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he appeasement of students and faculty of the University of Liberia by the granting their wish to fire the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Madam Wede Brownell, seems to have eased the tension outside the Capitol during the Presidents State of the nation address on Monday. The vicinity around the capitol was that of what some may call tranquility, as even government officials could walk from the road into the gates of the Capitol without being heckled or booed, simply because there was no one to do that. Some may wonder whether it was this move by the government along with the UL administration to grant the wish of the faculty association and the protesting students that kept the tranquility we saw, to this question the answer is any laymans guess. But in its heart the government may have been pleased that it all went as they had planned.

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STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS 2014 Page 2 | Frontpage Tuesday, January 28 , 2014

The presidents two-and-a-half hour long speech even surpassed record holder and former U.S. President Bill Clinton, who in 2000, according to the American Presidency Project at U.C.-Santa Barbara, delivered the longest State of the Union Address in U.S. history, since 1966. The University clocked Clintons speech at an hour and a half. Richard Nixon's 1972 speech was the shortest in that period, clocking in at 28 minutes and 35 seconds.
Monrovia -

resident Ellen Johnson-Sirleafs Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs had twelve months to fix an embarrassing delivery of her eight State of the Nation Speech in 2013 during which the president was forced to improvise after staffers misplaced portions of the speech, forcing her to connect the dot as she went along. Exactly one year later, Monday, Sirleaf, delivering her ninth annual message to the Third Session of the 53rd National Legislature, showed that her inner circle preparers failed to correct the errors of the previous year as the president painfully struggled and stuttered her way through two-and-half hours of what many critics say were unrealistic portions of the presidents ambitious second and final term agenda and probably her worst delivery of a national address during her nine-year run as president. The presidents two-and-a-half hour long speech even surpassed record holder and former U.S. President Bill Clinton, who in 2000, according to the American Presidency Project at U.C.Santa Barbara, delivered the longest State of the Union Address in U.S. history, since 1966. The University clocked Clintons speech at an hour and a half, one hour. Richard Nixon's 1972 speech was the shortest in that period, clocking in at 28 minutes and 35 seconds. The President is required by law to address the nation on the 4th working Monday of January each year, in a joint session of the Legislature. Some political observers point to criticisms the UP-led government has been battling in recent months as a key reason why the president went to great lengths to showcase some of her administrations accomplishment. In particular, a prequel delivered by Senator Nyonblee KarngaLawrence(Liberty Party, Grand Bassa), last Friday, suggesting what was on the minds of Liberians took the administration to task on several fronts, as a factor which may have driven the president to prolong her delivery this year. Delivering what the party is describing as a prequel to the presidents 2014 annual message, Senator Karnga-Lawrence said economic empowerment and reconciliation are among the key concerns Liberians are still yearning for. Liberians would want to hear President Sirleaf say something about the poor job growth and what the government did over the last twelve months to expand livelihood opportunities for all Liberians. Average Liberians would want to hear how and when the benefits derived from the new investments will reach down to them. The lawmaker threw jab at the governments current economic policy which she says scrambling for remnants of previous governments. The current is to dig for the old iron ore that President Tubman left; to cut down the trees that have grown since President Tolbert and President Does time, and to look for the diamonds and gold that President Taylor missed. While we are doing that, we are praying that somebody finds oil. But we know that if oil is found and not managed properly, we will never derive the full benefits just like we experienced with the other resources. On Monday, Sirleaf turned to a familiar refrain her administration has turned to in looking to lower the expectations of an antsy in search of answers to rapidly growing economic downturns when she declared: In addressing the Third Session of the 52nd National Legislature on January 28, 2008, I said that we could not bring quick fixes to the monumental problems that we inherited, that our tasks would be difficult and our challenges demanding. They remain so today. The President said while her administration has made significant advances in economic growth and development over the last eight years, she was proud of the achievements of the Liberian people. But issued a reminder that the country is recovering from a low economic base where 90 percent of our productive capacity had been destroyed, which is arguably the greatest decrease in economic output recorded in any country since World War II. Coming from where we were a broken, destroyed and nearly incapacitated country we have made marked progress in economic revitalization and the restoration of basic social services as part of the governance pact with the Liberian people. Socioeconomic conditions have improved as a result of the combined strong efforts of the national government, the people of Liberia and our development partners. As much as has been achieved in economic and social development and reduction in the effects of the multi-dimensions of poverty, we do admit that significantly more must be done and more will be done. What are

required now are continued peace and stability and the combined efforts of all Liberians in advancing the national cause of shared growth and development.

The President reiterated that her administration still have some distance to travel to overcome the challenges bequeathed by the long years of conflict, division, marginalization and exclusion. We know that it will require commitment to stay the course in the fight against corruption. We know that it will take courage to ensure that rights and freedoms are protected. But today, the bonds of our nation are stronger; the direction of our advance is clearer; and the common purpose of nation-building is compelling us to reach out to each other beyond our superficial differences in tribe, age, gender, religion and associations. Fact of Fiction? 90 or 240 Employed at TIBA But in an era when many Liberians are decrying the lack of efforts on the part of the government to bolster local entrepreneurs and failing to give tax break to local businesses, Sirleaf delivered even more ammunitions to her critics when she heaped praise on a foreign business firm operating a biscuit factory in Liberia as she heaped praises on the Ministry of Commerce for exploring ways to address the growing trade deficit and the difficult situation faced by consumers who are experiencing the negative consequences of the exchange rate depreciation. Said Sirleaf: The fastest growing sectors are dominated by micro, small and medium-sized businesses, located in the service and industrial sectors that are producing beverages, vegetable oils, flour, plastic products, agricultural goods and cement. New firms established in 2013 are developing value-added sectors such as biscuit manufacturing and furniture. One such company, according to Sirleaf, is the TIBA Industrial Group, which was reportedly granted investment incentives under the Consolidated Tax Amendments Act by the National Investment Commission. The president described the company as a local manufacturer of a variety of biscuit products Marie, Nice, Ginger, Digestive, Glucose, and Cream Cracker all of them very familiar to Liberians. Said Sirleaf: TIBA biscuits are 100 percent manufactured and packaged here, with plans to export Made in Liberia products. TIBA currently employs 90 Liberians operating one shift 90 percent of whom are women. At full capacity, the plant will operate three eight-hour shifts seven days a week, thereby increasing its workforce to 270 Liberians. This is an excellent example of the private sector creating industrial jobs for Liberians, and we want to recognize here and applaud the proprietors of the TIBA Group: Mackel Gharib, his father Rizkallah Gharib, and Cousin Atta Gharib. Ironically, during a tour of the companys facility in June last year, the former chairman of the National Investment Commission, Mr. Natty B. Davis, was informed by one of the companys senior managers, that the company had employed two hundred and forty Liberians, 140 employees more than that president declared in her speech Monday. The company also boasted that the least paid employee earned around USD 100 (One hundred United States Dollars). Plea to Abolish Antiquated Laws In a bid to address an issue which dogged her administration in the past year, the president put the legislature on notice of her administrations attempt to abolish antiquated laws from the books. Said Sirleaf: Laws crafted must be consistent with our national interests, determining, before submission to you, the financial

implications. Antiquated laws that retard the promotion of our fledgling democracy should be abolished. This Government was one of the first two African States that signed the Table Mountain Declaration, which calls for decriminalizing freedom of expression. Therefore, we will submit, for your consideration, bills to repeal all repressive laws as found in the statutes and in decrees of the PRC. Outside the capitol where the speech was being delivered, a group of Liberians seeking the replacement of Sirleaf stormed the capitol but was denied entrance on the grounds of the national legislature. The group argued that they were denied entrance form the capitol because they were not wearing unity party T-Shirt which some supporters of madam Ellen Johnson had and were allow on the grounds of the national legislature to sing praises to her. We have come today to enlighten the minds of the Liberian people that all is not well in Liberia. The Education sector is rotten; our health sector is rotten; there is no road to go to our people in the interior there is no job, people are unemployed, no food, people are not living in peace and we have come here to let madam Sirleaf know that the best thing to do is to resigned the head of the group stated. Cllr. Tiawon Gongloe, former Minister of Labor and Solicitor General, took it a step further by suggesting that little is being done by the current government to improve the current education standard which she describe as a mess. I wanted to see the remedy for changing that mess, because that mess is happing under her watch, after eight years in government you cannot blame president Taylor for education being a mess , you are in charge, I expected president Sirleaf to make parents happy , Gongloe said. Ghana is what it is today because Kwame Nkrumah did something revolutionary in Ghana, by laying emphasis on education . On Monday, Sirleaf underscored a recurring theme of her administration that education is the most critical element of her administrations development agenda. It is not cheap and it requires sacrifices by parents, students, teachers, leaders, and the entire nation. Our situation is made more difficult by the damage, displacement and cultural mutation of the past, by the special nature of our habitation, by the listless attitude of beneficiaries, by the institutional aversion to change. According to the 2010 Census the system, as currently exists, consists of 2,849 schools 2103 of which are public, 343 private, 226 religious and mission schools, and 177 community schools. There are five community colleges existing or in pre-operational status Grand Bassa, Bomi, Bong, Grand Gedeh, Lofa, and Nimba; nine four-year degree-granting institutions, including the University of Liberia and Tubman University which are public; two vocational training institutes Booker Washington Institute, which plans to move from high school to junior college; and the Monrovia Vocational Training Center, which should move this year into new modern and well-equipped facilities. But despite the presidents assertions, Representative Eugene Falapakah (Liberty Party, Lofa) lamented that nothing concrete is being done to clear ghost names from on government payroll. From her first message in 2006, all of her annual messages have captured the issue of ghost, the issue is: Yes we have identified it as a problem, but what has been done to clear the ghost? For me, I think much more effort needs to be placed in that particular area. On her governments infrastructural agenda, Sirleaf said the Deteriorated and inadequate road networks throughout Liberia have had adverse effects on the costs and transport of goods and services, vehicle operation costs, safe movement of citizens and residents within our borders, regional investments and trade opportunities, and the delivery of development and humanitarian assistance for our citizens. But said that in order to address the situation, her administration has invested huge sums in the construction of roads and bridges. These investments focus principally on primary road networks that connect production areas to markets, connect county capitals, and enhance national and sub-regional security, trade and commerce. Nevertheless the president said pavement of the Diahn-Blae Gbehzohn Highway, in Grand Bassa County, is completed. Construction is now accelerating on two major corridors: the Red-light to Gbarnga to Ganta (Guinea Border) Highway and the Kakata to Bong Mines Road. In order to address the delay, and in conformity with financial requirements, the Government had to pay over US$22 million to resettle individuals with properties in the right of way many of whom lacked title and built illegally, knowing the road construction was coming. By the end of 2014, our people will begin to feel the immediate impact of these major developments in their lives reduced travel time and costs of

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STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS 2014 Tuesday, January 28, 2014

vehicle operation and maintenance, better access to and reduction in costs of basic goods and services, and enhanced development in affected communities. The president said efforts and negotiations are under way, in fulfillment of our commitment to connect county capitals with paved roads. Feasibility studies and detailed engineering design for the Kornia to Voinjama and Mendekorma Corridors are completed, and a similar study for the Gbarnga to Kornia Corridor is nearing completion. Many of the presidents critics remain unsure how the government will acquire funding to complete many of the road projects being announced but Sirleaf said a special donor conference, in Monrovia, is planned for this year, to mobilize support for the construction of these vital roads which have high economic potential. The importance of this road is sufficiently high, requiring, if necessary, the allocation of budget resources to achieve this objective. We are unlikely to be able to meet our commitment to pave the Buchanan to Cestos to Greenville Corridor in time for the July 26 celebration, but an upgrade will take place as we seek financing for the full pavement. But Representative Falapaka said he believes that there are no tangible work done in his county on the road situation but has only been assured of feasibility study. For Lofa what we have benefited is the information on feasibility in every annual message no tangible work has been done years in years out representative Falapakah lamented. The president offered what many say is an unrealistic outlook of the economy when she declared that despite historical constraints and the sluggishness of global economic recovery in the last two years, the Liberian economy continues to be resilient. Said Sirleaf: Growth registered an average annual 8 percent between 2006-2013 the third highest in the ECOWAS region and well above the sub-Saharan Africa average of 2.5 percent. In reality, many Liberians remain critical of the ongoing feud between Sirleafs Finance Minister Amara Konneh and the Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia, many say is responsible or at least a contributing factor to the economic crisis. Benedict Williams, a former student leader at the University of Liberia was even more critical, suggesting that the presidents speech was cosmetic and lacked substance. We want to say that the issues raised by the president some of them are cosmetic because those issues were said far back, yesterday. We came to the very legislature and the president fell short of raising some of the very issues that she has raised today - so the Liberian expectation, I mean we are not too happy. Williams says most of the issues raised by the president were old issues as the country undergoes economic decline because the heads of top financial institutions Finance and Central Bank of Liberia - are at each others throat. The Ministry of Finance and the Governor of the Central Bank are in serious crisis, you

FUMBLING DELIVERY
cannot run the affairs of the economy when those two individual are having problems, Williams said. But Sirleaf said Monday that the CBL remains a strong institution with potential to do more in support of growth in the economy, adding that significant progress has been made in regulating the activities of the insurance sector, modernizing the payments system and establishing a collateral registry. The issuance of 90day Treasury bill denominated in Liberian dollar commenced in the fourth quarter of FY2012/13, primarily to facilitate revenue smoothing and as an initial step towards the creation of a domestic money market. Perhaps the most realistic declaration of the speech came in Sirleafs acknowledgement that the agriculture sector has underperformed. Said Sirleaf: Agriculture remains the key sector of the economy for local employment creation, poverty reduction, food security and income generation, as over 60 percent of the population depends on this sector for livelihood. Food security is listed as a national priority, but we must admit that there has been under-investment by both the public and private sectors. Only massive investment can fix this under-performing sector so that it can play the vital role of delivering inclusive economic growth, environmental sustainability and long-term poverty reduction. Our scarce budget resources cannot do this, given the many other priorities, so we will need to attract investment from the private sector. At the same time, the private sector will not respond if there is continued harassment, extortion and unreasonable community demands. Failing to tackle or mention the numerous land crises which dominated the last year, Sirleaf went on to trumpet that her administration has responded robustly to the issue. The Land Rights Policy promulgated in May is the clearest and most comprehensive categorization of land rights ever articulated in public policy in Liberia. Categories of land rights include: Private Land Rights, Customary Land Rights, Government Land Rights, and Public Land Rights. The Land Rights Policy represents a paradigm shift away from the unwritten but widely accepted policy of the past that gave government ownership rights over all lands. This is consistent with our decentralization program, and will provide opportunities for empowering rural communities by allowing them to manage their land and land-based resources so as to advance their economic growth and development. To ensure implementation of the new Policy, a draft Land Rights Law has been completed and is undergoing public validation for subsequent submission to you. Talking Tough on PUP, but One key area Sirleaf failed to tackle during the last year was her failure to act on recommendations made by a commission set up to probe the issue of Private Use Permits. The President said the issuance of 63 PUPs prior to the formulation of relevant regulations to guide the process raised national and international concerns and

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reiterated that a Special Independent Investigating Body (SIIB) was constituted to probe the matter made recommendations that led to a moratorium on the issuance and operations of all PUPs pending the validation of the draft regulation. The president went on to say that 29 of the 63 PUPs issued have been revoked, while the remaining 34 are being reviewed for further action and possible cancellation. It should be noted, however, that this has no effect on forest operations which continue for entities with valid Forest Management Contracts. The president said full revival of the sector, including contributions to revenue, is expected with passage of the legislation relating to bid premiums. The Board of Directors has been reconstituted and new management has taken bold steps toward compliance with all laws and regulations. The Voluntary Partnership Agreement with the European Union should attract quality investors committed to value addition to the sector. Taking a stab at the former controversial Auditor General John S. Morlu, Sirleaf trumpeted what she described as a reorganized General Auditing Commission (GAC) which has initiated 57 audits for 2013, giving an opportunity to break from the lethargy of inaction on past reports that were challenged. Our Constitution and laws are clear on accountability in the use of public resources. We will therefore require that work plans of the GAC go beyond the Executive to include the other two branches of government. In reality, many questioned the governments inability to prosecute corrupt officials or those accused of corruption. Sirleaf also offered ammunition to critics when she asserted that her administration is looking forward to a reorganized and re-energized GAC that is media shy and committed to a good governance process which ensures the highest level of integrity and a commitment to uphold the public trust, an apparent jibe at Morlu, who was often accused of making audit reports public. In a speech long on quantity and short on substance, according to some legislative watchers, Sirleaf came across unprepared at times and at least for over a minute, mute as she sifter through her speech to reconnect the dots, to the surprise of guests in attendance, reminiscent of last years faux pas. Quietly, some administration officials and guests who were in attendance acknowledged that the speech, mostly based on submissions of various government ministries and agencies, was too long in content. For Sirleaf, her ninth State of the Nation address may not only go down as one of the longest in Liberias history but one with a lot of subplots, falling short of a political home-run summed up aptly by Senator Dallas Gueh( Junior Senator, Rivercess County, Liberia Destiny Party): Look at her presentation. If you may compare her presentation last year and the presentation this year; if you look at the tone of her voice; if you look at her posture, she lacks confidence in ever basic fact that she try to present over there.

VOICES-

REACTIONS TO PRESIDENT SIRLEAF'S ADDRESS

CLLR. TIAWONGONGLOE
I wanted to see the remedy for changing the education mess, because that mess is happing under her watch, after eight years in government you cannot blame president Taylor for education being a mess , you are in charge; I expected President Sirleaf to make parents happy . Ghana is what is it today became Kwame Nkrumah did something revolutionary in Ghana , by laying emphasis on education. Sirleaf must follow such a legacy.

BENEDICT WILLIAMS, FORMER STUDENT LEADER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LIBERIA

raised today , so the Liberian expectation , I mean we are not too happy. The countrys is experiencing a fragile economic because two heads of top financial institutions are at each other throat. The Ministry of Finance and the Governor of the Central Bank are in serious crisis. You cannot run the affairs of the economy when those two individual are having problem.

REPRESENTATIVE EUGENE FALLAH KPARKAR(LOFA, LIBERTY PARTY)

From her message in 2006, all of her annual messages have captured the issue of ghosts. The issue is yes we have identified it as a problem; but what has been done to clear the ghosts. For me, I think much more effort need to be placed in that particular area. On the issue of roads, there are no tangible work done in his county on the road situation, but we have only been assured of feasibility study. For Lofa what we have benefited from is the information on feasibility in every annual message, no tangible work has been done years in years out .

We want to say that the issues raised by the president some of them are cosmetic cost those issues were said far back, yesterday we came to the very legislature and the president fell short of raising some of the very issues that she have

Look at her presentation. If you may compare her presentation last year and the presentation this year; if you look at the tone of her voice; if you look at her posture she lacks confidence in ever basic fact that she try to present over there. The average Liberian want to see the kind of transformation of their livelihood; they want to see the transformation of themselves the standard of living, the education of the children, healthcare delivery are key areas Liberians wanted to hear. The current national budget is not having impact on citizens in leeward counties and if only Monrovia and its environs are prioritized, government and citizens will only keep asking questions. The budget is no longer a legislative tool, the budget has been hijacked by the executive branch of government and there is no joke to that; We do not have the final saying on budget, it is always the executive branch of government .

DALLAS GUEH, JUNIOR SENATOR, RIVERCESS COUNTY

STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS 2014

CONSOLIDATING THE PROCESSES OF TRANSFORMATION

M
ANNUAL MESSAGE TO THE THIRD SESSION OF THE 53RD NATIONAL LEGISLATURE OF THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA BY HER EXCELLENCY MRS. ELLEN JOHNSON SIRLEAF PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA CAPITOL HILL, MONROVIA MONDAY, 27 JANUARY 2014 (AS PREPARED)
Tempore, notwithstanding the mounting challenges we face, and the difficult roads we must continue to travel, as a consequence of our combined efforts and the resilience of our people, I am proud to report to you that our Republic is, today, stronger, safer, and steadier than it has been in many years. I can thus say, with confidence, that the consolidation of the processes of Liberias renewal is solid; that our Agenda for Transformation, within the context of our National Vision 2030, is sound, realistic and achievable. I salute all r. Vice President and President of the Senate, and Mrs. Boakai; Mr. Speaker; Mr. President Pro-Tempore; Honorable Members of the Legislature; Mr. Chief Justice, Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, and Members of the Judiciary; The Dean and Members of the Cabinet and Other Government Officials; Mr. Doyen, Excellencies and Members of the Diplomatic Corps; Her Excellency, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations; Officers and Staff of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL); The Command Officer-in-Charge, Men and Women of the Armed Forces of Liberia; Former Officials of Government; Traditional Leaders, Chiefs and Elders; The Clergy; Political and Business Leaders; Officers and Members of the Bar Association; Labor and Trade Unions; Youth and Student Organizations; Civil Society Organizations; Members of the Media; Special Guests; Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen; Fellow Liberians: INTRODUCTION Once again, in fulfillment of the mandate given by Article 58 of our Constitution, we are here to present the Administrations legislative program and report to you on the State of the Republic. As we have done in the past, a full Executive Report, with comparative statistics, will subsequently be submitted to you. We hope that you will use it as a reference for more detailed information on the various public sector entities. First, let us all give praise and thanks to the Almighty God for his manifold blessings upon our Nation, including our celebration, in 2013, of a decade of peace, stability and continued development. With saddened hearts we bade final farewell, in 2013, to cherished loved ones. In their memory, please join me in a moment of silent meditation. Thank you. Mr. Vice President and President of the Senate: Let me again, in this public manner, express my thanks and gratitude for your dedication and unflinching commitment to the national cause we embarked upon together nine years ago. I know that I can continue to count on you for support as we consolidate the progress and meet the challenges of the next four years. Mr. Speaker and Mr. President Pro-Tempore: Thank you for your dedicated leadership of this august body, and for passage of significant legislations to improve the lives of our people. Honorable Legislators: We welcome all of you back, from your annual Recess, and look forward to continued good working relations. Honorable Legislators: In addressing the Third Session of the 52nd National Legislature on January 28, 2008, I said that we could not bring quick fixes to the monumental problems that we inherited, that our tasks would be difficult and our challenges demanding. They remain so today. We know that we have some distance to travel to overcome the challenges bequeathed to us by the long years of conflict, division, marginalization and exclusion. We know that it will require commitment to stay the course in the fight against corruption. We know that it will take courage to ensure that rights and freedoms are protected. But today, the bonds of our nation are stronger; the direction of our advance is clearer; and the common purpose of nation-building is compelling us to reach out to each other beyond our superficial differences in tribe, age, gender, religion and associations. Therefore, Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. President ProBank (acting on behalf of the Nigeria Trust Fund) and between Government and the African Development Fund (on behalf of the Fragile States Unit) which will give us a paved highway along that critical corridor connecting Harper and Karloken, that links our most southeasterly county, Maryland, to the rest of the country. Honorable Ladies and Gentlemen: We recall also your ratification of the Restated and Amended Production Sharing Contract for LB-13 between Government and ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Liberia Ltd., a subsidiary of the worlds largest oil company, and Canadian Overseas Petroleum (Bermuda). This contract brings into the offshore oil exploration arena in our territory another reputable, credible giant oil company. It elevates Liberia on the list of frontier countries with encouraging prospects. Today, in the mineral resource sector, Liberia boasts the presence of some of the largest, mostexperienced, and reputable companies as contracting partners for exploration and extraction of our mineral and hydrocarbon resources. Honorable Ladies and Gentlemen: We were especially pleased that you ratified the Financing Agreements with the International Development Association for the Smallholder Agricultural Productivity Enhancement and Commercialization Project, and for the Smallholder Tree Crop Revitalization Project, both aimed at stimulating agricultural production among our small farmers. We also recall passage of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement with the European Commission, which sets the stage for assured access of our forests products into European markets. Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. President-Pro Tempore, Honorable Ladies and Gentlemen: Thank you for the several bills passed in support of good governance and the rule of law, thereby promoting administrative efficiency and fostering peace and security for our people. Paramount among these were bills to improve the investment climate and strengthen the financial system against money laundering by, among other things, establishing a Financial Intelligence Unit; and creating the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and a semi-autonomous Revenue Authority. Our Penal Code was strengthened by amendments on illicit human trafficking, extortion, environmental crimes, and fraud. The Jury Law was amended to expand access to justice, improve sentencing in criminal cases, and to better facilitate the conduct of trials. For local government, several new statutory districts were established which are likely to be integrated into a larger governance structure once the Local Government Act is passed. This will ensure that new statutory districts are not created solely for political purposes or would not impose undue burdens on the National Budget. As you commence this 3rd Session of the 53rd Legislature, we urge you to consider passage of other bills that have been submitted but remain under deliberations. In particular, we refer to Bills that would: Amend the Penal Code by providing for the Criminal Conveyance of Land; Amend the Act establishing the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission to provide for immediate Direct Prosecutorial Powers; Amend the New Executive Law of 1972 to establish the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection; Repeal Chapter 60 of the Executive Law Creating the John F. Kennedy Medical Center and replace it with a new Chapter 60 to be titled The John F. Kennedy Medical Center Act (2013); Amend the Telecommunications Act of 2007 with respect to the Liberia Telecommunications Authority; and Amend Title 21 of the Liberian Code of Laws of 1956 to update the provisions of the Maritime Law and Maritime regulations to implement the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006. Honorable Ladies and Gentlemen: Several Bills already submitted await your ratification. They are: the Instrument of Accession to the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Convention on the

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Tuesday, January 28 , 2014

Liberians, and thank our development partners for this remarkable achievement. LEGISLATIVE AGENDA Mr. Vice President and President of the Senate, Mr. Speaker, Mr. President Pro-Tempore and Members of the Legislature: Thank you, again, for your cooperation in passing into law several pieces of legislation relevant to the reconstruction process of our dear country. The records show that 46 bills were passed and received during the 2nd Session of the 53rd Legislature. The ratified bills include the Mount Coffee Hydro-Generation Rehabilitation Finance Contract between Government and the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the International Development Association (IDA) for the Accelerated Electricity Expansion Project, and the Liberia Financing Agreement between Government and the International Development Association for the West African Power Pool plus the Act ratifying the Treaty for the Construction, Operation and Development of the Interconnection Lines joining Cte dIvoire, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. These will lead to the rebuilding and expansion of generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, providing an economic stimulus of widespread effect. An economic boost is also expected from passage of the Act ratifying the Loan Agreement between Government and the African Development

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STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS 2014

CONSOLIDATING THE PROCESSES OF TRANSFORMATION

Simplification and Harmonization of Customs Procedures; the Financing Agreement for the Health Systems Strengthening Project between Government and the International Development Association (IDA); the African Nuclear Weapon Free Zone Treaty; the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union; the Bamako Convention on the Ban of the Importation and the Control of Hazardous Wastes in Africa; the Constitution of the African Civil Aviation Commission; the Charter of the Africa Finance Corporation; the African Union Convention on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources; the African Union NonAggression and Common Defence Pact; the Protocol on the Statute of the African Court of Justice and Human Rights; the OAU Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism; the Protocol to the OAU Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism; the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance; the Convention on the African Energy Commission; the OAU Convention for the Elimination of Mercenarism in Africa; the Cotonou Partnership Agreement; and the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons. Mr. Vice President and President of the Senate, Mr. Speaker, Mr. President Pro-Tempore and Honorable Legislators: We intend to submit several new bills, in particular: A Bill to ratify the Loan Agreement between the National Port Authority and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development for the Port of Greenville Rehabilitation Project; A Bill to Amend the Judiciary Law to Create Criminal Court F of the First Judicial Circuit, Montserrado County and Special Divisions of the Circuit Courts of other Counties to have Exclusive Original Jurisdiction over Corruption and Related Economic and Financial Crimes; A Bill to ratify the 1988 United Nations Convention against Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances; A Bill to Amend the Executive Law, Chapter 22, on the Ministry of Justice, Subchapter F, to strengthen the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency; A new Controlled Drug and Substances Act; A Bill to Establish the Rubber Development Fund to mobilize financial resources to regenerate the rubber sector; A Bill to Establish a Securities Market in Liberia; A new Local Government Act in harmony with national policies designed to more efficiently render services in a decentralized manner; An Amendment to the Public Health Law to add a new Chapter on Mental Health; An Amendment to the Civil Procedure Law on Special Proceedings Concerning Mentally Disabled and Legally Incompetent Persons to be titled the Mental Health Procedural Act; A new law for regulating insurance to be titled the Insurance Act (2014); An Amendment to the Charter of the University of Liberia; An Amendment to the 1989 Act Creating the National Commission on Higher Education; A Bill to Establish the Liberia National Tourism Authority; A Bill to ratify the protocol establishing the Community Court of Justice for ECOWAS; Multiple Bills relating to ratification of several treaties, conventions and protocols Government has signed with the United Nations World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Africa Regional Property Organization (AFRIPO) to protect the literary and artistic works of musicians, motion picture producers, writers and inventors; An Amendment to the Mineral Development Agreement among the Government of Liberia, Sesa Goa Limited and Bloom Fountain Limited; A Bill to ratify the Hague Convention on Inter-Country Adoptions; A Bill Outlining Procedures for the Exercise of the Constitutional Authority for Expropriation; A Bill to ratify a Mineral Development Agreement between Government and Hummingbird Resources (Liberia) Inc.; A Bill to ratify a Concession Agreement between Government and the Liberia Cocoa Corporation, a wholly Liberiansponsored agricultural enterprise; and A Bill to ratify a Power Purchase Agreement and an Implementation Agreement between Jindal Corporation and Government for the construction of a 175 MW coal power plant. Honorable Ladies and Gentlemen: Additionally, we will be submitting, for your consideration: A Bill to Create Special Economic Zones in the country; A Bill to Establish an Energy Law to govern the energy sector; and A Bill for National Wildlife Conservation and for the Management of Protected Areas of Liberia; and percent between 2006-2013 the third highest in the ECOWAS region and well above the sub-Saharan Africa average of 2.5 percent. Growth and progress could have registered even higher levels if greater effort had been made to unleash the potential consistent with the more than US$16 billion which was mobilized in Direct Foreign Investment. As we move to address historical constraints, infrastructure is a first priority. An economic Constraints Analysis conducted by the Government in collaboration with the Millennium Challenge Corporation, has identified electricity and roads as the two binding constraints to economic growth and private investment. Reform of the fiscal system which started in 2006 is still a long way away from the efficiency level required to fully support our economic aspirations. The budget has increased significantly since FY2006/7, allowing service provision and investment to expand. Core revenue (tax revenue, non-tax revenue and grants) increased by an average of 29 percent each year, and total revenues, including contingent revenue and on-budget borrowing, rose from US$148 million in FY2006/7 to US$559 million in FY2012/13. Continued sluggishness in core revenue, increasing by only 17 percent over the previous year, and an average 27 percent over the seven years, suggests more effort to strengthen the Ministry of Finance which needs to take bolder steps, including proposed legislation to broaden the tax base. Even though good partnership relations through grant support and one-off payments from sign-on bonuses have covered revenue gaps over the past years, this practice is not sustainable and could become a disincentive to efficiency in tax collection and tax consciousness. A vigorous tax enforcement plan is being finalized by the Ministry of Finance, to be implemented by a Special Task Force as we move to make the Revenue Authority operational at a much faster pace. The activities of this Task Force may cause discomfort and embarrassment for some public officials and prominent individuals and businesses that are yet to pay their fair share of taxes. We encourage each of us to check our records and move quickly into full compliance. It is only by paying our fair share of taxes that we can boast of truly contributing to our national reconstruction and development. Expenditure for budget year 2012/13 totaled US$593 million, an increase of 22 percent over the previous year and annual average growth of 28 percent over the seven-year period. Recurrent expenditure, especially wages and salaries and goods and services, continue to dominate the budget, crowding out the capital expenditure required for a growing economy. In 2012/13, this amounted to US$326 million out of a total expenditure of US$593 million. Capital expenditure in the Public Sector Investment Plan (PSIP) increased to US$138 million in FY2012/13 from the US$51.9 million allocated in the previous year. This included off-budget lending of US$14.4 million through concessional loans and credits. Additional off-budget financing through grants and loans to support programs and projects amounted to a disbursed amount of US$499 million, representing about 83 percent of the aid projection of US$567 million. Loans contracted from external sources to date total approximately US$757 million. In support of a wide range of development activities, Acts covering US$456 million have been ratified while Acts for US$300 million are currently before you pending ratification. Domestic debt service during the period totaled approximately US$40 million, representing settlement of Central Bank of Liberias US$7.5 million bridge and US$21.2 million overdraft facilities. An additional US$11.8 million was paid to settle other domestic debts, and US$7.09 million to external debts. Having complied with the requirements of the HIPC program, which led to the waiver of a significant portion of our external debt, Liberia is able to access financial markets once again to increase public sector investment with fiscally prudent borrowings aimed solely at addressing the infrastructure deficit. For the first time, the FY2012/13 budget was prepared using a Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), a process that programs revenues and expenditure over a three-year period, thus aligning with the Agenda for Transformation. Many challenges remain in improving financial management, a situation exacerbated by unduly long procurement processes which must be corrected. We are addressing these shortcomings by strengthening the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework budget process; strengthening the technical capacity of the Project Management Office in the Department of Budget; and reviewing the laws, provisions and organizational arrangements in the procurement process. We will also implement stringent guidelines relating to the State-Owned Enterprises which will no longer be allowed to make discretionary disbursements, approved by self-serving Boards that are not in conformity with our priorities and goals. Honorable Legislators: If we are to achieve our development goals and respond to the calls of our citizens for better roads, more lights, available and affordable power, more water, more schools and more hospitals, we must reduce the waste in recurrent expenditure, and increase public sector investments to the level of minimum annual US$150 million, as required to achieve our growth targets. We therefore ask, in the interest of a smooth budget process in this political year, that you exercise caution and consultation in your review and action on the budget submitted by the Executive. We too want more development in the rural areas, but this can only be achieved through a realistic budgetary process and a collaborative effort that recognizes respective constitutional mandates. The financial system has continued to expand under the guidance of the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) in branch networks, foreign exchange bureaux and credit unions. This resulted in significant expansion in credit which was buoyed by policy measures relating to more stringent action by the CBL and the Commercial Court, resulting in a decrease in non-performing loans. Credit expansion will also be positively impacted once delayed implementation of the

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Concurrently, in keeping with the Forestry Reform Law of 2006 that requires Government to place 1.5 million hectares (30 percent) of forestlands under protection, we will submit a bill to establish the Gola National Park. Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. President Pro-Tempore and Members of this Honorable Legislature: Laws crafted must be consistent with our national interests, determining, before submission to you, the financial implications. Antiquated laws that retard the promotion of our fledgling democracy should be abolished. This Government was one of the first two African States that signed the Table Mountain Declaration, which calls for decriminalizing freedom of expression. Therefore, we will submit, for your consideration, bills to repeal all repressive laws as found in the statutes and in decrees of the PRC. During the last several weeks, Honorable Members of the House of Representatives have been conducting consultations on a new Petroleum Law and the restructuring of the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL). We trust the process you have undertaken will lead to a Petroleum Act that we would find suitable to approve. Honorable Ladies and Gentlemen: During the period under review, we issued seven (7) Executive Orders to address national imperatives. They are: Executive Order #49 Extension of Executive Order No. 36 Exempting the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation from Customs Duties on Certain Products; Executive Order #50 Moratorium on the Exportation of Unprocessed Natural Rubber; Executive Order #51 Extension of Executive Order #41 Exempting Selected Entities from Customs Duties on Fuel; Executive Order #52 Suspension of Sections 904(a) and 904(b) of the Revenue Code of Liberia as Amended 2011; Executive Order #53 Moratorium on Public Land Sales; Executive Order #54 Temporary Suspension of Import Duty and Goods and Services Tax on Commercial Public Transport Buses; and on Spare Parts for the National Transit Authority (NTA) Buses; and Executive Order #55 Re-Issuance of an Administrative Code of Conduct for Members of the Executive Branch of Government. THE STATE OF THE ECONOMY Honorable Ladies and Gentlemen: We have indeed made significant advances in economic growth and development over the last eight years of our national stewardship. We are proud of the achievements of the Liberian people. But we must all be reminded that our country is recovering from a low economic base where 90 percent of our productive capacity had been destroyed, which is arguably the greatest decrease in economic output recorded in any country since World War II. Coming from where we were a broken, destroyed and nearly incapacitated country we have made marked progress in economic revitalization and the restoration of basic social services as part of the governance pact with the Liberian people. Socioeconomic conditions have improved as a result of the combined strong efforts of the national government, the people of Liberia and our development partners. As much as has been achieved in economic and social development and reduction in the effects of the multi-dimensions of poverty, we do admit that significantly more must be done and more will be done. What is required now is continued peace and stability and the combined efforts of all Liberians in advancing the national cause of shared growth and development. In the decades preceding instability, Liberias growth record was remarkable as shown in statistical terms, but this masked serious problems of poverty and inequality in much of the country. The Agenda for Transformation recognizes this, pointing out that Vision 2030 will only be achieved if there is Economic Transformation addressing long-standing structural deficiencies. The beginning years of our national recovery required reactivation of growth in those traditional economic sectors; however, these latter years demand a commitment not to repeat the mistakes of the past to respond to inequality by lifting a larger number of the population out of longstanding poverty through inclusive growth. Historically, our growth potential is challenged by chronic deficits in critical infrastructure, and a largely undiversified economy dependent mainly upon traditional export products iron ore, rubber and timber which are exposed to global markets volatility. Despite these historical constraints and the sluggishness of global economic recovery in the last two years, the Liberian economy continues to be resilient. Growth registered an average annual 8

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support from the former President of Nigeria, the Obasanjo Farms, Liberia (OBL) was established in Grand Cape Mount County, and the first part of the operation the production and sale of fresh eggs was formally opened for business in July. A hatchery for the supply of day-old chicks will become operational in early March, and a Feed Mill will become fully operational thereafter. Project New Outlook (PNO), an agricultural-based NGO established in 1998, is headed by its founder and Executive Director, Mrs. Beatrice Togba Wuo, with their head office at Barnard Farm, Paynesville, and two production sites in Zoe Dahn Clan. With funding from the Finnish Refugee Council, PMO launched a community-based program in 1999 with vulnerable women widows, single parents and young girls that have dropped out of school, are unemployed, and yet bearing children from the Forzohn Community, Mambahn District, and lower Margibi County. Between 2003-2006, PNO worked in 30 communities in Margibi County, in partnership with Mercy Corps, and provided training and support for improved farming methods. Mrs. Togba Wuo and her team are currently partnering with Finn Church Aid to implement two agricultural projects in which they support 96 vulnerable women farmers that have been trained to produce and market eggs and assorted vegetables in rural and urban areas of Montserrado County. We commend them and recognize Mrs. Togba Wuos presence here today. Important action has been taken to stimulate the fishing industry, which has the potential to supply the local and export markets, increase revenue and create jobs. Tuna fish licensing will commence in February; and two fish landing clusters a one-stop center where caught fish are stored, processed and distributed for the local market or for export will be constructed in Grand Bassa and Grand Cape Mount Counties. A coastal station will be built in Harper, Maryland County; and industrial fish offloading and export jetties will be constructed at the Freeport of Monrovia. The head office of the Bureau of National Fisheries will be constructed at the Omega Village, in Paynesville, to monitor the implementation of the National Fisheries Policy. Legislation, as required, is near completion for submission to you. Land is the critical asset of a natural resource rich country. Liberia has a total land area of 111,370 square kilometers, including 96,320 square kilometers of land and 15,050 square kilometers of water. Agriculture land constitutes about 27 percent of the total land area, but only about 5 percent of the land mass is under cultivation, making land utilization extremely low and lagging behind other countries in the region. Access to land and security of tenure have been major constraints to increased production and productivity in the concession agriculture sector. This is due to competing and conflicting rights of tenure among mining, agriculture and forestry operators, creating tensions exacerbated by the historical claims to land in affected rural communities. The Government has responded robustly to the issue. The Land Rights Policy promulgated in May is the clearest and most comprehensive categorization of land rights ever articulated in public policy in Liberia. Categories of land rights include: Private Land Rights, Customary Land Rights, Government Land Rights, and Public Land Rights. The Land Rights Policy represents a paradigm shift away from the unwritten but widely accepted policy of the past that gave government ownership rights over all lands. This is consistent with our decentralization program, and will provide opportunities for empowering rural communities by allowing them to manage their land and land-based resources so as to advance their economic growth and development. To ensure implementation of the new Policy, a draft Land Rights Law has been completed and is undergoing public validation for subsequent submission to you. The Land Commission has also tackled other areas in the land sector. Land disputes continue to be a dominant feature of community life throughout the country. Land Coordination Centers have been established and are fully operational in Lofa, Margibi, Bong, Nimba and Maryland Counties. They serve as pilots in coordinating Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) for dealing with land disputes in these five counties. Passage of the Criminal Conveyance of Land Bill is awaiting House concurrence. This bill which addresses criminal activities in the land sector, such as fraudulent sales, will enhance access to land and improve tenure security. There is urgent need to create a new land agency, which would consolidate the land sector and improve efficiency and transparency of land administration and management. A draft creating the new agency is under review and will subsequently be forwarded to you. Liberia is rich in natural resources: virgin forests accounting for 43 percent of the biodiversity in West Africa; mountains filled with iron ore, gold and other minerals; fertile land, with plentiful rain for agriculture; and our share of the Atlantic Ocean filled with varieties of fish and the potential for hydrocarbon. The exploitation of these resources must be done in an appropriate governance framework that will protect the national interest but continue to create a conducive environment for investment. The management of our natural resources calls for an open and transparent environment which guarantees investors a fair return on their investment, while maximizing benefits for Liberian citizens and Liberian businesses. New forest laws stress the integration of community, conservation, and commercial forest management, while a Community Rights Law empowers communities to fully engage in the management of forest resources. The National Forestry Reform Law of 2006 makes provision for the issuance of five categories of forest resource licenses to access forest contracts: Forest Management Contract (FMC), Timber Sales Contract (TSC); Private Use Permit (PUP); Forest Use Permit (FUP); and Community Forestry. Poor management of the implementation of those laws resulted in a setback in attracting quality investors to the sector and in a major loss in revenue. The issuance of 63 PUPs prior to the formulation of relevant regulations to guide the process raised national and international concerns. A Special Independent Investigating Body (SIIB) we constituted to probe the matter made recommendations that led to a moratorium on the issuance and operations of all PUPs pending the validation of the draft regulation. Meanwhile, 29 of the 63 PUPs issued have been revoked, while the remaining 34 are being reviewed for further action and possible cancellation. It should be noted, however, that this has no effect on forest operations which continue for entities with valid Forest Management Contracts. Full revival of the sector, including contributions to revenue, is expected with passage of the legislation relating to bid premiums. The Board of Directors has been reconstituted and new management has taken bold steps toward compliance with all laws and regulations. The Voluntary Partnership Agreement with the European Union should attract quality investors committed to value addition to the sector. The National Bureau of Concessions began work, with stakeholders, to develop a uniform national template to monitor and evaluate the compliance of concessionaires in the country, in order to reduce the many and often confusing reportorial lines. A National Concessions Cadastre is to be established for the administration and operation of a unified National Concessions Database System that will integrate and consolidate a repository of concession information. The Bureau is to make certain that concessionaires remain in full compliance with the terms and conditions of their respective concession agreements, and ensures that Liberian citizens and firms get the anticipated employment and business opportunities from these concession contracts. The Bureau faces challenges, including the lack of human capacity, logistics and insufficient budget allocation. The new management is expected to address these challenges to meet the purpose for which the Bureau was created. The Liberia Maritime Authority, despite the current global economic crisis was able to conduct its planned activities, contributing approximately US$19 million to the National Budget. The Liberia Marine Training Institute, opened in October 2011 after closure since 1989, graduated 80, bringing to over 500 the number of trained and certified Liberians who are now prepared for employment in the Maritime sector. This is most inadequate when we consider that 4,000 vessels are registered under our Flag. Plans are under way to expand opportunities and train more Liberians for employment in maritime work. The Authority initiated the innovative Beaches and Waterways project which, in its fifth year of operation, continued to employ over 1,900 beach community dwellers. This adds value, as many citizens can now walk and play on the beach without risk to safety and unsanitary conditions. In 2013, Liberia was one of three sub-Saharan African States reelected, for the 2014-2015 biennium, to the International Maritime Organization Assemblys 40-Member Council, a notable achievement of the Authority. The Ministry of Commerce is exploring ways to address the growing trade deficit and the difficult situation faced by consumers who are experiencing the negative consequences of the exchange rate depreciation. This highlights the urgent need to expand the export sector and diversify our economy away from traditional exports to new value-added sectors. The fastest growing sectors are dominated by micro, small and medium-sized businesses, located in the service and industrial sectors that are producing beverages, vegetable oils, flour, plastic products, agricultural goods and cement. New firms established in 2013 are developing value-added sectors such as biscuit manufacturing and furniture. One such company, the TIBA Industrial Group, is a local manufacturer of a variety of biscuit products Marie, Nice, Ginger, Digestive, Glucose, and Cream Cracker all of them very familiar to Liberians. TIBA biscuits are 100 percent manufactured and packaged here, with plans to export Made in Liberia products. TIBA currently employs 90 Liberians operating one shift 90 percent of whom are women. At full capacity, the plant will operate three eight-hour shifts seven days a week, thereby increasing its workforce to 270 Liberians. This is an excellent example of the private sector creating industrial jobs for Liberians, and we want to recognize here and applaud the proprietors of the TIBA Group: Mackel Gharib, his father Rizkallah Gharib, and Cousin Atta Gharib. We applaud another successful Liberian businessman who CNN has recognized as the street vendor who turned US$200 into a potential multi-million-dollar business. He is Mr. Fomba Trawally, founder and owner of National Toiletries Inc. (NTI). Under the label of Kumba, Bendu & Sons, NTI manufactures paper towels, napkins, toilet paper and baby diapers, as well as cleaning products. The company, which started production a little over a year ago, has 45 employees -- 32 of them women -- and is located in Whein Town, in Montserrado County. Let us recognize and appreciate this enterprising Liberian. The Ministry ensured that MSMEs are assisted with a supportive business climate, by eliminating the L$4,200 business license fee and simplifying the procedures so that the entire registration process takes an average 48 hours. Liberia is thus rated the third easiest

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decision to reduce the reserve requirement of commercial banks is made, thus bringing the CBL in harmony with similar institutions in the region. Credit expansion will also have greater potential and maximum impact when citizens demonstrate their responsibility by repaying their loans, a factor which continues to weaken access to credit for local companies. Relatively stable since 2010, the Liberian dollar came under enormous pressure during the year, resulting in a depreciation of 15 percent. This was due in part to deteriorating terms of trade caused by rising demand for imports and decline in exports from rubber which, along with iron ore, represents 95 percent of total exports. The UNMIL drawdown has also impacted the injection of foreign exchange into our market. The depreciation was also due to speculative capital flight which was addressed by CBL intervention in the foreign exchange market, which mopped up excess Liberian dollar liquidity that contributes to exchange rate volatility. At the same time, international reserves fell US$14 million below the target level required under our program with the International Monetary Fund, implying less than three-month import cover. A CBL decision placed US$22 million in commercial banks as economic stimulus lending to the agricultural and construction sectors and to Liberian businesses. The beneficial results of this action can only be assured through better coordination and cooperation by the leadership of the Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance. Nevertheless, the high level of dollarization moderated the effect of the depreciation, keeping inflation at a single-digit 7.5 percent, which compares favorably with other countries in the region. The reserve target under our program with the International Monetary Fund was also met at the end of December. The CBL remains a strong institution with potential to do more in support of growth in the economy. Significant progress has been made in regulating the activities of the insurance sector, modernizing the payments system and establishing a collateral registry. The issuance of 90-day Treasury bill denominated in Liberian dollar commenced in the fourth quarter of FY2012/13, primarily to facilitate revenue smoothing and as an initial step towards the creation of a domestic money market. A four-year roadmap was formulated to address the dual currency issue through a rational and gradual transition process of dedollarization through the removal of barriers to increase demand for transaction in Liberian dollars. A more effective cooperative role by the monetary and fiscal authorities will ensure that the economy performs as planned and the roadmap is implemented as envisioned. Agriculture remains the key sector of the economy for local employment creation, poverty reduction, food security and income generation, as over 60 percent of the population depends on this sector for livelihood. Food security is listed as a national priority, but we must admit that there has been under-investment by both the public and private sectors. Only massive investment can fix this under-performing sector so that it can play the vital role of delivering inclusive economic growth, environmental sustainability and longterm poverty reduction. Our scarce budget resources cannot do this, given the many other priorities, so we will need to attract investment from the private sector. At the same time, the private sector will not respond if there is continued harassment, extortion and unreasonable community demands. Consistent with national priority, the Ministry of Agriculture has mobilized support for smallholders with production potential in rubber, coffee and cocoa, as they will have positive impact on exports and employment. More needs to be done for smallholders in food crop and animal production who continue to produce at subsistence level in the informal sector. Support will require more than tools and seeds, as the lack of roads, storage and markets also serve as major constraints. Bold action may be required by shifting from the existing low funding level to one that will build a solid foundation for a highly productive, internationally competitive and diversified agricultural sector. The 2014/15 budget submission will thus include: support for access to credit for farmers at an initial funding level of US$9.3 million; addressing the serious health concerns of small farmers especially those producing rice in the more productive lowlands fields with a three-year annual investment of US$ 1.7 million; and a three-year agricultural mechanization proposal with an annual investment of US$2.3 million. Progress was made in developing the poultry industry. With direct

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Honorable Members of the Legislature: As a result of intense diplomacy and concrete confidence-building measures, our administration has deepened friendly relations with the Government and people of Cte dIvoire, forging positive cooperation to address border-line tensions such as that which occurred in 2012. Our two governments, with support from the UN Missions in Liberia and Cte dIvoire, made good our respective commitments to stabilize and restore calm along our border through measures intended to bolster security and build confidence. Meetings in Monrovia in September and October among our two governments and the UN peacekeeping missions, led to the establishment of a Joint Council of Chiefs and Elders to encourage border safety and continual promotion of confidence-building. Our administration continues to pursue a robust development diplomacy agenda through the conclusion of cooperation agreements and joint commissions with friendly governments, including the Peoples Republic of China, Japan, India, Indonesia, Guinea, Qatar, Equatorial Guinea, Brazil and Cte dIvoire. Memoranda of Understanding and Statements of Intent were also concluded with the United States of America and the European Union, establishing political consultation mechanisms for the promotion of bilateral cooperation. A bilateral forum with the European Commission was held during the year, and similar fora are planned in the United States and Japan in the next few months. Liberia, as one of three co-chairs, hosted, last January, the Third Meeting of the High-Level Panel of Eminent Persons established by the United Nations Secretary-General to craft a global development framework to replace the Millennium Development Goals when they expire at the end of 2015. We recommend your reading of the report of the Panel, titled A New Global Partnership: Eradicate Poverty and Transform Economies through Sustainable Development, which has received global acclaim. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs notes with satisfaction the increased foreign diplomatic presence in Liberia as a result of effective diplomacy, and a vote of confidence in the countrys future. These include the reopening of the British Embassy in Monrovia, with a Resident Ambassador, after more than 20 years of non-resident diplomatic presence; and opening of Embassies of Brazil, Sweden and the State of Qatar in Monrovia, at the level of Resident Ambassadors. There are about 38 facilities housing our Chanceries and the residences of our diplomatic staff abroad. Fifteen of these properties are owned by Government. The properties in Washington D.C., Paris and Abuja are in relative good shape; the rest are in serious disrepair and have suffered from neglect over the last quarter century of our civil crisis. Most of these properties are located in prime areas around the world and, with enough funding to give them a face-lift, Government could find itself owning properties of great value. Most of the Embassies are understaffed. Staff accommodation is less than desirable, and because of inadequate rental allowances, many of the officers are forced to live in areas that are not representative of their status as diplomats of the Republic. Additionally, there is no provision in the budget for education allowance or medical insurance coverage for staff and, in many instances, Government is in breach of laws of the host countries regarding benefits of local employees. In the MRU region, we own prime properties for Chanceries in Abidjan, Conakry and Freetown, which are in urgent need of repair and renovation. The residence of the current Vice President of Ghana is a neighbor to the premises of our Embassy, and our Chancery is occupying land in the heart of Accra that is a few feet of the Foreign Ministry of Ghana. If immediate action is not taken to erect decent structures in these two locations, Government could lose them. The same goes for the property in Addis Ababa. Because Liberia was among the first to acquire property in that country, our Embassy is within a stones throw of the new multi-million-dollar AU Commission Headquarters. The Ethiopian Government has been patient with us, but we could lose the property unless we meet the standards for properties within that vicinity. In all, Government may need an allotment of at least US$20 million in order to bring all of our properties to a minimum standard so that they do not stand out among glittering buildings around the world. Such an allotment would also enable us to improve salaries and other benefits for our staff, and would make it easier to rotate, retire and clean up the Foreign Service. SECURITY, PEACE, JUSTICE, AND RULE OF LAW The celebration of a Decade of Peace in 2013 was a milestone achievement for us as a nation, regardless of our individual status, ethnicity, political and religious affiliations. We are all proud of this collective achievement, recognizing that violence, which knows no boundaries or differences, shatters and destroys; while peace pools the resources of a people, leading them to greater development. With the support of the international community, especially the United States and United Nations peacekeeping and peace-building efforts, Liberia has rebuilt a new, ethnically balanced and professional army; and has embarked upon a process to enhance the professional capacity of the Liberia National Police, immigration and intelligence agencies in line with their responsibility for security within our borders. However, much work remains to be done, and so we welcome the recent UN Security Council Resolution 2116 that extends the mandate of UN peacekeepers to September 30, 2014. Under the leadership of the Ministry of National Defense, a 1,980-person-strong Armed Forces of Liberia continues to position itself to support a democratic environment through tactical and technical proficiencies and the development of a robust capacity to defend our territorial integrity. The Armed Forces Training Command, now headquartered at the newly renovated Todee Camp, assumed responsibility for tactical and proficiency training locally, and is presently training 140 new army recruits, which will be increased by some 400 recruits who were vetted and endorsed by the Joint Personnel Board. The AFL is also expanding its Engineering and Medical Units to assist in reconstruction projects and social service delivery. Similarly, the Coast Guard, of 82 persons, is expanding and strengthening its capabilities to patrol and protect our maritime domain, as evidenced by the arrests of several illegal fishing vessels in our waters. The UNMIL transition plan, which transfers security management of the state to the Government of Liberia, has entered its second phase, having completed phase one in the following strategic locations: Robertsport, Foya District, and the Loguatou Border, Nimba County. Plans are well under way for trained security units to fill security personnel gaps created by the UNMIL drawdown. Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. President Pro-Tempore: In my last years Annual Message, I indicated that we would, at the 2014 Armed Forces Day Celebration, install a Liberian Army Chief of Staff. Having consulted the relevant committees and your good selves, we have officially nominated, for confirmation by the Honorable Senate, the Chief of Staff, the Deputy Chief of Staff and the Brigade Commander, all of whom, if confirmed, would be installed in these positions on February 11, Armed Forces Day. We will then bid farewell to General Suraj Abdurrahman who has served us so well as the Command Officer-in-Charge. In collaboration with the United Nations Peacekeeping Department, the Ministry of Justice managed the establishment of a regional justice and security facility, called the Hub, to decentralize and strengthen the Criminal Justice System. The first Hub, established in Gbarnga to serve Bong, Lofa and Nimba, was inaugurated in February 2013 and is currently at 95 percent completion. This has facilitated a successful management of disruptions in the three counties in the Gbarnga Region over the past year. The new Circuit Courthouses which will open within a month, buttressed by construction of three Magisterial Courts, in each of the other two Hub counties, will further strengthen and make the justice system more accessible to our citizens in the leeward counties. The inclusion of immigration services, starting in the Gbarnga Hub Region, will pre-empt the need to travel to Monrovia to regularize immigration status. The construction of Hubs 2 and 3, in Zwedru and Harper, respectively, will commence soon. Similar facilities should follow, within the next year, for Buchanan and Tubmanburg, thus covering the entire country on a regional basis. As mentioned earlier, an Alternative Dispute Resolution program has been established to enhance citizens access to justice. Activities under this action will include a scoping study to map and evaluate existing approaches; and a pilot project to explore and support innovative approaches at the local level. Probation services that now cover only Montserrado, Bong, Nimba and Lofa will be expanded this year to include the entire country so that criminal defendants who deserve a second chance will have the opportunity to avail themselves of that right. The prosecutorial capacity of the Ministry of Justice remains weak, although greatly enhanced by the appointment of a new Solicitor General. Progress is noted in the prosecution of gender-based violence, bank fraud, murder, armed robbery and corruption. A total of 172 cases were tried, with the government winning guilty verdicts in 144 of them. During the year, a comprehensive nationwide baseline assessment of the Liberia National Police (LNP) was conducted to identify issues and develop a strategic framework for promoting effectiveness and advancement within the service. This is in recognition of the need to address difficulties faced by the LNP in terms of compensation, barracks, and logistics. A forthcoming reorganization and restructuring of the LNP will address these issues and ensure proper treatment for long-tenured officers who have served us well and kept our nation safe. Training of police at the Police Academy to increase the current strength is ongoing. It is projected that, annually, 600 new graduates from the Academy will enter the LNP. This number will have to be substantially increased to meet the UNMIL drawdown target. We are pleased that the last graduating class included 97 university graduates, who are expected to help enhance the professionalism of the police. Concerns continue about reported corruption and disorderly conduct by police officers that undermine the reputation of the hundreds who continue to serve honorably despite the difficulties. The LNP must continue to enhance the capacity of its Professional Standards Division to investigate unethical conduct. We ask citizens to continue submitting complaints on unethical conduct for investigation. In light of the substantial increase in vehicles and the lack of alternative roads, the record showed significant increases in the rate of injuries, deaths and property damage resulting from accidents caused by motorcyclists, particularly on the main arteries. It thus

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place to register a business in subSaharan Africa. This was highlighted during the first MSME Conference which brought together 800 participants comprising banking institutions, service providers and international equity investors, while equally highlighting the challenges faced by local entrepreneurs. As a partial response to this challenge, we are preparing the guidelines for scrupulous implementation of Governments decision to direct 25 percent of public procurement of goods and services to Liberian businesses, which amounts to access to millions of dollars in public procurement opportunities. These businesses will also be helped by the Liberia Innovation Fund for Entrepreneurs (LIFE), in joint support from budget resources and the Liberia Bank for Development and Investment (LBDI). Efforts are under way to formulate policies and systems to protect consumers from arbitrary price increase and from poor quality goods. Without prejudice to our commitment to competitive open markets, we are considering ways to help private investment in local industries, which need protection from the influx of competing imports. Another measure under consideration is to impose a one-year transitional period after which non-Liberians will be restricted to wholesaling, providing retailing opportunities for Liberians. The government has provided multiple opportunities to bring business to local SMEs, totaling over US$400,000 in the last year. Additionally these businesses have access to assistance in business planning and development. More help to local businesses translates into more jobs for the Liberian people. Tax waivers, the first SME Directory and an entrepreneurial exchange with Forbes Magazine were some of the initiatives undertaken during the year on behalf of SMEs. Among initiatives for job-placement opportunities is the WELD program, which recently graduated over 300 students in the areas of welding, carpentry, and heavy-duty machinery. This program will be continued through the Booker Washington Institute, which has already provided the land for constructing a training facility through the UNIDO/Komatsu project. Having been classified in 2013 by the World Bank Doing Business Survey as the third easiest place to register a business in sub-Saharan Africa, Liberia is now poised for more progress in achieving accession to the World Trade Organization. FOREIGN AFFAIRS Honorable Members of the Legislature: Consistent with our national interest, the Executive continues to engage positively with all friendly countries and peoples around the world. We play an active and leadership role in the Mano River Union (MRU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, upholding the ideals of peace and security, and the advancement of regional integration and cooperation. Overall peace and stability in West Africa has remained stable through the individual and collective efforts of ECOWAS Member States. Notwithstanding, the region faces multiple political and security challenges, mainly linked to transnational organized crimes, piracy and terrorist activities. Liberia was proud to contribute an infantry platoon-size unit of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) to join the Africa International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA) the first time that our country is participating in peacekeeping operations in 52 years. Liberia successfully participated in the 50th Anniversary of the Organization of African Unity/African Union (OAU/AU) and, as a founding Member State, planned and executed several nationwide activities in commemoration of the historic event. We also participated in the AUs Extraordinary Session, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in May, also marking the celebration of the Anniversary. We continue to serve Africa in leadership positions under the African Union Commission mandate: the African Peer Review Mechanism, aimed to improve governance processes; and the High-Level Committee of African Heads of State to ensure inclusion of Africas Common Position in the Post-2015 Global Development Agenda. We also chaired the High-Level Panel on Fragile States, under the aegis of the African Development Bank, which aims to mitigate the vulnerability of fragile States to new political and economic shocks.

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The Three Corridors Project to construct a transmission line from Monrovia to Kakata, Monrovia to Klay, and Monrovia to Harbel is well advanced. A US$144 million line of credit from the Republic of India for the construction of high-voltage 225 kV transmission lines across the country will facilitate the delivery of power services in these corridors. Liberia was among six African countries included in U.S. President Barack Obamas Power Africa initiative, which aims to double electricity access in sub-Saharan Africa by building on the continent's potential in gas and oil as well as its huge potential to develop clean energy. Power Africa will mobilize the U.S. private sector to add 10,000 megawatts of cleaner, more efficient electricity generation capacity, while also increasing electricity access by at least 20 million new households and businesses. We are actively engaged in identifying a U.S. private sector partner, as required by the program, to ensure that Liberia succeeds in benefitting from this important initiative. Deteriorated and inadequate road networks throughout Liberia have had adverse effects on the costs and transport of goods and services, vehicle operation costs, safe movement of citizens and residents within our borders, regional investments and trade opportunities, and the delivery of development and humanitarian assistance for our citizens. In order to address this situation, we have, under the direction of the Ministry of Public Works, invested huge sums in the construction of roads and bridges. These investments focus principally on primary road networks that connect production areas to markets, connect county capitals, and enhance national and sub-regional security, trade and commerce. Pavement of the Diahn-Blae Gbehzohn Highway, in Grand Bassa County, is completed. Construction is now accelerating on two major corridors: the Red-light to Gbarnga to Ganta (Guinea Border) Highway and the Kakata to Bong Mines Road. In order to address the delay, and in conformity with financial requirements, the Government had to pay over US$22 million to resettle individuals with properties in the right of way many of whom lacked title and built illegally, knowing the road construction was coming. By the end of 2014, our people will begin to feel the immediate impact of these major developments in their lives reduced travel time and costs of vehicle operation and maintenance, better access to and reduction in costs of basic goods and services, and enhanced development in affected communities. Efforts and negotiations are under way, in fulfillment of our commitment to connect county capitals with paved roads. Feasibility studies and detailed engineering design for the Kornia to Voinjama and Mendekorma Corridors are completed, and a similar study for the Gbarnga to Kornia Corridor is nearing completion. A special donor conference, in Monrovia, is planned for this year, to mobilize support for the construction of these vital roads which have high economic potential. The importance of this road is sufficiently high, requiring, if necessary, the allocation of budget resources to achieve this objective. We are unlikely to be able to meet our commitment to pave the Buchanan to Cestos to Greenville Corridor in time for the July 26 celebration, but an upgrade will take place as we seek financing for the full pavement. The first phase of the asphalt pavement of at least 50 kilometers of road that will link Harper to Karloken is scheduled to commence this year a significant milestone that signifies Governments commitment, making the southeast section of the country more accessible. The Ganta to Harper road has been divided into segments to allow for phased development: Ganta to Tappita, Tappita to Zwedru, Zwedru to Fish Town and Fish Town to Harper. Feasibility studies for the segment between Zwedru and Fish Town are under way, as we seek financing for the feasibility and pavement of all segments. In partnership with the Government of Sweden, the development of our feeder road networks continues. More than 100 kilometers of feeder roads have been rehabilitated in Nimba and Lofa Counties, thereby increasing community-level farm to market access and connectivity to secondary and primary roads. Plans for the pavement upgrade of the 70-kilometer road between Ganta and Yekepa are concluded, with work expected to commence this year. The pavement was upgraded from double surface treatment chip seal to full asphalt pavement in consideration of the anticipated typical traffic load. As a means of accelerating our road construction program, we will require all concessionaires to deliver on their commitments for road infrastructure development as agreed in their individual concession agreements. This includes pavement of the Zwedru to Greenville and Tubmanburg to Kongo Corridors. Maintaining laterite roads remains one of the biggest challenges, a situation largely necessitated by budgetary and capacity limitations. This is not helped by an extended rainy season, and the continued abuse and misuse of our roads by road users, particularly with overloaded, multi-axle trucks. Investment in the upgrading of urban roads is part of an initiative to be felt not only in Monrovia and its environs, but throughout the country. An overall Urban Renewal Initiative aims at upgrading critical community/neighborhood roads to asphalt paved roads. Investments in this initiative include complete upgrade of the SKD Boulevard to a four-lane road corridor; and linking the MonroviaPaynesville Highway to Somalia Drive. Asphalt overlay works are ongoing on over 10 kilometers of Sinkor streets and avenues, and asphalt upgrades are in progress on the Jamaica, Clara Town, AB Tolbert, Duport, Soul Clinic and Police Academy Road Corridors. Construction of a new double-lane Caldwell Bridge will be completed before the end of 2014, completing the first phase of intervention in the rehabilitation of the Caldwell to Louisiana Road Corridor. A new policy initiative will require that all major road infrastructure projects passing through major cities and county capitals must ensure that primary streets in these cities are also paved. Reconstruction and upgrade of Somalia Drive will begin within the next month. With support from the Government of Japan, we have commenced an investigatory survey within communities to identify and lay out the auxiliary alleys and roads along the ELWA to RIA Corridor, to ensure proper zoning, planning and laying out of communities. This initiative shall provide a model action plan template for developing communities, designing and constructing road corridors, thus minimizing the potential for citizens to continue building within the rights-of-ways (ROWs). The success of this program will afford Government the opportunity to replicate these activities in other major urban communities throughout the country. There has been less than satisfactory progress on the enforcement of our Zoning Laws and land-use planning regulations. Although hundreds of Stop Work and Removal Orders in Monrovia were issued, developers and builders continue to ignore the rules of engagement, by constructing without the approval and permitting required by the Government. In order to enforce our zoning ordinances and laws, all illegal structures built within the rights-of-ways of existing and future road corridors will be removed. I have also instructed the Ministry of Public Works to demolish all structures on Tubman Boulevard that violate pedestrian pavement safety and the Zoning Laws. Those who, for personal gain, have allowed the defacing of our prime corridor will face the brunt of their illegal and corrupt practices. We recognize the challenges throughout the country for affordable housing, and in this regard, are pleased to report that plans are near completion for a 500-unit housing complex near the University of Liberia Fendell Campus, with support from the Government of Equatorial Guinea as a show of solidarity among African nations. The housing situation at West Point, which accommodates 31,000 citizens, demands a long-delayed response. Architectural design is under way to address this problem for which your approval will be sought through budgetary allocation in the next fiscal year. Construction or rehabilitation of new facilities at the Monrovia Vocational Training Center in Paynesville is nearing completion, but we have experienced delays in rehabilitation or construction of the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex, a new Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, and expansion of facilities at the Capitol Building Complex. These delays, which include land ownership and long-standing contractual arrangements and depositor rights, have also delayed reconstruction of important public facilities, including Ducor Hotel, Hotel Africa, the National Housing & Savings Bank Building, and the E.J. Roye Building. We can no longer accept these claims and delays, and will move, with court action or otherwise, as required, to complete these works. Large holdings of urban land have also delayed the development of our cities, a situation that must be addressed through the draft Act that provides the process for implementing the constitutional right of eminent domain. The transport sector is beginning to feel the effect of the reform under the Transformation Agenda and management by the Ministry of Transport. A Sector Master Plan was concluded which includes the rehabilitation and modernization of three of the countrys four seaports and the one international airport. Plans are under way to rehabilitate several county airstrips, the first one already operational in Foya through support of the NGO, Samaritans Purse. Surveys, policies and strategic plans aimed at improving travel efficiency and road safety for the road system are well advanced, awaiting detailed project planning for implementation. The National Port Authority has performed well to counter the situation in which the lack of maintenance over decades left our seaports in dire straits. A 25-year Port Master Plan, which includes investment in human capacity development, was completed during the year. Under a public-private partnership arrangement, the 600-meter Marginal Wharf and the mining pier at the Freeport of Monrovia were completed. Dredging and development at the Sinoe and Buchanan Ports have improved efficiency, with Buchanan judged ready for 24hour operations. Discussions are under way to secure third-party user rights at the Buchanan Port to facilitate export of iron ore from Guinea. This will result in significant financial and economic benefit to Liberia. Discussions are also well advanced to meet the requirement for access to port facilities for exports of iron ore from the Bong and Bomi deposits and exports of agricultural produce from Sinoe and Grand Cape Mount. The Port Authority faces challenges of insufficient space, requiring action by Government to acquire seafront property from county or individuals by purchase or exercise of eminent domain. Another challenge relates to requests from several investors to construct new ports for the export of their products. This must be handled with caution so as not to exacerbate the serious erosion along the entire coastline. Far from the early days when only one or two airlines flew into Roberts International Airport (RIA), the Airport now services 11 regular international airlines. Passenger numbers have increased on an average of 25,000 a year. With numerous airlines providing services to regional capitals and destinations in Asia, North America and Africa, ticket prices have become so competitive that it is possible to fly round-trip to Accra for less than US$300 more than a 100 percent decrease in airfare from as little as four years ago. We are currently negotiating financing with the European Investment Bank, the Saudi Fund for Development and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa to begin the first phase of rehabilitation of the

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became necessary, as a public safety measure, to regulate and enforce the movement of motorcyclists in and around Monrovia, particularly on Tubman Boulevard. The sharp decline in the number of motor vehicle accidents indicates that this was the right decision. The Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS), as another safetypromoting measure, undertook a massive Fire Prevention and Safety Awareness campaign in six major communities in Monrovia and its environs. It is planned to extend this to certain at-risk communities in other counties. The government has expressed special gratitude to the Fire Rescue Alliance of Minnesota, USA, for its support in procuring new fire service equipment and in-service training for LNFS officers. The fight against trafficking in persons (TIP) is gaining momentum. Amendment to the 2005 Act on Trafficking in Persons to include Migrant Smuggling, resulted in a number of offenders being investigated and prosecuted for human trafficking. Endorsement of the five-year National Action Plan and early prosecution of offenders will add to this momentum and give evidence of progress to reverse the negative reporting which the country faces. Drug usage and drug-related offenses remain one of the greatest security challenges, as our small country is plagued by an alarming rate of drug abuse and drug trafficking. Major effort is under way by the Drug Enforcement Agency, in coordination with other security agencies, to enforce vigilance and aggressive response in investigating and dismantling domestic illicit drug activities. Two major cases involving international offenses were prevented by the Drug Enforcement Agency and the National Security Agency, resulting in indictment in U.S. courts. ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION Honorable Members of the Legislature, My Fellow Liberians: The absence of reliable and affordable electricity, and the poor condition of a significant portion of our primary road network, represents major constraints to private sector value addition, investment and overall national development. If we are to achieve the economic transformation of our country, which guarantees a future of prosperity and employment for our youthful population, it is paramount that we invest, among other things, in infrastructure, giving priority to power, roads and ports, as well as to agriculture and forestry which have the potential to expand the economy for rural participation and food security. Our Energy Program, under the leadership of the Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy, is guided by a comprehensive electricity master plan which covers the development of electricity infrastructure and expansion of access to quality and affordable electricity services in the short, medium and long term. In the short term, the focus is to expand the transmission and distribution infrastructure and to respond to the demand of residential and commercial customers. The medium term of one to three years will see major expansion in generation capacity. In this regard, rehabilitation of the Mount Coffee hydroelectric power plant, our flagship program, is well on course. Manufacturing of the turbines, the most critical component of the project, is already under way, and physical work on the powerhouse and dam has already commenced. Two days ago, on January 25, to the rousing reception and delight of the people of Louisiana, a few of you joined me and several of our partners in groundbreaking for the civil works phase of the project. Even as Mount Coffee progresses, plans formulated by the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) call for continually increasing our power-generation capacity by constructing three heavy fuel oil (HFO) power plants at the Bushrod Island facility. A total capacity of 38 megawatts will more than double the existing generation capacity, enabling us to connect more customers and offer electricity services at more affordable prices. In order to upgrade the grid to absorb the power generated from Mount Coffee and the HFO power plants, the grid will be extended to new areas in the city, including the City Center, Sinkor, and communities along Duport Road, Rehab Road, Zuba Town Road and ELWA Road. The Cross-Border Project, through which electricity will be provided to Maryland, Grand Gedeh and Nimba Counties from Cte dIvoire, progressed significantly, thereby expanding electricity access outside of Monrovia. Citizens are today rejoicing in Ganta, Saclepea and Sanniquellie as grid lights reach cities in Nimba, with Grand Gedeh and Maryland to benefit similarly within the next few weeks. The commissioned Yandehoun micro-hydro power plant, in Lofa County, is already supplying power to Yandehoun and surrounding towns, benefitting close to 1,000 persons. Plans are under way to secure a US$50 million facility to replicate this success, constructing up to ten mini- and micro-hydro power plants in rural areas across the country.

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our legal requirement, the entire LIBTELCO Board of Directors and Managing Director have been suspended until an ongoing investigation is concluded. A reconstitution of the Board and a restructuring of management will follow. The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) had a successful and active year of regulatory oversight in the execution of its statutory function. A major contribution was made to the establishment of the Cable Consortium and Liberias launch, in January 2013, of the ACE (Africa Coast to Europe) fiber optic cable. Consumers are thus able to access true high-speed broadband connectivity through their service providers, the majority of whom are connected to the landing terminal station. This massive operational initiative, funded by a loan with support from the World Bank through the West Africa Regional Communications Infrastructure Program (WARCIP) Liberia Project, will be beneficial for a national capital intensive effort to connect the nation to fast, low-cost, broadband services. The LTAs new International Gateway Monitoring (IGM) program monitors the performance of incoming international calls to Liberia, providing accurate revenue assurance, quality of service and antifraud management. Since its official launch in April 2013, the IGM program has made significant contribution to Governments revenue. This amount could have been significantly more, were it not for losses attributable to fraudsters use of illegal SIM Boxes to avoid paying regulatory fees for incoming international calls through the IGM system. The LTA has given assurance that it will continue to vigilantly go after entities and individuals who try to deprive Government of its revenue in the telecommunication sector. A long-tenure licensed operator, Libercell, was forced to close for lack of resources, and is likely to face auction of its assets to settle outstanding debts to the Government. In adherence to the mandate of ECOWAS Member States to enact national laws that will develop, modernize and coordinate telecommunications networks throughout the region, the LTA led the process in Liberia to transpose nine legal instruments into national laws that are intended to protect the publics use of telecommunication services and to mobilize national and international financial resources aimed at attracting private sector participation in the provision of telecommunication services in the sub-region. The LTA and the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications are working towards ensuring compliance with the ITUs June 17, 2015, digital migration deadline. Designated frequencies are assigned for Liberia in the re-planning process, and public and consumer awareness campaigns on migration issues have been planned. The Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) has broadened its coverage and has extended its services through the national television to five counties Montserrado, Margibi, Grand Bassa, Bomi and Grand Cape Mount. The introduction of television services has expanded the scope of service. Nevertheless, cost-efficient and reliable service is likely to be constrained unless there is success in ongoing efforts to mobilize the resources and support to migrate from analogue to digital terrestrial broadcasting by 2015 as internationally required. The cost of the installation is estimated at over US$50 million. Until that time, both technologies known as dual illumination, will be used, but we must move quickly to find the means to bring Liberia into the modern technological era. The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications has been able to expand and modernize postal services despite limited budgetary and financial support. Twelve of the 15 counties now have functioning post offices, with plans to construct similar facilities in the remaining three. Services at the main Monrovia Post Office are exemplary, having improved to the level of efficiency which enables them to provide mail and package service to citizens at home and abroad and to resident international citizens and institutions. A pilot program to number structures under a National Postal Address System will further enhance the service. Plans for a future regime which consists of a modern financial electronic transaction processing platform will facilitate the capacity to provide postal financial services such as Local and Regional Electronic Money Order, and Wage/Salary Payments to pensioned government employees, as required by the Universal Postal Union (UPU) protocol. HUMAN DEVELOPMENT Human development is central to our transformation agenda, and our goal is to improve the quality of life of Liberians by investing in more accessible and higher quality education; affordable and accessible quality healthcare; social protection for vulnerable citizens; and expanded access to healthy and environmentally friendly water and sanitation services. Education is the most critical element of a development agenda. It is not cheap and it requires sacrifices by parents, students, teachers, leaders, and the entire nation. Our situation is made more difficult by the damage, displacement and cultural mutation of the past, by the spacial nature of our habitation, by the listless attitude of beneficiaries, by the institutional aversion to change. According to the 2010 Census the system, as currently exists, consists of 2,849 schools 2103 of which are public, 343 private, 226 religious and mission schools, and 177 community schools. There are five community colleges existing or in pre-operational status Grand Bassa, Bomi, Bong, Grand Gedeh, Lofa, and Nimba; nine four-year degree-granting institutions, including the University of Liberia and Tubman University which are public; two vocational training institutes Booker Washington Institute, which plans to move from

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high school to junior college; and the Monrovia Vocational Training Center, which should move this year into new modern and wellequipped facilities. The University of Liberia has a current enrollment of 34,000 students in facilities, at both the Capitol Hill and Fendell campuses, that are most inadequate for the numbers. It is time that we create a more conducive atmosphere for learning consistent with what pertains in other countries by completing the Fendell Campus with all the boarding, housing, academic and sporting facilities that are required. A survey of the land is nearing completion after which we will start the process of demolishing the structures, most of them illegal, which have prevented the building of a proper university. Proposals will be made in the next budget to start this process of full relocation from the politics of Capitol Hill to the knowledge center of Fendell. Tubman University, a proper learning environment, with enrollment of 838 for the first semester of the academic year 2013-2014, is gaining the reputation of a quality technical institution, under a no-nonsense administration. The University will hold its first Commencement program in June 2014. More financial support will enable us to train the professionals needed to enhance national capacity. This will be reflected in our next fiscal budget submission. While we initiated and promoted the establishment of community colleges, it is clear that we must now limit further expansion due to the lack of teachers and education materials that will result in quality education. A shifting to regional community colleges is now under consideration. Honorable Legislators and Fellow Liberians: Several months ago, I used rather unsavory terms to describe the education system. I did so as a reality check and a call to action. The Constraints Analysis puts the case: Though overall school enrolment and educational attainment rates have seen improvements in recent years, it is also important to note that a large percentage of Liberias current workforce is made up of unskilled labor, particularly in the rural areas and among women. Forty-five percent of Liberian males age 15 and over have no education or did not complete primary school, and 67 percent of females have no or did not complete primary school. The literacy rate is 57 percent. The quality of education will also remain a major challenge in the medium term as most educational institutions lack the necessary laboratory and training materials, and are in need of reconstruction. The performance of the students who have taken nationally administered secondary school examinations tend to be below standard, although there is slow gradual improvement. A large number of primary school students are considered inadequately prepared for school. For example, early grade reading results from the 2010 Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA) show an average score well below the average for the region. This poor foundation makes it difficult for students that move on to junior and secondary high school and into the workplace. The quality of technical/vocational training system also is extremely poor and limited in scope. A 2008 ILO Technical and Vocational Education and Training Tracer Study found that 93% of TVET institutions in Liberia had poor quality education; 69% provided training not relevant to marketplace; and only 19% of graduates were able to find full employment. Following a Sector Review, an Education Task Force was established to formulate a four-year plan to respond to the crisis in education. The Operational Plan 2014-2016 focuses on three key areas: increased learning achievement by improving the quality and conditions of teaching and learning; improvement in student performance and completion through increased access, enrolment, transition and retention; transformation of systems through improved education governance and management within the context of decentralization for effective delivery of education services. Admittedly, the implementation of the Plan is a tall order with huge financial implications. But we must start the process as there is no better way to ensure a better future for our children. I will revert to you once the financial implications of the Plan have been determined. The Ministry of Youth and Sports continues it response to the growing number of youth through efforts to increase employment and employability by providing short-term jobs, technical and vocational training, and sports development. To address youth unemployment in particular, the Liberia Youth Employment Program (LYEP), in which the government will invest US$75 million over the next five years, was launched. It has provided one-year employment for over 3,000 youths who are currently supporting various city corporations in improving waste and sanitation in 26 cities in the 15 counties. As part of a scaling up of the LYEP, plans are under way to fund the technical and vocational training component of the LYEP in next years budget. This will ensure that many of the youths who are currently working will have the opportunity to acquire technical skills for more gainful employment. To prepare youth to seek employment opportunities outside the LYEP, 200 youths were trained in satellite maintenance and installation to meet the growing needs for digital satellite TV connection in the country, and many are already serving as contractors for satellite service providers. This year, other components of the program aimed at providing skills and entrepreneurship opportunities for the empowerment of youth are expected to be launched.

Airport this calendar year. A major setback in efforts for the resulted from an unscrupulous recruited Managing Director, who deference with entrapment and damage the credibility of several of the country. This matter is under United States for legal redress, development of the airport and conspiring newly returned kindness and intriguing accusations to individuals and the image review by counsel in the including extradition.

An informal perception survey undertaken by the Ministry of Transport indicates that although power is considered a number one priority due to the implication for business and investment in industry, the Liberian people consider good roads as a major condition for improvement in their welfare. The ongoing work for improvement in road condition throughout the country is a response to this call, which will also reduce the high level of road traffic deaths and injuries, and as means of reducing the cost of transportation to facilitate better flow of goods and services. The same results are expected from the installation of weighbridges, the first currently under construction on the Diahn-Blah Gbehzhohn Highway. Additionally, a requirement for Third Party Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance will be enforced beginning next month by 18 insurance companies recently certified by the Central Bank of Liberia. This action will be enhanced by the established One Day One Stop Shop Platform for vehicle registration and driver license issuance. Useful transport services are provided throughout the country by motorcyclists operating over 70,000 motorcycles. A few months ago, as a means of reducing the alarming traffic congestion and level of deaths and injuries, it became necessary to restrict motorcycling traffic on the primary artery, Tubman Boulevard. The Ministry of Transport continues to work with the Motorcyclist Union to identify means to assist them. The National Transit Authority continues to provide reliable and safe road transport services on all existing roads in Montserrado County, with expansion to Bo Waterside, Buchanan, Gbarnga, Harbel, Schieffelin, Kakata and Zwedru. Special transport service, with Government subsidy, is provided to students who commute from Monrovia and environs to the University of Liberia Fendell Campus. The NTA completed a total of 644,389 passenger trips between March and December 2013 in favor of UL students. Further expansion of NTA service is hampered by limited fleet. The conclusion of local purchase of nine buses will relieve transport difficulties on Tubman Boulevard, and successful conclusion of ongoing negotiation with the Government of India for 15 additional buses will expand national service to commuters, including those in Gbarnga, Kakata and Bo Waterside who will benefit from the construction of modern bus stations. The General Services Agency (GSA) is the custodian of Government of Liberia properties and physical assets. This gives it the authority to execute leases, to enforce proper use of vehicles and other assets; to monitor the use and cost of assets purchased through public resources. New leadership at GSA is, perhaps for the first time in decades, trying to carry out these responsibilities successfully. To enable the GSA to accurately record and track all Government assets, and ensure their effective and efficient management for the next generation, urgent funding is required to purchase the Inventory Registry and Assets Management Systems, and implement the Fleet Management System. The Ministry of Finance has been instructed to respond to this need, without further delay. The telecommunications sector continues to expand. Landing of the Africa Coast & Europe (ACE) fiber cable in Liberia on November 3, 2011, represents a milestone for which the Managing Director of the Liberia Telecommunications Corporation must be applauded for his tireless effort in this achievement. Today, approximately 193,912 Internet subscribers benefit from fast-speed Internet connectivity, with positive impact on income, competition, employment and potential direct foreign investment. The absence of a terrestrial network as a national backbone has constrained growth in this service a situation to be addressed once the ongoing study on design and cost is concluded. This will also facilitate connectivity in the Mano River countries, thereby promoting regional integration. As a result of the conclusion of an agreement which failed to meet

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The maternal mortality rate, although still unacceptably high, has reduced considerably, from 994 in 2007 to 770 per 100,000 live births, with the target at 497 by the year 2021. The under-five mortality rate has declined significantly that Liberia is joining the countries in Africa that are considered to be on-track to achieve Millennium Development Goal 4 by the 2015 deadline. This makes us likely to achieve two of the eight goals a remarkable achievement since Liberias effort on these Goals started six years after the kick-off of the MDGs in the year 2000. This Government remains committed to improving overall health and the quality of life of our people, and increasing access to safe drinking water is at the core of our plan. By reducing the incidence of waterrelated diseases in our urban centers and rural communities across the country, we will be able to further reduce under-five mortality. We have continued our expansion of pipe-borne water to thousands of customers in and around Monrovia, and in places where it is as yet cost prohibitive to introduce pipe-borne water, we have increased the number of boreholes and sanitation facilities. Ongoing improvement at the White Plains water treatment plant will increase the daily output of water from 6 million to 10 million gallons by years end. Even though we now supply as much water to Monrovia as was available before the war, the increase in population means that we have to do more. Efforts are under way to bring online two high-lift electric pumps of 12 million-gallon capacity, allowing us to deliver up to 24 million gallons daily. As a result of these efforts, the water supply to Monrovia and its environs has increased by 30 percent over the past year. Some 175 water kiosks have been activated, reflecting a 60 percent increase in pro-poor water access. As most Liberians will be quick to point out, Liberia is not Monrovia. In partnership with the African Development Bank, we have succeeded in supplying water either full time or on a partial basis in Buchanan, Kakata, Zwedru and Robertsport. With support from USAID, the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation is completing a situational analysis in Voinjama, Sanniquellie and Robertsport, the result of which will form the basis of civil works in these cities. Surveys are also being concluded on water facilities in Greenville, Gbarnga, Ganta and Harper, in order to determine the scale of the required works and funding sources for implementation. Crozierville, Bensonville and the University of Liberias Fendell Campus will be served this year, once the second set of high-lift pumps has been installed. The development of a Rural Water Program, to include an operational plan, a program implementation manual, monitoring and evaluation, and operation and maintenance frameworks, is under way. An updated assessment is required for rehabilitating and improving the Fiamah Treatment Plant for the Monrovia sewage system. The scale of the devastation of infrastructure in and around Monrovia is evident for all to see. However, we still needed an objective evaluation of the facilities and the projected cost to restore and expand the citys infrastructure. We therefore worked with the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) who has produced a Master Plan for the restoration and improvement of urban facilities in Monrovia. That plan covers everything: roads, water supply, sewage and sanitation and drainage systems. At a projected cost of approximately US$594 million, it is impossible to implement the entire plan at one go. However, we must tackle some of its more urgent components, such as the drainage system in central Monrovia, Bushrod Island and Sinkor. The US$10 million projected cost of this urgent work will be included in the next fiscal years budget submission. GOVERNANCE AND PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. President Pro-Tempore, Honorable Members of the 53rd Legislature: Our economic transformation for growth and development would be unsustainable without reforms to governance and public institutions. It remains the goal of this administration, in partnership with citizens, to create transparent, accountable and responsible public institutions that contribute to economic and social development as well as inclusive and participatory governance systems. Our governance reform program receives praises both in Africa and beyond. The 2013 Mo Ibrahim Index of African Governance ranked Liberia 9th in Africa in terms of the participation of its people in the political life of the nation. The Governance Commission has developed a plan of action for the deconcentration and devolution of functions to sub-national units. A draft Local Government Act, if passed into law, will provide the legal basis for implementing the National Policy on Decentralization and Local Governance, aimed essentially at the delegation of political, fiscal and administrative powers to sub-national units, to promote efficient service delivery. The expansion of public services to local government jurisdictions is a very important phase of the decentralization program, especially as we implement the UMIL transition. Our Vision 2030 includes the five-year Liberia National History Project which aims to provide guidelines for devising a history curriculum for Liberian schools, and has the potential to contribute to national reconciliation, unity and social cohesion. Other important initiatives include the work of the Constitution Review Committee and the National Symbols Project. After due consultation, we have endorsed the recommendation of the GC to move ahead on a stakeholders consultation regarding the need

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This will include: vacations jobs for 5,000 young people under the Special Presidential Back to School Clean up Initiative; the National Youth Volunteer Service Program, which complements the work of key government agencies providing basic services in the areas of education, health, and agriculture and community development in rural parts of Liberia; job readiness training for 100 senior high school female students in information and communication technology; the National Cadet Program, to train scholarly university students at varying ministries and the public sector and develop a new breed of professionals in government. The Youth, Employment, Skills Training (YES) Program, which in 2013 trained 2,088 youths (689 female and 1,399 male) in various categories of skills and vocational education, including agriculture, general hospitality, food preservation, tailoring, fashion design and road maintenance, was successful in placing 580 of them in jobs, while efforts continue to place the remaining 1,508 over the next ten months. A Task Force on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) was established to coordinate and help implement strategies that would close the skills gap, and provide high-quality, demanddriven skills training programs that align with private sector needs. These programs are crucial in helping Liberias youth obtain jobs until the private sector is fully developed and a diversified economy is fully operational to absorb a larger proportion of the labor force. Sports have proved to be a major catalyst for peace, reconciliation and development. The 2012/2013 National County Meet, won by Grand Cape Mount, was held under the theme of Peace and Unity; that of the 2013/2014 Games is Celebrating Ten Years of Peace through Sports. The Games provided short-term employment opportunities for 1,365 youth athletes participating in sporting disciplines. We congratulate Grand Bassa County for winning this years Football Trophy. We are proud of and applaud our National Amputee Football Team which has won, for the third consecutive time, the championship of the Cup of African Nations on Amputee Football, winning the 4th Cup of African Nations on Amputee Football (CANAF) in Nairobi a month ago. I was proud to accept/receive their trophy at the finals of the National County Meet a week ago. With support from the Office of the Senior Advisor (OSA), and with a focus on youth empowerment and enterprise development, a modernized car wash center, the first of its kind, called the Executive Car Wash, located at the Old Road Junction in Congo Town was established. The construction work, on land donated by the Von Ballmoos family, took three months, at a cost of US$87,000, privately donated. A 30-day training period including courses in financial management and business registration was undertaken, responding to the commitment to our youth. Today, 54 young lives, removed from the streets, have forever changed; 22 of them have returned to school by financing their own education giving hope via empowerment. They now generate over US$5,000 monthly from the car wash and other services. I am pleased to present to you representatives of these successful young entrepreneurs, whose example will be replicated by the construction of three such facilities with the support of NOCAL. Labor and employment are sides of the same coin. Creating enough jobs so that our people are gainfully employed is essential if they are to work their way out of poverty, thereby enabling our country to reach middle-income status by the year 2030. For this to occur, it is the private sector, rather than government, that must drive the economy and generate more and better employment. Agricultural and mining concessions are expected to generate over 100,000 jobs over their multi-year term, but this is insufficient to absorb the 50,000 youth that are entering the labor force each year. At the same time, with clear policy on linkages and local content, concessions will provide a major opportunity for Liberian businesses to supply goods and services, leading to additional job creation. Despite the countrys robust growth since 2006, unemployment, especially youth unemployment, remains high and a major challenge. According to the Labor Force Survey 2010, vulnerable employment accounted for 77.9 percent of total employment, while informal employment was a staggering 68 percent. Such high levels of vulnerable and informal sector employment sector mean the Government would have to strengthen efforts to build skills of workers and provide incentives for informal sector businesses to formalize. A Rapid Assessment on Job Creation was conducted under the auspices of the Ministry of Labour with the objective of (i) determining the socio-demogaphic characteristics of new entrants into the formal sector; (ii) establishing well-acceptable indicators on the additional jobs created in the economy; and (iii) furnishing policy makers with the required tool for decision-making on the labour market. In the light of surveys undertaken, the Labour Ministry has formulated policies and strategies to guide the activities of the sector. These include the National Employment Policy Action Plan, along with its monitoring and evaluation secretariat; the 2010 National Child Labour Survey Results the first report of its kind on child labor activities in the country; and a five-year National Action Plan to fight human trafficking. The welfare of workers improved considerably under Collective Bargaining Agreements, nine of which were signed between the management of several companies and their respective workers unions, with significant improvements in the living and working conditions of workers. Unskilled workers at these companies now

receive US$5 or above as daily wages. The Ministry also docketed 1,515 labor cases from aggrieved employers and employees in the workplace. This high number of cases, an indication that Liberians now have greater confidence in the system and know that cases reported to the Ministry will be speedily adjudicated. Honorable Ladies and Gentlemen: A great human capital resource for the development of this country lies in the Liberian Diaspora. We trust that as you move forward during this session, and in your deliberations, you will give adequate consideration to the recognition of citizens rights for those persons born as Liberians, and those born of Liberian parentage who wish to contribute fully to the development of this country as citizens. The grant of Liberian citizenship would enable us to draw on the wealth of financial, technical and other resources available to that category of persons that could be deployed nationally. The health sector, under the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, continues to perform well, maintaining the support and confidence from partners who contribute to a pool fund in which priorities are collectively agreed and implemented. As a major decentralization effort, health service centers have been established in all 15 counties, with aggregate staff of almost 9,000. The training of doctors and other health practitioners, locally and abroad, has enabled the placement of doctors in all 15 county hospitals. Similarly, a post-graduate residency program will deploy specialists in all county hospitals. The country can boast of over 173 Liberian and 83 foreign doctors, up from a total of 90 doctors in 2006, and almost 9,000 health workers, including 699 trained midwives. The construction of five microscopic laboratories in five counties, the installation of solar panels at health facilities in six counties, and the construction of eight incinerators to improve waste management and sanitation in eight counties will enhance the quality of health service delivery. The launch of the Promise Renewed Program, in line with the international Child Survival Call to Action, will further accelerate the reduction of childhood mortality and improve child health. The Ministry, in an effort to address the plight of vulnerable children provided support to 83 orphanages that cater to 3,357 orphans throughout the country. A National Health Insurance Scheme, now under consideration and planning, is essential to expand citizens access to health service, and will be presented to you for possible commencement in the next fiscal year. Despite progress in the sector, major challenges remain. Additional resources will be required to absorb and incentivize the increasing number of doctors and health workers that are trained annually. County hospitals need renovation and equipment enhancement, with Phebe and Redemption Hospitals requiring special allocation. The JFK Medical Center performs the role of country and national referral facility. In the past year, the number of patients receiving service increased significantly to a monthly count of 9,700, up from almost 8,700 in 2012. Lack of a full range of sophisticated equipment limits the quality of care that JFK renders, but this lack is fulfilled in large measure at the Jackson F. Doe Memorial Regional Referral Hospital, which serves monthly patients totaling 1,242 from the country and from regional countries as well. In order to provide ready access for minor health cases, more clinics and health centers would need to be constructed at district and community levels. Availability and affordability of drugs throughout the country is also an area to be addressed by change in the mandate and structure of the National Drug Service. Governments commitment to free health services for children under five must remain resolute. There is good news in the sector. The number of children receiving basic vaccines has increased significantly, with Liberia having already achieved the target set for the year 2021 90 percent of children under one year are receiving the DPT3/pentavalent 3 vaccination. The distribution of 100,000 long-lasting mosquito nets to pregnant women receiving antenatal care, contributed to the reduction in the prevalence of malaria from 66 percent in 2005 to 28 percent in 2013; there has been no outbreak of infectious diseases since 2006; and the population living within 5 kilometers, or one hours walk from the nearest health facility increased from 69 to 72 percent the previous year, making us well on track for the 2021 target at 85 percent.

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participation of Liberias Peace Ambassador, George M. Weah. The Roadmap, under direction of our Ministry of Internal Affairs, noted our nations history of cleavage, disunity and confrontation, but also a history of a resilient people who have, time and time again, risen above the odds, able to stand tall in the midst of adversity to reach across the divide and promote a united country. We urge Liberians to muster the courage to let bygones be bygones, and embrace one another with a new mind, a new spirit and a new attitude. The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that ended the Liberian civil conflict called for the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and an Independent National Commission on Human Rights, thought to be essential for lasting peace in Liberia. In its final report, in June 2009, the TRC recommended the creation of a National Palava Hut Program as a traditional and cultural conflict resolution mechanism common in rural Liberia, and that the INCHR should oversee the Palava Hut process and coordinate its activities. In the lead-up to the launch of the National Palava Hut Program, in Zwedru, on October 19, the INCHR held consultative meetings in 13 counties, in which about 1,000 citizens, representing all groups, participated. The official launch took place in the presence of other stakeholders and international partners. We used the occasion to challenge the INCHR, traditional and religious leaders, the Liberia Council of Churches, the Muslim Council, political parties, civil society and all Liberians to fully participate and support the National Palava Hut Program, in order to ensure lasting peace and harmony. A National Palava Hut Technical Forum was held in November to determine the commonalities and differences of the Palava Hut Practice among the four linguistic groups in Liberia, in order to design preliminary guidelines and methodologies for a system which is uniformly applicable throughout the country. The next steps in this process, which must conclude within the next two years, will be to conduct a comprehensive ethnographic study of Liberias Palava Hut System; create nationwide awareness on the process, safety and benefits of the Palava Hut System; and conduct the Palava Hut Talks, in the form of community-based truth-telling, atonement and psychosocial recovery. Palava Hut dialogues and discussions will take place in towns, villages and cities across the country, and will provide victims and perpetrators a safe space to tell their stories and seek the means of fostering national peace and reconciliation. I urge the new leadership of the Independent Human Rights Commission to accelerate this process, and I appeal to all Liberians to endorse and participate in its implementation. The Civil Service is the backbone of the government, yet it continually underserves the Liberian people due to low performance and a runaway wage bill. When a large portion of civil servants have little motivation or capacity to do the work they are charged to do, this undermines the ability of government to provide even the most basic of services. Our people deserve, and expect, better. Unfortunately, the current system simply does not attract or retain talent, nor does it reward performance. The Civil Service examinations are outdated, which makes them a poor judge of ability and character. Civil servants continue to be paid unequally, lack essential tools such as computers and printers, and have few incentives to excel due to weak Human Resources management processes such as poor oversight and performance evaluation. As a result of measures undertaken to clean up the civil service payroll through the implementation of the biometrics system, we have begun to see a slight decrease in the total numbers. While in 2013 there were 35,664 regular and 8,580 supplementary employees, in January 2014 the number stood at 35,445 regular and 8,512 supplementary employees. The Civil Services wage bill, which includes thousands of ghosts, is still bloated, nearing one-third of the total national budget. Every day we waste precious resources to maintain a broken system that, instead, could be used to fund important activities such as expanding our power grid, purchasing chalkboards for our schools, and stocking our health facilities with medicine. To make sure that the next generation of civil servants can meet the challenges and the needs of the future, each year the Government funds a number of Liberians, numbering over 380 today, to pursue degrees in five strategic fields Health, Education, Engineering, Agriculture, and Public Administration in more than ten countries, including Australia, Botswana, China, India, Morocco, and the United States. The reform of our Civil Service rests on three key legs: to optimize the size of the Civil Service, so that it can perform its mandates sustainably and cost-effectively; to reform the pay structure to attract and retain talent; and to remove favoritism, bias, and replace them with merit-based and performance-driven principles. It has not been an easy task, but we have made good progress and have ongoing dialogue with partners for support. We expect to submit the details and costing of this very important initiative for start of implementation in the next fiscal year budget. The recent Constraints Analysis reports that corruption remains endemic, although the country has improved on key corruption indicators. Enhancing integrity in public life has to remain a preoccupation of all of us. Reforms in the Civil Service, establishment of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission, the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission, the Liberia Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative, the Commercial Court, the Freedom of Information Act, the Code of Conduct when enacted into law are all measures that will make a difference only if we respect and make them work. We have made significant progress on the preventive side in combating the scourge of corruption, and acknowledge the reforms ongoing in the Judiciary that will enhance our efforts on the punishment side of our fight. A reorganized General Auditing Commission (GAC) has initiated 57 audits for 2013, giving us an opportunity to break from the lethargy of inaction on past reports that were challenged. Our Constitution

and laws are clear on accountability in the use of public resources. We will therefore require that work plans of the GAC go beyond the Executive to include the other two branches of government. We look forward to a reorganized and re-energized GAC that is media shy and committed to a good governance process which ensures the highest level of integrity and a commitment to uphold the public trust. We also commend the work of your Joint Public Accounts Committee which has initiated public hearings on the reports. A new draft GAC Bill will be submitted to you and, if enacted into law, will meet our commitment to place GAC operations on par with other Supreme Audit institutions by ensuring full financial and operational independence. The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) investigated and prosecuted corruption cases; created awareness about the ills of corruption through education and prevention activities; and executed the Income, Assets and Liabilities Disclosure Regime and the Assets Verification Exercise. Of 18 cases reported to the Commission, six were investigated and concluded, and a guilty verdict, under appeal, was handed down in the case involving the purchase of uniforms for the Emergency Response Unit of the Liberia National Police. Public officials filed 42 declarations, after which a five-person committee was established to ascertain which assets have been declared; whether assets have been truthfully declared; how those assets were acquired, and whether they are commensurate with income. Renewed declaration of assets and a verification exercise will be required by all officials of the Executive, consistent with the example I have set by my own filing on the second anniversary of the first filing, as required by the Code of Conduct. Among the challenges faced by LACC are: insufficient in-house prosecutors to investigate and prosecute corruption cases; the absence of critical complementary legal instruments to enhance its work, such as a Whistleblower Act, a Code of Conduct for Liberian Public Servants, and Corrupt Offenses and Illicit Enrichment Acts; difficulty in obtaining documents from some ministries and agencies, which is hindering ongoing investigations; the lack of subpoena power; and the lack of a Fast Track Court to deal exclusively with corruption cases. We intend to work with the Commission to draft and submit to the Legislature for enactment these critical anti-corruption instruments, which are also recommended by the United Nations Convention against Corruption. At the same time, we intend to resubmit an amendment for greater prosecutorial powers for LACC, so that it can prosecute as soon as an investigation establishes cause. Under its mandate, the National Elections Commission (NEC) conducts free, fair, transparent and credible elections. The tenure of membership of the NEC having expired, a new corps of Commissioners, with the consent of the Senate, was appointed. With renewed vigor, the NEC has begun work on voter registration preparatory to the 2014 Special Senatorial Election. In 2013, the Commission successfully conducted one Senatorial By-election in Grand Bassa County, to fill the vacant seat created by the unfortunate death of Senator John Francis Whitfield. Other activities included interactions with the 31 registered political parties directly and/or through the Inter-Party Consultative Committee; and providing appropriate forums for voters education. More financial support is required to enable the Commission to conduct this years Election. OPEN SOCIETY: THE MEDIA From where we were just ten years ago, the media market has evolved remarkably. Today there are more than 30 newspapers and online services, 19 radio stations and 45 community radio stations all independently owned and operated. This is a positive development which needs to be commended. A free media is an indispensable tool to the preservation, promotion and protection of a free, democratic society. It can be an effective mirror for society. It is an industry that trades in news and has great impact on public opinion. It therefore has a grave responsibility to make sure information is disseminated; and that the information so disseminated, most importantly, is accurate. This is a political year, and elections are around the corner. Great interests will be at stake. People will speak loudly to be heard and will want the media as their echo chambers. The media will play a major role in this years elections. The worse that could happen, and which we do not expect and do not want, is a media that transforms itself into political weaponry of selfish individuals. The media can impact our electoral process, and we hope it will do so by orienting the political debate, bringing the issues to the people and to the candidates, and by playing the responsible role expected of it. The nation of freedom and peace we want is the personal responsibility of each of us. During the years, we have taken steps to create an enabling environment: we created the office of an Independent Freedom of Information Commissioner; engaged civil society on issues of transparency and accountability within the framework of the Open Governance Partnership; began implementing the Freedom of Information Law; signed the Table Mountain Declaration, thus becoming only the second African State to do so. All these are clear indications of our inalienable attachment to the values of free speech, free thinking and unfettered access to information. But freedom is not free, and the price is oftentimes not measured in monetary value. The price the nation and many innocent victims pay from irresponsible reporting damages the image of our country,

for change in the National Symbols the Flag, Motto and Decorations, as proposed in the development agenda, Vision 2030. Work on public sector reform aims to make governance more responsive, effective and efficient, thereby improving living standards resulted in the restructuring of 13 government agencies, including the restructuring and renaming of the Ministries of Gender and Development, Internal Affairs, and Health and Social Welfare, as well as the establishment of the Liberia National Tourism Authority. The reform agenda also calls for the establishment of a Civil Service Commission to make it more autonomous, so as to enhance merit-based appointments and strengthen professionalism. The establishment of the position of Principal Administrative Officer, to ensure continuity and build institutional memory, is far behind schedule, requiring early action by both the Executive and Legislature. The GC has also promoted, through the National Integrity Forum, the National Code of Conduct; the Legislative Monitoring, Transparency & Accountability Project; and the Integrity Barometer, which contains an assessment of the public experience of corrupt practices. We congratulate the Honorable Liberian Senate, with special thanks to the sponsoring Senators, in passing the Code of Conduct Bill, and we urge you, distinguished Members of the House, to join your counterparts in doing so. Mr. Speaker and Honorable Members of the Legislature: The new leadership of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, building upon the progress of the past, has initiated a dynamic program of re-engagement with our 15 counties. In a partnership of local government authorities and citizens, the Ministry successfully led the first ever effort to cohost, simultaneously, our 165th Independence Celebrations in the three western counties: Grand Cape Mount, Gbarpolu and Bomi. In October, in furtherance of consolidating trans-border peace, security, and stability between the Republic of Cte dIvoire and our country, the Government hosted the First Joint Council of Chiefs and Elders Meeting in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh. President Alassane Ouattara and I participated in the closing program of the meeting which was attended by Chiefs, Elders, and eminent political and community leaders from our two countries. A follow-up meeting is planned for March in Guiglo, Cte dIvoire. In the spirit of the Zwedru meeting, future peace promotion meetings will include our other sisterly Republics of the Mano River region, Sierra Leone and Guinea. Other programs aimed at trans-border peace, to be undertaken during the first half of this year, will focus on youth and women. A further consolidation of domestic peace and reconciliation involved the final payment of more than L$43 million, or US$577,288 equivalent to 244 respondents to settle land and property claims in Nimba County. Several key partners continue to strongly support our peace building, reconciliation and decentralization programs. The United Nations, through the Peace Building Support Office and the Liberia Configuration in New York, provided US$15 million to support various aspects of the programs in security, youth development, constitution review, governance, law reform, Palava Hut Talk, as well as community and faith-based peace and reconciliation initiatives. Other reconciliation and conflict-resolution efforts were undertaken between the affected communities and concessionaires in Sinoe, Bong, Bomi and Grand Cape Mount. Together, we took a major step aimed at decentralizing financial management and accountability by the appointment of Assistant Superintendents for Fiscal Affairs. In making these appointments we were guided by experience and competence, not regionalism, ensuring focus on development of our country rather than distraction by local politics. During the reporting period, the Liberia Decentralization Implementation Plan (LDIP), the guiding document for implementation of the National Policy on Decentralization and Local Governance, was formulated and signed. We are committed, under this partnership program, to provide US$24 million which will be included in the next fiscal year budget submission. We are pleased to report that the Millennium Village project in Korkoya District has been revived with funding from the Government of Norway, and we can now ensure completion of the villages with modern facilities, as envisioned. Honorable Legislators: In advancing our flagship programs Peace Building and National Reconciliation and Decentralization the National Reconciliation Roadmap was launched, in June, with the

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of Agriculture; and Hon. Samuel Othello Coleman, Sr., Ambassador accredited to the Benelux Countries. We also lost: Hon. Augustus Emery Major, Deputy Director for Operations, General Services Agency; Hon. Henry Y. Allison, former Director of Finance, GSA; Hon. Jonathan H. Knuckles, former Tax Collector, Treasury Department; and Hon. Jon Lancelot Macauley, former Director, Animal Multiplication Division, Ministry of Agriculture. Also departed were: Mother Irene Gbessay Jaleiba-Paasewe, former City Mayor, Robertsport City; Mother Maryann Elizabeth Smith, former Head Matron, John F. Kennedy, Medical Center; Mother Adeline Beatrice Weaver Neal, former professional nurse; Rev. Judson Benedict Addy, Sr. First Precision Machinist of Liberia; Mr. Adolphus Bedell Smith, Sports Icon and Member of the Board of Tax Appeals. CONCLUSION Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. President Pro-Tempore, Members of the Legislature, Fellow Liberians: By numerous objective accounts, over the difficult course of the last decade, ever so increasingly, the democratic character of the Republic continues to be strengthened; the independence of the three coordinate branches of the government sharpened; the foundational principles of separation of powers and checks and balances entrenched; and the previously narrowed participation of the people in national decision-making broadened. At the same time, from the Mano River Union to the African Union and the United Nations from bilateral to multilateral interactions the Liberian nation has been returned to respect and prominence around the family table of the world. As is expected of the oldest independent African Republic, we have continued to bring the fullness of our capacities and the value of our experiences to enable the global search for international peace, regional integration and economic transformation. Today, our Republic is stronger, safer, securer and steadier than it has been in many years. A stronger, safer, securer and steadier Republic has increasingly meant that peacekeepers will stand down and the Government will stand up. It means that we can no longer only rely on development partners to fund our budget, build our schools, hospitals, roads and ports, and educate our people the overdue tasks by which we expand the economy and increase opportunities for all Liberians. Indeed, a stronger, safer, securer and steadier Republic means that each year will be more challenging than the previous not because we will be expected to do less, but because we will be expected to do more. There will be more Liberians to be empowered; more electric power to be generated and distributed; more doctors and nurses and teachers and policemen to be trained and deployed; more quality education for our students not only to develop the skills they need to find a livelihood at home, but also to compete with their contemporaries in the global marketplace. There will be more jobs to be created; more opportunities to be provided; and more Liberians to be uplifted. Each year, we will be expected to do more than the previous. Admittedly, while we must collectively do more, the public fight against corruption, abuses of power and the misuse of government resources is being emboldened and intensified. With your help, through decided reforms and progressive practices of inclusion, openness and accountability, we will continue to exercise the maximum feasible participation of Liberians in the management of our economy, and advance the general welfare of all Liberians. Honorable Legislators: As I said last year, in previous decades, we fought for political freedom and the right to vote and participate in a democratic process. It is now time for economic freedom, which can only be achieved through increased citizens participation in our economy through the implementation of an aggressive Liberianization model. But as we pursue the goals of Liberianization, our citizens must be guided by the principles of business ethics, such as honesty, trust and creditworthiness. No country can improve the lot of its people, if business relationships are categorized by a lack of trust and refusal to pay legitimate debts. We urge our citizens to prepare themselves to move into profitable areas of the economy through a process of learning, apprenticeship and, above all, a burning desire to make substantial contributions to our economic growth and development. Our citizens must be prepared to relinquish long-standing business relationships and forego vested interests, if our Liberianization is to be real and realized. Our citizens must go back to their counties of origin for the farms they make and the houses they build. Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. President Pro-Tempore, Ladies and Gentlemen: Much has already been done, but deep in my heart I know we can do more. However, to do this, we must demand more of each other more accountability, more reforms, and importantly, more emphasis on how we achieve the common good for our people as opposed to how we maneuver to bring each other down. We can disagree with each others ideas and yet, together, celebrate Liberias success and progress. We must look beyond narrow self-interests beyond what is good for our political parties and see what is best for our country. The truth is clear: A better Liberia works well for all Liberians; a better Liberia is a credit to all Liberians. May God bless our beloved Republic, our Liberia. I thank you.

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damages to hard-won reputations, and adversely affect national growth and development opportunities. As we maintain our values, supporting the right of free expression, we must do so conscious that the purpose of that value is the collective enhancement of our society. We must therefore rebuff abuse of that right and recognize that the Constitution requires that we are responsible for the abuse of that right. The children of Liberia deserve to inherit a better society a stronger, united Nation. Let us in unison strive to achieve and bequeath that to them. NGO ACTIVITIES IN LIBERIA Since the restoration of peace and democratic governance in Liberia, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) both national and international continue to contribute to the reconstruction process of our country. To date, Liberia has a total of 997 NGOs 874 National and 123 International operating in the 15 counties of Liberia. These NGOs had traditionally provided services in wide areas of humanitarian assistance and development. More recently the emphasis has been on democracy and governance; human rights; environment and natural resources. In these latter functions, some NGOs have sought to become super-national bodies challenging national sovereignty even as they themselves lack national and international governance status and rules in transparency and accessibility. As we strive to speed up our post-conflict development, we must ensure efficiency, transparency and accountability by NGOs in their delivery of services to our people. We must guarantee a strong intersectoral framework and information-sharing mechanisms between the institutions of government and non-governmental organizations. To ensure that we achieve this partnership, the Government will require national and international NGOs to submit a report of their annual activities, and register with the relevant government agency every year; that NGOs disclose to the Government of Liberia the details of the funds pledged by donors for project implementation in the country; that funds secured for capacity building are utilized, in collaboration with the relevant Ministries or Agencies of Government; that all funds released to NGOs by a donor should be transferred from the donor to the NGOs through an account in a commercial bank in Liberia; that all vehicles owned by NGOs should be registered in the name of the organization and be clearly marked with the name and logo of the organization or face impoundment; and that all assets owned by international non-governmental organizations purchased or acquired with donor funds are the property of the Liberian people who are the direct beneficiaries. In an instance where an organization decides to close down its operations, the organization shall surrender such assets to the sector Ministries or Agencies of Government in which such NGO operated. CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES Honorable Legislators: The Agenda for Transformation identifies a number of cross-cutting issues gender, child protection, disabilities, youth empowerment, the environment, HIV/AIDS, human rights, and labor and employment. The Ministry of Gender and Development is successfully leading us to the achievement of Millennium Development Goal number 3 on gender equality and the empowerment of women. One of the biggest challenges is sexual violence, a growing concern in our country, especially the rape of young children. Of all the rape cases reported from the 15 counties, over 65 percent were children below 14 years. Last year, ten children between the ages of 3 and 14 years died as a result of rape. It is shameful that this continues to mar the image of our country. The law which makes rape a non-bailable offense has had limited effect because of families of victims who are easily compromised, by the lack of evidence, and by sympathetic judges. I chaired a meeting of women leaders and representatives of women organizations who are working on a program that will call on religious, traditional and community leaders, parents, teachers, women and youth groups to become agents of change and commit to take action to prevent sexual violence, as this is everyones responsibility. We need your support also, to ensure that our children and our women are safe. While we have done well in the enrollment of girls in primary schools, retention is a problem. In response, the Ministry renovated a dormitory, and recruited and enrolled 60 vulnerable and underprivileged girls from Grand Cape Mount, Gbarpolu, Bomi and rural Montserrado at Ricks Institute and Bromley Mission to complete their secondary education. A further 125 girls, recruited from Nimba, Lofa, Bong and Grand Bassa, are enrolled at the newly renovated Victoria A. Tolbert Girls Hostel in Gbalatuah, Bong County. The Economic Empowerment of Adolescent Girls and Young Women (EPAG) project has, since 2009, increased employment and incomes among 2,500 adolescent girls and young women between ages 1627 years in business development skills, job skills, and life skills, in Montserrado and Margibi Counties. A third round of training, targeting an additional 1,000 adolescent girls and young women, is under way in Montserrado, Margibi, and Grand Bassa. The Social Cash Transfer program, under the Social Protection component, provided monthly cash transfers to 3,448 households 60 percent of them headed by females which translate into 14,083 individuals in Bomi and Maryland Counties. Some 5,162 children are benefiting from education grants or schools bonuses under the program. Eight rural women who obtained solar engineering training have used their skills to electrify 171 houses in communities in Grand Bassa, rural Montserrado, Lofa and Grand Cape Mount. In partnership with Liberia, the Foundation for Women (FFW) a pet program of our Vice President has, since 2007, provided microloans

to more than 10,000 women in 14 of the 15 counties. An excellent example of the entrepreneurial spirit of women is the story of Madam Ducas Guannu and Madam Wehyee Paikao, both of Peace Island, Congo Town. The two market women, both in their mid-sixties, have for several years benefited from microloans offered by FFW-Liberia. They received their first loans of L$6,000 each in 2009. Having successfully paid back all subsequent loans, they received their fourth loans of L$15,000 each in 2011. They then decided on something unique; they formed a partnership whereby they pooled their finances and opened their own business, a mini-store to sell building materials. In October 2013, when they paid off their sixth loan of L$25,000 each, and were expected to request additional funding, Ducas and Wehyee surprised the Foundation, by telling them, We now run our own business; we will manage it without the loan. Their mini-store, whose daily sales cover their family needs and business expansion, cannot compare with bigger stores doing similar business, but we applaud this entrepreneurial spirit, and ask you to patronize them by buying from their store. Please recognize them in our audience today. Environmental quality is particularly important for economic output, sustainable livelihood, and poverty reduction. Liberia is richly endowed with natural capital and has a climate favorable to agriculture and environmental quality for the survival of our people. However, the current adverse effects of pollution and climate change will negatively impact the health of communities and the economy unless measures are taken to address environmental challenges. Sustainable environment management is the third dimension of sustainable economic development, requiring a concerted effort to protect the environment as the underpinning of the livelihood of our people. The Environment Protection Agency (EPA), the national focal agency mandated to protect the environment and support the government in the sustainable use of our natural resources, faces many challenges in fulfilling its mandate. The Agency needs to be fully modernized to tackle the many global environmental problems affecting the country. The Agency has been successful in securing funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to carry out pilot projects to enhance resilience of vulnerable coastal areas to climate change risk in three of our coastal cities that are badly threatened by coastal erosion, namely Monrovia, Buchanan and Robertsport. Presently, construction work is ongoing in Buchanan, and work there and at the other two pilot sites will help us find solutions to apply to threats along our 597,000 kilometer coastline. NECROLOGY Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. President Pro-Tempore, Members of the Legislature, Ladies and Gentlemen: Nothing replaces the memories and roles that departed officials and loved ones played in the life of our nation. During this reporting period, with a heavy heart we bade farewell to Archbishop Michael Kpakala Francis, of the Catholic Diocese of Monrovia; and His Excellency Moses Zeh Blah, former President of the Republic of Liberia. Several government officials and prominent citizens were also called home to rest. Among them are: Hon. John F. Whitfield, Senator, Grand Bassa County; Hon. Robert Benjamin Freeman, former Member of the House of Representatives, Montserrado County; Hon. Isaac Tozay Dahn, former Member of the House of Representatives, Nimba County; Hon. Francis K. Garbo, former Representative of Zorzor District, Lofa County; Hon. Leroy E. Francis, former Mayor, City of Marshall and Representative of Margibi County; We bade farewell to: Counsellor R. Leroy Urey, former Chairman of the Independent National Commission on Human Rights and former Deputy Minister/Legal Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Hon. Charles A. Greene, former Executive Governor, CBL; Hon. Edwin J. Williams, former Minister of Finance; Hon. Louis Alford Ross Sr., former Minister of Agriculture; Hon. M. Tarnue Mawolo, former Minister of State without Portfolio; Hon. Harold J. Monger, Director General, Liberia Institute of Public Administration; Hon. Theophilus Totee Bettie, Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Liberia; Hon. Gedeon Kofi Michael Gadegbeku, former Auditor General, Republic of Liberia; Hon. Malchaiah Walter Goda Baker Sr., former Deputy Minister, Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy; Hon Samuel T. Hooke, Sr. former Deputy Minister for Administration, Ministry

STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS 2014

FrontPage EDITORIAL
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Tuesday, January 28, 2014

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COMMENTARY
Paul M. Kanneh/paulkanneh5@gmail.com/0888022040
(the day of independence) to 1973 and that it was not until 1973 that the late and last Americo-Liberian President, William R. Tolbert embarked on Civil Service Reforms. With this, anybody fighting corruption in such a society without considering intensive public education and awareness campaign will be day dreaming. That is why we believe that the new LACC boos approach of preventive measures through awareness and establishment of smaller anti-corruption groups at different level in society will greatly impact the fight against corruption as opposed to just going after people for prosecution. Who is Cllr. James Verdier? As per his brief profile,Cllr. James Verdier is a dedicated human rights professional whose experience in democratic governance, justice and security issues including skills in crisis prevention, recovery and management have rendered him versatile and invaluable in the Liberian society. Prior to his appointment as Chairman of Liberias Anti-Corruption Commission, Cllr. Verdier took Interestin working in conflict, post-conflict environment to assist prevent crisis, facilitate recovery, promote justice and democratic governance; and increase access to justice. He holds LL.M in International Human Rights Law from the University of Notre Dame Law School, South Bend. He is also a holder of LL.B, Laws from the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, University of Liberia and Bachelor of Act degree in Political Science. As lawyer, Cllr. Verdiers profile indicates that he is an Assistant Professor of Law at the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, University of Liberia and lectures on human rights law, international law and property law. Working with the Law School, Cllr. Verdier is helping in the areas of capacity development to upgrade programs, facilities and academic standards. Before his appointment at LACC, James Verdier served as Justice & Security Programme National Officer of the United Nation Development Program, Liberia. At UNDP, he also served as Rule of Law Project Manager/Justice & Security Programme responsible for providing technical and operational support to the implementation and monitoring of Rule of Law project as well as Mapping out national and international actors involved in rule of law/access to justice, and provided support in forging partnerships with UN agencies, national and international NGOs and donor community.

Commentary

FIRST GAC, NOW PPCC, IS THE LACC NEXT?

WITNESSING AN UNPRECEDENTED TRANSITION

SIRLEAF MUST AVOID THE YES MAAM SYNDROME OR RUIN HER LEGACY!!!

It speaks volume when the reigning head of state publicly chastises the agency responsible for oversight responsibility to regulate and monitor all forms of public procurement and concessions practices in Liberia to the detriment of her own fight against the cancer she vowed to make public enemy No. 1 when she came into office.

DURING A RECENT visit to the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission, Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf made a rather startling declaration which could eventually come back to haunt her presidency and looming political legacy. AT THE END OF THE PRESIDENTS visit which was aimed at discussing difficulties faced by public entities in implementing projects in this critical Dry Season period, the president, according to the Executive Mansion, declared to PPCC commissioners, that if anyone duly obstructs the implementation of the administration's development projects during this critical period, they will be removed from their position. THE PRESIDENTS visit was prompted by a number of complaints against the procurement agency by some government ministries and agencies frustrated over the scrutiny enforced by the PPCC. WHERE IT BECOMES CONFUSING is when the President takes it upon herself to request the Commissioners to be more mindful of their duties by working more frequently with staff rather than only on a quarterly basis, calling on the PPCC to be mindful that project implementation is highest in the Dry Season, and to cooperate with all public entities rather than be an obstacle. IT SPEAKS VOLUME when the reigning head of state publicly chastises the agency responsible for oversight responsibility to regulate and monitor all forms of public procurement and concessions practices in Liberia to the detriment of her own fight against the cancer she vowed to make publicly No. 1 when she came into office. AT THE END of the civil war, the international community concluded that the Need Assessment conducted by the Government of Liberia in conjunction with the United Nations and World Bank determined that the policy, procedures and practices for awarding contracts under public procurement and concessions were not done with economy, efficiency and transparency. Hence, it did not give Government the value for money used from public funds. It was then decided that public procurement and concessions be reformed in two phases: 1) to prepare interim public procurement policy & procedures and interim guidelines for awarding concessions by the NTGL, and 2) to prepare a comprehensive public procurement and concessions law. IT IS ON THIS BASIS that the PPCC was established, giving the body oversight responsibility to regulate and monitor all forms of public procurement and concessions practices in Liberia. The PPCC replaced the Concessions and Monopoly Committee (CMC) with elaborate mandates of monitoring procuring entities to comply with the Act of 2005 for all public procurement and awarding concessions, in order to ensure economy, efficiency, transparency and to promote competition so that Government gets value for money in using public funds. IN THE PAST YEAR alone, the underfunded and ill-equipped PPCC has made more contributions to the fight against corruption in Liberia than the now-watered down, General Auditing Commission and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission combined. LAST JULY, it was through the instrumentality and due diligence of the PPCC that the disgraced former Director General of the General Services Agency (GSA) Pearine Davis Parkinson and Auditor General of the General Auditing Commission (GAC) Mr. Robert Kilby were booked for what members of the Houses Committee on Ways, Means and Finance And the President termed as conflict of interest." DURING HER appearance before lawmakers, it was gathered that Parkinson gave out US$375,000 contract to a company owned by Mr. Kilby. Parkinson justified that that former Auditor General Kilby had worked for a long time with her in different capacities when she served as Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs and his close ties influenced her decision to award his company the contract. THE CONTRACT was awarded to Mr. Kilbys Company named and styled: Independent Software Certification (ISCI) on December 3, 2012, three months after he took office at the GAC. Appearing Tuesday July 2, 2013, before the Houses Committee, the GSA boss further said Mr. Kilby won the bid before becoming auditor general of the country; adding that her action did not in any way speak of conflict of interest. PRIOR TO THE KILBY-DAVISION saga, it was the PPCC again which exposed a massive corruption unraveling at the Roberts International Airport detailing illegal companies, transfer of funds and serious breach of PPCC regulations that led to the resignation and flight of the disgraced head of the Liberia Airport Authority Ellen Corkrum and her fianc Melvin Johnson. THIS IS WHY we are baffled that the President will ridicule what many believe is the last remaining agency holding government officials and institutions in check and the first line of defense in the fight against

nlike others who take transition as war, the incoming Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission Chairperson humbly sat and listened as his predecessor; Cllr. Francis Johnson Allison explained her challenges and experiences in fighting corruption during her five years tenure as head of Liberias Anti-Corruption Commission. Everyone including me anticipated condemnation response from James Verdier as is always the case with many successors of public offices in Liberia. But what we would see and hear on the wonderful day of November 22, 2013 would be a different transition for which, many now hail both Cllr. Francis Johnson Allison (Predecessor) and Cllr. James Verdier (Successor). And for sure, to the surprise of everyone, the incoming Liberian Anti-Corruption Commission boss responded with praises on his predecessor. What the meant to some of us is that the new LACC boss designate is a mature and responsible individual with a broader understanding of transition vis--vis administrative and political issues. Specifically, Cllr. Verdier said he will build on the experiences of the past regime to do his work. Verdier acknowledged that his predecessor was an experienced lady with integrity, something most Liberian professionals would not love to say about their predecessors. The unique thing about the two individuals is that, both of them once headed the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission (JPC). It is also interesting to note that at JPC, Cllr. Allison took over from Cllr. James Verdier just as Verdier is now taken over from Cllr. Allison, which makes history to repeat itself. Though they may differ in ideologies in terms of administration, policy and implementation strategies, probabilities are that they will respect each other legacies as a demonstration that they once served the same institution with the objective of promoting human rights and rule of law in Liberia. Cllr. Verdier stressed that one cannot fight corruption in isolation. Therefore, he intends to work with other fraud fight institutions in sharing information including evidence of corruption and other malpractices in government. He at the same time maintained that corruption fighting institutions are not enemies, adding that his administration will focus more on preventive measures, and prosecutes only when the need arises. This statement, for some of us, spoke volume of the young lawyers understanding of Liberias problem of over hundred years of living and working with corruption at all level within the Liberian society where prosecution for corruption is yet to make significance impact. For example, Public Administration 201 tells me that Liberian Governments operated a spoiled system for 126 years, from 1847
corruption because some officials do not want to follow the ruIes when it comes to procurement and concessions. IN THE BACKDROP of this, it is important for the Sirleaf administration to do all within its power to ensure that the commission is armed with all the necessary tools to do its work without intimidation and obstacles, especially from government ministries and agencies looking for an easy way out. WHILE WE welcome, Sirleafs declaration that she expects the PPCC to provide full assistance to entities that do not fully understand the laws or have limited capacity, perhaps the President should take the initiative to push for more funding for the PPCC to enable the agency to improve its work. Equally baffling that nearly 10 years since the PPCC came into existence, there are still employees and officials who still don't understand the PPCC rules. PRESIDENT SIRLEAF and the Unity Party government cannot and must not be comfortable in feeling that they can have their cake and eat it by trumpeting to the international community that it has institutions in place dealing with corruption, but silently stabbing these institutions in the back by underfunding and allowing corrupt officials to backstab them for their own interest and to the nations detriment. AS THE PRESIDENT prepares to deliver her 9th State of the Nation Address on Monday, it is important to put a number of things in perspective. Sirleaf ran on a very aggressive first-election campaign pledging to rid Liberia of corruption and go after all those who steal Liberias resources. THE PRESIDENT made this emphatically clear on January 6, 2006 during her inaugural address when she said: Corruption erodes faith in government because of the mismanagement and misapplication of public resources. It weakens accountability, transparency and justice. Corruption short changes and undermines key decision and policy making processes. It stifles private investments which create jobs and assures support from our partners. Corruption is a national cancer that creates hostility, distrust, and anger. Throughout the campaign, I assured our people that, if elected, we would wage war against corruption regardless of where it exists, or by whom it is practiced. Today, I renew this pledge. Corruption, under my Administration, will be the major public enemy. We will confront it. We will fight it. Any member of my Administration who sees this affirmation as mere posturing, or yet another attempt by yet another Liberian leader to play to the gallery on this grave issue should think twice. Anyone who desires to challenge

You can read the full commentary on www. frontpageafricanonline.com

us in this regard will do so at his or her personal disadvantage." SIRLEAF DID pledge to lead by example when she said: I will expect and demand that everyone serving in my Administration leads by example. THE PRESIDENT must not allow sycophants within her ranks to deny her from fulfilling these lofty promises she made in 2006 and continues to profess whenever she gets a chance to tete-a-tete with the international community. IT IS BECOMING increasingly clear to all that the Sirleaf administration is only comfortable with keeping friendly interests in positions of authority. Key positions like the GAC, LACC, PPCC and others are not and should not be held by political appointees, much less people who are only interested in being part of the system and maintaining a corrupt system. IN THE PAST few months alone, the President appointed to the GAC and now the National Oil Company of Liberia, key aides in Yusador Gaye, a former Inspector General in the Executive Mansion and Cllr. Seward Cooper, her current legal advisor, as Chair of the board of the National Oil Company of Liberia. IT IS NO SURPRISE that Cllr. James Verdier, the nominee tipped to head the Liberia Anti Corruption Commission, during his appearance before his confirmation hearing last week, declared that if President Sirleaf or any senior officials of government interferes with the functions of the Commission as a way of impeding the execution his responsibilities, he would resign. MADAM PRESIDENT, these agencies should be funded properly and given the room to exercise their work without threats of dismissals or intimidations, because some member of the kitchen Cabinet decides they are stepping in their way. LIBERIA HAS come a long way, scores of our citizens have died and many including this President fought other leaders because of the very vices eating Liberia today. If we as a people have not learned anything from the thirteen officials who were killed on April 12, 1980 and the many imprisonments that followed on November 12, 1985 during a foiled Thomas Quiwonkpa-led invasion, then we are afraid, that the Sirleaf-led government is flirting with disaster and toying with what is already brewing disenchantment and resentment from an unsatisfied faction of the Liberian population to the detriment of the Presidents own good.

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your challenges on vested interests? What are these interests and who enabled their chieftains? Revisiting your Supreme Court appointees, what are their antecedents? Did you honestly expect that these entities would transcend their pasts sufficiently to evolve into objective custodians of justice or were the appointments a deliberate ploy to institutionalize a kangaroo court? If the Minister of Justice is denied Justice by your highest court, what hope is there for the ordinary Liberian? Do you not appreciate the profound threat that the judiciarys encroachment into executive powers constitute, not just to your administration, but to the rule of law which is bound to safeguard democratic consolidation in Liberia? My paramount concern is more about the collective good and less about how history will judge you for squandering a pristine opportunity to rebuild. But, Id be remiss not to emphasize that there is yet time for you to course correct. Madam President, we recall the length you went to endear yourself to the international community as a patriotic opposition leader committed to the essence of equity and fairness. I was one of millions ecstatic when you were elected Liberias President and when you received the Nobel Peace Prize for advocating womens participation in peace-building (presumably on the assumption that womens participation makes a qualitative difference). However, I must confess that I have had growing cause to ponder to what avail. What happened to the ideals that you championed as an activist and in your quest for office? Will the real Ms. Sirleaf please make herself known? Will you sacrifice the best interest of the nation for personal aggrandizement? Or will you summon up the courage to redeem the remaining years in your tenure to steer Liberia back on a course that gives it a meaningful chance to endure as a viable democracy? To refresh my memory of why you earned my support, I revisited some highlights of your profile in the public domain. In a CCTV Faces of Africa footage entitled Ellen Sirleaf: Mother of Liberia, you excoriated politicians to distinguished your own public service aspirations. As you put it, What I wanted to do was be a leader a leader motivates people, inspires them and gets them to do things and politician just talks. It hasnt all been easy; I have had my share of failures, but I am so glad that the success has exceeded the failures and that is why I am where I am today; I was able to rise above the failures and rise above the difficulties. I hope I could send that message to every other woman or every other person that it takes perseverance and commitment and dedication and hard-work and honesty a combination of those values can get you there. Ironically, thatvideo report was posted on the web on October 22, 2013, exactly a week after the Supreme Court heard proceedings indicting your Minister of Justice for contempt.In conclusion, the narrator clarified that your leadership has not escaped controversy, noting for example that you came under fire for promoting 3 of [your] 4 sons into high positions. A cursory review of official dispatches and popular testimonials

Tuesday, January 28 , 2014

MADAM PRESIDENT, WHATS YOUR STORY?

Open Letter to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on justice minister christiana Tahs supreme court ruling
Dear Madam President: It was refreshing for me to listen to your Justice Minister, Christiana Tahs BBC magnanimous interview of January 24, 2014 a day after the Liberian Supreme Courtdenied her petition to reconsider the punishment they imposed on her for discharging her duties as the principal legal officer of the Republic of Liberia. Apparently, the court took umbrage at the Minister for exercising her statutory power to grant compassionate leave to a journalist who had been imprisoned for blowing the whistle against an allegedly corrupt Minister. I will defer substantive comment about the absurdity of the courts ruling as I suspect that it could attract a tome of seasoned critiques in due course. However, embracing this development as a learning opportunity to help deepen our democratic practice, I write to address your confounding inaction and implicit abdication of authority as the Chief Executive of the sovereign State. I have opted to write this letter under the cloak of a pen name, not for the fear of retribution, rather to illustrate the frustration that comes with trying to pierce a veil of secrecy. Your studied silence in the face of public outcry about the Liberian Supreme Courts incoherent ruling against your Minister of Justice, Christiana Tah, seems to confirm the consensus among discerning analysts regarding your complicity in orchestrating the witch-hunt. As the Chief Executive of the State, it is not unreasonable for you to take responsibility for an action your Minister undertakes at your behest. Equivocating or sitting on the fence is not a viable option; insofar as it suggests your endorsement of the courts judgment, it signals your vote of no confidence in a Minister whose integrity and creditability is underscored by the action in question. If indeed the Minister has lost her principals confidence, it is all the more telling that you have not relieved her of a crucial portfolio the effectiveness of which you surreptitiously undermine. Beyond the realm of speculation, I took solace in the objective BBC interview as evidence that Minister Tah found the fortitude to carry on with her responsibilities to the extent possible under the circumstances. Her relentless commitment is reminiscent of your 2011 Harvard Commencement speech in which you resoundingly extolled the virtues of hope and resilience. In that speech, you also reflected on the costs of self-confidence, sometimes called arrogance. Recalling times when the burden of standing tall by ones convictions seemed only to result in failure, you insisted that through it all, my experience sends a strong message that failure is just as important as success. As the point of departure for my present observations, Madam President, I will borrow your acclamations of the dividends of peace, your tribute to Liberian women who fought the final battle for peace, and your proclamation of both pride and humility as the first woman President of my country democratically elected which you noted has allowed you to lead national transformation, change needed to address an environment characterize by such awesome challenges as dysfunctional institutions. What are the prospects for the rule of law which is a fundamental condition for the transformation you espouse where the highest court of the land can get away with arbitrarily suspending the license of the governments chief legal officer under the pretext of a perceived slight?Listening to the questions that Minister Tah fielded in her BBC interview indicates that Liberians remain focused on how best she can facilitate their pursuit of justice. While the Supreme Courts suspension of the Ministers license to practice is not a mere symbolic gesture, the obvious sense of obligation that impels her to persevere in going about her business in the best interest of the country is a testament of uncommon patriotism. This is especially given that you, the principal at whose behest she intervened to grant the contested compassionate leave has studiedly remained silent in the court of public opinion throughout her petty, yet humiliating, ordeal with the Supreme Court. Madam President, whats your story? Is it easier to blame on Liberia reveal sordid details of pervasive corruption and abuse of power throughout your government. The 2012 Human Rights Report on Liberia which corroborates that officials engage in corrupt practices with impunity, relates the most serious human rights abuses to a lack of justice which stems from judicial inefficiency and corruption, etc. In delivering the 166th Independence Day National Oration on July 26, 2013, your own ruling Party chair, Varney Sherman,lamented that nearly ten years after the civil war and after two cycles of democratic elections, Liberians who have come to terms with the harsh reality that peace is not necessarily the absence of war, ask themselves whether the Government is sufficiently accountable and responsive to their needs. Sherman proceeds to warn that our country cannot be transformed when public service is evaluated by the Liberian people at large as the place where corruption exists, persists and is practiced as a matter of course and with impunity. Hopes that your successive tenure will usher in a healing era of restorative justice and grassroots empowerment are increasingly eviscerated by your administrations reenactment of chilling strategies that bear strong parallels with some of the conditions that culminated in the inhumane war. Many who celebrated your democratic election as an antidote for amputation, castration, and other decidedly villainous modes of containing opposition have been astounded by your disdain, discipline and punishment of dissent. Yet, we know that dissent is the lifeline of democracy. What is the future of democratic practice where a civil society stalwart like the press is either alienated or co-opted or where the Bar the iconic bulwark of justice is unconscionably intimidated? Is the assumption that the so-called politics of the belly which has become the hallmark of your administration overrides the public good? It is bad enough to imagine that a global goodwill ambassador such as yourself would stoop as low as purposefully installing roguish personnel in cardinal positions of power and normalize incestuous appointments which empower the likes of your sons to rid rough shod against all and sundry as if the affairs of a democratic polity are a birth-right entitlement. If you care to take the pulse of your constituency, you will be dismayed to reckon how palpable sentiments for your resignation have grown. Yet, we know from experiences exemplified by the Arab Springs that a vacuum of power or unplanned succession could be a cure worse than the disease. Go figure, Madam President. Signed, Ms. Susan Peyton New York, New York

Rodney D. Sieh, Managing Editor, 0886-738-666; 077-936-138, editor@FrontPageAfricaonline.com; rodney.sieh@FrontPageAfricaonline.com Wade C. L. Williams, News Desk Chief, wade. williams@frontpageafricaonline.com; 0880664793 Francis F.B. Mulbah, Layout Editor; 0886639382 REPORTERS Sports Editor, Danesius Marteh, danesius.marteh@ frontpageafricaonline.com, 0886236528 Henry Karmo, henry.karmo@frontpageafricaonline. com Al-varney Rogers al.rogers@frontpageafricaonline. com, 0886-304498

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STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS 2014 Tuesday, January 28, 2014

CHAMPIONS FALL
Blue Angels secure first league win with 1-0 over BYC
A. Macaulay Sombai, sombai121@gmail.com

Sport

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ighty Blue \\\\\\\\\\\Angels patch form took an upward turn on Sunday with a hard fought 1-0 win over defending champions Barrack Young Controllers (BYC) at the Unification Town sports pitch in Harbel, Margibi County. It was their first league win of the season, which will be a cause for concerns for BYC as they prepare for the first leg Caf

Champions League match with Ghanas Asante Kotoko on the weekend of February 7-9 in Kumasi. Ten men LISCR FC drew 1-1 with LPRC Oilers at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium (ATS) in game one while Invincible Eleven suffered a 0-2 defeat at the hands of Ganta Black Stars. Red Lions back to back defeat ended with

a surprise 1-0 win over Monrovia Club Breweries. Watangas revival under Christian Thompson continued with an impressive 2-0 victory over Keitrace FC and NPA Anchors ended their winless run against Jubilee with a 2-1 at the D. Tweh sports pitch in New Kru Town.

SIRLEAFS CURIOUS CASE

Swal Ecom chair must give a comprehensive report before induction
he Sports Writers Association of Liberia (Swal) were due to elect new officials on January 24 for a two-year term but that will not happen until February 7. Swal adhoc elections commission chairman Momolu V. O. Sirleaf has announced the postponement of the elections in order to reconcile irregularities in the roster submitted by Sky FMs Francis Pelanah, who chairs the membership committee, and the leadership led by outgoing president Fombah Kanneh. Interestingly, Pelenahs roster didnt include veterans like Malcolm Joseph, Horatio Bobby Nesta Willie, Hilary Justine Colnoe, Lenn Eugene Nagbe and two members of the adhoc commission Sirleaf and Zoegar Jaynes because they didnt pay the US$20 membership fee at the expiration of the deadline. But their names were included on the list submitted by the leadership, which created the discrepancies. Sirleaf and team have a race against time to work out the mathematics as all candidates have agreed to the postponement. The electoral process has not been free from curious concerns, which were raised by ex-Swal president Henry Flomo, now communications director of the Liberia Football Association (LFA). Firstly, Flomo questioned the rationale behind the appointment of Sirleaf, who chaired the process two years ago and the exorbitant fees being charged. Secondly, he wondered what were the extraordinary things done by the commission for which Kanneh selected Sirleaf coupled with the lack of accountability of his previous service. I dont believe that V. O. Sirleaf [a former Swal president] should be chairman of the elections commission twice in a row for that matter. This is not a permanent elections commission like you would say about the Jerome Kokoya-led National Elections Commission. So, I feel his name should be withdrawn. There are other members of the committee, like Zoegar Jaynes, Eddie Harmon and Akosa Ake, who are capable of serving as chairman. The other issue I raised was that the commission has been charging exorbitantly in my view, Flomo flagged. But Sirleafs response to Flomos charges was a mediocre mess, almost devoid of inspiration, just as Senegal deservedly beat Liberia 2-0 in a 2014 World Cup qualifier at the Samuel Kanyon Doe sports

Momolu V. O. SirleaF

Henry Flomo

complex on June 16, 2013 after a lackluster performance, coupled with a disgusting post-match reaction by an incompetent coach Frank Jericho Nagbe, who was imposed on Liberia by George Weah. Well, I dont have anything to say because I didnt lobby for this [position]. We were appointed by the leadership. I think the fair thing to say is that, the last time, we delivered a very credible election and everybody was satisfied with the process. So, I dont know where this is coming from but our duty is to work hard and make sure that everybody is satisfied and we conduct a free and fair election. If somebody wants to contest for Swal presidency, I dont think he or she cant afford L$5,000. This is a process that involves financial outlay. So, we arent going to underwrite the cost of the elections. The elections must underwrite its cost and this is what we are doing. The last time we charged L$5,000. That was two years ago. Inflation has gone on and we are charging the same L$5,000. So why should he complained. This is less than US$100, Sirleaf justified. This is a laughable justification to some of the real issues raised by Flomo. Sirleaf didnt go to a special elections school that gives him the skills to conduct two successive elections for an auxiliary group of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL). The PUL hasnt done this in the last 10 years or more. Rev. Fr. Anthony Fallah Bowah, then head of the Catholic Archdiocese of Monrovia Catholic Media Center (Cam-Cam) and now bishop of the Gbarnga Diocese, headed the last congress at the Baptist Seminary

and was replaced by University of Liberia mass communications lecturer James Wolo. Sirleaf, who chaired the last commission, collected more than L$60,000 as registration fees paid by candidates but didnt nothing special. Swal used the PUL headquarters free of charge and voting was done on an ordinary flying sheet of white paper. But, in his vain attempt to pocket some free money, is hiding behind inflation. Does he know what inflation is? So, what was the cost of a ream of sheets in December 2011 and what is the cost now? How much did he buy transparent white buckets, markers and poster sheets in 2013? And what are their prices now? Depreciation of the Liberian dollar is not inflation, according to Alieu Faud Nyei of the Ministry of Finance and Momolu must know this. Nyei, a graduate of the University of Reading in England, defines depreciation as a fall in the value of domestic currency while inflation is the sustained increase in the general price level of the economy. On his facebook page on January 22, Nyei argued: The relationship between inflation and depreciation is complicated. It depends on the exchange rate regime, level of financial sector development, foreign trade level and composition of economic activities, ...whether the country is dollarized or not, among many other remote factors. In Liberia, we have both the US dollars and the Liberian dollars as legal tender currencies (so, were dollarized). If you have assets or bank accounts denominated in US dollars, you will be benefitting from the fall in the value of the Liberian dollars. The reverse is true and it is much more profound on civil servants and employees whose salaries are paid in Liberian dollars. However, this cannot be called inflation because those with Liberian dollars assets are getting worse-off while those with US dollars assets are becoming better-off. Infact, most civil servants receive a Liberian dollar salary and a US dollar allowance thereby mitigating the impact of the falling Liberian dollar. However, this exchange rate volatility isnt good for the economy. The age-old policy response by the CBL [Central Bank of Liberia] has been to sell US dollars in order to mop-up excess Liberian dollars to stabilize exchange rate. But with the CBLs foreign currency reserve fast depleting, this option will have unwarranted consequences. There is a need now for enhanced coordination between monetary, fiscal and exchange rate policies for effective macroeconomic management. This can only be achieved when the relevant actors (CBL, Ministry of Finance, etal) are coordinating well. Does Sirleaf, a journalist turned health administrator, agree with this opinion? And where did get his lecture on microeconomics and macroeconomics? Sirleaf can hold unto his role, since hes seemingly unwilling to resign, but must make a comprehensive disclosure of every penny received and expended. We dont want the past in reverse. More besides, our memories are still fresh of his role on the elaborate national mobilization committee, which was set-up by LFA president Musa Bility in July 2012. Sirleaf served as secretary-general of the committee, which raised between US$800,000 to US$1 million for the 2013 African Cup of Nations qualifiers with Nigeria in September and October 2012 but is yet to make a report. ON UNMIL Radios Sport Extra program in September 2013, Sirleaf said the committee had no deadline in submitting its report even though they did nothing after the humiliating defeat to Nigeria in Calabar. Pressed forward on the credibility and competence of the membership, Sirleaf fainted and resuscitated that the narrative report was completed but the tight schedules of chairman Edwin Snowe, co-chairman Geraldine Doe-Sheriff, treasurer Matilda Wokie Parker and ex-officio Bility, Musa Shannon and Doris Sheba Brown were delaying the completion of the financial report. Reminded in October, Sirleaf said he was in a family meeting of a fallen niecePhermai B. Warnerand would call back later. Reminded in November, Sirleaf again said he was at the funeral service of another nieceGiftee Pinkey Banksand would have called back later. Since then, he has been providing clarity about the funds raised by the committee on facebook. In December, Bility screamed on UNMIL Radios Sport Extra program about the continuous pressure on him, rather than Snowe, to produce a report. Sirleafsflip-flopping tales are unbelievable. It is hard time he produces a report before induction. Swal shouldnt be seen as a place to make some lose cash. Only time will tell whether he will save his fading reputation and accountability fight waged on the LFA following his return from the United States of America, by producing a nice report on income and expenditure. And if his time as secretary-general of Invincible Eleven Majestic Sports Association is anything to go by, then we shouldnt expect a report from the mobilization committee or his adhoc election committee.

STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS 2014 Page 8a 16 | Frontpage

CAPITAL FLIGHT
Amid Rising Inflation, Economic Woes, Senate Calls For Investigation
review of currencies movement within the West African Monetary zone (WAMZ), relative to the US dollar, the committee noted that there was mixed performance and for the period January ended to June, 2013, the Ghanaian Cedi depreciated by 4.7 percent, followed by The Gambian Dalasi, 4.0 percent; the CFA Franc and Cape Verdean Escudo, by about 3.9 percent; the Liberian dollar, by 2.7 percent; and the Guinea Franc, by 2.3 percent, while on the other hand, the Nigerian Naira and the Sierra Leonean Leone remained relatively stable during the period. The committee also cited the slowdown in forestry activities characterized by slowdown in the activities of logging companies due to the Public Used Permit saga as issues suffering the state of the Liberian economy. The merits of the moratorium, notwithstanding, the economic consequences are real. Logging companies operating Public Use Permits were spending approximately US$3 million per month on wages, fuels, the other operating cost excluding taxes and fee paid to the Government and Port Authority. Again, when you consider the size of the Liberian economy, losing US$3 million per month is a big deal and should not be ignored, stated the committee.Non-governmental organization slowdown is another factor cited by the Senate committee as contributing to the current poor state of the Liberian economy.The last few years have seen non-governmental organization slow down their activities in Liberia. Two primary reasons are responsible: economic situation of the donor country have not been favorable and conditions in Liberia have been improving thereby necessitating a reduction in activities, the report indicated, justifying that with more than 10 years of peace and stability, it is reasonable for anyone to believe that the need for emergency and relief are minimal and therefore justifies a reduction in the activities of many non-governmental organizations who are already experiencing economic slowdowns in their donors countries. The ongoing gradual drawdown of staff of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) has been identified as another factor suppressing the Liberian economy. Additionally, the committee stated that it observed that further declines in export receipts, combined with increasing demand for imports do have the potential of exerting upward pressure on the Liberian dollar, which would translate into higher inflation. Senators Nine Count RecommendationsThe committee put forth nine count recommendations on how to tackle the current impasse facing the Liberian economy amongst which it is proposing that the National Legislature passes a statute expressly and particularly granting the Central Bank of Liberia the legal right and authority to print banknotes and mint coins. Article 34 of the Liberian Constitution (d, II) saysNo coins shall be minted or national currency issued except by the expressed authority of the legislature. The interpretations of expressed authority of the legislature, the committee observed is subject to debate and constitutional interpretation. According to the committee, all agencies of government involved in economic activities or management including Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy and Central Bank of Liberia, Forestry Development Authority, etc should coordinate their activities to achieve optimum benefits to the economy.The committee also recommended that the use of foreign exchange serves requires prudential guideline, while aspiring to achieve maximum earnings.To accelerate the process of economic transformation, it is a requirement that a greater portion of national resources be use for agro-industrial development with emphasis on the promotion of value-chain production. The private sector has to scale up its activities from being mainly importers of goods and services to domestic manufacturing and value-added business activities, the senators recommend. The senators are also calling for collaboration between local businesses including giving Liberian entrepreneurs opportunities to obtain contracts to provide goods and service that may be needed by large foreign investors. Clarity sought on CBL Stimulus initiativeIn further recommendations, the senators are seeking clarity on the CBLs stimulus initiative. in the wake of the ongoing debate on the legality of the CBLs stimulus initiatives, it behooves the Central Bank of Liberia to provide clarity for the public on the role of the Central Bank of Liberia in conducting monetary policy as per the power and authority given it as contained in the 1999 Act. The Bank must pursue to achieve and maintain price stability in the Liberia economy for which the formulation and implementation of monetary policy exclusively lies. And research has shown that the micro-finance stimulus initiative is producing a positive response and should continue. The senators are advising that the Central bank of Liberia continues the weekly US$1.5 m auction being practice by the bank, indicating that it serves as a short and medium terms mechanism to maintain its status as a store of value-one of the methods of appreciating the Liberian dollar against the United States dollars.The lawmakers are also recommending that the issue of capital flight be properly investigated as it is undermining the strength of the Liberian economy. Recommends the Senator The issue of capital flight has to be properly investigated (in detailed) by all committees because it is one of the identifiable instruments which tend to undermine the strength of our national currency (outflow of remittances or cash). People in both the private and public sectors are allegedly involved.The Senate Committee on Banking and Currency is chaired by Isaac W. Nyenabo, II (NDPL, Grand Gedeh); Jonathan Banney (Rivercess County) Cochairman and members include Senator Henry W. Yallah, Clarice A. Jah, H. Dan Morias and Sumo G. Kupee.

LEGISLATIVE BEAT FWHOS RESPONSIBLE FOR

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Tuesday, January 28 , 2014

ll major state actors in Liberia are devising means to tackle the economic situation in the county characterized by depreciation in the value of the Liberian dollars in exchange against the United States dollars resulting in other accompanying circumstances including increase in prices of basic commodities, amongst others. The Central Bank of Liberia and the Ministry of Finance are fumbling over the economic impasse, trading accusations with one side blaming the other for infusing too much Liberian dollars into the economy and the other denying such assertion. As the bickering between the two major actors in the financial sector of the country continues, other actors including the Legislators are busy brainstorming and discussing in an effort to identify the existing problems in an effort to derive a possible solution. Following discussions with an array of financial managers, banking and legal experts including Professor Wilson Tarpeh, Former Finance Minister, Cllr. Wilkins Wrights, former Solicitor general, Hon. S. Baron Tarr-former Finance Minister, Mr. Charles Bright-former Finance Minister and Sen. Sumo Kupee-former Deputy Governor National Bank of Liberia (now Central Bank of Liberia) the Senate Committee pinpointed major issues confronting the economy, committee at the Liberian senate has dissected the state of affairs of the economy and proposed recommendations. The Liberian Senate Committee on Banking and Currency in a report to the full plenary of the body covering major issues affecting the Liberian economy including monetary policy of Liberia; amendment of the Central Bank of Liberia Act; moratorium on central Banks Loan scheme to non-financial banking institutions; printing of banking notes and minting of coins and high rate of United States dollar against the Liberian dollars identified several factors responsible for the prevailing situations at the same time putting forth recommendations. Five Factors The committee identified five major factors contributing to the increase in the exchange rate between the two legal tenders-the Liberian and United States dollars. Amongst them, the committee listed national trade deficit and money supply, slowdown in forestry activities, non-governmental organization slowdown, United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) drawdown and decline in global commodity price. On the issue of national trade deficit and money supply, the committee stated The structure of the economy (i.e., highly import-dependent and still reliant on the traditional enclave sector comprising mainly iron ore, rubber and timber) makes the economy vulnerable to external shocks which has implication for the stability of the exchange rate coupled with rising foreign exchange demand over limited supply accruing to the economy, the committee observed.In a more detailed survey

STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS 2014 Tuesday, January 28, 2014

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ROTATION POLITICS
Upper Vs Lower Margibi -Who Replaces Jah?

POLITICS

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Page 8b 17

argibi is a county widely known for its political unpredictability. Its politicians are ambitious and it is not unexpected that each time there is an election by the corner; scores of candidates throw their hats in the ring for the contest. Already, politics in the county is heating up gradually as the special senatorial election slated for October gathers momentum. Politicians have begun jostling for endorsement from diverse quarters. For a county like Margibi which is accessible and close to the capital, Monrovia it is not unexpected that tension is already high, even though some of those expressing interest have not made their intensions open. Margibi is located in north to central of Liberia. It is one of the 15 counties that comprise the first-level of administrative division in the nation, it has four districts. Kakata serves as the capital with the area of the county measuring 2,616 square kilometres (1,010 sq mi). As of the 2008 Census, it had a population of 199,689, making it the sixth most populous county in Liberia. The county is bordered by Montserrado County to the west, Grand Bassa County to the east, and Bong County on the north. The southern part of Margibi lies on the Atlantic Ocean. Districts of Margibi County include (2008 population): Firestone District, Gibi District, Kakata District and MambahKaba District. In the last senatorial election in 2011, eight personalities threw their hats in the ring, in a bid to clinch a single position. While some were merely in the race to distract others from attaining their goal as vendetta for one misgiving or the other, others were real contenders seeking political power. It is also believed that others were in the race to announce their presence and show up their popularity and political credentials in readiness for subsequent elections. Already, there seems to be posters and billboards war on the streets of Kakata and other sub-urban areas in the county as posters are springing up in every corners mostly by political groups, praising their choice of aspirants while others simply advocate for a section of the county to produce the senator, irrespective of who emerges. Lower vs upper politics Though there is no written pact to the effect of how the two senatorial slots of the county should be shared, those from Lower Margibi believe that it is time for one of them to call the shots at the senatorial seat. They cite the fact that Upper Margibi already has a senator in Oscar Cooper (Unity Party), saying it is time for them to produce the senator. Unfortunately for them, power is given by the majority at the ballot box as none of the other areas have ever paid heed to their gospel. FrontPageAfrica tour of the county shows that most of the candidates who contested the 2011 senatorial election still have their eyes on the pending one. Even more have joined in expressing interest; and for a politically unstable county like Margibi, what happens in October is better experienced than heard. While all the aspirants from Upper Margibi have denied any existing pact as to power rotation, claiming that all aspirants should run on their individual capacity, the junior senator, Oscar Cooper, who hails from Upper Margibi, has reportedly expressed pity for a Lower Margibi senator to tilt the balance of power in the County. FrontPageAfrica has gathered that Cooper has reportedly expressed his intent to back any aspirant who emerges as a consensus choice for the people of lower Margibi. This has however not gone down well with his kinsmen who have repeatedly lashed out at him, claiming that he would not have been senator if such arrangements were in place when he contested the senatorial election 2011. Even as favorably disposed to Upper Margibi as the incumbent senator is, a move that may cost the people of the lower Margibi the senatorial seat has already been noticed. This is the sudden quest by almost everybody in the area to become a senator, contrary to the idea of presenting a consensus candidate from the area. Margibi Citizens Union, a socio-political group in lower Margibi is championing the support for a senator from the area, has inaugurated a committee to screen aspirants and to help them present one formidable candidate. Contenders from other areas of the county are also confident of their power to turn the table around, and intense politicking has started behind the scenes, each aspirant working towards winning nomination from their party first. The stakes are high; the participants are willing; all coming to the table with brains bursting at their seams with ideas; pockets deep enough to buy the county in its totality if the price is known, coupled with hands that are so free they always come out with enough once they go into the deep pockets to give all if only to bring to reality their dreams. Today, FrontPageAfrica brings Margibi County on the radar, scaling the chances and challenges of senatorial aspirants. Clarice Jah, Liberty Party Challenges: Jah contested the 2005 elections on the ticket of the Liberty party (LP), a party that is popular in regions with the Bassa tribe in dominance like Grand Bassa, Margibi and some parts of Bong County. She won 22,726 votes out of total valid votes of 121,834 representing 19.1%, making her the senator in the upper category, to constitutionally serve a nine year term. She won such votes in the midst of contesting along with 15 other candidates. Jah's popularity rating when she became senator in 2005 was perhaps unprecedented in the history of Margibi politics. Upon her election she opened up roads both within the urban and the rural areas, awarded contracts for their

construction, promised free education at all levels, started putting up structures where there were none and initiated the payment of stipends to pupils and students in primary and secondary Schools in the county. Jah has been at the Capitol since her election and is now knowledgeable in legislative politics. She has been a close lawmaker to the ruling Unity Party as there was no instance where the opposition lawmaker publicly disagreed with the regime on national issues. Her colleagues lawmakers see her as having close ties with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as she made a number of foreign trips with the Liberian leader. On home soil, Jah is seen as an elite lawmaker who has alienated herself from the people of Margibi County. We will retire her in 2014, an opinion leader from Wealla, Margibi county told frontpageafrica recently. Jah, who is a member of the Bassa ethnic group, has a large fellowship of Bassoians in lower Margibi. Political observers say if the Bassoians turn out in their numbers to vote come October, Jah could well be on her way to reelection. An equally brilliant intellectual with a very deep pocket, Jah seems to be touted as the favorite candidate to be chosen as consensus candidate from lower Margibi which could work in her favor. Chances: Jah 2005 counterpart, junior senator Roland Kaine was defeated in 2011, sending a warning to her. Jah could face an uphill task getting reelected in a county where many believe she has abandoned since her election in 2005 but the Liberty Party factor could help her through. During her spell at the Capitol, Jah has not been actively involved in Liberty party activities like attending party press conferences and making public statements as an opposition lawmaker. Perhaps Jah has been playing her party politics coolly; maintaining her rapport with the party while at the same time cementing a cordial relationship with President Sirleaf. With her quiet stance over the years with the Liberty party, should Jah be endorsed by the party and its standard bearer Cllr. Charles Brumksine physically partake in her campaign she could easily get re-elected. Jahs much orchestrated free education program lunched in 2005 is perceived by many as a charade. The 37.5 promised workers of Firestone and a pledge to get birth certificates of women in Margibi County which to date has not be fulfilled has seemingly robbed Jah of whatever edge, in terms of popularity. To date, Jahs popularity rating is at its lowest, the average Margibi citizens are full of regrets. Indeed, if an election is conducted in the county today, she is most likely to lose her deposit. However, time and position are still on her side, according to observers, If she is able to use what is left of her 10-month tenure to complete the abandoned projects through the patronage of Margibi contactors, and show more focus and direction in her style of leadership, she may make some reasonable showing October. George Tengbeh, Independent Challenges: He still has a lot of work to do to be able to make any impact. Chances: Tengbeh has used his position as president of the Margibi Student Union of Liberia to introduce himself to citizens of the county. Not much is however, as yet known of his political background. Recently, members of his Gbandi tribe in what was seen as a sponsored gathering passed a vote of confidence and urged him to run for the senatorial election. Dao Ansu Sonii, Congress for Democratic Change Challenges: Sonii is contesting for the third time having contested as Representative candidate in 2005 and senatorial candidate in 2011. He contested the 2005 election on the ticket of the coalition for the transformation of Liberia (COTOL) in electoral District #1 where he obtained 3,912 votes out of total valid votes of 17, 617 representing 24.2%, coming second to Emmanuel Nuquay who received 5,794 votes representing 35.9%. In 2011 Sonii contested the senatorial seat winning 18,715 votes out of total valid votes of 79,778 representing 23.5%, coming second to eventual winner Oscar Cooper. Experience therefore seems to be on his side both in government, administration and politics. His constituency of Kakata is replete with evidence of constituency and other projects with his imprint scattered all over the place. His constituents also bear testimony to his empowerment programs within the area and even beyond. Above all, Sonii seems to have entrenched himself in almost every ward in the county as his foot soldiers will always spring to his defense wherever and whenever mention is made of him. He seems, to many unbiased analysts, to be manifestly the only man who has the capacity and clout to wrestle incumbent senator Clarice Jah to the ground. Contrary to the insinuations that age might be a stumbling block to his ambition, Sonii told the people of Margibi during the end of the year party and mini rally that he was late to the function because he had travelled from Kakata to the Harbel by road and he was used to that. It was equally perceived that he used the event to hatch his political ambition. Chances: Soniis performance in 2011 where he came second behind Cooper is a boost to his senatorial quest. With Cooper out and his nearest rival in 2011 election Roland Kaine only managing 11.3%, Sonii will be confident heading into the October election. He appears to be very unpopular in the local structure of his new political home, the Congress for Democratic Change despite signs of endorsement from the national executive committee of the party. Sonii resigned from the Unity Party in 2011 after he was snubbed at the expense of eventual winner Oscar Cooper. It proved costly to him. Now in the CDC, similar scenario is gradually dogging his chances. Political observers in Margibi County say Sonii ambition could come to an end of his political career if he loses the party primary amid the reported local support of Blama Nyei. Martha Sando, Congress for Democratic Change Challenges: Whether Sando enjoys the needed acceptability across the county to become senator is yet to be ascertained. She has the reputation of being haughty and brash but may use her women group Women for the Advancement of Peace in the county to market herself. Her greatest obstacle might be the fact that she and the incumbent senator are from the same area.

Chances: Madam Sando is a new entrant. Her interest in the Margibi County senatorial election at the moment seems to revolve around the Congress for Democratic Change having served as an elite member of the party in the United States of America. John Josiah, Independent Challenges: Josiah contested the 2011 senatorial election as an independent candidate winning 6,871 votes out of total valid votes of 79,778 representing 8.6%. Josiahs major setback seems to be acceptability by his people. Opinion in some quarters indicated that he might be working with the Unity Party to sail through in the primaries. Chances: Some politicians in Margibi County can pass for perpetual contenders. They are in the field soliciting votes any time a position is announced vacant, and Josiah, a former contestant in 2011, can be grouped here. Josiah is a known politician in Margibi and a grassroot man, well loved by his people. Bill Garwaysharp Challenges: Not much is known of Garwaysharp in Upper Margibi. Chances: Garwaysharp is a known philanthropist in the county; he is most preferred by youth whose lives he has touched with his great wealth through his philanthropic spirit. Though Garwaysharp has not also declared his interest, it is touted that he will do so at the appropriate time. Garwaysharp has always believed that his commitment to hard work has often spurred him to greater heights, and that his track records are credentials that would enhance his senatorial ambition. Speaking to journalists recently, Garwaysharp, manager of Waste Management Department at the Liberia Petroleum Refinery Company, declared that he would make himself available for the post if need be, adding that he would do it peacefully to avoid display of desperation and over heat the polity. He said he was not under pressure from the power blocks to join the race. Saah Richard Gbollie, National Patriotic Party Challenges: Gbolle served as senior police personnel during the regime of former President Charles Taylor. Prior to joining the police he was one of Taylors feared generals who participated actively in the civil war. With Taylors popularity still fresh following his forceful asylum in Calabar, Nigeria, Gbolee was elected to the House of Representatives in 2005 where he contested on the ticket of his former boss, Charles Taylor National patriotic Party (NPP) in Electoral District #3 winning 4,472 votes out of total valid votes of 17,341 representing 27.5% which was enough to earn him a seat at the 52nd National legislature. Prior to the 2011 election, district #1 comprising Firestone was seen as a political haven for Gbollie but his dismal showing in the election defeated the perception. In 2011 Gbollie again contested in Electoral District #1 where he was defeated this time winning 3,082 votes out of total valid votes of 15,298 representing 20.1%. He managed just third behind Roland Cooper, and William Garway Sharpe. Political observers say if Gbollie could not win his native town in 2011 it would be difficult to win the entire county. Many Margibians are of the conviction that Gbollies declaration is being sponsored by Firestone which, they say could starve off concerns of aggrieved workers. Gbollie was seen as not too buoyant for the contest, but with his sojourn in the Lower House, and knowing that he can comfortably return to the comfort of the Senate if he loses is a heartwarming development. Chances: To say that Gbollie, former lawmaker of district #1, will contest for the position of senator in October is as sure as saying that the Pope is the head of the Catholic Church. Since he was sent packing from the Capitol building in 2011, Gbollie has never hidden his interest at returning to the Capitol. Gbolles path to the Liberian senate is gloomy as he will certainly face a tough fight from other candidates. His failure to win a single district in the 2011 election points to the herculean task ahead of him in his endeavor to win the entire Margibi County. With many aspirants in the race, if he can galvanize sufficient support in terms of valid votes from a particular district, it will prove crucial to his election with Liberias electoral law now on the basis of simple majority for legislative candidates. Gbollie is noted for his arrogant display of intellectualism. You cannot take away from him the fact that he is intelligent; and will always impress his intelligence on you when he speaks in his trademark deep baritone voice. Gbollie is said to be secretly seeking the endorsement of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf to actualize his dreams. He failed in 2011, but many believe he has learnt his lesson and debuting in the senatorial race with a bang this time. Edna Lloyd, Unity Party: Challenges: She currently heads the James Springs Airfield in Monrovia and was first to show interest in the race with a huge sign post, but very little is known of her in the county. It is not clear how far she can go in realizing her political dream based on her financial muscles. Chances: She is among the few women that are giving the position a try in the possible October 2014 senatorial election. Lloyd claims she is propelled by the neglect of the county by successive senators, which have refused to uplift it to the position of a county with infrastructure and amenities. She is also said to have made enough money to campaign for the election if money would be used as a yardstick to who wins the election. Stanley Yuma, Independent Challenges: Yumas ambition received a hit in 2011 when he was relieved off his post at Firestone. Political observers say his ambition has been dented all due to low income. Chances: Yuma is little known in the politics of Margibi County, and may just pass for one of those seeking to shore up their credentials with the aspiration and possibly get settled.