry of Agriculture Create a favorable public image of the Ministry Promote the reputation of the Ministry QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS-MIX AND COMPETENCIES EDUCATION: A minimum of BSc Degree in Public Relations or other related discipline from a recognized University or Institution. EXPERIENCE: At least ten (10) years post-qualification experience in Public Relations and Communications. Five (5) years experiences in Liberia will be an advantage. COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS: Excellent communication skills both orally and written-Able to communicate effectively and sensitively with staff at all levels, farmers and stakeholders. Excellent interpersonal, analytical and organizational skills. An effective leader and team player Good IT skills Excellent presentations skills Ability to plan effectively Ability to work during periods of crisis Ability to take initiatives and be creative Ability to write and produce presentations and press releases TERMS OF APPOINTMENT: The position shall be for a period of one year and shall be renewable based on satisfactory performance. There shall be a 90-days probation period. Upon the approval of the MoA personnel listing 2014/2015, the incumbent shall be placed onto the MoA Governments payroll. SUBMISSION: Applications, along with curriculum vitae, copies of relevant supporting documents, and names of two references, must be in sealed envelopes and addresses to the Office of the Human Resource Division, Somalia Drive (Old LPRC Road) Gardnersville, Liberia. Closing date for receipt of applications is December 16, 2013. Male and female candidates are encouraged to apply. Only shortlisted candidates will be considered.

DAILY OBSERVER

Monday December 9, 2013

Page 8

Banlaw Africa Liberia Limited (BAL) a company registered under the laws of Liberia, has been awarded a contract for the construction of Tailings Management Facility, Stormwater Management Dams and Roads on the ArcelorMittal Liberia Concession at Tokadeh Mine, Tokadeh/Yekepa County of Nimba in the North Central region of Liberia.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Responsible for Civil Crew Management and man hours reporting Provide technical and practical input on planning works Report on equipment hours for costing purposes CRITERIA Minimum of ten (10) years relevant working experience Knowledge of Environmental Management System relevant to Company operations Experience in working on a multi-million dollar project 5. 7) CIVIL WORKS SUPERVISORS (2 POSITIONS) (Job Ref: WRIOP 006-

BANLAW AFRICA LIBERIA LIMITED

BAL seeks to employ highly skilled and suitably qualified professionals for the following positions. All the positions are based at the Tokadeh Mine site. 1. PROJECT MANAGER (Job Ref: WRIOP 001)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Ensure that budgeted percentage return on costs is achieved through effective management of resources Assesses and reviews project Key Performance Indicators to determine project status Manage site operations safely by providing appropriate direction in aspects of Safety, Health and Environment, Training, Production, Engineering, Administration, Human Resources and Labour Relations CRITERIA Tertiary qualification in Mining, Civil, Mechanical Engineering or Geology or related discipline Minimum Twelve (12) years experience in the mining industry. At least five (5) years of which should have been at the operations management level (Superintendent or above). Experience in managing a multi-million dollar project OR Polytechnic Diploma/Certificate or its equivalent in the mining or related industry Minimum Fifteen (15) years experience in the mining or related industry Experience in managing a multi-million dollar project In-depth knowledge of the mining industry 2. SENIOR SITE ENGINEER (Job Ref: WRIOP 002)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Supervision of all Civil Works Preparation of daily diaries and weekly civil production reports Report on all equipment hours and other time sheets CRITERIA At least five (5) years relevant work experience Knowledge of Environmental Management System relevant to Company operations Experience in working on a multi-million dollar project 6. QUANTITY SURVEYORS (2 POSITIONS) (Job Ref: WRIOP 008-9)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Participate in Tender, Pre-Construction and Post Construction phases of project Responsibility for the financial and contractual control of the project Liaises with the Consultants / Client, prepares and agrees valuations, value variations and prepares the final account Establishes cost control methods with the Project Manager, monitors project costs and maximises its profitability. CRITERIA A degree in Quantity Surveying or Building Technology or equivalent trade/ technical professional qualification. At least ten (10) years relevant experience in quantity surveying and construction Experience in working on a multi-million dollar project Experience in measurement of building works, estimating and analysis of prices Advanced skills with MS office modules (Word Processing, Spreadsheet and Database programs) 7. HEALTH, SAFETY, SECURITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL (HSSE) MANAGER (Job Ref: WRIOP 010) KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Effective coordination of health, safety and environment systems and standards Identification of hazard and effective implementation of controls to support a safe working environment Support and develop the HSE Program Maintain safety statistics register; timely submission of all HSE reports; liaise with client regarding HSE matters CRITERIA Tertiary qualification in Mining, Engineering or Health, Safety and Environment Minimum (ten) 10 years experience in relevant field Experience in managing a multi-million dollar project 8. ENVIRONMENTAL SUPERINTENDANT (Job Ref: WRIOP 011)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Coordination of project activities Maintenance of project database Control project plan by reviewing design, specifications, and schedule changes CRITERIA Tertiary qualification in mining & Civil or related discipline Minimum of ten (10) years relevant experience Knowledge of construction Methods and Procedures, Process Improvement and Documentation Skills Experience in managing a multi-million dollar project OR Polytechnic Diploma/Certificate or its equivalent in the mining or related industry Minimum twelve (12) years relevant experience in continuous employment In-depth knowledge of the mining or related industry Experience in managing a multi-million dollar project 3. SURVEYORS (2 POSITIONS) (Job ref: WRIOP 003-4)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Responsible for mine surveying and associated calculations, maps and plans generated by those activities. Sets out drill & blast, pre-split and exploration drill holes and pick-ups and sets out grade control drilling positions Supervises the training of Assistant Surveyor in proper survey procedures, delegates work as appropriate and provides suitable quality control checks for errors CRITERIA Must have a formal tertiary qualification in Surveying or a related discipline. A minimum of 10 years experience Experience in working on a multi-million dollar project Computer literacy (Word Processing, Spreadsheet and Database programs). Good understanding of modern survey equipment and associated software 4. CIVIL WORKS SUPERINTENDENT (Job Ref: WRIOP 005)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Environmental compliance Work towards a goal of zero accidents and injuries in the promotion of a healthy and safe working environment Familiarity with Clients Environmental Policy Ensures full compliance of the Client Environmental Management Plan CRITERIA A degree in Environmental Science or equivalent Training qualifications Membership of Professional Body- IEMA or equivalent Minimum seven (7) years work related experience

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

(Continued on page 9

DAILY OBSERVER

Monday December 9, 2013

Page 14 8a

ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC.

Eta Epsilon Lambda Chapter
Monrovia, Liberia West Africa
www.APA1906.net
Phone: +231886564967

FURNISHED HOUSE FOR LEASE

SKD Blvd, Near Somalia Drive Fenced on one lot 4 Bedrooms /2.5 Bathrooms Emmett Walker 2-room Boys quarters, Chapter Vice President 500gallon water tank, 40 well, & generator house. Txt your contact info to 0555-468-217 Viewing available on Saturday mornings.
SPECIAL STATEMENT ON MADIBA NELSON MANDELA

T. Nelson Williams, II Chapter President

Emmett Walker Chapter Vice President

t is not in every lifetime that one is privileged to live with such a fine human being, a person who epitomizes piety and transcends race, religion, creed and colour. Such persons come along but few times in each millennia and instantly are legends in the annals of time for all of humanity. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was one such person and he inspired generations - and in all probability will continue to inspire generations to come. The day after our organization, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, celebrated our 107th anniversary on December 4, 2013, this great global leader, Mandela or Madiba as he was affectionately known, was called home most likely to petition in heaven for grace and mercies for those whom he left behind, as he had so ably petitioned for grace and mercies for his people and somehow all of humanity while he was alive. Thus, on what is undeniably a day of global mourning and a time of reflection and introspection, we want to recognize that this should also be a day and time when we recall - the good race run, and seek to extract the lessons we can learn from his life, and strive to honour him in our lives through emulation and celebration of the manner in which he handled the challenges of his life. On February 3, 2011 Nelson Mandela was one of the first to welcome Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity to South Africa as Rho Phi Lambda Chapter was established in Johannesburg. He also recognized the life works of South African Alpha Brother Alfred Xuma who served as President of the African National Congress (ANC) from 1940 1949. Alpha will continue to honor the memory of Mandela, and others, by developing leaders, promoting brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities. Today, Alpha Men all around the world celebrate the life of MADIBA!! May His Soul Rest in PEACE.

A TRIBUTE TO THE LATE NELSON ROLIHLAHLA MANDELA FROM THE BROTHERS OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY INCORPORATED December 6, 2013

by Togba-Nah Tipoteh Founding Leader Movement for Justice in Africa (MOJA)

he greatest Leader and Friend of the people of Africa, Madiba Nelson Mandela, has passed away. In his passing, he passed the most difficult test for freedom with the highest possible grade. As Madiba Mandela struggled for freedom, the people of Liberia struggled with him through the work of the Movement for Justice in Africa (MOJA). As Madiba Mandela was tortured in prison for 27 years, the people of Liberia worked together for his unconditional release from prison.

Now that Madiba Mandela has passed away, the people of Liberia want to make sure that the work and lessons of Madiba Mandela live on. This is why, under the leadership of the Inter-Religious Council of Liberia, I am calling upon all heads of Liberian religious, social, economic and political organizations to assemble at the Monrovia City Hall onTuesday, December 10th at 11 oclock in the morning to make a decision on how best the people of Liberia can come out massively to show their LOVE for Madiba Nelson Mandela.

Smallholder Tree Crop Revitalization Support Project (STCRSP) IFAD/PIU, Ministry of Agriculture NATIONAL COMPETITIVE BIDDING CONSTRUCTION/REHABILITATION OF GRAVEL ROAD PAYMENT OF 60. 2 KM FARM TO MARKET ROAD IN LOFA COUNTYMOA/PMU/IFAD/NCB/W-15/2012 Date of issue: December 9, 2013

1. The Project Implementation Unit (PIU), Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) has received a loan from the International Fund for AgricultuDevelopment to finance the Smallholder Tree Crop Revitalization Support Project (STCRSP) for the under mentioned now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders:

Lot Item No
1 2 3 4 5

Road Name
Folima - Nyeyama Kamatahun - Yengema Polorwu - Kaintahun Foya Tengia - Sadu Bendu Yasadu- Konjoloe

Length (Km)
6.3 5.0 6.6 4.5 8.5

Proposed Width (m)

4.5 4.5 6.0 4.5 6.0 6.0 6.0 4.5 4.5

District
Vahun Kolahun Kolahun Foya Foya Quardu Gbondi Quardu Gbondi Zorzor Zorzor

Date of Completion

TOTAL 30.9 Km 1 Baquedu Rd Junc - Konadu 10.9

2 3 3 4 Baquedu Rd Junc - Nyamakamadu Zorzor Rd. Junc - Nekebuzu Zorzor Rd. Junc - Vetesu 8.6 6.7 3.1

5 months

TOTAL 29.3 Km
Additional information are provided in the bidding documents. 2. To be considered responsive for particular lot, bidder shall quote for all items in its required quantities for that lot. Bidders who do not quote for all the items under a selected lot shall be rejected as incomplete. Bids will be evaluated and contract awarded on per lot basis or combination of lots whichever is financially advantageous to the purchaser. Alternative/option Bids will not be accepted. 3. Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding (NCB) process. 4. Bidding is opened to all national contractors who hold Ministry of Public Works CCCS Certificates with a Minimum Certificate of Class B0-B12. 5. Interested bidders may obtain further information and inspect the bidding documents at the address below between 8:30 A.M 5:00 P.M. Bidding documents may be purchased upon payment of a non-refundable fee of USD100.00 at the Project Implementation Unit, Old Road, Congo Town, Monrovia. 6. Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before Thursday January 9, 2014 at 12:00 P.M. All bids must be accompanied by: Bid Security is 2% of the quoted price A copy of a valid business licence A copy of an updated tax certificate; A copy of valid business registration certificate/classification certificate- Class (B0-B12) (with the Ministry of Public Works). A list of recent contracts performed (at least two similar works) with evidence of completion. Site visit will be held on (December 15-17, 2013). Pre-bid Conference is scheduled for Friday January 3, 2014 at 2:00 P.M. 7. Bids will be opened on Thursday January 9, 2014 at 12:00 P.M. in the conference room of the Project Implementation Unit Office, Old Road, Congo Town, Monrovia. They will be opened in the presence of bidders/ bidders representatives who choose to attend. Late bids will be rejected and returned unopened to bidders. Signed: Project Coordinator STCRSP

Discuss Health Issues with Your Peers

---Health Worker Encourages Youth
adam Irene Sherman, offic e r- i n - c h a rg e of the Soniwein Clinic in Monrovia, has reminded the youth to get involved in the discussion of health issues, and to share their knowledge with their peers. Sonewein Clinic is a referral clinic for young people under the Multi-Country Health Initiative - ACT 2 Live Program of the Liberian YMCA. Take advantage of this program so you can have access to health information and better services, Madam Sherman emphasized on recently , when she served as one of the facilitators of the ACT 2 Live Program of the YMCAs on World Aids Day celebration. The program was organized by the Liberian Young

Tuesday, 5, 2013 DAILY OBSERVER Monday, December 09, 2013 Monday,November December 9, 2013
cifically to the health needs of marginalized and vulnerable groups of young people, many of whom have been forced to engage in high-risk behavior with negative health implications. The program is being executed in three counties; Montserrado, Bong, and Lofa. There are six locations in Montser-

By David A. Yates

Hope Lutheran Church to Partner with Liberia

In combating malaria, providing micro-finance to the needy
the program, he disclosed. He said to began the work they were in the country to visit hospitals to ascertain the level of health conditions. We intend to visit the Phebe Hospital and other areas in the country to see how we can help the citizens, he explained. Mr. Gustafson disclosed that their ministry is one of the largest in the world and is passionate in assisting humanity. We have one of the biggest Lutheran congregations in the world that have a lot of resources to reach out to poorer countries. This is why we intend to come to Liberia to contribute to its social and economic growth, he stated. He estimated the cost of the initiative at a half million United States dollars, and said it was designed to reduce poverty in the lives of rural citizens of Liberia. According to him, combating malaria is a serious issue globally, noting that a child dies every 30 seconds around the world from the effects of the disease. He said the church would be offering treatment to malaria patients both old and young people. The church will offer treatments free of charge to malaria patients. We will also be providing education to them on how to prevent and diagnose malaria at an early stage, he furthered. Furthermore, we will educate them on micro-savings to enable them to save their resources for a better tomorrow. The micro-savings education is another way of reducing poverty. This process is a long lasting process, which is why we want to begin building a relationship to enable smoother partnership, he explained. The Chief Ministry Officer said that it is the dream of the Lutheran Church family that its partnership with the Liberian

Mens Christian Association (YMCA) and held under the theme: Creating Awareness through Discussion, at the Clara Town Community, on the Bushrod Island in Monrovia. According to her, young people who are referred to the YMCA under this program are sent to respond to the issues presented by family planning, she furthered, What they learn at this program will help their peers by challenging them to get more involved and share information on important issues. The gathering brought together over one hundred young people who held discussions on the causes and prevention of HIV/AIDS , the importance of the usage of condoms, and the cause and effect of mental health issues. Clara Town has a popula-

rado, and three each in Bong and Lofa Counties. It is funded by the Swedish Government (SIDA) through the Swedish Mission Council and implemented in partnership with Swedens YMCA and YWCA, the African Alliance of YMCAs, and Y care International

Page 4 Page 8b

Madam Irene Sherman discussing health issues with young people in Clara Town
tion of over 28,000 thousand inhabitants, most of whom are youths. Unfortunately, it has only one health clinic, the Clara Town Clinic. The Liberia YMCA has been to several communities in Monrovia under the ACT 2 Live Project, of the Multi Country Health Initiative, where discussions on various health issues are being held. Two of the participants, Ruth Jackson of the Samuel K. Doe Community, and Bennetta Jallah of the Liberia Motorcycle Union (LMTU), said the program is making an impact on them and they are using the knowledge they receive to spread information to their peers. Young people have problems understanding health issues, but with the level of education being carried out by the YMCA, they are now able to discuss these issues in the areas where the program is being implemented. Benneta said. The ACT 2 Live Program is also intended to respond spe-

Christian Organization Launches World Changers Club

To Change the Lives of Youths for Positive Development

A cross section of youths at the launch of the World Changers Club in Paynesville By Judoemue Mohmoh Kollie
This program would provide a platform for breeding successful leaders who are going to transform their world, he declared. He mentioned that the greatest need of human race in todays society is good leadership. The economic woes that have brought about poverty, wars, corruption, are the result of bad leaders. Therefore we must breed new and profound leaders for the future, he overemphasized. According to Dr. Olukilede, the program is currently being carried out in many states in Nigeria; creating opportunities for young people. He added that it is expected to extend to Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, and other African countries in the near future. He then called on the government of Liberia to support the program to obtain its objectives. He also used the occasion to inaugurate the Liberian Chapter of the World Changers Club. Pastor Reginald Taylor is the coordinator of the program in Liberia. He told our reporter that since the introduction of the program in Liberia; approximately ninety-eight youths have gained access to scholarships pursuing quality education at Liberian universities and secondary schools. We are thankful for the program because it has helped to equip young people, especially those who lack the means to improve their lives, he disclosed.

By: Conscience N. Tequah

he Hope Lutheran Church in the United States of America has disclosed plans to collaborate with the Liberian government and the Lutheran Church in Liberia (LCL) to improve Liberians standard of living in the areas of health and the provision of micro-finance. Mr. Gus Gustafson, special representative of the Hope Lutheran Church, made the disclosure in an exclusive interview at the office of the Daily Observer in Monrovia this past Friday. We intend to focus mainly on malaria eradication in Liberia and the empowerment of people to engage in businesses to improve their living conditions. We shall work closely with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Lutheran Church in Liberia to carry out

Jersey Intl Donates Educational Materials to At-risk Students

government would contribute to making malaria outdated, and their ministry has no intention of stopping until its goals have been met. We visited Ghana earlier and were able to work in 35 villages, since we left; there have been no reports of any form of death from malaria. I can only imagine what it means to go through 14 years of civil crisis, and yet the Liberian people still have hope for a better tomorrow, he said with admiration. In addition, Speaking was Mr. Walter Gwenigale, Jr. a Lutheran Church of Hope Board Member, who expressed his joy about coming home and working in the interest of his people. I am happy to return home today, and it pleases me to know that I am about to work for the people of Liberia, so together we can kick malaria out of Liberia, he said.

Administration. He indicated that the donations would be used for the intended purpose. Educating the youth is a big step in combating poverty. Adequate school supplies encourage children to work harder in school, Oneal concluded.

non-denominational Christian organization, Heal The World Mission Incorporated, launched a youth program named World Changers Club over the weekend in Paynesville, outside Monrovia. The program is aimed towards developing young peoples minds and skills so they can contribute toward future leadership responsibilities. It was attended by over 300 participants, including church leaders, students, and parents. Launching the program on Saturday, the president and founder of Heal The World Mission, Dr. Tola Olukilede, stressed the need for more attention to be paid to youth development for a better society. We need a revolution that would invest in the lives of youths in Africa. In Liberia, we have young people that can bring about the light of positive change to a potentially dark future, he went on to explian, we as a nation are endowed with few men of integrity who can bring about the changes we want. That is why youth development must be a priority, he stressed. He said that Liberias program would help young people realize their potential through the provision of scholarships to pursue quality education to better their lives.

Partial view of students, administrative staff, and Jersey International PR, Oneal Roberts

ver 300 students at the Willie Billie Memorial Academy, located on 8th Street Sinkor, were proud recipients of assorted educational materials including a desktop computer from Jersey International. The Public Relations Officer (PRC) of Jersey International, Oneal Roberts, made the donations recently on behalf of the US based non-governmental and non-profit organization. The donations included copybooks, pens, computers and

By Leroy M. Sonpon, III

peripherals (monitor, CPU and Printer and chords), colored pencils, markers, note pads, book bags, and packs of juice. Mr. Roberts said the donations were intended to accomplish their goals against poverty by helping poor children better their education. The Jersey International PRO said that high poverty rates force many people to endure a low quality of life. He indicated that one of povertys major consequences is the extremely low rate of educated children in the country, especially in rural areas. This marks our first donation,

and our organization will strive to donate school supplies to children of impoverished communities in the rural areas, Oneal said. He added, We hope the educational materials will cover hundreds of students. He further announced that the donations became a reality owing to the personal contributions of: Michael Gray, Emmet Trinity, Al B. Toe, Teena Dixon, Alson Saba and Roderic Sherman. The Principal of the Willie Billie Memorial Academy, D.K. Kollie, Sr., expressed his thanks and appreciation for the donations on behalf of the Board and

YMCA Monrovia Branch

The Monrovia YMCA 46th Membership Drive Come Alive under the theme; Y for all Campaign Upcoming activities: Back to school Basketball Tournament (Nov 15-Dec17, 2013) YMCA Veteran and Senior Citizen Conference (Dec. 6, 2013) Walk to the launch for the Y (Dec 7, 2013) Membership Outreach (Dec 9-21, 2013) (Communities, Ministries, Universities, Cooperate Institutions etc.)

The Y For All Campaign is for everyone-be a part, Dont Miss It!!
Take up your membership today and invest in your community, invest in your YMCA Your gift improves lives; give to the Y today, enjoy the best opportunities and improve lives for tomorrow

DAILY OBSERVER
9. Experience in managing a multi-million dollar project PLANT SUPERINTENDENT (Job Ref: WRIOP 012)

Monday December 9, 2013

15.

Page 9

Experience in working on a multi-million dollar project PROCUREMENT AND LOGISTICS OFFICER (Job Ref. WRIOP 023)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Directs, manages and ensures that plant and equipment repair is carried out in a safe, productive and cost effective manner to optimize mechanical plant availability and facilitate the delivery of Mining Services to the Client. Ensure that all equipment are maintained to high safety standards Ensures that all relevant safety health and environmental standards, legislation and client requirements are met. Supervision and Safety of maintenance personnel in the workshop. Initiates cost saving practices and productivity improvements CRITERIA At least ten (10) years working experience on Heavy earthmoving equipment and parts Trade certificate in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance Knowledge of Environmental Management System relevant to Company operations Experience in managing a multi-million dollar project 10. PLANT MECHANICAL SUPERVISORS (2 POSITIONS) (Job Ref: WRIOP 013-14) KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Ensures quick response to complaints on Light Vehicles to minimize downtime. Monitors performance in accordance with laid down procedures Reports and helps to investigate all accidents/incidents that occur in his area of responsibility Prepares rosters for shift with assistance from Workshop Superintendent. CRITERIA At least 10 years working experience on Heavy earthmoving equipment and parts At least two (2) years experience with machinery in a mining environment Trade Certificate in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance Experience in working on a multi-million dollar project 11. EARTHWORKS SUPERVISORS (3 POSITIONS) (Job Ref: WRIOP 015 - 17) KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Supervision of all Earthworks Management of equipment Reporting on Equipment hours to the Project Manager for costing purposes Responsible for the management of the operations crew and man hour reports CRITERIA At least 10 years relevant working experience Experience in working on a multi-million dollar project Knowledge of various heavy earthmoving machines and equipment 12. OPERATOR TRAINER SUPERVISOR (Job ref: WRIOP 018)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Responsible for the full warehouse process of receiving, binning, issuing and cycle counting. Responsible for the Total Inventory Management and re-ordering at site applying techniques like Statistical Re-ordering, MRP and Demand Planning Responsible for the expediting and tracking of all orders and advising the HODs on ETAs Ensuring all invoices and papers are sent to stores prior to arrival of materials/ parts. CRITERIA Holder of a tertiary education in Commerce from an acceptable institution At least 10 years experience at a large Civil Construction company Experience in managing a multi-million dollar project Must have excellent knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excell 16. OPERATOR TRAINER (Job Ref. WRIOP 024- 031)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Provide a leading and safety based, equipment training and associated activities to equipment operating staff to optimize operator productivities and minimize equipment damage Ensure that each operator is routinely assessed for competence. Ensure that a high standard of equipment operation is maintained. 17. AUTO ELECTRICIAN (Job Ref. WRIOP 036) Prioritize electrical repair works Monitor min/max levels of spares and re-order as required Ensure all welding parts for light and heavy duty equipment are on site for shutdown and/or service maintenance Ensure implementation of all corrective actions from Safety, Health & Environmental audits CRITERIA (OPERATOR TRAINER & AUTO ELECTRICIAN) Trade Certificate Minimum 10 years experience in the mining or related industry Supervisory Skills Experience in working on a multi-million dollar project 18. OPERATIONS SUPPORT MANAGER (Job Ref: WRIOP 022)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Contract administration. Identify cost containment and cost reduction opportunities. Guides and Assists Project Manager with preparation of budgets at project level. Assists the Project Manager with the implementation of recommended action points accepted by management as a result of Business Audits. CRITERIA A relevant University Degree or Twelve (12) years relevant experience in the mining industry or related field General background in Finance, Administration, Procurement, Commercial, Operation Ten (10) years relevant experience in the above areas Experience in managing a multi-million dollar project 19. FINANCE REPRESENTATIVE (Job Ref: WRIOP 023)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Teach employees how to operate mobile equipment used in the workshop, open road, mining and tailings operations Manage training schedules Provide classroom, field and mobile equipment instruction CRITERIA Minimum of 10 years relevant experience Effective computer skills including Microsoft Office and Power point Experience in managing/working on a multi-million dollar project 13. HEALTH & SAFETY OFFICER (Job Ref: WRIOP 019)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Monitors, audits, and evaluates effectiveness of HSE Program implementation and administration. Makes sure that corrective action is undertaken to close out unsafe conditions. CRITERIA Minimum of ten (10) years relevant working experience Knowledge of Environmental Management System relevant to Company operations Experience in working on a multi-million dollar project 14. QA/QC MANAGER ( Job Ref. WRIOP 021)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Build and develop the country Finance department Overall control of all finance and accounting transactions including audit, accounting systems, and taxation BALL (the company). VAT returns and fulfills all local tax requirements with regard to regulatory compliance Monthly Financial and Management accounts with variance analysis and commentary CRITERIA Undergraduate degree Business or Accounting Member of a professional Accountants Association Twenty (20) years post graduate experience, ten of which at Senior Accountant level in the mining sector Experience in the contracting business All applications with attached CVs should be addressed to THE COUNTRY MANAGER, and sent to the following address: Banlaw Africa Liberia Ltd. P.O. Box 145 Monrovia Or by Email to: rsherman@banlaw-africa.com; Phone: 0776610033 All applications should quote the position and job reference number. Closing date for the submission of applications is 20th December 2013.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES To Establish and Implement Quality Assurance and Quality Management Systems to fully comply with Clients QAQC procedures and record keeping. CRITERIA Minimum of 10 years, experience in Quality Assurance Management at Corporate or Project administration level. Minimum of 5 years, experience in the Construction or mining industry. Tertiary qualification, probably in Civil, Mechanical Engineering, General Management, Administration, Finance or related discipline

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REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTING SERVICES FIRMS SELECTION)

REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA INTEGRATED PUBLIC FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM PROJECT Credit No.: IDA 50260

MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS

Nimba County

Office of the County Superintendent

Assignment Title: LEGAL AND BOARD AFFAIRS CONSULTANT

he Republic of Liberia has received a Financing from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), the United States Agency for International Development(USAID), the International Development Association (IDA) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) toward the cost of an Integrated Public Financial Management Reform Project (IPFMRP), and it intends to apply part of the proceeds of this financing for consulting services.

INVITATION TO BID FOR THE PURCHASE, REMOVAL AND DISPOSAL OF OLD UNUSED STRUCTURES AND SCRAP METALS November 18, 2013
INTRODUCTION AND INVITATION

The consulting services (the Services) include the following: Develop detailed organogram for the LRA Legal and Board Affairs Department Prepare Standard Operating Procedures for the Legal & Board Affairs Department Develop Administrative Enforcement procedures and update existing enforcement manualfor various levels of enforcements including the various outstation collectorates. This should also include all related forms for both Tax and Customs in collaboration with MoJ. Prepare draft Bylaws for the proposed Board. Prepare Code of Conduct and Ethics for proposed Board. Assist in staff recruitment for Legal & Board Affairs Department. Develop ToRs for all positions within the Legal and Board Affairs Department. Draft MoU and Administrative Regulation covering procedures to effectuate the provision of the LRA Act pertaining to assisting the MoJ in legal enforcement. Prepare brochures and information fact sheets on legal and board affairs. Identify and prepare documents for the legal and board affairs section of the LRA web site for uploading by the Website developer Develop reporting types and formats for the enforcement function(s) Hold minimum of four(4) workshops with internal and external stakeholders on the role of the department Provide advice as necessary during the duration of the contract. The assignment is to be completed within four (4) months of contract award. The Ministry of Financenow invites eligible consulting firms(Consultants) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services.The shortlisting criteria are: Extensive and relevant experience in legal enforcement and Board Affairs. At least four practicing lawyers with at least one counselor-at-law. Experience in tax matters. The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraph 1.9 of the World Banks Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants [under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits & Grants] by World Bank Borrowers, January 2011 (Consultant Guidelines), setting forth the World Banks policy on conflict of interest. Consultants may associate with other firms in the form of a joint venture or a subconsultancy to enhance their qualifications. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Selection based on Consultants Qualification (CQS) methodset out in the Consultant Guidelines. Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours 0900 to 1600 hours GMT. Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by fax, or by e-mail) by 17thDecember, 2013. Integrated Public Financial Management Reform Project (IPFMRP) Attn: Mr. Bernard Jappah, PFM Reforms Coordinator Ministry of Finance, 4th Floor Broad and Mechlin Streets Monrovia, Liberia Tel: +231-886512462 E-mail: bjappah@liftliberia.gov.lr Cc: ivanofei@hotmail.com

With consent of Central Government, on 22 July 2013, Nimba County, by and through the County Administration, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML), by which all old unused structures and scrap presently located in AMLs Concession area have been turned over to Nimba County. The County has decided to sell this scrap at fair market value and to use the proceeds for the benefit of the entire County. The County therefore invites prospective bidders with requisite technical & financial qualifications and capabilities, to bid for the Purchase, Removal and Disposal of the said unused structures and scrap metals currently located within the Concession area of AML and within Nimba County. Bidding will be conducted through the International Competitive Bidding (ICB) method of procurement specified in the Public Procurement & Concession Acts (PPCA) and approved by the Public Procurement & Concession Commission (PPCC) and is open to all eligible bidders. The Stock of Scrap includes all old unused structures and abandoned equipment, parts and metals, situated within the Concession Area of ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML); and is to be disposed of as is where is. Provisional/Tentative inventory shall be provided in the Tender Documents; however, bidders are required to conduct their own assessment to determine the exact locations, categories, quantities and qualities of the stock.

1.

2.

THE STOCK

3. DIRECT FISCAL BENEFITS TO CENTRAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FROM THE SALE

Proceeds from the sale shall be applied to and used for the benefit of the entire County of Nimba. Appropriate taxes shall be paid to Central Government. And the buyer shall be expected to assist the County through sustainable added value creation, job creation, project linkage opportunities, social projects etc.

4.

The successful bidder must (a) be a recognized local and/or regional and/or international entity with requisite experience in the steel industry to include the purchase, removal and disposal of scrap (b) have verifiable technical and managerial competence to undertake the above activities (c) have previous successful investment and management of similar operations for at least five years, (d) have proof of requisite financial resources to undertake the above described operations, (e) have a good record of corporate social responsibility and must be willing to adhere to and support Liberias Local Content Policies and regulations, and (f) if foreign, have a locally registered and licensed scrap broker and dealer company as its subsidiary, associate or affiliate. Tender Documents for the purchase, removal and disposal of the said unused structures and scrap metals currently located within the Concession area of AML and may be obtained from the Procurement Officer, Office of the Superintendent of Nimba County, Sanniquellie City at the address below, from Wednesday 20th of November 2013, during official working hours, on payment of a non-refundable bid fee of US$5,000.00, payable by Managers Check to: THE NIMBA COUNTY OPERATIONAL ACCOUNT

BUYERS QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

5.

TENDER DOCUMENTS

Deadline for the submission of SEALED BIDS is Tuesday 31st December, 2013 at 1400 hours GMT. All Bids must be delivered and deposited in the Tender Box at the Office of the Procurement Officer, Superintendents Office, Sanniquellie City, Nimba County, before the said deadline. All late Bids will be rejected outright. Bids will be opened at 15:00pm on Tuesday 31st December, 2013. All bidders or their representatives are asked to be present. a. Information contained in this Invitation to Bid is indicative only and will be confirmed and amplified in the Bid Documents. b. Interested firms may obtain further information from the Procurement Office, Administrative Building, Sanniquellie City, Nimba County, Republic of Liberia from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Mondays through Fridays (except public holidays); or call Contact Numbers: +231 886 405120 or +231 886493075 or +231 777 405120 Signed:_______________________________________ Secretary of the Procurement Committee Nimba County Approved: ____________________________________ Chairperson of the Procurement Committee Nimba County

6.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF BIDS

7.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

onsistent with the Finance Ministers pronouncement during his last Press Conference on the Liberian Economy on Tuesday, November 19, 2013, that the transactional time for processing of vouchers that do not have compliance issues, the Ministry of Finance is pleased to inform all ministries, agencies and their customers that problem-free vouchers at the Ministry of Finance take at most three working days (72 hours) to be fully processed. Therefore, any ministry, agency or customer who has met all of the compliance requirements (consistent with PPCC Law, PFM Law & Regulations, etc) but is encountering difficulties including demand for 10% from Ministry of Finance employee(s) for bribery or any other delay can forward his/her

The Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Liberia VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
THE DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO LIBERIA IS SEEKING A QUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL TO FILL THE POSITION OF CONTRACT AND FINANCE ASSISTANT AT THE OFFICE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION IN MONROVIA Job profile Contracts & Finance Assistant - Local Agent Group III - Vacant from 1 December 2013 General purpose To support the EU Delegation in Liberia by assisting the Contracts and Finance Section. Reporting relationship The Head of Contracts and Finance Section and through him to the Head of Delegation. Functions and responsibilities To assist with the financial and contractual management of contracts, grants and expenditures by providing advice and support in financial and contractual matters to staff having operational functions, by examining cost claims for acceptance, by establishing financial documents for commitments, payments and recoveries and by facilitating the management of audits. Job requirements Formal Education: A level of secondary school education sanctioned by a diploma in relevant fields. Experience, knowledge, aptitudes & personal qualities: A minimum of 12 months experience in similar roles in international organisations, embassies, non-governmental organisations or similar institutions. Experience in rules and procedures related to contracts, grants and recoveries as well as audits. Experience in using accrual based accounting packages will be considered an asset. Computer literacy (word, excel, access, PowerPoint, etc.), email software and Internet applications. Excellent command of spoken and written English (knowledge of French would be considered an asset). Aptitude to communicate in a clear and concise way. Capacity of listening and share information, aptitude for team work, sociability skills. Capacity of analysis and identification of priorities and solutions to problems, eye for details/accuracy. Capacity to deliver in a structured way. Rigorous application of the procedures, respect of the confidentially in the treated files, sense of responsibility, capability, discretion, honesty and availability. How to apply Applications including a letter of motivation and a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) should also include copies of formal qualifications, the names, addresses and contact mobile phone numbers of at least three references and should be delivered to the security gate at the Delegation of the European Union in a sealed envelope and addressed to: Delegation of the European Union to Liberia Attn: The Head of Administration Application C&F Assistant 100 UN Drive, Mamba Point Monrovia, Liberia Closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 16 December 2013 at 13:00 hrs. (Applications MUST have reached the Delegation by this date and time). Candidates who are not contacted by 31 January 2014 should consider that there is no follow up to their applications and the EU Delegation will not further advise unsuccessful candidates. Short listed candidates will be invited to interviews and may be asked to sit a written test. Salary will depend on number of years of relevant experience. The vacancy is for a permanent contract. Recruitment of the successful candidate will be subject to medical fitness. The European Union is an equal opportunity employer and the Delegation is a smoke free environment.

MINISTRY OF FINANCE DECEMBER 02, 2013

COMPLAINTS TO THESE PUBLIC-AVAILABLE VOUCHER TRACKING HOTLINES: 0888-303030 or 0888-404040

Therefore, all customers are encouraged to report any MoF employee(s) they see engaged in corrupt practices with evidence. In this light, every employee of the Ministry of Finance is hereby requested to take note. Signed: _____________________________ Administration, Ministry of Finance

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Catholic Relief Services/Liberia Vacancy Announcement

Project Manager HEALTH

CRS Liberia is seeking a Project Manager for the GAVI (Global Alliance Vaccines and Immunization) CSO Organization project. The Monrovia based PM will commit 100% of their time to the GAVI Civil Society Organization (CSO) project which is just completing the first year of implementation. This project is in partnership with Liberia Immunization Project (LIP) and seeks to strengthen coordination and advocacy of Health CSOs engaged in immunization activities. The GAVI Project Manager will be the main focal person for GAVI and will work closely in partnership with and provide technical support to LIP. The Project Manager will also be responsible for overseeing all work done by LIP to ensure its conformity with CRS policies and procedures. All resumes must be submitted by email to Cheryl Morgan (Cheryl.morgan@crs.org) by 2pm on Friday 20 December 2013 to be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified. FULL JOB DESCRIPTION & QUALIFICATIONS Major Responsibilities: 1. Oversee the quality implementation of the GAVI funded CSO Project and ensure compliance. 2. Provide technical and coordination support to the newly established CSO Network (LIP). 3. Support capacity strengthening of the newly formed CSO Network (LIP). 4. Ensure strong linkages, communication and coordination between: a. LIP and CRS Liberia b. LIP and CRS GAVI Project Manager based in Nairobi c. CSO network members and Liberia Ministry of Health, development partners and donors Specific Duties: 1. Coordination Provide technical support to the CSO network to better understand and address the role of civil society in improving immunization outcomes within the country Support LIP to develop strong relationships with other CSO networks, government offices working on immunization interventions, and development partners Identify and share LIP technical needs with CRS CWA RTAs and EARO GAVI management team Share GAVI technical and resource materials with CSO network members, CRS Liberia and Regional team, Ministry of Health and Development Partners Ensure CSO members participate in CRS GAVI planned activities (workshops, trainings, webinars, and surveys) 2. Technical Support Support the CSO network in setting up organizational policies and procedures Assist the CSO network in identifying organizational strengths and weaknesses and designing ways and means to strengthen their technical capacity to manage the organization Support LIP to develop a strategic plan for the continuation of the organization beyond the CRS funded period and to develop appropriate funding streams to ensure sustainability 3. Project Management Assist LIP in planning, designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating as well as reporting of activities. Review LIP work plans and ensure that revisions are made based on comments from the CRS Country program and CRS EARO. Actively participate in all LIP Meetings and Workshops & assist LIP with sourcing external consultancies as needed Take a proactive role in ensuring that clear communication channels exist between and among CSO Network members, CRS EARO, and the HOP with regard to implementation of the GAVI project. Support CSO network involvement in planning supplemental immunization activities. Participate in GAVI monthly conference calls with CRS EARO 4. Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Monitor GAVI activities through regular site visits and joint meetings with CSO members and Secretariat staff. Support CSO network in following timely submission of monthly, quarterly and annual financial and programmatic progress reports using CRS templates to CRS-Liberia and CRS EARO Review partner liquidation documents, financial reports, and process advance requests in line with donor regulations and CRS financial policy Ensure partners receive project advances in a timely fashion and account for them in line with the project agreement Identify and document challenges, lessons learned, promising practices and case studies of GAVI project activities to improve the quality of the services. Conduct frequent information exchanges with the CSO network members, other Immunization implementing NGOs, Ministry of Health and Head of Programs regarding implementation progress. With support from the HOP, organize quarterly Program Management Team (PMT) meetings and joint monitoring visits. 5. Representation/Liaison Act as CRS Focal Point for the GAVI CSO Network and represent CRS in relevant meetings with development partners, donors, other implementing agencies, auditors and external consultants. Develop constructive relationships with relevant government offices, development partners, other key implementing agencies, and CRS colleagues Ensure LIPs inclusion in key stakeholder meetings through networking and advocacy Undertake any additional duties as assigned by the supervisor. 6. Minimum Qualifications BSc in Public Health or relevant field with minimum of 5 years relevant experience OR Masters in Public Health or relevant field with minimum of 3 years experience in public health program design, management and coordination Knowledge and previous experience with immunization, community mobilization, civil society strengthening, and health advocacy programs and policies Experience working in consortia with other NGOs (local and international) and liaising with relevant Government of Liberia ministries. Ability to develop and maintain effective collaboration and interpersonal relationships with stakeholders and partners Strong representation/advocacy experience and ability Good organizational skills to plan, design, implement, monitor, evaluate and report on health unit and integrated projects Good written and verbal skills; fluent in English Experience in developing budgets and reviewing finance reports

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ) FOR IT SOLUTION PACKAGE

1.
IBI International, a development consulting firm in the USA and Liberia, is seeking an IT service provider / vendor to setup a standardized package to provide selected Ministries, Agencies and Commissions (MACs) with a secure IT platform for financial management and back-office activities as part of the USAID Governance and Economic Management Support Program (USAID-GEMS). GEMS is a five-year technical assistance program to strengthen public sector capacity in Liberia.

Background:

The objective of this procurement is to put in place a secure and highly available Information and Communication Technology (ICT) platform at each selected MACs to support back office activities. The vendor will also be required to provide induction training for IT staff at the MACs in the use and support of the new systems.

2.

Objective

LOT 1: The setup and configuration of computer installations at four sites Supply, installation, configuration and support of scalable secure and high availability workgroup Client-Server base computer and network infrastructure at four separate government Ministries, Agencies or Commissions (MAC). The deployment includes a file/application server, client laptops, UTM device and network infrastructure. Comprehensive on-site support is required. The vendor should have a minimum of 3 years experience in setups of a similar nature and is required to provide no less than four site references for similar installations. LOT 2: The setup and configuration of computer installations at three sites Supply, installation, configuration and support of scalable secure and high availability workgroup Client-Server base computer and network infrastructure at three separate government Ministries, Agencies or Commissions (MAC). The deployment includes a file/application server, client laptops, UTM device and network infrastructure. Comprehensive on-site support is required. The vendor should have a minimum of 3 years experience in setups of a similar nature and is required to provide no less than four site references for similar installations.

3.

Scope of Work:

All interested bidders are asked to kindly visit the USAID-GEMS Office located at Coconut Plantation, U.N drive, Mamba Point, Monrovia, Liberia, starting Friday December 6th, 2013 and ending Friday December 13th, 2013 to pick up a copy of the detailed Requirement and Specification(s) for this project. Alternatively, bidders may request a soft copy by emailing mjawara@gemsliberia.com. The deadline for the submission of sealed bids to the USAID-GEMS office is 5:00 pm on Wednesday, December 18th, 2013.

BIDDING INSTRUCTIONS:

NOTE BELOW:

Please deposit your sealed bid(s) in the procurement box standing in the lobby on the first floor and not to individual. IBI International reserves the right to cancel any or all bids without prior notification to bidders and without any liability, be it explicit or implicit. All discounts and/or free items or services are to be included in the bid submission

Qualified Firms wishing to bid must kindly submit their proposal including the following: Business Registration Certificate for Liberia Brief profile of the institution with at least three contactable references Comprehensive on-site support is required In case a supplier bids for more than one lot, separate bids should be summited to for each lot.

DAILY OBSERVER Sunday, December 08, 2013 Monday, December 9, 2013

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-Says Economy not on Brink of Collapse

entral Bank of Liberias (CBL) E x e c u t i v e Governor Dr. Joseph Mills Jones has assured the public that the economy is not on the brink of collapse as it is being speculated in the country. According to Governor Jones, those who are giving the impression that the economy is on the verge of disaster are wrong. Speaking at the annual dinner of the Liberia Bankers Association (LBA) in Monrovia Friday, the CBL boss said though there are serious challenges relating to the strategy and pace of economic reform, job creation and poverty reduction, it is difficult for one to comprehend that an economy whose growth has averaged 6.9% over the past six years could collapse. The mounting depreciation

Mills Jones Allays Public Fear

By George D. Kennedy
they earn their living on the depreciating Liberian dollars. Others, however, are of the view that the Liberian dollars has lost its value to the US dollar simply because the country is import-dependent. They want a stronger and productive private sector driven by Liberians, amidst this debate On many occasions, Governor Jones has made clarion calls for concerted efforts in supporting the productive sector of the economy to enhance productivity of the sector in order to pay for the countrys trade deficit. He told the gathering on Friday night that strong intervention by the CBL has helped to contain the pressure in the foreign exchange market. But, he said, further intervention by the CBL has been curtailed due to the availability of limited foreign exchange to the CBL. Giving further reasons for the depreciation of the Liberian dollars, Jones noted: The CBL does not make the US dollars that it sells to the market. The economy has to earn it, as it has to earn any other foreign currency. He also explained that the other reason for the depreciation of the Liberian dollars is that the government has prevailed on the CBL to prioritize the accumulation of reserves. It is important to point out that under such circumstances, any increase in pressure on the foreign exchange market will more likely lead to additional depreciation of the exchange rate, said the CBL boss. Amidst these challenges, the Governor emphasized that those who would give the impression that the economy is on the brink of disaster are wrong. They are wrong! he said. An economy where debt burden is relatively low and at the moment sustainable; where inflation is in single digit; where international financial institutions, including insurance companies, are knocking on the doors of the CBL to explore the possibility of operating in Liberia; and an economy where there is positive engagement with the African Development Bank (AfDB), the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF); that economy is not about to collapse, he stated. In a prepared speech, Governor Jones reaffirmed the CBLs belief in the future of the economy, which he insisted, is being built on one of the timeless principles of the country----the free market. The CBL Executive Governor challenged related state functionaries and the private sector to consider challenges such as those relating to the strategy and pace of economic reform, job creation and poverty reduction as an opportunity for collective effort to draw on the talents that the country has--talents, as he put it, born out of knowledge and experience---to forge a more innovative strategy to lift the economy and lift the standard of living of Liberians. He told the LBA and its officials that the CBL joined them in celebration of the Bankers Week and to observe the continued progress of the banking system. We have come to celebrate the continued progress in the banking sector, being cognizant of the fact that without such improvement, the level of economic growth, coupled with broad macroeconomic stability that has characterized the economy over the past several years would not have been possible, the CBL boss said. He called on those managing

CBL Governor Dr. J. Mills Jones

of the Liberian dollar to the US dollar from L$72.5 for US$1.00 at the beginning of 2013 to L$81.00 for US$1.00 in December has led many people in the public (noneconomists) to harbor the belief that the economy is on the verge of collapse. Their fear is further exacerbated by the rising unemployment among the countrys youth population, which makes up 60% of the workforce. Although most of these people are not economists,

COLINBO Boss Declares Support to Fula Hand-made Products

Cross section of graduates of the Fula Young Women Association of Liberia (FYWAL)

By David A. Yates

he president of the Concerned Liberia International B u s i n e s s Organization (COLINBO), Fomba Trawally, has promised graduates of the Fula Young Women Association of Liberia (FYWAL) that their handsmade products would be promoted on the international markets by his organization. He assured them that anything they make, whether soap, tie-dye or pastry will be taken to the international market. He stressed that doing business was good, but added that women in Africa, especially the Fula women needed to acquire both formal skills along with informal skills training, both of which will sustain them. Making the assertion on

Saturday, December 7, at the University of Liberia, during the graduation of the 39 Fula womens 1st skill training program, he disclosed that several years back Fula women were not given any opportunity by their husbands to explore their talents, but today they were able to achieve a certificate in skill training. The women had acquired their skills after three-month basic skill training in soap making, tie-dye and pastry. The COLINBO president and proprietor of the National Toiletry Industry also challenged the women to extend their products beyond African markets. African market is the starting point for most African entrepreneurs. This is not the end of doing business, go beyond your dream, he urged them. Speaking earlier, Mr.

Augustine Konneh, Director General of Foreign Services at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) explained that women are very important in our society and as such they must be given a better education. According to Mr. Konneh, in every society especially, traditional society, women play important role in both domestic and private sectors. Mr. Konneh further indicated that the days of women being slaves to men are over and both must now compete in our economy sector to make life better for themselves. Meanwhile, Assatu Diallo Barry, one of the graduates, speaking on behalf of she and her colleagues, thanked the Trawally and others who helped them in acquiring the three-month basic skills training program.

the Liberian economy to break with the past in terms of how they manage the countrys economy. This is something that must be done, he said as we usher in that new dispensation of having a growing and vibrant middle class. The Governor also assured the public that the Board of Governors of the CBL is committed to continuing its microfinance initiative to enhance inclusive financial sector support. Earlier, LBA president John B.S. Davies, III observed that access to finance must be the first and last priority of every banker if the country were to have a healthy economy. According to Mr. Davies, if the banking sector cannot achieve strong access to finance it means they (banks) have failed. That is why the naming and shaming exercise will continue, Davies said. The LBA boss, who is president &CEO of the Liberia Bank for Development and Investment (LBDI), observed that banks in Liberia are growing from strength to strength because the industry has created more employment opportunities for both young and old people. In 2006, the banking industry had less than 300 hundred bank employees. But the industry now has over 1,200 full-time employees with the number increasing significantly on a yearly basis. The LBDI CEO also spoke of the significant increase in the industrys overall loan portfolio from US$200 million over the years to about US$600 million in 2013, with support from partners. But the LBA boss named the issues of arm robbery, fraud, and the lack of cheap electricity and human resource as some of key challenges facing the industry.

on Sophies Road in Congo Town. In her message of condolence to the people and Government of South Africa, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf described Mr. Mandela as a towering and inspiring world leader whose moral authority was unsurpassed... and that his anti-apartheid struggle brought freedom to millions of South Africans. His spirit of forgiveness and his willingness to embrace his tormentors made him a symbol of reconciliation and a beloved figure around the world, she stressed. As the first black President of South Africa, his courage and unwavering dedication to the ideal of justice, freedom and equality contributed to reordering that country into a truly rainbow nation, she further stated. The Liberian President recalled that during her visit to South Africa at Mr. Mandelas 90th birthday, she was awe-

Memorial Service

DAILY OBSERVER Monday, December 9, 2013

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On Sunday, December 15, Mr. Mandela will be buried in Qunu, a small rural village in South Africas Eastern Cape Province. In his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom, Mandela describes Qunu as the place where he spent the happiest moments of his childhood. The funeral arrangements are as follows: State Memorial Service Date: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 Venue: FNB Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa Time: TBC Lying-in-State Date: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 Venue: Union Buildings, Pretoria State Funeral Date: Sunday, December 15, 2013 Venue: Qunu Time: TBC Africans, with governments that are capable of setting and achieving priorities that reflect the rising aspirations and expectations of their citizens. Mr. Simons noted that for AGI to achieve this vision, the institution provides practical advice and support to help African leaders to bridge the gap between their vision for a better future and the capacity of their governments to achieve it. We work with countries currently Sierra Leone, Liberia, Rwanda, Guinea, Nigeria, South Sudan, and Malawi that are at turning points. In these countries, and where we were invited by the Head of Government to provide capacity development support, he explained. GML, Elijah David, disclosed that the total cost of the facility is approximately US$344,689. Mr. David recalled that it was in 2006 when the General Overseer of the FPGML received an invitation from the Woodbridge Christian Church (WCC) of Virginia, USA, through elder Samuel Kpakio to pay a visit. That led to the National Advisory Board (NAB) giving Rev. Menjor a proposal to rebuild the clinic destroyed during the civil conflict in the country, he said. of festive seasonsChristmas and New Years Day. He told her that around this time of the year, there is an increase in criminal activities, so the police needed to increase its presence on the streets. One of the challenges Col. Massaquoi listed to the US Diplomat was lack of adequate vehicle and fuel. He, too, assured Amb. Malac that his administration will make transparency his operational hallmark in order to win back the full confidence of the public.

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Mr. Blair stated that his organization will continue to this by the provision of technical assistance and high level expertise in order to ensure that governments priority projects are executed efficiently. Prime Minister Blair said that though government is striving to provide basic necessities that would help in making the Liberian economy vibrant, which in return will lead to the well-being of its citizenry, there are still challenges that need to be tackled collectively. AGI is working for a future in which Africas development is led by Africans, with governments that are capable of

AGI Promises

struck by his spirit of generosity and commitment to the cause of humanity. His pursuit of peace, democracy, and equality for the people of South Africa and mankind everywhere, earned him the Nobel Peace prize, she added. Meanwhile, the President has ordered that the Liberian flag be flown at half-mast for three days as an expression of Liberias grief and a mark of respect for this fallen hero who, like many other South Africans, and other nationals still under colonialism, once carried Liberian passports. Announcing the passing of Mr. Mandela on December 5th, South Africas President Jacob Zuma said: He is now resting. He is now at peace. Mr. Zuma further stated: Our nation has lost its greatest son. Our people have lost a father. Although we knew that this day would come, nothing can diminish our sense of profound and enduring loss. His tireless struggle for

President Sirleaf with Mr. Mandela at his 90th birthday celebration in Johannesburg
freedom earned him the respect of the world. His humility, his compassion, and his humanity earned him their love. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Mandela family. To them, we owe a debt of gratitude. Our thoughts are with his wife Mrs. Graca Machel, his ex-wife, Ms. Winnie Madikezela-Mandela, and his children, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, some of which his institution has been wholly involved in over the past couple of years---will in little or no time, begin to be have an impact on economy. Prime Minister Blair said investment in power, electricity and other infrastructures including roads, bridges, which are meant to give the countrys economy a boost, have been in their initial stages, and have not been felt by the people up to this point. Soon, however, some significant results are due from some of the big investments. Liberia is a country that is on the move. We soon will begin to see some significant results from big investments done over the years, especially in the power sector and other ality by coming to the aid of those who have struggled to bring the hospital project up to this point. Rev. Menjor pointed out that owing to its strategic location, the hospital would serve the Mano River Unions (MRU) countries of Sierra Leone, Guinea, and host country, Liberia. Progress of the medical facility under construction was recently highlighted by the General Overseer of the FPGML Rev. Joseph T.S. Menjor in Monrovia He said that seed-fund for grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the entire Mandela family. This is the moment of our deepest sorrow. Meanwhile, world leaders, including US President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, Frances President, Francois Hollande, have announced that they are going to attend Mr. Mandelas memorial service slated for areas that will help to fuel the economy of the country. We are pleased to work alongside this great team led by Madam President that has so much dedicated and committed people, the former British Prime Minister said. AGI model combines the experience of its founder and patron, Mr. Blair, with onthe-ground teams of professionals permanently based in partner countries like Liberia. The team works shoulder-toshoulder with senior leaders in the heart of government to develop capacity and put in place the skills, systems, and structures needed to drive the delivery of results on the ground. President Sirleaf noted that the visit of Prime Minister Blair to Liberia again was imthe project was first raised through the efforts of generous donors in the United States and Canada. Rev. Menjor said that financial contributions also came from staunch and committed members of the FPGML through the missions accredited churches, friends and other generous Liberians. Lately, members of the FPGML have pledged to contribute US$5.00 each, in order to keep the construction work on the hospital project moving. He called on FPGML members to consider the hospital Tuesday, December 10, at the FNB Stadium near Soweto. President George Walker Bush and Laura Bush, President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, Prince Charles, British Prime Minister David Cameron are also among the 60 heads of state and government that so far have announced plans to attend the funeral rites. portant because his institution has done and continues to do so much for the people and government of Liberia by the provision of expertise to her government. She said that over the next four years her government will concentrate more on unemployment, especially of the young people, and other important areas. Mrs. Sirleaf lauded the former British Prime Minister for his teams technical support, which she said has given a big push to the government and people of Liberia. Also briefing reporters after the press conference was AGI Country Director, Rupert Simons. Mr. Simmons is working for a future in which Africas development is led by project their own in keeping with the holistic approach of Jesus Christs Ministry. Rev. Menjor revealed that the 2013 compliance report of the churchs general overseer has been accepted and will be distributed to local churches and preaching points. He commended all previous and present donors to the FPGMLs hospital project and urged other Liberians and humanitarians to contribute as well. Commenting on the history of the hospital project, an executive member of the FPPSD will also be considered for inclusion to the US Governments support to the LNP, Collins said. Responding to the US Governments gesture, Director Massaquoi expressed his personal thanks and that of the LNP to Amb. Malac for the visit and the assurance given by the US Government that its supports to the ERU and PSU and promise to include the PSD. The LNP boss also shared with the US Ambassador some of the many challenges facing the LNP in its day-to-day operations, especially in the wake

setting and achieving priorities that reflect the rising aspirations and expectations of their citizens. Speaking at a joint press briefing held with President Sirleaf at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday December 8, in Monrovia, Prime Minister Blair said, the AGI, which has been rendering technical assistance to the government since 2009, will continue to buttress the efforts of the President to ensure that Liberia gets what it take to improve its economy He said that the effects of some of the major investments that have taken placed in the country--- including projects initiated by President

A T

By Edwin M. Fayia III

US$300K Free

US$300,000 Free Pentecostal Global Mission of Liberia hospital project that has made steady progress since its construction began in 2006. The clinic, which is under construction in Foya Statutory District, Lofa County, now urgently needs support from

well-meaning Liberians and development partners. An equally urgent appeal has gone out to the Liberian leader, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the Cabinet, the business community and other private sector Liberians and foreign residents for help of any type. In addition, the church also appealed to Liberians, public/private corporations, and humanitarian groups in the country have also been asked to help this effort become a re-

he United States of Americas Ambassador to Liberia, Madam Deborah Malac, has assured officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP) of the United States Governments continuous supports. The US Ambassador gave the assurance Tuesday, December 3rd, when she paid a courtesy visit on Police Director Chris Massaquoi at his

US Amb. Pledges

Capitol Hill Headquarters. During their discussions, emphasis was placed on the LNPs Emergency Response Unit (ERU) and the Police Support Unit (PSU). She assured Director Massaquoi of her country governments continuous support to these two riot units of the LNP. According to Police Spokesman Sam Collins, Amb. Malac also expressed interest in the work of the Professional Standards Division,(PSD), the unit of the LNP responsible for

Amb. Malac
dealing with police misconduct in relation to the public,

Col. Massaquoi
as well as, amongst police officers. She intimated that the

Tuesday, November 5, 2013 DAILY OBSERVER Sunday, December 08, 2013 Monday, December 9, 2013

Page 4 Page 15

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

Your complete guide to every game in Brazil

WORLD CUP 2014 FIXTURES:

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

Winner Match 51 v Winner Match 52 Match 60 - July 5 - Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha, Brasilia, 5pm: Winner Match 55 v Winner Match 56 SEMI-FINALS July 8 - Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte, 9pm: Winner Match 57 v Winner Match 58

hen and where e a c h t e a m will be playing throughout the group and knockout stages when football returns to the beautiful games spiritual home in the summer of 2014.
GROUP A Brazil v Croatia June 12 - Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo, 9pm Mexico v Cameroon June 13 - Arenas das Dunas, Natal, 5pm Brazil v Mexico June 17 - Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza, 8pm Cameroon v Croatia June 18 - Arena Amazonia, Manaus, 8pm Cameroon v Brazil June 23 - Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha, Brasilia, 9pm Croatia v Mexico June 23 - Arena Pernambuco, Recife, 9pm GROUP B Spain v Holland June 13 - Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, 8pm Chile v Australia June 13 - Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba, 11pm Spain v Chile June 18 - Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, 11pm Australia v Holland June 18 - Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre, 5pm Australia v Spain June 23 - Arena da Baixada, Curitiba, 5pm Holland v Chile June 23 - Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo, 5pm

The stars prepare for the global football celebration in Brazil, next year

Iconic: The Maracana Stadium is seen behind Rio De Janeiros famous Christ the Redeemer statue
GROUP C Colombia v Greece June 14 - Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte, 5pm Ivory Coast v Japan June 14 - Arena Pernambuco, Recife, 11pm Colombia v Ivory Coast June 19 - Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha, Brasilia, 5pm Japan v Greece June 19 - Arenas das Dunas, Natal, 11pm Japan v Colombia June 24 - Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba, 9pm Greece v Ivory Coast June 24 - Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza, 9pm GROUP D Uruguay v Costa Rica June 14 - Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza, 8pm England v Italy June 15 - Arena Amazonia, Manaus, 2am Uruguay v England June 19 - Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo, 8pm Italy v Costa Rica June 20 - Arena Pernambuco, Recife, 5pm Italy v Uruguay June 24 - Arenas das Dunas, Natal, 5pm Costa Rica v England June 24 Estadio Mineirao,Belo Horizonte, 5pm GROUP E Switzerland v Ecuador June 15 - Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha, Brasilia, 5pm France v Honduras June 15 - Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre, 8pm Switzerland v France June 20 - Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, 8pm Honduras v Ecuador June 20 - Arena da Baixada, Curitiba, 11pm Honduras v Switzerland June 25 - Arena Amazonia, Manaus, 9pm Ecuador v France June 25 - Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, 9pm GROUP F Argentina v BosniaHerzegovina June 15 - Estadio do Maracana, Rio, 11pm Iran v Nigeria June 16 Curitiba, 8pm Argentina v Iran June 21 Belo, 5pm Nigeria v BosniaHerzegovina June 21 - Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba, 11pm Nigeria v Argentina June 25 - Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre, 5pm Bosnia-Herzegovina v Iran June 25 - Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, 5pm GROUP G Germany v Portugal June 16 - Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, 5pm Ghana v USA June 16 - Arenas das Dunas, Natal, 11pm

Germany v Ghana June 21 - Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza, 8pm USA v Portugal June 22 - Arena Amazonia, Manaus, 8pm USA v Germany June 26 - Arena Pernambuco, Recife, 5pm Portugal v Ghana June 26 - Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha, Brasilia, 5pm GROUP H Belgium v Algeria June 17 - Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte, 5pm Russia v South Korea June 17 - Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba, 11pm Belgium v Russia June 22 - Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, 11pm South Korea v Algeria June 22 - Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre, 5pm South Korea v Belgium June 26 - Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo, 9pm Algeria v Russia June 26 - Arena da Baixada, Curitiba, 9pm LAST 16 Match 49 - June 28 Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte, 5pm: Winner A v Runner-up B Match 50 - June 28 Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, 9pm: Winner C v Runner-up D Match 51 - June 29 Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza, 5pm: Winner B v Runner-up A Match 52 - June 29 Arena Pernambuco, Recife, 9pm: Winner D v Runner-up C Match 53 - June 30 Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha, Brasilia, 5pm: Winner E v Runner-up F Match 54 - June 30 Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre, 9pm: Winner G v Runner-up H Match 55 - July 1 Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo, 5pm: Winner F v Runner-up E Match 56 - July 1 Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, 9pm: Winner H v Runner-up G QUARTER-FINALS Match 57 - July 4 - Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza, 9pm: Winner Match 49 v Winner Match 50 Match 58 - July 4 - Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, 5pm: Winner Match 53 v Winner Match 54 Match 59 - July 5 - Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, 9pm:

July 9 - Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo, 9pm: Winner Match 59 v Winner Match 60 THIRD-PLACE PLAY-OFF July 12 - Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha, Brasilia, 9pm FINAL July 13 - Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, 8pm

Broplehs Remains Arrive Home

T T

The late David L. M. Bropleh

he mortal remains of ex president of the St. Josephs Warriors Sports Association, David L. M. Bropleh, have arrived in Monrovia and

County Meet Players Insured Against Death, Permanent Disability

By Leroy M. Sonpon, III

deposited at the Samuel Stryker Funeral Home, a family source told the Daily Observer Sunday. Mr. Bropleh, known as Diego, died on October 18 at the Abor Hospital, in the Volta Region of Ghana. Family sources told the Daily Observer that the remains were accompanied by his widow, Nancy Stewart Bropleh. Diego was born on April 29, 1949 and he died on October 2013, the source said. Families have begun meetings for the burial at a date to be announced later.

he ministries of youth and sports and internal affairs have renewed insurance coverage with the Saar-Liberia Insurance for over 1,200 players participating in the 2013/2014 County Meet. According to the policy, only players, who participate in the five disciplines (football, kickball, athletics, volleyball and basketball) are covered. The two-months insurance began Friday, the 1st of November and will end on Tuesday, December 31, 2013. The technical and development officer at the Ministry of Youth & Sports, Kelvin Sebwe made the announcement recently during a one-day workshop for referees, statisticians, medics, monitors and Superintendents. Sebwe warned sports coordinators from the various counties against abusing the coverage. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Saar Insurance Liberia, Bernard Nteguia Fodjo said the Policy is a Group Life Accident and Medical Insurance. He said during the 2012/2013 National County Meet, about 35 players were treated. Mr. Fodjo said medical slips have been dispatched with the listing of health centers to be used by players who may sustain injuries in Paynesville, Greenville, Voinjama, Bu-

chanan and Gbarnga. According to the policy, accidental death of a player is L$100,000, while natural death is L$50,000. Mr. Fodjo said benefits for permanent disability (such as amputation of both legs and hands, etc) is also L$100,000, while L$50,000, to at least L$10,000 respectively is paid based on a percentage on a human body in case of accident. He said, Saar Insurance is an international insurance company with headquarters in Cameroon. We are in Ivory Coast, Benin, Senegal, Equatorial Guinea, Chile, Sao Tome and other countries. Superintendents Florence F. Brandy (Montserrado) and Etweda A. Cooper, (Grand Bassa) in separate remarks extolled the organizers of the National County Meet for the policy. Meanwhile, this years County Meet is expected to kick-off on Saturday, December 14, 2013, with an official opening program in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County.

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

Mr. Bernard Nteguia Fodjo, CEO, Saar Insurance Liberia Inc.

ADVERTISE HERE TODaY. CaLL 0886472772

VOL. 16. NO. 33 MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2013

What Did Dr. Owl Say?

Nelson Mandela was Jesus Christ in Politics.

--Dr. Owls Guest

PRICE: LD 40
mandate to ensure that concession agreements benefit the citizens, we will seek to engage companies in pursuit of full compliance with concession agreements, he declared. According to the former lawmaker, Liberia has remained underdeveloped in the past because companies operating in certain concession areas did not deliver fully those social services needed for the locals. He said that there was no mechanism put in place to strictly monitor their affairs at the time. The Ellen Johnsons administration is the only regime so far that we know about in this country to evaluate and monitor investors to improve the living standard of Liberians, he disclosed. To ensure that our children benefit from the resources of this country in the future, we are responsible to make certain that our country benefits from the doings of investors, Yarsiah added. He used the occasion to thank the Liberian government and the International Community for their commitments to supporting the work of the NBC.

New Watchdog to Monitor, Evaluate Countrys Natural Resources

-As Acting NBC Boss Warns Concessionaries against Non-compliance

O
C

By Leroy M. Sonpon, III & Judoemue M. Kollie

ver 44 stakeholders from 16 public institutions have unanim o u s l y agreed to form and become members of a Technical Working Group (TWG) to support the National Bureau of Concession, (NBC) to monitor and evaluate reporting procedures of the countrys natural resources. The stakeholders made the commitment on Friday, December 6, at the end of a three-

Acting NBC boss, Dickson Yarsiah; USAID-GEM staff & faciliators; and partial view of stakeholders
day intensive seminar organized by NBC in collaboration with USAID-Governance & Economic Management Support Project. At the end of the specialized training, the stakeholders, formulated the first draft reporting templates of natural resources, including the mining sector, forestry and agriculture (rubber) for onward circulation of input. Validation and endorsement to be used by the NBC and other related governmental agencies on monitoring the countrys natural resources. NBCs Deputy Director General for Operations, J. Allison Barco, explained that the Term of Reference (TOR) of the Group is to give support to NBC, in the form of a robust
support to the commission and election- related issues in the country. Cllr. Kokorya then encouraged the CSOs to take ownership of the project and perform their duties with love of country in mind. The intent of the programs was to educate SCOs on their responsibilities in dealing with the voters education process. NEC is expected to hold elections for the seats of 15 senators whose respective positions have been declared vacant according to the Constitution of Liberia. The election for these 15 senators is the first election held and managed by the National Election Commission in Liberia in recent times.

IFES Warns CSOs

By Keith Morris
ery funding thru NEC to CSOs. He maintained that IFES will be rigid and robust in making sure that every cent provided by NECs partners towards CSOs are properly managed in order to benefit the larger population of the country. CSOs collecting money from NEC and partners will be held accountable if the voters education campaign we hired them for is not done properly. We expect that CSOs will monitor these projects that are to be implemented by voter-educators and make certain they are done correctly, Mr. Freeman indicated.

monitoring and evaluation system for tracking progress of implementation, compliance, scoring, and other fiscal and social functions, while establishing and maintaining an effective monitoring, evaluation and reporting procedure with more inclusive perspectives building on existing progress. Amongst other things, Mr. Barco said that the TWG would support the modernizing of systems and strategize on ways of ensuring easy compliance in line with acceptable best practices. A secretariat was also established to serve as a nucleus of the working group. Meanwhile, the Acting Director General of the NBC, Dickson Yarsiah said that in order for the country to be transformed, concessionaires must fully confine themselves to the agreement signed with the government of Liberia. Mr. Yarsiah, who is also the former Representative of Gbarpolu County, during the 52nd Legislature, (2006-2012) noted that some companies are yet to fully comply with the agreement signed with the Government of Liberia. As a commission with the

ivil Society Organizations (CSOs) operating in Liberia will no longer collect donors funding and misuse it, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) Senesee G. Freeman, National Program Manager, has warned. Addressing a two-day workshop organized by the National Elections Commission (NEC) for CSOs on the upcoming Special Senatorial Election, Mr. Freeman stressed his organizations focus on monitoring ev-

IFES was amongst NECs several partners who spoke at the two-day forum held for CSOs. The forum brought together about 45 CSOs for each training session. Also speaking, NEC Chairman Cllr. Jerome Kokorya stressed the importance of the voters education process in election. He maintained that working with CSOs to improve this aspect of our work remains critical to the commission. The NEC boss lauded the efforts of their partners and the National Government for the

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